THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
ARTS The Creative Economy
SPRING 2018
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
STICKY WYBN TV 14 — WYBN TV 14 has commenced
with equipment upgrades and a new studio location / move. In September & October of 2017 WYBN moved to the Windham Pharmacy building at South Street in Windham, NY. The square footage was doubled and the office is a modern AAA facilty.
TV 14 added more redundancy on its studio equipment plus standby power. Monitoring equipment was installed for all 8 digi nets. As soon as the snow melts WYBN will install a brand new “anywave” transmitter to replace the 6-year old unit. This new transmitter will be fully controllable via the internet. It will pick up new viewers as it will present peak reception power to the very outer edge of the signal area. WYBN TV 14’s new transmitter is Americanmade in Lincolnshire, Illinois. All RF equipment work was by Bill Barrow & Mark Rapson of Pro Service Inc. Jeremy Viles, WYBN TV 14 Technician & Dave’s Satelitte & TV and Eric Roth – IT Specialist .
WHITEMAN OSTERMAN & HANNA ANNOUNCE TWO NEW PARTNERS — Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, the Capital Region’s largest law firm, has announced two new partners: Nicole S. Green and Scott D. Shimick.
Nicole Green joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP in 2009. Green practices in many areas of corporate and business law including mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, contract negotiation, choice of entity/ entity formation, corporate Scott D. Shimick governance and strategic planning. Green also counsels not-for-profit and tax-exempt organizations with respect to formation, operational and tax compliance matters, including obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status from the IRS and compliance with Nicole S. Green laws related to the solicitation of charitable contributions. Scott Shimick joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP in 2015 and, since that time, has been a member of the firm’s federal and state taxation and business, corporate and commercial practice groups. For more than 12 years, Shimick has been advising businesses on various tax planning strategies and representing clients before the IRS and
Notes
the New York Department of Taxation and Finance with respect to audits and litigation. Shimick’s tax planning includes developing strategies for clients in mergers, acquisitions, and business dispositions, as well as advising on nonqualified deferred compensation planning.
KREIGER JOINS WEICHERT, REALTORSFONTAINE & ASSOCIATES — Weichert, Realtors® - Fontaine & Associates, serving the Capital District and Hudson Valley, announces that Matthew Kreiger has joined their office in Delmar as a real estate salesperson. Kreiger will be assisting home buyers and sellers in the Capital District area.
Kreiger comes to the Weichert® affiliate from the Center for Disability Services in Albany, where he will continue to work as a business operations manager. He joins a team of knowledgeable and dedicated agents at Weichert, Realtors® - Fontaine & Associates, which brings decades of combined real estate experience to its clients. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Kreiger has lived in the Capital District region for several years and currently lives in Watervliet. Kreiger is also a graduate of Cleveland State University, where he obtained a bachelor’s degree in business management.
Tomlinson joins Catskill Mountain Foundation as gallery and bookstore director HUNTER — The Catskill Mountain Foundation announces that visual artist Robert Tomlinson has joined the team and will serve as director of the Gallery and Bookstore. He brings a wealth of experience to the Foundation having served as executive director and curator for The San Jose Institute for Contemporary Art, Gallery One Visual Arts Center and the Oregon Arts Alliance. Tomlinson has curated and installed more than 150 exhibitions and created a gallery for the developmentally disabled. A working artist, Tomlinson has conducted his own studio practice for over 35 years. In 2011, he co-founded 13 Hats, a group of artist and writers that collaborated for two years on a wide range of creative projects and exhibitions. His work has been featured in 35 solo shows and more than 50 group exhibitions. Prior to moving to Catskill, Tomlinson was based in Oregon where he served on the board
professional join our team at Catskill Mountain Foundation to help achieve our goal of generating enthralling cultural experiences that will engage our community and people who visit our region,” said Pam Weisberg, Director of Programming at the Catskill Mountain Foundation.
Robert Tomlinson
Contributed photo
of the Ash Creek Arts Center. Tomlinson was co-founder and co-editor for the arts and literary quarterly journal, Picture Sentence. He was the “Artist Vision” curator for the Lake Oswego Arts Festival in 2015 and 2016. “We are very excited to have such a seasoned
In addition to his work with the Catskill Mountain Foundation, Tomlinson currently hosts a monthly radio show, Purple House: A Monthly Forum for the Arts, on WGXC. He is cofounder and host of the monthly poetry reading at 394 Main Street in Catskill and serves on the exhibitions committee for the Greene County Council for the Arts (GCCA). In the past year, he co-curated (with Niva Dorell) two exhibitions for GCCA as well as two exhibitions for the gallery at HiLo in Catskill. The Catskill Mountain Foundation Bookstore and Gallery is located at the Doctorow Center, 7971 Main St., Hunter.. SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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BUSINESS PROFILE Jonathan Ment | For Columbia-Greene Media
WIOX Radio 91.3 FM 2335 Co Rd 41 | Roxbury, NY
Contributed photos
From Left Bonnie Mitchell, Chris Hensley, Office Manager Nanci Panuccio, Mike Teitelbaum and Joe Piasek.
WIOX is run from the rented second story of this 1884 Masonic Lodge in Roxbury.
Just what is WIOX? Community. … Drop the mic. But seriously, that one word is the foundation for Roxbury-based WIOX Community Radio, broadcasting at 91.3 FM, streaming online and simulcast on MTC Channel 20. What would become WIOX started with a ‘micro-transmitter’ discarded by a behemoth broadcaster and tested atop a silo owned by founder and future Station Manger Joe Piasek, circa 2002. After three years broadcasting under different call letters. WIOX launched with an FCC license in 2010 granted to the Town of Roxbury, according to Piasek, an instructor at SUNY Delhi known in media circles for his decades in radio and television. WSKG Public Media, which acquired the station in 2014, will transfer the license to WIOX, Inc. this spring. The station will also soon transmit from a new antenna at 3,000 feet, increasing its range up to tenfold. “We could reach as far as Windham,” says Community Relations Manager Chris Hensley; while acknowledging the future of broadcasting is streaming, not terrestrial radio. “We are the only licensed educational non-profit radio station in Delaware County. That means WIOX is judged on the strength of its relationships with the community,” explains Hensley, who previously worked in artist development at RCA “We have over 85 hosts, 60-plus shows. They control the content. As long they comply with FCC requirements,” says Hensley. All are volunteers and even Volunteer Coordinator Bonnie Mitchell, who’d never considered hosting a show, found her love of music put her on the air too. “Our partners … all of these come together The powerhouse of collaboration or community, results in content for broadcast, money to pay the bills and a great deal of expertise and credibility. We find the radio station is providing a connective force,” says Piasek. WIOX is not a pay-to-play station. You can’t buy time, or commercials. There are no pledge drives. “Underwriter announcements are part of your show. We don’t take ‘breaks.’ That’s an invitation for listeners to go away,” says Production Manager and show host Michael Teitelbaum. Catskill Center for Conservation and Development Executive Director Jeff Senterman inherited his co-host seat for the long-running “Catskill Digest” from his predecessor. “It’s a talk show … with guests that have experience in other areas, run organizations or are newsmakers. We try to have a low-key conversation about issues that are important to the Catskills,” says Senterman. Elsewhere on the schedule are programs on health, art, mythology, farming, diverse musical genres and more. Many are also podcast. The lineup can be found at wioxradio.org. Hosting three diverse shows is a sea change for retired mortgage banker Glen Pedersen; but a return to the radio, TV and film he studied before switching majors. “I was sitting on the board of the Roxbury Arts Group with Joe Piasek … He mentioned to me he wanted to start this … and within 10 days of retirement I was the director of development and raised $25,000 before we even went on the air,” says Pedersen, also treasurer of WIOX Inc., adding, “I attribute that to the business community here. This is not a particularly rich area and they just got behind it. With over 80 volunteers for hosts, it’s really remarkable, the quality of the radio station … it’s just incredible … it is a community.”
