NNY Business February 2013

B

Y usIness // SBORO FAMILY MARKS 80 YEARS IN THE RESTAURANT BUSINESS, P. 22

FEBRUARY 2013 Volume 3 No. 3

nnybizmag.com

WHERE THE JOBS ARE

NURSING, ELEMENTARY ED, HOSPITALITY SHOW STRENGTH { p. 16 } ***

THE INTERVIEW

North American Tapes founder Darrin Prance

p. 26

Chad Broege

CNA and nursing student

Amy Stone Teacher

Matthew Hudson Executive chef

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Business Scene, Biz Tech, Small Business, NNY Snapshot.

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// NORTHERN NEW YORK’S PREMIER BUSINESS MONTHLY //

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NNY Business | February 2013

February 2013 | NNY Business

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NNY Business | February 2013

>> Inside FEBRUARY 2013

16

15

21

44

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COVER |

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SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

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FEATURES |

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16 CAREERS TO WATCH A look at where projections fall for growth in the north country job market. |

15 SWEET AND SPICY The Spicy Wench sees success with homemade jams, jellies and herbs sold online. |

21 A GLOBAL IMPACT Stream Global Services marks 10 years in business by hiring in record numbers.

MILESTONES |

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AGRI-BUSINESS |

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REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP |

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22 EIGHT DECADES STRONG The Sboro family is no stranger to the Watertown culinary scene after 80 years.

23 BURGEONING BUSINESS Afgritech, a manufacturer of protein meal, eyes a new 4,000-square-foot expansion.

24 A YEAR OF SUCCESS Realtors in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties had a year of increased sales.

REAL ESTATE |

25 JEFFERSON COUNTY Property sales topped $4m during a 10-day period in January.

BUSINESS HISTORY |

44 THE CENTER OF BUZZ “The Bee Hive” was a hub for retail business in the early 1900s Public Square.

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE? |

46 NEUROLOGY EXPANSION North Country Neurology builds a $1.2 million addition to its Watertown facility.

February 2013 | NNY Business

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CONTRIBUTORS

BusIness www.nnybizmag.com

Publishers

John B. Johnson Jr. Harold B. Johnson II Michelle L. Capone is regional development director for DANC. She highlights development projects that garnered attention for the north country on a state-wide scale. (p. 30)

Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He touches on charitable giving and tax deductions. (p. 31)

Lynn Pietroski is president and CEO of the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce. She teases an event that plays matchmaker for businesses. (p. 32)

General Manager John B. Johnson

Executive Editor Bert Gault

Managing Editor Robert D. Gorman

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Associate Magazine Editor Kyle R. Hayes

Advertising Directors

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. He writes about the future of ag based on the Workforce 2020 event. (p. 33)

Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. She looks at the potential cost attributed to licensing changes in 2013. (p. 34)

Brooke James is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Jefferson. She lays out a plan for business owners to achieve their goals. (p. 35)

Karen K. Romeo | Tammy S. Beaudin

Magazine Advertising Manager Matthew Costantino

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Photography

Norm Johnston, Justin Sorensen, Jason Hunter, Melanie Kimbler-Lago, Amanda Morrison

Ad Graphics, Design

Rick Gaskin, Brian Mitchell, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He marks a successful year for tri-county Realtors. (p. 24)

Kyle Hayes is associate magazine editor for NNY Business. In our cover story, he talks with business leaders about the outlook for jobs and what positions to keep an eye on in 2013. (p. 16)

Joleene Des Rosiers Moody is a freelance writer and motivational speaker living in Pulaski.

She visited the Sboro family to talk about their 80 years in the restaurant buisness. (p. 22)

MARKETPLACE AAMCO Transmissions …....................... 10 AmeriCU Credit Union ….......................... 3 Ameriprise Financial ….......................... 28 C&M Auto …............................................ 10 Center for Sight …................................... 48 Cheney Tire …......................................... 36 Clarence Henry Coach …..................... 41 Clayton Dental Office …........................ 25 Dr. Vincent Cesario …............................ 29 First Class Auto Glass …......................... 39 Foy Agency Inc. …................................. 25 GWNC Chamber of Commerce….......... 4 HighTower Advisors …............................ 29 Howard Orthotics .............................….. 30 Innovative Physical Therapy …............. 31 JCJDC ….................................................. 45 Kimco Steel Sales …................................. 2 Krafft Cleaning Service …...................... 40 Lofink Ford Mercury …............................ 42

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NNY Business | February 2013

LTI …......................................................... 34 M.R. Gaebel Inc. …................................ 11 NNY Community Foundation …............ 28 North Star Auto …................................... 14 RBC Wealth Management …................... 9 SeaComm Federal Credit Union …....... 32 Shred Con …........................................... 35 Sideline Promotions …............................ 10 Slack Chemical Co. …........................... 33 The Three C Limousine …....................... 38 Thousand Island Realty …...................... 25 Vandusen Auto Sales …......................... 10 Watertown Dental Health Group …......... 7 Watertown LDC …................................... 24 Watertown Savings Bank …..................... 8 Wells Communications …...................... 46 Westelcom ….......................................... 45 Wolff’s Body Shop …............................... 10 WWTI ABC-50 …...................................... 47

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), is published monthly by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2010-2013. All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

Subscription Rates

12 issues are $15 a year and 24 issues are $25 a year.

Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe.

Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mcostantino@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2305 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail tbeaudin@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2512 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility.

Please recycle this magazine.

February 2013 | NNY Business

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NNY Business | February 2013

INTERVIEW | 26 STICKING TO THE PLAN Darrin R. Prance, of Watertown’s North American Tapes LLC, is continuing a family legacy in the tape making industry, while gaining precious market share in the meantime. |

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COLUMNS

DEPARTMENTS

10 11 12 14 24

ON THE COVER

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30 ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING 31 BUSINESS LAW 32 COMMERCE CORNER |

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33 AGRI-BUSINESS 34 BUSINESS TECH BYTES 35 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

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EDITOR’S NOTE PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

37 38 42 44 46

CALENDAR BUSINESS SCENE DINING GUIDE BUSINESS HISTORY WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

Johnson Newspapers Photographer Amanda Morrison staged this month’s cover photo, featuring three local working professionals who illustrated industries expected to grow in the next three years throughout the north country, at the Dulles State Office Building in Watertown. For more on what industries to watch for in terms of growth, turn to page 16.

, CFP®

February 2013 | NNY Business

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EDITOR’S NOTE

G

ood news came last month as Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that the North Country Regional Economic Development Council would receive another $90 million in project funding. But if that’s not enough, we have some positive findings on the jobs front to report in this month’s cover story, which begins on page 16.

Our region is growing, and that means demand for skilled workers in several careers also will grow.

Translation: local employers will need qualified, hard-working people to fill jobs.

Health care, primary education, tourism, hospitality and skilled manufacturing all boast promise for Ken Eysaman the north country’s future.

Through partnerships between employers, public and private agencies, local governments, colleges and schools, we can continue to build a future for our younger generation that means not having to leave home to find a well-paying job.

BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s Scene section, which begins on page 38, features 46 faces from three-dozen organizations and businesses across the north country.

On Jan. 6, we stopped by the Dulles State Office Building for the 21st Annual Bridal Show, which was packed with local vendors promoting a wide range of services in the fast-growing local wedding industry.

On Jan. 16, we joined the North Country Arts Council at its Arts on the Square headquarters for the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce January Business After Hours. All it took to pack the house was some great food catered by Maggie’s on the River. If you haven’t been by Arts

on the Square lately to see what they’ve done with the Franklin Building, you are missing more than I have space to write here.

Finally, On Jan. 17, we traveled to Clayton to the historic Clayton Opera House where we joined the Clayton Chamber of Commerce for its monthly networking mixer, Business With a Twist.

STARTING NEXT MONTH — Beginning with our March issue, the dining guide that we’ve published in the pages of since our first issue in December 2010 will appear on our websites. As the magazine continues to grow, so, too, has our commitment to deliver more dynamic, unique content about local businesses and the people who make the north country a great place to live, work and play. Our directory of chambers of commerce and business websites also will move online, which will enable us to publish an expanded calendar of business and networking events.

CONGRATULATIONS — Finally, to a young man who, along with two talented and enterprising business partners, last month became a small business owner and operator, congratulations. Many of you know associate magazine editor Kyle Hayes for the work he does to make NNY Business and NNY Living magazines shine. In January, Kyle and business partners Chad L. Burdick and Andrew J. Beckstead closed a deal that made them owners of Gram’s Diner at 13 Main St. in Adams.

No doubt, Kyle and the new ownership team at Gram’s will put some polish a place already known for its great food and family-friendly atmosphere. Congratulations on your new venture and I promise to start showing up for Friday dinners earlier than 15 minutes before closing. I wish you all many years of good food, good health and good fortune.

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NNY Business | February 2013

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Realtor awarded emeritus status

Joseph N. Rizzo, broker/owner of Coldwell Banker Rimada Realty, received the National Association of Realtors emeritus status on Jan. 8 at the Children’s Home of Jefferson County. The award was presented by the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors during the board’s luncheon held on the same day.

Any Realtor who has held membership in the National Association of Realtors as a Realtor, Realtor associate or a combination of both, for a cumulative period of 40 years in one or more Associations of Realtors is eligible for Realtor emeritus status.

Coldwell Banker Rimada Realty was one of the first Coldwell Banker offices to open in New York State.

Donor services coordinator hired

The Northern New York Community Foundation, which serves Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, has hired Max DelSignore as coordinator of donor services.

Mr. DelSignore is a Sackets Harbor native and a graduate of SUNY Oswego and the State University at BufDelSignore falo. Before joining the Foundation, he was associate director of annual giving and Laurentian engagement at St. Lawrence University, Canton.

In his position, he will be responsible for managing current and future donor relationships. He will also help to increase awareness of the range of

services the Community Foundation has available to donors. The Foundation not only administers funds for corporate and business donors but also handles funds on behalf of nonprofit organizations and school districts.

Bowers & Company names new partner

Bowers & Company CPAs has named Patricia L. Mills a partner.

Ms. Mills is a certified public accountant and a certified valuation analyst who has worked in the firm’s tax department for three years. She also specializes in business valuations and Mills client accounting services. She is a member of the American Institute of CPAs, the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants, the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts and a Certified QuickBooks Pro Advisor.

Ms. Mills also serves on the board of directors and finance committee for the Vera House.

With 16 Partners and a staff of 50, Bowers & Company has offices in Syracuse and Watertown.

Hospitalist joins staff

River Hospital, Alexandria Bay, recently hired Dr. Alfredo Torres to help the hospital improve patient flow. He will care primarily for patients admitted to the hospital and patients seen in the observation unit and River Hospital Convenient Care.

Got business milestones? n Share your business milestones with NNY

Business. Email news releases and photos (.jpg/300 dpi) to editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net. The deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue. Photos that don’t appear in print may be posted on our Facebook page.

Dr. Torres came to River Hospital from Kaleida Health in Buffalo. He completed his residency in internal medicine at Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, and a surgical internship at Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital, Cooperstown, after graduating from medical school at University of Rochester. According to a River Hospital news release, Dr. Torres holds memberships in the American College of Physicians, the American College of Emergency Physicians, the Society of Hospital Medicine and the Society of Critical Care Medicine.

Financial representative receives national award

Clifford Davis, a financial representative of Northwestern Mutual, Greater New York Group, in Syracuse, has qualified for the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors Quality Award.

The NAIFA Davis Quality Award recognizes professionalism through education and earned designations, production measured by performance metrics

Please see People, page 29

Cheryl Howard

PT, Cert. MDT, Owner

February 2013 | NNY Business

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NNY

Economic indicators Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers Dec. 2012 $2.04 Nov. 2012 $1.98 Dec. 2011 $1.79

13.9%

ECON SNAPSHOT

Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands, OgdensburgPrescott and Seaway International (Massena) bridges

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

364,251 in Dec. 2012 411,040 in Nov. 2012 374,381 in Dec. 2011

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

Source: T.I. Bridge Authority, Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Seaway International Bridge Corp.

Dec. 2012 $3.72 Nov. 2012 $3.86 Dec. 2011 $3.50

U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)

6.3%

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

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(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Dec. 2012 $3.96 Nov. 2012 $3.94 Dec. 2011 $3.85

2.9%

2.7%

$0.99 on Dec. 23, 2012 $0.99 on Nov. 26, 2012 $1.02 on Dec. 25, 2011

3.0%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties area, not including military positions

Dec. 2012 $2.97 Nov. 2012 $2.96 Dec. 2011 $3.41

91,100 in Dec. 2012 91,100 in Nov. 2012 91,400 in Dec. 2011

12.9%

0.3%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

95, median price $140,000 in Dec. 2012 118, median price $144,250 in Nov. 2012 111, median price $129,000 in Dec. 2011

41, median price $77,000 in Dec. 2012 58, median price $80,000 in Nov. 2012 52, median price $75,750 in Dec. 2011

14.4% Sales

8.5% Price

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

21.2%

1.7%

Sales

Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

NNY unemployment rates Jefferson County

Nov. ’12

9.4%

Oct. ’12

Nov. ’11

9.4% 9.5%

St. Lawrence County

Nov. ’12

9.4%

Oct. ’12

9.7%

Nov. ’11

9.5%

Lewis County Nov. ’12

9.0% 8.6%

Oct. ’12 Nov. ’11

8.8%

Source: New York State Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted. Latest available data reported.)

Note: Due to updates in some “Econ. Snapshot” categories, numbers may differ from previously published prior month and year figures.

NNY Business | February 2013

NNY

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County Cars 316 in Dec. 2012 379 in Nov. 2012 319 in Dec. 2011

1.0%

Trucks 87 in Dec. 2012 106 in Nov. 2012 87 in Dec. 2011

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers at Watertown International Airport

Open welfare cases in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties

2,931 inbound and outbound in Dec. 2012 3,035 inbound and outbound in Nov. 2012 3,640 inbound and outbound in Dec. 2011

1,973 in Dec. 2012 1,969 in Nov. 2012 1,954 in Dec. 2011

0.9%

19.5% Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office Dec. 26, 2012, to Jan. 15, 2013. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit us at WWW.NNYBIZMAG.COM.

Jan. 15: Candy’s Accessories, 204 Main St., Antwerp, Mary Candace Pickert, 204 Main St., Antwerp.

David Leonard, 105 Ambrose Drive., Black River, Kimberly Leonard, 105 Ambrose Drive, Black River.

Birch Meadow Farm, 503 West St., Apt. 2, Carthage, David R. Houghton, 503 West St., Carthage.

Jan. 7: Back Asswards Farm, 35161 Route 11, Philadelphia, Tina M. Stevens, 35161 Route 11, P.O. Box 106, Philadelphia.

Jan. 14: Wunderkind Photography by Stefanie AdamsFigueroa, 6273A Lewis Ave., Fort Drum, Stefanie Gisela Adams Figueroa, 6273A Lewis Ave., Fort Drum.

NNY Gals and Guys, 262 State St., Carthage, Maria Margaret Runyon, 315 N. Clinton St., Carthage; Delores Lorraine Conley, 6109 Scotch Pine Drive, Fort Drum; and Alan Terry Runyon Jr., 315 N. Clinton St., Carthage.

