Business Association urges state Senate to extend Power for Jobs program
CNY
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Excellence – A Mid-year Report
July 8, 2009
Financial fitness:
A mixed bag The Central New York business community keeps current in an increasingly competitive market by focusing on community, quality services and products
O
By Jennifer Wing
ne need only open a local telephone book to see the wide variety of companies and organizations in the area. By all accounts, the economy has been in a slump, causing concern in some, panic in others. But how bad are things, really? Eagle Newspapers’ many editors, in their daily forays into the communities they cover, are in agreement: Things are not bad and, in fact, it
seems business is looking up. What could the possible cause of this success at a time when national reports about business and finances are full of doom and gloom? It seems that, when it comes to Central New York business, variety is indeed the spice of life. Following are some examples of the spirit of community and ethics of hard work that make Central New York business what it has always been: A success story.
quality products
‘There’s no comparison’ Young farmers campaign for farm-fresh movement By Martha E. Conway mconway@cnylink.com
Award-winning service
The cartons on grocery market shelves can contain eggs as much as a month old. That’s the word from Brick Farm egg producer Nikki Lavelle. The longtime farmer said she and husband Brian, who moved last August from New Woodstock to Cazenovia, researched all facets of the agricultural industry before settling on eggs. The farm is named by combining the names of the now 36-year-old high school sweethearts. “We had tried all kinds of animals,” Nikki said. “We tried cows and they were fun, but everyone was doing
Top shop in Manlius True Value store named ‘Best in Town’ True Value Company recently recognized 13 True Value hardware stores, selected from each of the co-op’s retail regions, as winners of its second annual “Best Hardware Store in Town” nationwide recognition. Doug Greene of Manlius True Value Hardware was one of the winning retailers announced at True Value’s 2009 Spring Market held in New Orleans in March. Please see Manlius on page 3 True Value Hardware is located on Cazenovia Road in Manlius.
E. Syracuse firm earns housing award TAG Mechanical Systems has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency with a 2009 Energy Star Leadership in Housing Award. This award recognizes the important contribution TAG has made to energy-efficient construction and environmental protection by verifying more than 451 Energy Star qualified homes last year. Collectively, these homes will save its cus- TAG Mechanical is located at 4019 New Court Avenue in Please see TAG on page 2 Syracuse.
Please see Eggs on page 3
Tough nut to crack?
Well, tough shell to peel? Fresh eggs are much more difficult to peel when hard-boiled. Nikki Lavelle said brooders with experience in the business gave her a time-saving tip. “Before you boil the egg, use a pin to poke a hole in the larger end,” she said. A membrane forms during the cooking process, making the shell easy to separate from the egg is houses.
Organic market ‘building business around organic and sustainable foods’ The Greener Bean is back in Skaneateles The Greener Bean is a farmers’ market featuring certified organic and locally raised farm products will be opening for the season June 13 at the parking lot of the Skaneateles P&C. The market will be open from 9 a.m.
to 1 p.m. each Saturday thereafter through Sept. 12. “The Greener Bean is a wonderful resource for the most healthful, fresh and delicious foods available,” said Holland Gregg, spokesperson and
supporter. “We’re seeing real signs of Central New York farmers building businesses around organic and sustainable foods and we all benefit from it.” Participating farms include Harvest Please see Greener Bean on page 2
Inside Excellence:
Seneca Federal................................................................................................................................2 Radisson Development..................................................................................................................3
Heckled Hen...................................................................................................................................3 Thunder Alley................................................................................................................................3
Excellence - A
/ Excellence, July 8, 2009
MACNY urges state Senate to put politics aside, extend Power for Jobs Submitted by the Manlufacturers Association of Central New York
“Continued
MACNY, The Manufacturers Association, released an urgent statement to the New York State Legislature, calling for them to put their politics aside in the ongoing battle for leadership, and focus on protecting the businesses of New York State by passing the Power for Jobs extension bill, which is slated to expire. “It is obvious to me that this ongoing battle over who is in charge will continue to go on for weeks, and possibly months,” said MACNY’s President Randy Wolken. “New York State residents and businesses have witnessed daily business put aside and this power struggle continue for nearly a month now, with no clear end in sight. The biggest disappointment is the clear disregard for passage of crucial legislation, the most obvious being the extension of the Power for Jobs bill. Continued avoidance of this bill will cost the state’s businesses millions of dollars, something our state cannot afford during such troubling economic times. “MACNY has been lobbying for this critical extension for months now, and were repeatedly assured
TAG
avoidance of this bill will cost the state’s businesses millions of dollars, something our state cannot afford during such troubling economic times.” - MACNY President Randy Wolken
this issue would be voted on and passed with bipartisan support, well before its expiration,” Wolkensaid. “We now are at the last minute, and businesses are going to be left with exorbitant increases in their energy costs if this is PFJ & Energy Cost Savings Benefit Programs were founded in 1987 and 1997, respectively, to reduce the impact of rising energy costs in New York State for businesses. The programs are slated to expire June 30th, 2009, causing grave concerns to recipients who have come to rely on these programs and their benefits as a means of alleviating the high costs of electricity in New York State. In the event the PFJ legislation is not passed in the Senate by midnight [June 30], businesses statewide who participate in these critical programs will be left to secure market electricity rates going
forward. For manufacturers who are generally high energy intensive users, this causes significant concern, as New York State boasts some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. Coupled with the high costs of doing business in New York State and our current economic climate, catastrophic results could ensue, including employee layoffs, downsizing, relocation or potential closings. Wolken added, “Our conversations with both sides of the aisle have repeatedly assured us of its bipartisan support. Additionally, this has been introduced and unanimously passed in the Assembly, and publicly touted as Governor Paterson’s number one priority. This is clearly a critical matter. We simply need the State Senate to put aside their differences for one day to do what is right, and pass these extensions immediately.” The Manufacturers Association of Central New New York is a not-for-profit association representing approximately 350 businesses and 55,000 workers across 19 counties in Upstate New York. Founded in 1913, MACNY is the largest association of manufacturers in New York State and one of the oldest manufacturers associations in the nation. For more information visit macny.org.
