Chamber Link December 2019

Columbia ColumbiaCounty CountyChamber Chamberof ofCommerce Commerce

December December 2018 June 20182019

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Quarterly series publication in partnership with the Hudson Register-Star

CHAMBER COL U COU MBIA NTY

1 North Front Street Hudson, NY 12534 • (518) 828-4417

DECEMBER JUNE 2018 2018 DECEMBER 2019

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GET READY TO into the New Year with a healthier New You!

See inside to learn more about Move Columbia!

Join Columbia County Chamber of Commerce for an adventure to...

CHINA

Oct. 7 - 15 See Page 9 for more information

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Chamber Link

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

225 WARREN BAR AND GRILL Hudson, NY • 518-697-8225

Bar and Grill serving Lunch and Dinner. Big screen TV’s. Private Parties. Watch for Monday 2 for $25 night and other specialty nights.

ACADA HR

Red Hook, NY • 845-876-1987 A privately held local company offering comprehensive payroll processing services, human resources management and employee benefits administration to small to mid-size businesses.

AWJ ELECTRIC LLC

Hudson, NY 518-929-5083

GREATER HUDSON PROMISE NEIGHBORHOOD

company that places you and your needs at the center of everything we do. Our Promise: Low, low rates and the ultimate in technology, service and advic

The GHPN looks to provide opportunities to the children and families of the Hudson City School District from birth through college to career.

Philmont, NY • 518-672-5733

Hudson, NY

GORDMANS

Gordmans is an everyday off price department store concept featuring a large selection of the latest brands, fashions and styles at up to 60% off department and specialty store prices every day.

THE GROW IT FORWARD GREENHOUSE PROJECT, INC.

Cairo, NY • 518-6225555

DAYTER VOLKHEIMER, LLP

Hudson, NY • 845-264-5276

Trial Lawyers

HIGH FALLS PIZZERIA & TAP HOUSE

Restaurant-Italian/American Food-Family Friendly

KEELER PRECAST CONCRETE INC.

Hudson, NY

Servicing Columbia County and beyond for all Electrical Needs. Residential, Commercial, Agriculture, and Industrial.

Valatie, NY • 518-758-1939

December 2019

Hudson, NY • 518-851-6281

Manufacturer of Precast Concrete Products such as Septic Tanks, Catch Basins, Drywells, and Burial Vaults

NORTHERN RIVERS FAMILY OF SERVICES

Hudson, NY • 518-426-2600

GUARANTEED RATE

THE BEST MORTGAGE EXPERIENCE ON THE PLANET! Purchasing a home is a big deal, whether it’s your first home or fifth move. We get it. That’s why we built a mortgage

We empower children, adults, and families to change their lives and build stronger communities. We are a family of human services agencies providing help and hope to those who struggle with abuse, neglect, trauma, mental health challenges, educational difficulties, career training and employment, and service navigation through an innovative continuum of care.

Thank you to Freeman Howard PC for sponsoring the “Wine Down” at The Falls on Thursday, December 5, 2019.

GREAT TIME HAD BY ALL.

NETWORKING

December 2019

ColumbiaChamber County Chamber Link of Commerce

Chamber n• 3 Saturday, DecemberLink 21, 2019 3

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Chamber Link

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

December 2019

December 2018

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Link n

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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Columbia

December 2019 December 2018

The President’s ThePerspective President’s

Perspective

In Greetings! reading the Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress Holiday

report “Out of Alignment” an abstract view of the

The Holiday S eason is here and with that come Mid-Hudson Valley from the Great Recession to 2030, thought of the upcoming N ew Y ear. As we I literally was inlike shock. report approach 201 we’d to reflThis ect back onaffirms some that Columbia County is misaligned between the economy and its of the Holiday Chamber’sGreetings! activities in 2018.

demographics.

Y ou are currently reading the 3rd edition our that come The Holiday S eason is here andof with new uarterly publication, ChamberLink , the overall popuEssentially the report concludes that thought of the upcoming N ew Y ear. As we which lation is designed a comprehensive growthtoinbethe county is flat and in some commuapproach 201 we’dCounty like toChamber reflect back on some business guide for Columbia nities is declining dramatically and is impacting school of the Chamber’s activities in members and the greater community. youpopulation imenrollment.

This rapid declineInside in 2018.

K-12 will find exclusive content about our chamber not currently just our schools, of aofhomeYpacts ou are readingbuttheavailability 3rd edition our including: upcoming events, new initiatives, grown workforce. new uarterly publication, ChamberLink , member profiles, ribbon cuttings and articles isbusinesses designed to be a comprehensive about which member along with pertinent According to the report there are several other ramifibusiness Columbia Chamber business information.

