COMMUNITY
BUS I NES S
EDUCATION
NEW PALTZ
REGIONAL
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
TOURISM
REGIONAL
REPORT
SUMMER 2010
A QUARTERLY BUSINESS NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bill (left) and Jack Sheely (right) of Dedrick’s Pharmacy in New Paltz.
IT’S ALL RELATIVE Ensuring the Success of Your Family Business By Kelley Granger
I
t’s challenging enough to be an entrepreneur these days. For family-owned businesses, which make up more than 80 percent of the enterprises in this country, special sets of circumstances make things even more demanding. How do you tell your daughter, who has hopes of taking over the company, that she’s just not cut out for this work? How do you encourage innovation and growth when your mother, the boss, is still operating as if it’s 1970? How do you handle the disappointment of a child who doesn’t want to take over the flourishing firm you’ve spent years building? In the world of family business, finances and feelings are almost inextricably intertwined—but there are ways to deal with each challenge and still enjoy the benefit of building something great with the ones you love. Continued on p. 12
IN THIS ISSUE
10
Just a Taste
14
Healthcare Reform & Your Business
A preview of the 20th Annual Taste of New Paltz at the Ulster County Fairgrounds on September 12.
A talk with Dan Colacino of Rose and Kiernan Inc.
24
Member Profiles: Vineyard Commons, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Ulster-Greene ARC, Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley
257 MAIN ST. NEW PALTZ, NY 12561 P 845 255 0243 F 845 255 5189 E INFO@NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG
!
MANUFACTURING MANAGEMENT SAVVY
“The new lights create a bright feeling when you walk into the library.� —Phyllis Keaton
“With a lower electric bill, better lighting and a two-year payback period, it was a no-brainer.�
—Sam Schor
Modern Cabinet Company Poughkeepsie, NY
~
Your energy savings start here.
Savings Statement The project: High-efficiency interior lighting Trade Ally: Randy Scherf Cotte Electric Central Hudson rebate: $4,750 Estimated payback: 24 months
Brought to you by
Director, Howland Public Library Beacon, NY
Cabinet Maker Turned On By Efficient Lights, Energy Savings
A
IWHU D GHYDVWDWLQJ ÀUH ODVW \HDU WKH RZQHUV RI 0RGHUQ &DELQHW &RPSDQ\ VWDUWHG ORRNLQJ IRU FRVW VDYLQJ VROXWLRQV DQG ZD\V WR JR JUHHQ $ ORFDO HOHFWULFLDQ H[SODLQHG WR WKHP WKH EHDXW\ RI HQHUJ\ HIÀFLHQW OLJKWLQJ DQG WKH LQFHQWLYHV DYDLODEOH IRU FRPPHUFLDO OLJKWLQJ XSJUDGHV 7KH\ FKRVH &HQWUDO +XGVRQ¡V %XVLQHVV (QHUJ\ 6DYLQJV SURJUDP DQG WKH\ KDYH EHHQ VDYLQJ RQ WKHLU HOHFWULF ELOO HYHU VLQFH ´$W ÀUVW ZH WULHG D IHZ EXOEV WR VHH KRZ LW ZRXOG ORRN DQG ZH QRWLFHG WKDW RXU ZRUNHUV VWDUWHG KXGGOLQJ XQGHU WKH RQH OLJKWLQJ À[WXUH EHFDXVH WKH\ FRXOG UHDOO\ VHH ZKDW WKH\ ZHUH GRLQJ ¾ VDLG 6DP 6FKRU RI WKH 3RXJKNHHSVLH EDVHG FDELQHW PDNHU 5DQG\ 6FKHUI &RWWH (OHFWULF D 6DYLQJV&HQWUDO 7UDGH $OO\ UHFRPPHQGHG UHSODFLQJ WKH ROGHU GXOO OLJKWV ZLWK KLJK HIÀFLHQF\ 7 EXOEV ´:H GR KLJK HQG FDELQHWU\ DQG OLJKWLQJ LV YHU\ LPSRUWDQW ¾ VDLG 6FKRU ´:LWK WKLV QHZ OLJKWLQJ \RX FDQ UHDOO\ WHOO WKH GLIIHUHQFH LQ WKH TXDOLW\ RI ZRUNPDQVKLS 1RZ ZH ZDQW WR LQVWDOO PRUH KLJK HIÀFLHQF\ OLJKWV LQ WKH TXDOLW\ FKHFN DUHD ¾ 7KH UHEDWH IURP &HQWUDO +XGVRQ WRWDOHG ´:LWK D ORZHU HOHFWULF ELOO EHWWHU OLJKWLQJ DQG D WZR \HDU SD\EDFN SHULRG LW ZDV D QR EUDLQHU ¾ 6FKRU VDLG
Visit www.SavingsCentral.com or call (800) 515-5353
Letter from JOYCE MINARD Michael Gold / The Corporate Image
We are honored to provide a local forum for Cinda to share her insight as founder of The 3/50 Project and introduce ways to use the Project to reconnect consumers with locally owned, independent brick and mortars in the Hudson Valley.
I
n March, 2009, Cinda Baxter wrote a simple post on her AlwaysUpward blog, proposing the following challenge: “Ask consumers to frequent three local brick-nmortar businesses they don’t want to see disappear, and to spend a very affordable $50 per month doing it.” Thus The 3/50 Project was born. The 3/50 Project relies on the premise “Pick 3, spend 50, save your local economy” to educate buyers about the critical local benefits effected by spending a portion of their consumer dollars at locally owned, independent brick-n-mortar businesses. The idea went viral almost immediately. In its first week, The350Project.net garnered nearly 8,000 unique hits. Around the same time—in April 2009—The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and Luminary Publishing launched Regional Report, with the intention of providing a tool for members of the Hudson Valley community to educate themselves about doing business in our local economy. Since that launch, Regional Report has exceeded expectations on every level; its exceptional quality combines universally valuable reportage with a uniquely local essence, attracting a diverse and broadening readership. This August, Cinda Baxter comes to the Hudson Valley, presented by the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz in partnership with the Gardiner Association of Businesses (GAB). The Foundation, as the educational arm of the Chamber, and GAB, run by Gardiner’s smallbusiness owners, are among the area’s most outspoken organizations focused upon the
NATIONAL REGISTERED PROPERTIES
COMBINING FINE DINING AND COUNTRY BISTRO local movement. We are honored to provide a local forum for Cinda to share her insight as founder of The 3/50 Project and introduce ways to use the project to reconnect consumers with locally owned, independent brick and mortars in the Hudson Valley. This is and has always been a core character of our mission. The publication you are reading right now is evidence of it. This summer issue of Regional Report is an ambitious, wholly local project, packed full of topical information and substantive articles—including business profiles on capital projects, in-depth interviews on identity theft and health care reform, feature stories on the struggles and joys of family-owned businesses and on the historic 20th Anniversary Taste of New Paltz, and, of course, important updates on what’s new and exciting from Chamber members. If you enjoy reading Regional Report, please share it with your peers, colleagues and customers, and please share your feedback with us. We hope you enjoy a successful summer and look forward to seeing you soon.
LOCATED IN THE WINE CELLAR OF THE DEPUY CANAL HOUSE RESERVATIONS REQUESTED FOR A TABLE UPSTAIRS IN ONE OF OUR FOUR ROMANTIC FIREPLACE ROOMS
The Center of the Universe
High Falls 845-687-7700 www.depuycanalhouse.com
Best,
41ST ANNIVERSARY
1969 - 2010
Joyce M. Minard, President REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
3
NPRCoC BOARD AND STAFF Board Officers
Chamber Staff
CHAIR Ernie VanDeMark Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.
Joyce Minard President Christine Crawfis Director of Marketing & Communications Cathy Hyland Membership Director Janet Nurre Communications & Programs Administrator Lucy Paradies Assistant Director of Finance & Membership
Chris Drouin Beyond Wealth Management Craig Shankles PDQ Printing and Graphics TREASURER Mindi Haynes Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs FINANCIAL ADVISOR Jerry Luke Fox Hill B&B 1
ST
VICE CHAIR
2 ND VICE CHAIR
Board of Directors
Frank Curcio Bank of America Helen Gutfreund LMT Bodymind Massage Therapy Constance Harkin Ulster Savings Richard Heyl de Ortiz Historic Huguenot Street Kay Hoiby Free Fall Express/dba: Blue Sky Ranch Dr. David Ness Performance Sports and Wellness Kathleen Packard KathodeRay Media Shelley Turk Rocking Horse Ranch Sue Van De Bogart, PT St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital Helise Winters SUNY New Paltz (Office of Regional Education) EMERITUS MEMBERS
Robert Leduc Mohonk Mountain House Rick Lewis Riverside Bank Ofc. Scott Schaffrick New Paltz Police Department Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz Board OF DIRECTORS
Kathy Ferrusi Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union SECRETARY Joyce Minard New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce TREASURER Sue VanVoorhis M&T Bank BOARD MEMBER Sally Cross SUNY New Paltz Foundation BOARD MEMBER Teresa Thompson Main Street Bistro CHAIR
Board of Directors Elections The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce Nominating Committee, chaired by Rick Lewis, presented its slate for election to the Board of Directors. Those elected will serve three-year terms, effective July 1, 2010.
The newly elected members of the Board of Directors are: Tom Edwards Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits Constance Harkin Ulster Savings Bank
2010 CORPORATE PARTNERS LEADING PARTNER
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. ASSOCIATE PARTNER
Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Health Quest Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union KIC Chemicals Inc. Ulster Savings Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce is a distinguished member of:
American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS) The Business Council of New York State, Inc. (BCNYS) Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress Southern Ulster Alliance Business Marketing Association—Hudson Valley Chapter New York’s Tech Valley Chamber Coalition Hudson Valley Regional Coalition (One Valley—One Voice) Who We Are
The New Paltz Regional Chamber, organized in 1900, is an active and trusted voice in the regional business and residential community that forges strong relationships between businesses and residents and promotes growth, prosperity, a sense of local pride, and a high quality of life in the Hudson Valley region. The newly formed Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz aids and augments the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce’s current slate of successful educational programs. The foundation envisions a comprehensive program of educational activities and scholarships, all geared toward educating and supporting the community.
Mindi Haynes Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs
Regional Report is published quarterly by the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Richard Heyl de Ortiz Historic Huguenot Street
Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure maximum accuracy. However, the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee the correctness of all information provided herein. Readers noting inaccurate information should contact the chamber with corrections and updates.
Walter Marquez Antiques Barn at Water Street Market Patrick Turner Little Pond Consulting Shelley Turk Rocking Horse Ranch
4
@2010 New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and Luminary Publishing is strictly prohibited.
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CONTENTS
14 10
1
14
24 24
It’s All Relative Ensuring the Success of Your Family Business Family-owned businesses make up more than 80 percent of the enterprises in this country. They also present a special set of circumstances that can make doing business both more rewarding and more demanding.
10
Just A Taste of Things to Come The Taste of New Paltz Turns 20 A preview of the perennial palate pleaser on September 12.
