NNY Business January 2014 by NNY Business

NNY Business | January 2014

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NNY Business | January 2014

>> Inside JANUARY 2014

14 13

22 |

COVER |

SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

14 OUTLOOK 2014 Tourism, agriculture sectors are areas likely to see steady economic gains this year. |

13 WE ALL NEED A HERO Hero’s Haven owner aims to bring together hobbyists of all kinds at new comic shop. |

AGRI-BUSINESS |

20 EYES ON THE MIDWEST Beef farmers are looking to do business with farms across the Midwest this year.

CONSTRUCTION |

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP |

REAL ESTATE |

22 LINCOLN GOES GREEN Developers of Watertown’s Lincoln Building plan to seek LEED silver certification. 24 AND THE NUMBER IS ... A good credit score will put you solidly on the path to home ownership and wealth. |

25 JEFFERSON COUNTY The top 10 property sales in the city of Watertown totalled $6.5m in November.

BUSINESS SCENE |

38 NETWORKING, NNY STYLE From Lewis to Jefferson counties, businessmen and women connect for success. BUSINESS HISTORY |

44 GLOVE BROTHERS Barter Co. glove store was the finest NNY had to offer in the early 20th century. WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE? |

46 EXPRESSLY HORTON’S A new Mobil Express Mart 0n Watertown’s Arsenal Street will house a second Tim Horton’s.

January 2014 | NNY Business

CONTRIBUTORS

BusIness www.nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Michelle L. Capone is regional development director for DANC. She details results of grants awarded to the North Country Regional Economic Development Council. (p. 30)

Rande Richardson is a professor of business at SUNY Jefferson and an attorney. He explains how the New York State Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013 will affect nonprofits. (p. 31)

Lynn Pietroski is president and CEO of the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce. She writes about the latest impacts of federal health care reform. (p. 32)

PuBlishers

John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II

VP news oPerations Timothy J. Farkas

magazine editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

magazine staff writer Leah Buletti

PhotograPhy

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. He writes about what the coming year will bring for agriculture in the region. (p. 33)

Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. She offers tips to bolster your website’s Search Engine Optimization to see better results online. (p. 34)

Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Jefferson. She writes about renewed nostalgia and love for downtowns. (p. 35)

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

direCtor of adVertising Michael Hanson

magazine adVertising manager Matthew Costantino

adVertising graPhiCs

Brian Mitchell, Rick Gaskin, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules

CirCulation direCtor Mary Sawyer

Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He writes about the importance of maintaining good credit as a key to home ownership. (p. 24)

Grace Johnston is editorial assistant and staff writer for NNY Magazines. In this month’s cover story, she talks with several experts for Northern New York’s 2014 economic outlook. (p. 14)

Ted Booker is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. He writes about how beef farmers are preparing for business in the Midwest and about ‘green’ initiatives for Watertown’s Lincoln Building. (p. 20, 22)

MARKETPLACE AmeriCU Credit Union .............. 2 Bach & Company ..................... 8 Bay Brokerage ........................ 12 Bayview Shores Real Estate ... 25 Beardsley Design ..................... 46 Bond Shoeneck & King ............ 7 Cantwell and Associates ....... 29 CITEC Manufacturing ............. 19 Clayton Dental Office .............. 8 Coleman’s Corner .................. 42 Cortel Improvements ............. 29 DLaux Properties ..................... 25 Development Authority of the North Country ............... 32 Fairgrounds Inn ....................... 42 First Class Auto Glass .......... 8, 16 Foy Agency ............................. 29 Fuccillo Automotive ............... 16 Fuller Insurance ...................... 29 GWNC Chamber of Commerce ........................... 4

High Tower Advisors ............... 28 Howard Orthotics .................... 30 Innovative PT ........................... 31 Jefferson County IDA ............. 45 Ken Piarulli / Ameriprise Financial .............. 23 Krafft Cleaning ......................... 40 Lofink Ford ............................... 36 LTI trucking .............................. 35 Macars ....................................... 9 Mary Kay Cosmetics .............. 39 Moe’s Southwest Grill ............. 42 NNY Business ..................... 18, 47 NNY Community Foundation .............................. 21 North Country Custom Embroidery .............................. 23 Nortz & Virkler Ford ................. 16 Painfull Acres Amish Furniture ......................... 8 Papa Tino’s Pizzeria ................ 42

6 | NNY Business | January 2014

Phinney’s Automotive ............ 16 Roberts Automotive ................ 16 Sea Comm Federal Credit Union ............................ 37 Shred Con ............................... 34 Slack Chemical Co. .............. 33 Three Cs Limo ............................ 3 Thousand Islands Realty ........ 25 Waite Motorsport .................... 41 Waite Toyota ........................... 38 Washington Street Partners .................................... 48 Watertown Local Development Corp. ................ 24 Watertown Savings Bank ..........................................17 Watertown Spring & Alignment ................................ 16 Wells Communications .......... 23 Westelcom .............................. 45 WWTI TV50 ................................ 43

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

suBsCriPtion rates 12 issues are $15 a year and 24 issues are $25 for two years. Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe. suBmissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net adVertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mcostantino@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2305 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail tbeaudin@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2512 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility. Please recycle this magazine.

INTERVIEW | 26 WIRED TO SUCCEED For Paul F. Barton, Westelcom’s president and general manager, experience as an officer in the Air Force helped him to become the compassionate competitor he is today in the tech world. |

COLUMNS

ON THE COVER

30 ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING

33 AGRI-BUSINESS

31 NONPROFITS TODAY

34 BUSINESS TECH BYTES

32 COMMERCE CORNER

35 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

DEPARTMENTS

8 EDITOR’S NOTE 9 PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 10 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT 12 BUSINESS BRIEFCASE 13 SMALL BUSINESS STARTUP

24 REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP 36 CALENDAR 38 BUSINESS SCENE 44 BUSINESS HISTORY 46 WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

Johnson Newspapers Graphic Artist Todd Soules helped to create this month’s cover to ring in the new year for our 2014 economic outlook feature. His charge was to incorporate images of the region’s economy at work with eye-catching typography and design. From tourism to agriculture, flip to page 14 to learn what the north country can expect to see in the coming months.

January 2014 | NNY Business

EDITOR’S NOTE

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20 QUESTIONS — This month we sit down with Paul F. Barton, president and general manager of Westlecom. An Air Force veteran, Mr. Barton credits his experience on active duty working for general officers as shaping him into the compassionate competitor he is today. And, in a rather interesting twist, Mr. Barton was, until late

2010, the publisher of Absolutely Business, this magazine’s predecessor and the title that our parent company purchased that same year. Now three years removed from magazine publishing, Mr. Barton enthusiastically agreed to our 20 Questions interview. We are pleased he did. Turn to page 26 to learn more about him and his company. BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s Scene section, which begins on page 38, features 39 faces from more than three-dozen organizations and businesses across the north country. On Dec. 11, we presented the third annual NNY Business Magazine 20 Under 40 luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn where roughly 240 people from Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties gathered to honor our 2013 class of emerging leaders. The response and enthusiasm for this program has grown significantly since we began the tradition in 2011. We look forward to continuing this tradition for years to come. On Dec. 18, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for December’s Business After Hours at Watertown’s historic Paddock Arcade. By some estimates more than 300 people packed the arcade for an evening of holiday cheer. THANK YOU — One final thank you to our 20 Under 40 event sponsors: Watertown Savings Bank, the Northern New York Community Foundation, Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands, Watertown Family YMCA, the Greater Watertown Jaycees, Thousand Islands Young Leaders Org., Timeless Frames, Décor and Expressions, the Black River Valley Club and the Watertown Daily Times. Yours in business,

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orth country people tend to be a hardy and optimistic lot. Case in point: ice storms and lake effect snow. In the aftermath of each this winter we have still to see an exodus of residents pack up and flee for warmer, more predictable climate. Perhaps resilient is another word that could accurately describe Northern New Yorkers. The resilience of so many to take what comes in stride with little more than a perfunctory moan or groan is a testament to the strength of all who live in our region. When it comes to the regional economy, a similar optimism and resilience stirs among those who choose to work in Ken Eysaman the north country and call it home. In this month’s cover story by magazine staffer Grace Johnston, you’ll read about sectors of our economy that performed well in 2013 and others that, with some optimism, are expected to shine well into this new year. Tourism, agriculture and entrepreneurship each are said to be bright spots, with related economic activity on pace to improve through the end of 2014 as new destination resorts like the Clayton Harbor Hotel open. Turn to page 14 for more on the region’s 2014 outlook.

NNY Business | January 2014

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Watertown Savings Bank welcomes Fiorentino

Meredith Fiorentino has been hired as Watertown Savings Bank’s new business development officer. Miss Fiorentino will work with existing and potential customers as well as bank management to foster greater banking relationships throughout the organization. Fiorentino A Northern New York native, she grew up in the Clayton area, but moved to Maryland where she attended and graduated from Towson University with a degree in Business Administration and Marketing in 2003. Ms. Fiorentino has been an Account Executive for Syracuse Media Group and Aptify, Inc. She also served as a district manager for Automatic Data Processing (ADP) from 2007 to 2011.

TI Arts Center names executive director

The Thousand Islands Arts Center recently named Leslie W. Rowland its new executive director, effective Jan. 1. Ms. Rowland had been serving as interim executive director since June. Ms. Rowland was Rowland previously the principal of LWRPR LLC, an independent con-

sulting firm she founded in 1999 to advise clients on marketing communications and event planning in central New York. Before she founded LWRPR, she was district director for U.S. Congressman Sherwood Boehlert, and spent a decade in the airline industry as a public relations manager for regional and international airlines, and later as a lobbyist for the Air Transport Association, the Washington, D.C.,-based national trade association of major U.S. airlines. She also spent several years in the advertising business as an account executive and new business development manager. A native of Rome and a SUNY Potsdam graduate, Ms. Rowland spent most of her summers on the St. Lawrence River. She now lives in the area, splitting her time between Wellesley Island in the summer months and Clayton during the winter. She and her husband, Fritz Hager, have twin teenagers. The Thousand Islands Arts Center is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of traditional arts and handcrafts through educational programs, classes, lectures, and exhibits. Home to a nationally renowned permanent collection and library of hand-woven textiles, the Arts Center also offers a wide variety of classes for all levels of students.

JRC employee honored

Shirley Booth of the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, recently earned the 2013 Stephen Robarge Employee of the Year Award. The award is presented in recognition of Stephen Robarge who was a long-time employee of the center and passed away after a battle with cancer in January 2011. The award is presented to a full or parttime employee who has worked for the company for five or more years and has

Got business milestones? n Share your business milestones with NNY Business. Email news releases and photos (.jpg/300 dpi) to editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net. The deadline for submissions is the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue. Photos that don’t appear in print may be posted on our Facebook page. good attendance and work ethic, according to a release from the center. The Rehabilitation Center, 800 Gaffney Drive, is a nonprofit that employs more than 650 people and serves more than 1,000 developmentally disabled individuals and their families each year.

Adworkshop hires new director

Andy Tinti has returned to Adworkshop’s Lake Placid office as its director of digital marketing. Mr. Tinti was previously employed at the marketing agency from 2008 to 2011, after which he served as an account executive and senior digital media planner and buyer for Rochesterbased media agency Butler/Till. In his new role, Mr. Tinti will oversee the strategic and creative planning behind digital marketing campaigns in regards to search engine marketing, public relations, content, social media and paid media for clients in a variety of industries including tourism, healthcare and banking. Mr. Tinti holds a bachelor’s degree in media management from Franklin Pierce University, Rindge, N.H., where he also played Division II hockey. Adworkshop was founded in 1977 and employs 30 people across its digital marketing, public relations and website development divisions. For more information on its services, visit www. adworkshop.com.