WIOX Radio 91.3 FM | www.wioxradio.org | (607) 326-3900 4|
CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
Contents
THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
SPRING 2018
10
3 Sticky Notes 4 Business Profile WIOX
8 Columbia County
By F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO, Columbia Economic Development Corporation
14 Economic Indicators 20 Greene County
Jeff Friedman, President/Executive Director, Greene County Chamber of Commerce
26 Arts
William Deane, Greene County Council on the Arts president
27 Business Profile
Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union
28 Networking 29 Business Profile Hudson Hall
ABOUT THE COVER
22
16
FEATURES
10 Sonic Youth’s Ranaldo heads 24-hour Drone Festival
16 Downtown revitalization linked to art explosion 22 Art festivals are getting bigger... and better Arts and performance venue Basilica Hudson on Front Street in Hudson.
(Photo contributed)
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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THE SOURCE FOR DOING BUSINESS IN COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
Publisher, General Manager Mark Vinciguerra
Business Manager Tammi Ullrich
Executive Editor Mary Dempsey
Managing Editor Kate Lisa
Advertising Sales Manager Greg Appel
Advertising Representatives Laura Flemming Patricia McKenna Marlene McTigue Jeanette O’Callaghan
Distribution/Circulation Manager Peter Dedrick
Ad Design/Composition Erica Izer Steve LaRowe Jackie Reese
A publication of
One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202 Hudson, NY 12534 518-828-1616 www.hudsonvalley360.com
Reach Us WRITE TO US Business Quarterly Magazine, c/o C-GM, 1 Hudson City Centre, Hudson, NY 12534
Publisher’s letter As spring arrives, after a seemingly never-ending stream of nor’easters, the Twin Counties will soon be flooded with tourists, weekenders and others who take full advantage of the rare mix of natural beauty and magnificent culture found in our backyard. In this issue of Columbia-Greene Media’s “Business Quarterly,” we focus on the creative economy in the area. As anyone who has visited one of our area’s historic, artistic or entertainment attractions surely knows, we have much to offer. In this issue, you’ll read about: 1.“Downtown revitalization linked to art explosion” – an exploration of the booming trend of art galleries in the Twin Counties, especially Hudson and Catskill. How many are there and what has the increase been over the past several years? What trends are we seeing in this area of economic growth for the region? 2. “Sonic Youth’s Ranaldo heads 24-hour Drone Festival” – a preview of the upcoming 24-hour drone music festival at Basilica Hudson this spring. Basilica is collaborating with the Netherlands’ Le Guess Who? Festival to put on this fourth annual event, which features an international roster of musicians and sound artists who experiment in electronic, psychedelic, classical and other genres to create a unique sound. 3. “Art festivals are getting bigger… and better” – A story about the numerous festivals that take place each year in the Twin Counties that are centered around some kind of artistic performance, including music, literature, theater and more. These festivals are a huge draw for the counties’ tourism-driven economies each season and showcases the artistic talent these areas hold dear. I want to thank Kate Lisa, the editor of the C-GM BQ publication, for coordinating such outstanding content, and our advertising sales team who works hard to pair up area businesses who want to reach the thousands of magazine readers each edition, for making this publication such a success. And finally, a shameless plug—if you would like your business to take advantage of reaching such a large, diversified audience in both print and digitally, please don’t hesitate to contact Greg Appel at gappel@columbiagreenemedia.com. Enjoy!
EMAIL advertising@columbiagreenemedia.com Accepting advertising, press releases, news shorts and information of interest to the business community of Columbia and Greene Counties. FOR ADVERTISING RATES
Call (518)828-1616 ext. 2463 Columbia Greene Business Quarterly, is published four times a year by Columbia-Greene Meida, One Hudson City Centre, Suite 202, Hudson, NY 12534, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. ©2017. All material submitted to Columbia Greene Business Quarterly becomes property of Columbia-Greene Media, publishers of the Register-Star and the Daily Mail, and will not be returned. No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written permission of the publisher.
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
Mark Vinciguerra, Publisher Columbia-Greene Media
FOLLOW US ON
facebook.com/cgbusinessquarterly
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
7
BUSINESS
The CEDC is committed to the creative economy integrating the creative sectors into community and economic planning. Among the topics discussed was a study on the Capital Region’s Creative Economy conducted in 2015, which found Columbia County had the thirdhighest concentration of creative sector workers among counties in the United States. This data validates the strength of the area’s creative culture that anyone living here or visiting can sense intuitively. Understanding a highly mobile and global economy leads companies and workers to seek areas that promote a wellThe Upstate Alliance for a Creative Economy and the Cenrounded lifestyle, the Columbia Economic Development ter for Economic Growth – the Capital Region’s regional Corporation identified quality of life as one of four strateeconomic development organization – recently updated this gic pillars for economic growth in our 2016 strategic plan. study with new data, which was presented at Hudson Hall This pillar represents a unique advantage Columbia County on March 13 as part of a Capital Region Creative Economy has possessed for over a century and one that is being soRoundtable tour, an event co-sponsored by CEDC. Among lidified for the coming decades by millions of dollars in the highlights were a broadening of the definition of the new investment. creative sector to include culinary arts and agriculture in addition to visual arts, media, museums and preservation, The renovation and reopening of Hudson Hall, the new enperforming arts, and design – a revision, which those in ergy represented by Basilica Hudson, and the soon-to-be Columbia and Greene counties will appreciate for its reccompleted Skywalk connecting the Thomas Cole House ognition of yet another set of diverse industries and ocand Olana Historic Site are just a few examples of recent projects that promise to bring new economy activity, job F. Michael Tucker, President and CEO, cupations that are among our greatest economic strengths. creation and vibrancy to the community. Hudson’s status Columbia Economic Development With this broadened definition, the updated study found the as an artistic and cultural hub, along with the surrounding Corporation creative sector is the fourth-largest employment category area, is a major reason why the state selected the city to rein the Capital Region, with nearly 50,000 workers, even ahead of staple inceive $10 million in Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding last year – a dustries like construction and higher education. Columbia County’s has 12.5 portion of which will be allocated to projects in this sector. percent of its workers employed in creative sectors – the highest in the region. The Columbia Economic Development Corporation is committed to support- The Upstate Alliance for a Creative Economy is using this data, along with the ing the arts and raising awareness for the importance of cultural organizations perspectives of community leaders throughout the region, to work on better in economic development. In recent years, the corporation has worked with defining the Capital Region’s identity and developing a more comprehensive many creative economy businesses, each of which has made a significant con- branding plan to market and promote it externally and locally. tribution to growing the county’s creative workforce. In addition to artists, web and graphic designers, notable corporate examples include Etsy, which This project is bound to be a positive one for Columbia County because of the has been a national leader in giving artists access to broader markets, and central role our creative economy businesses and institutions and people play Hudson Valley Creamery, which is producing a one-of-a-kind artisan goat in arts, culture, tourism and other creative sectors within the Capital Region. Shining a spotlight on the creative economy regionally is to shine a spotlight cheese product and investing millions in our community. on Columbia County. In December, the corporation hosted an event at Hudson Hall “Columbia County’s Creative Economy: Arts, Culture, and Tourism Forum.” The event There is, perhaps, no other feature of the local economy that is cause for future was attended by 200 people who heard from national and local experts about optimism as much as the strength of our creative sectors. In the coming years, the nature of the workforce will only become more oriented toward human creativity as more routine processes are automated and more dependent on freelance and remote workers that can choose to work from wherever they feel best represents their lifestyle. 518-828-0616 or 518-755-6960 Based on our history, current activity, and incoming investment, the Columbia 801 Columbia Street, Hudson, NY · Since 1938 Economic Development Corporation has every reason to be confident that www.niversmusicinstruments.com Columbia County is positioned to thrive in these conditions. Columbia County’s Oldest Over the last decade, the importance of arts and culture to the prosperity of a community has been increasingly recognized by economic development professionals. This is good news for Columbia County, which has a long history of arts and cultural-focused businesses and institutions that have attracted talented employees, visitors and new residents.