14
Healthcare Reform and Your Business An Interview with Dan Colacino of Rose and Kiernan Inc. Regional Report asks an expert what changes brought about by the 395,000-word healthcare reform bill small businesses need to know about. Colacino will lead a webinar on healthcare reform on July 7 and speak at a breakfast at the Terrace Restaurant at SUNY New Paltz on August 3.
22
Reduce Your Risk Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
At Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, it is our responsibility to understand your business from the ground up, to gain insight into your changing needs, to forge long-term relationships built on integrity, quality, teamwork, harmony, commitment and innovation, and to deliver solutions that fully prepare you to meet the challenges unique to your business.
Services Include:
tax compliance & consulting . estate & gift tax planning . analysis & reporting of financial statements . corporate auditing . internal auditing . financial planning . business valuations . sales tax review & audit representation . business acquisitions & sales . operational & performance reviews. Proudly Serving the Hudson Valley for 40 Years
11 Racquet Rd. Newburgh, NY 12550 845-567-9000
2622 South Ave. Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 845-905-9000
www.vddw.com
www.vddw.com
“Our purpose is to help our clients succeed”
Kimlin Propane
Mark Maroney, who works with the FBI on white collar crimes, tells Regional Report simple steps we can take to protect ourselves and deter fraud. Maroney will speak at a Chamber luncheon at the Ship Lantern Inn on July 21.
24
Member Profiles: Growth Spurts Regional Report checks in with some Chamber members who have experienced growth in spite of the weakened economy: Vineyard Commons, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Ulster-Greene ARC, Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley.
Our Friendly Service Is REAL!
6
Upcoming Events
15
Recent Chamber Events
16
Member Updates
(845) 255-7324 Gardiner, NY
25
Member Renewals
www.kimlinpropane.com
28
Membership Matters
Serving Ulster, Dutchess, and Beyond
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
5
UPCOMING EVENTS Wednesday, July 07
Health Care Reform Webinar A healthy discussion about the nuances of Health Care Reform. Topics include Reform time line, changes in plan design and the role of health care exchanges. Sponsors: Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group, Inc. and Rose and Kiernan Time: 11:00 a.m. Cost: Complimentary to Chamber Members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email info@newpaltzchamber.org Sunday, July 11
7th Annual New Paltz Regional Garden Tour A variety of midsummer horticultural delights await you as some of the region’s most breathtaking and lovingly crafted gardens open to the public. This year’s tour will feature five private gardens in the Village and Town of New Paltz as well as the semi-private gardens at Mohonk Mountain House, and will culminate in a catered reception on the grounds of one of the region’s most beautiful and historic attractions: Historic Huguenot Street. Sponsor: Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Place: Program books and map pick-up at the Chamber office, 257 Main St., New Paltz Cost: $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the tour. Advance tickets may be purchased online at www.newpaltzchamber.org or in person at Antiques Barn at Water Street Market, Handmade and More, Ulster Savings Bank New Paltz Branch, Ulster Savings Bank Gardiner Branch, and the Chamber office. Tuesday, July 13
After-Hours Mixer @ Under the Magenta Moon, New Paltz Build your business network and learn more about Under the Magenta Moon, where beautiful flowers are born. You’ll never get a cookie-cutter design from Under the Magenta Moon; designs can be whimsical or chic, traditional or avant-garde, glitzy or natural, glamorous or simple. Whether planning a wedding or looking to send the perfect flowers to a loved one, Under the Magenta Moon makes floral dreams come true. 6
Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Place: Under the Magenta Moon, 8 North Front St., New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Wednesday, July 21
Business Luncheon @ Ship Lantern Inn, Milton, featuring Mark Maroney, Federal Bureau of Investigation Identity theft affects the lives of more than 11 million Americans each year, costing $221 billion in losses to business. Small-business owners are at higher risk of identity theft, often using their personal accounts and home address to aid in processing financial transactions by mail or through the Internet. Learn how to protect yourself and your business at this important business luncheon, featuring Mark Maroney of the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Sponsor: Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP, CPAs Time: 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. Place: Ship Lantern Inn, 1725 Route 9W, Milton Cost: Complimentary to NPRCoC Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 nonmembers Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email info@newpaltzchamber.org Wednesday, July 28
Summer Business Card Exchange @ Woodland Pond at New Paltz Cool off a steamy midsummer morning with some fantastic early-morning networking at Woodland Pond at New Paltz, a Continuing Care Retirement Community offering spacious independent living apartments and cottages with panoramic views and beautiful stone features, reminiscent of both Huguenot and local architecture, along with a wide range of amenities and services available right on campus. Time: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Place: Woodland Pond at New Paltz, 100 Woodland Pond Circle, New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email info@newpaltzchamber.org
Friday, July 30
Professional Development Series Discussion III: “The Fine Art of Negotiation We’ve all heard “how to get to yes.” Now let’s hear about getting to a successful yes. This workshop, led by Christina Bark of Christina Bark & Associates, lays the foundation for negotiations that work long-term; helps build an understanding of the negotiation process and prepare for successful negotiation management. Sponsor: Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. Place: SUNY New Paltz School of Business, van den Berg Hall room 110, New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org. Tuesday, August 3
Health Care Reform Informational Breakfast A healthy discussion about the nuances of Health Care Reform. Topics include Reform time line, changes in plan design and the role of health care exchanges. Sponsors: Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group, Inc. and Rose and Kiernan Time: 7:30 – 9:00 a.m. Place: Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org. Thursday, August 12
After-Hours Mixer @ Red Pump Studio, New Paltz Make new connections and learn more about Red Pump Studio and Adair Vineyards at this late-summer mixer. Jim Adair of Red Pump Studio will be on hand to discuss the gorgeous art on the walls upstairs in the studio and downstairs in the main gallery, and Mark Stopkie of Adair Vineyards will be serving up delicious wine tastings. Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Place: Red Pump Studio, 75 Allhusen Road, New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org to RSVP or to request an invitation. Friday, August 13
New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and Gardiner Area Business Association Presents Cinda Baxter, “3/50 Project: Building Business from the Ground Up” One of only four appearances in the Northeast! Relying on the simple premise “Pick 3, spend 50, save your local economy,” The 3/50 Project exploded onto the national stage as a way to help local brick and mortar businesses reclaim their consumer dollars. Founder Cinda Baxter shares how The Project came to be, what it’s grown into today, and how you can use it to strengthen your business tomorrow. Sponsors: Ulster Savings, Chronogram Magazine Time: 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Place: SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center 102 Cost: $20 in advance, $25 day-of for New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and GAB members; $30 in advance, $35 day-of for nonmembers. Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org.
has become well known as a friendly, family restaurant with absolutely great authentic Mexican-American Cuisine. Time: 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Place: Casa Villa Restaurant, 395 Albany Avenue, Kingston Cost: Complimentary Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Wednesday, September 8
Digital Marketing Conference with Brian Reich, President of little m media Please join us for this intensive, limitedenrollment planning seminar for organizations and their marketing, communications, strategic planning, and other staff members, board members and leadership. Give us a day and we’ll strip away the muddled messages and the impossible to-do lists that are pulling you in too many directions, and diminishing your strategic positioning, marketing and sales impact. Time: 8 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Place: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org for pricing and more information. Sunday, September 12
Wednesday, August 18
Business Luncheon @ Robibero Family Vineyards, New Paltz, featuring Rick Remsnyder and Lisa Berger, Ulster County Tourism Sponsor: Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Time: 12 noon – 1:30 p.m. Place: Robibero Family Vineyards, 714 Albany Post Rd., New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to NPRCoC Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 nonmembers Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Tuesday, September 7
After-Hours Mixer @ Casa Villa Restaurant, Kingston Help say “so-long” to summer at one of Kingston’s best Mexican-American restaurants. Located in the old Montauk House, Casa Villa
20th Annual Taste of New Paltz A delicious Hudson Valley tradition celebrates a historic anniversary this September with the 20th Annual Taste of New Paltz. The Hudson Valley’s renowned wine and cuisine are on display with this flavorful annual opportunity to sample generously portioned samples of the best mouth-watering fare from the region’s finest restaurants, caterers, farm markets and wineries, all in a single day. While food is the primary focus of the event, Taste of New Paltz also offers a variety of fun activities for the whole family, including Kids’ Expo, Artistic Taste, Craft Expo, Business Expo, The Country Store, and Wellness and Recreation Expo. Live music will be performed throughout the day. Proud sponsors include: Kempner Corporation and Water Street Market (Gold Sponsors); M&T Bank (Main Stage Sponsor); Hampton Inn, Kingston (T-shirt sponsor) Cumulus Broadcasting, Luminary Publishing, and Schein Media (Media Sponsors); CDPHP (Friends of the Taste)
Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Place: Ulster County Fairgrounds, 249 Libertyville Rd., New Paltz Advance admission: $3 (admission only); $20 (advance admission package, including admission, 10 taste tickets and collectible 20th Annual Taste of New Paltz T-Shirt). Advance admission at the Chamber office, 257 Main St., New Paltz; advance admission packages available for online purchase at www. TasteOfNewPaltz.com or in person at the Chamber office. For more information, call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Wednesday, September 22
Professional Development Series Panel Discussion IV: “Budgeting for Expansion” A case study-based panel conversation examining the financial, human capital, technology and other issues that organizations need to consider when planning for growth. Come learn about the common struggles and work-arounds for common growth roadblock. Featuring Walter Avis of Acadia HR; Tom Weddell of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP, CPAs; Patricia Stockman of the Executive Connection and Genie Keating of Wingate at Ulster. Sponsor: Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz Time: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Place: SUNY New Paltz School of Business, van den Berg Hall room 110 Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org Monday, September 27
