CMYK
Excellence A
March 4, 2009 Week seven Section one Six pages
business and economic forecast.
Syracuse: The Emerald City
A
Set to continue a tradition of environmentally friendly green initiatives do not necessarily see that is really exciting. In October 2007, Destiny USA contracted to convert the center’s electrical needs to “green power,” translating to a drop in approximately 958 tons of greenhouse gases being emitted by the building, an amount estimated by the company to equal 9,575 acres of forest saved from deforestation or the equivalent of keeping 2,311 cars off the road for one year. The project has continued the initiative to date, making it one of the Emerald City’s first steps toward becoming clean and green. Enable Leaderships in Energy and Environmental Design designation is awarded to building projects meeting third-party green building and performance measures and is denoted with a LEED plaque, the nationally recognized symbol demonstrating that a building is environmentally responsible, profitable and a healthy place to live and work. Last year, the sparkling new
By Ami Olson
s spring will inevitably provide a jump-start to construction projects breaking ground like tulips throughout Central New York, Syracuse will continue a tradition of environmentally friendly green initiatives across the board. From renovating existing structures with a green consciousness, to creating entirely new eco-friendly buildings, here are some of the ways Syracuse has earned the title Emerald City and continues to seek out new ways to remain worthy of the moniker. Carousel Center Carousel Center is one the biggest and most well-known examples of green construction in the city, and continued setbacks in the plans to expand into the world’s largest mall have not hindered the eco-friendly approach. Walking through the mall, signage on all three shopping levels clues shoppers in to the go-green attitude, but it’s what consumers
Enable building became the first facility in Syracuse to be named a LEED certified building. Incorporating Energy Star rated roofing product that reduces cooling costs, low-flow bathroom fixtures, high efficiency heating and cooling systems, natural lighting, and high performance insulated windows are among the ways the facility for children and adults with disabilities achieved the certification. Syracuse Center of Excellence By nature, the CoE is a testament to Syracuse’s commitment to sustainability, creating a link between environmental research and technology, and creating jobs and corporate commercialization programs. But when city broke ground last year on Center of Excellence in Environmental and Energy Systems headquarters building downtown, local green Green from the inside out,The Syracuse Center of Excellence will foster innovations in clean and reresearch was advanced to a whole newable energy, indoor environmental quality, and water resources in the heart of the Emerald City new level. The facility is expected while the building itself will exemplify a standard of green building other cities strive to achieve. to be completed this year. environmental quality, and water of green building other cities strive also boost Syracuse’s economy, Green from the inside out, HQ resources in the heart of the Em- to achieve. attracting scientists and others will foster innovations in clean erald City while the building itself According to the CoE an- from around the world looking to and renewable energy, indoor will exemplify a standard See Emerald City, page 6 nouncement, the new facility “will
Green on wheels
I
n s i d e
Madison Business:
E
x c e l l e n c e
Covanta Energy supplies clean energy, reduces
greenhouse gas;
new programs reward recycling efforts
See Page 2
Marquardt Switches has just undergone a massive upgrade and expansion
See
page
6
Covanta............................. 2 IBEW.................................. 2 TAG Mechanical............ 3 Comfort Windows......... 3 Seneca Federal................. 4 Colonial Laundromat...................... 4 Plumley Engineering...... 4 Spinella’s Auto Sales......................... 5 Rome Volkswagen........... 5 Marquardt....................... 6
Learn
how local
manufacturer
Comfort
Windows
can
save you up to
40
percent on
energy costs
See Page 3
Plumley engineering is in its
25th
year of
going green on job sites and elsewhere
See
page
4
:
O
ur daily means of transportation are some of the most commonly blamed perpetuators of global warming, but moving the masses is a tough task to green. In Syracuse though, from personal and public transportation of the present to future alternatives, an attitude of environmental consciousness is being applied. With the introduction of ‘Cuse Car, a car sharing program that provides members with access to a vehicle at a per-hour rate with an annual membership fee, Syracuse motorists have a realistic alternative to owning a car in the city. The program strives to save energy and natural resources, not to mention free up parking spaces. The fleet of Hybrid Toyota Priuses consume significantly less gas and emit fewer pollutants than traditional vehicles, and when drivers pay for the use of the car on an hourly basis, transportation will inevitably become more efficient as motorists will be less willing to waste time when each minute has a price tag. Centro, the Syracuse-area branch of CNYRTA, now boasts 9 hybrid vehicles in their CNY fleet and the benefits of are countless, from decreased pollution and greenhouse gas emissions to a more pleasant work environment for drivers. Looking toward the future, Syracuse and other CNY cities have realized that replacing traditional vehicles with hybrids is neither the greenest or most effective solution to sustainability - a more extensive overhaul of our transportation system may be in order. That’s why last fall when Ithaca hosted the Podcar City conference, Syracuse innovators took advantage of the moment and examined the idea of an elevated high-speed Podcar transportation system. The design would eliminate the need for parking lots and garages and move transportation overhead to elevated rails, replacing concrete below with green space and development opportunities. While this a second coming of Syracuse transportation may not be just around the corner, current debate surrounding the fate of Route 81 gives the proposal an interesting relevance.