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tomers approximately $201,597 on utility bills each year. The environmental benefits of these Energy Star qualified homes are equal to the equivalent of: Eliminating the emissions from 221 vehicles Saving 1,336,764 pounds of coal Planting 365 acres of trees Saving the environment 2,621,663 pounds of CO2 per year To earn the Energy Star, a home must meet strict guidelines for energy efficiency set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. These homes are at least 15 percent more energy efficient than homes built to the 2004 International Residential Code, and include additional energy-saving features that typically make them 20 to 30 percent more efficient than standard homes. “We’re proud of our partnership with Actus Lend Lease at Fort Drum and the work the team has accomplished in building energy efficient housing for our troops,” said
Greener Bean
Ellis G Guiles, Jr., vice president of TAG. “They deserve the best housing possible and we know the team at Actus has worked diligently to make this happen.” Energy Star qualified homes offer homebuyers all the features they want in a new home, plus energy-saving features like effective insulation systems, high performance windows, tight construction and ducts, properly-sized and installed efficient heating and cooling equipment, efficient products, and third-party verification of energy performance. “Most homebuyers focus on what’s outside the walls,” said Sam Rashkin, national director for EPA’s Energy Star Homes Program. “But they also need to look behind the walls for the energy-efficient features found in Energy Star qualified homes that help ensure comfort, quiet, improved indoor air quality, and low utility bills for years to come.”
From page 1
Home Organics from Niles that specializes in vegetables, herbs, specialty cut flowers, garlic and homemade jams. Local farmer Rose Ryan has been raising and selling these certified organic products throughout Central New York for more than 10 years. “Shoppers will find a wide array of certified organic fruits, vegetables and beef this year as well as locally raised lamb and sheep dairy products including cheese and yogurt,” Gregg said. New to the market this year is Scheffler Farms of Groton, which raises certified organically-grown beef cattle. The Schefflers will feature specialty cuts of beef as well as ground meat. Also new is Meadowood Farms of Cazenovia, which will bring their pasture-raised lamb.
Later in the summer they will introduce sheep dairy products, such as sheep’s-milk yogurt and fresh cheese from their 125-head dairy sheep flock. No hormones or antibiotics are added to the lamb and beef products, Gregg said. “You haven’t experienced the full and flavorful taste of farm-raised beef and lamb until you taste these local, home-grown treats,” he said. “Nothing else compares.” Throughout the summer, when crops mature, several other local organic farmers will participate. This is the second season of the Greener Bean Farmers’ Market at the P&C on Fennell Street in Skaneateles. For more information on the Greener Bean Farmers’ Market, call 685-8336.
You Can Bring Ethics Back To Banking in 2009 By Banking At Seneca Federal ...an Ethical Local Bank! No hidden fees on deposit accounts. Highly competitive rates on CDs. No Sub Prime Mortgage lending. We don’t use credit scores. We look at credit history. We make sure the loan is right for you. We pride ourselves on personal service. When you call - we pick up the phone. We counsel our depositors to provide FDIC coverage on all your accounts. “Call Chris Demong, President...today!” MAIN OFFICE 35 Oswego Street P.O. Box 210 Baldwinsville, NY 13027 (315) 638-0233 (315) 638-9871 FAX
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mid-year report
committed to community
Seneca Federal unveiled its new logo earlier this year. Seneca employees, from left, are PennyVanAuken, VP, Rebeca Smith, AVP lending, Holly Cornell, AVP loan servicing, Katrina Russo, VP, Tammy Purcell, VP and Janice MacDonald,VP secretary.
Seneca Federal continues tradition of professional service, strong community ties Christopher Demong, President-CEO of Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association is very emphatic about what the bank doesn’t have. “Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association does not have any subprime mortgage loans. We do not have any securities backed by subprime mortgage loans or similar assets of doubtful value. We do not have any real estate owned as a result of foreclosure. We do not have losses from our operations in 2008.” He’s also very emphatic about what the bank does have. “Seneca Federal does have a mortgage loan portfolio with almost no past due loans representing not only 54 percent of our assets but also representing a belief in Central New York and prudent, conservative, consistent underwriting practices. We do have continued strong earnings, and we do have strong regulatory capital of approximately $11.9 million equal to 8.68 percent of our assets.” Demong sums up the “don’t haves” and “do haves” by stating, “More than anything else, Seneca Federal does have
a belief in the ethical operation of financial institutions, where greed, the perception of unaccountable financial decisionmaking and the exploitation of individuals and the government are unacceptable practices.” Obviously, he’s annoyed by the current turn of events in the banking community. Demong continued, “As a result of these unacceptable practices which have recently become the norm for those ‘too big to fail’, we find a government bailout which has dwarfed any in history. Why would large financial institutions reluctant to originate mortgage loans because of their inherent interest rate risk given long maturities, decide to invest in securities backed by not only mortgage loans, but mortgage loans of questionable value at best?” He concludes “That question is best answered by financial system analysts who can best explain why and how credit risk became the hallmark of these products.” He believes the origination of mortgage loans to foster home ownership and all of its associated economic benefits
is best left to community banks such as Seneca Federal, which have the ability to manage interest rate risk and credit risk. Demong said In 2008 Seneca Federal’s assets grew by $6.5 million, and the bank introduced of an upgrade to identity theft protection systems for its members. He said “This comprehensive program mandated by the Federal Government has resulted in the establishment of 29 ‘Red Flags’ signaling potential identity theft of our members, and very specific tactical responses have been developed to mitigate loss to the Association and our members.” He explained that it involves every perceived, potential threat including but not limited to threats posed by returned mail, requests for address changes, and requests for debit card replacement.” Demong said the bank’s members continue to enjoy the benefits of Online Banking and trust Financial Quest which has marketed a variety of nontraditional products to its clientele, Please see Seneca Federal on page 3