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NNY

Economic indicators Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers Nov. 2013 $1.94 Oct. 2013 $1.85 Nov. 2012 $1.98

2.0%

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

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

402,876 in Nov. 2013 444,750 in Oct. 2013 407,454 in Nov. 2012

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

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

Nov. 2013 $3.55 Oct. 2013 $3.62 Nov. 2012 $3.86

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

8.0%

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

ECON SNAPSHOT

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Nov. 2013 $3.78 Oct. 2013 $3.77 Nov. 2012 $3.94

4.1%

2.7%

$1.06 on Nov. 29, 2013 $1.04 on Oct. 31, 2013 $0.99 on Nov. 30, 2012

7.0%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

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

Nov. 2013 $3.15 Oct. 2013 $2.96 Nov. 2012 $2.96

91,600 in Nov. 2013 91,500 in Oct. 2013 91,300 in Nov. 2012

6.4%

0.33%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

93, median price $129,000 in Nov. 2013 102, median price $141,000 in Oct. 2013 118, median price $144,250 in Nov. 2012

44, median price $74,500 in Nov. 2013 57, median price $90,000 in Oct. 2013 60, median price $80,000 in Nov. 2012

21.2% Sales

10.6% Price

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

26.7% Sales

6.9% Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

NNY unemployment rates Jefferson County

Nov. ’13 Oct. ’13

9.0% 8.7%

Nov. ’12

9.7%

St. Lawrence County Nov. ’13

8.3%

Oct. ’13

8.3%

Nov. ’12

9.3%

Lewis County Nov. ’13 Oct. ’13

8.4% 8.0%

Nov. ’12

9.3%

Source: New York State Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted. Latest available data reported.) Note: Due to updates in some “Econ. Snapshot” categories, numbers may differ from previously published prior month and year figures.

10 Business | January 2014 10| |NNY NNY Business | January 2014

NNY

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County Cars 345 in Nov. 2013 459 in Oct. 2013 379 in Nov. 2012

9.0%

Trucks 84 in Nov. 2013 112 in Oct. 2013 106 in Nov. 2012

20.8%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers at Watertown International Airport

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

3,117 inbound and outbound in Nov. 2013 3,737 inbound and outbound in Oct. 2013 3,035 inbound and outbound in Nov. 2012

2,035 in Nov. 2013 2,031 in Oct. 2013 1,969 in Nov. 2012

3.4%

2.7% Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office Dec. 2 to 31, 2013. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit us at WWW.NNYBIZMAG.COM.

DEC. 31: Little J’s Pizzeria, 566 State St., Watertown, Jessica Jarrell, 24428 Route 11 #57, Calcium.

Black River, Stephen J. Rowsam, 29279 Hadley Road, Black River.

DEC. 27: Jutty’s World, 23610 Fetterly Road, Dexter, Justin Parody, 23610 Fetterly Road, Dexter.

EEE Wide Pilot Car Service, 22833 Swan Road, Watertown, Russell W. Schafer, 22833 Swan Road, Watertown.

At Your Service, 124 Monroe Ave., Watertown, Laurel J. Adair, 124 Monroe Ave., Watertown. DEC. 26: Danny J. The DJ, 32286 Town Line Road, Philadelphia, Robin R. Johnson, 32286 Town Line Road, Philadelphia. Pure Leaf Landscaping & Snow Removal, 3562 Van Brocklin Road, Carthage, Janel Boni, 3562 Van Brocklin Road, Carthage, Timothy A. Danks, 3562 Van Brocklin Road, Carthage. DEC. 20: Battlefield Paintball, 32018 Route 11, Philadelphia, David R. Burr, 44 Young Ave. A., New York Mills. DEC. 19: Mackenzie Lane Photography, 18214 Route 177, Adams Center, Mackenzie L. Piggott, 18214 Route 177, P.O. Box 725, Adams Center. DEC. 17: Comfy Cozy Critters, 407 S. Pleasant St., Watertown, Stacey L. Scott, 407 S. Pleasant Street, Watertown, Naphtali Kleingardner, 25035 County Road 189, Rodman. Simply Pix by Joy, 33282 Dog Hill Road, LaFargeville, Joy Davis, 33282 Dog Hill Road, LaFargeville. DEC. 16: High End Auto Detailing, 594 W. Main St., Watertown, Andrew McEathron, 139 Wyoming Ave., Watertown. DEC. 12: ABC Cleaning, 23288 County Route 69, Rodman, Kyle Berube, 23288 County Route 69, Rodman. Shelby’s Re Sale, 109 East Main St., Brownville, Brian Watson, 833 LeRay St., Watertown. DEC. 11: Rowsam Trucking, 29279 Hadley Road,

DEC. 10: Van Brocklin Motor Sports, 25777 Slate Road, Watertown, Arnold B. Van Brocklin, 25777 Slate Road, Watertown. KVO Property Services, 36663 Deferno Road, Clayton, Kristofer Jon Vanosdel, 36663 Deferno Road, Clayton. DEC. 9: Manos Maple Farm, 26917 Bonney Road, Watertown, Max Manos, 26917 Bonney Road, Watertown. Kymode Repairs, 717 McDonald Hill Road, Mannsville, Frederick L. Clark, 717 McDonald Hill Road, Mannsville. DEC. 4: Tepfenhart Design, 24984 County Route 54, Brownville, Brian Tepfenhart, 24984 County Route 54, PO Box 157, Brownville. DEC. 3: Renew Us, 631 Bronson St., Apt. A, Watertown, Joseph Martusewicz, 631 Bronson St., Apt. A, Watertown. Danick Home Improvements, 142 Union St., Watertown, Daniel Jones, 142 Union St., Watertown. DEC. 2: TK Trendz, 120 Washington St., Suite 310, Watertown, Thomas B. Hewitt, 35091 state Route 126, Carthage. Groff’s Country Auto Sales, 2650 County Route 87, Mannsville, Patricia A. Groff, 2650 County Route 87, Mannsville. Hill Top Garage, 7822 County Route 17, Lacona, Raymond Mullin, 7822 County Route 17, Lacona. Kitty’s Koncoktyons & Etc, 260 State St., Apt. 207, Carthage, Catherine Melhuish, 260 State St., Apt. 207, Carthage.

TRANSACTIONS

DBAs

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

January 2014 | NNY Business | January 2014 | NNY Business

|11 11

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Foundation loans $100k to aid North Country Family Health Center

The Northern New York Community Foundation Board of Directors last month approved a $100,000 no-interest loan to assist the North Country Family Health Center as it solidifies a sustainable business plan. The health center, formerly known as The Children’s Clinic, has been one of the largest recipients of foundation grants. The foundation provided a start-grant to the organization in the

early 1970s and has provided more than $700,000 in grants since. “We have a substantial history of investment in the center and its important work and mission. We have received reasonable assurances that, with Samaritan Medical Center as temporary operator, a viable work plan is being developed that will put the organization back on solid footing for the long term,” said Rande S. Richardson, NNY Community Foundation executive director. “This is the last best chance we have to see this important community health issue be successfully resolved for

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Got business news?

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

all concerned. It’s as much a statement of belief in their work as well as the plan to sustain it,” he said. In other action, the foundation board approved the following year-end grants: n $25,000 for food pantries in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties — 42 food pantries and the Watertown Salvation Army soup kitchen will share in this grant to supply their pantries throughout the year. n $10,000 to Hospice of Jefferson County to assist with software upgrades and implementation to bolster efficiency. n $985 to the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce to provide a scholarship for the Jefferson Leadership Institute program to a nonprofit organization that might not otherwise be able to participate. n $750 to the North Country Library System for an e-book/e-reader initiative to help increase accessibility for the visually impaired.

Syracuse law firm announces merger

New York City-based law firm Kehl, Katzive & Simon LLP, has joined Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC, Syracuse, effective Jan. 1. For more than 30 years, Shelley Kehl, Jeffrey Kehl and Marion Katzive have provided an array of services to colleges and universities, public (including charter) and independent private schools, and notfor-profit institutions. They will integrate their practices with Bond’s existing Higher Education, School District, and Exempt Organizations Practice Groups in New York City and statewide. The seven lawyers joining Bond’s New York office will also augment one of the largest Labor & Employment, Employee Benefits & Executive Compensation and Immigration practices in the state, and complement the office’s services for the Health and Long Term Care industries, and Municipalities.

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

The Hero’s Haven THE INITIAL IDEA

It’s a labor of nerdy love for Christopher M. Hunt, owner of the recently opened Hero’s Haven. Going through school in the north country in the 1980s and ’90s, Mr. Hunt said, he could not be honest about who he was with friends and classmates while attending parties and playing sports. He never told anybody about things like his comic book collection, or his undying love of “Star Wars,” one of the first movies he saw in theaters after it came out in 1977. “I was always a closet nerd,” Mr. Hunt said. Since, he said, in recent years he has been able to be much more open with his loves, as he, his wife, Jessica, and their two children, Lillian and Roselynn, moved into a house in Watertown. During the move, Mrs. Hunt said, she returned home from running errands to find a pair of light sabers and a mask from “Star Wars” character Darth Maul hanging in their dining room. “I wasn’t surprised,” she said, laughing. “It wouldn’t be my first choice of decoration.”

TARGET CLIENTELE

Given his wide range of stock, Mr. Hunt had a tough time singling out his primary clientele, falling in a range from gamers, comic and toy collectors to movie and TV show enthusiasts. Among the inventory that could be seen were comics from established superheroes like Batman and Superman, to time-traveling detective Dr. Who. A large collection of action figures from the Avengers, and the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles lined a series of shelves, as an episode of the cartoon “Transformers” series played on a large television. At the front of the store were several G.I. Joe and Star Wars toys from the 1980s. “I’m trying to bring it all together, all these hobbyists in one place,” he said. Mr. Hunt said the store could succeed carrying more specialized products, things he already liked and shopped for, that otherwise would require a trip to places such as Syracuse and Utica. “I know there was a market, there was a need,” he said. “This was what I knew

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

“I’m trying to bring it all together, all these hobbyists in one place. It’s prime time to be open for business.” — Christopher M. Hunt, owner, The Hero’s Haven I could do.” The key for success: “Feeding the passion” of his customers, dedicated fans of their respective comic, show or movie series. “They’re die-hards,” Mr. Hunt said.

THE JOURNEY

Mr. Hunt, a graduate of South Jefferson High School, said he had thought about opening the store for years. He moved forward with those plans after losing his auto service job in 2012. “I was unemployed, and basically had to decide what I was going to do,” he said. After bouncing around ideas of how he would proceed, he found his calling in chasing his nerdier passions. “I came to the notion that if you have the opportunity to do what you want to do, you have to go for it,” he explained. “I like my customers, I like collecting, I like the movies, I like the toys.” He opened the store after going through the state’s Self-Employment Assistance Program and receiving financial aid of $17,000 from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency and the Watertown Trust. After a soft opening Dec. 9, the

store, in the Stateway Plaza, 1222 Arsenal St., held its grand opening Dec. 14.

IN FIVE YEARS

Mr. Hunt hopes to make his store a place for comic and hobby enthusiasts to not only shop, but to gather and hang out. He said he wants to host and produce themed events, game tournaments, and movie nights. “That’s the future of this place, make it more community oriented, make it more family oriented,” Mr. Hunt said. The emphasis on family accessibility is critical, Mr. Hunt said, as parents look into sharing their comic and gaming loves to their children. “They want to introduce their kids to this stuff,” Mr. Hunt said. “But you want to be careful what you expose them to.” Down the road, he sees a clientele that could be growing larger, thanks to the popularity of comic book-inspired movies and shows. “It’s almost cool to be a nerd now,” he said. “It’s prime time to be open for business.” — Gordon Block

WHERE Watertown | FOUNDED 2013 | WEB www.facebook.com/TheHerosHaven January January2014 2014||NNY NNYBusiness Business||13 13

OUTLOOK 2014

A SEARCH for signs of

PROSPERITY NORTHERN NEW YORK’S ECONOMY POISED TO SEE GAINS IN TOURISM, AGRICULTURE, ENTREPRENEURSHIP IN NEW YEAR AHEAD BY GRACE E. JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

MUCH OF WHAT WAS FORECASTED FOR the Northern New York economy in 2013 — the unknowns of health care reform, inactivity on a farm bill and immigration reform, and general political volatility — remain as the region begins anew in 2014. Words like, “small, creeping and modest” are used to describe the growth of our national economy. Many people express optimism with no more than a whisper for fear that the fragile house of cards may come tumbling down. Yet, as 17th century French philosopher and political observer Alexis De Tocqueville wrote in his famous work, “Democracy in America,” “ … The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.” What De Tocqueville observed of American life more than 300 years ago remains an