Excellence - Green Building - Excellence
/Excellence, March 4, 2009
Excellence
IBEW means quality, skill By Kelly O’Donnell
A
business and economic forecast.
is a supplement to:
Eagle Newspapers 5910 Firestone Drive, Syracuse, N.Y. 13206
Phone: (315) 434-8889
Fax: (315) 434-8883
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Baldwinsville Messenger
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Camillus Advocate
Publisher, Sportlight Newspapers: John McIntyre
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Canastota Bee-Journal
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Corporate Advertising Director: Matthew S. Green
Cazenovia Republican
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Classified Ads Director: Julie Galvin
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City Eagle
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Executive Gary Catt
DeWitt Times
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Fayetteville Eagle Bulletin
Publisher: David B. Tyler Jr. ▼
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editor:
Chittenango-Bridgeport Times
Hamilton Tribune ▼
Managing Editor: Jennifer Wing ▼
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Circulation Manager: Lori Newcomb ▼
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and
Morrisville
Liverpool Review Marcellus Observer
North Syracuse Star-News ▼
Head Pressman: Al Clute ▼
Cover Design: Jennifer Wing ▼
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Skaneateles Press
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Oneida Press
The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 43, have been performing the highest quality electrical construction for Central New York for over 100 years and hope to continue the trend for another 100. The IBEW works together with the National Electrical Contractors Association to provide training and services for qualified electrical workers in the area, according to Training Director Peter Dilcich. Only the most skilled electricians are employed by both organizations so people know they are getting quality. Electricians must have completed at least 10,000 hours of experience or classroom training to be accepted into the IBEW/NECA. “We also have our five-year apprenticeship program,” said Dulcich. “We provide the highest quality training based on the newest techniques and technologies.” The apprenticeship program is open to anyone who is at least 17 years old and has completed high school. The program changes when the NECA says that new skills are neces-
sary, but it is not dependent on yearly construction jobs, according to Dulcich. The program is designed to prepare electricians to be qualified and up to date in the long term, he said. “ We d o n ’ t change the program every year because we are more focused on long term goals rather than trying every new technology available,” said Dulcich. “We update when there is a need, but we really focus on knowing the skills that are essential in the long term.” The apprentices are a part of the Drug-Free Apprenticeship Workforce. They work under the direct supervision of certified electricians and are given both on-the-job training and classroom lessons, said Dulcich. The electricians that complete the ap-
prenticeship program are given a certification card that they always carry on them, said Dulcich. This is how a customer will know that they are getting the highest quality service. The IBEW and NECA also put out a directory that tells consumers exactly which electricians are certified and how to reach them. Some of the local landmarks that were completed by the IBEW, Local 43, are the Carrier Dome and the Onondaga County Convention Center. These large projects show how much they are trusted, said Dulcich. If you would like more information about the apprenticeship program or a certified electrician, please visit cnyjatc.org. You can also contact the IBEW at 315-546-0221. They are located at 4566 Waterhouse Road in Clay.
www.cnylink.com
Covanta supplies clean energy, reduces greenhouse gas Two new programs reward recycling efforts in the community Do you ever wonder where your garbage goes? Covanta Energy holds all the answers. Many would be happy to know their trash is a part of Covanta’s Energy -from-Waste process, which powers 25,000 homes in Onondaga County. Located at the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility, Covanta is doing notable, environmentally friendly work to process the county’s garbage into clean, renewable energy. “Our mission is to convert regular household trash into clean, renewable energy to help power the county,” Covanta Energy’s business manager Kathy Carroll said. “At the same time, we are a net reducer of greenhouse gases and can help mitigate climate change.” Ever y day, garbage trucks fill the refuse pit at Covanta Energy with about 990 tons of garbage. From the control room, operators use a crane to feed this garbage into large boilers. This process goes on 24 hours a day. Waste is reversed through the boilers until it is completely burned. The steam formed from this process generates electricity
to power 25,000 homes around Onondaga County. This process alone eliminates 90 percent of the garbage’s mass. The remaining 10 percent consists of ash, which is landfilled, and scrap metal, which Covanta recycles and sells to a metal processor. New Programs In the past year, Covanta has partnered with OCRRA on two new projects that underscore how the facility is part of an integrated waste management system and compliments local recycling efforts. “We, along with OCRRA, are involved in a Mercury Bounty Program, where we encourage the recycling and removal of items containing mercury from the waste stream,” Carroll said. “As part of this, residents can drop their old, mercury thermometers at OCRRA’s transfer stations or at Covanta’s facility and, in exchange, they will receive a new solar thermometer and a $5 gift certificate to Home Depot.” Covanta is also partnering with OCRRA on the Best Blue Bin program, which rewards those who recycle. “County recycling enforcement officers determine which residents are the most successful recyclers and should be honored as having one of the Best Blue Bins,” Carroll said. “Winners