Go Green Team Clean, 120 Casey St., Watertown, Angela K. Castro, 120 Casey St., Watertown.

550 Charm Bracelets, 9511B Gilman Loop, Fort Drum, Justin E. Reynolds, 9511B Gilman Loop, Fort Drum.

Jan. 11: Lori’s Herbs and Oils, 814 Riverside Drive, Clayton, Lori Wilson Arnot, 734 James St., Clayton.

Abe’s Woodworking, 21766 Reed Road, Watertown, Abraham D. Doney, 697 Mill St., Watertown.

Jackie’s Tax Services, 355 S. Esselstyne St., Cape Vincent, Jacquelyn D. Aznoe, 355 S. Esselstyne St., Cape Vincent.

Quilting U, 213 St. Mary St., Watertown, Karen A. Perry, 213 St. Mary St., Watertown.

Jan. 3: Samuel Wagler, 34998 Elm Ridge Road, Philadelphia, Samuel Wagler, 34998 Elm Ridge Road, Philadelphia.

Jan. 2: Morning Glory Gifts, Fort Drum Exchange Building, 10730A Enduring Freedom Drive, Fort Drum, Eun Beck, 673 State Highway 37, Hammond.

Moore’s Garage II, 8812 State Route 178, Henderson, Brian J. Moore, P.O. Box 149, Henderson.

The Mad Knitter, 22 E. Church St., Adams, Mary Hill Howard, 22 E. Church St., Adams.

Dec. 31: Maple Lane Farm, 36815 County Route 28, Antwerp, Luke S. Martin, 36815 County Route 28, Antwerp, and 3809 Bears Lane, Alexandria, Pa.

Crafters Clutter, 29038 State Route 3, Lot 5, Black River, Frances P. Roy, 39038 State Route 3, Lot 5, Black River.

Gift of Gab Greetings, 164 Winslow St., Watertown, Teyanna Harvey, 164 Winslow St., Watertown.

The Quilting Stash, 515 Snell St., Watertown, Christine M. Comet, 515 Snell St., Watertown.

Sellfish Lures, 36555 State Route 3, Carthage, David M. Campbell, 36555 State Route 3, Carthage, and David A. Converse, 4 Bridge St., Carthage.

Picture It, 200 Franklin St., Watertown, Lori Hadley, 638 Burchard St., Watertown, Raymond Massey Jr., 640 Burchard St., Watertown.

Jan. 10: Candid Images Photography, 11709A Orchard Drive, Fort Drum, Jennifer Ann Householder, 11709 Orchard Drive, Fort Drum.

Jan. 9: Account One, 35795 State Route 126, Carthage, Jeffrey S. Persha, 35795 State Route 126, Carthage.

Old Thyme Garden Shed, 13449 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor, Tamara A. Rutz, 13449 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor.

Jan. 8: Watertown Piano Lessons, 515 Snell St., Watertown, Jason D. Comet, 515 Snell St., Watertown.

Kai’s Baby Threads, 105 Ambrose Drive, Black River,

New Golden Cheng Restaurant, 323 State St., Carthage, Zhenfen Gao, 323 State St., Carthage.

Dec. 28: Food Restores, 10 Shirley Drive, Adams, Kimberly Caird, 10 Shirley Drive, Adams.

Flashback Lounge, 1309 State St., Watertown, Mitchell LaBarge, 152 Francis St., Watertown.

Marlene’s Keepsake Quilts, 16948 County Route 53, Dexter, Marlene P. Johnson, 16948 County Route 56, Dexter.

Dec. 26: GS Services, 221 W. Lynde St., Watertown, Gregory E. Stickel, 221 W. Lynde St., Watertown.

Asian Food Market, 552 State St., Watertown, Sung Un Kim, 22430 Knowlesville Road W., Watertown.

TRANSACTIONS

DBAs

Source: Social Service Depts. of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties

February 2013 | NNY Business

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BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Seaway officials: 2012 ‘exceeded’ expectations

The St. Lawrence Seaway had a busier shipping season in 2012 than anticipated, officials reported.

The Canadian Seaway Management Corp. said that the tonnage of goods that crossed the channel increased by 4 percent — to 38.9 million tons from 37.5 million tons — over 2011, exceeding its original forecast by 300,000 tons.

The rise in overall shipping volume was owed in part to a late season surge in grain movements, a news release stated.

“The Seaway was instrumental in providing grain shippers with the means to rapidly respond and capitalize on market opportunities late in the season”, said Terence F. Bowles, president and CEO of the Seaway Management Corp.

Strong Canadian grain movements had offset a sharp drop in U.S. grain movements due to the drought this year.

There was a notable increase in shipments of iron ore — a 14.6 percent rise over 2011 to 10,135 tons — crossing the Seaway for export to overseas destinations, such as China.

Also, demand for low sulphur coal in Europe led to a substantial increase in coal shipment volumes — to 4,628 tons, a 23.7 percent increase over the 2011 navigation season. The Seaway wrapped up its 2012 season on Dec. 29.

Chiropractic practice to open next month

Better Health Chiropractic of Watertown, an independent practice started by Dr. Renee J. Petitto, will open later in the month next to the office of Maxon Chiropractic at 21101 Route 12F, Suite 5.

Mrs. Petitto, who earned a doctorate in chiropractic medicine in 2011 at New

York Chiropractic College, Seneca Falls, completed training with Dr. Tomm Maxon at Maxon Chiropractic as preparation for starting her own practice.

She said her practice will provide physical evaluations to develop independent treatment plans to help patients increase joint mobility, focusing on the spine, ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, wrists and hands.

Mrs. Petitto earned a bachelor’s of science degree in biological studies in 2006 from SUNY Potsdam, graduating magna cum laude. Her husband, Carl A., is the manager of Greg’s Restaurant, Gouverneur.

An open house to introduce the new practice, which is now accepting patients, is slated for noon to 7 p.m. Feb. 4 and 5.

Office tours, free food and non-alcoholic beverages will be provided.

Visit www.drtomm.com to learn more.

Steel and engineering firm earns certification

Jeffords Steel and Engineering Co., Potsdam, announced Jan. 3 that the firm has become certified by the American Institute of Steel Construction of quality management at its Potsdam facility. Jeffords Steel and Engineering’s Plattsburg plant has been certified with AICS since 2002.

AISC’s certification programs set the quality standard for the structural steel industry and are the most recognized national quality certification program in the industry. AISC’s certification programs focus on the entire process of fabrication and erection.

Jeffords Steel and Engineering Co. was founded in 1985 and the company’s two facilities cover more than 12 acres with a combined 60,000 square feet of manufacturing space, employing more than 100 people.

Got business news?

n Share your business news with NNY Business. Email news releases and photos (.jpg/300 dpi) to nnybusiness@wdt.net. The deadline for submissions is the 15th of the month for the following month’s issue. Photos that don’t appear in print may be posted on our Facebook page.

Akwesasne hotel earns hospitality award

The Comfort Inn & Suites Hotel Akwesasne, located in Hogansburg, was recently announced as a recipient of the 2013 Platinum Hospitality Award from lodging leader Choice Hotels International Inc., franchisor of the Comfort Inn brand.

Platinum Awards are given to the top 3 percent of hotels in each brand.

The Comfort Inn & Suites Akwesasne is owned and operated by Tarbell Management Group, Hogansburg.

Canton company merges with Michigan firm

A Michigan-based architectural and engineering firm inked a merger in late November with a 16-year-old Canton company specializing in water and wastewater projects.

Lansing-based C2AE completed the deal with Burley-Guminiak & Associates, 70 Main St., Canton, on Nov. 28. The local company’s new name will be Capital Consultants Architecture and Engineering.

Founded in 1966, C2AE provides similar services as its Canton associates from its five Michigan offices. Robert F. Guminiak, partner in the former BurleyGuminiak & Associates, said the company would like to double its office staff from 10 to 20 employees and possible open other offices throughout the state in the next five to 10 years.

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NNY Business | February 2013

S M A L L B I Z S TA R T U P BUSINESS

The Spicy Wench THE INITIAL IDEA

The Spicy Wench owner, Christine E. Hoffman, was looking for a way to utilize some sweet and spicy treats from her garden that she planted in 2009. Her husband and son had requested a myriad of peppers be planted, so she took to making pepper jelly and drying her harvest. She tested her products on her husband, a civilian contractor working in Iraq, and his friends overseas.

Perfecting her recipes, she launched The Spicy Wench in 2011.

TARGET CLIENTELE

Locavores worldwide who are looking for products planted, harvested and produced with high-quality food from Northern New York.

“We get most of our sales online, but a lot of people [in Northern New York] still don’t know about us,” Mrs. Hoffman said.

In addition to her now-famous pepper jellies, which are divided into categories on her website such as “Sweet, Mild and Medium Pepper Jellies” and “Hot and Really Hot Pepper Jellies” with names like “Sadist” and “Masochist,” Mrs. Hoffman also produces ground spices, fruit jams and pepper and herb seasonings.

THE JOURNEY

In 2009, Mrs. Hoffman quit her local government job as a planner for the city of Watertown. The following year, she wanted to dedicate more time to spend outside and decided to plant a garden. As with many gardeners, an abundance of produce left her thinking what to do next. At the urging of friends, family and her husband, she went into business in 2011, planting even more peppers than years past and began purchasing goods from other local producers.

Contracting with Cross Island Farms on Wellesley Island and Garden Hill Farms in Champion for produce, and manufacturing her goods at the Farm House Kitchen in Sackets Harbor, Mrs. Hoffman has been able to keep up with not only local demand but demand worldwide.

According to Mrs. Hoffman, since the launch of her website, www.thespicywench.com, she has shipped foods nation-

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

“It’s always great to see the tough guys try to beat [my daughter]. They puke but she has a stomach made of steel.”

— Christine E. Hoffman, owner, The Spicy Wench wide and to countries overseas, including Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, South Korea and England. She keeps in touch with her customers by sending out a bi-monthly newsletter and via her Facebook page.

The name for the business was derived from a nickname Mrs. Hoffman’s husband, Troy A., gave her: “saucy wench.”

“Because I talk so much,” she said. “So when he said I should start selling peppers, I said the business should be called ‘the spicy wench’ instead of saucy.”

She’s taken branding the business a step further by enlisting her daughter, Alexandria L., and niece, Amanda S. White, to drum up business during the summer months at fairs and festivals.

The cousins can’t be missed in their red dresses, high-heeled boots and other Renaissance-era attire.

“It’s always great to see the tough guys

try to beat her,” Mrs. Hoffman said of her daughter, who has a stomach groomed for spicy foods. “She likes to see them cry. They puke, but she has a stomach of steel. This girl can eat horrific stuff.”

Fairs and festivals have helped Mrs. Hoffman bring her products to locales throughout the north country. This summer she spent Wednesdays at the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce weekly farmers market, and stopped by the annual French Festival in Cape Vincent, Cream Cheese Festival in Lowville, Made in New York Festival in Sackets Harbor and Autumn Festival in Wellesley Island. According to her Facebook, Mrs. Hoffman has applied to become part of the Sterling Renaissance Festival for this upcoming season as well.

— Ted Booker and Kyle R. Hayes

WHERE Watertown | FOUNDED 2011 | WEB www.thespicywench.com

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 15

Students in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning class at Jefferson-Lewis BOCES learn about gas heating systems. Opposite page, a welding student cuts pipe in class.

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

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NNY Business | February 2013

COVER STORY

HOT JOBS for the

FUTURE DESPITE RECRUITING CHALLENGES, HEALTH CARE, MANUFACTURING, POISED FOR GROWTH IN REGION

A

BY KYLE R. HAYES | ASSOCIATE EDITOR

AS THE COUNTRY HEADS INTO 2013 WITH high expectations for continued economic recovery, the focus in Northern New York and across the United States remains solidly on jobs and job growth. As unemployment rates in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties waver from month to month, no tried and true trend lines have emerged. But business leaders across the north country are optimistic that job growth is in the immediate future. Developing a strategy for growing jobs and identifying potential markets for industries that bring jobs with them has been at the forefront of dozens of discussions in the past several months.

While economists are leery to express too much joy over a growing jobs market, the New York State Department of Labor released a statement in late December outlining how the state added 83,500 private sector jobs last year and the statewide unemployment rate fell from 8.7 percent to 8.3 percent. Industries with the highest rate of growth statewide included professional and business services, educational and health services and trade, transportation and utilities, adding a collective 98,100 jobs in the state.

IN THE NORTH COUNTRY

A labor department significant industries report, issued in 2011, details seven

local industries designated as “significant,” six of which posted increased employment levels between 2006 and 2009, when the worst national economic downturn in 75 years hit the nation.

The state defines the north country region as Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties. In the report, the seven significant industries were trade, transportation and utilities, educational services, health care, leisure and hospitality and public administration. Each one of these industries experienced rapid development, higher-than-average wages and strong expected growth through 2016.

“We have good information for projections, in terms of [job] demand, though supply is very difficult to predict,” said Alan Beideck, a state Department of Labor regional labor economist for the north country region. Supply is the number of employable people in a given industry.

“It’s always good to encourage jobs in all sectors of the economy; however, over the last 10 to 20 years, manufacturFebruary 2013 | NNY Business

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COVER STORY ing has faced some serious challenges, * especially with the growth of off-shore operations,” Mr. Beideck said. “We do OCCUPATIONAL TITLE PROJECTED JOB GROWTH (’06-’16) have some high-skilled manufacturing 1.

Cargo and freight agents (+) 38.7 percent jobs that are relatively high paying. The 2.

Home health aides (+) 30.5 percent areas where there are particular chal3.

Medical assistants (+) 32.1 percent lenges are the lower-skilled and lower4.

Dental assistants (+) 29.3 percent paying positions.”

5.

Personal and home care aides (+) 26.7 percent For the significant industries on which 6.

Customer service representatives (+) 19.0 percent the state placed growth expectations in 7. Registered nurses (+) 17.9 percent 2011, Mr. Beideck said several factors play 8. Receptionists and information clerks (+) 15.9 percent into projected increases in available jobs.

9. Nursing aides, orderlies and attendants (+) 15.4 percent Given that education is one of the largest 10. Elementary school teachers, except industries of the economy, the state conspecial education (+) 13.1 percent siders the long-term growth of the public 11. Physicians and surgeons (+) 12.5 percent education sector.

12. Child care workers (+) 11.0 percent “Currently, over the short term, schools 13. Middle school teachers, except are cutting back and they’re having some special and vocational education (+)11.0 percent serious issues balancing their budgets,” 14. Police and sheriffs patrol officers (+) 9.7 percent he said. “Even though we wouldn’t expect 15. Food preparation and service workers (+) 9.5 percent any or very little growth in employment in schools, there is turnover. There is emSource: New York State Department of Labor ployee demand.” *The labor department includes Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties in the North Country Region.

According to the significant industries report, elementary school teacher positions, except special education, are pro(2011-12) jected to increase 13.1 percent through JEFFERSON COUNTY REGION 2016.

1. Home health aides Home health aides Big expectations are put on the hospital2. Child care workers Personal financial advisors ity industry because of the north country’s 3. Real estate sales agents Child care workers reputation as a tourist destination, Mr. 4. Compliance officers, except Food prep and service workers, Beideck said. agriculture and construction including fast food “We have mountains, lakes and rivers.