Legislative Update with US Representative Maurice Hinchey Representing New York’s 22nd Congressional District and now serving in his ninth term in the U.S. House of Representatives, Hinchey is a member of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, which allocates funds in the federal budget. Join us for this important luncheon and national legislative update. Time: 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m. Place: Mohonk Mountain House, 1000 Mountain Rest Rd., New Paltz Cost: Complimentary to NPRCoC Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
7
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS 1712 House
Collaborative Solutions II LLC
93 Mill Dam Road PO Box 391 Stone Ridge, NY 12484 845-687-7167 Fax 845-687-7167 Contact: Melanie Rosabella E-mail: melaniemodjeska@yahoo. com,innkeeper@1712house.com Website: www.1712house.com Category: Bed anda Breakfasts, Inns & Lodges
PO Box 812 New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-2190 Contact: Dr. Chris Bernabo E-mail: cbernabo@hvc.rr.com Category: Consultant - Public Sector
ACE Pictures Incorporated 5 Burleigh Road New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-0042 Contact: Philip Vaughan E-mail: info@acepixs.com Website: www.acepixs.com Category: Photographers
Anthony Barrese Asset Management New Paltz, NY 12561 845-256-1770 Fax: 845-256-1780 Contact: Anthony Barrese E-mail: anthonybarrese@ae.cadaretgrant.com Category: Investments
Baker’s Bed & Breakfast 24 Old Kings Highway Stone Ridge, NY 12484 845-687-9795; 888-623-5513 Contact: Linda Delgado & Doug Baker E-mail: bakersbandb@aol.com Website: www.bakersbandb.com Category: Bed and Breakfasts
Bel’s Inn 69 Spring Street Kingston, NY 12401 845-339-5125 Contact: Bel Rodriguez E-mail: bellsberinging@aol.com Website: belsinn.com Category: Bed and Breakfasts
Catlin Gardens 2865 Rte. 6 Slate Hill, NY 10973 845-355-3555 Contact: Stephanie Stack E-mail: stephanie@CatlinGardens.com Website: www.CatlinGardens.com Category: Catering, Inns & Lodges
Cecilia Leonardo, PhD 52 South Manheim Blvd. New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-1121 Contact: Cecilia Leonardo E-mail: Leonardo@hvi.net Category: Psychologist
Century 21 Venables 203 Main Street New Paltz, NY 12561 914-466-0437 Fax: 845-255-6757 Contact: Fawn A. Tantillo E-mail: tantillo@aol.com Website: www.century21venables.com Category: Real Estate Agencies
8
Cumulus Broadcasting 2 Pendell Rd. Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-471-1500 Fax: 845-454-1204 Contact: Brian McKenna E-mail: brian.mckenna@cumulus.com Website: www.wpdh.com Category: Radio Station
Earth to Sky Home Designs, Inc. 1 Howard Street New Paltz, NY 12561 914-498-1014 Contact: Rick Bunt E-mail: rbunto@yahoo.com Category: Contractors – General
Esopus Strength & Fitness 572 Old Post Road PO Box 39 Esopus, NY 12429 914-466-0807 Fax: 914-466-0807 Contact: Andrea Lurie E-mail: a_lurie@yahoo.com Website: www.esopusfitness.com Category: Health/Fitness Center
Frosty Rock Creamery 247 Main Street New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-4145 Contact: Jay Patel Category: Ice Cream Parlor
Gardiner Association of Businesses PO Box 186 Gardiner, NY 12525 888-909-5444 Contact: Leitha M. Ortiz-Lesh E-mail: GAB@gardinernybusiness.com Website: www.gardinernybusiness.com Category: Business Associations
Greenology 22 Turtle Rock New Paltz, NY 12561 845-549-0818 Contact: Jeromie Massingill E-mail: jsm@mygreenology.us Website: www.mygreenology.us Category: Cleaning Service
Healing Mind Psychiatric Care 222 Main Street New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-1117 Contact: Dr. Roya Karbakhsh E-mail: royakarbakhshmd@yahoo.com Category: Mental Health Services
Hudson Cruises, Inc. Waryas Park Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 518-822-1014; 914-388-2949 Contact: Noor Rahaman E-mail: info@hudsoncruises.com Website: www.hudsoncruises.com Category: Cruises
Laubach Insurance Agency/Nationwide Insurance 501 Main Street Suite 1 New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-5700 Fax: 845-255-5720 Contact: Steve Laubach E-mail: steven.laubach@laubachinsurance.com Website: www.nationwide.com/stevenlaubach Category: Insurance Services
Lighthouse Solar 4 Cherry Hill Road New Paltz, NY 12561 845-417-3485 Fax: 845-417-3485 Contact: Jason Iahn E-mail: jiahn@lighthousesolar.com Website: www.lighthousesolar.com Category: Solar Energy Services
Loyer TCG, Inc. New Paltz, NY 12561 877-378-3137 Fax: 877-378-3137 Contact: Andrew Loyer E-mail: newpaltz@loyertcg.com Website: www.loyertcg.com Category: Computer Consultants, Web Development, Software Development & Training
New Paltz School of Ballet 1 Bonticou View Drive New Paltz, NY 12561 845-256-0871 Fax: 845-256-0473 Contact: Peter Naumann & Lisa Chalmers-Naumann E-mail: NPSBallet@aol.com Website: www.npsballet.com Category: Instruction-Dance
Ohioville Liquor Store 501 Main Street Suite #4 New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-1120 Contact: Jay Patel E-mail: jayusa2001@yahoo.com Category: Wine and Spirits
Paws of Distinction 10 Main Street Water Street Market, Suite #313 New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-3991 Fax: 845-562-5558 Contact: Amanda Favoino E-mail: amanda@pawsofdistinction.net Website: www.PawsofDistinction.net Category: Pet Supplies
Russo Fuel & Propane 2015A Route 9W Milton, NY 12547 845-795-2340 Fax: 845-795-2920 Contact: Joseph Russo E-mail: russofuel@optonline.net Category: Fuel Oil/Heating Services
Shadowland Theatre 157 Canal Street Ellenville, NY 12428 845-647-5511 Fax: 845-647-5511 Contact: Brendan Burke E-mail: brendan@shadowlandtheatre.org Website: www.shadowlandtheatre.org Category: Theatre
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Snyder Printer Hudson Valley Sales Office 145 Quassaick Avenue New Windsor, NY 12553 toll free: 888-272-9774 Contact: Steve Spaccarelli E-mail: steve.spac@snyderprinter.cm Website: www.snyderprinter.com Category: Printers, Graphic Design
Tabernacle of Glory Deyo Hall 6 Broadhead Avenue New Paltz, NY 12561 518-965-5846 Fax: 877-786-9611 Contact: April Forbes E-mail: TabernacleOfGlorycogic@gmail.com Category: Live Music, Houses of Worship
The Natural Pet Center at Ireland Corners 609 State Route 208 Gardiner, NY 12525 845-255-7387 Fax: 845-255-0232 Contact: Michele Zigrossi E-mail: info@thenaturalpetcenter.com Website: www.thenaturalpetcenter.com Category: Pet Supplies
The Valley Group, Inc. Hurley Avenue Extension PO Box 3128 Kingston, NY 12402-3128 845-331-2255 Fax: 845-331-4425 Contact: Brian MacGregor, CIC E-mail: bmacgregor@valleygroup.com Website: www.valleygroup.com Category: Insurance Services - Employee Benefits
Trapeze Club 475 River Road Extension New Paltz, NY 12561 845-255-4375 Contact: Carisa Borrello E-mail: FlyingTrapezeClub@gmail.com Website: www.TrapezeClub.org Category: Outdoor Recreation
Tuthillhouse at the Mill 20 Gristmill Lane Gardiner, NY 12525 845-883-5909 Contact: Toby Gabriello E-mail: tgabriello@aol.com Category: Restaurants
Vineyard Commons 300 Vineyard Ave. Highland, NY 12528 845-834-2910 Contact: Susan Coy Doyle E-mail: susancoydoyle@vineyard-commons.com Website: www.vineyard-commons.com Category: Senior Housing
Visualstuff Studios 43 North Chestnut Street New Paltz, NY 12561 914-466-9761 Contact: Matthew Maley E-mail: visualstuff@gmail.com Website: www.visualstuffstudios.com Category: Graphic Design, Children’s Activities
Whole Family Medicine 521B Main Street New Paltz, NY 12561 845-594-6822 Fax: 888-338-3634 Contact: Sam Schikowitz E-mail: contact@wholefamilymedicine.com Website: www.wholefamilymedicine.com Category: Healing Arts New members who joined between February 15 and May 15.
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
9
A PERENNIAL TREAT Teresa Horgan
JUST A TASTE OF THINGS TO COME Taste of New Paltz Turns 20
I
t was 20 years ago this September that the first Taste of New Paltz took shape at Rivendell Winery. Organizers from the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce had pulled together the event as a way to showcase the unique businesses of the area and give visitors a very literal taste of the quality of life here. They wanted an event that would be more fun and innovative than the typical business expo, and decided on the format of Taste of New Paltz—inviting local restaurants to dish out bites of their best and regional artisans, crafters and others to display their wares. The Chamber anticipated a few hundred people would attend—and were blown away when more than 1,000 came to enjoy the day. For the community, it was a great time—14 restaurants were serving up signature dishes and kids enjoyed pumpkin painting and storytelling. For event volunteers, the memories are a bit different. Joyce Minard, the president of the NPRCOC and one of the founders of the event, jokes that it was a “hair-raising” experience and a blur of garbage duty, spaghetti making, and running around. She recalls the volunteers who sold
10
By Kelley Granger
tickets pulling money out of their pockets, socks, and shoes, too busy to count and organize it. After a few successful years at the winery, the event moved to the Ulster County Fairgrounds on Libertyville Road, where it’s stayed ever since. Today, the event has evolved into something very special for the community—and bigger than its founders would’ve ever imagined. The event draws almost 10,000 people each year, and features dozens of restaurants and wineries as well as a range of other business services and products. A multitude of activities and entertainment keeps kids and adults amused, and has included everything from lineups of live music to martial arts demonstrations to appearances by Sponge Bob and Yolanda Vega of the New York Lottery. Community Coming Together
Residents and visitors alike have come to count on the annual event as a day to come together with friends and family while exploring the newest vendors and tantalizing tastes from local chefs. “It’s part of the New Paltz culture now,” says Minard. “It’s a way
for the community people to come and visit with the friends and neighbors they haven’t seen all year.” Colleen Gillette of New Paltz Travel Center helped organize the first Taste and has seen the friends and family aspect flourish over the years—she noted that quite a few family reunions are centered around the weekend of the event. “The one thing that it has done is establish some community,” she says. “What you’ll see when you walk around are groups of people standing and talking to each other and catching up.” The affair has also encouraged a sense of pride among residents of the community, many of whom give back by donating their time to volunteer. Minard estimates that 70 percent of the day’s manpower relies on the help the Chamber receives from local high school students, SUNY New Paltz fraternities and sororities, and other residents who pitch in. The help is much needed (and much appreciated) to set up tents, sell tickets, and clean the grounds after the day is over. “I think that the people that live in New Paltz are proud of [the Taste],” says
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Opposite (from left to right): Offerings from Wright’s Farm in Gardiner; Mohonk Mountain House pastry chef prepares dessert plate; Potato samosas from Main Course. Above (from left to right): Blasts from the past: 1991 Taste of New Paltz; 2002 Taste of New Paltz.
Phil Leger of Bridge Creek Catering, a former event chair and business exhibitor. “Speaking from my own experience, you have to go to the Taste of New Paltz, it’s something everybody should do and try out. People that live here and have the opportunity to go easily are proud and excited to share it with others.” Beyond A Business Expo
Businesses should be just as excited about the day as the rest of the community. It provides an unparalleled platform to get your name (and food, if you’re a restaurant) on the tip of 10,000 tongues. “It’s a very popular event, so it’s very well attended and you get a lot of exposure, that’s really the big benefit,” says Leger. “If you can make two or three really tasty dishes for a couple of bucks, you should do it. There’s going to be 10,000 people there, and everyone is there to taste your food. It’s an excellent opportunity.” At Taste, many of the back-of-house restaurant workers and owners suddenly find themselves on the front line, interacting with customers and potential patrons. “It gives someone like me a chance to be able to talk to local people that come into my restaurant, where I normally wouldn’t be able to talk to them,” explains Doug Thompson of Main Street Bistro. “There’s a good networking aspect to it.”