then receive a lovely Balsam Fir donated by Covanta to enhance the resident’s green space in the community.” Covanta Energy wants to change the way people think about Energy-from-Waste. Carroll said many people still have the negative image of “incinerators of old” emitting black smoke and pollutants. Covanta does quite the opposite, not only eliminating garbage without harmful smoke, but also generating energy and recycling in the process. Covanta’s truck scales have radiation detectors to ensure no radioactive waste enters the plant. Because combustion in the three boilers is done in enclosed spaces, no smoke is emitted from the plant’s stack. Ammonia is injected into the boilers to neutralize any harmful gases from the garbage. Waste water from the plant is treated and reused on site. Additionally, Covanta has a carbon silo, which neutralizes the final gases that come out of the stack into carbon dioxide and water. Carroll said when Covanta Energy started in 1995 many people thought they would compete with recycling. However, the county’s recycling rate has increased greatly since Covanta began. About 65 percent of the recyclable material in Onondaga
“Tom Ludwig of Inventory Control, Business Manager Kathleen Carroll and Equipment Operator Will Holdren showcase Covanta’s Facility Model. Covanta offers educational tours and this facility model gives visitors an idea of what they’ll see.”
County is now recycled. Covanta Onondaga’s affiliation with the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) also ensures that the only materials used to produce energy are nonrecyclable waste products. Education, outreach is key at Covanta Not only does Covanta En-
ergy do its part to help the environment, but its community involvement is impressive as well. Covanta emphasizes community outreach education, giving tours to students from various schools and universities. On Earth Day, Covanta employees participate in cleanups with Syracuse and Jamesville-DeWitt schools. They
are also a major sponsor and volunteer of the Envirothon, put on by the County Water and Soil Conservation Group. The Envirothon is a competition of high school students pertaining to environmental issues. The facility is recognized by several organizations including being recognized by Power Magazine in their December 2008 issue as a “Top Five Plant of Winning Renewable Projects”. Last year, Covanta Energy Onondaga received the North American Solid Waste Association’s countrywide silver award. A few years ago, they received the gold award. In 2007, Covanta Energy received the Volunteer Protection Program Star designation from OSHA. Covanta worked voluntarily with OSHA to become certified as a result of employees’ commitment to safety. Two of the elements of the VPP recognition include employee safety and health training and hazard prevention and control. This status was achieved solely through worker initiation, and is an indicator of the 46 employees’ commitment to a safe and environmentally sound workplace. Covanta Energy at the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Facility is located at 5801 Rock Cut Road in Jamesville. If you have questions or would like to arrange a tour, please call 498-4111.
Excellence - Green Building - Excellence
Excellence, March 4, 2009/
Your green home By Ellis G. Guiles Jr. P.E. HERS rater, LEED-H associate, TAG Mechanical Systems Inc.
Green, the latest, most overused marketing term by many firms. What’s it mean to be green? Can products really be green? Can your lifestyle really be green? I know personally I ask myself these and many more related questions often and I’m in a business that’s directly related to “green” technologies and their implementation. For me, being green or going green means striving to make intelligent decisions and choices about ways I can change my habits and my family’s habits so our lives have less of an impact on our environment. A very wise friend of mine once said, “We should make decisions as if we planned on staying on the planet we call home.” For me this means creating less waste, using less energy, being wise about the amount of water I and my family use, creating less harmful pollutants (such as carbon dioxide,) simply working to use only what we need and to give back in a socially and environmentally responsible way to our plant and community. Many of us don’t realize the impact the homes we live in, the buildings we work in, the stores we shop at, the hospital we seek care in or the restaurants we
enjoy have on our environment. These buildings consume 30 percent of all the energy used worldwide (by far the largest users of energy,) use 60 percent of total electricity generation, use over five billion gallons each day to flush toilets and can generate on average 2.5 pounds of trash per square foot. So, simply learning ways to help reduce the impact of these buildings can have tremendous beneficial consequences for us, our families and our communities. Striving to be energy efficient is the simplest thing any of us can do to help reduce the impact our daily living has on our planet. The largest single contributor to the energy used in buildings, whether it is our homes or offices, is the heating and cooling system. Heating and cooling systems consume between 45 and 50 percent of the total energy used by a building. A typical furnace in your home can watch its energy performance decrease by up to 1 percent each year without proper maintenance. The first simple step you can make in making your home more efficient is to have an annual tune-up performed on the heating and cooling system. The next thing you can consider is upgrading your existing heating and cooling system by installing a new high efficiency system. The stimulus act recently
TAG Mechanical Systems is located at 4019 New Court Avenue in Syracuse - 463-4455.