14 |

NNY Business | January 2014

applicable certainty for the north country. The quality of our endeavors in reinvesting into our communities is a reflection of what our region seeks to foster — active civic engagement, innovation, and investment. New York state and the north country have begun to more heavily leverage “seed money” at the regional level, in hopes of laying a foundation for sustainable growth and long-term prosperity. This year will see a fresh sowing of that seed. TOURISM A hot, August sun shines. A cool, fresh lake breeze blows with a choice beverage at your side. It’s the Sackets Harbor Regatta, a picnic in Alexandria Bay, the Clayton riverfront. Fill in the lakeshore or riverside activity “blank.” Whatever paints the picture of a Northern New York summer is likely the picture that will be marketed,

and marketed aggressively in 2014. Northern New York as a four-season “go-to” destination, and its pattern of steady year-over-year growth, vouch for the worthwhile investment that is Northern New York tourism. As the fifth-largest employment sector in New York, tourism supported 714,000 jobs and generated more than $29 billion in wages in 2012. One out of every 12 jobs in New York is tourism-related. The more than 202 million international and domestic residents who visited the Empire State last year resulted in $57 billion in direct tourism spending, and generated $7 billion in state and local taxes, according to a report released by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s office. Intent to make New York state the “tourism capital of the world,” Gov. Cuomo committed nearly $60 million earlier this year to grow the tourism industry across

February 2013 | NNY Business

| 15

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are facilities that need to be simultaneously improved if we’re going to have sustainable carrying capacity in the region.” Clayton is a prime example of where investment in a quality attraction and the infrastructure needed to support increased tourism is taking place. Some $3 million in state money from the North Country Regional Economic Development Council were secured to build the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, and another $500,000 allocated solely for infrastructure improvements such as water, sewer, power and sidewalks, according to Justin A. Taylor, Town of Clayton supervisor. “Infrastructure investments are key,” Mr. Bartow said. “We need to be mindful of making investments that will be attractive to tomorrow’s tourists.” New distilleries, wineries, and the scheduled early summer opening of the harbor hotel, are just a few of such entrepreneurial investments that are exciting the tourism community and fostering a bullish buzz over the region’s future. “We’re seeing these industries gain momentum. Wineries are achieving notoriety, and we’re witnessing the return of the region’s rich history of brewing,” said Kevin Schwab, vice president of marketing and communications for CenterState Corporation for Economic Opportunity, Syracuse. “Overall, people are feeling better about the economy. Gas prices haven’t scared folks away, and visitors are seeing new products springing up all across the region,” Mr. DeYoung said. AGRICULTURE As demand for local food and valueadded products continue to grow, opportunities abound for niche producers to capitalize on new opportunities. Logistic food hubs and increased marketing into metro markets will continue to offer potential for upstate producers to bring their products to larger cities like Syracuse, Buffalo, and New York City, according to a CenterState CEO report. “The ag component of our region is very promising, and is showing all the signs of continuing,” Mr. Schwab said. Bolstering agribusiness in the north country in 2014 will be a $1 million revolving loan fund for value-added products, to be distributed by the Development Authority of the North Country, Watertown. Offering low-interest loans up to $250,000 across its seven-county service area, the revolving loan fund is designed to provide capital for a broad range of agribusinesses focused on value-added products like maple syrup, meats, vegetables, and wines.

OUTLOOK 2014 The loans, which cannot exceed 20 percent of a project’s total cost, will help provide entrepreneurs and business owners with a portion of the capital needed to jump-start projects, according to Michelle L. Capone, director of regional development for the authority. “There are a lot of opportunities here and a growing movement for buying local food,” Ms. Capone said. “We have a growing demand for these products, and the hope is that we would have all of these funds committed within 18 months,” she said.

When the fund is established later this spring, loans are expected to be in high demand across the region. “We’re seeing entrepreneurship across all sectors of the industry,” said Jefferson County Agricultural Coordinator Jay M. Matteson. “Businesses are looking for new opportunities.” Case in point: Ag eyes are turning toward niche crops, like hops and wine grapes, as potential for field crop diversification and as investment opportunities to expand existing farm operations.

Farm brewery legislation signed into law by Gov. Cuomo last summer, aims to increase demand for locally grown farm products and expand industry-related economic development and tourism by partnering hops and grain growers with craft breweries in the state. The legislation protects an important tax benefit for small breweries that produce beer in New York, exempts breweries that produce small batches of beer from paying an annual State Liquor Authority fee, and creates a Farm Brewery license that will

January 2014 | NNY Business

| 17

2013

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OUTLOOK 2014 allow craft brewers to expand operations when opening restaurants or when selling new products, according to a report released by the governor’s office. “We’re hoping this legislation will be the catalyst to expand the industry regionally over the next decade,” the Tug Hill Commission’s Mr. Bartow said. Through 2018, at least 20 percent of ingredients – hops and grains – must be grown in New York state to keep the aforementioned farm brewery license and, under the law, will gradually climb to 90 percent by 2024. Mr. Bartow believes the legislation will spur more breweries to purchase their ingredients from local farms, providing a niche market for the production of hops and grains.

big investment in local entrepreneurship. “A sector we see as poised for growth in the New Year is advanced manufacturing,” Mr. Schwab said. This would include businesses related to the manufacturing of sensors, medical devices, electronics and information technology products. “There are big opportunities for entrepreneurs here to pursue,” said John P. Gaus, owner of Potsdam-based Golden Technology Management. “The region’s approach to economic development should focus on opportunities that already exist within the region,” he said.

Those sentiments were echoed, when in late 2013, Clarkson University’s Shipley Center for Innovation secured $250,000 in state funds as an Innovation “hot spot,” to help launch 50 startups from across the north country in 2014. Business ideas will fall into one of two categories: A traditional high-tech startup model — companies with new ideas and the potential to turn a large profit like social networks, medical devices and clean technology. And the second category:

Please see Outlook, page 29

n n n Economies of scale and labor considerations are also fueling changes on the dairy front, least of which are continued frustrations over legislative inactivity regarding passage of a federal farm bill and comprehensive immigration policy. “Farmers are tired of dealing with labor issues,” Mr. Matteson said. The agricultural industry has repeatedly asked the federal government to streamline and expedite the H-2A visa program as its labor needs have grown over the years, but the current program remains a lengthy, bureaucratic labor certification process. Unfortunately, “with it being only a midterm election year, we can expect a lot of talk, but no actual movement,” Mr. Matteson said. Regardless, however, the north country remains well positioned to weather the uncertainty with relative strength. The USDA’s World Ag Supply & Demand Estimates report, released earlier this year, projected that lower feed costs and relatively strong milk prices would continue to support dairy production into 2014. Cash crop production is anticipated to remain strong as well. And although the farm bill, which sets policy for farm subsidies, food stamps and other rural development projects, has moved slowly through Congress in the past two years, dairy prices are still expected to yield profitable margins. “If we continue to apply good, common sense principles to agriculture, we can be excited about the growth and success that will follow,” Mr. Matteson said. BUSINESS AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP On the innovation front, 2014 will bring January 2014 | NNY Business

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AGRI-BUSINESS

Farmer Donald H. Holman checks some of his cattle in his pasture on Route 178 in Adams last fall. North country Beef farmers are preparing to do business with farms across the Midwest. NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

Farmers may jump in pool Beef producers take stock of commingled herd By TED BOOKER

N NNY Business

orth country beef farmers are preparing to do business with farms across the Midwest next fall by pooling their calves into a commingled herd. Livestock educators from six counties across the region have offered training over the past three years with that goal in mind, encouraging farmers to adopt cattle similar calf management practices needed to establish the feeder pool, said Betsy F. Hodge, who leads Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Northern New York Regional Livestock Team. To establish a commingled herd marketed to buyers, she said, beef calves all would have to be similarly bred, weaned and vaccinated. They should be preferably crossbred, weigh in the range of 450 to 650 pounds and be bred with black hides. Creating the feeder pool would enable buyers to purchase a large number of cattle

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NNY Business | January 2014

with the same weight, color and health treatment. Those feeder cattle likely would be marketed and sold at the Canandaiguabased Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, along with local cattle backgrounders and finishers who raise them to be slaughtered. The Finger Lakes sales barn, which hosts auctions twice monthly from September through December, sells calves to farmers who raise them for slaughter. Beef cattle producers in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties already have considered joining the pool, Ms. Hodge said. Some 80 beef farmers own farmland in Jefferson and Lewis counties; there are about 80 beef farmers in St. Lawrence County alone. Some farmers have begun to raise their calves using practices recommended by educators, she said, who launched the feeder pool initiative in 2012. “I think we’ve reached a point where they could get a group together, because we’ve worked on this a long time,” said Ms. Hodge, who recently applied for a

$7,000 research grant to kick-start the initiative from the Northern New York Agricultural Development Program. That funding will go toward research to determine what management practices farmers are using to raise calves. “We want to get a handle on how farmers are marketing calves to sell now so that we know where to start,” said Ms. Hodge, a livestock educator at St. Lawrence County’s extension office. “Farmers who haven’t been to our meetings need to get on the same page.” A few farmers in Jefferson and Lewis counties are interested in contributing cattle to the feeder pool, said Ronald A. Kuck, livestock educator for Jefferson County’s extension. “We’re trying to recruit a group of likeminded beef farmers to do everything similar,” he said. “That’s going to attract a group of outside buyers that will be willing to make a trip to the north country. They’re willing to pay higher prices for cattle

AGRI-BUSINESS that have been vaccinated, castrated and weaned correctly.” Those large groups of cattle could net up to 45 cents more per pound on the market than what they’ve garnered individually at auctions, Mr. Kuck said. That difference would equate to sales of about $270 more per head for 600-pound cattle. The feeder pool initiative is expected to be launched on a small scale, Mr. Kuck said, then grow incrementally in successive years. “If 10 guys contribute 10 calves, and five guys contribute 20, that would give us a pool of 200 to start out with,” he said. The biggest buyers at the Canandaigua auction are seeking to buy large quantities of cattle, with 70 to 100 head that are transported in tractor trailers, said Michael J. Baker, beef cattle specialist at Cornell University, Ithaca. Dr. Baker, who helped launch the feeder pool program here, is hopeful enough beef farmers will participate to launch the program in the fall of 2014. “Even if we don’t get the magic 70-head number to sell that trailer load next fall, we could get three or four farms to put together 50 or 60 calves,” Dr. Baker said. “We could either send them down together to the Finger Lakes sale barn, or we could leave them on the farms and have them described and presented at the sale; maybe even with a video, so that buyers can bid on them without being there at the barn. “That would remove the stress of shipping them to the sale barn, and then to their ultimate destination. Those loads are going out of state to Kansas, Texas, Missouri and a variety of places, because we just don’t have a large feeding industry in New York.” Out-of-state buyers are lured to the Canandaigua auction mainly because of the comparatively low prices for preconditioned feeder cattle, Dr. Baker said. Those calves now are sold at a relatively low price at the Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, according to findings from a three-year study led by Cornell University. Data from the second year of the project, collected on nearly 10,000 cattle head and 3,900 lots, show they were sold at an average of $2.80 per hundredweight; that price is 29 cents per hundredweight less than the national average. Adams beef farmer Donald H. Holman, who raises Angus cattle to be finished, said he might be interested in selling and buying calves in large numbers by participat-

ing in the feeder pool if it’s established. He now buys anywhere from 100 to 150 calves from about eight farmers who live within 50 miles of his farm. Once calves became full-sized adults with a weight of 1,200 to 1,500 pounds, he transports them to an auction barn in Paradise, Pa. He sells about 250 to 300 cattle a year. If enough beef farmers join, “this pool could be phenomenal because you could go to one place, one time, and pick up 50, 100 or 200 head,” Mr. Holman said. “I now buy almost everything I need from private individuals, but if they join the pool then

I’m going to still get those cattle, because I know them.” The most lucrative market for cattle in the pool, however, likely will be among Midwest buyers, Mr. Holman said. “The whole point of this pool is to get buyers from the Midwest to come up here because they can buy a potload of cattle,” he said. “They’ll keep coming here as long as they can take them in potloads of about 45,000 pounds.” n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at 661-2371 or tbooker@wdt.net.

January 2014 | NNY Business

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CONSTRUCTION Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification is being sought by developers Washington Street Properties LLC and Purcell Construction for the Lincoln Building, which would make it the only structure on downtown Watertown’s Public Square to accomplish such a feat. JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Lincoln Building going green Structure would be first LEED-certified on Public Square By TED BOOKER

D NNY Business

evelopers have submitted a state grant application with initiatives to make the Lincoln Building on Public Square a paragon of green energy — showcasing naturally lit rooms, a rainwater harvesting system, solar panels and a rooftop patio with plants. Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design silver certification is being sought by developers Washington Street Properties LLC and Purcell Construction for the building, which would make it the only downtown structure to accomplish such a feat. The energy proposal will be part of a $12.8 million redevelopment project that calls for 18 rental apartments on the two upper floors and a business incubator on the second floor, along with office and commercial spaces in the five-story building. It is co-owned by Brian H. Murray, owner of Washington Street Properties, and Mark S. Purcell, owner of Purcell Construction.

