NNY Business June 2016

B

Y usIness // INTERVIEW: NNY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR RANDE RICHARDSON, page 20

JUNE 2016 Volume 6 No.7

nnybizmag.com

Behind the business of political campaigns $2.95

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// Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly //

2 | NNY Business | June 2016

June 2016 | NNY Business

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Pre-K to 12th grade • Catholic family values Free busing in local area & Ft. Drum Accredited by Middle States Association 100% graduation; 95% college attendance Average elementary class size: 17 Average high school class size: 20 Area’s only “junior kindergarten” Outstanding, devoted teachers Superb extracurricular programs Exceptional athletics & youth sports Elementary chorus & instrumentals Faith Community Service Military Family Life Counselor Scholarship and aid Most IEPs & 504 plans supported on site

www.ihcschools.org 315-221-3785 or 315-788-7011 4 | NNY Business | June 2016

>>

Inside JUNE 2016 13

14 |

SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

13 A CENTER FOR HEALTH A Potsdam duo is closing in on a year with Trillium Center for Yoga and Health. |

COVER STORY |

14 Campaign business In the cutthroat world of politics, mounting a campaign takes a little business savvy. |

20 QUESTIONS |

20 STATE OF PHILANTHROPY NNY Community Foundation Director Rande S. Richardson on giving for the greater good.

20 |

TOP TRANSACTIONS |

|

ENTREPRENEUR’S EDGE |

7 7 8 9 10 13 18 30

BUSINESS SCENE |

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19 TOP TRANSACTIONS Top 10 sales in Jefferson, St. Lawrence counties top $8.5m in the month of April. |

29 Boost your response A few simple tips and advice to improve your social media response for your business. |

32 networking, nny style Businessmen and women connect for success across Northern New York.

DEPARTMENTS |

EDITOR’S NOTE NEXT MONTH PEOPLE ON THE MOVE BUSINESS BRIEFCASE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT SMALL BIZ STARTUP real estate roundup CALENDAR

ABOUT THE COVER |

ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL New York State Sen. Patty Ritchie campaigns during the 2014 Seaway Festival.

June 2016 | NNY Business

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C o n tr i b u t o r s

BusIness nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

P.J. Banazek is a managing partner at the HighTower Advisors — The Morgia Group. He explains a recent federal rule change that impacts retirement savers. (p. 12)

Brian Molongoski is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer who covers politics. In our cover story, he writes about the business of political campaigns. (p. 14)

Lance M. Evans is the executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors. He writes about NNY Realtors meeting with Congress. (p. 18)

Editor & Publisher John B. Johnson

Co-Publisher

Harold B. Johnson II

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Magazine Associate Karee M. Magee

Contributing Writers

Norah Machia & Joleene Moody

Photography

Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison Jason Hunter, Stephen Swofford Brian Marcolini is director of the the North Country Initiative at FDRHPO. He writes about regional health care reform efforts under way. (p. 24)

Bob Gorman is president and CEO of United Way of Northern New York.

He writes about a United Way’s partnership to help the region’s people in need. (p. 25)

Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 28-year IT veteran. She writes about Facebook’s latest venture: “Facebook at Work.” (p. 26)

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Manager Beth Hornbarger

Advertising Sales

Justin Sullivan, Jill Halley, Laurie Denesha, Barb Loomis, Jim Homa, Katie Nelson, Amy Rivera, Yvonne Houppert and Marcia Sanderson

Advertising Graphics

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

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for Jefferson County Economic Development.

He outlines a new website for regional agribusiness. (p. 27)

Jennifer McCluskey is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. She offers tips for selling a business. (p. 28)

Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. She shares some advice on ways to improve social media response. (p. 29)

MARKETPLACE Antique Boat Museum .............. 17

H.D. Goodale Co. ...................... 38

Specialists .................................... 3

Bianchi’s Catering ..................... 38

HighTower Advisors ................... 22

T.F. Wright & Sons

Bond Schoeneck & King ............ 4

Hospice of Jefferson County ..... 17

Granite Foundry ........................ 29

Bonnie Castle

Hutchinson’s Boat Works .......... 34

Tunes 92.5/104.5

Resort & Marina ........................... 9

Immaculate Heart

FM WBLH Radio .......................... 37

Caskinette’s Ford ...................... 24

Central Schools ........................... 4

Vintage Doors

Cheney Tire ................................ 26

Liberty Glass & Window .............. 7

by YeaterYear’s ......................... 40

Clayton Dental Office ............... 38

Macar’s Interiors ........................ 35

Waite Indian Motorcycle ......... 36

Coleman’s Corner .................... 38

NNYAutoFinder.com ................. 23

Waite Toyota .............................. 33

DGM Coon & Co. Commercial

Northern New York

Watertown Daily Times ............... 8

Property Services ...................... 32

Community Foundation ........... 19

Watertown Savings Bank ............ 2

D.L. Calarco Funeral Home ...... 12

Nortz & Virkler Ford ..................... 7

Watertown Spring

Fairground Inn ........................... 38

SeaComm Credit Union ........... 28

& Alignment ................................. 7

Foy Agency Insurance ............. 38

ShredCon ................................... 27

WWTI ABC TV 50 ......................... 39

Fuller Insurance Agency .......... 38

Station WBVS .............................. 16

Ziebart Tidycar ............................. 7

Garlocks Design Center ............. 9

Strategic Development

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. © 2010-2016. 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 bhornbarger@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2325 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility.

Please recycle this magazine.

6 | NNY Business | June 2016

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E DIT O R’S N O T E

n this month’s cover story, Johnson Newspapers Staff Writer Brian Molongoski takes a deep dive into the behind-the-scenes world of political campaigns and the big business that running for office has become for candidates. While reporting for the magazine, Brian spoke with veteran political strategists and members of the 2014 campaign staff who helped New York Congresswoman Elise M. Stefanik secure a win in the state’s 21st Congressional District. Rep. Ken Eysaman Stefanik’s historic victory two years ago made her the youngest woman ever elected to a U.S. House seat. Brian’s cover story begins on page 14.

20 QUESTIONS — This month we sit down with Rande S. Richardson, executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation, which, for nearly 87 years, has invested in the region to improve its quality of life. Early in 2017, the community foundation will move its offices into a historically renovated space formerly occupied by the Black River Valley Club. The move will also launch an expanded mission for the foundation and the Northern New York Philanthropy Center. Our interview with Mr. Richardson begins on page 20.

BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s Scene section, which begins on page 32, features 64 faces from more than three-dozen different businesses and organizations across the north country.

On May 10, Carthage staffer Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce for the annual

I

Citizen of the Year Award dinner at the Carthage Elks Lodge 1762. On May 17, Magazine Associate Karee Magee joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for the annual Armed Forces Day luncheon at The Commons.

On May 19, Carthage staffer Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours with nine businesses along South School Street — Attorney Timothy A. Farley, Lundy Funeral Home, Lundy Transportation Service, American Legion Post 789, Carthage Savings and Loan, Caskinette’s RV, Fuller Insurance Agency, Christopher A. Lorence Public Relations and Marketing Services, and Music and Movement for the Extraordinary Child.

Also on May 19, we joined the South Jeff Chamber of Commerce for its annual Business of the Year Awards dinner at the Westview Lodge in Henderson Harbor to honor Waite Toyota / Waite Motorsports and Pearl’s Pastry Shoppe. On May 26, freelance photographer and columnist Jennifer McCluskey joined the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce at the Badenhausen Branch Library in Brasher Falls for Business in the Spotlight.

Finally, on May 26, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours at the Jefferson County Historical Society’s Paddock Mansion and gardens.

CONTACT US — As always, if you have any questions, comments or general feedback, including story ideas, please contact me at keysaman@wdt.net or (315) 661-2399.

NNY Business strives to publish an accurate magazine each month. If you spot an error of fact, please contact me.

Yours in business,

Also coming next month: n SMALL BIZ STARTUP: A feature story about a recently opened north country small business in Jefferson County. n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader.

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NEXT MON T H

n July, our annual agricluture issue, writer Norah Machia profiles two Northern New York farms that recived grant funding from the state’s new Farmers Grant Fund, which helps people in the eraly stages of farming.

NNY

n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, Business History and Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at nnybizmag.com for exclusive daily Wed content. Follow us on Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag, like us on Facebook at facebook.com/nny business, and view eEditions at www.issuu. com/NNYBusiness.

THIS SPACE

AVAILABLE! June 2016 | NNY Business

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PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

Children’s Home director certified as human resources professional

Jesse Roshia, Children’s Home of Jefferson County director of human resources, recently passed the Society for Human Resources Management Certified Professional Exam.

The process certifies human resources professionals who implement policies and strategies, serve as points of contact for staff Roshia and stakeholders, deliver human resources services, and perform operational functions.

A member of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County staff since 2003, Mr. Roshia has served as the agency’s Human Resources Director since August 2014.

Previously, he served in several other agency capacities including five years as director of residential services.

Mr. Roshia earned a bachelor’s degree in economics and government from St. Lawrence University, Canton, and a master of business administration from Clarkson University, Potsdam. A north country native, he lives in Watertown with his wife, Tara, and two children, Adrienne and Michael.

Carthage Area Hospital welcomes new staff

Carthage Area Hospital recently hired two new counselors, Dr. Hamed N. Adaime, a mental health counselor for the hospital’s behavioral health team, and Theresa Kiernan, a counselor for Carthage

8 | NNY Business | June 2016

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.

Middle School’s Health Clinic, and a new physician assistant, Caleb Richter.

Mr. Adaime holds a bachelor’s in human resource management from Southern New Hampshire University, a masters in counseling at-risk youth from College of Santa Fe, and a Ph.D. in hospital administration from Warren National University.

His previous Adaime work includes providing mental health psychotherapy as a military and family life counselor.

He owns Health of Minds Psychology Services in Watertown and serves as a member of the Civil Air Patrol.

Ms. Kiernan a 2002 graduate of South Lewis Central School. She obtained an associate degree in liberal arts from Jefferson Community College, a bachelor’s in human development and a master’s in mental health counseling from SUNY Oswego.

While pursuing her education, Ms. Kiernan Kiernan worked in a residential treatment facility for youth,

in a literacy program, a homeless shelter for teens in Sydney, Australia, and in a foster care program.

She will provide mental health services to the School-Based Health Center at Carthage Middle School under the guidance and supervision of a licensed social worker while she completes her social work licensure.

Mr. Richter, who will work at the Carthage Behavioral Health Clinic, holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry from Roberts Weslayan College, and a masters in physician assistant studies from Daeman College.

He previously worked at SamariRichter tan Medical Center’s LeRay Urgent Care and at Carthage Area Hospital’s former Urgent Care in Evans Mills. He also formerly worked at the Behavioral Health Clinic.

Hospital CEO recognized

River Hospital CEO Ben Moore III was recently named as an executive of the year. He was honored in April at the 2016 Nonprofit Awards in Syracuse.