passed by Congress provides a 30 percent tax credit up to $1,5000 for making energy improvements to your home. A new high efficiency heating and cooling system in your home ca reduce your energy usage by up to 40 percent, improve the comfort of your home and make your home healthier and safer. The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency estimate that up to 60 percent of all heating and cooling systems are installed incorrectly and therefore are upwards of 40 percent less efficient than they should be. If you have been thinking of installing a geothermal system there is now a 30 percent tax credit, with no cap, for installing these systems. Geothermal systems can reduce your energy usage by up to 70 percent, as
compare to a fossil fuel based system. Being green is as simple as striving to use less energy in our daily lives. From driving high miles per gallon cars to installing high efficiency heating and cooling systems in our homes, we can all work together to reduce our impact on the planet we call home. The federal government is providing tax credits and encouraging New York state to continue to expand programs like Home Performance with Energy Star, to make us all aware of how we can reduce our energy footprint, make our homes more efficient, safe and comfortable. Ask a Building Performance Institute accredited contractor to inspect your home today and provide you with a road map to a lower energy future.
Save up to 40 percent on your energy bills
You can enhance the beauty of your home and simultaneously protect it from the Central New York Climate. Liverpool, New York-based Comfort Windows, best known for their “locally manufactured” handcrafted windows, leaves nothing to chance when it comes to quality. Its full line of windows are custom handcrafted using advanced green technologies and they’re warranted for life! Comfort is unique in that it offers single source satisfaction. “By overseeing every piece from building our products to installation and service we have very tight control over quality,” said Alfred “Fritz” Gentile, Regional Vice President for Comfort Windows. “Our staff is highly trained and experienced, and all our windows are installed by Comfort
Windows’ employees. We use no subcontractors. This dedication to quality control speaks volumes to our customers.” In addition to windows, Comfort provides High Performance Door Systems, Structural Siding, Extended Living Sunrooms, Insulation and Basement Finishing. Comfort Windows Co. is a family-owned business that opened its doors in 1979. Today, the company manufacturers its handcrafted, energy saving windows from a 35,000 square-foot facility in Liverpool, and employs 200 people. The company also has retail showrooms and warehouse space in Albany, Syracuse and Rochester. Central New York is renowned for its dramatic temperature changes and harsh winters, so Comfort’s products
Comfort Windows is a family-owned business that opened in 1979.
need to stand strong against the elements. “We put the very best into our products, from a variety of double and triple panes of custom glass with a choice of low-e coatings to options in the type of gas filling and exclusive Super Spacer technology. When temperatures change, insulating glass expands and contracts. Super Spacer is flexible and has a ‘memory’ so it
will expand and contract with the unit without breaking or cracking due to stress. It’s a vital component that helps our products maintain integrity and energy efficiency for the long-term,” Gentile said. Energy efficiency and sustainability are also a concern for Comfort’s customers. In fact, the Comfort Home Improvement Division achieved the
coveted New York Building Performance Institute (BPI) accreditation, which is reserved for companies that take a systematic approach to addressing all aspects of the building system with respect to health and safety, building durability and energy efficiency Comfort conducts complete home energy exams, using an innovative whole-house top to bottom energy inspection designed to analyze what will save you energy and money. This will determine the cause of any problems you may be experiencing and help gauge your home’s energy efficiency and durability. Following a Home Performance Assessment, Comfort is pleased to help its valued customers every step of the way by
providing the proper paperwork and suggesting appropriate programs to help achieve the highest efficiency levels for customers’ homes. As a BPI (Building Performance Institute) accredited organization, Comfort is authorized to provide valuable incentives to customers who make their homes more energy efficient by purchasing and installing a variety of ENERGY STAR-labeled products. Comfort is a member in good standing of the Better Business Bureau and 3-time winner of their Torch Awards, honoring market place ethics, as well as a 2008 winner of Biz Events Fast Track 50 award, recognizing the fastest growing companies in Central New York.