5.

Customer service representatives Personal home and home care aides They aren’t anything that’s going to be taken away; it’s not something that can Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Inc., Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy be duplicated,” he said. “Those things are unique and that is one of the obvious trade and hospitality.” five fastest-growing occupations projected advantages of our area in terms of the As the population ages and baby boom- for 2011 to 2021. tourism industry.” ers retire, a growth area has emerged for “I think in health care in general it The north country region employs more health care jobs that serve the elderly. In is always a challenge to find qualified than 10,000 workers in “food and drinkits significant industries report for 2011, employees,” said Stephen E. Knight, ing places,” which is more than any other which the labor department releases at chief executive officer of United Helpers sector except for health care and public the end of each calendar year, the home Management Co., Ogdensburg. United administration. Food prepaHelpers offers several services for ration and food service the aging, including home health jobs, including fast food, care and assisted living faciliare estimated to increase 9.5 ties. “There are certainly people percent, or roughly 1,000, by looking for jobs in home health 2016. care and we will be focused on “The job market and the providing the jobs for those who Alan Beideck, regional labor economist, economy are constantly are qualified.” north country region, state Department of Labor going through fluctuations United Helpers Management and businesses do need to Co. is a member of Northern adjust to those changes in the market, health aide occupational category listed Lights, a partnership with Canton-Potsespecially in the hospitality and tourism the second-highest projected employment dam Hospital, Potsdam, Claxton-Hepindustry,” Mr. Beideck said. “Fort Drum change by 2016, with an anticipated 32.1 burn Medical Center, Ogdensburg, and is a great anchor for the economy in the percent growth through the decade that Hospice and Palliative Care of St. LawJefferson County area and they’re fortubegan in 2006. The home health aide ocrence Valley. Northern Lights is still in its nate to have that there to stimulate retail cupation also was listed as one of the top formative stages but has been approved

Most common North Country Region occupations

Top five fastest-growing occupations

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NNY Business | February 2013

We have mountains, lakes and rivers.

Those things are unique and that is one obvious advantage for tourism.

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COVER STORY Top five largest industries JEFFERSON COUNTY REGION* 1. Federal government, military 2. Local government 3. Federal government, civilians (except postal) 4. General medical and surgical hospitals 5. Full-service restaurants

Local government Federal government, military State government Colleges, universities and professional schools Full-service restaurants

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Inc., Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy *Region includes parts of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Oneida and Madison counties.

Top five non-government industries JEFFERSON COUNTY REGION* 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

General medical and surgical hospitals Full-service restaurants Limited-service eating places Crop and animal production Offices of physicians

Colleges, universities and professional schools Full-service restaurants General medical and surgical hospitals Limited-service eating places Grocery stores

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Inc., Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy *Region includes parts of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Oneida and Madison counties.

Top five fastest-growing non-government occupations (2011-12) JEFFERSON COUNTY REGION* 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Offices of real estate agents, brokers Other financial ionvestment activities Offices of physicians Individual and family services Residential mental health facilities

Offices of physicians Other financial investment activities Nursing care facilities Individual and family services Offices of real estate agents, brokers

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Inc., Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy *Region includes parts of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Oneida and Madison counties.

as a Certified Home Health Agency by the state. Once up and running, it will be a major provider of home health care in St. Lawrence County.

Each organization in Northern Lights is a 25 percent partner that will contribute staff and resources, said Todd R. Amo, also of United Helpers.

Another reason the placement of health care aides is so high on the scale of growth is due in part to Samaritan Medical Center’s soon-to-open Samaritan Summit Village, a 288-bed senior-care complex. When it opens atop Watertown’s Washington Street hill, Samaritan’s 2,000-member work force will grow by 15 percent, hospital recruiting manager Michael D. Britt said.

Samaritan Medical Center continually tops the north country region’s list of

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employers with job openings. As of Jan. 15, the hospital had 175 available jobs, according to the Department of Labor.

Mr. Britt told the Watertown Daily Times in March that the greatest number of openings are for nursing assistants and registered nurses, which also are the most

health care that are fixtures in job reports, information technology, which was listed in the Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy as a targeted industry to retain talent, attract new jobs and grow.

The CEDS report notes that an increased number of information technology professionals will be necessary as IT jobs will be found in almost every industry sector. The goal for the future, according to the report, is to develop a technology training and internship program, start an IT peer group and identify and develop IT skills needed in non-IT industries.

“We just launched a health care information technology program,” said Jill M. Pippin, dean of continuing education at Jefferson Community College. “Electronic medical records are becoming the norm and you need IT staff to code them so they talk to each other but are still secure. It’s an up-and-coming industry and you look nationally and there are all of these jobs in that industry.”

Mrs. Pippin admits that that surge of jobs in health care IT hasn’t yet made its way to the north country. However, with continuing education programs at JCC, and with aid from a Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization grant, the work force soon will be trained for the jobs when they open.

Laura J. Perry, an information technology professional in St. Lawrence County and former chairwoman of the St. Lawrence County Information Technology Advisory Board, said that since the St. Lawrence County Board of Legislators voted to adopt an information technology strategic plan in 2009, great strides have been made in terms of availability of broadband services through federal and state grants. Those improvements pave the way for development in the IT sector.

“We continue to need to increase the focus on an information technology skill set for our youth and adult population if we are going to participate in the digital economy going forward,” Ms. Perry said. “There is an untold opportunity for business growth and development through the advances going on in emerging technologies.”

Ms. Perry noted that expansion of broadband Internet throughout North-

I think health care in general is always a challenge to find qualified employees. We will be focused on [it].

— Stephen E. Knight, CEO, United

Helpers Management Co., Ogdensburg difficult to fill. Registered nurses make up for 20 percent of Samaritan’s employees. n

n

n

In an almost surprising turn from typical industries like manufacturing and

February 2013 | NNY Business

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COVER STORY ern New York, and in particular St. Lawrence County, has helped open doors for not only information but a talented work force as well.

“In order to take advantage of those opportunities, we need to educate our citizens on how best to access them through advanced use of information technology,” Ms. Perry said.

Socio-economic indicators / Jefferson County

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NNY Business | February 2013

2011

2016

Median household income Average household income Per capita income

$41,811 $53,827 $20,438

$49,514 $59,013 $22,531

% CHANGE 18.42 9.63 10.24

Source: Economic and Social Research Institute *Region includes parts of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego, Oneida and Madison counties.

EDUCATING THE WORK FORCE

In an economic environment where on-the-job training is nearly a thing of the past, employers are looking for a work force that can come in day one with the knowledge of the job for which they have been hired. This has underscored the importance of work force education.

Manufacturers like Florelle Tissue and North American Tapes, both located in Jefferson County, rely on the WorkPlace, an initiative from the JeffersonLewis Workforce Investment Board with branches in Watertown and Lowville, for employment training and preparation.

In St. Lawrence County, the equivalent is the One Stop Career Center in Canton.

However, the need for work force education has gone beyond the résumé assistance and interview skills workshops.

At Jefferson Community College, Mrs. Pippin said she and the college use their network of business professionals in the community to gauge the needs of employers and what they’re looking for in terms of additional education and training opportunities.

“We try to look at the community and attempt to plug the holes in terms of what folks need to be successful,” Mrs. Pippin said. “Whether it’s something practical like learning Excel or something like clinical medical assistant training and pharmacy tech training.”

Programs are often developed to fit the needs of an employer in the community.

In the case of the pharmacy technician training course it was Kinney Drugs.

“They weren’t having as many pharmacy folks in their pipeline, so we went out there and found that program for them,” Mrs. Pippin said. “We work collaboratively with BOCES, the WorkPlace, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency and Jefferson County Job Development Corp., among others, to

identify gaps.”

Mrs. Pippin, who also is a board member for the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Development Board, said large companies like Timeless Frames, Stream Global Services and Samaritan Medical Center have all come to JCC looking for training programs so they can employ more people.

She said training programs for health care positions are almost always in demand, but as jobs are filled and the need for certain positions in an industry become less needed, programs are cut back or closed and focus is directed elsewhere.

JCC’s Continuing Education Department also oversees the EDGE program, which allows high school students to take

Top five industries by no. of establishments JEFFERSON COUNTY 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Full-service restaurants Residential building construction Limited-service eating places Local government Offices of physicians

Source: Economic Modeling Specialists Inc., Jefferson County Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy

than that, our teachers meet with industry leaders for advice on curriculum, equipment and technology that is being used.”

She said that the most popular programs BOCES hosts are in cosmetology and culinary arts.

However, a stronger focus is put on current programs that help prepare students for manufacturing careers.

“I’ve been working with the Jill M. Pippin, dean, continuing education, JCIDA and they’ve asked me to Jefferson Community College, Watertown join their manufacturing subcommittee,” she said. “We are all college courses while simultaneously finworking toward developing programs ishing their high school studies. Students for adults and they wanted to be inreceive JCC credit upon completion of the volved in those programs for high school coursework. Mrs. Pippin notes the imporstudents as well.” tance of that program to retain talent in Mrs. Gyoerkoe said that BOCES actively the north country. tries to push career and technical concepts “You hope what happens is our highest- into lower grades, such as tenth-grade performing candidates move on to a classrooms. BOCES presently focuses on four-year college, but it also gives us the junior- and senior-level students in local opportunity to give them a Jefferson expe- high schools. rience,” she said. “It gives them a founda “We haven’t done a good enough tion and a place to come back to.” job yet in being able to make programs It’s the young talent that Tracy J. focused on preparation for the manuGyoerkoe, director of career, technifacturing industry desirable,” she said. cal, adult and continuing education at “Our computer-assisted design program Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Eduis struggling, and that’s an issue. That’s a cational Services, hopes to capitalize on. skill needed by manufacturers. We have Mrs. Gyoerkoe said it’s her mission to work to do to get the word out there prepare students for jobs that are needed about it.” now, not ones that don’t exist anymore.

“Our programs are all guided by n KYLE R. HAYES is associate magazine editor industry advisory committees,” she said. for NNY Business. Contact him at khayes@wdt.

“At least yearly, but usually more often net or 661-2381.

We try to look at the community and attempt to plug the holes in terms of what folks need to be successful.

—

F E AT U R E S

Stream marks decade of local jobs

Renovations will allow customer service firm to boost work force

By TED BOOKER

A NNY Business

steady stream of jobs has flowed into Watertown over the past decade.

Stream Global Services, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, had bold expectations when it set up shop in the renovated former F.W. Woolworth department store in January 2003. It received a 10-year tax break from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency to move here and said it would employ 700 people within three years. It made good on that claim, with a peak of more than 800 full- and part-time employees at the 146 Arsenal St. center in winter 2005. The U.S. company has about 50 call centers around the globe and serves numerous Fortune 1000 clients.

Today, Stream in Watertown has about 500 employees and seven active projects with clients. Working in cubicles at the 76,000-square-foot facility, employees provide round-the-clock technical assistance for customers on behalf of national companies in a diverse mix of industries: telecommunications, entertainment, software networking, insurance and businessto-business cloud computing.

Employees — who take a collective 30,000 calls in the course of each day — help customers solve problems relating to movie rentals, haircuts, GPS units, satellite radio and life insurance.

Stream’s contracts for projects usually are for about three years but vary widely, which is why employment at the center fluctuates.

Though the average length of employment at Stream is two years, Human Resources Manager Michael J. Hill said, employees often stay longer to be promoted within the company. Stream promoted 306 employees last year through Nov. 30, and the company hired about 200 employees this fall to meet its hefty workload.

“We secured five new projects this year across all of our lines of business and only had two leave us,” Mr. Hill said.

Many employees use their time at Stream as a stepping stone to build career skills.

Stream caters to those employees by offering paid workshops to hone their skills. For example, resume-building workshops are hosted for those looking for jobs.

“Some people come here just to improve

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

Michael J. Hill, Stream Global Services human resources manager, talks about the renovations and changes that are now under way at the company’s Watertown facility.

their skills, while others are looking for long-term employment,” Mr. Hill said.

“About one-third of our work force has associations with the military at Fort Drum, and they leave us to relocate.”

The abundance of jobs at the call center spurred Stream to invest in a capital improvement project. The first leg of the project will renovate a 25,000-square-foot area to make more space available. Upgraded office cubicles will enable 125 additional seats for the call center, expanding its current capacity of 700.

After additional improvements are made this year, the center will house seats for roughly 1,000 employees.

One of the most popular positions at the call center is providing technical assistance to cloud-computing companies that host services over the Internet, said Bryan M. Black, site director. In the past two years, about 40 employees who have worked in the field at Stream have gone on to salaried positions.

“They’ve chosen to move on to work for companies that specialize in cloud computing, and they make a good amount of money with their skills,” Mr. Black said. “They’re making anywhere from $60,000 to $90,000.”

Wendy E. Cornell, 33, has made her living as a specialist in the cloud-computing field at Stream. After being hired in January 2010, she completed two advanced-

training courses in six months, enabling her to provide more technical service to customers. Promoted last month to become a quality representative for cloud computing, she uses her experience in the field to lead a team of 15 employees. She said she enjoys developing leadership skills in her new role.

“I like coaching the employees as a team manager,” Mrs. Cornell said. “A month ago, I was doing the work, but now I’m helping them. We have fun here and will sometimes go out and do things to bond as group, like bowling.”

Laura G. Maylone, 27, also manages a team of workers. Eventually, she said, she hopes to develop leadership skills at the company that will help her set out on her own as an entrepreneur. Her parents, who owned a Mexican restaurant in Texas, have inspired her.

“I grew up in a management-based lifestyle with my parents owning a restaurant,” she said. “As a leader, I’ve learned to coach and mentor people from different backgrounds. We have a mixed group of people with different ethnicities who are ages 18 to 40. We have a lot of fun together.” n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at 661-2371 or tbooker@wdt.net.

February 2013 | NNY Business

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MILESTONES

Art’s Jug to celebrate 80 years

Family-run eatery credits success to quality service, food

By JOLEENE DESROSIERS MOODY

I

NNY Business

t’s rare to find an establishment that has not only been run by family for four generations, but has operated successfully as an independent restaurant for just as long. This April, Watertown’s Art’s Jug on Huntington Street will turn 80 — and you’re invited to help celebrate.

The story of what was once known as the Stone Jug begins in the 1930s, when Attilio and Marie Anzalone Sboro opened the landmark restaurant serving meatball and sausage sandwiches. Fifteen years later, Mrs. Sboro changed the name of the popular eatery to Art’s Jug in honor of her son, Arthur, who had returned home from service in World War II. That brave solider tipped his hat to his parents and decided to run a second eatery that Mr. and Mrs. Sboro had just opened across town.

“When my father got back from the war in 1943, my grandparents started a place on State Street called the State Street Restaurant,” Art’s Jug owner Steven P. Sboro said. “He ran that for a few years. Then in 1946, he came to Art’s Jug to take over for my grandparents. I came along to work with my father in the early ’70s.

Together with his brother Arthur V., Steven Sboro began to learn the ropes of what it was like to not only operate a restaurant, but to create unique recipes and sauces that would make the small eatery stand out from the dozens of other places that were popping up all over Watertown.