The awards, presented by M&T Bank and the Business Journal News Network/ Biz-Eventz, recognize the accomplishments of leaders driving the Central New York area’s nonprofit organizations.

Recipients are honored for excellence in leadership, fiduciary responsibility, management practices, creativity, impact and business acumen.

Mr. Moore, who has served as River Hospital’s chief executive since 2006, was nominated by a group of his colleagues, including Bradley D. Frey, director of the hospital’s River Community Wellness.

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

American Wine Society honors Coyote Moon

Coyote Moon Vineyards’ 2013 Marquette Special Reserve was named among the “Top 21 Wines to Watch” by Ellen Landis of the American Wine Society’s Wine Journal.

This marks the third time in four years that a Coyote Moon wine has been included in the Society’s list. The Clayton winery’s Frontenac and Brianna wines have also been listed, and the Marquette was also featured among Landis’ favorite wines on her blog ellenonwine.com.

The “Top 21 Wines to Watch” list is published quarterly and features 21 of the best up and coming wines from across the globe. The list often features wine from locations including California, Washington, New York, France, Portugal, Spain, New Zealand and South Africa.

NNY businesses win SBA small business awards

Two Jefferson County businesses and one St. Lawrence County business were recognized during National Small Business Week at the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 18th annual Small Business Excellence Awards luncheon in Syracuse last month.

Small businesses are selected for the awards based on their company’s longevity, innovation, sales growth, increased employment and ability to overcome adversity or community contributions.

The New York Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College, Watertown, honored Gram’s Diner, Adams, for maintaining the existing hometown atmosphere, its reputation for good food and participation in community events and fundraisers.

Colleen’s Cherry Tree Inn in Henderson received its award from Watertown Savings Bank for its operation as a cozy gathering place known for a casual dining experience at a reasonable cost.

The New York Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton awarded 2 Mama Birds, Winthrop, with a 2016 Small Business in Excellence Award to recognize a thriving boutique where local artisans can feature their work, as well as the business contribution to more than $5,000 to local charities.

Visit our showroom to discover how quality materials, American-made craftsmanship and 70 years experience can make a difference in your home.

• Premium storage and convenience options.

• Custom capabilities beyond standard.

• Styles and finishes for everyone.

Mon.-Fri. 7am - 5pm Sat. 8-3pm • Sun. 9am-1pm 15 Washington St., Alexandria Bay www.garlocks.com • 482-2521 June 2016 | NNY Business

|9

Average New York surrogate* price for on-highway diesel

April 2016 $1.38 March 2016 $1.38 April 2015 $1.53

April 2016 $2.25 March 2016 $2.32 April 2015 $3.10

9.8

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands bridge

15.2%

147,431 in April 2016 136,416 in March 2016 161,670 in April 2015

26.8%

Vehicles crossing the Ogdensburg-Prescott bridge 41,146 in April 2016 36,138 in March 2016 43,870 in April 2015

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

0.6%

Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority

Vehicles crossing the Seaway International (Massena) bridge

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

182,673 in April 2016 182,195 in March 2016 181,186 in April 2015

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 81, median price $126,300 in April 2016 79, median price $84,999 in March 2016 73, median price $106,000 in April 2015

Seaway International Bridge Corp.

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

19.2%

$1.25 on April 29, 2016 $1.30 on March 31, 2016 $1.21 on April 30, 2015

Price

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales 54, median price $75,000 in April 2016 40, median price $72,750 in March 2016 43, median price $75,000 in April 2015

Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties area, not including military positions 90,200 in April 2016 89,600 in March 2016 90,200 in April 2015

Price

Source: NYS Department of Labor

NNY unemployment rates

5.4

4.6 April 2016

April 2015

March 2016

April 2016

United States

April 2015

8.2 March 2016

New York State

7.5

8.0 April 2016

Lewis County

7.1

6.7

7.2 April 2015

St. Lawrence County

6.2

7.3 March 2016

6.5

Jefferson County

5.1

Source: Jefferson-Lewis / St. Lawrence boards of Realtors Inc.

March 2016

Sales

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

4.7

25.6%

3.3%

April 2016

Sales

0.8%

5.7

11.0%

6.2%

April 2015

April 2016 $2.75 March 2016 $2.72 April 2015 $2.81

8.8%

Source: T.I. Bridge Authority

5.2

April 2016 $2.16 March 2016 $2.12 April 2015 $2.95

April 2016

ECON SNAPSHOT

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

March 2016

April 2016 $2.18 March 2016 $2.01 April 2015 $2.57

25.2%

*Prices are the composite area that includes New York, Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and the District of Columbia.

Source: U.S. DOE, Energy Information Administration

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

10 | NNY Business | June 2016

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers

April 2015

NNY

Economic indicators

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

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

NNY

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County Trucks Cars 116 in April 2016 404 in April 2016 106 in March 2016 460 in March 2016 115 in April 2015 527 in April 2015

23.3%

0.9%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers* at Watertown International Airport

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

2,765 in April 2016 2,754 in March 2016 2,942 in April 2015

2,318 in April 2016 2,337 in March 2016 2,366 in April 2015

6.0%

*Inbound and outbound passengers Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

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

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office April 4 to April 28, 2016. For a complete list of DBAs filed in March and in past months, visit nnybizmag.com.

May 31: Cast Away Your Clutter, 32932 State Route 12E, Cape Vincent, Julie Sweson, 32932 State Route 12E, Cape Vincent.

n M&B Builders, 36477 Nolan Road, Theresa, William F. Murphy II, 36477 Noland Road, Theresa.

n Nice Nails II, 26390 State Route 11B, Evans Mills, NGOC Q. T. Vu, 105 Becker St., Syracuse.

May 18: Caps for Cancer, 152 W. Remington St., P.O. Box 472, Black River, Victoria A. Jellie, 152 W. Remington St., P.O. Box 472, Black River.

n Extreme Property Solutions, 20 Public Square, Watertown, Jarrod Randall, 114 Katherine St., Watertown, Alissa Randall, 114 Katherine St., Watertown.

n Quality of Life in Home Care, 6124 Machold Road, Mannsville, Melissa Crosbie, 6124 Machold Road, Mannsville, Nicole Waston, 15714 County Route 59, Dexter.

n Peachey’s Pure Maple Syrup, 11316 State Route 193, Ellisburg, Andrew John Peachey, 11316 State Route 193, Ellisburg.

n RBD Landscaping, 3718 Beartown Road, Antwerp, Robert Bernard Douglas Shoulette, 37180 Beartown Road, Antwerp.

n OSVS Holdings, 20721 State Route 12F, Watertown, Kimberly L. Harten, 20721 State Route 12F, Watertown.

May 27: Calhoun Properties, 211 Colorado Ave., Watertown, Ryan S. Calhoun, 211 Colorado Ave., Watertown, Cody N. Calhoun, 211 Colorado Ave., Watertown.

May 26: Mr. Electric, 1061 State St., Clayton, Hillel Hart, 60 Mayfair, Hudson Quebec, Canada. n Gilmore Technologies, 24200 State Route 12, Watertown, Robert Paul Gilmore, 24200 State Route 12, Watertown. n Matthew Johnson Lawn Care, 221 N. Pearl Ave., Watertown, Matthew John Johnson, 221 N. Pearl Ave., Watertown.

May 17: Kingdom Kids Christian Academy, 32500 State Route 3, Great Bend, John E. Swearinger, 25469 Huntley Lane, Carthage. n Crochet by Kimberly Mae, 9674 State Route 193, Henderson, Kimberly Rose Groff, 9674 State Route 193, Henderson. n Eman Entertainment, 787-789 Pearl St., Watertown, Brian Watson, 273 State St., Watertown, David Ellsworth, 206 State St. #110, Watertown.

May 16: All Star Outdoor Seasonal Services, 22503 State Route 11, Watertown, Dylan P. O’Connor, 40700 Rogers Crossing Road, Carthage, Brandon J. Sweet 16947 Churchill Road.

n J Bird 315, 18081 N. Adams Heights, Adams, Celia Cook, 18081 N. Adams Heights, Adams.

May 13: Wheeler Homes, 36925 County Route 46, Theresa, Andrew Melvin Wheeler, 36925 County Route 46, Theresa.

May 25: Clean Slate Solutions, 44000 County Route 100, Wellesley Island, Eric Scott Slate, 42834 County Route 100, Fineview.

n Anderson General Contractors, 21382 State Route 180, Dexter, Ronald L. Anderson, 21382 State Route 180, Dexter, William D. Anderson, 21382 State Route 180, Dexter.

n Turkey Hollow Crafts Wood & Knitted Items, 17719 State Route 12E, Dexter, Linda Beyette, 17719 State Route 12E, Dexter, William Beyette, 17719 State Route 12E, Dexter, Bill Beyette, 17719 State Route 12E, Dexter.

n Worth Gold Farm, 8061 County Route 95, Rodman, Shawn M. Chamberlain, 8061 County Route 95, Rodman.

May 24: Kesitech Cellphone Repair, 27540 State Route 3, Watertown, Christopher Lee Duhe, 27540 State Route 3, Watertown.

May 23: J&L Painting and Coatings, 30748 State Route 3, Felts Mills, Larry Lacey Jr., 30748 State Route 3, Felts Mills. n Mosier Home Improvements, 12462 Timber Trail, Adams Center, Wesley Devin Mosier, 12462 Timber Trail, Adams Center, Alandra Rachelle Mosier, 12462 Timber Trail, Adams Center. n Carthage Crusaders Baseball, 142 N. Mechanic St., Carthage, Aaron J. Lagasse, 142 N. Mechanic St., Carthage. n Five and Dime Tattoo, 15 Bridge St., Carthage, Jayna L. Hoover, 1737 Burns Ave. Apt. F, Watertown. n Lax Lawncare, 23657 State Route 12, Watertown, Heather L. O’Connor, 23657 State Route 12, Watertown.

May 20: Timberland Tots Family Day Care, 229 N. James St., Carthage, Michelle L. Ashcroft, 229 N. James St., Carthage. n Dads, 211 Creekwood Drive, Apt. 5, Watertown, Lawrence James Young, 211 Creekwood Drive, Apt. 5, Watertown.

May 19: Merging Metal, 232 Commerce Park Drive, P.O. Box 6239, Watertown, Karl James Marshall, 24108 State Route 12, Watertown.

n Rocket Cab, 787 Pearl St., Watertown, William Ashlock, 26874 Libby Lane, Evans Mills.

Thomas Michael Flynn, 338 Washington St., Brownville. n J.B. Lawn Care Service, 16051 County Route 76, Adams Center, Jonathon H. Burns, 16051 County Route 76, Adams Center.

May 10: River Edge Lawn Care, 13081 State Route 12E, Chaumont, Timothy Hodge, 13081 State Route 12E, Chaumont, Dylan Stevenson, 34683 County Route 4, Clayton. n AJ’s Concrete and Masonry, 166 Academy St., Watertown, Arthur John Beardmore, 166 Academy St., Watertown.