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NNY Business | January 2014

Planners say the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority will visit the site in December to review what energy initiatives might be eligible for funding. A project summary prepared by the Wladis Law Firm, East Syracuse, shows a complete overhaul of the building’s mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems is planned. That will include the installation of highefficiency boilers and heat pumps, efficient lighting and water-reducing plumbing fixtures. Insulation may be installed to tighten the building’s energy envelope and preserve heat, while floor-to-ceiling windows on its north and south sides will be improved for additional protection and energy efficiency. The rainwater harvesting and reuse system, in combination with new plumbing fixtures, is expected to reduce water consumption by more than 200,000 gallons per year - potentially 50 percent of total consumption. Precipitation will flow from the building’s rooftop into large holding tanks, where it then will be used to operate toilets and in bathrooms. “Watertown has a significant amount of

precipitation every year, and we think this is a creative way to save energy and water,” said Alison M. Williams, CEO of Washington Street Properties. About half of the rooftop will be devoted to solar panels under the plan, Ms. Williams said. That array of photovoltaic panels will generate about 25 kilowatts per year, offsetting about 3 percent of the building’s electrical demand. On the other half of the roof, a patio has been designed to create an open-air relaxation space for tenants. Varieties of potted plants and greenery will provide shade and absorb excessive amounts of carbon dioxide that rise in the air, reducing effects of air pollution. “We wanted to find a way to make the rooftop an amenity because of its view on Public Square,” Ms. Williams said. “We decided it will likely be about 50 percent solar, and the other half will be a rooftop sanctuary. The plants reduce carbon dioxide and add another layer of insulation, because we’re using less energy to heat and cool the building.”

To enhance natural lighting, a large, abandoned light shaft that runs through the middle of the building will provide natural light to interior spaces on floors two through five; interior windows and glass panes will be renovated to take advantage of the shaft. As a result, no interior space will be more than 30 feet away from a natural light source. Mr. Murray said the vast amount of interior lighting will dramatically reduce electricity costs. “With the Lincoln Building, we have an unusually large amount of window squarefootage compared to most historical buildings,” he said. “The exterior windows cover the entire wall of the space, so when you add the light shaft in the darker spot in the middle, you’re able to provide natural light into the whole space.” The developers also have sought about $3 million in state grant funding through the North Country Regional Economic Development Council; recipients will be announced in December. Though it wasn’t named as a priority project this fall by the council, planners are hopeful it still could be awarded funding. If it doesn’t, Mr. Murray said, the construction timeline will be extended. “The scope could change somewhat, but we would just have to revisit the timeline and do things one step at a time,” he said. “The important thing is that we’re committed to this project and are moving forward in the springtime. We’re going to do this in a way that everyone in the city can be proud of.” Purcell Construction will lead the construction as the general contractor, while Washington Street Properties will market the site to prospective tenants and serve as the building’s landlord. Christina J. Schneider, chief financial officer for Purcell, said the partnership has enabled developers to plan the project efficiently. “It’s a great match working with Brian Murray, because we can build and his group can operate and manage the building,” Mrs. Schneider said. “We’re anxious to get the project moving.” Developers also are seeking state and federal tax credits to fund 15 percent of the total project cost, while Neighbors of Watertown has applied for New York Main Street and Urban Initiative grants that could contribute up to $250,000. Mr. Murray and Mr. Purcell purchased the Lincoln Building in December from a Long Island corporation for $500,000. It now consists of nine storefronts, 17 offices and 16 apartments on the upper floors.

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n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at 661-2371 or tbooker@wdt.net. January 2014 | NNY Business

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

Check your credit for new year

he new year brings resolutions that for many include joining a gym, working harder and even being a better person. Why not resolve to be more financially fit? Last month, I wrote about how the military promotes financial readiness among its members. The guidelines taught are universal. Credit experts agree that by following certain principles, you can build financial wealth. One important item is a good credit score. How do you improve this? n Check for and correct any errors in your credit report. Mistakes happen and you could be paying for someone else’s poor financial management. n Pay down credit card bills. If possible, pay off the entire balance each month. Transferring credit card debt from one card to another could lower your score. n Don’t charge your credit cards to the maximum limit. n Avoid finance companies. Even if you pay the loan on time, the interest is high and it will probably be considered a sign of poor credit management. You may wonder why I have taken aim at credit again. The simple answer is that the biggest purchase a person typically makes in their life is a home. Without good credit, this can be an unattainable goal. In the past, I have pointed out that homeownership makes for stable neighborhoods, better students, and contributes to better overall health. Therefore, it makes sense that one of the first steps is to have good credit and to know how to stay fiscally fit. Once you have decided to buy a property, what can you do to get a favorable mortgage? n Wait 12 months after credit difficulties to apply for a mortgage. You’re penalized less for problems after a year.

n Don’t order items for your new home on credit such as appliances and furniture until after the loan is approved. The amounts will add to your debt. n Don’t open new credit card Lance Evans accounts before applying for a mortgage. Too much available credit can lower your score. n After you have been pre-approved for a loan, or even before closing, do not buy large items such as cars, trucks, and large appliances on credit. It could cause the lender to change the amount it is willing to loan. Even if you aren’t buying a property any time soon, by getting your financial house in order, you will be more prepared to weather financial ups and downs in your personal life and in the economy.

Lory Cobb, James Conlin, Sonia Conlin, Mark Converse, Kathy Cook, Michael Corbine, Katherine Couch, Melanie Curley, Carole Dunbar, William Elliott, Kenneth Erb, Virginia Frattali, Cathy Garlock, Matthew Garlock, Stacey Garrett, Joan Gerni LaLone, Lori Gervera, Jill Grant, Sandra Grimmer, Janet Handschuh, Les Henry, Beth Hopkins, Suzanne Krouse, Barry Kukowski, Jacqueline Ladue, William Leepy, Carol Lehman, Donna Loucks, Julie Lyndaker, Brenda Malone, Erin Meyer, Amanda Miller, Elizabeth Miller, Gail Miller, Gwyn Monnat, Rob Moyer, Lori Nettles, Todd O’Donnell, Doris Olin, Karen Peebles, Lesa Plantz, Lori Porter, Penny Price, Maxine Quigg, Nancy Rome, Jill Rosette, Vickie Staie, Tania Sterling, John Stevens, Barry Stewart, Nancy Storino-Farney, Bernard Sturr, Janette Vander Baan, Jennifer Waite, Lisa Watson, Nancy Williams and Richard Wood. Honorees in the rental category were: James Conlin, Sonia Conlin, Lisa Eddy, Richard Hardy, Nicole Lajoie, and Sandra Rowland.

n n n

The Tri-County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors held its Top Producer Award Event Nov. 22 at Alexandria Bay’s Edgewood Resort. With the theme “The Glitz and Glitter of the Best of the Best,” Realtors were honored in property sales and rental categories for units sold or rented between Nov. 1, 2012, and Oct. 31. 2013. Honorees in the property sales category for 2014 were: Britton Abbey, Roger Abbey, Mary Adair, Margaret Aubertine, Lois Aubin, Larry Boliver, Vicki Bulger, Kent Burto, Patricia Calhoun, Walter Christensen, Libby Churchill, Martha Ciulla,

The 2014 slate of Women’s Council of Realtors officers were installed by Lisa L’Huillier, 2013 New York State Women’s Council of Realtors secretary. They are: Charles Ruggiero, president; Janet Handschuh president-elect; Debbie Staie, secretary; and Carolyn Gaebel, vice president for membership. I will serve as treasurer. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He has lived in the north country since 1985. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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TOP TRANSACTIONS / JEFFERSON COUNTY Top 10 property sales in the city of Watertown by sales price recorded in the Jefferson County Clerkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office in November 2013 $3,450,000: Nov. 4, 2.306 acres, 127 Spring Ave.; no acreage or address given, Thompson Park Apartments LLC, Dewitt, sold to Apartments at Thompson Park LLC, North Syracuse $1,450,000: Nov. 25, Six parcels, 0.355 acre, 510 Hycliff Drive; 0.362 acre, 518 Hycliff Drive; 0.742 acre, 530 Hycliff Drive; 0.456 acre, 544 Hycliff Drive; 0.472 acre, 552 Hycliff Drive; 0.08 acre, vacant lot, Hycliff Drive; Dominic A. Pangallo, Watertown, and Frederick M. Sovie, Watertown, sold to Jefferson Heights LLC, Watertown

$370,000: Nov. 25, 0.722 acre, Ten Eyck Street, Daniel F. Nattell, Dover, N.H., sold to Derek D. Brown and Gretchen F. Brown, Fort Levenworth, Kan.

$154,000: Nov. 1, Two parcels, 1137 State St., Neighbors of Watertown Inc., Watertown, sold to Chantel Taylor and William Taylor, Watertown

$274,000: Nov. 15, 1324 Loomus Drive, Carl J. Disalvatore and Linda H. Disalvatore, Watertown, sold to Kieran F. Dollard and Christy A. Dollard, Wahiawa, Hawaii

$150,000: Nov. 15, 0.161 acre, Boyd Street, Robert A. Likins III and Bettina B. Likins, Monrovia, Md., sold to Jordan Lee Downey and Samantha Downey, Philadelphia

$242,000: Nov. 18, 133 Ten Eyck St., L. Raymond Powers and Gail R. Powers, Harrisville, sold to Kellie J. McCoy, Fayetteville, N.C.

$137,000: Nov. 7, Lot 41 Eastern Blvd., Barbara Lavarnway, Watertown, sold to Charles A. Dibble, Adams Center

$181,000: Nov. 15, 632 Lillian St., Northern New York Unlimited Inc., Watertown, sold to Jason Parlor, Watertown

$98,500: Nov. 22, Two parcels, 393 Moffett St., John Gorman, Watertown, sold to Andrew J. Juiliani and Ashley M. Juiliani, Dexter

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20 QUESTIONS

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

WIRED FOR SUCCESS

n 1996, Air Force veteran Paul F. Barton dived head-on into the Internet world, quickly developing plans for his Geographic Internet Services Company, GISCO. Five years later and after explosive growth, he sold GISCO to Westport-based Westelcom and joined that firm as president and general manager. We sat down with him recently to learn about his path to success.

NNYB: You were in the Air Force before coming home to work and start a business here. What is your military background? BARTON: Yes, for 10 years I was in the Air Force. I started out in the bombs and bullets area then moved into more of an executive officer role supporting general officers. When I left Egland Air Force base in Florida, I went to Boston and worked on the intelligence side. I worked in advanced requirements, looking at what was coming out of the field in terms of needs, then would find solutions or design solutions. I also worked on the U-2/SR-71, the original predator drone.

NNYB: What was the genesis of GISCO? BARTON: I got out of the military and moved to Clayton in 1994 and consulted for a couple years with the Department of Defense. While I was consulting, a friend suggested I look at becoming an Internet Service Provider. I didn’t know what that was at that time, but I happened to be flying through Pittsburgh airport one day and found a magazine called Internet World. I saw an ad for a training opportunity to become an ISP. So that’s what I did. I built a business plan, raised some money, and started GISCO — Geographic Internet Services Company. That was 1996. It grew like crazy, and then in 1998-1999, we decided to start a phone company called Thousand Islands Communications. We raised $3 million to start that and were just getting it off the ground when our investors backed out. So we ended up selling the assets to Westelcom and I’ve been with them since.

NNYB: What made you decide to launch a telephone company? BARTON: In 1996, the Telecommunications Act

26 || NNY NNY Business Business||January January2014 2014 26

n Westelcom chief Paul F. Barton is no stranger to risk-taking, hard work

changed the face of the industry and made it open for competition. And as an ISP, we use a lot of telephone lines. We were leasing hundreds and hundreds of lines from companies like Verizon. But by creating our own phone company, we could take that money and increase our margins, and put it back into the phone company. That’s what drove us to do it.