“There used to be quite a few independent family-owned restaurants in Jefferson County. Now there are less than a handful. I credit our survival to exquisite customer service and fantastic homecooked food,” Mr. Sboro said.

That home-cooked food started in the 1930s on Coffeen Street with the crank of a pasta maker.

“Before the Stone Jug came to be, my grandfather, Attilio, was a bootlegger and my grandmother, Marie, made macaroni right behind their house on Coffeen Street,” Mr. Sboro said. “They just put the two of them together and decided the restaurant business is where they wanted to be.”

That little macaroni factory was a small

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NNY Business | February 2013

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

The Sboro family, from left, Arthur J., Arthur V., Johanna R., Steven P., Meghan E., and Michael V., sit at a table in the dining room of the Huntington Street restaurant. In April the family restaurant will mark 80 years in business. Below, from left, Arthur A. and Johanna R. Sboro, and Attilio and Marie Anzalone Sboro.

building just a few feet from the Sboro home on Coffeen Street. Today it is Sboro’s Restaurant, which turned 20 last year. It is yet another milestone that young Arthur Sboro hopes to see grow for even more decades to come.

“It’s nostalgic, no doubt,” he said.

“Both restaurants are. But there’s a little bit of pressure with it too.

Sboro’s has been here for 20 years and Art’s Jug for 80 years. We’d like to see them both continue for 80 more. It’s going to be tough, but we are working it.”

Customers come and go from the original dining room at Art’s Jug and shake hands with Steven, complimenting him on the special of the evening and taking time to stop and chat with the new generation of Sboros who sit restfully at the bar after a long, 12-hour day.

“It’s the people who make the difference,” said Michael Sboro, Steven’s son. “We can spend hours in the kitchen preparing dishes and running around to make sure it’s just the way it should be, but at the end of the day it’s hearing our customers tell us they’ll be back again

soon that really makes the difference.”

Art’s Jug has done a number of things to make the original family-owned eatery stand out. From fundraisers for the Children’s Miracle Network to being the only restaurant open during the ice storm of 1998, the mainstay has made its mark for sure. And as we look toward 2013, Steven assures the community that Art’s Jug and Sboro’s will celebrate their longevity in numerous ways. Just how remains to be seen. n JOLEENE DESROSIERS MOODY is a freelance writer, author and motivational speaker who lives in Pulaski. Contact her at joleene@ joleenespeaks.com.

AGRI-BUSINESS

Eric Ignatavich, a Mill Technologies employee, checks pipes on a cooling and drying machine at Afgritech prior to starting production in 2011. The mill plans to expand its facility.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Afgritech plans expansion

Addition will enable company to add customers

By TED BOOKER

A NNY Business

fgritech LLC will expand its operations by adding a 4,000-square-foot loading garage at its Watertown plant by the end of the summer, enabling it to increase its customer base across the Northeast.

Opening in the fall of 2011 in the former Blue Seal Feeds mill at 200 Willow St., Afgritech got down to business in a hurry; it installed new automated equipment from Germany and began producing bypass protein meal for dairy cattle and shipping it to companies across the Northeast. Now it’s preparing to get bigger. Along with the expanded loading area, Afgritech will add six 100-ton silos so it can distribute its finished product to feed mills more efficiently, plant manager Harold E. Rozanski said.

The loading area, which will include an 80-foot scale to weigh loads, will provide a larger space needed by tractor-trailers to pick up the product. The current garage has a 60-foot scale and not enough space to weigh today’s large trucks.

The silos will be used in conjunction with 14 grain bins now at the plant that

store 15 to 30 tons each. The city’s Planning Board approved the company’s expansion plan Tuesday.

“The expansion is a part of a future plan that will enable us to increase our production and give us a better position in Watertown,” Mr. Rozanski said. “It will aid a smooth, consistent loading of trucks.

We expect to cut down our loading time from 40 minutes to 20 per truck.”

Called AminoMax Pro, the bypass protein meal is produced by mixing raw soybean meal and canola oil with automated equipment that heats and cools the blended product with computerized timing systems. The system is constantly monitored by operators using computer software, and has more than 400 sensor checkpoints to ensure the product is made with the same profile every time.

Mr. Rozanski said the expanded garage and additional silos will enable the plant — which now loads six or seven trucks daily — to expand its customer base by increasing production. Now employing nine workers and running five days a week with three shifts, the plant will begin operating on weekends, and two or three mill operators will be hired for the extra work.

Afgritech has expanded at a fast clip

since being launched in here in 2011 as a joint venture of Carrs Billington Agriculture, Stanwix, England, and Afgri Operations Ltd., Centurion, South Africa.

The English and South African companies spent millions to upgrade the facility here to establish a U.S. headquarters. Mr. Rozanski said the company now contracts with 11 feed companies in New York, Vermont and Pennsylvania.

After reaping early success with customers in the Northeast served by the Watertown plant, he said, Afgritech will consider adding a U.S. plant to expand in the coming years. The high protein content of its cattle feed, made possible by preserving amino acids during production, has made it popular among feed companies because it helps cattle increase milk production.

“Our product has been received positively by farms in the Northeast area,” he said. “Once everything settles with the expansion here, our two partners will certainly look at the other main dairy sheds here, like California, Wisconsin and the Texas Panhandle.” n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at 661-2371 or tbooker@wdt.net.

February 2013 | NNY Business

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R E A L E S TAT E R O U N D U P

A good year for NNY real estate

R

ealtor members of the JeffersonLewis and St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors enjoyed a busy and productive year in 2012. Property sales were higher than the previous few years. While many sales in the area are residential, there also was an increase in the number of other types of properties like multi-family, commercial and land that changed hands.

Members of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors sold 1,220 single-family homes and about 1,500 properties overall. This compares to a little less than 1,100 singlefamily homes and about 1,350 properties overall in 2011. In 2010, about 1,060 single-family homes were sold and a total of 1,330 properties.

In addition to Jefferson and Lewis counties, members sold properties in St. Lawrence, Oneida, Oswego, Onondaga, Herkimer and Tioga counties. Properties sold in 2012 totaled $204 million in value with more than $184 million of that in the residential category.

Members of the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors sold 865 properties, of which 590 were single-family homes.

While the residential total is down slightly from the 600 single-family homes sold in 2011, the overall total is up from 830 properties sold in that year. The 2012 total is higher than 2010 when 795 properties and 565 single family homes changed hands.

Properties sold by St. Lawrence County Realtors totaled more than $85 million in value with $55 million coming from residential real estate. While the majority was sold in St. Lawrence County, members also worked in Jefferson, Lewis, Franklin, Onondaga and Clinton counties.

In October, I pointed out that the spin-

offs from real estate sales are far reaching. It’s estimated that the equivalent of one job is saved or created for every two homes sold. Based on that, 900 jobs and about $290 million in economic Lance Evans activity are the result of efforts Realtor members in the two associations in 2012.

It is hard to predict the future, but anecdotal reports from members indicate a strong start to 2013. Interest rates have remained low and the supply of available, quality homes is good. It could be another good year in real estate, which would be good news for our economy. n

n

n

The Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors recently held annual board elections and installations.

The Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors installation was in mid-December. For 2013, the association will be led by Gwyn Monnat, Hunt Real Estate ERA, who was elected president. The rest of the officers are Elizabeth Miller, Century 21 Gentry Realty, president-elect; Randy Raso, Raso Real Estate, vice president; Mary Adair, Exit More Real Estate, treasurer; Nancy Rome, Rome RSA Realty, recording secretary and Kim Call, Lake Ontario Realty, corresponding secretary.

Also on the board are three directors elected for three years and two directors

who serve for one year. The directors are Vicki Bulger, Lori Gervera Real Estate; Jennifer Dindl-Neff, Humes Realty and Appraisal Service; Jessica Dorr, Peebles Realty; Patrick Henry, Exit More Real Estate and Randy Zimmerman, Christensen RealtyUSA. The St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors held its event in January. Margaret Hartman, 2013 New York State Association of Realtors president, conducted the installation of officers and directors and delivered a keynote speech.

The 2013 president is Jennifer Stevenson, Blue Heron Real Estate. The rest of the officers include Michael Kassian, Kassian Real Estate, vice president; Gail Abplanalp, Pat Collins Real Estate, treasurer and Doug Hawkins, Sandstone Realty, secretary. Rounding out the board are Norene Randall, Nikki Coates and Associates, immediate past president; Korleen Spilman, Century 21 Millennium Realty, state director and Sharon Cook, America 1 Realty, Debbie Gilson, County Seat Realty and Shirley Robinson, Shirley Robinson Realty, directors. n

n

n

Nine north country Realtors were inducted into the 2012 New York State Association of Realtors Honor Society.

Honorees were Walter Christensen, Jennifer Dindl-Neff, Debbie Gilson, Patrick Henry, Michael Kassian, Karen Peebles, Norene Randall, Korleen Spilman, and Jennifer Stevenson. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He has lived in the north country since 1985. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

CONTACT WLDC TODAY - GROW YOUR BUSINESS TOMORROW! NOW LEASING “CLASS A” OFFICE SPACE - FRANKLIN BUILDING, DOWNTOWN WATERTOWN Financing options and incentives through the WLDC:

■Fixed - interest loans for real estate, machinery and equipment ■Working Capitol financing ■Leasehold improvement financing ■Assists in securing primary financing through commercial banks

For help with expanding or relocating your business to the City of Watertown Contact: Donald W. Rutherford CEO

Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC) 82 Public Square Watertown, NY 13601 24 |

NNY Business | February 2013

Phone: 315.786.3494 Fax: 315.786.3495 email: don@watertownldc.com

R E A L E S TAT E / J E F F E R S O N C O U N T Y The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County clerk’s office:

On the Web

JAN. 11: City of Watertown: 0.13 acre, 133-135 S. Orchard St., Henry P. Thompson II and Mary Ann Thompson, Watertown, sold to Jeremy R. Briggs and Lindsey L. Briggs, Watertown $119,000

n Visit us at WWW.NNYBIZMAG.COM for current real estate sales from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties, updated weekly.

Click on ‘Data Center’ to access transactions.

n City of Watertown: 0.171 acre, Binsse Street, Neighbors of Watertown Inc., Watertown, sold to David H. Finley Jr., Philadelphia $93,000 n Town of Theresa: Four parcels, 0.10 acre, Alexandria Road; 0.05 acre, no address given; 4.33 acres, 1.23 acres, Clayton Road, Bonnie Fargo Marra, Watertown, sold to Richard D. Nuijens Jr. and JoAnne L. Thornton, both of Theresa $55,000 n Town of Pamelia: 1.913 acres, Murrock Circle, UStore of Watertown Inc., Dexter, sold to Grindstone Holding LLC, Clayton $335,000 JAN. 10: Town of Rutland: 37.254 acres, intersection of Miser and Rutland Hollow roads, Jason C. Brubaker, by Carlene A. Brubaker, attorney in fact, and Carlene A. Brubaker, Black River, sold to Allan W. Mace and Mindy K. Mace, Carthage $305,000 JAN. 9: Town of Rodman: 0.88 acre, County Route 69, Elizabeth H. Turner, Rodman, sold to Timothy A. Golding, Adams $96,000 n Town of LeRay and City of Watertown: Five parcels, 1) 0.75 acre, highway from village of Black River to hamlet of Felts Mills; 2, 3), 4), 117 N. Massey St.; 5) 125 N. Massey St., John P. Bruce and Karen E. Bruce, Watertown, sold to John Paul Bruce Realty LLC, Watertown $400,000 n City of Watertown: 290 N. Indiana Ave., the Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., sold to William E. LaJoie and Diane L. LaJoie, Watertown $56,000 JAN. 8: Town of Lyme: 5.531 acres, state Route 12E, Public Square Inc., Carthage, sold to Michael J. Riley, Watertown $30,000 n Town of Rutland: Taylor Park Subdivision, Pinewood Drive and Taylor Drive, Floyd F. Goutremout, Black River, sold to Jonathan Taylor, Black River $25,000 JAN. 7: Village of Chaumont: 0.255 acre, state Route 12E, Charles Valentine, Chaumont, sold to Arthur G. Montondo and Carolyn E. Montondo, Dexter $167,000 n Town of Henderson: 5.013 acres, Town Barn Road, Sears Realty Corp., Rome, sold to Thomas A. Sears and Winifred C. Sears, Rome $75,000 n Town of Clayton: 4.22 acres, state Route 12, David Moffatt, Theresa, sold to Susan Perry, Clayton $70,000 n Village of Cape Vincent: 0.115 acre, 190 South

to Michael M. McCarty Jr., Watertown $123,000

Real Street, Amber Englebert, Sackets Harbor, administrator, estate of Mary Isabel Burkman, late of Cape Vincent, sold to Kristen Gagnon, Dexter $80,000 JAN. 4: Town of Henderson: Vacant lot, AdamsHenderson state highway, John H. White and Susan E. White, Sandy Creek, sold to CTS Dairy LLC, Ellisburg $30,000 n City of Watertown: Water Street, Katharine Barkley, Oswego, and Daniel R. Brett, Oswego, coexecutors, will of Elizabeth A. Brett, sold to Mavis R. Sweet and Thomas W. Sweet, Watertown $91,000 n City of Watertown: Portage Street, A. Brown Properties LLC, Watertown, sold to Justin C. Moore and Deanna H. Moore, Fort Drum $126,500 n Village of Theresa: Pleasant Street, Cindy M. Leeder, Theresa, sold to Norman W. Barnum III and Mary G. Barnum, Theresa $106,000 n City of Watertown: 0.13 acre, 341 Paddock St., John B. Johnson Jr. and Susan M. Johnson, Watertown, sold to Mark J. Scherbring and Rebecca L. Scherbring, Watertown $244,000 n Village of Theresa: 0.92 acre, state Route 26, Justin F. Davis, Theresa, sold to Christopher J. Waldron, Theresa $245,000 n Town of Rutland: 1.35 acres, County Route 144, Kenneth E. Smith and Kathleen A. Smith, Harrisville, sold to Austin J. Graham, Saugerties $122,000 n Town of Adams: 1.718 acres, U.S. Route 11, Benita M. Estrada, Adams Center, sold to Jennifer S. Moscarelli, Adams Center $138,000 n Town of Cape Vincent: River Road (County Route 7), H. Thomas Laun and Patricia Laun, trustees, H. Thomas Laun and Patricia Laun Revocable Living Trust, Cape Vincent, sold to Andrew J. Norris and Shelly L. Norris, Cape Vincent $25,000 JAN. 3: Village of Theresa: 0.9 acre, Pine Street, Thomas A. Hoover and Faith M. Hoover, Theresa, sold to Joseph S. Wheeler, Theresa $112,000 n Village of Glen Park: Three parcels, no acreage or addresses given, George P. Hasner and Alvin J. Hasner, co-executors, will of George H. Hasner, late of Watertown, sold to Richard Pierce, Glen Park $119,500

n Town of Rutland and Hamlet of Felts Mills: Two parcels, no acreage or address given; 0.50 acre, Maple View lot, Jill L. Hall, Nokesville, Va., and Karen A. Irvine, Staunton, Va., sold to Katherine L. Deskins, Black River $30,000 JAN. 2: Town of Cape Vincent: 1.8 acres, Lisa Lane, Celine L. Nebbia, Fairport, sold to Bruce M. Bezanilla and Rhonda L. Bezanilla, Cape Vincent $114,000 n Village of Deferiet: Riverside Drive, Edmund J. Cummings Jr. and Sabrina R. Cummings, Carthage, sold to Daniel A. Davis, Carthage $71,500 n City of Watertown: 349 Winslow St., Kenneth Hanners, Sackets Harbor, sold to Patrick J. Quinn, Watertown $115,500 n City of Watertown: 85-87 Public Square, 85-87 Public Square Properties LLC, Bellmore, sold to Ricky Frazier, Watertown $125,000 n Town of Clayton: 1.10 acres, Lowe Road, Kenneth A. Vaadi, LaFargeville, sold to Jeremy C. Leander, Philadelphia $89,500 n Village of Alexandria Bay: Washington Street, Jennifer Hebert, Alexandria Bay, sold to Kylie B. Hebert, Alexandria Bay $120,000 n Towns of Pamelia and LeRay: Two parcels, 0.33 acre, Military Road; 0.426 acre, state Route 37, Victor B. LePonto, Evans Mills, sold to Serge Sigouin, Adams $30,000

$4,083,500 County real estate sales recorded over 10-day period, Jan. 2-11, 2013

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February 2013 | NNY Business

| 25

20 QUESTIONS

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

A RECIPE THAT STICKS

I

n 2004, Darrin R. Prance and business partner Martin J. LeMoine launched North American Tapes LLC in Watertown, with Mr. Prance serving as company president, Mr. LeMoine as vice president of sales, and a dozen employees. In nine short years, the firm has doubled its work force — and its footprint. Mr. Prance talks about the journey and his firm’s bright future.