May 9: EJ’s Freestream, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W., Watertown, Eric Tyrone Johnson Sr., 167 Green St., Watertown. n Lyon Properties, 12958 County Route 72, Henderson, Patrick Michael Lyon, 12958 County Route 72, Henderson. n Farman Photography, 311 Iroquois Ave. W., Watertown, Melissa Ann Farman, 311 Iroquois Ave. W., Watertown. n NNY Tot Town, 29573 County Route 50, Black River, Ashley Ann Gongora, 29573 County Route 50, Black River. n K and T Spray Foam Insulation, 6370 Martin Road, Mannsville, Kayle R. Tiffany, 6370 Martin Road, Mannsville.

May 5: Sun Shack, 28 James St., Alexandria Bay, Francesca Spiotta, 16846 Calhoun Road, Clayton. n Photo Throw, 20660 Sheppard St., Unit #2, Watertown, Ramsey Kristopher Towles, 20660 Sheppard St., Watertown. n Loomis Gang, 4572 Old State Road, Carthage, Bert Orville Loomis, 4572 Old State Road, Carthage. n Caprara Realty, 18476 State Route 11, Watertown, William F. Caprara, 22966 Stone Road, Dexter, Charles G. Caprara, 18320 Hickory Lane, Watertown. n Sew Much Vinyl Boutique, 10884B Baldwin Circle, Fort Drum, Hannah Cherise Winters, 10884B Baldwin Circle, Fort Drum.

n DeGraff Construction, 15093 County Route 66, Adams Center, Douglas M. DeGraff, 15093 County Route 66, n Workman Masonry, 17133 Van Wormer Road, Mannsville, Adams Center.

Dereck Workman, 17133 Van Wormer Road, Mannsville.

May 4: Candyman’s Cakes and Catering, 816 Cooper May 12: Thousand Island Organized Lady, 4211 Branche St., Watertown, Sandra Leigh Mullis, 816 Cooper St., Road, Cape Vincent, Donna Lynn Bourcy, 4211 Branche Watertown.

Road, Cape Vincent. n Motors Edge Automotive, 503 Brown St., Dexter, Kevin n BB Enterprises, 42891 Headland Ave., TI Park, Brian M. Duffany, 12695 Bishop St., Adams, Rodney J. Beutel, William Burns, 612 Lake Road, Webster.

12695 Bishop St., Adams. n Goosebay Campgrounds, County Route 1, Alexandria Bay, n War Asylum Clothing, 27824 County Route 192, RedP & G Solutions LLC, 48600 County Route 1, Redwood. wood, Javier Jimenez, 27824 County Route 192, Redwood. n Nuthin Fancy Services, 40698 Texas Road, Carthage, May 3: Thousand Island and Alexandria Bay Skydive and Katherine E. Hoffman, 40698 Texas Road, Carthage, Freefall Adventures, 23820 State Route 26, Alexandria Bay, Robert J. Hoffman, 40698 Texas Road, Carthage.

Eric Shaw, 883 State St., Carthage. n 1000 Islands Candy Shoppe, 16650 County Route 3, n Wax On Wax Off Detailing, 725 Starbuck Ave., WaterClayton, Donavan Paul Hartwell, 16650 County town, Gabrielle Elizabeth Mitchell, 214 Main St., Antwerp.

Route 3, Clayton. n Rebby’s Property Maintenance, 22460 Alexandria St., May 11: Devito’s, 146 Arsenal St., Watertown, Giovanni C. Carthage, Amber L. Rebb, 22460 Alexandria St., Carthage.

Devito, 1208 Superior St., Apt. E 15, Watertown.

May 2: Fatmans Southern Cookin’, 4685 State Route 11, Piern Fabricaylor by Rae, 9214B York St., Fort Drum, Rachel repont Manor, Ausrey Lee Burton, 90 Center Road, Lacona.

Marie Caylor, 9214B York St., Fort Drum. n PGM Contracting, 17141 State Route 11, Watertown, n Theyzi Clark Photography, 9644C Butler Loop, WaterPatrick James Martin, 17141 State Route 11, Apt. 4, town, Daisy Clark, 9644C Butler Loop, Watertown.

Watertown. n Gill 60 Racing, 41250 County Route 15, Plessis, Daniel n Vandamme and Associates, 25078 Ridge Road, J. Gill, 41250 County Route 15, Plessis.

Watertown, Benjamin E. Vandamme, 25078 Ridge Road, n Two Dawgz Consulting, 338 Washington St., Brownville,

Watertown.

transactions

DBAs

2.0%

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 11

GUEST ESSAY

Long overdue help for retirement savers

W

hen visiting the doctor, most people do so without giving any thought as to whether the advice and course of action outlined by their physician is in their best interest. People do not give it any thought, as there is very little reason to believe that the advice given by the doctor would not be in their best interest. While we as patients might not like the advice, and may in fact choose not to follow it, it is not because we believe that the doctor has some ulterior motive.

The doctors’ relationship to the patient is that of a fiduciary, which is defined as a person in a relationship of trust. The legal obligation of a fiduciary is to act in the best interest of the person who placed their trust in them.

In medicine, physicians take the Hippocratic Oath. When we visit a doctor, a lawyer or a CPA we do so with the benefit of knowing that their role is to give us the best advice they can to the best of their ability. Unfortunately that trusted relationship is not required when you visit your financial advisor.

Thanks to the Department of Labor this is about to change for anyone seeking advice for their retirement investments.

In April of this year the Department of Labor issued new rules requiring that any financial advisor who is providing investment advice to a retirement saver must act in their best interest. This is a big change that has been long overdue. There are countless studies telling us that the average U.S. worker is not adequately prepared for retirement. There are also a number of

studies showing investors and savers are hesitant to work with advisors due to a lack of trust and understanding of how they can help.

Yet other studies show the value of a P.J. Banazek good advisor to be well worth the cost of hiring the advisor. In fact one study done by Vanguard, the champion of low cost investment products, quantifies the value a financial advisor can add

themselves from costly and inefficient investment products that it leads me to believe the old standards of suitability are not strong enough. Too often advisors, tempted by products with high commission payments, recommend an investment solution that, while suitable, may not be the most appropriate path for the investor. The new rule intends to raise the bar significantly for an advisor who wants to provide advice to retirement accounts.

When this rule takes effect next year what should you expect from your advisor?

A clear understanding of the full cost of the investment solution that your advisor is suggesting. An advisor will have to disclose their fees plus any fees embedded in the investment products that they are providing.

A clear representation from your advisor that the investment advice that they are providing to you is in fact in your best interest.

This rule change is something that can have a tremendous positive impact in helping people better prepare for retirement. I believe that in a few short years the result of this very complicated rule will be that retirement savers are receiving better advice and guidance because their advisors are acting as true fiduciaries.

This rule change is something that can have a tremendous positive impact in helping people better prepare for retirement.

135 Keyes Avenue, Watertown, New York

315-782-4910

12 | NNY Business | June 2016

though sound advice to be the equivalent of 3 percent annually.

It is impossible to detail the new rules in this column as the document from the DOL is more than 1,000 pages. However, what’s important for investors to understand is what the DOL was trying to fix with this new rule. The primary concern was to provide an environment where investors are provided protections in regards to the advice that they are given by financial advisors. Prior to this rule an advisor only had to meet a standard of suitability in selling an investment. I have personally helped enough people remove

n P.J. Banazek is a managing director at the Morgia Group, a Watertown-based Wealth Management Advisory firm. Contact him at pjbanazek@hightoweradvisors. com. Securities offered through HighTower Securities LLC. Member FINRA/SIPC/MSRB, HighTower Advisors LLC is an SEC registered investment adviser.

(315) 782-4910 • 1-800-772-4201 • Fax: (315) 785-8248 www.dlcalarco.com • francee@dlcalarco.com

Small Business startup BUSINESS

Trillium Center for Yoga and Health THE INITIAL IDEA Timing was everything for the founders of Trillium Center for Yoga and Health in Potsdam. Shannon Miller, an occupational therapist, and Terry del la Vega, a nurse practitioner, were passing the idea of opening a yoga studio back and forth and the concept even led them to checking out a location before it was tabled.

The idea, though, wasn’t far from their minds because they still believed that there was a need in Potsdam for not only a centralized yoga studio, but also a place for overall wellness.

“It’s a nice alternative to seeking wellness advice from the hospital,” Ms. Miller said. “Maybe people won’t wait until they’re sick to seek out services.”

Ms. del la Vega said that just having yoga available to Potsdam residents could promote wellness.

“I see a lot of people who have issues that are not being addressed by our health system,” she said. “They could really benefit from some physical activity and movement.”

Their idea came to fruition last winter after a chance meeting at Jernabi Coffeehouse with Jean Benvenuto, a former middle school teacher and yoga instructor at the Norwood Yoga Loft. And Trillium was born.

TARGET CLIENTELE

Trillium’s holistic approach to wellness makes it unique within Potsdam and the surrounding area because of the variety of healing arts services it offers.

“That’s starting to catch on,” Ms. Miller said. “It’s very innovative for Potsdam.”

Along with yoga, the center offers therapeutic massage, medical yoga therapy, counseling, spiritual counseling, Reiki, somatics, tai chi and acupuncture.

The range of services permits people to become proactive by taking control of their own health management by choosing what works for them, Ms. Benvenuto said.

In that same mindset, the center also provides a large variety of yoga classes, including chair yoga, hatha yoga, baby and me, a 50-plus yoga class, and vinyasa, among others.

“No one class is going to be right for everybody, but we’d love for everyone to come in and try it,” Ms. Benvenuto said.

A majority of their clients are professionals and women in the 40 to 50 age range, but they are seeking to raise awareness

JASON HUNTER | NNY BUSINESS

“I’d like to see Trillium be here and be thriving, sustainable and a fixture in Potsdam.”

— Terry del la Vega, co-owner and yoga instructor, Trillium Center for Yoga and Health. among younger women, particularly mothers, with public offerings like a Saturday community class in Ives Park in order to become more inclusive, Ms. del la Vega said.

THE JOURNEY

After meeting Ms. Benvenuto last winter, plans for the yoga studio went forward at lightning speed.

They completed a business plan by February and, with help from the Small Business Development Center, opened by August.

The timing was perfect this time around when they scouted the locations, coming up with a space that once housed the television section of Northern Music & Video.

“This had a better vibe,” Ms. Miller said.

“We felt more connected.”

Finding yoga teachers to join their team also worked out much better than they had originally thought.

“People approached us when they found out there was a studio opening here,” Ms. Miller said. “It wasn’t very difficult.”

She said, for example, that they met their vinyasa instructor by chance at last July’s Summer Festival in Potsdam. Fifteen minutes after telling someone that they didn’t offer vinyasa, the teacher showed up with her husband at their booth.

“The universe provides,” Ms. Miller said.

Health service providers and North Coun-

try Tai Chi rent space at the center as well.

