B
Y usIness
// DOWNTOWN REVITALIZATION: MODERNIZING WHILE MAINTAINING HISTORIC INTEGRITY pg. 14
FEBRUARY 2017 2017 FEBRUARY Volume 77 No. No. 33 Volume
nnybizmag.com
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THE INTERVIEW Eric Virkler, Lewis County’s economic development director p. 24
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CARING HEALING LEADING Nurse Manager & Nursing Supervisor Long-Term Care Exceptional, dedicated people, rewarding career opportunities, excellent compensation and benefit program and the ability to shape healthcare in our community are some of the reasons to join Samaritan. Samaritan Summit Village and Samaritan Keep Home have opportunities for an Assisted Living Nurse Manager, Skilled Nursing Nurse Manager and Nursing Supervisors The successful candidates must have a current NYS RN license. Long-term care and/or acute care clinical leadership experience is preferred. Relocation assistance and signing bonus are part of a comprehensive benefits package. Discover what Samaritan has to offer. Qualified applicants may apply online at www.samaritanhealth.com. Samaritan is an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, disabled and veterans are encouraged to apply.
February 2017 | NNY Business
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Inside FEBRUARY 2017 13
14 24 20 |
COVER |
14 A MODERN DOWNTOWN Tri-county towns maintain historical integrity while modernizing streets, buildings and businesses. |
BUSINESS BRIEFCASE |
12 10K DONATION Donation made to Cancer Center in St. Lawrence Co. |
SMALL BIZ STARTUP |
13 MIND, BODY & SPIRIT Watertown spiritual entrepreneur brings aerial practice to downtown Watertown.
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FEATURES |
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BUSINESS SCENE |
32 SNOWTOWN SUCCESS 2017 festival sells over 800 tickets to movie fanatics, encouraging downtown sales.
34 NETWORKING, NNY STYLE From Jefferson to Lewis counties, businessmen and women connect for success.
38 HISTORIC PHILANTHROPY Northern New York Community Foundation finds new home.
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TOP TRANSACTIONS |
23 JEFFERSON COUNTY The top 10 property sales in Jefferson County topped more than $10 million in December.
REAL ESTATE FOCUS |
36 ASSESSMENT DEBATE Waterfront property assessments spark debate among homeowners, city officials. |
ONLINE |
NNYBIZMAG.COM Connect with us online for daily updates, more photos and exclusive Web content.
February 2017 | NNY Business
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CONTRIBUTORS
BusIness www.nnybizmag.com
Chairman of the Board Holly C. Boname is associate magazine editor for NNY Magazines. This month she writes Small Business Startup with Vigilante Yoga’s Erica Turck.
Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. Each month he writes Real Estate Roundup.
Brooke Rouse is executive director for the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. This month she writes the nonprofits today column.
John B. Johnson Jr.
Editor & Publisher John B. Johnson
Co-Publisher
Harold B. Johnson II
Magazine Editor Brian Kelly
Magazine Associate Editor Holly C. Boname
Photography
Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. Each month her column Entrepreneur’s Edge is featured.
Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. Each month his column Agribusiness is featured.
Norah Machia is a freelance writer and veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter. This month she writes about the 2017 Snowtown Film Festival.
Amanda Morrison, Justin Sorensen Stephen Swofford
Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers
Advertising Graphics
Brian Mitchell, Rick Gaskin, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules
Circulation Director Mary Sawyer
Marcus Wolfe is a staff reporter for the Watertown Daily Times and contributor to NNY Business Magazine’s real estate column.
Craig Fox is a staff reporter for the Watertown Daily Times and contributor to NNY Business Magazine.
MARKETPLACE Aubertine & Currier ...............................22 April’s Cake Shop ..................................19 Avon Shoes & Orthopedic Center .......19 Blue Spruce Hotel ..................................19 Caskinette’s LoFink Ford .......................29 Coleman’s Corner ................................19 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. .........28 Doctor Guitar Music ..............................19 Fairgrounds Inn ......................................19 Factory Direct Mattress .........................19 Foy Agency Insurance .........................39 Fuccillo Auto Malls ................................18 Fuller Insurance Agency, Inc. ..............39 H.D. Goodale Co. ..................................39 Hospice of Jefferson County ..................7 National Grid .........................................33 Northern New York Community Foundation..............................................18 6 | NNY Business | February 2017
North Country Family Health Center ......3 Nortz & Virkler ........................................18 Overhead Door Company of Watertown .............................................19 Samaritan Medical .................................3 SeaComm ..............................................23 Shred Con ..............................................12 Snapshot Photo Booth ............................27 State Farm Insurance ............................39 T.F. Wright & Sons................................... 37 The Morgia Group .................................26 Wait Toyota ............................................35 Waite Motor Sports ................................34 Watertown Daily Times ...........................7 Watertown Savings Bank .......................2 Watertown Spring and Alignment ......18 WWTI ABC50 ........................................4, 8
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. © 2010-2017. 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 for two years. Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe. Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to hboname@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mbowers@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2345 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility. Please recycle this magazine.
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INTERVIEW
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ABOUT THE COVER
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24 NATURAL DEVELOPMENT Lewis County, in the face of losing largest private sector employer in 2015, instead increases jobs and seeks prospects for attracting or retaining more business.
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COLUMNS
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28 NONPROFITS TODAY 21 AGRIBUSINESS
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DEPARTMENTS
8 9 10 12
34 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS 29 ENTREPRENEUR’S EDGE
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EDITOR’S NOTE PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE
13 22 30 34
SMALL BIZ STARTUP REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP CALENDAR BUSINESS SCENE
COMPASSIONATE PERSONALIZED QUALITY CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Hospice of Jefferson County delivers compassionate, personalized, high-quality care. Hospice is committed to comfort, privacy, dignity and control.
SERVICES AVAILABLE IN YOUR HOME OR AT THE HOSPICE RESIDENCE
For this month’s cover story, NNY Business focused on the development of area downtowns, how historical integrity is maintained during development and how it influences economic growth based on geographic location. NNY Business photographers Amanda Morrison and Justin Sorensen conceptualized this month’s cover, showcasing a historical downtown Clayton image and the current downtown street, Riverside Drive.
ATERTOWN DAILY TIMES
LOCAL NEWS • LOCAL SPORTS • LOCAL VIEWS
Call 315-782-1012 or (800)724-1012 for details on how you can get delivery started today! February 2017 | NNY Business
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EDITO R’S N O T E
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ommunities across the north country are wrestling with how to modernize their downtowns while preserving the areas’ historic integrity. Downtowns designed for the horseand-buggy now have to accommodate high volumes of car and truck traffic. Towns once reliant on the telegraph now need to figure out where to best lay fiberoptic cables. In this month’s issue, we look at some of the challengBrian Kelly es presented by bringing 2017-style amenities to turnof-the-20th century buildings, while also protecting the historic aesthetics of a community. In researching this issue, I thumbed through a box of old downtown photos and I can say downtown Watertown clearly looks better in 2017 than it did in 1977. My memory tells me the 1970s were the last years of a golden era for downtown, a pre-Salmon Run Mall time when unique, well-kept shops bustled with customers. The pictures, however, tell me that nostalgia is somewhat misplaced. Forty years ago, paint peeled from many facades, several signs appeared ready to fall from storefronts and some buildings just plain needed to come down. It’s much the same story in Clayton. Based on the pictures I saw, Clayton may never have looked as good as it does today. For many years, Clayton
was an afterthought to Alexandria Bay in terms of where business owners chose to invest and where tourists chose to spend their money. In the 1990s, Clayton started to get its act together, ultimately resulting in a renovated opera house, an expanded Antique Boat Museum, a luxury hotel, an attractive waterfront park and several other either new or renovated buildings. Its downtown is now full of unique, well-kept shops bustling with customers. We also talk this month to Eric Virkler, Lewis County’s economic development director, about some of the challenges of creating or retaining jobs in a rural area. The county has had success recently in preserving more than 300 jobs at the Kraft Heinz cream cheese plant in Lowville, with more jobs coming, but it has also seen the closure of Climax Manufacturing, with 150 jobs lost. n
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NNY Business is now in its seventh year of bringing you news about commerce in your community. In upcoming issues, we will be featuring stories about women in business, energy and natural resources, shipping and tourism trails. To not miss an issue of NNY Business, subscriptions are available. The rate is $15 a year for 12 issues and $25 for two years of 24 issues. To subscribe, please call 315-782-1000. Enjoy,
NEX T MO N T H
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n March, our annual Women in Business issue, NNY Business speaks with women throughout the private and public business sectors.
Also coming next month: n 20 QUESTIONS: Learn more about Karen Clark, USO director, and her committment to Fort Drum and it’s troops, and how she manages to do it as a non-profit organization through community support and partnerships.
8 | NNY Business | February 2017
n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Entrepreneur Edge, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agribusiness, and Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at nnybizmag.com. Follow us on Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nnybusiness, and view eEditions at issuu.com/NNYBusiness.
P E O P L E O N T H E M O VE New executive director chosen for JCC Foundation Jefferson Community College has appointed Gregory J. Griffin, Liverpool, as executive director for the Jefferson Community College Foundation. Mr. Griffin will be responsible for the development and Griffin implementation of strategic advancement objectives for the college’s giving programs as well as alumni relations. He brings to the job 20 years of non-profit leadership experience and skills in fundraising, strategic planning, financial administration and developing community partnerships. He has worked with several universities and non-profits throughout New York State, including St. Lawrence University, Syracuse University and SUNY Oswego. Mr. Griffin holds a master’s in business administration from Alfred University, a bachelor of arts in English writing and government from St. Lawrence University and is a certified fundraising executive.
Health agency has new CEO Citizen Advocates, Inc. has appointed Dean Johnston as the health and human service agency’s new CEO. Mr. Johnston was previously the organization’s chief operating officer. “Following a thorough interJohnston view process, the board recognized Dean’s years of experience, his impressive understanding of services and healthcare reform, along with a deep passion for the organization among the many attributes that make him
Got business milestones? n Share your business milestones with NNY
Business. Email news releases and photos (.jpg/300 dpi) to associate magazine editor Holly Boname at hboname@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.
uniquely qualified to lead Citizen Advocates,” said Chuck Mason, chairman of the Citizen Advocates board of directors, in a prepared statement. Mr. Johnston was unanimously selected by the agency’s board of directors after a competitive, nationwide recruitment effort. He succeeds Susan Delehanty. Ms. Delehanty became CEO in 2009 and announced her retirement in early 2016. Mr. Johnston joined Citizen Advocates in 1997 as CFO and has worked with a wide range of state agencies including the Office of Mental Health, Department of Health and the Office of People with Developmental Disabilities. As COO, he built a team of directors, clinicians and support staff and achieved agency accreditation through the Council on Quality and Leadership. Since Mr. Johnston joined the leadership agency, operations have grown 126 percent and 190 new full-time jobs have been created in the Central and Northern New York counties in which the agency operates.
New CEO takes charge at Gouverneur hospital David J. Bender of Canton is the new chief executive officer at Gouverneur Hospital. Mr. Bender has been serving as vice president of strategic planning and business development for St. Lawrence Health System, the umbrella organization for Gouverneur Hospital and Canton-Potsdam Hospital. Mr. Bender replaces Marlinda
L. LaValley, who has served as Gouverneur Hospital’s CEO since the hospital opened in December 2013. Ms. LaValley will resume her former position as vice president of administrative services for St. Lawrence Health System’s CantonPotsdam Hospital, Potsdam. Before joining St. Lawrence Health System, Mr. Bender was a senior strategy consultant with OptumInsight, a healthcare and human services consultancy firm with locations across the United States and around the world.