Beacon Federal aids local senior housing facilities Beacon Federal is making a major investment to fund the nationally acclaimed Senior Crimestoppers Program at The Crossings in Minoa and The Nottingham in Jamesville. The program works much like a neighborhood watch. The senior facilities implement increased crime awareness initiatives and a zero tolerance policy. The program will provide on-going crime prevention assistance designed to deter crime. Benefits of the program include: Personal lock boxes for residents and/or family members of a resident Cash rewards for anonymous information about crime incidents 24/7 call center tips line
Ongoing education promoting zero tolerance to crime “We are overwhelmed to be chosen by Beacon Federal for this outstanding community outreach program,” said Mary Beth Costigan, administrator, The Crossings. “This will go a long way in ensuring that our residents feel that much more safe and secure.” “We can’t thank Beacon enough for their support for our facility and its residents through this important program,” said Steve Volza, SVP/executive director, The Nottingham. “This nationally acclaimed program will be a true asset to our resident community and give them the added peace of mind they deserve.” The Senior Crimestoppers Program was developed by The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foun-
dation. It produces outstanding results nationwide with participating organizations experiencing a collective reduction in total crime incidents of 91.38 percent for the last reporting period. “Beacon Federal is pleased to partner with The Senior Housing Crime Prevention Foundation to bring this incredible program to The Crossings and The Nottingham so they may continue to be safe and secure environments for their residents," said Ross Prossner, president & CEO, Beacon Federal. “Our investment in this program will help to protect the elderly from crime, which improves the quality of life in our community overall.” For more information about the Senior Crimestoppers Program, visit seniorcrimestoppers.org.
Mirbeau massage in Manhattan A massage therapist gives a hard-working New Yorker a stress-relieving back rub in Manhattan. Free massages were offered by Mirbeau Inn and Spa in Skaneateles as part of the “I Love NY” campaign, which is giving New Yorkers a chance to relieve their stress and boost tourism to the Empire State. Strategically placed street teams recently took over Manhattan, inviting the public to take out their work-day frustrations on a punching bag or receive a chair massage. New York State’s valuedriven summer promotion is “Stay two nights, get the third night free.” Last year’s statewide summer promotion generated more than $6 million in additional revenue for the state and “I Love NY” seeks to top that figure in 2009.Visit iloveny.com/summer for more information.
Excellence - A
mid-year report
A how-to guide for small business start-up Lia sophia manager offers tips for aspiring entrepreneurs
When it comes to career opportunities, run a business, you should everyone has their own version of the Ameri- be passionate about the can Dream. For many, that ideal includes products and services you business ownership and the freedom that it offer. Research businesses entails. While Central New Yorkers contem- that incorporate your hobplate operating their own business entity, bies and talents. Only sell there are many unknowns that often make products that you would start-up a daunting task. personally endorse. Lia soTheresa Harris, a local lia sophia Manager, phia representatives are wild is taking the guesswork out of the equation about having lots of FREE ladies for members of the local community by pro- fashion jewelry samples to wear! viding a few simple steps they can follow to * Investigate start-up costs – Most obtain their dream. companies want to make it easy for you “Being my own boss has been an incredibly to start your own business, so start-up fees rewarding experience and I highly recom- should be modest. mend it to anyone * Clarify compensaconsidering a career tion methods – Make Thinking of starting? change,â€? Harris said. sure you understand When contemplating a direct selling opportu“But, before anyone nity: how you’ll be compursues a new profespensated. Be cau3 Set realistic financial goals – Recognize that sion, they should real- building any business takes time and is a gradual tious with companies ly do their homework process. that pay you based on 3 Follow your passion – If you’re going to run to ensure that the inventory. a business, you should be passionate about the opportunity is well* Be Bold – If you products and services you offer. suited for them.â€? always do what you’ve 3 Investigate start-up costs. As an indepenalways done, you’ll 3 Clarify compensation methods. dent distributor of get the results you’ve 3 Be Bold – Prepare to step out of your comlia sophia for the past fort zone. always had. Prepare 3 Check out the Direct Selling Association. 28 years, Harris is to step out of your among more than 15 More information can be found at dsa.org. comfort zone. million sales people * DSA – There are in the United States who make a living many “opportunitiesâ€? out there; but only through direct selling. According to the Di- some are good enough to be members of the rect Selling Association (DSA), this group of Direct Selling Association. More information entrepreneurs accounted for $30.8 billion in can be found at dsa.org. The DSA’s mission is sales in 2007. The local Harris organization, “To protect, serve (direct sellers)‌..To ensure now 1600 independent contractors strong, that the marketing ‌is conducted with the realizes a monthly gross revenue approaching highest level of business ethics and service to 2 million. consumers.â€? I recommend limiting choices to Harris recommends using the following the companies who meet the stringent ethical checklist when contemplating a direct selling standards set by the DSA. opportunity: “Although I am an independent business * Set realistic financial goals – Recognize professional, I have the support of lia sophia that building any business takes time and is in terms of inventory, shipping operations a gradual process. and data reporting systems. I provide other * Follow your passion – If you’re going to entrepreneurs with the training needed to
Seneca Federal
succeed, coupled with a large dose of fun,� Harris said. “We experience triumphant results. The direct selling business model has really been a win-win for me. I highly recommend it to Central New York residents who would like to own their own business with minimal initial investment.� According to the DSA, recent surveys show that 74 percent of Americans have purchased goods or services through direct sales, indicating that the business opportunity for direct sellers has the potential to be highly profitable. Of the $30.8 billion in sales produced by direct sellers in 2007, 32.8 percent came from sales of clothing, accessories and personal care items, including jewelry products, such as those distributed by lia sophia. For more information about lia sophia, please contact Theresa Harris at liasophia. com/treasures.