IN FIVE YEARS

During the past 10

months, Trillium has increased and experimented with its yoga offerings.

“Part of adding new things is about finding what works and what people are interested in,” Ms. Miller said.

Sometimes that means no one shows up for a class, but they will continue to try new classes that their clients are interested in, including considerations like a children’s yoga class that starts this month, or hot yoga.

“Hot yoga is a thing that everybody seems to be looking for,” Ms. Benvenuto said. “A lot of people that have practiced it have come out feeling rejuvenated.”

They also aim to be innovative with their offerings in a similar way to their Yoga-ToGo program, where teachers instruct at events like a reunion or a conference. The center presently has one scheduled with Jake’s on the Water, Brasher Falls, for a sixweek session with the restaurant’s staff.

Future plans for the studio include a retail outlet, a juice bar, and potentially expanding the space to include two yoga rooms and two wellness rooms.

“I’d like to see Trillium be here and be thriving, sustainable and a fixture in Potsdam,” Ms. del la Vega said.

— Karee Magee

WHERE Potsdam | LAUNCHED August 2015 | WEB trilliumyogacenter.com

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 13

Republican congressional candidate Elise M. Stefanik speaks about Social Security and Medicare during an Aug. 26, 2014, afternoon press conference in Watertown.

14 | NNY Business | June 2016

COV ER S TOR Y

All politics

is local For those who operate In the fast-paced world of political campaigns, securing face time with voters makes all the difference ON election day STORY BY BRIAN MOLONGOSKI | PHOTO BY AMANDA MORRISON

A

As New York’s Congressional primary elections were kicking into gear in June 2014, Anthony Pileggi’s day would start somewhere around 5:30 a.m.

From Glens Falls, he’d drive a little less than two hours north to pick up then-candidate Elise M. Stefanik from her home in Willsboro. Ms. Stefanik, at the time, was vying for the GOP nomination to New York’s 21st Congressional District seat, and Mr. Pileggi served as her deputy campaign manager.

From Willsboro, the first stop was Lake Placid, where Ms. Stefanik and her staff would have breakfast with community leaders. By afternoon, the team was in Warren County speaking with community leaders, followed by dinner in Fulton County with GOP committee officials. Then they had to go west.

By midnight, Ms. Stefanik and her staff would reach Watertown, sleep, and meet with locals the following morning.

Then it was back north with stops in St. Lawrence County, a journey east with a stop in Plattsburgh, and finally ending at the starting point in Willsboro.

At the height of Ms. Stefanik’s campaign, Mr. Pileggi said two-day marathons like these weren’t abnormal. This was business as usual, business that needed to cover the roughly 15,114 square miles within the state’s largest congressional district, which is home to more than 700,000 residents dispersed among remote towns, mountains and farmland that stretches for miles. And meeting as many of them as possible was the name of the game.

“That meant we had to get her around

the district ad nauseam,” Mr. Pileggi said, adding that one of the key principles of the campaign was familiarizing voters with Ms. Stefanik by talking to them face-to-face, despite the sprawling geography of the district.

Come the following November, Ms. Stefanik won the general election with 53 percent of the vote, securing not only a seat in Congress, but a spot in history as the youngest woman to do so thus far.

That victory, Mr. Pileggi said, was the result of embracing “retail politics,” which involves going door-to-door and meeting voters individually. Similarly, Mr. Pileggi said, it’s the same way businesses have to devote time to their customers in order to rake in revenue. Only in political campaigns, votes are the true currency that pay dividends.

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 15

C OV E R STORY On a macro scale, the difference between a political campaign and a business is fairly indistinct. Mr. Pileggi said both are comprised of mostly the same components — the vision, the strategy, the budget, the staff. The process of building a campaign from the ground up generally follows the same path to creation.

In Ms. Stefanik’s case, a first-time run for Congress meant pulling together a core staff of nine people, a veritable army of volunteers, and raising money to sustain the duration of an arduous campaign that included a primary contest against Matthew A. Doheny, who was making his third bid for the seat.

By the end of her 2014 campaign, Ms. Stefanik had raised roughly $1.95 million and spent around $1.92 million, according to the Federal Election Commission.

In Upstate New York, veteran political advisor Michael Schell knows this better than most. Now retired, Mr. Schell has decades of experience advising New York state politicians, including a stint as senior advisor to former Gov. Eliot Spitzer.

From the get-go, Mr. Schell said the political field needs to be analyzed like it’s a marketplace. Candidates need a

strong understanding of what voters are looking for and how it caters to a candidate’s strengths and weaknesses. From there, it’s building a team, getting some money, and blasting a message, all while maintaining a budget.

Mr. Schell said the more local political campaigns get, the more imperative retail politics become. Candidates running for supervisor, mayor, city council and even Assembly, Mr. Schell said, are expected to be seen in person.

“It’s certainly one of the most important elements, and it’s certainly difficult to win if you’re not out there pounding the pavement every day,” he said.

Mr. Schell said this market analysis approach is particularly important in the north country, where voters tend to be more persuadable. The reason being, he added, is that north country voters tend focus more on the candidate’s persona rather than the party with which he or she is aligned, even though a majority of the Northern New York population is registered Republican.

Thus, candidates who spend more time connecting with voters, either in person or digitally, have a higher chance of win-

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ning an election, Mr. Schell said.

While a digital presence is important for all elections, Mr. Schell said, it’s even more important for bigger campaigns that cover more ground. He said he was first exposed to the power of social media during Mr. Spitzer’s 2006 campaign, and he credits Mr. Spitzer’s win with quickly adapting to online tools and hiring a younger generation of staffers familiar with how those tools work.

But if building a digital presence from scratch is too much to handle for one campaign, this is where consulting firms enter the picture.

Leonardo Alcivar, communications coordinator for Ms. Stefanik’s campaign, has been working with the congresswoman since her first campaign. He also works as director of client strategy for Targeted Victory, one of the largest Republican consulting firms in the country. Though Ms. Stefanik does not use Targeted Victory, as Mr. Alcivar works with her on a volunteer basis, his firm helps develop digital campaign strategies and works with many candidates at the congressional, gubernatorial and presidential levels.

Mr. Alcivar said a strong online identity can be just as important as inperson contact with voters. Sometimes, if needed, he said it’s best to leave the development of digital strategies to a third party.

“When it comes to a digital presence, it is often better to allow for outside experts who have the ability to scale upward and have the tools that have been proven to work rather than trying to recreate the wheel in house,” Mr. Alcivar said.

“At a moment in history when all the eyeballs are online, every campaign should devote significant resources to a digital platform to drive fundraising, to drive social media communication, to drive messaging, and in some cases to drive ticketing and public speaking events.”

Mr. Schell has similar thoughts, noting that more local campaigns for a seat on the state Legislature also make use of digital consulting firms, which work closely with the state’s Democratic and Republican campaign committees of both houses.

While businesses and political campaigns parallel in a number of ways, Mr. Alcivar said there is one stark difference between the two — time.

Whereas businesses are built to go on for as long as possible, the lifespan of a campaign is finite. Come November of

C OVER S TORY an election year, it’s over, and the results speak for themselves. Smart campaigns, Mr. Alcivar said, need to work backward.

Plan for Election Day first, and then set a timetable from there. He noted that it’s about using the limited timeframe as an asset and not a liability, so that means taking advantage of every minute possible, especially when the competition isn’t looking.

In Ms. Stefanik’s case, Mr. Alcivar said it was about making extensive trips across the 21st District, going door to door and meeting constituents in person at a time when political activity was at a lull.

“She used that quiet time when nobody was paying attention to build a grassroots presence that was unmatched by other candidates in the race,” he says. “Building a grassroots presence on the ground for any campaign is vital at the outset.”

Mr. Alcivar added that this plays into the “customers first” attitude of a business. A solid relationship with constituents, he says, becomes groundwork needed for each part of the campaign to work, from the digital to the fundraising teams. Without it, success could be harder to grasp.

“Any good campaign will listen to and learn from voters,” he said. “That information then allows for a campaign to build and make informed decisions about how to spend resources, where to spend time and reach voters who might not otherwise participate in the process.

If you don’t invest in that early, just like if you don’t invest in R&D early, you won’t be able to monetize the campaign.”

Mr. Alcivar and Mr. Pileggi agree that high above all other components of a campaign is the vision of the founder.

And depending on what that vision is, it can make or break a campaign.

For Ms. Stefanik’s first run two years ago, Mr. Pileggi said it ultimately boiled down to her desire to connect with voters individually and the commitment to traveling thousands of miles over the course of a year for their feedback.

Looking back on 2014, Mr. Pileggi recalls naysayer arguments that driving around, knocking on hundreds of doors in a district as big as NY-21 would be a poor way to run a campaign. But Ms. Stefanik’s campaign did it anyway.

“And it paid off,” Mr. Pileggi said. n BRIAN MOLONGOSKI is a Johnson Newspapers reporter who covers politics for the Watertown Daily Times. Contact him at 661-2347 or bmolongoski@wdt.net

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June 2016 | NNY Business

| 17

R EA L E STATE ROUNDUP

Realtors meet members of Congress

F

rom May 9 to 14, the National Association of Realtors held its Realtor Legislative Meetings and Trade Expo in Washington, D.C. Approximately 8,500 attendees from across the country and around the world attended the annual conference. The week included about 200 meetings and events that covered many real estate topics and allowed NAR members to take an active role in advancing the real estate industry, public policy, and the association.

From the tri-county area, Debbie Gilson, County Seat Realty, Janet Handschuh, Heart Homes Real Estate, Lisa L’Huillier, Hefferon Real Estate, Jennifer Stevenson, Blue Heron Realty, and I participated in NAR and Women’s Council of Realtors committee meetings, engaged in idea exchanges with other Realtors and staff, and listened to information and updates that will help us to better serve the real estate consumer and market.

The highlight of the conference was when we went to Capitol Hill and, with others from across New York, sat down with U.S. Sens. Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand and Congresswoman Elise Stefanik, to discuss real estate issues in the community, as well as challenges and opportunities for homeownership.

Realtor members come from all political stripes and do not support a particular political party, but support legislators and issues that pertain to real estate and its effect on the consumers.

“Realtors know that the work we do is important to strengthening the north country, and the Realtors legislative meetings offered a chance to take that mes-

sage straight to decision-makers on Capitol Hill,” said Debbie Gilson, St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors president. “It’s important for elected officials to hear directly from the people Lance Evans they represent and we are grateful to Sens. Schumer and Gillibrand and Congresswoman Stefanik for taking the time to learn more about our industry and the people we serve.”

At our meetings, we emphasized important real estate issues for tri-county homeowners, including protecting real estate-related tax provisions like the mortgage interest deduction. We also urged lawmakers to consider additional steps to give responsible borrowers greater access to safe, affordable mortgage credit, no matter whether they are first-time homebuyers entering the market or established borrowers moving into a new home.