/ Excellence, March 4, 2009
Excellence - Green Building - Excellence
Plumley has been ‘going green’ for 25 years Plumley Engineering is in its 25th year. Joel D. Plumley, P.E. founded the civil and environmental engineering firm in Baldwinsville and continues as its President. The company also operates an office in Rome, New York, serving the Mohawk Valley and North Country. Plumley was asked about the firm’s role in the expanding “green” movement. “We have always been green, but didn’t think of it in those terms until recent years. About 50 percent of our services, investigating and remediating contaminated properties (“Brownfields”) are green by definition. In the mid-1980’s and through the 1990’s, there was a big push to remove and replace petroleum and chemical storage tanks, both above and below ground. Inevitably, the soil and groundwater near these tanks was contaminated. We were involved in hundreds of these sites, and our pollution cleanup work continues to this day.” Regarding the more recent interest in “green buildings,” the firm focuses on the sustainability of the site, exterior to the structure. “The greenest site is one that is never developed,” Plumley said, “but buildings must be built and proper
site selection is the first ‘green’ step. We urge our clients to avoid prime farmland, wetlands, floodplains and other environmentally sensitive areas. Where possible, proposed facilities are located at previously developed sites, which may be contaminated. By developing these ‘Brownfields,’ the site is cleaned up, put back to use and put back on the tax rolls, while avoiding the development of virgin land – truly a win-win situation.” The firm considers may other green factors in their site selection and design, including: 3 Protecting and restoring habitat. 3 Maximizing open space. 3 Controlling the quantity and quality of newly generated stormwater runoff by incorporating features such as rain gardens. 3 Reducing light pollution. 3 Reducing the heat island effect. 3 Water efficient landscaping. Plumley also cited recent green projects the firm has completed. The old General Cable site in Rome, New York is a Brownfields project that is being prepared for the American Alloy Steel Company’s new
60,000-square foot facility. Steve Darcangelo, P.E. oversaw the removal, crushing and reuse of over 7 acres of concrete floors and foundations. This work produced in excess of 20,000 tons of crushed concrete used to fill old basements and tunnels, which otherwise would have required about 1,000 truckloads of imported material. The company has also developed a niche in the land application of bio-solids. Previously, non-contaminated and nutrient-rich waste products from industries such as brewing, ethanol and dairy production were hauled to a landfill. Dale Vollmer, P.E., Plumley’s Director of Environmental Services, worked with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation and dozens of area farms to permit the application of these bio-solids to croplands. The result was less landfill space used, better and faster growing Regarding the more recent interest in “green buildings,” Plumley focuses on the crops, recycling of a “waste” product and a sustainability of the site, exterior to the structure. reduction in the application of traditional for the Northwest Family YMCA, which States Green Building Council,” Plumley chemical fertilizers. has a site on Route 31 in Radisson ready said. “The Y will be a great asset to the Finally, Mr. Plumley has taken a person- to go. “We are working with the architects community, and as an added bonus, one al interest in a green project slated to begin and landscape architects to achieve LEED of the first green building projects in the this year. He is on the Board of Directors Silver Certification status from the United area.”
Colonial Laundromats to open 30th location When Central New York residents think of laundromats, only one name comes to mind. Established by father-son team Jerry and Tim O’Connell in 1983, Colonial Laundromats grew auspiciously from a laundry equipment distribution business into, 26 years later, Central New York’s number one laundromat. Tim O’Connell says the main difference between his laundromats and the competition is cleanliness. “Laundromats don’t necessarily have the best image,” said O’Connell. “We put cleanliness and safety above all else in our laundromats.” All Colonial Laundromats are well-lit, Owner Tim O’Connell at Colonial Laundromat in Mattydale. A new location safe and open 24 hours a day to meet the will open soon in New York Mills, N.Y. needs of their customers. An attendant water use 24 gallons for the whole cycle, to $4.50 to $7.50 for the 75-pound mais almost always on duty, primarily to and that’s good for the environment. chine, ideal for comforters and quilts. keep the store clean, but also to answer More and more people are thinking like Need something to keep you entertained questions and be helpful. that. Come here, and for $10 you can while you wait? Colonial has you covered “Our employees won’t do your laun- do a lot of laundry. We have more and with a wide range of newspapers and dry, but they’re very friendly and willing more men coming in and helping with other reading materials, a better alternato assist with any questions you might the family laundry. They like to get it tive than watching your whites endure have,” O’Connell said. done fast – and they can do that with the spin cycle. Colonial Laundromats are becoming these large capacity washers.” Colonial Laundromats are located popular with people who want to save Colonial Laundromats are located in Auburn, Baldwinsville, Cicero, money on their water, gas and electric within a 90-mile radius in the Syracuse Cortland, East Syracuse, Fairmount, bills. area, with 30 different locations. Its new- Fulton, Geddes Street, Geneva, James “People do eight-nine-ten loads est addition will open in New York Mills, Street, Liverpool, Mattydale, Manlius, at home and it takes all day,” said N.Y., at the former Byrne Dairy location Massey Street, Minoa, Mattydale, North O’Connell. “Now they come here, use on Henderson Street. Syracuse, Oneida, Oswego, Rome, South our 75-pound capacity washers that are About 55 different self-serve washers Avenue, South Salina, State Street, environmentally friendly and get all are available at each location. Sizes range Thompson Road, Tipperary Hill, Trutheir laundry done in an hour. And look from standard front-loader machines to mansburg, Utica, Watkins Glen and at the savings on their water, gas and 35, 55 and monster 75-pound washing Wolf Street. For more information and electric bills. A top loader at home, with machines to meet any laundry challenge a map of all locations visit coloniallaun20-pound capacity, will use 28 gallons of you may have. Prices range from $2.50 dromats.com.