About lia sophia
Lia sophia is a unique direct selling opportunity offering fashion jewelry through personalized in-home demonstrations. The company’s goal is to improve the lifestyles of its advisors, hostesses and customers with products and opportunities. Lia sophia connects women to their dreams, from obtaining beautiful jewelry to empowering their financial futures. For further information, visit liasophia.com/treasures or call 1-877-999-0544
From page 2
providing investment options that maximize return without FDIC insurance. The president of Seneca Federal concluded, “We just released our new logo in 2009 reflecting the foundation and beliefs upon which Seneca Federal was established
Manlius
lia sophia Bohemian Necklace, black enamel in matte silver. 17� necklace. (S02) $475.00
in 1928.� The stylized “S� represents Seneca Federal, the Seneca River which flows through Baldwinsville, NY where the Association was founded, and the stylized “S� extending beyond its boundaries in the logo represents the personal, professional Service
which similarly extends beyond the boundaries of most banks. “This ties together our beliefs, community commitment and intention to be here as an independent bank for a long time to come�
Excellence, July 8, 2009/
Eggs
From page 1
milk, and the prices kept fluctuating, so we wanted to get away from that.� Lavelle said she pored over agricultural trade publications and was surprised at information that kept coming up over and over again. “I just couldn’t get over how old an egg is by the time it reaches store shelves,� she said. “How many people pick up 98-cent eggs thinking they’re getting a bargain?� Heather Hawkins, one of the owners of Green Hills Farms Supermarket in Nedrow, who was touring Brick Farm during the interview, agreed. She said once an egg starts to age, it begins losing some of the nutritional benefits people think they’re getting by serving their families eggs to begin with. Move meant steep losses The Lavelles fell in love with a 138-acre parcel with house and barn on Rathbun Road above Chittenango Falls and moved there late last summer. At the time, they had an “inventory� of 5,000 chickens. Forty percent of them died in the move. Now with 3,000 chickens, the couple has acquired state-of-the-art egg collecting and washing equipment from Holland to help get the eggs from free-range chicken to specially designed recyclable packaging. They also recently purchased an incubator that will help them hatch about 275 chicks every 23 days. According to Nikki, the Lavelles got rid of their roosters some time ago because the eggs never seemed to become viable. “Other farmers bought [the fertilized eggs], and they hatched chicks, but we never could,� Nikki said. Brian said about the same time they got the incubator, they started getting fertilized eggs that hatched, so they are again attempting breeding on sight. “Now we’ve got three hens sitting on eggs,� Brian said. The couple is planning a larger outdoor pen area for their layers, and eventually they would like to grow their own feed and achieve true organic certification. Impressive advances The operation is operated primarily by the Lavelles with a little help from their children, who range in age from 4 months to 12 years old. They also have one hired hand. “I hope it gets big enough to hire more people, but at the same time you don’t want to lose the family-centeredness,� Nikki said. The goal is to have 10,000 layers, the Lavelles said. Right now the farm is producing about 70 dozen eggs daily, most brown. One breed, Araucana, also known as the Easter Egg Chicken, lays eggs in the bluish-green range. “But we have one chicken out there laying white eggs, and we can’t figure out which one it is,� Nikki said as a white egg exited the washer where she used suction equipment to lift the clean eggs into cartons. “We can’t figure out what’s making the difference.� The Araucana eggs are sold at a Cazenovia restaurant, and the others are available at local farmers’ markets in season, in five area P & C Food Markets and Green Hills. Lavelle’s next targets are larger convenience store chains and local restaurants. “I drop off a dozen at a time and tell them to try the difference,� Lavelle said. Two-day maximum The Lavelles’ goal is to get eggs to stores by the time they are two days old, Nikki said. “Or sooner,� added Brian. “We are thrilled to have their eggs,� Hawkins said.
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Greene first began working in the hardware store more than 40 years ago, when his father bought the store in 1962. Over the years the store has grown and moved, finally settling in its current 11,000square-foot location in 1995. G re e n e c i te s t h e sto re ’ s wide breadth of products, competitive pricing and excellent customer service as key to the business’ continued success. “Customers constantly tell us we have what they’re looking for,� Greene said. “We like to make sure we carry a little bit of everything.� Manlius True Value is not only known for its variety of merchandise, but is recognized as a gathering place in the community. Local organizations set-up tables for charity drives and Girl Scouts sell their cookies at the store, because they know everyone in town goes to Manlius True Value. Because Greene and his employees know the customers and their needs so well, the store has created a few niches to better serve the community. “We have quite a few unique areas that help us stand out, like offering glass repair, taking passport photos, and selling hunting and fishing licenses,� Greene said. “During the holiday season we even sell Christmas trees.� Customers are so used to going to the store for whatever they need, that when a recent blackout hit the town residents were calling Manlius True Val-
“Customers
ue store to find Heidemann, out when the president and power would be constantly tell chief executive back on. It’s this officer of True us we have what type of reliabilValue Compai t y, c o m b i n e d they’re looking ny. with top-notch for. We like to On the rare customer service occasions when that makes Man- make sure we the store doesn’t carry a little bit of lius True Value have what custhe “go-to� store everything.� tomers need, in the area. Greene and his “Manlius True -Doug Greene of Manlius True team are sure to Value Hardware Value Hardware direct them to wins with the customer by where they can find it. anticipating shoppers’ needs He said he always wants the and exceeding expectations, customer to leave the store day in and day out,� said Lyle feeling as though they’ve been
helped. Sponsored by the independent hardware cooperative, the “Best Hardware Store in Town� program is designed to recognize members who exemplify successful retailing. More than 200 entries came in from stores
that were self-nominated or nominated by retail consultants and other True Value retailers. From there, mystery shoppers visited each of the 26 finalist stores to experience the store from a customer perspective. Using customer feedback, a
committee of co-op associates named 13 winners, selecting one retailer from each region. Stores were evaluated based on physical appearance, product selection, competitive pricing, promotional sales and customer assistance.