Tom Salomone, National Association of Realtors president and broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Fla., praised the St. Lawrence County and Jefferson-Lewis Boards of Realtors for their contributions to the industry, their work to advance real estate issues, and their commitment to homeownership.

“The individual voices of our extraordinary members are critical to making sure our message is heard in Washington,” Salomone said. “Realtors are

trusted advisors to millions of homebuyers, home sellers and commercial investors across the country, and our meetings in Washington this week were a chance to create connections with lawmakers and put our expertise to work on behalf of consumers everywhere.” n

n

n

The Tri-County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors will hold its fifth annual golf tournament Friday, July 29, at Highland Meadows Golf and Country Club north of Watertown at 24201 state Route 342. Proceeds from the tournament will benefit River Hospital’s Wellness Center Art Therapy Program and local WCR chapter events. There are three platinum sponsors for the event: Timothy Farley, P.C., Northern Credit Union, and Community Bank. In addition, F.X. Caprara Chevrolet is donating a car for a hole-in-one contest.

This will be an 18-hole, four-person captain-and-crew tournament. The $75 per person entry fee includes golf, cart, lunch buffet, prizes and, of course, fun. A “cash” skins game and a putting contest will also be available. There will be men’s, coed and women’s divisions.

To enter a team, donate a prize, or learn more about various sponsorship opportunities, contact event chairman Chris Andiorio, 727-2154, candiorio@mynorthern.com, or call the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors, 782-1322. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

Liberty GLASS & WINDOW INC.

18 | NNY Business | June 2016

RE AL E STAT E / top transactions The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in April: $1,775,000: April 29, City of Watertown: Three parcels, 1.489 acres, 0.346 acres, and 0.071 acres Winslow Street at Washington Street, Tanglewood Properties LLC, Kingston, Mass., sold to Watertown Holdings LLC, Watertown. $1,648,797: April 26, Town of Watertown: Two parcels, 1.52 acres, 21050 state Route 3, Bob Evans Farms LLC, New Albany, Ohio, sold to National Retail Properties LP, Orlando, Fla. $650,000: April 22, City of Watertown: Two parcels, 0.726 acres, Arsenal Street, VDI Properties LLC, Alexandria Bay, sold to JPMD Properties LLC, Alexandria Bay. $635,000: April 25, Town of Clayton: 9.1 acres on northerly side of Bluff Island in St. Lawrence River, and 17.2 acres on southerly side of same island, Katherine Ada Hubbard, St. Petersburg, Fla., Stephanie Jann Hubbard, Los Angeles, Calif., Rufus John Hubbard, Skaneateles, and Clare Adrienne Hubbard, North Anson, Maine, sold to David S. Lucas and Robin Gedney-Lucas, New Woodstock. $460,000: April 13, Town of Henderson: Two parcels, 0.944 acres, Harbor Road, shore of Lake Ontario, Scott J. Berry, Henderson Harbor, sold to Ronald J. Rogers and Brenda J. Rogers, Binghamton. $425,000: April 22, City of Watertown: 0.707 acres, Arsenal Street, Arsenal-Watertown Corp., New York City, sold to JPMD Properties LLC, Alexandria Bay. $400,000: April 22, City of Watertown: No acreage listed, 156 Clinton St., Clinton Court Apartments, Watertown, sold to Lewis G. Spicer III and Christa Spicer Matthews as trustees of Residual Trust of Lewis G. Spicer, Watertown. $320,000: April 29, Town of Watertown: 5.15 acres, Cagwin Road, Frank Rhode and Joanne M. Rhode, Sackets Harbor, sold to Araceli D. Antonio, Watertown. $307,000: April 6, Village of Adams: 0.591 acres, Carol Drive, Donald E. Eastham and Michele M. Eastham, Adams, sold to Robert C. Piddock and Kathryn W. Piddock, Henderson. $242,000: April 15, Town of Watertown: 6.17 acres, Dry Hill Road, David Varick Ready, Falls Church, Va., sold to Kathryn M. Puccia and Steven A. Puccia, Watertown.

The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s Office in April:

Roads, Margaret L. Conant, Colton, sold to Hunter T. Farr, Hampton, Va. $152,000: April 15, Town of Pitcairn: 24.33 acres more or less James F. and Deana Leahy, Jensen Beach, Fla., sold to Andres A. and Aria L. Moreno, Watertown. $150,000: April 6, Town of Louisville: 16.589 acres more or less, Paul M. McGrath, Sandy Hook, Conn., and Christine McGrath, Lehigh Acres, Fla., sold to Eric M. and Andrea L. Gladding, Massena. $150,000: April 11, Village of Canton: 0.11 acres more or less bounded by Main Street, David P. and Linda Curry, Canton, sold to RJGBSF, LLC, Canton. $142,000: April 8, Town of Pierrepont: Un-

$162,000: April 1, Village of Potsdam: Unknown acres bounded by Market Street, Goody Goody’s 2 Inc., Saranac Lake, sold to Steven J. Bond, Potsdam. $158,500: April 22, Town of Colton: 56.2 acres more or less bounded by Wildwood and Wind Hill

$140,000: April 15, Village of Canton: 0.165 acres more or less bounded by Pearl and State Streets, Michael R. and Rita J. Bridgen, Canton, sold to Samuel S. and Stephanie A. Tartakoff, Canton. $139,900: April 20, Town of Potsdam: (Parcel 1) 4.76 acres more or less bounded by State Highway 58, (Parcel 2) 2.56 acres more or less bounded by Racquette River, (Parcel 3) 3.23 acres more or less bounded by Reynolds Road, John M. and Kathryn L. Kennedy, Canton, sold to John and Susan Fregoe, Norwood.

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$245,000: April 7, City of Ogdensburg: Unknown acres bounded by New York and Rensselaer avenues, Charlene A. Johnson-Allen, DeKalb Junction, sold to LaRue & Pitcher, Inc., Black River. $200,000: April 14, Town of Fowler: Unknown acres bounded by Sylvia Lake, Marylou Trop, Gouverneur, sold to Judy E. Brown, Gouverneur.

known acres bounded by Potsdam-Colton Road, Kyle A. Brown, Potsdam, sold to Daniel W. Manor Jr., Potsdam.

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June 2016 | NNY Business

| 19

20 questions

Giving for a greater good

AMANDA MORRISON photos | NNY BUSINESS

F

or nearly 87 years, the Northern New York Community Foundation has worked to strengthen communities across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties by investing in efforts to improve the quality of life for all who live, work and play in the north country. Next year, the community foundation will move its offices to a historically renovated building that formerly housed the Black River Valley Club in the heart of downtown Watertown. The move will also open the doors to the Northern New York Philanthropy Center, a new endeavor for the community foundation that aims to put philanthropy within reach of everyday people. This month, we sit down with Rande S. Richardson, executive director of the community foundation since 2009, to learn more about the foundation’s mission and how it continues to serve north country residents.

1

NNYB: The foundation celebrated its 85th year in 2015. It’s not much younger than the first in the nation. What defines its mission?

RICHARDSON: Our community’s foundation was established in 1929, just 15 years after the first in Cleveland, Ohio. We were one of a few dozen, and now there are more than 700 across the country. North country residents were visionaries. They had great hope that the community foundation movement would have a tremendously powerful impact on the region and increase the impact of giving in a smart way. Our primary mission is fundamentally simple, working with donors to improve the quality of life for residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Great communities don’t just happen. Some of the best things in our communities are made possible because residents have deep love for their community.

Now, more than ever, we’ve been spending more time, thought and resources ensuring we continue to remain vibrant, energized and relevant. Without keeping our focus on that, we won’t be able to fully realize our potential, and we may miss the opportunity to engage more people in community philanthropy. I think all of us who have been in this role realize we are just temporary stewards of the community’s charitable endowment. I have great respect for the past leadership, board and staff who have brought us to today. The best way

20 | NNY Business | June 2016

n NNY Community Foundation plans

Philanthropy Center, expanded mission we honor that is to strive to do all we can to build upon that tradition during the time we are here.

2

NNYB: How healthy is philanthropy in the region?

RICHARDSON: There is a lot of speculation about the future of philanthropy everywhere. Although I have great reverence for the way we got here, I have a sense that it is not necessarily going to be what propels us forward in the future. I feel very fortunate to see on a nearly daily basis the willingness of local residents to be generous when they find value in their giving. It will continue to be important for charitable organizations to be attentive to the needs of their donors. One-size-fits-all philanthropy is less and less likely. The ability to tailor, customize and design philanthropy is something community foundations are uniquely positioned to do. We get to ask: ‘What do you want? How do you want to be remembered?

What things matter most to you?’ The number of funds we administer has doubled over the past eight years. I think that demonstrates a positive trend, but we always must be mindful of being donor-centric and providing opportunities to introduce the joy of giving in unique ways across the generations. If we do this, our communities benefit in the end. We all benefit. Wherever you choose to spend your life, you never want to think it is ‘good enough.’ Mediocre is not a word we want to use in the same sentence as where we live, work, play, and raise our families.

3

NNYB: Some people perceive philanthropy as an action that’s not within their reach or an act that requires large-dollar donations. How have you managed to change this perception?

RICHARDSON: This has been a No. 1 priority.

Community foundations were created to address this very misconception and return philanthropy to all.

The fact is, if you look at our growth over the past few years, it has reflected a trend of more modest gifts from more donors rather than large gifts from a few. I think this trend will continue, and I embrace it. To me,

being able to participate in helping others and your community is a vital component of a fulfilling life. We have concentrated not only on a message of inclusion and openness, but then also provided additional meaningful ways for participatory giving. We need to make sure that every donor feels that philanthropy doesn’t necessarily require great wealth, only the desire for a better community. Then, it is incredibly important to properly thank, appreciate and demonstrate the difference their gift made. Those who give us a try quickly see that today’s community foundation values the giving, not the amount, and sees every gift as a way to inspire others to do the same.

4

NNYB: In the past couple years the foundation has recruited a younger generation of civic-minded youths through its Youth Philanthropy Council. What was the driving force behind that program?

RICHARDSON: One of our top responsibilities is to encourage, inspire and nurture all forms of civic pride. This takes a conscious and deliberate effort to create natural settings where young people can become aware of their community. One of things I am most proud of is all the ways the Youth Philanthropy Council has planted the seeds for the future. Council members frequently mention it as one of the most transformative of their high school experiences. There are plenty of opportunities to portray the next generation in a negative way. I can tell you, though, that to witness the council in action, you would quickly have your faith renewed in our future. We all must do everything we can to make sure the torch gets passed the best way possible. It is not something we can just wish for or hope it will be transferred by osmosis. The best way we honor those who have gotten us here is to make sure there is a way for it to be perpetuated in a thoughtful, meaningful, deliberate way.

5

NNYB: Briefly share with us the vision for the former Black River Valley Club building.