Seneca Federal approved by NYSERDA
Seneca Federal recently unveiled its new logo. Pictured are employees from their branches in Baldwinsville, Liverpool and North Syracuse.
Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association announced it has been approved by New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) as a participating lender. Christopher Demong, president of Seneca Federal, said, “This is an important way we can help consumers in Central New York reduce their energy costs.” He further explained that the New York Energy Smart Loan Fund is designed to encourage eligible bor-
rowers to take advantage of available products, technologies and other measures that reduce energy use in both existing and new 1 to 4 unit homes, apartments and commercial buildings. Mr. Demong further explained, “Seneca Federal can offer NYSERDA approved borrowers interest rate reductions of up to 4 percent on loans for homeowners and others who make eligible improvements or purchase eligible energy star appliances. See Seneca Federal, page 5
Excellence - Green Building - Excellence
Excellence, March 4, 2009/
Spinella’s new location: So far, so good! Spinella’s Auto Sales in Mattydale has taken root in their Brewerton Road location, after opening for business Nov. 1. The business boasts a sales, parts and service department with more than 300 years of experience combined with the staff of approximately 20 employees. Tony Spinella, owner of the business, had been working in automotive sales since 1987, working with a number of local car dealers before deciding to put together his own dealership. Spinella describes the business as having “local flavor,” with most employees working in the business for many years prior to coming to Spinella’s. “Even though we’re a new business, we’ve learned and been trained by local dealers,” said Spinella. “We’re hoping to do great things here.” Spinella’s
currently offers used vehicles of all shapes and sizes, with their current inventory including cars, trucks, vans and SUVs of many manufacturers — Ford, Chevrolet, GMC, Toyota and more. Spinella’s Service Department is fully equipped with the ability to handle almost any service problem no matter how big or small. The service department is also licensed to do New York state inspections and is now known for the “Home of the $9.95 Oil Change”. Tony is also doing free New York State Inspections through the month of March. Since the business has started, it has sold over 200 pre-owned vehicles and added five new staff members, which has surpassed their goals set for this summer. Their monthly average is on a continual increase
and Tony sends a warm and wonderful thank you to the Community for all their support in helping the business grow. Within the first two months of operation, Spinella’s sponsored a unique program, modeled off of the home makeover shows on cable television. The program, titled “Turn your winter rat ... into all that,” allowed for visitors to Spinella’s Web site to submit an application about their car. The application included basic information, as well as the applicant’s story — information about what mechanical and cosmetic work their car might need. Along with the application, applicants submitted a digital photo of their vehicle. From approximately 200 applicants, Spinella chose two winners to receive service on their cars. The work was done between
Christmas day and New Year’s, with the fully operational vehicles ready to be picked up after New Year’s Day. With one of the winners receiving nearly $3000 worth of service on her vehicle, Spinella said that she, along with family and friends, had tears in their eyes as she picked her car up from the shop. Spinella hopes to continue the program each year. Spinellas continues to use SafetyKleen and other environmentally friendly solutions to fulfill his green initiative. From recycling to selling energy efficient cars, Spinellas tries to make a positive impact in this community. Though there is no set schedule for growth, Spinella hopes to expand and develop the whole block between Hinsdale Road and Malden Road on Rte. 11.
Rome VW experiences year of growth 2008 has been a year of growth for Rome Volkswagen despite the turbulent economy, culminating with the completion and Grand Opening of its new VW showroom. “I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to our customers who have supported us every step of the way, and whose loyalty has helped us to continue to grow,” said Jim Furney, owner and lifelong resident of Rome. “More and more people are discovering the value and low cost of VW ownership. As a matter of fact, the Jetta hasn’t had a price increase since 2002,” adds Furney. Currently you can purchase three VWs for under $17,000. Rome Volkswagen has many new products including the Routan minivan, and the Jetta clean diesel - which was named the “Green Car of the Year,”plus more than
2008 has been a year of growth for RomeVolkswagen,culminating with the Grand Opening of its new VW showroom.
50 pre-loved vehicles. The Rome Volkswagen dealership has the distinction of being the number one dealership for certified pre-owned vehicles in upstate New York. Furney attributes his success to a knowledgeable, friendly staff, German engineering, outstanding gas mileage, and a great value. “People like knowing that when
they walk into Rome Volkswagen, the owner and general manager are right there in the front showroom, easily accessible, and involved in every deal,” said Furney. Furney lives in Rome with his wife Kerry and two children. He invites everyone over to see the new “Marketplace” showroom and all of the new and pre-owned VW products.
Seneca Federal From page 4
“A typical home improvement loan rate of 6.50 percent, for example, could be reduced to 2.50 percent.” He said the application process is not that difficult. “The customer fills out our typical loan application as well as the required application for NYSERDA,” the bank president said. He also said loans and even grants are available for wind turbines and photovoltaic panels.