1

NNYB: Thinking back to your firm’s early days nearly 10 years ago, what were the main keys to making this happen?

PRANCE: We were in this plant in 2004 and producing tape by April of that same year. Going back even further, my partner’s father and my father sold their two plants to an investment company that we both worked at for a while. The demands were too great at their age to continue feeding it and they were of retirement age. [Our fathers] sold to Scapa. At this plant, we needed to find the right equipment or we were looking at opening another business that was not in the tape world at all. We found a calendar that applies adhesive through pressure and temperature to make tape. We found it in Akron, Ohio, had it broken into two pieces and shipped from there.

2

NNYB: You strike me as someone who believes in perseverance. You had an agreement to not start a business that would compete with Scapa for two years. What did you do during that time?

PRANCE: I hobby farmed. We mostly did hay crop but we do have four horses. When I lived in Western Canada I was around horses while I was young and we had acreage there. I waited my two years and then started finding my equipment.

NNYB: You are from Canada. When you had the offer from Scapa Tapes to move to

26 |

NNY Business | February 2013

n Nearly 10 years after production started, North American Tapes growing

Renfrew, Ontario, you turned it down. Why?

3

PRANCE: The offer wasn’t enough. We felt quite comfortable with the people working here at this plant. The problems weren’t here at this plant, but they were shutting it down.

I just didn’t want to go back to that environment. They had wanted to become No. 2 in the tape world. Second to 3M.

4

NNYB: What kind of investment does this operation represent?

PRANCE: We have doubled the size of our operation. We came to a point where we had to make our move. We added 20,000-square-feet to the operation. That enabled us to add two more machines and have the room to stage and ship that much more product. We filled up the building.

5 6

NNYB: What’s your total employment level today? Payroll?

PRANCE: We have 23 employees now, all included. Payroll totals more than $500,000 annually.

NNYB: How important is the Foreign Trade Zone designation to your business?

PRANCE: We have one ruling completed and we just sent a response to see if we can get a further ruling in our favor. We are competing with Canada who is making hockey tape up there and they are bringing in cloth from overseas duty free and shipping it into the States duty free. In the Foreign Trade Zone we could bring the same cloth into the U.S., stage it as a duty free material controlled by customs and after it’s manufactured into tape and exported back out it would be relieved

of any duties. If we did sell that product in the U.S. we’d pay the lesser duty of tape. The Department of Commerce is currently working on that. It’s a slow moving wheel but they’ll get it done.

7

NNYB: You market your company as the No. 2 supplier of hockey tape in the world.

What has driven you to such heights in a short amount of time?

PRANCE: There were once five plants that made hockey tape. There are now really two, possibly three. We got the market share because we had the original formulas and procedures of Renfrew Hockey Tape. That’s what we did it with. There are traditionally two tapes on the hockey stick, black on the blade and white at the top of the stick for grip. Then there is a clear plastic tape for shin pads that holds socks up. There are those types of applications. The NHL is a small part of hockey tape sales. It’s important, but it’s a small part.

8

NNYB: Where are your other markets?

PRANCE: It’s all the consumers and retail.

All the other people are playing hockey.

There are probably 15 million people playing hockey. I know some of the tape ends up everywhere, like colleges, and farm teams.

The Privateers purchase tape from us. In industrial, it’s more price driven but quality will get you in the door with some applications. It’s such temporary use in the industrial side that it’s more price driven. It’s the kind of business where you grab when you need to fill in. We export a lot of hockey tape to Canada. We’re close to the border. You can get to Montreal, New Jersey and Ontar-

20 QUESTIONS io because we’re close to 81 and the 401.

9

NNYB: How many different products do you manufacture at this plant?

PRANCE: We do light industrial tapes and double-sided. We also do vinyl coated cloths and light pipeline coating tapes. It takes different ways of extrusion and processes change; there are some big set-ups for producing that variety.

10

NNYB: We hear a lot about a lack of skilled workers. What is your opinion of the north country’s work force?

PRANCE: [The applicant pool] could be a little deeper, I don’t want to be the plant that steals people but sooner or later you have to go to the paper and find the people trying to better themselves.

11

NNYB: What kind of employees are you looking for?

PRANCE: If I’m committing to 40 hours, you have to commit to 40 hours. It’s hard to believe that’d be the biggest challenge, but with the amount of drama that’s out there, it’s difficult. You know pretty quickly when you have the right one. It’s not like 20 years ago when you can take someone and turn them into something. The generation now, there’s no way. They’re very impatient and have expectations without the commitment of time, without learning the processes. They’re impatient and demanding. The employees coming to you now are coming to you late in their unemployment and they’re not ready for duty. From not having to get up for work and not physically conditioned to be ready.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Darrin R. Prance, North American Tapes owner and president, in his Watertown office. After nearly a decade in operation the company best known for its hockey tapes is expanding.

and make the product as best we can. We will service every customer down to one case. A lot of companies won’t do that. It’s got to be affordable, it has to work. From my dad, I learned ‘don’t sweat the small stuff,’ as things get busy. My dad’s pretty calm and cool, so he must always have done that. It sounds pretty general but it’s true. Following a budget plan is part of what makes you successful. We do extensive budget review.

12

14

PRANCE: I don’t know ‘why New York State?’, but I worked at a plant in New York and it was the people that kept us here.

When that company left, it left a lot of good people without jobs. We knew what we were working with and we were quite comfortable. Starting a plant we gathered some really good people from that former operation. The taxes in Canada are definitely much worse. It probably helps we aren’t from the other states because I can’t tell you [the difference] tax wise. We’re from Canada, so we’re comfortable where we are at. Big shipping ports, along 81 and near the 401. It’s no accident we are here. It’s because of logistics and trucking and materials. I don’t see any concerns being in the state.

PRANCE: A real good bank called KeyBank who has a great bank manager who pushed for us all along. They’ve believed in us since the beginning. We’ve gotten huge support from KeyBank and the local IDA, who has been behind us since day one. The NCA and DANC, they gave us full support from the getgo. Funding for expansion and growth has always been with full support. If you have a good business plan and they see you’re proceeding, they’ll back you 100 percent.

NNYB: It’s no secret that New York State isn’t the most business-friendly environment.

Yours is a business that could easily thrive in a more business friendly state. What has kept you in the north country?

13

NNYB: What’s the best business advice you’ve ever followed?

PRANCE: Mostly, plant-wise, we are a very conservative family and we share our plans before we make a move and make sure we can do it. We cannot say no to the customer

NNYB: The past two years haven’t been the easiest time to launch an endeavor like yours.

What challenges did you endure through the recent recession? How did you make it through such lean economic times?

15

NNYB: What unique qualities do your products have that let you stand out from competitors?

PRANCE: Without giving you formulas, we definitely have the more traditional tape.

We are not price driven to drive it to the ground for a major retailer who requires a low price. With a low price comes a not a very good product. The way we make it is very accepted in hockey, and that’s proven well for us. It’s not the cheapest, but it works

The Darrin R. Prance file AGE: 47 JOB: Owner and president, North American Tapes LLC. PROFESSIONAL: Lifelong tape maker, former Canadian Army reservist, discharged with rank of corporal.

FAMILY: Wife, Brenda; four children, Joshua, 26, Amanda, 23, Jessica, 17, and Kyleigh, 13.

HOMETOWN: Chaumont; originally from Renfrew, Ontario, Canada.

EDUCATION: High school, Ontario, Canada.

LAST BOOK READ: “Killing Lincoln” by Bill O’Reilly.

perfectly. Many of the companies making tape now are public companies and are looking for certain numbers.

16 17

NNYB: What do you do to unwind?

PRANCE: We do 40,000 miles a year on the road for hockey. We watch our daughters play hockey.

NNYB: Are we in the midst of a manufacturing renaissance in New York State?

PRANCE: In my opinion, yes. Not for us, particularly, but I’ve heard of other companies that have moved elsewhere and come back because of the work ethic here [versus places like the South]. If they go way overseas, I guess their costs as those countries develop are rising. So they end up back in the U.S. for more control. The more manufacturing around us, the more support for materials, parts or and for mills in the area February 2013 | NNY Business

| 27

20 QUESTIONS who are ready to assist with repairs.

18

NNYB: What future opportunities do you see here?

PRANCE: [If the Foreign Trade Zone is passed] we will see about a 9 percent savings in raw material costs. We could add seven more positions with that. We figure by our fifteenth year we will be No. 1 in hockey tape. We are growing to that pace so we can be. With our expansion, we have the ability to bring that on. We are totally focused in hockey although we have a few more leads in gaffer’s tape, which is used by anyone in the film industry. It’s a vinyl coated cloth with matte finish, so you get a light reflection. It has a purpose and finish that’s designed for staging, finishing and photography.

19

NNYB: I read where you worked with your father from the age of 15. Tell me about how you got your start alongside your father and what you took away from that experience.

PRANCE: My father started a tape plant with a few other partners back in 1980.

During the moving of all of us from Western Canada to Eastern Canada, that is how I got involved. When we were in the moving process and bringing in equipment, I ended up in the plant helping and never went back to school. I just stayed in the plant. The move to Eastern Canada was for logistics and materials. Renfrew was an area that was low on jobs, so the government was offering incentives to locate businesses there.

20

NNYB: What has it been like to be brought up and currently work in the ‘family business’?

PRANCE: My dad’s retired and he is here a lot. My partner’s father and mine are still involved in the budget process for following years. He is extremely happy with the success. My father’s plant had seven employees, by the time it sold, in 15 years, it was 150. He has been making tape since he was 16, and he’s 74 now. He learned the trade when they wanted to laminate adhesive to cloth so they could get rid of the safety pin for cloth diapers. In the old days the hockey players were using electrical friction tape and it’s a very gooey product. It’s evolved from laminating cloth for diapers to sports and it’s evolved that way since the 1950s.

The tape company he was working for lost its way and going the way of pipeline tapes and coatings. Sports tape wasn’t being fed at all so they saw the opportunity to feed the sports market.

— Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length and clarity. Do you know someone in business who we should feature in ‘20 Questions?’ If so, email editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net or call (315) 661-2399.

28 |

NNY Business | February 2013

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Remington Museum director to retire in ’13

Ed LaVarnway, executive director of the Frederic Remington Art Museum since 2005, has announced his retirement, effective later this year.

Mr. LaVarnway will retire after a successor has been selected and can work through an orientation and transition period.

LaVarnway “I will miss my colleagues and being among the wonderful Remington artworks and archival materials. As exciting has been the stream of museum visitors from every U.S. state, Canadian province and dozens of other countries,” Mr. LaVarnway said.

Named new senior counsel at law firm

John F. McDonough, an experienced workers’ compensation attorney has joined Olinsky Law Group, Syracuse, the firm recently announced.

Mr. McDonough practices workers’ compensation and Social Security disability law and will supervise the WCB Practice Group. He has practiced disability law for 27-plus years.

Mr. McDonough is a graduate of SUNY Brockport and the University of Toledo Law School. He is a member of the Onondaga County Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, the Workers’ Compensation Bar Association of Central New York and the Injured Workers’ Bar Association.

The Olinsky Law Group, with offices in Syracuse and Orlando, Fla., is one of the largest disability law firms in New York.

Its main office is in Syracuse with 12 attorneys and 25 paralegals.

151 Mullin Street Watertown, NY 13601

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 29

E C O N O M I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Regional EDC goes two for two

G

ov. Andrew M. Cuomo has named the North Country Regional Economic Development Council a top performer for the second time in two years, garnering $90.2 million in financial aid for the north country. Since 2011, when the governor created 10 regional councils to competitively distribute state monies to priority projects the councils identified, the north country has been a top performer each year. The north country’s success has been its ability to implement its strategic plan effectively by identifying projects that are ready to go. Projects funded through this round are no different.

The governor has again demonstrated his support for Fort Drum with the commitment of $5 million in economic development funds to two housing projects that will create 468 units in the Carthage and Watertown communities. Norstar will continue with Phase II of its Creekwood project, Watertown, by building an additional 104 units of affordable and market rate units, bringing the total number of units in its project to 200.

COR Development is proposing a second project, similar to its Beaver Meadows Apartments, Watertown, in West Carthage where it would build 364 units. These projects are important to stabilizing housing demand related to growth at Fort Drum.

Another priority for the region is the continued build out of last-mile telecommunications infrastructure in rural communities. SLIC Network Solutions, Nicholville, which has been installing cable to homes in portions of St. Lawrence and Franklin counties using federal stimulus funding, was the recipient of $1.37 million to bring broadband to Long Lake and the surrounding areas. This will expand broadband in the Adirondack Park.

The Development Authority of the North Country was the recipient of $500,000 through the Connect New York broadband program to capitalize a loan fund that will be used to support last-mile build Michelle Capone out of telecommunication facilities in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Another $1.7 million was committed to enhance middle and last-mile connectivity in Hamilton County.

The authority also received $2.2 million to connect high-speed broadband services to 21 public emergency locations across Jefferson, St. Lawrence, Lewis, Franklin, Essex, and Clinton counties. The network will interconnect 911 centers, public emergency locations and critical public emergency communications towers. In addition to the North Country Public Emergency Network, it will provide broadband services to 20 municipalities across the same six counties.

The Lewis County Development Corporation received $1 million to be used toward the demolition and clean-up associated with Phase I of its redevelopment of the former Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper Mill in the village of Lyons Falls. Northbrook Energy, owner of a hydro facility on the site, is in the process of making significant improvements to its facility but needs access through the mill site. The $1 million compliments the $330,000 it received in 2011 for environmental and engineering work to complete demolition and improvements on

the site that enabled access for Northbrook Energy to invest and improve its facilities.