Watertown native takes command of Army National Guard’s 53rd Troop Armed Forces Col. Michel Natali, native of Watertown, former 10th Mountain Division member and veteran of the Iraq War, has taken command of the Army National Guard’s 53rd Troop Command at Camp Col. Natali Smith Training Site, Peekskill. Mr. Natali previously served as deputy commander of the 53rd Troop Command. Mr. Natali joined the Army National Guard in December 1996. He is a graduate of the Military Intelligence Officer Basic and Advance courses, Signals Intelligence course, Command and General Staff College and Military Intelligence and Infantry Pre-Command courses. Awards received include the Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal and Army Parachutist Badge.
February 2017 | NNY Business
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Average New York surrogate* price for on-highway diesel
$1.91 in December 2016 $1.46 in November 2016 $2.08 in December 2015
$2.65 in December 2016 $2.56 in November 2016 $2.47 in December 2015
8.2%
Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas
Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands bridge
5.9%
122,312 in December 2016 186,162 in November 2016 124,089 December 2015 Source: T.I. Bridge Authority
6.9%
Vehicles crossing the Ogdensburg-Prescott bridge 51,525 in December 2016 50,258 in November 2016 49,810 in December 2015
Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane
18.6%
Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority
Vehicles crossing the Seaway International (Massena) bridge
Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority
185,863 in December 2016 142,377 in November 2016 181, 276 in December 2015
Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 124, median price $128,750 in December 2016 122, median price $125,600 in November 2016 113, median price $139,900 in December 2015
Seaway International Bridge Corp.
U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)
8%
$1.34 in December 2016 $1.34 in November 2016 $1.38 in December 2015
Price
St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales 96, median price $100,525 in December 2016 66, median price $110,000 in November 2016 54, median price $74,750 in December 2015
Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties area, not including military positions
34.5%
91,500 in December 2016 91,700 in November 2016 91,400 in December 2015
Price
Source: NYS Department of Labor
NNY unemployment rates
United States
4.6
5.0 December 2015
6.7
6.2
New York State
November 2016
December 2016
November 2016
7.8
Lewis County
6.0 December 2015
5.6 November 2016
6.1 December 2016
6.8 December 2015
November 2016
6.3
7.0
St. Lawrence County
4.7
Source: Jefferson-Lewis / St. Lawrence boards of Realtors Inc.
Jefferson County
0.1%
December 2016
Sales
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.
5.0
77.8%
2.9%
December 2015
Sales
2.5%
5.1
9.7%
3.4%
November 2016
$2.93 in December 2016 $2.77 in November 2016 $2.47 in December 2015
1.4%
4.9
$2.49 in December 2016 $2.29 in November 2016 $2.33 in December 2015
December 2016
ECON SNAPSHOT
Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil
December 2016
$2.34 in December 2016 $2.30 in November 2016 $2.21 in December 2015
7.3%
*Prices are the composite area that includes New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia. Source: U.S. DOE, Energy Information Administration
Source: NYS Department of Agriculture
10 | NNY Business | February 2017
(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)
Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers
December 2015
NNY
Economic indicators
Source: U.S. Department of Labor and 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.
Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County
Trucks Cars 112 in December 2016 367 in December 2016 111 in November 2016 318 in November 2016 396 in December 2015 117 in December 2015
7.3%
NNY
4.3%
Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office
No airport data
n Passenger totals for Watertown International Airport were unavailable at press time this month due to a later release of information by American Airlines.
Open welfare cases in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties 2,288 in December 2016 2,244 in November 2016 2,305 in December 2015
0.7%
DBAs
DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office Jan. 3 to Jan. 26, 2017. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit WWW.NNYBIZMAG.COM.
JAN. 25: Lynx Environmental Services, 8261 State Route 12E, Three Mile Bay, James Kron Jr., 8261 State Route 12E, Three Mile Bay. JAN. 24: Old Orchard Ranch, 19689 County Route 3, LaFargeville, Nicole M. Johnson, 19689 County Route 3, LaFargeville. Whengs Fashion and Goods, 8167 Monarch Ave., Fort Drum, Rowena N. Slagle, 8167 Monarch Ave., Fort Drum. Hilda’s Fashion For Less Online Shop, 11649 Trillium Ave., Fort Drum, Hilda A. Schroeger, 11649 Trillium Ave., Fort Drum. JAN. 23: Artists on the Point, 18931 County Route 59, Dexter, Donna R. McGregor, 18931 County Route 59, Dexter. Hammersback Media, 20356 Reasoner Road, Watertown, Daniel M. Carroll, 20356 Reasoner Road, Watertown. Johnson Corner Mart, 16 Bridge St., Carthage, Gary R. Johnson, 16 Bridge St., Carthage. Thousand Island Distillery, 43298 Seaway Ave., Suite #1, Alexandria Bay, Stephen J. Conaway, 43608 County Route 100, Wellesley Island. Thousand Islands Brewery, 43298 Seaway Ave., Suite #1, Alexandria Bay, Stephen J. Conaway, 43608 County Route 100, Wellesley Island. JAN. 20: Stimulated, 1210 Superior St., C15, Watertown, Yelitza M. Brown, 1210 Superior St., C15, Watertown. JAN. 18: River Side Tavern, 743 Huntington St., Watertown, David O. Browne, 29953 State Route 37, Evans Mills, Alan D. O’Donnell, 26263 County Route 17, Evans Mills. JAN. 17: Lettuce Be Fit, 37112 County Route 46, Theresa, Shannon L. Guler, 37112 County Route 46, Theresa. JB Acres, 26000 State Route 283, Watertown, James W. Babcock, 26000 State Route 283, Watertown. Ray’s Kountry Kottage, State Route 12, Alexandria Bay, Raymond K. Savage, 43721 2nd St., P.O. Box 16, Redwood. JAN. 13: Ramblin Rose Tours, 727 Gotham St., Watertown, Rose M. Busler, 727 Gotham St., Watertown.
JAN. 12: Loneal Photography, 26200 Harrier Court, Evans Mills, Lori G. Oneal, 26200 Harrier Court, Evans Mills. Mangy Moose Productions, 17805 County Route 189, Adams, Jay M. Matteson, 17805 County Route 189, Adams. JAN. 11: Catalina’s Creations, 724 Franklin St., Apt 2, Watertown, Amy C. Pierce, 724 Franklin St., Apt 2, Watertown. McPherson’s Boarding Kennel, 38172 Ore Bed Road, Philadelphia, Deborah McPherson, 38172 Ore Bed Road, Philadelphia. Dusty BS Smoke Shop, 144 Eastern Blvd., Watertown, Dusty Brown, 640 Water St., Watertown. Self Love Fitness, 26796 Shepard St., Evans Mills, Meaghan B. McElroen, 26796 Shepard St., Evans Mills. Righteous Bagels, 6529A Pinehurst Dr., Fort Drum, Analisa M. Pena, 6529A Pinehurst Dr., Fort Drum. JAN. 10: Hoot of a Time Daycare, 36892 Ore Bed Road, Philadelphia, Gray H. Hall, 36892 Ore Bed Road, Philadelphia. Keely Nickel Photography, 26862 Anable Ave., Evans Mills, Keely Lynn L. Nickel, 26862 Anable Ave., Evans Mills. Lazy Acres Café, 317 Washington St., Watertown, Donald C. White, 4643 State Route 12E, Cape Vincent. Peace & Wellness, 10412 State Route 11, Suite #1, Adams, Barbara J. Hale, 6007 Log London Road, Adams. JAN. 9: WBT Firewood, 16697 County Route 62, Watertown, Bruce W. Alcombrack, 16697 County Route 62, Watertown. Seats, 26035 County Route 3, Plessis, Justin D. Ernst, 29636 County Route 46, Evans Mills. Blue Dolphin Creations, 740 South Massey St., Watertown, Allyson MacNay, 740 South Massey St., Watertown. JAN. 6: Chris Transportation, 118 Court St., Watertown, Christopher C. Emeanua, 118 Court St., Watertown. JAN. 3: TD Photography, 24874 County Route 32, Calcium, Tanya L. Hoistian, 24874 County Route 32, Calcium.
TRANSACTIONS
Source: Social Service Depts. of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
February 2017 | NNY Business
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BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Youth Philanthropy plans to award $20,000 grants The Youth Philanthropy Council is now accepting grant requests from non-profits in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. The Youth Philanthropy Council is part of the Northern New York Community Foundation and will award up to $20,000 in grant funding to agencies in the tricounty area. To be considered, grant requests needed to be received by the Community Foundation no later than Feb. 1. Finalists will be chosen by the council in the spring, and will be reviewed and selected by the Community Foundation’s board of directors in June of this year.
SLCCF Donates $10,000 to CPH’s Center for Cancer Care
Canton Potsdam Hospital’s Foundation received a $10,000 donation from the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund to support the Center for Cancer Care. Over the years the St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund has given nearly $180,000 to the Canton-Potsdam Hospital Foundation. The St. Lawrence County Cancer Fund is a volunteer organization dedi-
cated to fighting cancer within the county. All proceeds raised remain in St. Lawrence County to benefit the community. The CPH Foundation exists to raise funds for the sole benefit of the patients served by Canton-Potsdam Hospital.
Tiffany Cheal Named 2016 Employee of the Year at Carthage Area Hospital Carthage Area Hospital honored Tiffany Cheal as the “2016 Employee of the Year.” Tiffany has been with the organization for approximately 18 months, working in multiple departments across the hospital including education, accounting, medical records, social work, and human resources. “Tiffany is humble, hardworking, and is never afraid to roll-up her sleeves and get the hard work completed. She’s a team player, is extremely helpful, and we are lucky to have her,” said Gary Rosenberg, Administrator of Support Services. In 2016, the hospital recognized 23 people from across the organization as “Employees of the Month.” Staff recognized includes: Shannon Zehr, Ryan Johnson, Ray Narrow, Tina Woodfolk, Bianca Boucher, Steve Hartley, Richard
Fields, Chelsea Allen, Rob Nutter, Danyelle Mono, Jessica Harris, Tony Medina, Amber Siegel, Thea Durant, Tiffany Cheal, Kaitlyn Lee, Bonnie Walters, Joe G. Millard, Barb Rice, Rachael Hadley, Valerie Gamble, Sandy Allison, and Terrie Wood.
Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. receives donation from NNY Corvette Club The Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. (VTC) received a donation of $500 from the Northern New York Corvette Club. The Club, supported each year by Davidson Auto Group, used the remaining funds from the year end to donate to local organizations “The VTC is proud to be recognized by the NNY Corvette Club as a vital community organization,” said Sam Purington, executive director of the Volunteer Transportation Center. In late 2013 the VTC added a second office to serve St. Lawrence County in Canton. In 2016 VTC volunteer drivers logged 5,011,072 miles encompassing 120,648 one way trips across the North Country and greater New York State. This equates to just over 201,000 hours each year, resulting in an increase in the number of miles driven and trips offered by volunteer drivers in the coming year.