“Nyserda.org is the best source of information for details of these programs,” said Demong. “As the cost of energy increases it becomes more important for homeowners to take small measures, such as additional insulation, as well as looking into alternative energy sources. New York State has partnered with eligible financial institutions, such as Seneca Federal, to help reduce the cost burden and assist consumers in determining payback periods based on particular homeowners’ time horizons,” he added.
The staff at Spinella’s Auto Sales in Mattydale.
More information about the growing business can be found at
spinellacars.com, or inquiries can be sent to 315-579-8080.
CMYK
Excellence March 4, 2009
A
business and economic forecast.
power! Madison County: We got the Proposed industrial park unites best county has to offer
partment Director James Zecca. For years, Madison County has been on the cutting Zecca said about edge of initiatives that have become the standard. A 2.5 million BTUs proposed new industrial park would bring some of the of waste heat are best of those initiatives together. The result will benefit emitted from the engine. He said the plant is expected the county, the town of Lincoln, the county’s taxpaying to generate about 1.4 megawatts of power. Hicks said community and the lucky business or businesses that several appropriate business have been made aware of the would tap into a virtually limitless source of low-cost plans, and about a half-dozen are interested in the project energy at the site. as it moves forward. A formal request for proposals for Conceptual plans for the Madison County Agricul- the use of the waste heat will be sent to those expressing tural and Renewable Energy, or ARE, Park are being interest. refined. The park would be located near the Madison Another facet of the project is its potential for federal County Solid Waste and Recycling facility on Buyea Road stimulus money. Since planning is well underway to get in the town of Lincoln. sewers and water to the site, the ARE Park could get help According to Madison County Industrial Develop- with installation of the infrastructure. ment Agency Director Kipp Hicks, the landfill property Zecca said that infrastructure will also benefit the counconsists of about 600 acres, 100 ty, as the sewers would be used to acres of which has been dedicated transport leachate from the landfill to a 100-year disposal plan for the to the waste water treatment plant county. Official at the county and in the northeast corner of the city the IDA would like to see more of of Oneida. Right now that leachthat property – now tax-exempt ate is trucked in, causing gluts in – returned to the assessment rolls - Madison County IDA Director Kipp Hicks the plant’s operation and creating for the town of Lincoln. exposure to liability for the county should an accident of The move also would provide the town of Lincoln with any kind – motor vehicle or spill – occur en route. a little more control over development at the site. According to Zecca, the city has expressed interest in One of the biggest draws for potential business is the having that leachate trickle in as it is created instead of availability of low-cost energy that will be generated at the having spikes in its process. site by Waste Management. WM was the winning bidder That trucking costs about $200,000 annually, accordon a project to turn landfill methane into electricity. That ing to IDA Board of Directors Chairman Richard O. electricity is expected to be made available to any busi- Bargabos (R – Smithfield). nesses that take up residence at the location through a Hicks emphasized that there would be no burden of deal negotiated by the county, which reserves the right of infrastructure costs shifted to town residents, and Zecca first refusal to purchase electricity generated at the plant said residents would not be required to hook up to any at current market value. services. The implementation of the power generating facility Supervisor Darrin P. Ball (R – Lincoln) sees it as a has been temporarily delayed because of negotiations with positive move all the way around. National Grid to get that power into their grid, according “The advantage is not only putting the property back to county officials. into private hands, but it also gives planning more control County officials sat in on the Lincoln Town Council over what is sited in the town,” Ball said. “Right now, it earlier this month to answer questions about the project is owned by the county, and we don’t have a say in what from the public. A Feb. 25 public hearing for a zone they can do there.” change from agriculture-residential to industrial-commer“Madison County has built a respectable history on cial had no detractors, Hicks said. That public hearing was agriculture, and we’re going to continue to push that with the first step toward the IDA assuming ownership of the value-added agriculture,” Hicks said. “We’ve been on the property from the county. forefront of renewable energy.” As a public benefit corporation, the IDA is able to Hicks said those two things are natural companions acquire county property without that property going out that only complement each other. for bid. In this case, the IDA wants to get that land into Businesses that have been identified as ideal for the the hands of private owners to put it back to work for the location include a meat processing facility, greenhouses county as soon as possible. and aquaculture ventures. Hicks was joined at the council meeting by Madison For more information on the ARE Park, call the MadiCounty Planning Department Director Jacob Miller son County IDA at (315) 697-9478 or e-mail director@ and Madison County Solid Waste and Recycling De- madisoncountyida.com. By Martha E. Conway, mconway@cnylink.com
“We’ve been on the forefront of renewable energy.”
Abbey Woodcock
Workers on the line at Marquardt Switches in Cazenovia assemble key fobs to go in Chrysler vehicles. Marquardt has created systems that require little human assembly, so employees are also trained to operate the machinery that does the bulk of the work.