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Eagle Newspapers
TO DAY’S Top 10 college majors
C
ollege offers students academic freedom, the ability to cultivate existing passions and explore new interests—all the while figuring out which major will eventually help earn a living. The Princeton Review’s Top 10 Majors follow. It should be noted that these are the most popular degrees, not necessarily the ones that attract the most demand from employers. 1. Business administration and management/commerce
According to the Princeton Review, this student needs stellar people skills— no room for wallflowers here—and talents in problem solving, number crunching, and decision making. The business major’s curriculum includes accounting, finance, marketing, communications, economics, statistics, human resources and the budget process. 2. Psychology
Psychology majors focus on the human mind regarding learning, cognition, intelligence, motivation, emotion, perception, personality, mental disorders and the ways in which our individual preferences are inherited from our parents or shaped by our environment. Within the field, psychologists seek to educate, communicate, and resolve many of the problems surrounding human behavior. 3. Nursing
Compassionate individuals will be well-suited for a nursing career. In the course of evaluating, diagnosing, and treating health problems there is also the chance to work with ever-evolving and ultra-sophisticated technology. Nursing majors take the traditional Please see Top 10 on page 6
www.degree? Online learning brings college to your computer
Contributed by Cayuga Community College
Taking college courses via the internet is convenient and flexible, and it works. Students seeking greater schedule flexibility are flocking to the web—even earning entire college degrees there. Online study allows learners to “attend classes” by logging onto a course website at night, on weekends, or whenever the coursework best fits their personal schedules. At an accredited institution, an online syllabus covers the same material as a classroom
course and is taught by an instructor who meets classroom faculty standards. Cayuga Community College, with campuses in Auburn and Fulton, has seen its online enrollment trend line outpace the classroom enrollment curve at both campuses. Each year, the college offers around one hundred credit courses online, and spaces fill up fast. During 2007–8, the latest academic year for which data is available, internet courses accounted for one in five course registrations, notes Ed Kowalski, director Please see Online on page 6
Surfing students During the 2007–2008 academic year at Cayuga Community College, 3,274 students took an average of two online courses each, for a total of almost 7,000 course registrations.
-Source: Cayuga CC
Excellence – A Mid-year Report
July 8, 2009
today College
Students discuss their choices for
their education, plans for the future
K
By Jennifer Wing
ate Monohan, who will graduate in 2010 from the University of Connecticut, is majoring in journalism and American
studies. “I wanted a major that taught a specific skills-set in the writing field that could help me pursue a career right after I graduate without having to pay for grad school,” Monohan, an intern at Eagle Newspapers, said. “Journalism is good base of knowledge for many jobs in the writing world. I love how many new things journalists get to experience and the interesting people that we get to interview.” Georgia Keene, entering her junior year at the State University of New
York at Oswego, is majoring in zoology. “I really like biology, but also like to focus on animals,” Keene said. “Zoology gives me a lot of options – I could go to veterinarian school or do something in wildlife biology.” Keene said the economy has not really affected her choices when it comes to education. “I received a scholarship, so there really isn’t a problem,” Keene said. Unlike Keene, finances played a role in Monohan’s decisions about school. “I could not afford to go to a private school,” Monohan said. “I had to turn down going to Michigan and Villanova because they did not offer me financial aid. I originally wanted Please see College on page 5
Georgia Keene, left, is a student at SUNY Oswego. Kate Monohan is a member of the University of Connecticut’s Class of 2010.
Green majors abound By Jennifer Wing Concern for the environment has taken center stage in daily life in America, touching everything from politics to the economy. So it would seem natural that educational programs geared towards preserving and learning about the environment would become more popular. Accordingly, there are many fields of study that a prospective college student could pursue. There are, of course, the more well-known majors, such as biology, botany, earth science, ecology, forestry, geology, horticulture, landscape architecture and oceanography. But delve a bit deeper, and you will find that there are many highly specifics “green” fields of study out there. Environmental majors and programs listed at enviroeducation.com include: Agricultural science, the protection, utilization and management of soil, water, air, plant and animal resources. Agronomy, the science of crop production and soil management, focused on the growth, management, and improvement of field crops. Aquaculture, the production, through artificial cultivation techniques, of any aquatic plant or animal, sometimes referred to as “the agriculture of the oceans.” Please see Green on page 5
eTextbooks lighten the load Electronic textbooks offer students savings, convenience
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here’s good news for students looking for ways to save--particularly on textbooks. Many are now enjoying the discounts and added convenience offered by electronic textbooks. The College Board reports that students pay an average of $1,000 per year on traditional textbooks, more than 15 percent of the annual tuition at an average public school. Fortunately, a growing number of higher-education textbook publishers are now offering eTextbooks as an alternative to the traditional, pricey print texts. CourseSmart, for example, currently offers students more than a third of all college textbooks as eTextbooks at an average discount of 50 percent. These savings can help students avoid a reliance on end-of-semester bookstore buybacks, which can be significantly less than expected. Lucky students may be able to recoup
50 percent of their up-front costs by selling their texts back to the bookstore, but most students know that they are more likely to get $5 or $10 back, or worse, find they can’t sell back the book at all. With an eTextbook, the student saves 50 percent up front and eliminates the burden of trying to sell the book. Savings alone, however, are not the only reason more students are turning to electronic texts. There is also added convenience. For example, when students are studying and writing papers, instead of searching endlessly through a textbook or a semester’s notes for a particular subject or passage, they can use a search function that enables students Please see eTextbooks on page 5
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mid-year report
Excellence, July 8, 2009/
Ask the expert
Jump start the college application process By Maria Badami , College Directions