Locally Owned and Operated ~ Mobile Shreds Onsite ~ Fast, Safe & Secure. Call to set up free estimate or schedule service ~ Servicing Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and parts of Franklin and Essex Counties ~ WE PROVIDE RELIABLE, TIMELY SERVICE, AND STAND BEHIND THAT. 12 | NNY Business | February 2017
SMAL L BU SIN E SS S TA RT UP THE INITIAL IDEA Connecting the mind, body and human spirit is an integral part of young entrepreneur Erica Turck’s daily life. Through this connection with herself she began envisioning how she could influence others in her community to find that connection with oneself. This goal and path in life led to her studying over 700 hours in the practice of yoga. “Yoga is about a connection with yourself,” Ms. Turck said. “I began by learning circuit training in Orlando, Florida, and loved it, that mind-body connection, but I felt like something was missing.” Soon after, she went to her first yoga class and by the end of the first class she knew that yoga was her path. “It was like a spark, and I decided that I was going to start a yoga health and wellness center,” she said. After living in Florida for two years, Ms. Turck returned home to Watertown and after a short period of time traveled to Bali to complete 200 hours of training required to become a yoga instructor. From there she realized her vision was a possibility and began looking into studio spaces in Watertown, but found herself back on the path of learning. “I took time to refocus and began training again,” Ms. Turck said. “I traveled to Cambodia for another 500 hours of training. It all worked out perfect, me finishing that training, I felt more well-rounded and especially with my meditation practice.” While she had not found the perfect location during her initial search before traveling abroad, upon her return to Watertown, she soon located a space that she says ‘felt right’ and has opened her own studio, Vigilante Yoga, in the Lincoln Building in downtown Watertown. “When I saw the Lincoln Building it had character, the tin ceilings up front and the big windows in the back room. All the minor details, it was exactly what I had envisioned for a studio,” she said. From floor to ceiling, Ms. Turck worked with Purcell Consturction to choose exactly what she envisioned; they brought in bamboo flooring in the yoga studio as well as high support beams to sustain the weight of the aerial yoga practice, and maintained the tin ceilings in the juice bar that is currently under development in the front of business space. “I wanted to create a space where people
STEPHEN SWOFFORD n WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES Erika Turck, owner of Vigilante Yoga, demonstrates an aerial yoga technique in her new studio in the Lincoln Building on Public Square.
feel safe, relaxed and don’t want to leave,” Ms. Turck said. And from the support she has received from her clients and the downtown community, she has done just that. TARGET CLIENTELE For Ms. Turck it’s about educating area residents about the mind, body and spiritual connection that can be found within oneself. “I am trying to offer classes that open yoga to everyone. From adult to kids classes, gentle classes for older residents or people with injuries. We have the more active body bar classes for people who like more aerobic dance style classes, but still want a mind-body connection,” she said. Maintaining focus on the original practice of yoga, Ms. Turck is focused on allowing her clientele to find the perfect fit for their wellness needs. Specifically, a new style of yoga that she offers is aerial yoga. “Our aerial classes have really opened up people of all ages. Really, just proving that yoga really is for everyone and not just reserved for a certain group or demographic of people,” she said. She was hesitant at first to introduce the north country to the aerial style of yoga as she didn’t want to turn the practice into what she called a ‘circus act.’ But quickly, as she opened her doors to the public it was clear that the style of yoga maintained the philosophy and traditions she had learned abroad. “Aerial yoga added a light-hearted aspect to it and you see it with people. It really brightens their day and you experience
postures you can’t on a mat because they are much more challenging. You’re upside down for the class. People who have a certain idea of yoga already in their mind are coming in to try the aerial because they’re excited, so it’s opening up so many more people to yoga because then they start coming to the traditional mat classes and they want to get deeper and understand yoga more,” Ms. Turck said. IN FIVE YEARS Vigilante Yoga already is seeing high numbers of interested clientele. In fact, she has hired three other instructors and, when the juice bar opens later this year, she has already hired two more people to maintain that element of the business. “It (aerial yoga) really helped me get the business off the ground. If I hadn’t had aerial yoga we wouldn’t be where we are now. It has been the best decision I could have made,” she said. In five years Ms. Turck wants to expand into a full wellness and fitness center, where people can connect with their health through meditations, exercise and healthy food options. “In five years, with the juice bar opening, I hope to have a greenhouse established so I can supply the juice bar. I want to be self-sustaining there. And I’m looking to expanding to a rowing room and I would like a small personal one-on-one area to work individually with clients,” Ms. Turck said. ~Holly C. Boname
WHERE 8707 Noble St., Evans Mills | OPENED December 2014 | WEB Facebook.com/attictreasuresantiquesandgifts
February 2017 | NNY Business
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V
arious communities throughout the north country can easily be pegged as some of the most historic and aesthetic towns and villages in the entire country. From original stone-covered houses and roads to notable churches and schools, one can’t travel more than ten miles down a country road without happening upon some kind of historic structure. Beyond these structures, nestled comfortably in the heart of various towns and villages, are historic districts dotted with buildings that are filled with story and mystery, just waiting to come back to life. Some buildings sit vacant, creaking in the cold as parts of their once revered facades or roofs continue to crumble. Others have been luckier, having been nurtured and reborn, thanks to their present owners. As 2017 opens its eyes to the months that lie ahead, the north country is seeing an explosion of downtown historic revitalization, none of which would be possible if it weren’t for passionate leaders and community members. If you’ve ever traveled to Clayton in Jefferson County, you’ve seen some of it. Or if you’ve driven through Public Square in Watertown, you’ve also passed pieces of renewed history. Where it happens is irrelevant. That it happens is really what matters. T H E V I L L A G E O F C L AY T O N The village of Clayton is bustling with tourists, mostly in the summer months. From the Antique Boat Museum to the newly erected 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton offers a
14 | NNY Business | February 2017
place of exploration and comfort for visitors as they venture further into the Thousand Islands. The tourist town has been undergoing a historic facelift for some time. It started in 1985 after the historic district was determined. The lines were drawn and 29 buildings within the district were added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 1997, six more buildings were included. In 2005, the real magic started, after the first phase of what is known as the Riverwalk Project began. A brownfield site at the former Frink America Inc. location was sold and eventually developed to welcome the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel. A crumbling breakwall was also part of the plan, and was removed to welcome the first phases of a waterfront walk. Phase two of the project saw the walk develop from Frink Park to the Veterans Monument. Businesses saw to it that the walk was accessible from both the front and the back of their establishments. Some businesses have utilized private funding to better their buildings, but others wait patiently for the New York Main Street Program to be approved so building facades and other improvements can be made. Phase three is still in the works. As the Riverwalk Project continues to move forward smoothly (with an anticipated start date sometime this April), any facade work has been put on hold until it is determined who will be responsible for the Historic District Infrastructure Improvements Project, a project that would see the power lines in the historic district buried. As it stands now, no facade can be updated because
NORTH COUNTRY
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT BUILDS new OPPORTUNITY
BY JOLEENE MOODY | NNY BUSINESS
February 2017 | NNY Business
| 15
C OV E R STORY it,” she said. “I don’t see all the wires. I see the beauty and transformation of all of downtown. This is all we’ve got. The historic district is the heartbeat of Clayton. Without it, we’re just like everybody else.”
Neighbors of Watertown Inc., never took his eyes off the building. As the front man of dozens of historic renovation projects throughout the tri-county area, Mr. Beasely is committed to preserving the historic character of some of the most notable structures throughout downtown Watertown. “These structures are irreplaceable,” he said. “You can go into any mall in any given city and you won’t know what city you’re in. They’re all alike. But downtowns are unique. Every downtown, every building, every construction is distinct to a certain community and are part of the historic fabric. You can go back through archives of old pictures and see what has always been part of the community.” This is true of Empsall’s. As part of what is dubbed the Empsall/Brighton Project, Neighbors of Watertown and their contractors will turn the former department store into 17,000 square feet of rentable space between the commercial space on the lower level, and eight newly renovated apartments on the upper level. The original tin ceiling has been preserved and will be replaced once the walls are completed. Empsall’s original revolving door is also being restored. And upgrades to windows, doors, bathrooms and roofs are all part of the plan. The revitalization doesn’t end there. The entire Brighton/Empsall Plaza Project includes renovations of the
T H E C I T Y O F WAT E R T O W N As Clayton’s historic district flourishes on the edge of Jefferson County, the city of Watertown continues to guard its own historic integrity with the preserJUSTIN SORENSEN n NNY BUSINESS vation of one of the most prolific Clayton Mayor Norma Zimmer stands on the riverwalk in Clayton. buildings in the city, the Empsall’s Department Store building. the power lines are too close to the struc Built in 1904, the building was first tures. known as the Santee and Roth building “Building owners cannot work on the and was described in archived newspafacades of the building without being in per articles as “almost a village.” One danger because the wires are within 10 feet of the building,” said Clayton Mayor could eat, sleep, and shop within the eight-story structure without ever leavNorma Zimmer. “It’s a safety issue. And ing. It became Empsall’s Department until that’s resolved, we wait.” Store in 1907 after Frank A. Empsall, a Renovation and preservation doesn’t seasoned merchandiser hailing from end there. Come 2018, New York State Massachusetts, bought and expanded the will begin digging up the roads in Clayton as they embark upon a much-needed property. At its peak, the store boasted 50 different departments, including reconditioning of the roads, sidewalks draperies, flooring, photography, even a and curbs. It is during this upheaval that tearoom that served homemade pies and Mayor Zimmer would like to see the other sweet treats to patrons. Over the power line project happen. next 11 decades, the building exchanged “We may never get another chance various owners until it was closed for to do this, so the timing is ideal,” she good in 1993. said. “The power line project is a little Gary Beasley, executive director of controversial, but I am confident that we can get it under way. We’ve got a $1.5 million dollar grant right now to use towards it. We’ve got two smaller grants that will take care of the sewer lateral in that area, too. We’re also doing a distribution project on our water plant, so we incorporated the waterline in the district with that grant. All of this is going to change things significantly for the town of Clayton.” By 2018, if all goes well, the bustling tourist town of Clayton will further restore the town to its original roots, shining a light on at least 15 historic buildings waiting for a facelift. New roads will welcome visitors. The Riverwalk will encourage economic growth. Unsightly power lines will be buried. And when it’s all said and done, Mayor Zimmer looks forward to taking in the complete rebirth of history in her little AMANDA MORRISON n NNY BUSINESS riverside community. Gary Beasley, director of Neighbors of Watertown, explains the layout and reconstruction of the “I just close my eyes and imagine commercial space in the former Empsall's Building. 16 | NNY Business | February 2017
C O V E R S T O RY Henry Keep Apartments on State Street, the Olympic Apartments on Franklin Street, the Centennial Apartments on Washington St., and the Bugbee Apartments above the YWCA/Franklin Building. In total, roughly 260 units will be improved. The project also includes exterior refinements on the commercial buildings that face the J.B. Wise parking lot. “We started work on the Empsall building recently,” Mr. Beasley said. “We assembled all of our financing and began shortly after that. Most of the work will take place over the next nine or ten months, and will be done by the end of 2017. One thing to consider in all of this is that we’re always talking about recycling and renewing energy. Every time you build a new building, you have to tear down the old one and it’s got to be dumped somewhere. To save these buildings and give them new life is the epitome of recycling.” The total cost of the project between various grants and other investments is upwards of $19 million. Once the Brighton/Empsall Plaza Project is complete, Mr. Beasley has his eye on a few other historic buildings downtown, including the Crystal Restaurant and the old Henry’s Jewelers building. “We hope to assist the owners with any possible upgrades with these iconic buildings, should they choose to participate.” Mr. Beasley said. “We’ve invested several million dollars into the downtown district over the years for historic renovation since 1992, and we have no intention of stopping anytime soon. ” THE VILLAGE OF CANTON St. Lawrence County is the largest county in New York State by area, and home to a plethora of quaint towns and villages speckled with brilliant pieces of historic beauty. The village of Canton is one of those quaint places. Once the center of manufacture and mercantile business, the village was officially incorporated in 1845. As the village grew and the population increased, many of the original structures remained. But not all of them. Some met their demise through demolition or fire, as was often the case in the early days before fireproof materials and other safety measures guarded the original structures. In 1975, the village noted the nostal-
JASON HUNTER n NNY BUSINESS Canton Economic Development Director Leigh B. Rodriguez stands in front of businesses last year in downtown Canton. The village of Canton was awarded $300,000 from the state's Main Street Grant Program and it will be used to upgrade downtown businesses.