The redevelopment of the Lyons Falls mill site is a significant project with potential for economic development, educational, recreational and other future uses.

The state also rewarded the north country’s bourgeoning renewable energies industry. Building on the success of ReEnergy’s $35 million project to convert the former co-generation facility on Fort Drum to a biomass facility, Celtic Energy Farm LLC received $470,000 for its Cape Vincent Green Willow Farm that will produce biomass crops to feed the ReEnergy project at Fort Drum. Curran Renewable Energy, Massena, received $168,000 to invest in a wood-fired combustion system to produce pellets from green wood, which is a locally sourced renewable resource.

These projects are only a sampling of the more than $90.2 million that the state has invested in the north country through its competitive process. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s successes in the past two years lies in the ability of its many strategic partners through economic development organizations, educational, research and other institutions, and private industry to successfully implement these projects. The end results are increased investment in the region with job retention and growth.

A full listing of the 2012 priority projects as well as the North Country Regional Economic Development Council’s 2012 plan can be found online at http://regionalcouncils. ny.gov/content/north-country. n MICHELLE L. CAPONE is regional development director for the Development Authority of the North Country. Contact her at mcapone@ danc.org. She is a member of the Greater Watertown Jaycees and Sunrise Rotary

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NNY Business | February 2013

N O N P R O F I T S T O D AY

Sieze the chance for a full glass

E

nacted in 1917, the charitable deduction was one of the first tax deductions allowed under law, advanced largely to counter higher taxes imposed during World War I and to encourage private support of charitable efforts at home.

When talk of establishing a standard deduction arose during World War II, there was concern among nonprofits, including churches, that it would adversely affect donations. A similar scenario occurred during tax reform legislation in the 1980s. During the months and weeks leading up to the recent “fiscal cliff” discussions, there was much conversation and hand-wringing among nonprofit advocacy groups regarding a potential end to the charitable deduction.

On the technical side, through the American Taxpayer Relief Act of 2012, the charitable deduction is preserved and will be coupled with an individual’s or household’s corresponding tax rate, subject to the Pease Limitation provision on itemized deductions. Another item is the extension, at least through 2013, of tax-free required minimum distributions directly to charity from an Individual Retirement Account held by someone age 70½ or older, up to $100,000 per taxpayer. The act also extends the estate tax exemption amount of $5 million for individuals, $10 million for couples, indexed for inflation. With an increase in the capital gains tax, there will be added incentive to gift stock that has risen sharply in value.

With regards to the changes to chari-

table deduction rules, there aren’t really any, yet. However, in coming months, more substantial changes to the charitable deduction may be looming. There Rande Richardson has already been talk of capping all income tax deductions and the overall value of the charitable deduction. There is no question that those who believe in the value the nonprofit sector brings to a community’s quality of life will still have a dog in this fight.

Interestingly, many surveys have shown that the charitable deduction does not primarily motivate giving. Receiving a benefit to improve one’s community is not something to be ashamed of. Every person generous enough to support something greater than oneself should take pride and fulfillment in doing so. It may not be a case of whether to give as it will be how much to give or how to give it. Seventy percent of U.S. households contribute roughly $300 billion annually to nonprofits. However, only 30 percent of taxpayers itemize their deductions.

While the majority of donors receive no tax benefit from their giving, most of the larger gifts to charity come from donors who do. An elimination or cap on the charitable deduction would hit hardest the people who give the most.

As I’ve advocated before, I believe that the nonprofit sector provides many essential services that government either cannot or should not provide. I’ve also said that charitable giving should be a cheerful, meaningful experience, not done out of obligation. Herein lies what I believe is the more relevant focus for nonprofit organizations.

We know that there is little we can do to affect what happens in Washington.

However, we can continue to demonstrate to citizens the value each of our organizations brings. It also gives even more motivation for efficiency, effectiveness and collaboration. We may believe we deserve the public’s trust and support but we must continue to demonstrate exactly why this is so. We must continue to tell the compelling stories of the lives that are changed by the various ways we make our community a better place to work and live.

At this half-full or half-empty time for the nonprofit sector, a columnist recently used the following statement to redirect the focus: “Dear optimist, pessimist and realist: While you guys were busy arguing about the glass of water, I drank it.

Sincerely, the opportunist.”

Let’s all work so that the beneficiary of opportunity is our community, and all those who spend their lives here.

n RANDE RICHARDSON is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident and former funeral director. Contact him at rande@nnycf.org. His column appears every other month in NNY Business.

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February 2013 | NNY Business

| 31

COMMERCE CORNER

Small business matchmaker set

T

here are several ways small businesses or businesses of any size can collaborate with others to promote growth. But what are the steps needed to get there? A role of any chamber of commerce is to promote effective ways for small businesses to be afforded these opportunities. When dealing with contractual work, or bidding, a lot of red tape or legal jargon can be intimidating, resulting in businesses withdrawing from certain collaborations. To many of us, some of the terminology used is almost foreign and overwhelming. However, once you begin to understand the terminology, and engage in events or opportunities that minimize the angst associated with the process, it becomes a positive experience.

A popular networking mechanism for many businesses that has developed over the past several years is called “matchmaking” or “speed networking.” Most of us immediately think dating. However, this tool can be used to boost business and build a strong foundation for businesses to grow.

The North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center, which is operated through the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce, will host a matchmaker. In the four short years since its inception, PTAC has played a major role in the transformation of the economic standing of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Oswego and Oneida counties. The PTAC program provides free one-on-one counseling to individual businesses on government contracting.

This program is a Department of Defense initiative to bring competition to the government marketplace.

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NNY Business | February 2013

So what is a matchmaker? Is it speed dating for small businesses?

In business terms, a matchmaker gives firms the opportunity to meet a faceto-face contact Lynn Pietroski with small business specialists from government agencies, as well as with small business liaison officers from large prime contractors. A matchmaker is a chance to meet with representatives from military, federal agencies, state and local governments, universities and large businesses.

Government agencies and prime contractors are looking for qualified firms to buy products and services required to fulfill government procurement needs.

In essence, a matchmaker event provides visibility and enables dialogue between buyers and small business members.

Meeting with large business owners or CEOs can be intimidating. The matchmaker provides a non-threatening, educational environment and is a good use of time for all those involved.

What should you expect at the North Country PTAC Matchmaker?

Matchmakers can serve to meet many purposes. On March 26, the Chamber of Commerce is partnering with North Country PTAC and the Small Business Development Center to host a matchmaker event that will be packed with useful information. The matchmaker is being

held at the Jules Center at Jefferson Community College, Watertown.

It will include tables, timers and businesses of all sizes. Tables are assigned to prime contractors, universities or federal or state agencies, small business specialists, liaison officers and other purchasing personnel who are set up for matching.

Each registered participant will begin with a schedule of appointments starting at 8:45 a.m. to meet with vendors.

Similar to the popular “speed dating,” every 10 minutes, a bell signals a new appointment. One of the most important items an individual can get out of the matchmaker is an opportunity to give an “elevator speech” about their business and its services, and to connect with a prime contractor.

So how do you register and attend?

All the needed information can be found at www.northcountryptac.com or by calling PTAC at (315) 788-4400. If you are a prime contractor and would like to have representation at the event, contact the North Country Procurement Center. Registration is open as well. Prime contractors and government agencies are free. Early bird registration is $20 before March 8; $30 March 9 and later. Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce members and Watertown SBDC members are $10.The chamber, PTAC and SBDC are each available to help individuals and businesses through the process. If you are unsure if these types of events are what your business needs make the call.

n LYNN PIETROSKI is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at ceo@watertownny. com. Her column appears monthly.

AGRI-BUSINESS

Agri-biz future is getting brighter

F

or eight years, high school students have converged on Jefferson Community College to participate in Workforce 2020. Thanks to the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services and the Workforce Investment Board, 1,500 students from 17 high schools attended this year’s event on Jan. 9. They met with representatives from 100 businesses and government agencies to discuss career opportunities and participate in mock interviews. Agriculture was well represented by the students and the businesses and agencies present.

Ed Walldroff, Homestead Fields Dairy farm owner; Mike Hunter, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County; Bruce Krupke and Gary Latta, Northeast Dairy Foods Association Inc.; and Melanie Parker-Geursten, Cowcalls Veterinary Services owner, staffed tables with me to represent agriculture. Together, we conducted 60 interviews, the highest number any of us recall. We saw several students turn away because the line was long enough and time was short that the student could not wait without missing their departing bus.

Student interests ranged from wanting to own and operate their own dairy farm to pursuing agricultural engineering degrees. Several students were seeking careers in diesel mechanics. Three were interested in agricultural education, promotion and journalism. Students approached our table with résumés in hand. Our task was to review their résumé and conduct a mock interview. Our discussions included information about careers and trends in agriculture. After the interview, each of us completed an evaluation for the student

to provide constructive feedback so they could improve their résumé, interview skills and better prepare for future education and careers. All my 14 interviews were with great Jay Matteson young adults.

Most noteworthy for me was an interview with a young man from either General Brown or LaFargeville High School. He was confident as he approached and sat down. As I started to review his résumé, I noted his last name was familiar. His father relocated their farm to Jefferson County from Pennsylvania through our Come Farm With Us program several years ago. They now operate a beef farm in our county. In talking with this bright young fellow, I learned that he wasn’t initially excited about the relocation. Now, he wants to remain in Jefferson County and continue to farm. If nothing else, this made the entire morning worthwhile. Not only had the Come farm With Us program helped bring a new business to our county, but it also brought a future generation interested in growing our economy through agriculture.

Having interviewed many people, I’ve seen my share of résumés. Some résumés I reviewed through Workforce 2020 have been poor, not necessarily because of the student, but because of the guidance they receive. This year the résumés were much better than the past, which I hope is a result of their schools giving them better instruction on how to prepare.

The résumé is the ticket in the door to an interview. They need to be clear and concise, yet give enough information so the employer gains a good understanding of the work experience and potential skill set the candidate brings to the table. Many of the students this year already had an enviable list of accomplishments through their extra-curricular activities in FFA, scouting, community organizations and working in jobs at home or other businesses.

In talking with several of my colleagues after the program was over, one piece of advice to schools became clear. Do not tell students to not offer references on their résumés. I can attest to this as well.

Do not make the employer’s job harder to hire the candidate. In the end, the student will need to produce a list of references anyway, so why not make it easy for the employer to do their job, unless there is something truly to hide.

One more notable observation from this year was the black blazers with school insignia worn by Belleville Henderson students. I noticed these immediately as they came into a room filled with hundreds of students and professionals. The blazers made the students stand out among the rest. Several people I spoke with said similar things. Congratulations to Belleville, a bold and smart decision.

The 2013 Workforce 2020 program left me encouraged. If these students we saw and the increased numbers are an indication of what’s to come, the future of agriculture is getting brighter.

n JAY M. MATTESON is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident who lives in Lorraine. Contact him at coordinator@comefarmwithus.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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BUSINESS TECH BYTES

Expect a few licensing price hikes

W

orldwide, information technology spending this year is expected to total $247 billion with 69 percent of that earmarked for server management and administration. Microsoft has ensured an even larger portion of this by increasing the purchase price on some of its most popular and widely deployed server software.

The software giant has announced a 38 percent price increase for SharePoint 2013 and a 40 percent increase for Lync Server 2013.

There is some good news as no increases in server licensing costs for Exchange 2013 and Office 2013 were included in the latest pricing strategy. According to a statement by Microsoft in the January issue of Redmond Magazine, “In the case of SharePoint 2013, the array of previous server licenses have been combined into a new SharePoint Server 2013 license.”

Microsoft has sought to increase the value of its SharePoint Server license by including in the unified server license SharePoint for Internet and extranet sites and Enterprise Search and Sky Drive Pro, a new document storage service for SharePoint. Access to those technologies previously required separate or different licenses. Microsoft also points to added improvements in Exchange 2013, including built-in anti-malware and improved management capabilities. They also will retire the separate connector licensing, but with no change to price.

That doesn’t mean ownership costs will not increase. Microsoft has announced an increase in the cost of user Client Access Licenses by at least 15 percent. With this increase, Microsoft hopes to capitalize on

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NNY Business | February 2013

the multiple devices most employees now use. With multiple device use, user CALs can have more value. Software licensing expert Paul DeGroot of Pica Communications accepts Jill Van Hoesen Microsoft’s Bring Your Own Device rationale.

“I recommend customers switch to user CALs, even with the 15 percent increase.

Since as much as 80 percent of Microsoft revenues come not from server licensing, but from CALs, Mr. Degroot makes the case for user CALs for organizations that permit BYOD scenarios.

“Someone who connects their laptop and their smartphone to get an email from the Exchange server when they are out of the office needs at least six device CALs; one Window and Exchange device CAL for the work PC, portable PC and smartphone. If they have user CALs, they only need two; one Window and Exchange user CAL per user to cover all of their devices.”

A Windows user CAL is $31 and an Exchange user CAL is $68, with volume discounts available. A device CAL starts at $297 before similar discounts. Customers with existing multi-year volume licensing agreements won’t face a price increase until the end of their contract term, but you still need to review your overall Microsoft licensing posture — user versus device CAL — to ensure compliance, especially if your employees continue to BYOD.

Not already a Microsoft server shop but still want to pick and choose hardware and software components that best suit your needs for increased efficiency, security and performance while tackling complex IT tasks? Fortunately, we’re in the midst of an exciting era where onesize-fits-all information technology solutions have given way to what Microsoft calls “the new Office.” This means subscription and cloud versions of in-house favorites like Exchange, SharePoint and Lync Server. Microsoft is marketing Office 365 as the best deal, arguing that renting Office in the cloud will ensure access to latest updates and features before singleseat versions.

In addition to Office for iPad, which is expected mid-year, Microsoft also will offer “store” versions of Office client and SharePoint applications, and not be a moment too soon as Microsoft plays catch up with Apple and Google. There are presently a little more than 18,000 apps available in the Windows store compared with 700,000 and 675,000 for Apple and Google, respectively. Will Microsoft be successful in moving existing loyal customers to the cloud, where they are no longer king?

I would love to hear what your business is doing, in-house or in the cloud. Will this latest price hike affect your decisions? Send your stories or comments to jvanhoesen@wdt.net, or comment on this article at www.nnybizmag.com or on our Facebook page, Facebook.com/NNYBusiness. I will share some reader feedback in a future issue.

n JILL VAN HOESEN is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net.

Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Take action: easy steps to success

S

mall Business Development Centers see many business owners this time of year. Numerous requests for assistance pour in as they finally have time to tackle some of their business “todo lists.” The slow time in business cycle is the perfect time to do just that. The challenges are in figuring out how much time you have and then winnowing down your list to your most important goals.

Perhaps most daunting is where to begin. I will attempt to provide a model to attack these goals in 30 minute increments — or 10 or 20 minutes — whatever you have available. In her column “Simplify strategic planning process” (Dec. 2012), Michelle Collins wrote about developing SMART objectives. Here we approach pieces of that plan on a micro level, putting it into action. If you’ve already started to implement Michelle’s recommendations, you are well on your way through some of these steps.

PRIORITIZE GOALS — First, identify goals in writing then prioritize. Think about time sensitivity and profitability.