I for would like to a cations of guide the trends studied in take theCounty report.

Those ramiJeffreyyou C. Hunt, CCE, president and moment to thank our media partner C olummembers and the greater community.

Inside fications include the following: By 2028 public CEO,school Columbia County Chamber of bia reene Media for their support and assis will find exclusive content about chamber Commerce enrollment is projected to decline by our 25.8% as the per Jeffrey C. Hunt, CCE, president and CEO, tance in producingupcoming this memberevents, contentnew oriented including: initiatives, pupil cost continue to skyrocket.

Being out of align- Columbia County Chamber of Commerce publication. Marketing opportunities in the ChamberLink are available to members at member profi les,that ribbon cuttings and articles ment also the jobs being created pay less on an enhancement for exceptionally costmeans effective rates, and we are currently working about member businesses along with pertinent than what it costs to live here.

Meanwhile manufacturing jobs are being lost while food service advertising through the ChamberLink in 201 . Stay Tuned

and serviceinformation. jobs are beingI would createdlike however theawages are significantly lower than higher wage business to take

We also celebrated a record number of ribbon cuttings, business expansions Jeffrey C.and Hunt, CCE,crisis. president manufacturing jobs.our Being out of alignment also means that we have a housing Thereand is a moment to anniversaries. thank media partner olummember milestone In addition weC introduced someCEO, new membership Columbia County Chamber of critical shortage of affordable housing due to a mismatch between needs, the inventory, and what bia reene Media for their support and assis benefit products including: TASC, a health program that affords sole proprietorships Commerce is being tance inbuilt. producing member content oriented that have a maximum of twothis employees or 10 employees an opportunity to realize business ex p ense w troubling rite- of f s previously them. See to anuary eavailable news publication.

Marketing opportunities in lend thetoChamberLink areeasy to members at These issuestaxare at best andunavailable do not themselves any solutions.

Each village, letter for more township details. cost exceptionally rates, weissues are currently enhancement for hamlet, andeffective city cannot solveand these alone in aworking vacuum. on Theanreality is that afford-

advertising thetravel ChamberLink 201York . trips Stay We also introduced aisChamber program that toTuned ChinaMichigan and Italy. to Texas. The fact of able housing through problem from California toinincluded New and from Our partners, Citslinc and AdventuraWorld, provide the ability to have up closemeans and 30% of your existing the matter is that affordable housing is an ambiguous term that simple Weexperiences also celebrated areally record number of ribbon cuttings, businessare expansions and personal which, make these trips special.

Other destinations income is paid in rent or mortgage.

However, affordable housing does include housing, member milestone anniversaries.

In addition we introduced some newsubsidized membership available.

Let us know what is on your wish list. section 8 housing, work force housing among other things. benefit products including: TASC, a health program that affords sole proprietorships

More recently the Chamber staff and the Board of irectors just went through a stra As for the population decline, many northerners havethings. been migrating the south fortoyears and to that have a maximum of employees or 10 employees realize tegic planning retreat where we aretwo planning some amazing Thanks an totoopportunity ick be honest the New York state taxes alone are with onerous, even before the change in State and business ex e p nse tax w riteof f s previously unavailable to them.

See anuary e news Blouse r, former resident of the etroit Regional Chamber and 38 year Chamber local (SALT) provisions by the 2018 tax cut. Many New Yorkers are being encourfor more details. veteranletter and taxes, Bob Yingling, a seasoned imposed CIO for AT T for facilitating the sessions for us. aged to relocate to more desirous southern states with no income taxes and where homeowners can

ChamberLink Link n n3 5 Chamber

2019 CHAMBER BOARD OF 2019

CHAMBER Directors BOARD OF

Directors

Chairman of the Board - Derick LaTorre, MetzWood Insurance Tom Crowell, Chatham Brewing, LLC Dominique DeVito, Hudson-Chatham Winery Carol Doerfer, Columbia-Greene Community College Rich Edwards, Catamount Ski Area Matt Griesemer, Freeman Howard, PC Kristan Keck, Wm. Farmer and Sons - Boarding & Barroom Todd Kletter, Tierra Farm, Inc. Erik Larsen, Ginsberg’s Foods, Inc.

We also introduced a Chamber travel program thatmany included trips to want China and Italy. still write off of their SALT taxes. Now communities to limit the ways We areOur working hardthe to full addamount to the value of your Chamber membership in 201 to have partners, AdventuraWorld, provide the ability upother closemeasures and homeowners areCitslinc seekingand to supplement their incomes by drafting zoning laws and Matt Mackerer, Karp, Ackerman, Skabowski, & Hogan, PC Have apersonal Happy New Year experiences which, really make these trips special. Other destinations are toSafe limit Short term rentals, (STR’s). available. Let us know what is on your wish list.