While the focus may be on savoring the flavor of local culinary creations, the business expo is a huge draw too. Crowds congregate and visit exhibitors to shop and chat in between bites. New Paltz Travel Center has exhibited in the past and Gillette says that attending the event helped her network and visit with clients from the past. “It sort of solidified our reputation in the community,” she says. “A lot of people came over to our table to say hello and they were existing customers. We were able to cement some of our community ties and that, I think, was worth it.” Whether a business plans on participating as an exhibitor in the business expo, the wellness and recreation area or the kids expo, the day’s success all comes down to presentation. Gillette recalls memorable exhibitors from more than a decade ago— two real estate agencies who had fashioned a candy shop for a booth and another who made their stand look like a real house. “[The advantage of the day] is all depending upon how they present themselves and what kind of planning they put into it,” says Christy Drouin of Christy Drouin Personal Training and a former co-chair of the event. “We try to give them suggestions and they need to think of it as an advertising venue or a way to reintroduce themselves, not so much to make money that day but to bring money in later on.” If you’re interested in learning how participating
in Taste of New Paltz may affect your business, Drouin recommends offering coupons made specifically for that day so you can track them as they flow into your business. An Open Invitation
Leger describes the energy and the electricity in the air just before the gates open to the public, and all the hustle and bustle as the morning dew burns off and you start to smell the food cooking. It’s an exciting venture whichever side you’re enjoying it from. Get in on the action for the big 20th anniversary by joining the Chamber being a visitor or vendor. Call the Chamber office for more details at (845) 255-0243. The 20th Annual Taste of New Paltz Sunday, September 12 from 11 am to 5 pm, rain or shine, at the Ulster County Fairgrounds, Libertyville Road, New Paltz. $5 admission. Children 12 and under are admitted free. Tastes are $2 and $3. Save by purchasing advance admission passes for $3 or buying the $20 advance-ticket package, which includes one admission, 10 food tickets, and an official 20th Annual Taste of New Paltz t-shirt. Contact the Chamber office at 845-255-0243 or stop in at 257 Main St., New Paltz or online at www.newpaltzchamber.org.
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
11
IT’S ALL RELATIVE The Romance and the Reality
We’ve seen reality television dramatize the family dynamic, most notably, just a county away, on “American Chopper,” where viewers might be more interested in the strife between Paul Sr. and Paul Jr. than the motorcycles the show is based around. But just as this program highlights the negative aspects of some family enterprises, there’s a fantasy tied to them too—and the reality usually falls somewhere in between. For Yancey Migliore, the beginnings of Whitecliff Vineyard and Winery are easy to recall—memories now tempered by more than a decade’s worth of work creating a vineyard and winery from scratch with her husband Michael. “I think one of my reasons for being interested in it was almost the sense of romance in terms of building something together, which was a bit more starry-eyed than in line with reality,” she says. “While there’s enormous satisfaction in building a successful business together, and that’s no easy feat for any business, let alone a farm-based winery, you absolutely have days where you want to come home, sit down at the dinner table, and say ‘Boy, do I work with a jerk.’ And I’m sure he feels the same way.” You might also think that going into business may make you and your sister or brother or cousin closer, but work and private lives often become segregated. Jack Sheeley, who has owned Dedrick’s Pharmacy and Gifts with his brother Bill since 1974, says the business has occasionally stirred up some sibling rivalry over the years. But more than that it’s changed how they spend time off the clock. “Because we’re together here we don’t see each other on the outside as often as we could,” Sheeley says. Attending family functions has also become problematic, as one of the brothers usually has to commit to staying at the pharmacy. For some though, the transition from family member to colleague seems nothing short of blissful. Marcus Guiliano, owner of Aroma Thyme Bistro in Ellenville, says that he and his wife Jamie are able to balance a respectful, productive work life together while keeping their personal relationship intact. 12
continued from front cover
“People say they can’t believe we spend all day together, that we don’t fight and seem happily married,” he says. “To be quite honest with you, I wouldn’t know how to go to work without my wife there. I love seeing her all day long. It’s great because she’s my spouse, my best friend, and my business partner. So for me it’s a relief and it’s a huge, huge advantage.”
“There’s enormous satisfaction in building a successful business together.” —Yancey Migliore Whether father and son, mother and daughter, husband and wife, or siblings, merging these two parts of your life—business and personal—you’re bound to have an effect on each other, and it’s up to you to make the result a positive one. Success Still Equals Strategy
According to Christina Bark, who runs the consulting firm Christina Bark & Associates, family businesses can be tougher to manage because they’re often run differently than other types of companies. “What I see as part of the challenge with this type of business is that you do not naturally follow some of the best practices that other businesses have put in place,” she says. These include things like performance reviews, clear job descriptions, or conversations about ultimate career and compensation goals. Bark suggests incorporating these things into the business to enhance decision-making performance and avoid some of the common pitfalls of a family operation.
For instance, creating clear job descriptions and definitions of each member’s role in the company not only establishes a guide to the position but is also good to reference if you find you’re in the sticky situation where you have to discuss sub-par performance with someone in the family. “If you have a job description and performance goals for the position it’s a much easier conversation,” says Bark. Designating specific roles also serves another function by creating areas of specialization and authority among family members, which can help with decision making. Dividing the responsibilities in this way is one of the most common and successful tools that a business can use to maintain order and keep things running smoothly. “I think what makes our family business successful is that my brother and I both have our own strengths in the company and we recognize that,” says George Sifre, who coowns Seakill Custom Home Builders with his brother Rick. The siblings have divided the tasks according to their varying personal assets—Rick, a master carpenter, is good at managing people, while George is better at client interaction and business management. Their sister also works with them as a property manager, and Sifre says that each person has greater decision-making authority in their own particular domain. At Whitecliff, the workload and decision process is similarly structured. “I think in our business the trump card in a difficult decision is whose department it is,” says Migliore. “My husband is the scientist, winemaker, and vineyard manager, and I run the tasting room, marketing, wholesale accounts, and everything that isn’t winemaking or vineyard management. As a scientist, there’s a lot of decisions he makes that I can’t even argue with because I don’t have the information. It’s easier for him to have an opinion on everything I do, but at the end of the day he’ll back off and recognize that it should be my decision.” During occasional disagreements or during big decisions, family businesses can benefit by consulting a third party to weigh in on the situation. Seakill has used its attorney when the need surfaced and many
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Bill and Jack Sheely of Dedrick’s Pharmacy discuss the side effects of a prescription medication.
have sought out Bark for this service. “Having someone who’s not in the family be part of either the facilitating, the decision making, or giving an outsider’s perspective on how things are functioning is really helpful,” she says. Often a third party’s presence can bring up details that might otherwise be left out, intentionally or not, and it can also help take emotion out of the situation. When the Shoe Doesn’t Fit
While other companies would scrutinize a resume, employees of a family business have a foot in the door through genetics alone. Bark says family businesses will sometimes jeopardize their bottom line to preserve a family employee’s job even when that person might not be the best fit. She uses an example of an employed relative that isn’t performing adequately—sometimes a company will actually hire someone to fill in a gap in performance in order to keep the family member on staff. The company will spend more on getting that job done than they would if they hired someone who could actually perform the original role. Her advice: Don’t execute unnatural acts in the management of the business to avoid hurt feelings or guilt over letting someone go. “It’s not economically viable,” says Bark. “Run your business in the same way you would if you hired non-family members.” It sounds simple enough, but how do you address inadequate or improper employee behavior when that employee might be your son, your niece, or your mother? Delicately seems to be the consensus, but ignorance is not an option. “You have to be able to confront them and talk about it, you can’t let that kind of thing
slide and let them get into a routine of bad or less-than-quality behavior,” says Margaret McDowell, who runs Bermac Home Aides with her husband, stepdaughter, and son. “You have to be talking about that all the time.” Be open—as a boss, tell new family hires that they should feel comfortable having discussions with you about their performance and that you will have to act in a managerial capacity to deal with any work issues. Family employees should also be up front and honest about their own needs, and if the position doesn’t work for their lifestyle or career goals, avoid feeling guilty about moving on. Succeeding with Succession
Like every part of the business, smooth succession by the next generation won’t happen without ample planning. Yet statistics from the past show more than a little procrastination in planning. In fact, the 2003 American Family Business Survey reported that the majority of CEOs age 61 and older and due to retire within five years—55 percent of them—had not yet chosen a successor. And according to Family Business Review, only 30 percent of businesses get passed down to the second generation. That number is sliced to a mere three percent by the fourth generation. Prepare for the next leader by plotting the course the ownership shift will take. “First off, you should come up with a transition plan and not fall into the trap of thinking it will happen organically without a roadmap,” says Bark. “Nine times out of 10 what the older generation thinks should be the plan doesn’t mix with what the second generation wants to do. By not talking about it you’re probably
holding two different assumptions.” Talk about how the decision-making authority will shift, and what one might need to know to take over the business. Talk about the vision and the current trajectory of the business and how a new leader might change that in the future. Talk about why things are structured the way they are. “Family-run businesses notoriously miss doing some of this because they fall into the trap of ‘We’re family, we can work this out,’” says Bark. “But it’s still a money-making venture and people have different ideas about money, direction, responsibility, and authority.” Revisit your plan periodically to make sure that things are on track with the time frame you’re working with. If you’d like to pass the company onto your kids, get them involved, hands on. Kirk Timperio of Rain Barrel Soap exposes his two teenage sons to his business process, and they help him label and wrap some of the bath products he produces. “Get [kids] involved, so they have some sort of business sense of what’s happening out there and how things operate,” he says. “That way, if they want to start a business [or take over], they have some sort of footprint on how to do it.” If you don’t have a family member who will assume the responsibility of ownership, or if you suddenly find your expected successor has jumped ship, you’ll still need a strategy. Bark recommends creating procedures and documenting decisions so you’ll have a history of information to pass along to a prospective buyer or an employee who takes an ownership stake. “Always run the business as if you will be transferring it to an unrelated party in the future,” she says. The 3/50 project: building business from the ground up On Friday, August 13, Cinda Baxter, founder of the 3/50 Project, shares how the Project came into existence and how you can use it to strengthen your business. 8–10 a.m., SUNY New Paltz Lecture Center 102. $20 in advance, $25 day-of for New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce and GAB members; $30 in advance, $35 day-of for non-members. Reservations required. Contact the Chamber office at 845-255-0243, e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org or go online: www.newpaltzchamber.org.
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
13
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
HEALTHCARE REFORM AND YOUR BUSINESS An Interview with Dan Colacino of Rose and Kiernan Inc. By Kelley Granger
I
t’s a bit intimidating to know that somewhere among the 395,000 words of the healthcare reform bill, there’s important information about how your business will be affected. While most changes that concern small businesses won’t take effect for another few years, it’s vital to understand what’s happening so you can keep your company in compliance with new laws. Dan Colacino, a vice president with Rose and Kiernan Inc., will be hosting a series of workshops and webinars for chamber members for just this reason. Here he discusses some of the most common concerns about the bill. Regional Report: What do you think is the most critical thing that small businesses know about the health care reform? Daniel Colacino: They have to stay on top of the compliance issues. Their insurance carrier will probably take care of the benefit changes, but compliance with non-discrimination, new notification requirements, and the penalties for those with over 50 full-time equivalents are the things to keep an eye on. (Two half-time employees are one full-time equivalent. An employer with 40 full-time employees and 22 half-time employees has 51 full-time equivalents and is subject to the law.)