Marquardt switches poised for the future
Dodge Ram Pickups. The system features a key-fob that the user carries with him. If the key-fob is detected close to the car, all In the midst of current economic times, one local it takes is the user to touch the door handle in order to business is ensuring its long-term success. Marquardt unlock the vehicle. Once the user is inside the vehicle, Switches, located on Route 20 in Cazenovia has just a push-button will start it—but only if the key-fob is in undergone a massive upgrade and expansion in order the vehicle, too. The car won’t start if the key is not to produce the highest-quality, lowest-error switches inside the vehicle. possible. With complex systems such as this, Marquardt has While competitors in China and other countries to ensure that they all work. Its expensive to shut down have figured out ways to cut costs in order to make the an auto line and if it’s because of a faulty switch, Marlowest-priced switches on the market, Marquardt has quardt has to foot the bill. It’s because of this that every taken a different strategy. system is tested, at every Instead, the company has level of production. The decided to invest in the circuit boards are tested as products they produce they are made, the buttons from the way the assembly are pushed dozens of times line flows to the amount throughout their journey of testing done to the qualdown the line and the ity of materials. This gives system is tested as a whole them the ability to market when it is completed. to higher-end clients beThis all happens in the cause the products they The key fob shown here is among the many same building, ensuring produce are reliable and products created by Marquardt Switches, lo- that the company can be cated on Route 20 in Cazenovia. error-free. involved in every step of The company creates switches for everything from the process. The key-fobs are initially designed and dryers to drills, making simple switches such as the developed, the plastic casings are created, the computer button in a dryer door that lets the machine know parts are assembled and the whole system finishes and its closed, to complex driver authorization systems for is tested on-site. automobiles. The company does business with some This all comes after the months of testing done of the best in their respective industries, DeWalt power to make sure the design will hold up. About 30 years tools, Welch Allyn medical equipment and high-end of use, including environmental and durability tests automakers such as Audi, BMW and Mercedes. are simulated in three to six months, also right at the Last year, Eagle Newspapers featured Marquardt in Cazenovia location. an article detailing their goals for the future, including While cheaper switches made overseas will appeal starting production on a line of key-fobs for high-end to clients that want to keep costs down, Marquardt has cars that would eliminate the need for a metal key. ensured that if its quality and reliability that a company Today, that line is up and running and the fobs are is looking for, they can find it in Cazenovia. featured in a variety of Chrysler vehicles including By Abbey Woodcock Oneidapress@cnylink.com
Emerald City From page 1
conduct research and demonstration experiments in the building’s unique laboratories.” Westcott Reservoir In the public sector, the city of Syracuse elected to incorporate many green initiatives into the revamping of Westcott Reservoir when the west-side water storage facility needed major renovations last year. The project itself was made necessary in large part due to new environmental standards that require the facility to store water in covered storage tanks. The city went a step further in the green direction and will include photovoltaic solar panels on the roof of the southern storage tank. According to the Syracuse Department of Water, nearly all of the electricity required by the Westcott facility will be provided by the panels. King & King Architects While growth and expansion may spur some companies and organizations to build new facilities, King & King Architects has taken the opportunity not only recycle an old Syracuse building into the firm’s new home, but to meet LEED standards with the renovations unmet throughout the city. Two of the oldest comapanies in Syracuse - King & King and developers Heuber Bruer - have worked together to create a facility that will garner Platinum LEED certification, the highest designation in environmentally conscious building currently available. How do they do it? By employing techniques like incorporating many skylights and windows into the new design of the old structure, as well as keeping some existing features, like exposed beams, intact. The building is expected to be completed by summer. Syracuse University Though there is often talk of a disconnect between
what happens on The Hill and in the city itself, in some ways SU and the city of Syracuse are like two peas in a pod - a very green pod. Take for instance the university’s partnership with the US Green Building Council’s LEED program. The university plans to achieve LEED accrediation for 16 campus buildings, and all new construction on campus is required to meet LEED guidelines. In addition, SU has established temperature guidelines to prevent wasted energy, purchases 20 percent of its annual energy consumption through renewable resources, and diligently provides students and the campus community with tips to save energy and strive toward sustainability. The university reached beyond its own community recently to launch the “From the Ground Up: Innovative Green Homes” design competition, in cooperation with Home HeadQuarters and the CoE. The winning designs were announced last month, and included three residential concepts that proved green construction does not have to be out of reach to the middle class - each home could be built for less than $150,000. Covanta Whether it was the push from private companies that put the city on board, or local corporations were inspired by Syracuse’s commitment, entire companies like Covanta are helping to put the city on the gogreen map. Covanta Onondaga, the local counterpart to a nation-wide network of Energy-from-Waste facilities, began operations in 1995, and has since spent nearly 15 years contributing to the County’s sustainability. The facility handles 330 tons of waste each day to create 39.5 megawatts of clean, renewable energy, which is then sold to National Grid and pumped into homes and businesses throughout the county.