Also as the report points out, the service sector is growing as a result of increased tourism. But Bill Van Slyke, Columbia Memorial Health Respectfully submitted,thelike More recently Chamber the Board of irectors just went through a stra some communities Hudsonstaff do notand believe in reinvesting those dollars collected by way of ocJeffreytegic C. Hunt, P res i d ent a nd visitor CEOarecenter planning where we planning sometoamazing things.

Thanks to This ickto, 2019 CHAMBER EXECUTIVE cupancy taxCCE, into retreat marketing and operations continue that revenue stream. is Brian Stickles, The Bank ofCOMMITTEE Greene County Col umbia Countyr, former Chamberresident of Commerc e Blouse of the etroit Regional Chamber year shows Chamber out of Alignment. Occupancy tax dollars have been traditionally used and to go38 to trade to attract veteran andand Bobother Yingling, seasoned AT dollars T for are facilitating sessions for to conventions special aevents to theCIO area. for Those also used the to market the area Judy Tice, Ed Herrington, Inc additional visitors. Many in Hudson fail to realize that the first step to a potential family to relocate us. starts with a visit. And what this report does not address is the need to attract young families to We are working hard to add to the value ofthe your Chamber membership in 201 Quarterly publication in partnership with Hudson Register-Star Columbiaseries County.

With more young families the population in our school districts would grow.

Jason Walch, Coldwell Banker Advisor Realty Have a Safe Happy New Year The bottom line is that a comprehensive plan and strategy is needed to accomplish the following: Sales Attracting more tech and manufacturing firms Advertising to our area, this would increase our tax base. We need to attract more young professional and familiesManager to our area and lastly we need to attract a new Respectfully submitted, Greg mix of housing stock that is clean, safe and affordable to Appel these young families. To read the entire Jeffrey C. Hunt,report, CCE,please P res go i d ent an d CEO Out of Alignment to hvoutofalignment.com Col umbia County Chamber of Commerc e official publication of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce JeffreyThe C. Hunt, CCE One Hudson City - Derick LaTorre, MetzWood Insurance Your Chamber President and Centre CEO • Suite 202 • Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1616 • www.hudsonvalley360.com

CHAMBER COL U COU MBIA NT Y

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2019 CHAMBER EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE Chairman of the Board

Quarterly series publication in partnership with the Hudson Register-Star

COL U COU MBIA NTY

CHAMBER

ink

Mary Dempsey

Publisher, General Manager Advertising Sales Columbia-Greene Media

Manager

Jeffrey C. Hunt

Greg Appel CCE, president and CEO, Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

The official publication of the Columbia County Chamber of Commerce One Hudson City Centre • Suite 202 • Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1616 • www.hudsonvalley360.com

Dominique DeVito, Hudson-Chatham Winery Carol Doerfer, Columbia-Greene Community College Matt Griesemer, Freeman Howard, PC Matt Mackerer, Karp, Ackerman, Skabowski, & Hogan, PC Jason Walch, Coldwell Banker Advisor Realty

6 • Saturday, December 21, 2019 6 n Chamber Link

Chamber Link

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Thursday, June 25

Come and celebrate the opening of the FASNY Museum of Firefighting’s newest exhibit: “The Hero’s Tale…Artifacts from NBCUniversal Drama Chicago Fire.” View costumes and props from this award winning firefighting drama.

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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

RIBBON CUTTING

Chamber Link n

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Events

Copake Lake Realty The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of a second location for Copake Lake Realty Corp., which is owned by Licensed Real Estate Broker Lindsay LeBrecht. Mary Lou Kersten, former broker/owner of Hillsdale Country Realty, is now a part of the CLR team and managing the Hillsdale branch office at 2602 State Route 23. Mary Lou brings over 30 years of real estate experience and deep ties to the community through her ongoing committee work with the Town of Hillsdale and other local organizations. The main office for Copake Lake Realty remains at 290 Birch Hill Road, Craryville/ Copake Lake. Lindsay and Mary Lou are pictured center with scissors, and are joined by Chris Kersten, CLR Realtors Margaret “Peggy” Rose, Karen Colin and Jennifer Wall, along with local business and Chamber representatives. Visit www.copakelakerealty.com to view their listings.