As a function of my college admissions practice I visit as many colleges as possible each year. Recently, I toured schools in California, Connecticut and Massachusetts. In addition to learning about colleges’ economic stability, program changes and long term visions, I try to learn how students from our area are perceived at colleges. My goal is to give the college-bound students I work with a competitive edge. I was pleased to hear that most of the admissions officers had a high regard for many of our local public and parochial high schools. When asked what more our students could be doing to make themselves stronger applicants, a number of admissions officers suggested that all collegebound students (not just students from our area) spend more time on their applications and submit all materials earlier, particularly those students applying for financial aid. In light of the increasingly competitive application process students generally get one shot at “selling themselves.” If an application is not thorough and well prepared that applicant will, most likely, not get a second look. An admissions staff members at Stanford made the point that many students are completing a generic common application and submitting it to a dozen or more schools. Trained admissions officers can identify a generic application right away. Colleges are acutely aware of those applicants who have done their homework and “tailored an application specifically to our college.” With the average student applying to 8 or more colleges, more time and effort is required to learn about the school and individualize each application. The advice I give my students is to get as much done over the summer as possible! Don’t wait until the fall when sports, homework, and extracurricular activities are all-consuming. The goal for the students I work with is to finalize their college list, visit as many schools as possible, interview, and write nearly all their essays over the summer. Students feel a tremendous sense of accomplishment when they have completed this task. Parents are relieved that they don’t have to spend their fall nagging their sons and daughters to work on applications. Getting students to focus on college during the summer is always a challenge. It helps to identify the key characteristics students are looking for in a college. I spend a lot of time working with students to identify and prioritize interests, values, career goals, extracurricular activities and other key characteristics for good college matches. Once it’s clear what the student wants out of college, the process goes much smoother. Good luck and remember it’s not too soon to get started! Maria Badami is a college planner and admissions counselor with College Directions. Contact College Directions at 315- 243-6658 or collegedirections@att.net.
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up Moving TOP: Jordan-Elbridge 2009 graduates toss their caps after completing their graduation ceremony. MIDDLE RIGHT: Liverpool graduated 525 seniors on Saturday, including Kalyn Howard and Armin Ibrahimovic. RIGHT: Lindsay Angelillo makes her jump into Skaneateles Lake following the Class of 2009’s commencement ceremony to continue the long graduation tradition. Graduation was held Sunday June 28 in Clift Park.
Photo by Patrick Gridley
eTextbooks
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to immediately pinpoint all references to a particular subject throughout an entire text. In addition, electronic textbooks share many characteristics with print textbooks, such as allowing students the ability to highlight important passages and take notes. Students can also cut and paste text into study guides, print out important pages and choose between
online or downloadable formats to access their textbook. Many students say there are physical benefits as well. If one big text is heavy, four can be a pain in the back--literally. Fortunately for students who use eTextbooks, all they need is a laptop to access the material they are looking for, at any time, anywhere.
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Atmospheric Science, the study of the atmosphere, including the physical processes of the atmosphere, and the atmosphere’s interaction with the earth’s land and oceans. Biodiversity, the differences between all of the living organisms on earth, as well as their interactions and connections. Coastal Management, the preservation, conservation and sustainable use of coasts and coastal resources. Ecological Design, the development of structures and communities that are ecologically sustainable, environmentally safe and aesthetically in harmony with the surrounding site, region and climate. Ecological Entrepreneurship, the blending of new business ideas with sustainable, “green” business principles and practices. Ecotourism, responsible travel to natural environments. Ecotour leaders help travelers have a fun and safe trip. Environmental Economics, striking a balance between the needs that people have for products and services and the necessity of protecting natural resources and the environment. Environmental Education, a combination of many disciplines that enables people to become more knowledgeable about the environment and/or skilled in some aspect of environmental quality. Environmental Enforcement, concerned with ensuring compliance to environmental laws.
ami olson
In ceremonies across Central New York, high school seniors marked the end of their final year with tears, cheers and, for some, a dip in Skaneateles Lake.
Environmental Engineering, the application of science and engineering principles to prevent environmental damage and to correct existing problems. Environmental Ethics, the study of moral and value arguments pertaining to environmental issues. Environmental Justice, how environmental burdens disproportionately affect people in poor, traditionally marginalized communities. Environmental Law, a collection of principles, rules and regulations dealing with the interaction of human society with nature. Environmental Management, the use of natural, economic and human resources in ways that consider the effects on the natural environment or the workplace. Environmental Planning, the process of creating and/or carrying out programs, policies and regulations which consider the current and future impact of human development on the environment. Environmental Technology, any application of technology to prevent or solve environmental problems. Fire Ecology, the study of fire and its management in the natural world, including protecting people, wildlife and the environment from devastating, large wildfires. Fisheries Science, a natural resources management or wildlife management career focused on managing fish populations in reservoirs, lakes, rivers, oceans, and/or aquaculture
facilities. Geographic Information Systems (GIS), the use of computerized data banks to store, analyze and display spatial data, usually in the form of maps. Hazardous Waste Management, managing and minimizing toxic wastes produced in industry. Hydrology, the science of properties of the water, particularly with its movement in relation to land. Natural Resource Management combines economics, policy, and science to study, manage and restore natural resources and ecosystems. Outdoor/Experiential Education helps to develop recreational skills and outdoor pursuits, socialization, and group development. Population Studies seeks to understand and manage population issues, such as overpopulation and over-consumption. Range Science, sustainable management and use of rangeland and range resources. Recreation and Parks Management professionals help manage local, state, federal and international parks and recreation areas. Professionals in Risk Analysis identify and minimize threats to human health and the environment. Social Ecology concerns the relationship between humans and the environment. It is an interdisciplinary field which looks at social, political and environmental issues as being closely related to one another.