gic significance of the area by officially outlining The Village Park Historic District and listing it with the National Register of Historic Places. Those lines were extended in 1983 and again in 2007 to include other areas of significance. The focal point of the historic district is Canton Park, which plays host to community activities throughout the year. Surrounding the park is a library, three beautifully constructed churches, a post office and bank, and commercial row, a line of remarkable business and residential structures. It is here where seven historic buildings await renewal in 2017, thanks to the New York Main Street Program recently awarded to the village. “We have several projects that are going to be adding apartments on the second stories,” Leigh Rodriguez, director of economic development for the village, said. “Many of these buildings have been vacant for years. There will be energy efficient upgrades that include the improvement and repair of windows, too. The focus is to create residential space for people with low to moderate income, all of which are within walking distance to amenities.” Both inside and out, the seven buildings in the historic district will see improvement, from new facades and
the mending of sagging roofs, to the repair of cornices and other architectural details. The New York Main Street Program is a grant that most downtowns secure to offset the cost of such improvements. The city of Watertown is no stranger to the program, nor is the village of Clayton. Both have applied for and received these monies as part of their own upgrade. Without these monies, building owners in the village of Canton would be looking at millions of dollars in improvements, a price tag that often keeps any upgrades and repairs at bay. “The grant focuses very strongly on historic preservation and rehabilitation of historic structures,” Ms. Rodriguez said. “We received the grant once before in 2006 and there were four buildings that were renovated at that time. To streamline the upgrades, the village changed the code to include information that covered restrictions on the size of signs, key building colors, and any changes to the facade. Everything has to get approval through the planning board.” The work on the structures will start this year. Once they’re done, the revitalization will still continue. Ms. Rodriquez is pursuing an option called Main Street February 2017 | NNY Business
| 17
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be a part of preserving it.” Winston Churchill said, “History with its flickering lamp stumbles along the trail of the past, trying to reconstruct its scenes, to revive its echoes, and kindle with pale gleams the passion of former days.” These three communities are a lamp, and more than happy to be. While the past can’t be relived, flickers of it can be remembered, and it all starts in the downtowns that are ready and willing to keep the echoes alive.
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RE A L E STATE
Fourth Quarter Median Prices Rise Waterfront properties seen as hot on the market
AMANDA MORRISON n NNY BUSINESS Sales of waterfront properties, such as this listing on Indian River in Theresa, are helping to propel the median price of properties sold in the tri-county region.
W
aterfront property and multi-acre camp and farm purchases brought up sales numbers and median prices from 2015 in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties last quarter. The fourth quarter median price for homes increased from last year in Jefferson County by $12,550, or 9.1 percent, from $137,450 in 2015 to $150,000, according to the JeffersonLewis Board of Realtors. The median price increased in Lewis County over the same period by $15,097, or 15 percent, from $103,500 to $118,597. Lance M. Evans, executive officer of both the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence county boards, said the number of foreclosures sold this quarter dropped, allowing sales of higher-priced waterfront homes to raise the median price. Realtors sold a number of island properties including Steamboat Island in Alexandria Bay, a 4,902- square-foot property, and riverfront properties along Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River. “I know I sold three waterfront
20 | NNY Business | February 2017
properties in the last four months,” said Vickie L. Staie, who became president of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Jan. 1. In addition to fewer foreclosure sales in Lewis County, Mr. Evans said the number of seasonal cottage sales with several acres in Lyonsdale and Martinsburg brought the median price up in the fourth quarter. “Location, location, location,” he said. The number of houses sold in Jefferson County increased by 44 units, or 17.7 percent, from 248 to 292. Lewis County home sales also increased by 6 units, or 10 percent, from 60 to 66 over the same period. Ms. Staie said an influx of military consumers in Jefferson County and out-of-state residents in Lewis County raised both the median price and the number of units sold this quarter in both counties. “This last quarter has just been amazing,” she said. In St. Lawrence County, the median price increased from the fourth quarter in 2015 by $15,050, or 17.7 percent, from $85,000 to $100,050, according to the St. Lawrence County Board of
Realtors. The number of units sold also increased from the fourth quarter last year by 40 units, or 24.5 percent, from 163 to 203. Mr. Evans said real estate agents sold several farmland properties this quarter, adding that many homebuyers were interested in owning several acres of land for recreational farming or horse riding. Debra J. Gilson, president of the St. Lawrence Board of Realtors and a broker for County Seat Realty, said President Donald J. Trump’s initial proposal to lock interest rates on mortgages raised interest from prospective home buyers last quarter. Compared to 2015, home sales for 2016 increased in Jefferson County by 143 units, or 16.6 percent, from 859 to 897, and in Lewis County by nine units, or 4.4 percent, from 203 to 212 units. Mrs. Staie said several clients from her agency, Staie On the Seaway Real Estate Services LLC, were interested in purchasing larger homes in both Jefferson and Lewis county throughout the year. She also said the KraftHeinz cream cheese plant expansion in Lowville, which is expected to bring 100 to 150 jobs, brought more homebuyers to Lewis County this year. “People are just rearranging to what their needs are now,” she said. This year over the same period, Jefferson County’s median home price dropped by $8,000, or 5.3 percent, from $150,000 to $142,000. The median price also fell in Lewis County over the same period by $7,000, or 6.3 percent, from $110,000 to $117,000. The number of foreclosures and second quarter home sales brought down the overall median price for homes in 2016, Mr. Evans said. Mrs. Staie said many sellers lowered their Please see REAL ESTATE, page 23
AG RIBU S I NE S S
Organic Milk Production in Jefferson Co. and NYS farm. Certified grass-based farms receive an even higher premium than organic farms. In our efforts to attract new agribusiness into Northern New York from Europe, this Jay Matteson diversity in our milk production is important. Our office is currently talking with two dairy manufacturing companies that are interested in organic milk. The fact that Northern New York produces pure, high-quality milk, and especially is a leader in organic milk production, is critical to our
efforts. Our area has potential to grow our dairy production, especially organic milk production, and that is what these two companies are looking at. For the consumer, we are very fortunate to live in an area where you have choices between pure and nutritious choices in dairy products. Our farmers are fortunate that our soils, temperatures and terrain provide opportunities for diverse production methods that suit the management styles of the farm owners. Whatever your preference is for great tasting dairy products, Northern New York provides some of the purest milk available.
n JAY M. MATTESON is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Local Development Corp. Contact him at coordinator@comefarmwithus.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
GOT MILK? Organic Milk Production in Jefferson County and New York State
Number of Farms Cow Population
59 461,240 POUNDS 3,548
13 202,930 POUNDS 1,561
12 87,880 POUNDS 676
19 104,000 POUNDS 800
387 2,873,260 POUNDS 22,102
275 1,894,100 POUNDS 14,570
212 1,929,200 POUNDS 14,840
Milk Produced/Hundred Pounds*
3 50,700 POUNDS 390
N
orthern New York is one of the leading dairy-producing regions in New York State and the nation. Dairy farms in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties combined produced approximately 1.8 billion pounds of milk in 2010. That is a lot of milk! All three counties rank in the top 10 of dairyproducing counties in the state and top 50 counties in the United States. We are also seeing continued growth in organic milk production in our region. According to Sharad Mathur, chief operating officer with Dairy Marketing Services, it is estimated that Northern New York has over 100 dairy farms producing about 5 million pounds of pure organic milk every day. Nearly one-third of the organic dairy farms in the state are located in Jefferson and St Lawrence counties. There are conventional dairy farms interested in converting to organic dairy production, but are looking for good markets for organic milk. New York State is the leading producer of organic milk in the Northeastern United States. The table below, containing estimates of organic milk production per state, demonstrates the availability of organic milk in New York State and throughout the Northeast. Organic milk is different than conventional milk in that certified organic dairy farms are required to follow strict guidelines that govern use of pesticides, herbicides and type of fertilizer applied to farms, the type of feed that can be used to feed cows and the management practices a farm may use to keep cows healthy. The price organic dairy farms receive for every one hundred pounds of milk they ship is generally higher than what conventional farms receive for their milk, but the cost of producing one hundred pounds of organic is generally higher than producing one hundred of conventional milk. We are now seeing a limited number of farms further differentiating their production method by going to certified grass-based milk production. This certification required the farms to follow a different set of regulations regarding the use of grass in feeding cows on the
CT
ME
MA
MA
NH
NY
PA
VT
*Assumes 13,000 pound of milk per year per cow
February 2017 | NNY Business
| 21
R EA L E STATE ROUNDUP
I
Housing Then and Now:Trends in buying and selling across 35 years
n December, I gave you some of the highlights of the National Association of Realtors (NAR) 35th Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers. When NAR released its first profile in 1981, mortgage rates were over four times higher than they are today, and first-time buyers made up a much larger share of overall sales. While many home buyer and seller behaviors and preferences have changed, some have remained constant over the last 35 years. “When the Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers made its debut in 1981, consumers and Realtors navigated a much different real estate landscape. The internet hadn’t been invented and the average monthly mortgage rate was 15.12 percent,” said Debbie Gilson, president of the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. “One important constant during this time has been the Realtor’s role as the leading advocate for homeownership and a trusted expert in helping buyers and sellers close the deal.” With the recent release of the 2016 survey, it’s a great time to look at some of the data and trends in this year’s edition and how they stack up to the last three-and-a-half decades. The quickening pace of home sales over the past year included a small rebound from two key segments of buyers who have been missing in action in recent years: first-time buyers and single women. After slipping for three straight years, the share of sales to first-time home buyers in the 2016 survey ticked up to 35 percent, which is the highest since 2013 – when it
22 | NNY Business | February 2017
was 38 percent – and a revival from the near 30-year low of 32 percent in 2015. In the 35-year history of NAR’s survey, the longterm average of first-time buyer transactions is 40 percent. Lance Evans Married couples once again made up the largest share of buyers (at 66 percent) and had the highest income of $99,200. However, the survey revealed that single women made up more of the buyer share than in recent years, based on household composition. “After falling to 15 percent of buyers a year ago, which tied the lowest share since 2002, single females represented 17 percent of total purchases, the highest since 2011 at 18 percent,” noted Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors President Vickie Staie. “Thirty-five years ago, single females represented 11 percent of purchases.” Despite the internet’s growing popularity over the past 20 years, buyers and sellers continue to seek a real estate agent to buy or sell a home. “In NAR’s 2016 survey, nearly 90 percent of respondents worked with a real estate agent to buy or sell a home. This has brought for-sale-by-owner transactions down to 8 percent, their lowest share ever for the second year in a row,” said Ms. Staie. Since NAR’s inaugural survey, consumer
preferences have evolved and housing costs have gotten more expensive. In 1981, the typical buyer purchased a 1,700-square-foot home costing $70,000 ($201,376 in inflationadjusted dollars). In the 2016 survey, purchased homes were typically 1,650 square feet and cost $182,500. In 1989, when NAR started collecting buyer data on down payments, first-time homebuyers financed their purchase with a 10 percent down payment and repeat buyers financed a loan with a 23 percent down payment. As low-down-payment mortgage programs entered the marketplace and credit standards eased, the typical amount of money put down fell to as low as 2 percent for first-time buyers both in 2005 and 2006. “For repeat buyers, the smallest median down payment was 13 percent both in 2012 and 2014, which is likely due to reduced equity in the home that was sold,” observed Ms. Gilson. In recent years, down payment amounts have remained mostly unchanged, coming in at 6 percent for first-time buyers the last two surveys and either 13 percent or 14 percent for repeat buyers in the past four surveys. Contact a member of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors (jlbor.com) or the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors (slcmls. com) to connect with a Realtor to learn more about buying or selling a property. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
REAL ESTATE, from page 20 prices after keeping their houses on the market for too long. “People were ready to sell, so they asked for less,” she said. The number of units sold and the median price for 2016 increased from last year in St. Lawrence County. The median price in 2016 rose by $3,000, or 3.4 percent, from $87,000 in 2015 to $90,000. The number of units increased by 68 units, or 10.8 percent, from 629 in 2015 to 697. Mrs. Gilson said St. Lawrence Health System Inc.’s Canton-Potsdam Hospital expansion brought more employees to the area, meaning more home purchases. The increased demand compared with the lack of inventory in Canton and Potsdam encouraged sellers to raise their prices, bringing up the median price this year. “Supply and demand,” Mrs. Gilson said. The north country has many properties that are both located near urban areas with job opportunities and have either several acres of land or waterfront access, Mr. Evans said, boosting sales both this quarter and the entire year. “We are a good area for being able to combine work and play,” he said.