NNYB: What were the circumstances under which you needed to sell GISCO? BARTON: We changed horses mid-stream. We bought a small used telephone switch, but we were seeing rapid growth with the Internet company. So we felt the switch was not the right size even though we had everyone trained on it. So we decided to change to a new switch. We had to restart the clock. We hired a lot of people in sales and engineering, but we were burning through cash too rapidly. And at the same time the stock market started to tank. Our investors got worried and withdrew their money, so we had no other option but to sell. Westelcom is headquartered in Westport. They operated first by installing phone systems in the Plattsburgh area then started an Internet company as well. They bought Slic Network Solution’s Internet customers in 1999-2000. And then when my company’s assets came up for sale, NorthNet was also up for sale. So Westelcom bought GISCO, NorthNet and the previously purchased, Slic. So they had, at the time, more than 30,000 Internet subscribers, dial-up.

NNYB: What was the experience like, coming from a military background into a business leadership role? BARTON: The lessons I learned through the experience with GISCO have been the same lessons that I have applied to help keep Westelcom afloat and take it where it needed to go. When I was in the military, I worked on some pretty advanced stuff. I worked in what they call the black world, meaning

with our creativity, we could make things happen quickly. We liked to move fast, and that was the philosophy I had when I started GISCO. I didn’t fear failure. That’s why I took the risk. I put my skin in the game. And the investors I had behind me wanted to move fast, too. So we moved quickly. To look back, I think we should’ve stayed a little more engaged in our movement; maybe pulled the trigger more slowly in terms of hiring people. One of the key lessons was to measure cash, project cash and manage cash on hand. That’s what I took into Westelcom. There were times when we knew we were people heavy and had to come up with ways to skinny down lines of business. We looked closely at what gave us margin and what didn’t. We had 96 people when we started and are down to 45 now. We’re handling more though. We operate with less, but are doing more. We looked a lot at process and lines of business that were low margin. To be profitable or cash-flow positive, we need gross margins of 40 to 45 percent. To be net income profitable, we need margins of 60 to 65 percent. There’s a lot of overhead in the telecom market, not to mention we’re competing against Time Warner and Verizon.

NNYB: So how do you compete with larger scale ISP’s? BARTON: There are two paths we’ve gone down. In order to compete cost-wise, we had to build our own infrastructure, run our own fiber and look at where we had density; high customer density, because initially we had to lease all Verizon circuits. We leased copper and, over time, it became limited and we couldn’t control the quality. There was also the cost factor associated with leasing. So we mapped our customer base and looked at areas where there was high density, then started to run fiber to them. Most cases where we build our networks, we build it in rings, especially in health care. We have a northern ring from Watertown to Plattsburgh, down to Albany, over to Syracuse, and

20 QUESTIONS back to Watertown. So you could put a data center anywhere in that ring and it would be operational and resilient. In the communities themselves we run our network on rings. Everything we do we try to do in rings, which also differentiates us from the competition. Our first project was to Stream and then to Samaritan and Jefferson Community College. As we ran those rings, we picked off density in customers along the way. It started to blossom. And the money we were paying to Verizon, we started to put in our own pocket and reinvest in more fiber. So Watertown’s fiber network has grown by leaps and bounds. We’ve gotten traction in Plattsburgh, Elizabethtown and Ticonderoga. This year we invested $500,000 into Malone and fiber development in Clayton. We do things the larger companies don’t do in that we will partner with our customers. As an example, we just offered to run fiber into the Masonic Temple at no cost to the new owners, banking on the fact that there will eventually be tenants who will lease our fiber, building good will with them as community partners. We invested the money upfront to secure business and build good relationship.

NNYB: What’s the primary mission of Westelcom today? BARTON: Our mission is to deliver advanced communications to our customers and develop solutions to their needs using those communications. In terms of services, we offer standard voice and data/phone and Internet. Where we’re seeing the greatest growth is the demand for Ethernet services where businesses are tying together different offices. We’re out looking for customers with those needs and trying to fulfill them with our network and with other company’s networks we’re tied into. We put that solution together for the customer.

NNYB: What’s the next big thing for Westelcom? BARTON: Aside from the infrastructure we’ve built, we’re vertically focused. Right now we’re looking at education, health care and municipalities; anywhere there’s a high demand for bandwidth. We have great people, infrastructure, the vertical focus and the willingness to partner that the bigger companies don’t have. We’re going to keep building infrastructure where there’s need and trying to bring communications together, focused on unified communications like voice, video and data. So that’s what we see on the horizon. And on top of that, I’m working on an initiative with companies throughout the state to seam our networks together to build a network of networks.

NNYB: Are agencies and companies like the Development Authority of the North Country and Time Warner competitors? BARTON: In some cases, they so compete with us. But in a lot of cases, we partner. We look for ways to seam our networks together to meet customer’s needs. On the horizon, the need appears to be for bigger pipes and higher speeds. We can do that with our fiber; it’s limitless. We also have the need to interconnect, to create private networks between geographically separate locations. If you can visualize it: offices and facilities tied together on gigabyte connections sharing computing and data power — that can drive a lot of economic efficiency. For instance, we’ve helped the health care community with telemedicine networks because we’ve tied them together. We do all the Internet backbone for the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization. We have over

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Paul F. Barton, president and general manager of Westlecom, laughs during a recent interview in his Watertown office conference room. 110 health care facilities on our network today.

NNYB: What defines Westelcom’s social/corporate philosophy? BARTON: We’re not competing merely on price, but we’re building good will in the community. We donate over 25 percent of our net income back into the community. Right now I’m chairman of the local American Heart Association board and our company has donated a lot into that organization over the years. And there’s a list of 40 to 50 different places we donate money and time to. Our employees are part of the community. The people we’re selling our services to are part of the community, and we’re an ecosystem. Money that stays in our community comes back in some form. That’s us as a company. And we do it not only in Watertown, but in Plattsburgh, Westport and Malone. So to be a community company in many communities can be challenging, but we give all we can give.

NNYB: How do things look for Westelcom heading into 2014? BARTON: I’m very optimistic when I look at the opportunities ahead. I think the key will be to close on opportunities as soon as we can. The challenges we have are in the fact that we operate leanly, and if there are any major opportunities, it will likely take resources, people and cash. We’ll have to bite those off slowly and there may be times we’ll have to let certain opportunities go because we just don’t have the resources. So that’s one challenge we have as a small company. But we’re focused on green field opportunities to bring on new customers, continued building of fiber infrastructure to high density service areas, and continued focus on health care markets.

NNYB: What gave you the confidence to be an entrepreneur? BARTON: I worked with people who were very talented, and it forced me to work and think at a higher level, especially working in the black world. My team was on its own and it wasn’t rare for us to

The Paul F. Barton file AGE: 51 JOB: President and general manager, Westelcom, Westport (officed in Watertown) PROFESSIONAL: U.S. Air Force acquisitions and consulting — left active duty with rank of captain after 10 years; Depertment of Defense consultant; founded Geographic Internet Services Company (GISCO) in 1996; sold firm to Westelcom in 2001 FAMILY: Children, Benjamin, Jaime, Alexandria and Lindsay HOMETOWN: LaFargeville; lives in Clayton EDUCATION: Syracuse University, bachelor’s in electrical engineering, 1984; University of South Florida, MBA, 1988; Northeastern University, master’s in electrical engineering, 1992. LAST BOOK READ: “Built to Last” by Jim Collins. march into the Pentagon at 27 or 28 years old and talk to senior officers about what we were doing. So that confidence to articulate very complex things to people who may not have understood it technically but understood the value of what we were doing was a big benefit. I could look at anything technically and not fear it. And working with really good people helped me find good people. That’s one of our greatest assets at Westelcom. I worked with general officers, and I saw how they handled people and problems. I learned from really good people. Being challenged at a young age gave me the confidence to come back here and start a business.

NNYB: When is fast, fast enough? BARTON: The driver is going to be machine-tomachine communications. Not necessarily human to machine. Whether a house or a business, there are machines that could be connected to othJanuary 2014 | NNY Business

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20 QUESTIONS ers outside your home or business; whether it be your refrigerator, printer, or the gauges on your oil or propane gas tank. They are all going to be tied back to the company that’s supplying your fuel and heat for instance, so they know your demand. The imagination of machine-to-machine communication is going to be immense. We’re just on the tip of the iceberg. It’s going to explode. People are going to be looking for machines that will help create efficiency in their lives.

NNYB: What keeps you grounded here? BARTON: Initially, when I left the military, I had offers in Silicon Valley with Lockheed in Washington, D.C., and Nashua. But, at the time, my wife and I decided that this was the best area to raise our

family. And that’s why I consulted for a couple years because I knew I could do it from here. So family, friends, and my ties now with the community that have grown over the past 18 to 20 years keep me here. Everything I’ve learned from the outside I’ve enjoyed bringing into this community. And I’m not afraid to share with people what I see in the future.

NNYB: What makes operating your business in New York State a challenge? BARTON: The reporting requirements and the audits are burdensome. Every year our accounting staff is tied up for days and days. Also the taxation on our company as a telephone company versus cable companies like Time Warner is greater. There are a lot of state-funded companies that we

compete with. But on the reverse, because of the tax revenues and the willingness of the state to offer grant funds to public and private offices, our infrastructure in New York is growing faster than it would in most states. And opportunities to partner and work on these areas are greater. Seven years ago we competed more and now we partner more. There’s a lot of opportunity to build infrastructure.

NNYB: What do you think North Country leaders should be doing to retain quality young people? BARTON: That’s the Holy Grail we face. The young people I have in my company I got involved early. One of the keys is to continue to bring in programs where we can get people involved at a young age; to know what’s here. There needs to be a greater cross play with schools like JCC and Clarkson to bring students in as interns. Companies need to be willing to hire them sooner, at some level.

NNYB: Who’s been your mentor and what is the value of mentorship? BARTON: I’ve had many along the way. Gordon Fornell, a three-star general who I worked for and under; he treated people very well and had vision. When I stepped out, Sam McNally was one of the investors in our company. Errol Flynn was a mentor in marketing, in particular. I have a couple young people I enjoy mentoring because I know they’re listening and ask the right questions. They challenge me, and the knowledge I impart to them, they act on.

NNYB: Who advises you today? BARTON: I have a former schoolteacher who has been a close friend since I was in 10th grade, about 36 years. I seek advice from him often. He’s been a lifelong mentor and he partnered with me recently to build a vineyard. I have a vineyard with 2,000 vines on my farm. It’s my retirement plan. I have a 168-acre farm I bought while I was in the military. And knowing that I’m 10 to 15 years away from retirement, if I start the vineyard now, I can eventually have a working vineyard and produce wine. I’m going to make it a retreat.

NNYB: What’s the biggest myth in business today? BARTON: I think that when people look at businesses from the outside, they may look perfect and there may be perceptions that business is going really well, or really poorly. Running a business is obviously not easy. Dealing with people is a challenge; keeping employees engaged and happy, all the while having demands from customers. People don’t often understand the balance that’s there.

20 151 Mullin Street Watertown, NY 13601

NNYB: What have you learned about yourself? BARTON: I’ve learned to be more patient, and at the same time more firm in terms of when I ask for something; making sure it gets done. I’m somewhat task driven. I like to come out of meetings with actions and make sure things get done. I can be time optimistic. I enjoy impacting the community and serving people’s needs and giving back. It’s been a great ride and I think there’s more to do because we’re learning every day. — Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length, and clarity to fit space.

28 | NNY Business | January 2014

OUTLIOK, from page 19 businesses that would improve quality of life in their communities such as local food initiatives. Selected entrepreneurial ideas would be awarded loans to get businesses off the ground. “We want to encourage private research and venture capital spending in Northern New York,” Mr. Gaus said. “We need to create ideas that are fundable, creating products and services that meet the criteria for investors who are flush with capital,” he said. Under the “hot spot” initiative guidelines, those entrepreneurs who can successfully launch their businesses would be eligible for the Start-Up NY program, a state initiative that allows companies to operate completely tax-free for a period. Clarkson’s Shipley Center, in conjunction with 10 other North Country institutions, plans to launch 50 businesses in 2014 in Watertown, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Potsdam, Canton, Ogdensburg and Massena. “The challenge will continue to be in finding the balance between attracting and leveraging private sector investment with targeted use of state dollars,” Mr. Bartow said.