Soil Science, the study of the physical, chemical, and biological properties of soils, including their uses, their fertility and moisture. Sustainable Development, planning which meets current needs while minimizing impacts on the environment and future generations. Toxicology, the study of toxicants, or poisons, on living organisms, and how to decrease the risk of harm from exposure to toxicants. Urban and Regional Planning, the creation and maintenance of planning projects in cities and communities. Waste Management, how we deal with waste - its handling, storage and disposal. Watershed Management, the monitoring, protection and restoration of watersheds. Wetlands Science professionals deliniate, protect, create, and manage wetlands so that they can perform essential functions in the environment. Wildlife scientists may do anything from running parks and reserves, rehabilitating wildlife and/or their habitats, protect of human life or property. Wood Science, comprised of the policies, procedures and education for the wise use of wood and wood-based products. Zoology, the study of animals and animal life, including the biology of animals, their interactions with one another and the enviornment, and how they relate to humans.
On today’s Wi-Fi-enabled campuses, laptop accessibility makes it possible to integrate the electronic textbook with other online learning resources, such as Blackboard, library databases, Wikipedia and Google. Visit CourseSmart.com to learn more. -NAPS
College
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to be pre-law but the cost of law school eventually changed my mind.” Monohan said she is pursuing other fields besides print journalism. “I thought choosing journalism instead of a major like English would help me land a job more readily, but that changed quickly after just one year of school. Now we are some of the least likely majors to find jobs.” She hopes to be financially independent from her parents in five years, “living in a city and working a stable job.” Her dream job would be to work as a photographer or writer for a magazine such as National Geographic or working for Discovery Channel Media, but also has not lost the desire to work in print media. “ I could also see myself working in public or media relations or for a budding local newspaper,” she said. Keene hopes to either “have a really cool job working outdoors” after she is done at SUNY Oswego. “Or maybe I’ll go to grad school.”
Excellence - A
/ Excellence, July 8, 2009
mid-year report
SUNYIT: Record enrollment, campus expanding Four new buildings planned
With rising enrollment and an expanding campus, SUNYIT, the State University of New York Institute of Technology, is an institution on the move—and an increasingly popular choice for students. “SUNYIT is entering a period of tremendous growth and development,” said Wolf Yeigh, president. “With our infrastructure growing and our academic offerings increasing it stands to reason that more and more students are choosing us.” SUNYIT has experienced two consecutive years of record enrollment, and planning is underway for four new buildings: a $13 million student center, $20 million field house, $27.5 million advanced technology center, and a $23.5 million residence hall. A ceremonial groundbreaking for the student center project was held in October 2008 with construction scheduled to get underway in 2009. A second master of business administration program and a criminal justice major are being launched in 2008-09. SUNYIT is SUNY’s only institute of technology. More than 2,800 students are enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs in technology, professional studies, and the liberal arts on the SUNYIT campus, a high-tech learning environment on hundreds of acres in Marcy, N.Y.,
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nursing education. Accelerated BS/MS options are available in computer science, nursing, and telecommunications. Through internships and close cooperation with employers, SUNYIT has extraordinarily high placement rates. More than 20,000 alumni pursue successful careers in communication, computer science, management, nursing, and many other fields. Apart from their excellent academic experience, SUNYIT students enjoy campus life in highly rated residence halls. The campus’ two residential complexes – Mohawk and Adirondack Halls – offer the privacy and convenience of apartments, with students sharing suites in townhouse-style buildings. Students themselves have rated their residential experience highly in the last two SUNY student opinion surveys. SUNYIT’s NCAA Division III athletics (men’s and women’s basketball, cross country, soccer, swimming, and volleyball; men’s baseball and golf; and women’s bowling and softball) and intramurals are complemented by entertainment, activities and community-building experiences that support and sustain a unique campus culture. Open house programs are held in spring and fall and individual campus visits can be scheduled online. For more information, visitsunyit.edu/admissions.
SUNYIT is planning four new buildings.
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science and liberal arts courses as a first-year student and begin clinical rotations at hospitals and other health care facilities during the second semester of their sophomore year. Certification exams are required after graduation from an accredited nursing program. 4. Biology/biological sciences
From microscopic organisms to cloning procedures, biology majors can study human, plants, animals and the environments in which they live, and studies are conducted at the cellular level, the ecosystem level, or anywhere in between. Biology majors might find themselves in med school or in one of many growing fields such as genetics and biotechnology or working as a veterinarian, optometrist, ecologist, or environmentalist. 5. Education
Education major s learn the skills necessary to become an ef fective and inspirational teacher with the ability to influence young children and teenagers
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minutes from Thruway Exit 31, Utica. SUNYIT students come from all over New York, many other states and more than 20 other nations; a growing number of students are enrolled in online courses and degree programs. SUNYIT’s undergraduate degree majors/programs include: accounting, applied mathematics, applied mathematics/electrical engineering, business, civil engineering technology, communication and information design, computer engineering technology, computer and information science, computer information systems, criminal justice, electrical engineering, electrical engineering technology, finance, general studies, health information management, health services management, industrial engineering technology, mechanical engineering technology, nursing, psychology, sociology and telecommunications. Graduate degree programs are: MBA in health services management, MBA in technology management; master of science degree programs in accountancy, advanced technology, applied sociology, computer and information science, health services administration, information design and technology, and telecommunications; and master of science programs in nursing: adult nurse practitioner, family nurse practitioner, gerontological nurse practitioner, nursing administration, and
when they are most impressionable. When done with coursework, students learn in the classroom as a student teacher. This practicum lasts from one semester to a full academic year. 6. English language and literature
English programs focus on literature, language, and writing, and an English major will encounter a wide array of absorbing works of fiction, poetry and nonfiction from around the world and throughout history. The study of literature also helps to shed some light on the answers to the enduring questions of the human condition. This degree can help prepare for a future in law, journalism, publishing and graduate studies. 7. Economics
Economics is the study of choices—those of individuals, businesses, governments, and societies and how they choose to spend their time and money and otherwise allocate their resources. And you guessed it: Economics involves heavy doses of
critical thinking and math. This study of the production, distribution, and consumption of goods and services is a n i n d i s p e n sa b l e t o o l fo r making sense of the intricacies of the modern world. It is also an excellent preparation for a future in business, as well as for graduate studies in law, public policy, and international studies. 8. Communications studies/ speech communication and rhetoric Communications majors tend to be great storytellers with quick wits and fiery personalities. You’ll spend a significant amount of time scrutinizing different kinds of presentations—such as speeches and scripts—and the strategies behind the messages that speakers and writers use to make their points. You’ll learn about verbal and nonverbal messages, audience reaction, and the varied effects of different communication environments. It will pre-
writing, and math. Possible career paths are diverse—from lawyer to politician to journalist. 10. Computer and Information Sciences Not only will you learn more about computers—hardware and software—but you’ll also learn about the applications of such knowledge, such as how technology fits into a business scenario.