n MARCUS WOLF is a Johnson News-
papers staff writer. Contact him at mwolf@ wdt.net or 661-2371.
RE AL E STAT E / T O P T RAN SAC T I O NS The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in the month of December 2016: $3,200,000: Dec. 22, City of Watertown: Six parcels- No acreage listed, 309 Mill St., no acreage listed, 261283 State St., no acreage listed, 272 Mullin St., 0.102 acres, 550 Coffeen St., no acreage listed, 152 Academy St., 0.11acres, 536 Emerson St., Black River Apartments LLC, Watertown, sold to Cold Black River LP, South Portland, Maine.
C. Kranz Sr. as trustee of the Douglas Charles Kranz Sr. Revocable Trust, Floral City, Fla., sold to Gilden Associates LLC, Ontario. $442,500: Dec. 14, Town of Henderson: 0.66 acres, Snowshoe Road, Margaret Leffler, Boston, Mass., sold to Tessay Heyer, Baldwinsville. $408,523: Dec. 23, Town of Watertown: No acreage listed, Route 11, W&C LLC, Mineola, sold to 18447 Route 11 Realty LLC, Garden City.
$1,800,000: Dec. 5, Town of LeRay: 2.23 acres, 26479 State Route 342, Calcium, a/k/a 8000 Virginia Smith Drive, 342 Hotel Associates LLC, Liverpool, sold to Dinesh Patel, Watertown.
$384, 684: Dec. 28, Village of Sackets Harbor: No acreage listed, Main St., Christina E. Stone, Watertown, as referee for Stephen S. Flynn, sold to MTGLQ Investors LP, Irving, Texas.
$1,430,769: Dec. 20, Town of Watertown: No acreage listed, State Route 12F, Spirit SPE Portfolio 2007-2, Dallas, Texas, sold to 84 Properties LLC, EightyFour, Pa.
The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County County Clerk’s Office in the month of February:
$767,243: Dec. 27, Town of Watertown: No acreage listed, Route 11, Helen Caprara, William F. Caprara, Charles G. Caprara and Teresa Caprara as trustees of the Francis X. Caprara and Helen Caprara Living Trust, Mineola, sold to 18712 Route 11 Realty LLC, Garden City. $685,000: Dec. 12, Town of Alexandria: Two parcels, 0.92 acres, County Route 100A, Wellesley Island, Paula M. Petroske, Chaumont, sold to Richard C. McNeely and Rhonda M. McNeely, Watertown. $647,673: Dec. 27, Town of Watertown: No acreage listed, Route 11, Caprara Realty, Mineola, sold to 18748 Route 11 Realty LLC, Garden City.
$300,000: Nov. 29, Town of Piercefield: Unknown Parcels, unknown acres, known as part of Mount Arab Preserve Camp Site, Arthur Stuarts IV (trustee), Marion A. Stuarts Trust, Rensselaer Falls, sold to Louis J. and Marcia Lichtman, Alfred. $235,000: Nov. 23, Town of Louisville: Unknown acres, Lot 250, bounded by River Drive, Thomas W. Post (trustee), Robert F. and Judith L. Post Revocable Trust, Massena, sold to Patrick Joseph and Maureen A. Broderick, Massena. $210,000: Nov. 28, Town of Canton: 37.29 acres more or less, Mile Square Lot 6, bounded by Pink School House Road, Todd J. and Marya L. Furnia, Canton, sold to Andrew L. Varney and Jaime Burwell.
$517,250: Dec. 27, Town of Orleans: 11.311 acres, State Route 12, Douglas
February 2017 | NNY Business
| 23
20 QU E STIONS
NATURAL DEVELOPMENT
L
ewis County was at risk of losing its largest private sector employer in 2015 when Kraft Heinz Co. announced plans to close plants nationwide. Instead, the company is expanding its Lowville location and adding more than 100 jobs. That good economic news is tempered by the April 2016 closing of Climax Manufacturing, resulting in 150 job losses. We talked to Eric Virkler, the county’s economic development director, about the prospects for attracting or retaining business. NNYB: The expansion of the Kraft Heinz plant in Lowville was a major victory for the county, preserving more than 300 jobs and creating at least 100 more. What primary factor led the company to make this commitment to the community? ERIC: I don’t know if there was one primary factor. I would think that, obviously, the strength of our dairy industry and our milk producers and the proximity to milk. The milk supply was probably a large factor for Kraft. The strength of our dairy industry is in large part because of our good land. So we have great land in Lewis County and great water, which promotes our dairy production. I think other factors, if I know what Kraft Heinz was thinking - which I can’t say I do - I would think that they have probably looked at the experienced workforce at that facility and knew that they could grow, given the workforce that was already in place here in Lowville. And another thing I might
24 | NNY Business | February 2017
n Lewis County relies on resources to
spur economic growth think about is that Kraft in recent years, let’s say the last 10 years, has already put a lot of investment into their operations in Lowville. I think that plant has been modernized and has had significant equipment investment and capital investment that I think was probably something that Kraft would have looked at and said, “We’re going to continue to make those investments as opposed to starting from scratch someplace else.” NNYB: Outside of the jobs created directly at the plant, what other economic benefits can the county expect to realize from this project? ERIC: There’s a lot of those, probably. Again, obviously, the impact to our local dairy industry and our farms, both small farms and large farms. And then - within that dairy industry - that trickles down to many other businesses, the equipment dealers, electricians, you name it. So there’s a lot of trickle down within our dairy industry. Certainly, Kraft Heinz - and its being the largest private employer - that has a large impact on many of our other small businesses. Those individuals living and working in Lewis County obviously are spending their money in many other places. And then I think just in the growth in having that size facility in Lewis County, and expanding in Lewis County, impacts government through
property taxes and the school system through their property taxes. So it has impacts across almost the entire economy. NNYB: Accompanying the Kraft Heinz expansion, Lowville’s waste water treatment plant may be expanded to accommodate higher waste flows. Will this increased capacity help open the door for more development? ERIC: I’m not that familiar with what the village’s projects might be, or if and when they might expand their wastewater treatment, but certainly having more both water and wastewater capacity is important for other expansion for businesses in Lewis County. We look at that, or think about that quite a bit, because we know you need that type of capacity for a number of different types of businesses. Not every business would have to have a high water or wastewater capacity, but there are certainly some that do. So, that’s something we think a lot about, whether it’s in Lowville or Lyons Falls or Copenhagen or Croghan, we need to try and make sure that there is capacity available to support future businesses and growth. Bottom line is, if Lowville expands its system’s capacity, that certainly is an important thing for other business opportunity. NNYB: Demolition and cleanup of the former Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper mill site is ongoing. What is the ultimate goal for that site?
2 0 Q U E S T I O NS ERIC: I can’t say we have an ultimate or exact idea of what might be at that property, but I think the overall goal is a 9-acre site on a great location, on a scenic river, with hydroelectric power on the site. It really could have a lot of uses that, again, hopefully could stimulate our economy. So, just the end goal is to get the property cleaned up and useable. And again, we don’t want to define what might end up locating there, but we think there are some great opportunities because of its location and because of the energy potential there, and because it really is just a great piece of property. NNYB: There is a business park under development just outside the Lowville village limits. What is your vision for the park? ERIC: Really, just to have some property available with the primary utilities and infrastructure available there, that we can promote and provide the opportunity for businesses to grow or establish if needed. I think from our perspective it could be an existing Lewis County business that might need something new or something larger. It could be someone looking to start a brand-new business. It could be a business from outside of the area that’s looking for someplace different. The key, I think for us in Lewis County, is just that we do not have a sight like that, where there is open land with the necessary infrastructure for someone to quickly or easily build a building and put something in operation. NNYB: What makes Lewis County a strategic location for business? Or is it? ERIC: That’s an interesting question. I think it’d probably be hard to say that Lewis County has a competitively strategic location or an advantageously strategic location. So I think we have to use what we have and, I made a reference earlier, Lewis County’s got very good land and water for agriculture. So I think that’s a strategic plus for us. And I think another thing that makes it so we can claim a strategic location is the proximity to some of our existing businesses, so if a business needs to be near Kraft Heinz or near a Qubica AMF or near Otis
Technology, that gives us a good location for that type of business. Obviously, from a geographic standpoint we are not on a major highway, we’re not maybe as close to some other major commercial centers, but Lewis County is in proximity to - within four hours, you could say - of Montreal, New York City, Albany, Rochester, Toronto. So we are not that far away from a number of large population centers. NNYB: Climax Manufacturing abruptly closed its Lowville plant nearly a year ago, leading to the loss of 150 jobs. How has your agency responded to that?
NNYB: Is there any potential reuse of the Climax building on the horizon? ERIC: At this time, the company still owns it and our understanding is that they expect to use some - if not most - of the building for some portion of their operations. That’s what we know right now. Are there other uses for the building? I think that there certainly are. It depends on what the existing ownership wishes to do and how. If they do not want to continue owning it, I think there are other things we could see as good opportunities. NNYB: Your agency is studying the concept of a small business incubator building.
JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS
ERIC: I think the primary thing we have attempted to do is to stay in contact with the owners of the building and see if we can find a good end-use for that facility. So, that’s the ongoing effort at this point, to know what the current ownership might do with the building and, if they are not going to be using it, to see if we can put it to some other use. Going back to the beginning of the situation, we were active in trying to find other companies that might continue the operation that Climax Paperboard had been in for so many years. So we did work on that, and then we also reached out to the ownership to determine if they would be interested in selling it. Again, that’s the continued effort at this point, to just try to know what the future use for the building might be.
The Eric Virkler file AGE: 51 JOB: Director of economic development for Lewis County and executive director of the Lewis County Industrial Development Agency. HOMETOWN: Lowville EDUCATION: B.A. in accounting from Syracuse University CAREER: Began in public accounting as a certified public accountant; chief financial officer at Lewis County General Hospital; Lowville village administrator. LAST BOOK YOU’VE READ AND WOULD RECOMMEND: “Unbroken” by Laura Hillenbrand; appreciates writing of Jon Krakauer.