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

North country region wins again

t’s a hat trick. On Dec. 12, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo named the North Country Regional Economic Development Council a top performer for the third consecutive year as part of his Regional Economic Development Council initiative. The north country received $81.3 million for 70 projects. Leaders continue to identify projects that meet its vision, “The north country will lead the economic renaissance of New York’s small cities and rural communities.” These priority projects are transformational to their communities and to the region. The governor created the Regional Economic Development Council initiative in 2011 so the state’s 10 economic regions could compete for limited state financial resources. The North Country Regional Economic Development Council is comprised of Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Clinton, Essex, Franklin and Hamilton counties. In 2011, the Council drafted a strategic plan for the region titled, “Transformational.” Each year, it submits to the Governor’s Strategic Implementation Assessment Team an update to its plan. The latest update, titled, “Velocity,” is available on the Council’s website, http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/content/north-country. It provides a snapshot of projects recently completed, and identifies current year projects. One project to receive funding in the current round is the redevelopment of the former Mercy Hospital complex by COR Development, Fayetteville. COR Development will receive $2.1 million for continued redevelopment of the former health care facility in downtown Watertown. Prior to COR Development’s acquisition of the property last August, there was concern as to the viability of the approximately

118,000-squarefoot facility as it laid vacant. Upon completion of the project, this hightraffic block will be transformed into a vibrant commercial, business and residential area. Another project Michelle Capone in downtown Watertown that will receive assistance is the redevelopment of the Lincoln Building. Doolittle Hall, LLC will receive $250,000, and an additional $150,000 through an application submitted by Neighbors of Watertown, to transform the iconic Lincoln Building on Public Square into quality commercial and residential space. The Ogdensburg Bridge and Port Authority received $1,086,750 for a collaborative multi-county marketing campaign targeting Canadian visitors to the region. The campaign will focus on the north country’s four-season recreational opportunities. In addition, the OBPA received $225,000 to upgrade rail bridges, and purchase and install new conveyor equipment at the port. The equipment will increase the port’s capacity for agricultural products. The Development Authority of the North Country received $1 million to capitalize a value-added agriculture revolving loan fund. The fund will help farmers and business owners expand value-added agriculture opportunities across the north country. Types of businesses may include production, wholesale, distribution or retail that increase the supply of food or value-added agriculture

products within and external to the region. In Lewis County, Applied Biorefinery Sciences was awarded $881,960 toward the construction of a biorefinery demonstration facility at the former Lyons Falls Pulp and Paper Mill site. The Lewis County Development Corporation has received $1.3 million through the Council in previous funding rounds to redevelop the site. Applied Biorefinery Sciences would occupy a building that would serve as its technology commercialization center. This project, along with potential expansion of an on-site hydro facility, may serve as the catalyst for future economic growth. In addition, the north country was also identified as one of five Council’s to be awarded an Innovation Hot Spot. Clarkson University will receive $250,000 to advance technology transfer and support all aspects of start-ups and expansion. Clarkson will serve as the hub for this model, hosting centralized resources and services, while idea generation and ongoing support networks will be decentralized through a consortium of regional entities including SUNY and private colleges and economic development organizations. For a complete listing of projects that received funding in this latest round visit http://regionalcouncils.ny.gov/assets/ documents/2013REDCBooklet.pdf. Continued success for the north country in competing for limited state resources is predicated on how well we implement projects that have been funded. If history is any indication, we hope to continue the streak. n MICHELLE L. CAPONE is regional development director for the Development Authority of the North Country. Contact her at mcapone@ danc.org. She is a member of the Greater Watertown Jaycees and Sunrise Rotary

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

Make sense of nonprofit reforms

n Dec. 18, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo signed into law the Nonprofit Revitalization Act of 2013. This is the product of more than two years of work by a group of leaders from 32 nonprofit organizations of various sizes from across New York as well as the State Bar Association and a bipartisan group of legislators. It provided the framework for which constitutes the first major revision to the state’s charities laws in more than 40 years. It affects all nonprofit organizations organized or doing business in the state, including charitable and non-charitable entities. These reforms are meant to provide an update of outdated laws that impose some unnecessary and costly burdens to nonprofit organizations while providing some measures that ensure greater transparency and bolster governance and oversight standards. Given the unique role the nonprofit sector plays in the health, well being and quality of life of our communities, it’s an important step to give nonprofits every tool they need to excel at what they do. The act strives to provide more streamlined, efficient processes without sacrificing accountability. Both are important for the nonprofit sector to do its work effectively, and, at the same time, preserve public trust. To summarize, the Nonprofit Revitalization Act brings reform in following two areas: ENHANCING NONPROFIT GOVERNANCE AND OVERSIGHT n Requires boards to perform more active oversight over financial and auditing

processes. n Requires increased diligence and written policies in regards to all forms of possible conflict of interest or related-party transactions. n Mandates the adoption of Rande Richardson whistleblower policies. n Strengthens the Attorney General’s power to police fraud and abuse. n Prohibits any employee of a nonprofit from also serving as chair of its board or from participating in deliberations regarding their own compensation.

REDUCING UNNECESSARY AND OUTDATED BURDENS ON NONPROFITS n Eliminating costly requirements for nonprofits forming in New York, saving both time and money. n Streamlining procedures for nonprofit mergers, dissolutions and property sales. n Raising the gross revenue threshold of the requirement for an independent CPA’s audit and for an independent CPA’s review. The Attorney General will have the authority to request an independent CPA’s audit even if the organization’s revenue is below the threshold limit. n Allowing facsimile and e-mail for board and membership meeting notices and waivers and for votes that require unanimous written consent. n Allowing nonprofits to make filings and registrations with the Attorney Gen-

eral electronically. This is not something to fear. Many organizations already have these policies, procedures and governance documents soundly in place. For some, it may pose particular challenges to be in full compliance by mid-year. This is another reminder of both the higher standard and importance of efficiency for the long-term sustainability and growth of organizations that rely on public, charitable support. It also serves as an opportunity to reinforce that the nonprofit sector often addresses community issues and solves problems that government can’t, won’t, or shouldn’t, most often at a substantially lesser cost to society. The nonprofit organizations in our community provide not only support for basic human needs, but for things that all of us enjoy, including arts, culture, education and some of our society’s most treasured institutions. Most of them do so by stretching limited resources to meet nearly unlimited needs. This will continue to require both the changes made necessary by this new law as well as the ongoing vigilance to flourish in a continually changing environment. The full act takes effect July 1. Nonprofits should begin now to make sure they are in compliance with the act’s changes well before then, not just because it is the law, but because it is the right thing to do.

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

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COMMERCE CORNER

Health care reform takes hold

he Affordable Care Act is one of the most controversial topics in the news today and will go down in history as one of the most significant pieces of social legislation. What many people do not know is that this legislation was signed into law March 23, 2010. Today it’s becoming fully operational and it will change the way most Americans live. In 2010, coverage was extended for young adults under their parent’s health insurance until they reach age 26. Senior citizens have also received help from the Affordable Care Act. All brand-name drugs and biologics purchased in the donut hole by beneficiaries who do not receive Medicare Extra Help now receive a 50 percent discount. Approximately 2.8 million New Yorkers do not have health insurance and more than half the uninsured are employed. In New York between 2000 and 2009 premiums grew 92 percent, much faster than wage growth. Because of this, one in three New Yorkers say that they or a family member has postponed medical care because they do not have insurance or the money to cover the cost. The Health Insurance Marketplace opened Oct. 1, 2013, and open enrollment will continue until March 31. Before the marketplace opened, New York state trained hundreds of people to help navigate small businesses, individuals and families. These trained Navigators are certified to walk people through the

32 |

NNY Business | January 2014

process of signing up through the New York State of Health portal. Small businesses with 50 employees or less are not required to offer health Lynn Pietroski insurance. However, small businesses with up to 25 employees may be eligible for tax credits. To be eligible, employees’ average wages have to be below $50,000 and the employer must pay at least 50 percent of their employees’ health care premium. To receive this tax credit the small business must go through the Small Business Health Options Program Marketplace. Starting in 2015, small businesses with 50 employees or more are required to provide health insurance to full-time employees and dependents or face a fine. Firms larger than 200 employees must automatically enroll workers in coverage, unless the employee chooses to opt of receiving the benefit. Individuals and families will have the option to go through the marketplace and receive subsidies and tax credits from the government. In order to get these subsidies you have to be below 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. For people under 400 percent of poverty, premiums will be capped as a percentage

of income. For people who already have insurance, many changes are coming in 2014. Plans must cover preventive care without cost sharing; no more lifetime caps. When your plan denies a claim, you have strengthened rights to appeal. One of the most popular changes, plans will no longer be able to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions. Medicare will have see changes as well, even though it is not part of the marketplace. The Affordable Care Act will close the donut hole by 2020 and, as mentioned, senior citizens will get discounts on drugs while in the donut hole. The discount will increase each year until 2020 and the donut hole closes. The Affordable Care Act also requires that Medicare Advantage plans have Medical Loss Ratios greater than 85 percent. To further educate yourself, there are 34 Small Business Assistance Program Specialists located across New York state. The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce hosts one of these programs, which serves the tri-county area. Its mission is to educate small businesses and health care decision makers about health coverage options and rights, and to help them when problems arise. Katrina Kapustay, Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce small business assistance program, contributed to this column.

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

AGRI-BUSINESS

Focus on agriculture for new year

e are looking forward to 2014. Jefferson County’s agriculture industry has seen tremendous growth during the past decade and we expect that to continue. Food, wine, dairy, beef and commodity crop production look positive. We will focus on helping farms overcome barriers to growth and production and work with farms and ag businesses for opportunities to improve marketing and promotional efforts. There are several projects lined up for our farm-based beverage industry. Farmers are considering opening wineries and we’ve begun to help them as they determine the feasibility of their ideas. At least one distillery is under consideration and we could see production of a new variety of farm-based beverage begin. Projects are also lining up to improve grape production and processing. Trying to keep a tab on these projects and stay in touch with everyone will prove challenging with the amount of energy out there. Our job is to make sure we’re not in the way, but available when help is needed. It’s exciting to think that 13 years ago we didn’t have a single winery in Jefferson County. We’re up to six now along with a distillery and approximately 100 acres in grapevines. It is possible to see another 100 acres of grapevines planted in the next five years with an additional three to five wineries and at least one or two new distilleries. Private investment is needed to make it happen and we’ll be ready to help address additional needs. Last year was good for the dairy industry. The weather was difficult in the beginning but most farms turned cream into ice cream as they always do. By the

end of the year we saw several farms complete projects totaling nearly $20 million. Our first robotic milking operation started and another is nearing completion. We worked Jay Matteson with farms to address threephase electrical infrastructure issues and are now looking at how to start a coordinated internship program and address utility line issues that affect farmland. Indications are that the Congress will pass a new Farm Bill this month, if it hasn’t already. The Farm Bill is expected to include an enhanced Milk Income Loss Contract program that provides a safety net for small farms during low milk price periods. Our greatest concern is legislation we expect to see introduced in Albany bringing back the “Farm Labor Omnibus Bill.” Downstate legislators who have no idea what our farms face or the true working conditions of farm workers are driving this bill. We’ll support our friends in the New York Farm Bureau and our own state legislative team as they fight this poor legislation. Local foods continue as a growing opportunity — no pun intended. Local food producers are working hard to increase production. We’re excited to help them address issues and take advantage of emerging markets. We recently met with a representative from China to explore opportunities to export products

overseas. We’re excited to work with our partners at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County and the Development Authority of the North Country to help our farms increase food production. Along with the rollout of our newly revised website, www.comefarmwithus. com, we plan to increase agricultural marketing and promotional efforts, especially for local food producers. As it always has been, working to attract new food processing and agricultural manufacturing businesses is a top priority. We focus on farming, but not to the exclusion of efforts to work with food manufacturers. New and expanded marketing efforts will ramp this up. We will work with the Jefferson County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board to revise a 10-year-old farmland protection plan. We’ll also conduct a study to assess the economic impact agriculture has on the community. These efforts give us a better plan to go forward in addition to what we already have in the County Economic Development Strategy and North Country Regional Economic Development Plan. We encourage you to stay in touch with us. We’re available online at www. comefarmwithus.com; via email at coordinator@comefarmwithus.com; on Twitter at @HomeGrownShow; on Facebook at Jefferson County Agricultural Economic Development; and my telephone number (315) 782-5865.