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
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SPRING 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |
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SONIC YOUTH’S RANALDO
HEADS 24-HOUR DRONE FESTIVAL
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
Courtesy of Basilica Hudson
The 24-hour Drone music festival at the Basilica Hudson building at 110 S. Front St. in 2015. The building will be the location of this year’s festival, which will kick off Basilica Hudson’s spring season.
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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COVER STORY
B
By Richard Moody | Columbia-Greene Media
asilica Hudson is gearing up for its 2018 spring season, kicking things off with its annual 24-hour Drone Music Festival starting April 28. Basilica Hudson, located at 110 S. Front St., is collaborating with the Netherlands’ Le Guess Who? Festival, to put on the fourth 24hour Drone festival, which the organization describes as an immersive, all-encompassing event featuring an international roster of musicians and sound artists collaborating and experimenting in electronic, psychedelic, classical, non-western, instrumental and other genres to create a full 24 hours of unbroken sound. The first 24-Hour Drone festival was held in tandem with the Le Guess Who? festival in Utrecht, Netherlands, in November 2014, before arriving stateside the following April to open Basilica Hudson’s 2015 summer season. “This is an ode to music and is an experimental moment for artists and audience members,” said Basilica Co-founder and Director Melissa Auf der Maur. “It is a chance for people to share in the magic of making music. You consider Front Street and the wasteland that part of the city
used to be, and now on the edge of a small town you can enjoy such an experiment in music on such a unique stage. You can’t do something like this in New York City.” Basilica Hudson has yet to release this year’s lineup, but past lineups have included international artists such as SUUNS, Lee Ranaldo, Oneida, Jessica Moss, Arone Dyer, Greg Fox, Brian Chase, Noveller and Yonatan Gat. Ranaldo co-founded the pioneering alternative-experimental rock group Sonic Youth in 1981. “More than 50 percent of the artists are either local to the Hudson Valley or the Northeast region,” Auf der Maur said. “They are not famous professional musicians, but they are aspiring and experimental. They are classical or jazz or alternative musicians.” The festival was well-attended when it was last held in Hudson with 600 people attending over the course of the weekend, coming from New York, Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, Auf der Maur said. “I was nervous the first year that people would not come, but as soon as we opened the doors, people were coming in,” Auf der Maur recalled. “Some people choose to set up with sleeping bags and stay the full 24
Courtesy of Basilica Hudson
The 2015 Spring Farm and Flea Market at Basilica Hudson. This year, the well-attended market connecting local artisans and businesses with local customers will be held May 12 and May 13.
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
hours or they come and go as they please.” There are other things to look at during the festival, including art and the building and Auf der Maur invites a friend who makes tattoos. “People come and support unknown musicians is very similar to supporting small local dairy farmers at the farm and flea market,” Auf der Maur said. “It shows these small things that build this really big thing, the community.” The festival will be the first event at Basilica Hudson this spring and summer, kicking off the season consisting of several other events aimed at helping local businesses connect with customers, including its annual Farm and Flea Market, which will be held May 12 and May 13 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The spring Farm and Flea Market is usually the more laid-back sister event to the one Basilica Hudson holds on Thanksgiving weekend, with more than 80 vendors. Last year, 7,500 people attended the market throughout the entire weekend, Auf der Maur said. “We have a great and direct relationship with the vendors who participate, which is why we are still able to provide it, to support local businesses,” Auf der Maur said. “Our programming is a balanced pallet of life and financial rewards for the local area.” “Almost anything could happen at that building.” Courtesy of Basilica Hudson
The 2015 Spring Farm and Flea Market at Basilica Hudson. This year, the well-attended market connecting local artisans and businesses with local customers will be held May 12 and May 13.
“We have a great and direct relationship with the vendors who participate, which is why we are still able to provide it, to support local businesses. Our programming is a balanced pallet of life and financial rewards for the local area. Almost anything could happen at that building.” – BASILICA CO-FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR MELISSA AUF DER MAUR Courtesy of Basilica Hudson
The 24-hour Drone music festival at the Basilica Hudson building at 110 S. Front St. in 2015. The building will be the location of this year’s festival kicking off Basilica Hudson’s spring season.
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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ECONOMIC INDICATORS – FOR C ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT *In cents per gallon, including taxes
Data unavailable for February 2018
-12.8%
5.7%
*The price for February 2018 was unavailable as of press time
Source: Greene County Department of Social Services
Source: NYS Department of Labor
18.4%
Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors single-family home sales 131, median price $239,500 in Dec. 2017 75, median price $215,000 in Jan. 2018 74, median price $202,000 in Jan. 2017 Source: Columbia-Greene Board of Realtors Inc.
1.4%
*The price for February 2018 was unavailable as of press time Source: New York Department of Agriculture. These figures are the average prices per 100 gallons of milk delivered to the Albany/Binghamton area, which includes parts of the Hudson Valley.
Average New York surrogate price for on-highway diesel
3.3%
REAL ESTATE
Jan. 2018- $15.15 per cwt Feb. 2017- $17.22 per cwt
Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority ~
$306.3 in Dec. 2017 $324.1 in Jan. 2018 $278.9 in Jan. 2017
15,300 in Dec. 2017 15,700 in Jan. 2018 15,200 in Jan. 2017
Average prices per 100 pounds of milk delivered to the Albany/Binghamton area dairy farmers, which includes Hudson Valley
Average Middle Hudson Region price for gallon of residential propane $275.7 in Dec. 2017 $295.4 in Jan. 2018 $249.5 in Jan. 2017
*Note: Most of the Medicaid caseload has been transitioned to the state, thus not a real decrease in the area
NY DAIRY FARMERS
21%
1.4%
Nonagriculture jobs in Greene County, not including military positions
Number of Cases
Average Upper Hudson Valley price for gallon of home heating oil $285.8 Dec. 2017 $315.7 in Jan. 2018 $260.9 in Jan. 2017
21,300 in Dec. 2017 21,100 in Jan. 2018 20,800 in Jan. 2017
Jan. 2018 312 cases/541 individuals Jan. 2017 358 cases/624 individuals
Average Upstate New York price for gallon of regular unleaded gas $254.4 in Dec. 2017 $261.8 in Jan. 2018 $247.7 in Jan. 2017
Nonagriculture jobs in Columbia County, not including military positions
Open welfare cases in Greene County
(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)
ENERGY
JOBS
PUBLIC ASSISTANCE
6.4%
Sales
Price
DOLLAR EXCHANGE U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)
16.2%
$1.23 in Jan. 2018 $1.28 in Feb. 2018 $1.33 in Feb. 2017
*Most economic statistics for February 2018 were unavailable as of press time
Source: U.S. DOE, Energy Information Administration. Prices are for the composite area that includes New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.