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20 QU E STIONS What would be the intent of that project? ERIC: I’m going to tie that back to agriculture, also. An incubator building’s purpose is really to just see if you can spawn other business growth and provide some services and support for businesses that might not have it, in whatever other situation they might be in. Then, we kind of look at an incubator from an agricultural perspective. Given the type of businesses we have here, would it make sense to have a facility available that people could either expand or start something new, whether a dairy
related business, a food related business, a maple related business? So that’s something we really want to keep focused on and try to determine if that is a project that would make sense: to create a space where, not necessarily just agriculture businesses, but any other business could find a home and get started. NNYB: There are several wind farm projects proposed for the Tug Hill area. Is there an opportunity to use revenue generated from these projects to promote additional economic development?
ERIC: There definitely is. As those projects come to fruition, to get the benefits from the Lewis County IDA that they are seeking - the property tax benefits, the sales tax benefits they have to pay a fee and the Lewis County IDA would then turn around and use that fee for other economic development projects and efforts. So, again, as those projects come to fruition, if we get a fee from them, that’s certainly something that our board is very focused on, to use any fee revenue to create more opportunities. NNYB: Does the fact there is proposed federal legislation that would prohibit wind farms within 40 miles of military bases, including Fort Drum, cause you concern? ERIC: Yes, that definitely could become an issue for, or possibly become an issue, for the wind farms that are potentially under development in Lewis County. I can’t say I’m knowledgeable enough really to know if there’s going to be an impact, but it’s certainly something that’s in our mind and we are looking to see what the future will bring for those projects. NNYB: The agriculture and dairy industries have long been the backbone of Lewis County. Will these continue to be an emphasis for your agency? ERIC: Yes, we had this conversation (recently) after meeting with farmers about dairy milk prices. I don’t know that agriculture has always been a high focus point for the IDA, but we certainly know it’s the number one industry and it really drives our economy in Lewis County. So, we’re always paying attention to that and we will continue to do everything we can to help make sure that industry stays as strong as it is. I think it really makes you - again after hearing some of the discussions on this - it really makes you wonder in general what the future is for dairy. Things have been the same for decades and decades in Lewis County, but will it always be dairy-based agriculture? I don’t know. I would think that agriculture will always be a center point of our economy, but who knows what the future will be. NNYB: Are there opportunities for growth in the dairy processing or value-added sectors? ERIC: I think there are definitely opportunities there and it goes back to the discussions on an incubator, and possibly a food-based incubator. Not that that has to be part of growth, but I think the potential to use our dairy production for other businesses makes a lot of sense. So, if there’s a business that
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thinks they can process dairy or maybe maple or maybe some crops, for a different value-added product, that’s certainly something that would seem to make sense in Lewis County. NNYB: Lewis County presently ranks third in the state in maple syrup production. Is there room for growth there? ERIC: In my mind, I think there is. There’s probably, I guess, maybe two sides to that discussion. One, can we produce more maple syrup and maple products and then, obviously, are there consumers that are looking for those products? I’m not exactly sure that I can speak to consumers on a local, regional or national level, but hopefully there’s demand for those products. And then locally, can we produce more? I don’t have any statistics to quote, but I’m pretty sure there’s potential for more maple production in Lewis County, just based on the number of the resources of trees and the ability to produce more at each of the various facilities. NNYB: The county has seen successful start-up companies, such as Otis Technology in Lyons Falls and Grand Slam Safety in Croghan. Are they anomalies, or examples of what is possible in Lewis County? ERIC: They certainly should be examples of what’s possible. I think that type of small business growth is something we know we can focus on and we know that there’s opportunity for more of that. And, I think that’s probably the same in any local area. Growing with those small businesses is just the key to success. So, we hope they’re not anomalies, and we’re continuing to focus on ways we can promote more of that and help someone who wants to start a small business like that, and hopefully make it a large business. NNYB: What advantages does the county offer for small business start-ups?
help that small businessperson do what they need to do. We’re not so large that you’re not going to be able to figure out what you need to do. You’re not going to have to go to 20 different places to get it done. I think that being a small place, I think that benefits us and we will work together to help someone do what they want to do with a small business. I think that’s a good advantage for us. And I think opportunity. I think there’s probably more opportunity here than people give us credit for. So if someone has a small business idea, they very likely can be successful - if they do it well - just because there is opportunity here. There’s always room for new business and for economic, commercial ideas in Lewis County. NNYB: Your agency has adopted a marketing campaign called “Naturally Lewis County.” What is the significance of that? ERIC: As part of that logo, or branding, it’s “naturally” why not do business in Lewis County? It kind of ties that - that this is a great place to do business - with our natural resources and the beauty of the outdoor environment and the nature of Lewis County. I think it was kind of trying to tie together a few of those different themes. It was created by the Paige Group, a marketing and communications firm from Utica - given a lot of background work and discussions with people in Lewis County - and that name came out of that effort, and I do think it really fits quite well. NNYB: What is the main thing you tell a prospective business developer or site selector about the county? ERIC: Well, certainly that we want them to come and do business here. We are welcome and open to that and we will assist them in any way possible. And, as we just talked about, that it is a good place to do business, there are good people here who can provide them a good workforce.
So, I think a combination of factors: that it’s a great place to live and do business and there will be assistance for someone, whether to start something new or move something here. NNYB: Tourism is also a big industry in the county. Are any new efforts under way to draw more snowmobilers or ATVers? ERIC: I always think of our economy almost as a three-legged stool when I think about tourism, manufacturing and agriculture, and tourism is a very important part of that stool for us. It’s kind of the behind-the-scenes part of our economy, but an important part. I don’t know that I can speak too much on any specific efforts at the moment to grow the snowmobiling or ATVing; it’s not something we’re putting a lot of time and effort into on a larger-scale basis. But, I think our effort and our work, just in cooperating with the Chamber of Commerce, cooperating with the Lewis Country trail office - we do anything we can to assist in that effort in general. We might become more involved if someone was trying to start a small business related to tourism or snowmobiling or ATV recreation.That’s where we might get more specifically involved. But definitely, those outdoor activities are a large part of our economy and something hopefully we continue to focus on and grow from. NNYB: You are a Lowville native. What prompted you to stay in the area and make your career here? ERIC: Family. I guess it was my spouse’s choice –“Let’s go home to Lowville” - so I think family was definitely a part of that. And then I think that after being here, for me, the interest in trying to help Lewis County be a better place. After a period of time, that became a focus of mine. I don’t think I knew that when I decided to move back to Lowville, but that is definitely something that I think about quite a bit and that’s a goal from my perspective.
ERIC: Interesting question. It’s not like we have a lot of resources that we can offer or different things than other places can offer. So I think advantages for us, we need to be a little creative, or point to things that maybe aren’t resource-based. Quality of life is something we all talk about, but I think that for someone who’s looking to start a business, this is a great place to live and a great place to have a small business. I think that because we’re a small place, having the attention from people like our office, Lewis County Economic Development, from your local town, from your code enforcement officer, people are going to work together to
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N ON PR OFITS TODAY
The Key to Downtown Revitalization?
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vibrant downtown is on the top of nearly every community’s wish list; how to get there is the question. Livability is a word used in planning that refers to the aspects of a community that improve quality of life. If livability is high, people will want to live, work and play in the community and are invested and committed to its future. Factors include both built and natural elements, “economic prosperity, social stability and equality, educational opportunity and cultural, entertainment and recreation possibilities” as defined by the Partners for Livable Communities. A review of several “top rated downtowns” reveal some common threads, often referencing locations that have experienced the common theme of peripheral development draining downtowns, and a new surge of interest in bringing people and business back to the historic commercial centers. Of greatest importance is that a community has a vision statement. Ideally the vision statement is then translated into a comprehensive plan that includes action items and key stakeholders and partners. That vision will direct the priority, investment and character of some of the other elements noted here as “keys to livability.” Land Use and Zoning: Communities are diligently reviewing their zoning and land use laws to ensure they are updated and in line with the current vision for the community. Often the comprehensive plan may identify what the “downtown” is, which may be a
certain area or street other than the Main Street. Many municipalities are operating off of old and sometimes irrelevant or counterproductive laws. Pedestrian Friendly: Access Brooke Rouse and safety for cyclists and walkers is a top priority in increasing downtown vitality. Widening streets, widening and connecting sidewalks and paths, installation and
“If livability is high, people will want to live, work and play in the community and are invested and committed to its future.” strategic placement of light posts and bike racks, along with beautification features such as landscaping and public art all entice more people, and families, to come and spend time in the downtown. Reduced noise and pollution, combined with increased public spaces for outdoor dining and music are defining “hip” downtowns. Private – Public Partnerships: Successful communities have mechanisms
in place for residents to contribute financially to the success of the community, whether it is for a civic or commercial project. These financial “holdings” may be in the form of a crowd sourcing campaign, partnership with a bank or foundation, or as a part of the municipal government. Public funds are necessary (or encouraged) to leverage almost any grant opportunity through state and private foundations and are critical to move projects forward. Arts, Entertainment and the Creative Class: Top downtowns always include a number of things to entertain people…a key to quality of life. Identifying, supporting and leveraging art and culture; museums, venues, and events will ensure residents and visitors are enjoying their community. Additionally, what has been referred to as the creative class (by Livability.com and others) includes engaging and finding a meaningful place for artists, innovators, researchers and technology experts to work and share their work. These are some of the key Livability Factors. What do you see in your community? What are you missing? Why do live there and why do you consider leaving? These are all good questions for conversation in your community. In 2017, get engaged, join a committee, run for public office, start a private enterprise! Communities will thrive when populations are steady (growing), healthy and happy! n BROOKE ROUSE is president and CEO of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Contact her at brooke@slcchamber.org.
D.L. Calarco Funeral Home, Inc. 135 Keyes Avenue, Watertown, New York
315-782-4910
28 | NNY Business | February 2017
(315) 782-4910 • 1-800-772-4201 • Fax: (315) 785-8248 www.dlcalarco.com • francee@dlcalarco.com
E N T RE P RE N E U R’S E D G E
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How To Dominate Social Media
f your business isn’t showing up loud and proud on social media, you could be compromising your bottom line. You want to dominate the social airwaves and bring new clients and fresh opportunity with it. Your social success hinges on where you post and how much effort you put into it. Consider these options when posting on social media platforms that meet the likes of your business.
1) SCHEDULE YOUR POSTS
Some businesses don’t consider this an option as they circulate the cyber airwaves. But continuous posting can pull more followers your way, especially on a platform like Twitter. Use apps like Hootsuite or Tweetdeck to schedule hourly tweets. Include posts that inform, engage, and promote sharing. Your followers choose to trail you because of what you do or what you’ve posted in the past. Make them happy and share their posts as well. The more followers you have, the more you open the space to be recognized as the expert in your field. If you seek more sales and a powerhouse reputation, share great content and post regularly.
2) USE VIDEO TO SHARE CONTENT
When Twitter released Periscope, the response was both immediate and overwhelming. Within a few short months, small business owners and entrepreneurs across the globe were Livestreaming tips, stories, and useful
information to followers. With a chat that allows comments and hearts for likes, Periscope is ideal for the business owner that wants to stay focused Joleene Moody and instruct. Many followers convert to fans and clients for those that regularly use the app.