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

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BUSINESS TECH BYTES

Optimize Web presence this year

ave you optimized your SoLoMo Web presence? SoLoMo stands for social (So), local (Lo) and mobile (Mo) and is vital to the success of your business today. According to the October 2013 issue of Website Magazine, “80 percent of smartphone users access social networks from their device (So), while 94 percent of smartphone users search for local information with 70 percent calling the business after searching (Lo) and 50 percent of shoppers use their phones to ‘assist’ while shopping in a store (Mo).” Can you see why your business needs to develop a SoLoMo presence? Creative unique mobile offerings increase visibility while building brand loyalty, and drive more traffic to all digital platforms, but it’s just a portion of being successful with SoLoMo. Your website must also perform well, be technically sound and Search Engine Optimized compliant. SEO is the process of optimizing a website with specific modifications to garner better results and rank higher when people perform an Internet search. Just last summer Google made changes to its organic algorithm, which means websites that don’t comply with Google’s mobile search engine optimization recommendations receive lower search rankings. EBuzznet has compiled some great Google SEO tips for your website or blog: KEYWORDS IN DOMAIN NAME — If you are interested in something specific make sure you include that keyword in your domain. Keywords in Title Tag, Headings, Meta Description and Body — Use at least one keyword in title tag, headings and Meta description and don’t use too many keywords in the body; you can also use keywords in subheads. OPTIMIZE IMAGES — Add alt tags and title all of your images. Make sure to optimize the image size to cut the server load. For

WordPress sitesyou can use the Smust.it plugin to automate this task. For other platforms you can use standalone software like Gimp or XnConvert. Reducing the image size without compromising its Jill Van Hoesen quality is called lossless optimization reduces the loading time of your website. This is important since Google has now incorporated site speed when rankingsearch results. INTERLINKING — Interlink all your related posts; make sure your link contains a keyword. Don’t link too manyor use the same keywords more than two times. If you are linking to other websites always make sure that site you are linking to is a “good site” not a spam site. OPTIMIZE YOUR WEBSITE/BLOG — Decreasing the loading time of your website/ blog directly affects the number of visitors/ pageviews. Best practice is to not exceed 100k page size by reducing unnecessary scripts and Meta tags. Try the Google PageSpeed tool to check your website speed and follow the suggested actions to optimize your site. SUBMIT YOUR WEBSITE/BLOG TO SEARCH ENGINE/DIRECTORIES — Create a Google Analytics account. Use Google Analytics to track your user’s behaviors. Its integration with Google Adwords can give you the flexibility to deliver contextfriendly advertising. Submit your website/blog to Bing and other search engines. Listing your website in DMoz can take more than a year but if you succeed, it will boast your overall search

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.

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NNY Business | January 2014

ranking. If you can’t wait that long; you can pay to be listed with places like Yahoo for around$299, but search the web as there are many web directories where you can list your website free of charge. EASY NAVIGATION — Make sure your users can navigate your website without any problems.Create and maintain two sitemaps; one for visitors and another for search engines. Use links for your internal sitemaps and Xml sitemaps for search engines. SOCIAL NETWORK — Create a social profile on various social networks such as Facebook, Twitter, Google+, LinkedIn etc. Daily share your post/article’s on these social networks. QUALITY CONTENTS — Provide quality content that embraces the SoLoMo features while meeting the demands of your visitors. This will convert the searchers into socially engaged consumers and decrease the bounce rate of your website. THINK SoLoMo — So: Comments, shares, likes and plus 1s are instrumental to high search rankings. Your business needs to give visitors a way to share information. Lo: Nothing is really more local than contact info and a map. A Google map with Google Place or directions, geo-tag coordinates all make your sitemore findable. Mo: Google ranks businesses that offer a high-quality mobile experience higher than those who don’t. My sure your mobile user’s search experience is free from faulty redirects and smart-phone only errors. Following these guidelines can help ensure your business’s online experience will provide the quick and pertinent interactions consumers demand today. n JILL VAN HOESEN is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Love your community’s downtown

ew things seem to inspire more nostalgia than people talking about downtowns as they used to be. Just visit the Facebook page called “You Haven’t Lived in Watertown, N.Y., if” and you’ll read about people who yearn for the good old days of Robinson’s Bookstore and Robinson’s in the Arcade, J.R. Miller’s and the KarmelKorn Shop while reminiscing about parades and crowds, Woolworth’s soda fountain and holiday celebrations. In the 1960s and ‘70s, urban renewal started to transform the downtown look by tearing down old buildings like the Hotel Woodruff. In the late ‘60s, Interstate 81 finally spanned the distance from Syracuse to Watertown, making it easier to go out of town to shop. Strip malls sprouted up on the outskirts of town on Arsenal and Washington streets to attract travelers. By the ‘70s, enclosed malls really started drawing shoppers out of downtown. Penn Can Mall off Route 81 in Cicero opened in 1976. In 1986, Watertown finally got its own mall when the Salmon Run opened on outer Arsenal Street. Sears and J.C. Penney’s left their original downtown buildings empty to become anchor stores at the new location. Downtowns here and everywhere were gutted, deserted, and transformed into ghosts of their former vibrant selves. But something has been happening in Watertown and in other small cities and villages in recent years. Some people just haven’t been willing to give up on downtown, and their efforts combined with a willingness of local government to seek

out funding for renewal has resulted in more stores, more offices and more housing being developed around Public Square. There are medical offices, law Sarah O’Connell offices, banks, cake shops, antique stores, bicycle shops, restaurants, delis, coffee shops, a farmers market and live music. The process has been helped by a close and cooperative partnership between the Downtown Business Association, the chamber of commerce, city government and local development agencies like Watertown Local Development Corp. and Neighbors of Watertown. The Downtown Business Association has continued to attract people to downtown with cleanup days, street fairs, craft events and co-op advertising, while the city and agencies have undertaken an ambitious campaign to upgrade infrastructure, find funding for facade improvements, make traffic patterns better and redo the Franklin Building and J.B. Wise parking lot. New developers are renovating historic buildings while adding even more housing and commercial spaces. The Shop Small/Shop Local campaign and the Small Business Saturday event have brought downtowns back into public consciousness. For those who miss the good old days,

downtowns are never going back to how they were in the ‘50s. People are still going to do most of their shopping at the mall or online. But there are still plenty of places to shop and dine and enjoy downtown. If you have a favorite business in downtown Watertown, you have an opportunity to see it recognized later this month when the Downtown Business of the Year Award is presented. This is an annual award sponsored by the Downtown Business Association of Watertown and the Small Business Development Center at JCC and given to an outstanding business in downtown Watertown. Any small business located in the downtown area of Watertown is eligible. This includes the area between High Street on the east, South Massey Street on the west, Academy/Mullin Street on the south and Beebee Island on the north. Visit the DBA website at www.publicsquare.com to learn more or contact me at at 782-9262, or soconnell@sunyjeffer son.edu. Last year’s winners were Watertown Audiology, PC and Steve Weed Productions; WWNY-TV also received the “Downtown Institution” award. Watertown Local Development Corp. and American Kang Duk Won were presented with Community Service Awards. n SARAH O’CONNELL is a certified business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. She is a former small business owner and lifelong Northern New York resident. Contact her at soconnell@sunyjefferson.edu. Her column appears every other month.

January 2014 | NNY Business

| 35

BUSINESS / COMMUNITY CALENDAR 36 |

ALEX BAY SATURDAY, FEB. 1

n Vintage Snowmobile Show, Registration Fee: $5/sled or $10 for 2 or more sleds. Information: Alex Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531, info@alexbay.org

FRIDAY, FEB. 7

n 4 on 4 Pond Hockey Tournaments, Feb. 7-9. Information: Alex Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531.

CHAUMONT TUESDAY, JAN. 21 & WEDNESDAY, JAN. 22

n Snowmobile safety course, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Copley Foundation House, 12030 Route 12E. Sponsored by Thousand Islands Snowmobile Club. Free, must attend both nights, refreshments provided. Information: Gary, 486-5230, tisnowclub@gmail.com

CLAYTON WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15

n Business With a Twist, 5 to 7 p.m., Clayton Food CO-OP. Sponsored by The Clayton Food CO-OP and WD Mechanicals. Information: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 686-3771, info@1000islands-clayton.com

GOUVERNEUR SATURDAY, JAN. 25

n Maple Expo, 7:45 a.m. registration, 8:15 a.m. classes, Gouverenuer Central School, 133 E. Barney St. Cost: $15 per person, includes snack, lunch, four classes, handouts. Presented by Cornell Cooperative Extension

NNY Business | January 2014

of St. Lawrence County, St. Lawrence County Maple Producers and Gouverneur FFA. Information: 379-9192.

HENDERSON HARBOR THURSDAY, JAN. 16

n Henderson Menâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Club, 7 p.m., second Thursday of each month, Westview Lodge, 13499 County Route 123. New members welcome. Information: Ric Leonard, 212-3030.

ages and abilities. Trails are approximately 1.6 miles long. No experience necessary for snowshoeing, but crosscountry skiers must be experienced. Bring own equipment or rent for $4 a set. Come 15 to 20 minutes early for rentals. Information, pre-registration: 705-5022, ncrebirth@yahoo.com.

NICHOLVILLE SATURDAY, JAN. 25

SUNDAY, JAN. 19

n Winona Stone Wall 5K snowshoe race, Winona Forest, Tug Hill. Information: www.winonaforest.com.

n Hike along St. Regis River to Eagle Rock, Jakeway Falls. Offered by Adirondack Mountain Club Laurentian Chapter. Start at the Cutter home, 28 Port Kent Road. Skiing possible, fairly easy. Information: Duncan Cutter, 328-4675, dcutter1@twcny.rr.com.

LAKE PLACID

OLD FORGE

SATURDAY, JAN. 25

FRIDAY, FEB. 7 & SATURDAY, FEB. 8

LACONA

n Lake Placid Loppet cross country ski races, 9 a.m., Olympic Sports Complex Cross Country Ski Center, 220 Bobsled Run Lane, Mount Van Hoevenberg. Presented by High Peaks Cyclers and Nordic Specialists. Bib pickup, 3 to 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 24; 7 to 8:30 a.m. Saturday. Cost: $70; $65, season pass holders, before Wednesday, Jan. 22; $80, $75, pass holders, until Friday, Jan. 24. Register on site. Registration and information: www.active.com/lake-placid-ny/winter-sports/skiing-races.

MASSENA SATURDAY, JAN. 18 & FEB. 15

n Moonlight ski and snowshoe, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Nature Center at Robert Moses State Park, 19 Robinson Bay Road. Dress for weather. Open to all

n 10th Annual New York Snow Run, Hiltebrant Recreation Center, North St. Pink Ribbon Riders fundraising event. Pre-event party, ride, lunch, dinner party, music, giveaways. Registration fee waived if participants raise $200 in pledges. Pink Ribbon Riders provides financial assistance to those diagnosed with breast cancer. Information, registration: www. pinkribbonriders.com.

PHILADELPHIA SATURDAY, JAN. 25

n Philly Freeze 5K Fun Run, Registration, 8 to 9:30 a.m., race start, 10 a.m., starts and ends at Philadelphia American Legion, 58 Main St. Online registration through to Thursday, Jan. 23 (by Saturday, Jan. 11 for T-shirt).

POTSDAM SATURDAY, JAN. 18

n James & Katherine Andrews young artist instrumental competition, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Helen M. Hosmer Hall, SUNY Potsdam Crane School of Music, 44 Pierrepont Ave. Hosted by Orchestra of Northern New York. North country high school students invited to participate. Cash prizes. Winner will be featured with orchestra in March, A Symphony of Dinosaurs concert program. Information: 267-3251, info@onny.org.

SYRACUSE THURSDAY, JAN. 16

n CEO Economic Forecast Breakfast, 7:30 to 10 a.m., Oncenter, 800 S. State St. Join CenterState CEO members, business leaders and executives for the 2014 Economic Forecast presentation. Admission: $35, members; non-members, $45; table of 10 for members, $300 for members, $400 for non-members. Information: 470-1870.

WATERTOWN WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15

n Free Social Media Webinar for Chamber Members, 2 to 3 p.m., online. Join the webinar and learn how Social Media can grow your business. Limited space, reserve your spot now: Information: Greater Watertown North

Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400, chamber@watertownny.com

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 15

n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, 1291 Faichney Drive. Cost: $10, registered members; $12, nonregisterd members; $15, nonmembers. Register: 788-4400, www.watertownny.com

THURSDAY, JAN. 16

n Entrepreneurial Training Course, 6 to 9 p.m., Extended Learning Center Room E-130, Jefferson Community College. Thursdays Jan. 16 through Feb. 27. Area business professionals will instruct on various entrepreneurship principles and sound business practices. Tuition: $195. Information: 786-2438.