Some things you have no choice about, they must be done and must be done now, or they must be done before the next sales quarter or season begins. Other things may have a larger return on investment.

Your time is precious. Think about the goals that will help reduce expenses and increase sales.

Narrow your list to two or three top-priority goals. It’s important to set yourself up for success. By having a small list, you hopefully won’t be discouraged by getting it all accomplished. Next, break that small list down even further into

SMART objectives — specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, timely.

IDENTIFY TASKS AND ACTIVITIES — Many small tasks and activities need to be tackled Brooke James to achieve your goals. For example, you want to increase awareness of your business. One objective is to create, print and distribute 1,000 full-color double-sided brochures by March 1. Your small tasks, or action items, might be to identify printing and design companies, get quotes for work, write content and take or find images, proof a draft, send final edits, pick up brochures, distribute brochures. You will notice that your action did not stop at collecting content and images. It is important to keep in mind the purpose of your goal — maybe just creating the brochure is a huge accomplishment, but you want to ensure that your action plan includes the final execution and ultimate purpose, in this case, distribution to market. That is where your action and time leads to profitability.

These tasks can easily be broken down into 10- to 30-minute activities. By creating a SMART action plan with deadlines, you will have a focused attack when you have extra time. Setting aside a day or a few hours to do something might not be realistic, but 10 minutes every day will help you move forward.

CREATE YOUR ACTION PLAN — Take out a piece of paper, or create a spreadsheet on your computer. Create six columns.

The columns should read goal, objective, action, responsibility, timeline, leaving the final column blank. You will have a new page for each goal. Write the goal and the SMART objectives that go along with it. The action column is the most important. This is where you identify the 10- to 30-minute tasks to achieve the objective.

Each should be assigned to a responsible person, whether it’s you or staff.

Finally, set a schedule in the timeline.

You may have a specific date or month by when to complete the task, or it could be a recurring weekly or monthly chore like write a blog post, call to thank repeat customers or clean your storefront window. The sixth column is where you can reward yourself with a check mark or a gold star sticker when you have accomplished your tasks.

Your action plan can be a valuable part of your strategic or marketing plans. It can be specific to a department within your business, such as social media marketing, product development or human resources. It can help you reach your goals through bite-sized activities and visualize actual progress.

Email me for a printed or electronic action plan template. Business advisors at the Canton and Watertown SBDC’s are always available to help create productive and successful plans n BROOKE JAMES is a business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. She is a small business owner and event planner. Contact her at jamesb@canton.edu.

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CHAMBER / WEB DIRECTORY

NNY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

n CLAYTON 517 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624; 686-3771, www.1000islands-clayton.com

n ALEXANDRIA BAY 7 Market St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; 482-9531, www.visitalexbay.org

n GREATER WATERTOWNNORTH COUNTRY 1241 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY 13601; 788-4400, www.watertownny.com

n BOONVILLE 122 Main St., P.O. Box 163, Boonville, NY 13309; 942-6823, www.boonvillechamber.com

n GOUVERNEUR 214 E. Main St., Gouverneur, NY 13642; 287-0331, www.gouverneurchamber.net

n CANTON 60 Main St., P.O. Box 369, Canton, NY 13617; 386-8255, www.cantonnychamber.org n CAPE VINCENT 175 N. James St., P.O. Box 482, Cape Vincent, NY 13618; 654-2481, www.capevincent.org n CARTHAGE AREA 120 S. Mechanic St., Carthage, NY 13619; 493-3590, www.carthageny.com n CENTERSTATE CEO 572 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202; 470-1800, www.centerstateceo.com n CHAUMONT-THREE MILE BAY P.O. Box 24, Three Mile Bay, NY 13693; 649-3404, www.chaumontchamber.com

BIZ WEB DIRECTORY CITEC MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS www.citec.org

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP www.helpmysmallbusinesstoday.com www.facebook.com/CUEntrepCtr www.twitter.com/CUEntrepCtr

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY www.danc.org

LEWIS COUNTY IDA www.lcida.org

n HENDERSON HARBOR P.O. Box 468, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651; 938-5568, www.hendersonharborny.com n LEWIS COUNTY 7576 S. State St., Lowville, NY 13367; 376-2213, www.lewiscountychamber.org n MASSENA 16 Church St., Massena, NY 13662; 769-3525, www.massenachamber.com n MALONE 497 East Main St., Malone, NY 12953; 1(518) 483-3760, www.visitmalone.com n OGDENSBURG 1 Bridge Plaza, Ogdensburg, NY 13669; 393-3620, www.ogdensburgny.com n OLD FORGE 3140 Route 28, P.O. Box 68

JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DEVELOPMENT CORP. www.jcjdc.net

PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER www.northcountryptac.com

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT SUNY JEFFERSON www.watertown.nyssbdc.org www.facebook.com/WatertownSBDC

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT SUNY CANTON www.canton.edu/sbdc www.facebook.com/CantonSBDC www.twitter.com/NYS_SBDC

Old Forge, NY 13420; 369-6983 www.oldforgeny.com

n POTSDAM 1 Market St., Potsdam, NY 13676; 274-9000, www.potsdamchamber.com n PULASKI 3044 Route 13, P.O. Box 34, Pulaski, NY 13142; 298-2213, www.pulaskinychamber.com n SACKETS HARBOR 304 W. Main St., P.O. Box 17, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685; 646-1700, www. sacketsharborchamberofcommerce.com n SOUTH JEFFERSON 14 E. Church St., Adams, NY 13605; 232-4215, www.southjeffchamber.org n ST. LAWRENCE 101 Main St., First Floor, Canton, NY 13617; 386-4000, www.northcountryguide.com n TRI-TOWN 907 Route 11 C, P.O. Box 297, Brasher Falls, NY 13613; 389-4800, www.tritownchamberofcommerce.com n WADDINGTON 38 Main St., P.O. Box 291, Waddington, NY 13694; 388-4079, www.waddingtonny.com

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA www.slcida.com

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY www.slrvra.com

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

www.sba.gov www.facebook.com/SBAAtlantic www.twitter.com/SBAAtlantic

WATERTOWN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORP. www.watertownldc.com

WATERTOWN SCORE

www.scorewatertownny.org

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NNY Business | February 2013

90 Days Same as Cash.

SATURDAY, FEB. 23

n 23rd Annual Polar Bear Dip, 1 p.m., Bonnie Castle Resort. Sponsored by Friends of River Hospital in support of the River Hospital Foundation. Dippers must be 18 years old or older. Times and registration information posted as it becomes available at www.riverhospitalfoundation.org or Facebook.com/ RHFInc. Register: 482-4976.

CLAYTON SATURDAY, FEB. 2

n Winter Environmental Conference, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Clayton Opera House, 405 Riverside Drive. Sponsored by Save the River. Bringing together policy makers, scientists, elected officials and river residents to discuss the most critical issues impacting the St. Lawrence River. Information or to register: Kate Breheny, 686-2010 or kate@ savetheriver.org.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

n Business with a Twist, 5 to 7 p.m., Shear Expressions Hair Salon, 141 Mary St. Sponsored by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce. Register: 686-3771.

FORT DRUM WEDNESDAY, FEB. 20

n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., USO Fort Drum, Building 10502 S. Riva Ridge Loop. Sponsored by the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce.

Cost: Members registered in advance, $8; non-registered members, $10; non-members, $12. Register by noon Tuesday, Feb. 19, at www.watertownny.com or 788-4400.

MASSENA MONDAY, WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FROM MARCH 4-MARCH 21

n “The Art of Effective Communication,” 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Massena Library Center for Career and Community Engagement.

Sponsored by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. Interactive course that explains the importance of effective communication, nonverbal cues, recognizing effective communication elements and developing strategies to improve listening. Cost: $75. Register: www.sllboces. org or 1 (888) 360-7693.

FRIDAYS, FEB. 8-MARCH 22

n Computer Skills for the Workplace, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., Massena Adult Education Center Computer Lab. Sponsored by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. Learn the basics of creating spreadsheets, entering data into a database, creating files and other computer tasks necessary for being successful in a modern day workplace. Cost: $150. Register: www.sllboces.org or 1 (888) 360-7693.

NORWOOD TUESDAY, MARCH 26

n Strategic Shopping: Beginning Couponing, two available timeslots, 2 to 4:30 p.m. or 6 to 8:30 p.m., Norwood Adult Educa-

tion Center. Sponsored by St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES. Learn the art of couponing and saving money, including the best places to get coupons and get the most out of your couponing effort. Taught by Candy Foote, author of Strategic Shopping eBook. Cost: $20 supply fee, payable to instructor at class session. Register: 1 (888) 360-7693.

OGDENSBURG SATURDAY, FEB. 16

n Polar Bear Plunge, registration 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., plunge begins, 1 p.m., Dobisky Visitor’s Center and Municipal Marina. Proceeds benefit the Ogdensburg Volunteer Rescue Squad. Minimum of $35 pledge to participate, jumper with the most pledges wins 10 percent of the purse. Concessions available and a 50-50 raffle. Jumpers receive a free meal and access to hot tub and showers. Pledge sheets available at www. ogdensburgny.com.

POTSDAM TUESDAY, FEB. 5

n Social Media Marketing for Artists, 6 to 8 p.m., Downtown Snell Hall Crafts Studio, room 229. Sponsored by St. Lawrence County Arts Council. Class highlights the importance of having a strong web presence, including using a website, blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Flickr. Cost: Members, $19; non-members, $20. Register: www. slcartscouncil.org.

SYRACUSE TUESDAY, JAN. 29

n Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Koto Japanese Steakhouse, 2841 Erie Blvd. E., Syracuse. Sponsored by CenterState CEO. Cost: Members, $10; non-members, $20.

Information, registration: Lisa Metot, 4701870 or lmetot@centerstateceo.com.

WATERTOWN MONDAY, JAN. 28

n Online Entrepreneurial Training Course, runs until May 6. Sponsored by Small Business Development Center at JCC. A 14-week online training course with seven learning modules. Video presentations and information for entrepreneurs to develop sound business practices. Cost: $195. Register: 786-2438.

TUESDAYS AND THURSDAYS, JAN. 29 TO MAY 7

n Legal Issues for Small Business, 3:30 to 4:50 p.m., Jefferson Community College.

Sponsored by Small Business Development Center at JCC. Learn about choosing a business organization, zoning approval, licensing and permits, tax implications, small business contracts, small business buyouts and the legal requirements of small claims court action.

Participants may attend as few as four sessions. Cost: $220. Register: 786-2233.

THURSDAY, JAN. 31

n Economic Forecast 2013, 8:30 a.m.,

Ramada Inn, 21000 State Route 3, Arsenal Street, Watertown. Sponsored by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, RBC Wealth Management, Community Bank, N.A., Hancock Estabrook LLP, NNY Business and the Watertown Daily Times. Part of the chamber’s annual speaker series, featuring Anthony G. Collins, president of Clarkson University and co-chairman of North Country Regional Economic Development Council, Donald C. Alexander, CEO of JCIDA, Cyril Mouaikel, SVP Private Client Group, RBC Wealth Management, and Nick Verbanic, VP of Nottingham Advisors, a subsidiary of Community Bank, N.A. Cost: Members, $10; non-members, $15. Register: www. watertownny.com or call the chamber at 788-4400.

SATURDAY, FEB. 2

n 14th Annual North Country Chili CookOff, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, Washington Street. Sponsored by Jefferson County American Legion Family, proceeds benefit transportation programs at the Volunteer Transportation Center.

Information for entrants, www.volunteer transportation.org or 788-0422.

THURSDAY, FEB. 7

n 61st Annual Israel A. Shapiro Award Presentation, cocktails, 6 p.m., dinner program, 7 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, Arsenal Street. Sponsored by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, WWTI-ABC50, the North Country CW and Slack Chemical Co. Honoring Bernard H. Brown, CEO of Bernier, Carr & Associates, P.C., Watertown. Cost: $45 per person, $500 per corporate table of 10. Reservations: By Wednesday, Jan. 30, seating is limited; admission is payable in advance and non-refundable after Jan. 30. Register: www.watertownny.com or 788-4400.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 6

n Business of the Year Award Presentation, 11:45 a.m., Black River Valley Club.

Sponsored by the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce, M&T Bank, Davidson Auto Group, Timeless Frames, Decor and Expressions, NNY Business magazine and the Watertown Daily Times. Meal choices: Chicken French with vegetables and rice, crab-stuffed haddock with vegetables and rice, rotisserie chicken salad or Guinness burger with French fries.

Cost: $20, payable in advance and nonrefundable after Feb. 27. Register: www. watertownny.com or 788-4400.

SATURDAY, MARCH 23

n Samaritan Auxiliary’s “One Night-One Diamond,” benefiting Samaritan Medical Center’s daVinci Robotic Surgery program. Music by Atlas. More information as it becomes available, www.samaritanhealth.com.  GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? Email nnybusiness@wdt.net. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook. com/NNYBusiness or www.nnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS EVENTS CALENDAR

ALEXANDRIA BAY

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 37

BUSINESS SCENE 21st Annual Bridal Show at the Dulles State Office Building

From left, Donna Santamour and Ellen Nicol, owner, Ellen Nicol Photography, Lowville.

From left, Angie Cobb, sales manager, and Cindy Fiacco-Lozo, general manager, Bonnie Castle Resort and Marine, Alexandria Bay.

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Mary Bova and Kathy Lettiere, owner, A Touch of Grace, Watertown. The Dulles State Office Building hosted the 21st Annual Bridal Show Sunday, Jan. 6.

From left, Kim Graves, Suanne Hallett, owner, and Anne Varno, all of Hallett’s Florist and Greenhouse, Adams.

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NNY Business | February 2013

BUSINESS SCENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Arts on the Square

From left, Diana Tatu, Lillian McCauley and Erica Turck, all of Maggie’s on the River, Watertown.

From left, Krista Jock Boulé, marketing director, and Steve Wood, both of Westelcom, Watertown

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Jennifer Dindl-Neff, owner, Humes Realty and Appraisal Service, and Shawna Cutuli, YMCA. The North Country Arts Council hosted the January Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at its Arts on the Square offices, Watertown, Jan. 16.

From left, George Stadalski, MATES-NY, Fort Drum, and wife, Monica, WPBS-TV, Watertown.

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BUSINESS SCENE BAH at Arts on the Square

Clayton Chamber Business with a Twist

From left, Gwen Decker, Tug Hill Commission, Marcia Bulger, North Country Library System, and Audrey Sargent, Hi-Lite Markings, Adams Center.

From left, Lori Arnot, River Wellness Center, Clayton, and Sarah Ellen Smith, St. Lawrence Pottery.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Justin Mann, Staie on the Seaway, Tillie Youngs, Thousand Islands International Tourism Council, Kathi Sanford, Alice Andrew Salon, Deborah Scholes, Clayton Island Tours, and Jane E. Aikins, Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina.

From left, Amy Fox, Amazing Occasions, Mike Hazlewood, Hazlewood Mechanical, Patti Schnauber, Schnauber Construction, and Lance Peterson Jr., LP Builders. The Clayton Opera House hosted the January Clayton Chamber of Commerce Business With a Twist Jan. 17.