“Regular posting and highly valuable content will give you the exposure and leverage you need on social media.” If Periscope doesn’t thrill you, consider Blab, a social video platform still in its Beta stages. With four video seats and a chat section that allows hundreds of attendees to engage, Blab is shaping up to be the new wave of Podcasting. If the host allows, a single attendee can briefly take one of the video window seats and be heard. Blab chats can go on for hours. Some Blab users actually schedule 24-and-
48 hour marathons. While this isn’t necessary, a short 30-minute show can prove invaluable for business owners that want to share content and elicit trust.
3) USE PLATFORMS THAT MATCH YOUR BUSINESS
You don’t have to exist on every social media platform to dominate in social media. For some businesses, determining which platform works best is a challenge. But it doesn’t have to be. Spending time on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, or Pinterest can answer that question for you. If you are a coach or consultant, Facebook and Facebook Ads are where your tribe exists. If you are a social media or content marketer, Twitter may be where it’s at. And if you own a design or bakery business, Pinterest is the ideal platform for you. Overwhelming yourself with too many platforms can actually work against you. Choose two or three that fit your business well and shoot for the moon. Regular posting and highly valuable content will give you the exposure and leverage you need on social media. Offering information that is actionable is also key, as it leads followers to your website and other social platforms. Show up with integrity and your business will shine above all others. n JOLEENE MOODY is a freelance writer, blogger, and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Learn more at: www.takeyourvoiceback.com
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COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR
ALEXANDRIA BAY
CLAYTON
FRIDAY, FEB. 3 TO SUNDAY, FEB. 5 Labatts-1000 Islands Pond Hockey Festival, Clayton Marina. This is a three-on-three hockey tournament with a maximum of four players per team. $400 entry fee. Family-friendly event includes youth skating and hockey and on-site food and drinks. Six co-ed divisions with eight teams per group. Divisions include: 21plus open, 21-plus recreational, 30-plus recreational, 40-plus open, 40-plus recreational. Registration closes Monday, Jan. 18. Mail checks payable to River Hockey Classic to: River Hockey Classic, LLC, P.O. Box 401, Clayton, NY 13624. Information: riverhockeyclassic.com or email: riverhockeyclassic@yahoo.com.
SATURDAY, FEB. 4
ADAMS SATURDAY, FEB. 11
Sip, Shop and Share, 12 p.m., Adams County Club. Local vendors will be featuring and selling locally crafted goods. This is a good opportunity to find the right gift for Valentine’s Day. Cost: Free. Info: Jennifer Sparks, (616) 635-1303.
CANTON TUESDAY, MAR. 21
Business, In the Spotlight, 4 to 7 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County. Networking after-hour event, ‘spotlighting’ 8 chamber member businesses and organizations. Food, refreshments and raffles are available. Cost: $5 at door. Info: St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at 386-4000.
CARTHAGE SATURDAY, FEB. 11
18th annual Winterfest, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Carthage Park, Outer State Street. Event will be held with or without snow and includes pet photo contest, scavenger hunt, cardboard sled races, family games, raffles, food, drinks and more. Information: Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, 493-3590 or carthageny.info 30 | NNY Business | February 2017
Save The River’s 27th annual Upper St. Lawrence Riverkeeper Winter Environmental Conference, 9:30 to 4 p.m., 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive. Event brings together more than 200 policymakers, scientists, elected officials, and residents to discuss the most critical issues facing the river. Registration and coffee scheduled for 9:30 a.m.; conference, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; cocktail reception with cash bar, 4 p.m. Cost: $50, includes coffee, lunch and cocktail reception with light hors d’oeuvers at reception. RSVP to Save The River by Friday, Jan. 27, Information: Save The River, savetheriver.org or 686-2010. Registration form at: blog.savetheriver.org/wp-content/ uploads/Website-Invite.pdf
Friday followed by an ice skating party. On Saturday, the corination of the King and Queen will be held at McCauley Mountain, followed by torchlight skiing, dare-devil jumpers & fireworks. After the fireworks, the community is invited to a dance in the chalet. Please check back for a full schedule of events. Cost: Free. Info: oldforgeny.com FRIDAY, FEB. 17 THROUGH SATURDAY, FEB. 18
Annual Pink Ribbon Riders Snow Run, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The snow run is a two day event open to both men and women, including a welcome partym snowmobile rides, awards banquet and more. Info: pinkribbonriders.com/wp/13thnew-york-snow-run SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18
Fire & Ice Extravaganza, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive. The charity event offers fireworks, music, food, drinks and an outdoor ice bar. This year’s charity recipient is Troopers Assisting Troops. Information: 1000 Islands Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 517 Riverside Drive, 6863771, info@1000islands-clayton. com or 1000islands-clayton.com.
Chili Bowl Luncheon, 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., VIEW. Homemade meat & vegetarian chili, stews and soups prepared by local restaurants, will be served in handmade bowls from the Pottery Workshop at View as well as artists who deliver their bowls to View from towns nearby and as far away as Ithaca and Syracuse. The potters will be making many styles of bowls featuring a variety of surface decorations. Info: 369-3411 or viewarts.org/events/ upcoming-events/11th-annual-chilibowl-luncheon
CROGHAN
OGDENSBURG
TUESDAY, FEB. 7
SATURDAY, FEB. 4
THURSDAY, FEB. 16 TO SATURDAY, FEB. 18
Business Leaders Breakfast, 8 to 9:30 a.m., American Maple Museum. A meeting to discuss general Lewis County business ideas, current activities and ideas for the future. Invited: business owners, business leaders, municipal leaders, and community organization leaders. Sponsored by Lowville Sport and Farm, The Arc, and Naturally Lewis. Cost: free, donation to Maple Museum encouraged. Info: 376-3014 or vanessaschulz@lewiscounty.ny.gov.
LOWVILLE FRIDAY, FEB. 10 THROUGH SUNDAY, FEB. 12
McCauley Mountain Winter Carnival, Main Street, Old Forge. Parade
Wine, Beer, Cheese, Chocolate and Artisan Festival, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington St., Ogdensburg. Enjoy locally produced wine, beer, cheese and other goods. Cost: $5. Info: fredericremington.org/winebeer-cheese-chocolate-artisan-festival
POTSDAM FRIDAY, MAR. 10
Scholastic Art Awards Regional Art Show, 5 to 7 p.m., Town Hall Gallery. Scholastic Art Awards of Central New York Regional Art Show, opening reception showcasing the selected work of local 7 to 12 students participating in the annual Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
788-4400 or chamber@watertownny.com.
SYRACUSE
Transitions for Families Workshop, 3 to 5 p.m., Watertown High School, NY Large Group Instruction Room, 1335 Washington St., Watertown. This workshop focuses on three essential considerations for students with disabilities to achieve successful transition and career development. This workshop will provide information about the transition process, importance of collaboration with schools, and options available after high school. Cost: Free. Info: North Country Parent Assistance Center, 785-9440.
FRIDAY, FEB. 17
Syracuse Tipclub Business Networking Event, 7:30 to 9 a.m., New York Life Insurance Company, 1st floor conference room, Dewitt. Powerful business networking event that comes with a unique twist. Structured format that allows for spotlight introductions followed by a “lightning round” so connections are made instantly. Cost: free. Info: 1-800-798-0270. TUESDAY, FEB. 21
Network After Work Syracuse, 6 to 9 p.m., Blue Spruce Lounge. Meet executives and professionals for new opportunities. make connections in a relaxed and upbeat atmosphere while expanding your network of contacts to fuel your career or business goals. Cost: free. Info: networkafterwork.com.
TUESDAY, FEB. 7
SATURDAY, FEB. 11
WATERTOWN
Fire & Ice, 7 to 11 p.m., The Paddock Mansion, 228 Washington St., Watertown. Join the Jefferson County Historical Society for an evening event with entertainment, hors d’oevres, ice sculptures and an ice bar provided by Club NO 9. Tickets available for purchase at the museum. Cost: $40. Info: Jordan Walker, director@jeffersoncountyhistory.org.
SATURDAY, FEB. 4
WEDNESDAY, FEB. 15
18th Annual North Country Chili Cook-off, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dulles State Office Building. Hosted by the Jefferson County American Legion Auxiliary. Over 30 of the area’s top chef will be competing for awards. Unlimited sampling, other food and drink, plus entertainment for the whole family. COST: $6, or $2 for children 12 and younger; the fee for families is $15. As an Operation Yellow Ribbon event, there will be a discount for military members and their families. INFO: Volunteer Transportation Center, Inc. at 7880422. SATURDAY, FEB. 4 TO TUESDAY, FEB. 26
Snowtown USA, a 16-day festival with events around the city. Planned events include opening and closing ceremonies skating under the stars, a winter softball tournament, laser tag and a karaoke night. There will be a Thompson Park Day and an Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds Day. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce,
February Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Cooperative Real Estate. Includes networking, prizes and food. Register by noon Tuesday, Feb. 14. Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15. Info: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@watertownny.com.
TUESDAY, MARCH 28
North Country PTAC Matchmaker 2017, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown. The 2017 North Country Matchmaker is an opportunity to meet with prime contractors and representatives from local, state and federal goverment agencies in a series of one-on-one appointments. This annual event provides valuable networking opportunities with dozens of exhibitors and goverment contracting resources. Both government agencies and prime contractors are looking for qualified firms to buy products and services required to fulfill government procurement needs. Cost: $20 preregistered; $25 at the door. Info: Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or watertownny.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 Facebook.com/NNYBusiness or nnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.
WATERTOWN
THURSDAY, FEB. 16
Chinese Medicinal Herb Production in New York State, 6 to 8 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County. The program will be presented by Jean Giblette, owner of High Falls Gardens- which is dedicated to the restoration of authentic plant medicine to North America. Topics will include an overview of Chinese medicine, herb species, production challenges, and market opportunities in this emerging industry. Cost: $10 per person; free to veterans and military members. Info: Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County at 788-8450.
COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR
Cost: free. Info: artandwriting.org/ Affiliate/NY003A or email CNYArtCouncil@twcny.rr.com.