14
healthcare reform webinar Dan Colacino of Rose and Kiernan Inc. will lead a healthcare reform webinar on Wednesday, July 7 at 11 am and discuss the nuances of the reform at an informational breakfast on August 3 at SUNY New Paltz’s Terrace Restaurant, from 7:30 to 9 am. Both events are sponsored by Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group, Inc. and Rose and Kiernan and are complimentary to chamber members. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org to reserve your space.
Are there ways that small businesses can reduce or limit the cost of employee healthcare under the new legislation? That’s the point of the health care exchanges. In theory, they’re supposed to be providing lower cost or subsidized insurance, so understanding who is eligible for subsidies is important. The information portals, which have to be established by the states, should be providing this information or at least have it available. I’m not so sure the insurance will be any cheaper than coverage outside the exchange, except where the subsidies apply. How could businesses possibly be penalized? A company that doesn’t provide health insurance is not penalized simply because it
doesn’t provide health insurance. It’s penalized if at least one employee accesses subsidized insurance through the health insurance exchange. Then the penalty is $2,000 for all the full-time employees minus the first 30 (e.g., an employer of 70 is penalized on 40 employees). Health insurance costs about $7,000 to $8,000 per employee, so it’s still cheaper not to provide insurance if that’s their decision point. Businesses that do provide insurance could also be penalized if an eligible employee accesses subsidized coverage through the exchange. Eligible means they meet criteria based on their household income and the amount they have to pay for the employer’s insurance. Can you explain how the tax credits will work for small businesses? Not briefly, but an overview is that if the employer is less than 25 with average wages less than $50,000, it makes sense to apply for it. It’s a tax credit, which is the highest for employers with a staff of under 10 with average wages less than $20,000 and phases out up to employers of 24 with average wages less than $50,000. Not for profits are also eligible to apply. Rather than a tax credit, the not for profit reduces the amount of payroll tax, including the Medicare tax for the amount of the credit they’re eligible for. The credit for a not for profit cannot exceed their payroll tax plus Medicare tax obligation.
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
RECENT CHAMBER EVENTS 1
3
2
5
4
1 Carisa Borrello cuts a celebratory ribbon, surrounded by trapeze fliers, well-wishers, NPRCoC President Joyce Minard and board members Connie Harkin of Ulster Savings and Frank Curcio of Bank of America, at The Trapeze Club, New Paltz. 2 NPRCoC 1st Vice Chair Chris Drouin of Beyond Wealth Management presents a G. Steve Jordan print to John-Anthony Bruno of American Red Cross, Ulster County Chapter. Bruno was the featured speaker at the Chamber’s April Business Luncheon. 3 NPRCoC Membership Director Cathy Hyland, Hudson Valley Wine Goddess Debbie Gioquindo, Ryan Selby, Tiffany, Paul, Harry, Carol and Crystal Robibero, and NPRCoC Treasurer Mindi Haynes of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP, CPAs joined staff and well-wishers to cut the ribbon in celebration of the grand opening of Robibero Family Vineyard. 4 NPRCoC board member Helen Gutfruend of Bodymind Massage Therapy and President Joyce Minard present a certificate of appreciation to Marcus and Jamie Guiliano (along with their son and daughter) of Aroma Thyme Bistro, hosts of the Chamber’s April After-Hours Mixer. 5 Jed and Stella Turk consider as Shelley Turk of Rocking Horse Ranch places a bet at the Chamber’s 4th Annual April Gathering: Casino Night at Mohonk Mountain House. (Photo by Michael Gold/The Corporate Image) REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
15
MEMBER UPDATES Expansion at C2G C2G Environmental Consultants LLC has not only moved to South Putt Corners Rd., New Paltz, but has also expanded. In addition to C2G’s environmental consulting and contracting, they are now a distributor of safety and spill products for a safe, clean workplace. Green State Services will carry product lines for spill control, safety, cleaning, and environmental needs in your facility, as well as bright safety yellow rolloff dumpsters, available for rental in Ulster County. For more information, visit www.greenstateservices.com.
Second Phase of CDPHP Pilot Program Launched CDPHP recently announced the second phase of its patient-centered medical home (PCMH) pilot, originally launched in May, 2008. Developed to achieve improvements in the quality and efficiency of health care through transformation of the way primary care is practiced and reimbursed, the second phase of the pilot is expected to encompass 100 area practitioners serving nearly 100,000 members in the Capital Region. For more information, visit www.CDPHP.com.
Mountain Bike Race Announced Adventure-Junction announces the inaugural Wildcat Epic 100–a two-day, one hundred-mile solo event–on August 7 and 8, 2010. The goal for this first year is to create a solid event with lots of participation. The course will be designed as two separate looped courses that will start and end each day at Historic Huguenot Street, New Paltz, mixing fire roads, single track, and pavement to create a riding experience unlike any other on the East Coast. Visit www.wildcatepic.com to sign up.
Ulster Insurance Services Recognized as 2010 Inner Circle Agency by Kemper Insurance Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Ulster Savings Bank, was recently 16
recognized as a “2010 Inner Circle Agency” by Kemper Insurance Company. The designation is awarded to an exclusive group of Kemper’s top performing agencies. Ulster Insurance Services will receive benefits from Kemper that are exclusive to “Inner Circle” agencies, providing Ulster Insurance Services’ customers with greater access to Kemper insurance products and services. For more information, call 845-338-6000 or visit www. ulstersavings.com.
HOW TO SUBMIT
SUNY New Paltz CRREO Center Releases Report
E-mail or fax your information, including company name, address, phone number, contact name, and your news brief (100-word maximum) to the Chamber office at info@newpaltzchamber.org or 845-255-5189.
The SUNY New Paltz Center for Research, Regional Education, and Outreach (CRREO) has released the third paper in its Discussion Briefs on regional issues, titled Is There a Doctor in the House?: Physician Recruitment and Retention the in Hudson Valley. Authored by Kathryn Reed, MHA, CMPE, the study finds that the Hudson Valley needs far greater success in bringing doctors to our region. CRREO Discussion Briefs are available online at www.newpaltz.edu/crreo/discussion_briefs. html. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu/crreo.
Coca-Cola Employees Volunteer at SLCH in Newburgh
ubmit items of general public S interest; no commercial sales announcements, rates, prices, etc. Items must be received no later than the 15th of November, February, May, and August to meet the quarterly deadline for the upcoming issue. The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to edit all material.
financial superiority in such areas as capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels, and profitability. Riverside Bank is dedicated to getting Main Street back on its feet. Established in 1988, Riverside Bank serves the banking needs of its neighbors and friends through four conveniently located offices in Fishkill, Newburgh, and Poughkeepsie, and can be found online at www.riversidebankhv.com.
Mountain Bike World Cup at Windham
St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) recently welcomed returning Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York Inc. employees for another week of volunteerism at the hospital’s Newburgh campus and its affiliate adult residence, The Johnes-Holden Home. SLCH enjoys adult and junior volunteers, who bring their time, talent and energy to administrative tasks, patient care, the gift shop, and New to You Boutique. For information on volunteering at St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, visit stlukescornwallhospital.org, or call 845-568-2391.
The world’s best professional mountain bikers will converge on Windham Mountain this August as the resort town plays host to the prestigious international Windham Mountain Bike World Cup finals, presented by Shimano, marking the event’s return to the United States after a five-year absence. The Windham World Cup courses epitomize the legendary aspects of “East Coast riding” in the U.S. For more information or to volunteer, visit www.racewindham.com or e-mail wmocbs@gmail.com.
Riverside Bank Receives Highest Rating from BauerFinancial
New Credentials for Donna Russell of Country Visions Realty
Riverside Bank is proud to announce that it has received BauerFinancial Inc.’s highest 5-Star Superior Rating, exhibiting overall
In addition to being an Accredited Buyer Representative and Certified Eco-Broker, Donna Russell, Licensed Real Estate Broker/
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Owner of Country Visions Realty, located at 257 Main Street in New Paltz, had earned these professional credentials: Seniors Real Estate Specialist Designation, Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist Certification, and GREEN. For more information, call 845-255-1088, e-mail Donna@ CountryVisionsRealty.com or visit www. CountryVisionsRealty.com.
Andrea Maresco Named May Star at SLCH St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) is proud to name Andrea Moresco as its May Star of the Month. Moresco, a 22-year Registered Nurse with the hospital’s birthing center, recently demonstrated exemplary service, acting quickly and calmly in a potentially stressful situation while attending the birth of a newborn after the mother arrived at the hospital in advanced labor. SLCH employees are nominated for the award by co-workers, patients, physicians, and/or visitors, based on Stellar Service Standards.
The Smart Choice
&WFSZPOF²T *OWJUFE
**
s #/.6%.)%.4 ,/#!4)/.3 s 4(/53!.$3 /& 352#(!2'% &2%% !4-3 s /0%. 4), 0- 7%%+$!93 !.$ 0- 3!452$!93
845.463.3011 | hvfcu.org
Beacon | Fishkill | Hopewell Junction | Hyde Park | Kingston | Middletown | Newburgh | New Windsor | Pleasant Valley | Poughkeepsie | Wappingers Falls
SUNY New Paltz Selected to Attend AAC&U Institute SUNY New Paltz was selected this spring to attend the Association of American Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Institute on General Education and Assessment at the University of Vermont from June 4-9. New Paltz is one of 36 other colleges, universities, and state systems from across the country sending teams to the 2010 summer institutes.
Chronogram Nominated for Independent Press Award Chronogram magazine was nominated for an Utne Independent Press Award for editorial excellence for 2009 in the Health and Wellness category. The awards recognize excellence and vitality of alternative and independent publishing. In the past year, Chronogram has covered health and wellness topics as diverse as: the efficacy of the swine flu vaccine; women’s reproductive health; a two-part investigation into Lyme Disease diagnoses and treatments; debunking myths about calcium supplements; and thriving and surviving through serious illness. REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
17
MEMBER UPDATES Dr. Lauren Vigna of FirstCare Named Top Doc Dr. Lauren Vigna of FirstCare Family Practice has been listed in the 2010 “Top Doctors” issue of Hudson Valley Magazine, the fifth year in a row she was listed as one of the two family practice physicians in this issue. She recently opened a practice at the FirstCare Medical Center, Highland, practicing traditional and holistic family medicine. She is accepting new patients and takes MVP, CDPHP, Blue Cross, The Empire Plan and Medicare. Call 845-691-DOCS or visit www. FirstCareMedCenter.com.
Margaret Deyo-Allers Named MidHudson Valley Nurse of the Year St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital’s (SLCH) Director of Clinical Practice, Margaret DeyoAllers, was named the midHudson Valley’s Nurse of the Year on May 12 at Hudson Valley Magazine’s Excellence in Nursing Awards. The ceremony also recognized five other SLCH nurses and 49 others throughout the region for their significant contributions to the profession and the difference they have made in the lives of others.
Two Grants Awarded to Historic Huguenot Street Historic Huguenot Street recently received two grants: A two-year grant from the Vernon D. and Florence E. Roosa Family Foundation totaling $16,000, which will be used to create new curricula for school groups visiting HHS; and a $550 grant from the Upstate History Alliance from its Go! Grants program, which will support the registration and participation for two HHS staff members in the annual Museums in Conversation conference. For more information, visit www.huguenotstreet. org or call 845-255-1889.