SATURDAY, JAN. 18

n First Responder and Friends of Garrett Ball, 7 p.m. to midnight, Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St. Sponsored by Garrett W. Looomis Foundation. DJ service by Party Face Entertainment, 8 to 10 p.m. Open bar, heavy hors ‘d’oeuvres, formal attire requested. Cost: $75 per person. Register: www.garrettsfund.org.

WEDNESDAY, JAN. 29

n Economic Forecast 2014, 8:30 to 10 a.m., Ramada Inn, 21000 State Route 3. Presented by the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Featured speakers: Anthony G. Collins, president, Clarkson University and cochairman, North Country Economic Development Council; Col. Gary A. Rosenberg, Fort Drum garrison commander; Loren Herod, agricultural

business office, Community Bank, N.A.; Kevin Richardson, president, North Country Farms; Donald C. Alexander, CEO, Jefferson County Local Development Corp. Sponsored by Community Bank, N.A., Stackel & Navarra, CPA, P.C., NNY Business magazine and the Watertown Daily Times. $10 chamber members, $15 non-members and nonregistered guests. Light pastries and beverages included. Registration: 788-4400, or www.watertownny. com, by Mon. Jan. 27.

SATURDAY, FEB. 1

n Chefs needed, For 15th annual North Country Chili Cook-Off, hosted by American Legion Auxiliary of Jefferson County, Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St. Teams compete for $1,200 in prizes. Benefits Volunteer Transportation Center. Information: Cathy Commeret-Whitcomb, 788-0422.

THURSDAY, FEB. 6

n Israel A. Shapiro award, 6 p.m., hors d’oeuvres, 7 p.m., dinner, Savory Downtown, 300 Washington St. Presented at Greater Watertown Chamber of Commerce. Cost: $50 per person; $450, corporate table of eight. RSVP: 788-4400, www.watertownny.com. by Monday, Jan. 27, payable in advance.

n GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? Email nnybusiness@wdt. net. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ NNYBusiness or www.nnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.

BUSINESS / COMMUNITY CALENDAR

Cost: $20. Benefits local scouting and youth recreation committee. Information, online waiver: http://www. phillytroop67.com/PhillyFreeze.

January 2014 | NNY Business

| 37

BUSINESS SCENE NNY Business Magazine 20 Under 40 Luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn

Matthew Roden and wife, Michelle M., Fort Drum Family & MWR BOSS Program.

Junior J. Stefanini, Body Pros, Elite Auto Repair, Pro Towing and Extreme Builders, Watertown, and wife, Karla.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Jamie Lee, SUNY Attain Lab, Watertown. On Dec. 11, NNY Business Magazine presented its annual 20 Under 40 Luncheon to recognize Northern New Yorkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s emerging leaders. Luncheon sponsors included the Northern New York Community Foundation, Watertown Savings Bank, Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousand Islands, Watertown Family YMCA, Greater Watertown Jaycees, Thousand Islands Young Leaders Org., Timeless Frames, Decor and Expressions the Black River Valley Club and the Watertown Daily Times.

From left, Edward C, Siebels, Fort Drum Mountain Community Homes, Matthew J. Cervini, Lend Lease, Fort Drum.

COME VISIT THE ALL NEW REDESIGNED WAITE TOYOTA. Serving NNY Since 1929.

SALES

18406 U.S. Route 11 Watertown, New York Phone: (315) 788-6022 WWW.WAITETOYOTA.COM

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NNY Business | January 2014

SERVICE

BUSINESS SCENE NNY Business Magazine 20 Under 40 Luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn

Jessica L. Page, Page Fitness Athletic Club, Watertown, and husband, Christopher.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Amanda J. Miller, Lake Ontario Realty, Chaumont, and husband, Lucas A, Hopkins.

n LIKE NNY BUSINESS ON FACEBOOK at www.facebook.com/nny business or scan this QR Code with your smartphone for links to exclusive content, daily updates and sneak peeks of coming issues.

From left, Brooke E. Rouse, SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center and 24 East Main St. Bed & Breakfast, Canton, and husband, Charles F.

From left, Matthew J. Cooper, Bernier, Carr & Associates, Watertown, and Mickey Dietrich, Tug Hill Commission, Watertown, and Green Volt Solutions, Lowville.

Senior Sales Director

January 2014 | NNY Business

| 39

BUSINESS SCENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Paddock Arcade

From left, Renee Gill and Heidi Costello, Thousand Islands Winery, Alexandria Bay.

Robert Dalton, Paddock Club, Watertown, and Michelle A. Farrell, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Carolyn Fitzpatrick, chairwoman, Jefferson County Board of Legislators, and Melanie Rafferty, president, Cortel Improvemet, Black River. On Dec. 18, businesses in Watertown’s historic Paddock Arcade hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce December Business After Hours.

From left, B.J. Mosher, Treasure Island, Alexandria Bay, Kris Marsala, Advanced Physical Therapy of Watertown, Shari Scott, Northern New York Community Foundation, Watertown, Alex Mosher, Treasure Island, Alexandria Bay, and Aimee Whelpley.

KRAFFT

CLEANING SERVICE, INC.

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

The North Country’s Cleaning Professionals Since 1971 40 |

NNY Business | January 2014

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

BUSINESS SCENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Paddock Arcade

Sara A. Hendrix, PhotoEssence Photography, Watertown, and Troy Ashcraft, Big Daddyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s DJ Service, Watertown.

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Allison Carlos, Washington Street Properties, Watertown, Melissa Aulet, Tunes 92.5 FM WBLH Radio, Watertown, and Chris Dillon, Washington Street Properties, Watertown.

KYLE R. HAYES PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Steve Smith, Eileen Marin, James Trapiss, Martina Ryan and Everett Chamberlain, all of the Paddock Club, Watertown.

From left, Lauren Piche, Heather Blair, and Deborah Haley, all of Carthage Federal Savings & Loan, Carthage.

Come See the All New Polaris Brutus at Waite Motorsports

MOTORSPORTS

18014 GOODNOUGH ST., ADAMS CENTER, NY

315-583-5680

HOURS: MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 8-5, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 8-6, SATURDAY 8-2

WWW.WAITEMOTORSPORTS.COM January 2014 | NNY Business

| 41

Fairground Inn Open Daily at 11:00AM • Sunday at Noon

Family owned and operated since 1978 Happy Hour .......Monday-Friday 4-7pm

Gourmet Sandwiches, Pizza, Wings, Steaks, Chicken, Soups and Salads 852 COFFEEN ST., WATERTOWN • 315-782-7335 716 Mill St. Watertown

~ WEEKDAY SPECIALS ~

(7272)

w/3 Topping plus $

782-PAPA Pick-Up • Delivery Eat-in

HOME OF THE GIANT 30” PIZZA

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NNY Business | January 2014

Mon-Wed-Fri

Personal Pizza

6.49

tax

Tues-Thurs

Regular Calzone w/4 Topping plus $

6.49

tax

PIZZA - SUBS - SALADS

Watertown’s Oldest - and Newest - Irish Pub! • Guinness On Tap! • Harp On Tap! • Offering Daily Specials! • Take-Out Available! 849 Lawrence Street, Watertown, NY 782-6888 Serving Lunch & Dinner Monday-Thursday 11:00am to 10:00pm Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm

January 2014 | NNY Business

| 43

BUSINESS HISTORY

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARCHIVES

Glove-making once thrived n Barter store was ‘finest NNY had to offer’ By GRACE E. JOHNSTON

NNY Business

he Barter family emigrated from England in 1882, settling in Johnstown, where sons Ralph H. and Gilbert G. learned the art of glove making. Johnstown and Gloversville have rich histories of glove making and tanning, and were the booming industries under which the Barter brothers learned their craft. The move to Watertown came in 1901, when Ralph Barter, an enviable physi-

44 |

NNY Business | January 2014

cal specimen, was recruited by the city’s professional football promoters to play for the Watertown Red and Black. Gilbert Barter followed in 1909, opening the city’s only glove and fur shop, originally located in the Marble block on Washington St., and later to 310 State St. Ralph Barter was well known in the community as a sports enthusiast and, along with his wife, Mary S., worked hard to build up the Barter & Co. business, having started as a manufacturer of gloves with his brother, then adding an exhaustive line of sporting goods to the

expanded store on Public Square. Both brothers were thoroughly familiar with the business, being descendants of leather dressers. But Gilbert was especially proficient in the art and was claimed to have the ability to “evolute a live dog, by more or less barrowing stages, into a pair of gloves within a week from the date of execution.” His skills in glovemaking and leather manipulation were unmatched. Gloves were made “on-site,” directly from dressed skins and made to order by measurement. An article from the

day exclaimed, “a pair of boys’ gloves were made to order from uncut material in just seven minutes!” The Barter Brothers Co. dabbled in all

When Barter & Co. moved into what was then a new addition to its store on Public Square, it was considered the finest store of its kind in all of Northern New York. things leather; fashioning raw skins of dear, raccoons, bears and the like into rugs, muffs, heavy gloves, footballs, punching bags, and ankle supports. When Barter & Co. moved into what was then a new addition to its store on Public Square, it was considered the finest store of its kind in all of Northern New York. Three floors housed its glove department, manufacturing facility, and sporting goods department. Ralph Barter was well recognized in the city as one of the star players on the Red and Black football team, and for a number of years, promoted wrestling and boxing matches throughout the area, being an active proponent of sports in and out of Barter & Co. He even developed a rubber exerciser, considered a pioneer product in the world of physical fitness at the time. While the company remained solvent for a number of years, heavy overhead expenses and the buying of large lines of stock at prices out of keeping with declining retail prices of the day was suspected to be reason for the company’s financial difficulties and eventual takeover by creditors in 1921. In an attempt to scuttle the business to solvency, a creditor’s committee assumed control over the company until it could again operate in the black. However, the business never regained its strength, and limped along until, when in 1931, Gilbert Barter declared bankruptcy. The brothers of Barter & Company, the only glove makers in Watertown, wrapped up their mauls and dies in chamois, and permanently closed up shop, ending a brief run.

•

n BUSINESS HISTORY IS A monthly feature from the archives of the Watertown Daily Times. Visit www.watertowndailytimes. com to access digital archives since 1988, or stop by the Times, 260 Washington St., Watertown to research materials in our library that date back to the 1800s. January 2014 | NNY Business

| 45

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G H E R E ? MOBIL EXPRESS MART LOCATION: 1268 Arsenal

St., Watertown

OWNERS: Rerob LLC, DeWitt SIZE: Approximately 5,000-square-foot store to replace the 950-square-foot structure near the entrance to Interstate 81 COST: Total project valued at $850,000 BUILDERS: Dalton Builders, Dalton, N.Y.

ESTIMATED COMPLETION: Spring 2014 FEATURES: Tim Horton’s, a drive-thru amd a separate two-bay car wash. LOCAL JOBS: About a dozen construction jobs; several retail and service jobs upon completion. — Compiled by Grace E. Johnston

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

A construction crew at the new Mobil Express Mart, 1268 Arsenal St., Watertown, work on the store’s roof. When complete later this spring, the store will feature a Tim Horton’s, a drive-thru and a separate two-bay car wash.

NEXT MONTH

n our February issue we examine the north country’s dependency on snow and how winter weather fuels our seasonal economy.

Also coming next month:

n INSIDE VIKING-CIVES USA a manufacturer of snow-plow blades in the Lewis County town of Harrisville since 1962. n WINTER FISH CATCH: NNY is a haven for ice fishing. Meet one businessman who specializes in processing the frozen catch. n 2013 IN REAL ESTATE: A look at how the region fared in home sales, prices, n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader. n PLUS: Small Business Startup, NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, Business History, Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at www.nnybizmag.com. Follow us on Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nnybusiness, and view eEditions at www.issuu.com/NNYBusiness.

46 |

NNY Business | January 2014

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n Award-Winning Reporting & Photography by NNY Staff n Learn What Makes Business Work in Northern New York n Cover Stories About People and Issues Driving NNY Business

n Business Scene — Photos of Business People Networking in NNY

n People on the Move n Economic Snapshot & Transactions

n Small Business Start-up

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