DA I LY T I M E S
BRING MORE BUSINESS TO YOUR DOOR
Let us help create more traffic to your door. Our experienced sales staff can assist you in effectively marketing your business. Call The Times Advertising Department at an office near you:
Watertown 315-661-2310 Gouverneur 315-661-2511 Ogdensburg 315-393-1003 Massena 315-769-2451 Canton/Potsdam 315-661-2512 February 2017 | NNY Business
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F E AT UR E
Winter Film Festival Success Snowtown Film Festival sells record number of tickets drawing large crowds to downtown Watertown
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BY NORAH MACHIA| NNY BUSINESS
n an effort to bring This year’s event attracted more people to downpeople from throughout town Watertown this New York State, some outwinter, the Snowtown of-state attendees and even Film Festival comsome Canadian travelers, she mittee designated the Best said. Western Watertown/Fort “We are really excited,” Drum as the “official” film said Mrs. Peck, prior to the festival hotel, and encourevent as she reviewed the aged those attending the ticket sales on her computer event last month to explore screen. “We are pulling a the nearby dining and shopcrowd from all over the ping opportunities. place.” More than 700 people The film committee was purchased tickets in advance hoping to draw more people for the film festival, held Jan. downtown by forming a 27 and 28 at the Dulles State partnership with the Best Office Building. Organizers Western. It was a “natural had lined up an appearance fit” because of the hotel’s loon opening night by Viggo cation at 300 Washington St., Mortensen, a well-known acright across from the venue, tor who has received numersaid Mrs. Peck. ous nominations and awards The committee members for a wide range of movies. also wanted to encourage Organizers had asked Mr. people to frequent the downMortensen, a graduate of town area for dinner and/ Watertown High School and or drinks before the event, St. Lawrence University, to she said. A suggested “Red open the two-day event with Carpet Guide” listed on the a red carpet “flannel-casual” film festival’s website even reception and screening of noted “Dash downtown for his new movie, “Captain a tasty bite at a local eatery” Fantastic,” at the Dulles State prior to the screening of Mr. Office Building. Mortensen’s film. His scheduled appear“We were hoping this ance resulted in a dramatic would generate buzz increase in tickets sales from downtown,” she said. “But STEPHEN SWOFFORD n NNY BUSINESS this went way beyond our the past two years, said The board of directors for the Snowtown Film Festival (from left)Marc Knapp, expectations.” Kylie S. Peck, a member of President, Kylie Peck, Treasurer, Steve Hunt, Member, Jason Maurer, Vice Presithe Snowtown Film Festival The planned appearance dent, and Terry Brennen, Secretary. committee, which is a sepaby Mr. Mortensen was “exrate nonprofit entity. posing people to something helping organizers in his hometown This is the third year the different, something new,” draw a much larger turnout this year. film festival has been staged in WaterMrs. Peck said. Mr. Mortensen has been recognized by town. Attendance at the previous events The annual event was started to groups such as the Screen Actors Guild, numbered closer to 200, said Mrs. Peck, “celebrate winter and Northern New the American Academy of Motion Picwho is also the director of the Greater York through film,” she said. The openture Arts and Sciences, the Hollywood Watertown-North Country Chamber of ing night was followed by a second day Foreign Press Association, and the BritCommerce. of numerous film screenings, many of ish Academy of Film and Television Arts. which were produced in Northern New She credited Mr. Mortensen for
32 | NNY Business | February 2017
F E AT UR E York and the Adirondack region. Seven “official selections” featuring regional cast and crew members were presented, along with Question and Answer panels that were hosted by the filmmakers. A presentation of 29 short film submissions competing for the festival’s Grand Prize was also conducted on the second day of the event. The film festival committee, which spent countless hours previewing submissions, included Mrs. Peck, Marc Knapp, Steve Hunt, Jason Maurer and Terry Brennen. “We have been trying to bring something unique to Watertown,” by staging the annual event, Mrs. Peck said. David A. Winters, president of the Downtown Business Association, said the Snowtown Film Festival was a “great event to host in downtown Watertown.” “An extraordinary group of community members have put this together, and it’s grown every year,” he said. “It has become a staple of the winter season.” The anticipated appearance by Mr. Mortensen added to the “notoriety of how big this could become,” Mr. Winters said. “Having the event downtown offered
lots of great opportunities to grab dinner, or drinks before the show,” he said. “It also offered an opportunity for people to do shopping here the next day as well.” He praised the committee for designating the Best Western as the official hotel for the event, noting “it’s a nice anchor hotel for the downtown area, and there are a lot of places to visit within walking distance.” As the official partner hotel, the Best Western was offering a room discount to those planning to attend the film festival, said General Manager Christine Penrose. “We love where we are located downtown, and we’re always willing to work with other downtown businesses to promote the area,” she said. In addition to the Best Western
and the Downtown Business Association, the film festival committee worked with these downtown businesses as well - Coughlin Printing, First Round Bar, AVL Signs and North Country Custom, said Mrs. Peck. “Wherever we were able, we were utilizing a downtown business,” she said. “That has been really great.” This year’s festival was supported by Car Freshner Corporation, Coughlin Printing, Atomic Signs, and Party Rentals.
STEPHEN SWOFFORD n NNY BUSINESS
February 2017 | NNY Business
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B USI N E SS S CENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Commons on Fort Drum
From left, Kenia Cantl and Erin Perez, AT&T Premier Technology.
From left, Mark Decilles, Melissa Strader and Michelle Capone, AUSA.
HOLLY BONAME PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
HOLLY BONAME | NNY BUSINESS
From left, Corey Zeigler, North Country Health Information Partnership, Dave Martel, 10th Mountain Division, Nancy Martel, AUSA and Karen Clark, USO Fort Drum. The Commons at Fort Drum, Fort Drum, hosted January’s GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Jan. 18.
From left, Eric Wagenaar, Deputy to the Garison Commander, and Harold Greere, Fort Drum MWR.
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ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227 Auxiliary members, from left, Ilene O’Connor, Mary Meyer and Joanne Spencer, attended the Jan. 11 Business After Hours hosted by Condino Motors, Carthage Republican Tribune, Church Street Diner and Sew What Quilt & Embroidery.
ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
From left, Jeannette Turner, owner of Sew What Quilt & Embroidery, and Dawn Lelakowski, owner of Church Street Dinner.
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February 2017 | NNY Business
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R EA L E STATE FOCUS
LARRY ROBINSON n NNY BUSINESS A clay jockey stands in front of a house on Proctor Avenue in the city of Ogdensburg. The side of the street away from the St. Lawrence River was reassessed in May 2016. Property owners will see an average hike of 17 percent, an overall increase of about $2.5 million. Approximately 165 properties were reassessed in the area.
Debate sparked over river home assessments
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new round of property assessments scheduled for homes along the St. Lawrence River this year is already sparking debate among city officials, even though the neighborhood revaluation is just beginning. City Council members questioned Ogdensburg assessor Bruce Green at a recent council meeting about what some perceive as unfairness in the process used for reassessing residential homes in the city. Mr. Green’s office is conducting a property revaluation of approximately 40 homes on the St. Lawrence River
36 | NNY Business | February 2017
BY LARRY ROBINSON | NNY BUSINESS side of Proctor Avenue and Lisbon Street. Last year his office conducted a reassessment of approximately 165 properties on the non-waterfront side of the neighborhood. Mr. Green said this year’s reassessment is needed because there have been three homes that have sold along the waterfront in the past seven years. One of the properties sold for the same amount as the city assessment; the other two properties sold for more than their assessed value. That disparity is the catalyst that triggers the assessor’s office to revalue a neighborhood, according to Mr. Green.
But City Councilors David G. Price and Jennifer Stevenson both questioned the fairness of that approach. Ms. Stevenson pointed out that under the current methodology for reassessing homes, only those neighborhoods where sales above their assessed value have taken place are targeted. In contrast, she said those who live in areas of the city where there are few sales may not have had their assessments adjusted in years even though their property values have increased. “What would be the process if no one ever sold there, but you know the assessments are off because property
RE AL E STAT E F O C US values have been increased?” Ms. Stevenson said. “There’s got to be a circuit breaker for that.” Mr. Green said that during the past four years he has managed to do property revaluations in three of the city’s five residential areas using the process of keying in on those neighborhoods where homes sell above their assessments. But he admitted there is little other way to adjust assessment disparity outside of charting sales. “As the assessor you’ve got to hang your hat on something,” Mr. Green said. “You’ve got to know that it is truly off. The sale will show if it’s off or not. If there is no sale it is pretty difficult to point to one particular parcel.” Ms. Stevenson asked Mr. Green if he could research if there are other methodologies for revaluing properties in a municipality, and then report back to the board with his findings. Mr. Price said he too had concerns about the way properties are assessed in the city, although he said he also sympathized with the difficulty of Mr. Green’s job. He wondered if a more far-reaching revaluation of residential properties might be more fair than focusing on selected neighborhoods based on home sale prices. “I always argue that if we did everyone, then no one could complain,” Mr. Price said. Mr. Green said there are approxi-
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mately 4,100 properties in the city and revaluing property this year will be about 59 percent are tax exempt. the same as last year, according to city This year will mark the second time officials. in as many years that properties near The tentative tax roll is filed by the Proctor Avenue corridor have May 8 and change-of-assessment been selected for reassessment. notices are also mailed at that time. The City Assessment Office has anProperty owners can then have their nounced revaluations for waterfront assessments reviewed prior to Tax properties along the northern side of Grievance Day on June 20. Proctor Avenue and Lisbon Street in The city’s final tax roll is due by December. A reassessment of non-riv- Aug. 1. erfront properties on the opposite side of Proctor Avenue took place last year. At the time, City Assessor Bruce Green said the waterfront homes The Jefferson County were left out of Historical Society that reassessment Invites you to see because too few homes had been sold in the area. Last year some 165 properties along the nonwaterfront side of Proctor Avenue at 7:30 pm – 10:30 pm were reassessed, Landmark Theater, Syracuse NY resulting in many homeowners Motorcoach departs from JCHS at 3pm complaining that Members $135 / Non-members $145 their assessments Cost Includes: had risen substan• All you can eat Italian Cuisine at Santangelo’s Restaurant tially. • D&A Tours Motor coach ticket • 1 Ticket to Wicked The process 315-782-3491 • www.jeffersoncountyhistory.org and timetable for
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February 2017 | NNY Business
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F E AT UR E
AMANDA MORRISON n NNY BUSINESS Rande S. Richardson, left, leads a media tour through the Northern New York Community Foundation’s new location at the renovated Black River Valley Club.
HISTORIC PHILANTHROPY Northern New York Community Foundation finds new home
R
ande S. Richardson hopes the community will embrace the Northern New York Community Foundation’s new home in the former Black River Valley Club as a warm and welcoming place. The community foundation is in the process of moving from its current location across the street in the old HSBC bank building and into the former men’s club at 120 Washington St. following a $3 million, nearly yearlong restoration. During a recent tour of the building, Mr. Richardson, the foundation’s executive director, stressed the finished project blends modern amenities with the Black River Valley Club’s rich history. “It’s not only going to accommodate
38 | NNY Business | February 2017
BY CRAIG FOX | NNY BUSINESS our growth, but it’s an investment in downtown and our historic character,” he said. Besides its five second-floor offices, the community foundation is turning the 14,262-square-foot building into a Philanthropy Center, where six nonprofit organizations can share space, technology, equipment and potentially staff. So far, the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Jefferson County, Girl Scouts NNY-Penn and the Food Bank of Central New York have signed on to become tenants. Once used as guest rooms for club members, the other three offices are still available. With the building decorated in earth tones, the first floor features four community rooms that local organizations
can use. Many of the 110-year-old building’s historic characteristics were preserved, while others were discovered during construction, Mr. Richardson said. Some outdoor carpeting in the building’s front vestibule was removed, only to uncover marble flooring hidden underneath. The building’s interior now has a brighter feel to it, partly because a Syracuse company revived a stained glass skylight at the top of the threestory flight of stairs. A huge historic map of the region also was preserved. A replica of a fireplace - that had been covered over during the 1940s dominates a wall in a first-floor meeting room. “It’s kind of neat it’s there again,” he said.
SS b.
F E AT UR E The back of the building, constructed around 1923, was torn down to make way for a 4,266-square-foot addition. It features a three-story atrium, which has become the landmark’s new entrance, and an elevator to the third floor. The front of the building, considered the more historic portion, “is what most people identify as the Black River Valley Club,” Mr. Richardson said. Robert R. Sturtz, a member of the men’s club for about 50 years, was among donors who bestowed about $2 million to the building’s restoration. “If this didn’t happen, I’m not so sure it would have gotten done,” he said. “It would have been lost. It turned out great.” The community foundation acquired the landmark for $531,924 from the now-defunct club. By taking over the historic building, Mr. Richardson said, the foundation will ensure that it continues to serve the community. The Black River Valley Club is identified on the Public Square Historic
AMANDA MORRISON n NNY BUSINESS The newly renovated exterior of the Black River Valley Club.
District, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The building was put up for sale after the club’s board decided to close
in February 2015. With dwindling membership, the club never recovered from financial woes experienced in its last years.
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