-3.8%
Source: Bank of Canada
NY UNEMPLOYMENT RATES
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CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018
4.7% Feb. 2017
5.2% Jan. 2017
4.1%
5.1% Jan. 2018
Feb. 2018
4.4% Dec. 2017
4.1%
5.0% Dec. 2016
Source: U.S. Department of Labor and the state Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted. Latest available data reported)
United States
Jan. 2018
5.5% Dec. 2017
New York State
5.4%
Greene County
Nov. 2017
3.6% Dec. 2016
3.8% Dec. 2017
Nov. 2017
3.6%
Columbia County
COLUMBIA & GREENE COUNTIES
DBAs (doing business under an assumed name) The following are DBAs from Feb. 1 through March 8, 2018.
GREENE COUNTY DBAs Feb. 1
n Taras Boutique Salon and Barbershop, 2667 county
Route 67, Freehold, 12431; Tara Nelsen, 3000 county Route 67, Freehold, 12431 n Catskill Massage Therapy, 6 Route 23A, Catskill, 12414; Sara Lampert Hoover, 6 Route 23A, Catskill, 12414. n JCW Landscaping, 1284 Route 214 Lanesville, 12450; Catherine Romito-Wooolheater, 1284 Route 214 Lanesville, 12450.
Feb. 5
n 1st Choice Property Management, 2535 Route 20, Cornwallville, 12418; Michael Snedeker, 2535 Route 20, Cornwallville, 12418.
Feb. 8
n All Phase Property Management, 924 county Route
67, Leeds, 12451; Justin Duhart, 924 county Route 67, Leeds, 12451. n DJR Services, 678 Dent Road, Prattsville, 12468; Dillon J. Rion, 678 Dent Road, Prattsville, 12468.
Feb. 9
n Oakley Farms, 981 county Route 10, Windham, 12496;
Edward W. Oakley, 981 county Route 10, Windham, 12496. n Sunset Hill AKC Labrador Retrievers, 30 Sunset Hill Road, Hannacroix, 12087; Marcie Peters, 30 Sunset Hill Road, Hannacroix, 12087.
Feb. 12
n Christin Ripley Studio, 460 Main St., Catskill, 12414; Christin Ripley, 416 Columbia St., No. 1, Hudson, 12534.
Feb. 15
n Tara’s Salon & Boutique, 2667 county Route 67, Freehold, 12431; Tara Nelsen, 3000 county Route 67, Freehold, 12431.
Feb. 16
n Alpine Cleaning Service, P.O. Box 1130, Windham, 12496; Mary A. Skilling, P.O. Box 1130 Windham, 12496.
n Your Cozy Castle, 177 Vernal Butler Road, Purling,
12470; Tracy D. Moore, 177 Vernal Butler Road, Purling, 12470 n Stutts Enterprises, 1101 Mountain Ave., Purling, 12470; Cody Stutts, 1101 Mountain Ave., Purling, 12470. n Northern Tree Service, 1534 Leeds-Athens Road, Catskill, 12414; John J. White, 1534 Leeds-Athens Road, Catskill, 12414. n Columbia-Greene Abstract, 424 Indian Ridge Road, Earlton, 12058; Amy R. Sperzel, 424 Indian Ridge Road, Earlton, 12058.
Feb. 21
n PAS IT ON of Greene County NY, 62 Green Lake Road, Leeds, 12451; Penny Martinez, 274 Brooksburgh Road No. 38, Windham, 12496.
Feb. 23
n Mountain View Stump Grinding, 225 North Road, Greenville, 12083; Brian Vetere, 225 North Road, Greenville, 12083. n Xpert Lawns, 9 Koeppel Ave., Catskill, 12414; Donald W. Spring Jr., 9 Koeppel Ave., Catskill 12414.
Feb. 26
n M K Designs, 39 S. Clement Ave., Ravena, 12143; Karalyn Smith, 39 S. Clement Ave., Ravena, 12143. n J & L Transport, 593 Plattekill Road, Freehold, 12431; Justin Parker, 29 county Route 351, Medusa, 12120.
Feb. 28
n The Juice Branch, 65 W. Bridge St., Catskill, 12414; George E. Salter, 50 Division St., Catskill, 12414.
March 5
n Pins and Needles Crafts, 46 Hillside Drive, Unit 2049,
Athens, 12015; Judy M. Lamaestra, 46 Hillside Drive, Unit 2049, Athens 12015. n Moon Glow Gifts, P.O. Box 37, Freehold, 12431/541 Plattekill Road, Freehold, 12431; Regina L. Hingle, P.O. Box 37, Freehold, 12431/541 Plattekill Road, Freehold, 12431. n Round Top Productions, P.O. Box 348, Round Top, 12473/67 Blackhead Mountain Road, Round Top, 12473; Julia Joern, P.O. Box 348, Round Top, 12473/67 Blackhead Mountain Road, Round Top, 12473. n T And B General Contracting, 480 Main St., Apartment No. 1, Catskill, 12414; Bruce Feller, 480 Main St., Apartment No. 1, Catskill 12414. n Ferriero Disposal, 349 Route 385,Athens, 12015; Peter J. Ferriero, 349 Route 385, Athens, 12015.
March 6
n Rebecca Chmielewski, 276 East Honey Hollow Road,
Earlton, 12058; Rebecca Chmielewski, 276 East Honey Hollow Road, Earlton, 12058. n A & R Maben, 728 Edison Timmerman Road, Acra, 12405; Arlene Maben, 728 Edison Timmerman Road, Acra, 12405.
March 8
n DGC; David A. Gooch. Addresses unverified at press time.
COLUMBIA COUNTY DBAs Feb. 1
n McMopar Collectables, 9665 state Route 22, Hillsdale, 12529; Thomas V. McClurg, 9665 state Route 22, Hillsdale, 12529.
Feb. 5
n Inside & Out Property Repair, 1096 Jackson Corners Road, Red Hook, 12571; Jeremy Duncan, 1096 Jackson Corners Road, Red Hook, 12571.
Feb. 6
n Howard’s Small Engine Repair & Construction, P.O.
Box 44, Mellenville, 12544/798 Gahbauer Road, Mellenville, 12544; Howard Higley, 798 Gahbauer Road, Mellenville, 12544. n Quirky Market, P.O. Box 24, Greenville, 12083/10741 Route 23, Greenville, 12083; Laura Dresdner, 10741 Route 23, Greenville, 12083. n New Era Therapeutics, 588 Church Ave., Germantown, 12526; John Alan Metzger, 588 Church Ave., Germantown, 12526.
Feb. 7
n Paisley’s Delibery Services, 452 Columbia St., Apt. No. 1, Hudson, 12534; Egerton D. Paisley, 452 Columbia St., Apt. No. 1, Hudson, 12534.
Feb. 8
n Way To Go, 332 county Route 6, Germantown, 12526;
Jeanette Nesel, 332 county Route 6, Germantown, 12526.
Feb. 9
n Modern Masterpiece Photography, 253 Barnegat
Road, East Chatham, 12060; Joshua Michael Shaw, 253 Barnegat Road, East Chatham, 12060.