pare you for a wealth of careers in business, advertising, human resources, public relations, government, education, media, and social services. 9. Political Science and Government Because it often deals with current events and sophisticated statistical analysis, political science is timely, fascinating, and perpetually changing. In a nutshell, it’s the study of politics of government, and some of the common concentrations are American government, public policy, foreign affairs, political philosophy, and comparative government. Political science majors develop excellent critical thinking and communication skills, and more broadly, an understanding of history and culture. There will be lots of reading,
You’ll be exposed to areas such as robotics, natural language recognition programs, artificial intelligence, programming languages, numerical analysis, and gaming technology. Problem solving is a major component of CIS, no matter which segment of the industry you want to pursue. Source: princetonreview.com
Finish your degree...at SU. Did you start a college degree but get sidetracked by life? Now is a great time to finish what you started. Earn a degree part time at Syracuse University. At SU, your investment buys more than just credits. Part-time students benefit from: • • • • •
SU’s reputation for excellence Part-time tuition rates that are comparable to local colleges More than 200 degree programs to choose from Opportunities to network with peers and distinguished alumni Access to the University’s cultural and athletic events
Start Now.
Learn how you can complete your SU degree part time through University College.
Start to Finish Reception Wednesday, July 22, at 5:30 p.m. For details, call 315-443-9378 or visit: www.parttime.syr.edu/eagle. Fall classes start August 31.
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of online learning at Cayuga. Last fall, 246 full-time and participate with their group – usually logging students took all of their courses online. Many on three or more times a week. For research, stuothers supplemented their classroom schedule dents access college library databases. with an online course or two. Even in cyberspace, students can enjoy the Access from Ira to Iraq sense of a small, close-knit learning group. Cayuga Web-based courses have special appeal for stu- limits online course sections – virtual classrooms dents with tight schedules or long commutes to – to 25 students at most. If more sign up, another campus. Even the price of group is formed and given gas can drive online enrollan instructor. ment higher. What can you study High school students can online? You might be sur1. As a full-time or part-time student. take online courses to gain prised. Foreign languages, 2. Whether or not you’re pursuing a degree. transfer credit and shave physical education, even 3. At your own school or a different school for time and cost from their fulaboratory courses are oftransfer credit. ture college plans. Current 4. During fall and spring semesters, as well as fered. “One of our most college students can pick summer sessions and January intersession. popular online courses is up courses not only at their Anatomy and Physiology,” 5. Even for leisure learning – look for creditown alma mater but also free personal and professional development says Kowalski. “For that at other schools, to fulfill courses. alone, hundreds of students requirements faster or at a register every semester.” lower tuition rate. Mix and match During an overseas military deployment, online Students can mix and match online and on-camstudy can help keep a soldier on track toward grad- pus courses, or choose to study solely via the web. uation. Whether in Ira, N.Y., or Iraq, a student can At Cayuga, associate’s degrees can be earned enlog in, read a class assignment, post comments on tirely online in business, criminal justice, liberal the discussion board and complete a quiz. arts and science. No distinction is made between Of course, soldiers aren’t the only learners online and on-campus courses for financial aid needing access to class from a remote location. eligibility, academic transcripts or the wording During the summer, Cayuga’s online enrollment of diplomas. jumps to more than twice that of both campuses Transfer of credits is determined by the receivcombined. “Travel plans and summer jobs may ing institution. “Anytime you’re planning to take make it impossible to come to campus every day,” a course for transfer credit,” says Kowalski, “you says Kowalski. “But wherever they are, summer should check with your transfer school first. Make students can still log in.” sure the credits can be applied to your specific Small classes in cyberspace degree program.” Internet courses are not self-paced or self-study. For more information about online learning at Readings, projects and tests are usually assigned in Cayuga Community College, visit cayuga-cc.edu/ two-week modules. Students must meet deadlines academics/online.
You can take online courses. . .
Graduating from high school? Finishing your two-year degree?
Great Success Begins at SUNYIT! Majors/Programs Accounting Applied Mathematics Applied Math/Electrical Engineering Business Administration Civil Engineering Technology Communication & Information Design Computer Engineering Technology Computer Science accelerated BS/MS option available Computer Information Systems Criminal Justice Electrical Engineering Electrical Engineering Technology Finance General Studies Health Information Management Health Services Management Industrial Engineering Technology Mechanical Engineering Technology Nursing accelerated BS/MS option available Psychology Sociology Telecommunications accelerated BS/MS option available
State University of New York Institute of Technology www.sunyit.edu 1-866-2-SUNYIT admissions@sunyit.edu
Minutes from Thruway Exit 31, Utica
Quality, affordable education in technology, professional studies and the liberal arts