KRAFFT

CLEANING SERVICE, INC.

315-782-4437 or 315-783-4437 www.krafftcleaning.com

The North Country’s Cleaning Professionals Since 1971 40 |

NNY Business | February 2013

LEED Compliant/ Environmentally Friendly Services Janitorial Service Carpet Cleaning Hard Floor Care Construction Clean-Ups Window Washing Pressure Washing Mat Cleaning

BUSINESS SCENE Clayton Chamber Business with a Twist at Clayton Opera House

From left, Susan Wentworth, Clayton Opera House, and Marty Bowers, U.S. Coast Guard, Clayton.

From left, Fritz Hager, Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, Bill Grater and wife, Diana, Grater Architects, Clayton.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Lora Nadolski, Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, Chris Rhinebeck, Chris’s Service Station, Margaret Hummel, Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, and Joy Rhinebeck, Thousand Islands Arts Center.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Clockwise from left, Justin Taylor, Clayton town supervisor, Kevin Lewis, Antique Boat Museum, Clayton, Jack Stopper, Weather Stopper, Clayton, Jim Schnauber, Schnauber Construction, and Laura Stopper, Weather Stopper, Clayton.

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 41

DINING GUIDE Cam’s Pizzeria 25 Public Square, Watertown (315) 779-8900

G&F Italian Pizza and Restaurant 2972 E. Main St., Parish (315) 625-7177

Korean Grill 525 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 681-4226

Cavallario’s Cucina 133 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 788-9744

Gold Star Deli 343 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-6155

La Bella Fonte 10700 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-4842

Channelside 506 Riverside Drive, Clayton (315) 686-2940

Goodfellos 202 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3463

Lake Ontario Playhouse 103 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2305

Cherry Tree Inn 8541 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-7281

Gram’s Diner 13 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4881

Manor Country Diner Route 11, Pierrepont Manor (315) 465-4400

China City 1125 Arsenal St. Suite 2, Watertown (315) 788-8289

Great American Grill 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-1234

Limerick Hotel 16331 State Route 12E, Limerick (315) 639-6804

Church Street Diner 107 Church St., Carthage (315) 493-0997

Great Wall Chinese 300 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-7668

Lloyd’s of Lowville 7405 S. State St., Lowville (315) 376-7037

Coleman’s Corner 849 Lawrence St., Watertown (315) 782-6888

Harby’s Hots Outer Washington Street, Watertown (315) 788-2250

Lucia’s Italian Restaurant 11613 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-2223

Crossroads Diner 22474 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 782-9591

Herrings Inn 35802 State Route 3, Carthage (315) 493-9829

Maggie’s on the River 500 Newell St., Watertown (315) 405-4239

Crystal Restaurant 87 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-9938

Highland Meadows Country Club 24201 State Route 342, Watertown (315) 785-0108

Mariano’s Pizza 981 Waterman Drive, Watertown (315) 788-8088

Daily Buffet (Chinese) 1283 Arsenal St. Stop 8, Watertown (315) 786-8598

Hops Spot 214.5 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-BEER (2337)

Midway Ice Cream 891 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 405-4996

Dano’s Pizzeria and Restaurant 24411 State Route 971V, Felts Mills (315) 773-3266

Home Deli Pizza & Subs 305 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 782-6340

Mo’s Place 345 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-5503

Erin’s Isle Restaurant 928 State Route 11C, Brasher Falls (315) 389-4100

Hot Diggity Dogs Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 788-4844

Morgia’s Pasta 22560 Fisher Road, Watertown (315) 788-3509

Fairground Inn 852 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7335

Ives Hill Restaurant 435 Flower Ave. W., Watertown (315) 775-4837

Mr. Sub Sandwich Shop Public Square & Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1760

Five Guys 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 221-4258

Jean’s Beans 259 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 788-7460

Nu Pier 13212 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3312

Foxy’s Restaurant 18187 Reed Point Road, Fishers Landing (315) 686-9781

Johnny D’s 1 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-6108

Original Italian Pizza 222 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 786-0000

Brownville Diner 114 W. Main St., Brownville (315) 786-8554

Fung Hing Chinese 225 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9689

Karen & Jasper’s Bar & Bistro 1322 Washington St. Plaza, Watertown (315) 788-4110

Papa Tino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-7272

Café Mira 14 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4470

Gary’s Restaurant 5424 Shady Ave., Lowville (315) 376-6612

King Star Food Oriental 22265 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 786-0246

Pete’s Trattoria 111 Breen Ave., Watertown (315) 782-6640

n A directory of independent coffee houses, bars and restaurants.

Full-service restaurants 1025 Ruyi Japanese Steak House 1025 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 405-4501 1844 House “An American Bistro” 6885 U.S. Route 11, Potsdam (315) 268-1844 2000 Chinese Restaurant 22070 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 788-2000 A & J’s Diner 455 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-4811 Andy’s Caribbean Cuisine 302 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-8658 Apollo Restaurant 1283 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-3569 Art’s Jug 820 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 782-9764 Bella’s Bistro 602 Riverside Drive, Clayton (315) 686-2341 Bernardo’s Pizzeria 702 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9500 Black River Valley Club 131 Washington St., Watertown (315) 788-2300 Blue Heron 12050 Route 12E, Chaumont (315) 649-2240 Boathouse 214 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2092 Brookside Diner 1873 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9824

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NNY Business | February 2013

DINING GUIDE Pickle Barrel Cafe 32523 Route 12, Depauville (315) 686-3640

Read the reviews

Pizza Shack 12699 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2267

 Log on to www.watertowndaily times.com to read restaurant reviews

by Watertown Daily Times restaurant critic Walter Siebel.

Rainbow Shores Restaurant 186 Rainbow Shores Road, Pulaski (315) 298-5110

Get on the list

Ramada Inn 21000 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-0700 Resturante de Ricardo 1196 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-6800 Rhonda’s Place Family Diner 566 State St., Watertown (315) 221-9263 Riccardo’s Market & Deli 710 Holcomb St., Watertown (315) 782-7810 Riverhouse 4818 Salina St., Pulaski (315)509-4281 Roma Restaurant 19 Bridge St., Carthage (315) 493-0616 Romalato’s Gourmet Deli 450 Gaffney Drive, Watertown (315) 681-6653 Ryan’s Lookout 9290 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-5151

 Call NNY Business associate editor Kyle Hayes at (315) 661-2381 or email khayes@wdt.net to have your restaurant or bar listed in our monthly dining guide today.

Soluri’s Pizza 526 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-2888 Stonefence Resort 7191 State Route 37, Ogdensburg (315) 393-1545 Stone Jug Pizzeria 104 Bartlett Road, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-1008 Suk Hui Hi’s Korean 1301 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9740 Super Wok Chinese Restaurant 20991 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-5389 Thailand Thai Restaurant 1857 State St., Watertown (315) 788-6688 The Place 1612 Ford St., Ogdensburg 315-393-3080

Violi’s Restaurant 209 Center St., Massena (315) 764-0329

Fat Boys 743 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 779-0087

Vito’s Gourmet 3 Public Square, Watertown (315) 779-VITO (8486)

First Crush Bistro & Wine Bar 32 Market St., Potsdam (315) 265-9463

VV’s Mexican Kitchen Noble Street, Evans Mills (315) 629-4652

First Round Bar & Lounge 498 Factory St., Watertown (315) 405-4504

Walsh’s Pub & Grill 101 E. Main St., Brownville (315) 782-6065

Fort Pearl Inc. 557 Pearl St., Watertown (315) 786-3333

Willowbrook Golf Club 25075 State Route 37, Watertown (315) 782-8192 Wing Wagon 71 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-1225

Coffee Houses Brew Ha Ha 468 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1175 Chrissy Beanz Bakery 105 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2330 Coffee Shop Carbone Plaza, Watertown (315) 782-0450 Danny’s Coffee 21181 Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 782-7057

Hitchin’ Post Tavern 404 Court St., Watertown (315) 782-9656 Hometown Pizzeria 4 W. Church St., Adams (315) 232-3000 Joe’s Tavern 548 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9709 Mick’s Place 204 Factory St., Watertown (315) 786-1992 Paddock Club 5 Paddock Arcade, Watertown (315) 786-6633 Pappy’s Bowlmor Lanes 227 E. Orvis St., Massena (315) 769-9877

Bars / Nightlife

Pewter Mug 1120 Gill St., Watertown (315) 782-0200

Thousand Island Club 21952 Club Road, Alexandria Bay (315) 482-9999

Artie’s Tavern 329 High St., Watertown (315) 782-9616

Poor Richard’s 1309 State St., Watertown (315) 788-6942

Tico’s Mex Mex Grill 65 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-4778

Clueless 545 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-9006

Sboro’s Restaurant 836 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1728

Tilted Kilt 1050 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-5458

Crazy Legs Saloon 536 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 777-8333

Shorty’s Place 1280 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7878

Tin Pan Galley 110 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3812

Dragon Lord Pub 13288 U.S. Route 11, Adams Center (315) 583-5550

Shuler’s Steak & Seafood 802 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1429

United China Restaurant 144 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 782-4432

Edge of the River Pub 519 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 788-0695

Sackets Harbor Brew Pub 212 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2739 Sandy’s Luncheonette 5 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-2935 Savory Downtown 300 Washington St., Watertown (315) 788-0272

Seth’s Pub 558 State St., Watertown (315) 681-6645 Shootie’s Bar 504 Pearl St., Watertown (315) 782-9724 Time Warp Tavern 302 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9784 Nautical Turtle Tavern 107 Public Square, Watertown

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 43

BUSINESS HISTORY

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARCHIVES

Watertown’s Bee Hive store in 1965 on Court Street. The store was known for its wide array of merchandise and being one of the longest operating family businesses in the area.

The store that ‘had everything’ n Watertown’s Bee Hive a retail landmark

E

NNY Business

very so often when a longtime Watertown resident starts to reminisce, they go back to the times when Public Square was the retail hub of Jefferson County. Long before Salmon Run Mall was even a concept, and when Arsenal Street was nothing but farmland, downtown Watertown buzzed with retail activity.

It’s never long before that longtime resident mentions a few stores they vividly remember from their childhood. The store where they bought their first candy for a penny or rode on their first elevator.

Court Street’s Bee Hive store is one of those retail landmarks that make the list of “fondly remembered.”

Founded in 1894 at what was originally 32 Court St., and later 144 Court St., the Bee Hive was known as the store that had

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NNY Business | February 2013

everything. Even the most unusual household items, unobtainable elsewhere, lined the shelves of the department store.

Founder Sylvanus V. Barker, a native of Rossie, spent most of his early life in the Carthage area, where he learned the carriage maker’s business. After seven years in that business and a year in a grocery partnership in Syracuse, Mr. Barker moved to Auburn. He soon opened a variety store in 1887, called the Bargain Store. Some seven years later, he disposed of the Bargain Store and headed north for Watertown. In October 1894, the Bee Hive was born, named after a store in Auburn that caught the fancy of Mr. Barker’s wife.

The space of the original store had been occupied prior to 1894 by the firm Waite and Irving, which relocated.

Mr. Barker’s stock included an almost endless variety of woodenware, granite and tin ware, crockery, glassware, kitchen utensils, many lines of house furnishings,

dry goods, underwear and hosiery.

The business grew rapidly because it was a type new to the city. Mr. Barker established himself a name for strict business integrity and a faculty of keeping stock moving from his shelves. He also had a reputation for keeping his clerks over a period of many years. The longevity of help at the Bee Hive became a notable aspect of the business for many.

Twice Mr. Barker enlarged the store by opening adjoining space. On March 20, 1897, he opened a second section, formerly occupied by B.L. Taylor, wholesale dealer in boots and shoes. In 1924, he decided to further expand into a former grocery store and the former Regal Clothes Shop.

Following Mr. Barker’s death on Aug. 31, 1939, the store went to his son, Ross W. Barker, and daughter, Mrs. Charles A. Shafer. The younger Mr. Barker had helped to manage the store since

1907. Ross continued to run the store until 1965, when he decided to shutter the business and dispose of the building after more than 70 years in business.

In a Sept. 8, 1989, Letter to the Editor published in the Watertown Daily Times, Alex T. Duffy, a noted Watertown icon, recalled of the department store: “[The Bee Hive] was to be a general store, with a policy of pleasing the public, having strict integrity, fair prices and quick sales. At its closing, after 70 years of business, all these aims had been accomplished.

There were several departments … [but] what intrigued me as a youngster was their famous candy counter, featuring the famous Ox-Heart chocolates made in Oswego, and the famous fudge, along with a full line of other treats.

The Bee Hive also had a system of overhead electric baskets operating on cables.

The baskets sent cash to the main office and back with your change.

The Barkers had a son, Ross, and a daughter, Evelyn. Evelyn later became Mrs. Charles Shafer. Ross was unmarried.

As they grew up they became part of the store’s management.

Noted for keeping their employees for years, here are some who were all friends of my parents: Eleanor Byrne (who was there 49 years), Bessie Boyd, Ada Reid, Pearl Tinney, Libbie McMillan, Zulema Robbins, Anna Barber, George Whitford (the head of the china and glass department). I’m sure there were more, but that’s a long way back. Another employee, Mildred Hamm Currior, just passed away.

Her father ran Hamm’s famous Shooting Gallery, which was across from the Bee Hive on Court Street.

I talked recently with two other employees, Clayton Jones and his brother-inlaw, Eric Young. Eric went to work at the store as an errand boy for $2 a week. He later became head of the delivery department. He was there for 38 years and was a familiar figure around town with his horse and buggy.

These are just a few of my memories of ‘the store that had everything.’”

•

•

n BUSINESS HISTORY IS A monthly feature from the archives of the Watertown Daily Times.

Visit www.watertowndailytimes.com to access digital archives since 1988, or stop by the Times, 260 Washington St., Watertown to research materials in our library that date back to the 1800s.

The piece “Bee Hive Store, Landmark, Closing

by End of Year,” published Aug. 7, 1965, in thet Watertown Daily Times, was used in the writing of this column.

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 45

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G H E R E ?

NORTH COUNTRY NEUROLOGY EXPANSION LOCATION: 1340 Washington St., Watertown

SIZE: Approximately 6,400 square feet

COST: $1.2 million DESIGN/BUILD: LUNCO Corp., Carthage

ESTIMATED COMPLETION: Spring 2013 LOCAL JOBS: About a dozen construction jobs; two new neurologists will join the practice in July, following the completion of the expansion.

— Compiled by Kyle R. Hayes.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

A bulldozer smooths stone last month while laying the foundation of the expansion for North Country Neurology on Washington Street in Watertown. The $1.2 million project is expected to be complete in late spring.

NEXT MONTH

I

n our March issue — our annual salute to women in business — we share the stories of north country’s women on the job and the challenges they’ve faced on their paths to success.

Also coming next month: n WOMEN AT WORK: We send our photographers off to work with several women to capture the story of the modern-day workplace. n WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES: We examine how the north country fares when it comes to small business ownership by women. n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader. n PLUS: Small Business Startup, NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, Business History, Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at www.nnybizmag.com.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nnybusiness, and view eEditions at www.issuu.com/NNYBusiness.

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NNY Business | February 2013

February 2013 | NNY Business

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BusIness

www.nnybizmag.com

260 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601

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