Feb. 13
n Widow Creek White Tail, 95 Falls Road, Ghent; Laurie Demarest, 926 state Route 9J, Stuyvesant, 12173.
n Chef D’s Spice Blends, P.O. Box 344 Hudson/236 Sleepy Hollow Road, Athens, 12534; Dana Johnson, P.O. Box 344, Hudson/236 Sleepy Hollow Road, Athens, 12534.
Feb. 16
n Spirit Ridge Cabinetry and Mill Work, 105 Banks Lane,
Germantown, 12526; Stephen M. Fink, 105 Banks Lane, Germantown, 12526.
Feb. 20
n DTR’s: 385 Doodletown Road, Ancram, 12502; Devon Rueger, 385 Doodletown Road, Ancram, 12502.
n Maid In Hudson, 15 N. Front St., Apt. No. 15, Hudson,
12534; Kelsie Neal, 15 N. Front St., Apt. No. 15, Hudson, 12534.
Feb. 21
n FRG Objects & Design/Art, 217 Warren St., 2nd floor,
Hudson, 12534; Francis R. Gillette, 217 Warren St., 2nd floor, Hudson, 12534. n Del’s Jamaican Cuisine, 177 Looms Road, Chatham, 12037; Delroy N. Fowler, 177 Looms Road, Chatham, 12037.
Feb. 22
n Music of Alan Shulman, P.O. Box 402/ 30 Route 9H,
Claverack, 12513; Jay Shulman, 30 Route 9H/P.O. Box 602, Claverack, 12513.
Feb. 23
n Copake Gift Shoppe, Route 7A on the circle, Copake,
12516; Adrienne Pateman, 14 Honey Suckle Court, Stormville, 12582. n Lookin’ Good Lawn Services, 26 Robin Road, Kinderhook, 12106; Gregory Lee Clause, 26 Robin Road, Kinderhook, 12106.
Feb. 26
n J. Schaniel Builders, 46 Connelly Road, Hillsdale,
12529; Joseph Schaniel, 46 Connelly Road, Hillsdale, 12529. n Ghent Builders, 84 Garage Placce Road, Ghent, 12075; Jerrold Byler, 84 Garage Place Road, Ghent, 12075. n Sully Works Studio, 7 Academy Hill Drive, Hudson, 12534; Jeffrey R. Sullivan, 7 Academy Hill Drive, Hudson, 12534. n Precision Pools and Spas, 16311 county Route 5, Canaan, 12029; Jason D. Mudge, 16311 county Route 5, Canaan, 12029.
Feb. 27
n Friendly Taxi, P.O. Box 9481/202 State St., Apt. No. 1,
Hudson, 12534; Salman U. Khan, P.O. Box 9481/202 State St., Apt. No. 1, Hudson, 12534. n Bees and Blossoms, 4 Whitings Pond Road, Canaan, 12029; Carie Anne Doyle, 4 Whitings Pond Road, Canaan, 12029.
Feb. 28
n Chad C. Maes, 2839 state Route 203, Valatie, 12184;
Chad C. Maes, 840 Joslen Blvd., Apt. No. 205, Hudson, 12534.
March 1
n Seth Rogovoy Productions, 68 N. Third St., Hudson, 12534; Seth Rogovoy, 68 N. Third St., Hudson, 12534.
March 7
n Molinski Photography, 211 Fairview Ave., Hud-
son, 12534; Michael Molinski, 568 Manor Park Road, Craryville, 12521. n Chatham Auto Body Repair, 4 Austerlitz St., Chatham, 12037; Dennis Sawyer, 14 Austerlitz St., Chatham, 12037.
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION LINKED TO
ART
EXPLOSION
Carly Miller/Columbia-Greene Media
The M Gallery, located at 350 Main St. in Catskill.
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CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018
FEATURE
‘Point of Intersection’ Opening Reception, March 2016.
Linden Scheff
Carly Miller/Columbia-Greene Media
Cats from last year’s “Cat’n Around Catskill” exhibit in a display window on Main Street in Catskill.
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A
By Carly Miller | Columbia-Greene Media
rt galleries are popping up all over Greene and Columbia counties, which gallery owners say pulls tourists, artists and money into the local economy. While statistics on how exactly art sales trickle down is difficult for officials to track, the growth of community-based arts programs boosts tourism and new entrepreneurs, advocates say. An art gallery is a business that makes their “bread-and-butter” income on artwork sales, said Heather Bagshaw, marketing manager at the Greene County Tourism Center. “Catskill, Windham and Hunter are drivers for the galleries,” Bagshaw said, noting that there are more than two galleries in each area. The tourism department creates promotional maps and brochures based on art centers and galleries, along with restaurants and historic sites. “It [Galleries and art centers] is one of our marketing pieces that we push,” Bagshaw said. Some link the economic revival of downtown Catskill to the rise of art galleries and art spaces. Between 2005 and 2007, the number of galleries in Catskill jumped from one to eight, according to an article in “About Town.” Today, Greene County boasts 14 dedicated art galleries with an additional 14 antique shops and at least eight other art spaces throughout the county, Bagshaw said. For new gallery owner Robert Berg, the timing was right to take a risk in the Greene County art market. “There is a nice groundswell of change in the arts in the area and I hope to bring something new to share with the community,” said Berg, who opened Art at Leeds last August and said he intends to share the space between local and Burmese artists. Several non-gallery businesses also showcase and sell local art, for example HiLo in Catskill, a café and music venue that displays a rotating show of local art on its walls.
Carrie Haddad with artist duo Kahn & Salesnick.
Linden Scheff
“The arts are an economic driver. People are noticing this area, visiting often, buying second homes or making it their permanent residence and starting businesses.” — SHARON HULETT-SHEPHERD, ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE ARS COUNCIL
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
Public art exhibits also put Catskill on the map, according to tourism officials. “People came from far and wide to see the ‘Cats on Main Street’ exhibit,” Bagshaw said. ”Cat’n Around Catskill”, now preparing for its 12th year of cat figures on display from Memorial Day to mid-September, along with a map to find them. “First come the artists and galleries,” said Patrick Milbourn, an artist who owns 13-year-old M Gallery in Catskill. “When you go to an old town, you want to be where the restaurants and galleries are. Then, the artists can’t afford it anymore and clothing stores and big names
Art galleries are popping up all over Greene and Columbia counties, which gallery owners say pulls tourists, artists and money into the local economy. While statistics on how exactly art sales trickle down is difficult for officials to track, the growth of community-based arts programs boosts tourism and new entrepreneurs, advocates say. The outside of the Carrie Haddad art gallery, located at 622 Warren St. in Hudson.
come in.” Milbourn courts foot traffic with what he calls a “buffer zone” of antiques and collectibles at the front of his shop. Talking about art often intimidates people, making it harder to walk into an open gallery door, he said. Milbourn aims to draw the arts community to Catskill, home of the Thomas Cole House where the American landscape painter honed his vision. Milbourn exhibits his own paintings in the rear of M Gallery, along with work from other artists on the opposite wall. On a good day in the summer, the storefront will draw between 30 and 50 people, Milbourn said. Greene County Council of the Arts, a nonprofit arts service agency, holds between seven and 10 art shows, not including children’s shows, each year at its two-floor gallery on Main Street in Catskill. The 2017 exhibition and event season showcased more than 1,000 artists, many of whom live in Columbia County. But, the Arts Council also serves the arts culture by facilitating grants, like the County Initiative Program, which awarded $26,000 in funding from the Greene County Legislature to 10 nonprofits for 2018. Recipients include the 23Arts Inititative, Bridge Street Theatre and the Prattsville Art Center, among others. “The arts are an economic driver,” said Sharon Hulett-Shepherd, assistant director of the Arts Council. “People are noticing this area, visiting often, buying second homes or making it their permanent residence and starting businesses.” “The local arts organizations are part of a big circle of collaboration to make Catskill a better place to live,” Donna Christensen, program coordinator at the Catskill Community Center, said. “People who just moved here are jazzed about this town, but slowly others are coming.” Columbia County has more than 25 art galleries, but the number fluctuates because they come and go quickly, Columbia County Tourism Department Deputy Administrator Adam Miller said. Many businesses throughout the county open pop-up art shops, which are open for a short time.