Long Neck Inn The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce along with the Greene County Chamber of Commerce, were honored to conduct a Ribbon Cutting ceremony for the newly opened Long Neck Inn at the Old Game Farm. There was also a grand Open House along with tours and walks down memory lane for many. The overhaul of this Boutique Hotel, the former Giraffe House, is part of a long-term dream of Owner’s Cathy and Ben Ballone, who purchased the Catskill Game Farm several years ago. The inn along with some glamping spots, are the first phase of their overall plan. Stay tuned to hear more about what they have in store for this historic and memorable site. The Long Neck Inn is located at 400 Game Farm Rd. in Catskill. Learn more at www.theoldgamefarm.com.

Fidelis Care

The Grow It Forward Greenhouse Project The Columbia and Greene County Chambers recently held a joint Ribbon Cutting Celebration for The Grow It Forward Greenhouse Project, Inc. located at 5806 Rt. 23, Cairo, NY. The Mission of Grow It Forward is stated as ”To financially support Community Action of Greene County, Inc. and its programs, and to establish our reputation as growers of the highest quality produce available year found from a locally based provider in order to create easy access to nutritional foods”. To find out more about the Grow It Forward Greenhouse Project visit them online at www.growitforwardgreenhouse.org.

The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Fidelis Care team to Columbia County with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Fidelis Care health insurance has been available for many years in the County, but now there is even greater access to Fidelis Care through its’ expanded team. Pictured with scissors is Deborah LaDue, along with fellow Fidelis team members Christopher White, Mercedes Torres, Yvonne Lynch, JoAnn Rivenburg, Sonia Urritia and Michelle Anderson. They are joined by Chamber of Commerce representatives, including Chamber President Jeffrey Hunt. Fidelis Care provides quality, affordable health insurance coverage for more than 1.7 million children and adults of all ages and at all income levels..

For more information contact Deborah LaDue at 518-475-8438 or visit www.fideliscare.org.

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Chamber Link

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

December 2019

RIBBON CUTTING

Events

Columbia Memorial Health-3-D Mammography Machine Medical and community leaders were on hand to unveil CMH’s new 3D breast biopsy technology. Together with 3D mammography capabilities, the new life-saving technology will significantly improve the diagnosis, treatment and outcomes for breast cancer patients in Columbia and Greene Counties. Pictured cutting the ribbon are Chamber President Jeffrey C. Hunt, CMH Breast Surgeon Rakel Astorga, MD, Senator Daphne Jordan, Columbia Memorial Health Foundation Chair Anne Schomaker, and CMH Chief of Radiology Tariq Gill, MD. Visit www.columbiamemorialhealth.org to learn more about this and other services of Columbia Memorial Health.

Hudson Hat Co. The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently welcomed the Hudson Hat Co. to Columbia County with an official Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Hudson Hat Co. specializes in men’s hats, many styles of which also look great on women! Hudson Hat Co. Owner, Adam Ackerman, brings decades of expertise in hats from his family owned business, the New York Hat Co. Ackerman, shown center with scissors, is joined by Chamber & local business representatives, including Chamber President Jeffrey Hunt. Hudson Hat Co. offers vintage hat & cap styles, hip knits & beanies, leather & suede pieces and some scarf and hat options are on the way. You can find the Hudson Hat Co. at 717 Columbia Street in Hudson. Open Fri-Sat 10-6 and Sun 11-5.

The Kinderhook Group (TKG) The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently joined together with The Kinderhook Group (TKG) to celebrate the Grand Opening of their new Ghent NY office located at 2 Town Hall Place, which takes the place of their long time Chatham location. Edward Hoe, TKG President, and Lisa Bouchard Hoe, Vice President maintain four TKG locations, including 2 in Columbia County & two in the Berkshires, along with 40 Agents, and each have almost 25 years of experience in the Real Estate industry.

Edward and Lisa are pictured center with scissors and are joined by Ghent Office Manager Sharyn Richards, a number of the agents from their various locations, along with local business and Chamber representatives. See the many properties being presented by The Kinderhook Group at www.tkgre.com.

December 2019

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Link n

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It takes the right tools to start—or grow—a business.

And it takes customers to keep your business growing.

It takes the right tools to start—or grow—a business.

ItThe takeschamber the right tools to start—or grow—a business.

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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Columbia County Chamber of Commerce Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Call: 518-828-4417 OR Call: 518-828-4417 OR Call: 518-828-4417 OR Call: 518-828-4417 OR www.columbiachamber-ny.com log onto: logOR onto: www.columbiachamber-ny.com Call: 518-828-4417 log onto: www.columbiachamber-ny.com log onto: www.columbiachamber-ny.com log onto: www.columbiachamber-ny.com

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10 n• Saturday, December 21, 2019 10 Chamber Link

ColumbiaChamber County Chamber Link of Commerce

December 2019

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December 2019

Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

Thanking claverack builders

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Our Sponsors from 2019

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Columbia County Chamber of Commerce

December 2019