Donald P. Christian Named Interim President of SUNY New Paltz Steven G. Poskanzer, president of SUNY New Paltz, has announced that he has accepted the presidency of Carleton College, and will begin his new duties on August 2. Donald P. Christian has been nominated interim president; Christian has served as provost and vice president for academic affairs since August 2009, and will assume his new duties on July 1. A fully constituted presidential search com18
mittee has been formed and will hold its first meeting on June 11 to begin its work. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu.
The Litigation Counsel of America Honors Richard F. Liberth Richard F. Liberth, senior partner at the law firm of Tarshis, Catania, Liberth, Mahon & Milligram, PLLC, has been honored by membership as a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society composed of less than one half of one percent of American lawyers. Fellowship is by invitation only, based on effectiveness and accomplishment in litigation and superior ethical reputation. For more information, call 845-565-1100 or visit www.TCLMM.com.
Tuthilltown Spirits Wins Medals from the American Distilling Institute Tuthilltown Spirits staff was on hand in Louisville, Kentucky when the American Distilling Institute announced awards for artisan spirits from among 250 American microdistilleries. Tuthilltown’s Hudson Manhattan Rye Whiskey and Hudson Four Grain Bourbon each took Silver Medals; Manhatan Rye Whiskey was awarded the Gold Medal for Best Package Design. Both whiskeys were made with rye and corn from Tantillo’s Farm. The distillery is open weekends for tours. For more information, visit www.tuthilltown.com.
Brian S. Montross Receives Certified Public Accounting License Sedore, Hudson Valley CPA accountant Brian S. Montross received his Certified Public Accounting license. Montross serves the firm’s municipal and non-profit clients and provides consulting services to several municipal clients. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from SUNY New Paltz with a BS in accounting; he also participated in the IRS Voluntary Income Tax Assistance Program, providing free income tax preparation to low-income, elderly, disabled, and limited-English speaking people. For more information, visit sedoreco.com or call (845) 485-5510.
C.J. Rioux Receives Certified Public Accounting License Sedore, Hudson Valley CPA accountant C.J. Rioux has received his Certified Public
Accounting license. Rioux specializes in serving Sedore’s municipal and non-profit clients. Rioux graduated from SUNY New Paltz with a BS in accounting and an MBA with a concentration in public accounting, receiving the President’s Award and serving as a member of the Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society. Rioux is a member of VITA/TCE (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance/Tax Counseling for the Elderly). For more information, visit www.sedoreco.com or call (845) 485-5510.
Helen Gutfreund Credentialed as MAT Therapist Helen Gutfreund, LMT, owner of Bodymind Massage Therapy, received credentials to become a Certified Level II Myoskeletal Alignment Techniques Therapist at a weeklong workshop in Costa Rica with internationally renowned therapist Erik Dalton, PhD. MAT therapists learn dynamic ways to identify and correct chronically painful conditions such as sciatica, lumbago, scoliosis, Dowager’s Humps, rib dysfunction, carpal tunnel, rotator cuff injuries, forward head postures, headaches, anterior scalene syndrome, and more. For more information or to make an appointment, call 845-255-3228, e-mail helenwilla@ bodymindmassagetherapy.com or visit www. facebook.com/bodymindmassage.
Dominic Fusco Named Cumulus Media Ulster County Sales Manager Cumulus Media Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Dominic Fusco as its Hudson Valley station’s Ulster County Sales Manger effective June 1, 2010. The Cumulus Hudson Valley station cluster includes WPDH/WPDA, WRRV/WRBB, WKXP/ WZAD, WALL/WEOK, WCZX and WKNY. Fusco has been with WKNY for over 17 years, and most recently was the local sales manager for WKNY.
SUNY New Paltz Staff Honored at 2010 Commencement Four members of SUNY New Paltz’s academic, professional, and classified staff have been honored with the 2010 Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence and were recognized at the May Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony: Michelle Halstead, assistant vice president for finance and administration, received
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Professional Service; Surinder Tikoo, professor of business, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Scholarship and Creative Activities; Nancy E. Johnson, associate professor of English, received the Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching; and Charleen McCarthy, custodian in the Haggerty Administration Building, received the 2010 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence for Classified Service.
Craig Thomas Pest Control Named Most Sustainable Company in the Hudson Valley Craig Thomas Pest Control has earned the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce Headliner Award for the Most Sustainable Company in the Hudson Valley. Craig Thomas Pest Control is committed to finding new and better ways to protect health and property from pests, while offering new services and maintaining the same level of trust and satisfaction among customers. For more information regarding Craig Thomas Pest Control or a free pest management audit, visit www.callcraig.com.
Berner Financial Services Returns to New Paltz Irene Berner, CFP, is pleased to announce that Berner Financial Services has moved back to New Paltz. Irene has over 24 years of experience in the financial industry, and is affiliated with LPL Financial, the largest independent broker/dealer in the country. Berner Financial Services provides clients with life planning and professional asset management. The office is located at 7 Maplebrook Lane, New Paltz. You can call 845-256-1950 or e-mail irene.berner@lpl.com.
Petro McCrum |||||||||||Consulting, LLC
Accounting Solutions for Small Businesses Quick Books Pro Advisor | Accounting Services | New Business Start-Ups Tax Return Preparation | Budget & Credit Counseling
(845) 566-0391 | www.petromccrum.com 1662 Rte. 300, Newburgh | info@petromccrum.com
Need More Space?
*NON-TOXIC,
FOOD-SAFE*
ANTIFREEZE PRODUCTS PROPYLENE GLYCOL FOR MARINE, R/V, DAIRY. AGRICULTURAL, HVAC,
& OUTDOOR BOILER APPLICATIONS GLYCERIN
Jonathan Schwartz Named Research Associate of the National Asia Research Program Jonathan Schwartz, associate professor of political science at SUNY New Paltz, has been named a 2010–2011 Research Associate of the National Asia Research Program by The National Bureau of Asian Research and the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars, one of 39 outstanding scholars of Asia that were chosen through a competitive, nationwide selection process based on their research into issues of importance to US interests in Asia. For more information, visit www. newpaltz.edu.
DEPENDABLE WORLDWIDE SOURCING
FOR FIRE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS, PVC PIPES,
&
OTHER HVAC APPLICATIONS VEGETABLE OILS 5-GAL, 55-GAL, & 275-GAL PACK SIZES AVAILABLE
For all storage needs DEPENDABLE WORLDWIDE SOURCING
SUPER LOW RATES 24/7 ACCESS Month to Month Rentals
845-883-7057 1718 Rt. 44-55, Modena, NY 12548
t BULK TRADING AND NATIONAL DISTRIBUTION SINCE 1985 t IMPORT/EXPORT/DOMESTIC LOGISTICS SERVICES t BLENDING AND REPACKING SERVICES t COMPETITIVE PRICING ISO9001: 2008 ISO9001:200 0 FM 65303 FM 6530 3
KIC CHEMICALS, INC t 87 SOUTH OHIOVILLE RD t NEW PALTZ, NY t 12561 (877) KIC-BULK TEL: (845) 883-5306 FAX: (845) 883-5326 BULKSALES@KICGROUP.COM WWW.KICGROUP.COM
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
19
20
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
THE BOTTOM LINE LEGISLATION AND NEWS THAT AFFECTS YOUR BUSINESS Compiled by Kelley Granger Power Struggle
Granting Opportunity
Power for Jobs, a program that provides discounted energy to employers who meet certain staffing requirements, was temporarily extended until early June after it was due to expire May 15. The program supplies low-cost hydropower or cash rebates to companies and nonprofits that commit to keeping employees and creating new jobs. This is not the first time that legislators have extended Power for Jobs at the last minute, but granting temporary extensions hampers efforts to add new companies to the program and an uncertain future makes it difficult for businesses receiving the power to make long-term plans. The governor supports making it a permanent program rather than one that’s renewed year to year, and lawmakers say that they’re using the extension to negotiate the fine points of making it permanent. If it’s passed without an expiration date attached to it, it might help attract more business to the state, which has the third highest energy cost in the country.
Two members of the House of Representatives introduced legislation to encourage foreign jobs to return to economically hard-hit areas of the United States. The legislation would give companies $10,000 in taxpayer money that would be considered a zero-interest government loan for creating jobs in highneed areas. The loan would be forgiven if the company could show that it increased the number of its full-time employees in a specific region and could also establish that those jobs hadn’t come at the cost of other US citizens. If a company could not prove either of these points, the money would have to be repaid. If the bill is passed, it will create a new federal grant program that will deliver $40.5 million to local economic development agencies, which will have the responsibility of dispersing the funds to companies who meet the program requirements. The requirements state that the business must have 20 full-time employees on payroll and must be involved in either the information technology or manufacturing sectors.
Education as Economic Engine
SUNY Chancellor Nancy Zimpher introduced her plan earlier this spring that sees the network of state colleges as a revitalizing force for the state economy. The plan, called “Strategic Plan 2010 & Beyond,” has been met with positive reaction from the business community. It includes goals like increasing the rate of graduate retention within New York State, raising the number of health care professionals trained by the schools, and boosting the enrollment of foreign students. The plan also outlines objectives to deliver work from SUNY laboratories and research facilities more quickly to the marketplace. Zimpher’s plan was constructed after she visited all 64 SUNY campuses and had student, faculty, and staff weigh in with their concerns and suggestions.
Of Interest
Now is the time to buy, refinance, or take out a loan, thanks to a lack of consumer inflation, the Associated Press reports. Because of the diminutive degree of inflation, the Federal Reserve is expected to keep interest rates at record lows, possibly even through 2012. This affects banks’ prime lending rates, which are used to calculate rates for credit cards, home equity loans, and more. All this means that right now is a good time to buy a car or refinance a mortgage. Consumers will also enjoy gasoline prices that should continue to fall over the summer and decreased prices on clothing and baked goods, as compared to last year. Unfortunately, those apt to save their money instead of spend it won’t benefit until interest rates start rising again. Energy Tax Hikes
Another proposal the governor is moving forward with is one that will triple the grossreceipts tax on utilities such as electric, gas, phone, and cable. The increased cost would be passed onto customers and it’s estimated that it would cost Con Edison, Orange and Rockland Utilities, and Central Hudson customers an additional $23 million. According to the Public Policy Institute of New York State, Inc., reducing the gross receipts tax, not increasing it, would pay off for the state’s economy and encourage growth, especially upstate.