Carly Miller/Columbia-Greene Media
“We don’t really keep track of how they come and go,” Miller said. “We have more than we’ve had in the past.” The rise of art galleries in the county started with the revitalization of Hudson and in the past five years, more galleries opened as the number of antique shops dwindled, Miller said. There has not been any hardened statistics showing the exact impact art galleries have on the economy. “From a general tourism standpoint, it’s an additional attraction that visitors can utilize,” Miller said. “It may constitute an overnight stay.” “Art is really what changed this town and brought so many people into it,” Hudson gallery owner Carrie Haddad said. “Within six months of the first Arts Walk [in 1991], there were 30 new stores on Warren Street.” Other art-related draws in Columbia County include Omi International Arts Center in Ghent, which has a sculpture park, and The School in Kinderhook, an offshoot of the Jack Shainman Gallery in New York City, Miller said. Steepletop, the home of Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Edna St. Vincent Millay also boasts a gallery space. In Greene County, The Thomas Cole Historic Site in Catskill, which has a regular schedule of exhibits and tours, draws tourists from neighboring counties and states, Seiler said. “Art galleries have spread throughout the county,” Miller said. “Olana does have gallery space in the house, but it is only available on tours.” There isn’t any hard data from the tourism office about how much art is purchased in the county because most art transactions occur online, Miller said. Cheaper real estate continues to be a draw for artists. “Columbia County itself is still in terms of the real estate market, a more affordable place to live,” he said. On a busy summer day, the Carrie Haddad Gallery in Hudson can draw in many as 300 people, but the bulk of sales still happen online. “The gallery is a place where you are more than welcome to come and look, but not everybody’s going to buy a $12,000 painting,” Haddad said. “Saleswise, every year gets better, but we couldn’t get by without being online.” SPRING 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |
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BUSINESS
Creative economy is driving Greene County to greater heights A surge of creative economy businesses and programs has been elsewhere?” The answer is the clothing is handmade and designed right in one of the major economic drivers in Greene County’s exception- these shops — some of the clothing is even made from recycled textiles and al economic performance over the last few years. other products, some of the furniture is made from recycled bowling alley wood; the shoes are handmade, the hats are Just writing that sentence is a surprise in itself for me. If I handmade, as well as the art, the frames, the ceramics, etc. had been told five years ago that creative economy businesses and initiatives would be helping to lead the way in All are made on-site or nearby and are designed by the Greene County’s growth, I would have told you you were shop owner who you can interact with to learn more about in need of a vacation because that was a fantasy. However, their product. Talking to this new wave of creative entrehere we are in 2018, and seeing just that happen. preneurs is a very enlightening endeavor as they can beWhat is the creative economy being discussed? The crestow a wealth of information and energy about what it is ative economy is a very broad term for not-for-profit and they produce for your enjoyment. for-profit businesses, which generate their products and The best part is, it doesn’t stop there. Throughout the counrevenue from artistic and creative production, design and ty, you can take in a play, a dance exhibition or show, the presentation. The creative economy includes the obvious latest art exhibition, a fashion show or any number of fesbusinesses like art galleries, performing arts theaters and tivals all showcasing the amazing creative talent that now venues, dance incubators, studios and any other visual or calls Greene County home. Many of these shows and expresentation art. hibitions are presented or produced by nationally and even The other less obvious parts of the creative economy are internationally known actors, dancers and artists. It seems those businesses that use their creativity and hard work to Jeff Friedman, President/Executive hard to believe it is even possible for that to be true in our Director, Greene County Chamber of produce products. These businesses include furniture makCommerce small, rural county, but it is true. ers, clothing designers and manufacturers, craft breweries, distilleries and vineyards, home goods makers, children’s products, shoe and The creative economy is a force and its continued growth, as well as its ability hat makers and so much more. to attract other creative businesspeople to be a part of it, looks certain to reGreene County has seen a virtual explosion of these types of businesses mov- main a large part of the future growth and sustained prosperity for our county ing into the county and opening in the various villages and towns. In Catskill and our region. Be sure to travel around the county to discover all of these alone, you can peruse and purchase locally made, and in many cases, locally creative businesses. sourced, clothing as well as shoes, hats, furniture, children’s art and toys, Visiting them certainly has made me a believer, and I can now tell those folks frames, visual art, ceramics, home goods and more. who saw this coming many years ago that they were visionaries, and they You may ask, “But what really sets these products apart from what I can get were right.
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
21
ART FESTIVALS
are getting BIGGER... and BETTER!
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
FEATURE
F
By Jordan J. Michael | Columbia-Greene Media
rom folk music to children’s books, Columbia and Greene counties are the locations for at least 23 annual arts festivals. Patrons come from far and near, boosting the local tourism industry.
“It’s a huge economic driver,” Heather Bagshaw, tourism marketing manager for Greene County, said of festivals in the region. “Anything with a music or art component, people are driven towards it. And then they attend local restaurants for a meal or two, or stay overnight at a hotel.” “Festivals get people here, it’s a real attraction,” said Adam Miller, deputy administrator for Columbia County Tourism. “It’s a tool to get people to stay here for more than one day, depending on location. Any festival is good to have — it’s attracting people. Sales tax dollars are good for the county.” Mountain Jam will have its 14th rendition at Hunter Mountain from June 15 through June 18. More than 40,000 people are predicted to attend over the festival weekend, organizer Gary Chetkof said. According to Perry Analytics, the total gross economic output in the Hunter Mountain region for Mountain Jam 2015 was an estimated $6.8 million. “Research shows that it brings in millions of dollars that trickles down,” Chetkof said. “Not just from lodging and restaurants, but from dry food, drinks, ice and gasoline, the festivalgoers are buying on the way in. Also, people are exposed to the beauty and resources of Greene, like hiking and kayaking; it’s major marketing for the county.” Operated by Townsquare Media Group and Chet-5 Festivals, Mountain Jam is built into the mountain, creating a natural amphitheater for the live music, said Chetkof. Critically acclaimed artists will be headlining the festival this year: The War On Drugs, Jack Johnson, Kurt Vile, Sturgill Simpson, Portugal. The Man, Alt-J, The Decemberists, Father John Misty and Jenny Lewis. “If you go to the top of the mountain, you’ll get perfect views for miles,” Chetkof said. “I once met a couple that came from as far away as New Zealand and was totally amazed.” Some musicians play the festival in a parking lot, Chetkof said, but he’s glad the touring artists get to appreciate the mountain view, sunset and the fire dancing. Chetkof recalled Beck, a Mountain Jam headliner in 2015, saying he “liked it so much better than the festival he had played the previous night in New York City.” Established in 2009, the free Hudson Children’s Book Festival happens on May 5, featuring New York Times’ bestselling author Kwame Alexander. It’s the biggest children’s book event in the state, Catskill author Hudson Talbott said. “It’s a very important day for the importance of reading, which is a high priority,” Talbott said. “It shows how much quality literacy matters. It puts books into the hands of young people.”