RICHARDSON: With the growth of the foun-

2 0 q uestions dation, there was a unique opportunity to move from a primarily transactional grant maker to a transformational civic leader and community institution. There are so many more things we can, and should be doing that go beyond grant making. Being simply an ATM is of no interest to me. While grants and scholarships will always be a core part of what we do, it has become increasingly apparent that we have a much broader role to play. We have been inspired by other community foundations that have made the shift to diversify the ways they serve donors, the community and nonprofit organizations. Like the foundation itself, the center will belong to the community. While it will accommodate our growth and provide us with a permanent home, it must be more than a building. As a tool, it will enable greater opportunities for collaboration and bringing people together to forge new partnerships and strengthen existing ones, to make connections and build alliances between the public, philanthropy, the private and business sector and government.

We are particularly excited about the opportunity to unite some nonprofit organizations under one roof.

6

NNYB: When were the seeds for this project planted and how did it develop?

RICHARDSON: We have been thinking for some time about our next chapter. Recent growth accelerated that conversation. We are tremendously limited in expanding our programmatic work in our present office suite. A well thought out, mission-based move was at the heart of driving the decision-making. In the fall of 2014, we recognized alignment of many things, including the opportunity to preserve and enhance an important historic building and be part of Watertown’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts. The third floor made it even more attractive, knowing it would help diversify the way we support nonprofits. Our primary inspiration was the Central New York Philanthropy Center, which made a nearly identical move four years ago. It transformed from a hidden-away organization to a visible community institution. After over a year of looking at all the various options, there was an amazing confluence of events and stars aligning that led us to embrace the opportunity at 131 Washington St.

7

NNYB: What will the Philanthropy Center focus on?

RICHARDSON: In addition to providing a shared services floor for four to five nonprofits, there will be enhanced opportunities to create a community space and natural setting to learn, share knowledge, find common ground and identify and address key community issues. We are excited to welcome the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired of Jefferson County as our first tenant. We envision working together with other groups to present educational seminars, speaker series, board development and training.

It will also allow us to continue to expand upon our own programs such as Youth Philanthropy and Next Generation Leadership. We also feel strongly that we establish a permanent, active, visible, inspirational hub for charitable activities.

8

NNYB: How much support does the foundation provide to nonprofits in the region?

RICHARDSON: The foundation distributes between $1.5 million and $2.5 million each year in grants and scholarships throughout the tri-county area, depending upon funding cycles. The flex-

AMANDA MORRISON photo | NNY BUSINESS

Rande S. Richardson, executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation, at the future home of the foundation and the new Northern New York Philanthropy Center, 131 Washington St.

The Rande S. Richardson file AGE: 45 JOB: Executive director, Northern New York Community Foundation FAMILY: Sons, Evan, 12 and Braeden, 7 HOMETOWN: Watertown EDUCATION: Watertown High School, Jefferson Community College, SUNY Canton, Columbia College PROFESSIONAL: Executive director, Jefferson Community College Foundation, 2005-2009, and licensed funeral director, Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 1992-2005.

LAST BOOKS READ: “The Inspiring Leader,”

by John H. Zenger & Joseph R. Folkman and “We Make a Life by What We Give,” by Richard B. Gunderman ibility of the foundation allows us to invest not only in basic human needs, but in overall quality of life, including culture and the arts. Recently, we’ve also spent a lot of effort working with nonprofits to bolster their efforts for long-term sustainability. Presently, more than 50 nonprofits, churches and schools have established endowment funds with the foundation. In addition to helping provide a stable and diversified revenue stream, the partnership opens the door to donors to support their favorite charitable causes through the foundation. It is also a way for donors to have an additional layer of stewardship over the long term, and protection against future changes in the organization they support.

9

NNYB: What’s the No. 1 threat you face as a nonprofit whose mission depends on the generosity of others?

RICHARDSON: Giving has been a great American tradition, and the north country has long been known for its willingness to respond similarly. We

believe there will always be a desire to give back, but it will likely require more attention and nurturing.

Our biggest threat is real or perceived lack of relevancy. We must be vigilant in demonstrating value and remain donor-centric. Flexibility and adaptability is critical and that is a founding principle of community foundations. We must remain nimble and agile and continue to make ourselves more known.

10

NNYB: And your greatest opportunity?

RICHARDSON: That is the most exciting part.

After seven years, we can see how during each phase of its evolution, the foundation has remained true to its core values, but has been willing to adapt when necessary. We are very much enjoying finding new and innovate ways to make giving a more engaging and fulfilling experience. We are reminded every day that many people still do not realize what an amazing asset a community foundation is in a region. There are many things that philanthropy can accomplish that government can’t, won’t or shouldn’t provide and that the private sector hasn’t found a way to make profitable. We’re just beginning to scratch the surface on a fuller understanding of the many ways we can work together with a variety of stakeholders for a better future. We need to continue to reach out to a whole new group of donors and be more inclusive. We need embrace what a community foundation is all about, by looking at what is going to make a difference in the quality of life in a more connected way.

11

NNYB: How do you decide which projects to fund?

RICHARDSON: People often say ‘it must be nice to give away money.’ Well, it can be rewarding, but the process can be agonizing. I think everyone at the foundation is very aware that we have 87 years of donors standing on our shoulders, trusting that we’ll do the right thing. It is sometimes hard to fully discern, but a lot of staff time is spent learning all we can about an organization, a project or June 2016 | NNY Business

| 21

20 questions an initiative. We also look for creative opportunities to partner with other funders and to make grants that leverage additional donor support or better position an organization for success. After a thorough review by staff, proposals go through a committee review before it reaches the full board. I am proud that our committees have expanded to include non-board members who bring a helpful and healthy perspective. It has been a good way not only to engage more of the community in grant making, but also to benefit from wider perspectives and diverse backgrounds and expertise. In the end, we look to do the right thing, even if it involves a calculated risk.

Good instincts and experience helps guide effective grant making. Ultimately, we put a lot of trust in the

organizations we fund, and hold them accountable to do what they said they would do with the grant.

12

NNYB: In recent years the foundation has brought together civic and philanthropic-minded people in specific communities to launch endeavors such as the Sixtown Community Fund, Clifton-Fine Community Fund and the River Fund. Why does the foundation forge such relationships and partnerships?

RICHARDSON: Every organization likes the unrestricted gift. I’m just not confident that there will be a collective desire on the part of donors to give without parameters. One way we’ve tried to be attentive to this is to give donors the option to give where they live. Geographic-specific funds seem to resonate

well. I use the term ‘broadly specific.’ It provides direction by locality, but has long-term flexibility to fund things that haven’t yet been anticipated. A donor looking to make a difference not knowing what their community will need in the future now have a unique tool on a hyper-local level. I think we will see this trend continue. It is like a community foundation within a community foundation, and provides greater local input and engagement.

13

NNYB: When you hear about people leaving a lasting legacy, what does that mean?

RICHARDSON: Anyone who knows me will attest that I feel so strongly that individuals who have made a difference during their lifetime should have the ability to have that continue when they are no longer able to do so personally. Each of us can recall someone who has positively affected our lives. Perhaps it was a teacher, a family member or a friend. I think everyone deserves the opportunity to be remembered in ways that were consistent with the way they lived.

When we have the opportunity to meet with potential donors, we always spend time listening and learning about what led them to consider a gift, making sure we know their story. It is amazing to think that our first bequest in 1932 is still working today. That is powerful. The cumulative effect of donors seeing value in their community foundation has touched nearly every corner of our community and legacies form connections with the north country’s future.

14

NNYB: Is philanthropy within reach for more people than those who actually give? Is any gift too small?

RICHARDSON: Many of the best things happen because of the collective will of the people to make them so, not by mandate or taxation, but by choice.

That is what makes philanthropy so unique. Some have grown up with a culture of giving or have adopted giving as an important part of their lives. Others would give if presented in the right way. Some will never experience the joy of giving. We spend a lot of time on the first two. I suppose there isn’t any one thing that nurtures giving best, but we do know that the best giving results in great joy for the donor and the recipient. If the balance gets out of alignment, it can fall apart. It is the act of giving not the gift itself. I am a big proponent of participatory philanthropy. It has always been more important for me to have as many people as possible have ownership in the result. When the Gov. Flower Monument Committee raised money in 2003, we had gifts ranging from $1 to $30,000. We were insistent that every opportunity be given for participation. When the project was completed, it mattered most to me that every donor could say they helped make it happen.

15

NNYB: How do you create a sense of value for those who give and those who may consider giving?

RICHARDSON: Gratitude, gratitude, gratitude.

While it is important to show people what you did with their gift, I am very serious about showing appreciation. It is non-negotiable. Every donor must feel valued and truly recognize that we know them as human beings, not as dollar signs. Valued relationships are not transactional. This continues even after the donor is no longer here. I feel a tremendous obligation, responsibility and honor to be able to speak for donors when they cannot speak for themselves. That is the sanctity and stewardship of

22 | NNY Business | June 2016

2 0 q uestions community foundations and binds us to all the ways donors change their communities and the world.

16

NNYB: What has best prepared you for this job?

RICHARDSON: Doing grassroots fundraising and volunteering with various nonprofit organizations and boards provided great empathy and insight. I think above all of that, though, 15 years working with families after a loss gave me perspective and conditioned me in ways no other experience could. It also gave me an underlying sense of urgency, knowing how fragile and short life can be. In many ways, I feel I spent the first part of my career preparing for such a wonderful opportunity to have a front row seat to witness the best in the human spirit. I think it is incredibly valuable, too, having grown up here. The north country is in my DNA, and I have intense love of the region’s history and heritage. To do this effectively you have to love the area to your core and feel a deep personal connection to the way it has shaped your own life.

I’m doing today? I also think about not just personal legacy, but what’s my legacy to the organization I serve. Every director thinks about that in terms of ‘this is the period of time I’m being entrusted with this organization’s future.’ A lot of what we’re doing now has been geared toward what I view as long-term objectives as far as legacy, and that is for the community foundation to still be as relevant and meaningful as it was in 1929 on the day I walk away from it.

NNYB: What is the missing link in our communities that you feel the foundation could help see to fruition?

we could do a better job actually knowing what each other is doing. The foundation’s role is as a convener and a place to bring together people to help solve community issues. That’s something we’re going to continue to explore more fully and it allows us to also be a bit more proactive and strategic in our grant making. We’ve traditionally been more of a reactive grant maker. I’d like to see us move down the path to being more proactive. To do that you need to bring together people and you need to listen to the people who are doing that work each day.

RICHARDSON: There are a lot of good things that go on in our communities. One of the things that we’ve learned over the past few years is that

— Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length and clarity to fit this space.

20

17

NNYB: We all get a lot of advice in our lives and our careers, but we don’t always follow it. What’s the best advice you’ve ever followed?

RICHARDSON: I would say there’s probably two main pieces of advice that really have driven a lot of the decisions I’ve made. One was instilled in me very early by various people who have mentored me to really trust your instincts. In the work I do here a lot of it is experience and knowledge, but in the end, ultimately, it’s having an instinctual sense of doing the right thing. That’s sort of been one of my guiding philosophical principals throughout my career. The other thing is being secure enough in your own abilities to surround yourself with people who may be better than you in certain functions of what they do.