Cutting Credit
As part of the effort to close the budget gap, Governor Paterson has submitted a proposal to cut business tax credits. The proposed legislation would disallow 50 percent of business-related tax credit claims and is expected to save $100 million for the state in 2010-11, and $650 million in 2011-12. The bill applies to more than two dozen credits, including the Empire Zone credits, Brownfield credits, and energy credits, among others. Interestingly, it does not affect the film production credit— and the cap for that actually increased by $70 million for the next five years under the executive budget. The legislation applies to tax credits that would be used or refunded between January 1, 2010 and before January 1, 2013. The bill would defer credits and allow them to be used in tax years between January 1, 2013 and before January 1, 2016. REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
21
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
REDUCE YOUR RISK Tips to Prevent Identity Theft By Kelley Granger
W
e’ve all gotten a chuckle from the Citi commercials that show victims of identity theft speaking in the voices of the thieves themselves. Remember the middle-aged man in flannel sitting in a recliner talking like a valley girl about the leather bustier he purchased for $1,500? Clever as they may be, there is nothing amusing about having your identity stolen and your financial accounts compromised. No one might know this better than Mt. Saint Mary College alumni Mark Maroney, who now works with the FBI on white collar crimes that include identity theft. “I always tell people to try to be vigilant,” says Maroney. “Sometimes for an individual like myself it comes second nature, but some people leave themselves so out there. A lot of the aggravation and turmoil that people go through with identity theft can be forestalled or cut off by 10 seconds of vigilance on the consumer’s part.” Maroney recommends something that he and the Federal Trade Commission refer to as the three Ds: deter, detect, and defend. To deter potential theft, he says to avoid giving information through the mail, phone or Internet whenever possible. Back this up by shredding financial documents with a cross-shredding machine. Protect your Social Security number, address, birthdate, mother’s maiden name, and any other information used to identify yourself. 22
While working to deter any attempts at fraud, you also need to detect suspicious activity. Routinely check your accounts, especially if you’re a larger business—Maroney says that bigger companies are a target because they may not notice a fraudulent purchase right away, particularly if it’s something that could be a legitimate expense, like a computer.
“Turmoil that people go through with identity theft can be forestalled or cut off by 10 seconds of vigilance on the consumer’s part.”
report may be required to show that you’re not party to the fraud, Maroney says. Close any accounts you’re suspicious about and keep meticulous records: Remember who you spoke to at the credit card company or bank, write down their operator numbers, and keep copies of all documents that support your claim. While it may be a hassle, it will certainly mitigate any further damage. For more information on identity theft prevention, visit www.lookstoogoodtobetrue. com, an educational resource for consumers. If you feel you’ve been a victim, Maroney says the Internet Crime Complaint Center (www. ic3.gov) accepts all complaints related to crime or attempted crime, including commerce transactions. The site is working to bring scams into one database to see if there’s a repeating pattern of offenders.
—Mark Maroney preventing identity theft
Check your credit report for fishy activity at www.annualcreditreport.com, a not-forprofit site where you can request your report once a year. It won’t give you an enumerated score, Maroney says, but it will give you a glance at the goings-on while you avoid similar for-profit sites. Remember that the better your credit, the more appealing you’ll be to a criminal looking for a credit line. If you end up finding something amiss, the best way to defend yourself is to act quickly. Report the issue right away, because a police
Mark Maroney will speak at a luncheon on Wednesday, July 21, at the Ship Lantern Inn in Milton from 12 to 1:30 pm. To reserve: call (845) 255-0243; e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org or visit www. newpaltzchamber.org. The event is sponsored by Vanacore, DiBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs and is $20 for Chamber members, $25 for nonmembers.
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
EVENT SPOTLIGHT
GET A GOOD FOUNDATION Upcoming Chamber Foundation Events By Kelley Granger
I
f you’re not already, get acquainted with the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz, which is offering a variety of exciting events and educational opportunities this season. Your attendance supports the Foundation, which provides educational scholarships within the community and collaborates with the Chamber to provide a well-rounded range of businessenhancing seminars and other enlightening events. Here are a few highlights:
CINDA BAXTER AND THE 3/50 PROJECT: BUILDING BUSINESS FROM THE GROUND UP
Presented by the Foundation in partnership with the Gardiner Association of Businesses (GAB). The 3/50 Project founder Cinda Baxter inspires small business owners to rise above their challenges and empowers consumers to create positive change by driving revenue back toward locally owned, independent brick and mortars. See pg. 13 for details. IN-DEPTH DIGITAL MARKETING CONFERENCE WITH BRIAN REICH, PRESIDENT OF LITTLE M MEDIA
An intensive, limited-enrollment planning seminar for organizations and their marketing, communications, strategic planning, and other staff members, board members and leadership. Give us a day and we’ll strip away the muddled messages and the impossible to-do lists that are pulling you in too many directions, and diminishing your strategic positioning, marketing and sales impact. See pg. 7 for details.
The Seventh Annual New Paltz Regional Garden Tour
This popular tour is now in its seventh year and promises to wow garden enthusiasts with stops at local private and semi-public gardens, one farm, and a closing reception at Historic Huguenot Street. Even if you’ve attended in years past, event chair Walter Marquez of Antiques Barn at Water Street Market says that the majority of participants on the roster are brand new. Produced in cooperation with the Community Improvement Team, details are shrouded in secrecy once again, but he does give one intriguing hint: Plan to be in awe of some features that go beyond mere flora. Sunday, July 11, from 11 am to 5 pm, rain or shine. $25 in advance, $30 on the day of the event. For more info or to purchase online, visit www.newpaltzchamber.org. The Professional Development Series Presents “The Fine Art of Negotiation”
Whether you’re negotiating with a staff member, or a landlord, or returning an item at Target, you’ll be able to utilize points you picked up at this seminar, says Chris Drouin
of Beyond Wealth Management, first vice chairman of the Chamber. Christina Bark of Christina Bark & Associates will lead a discussion that will cover the process, flow, and structure of successful negotiations. Friday, July 30, from 9 to 11am at the SUNY New Paltz School of Business, van den Berg Hall room 110. Complimentary to Chamber members, $15 for non-members. Reservations are required, call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org. The Professional Development Series Presents “Budgeting for Expansion”
Every business wants to see growth, but how you plan for it can make all the difference. Find out what questions need to be answered about financial planning, new hires, and reorganizing your structure so that your business flows at an optimal level during the transition expansion brings. A case studybased panel will illustrate the dos and don’ts at this critical time, including input from Walter Avis of Acadia HR; Tom Weddell of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP, CPAs; Patti Stockman of Executive Connection; and Genie Keating of Wingate at Ulster. Wednesday, September 22, from 9 to 11 am at the SUNY New Paltz School of Business, van den Berg Hall room 110. Complimentary to Chamber members, $15 for non-members. Reservations are required, call 845-255-0243 or e-mail info@newpaltzchamber.org. REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
23
MEMBER PROFILES Growth Spurts We’ve heard enough negative stories about businesses going under in the last couple of years. Now there may be a light at the end of the tunnel. At least there is for these successful local enterprises, which have not only weathered the economy’s tests but have grown in spite of it, opening new branches and completing multi-million dollar construction projects that will raise the quality of life in this area even more.
MEMBER PROFILE
Vineyard Commons
W
hen you walk into a model home at Vineyard Commons, you’ll be instantly wowed, says Susan Coy Doyle, the director of marketing and sales for the new retirement rental community in Highland. The property opened the first of four buildings this past June, and promises to offer the 62-and-older crowd a luxury lifestyle where choice and option are always paramount. “Our community has made standard what most communities charge up for,” says Coy Doyle, referencing the nine-foot ceilings, stainless steel appliances, granite countertops, and hardwood floors in the units. Those elements, along with a variety of floor plans suited for different space needs, all lend themselves to a feeling of hominess—that you’re not giving 24
up anything by moving into this community. Each building will be just as attractive on the exterior as it is inside, using stone and an environmentally friendly siding that looks like old fashioned clapboard as building materials. But the benefit of living at Vineyard Commons goes beyond just beauty. The property has plans to integrate a slew of wellness activities into a weekly schedule for residents, including exercise classes like stretching, yoga, and tai chi. There will also be a host of sporting and entertainment options from a putting green and bocce ball court to a library, lounge, and card room. The whole community is encircled by a walking and biking path that leads about a mile and a half around. Best of all, the activities are all-inclusive for resident renters.
Coy Doyle says that it promotes a lifestyle of wellness, even if you’re battling disease. The community is conveniently located just four miles from two major hospitals. There is no graduated level of health care here as there are in some senior living facilities, but residents can hire in-home health aides at their discretion and know that assistance is available to them 24 hours a day in case of an emergency. VINEYARD COMMONS 3OO Vineyard Ave. Highland, NY 12528 (877) 691-8667 www.vineyard-commons.com
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Image Provided
By Kelley Granger
Image Provided
MEMBER RENEWALS
Thank you! 87 Motel Allied Locksmiths Allways Moving & Storage Alpine Endeavors American Pool Players Association Anderson Center for Autism Anthony J. Angiolillo, DDS Antiques Dealers Association of
Ulster County
Apple Bin Farm Market Arcady Tractorworks and Arborculture Arnoff Moving and Storage Artco’s Copy Hut MEMBER PROFILE
Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union
W
hat began in 1963 as a credit union for IBM employees has become a multi-billion dollar organization and one of the community’s leading financial institutions. The Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union currently has seventeen branches operating in the region—thirteen open to the public and four open to IBM employees—with more on the way. The institution is slated to open a branch in Highland during the fourth quarter of this year, which will be a full-service branch where customers can do their banking, buy a variety of insurance products, or speak with a financial services representative about investment options. “We have many members in the vicinity of Highland,” says Steve Nikitas, the vice president of marketing for HVFCU. “We also see that Ulster County poses an opportunity for us to grow our membership and to grow our deposit portfolio and loan portfolio. Our members have been asking for a branch there and we’re delivering on that request.” Nikitas emphasizes HVFCU’s focus on convenient account access, which he says is a key to customer satisfaction and helped drive the decision to set up a new branch in
AT&T/CR Wireless Autumn Sky Development Co. Babba Louie’s Bella Terra Apartments Beyond Wealth Management Bicycle Depot Blue Stone Cottage Bed and Breakfast
Highland. The credit union’s physical location is complemented by access to a robust internet banking website, which gets more than 600,000 visits a month. HVFCU also enforces extended hours of operation, with most branches open until 7 pm, and offers a telephone support center during those same business hours. Balancing this accessibility with a product line that has grown and evolved to meet new needs is what helps keep them ahead. “Our mission is to excel in meeting the financial needs of our members and to maintain a sound financial position,” he says. “And our vision is to be the Hudson Valley’s first choice for a lifetime financial partner. Both the mission and the vision serve as a guide to make sure we’re meeting our members’, and potential members’, needs.”