C-GM file photos
Mtn. Jam stage: Gary Clark Jr. performing during Mountain Jam XIII last year.
The Hudson Library supports the book festival in a number of ways, Library Program Director Brenda Shufelt said. First, Library Director Emily Chameides goes on radio every year featuring authors and youth who attend the festival. Second, the High Five! Early Literacy Family Program gives regular attendees a gift certificate, bag lunch and a bus ride to and from the festival; the book festival has an official bus. SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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Lastly, the library hosts a presentation by an author who will be featured at the festival. This year, it will be “Today’s Journals Are Tomorrow’s Literature” by Jack Gantos. “When I came back to Hudson after living in New York City, I couldn’t believe how many well-known authors come here,” Shufelt said. “It’s amazing. Excellent authors are there collaborating with each other, and one would probably be enough, but the festival is just really successful.” Art is a term that should be used loosely, Bagshaw said. Since there is such a wide variety of fine arts, her tourism work revolves around how to capitalize on the unique person who is attracted to the arts. “It’s a cultural aspect,” Bagshaw said, mentioning the paintings of Thomas Cole and the impending premiere of the Lumberyard in Catskill as an arts venue. “We’re not only capturing the beauty of the county but the history as well.” Festivals take place during the tourist season, Miller said. Lodging can fill up quickly in Columbia. “The festival grounds can only handle so much,” he said. “If the lodging fills up, tourists might have to travel to the Berkshires or Rensselaer.” Centered in Hillsdale since 1990 — moving from Long Hill Farm to Dodds Farm in 2007 — the Falcon Ridge Folk Festival is a celebration of music and dance; the event starts Aug. 3 and runs through Aug. 5. Folk legend Arlo Guthrie once played there, Festival Director Anne Saunders said.
C-GM file photos
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers perform their June 17 set at Mountain Jam XIII last year.
Mountain Jam will have its 14th rendition at Hunter Mountain from June 15 through June 18. More than 40,000 people are predicted to attend over the festival weekend. Festivalgoers raising their hands during The Infamous Stringdusters’ performance at Mountain Jam XIII last year.
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
C-GM file photos
“Now, much younger performers that you may not have heard of will be playing,” Saunders said. “It’s a community. People trust us to book performers that they’ll like.”
Contributed photo
Crowds of people enjoying one of the many forms of entertainment featured at the Falcon Ridge festival in Hillsdale each year.
Falcon Ridge gets 6,000 to 10,000 each day, Saunders said. Most of the people come from the Northeast, but a couple from Tokyo, Japan comes every year, as well as a group of dancers from Indiana. “We have a whole dance program because some people just come to dance,” Saunders said. “There’s something for everybody. It’s like a giant village that sprouts up and then goes away. Children have been conceived there, marriage proposals happened and friends have been made.” In essence, Columbia County needs the arts to complete the tourism industry, Miller said. “As these festivals get larger, the economic impact grows,” Bagshaw said. “We’re always pushing for new events, and we can help scout locations based on what these events need. We don’t have the hustle and bustle of cities, but we can handle the crowd-sourcing.”
Folk artists of all ages take the stage at Falcon Ridge each year. The festival is enjoyed by families from near and far.
Contributed photo
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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Arts
The significance of the arts in the Twin Counties THE GREENE COUNTY COUNCIL ON THE ARTS IS A NONPROFIT, 501C3, ARTS by the county government. Award funding is determined by panels of regional service organization that was founded in 1975. Our purpose is to enrich the qual- artists, non-profit professionals and community members. ity of life by developing and supporting a wide range of artistic expressions and Examples of arts activities that have received funding include Thomas Cole by initiating cultural and arts-related activities for all ages National Historic Site, 23Arts initiative, Bridge Street and audiences in Greene, Columbia and Schoharie counties. Theatre, Music and Art Centre of Greene County, PrattsMany folks say “so what?” to the arts. To put the arts’ sigville Arts Center, Art School of Columbia County, Valatie nificance in prospective, the arts were found to contribute Community Theatre, Windham Chamber Music Festival $698 billion or 4.3 percent of the nation’s annual Gross Doand Kaaterskill Actors Theatre, just to name a few. mestic Product, according to a recent National Endowment for the Arts study. By comparison, construction contributed The promotion of our activities and opportunities is ac3.6 percent and transportation and warehousing were at 2.9 complished through our information center at Catskill Galpercent. lery by being published in our bi-monthly newspaper Arts Alive, which is posted on greenearts.org, social media and GCCA’s Catskill Gallery exhibitions reflect the unique flavor of our region and include the expressions of emerging through eblasts. For every Greene County Council on the to mature artists. Last year, over 1,000 artists participated Arts event or program, there is always a trail of business in the 2017 exhibition season and associated events as well ventured. From artist fees, marketing and promotions, to as silent and live auctions at special events. Our youth prothe final project production to gas in the tank, babysitter grams include the Sprouts summer arts workshops, which fees and dining out for audiences… the arts are an ecois free to all Greene County children ages 3 to 7 and is made nomic driver and the council is driving in high-ear! possible by generous contributions from community mem- William Deane, Greene County Counbers. These programs and other activities attract thousands cil on the Arts president People are noticing this area, visiting often, buying second of people to Greene, Columbia and Schoharie counties – homes or making it their permanent residence and startpromoting and fostering a robust cultural and economic environment. ing businesses- the arts scene is changing and growing. Visit greenearts.org, We provide grants for various arts programs, funded annually by the state or better yet, stop in and visit us at our Catskill Gallery and office located at Council on the Arts, with $126,000 of regrant monies for the program in three 398 Main St. in Catskill. If you are an artist or patron of the arts, become an counties and an additional $26,000 in Greene County using funds provided active member.
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CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY | SPRING 2018
BUSINESS PROFILE
Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union HUDSON OFFICE 207A Green Street | Hudson NY COXSACKIE OFFICE 12165 Route 9W | W. Coxsackie, NY
ticipates a large increase to Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union’s approximately 4,300 members - until recently limited to about 200 employers ranging from sole proprietors to large companies. “A credit union is a financial cooperative. … A bank has stockholders who may not be customers of the bank. There’s often a disconnect between the ownership and who they serve,” says Marrone, adding, “As a cooperative we are owned by our members. … Each owns an equal share.” At the Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union that share costs $5. Members leave that in their account for as long as they’re members. Contributed photo
Group shot from left, President and CEO Victoria Marrone, Vice President of Lending Jessica Herishko, and Chief Operations Officer Betty Grant.