I’m a big proponent of building a team. Certainly we all share the core values in the culture of the organization. I think it’s really important to be willing to take advantage of the best abilities and strengths and talents of those with whom you work.

18

NNYB: How do you prioritize the work you want to do to leave your organization in a better place than when you arrived?

RICHARDSON: I feel tremendous responsibility to make sure that all the work that has been done up to this point has relevancy into the future. I spend a lot of time thinking about how we continue to keep this organization relevant and meaningful and of value to the community. If I’m not doing that, then all the rest doesn’t matter. We spend a lot of time making sure we’re not looking in the rearview mirror a decade from now and wondering what happened. So, as far as prioritizing, every organizational decision we make goes back to how can we continue to make sure we’re evolving, growing and providing value to all of our stakeholders.

19

NNYB: You work with people every day, helping them to leave positive legacies for their community. Have you ever thought about what your legacy might be?

RICHARDSON: I do think about it. It’s a good exercise because you can get caught up in the work function of what we do. When you think of it by yourself and you personalize it, that’s what really makes it real. When I think about legacy I immediately think about what were the things in my life that were transformational? What were the things in my life that positioned me to do what

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| 23

economically speaking

Understanding changes in health care

H

ealth care in the North Country has undergone significant transformation. Fortunately, these changes have created many positive enhancements to our health care system. Policy changes by the state and federal governments have contributed to changes in how health care is delivered. Historically, policy changes have been used to improve health care systems.

Building upon that fundamental idea, many new, innovative approaches and plans have emerged that focus on improving patient care and reducing costs.

In the past five years, the state and federal governments have gone through some of the most prevalent changes to date.

Specifically, in New York, the Medicaid system is undergoing a complete makeover as a Performing Provider System in order address gaps in care. Likewise, the federal government is creating policy that focuses on accountability and cost reduction through Accountable Care Organizations.

With help from our region’s elected officials, our health care system has received many resources necessary to keep up with rapid changes that the state and federal governments have mandated. Those resources have produced an improved technology infrastructure, enhanced ability to practice Population Health Management, team-based health care, collaboration of our health care system and much more.

One significant change in the north country’s health care system was the creation of the North Country Initiative. The Initiative is a health care system of collaborating physicians, hospitals, and community-based organizations. It was created to focus on: n Improving the quality and efficiency of care for the rural underserved population

24 | NNY Business | June 2016

n Providing accessible, effective, high-quality, coordinated health care n Alignment of health system partners with payers to develop contracts that drive clinical improvement Brian Marcolini and add value to patients. n Implementing evidence-based medicine to enhance patient outcomes The Initiative, with support from the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, is assisting with health care reform by implementing both national and statewide programs. These programs focus on improving care for our region’s patients, while decreasing health care costs.

The North Country Initiative is presently one of 25 Performing Provider Systems across the state that participates in the Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program. It also participates in federal programs as an Accountable Care Organization (Health Care Partners of the North Country).

The Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment program is the main mechanism by which the state will implement a Medicaid Redesign Team Waiver Amendment.

The program´s purpose is to fundamentally restructure the health care delivery system by reinvesting in the Medicaid program with a primary goal to reduce avoidable hospital use by 25 percent over five years.

In an effort to meet that goal, NCI’s partners have collaborated on 11 different projects. Those 11 projects focus on integra-

tion of behavioral health and primary care, clinical management to address our region’s health needs, care coordination, office transformation through a patient-centered medical home, and better alignment of the services our patients need.

Health Care Partners of the North Country is our region’s Accountable Care Organization, which aims to align with federal policy reform and transformation. Accountable Care Organizations are contracted to improve the quality of care for attributed patients while focusing on strategies that reduce the cost of care.

Health Care Partners of the North Country is presently aligning its efforts with the Initiative’s DSRIP program and working on strategies that center completely around the patient. Those strategies include care coordination, improving annual wellness reviews, clinical management through national evidence-based guidelines as well as improving alignment between our health care partners.

The North Country Initiative and the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization, together with our health care system partners, are poised and ready to take on these challenges of health care reform so the patients we serve have the opportunity for better, more aligned care.

The Initiative and the FDRHPO extends its gratitude to its partners, elected officials, and community members. Without them, none of the improvements to our health care system would be possible. n BRIAN Marcolini is director of the North Country Initiative and Health Care Partners of the North Country at the Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization. Contact him at bmarcolini@fdrhpo.org.

N O N P RO FIT S T O D AY

Forging a partnership to help our needy

I

n the 1960s a colleague once made this observation about then-Congressman Gerald Ford: If Ford were sitting on a park bench eating his lunch and saw a hungry kid sitting next to him, he would hand over his sandwich without giving the matter a second thought. Ford, the colleague contended, would then return to the halls of Congress and — without a second thought — vote against funding for the national public school lunch program.

That sounds pretty much like the 38th president of the United States, who once said, “A government big enough to give you everything you want is a government big enough to take from you everything you have.”

The balance between individual philanthropy (helping the neighbor we know) and creating government edicts (helping anyone who fills out the right paperwork) is under greater strain than ever.

It’s a financial balance our nonprofit world works to navigate every day.

“Volunteer, Advocate, Give” is the three-word mantra of the United Way, and this is the annual time of the year where that mantra can be seen in action.

For three weeks in May, some 50 volunteers in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties met with representatives of 37 nonprofits to review their grant applications to the United Way of NNY. We’ll announce those grants later in the year — and all that money will have come directly from generous donations made by individuals and corporations. No government money here!

But while those grants are the way most people see the United Way, it is not the entire story. The United Way and government are increasingly working together to help the needy.

A good example is the 211 information and referral phone number that the United Way brought to the north country last year. By calling that number or going to the website www.211cny. com anyone can access information on food pantries, and services for domestic violence, substance abuse, literacy and other programs available here.

Money for that program came in part from United Way chapters, but a major chunk was provided by New York State.

The state’s major interest is twofold: 1) Get nonemergency calls Bob Gorman to 911 moved to 211 promptly and 2) Ensure that every county has a go-to number for the public in the event of a flood or other natural disaster.

More recently our New York United Way chapters joined others in lobbying state government to produce $25 million

basic necessities of housing, food, child care, health care and transportation The stated goal for ALICE is this: Through a series of new, standardized measurements, United Way is quantifying the size of the workforce in each state that is struggling financially, and the reasons why. These measurements provide a broader picture of financial insecurity than traditional federal poverty guidelines.

John Bernardi, the executive director of the United Way of the Adirondacks in Plattsburgh, puts it this way: “Getting a flat tire is a pain in the neck for you and me, but potentially life changing for a family living on the edge of a cliff. You and I are not going to lose our job or have to use our rent money to fix the problem, but thousands of people live on that edge every day. One small event can have a domino effect resulting in very negative results.”

Creating more stats doesn’t sound very exotic, but Bernardi says the goal is to eventually “redirect public and private resources to provide support to working families, increasing their chance for success and encouraging employment and independence from public assistance.”

The challenges in the north country are mounting. The closing of Metro Paper in Carthage, Climax Manufacturing in Lowville, and the uncertain future of Alcoa in Massena add to the strain. And increasing the statewide minimum wage may sound like a great idea, but not if it means that fewer jobs — with benefits — can be found locally.

The ALICE project will help us understand the depth of the problem and potentially guide our state to making better funding decisions for communities and nonprofits that help the working poor.

For some, greater government action will always be the answer. But if as individuals we are not willing to occasionally share our sandwiches with those in need, all the government activity in the world won’t matter.

The ALICE project will help us understand the depth of the problem and potentially guide our state to making better funding decisions for communities and nonprofits that help the working poor. in grants to help cities retool how they address poverty. From that pot, $1 million will be coming to Watertown later this year.

Meanwhile, the United Way is working to better understand those citizens who daily walk a line between self-sufficiency and welfare.

With funding from Key Bank and United Way chapters around the state, a major study will be launched later this year to outline the full scale of New York’s “working poor,” so that our state leaders can better understand the challenges this population is facing.

The program is known as ALICE – “asset limited, income constrained, employed.” These neighbors are everywhere — at fast food restaurants, box stores and seasonal jobs in construction and along the river. They are critical to the service industry of any community, but they are often unable to afford all the

n ROBERT D. GORMAN is president and CEO of United Way of Northern New York. Contact him at bgorman@unitedway-nny.org or 7885631. His column appears every other month in NNY Business.

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 25

business tech bytes

Coming soon: ‘Facebook at Work’

Y

ou have a Facebook page, your business has a page, so does the social club you belong to, but most importantly so do all your “friends.” With more than 1.59 billion users worldwide, Facebook seems to be here to stay and is permeating further and further into our everyday lives. What do you think about Facebook at work? Did you know that “Facebook at Work” is already in the works?

Facebook at Work is available in a limited beta pilot program with its mobile app already available at both the iTunes and Google Play stores. You can download it, but you will only be allowed to log in if your employer is a pilot program participant.

Elisabeth Diana, corporate communications director at Facebook stated, “Presently only a “handful” of companies are using Facebook at Work. We’re hoping to expand the pilot and be able to talk about it more soon. We’re looking at companies that span different time zones that have a lot of departments where information sharing is actually an issue and you need something that helps make information sharing more efficient.”

The “handful” that Diana is referring to is roughly 450 companies, ranging from large enterprises like the Royal Bank of Scotland that plans to bring on 100,000 employees, 35,000 employees at Telenor, a Norwegian telecommunications company, and the 85,000 employees at Canadian Tire, to smaller groups like 1,100 independent real estate agents in Southern California.

According to Diana, “Facebook invited the first companies to participate in the program, and we’ve received inquiries from others since the beta launched, but despite

that interest, Facebook isn’t ready for full demonstrations because we’re still modifying the platform based on early pilot feedback.

The product’s evolution mirrors the way Jill Van Hoesen Facebook first introduced dedicated pages for businesses.”

Facebook maintains that more than 60,000 businesses are still on the waiting list to join the Facebook at Work pilot. It is not clear if these businesses are truly interested replacing or supplementing their present enterprise’s email, instant messaging and collaboration applications, or if it’s curiosity with no plans to really implement.

Josh Lindenmuth, CIO of the payroll and human resources software company Payce says, “Facebook at Work is interesting but it doesn’t currently meet company needs.”

Facebook will continue to expand and create more enterprise applications beyond Facebook at Work but feels companies likely to be interested in those new products won’t have serious privacy or security needs. Facebook makes it too easy to share information. The reason it works for social applications is the same reason why many CIOs will be reluctant to use it. Facebook at Work is initially focusing on large, multinational businesses in an attempt to build momentum and interest around its enterprise product, but

they would see more success by targeting small- to medium-size businesses with fewer than 5,000 employees.