Blueberry Inn on Kiernan Farm, Inc. Bridge Creek Catering Brykill Farms C.T. Male Associates, P.C. Christina Bark & Associates CMS Consulting Services Coldwell Banker Currier & Lazier Realtors-Geraldine Buck Commonwealth Advisors Ltd. Creek Locks Bed & Breakfast David K. Gordon, Esq. Depuy Canal House & Inn Dog Love LLC Edible Arrangements (Kingston) Ellenville Regional Hospital Enthusiastic Spirits and Wine Shop Essence Medispa Ethan Allen Staffing Fair-Rite Products Corporation
HUDSON VALLEY FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 159 Barnegat Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 463-4172 www.hvfcu.org
Fox Insurance Agency Freefall Express, Inc., DBA The
Blue Sky Ranch
Frost Valley YMCA Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
25
MEMBER RENEWALS Gordon Fire Equipment LLC Homewood Suites Hudson River Cruises Hugaren LLC Imperial Jewelers In Good Taste In Living Color Inn the Woods Integrated Feeling Therapy, Inc. Ireland Corners Automotive Group J.Philip Zand, Attorney Joe’s East-West John H. Dippel, Land Surveyor Jonathan R. Sennett, P.C. JR Electric Service, Inc. KEM Landscaping LLC
MEMBER PROFILE
Kniffen Builders
Ulster-Greene ARC
Lucky C Stables, Inc. Mark Gruber Gallery McGillicuddy’s Mexicali Blue Minard Farms Mohonk Mountain House Mohonk Preserve Mountain Laurel Waldorf School New Paltz Animal Hospital New Paltz Imaging New Paltz Rotary Club New Paltz Rural Cemetery New Paltz Taxi, Inc. New Paltz Times New Paltz Travel Center Newburgh/NYC North KOA Nora Scarlett Studio Inc. NYS Bridge Authority Olympix Corp. Optimize Web Organized & Clutter-Free Pine Haven B&B Pinegrove Ranch and Family Resort Planet Pet Grooming Plaza Diner Precision Care Software Pussyfoot Lodge Quiet Mountain Sanctuary
26
T
he Ulster-Greene ARC was founded in 1956 as an alternative to institutionalizing children who were born with disabilities, and for years has served as a place where the disabled can receive the care and support necessary to lead healthier, happier lives. In 1984, the organization opened the Palmer Center to address the same needs for the aging population. Though the center has served as a national model, staff found that 25 years later it was not without its issues. Executive director Laurie Kelley says there were problems fitting wheelchairs in areas around the space and staff often had difficulty moving residents, many of whom have ambulatory difficulties. The solution was a total overhaul of the Palmer Center and some major upgrades. The new center, which held its grand opening in May, is composed of three homes—two are 5,000 square feet and the third is 7,000 square feet—for a total more than twice the size of the original structure. Each house is able to accommodate 10 residents and features private bedrooms, a luxury that many of the center’s occupants have never experienced. It took about six years of negotiating with the New York State Office of Mental
Retardation and Developmental Disability before approval for funding was granted for the project. Prior to the new center, residents were sometimes housed three to a bedroom, with little room to move around and a little chance of privacy. The construction costs were almost $4 million. “Our mission is to help people with intellectual and developmental disabilities have the opportunity to live and experience full lives,” says Kelley. “This is from birth all the way to the end of life, with the average age of the people who reside at Palmer being 76. Most of them have multiple medical conditions, and we’re providing them with a quality of life. Each individual now has their own private bedroom and it’s personalized to their specific needs and desires. We’ve also been able to put in ceiling lifts throughout many of the rooms, and we now have private dining rooms. It’s much more like a home environment than an institutional one. ULSTER-GREENE ARC 471 Albany Avenue Kingston NY 12401 (845)331-4300 www.ugarc.org
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
Jennifer May
MEMBER RENEWALS Rachel’s Cleaning Service Ridgeline Realty Rock Da Pasta Rosalind Robertson, Artist Schain and Company, CPA Schein Media Seakill Custom Home Builders, Inc. Sedore Hudson Valley, CPAs Smitty’s Body Shop of New Paltz, Inc. StoneLedge Contracting, Inc. Sunbelt Business & Practice Brokers Sunoco Aplus Mini Market SUNY New Paltz Office of Regional Education Super 8 New Paltz MEMBER PROFILE
Health Alliance of the Hudson Valley
Susan Ivy Designs The Bakery The Gold Fox Restaurant The Kempner Corporation The Valley Group, Inc. Town Tinker Tube Rental Tri-County Planning Services, Inc.
A
fter a 2006 review of state health care facilities suggested there were too many hospital beds in Ulster County with a large amount of out migration, a solution was introduced—consolidate Benedictine Hospital and the Kingston Hospital. Instead of simply merging, the two hospitals came together under a parent corporation which was named HealthAlliance, with each facility preserving its own mission statement and an independent board to address internal issues. Today, the mission of HealthAlliance is “to effectively integrate affiliated health care organizations and services across the continuum of patient care, and thereby serve the present and future health care needs of all people in the region.” Now the hospitals are benefiting from their partnership again with the introduction of a new, state-of-the-art emergency room at the Kingston Hospital. The emergency room is 13,000 square feet with 35 private treatment rooms including two triage, two isolation, and three resuscitation rooms. It also features emergency pediatric
Tuthilltown Spirits LLC
care, emergency psychiatric care, an express care center for minor wounds, and a certified stroke and chest pain center—the only accredited chest pain center in the Hudson Valley. The first phase of the project opened in January, with the second phase opening this past April. The total cost was just under $11 million. HealthAlliance celebrated its oneyear anniversary in March. It’s the parent corporation to not only the Kingston Hospital and Benedictine Hospital, but also Margaretville Hospital, Mountainside Residential Care Center, and Woodland Pond at New Paltz. In just its first year of operation, HealthAlliance oversaw 15 different construction projects at its member properties, totaling approximately $23 million dollars. THE KINGSTON HOSPITAL 396 Broadway Kingston, N.Y. 12401 (845) 331-3131 www.hahv.org
Twice Blessed Thrift Shop Ulster County Agricultural Society/
Ulster County Fair
Ulster County Community Foundation Ulster County Office of Employment
& Training
Ultra Seal Corporation Venturi Web Design Vicki Koenig, MS, RD, CDN Walkway Over the Hudson WAMC Northeast Public Radio Waring Storage Water Solutions of New Paltz, Inc. Wells Fargo Home Mortgage Win Morrison Realty Withworth Woodstock Inn on the Millstream Woodstock/New Paltz Art & Crafts Fair Yanni’s Restaurant Café Yaun Co. Inc. Members who renewed between February 15 and May 15.
REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
27
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
LETS MAKE A DIFFERENCE TOGETHER A strong business community benefits the whole community. Membership Director Cathy Hyland spends a lot of time out and about in our region, visiting members, delivering the latest issues of the Chamber’s Family of Publications, and taking the pulse of the Valley. In this issue, Cathy discusses what she sees and does on the road.
Regional Report: What gets you out on the road? Cathy Hyland: Lots of reasons. We have a 12-month plan of communication, encouraging members to interact with us and with each other. As part of that, I visit each member at least once every year. I also make “house calls” to learn more about our members’ needs, what’s new and what’s on the horizon for their specific businesses, so that we can communicate that information to the right people, help build a client base, and expand their networks. RR: What’s the most fun visit you’ve made? CH: There are too many to count! I enjoyed spending time at Hunter Mountain. To understand what a beautiful and expansive facility it is, you really do have to visit. Then there’s Clove Cottages, where I got to meet Noah and Michelle’s llamas, and Ireland Corners Automotive Group, where it’s always a joy to spend time with their mascot, Sammy the bird. Sammy’s so friendly, and she’s great with kids! 28
MEMBERSHIP SUCCESS COMMITTEE CHAIR Chris Drouin Beyond
Wealth Management
CO-CHAIR Patrick Turner Little Pond
Consulting Kristina Hidalgo Pine Haven B&B Cathy Hyland New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce Jeff Mehl Daybreak Virtual Staffing Lucy Paradies New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce
RR: What about ribbon cuttings? CH: They’re a great way to promote your business and make new friends, and a chance for the Chamber to get involved with the new or celebrating business. The Chamber offers many opportunities to connect with the business community and the community at large. Ribbon cuttings are a terrific example of that, and fit squarely into any member’s plan of involvement.
RR: What is a plan of involvement? CH: In the plan of involvement, we discover more about our members’ products and services, their networking and marketing skills, learn what is expected from the Chamber and help members get the best bang for their marketing buck. If you’re a Chamber member and haven’t done a plan of involvement, call me. RR: Do you ever wonder if the travel and time are worth it? CH: No. I know it’s worth it. The bottom line is this: we care about you and your success. I’m out there every day, learning more about what we can do to help secure that success, using our expertise and connections to create strategic alliances for our members and their businesses. Our members are generous to a fault, always quick to say yes and slow to say no when we ask for volunteers, sponsorships, and donations. That’s a two-way street. We’re practicing what we preach. “Connect, communicate and collaborate” is more than just our motto, it’s the way we do business.
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
CUSTOM HOME BUILDERS Quality • Care • Craftsmanship RENOVATIONS • ADDITIONS NEW CONSTRUCTION
ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING 46 N. Chestnut Street, New Paltz, NY
845.255.5988 www.seakill.com
• • • •
Fertilizers Shavings Feed Fencing
• • • •
Pet Food & Supplies Lime Bedding Lawn & Garden Supplies
Phone | (845) 255-0050
Fax | (845) 255-7845
145 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 REGIONAL REPORT SUMMER 2010
29
OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS, at the highest level of membership, play an exclusive and vital role in the important work of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a premier member at the corporate partner level, they enjoy the advantage of exceptionally valuable benefits, in addition to those included in the standard NPRCoC membership. Exclusive opportunities to deliver your message to over 30,000 public event attendees, over 800 active Chamber members, and countless Hudson Valley residents, including a full 12 months of visibility in every Chamber publication, communication, and event. Customized personal service from the Chamber’s expert staff, including communications designed exclusively to keep you informed. We invite you to choose from four elite Corporate Partner membership categories: Principal, Leading, Associates, and Supporting.
30
2010 CORPORATE PARTNERS LEADING PARTNER
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. ASSOCIATE PARTNER
Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group SUPPORTING PARTNERS
Health Quest Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union KIC Chemicals, Inc. Ulster Savings Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs
WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
There is an advantage to getting communication solutions from people who put you first.
At Time Warner Cable Business ClassŽ, we do things a little differently. We evaluate your needs first. You first. We believe these times call for a different approach to business. Our local representatives, who know the ins and outs of doing business in your community, work with you to understand your challenges. Next, we conduct a complete evaluation of your existing services. The technology follows. Only then do we tailor our award-winning Internet, Phone and Cable TV solutions specifically for you — solutions that can help your company achieve greater productivity with low operating costs. Now that is reason to celebrate.
Call 1.877.227.8711 today or visit www.twcbc.com/HV for a FREE evaluation of your services INTERNET I PHONE I CABLE TV
After all, when we put the needs of your business first, you get just what every company is looking for these days: a competitive advantage.
17485-20361-1209BSnewpaltzbrand_ad
257 Main Street New Paltz, NY 12561
COMMUNITY
BUS I NES S
EDUCATION
NEW PALTZ
REGIONAL
CHAMBER OF
COMMERCE
TOURISM
Russ provides people with clean water, without drowning in high bank fees.
“They don’t charge us for every little thing.” Russ Chapman, Owner Hudson Valley Water Resources, Inc. in New Paltz
Let US Help Yo Y urr Business Succeed!
Schedule a personal visit and receive a FR F EE E gift. 1-866-440-0391 1 www.ulstersavings.com Business Checking t Loans & Lines of Credit t Commercial Mortgages t Tax Preparation & Planning t Business Insurance Employee Benefits t Retirement Planning t Payroll Services t Bookkeeping Member
FDIC
*Tax Preparation & Planning, Business Insurance, Employee Benefits, Retirement Planning, Payroll Services and Bookkeeping products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.