Jonathan Ment | For Columbia-Greene Media
Membership in the Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union is now open to the entire community for the first time in over four decades. “We are now a community credit union for both Columbia and Greene Counties,” says President and Chief Executive Officer Victoria Marrone, MBA, Ph.D., adding, “People who live, work, worship or attend school in either county can now join.” Regulators approved the charter change, which became effective March 1. “Before the 1980s, most credit unions started as a single sponsor credit unions. They could only serve one organization or school,” explains Marrone. Formed in 1975 for employees and retirees in the Columbia County School District, it expanded into Greene County as a ‘select employee group’ credit union in 1980. “That’s what we have been up until March 1,” says Marrone, who an-
“This gives us a unique perspective on the people who we serve. Everyone who walks in the door … they own us,” she says. As a member-owned not-for-profit 501(c), once operating expenses are deducted earnings are returned to members in the form of higher dividends and/or lower loan rates. “I believe we have the best car loan rates available from any financial institution in either county right now … I think we’re the best lender. We tend to look at more at the person, as an individual, as opposed to their … credit score,” says Marrone, adding, “It goes back to the very basics of being a credit union. We do not have stockholders that have to be paid. We have shareholders who get better rates.” Guided by a volunteer board of directors and supervisory committee, the credit union abides by an old adage in the industry: “Not for profit, but for service.” Offerings include checking and savings, investment services, debit and credit cards, youth accounts, insurance products and a wide range of loans. Branches are at 207A Green Street, Hudson and 12165 Route 9W West, Coxsackie. ATM access is free nationwide through a network of federal credit unions. Visit www.cgfcu.org for more details.
Columbia-Greene Federal Credit Union | www.cgfcu.org | (518) 828-5216 | (518) 303-4801
SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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NETWORKING
TKG Real Estate open for business Contributed photo
The Columbia County Chamber of Commerce recently celebrated the opening of the new Hudson office of TKG Real Estate (formerly called The Kinderhook Group), with a Ribbon Cutting ceremony. Located at 38 So Front Street in Hudson, this is their 2nd Columbia County Office and one of six in total. Once the Ribbon was cut, Owner Brokers Lisa Bouchard-Hoe and Ed Hoe hosted a beautiful Open House that was attended by many well wishers. Pictured with Ed and Lisa (with scissors) are Christine Jones, TKG Hudson Office Manager/Associate and Chamber Board and Committee members Kristan Keck (Wm. Farmer and Sons) and Veronica Mangione (Wealth Advisory Group). For more information visit www.tkgre.com.
Chatham Brewing recently expanded and renovated Contributed photo
The Owners of Chatham Brewing recently expanded and renovated their Tap Room and celebrated with a grand re-opening on Saturday, February 24th. The Chamber conducted a Ribbon Cutting amidst a packed house, in this large and beautiful new space. Owners Tom Crowell, Jake Cunningham, Matt Perry with his Wife Priscilla and Jeanne Damia representing PH Pfannebecker were joined by Chamber Board and Committee members in cutting the ceremonial ribbon. Chatham Brewing is located at 59 Main Street in Chatham. To learn more about what’s happening at the Brewery, visit www. chathambrewing.com.
OneJet begins new air service between Albany and Buffalo Contributed photo
OneJet launched its new air service between Albany and Buffalo, providing exclusive non-stop service for business and leisure travelers. “Business travelers that have been making the frequent four-hour road trip to Buffalo can now relax in comfort, read the morning papers, utilize OneJet’s WiFi and be in Buffalo in one hour and, when work is done, return to Albany in time for dinner,” said John O’Donnell, CEO of the Albany County Airport Authority. With the launch of the Buffalo/Albany route, OneJet is introducing its new OneJet Plus service, offering expanded service onboard larger ERJ135 aircraft and providing travelers enhanced amenities, including expanded legroom at each seat; complimentary 4G high-speed Wi-Fi; streaming entertainment gate to gate; and complimentary beer, wine and snacks en route. Travelers will also receive the same check-in conveniences that standard OneJet flights provide, including TSA PreCheck access for eligible travelers and valet planeside baggage service. “Air service between Buffalo and Albany was presented as a mission-critical route for the Upstate New York business community, and we’re pleased to offer this new nonstop service to meet that demand,” said Matthew Maguire, OneJet CEO. “Our expansion in Western New York also marks a significant milestone for us as we introduce the OneJet Plus product to the market, providing an expanded platform to serve highly demanded routes throughout our network. We look forward to working with our airport partners in Buffalo and Albany to serve travelers based in both cities.”
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
BUSINESS PROFILE
Hudson Hall
327 Warren Street Hudson, NY
Jonathan Ment For Columbia-Greene Media
An $8.5 million capital campaign would have a huge impact on any organization. For Hudson Hall at the historic Hudson Opera House, it has been transformative. “We’re really seeing a shift. The organization for 20 years was a very large community organization with deep roots into various sectors,” says Executive Director Tambra Dillon. “Now that same organization, with a new theater on top – now that we’re doing more large, produced events, we’re seeing the audience expand. We’re drawing from Albany, Great Barrington … possibly a 60-mile radius,” she says. Recent successes include five sold out performances of an updated version of 1947’s “The Mother of Us All,” an opera chronicling the life of Susan B. Anthony, who delivered lectures in the same hall over a century ago. The show was widely lauded by local, regional and national press ranging from The New York Times to the Wall Street Journal. “It had a large cast, fictional and nonfictional characters, and was cast entirely from the com-
munity – which played into the right-to-vote, equal representation and topics which are incredibly relevant today,” says Dillon. Hudson Hall’s first annual Jazz Festival was a surprising coups. “It was wildly successful, over Presidents Day weekend. We were pulling from Massachusetts, as far away as Maine, and sold out every single show,” says Dillon. Last December’s Winter Walk brought a young choreographer who combined the tale of Rip Van Winkle with the Nutcracker Suite. “We had 100 different kids performing alongside professional dancers,” says Dillon, describing the result as “magical.” Built in 1855 and housing New York State’s oldest surviving theater, the storied building was abandoned for 30 years beginning in 1962. Preservation and restoration has been funded through state, federal and private investment. Dillon replaced Hudson Hall’s first Executive Director Gary Schiro this year, after worked side-by-side with him since 2013. Schiro oversaw year-round cultural and education programs here for 19 years. Moving forward, Dillon envisions continued growth and development of what Hudson Hall
has been doing since 1998 – building community and a sense of connection, serving artists moving to the area and the underserved audience that calls this home. “We aspire to redefine what it means to be a town hall today. This was one of the largest in the region, combining many things from boxing matches to poultry shows … I think our future is really an updated version of what it was built for and how it served the people of Hudson and the region,” says Dillon. The newly restored space is available for private functions including weddings, and midweek corporate events - that don’t interfere with the weekend performance schedule. In addition to serving as a revenue generator, Dillon sees this as a community service. “There is no other venue in town large enough to host these types of events. Most are held at the community college, but you can’t walk there,” she says, adding, from Hudson Hall, shops and restaurants are all within walking distance. For more on the restoration, exhibitions, readings, talks, performances, and rentals visit hudsonhall.org.
Hudson Hall | www.hudsonhall.org | (518) 822-1438 SPRING 2018 | CG BUSINESS QUARTERLY |
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Columbia-Greene Media Cares Sponsorships, Trades and Matching Grant Program
Sponsorship Program (no cost)
™
CGM is able to provide media sponsorships at $100, $250 and $500 levels. What does this mean? Eligible community outreach programs, can have their events/organization promoted on targeted audience channels at no cost to the advertiser.
Matching Grant Program
Voting Begins
CGM is happy to provide three times the value in advertising, for community outreach programs who would like to promote their events/organization and, we have allocated $100,000 of our own resources to make it happen.
www.hudsonvalley360.com/cgmcares To submit your request visit www.hudsonvalley360.com/cgmcares or email cgmcares@columbiagreenemedia.com
April 1, 2018
Substitutions, adjustments, trade, and sponsorship opportunities are available if your organization does not fit into one of these categories. Please contact cgmcares@ columbiagreenemedia.com with your request.
www.columbiacountybest.com
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CG Business Quarterly | SPRING 2018
rT Registe
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SPRING 2018 | CG Business Quarterly |
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