Facebook at Work will look and feel like the Facebook you already use, providing the same user experience as your personal page. Facebook hopes to provide an enterprise offering that requires little to no training, counting on the fact that most people already know how to use Facebook.

There is one big exception, your “friends” will be limited to your coworkers and your enterprise will manage their deployment, thus your experience, by setting their employee’s access and privileges.

At present, Facebook at Work will still be free at launch, but plans for a paid version will include additional support, analytics and integration with other collaborative tools, such as Box, Microsoft Azure, Office 365, Google Apps and Dropbox. You will still have the familiar news feeds, groups, and messaging, but all information will be corporate, not personal. You will not be “friends” with other users in Facebook at Work, you will follow other businesspeople, and your news feeds will include the interactions with those you are following.

What do you think? Using social tools in business is very different as consumer features aren’t often easily transferable into the enterprise. Business tools must provide integration into legacy systems while being highly configurable and secure. Will Facebook at Work be a great tool or another time waster? Will Mark Zuckerberg be able to serve both the enterprise and the consumer, and do it well? Time will tell. 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.

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agri - business

JeffersonCountyAgriculture.com goes live

M

ark D. Waterhouse, president of Garnet Consulting Services, Pleasant Valley, Conn., spoke at the Jefferson County Economic Development Forum on May 18. Mr. Waterhouse is recognized within the economic development community for his success in helping communities attract new development and grow existing business. During Mr. Waterhouse’s commentary, he discussed effective marketing techniques to attract new business. His remarks and the data he presented demonstrated the needs for improved efforts and support for some of the actions we’ve taken to improve our presence.

According to a survey Mark cited during his presentation, 67 percent of the businesses looking for new locations said that Internet presence, especially a strong website, are the most effective marketing techniques. He explained that an Internet presence implies the recognition your community receives online through news stories, Internet advertising, and websites.

Having a good website that tells your community’s story is important. What happens when someone searches “Jefferson County” or “Watertown, N.Y.?” If many of the top search results yield negative stories, or little information, you have probably been eliminated from consideration for a business looking for a home.

In the Jefferson County Economic Development office, Marshall Weir, our marketing director, has been constantly upgrading our online presence, especially jcida.com.

He has worked with our webmasters to provide more information and in a better format than ever before. In fact, the New

York State Economic Development Council just recognized the JCIDA website for its quality Internet presence.

We are also improving our agricultural Jay Matteson website, JeffersonCountyAgriculture.com. This website has existed for 14 years as comefarmwithus.com and that address is still active. But we felt we needed to tell Jefferson County’s agriculture story a little better, especially to attract new and growing for agribusinesses. We had tremendous success with comefarmwithus.com.

We were able to attract more than 16 farm businesses to our county over the years and still receive calls of farmers from elsewhere looking for farmland to buy. We also used it to support attracting businesses such as Morris Northstar Hatchery. The owners had been looking for a location in Western New York near Buffalo where they could build a multimillion-dollar hatchery and export poultry to Canada. But not quite satisfied with what they were finding, they did an Internet search and found our website.

From there, they began working with our office and finally built their hatchery in the County Industrial Park off Coffeen Street.

Our new website builds upon that success. It has three targets to serve.

Our first target is our existing farm community. We’re trying to place informa-

tion on the site that helps deliver everyday information needs such as the “Current Agricultural Topics” feature. Farmers can go there to find out what some of the issues are in agriculture or what events are coming up that they may want to attend.

The consumers section of the site features an interactive map to local foods. Visitors can select what type of food they are looking for, such as eggs, enter their address and how far they are willing to travel, and then a map will show all the farms we are aware of that sell farm-fresh eggs to the public. You can even download directions on how to get to the farm from the map. We also link to the Cornell Cooperative Extension Local Foods page to enhance our visitors’ ability to find the information they look for.

The third section of our site is for agribusinesses. Here we are particularly targeting a site selector doing an Internet search to find possible sites for an agricultural business they may represent. In our present intensive effort to attract European agricultural manufacturing and food processing, it is critical for us to have a prime web presence.

We encourage you to visit jeffersoncountyagriculture.com. Please let us know whether you like it or if you see room for improvement. Websites are always a journey to maintain and must continually be updated. Your input is valuable in enhancing Jefferson County’s Internet presence. n Jay M. Matteson is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Local Development Corp. 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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June 2016 | NNY Business

| 27

small business success

Selling a business takes many steps

A

t the Small Business Development Center, we work with many clients who are trying to buy a business.

However, business owners who plan to sell their business can also benefit from a solid plan. If you are thinking of selling your business now, or at some time in the future, there are specific actions you can take and documents you can begin to prepare that will make this transition go smoothly.

When you sell a business, if the person buying your business will need a loan, the bank will require the last three years of your business tax returns and sometimes a current year report. Even if you don’t anticipate someone buying your business would need loan funding, you can be sure that the buyer will want to see financial documentation that you are running a sound and profitable business.

So if you are planning on selling your business in the next few years, it can be helpful to talk with your accountant to insure that your tax records reflect an accurate picture of the business’s income, expenses, and profits.

Develop a clear list of the assets of your business. Listing equipment and real estate owned by the business would be the first step, but some more intangible goods such as your customer list may provide just as much, if not more, value to a buyer.

Be aware that a buyer may actually be one of your competitors, so you may want to structure the documents you provide to the buyer in a way that protects your sen-

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sitive data. For example, you can state that your customer email list includes information for 1,000 contacts without providing their full contact information.

Jennifer McCluskey A properly written nondisclosure agreement can be essential.

Other documents you may want to locate include real estate documents and clear information about any liens that are placed on your business equipment, inventory, and/or property. Pulling together a list of your employees, your licenses, suppliers, and insurance information can also be helpful. You will also want to dust off your partnership contracts or your LLC operating agreement. Make sure these documents are still accurate and do not need updating.

Decide how much continuing involvement you want to have in the business and for how long. It is recommended that you keep post-sale involvement in the running of the company brief, as long-term involvement rarely works for anyone. If you plan to sell the business but keep ownership of the property as a landlord, you will want to have those documents ready for buyers to review. If you plan to sell the business to a relative or an employee, make sure that person

is well-prepared and has already been involved in management decisions so they will know what issues they will have to deal with when they take the reins.

Prepare emotionally. The business you are selling may be as close to you as your children, and it may be difficult to leave.

You will also want to talk with a financial advisor, especially if you are retiring, to make sure you have enough income to support yourself. If you are depending on the business sale to fund your retirement, it may be in your best interests to look into hiring a business broker, or a real estate agent if property is involved, to make sure you get the best sale price.

It may also be important to get a business valuation done by an accountant.

Finally, make sure you get everything in writing and involve an attorney. You want to make sure that the sale is completed properly, all fees and taxes are paid, and you correctly close out all of your documentation. This will help make sure lingering issues will not come back to bite you in the future.

For more information about selling your business, the book “Endwise” by Brian Lincer is a great resource and the source of some of the information above.

If you are looking for assistance in buying or selling a business, you can also contact the Small Business Development Center at either SUNY Canton (315) 386-7312 or JCC in Watertown (315) 782-9262. n JENNIFER McCLUSKEY is a certified business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton.

Contact her at mccluskeyj@canton.edu. Her column appears bi-monthly in NNY Business.

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28 | NNY Business | June 2016

E NT RE P RENE U R’S E D G E

Tips to improve social media response

T

here’s a saying out there that says, “If you’re not on social media with your business, you’re not in business.”

I believe this to be true. And if you’re in business and disagree with this, you should check your resistance and ask yourself why. Why are you resisting a social media presence? Whatever answer you come up with is the very block that needs to be removed so your business can grow.

And trust me, it will grow.

But I digress, which is often the case, so let me get back on track.

I’m writing this because there is a strategy with social media that can no longer be denied. It is a strategy I ignored for a long time, but now that I’ve added blogging to my business, I have to look at social media as my best friend. (And by gosh, it really is.) This strategy I speak of is called RESPONSE, and it can bring more potential sales and clients your way most rickytick. Allow me to clarify what I mean.

If you have a Twitter account or a Facebook account (or LinkedIn or Pinterest or Instragram, sheesh, I could go on), and you’re not interacting with your followers, you might as well lock yourself behind a window and refuse to waive to passersby.

In other words, if someone is attempting to interact with you via social media, you have to engage and interact in return. I’m sure you do this on your Facebook account and that’s swell, but it goes further than that. If you want your followers to love and respect you, you’ve got to show them love and respect in return To get more interaction, (which ultimately drives more traffic to your site, which then turns into sales), play with the tips I offer below. Try them for several weeks,

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too. Don’t do it one day and throw darts at this magazine when nothing happens. Do it consistently for five weeks and watch your followers grow, your engagement flourish, Joleene Moody and your business benefit.

1) Don’t send batch posts.

Unless you want to get stabbed in the eye or unfollowed, don’t send a series of posts back to back. I see this mostly on Twitter.

I’ve had to scroll through dozens of posts from the same person just to get to the posts that matter. It’s annoying. I use a social media scheduler called ViralTag that allows me to post once every hour on Twitter. Newsfeed readers like that. They don’t like several posts from one user jumbled all together.

2) Don’t ignore comments or shares.

I have unfollowed dozens of people that I’ve shared posts for because they either don’t share back, or never acknowledge that I’ve shared their content. That’s like me telling the world about your business for three weeks straight while you ignore that I even exist. Would you do that to someone outside of the virtual realm?

Look at it like that. Commenting, responding, or sharing is like saying hello. You’re acknowledging your appreciation. If you continue to acknowledge them, then they tell their friends, share your posts, and the traffic starts coming to your site in droves.

3) Follow back.

If you dabble with Twitter or Instragram,

folks that like your posts will follow you.

Follow them back, especially if they are complimentary to your posts and your work. Be a friend. Be an outstanding community member. Don’t be pompous (yeah, I went there) and ignore them because you think your better than them. I used to be like that … until someone I thought was “beneath me” included me in a huge project that changed the landscape of my business. It humbled me.

So follow back, and always remain humble.

4) Don’t ask for retweets or shares.

Finally, don’t ask for retweets. Just don’t.

There is a woman in my Twitter feed that does this ALL the time. And you know what? No one retweets her. Like, ever. She even says, “Please re-tweet!” with two exclamation points in every single post.

I think that’s why no one retweets her. If you want retweets and shares, provide good content. Content that is meaningful and offers value will get shared faster than content that has 26 exclamation points and a “Please re-tweet.”

As a blogger, I have to be diligent about interacting. I’ve actually grown to enjoy it.

And I’ve met some incredible people, too.

If your mindset about social media is that it is annoying and a waste of time, change your perception. Look at it differently. Look at it as an opportunity to become immersed in an incredibly talented community. I get that we are bombarded by social everyday.

You don’t have to be. Do your part, interact with those that care about you, and ignore everything else. Happy posting! n Joleene moody is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Learn more at www.takeyourvoiceback.com. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business. Visit nnybizmag. com to read past columns online.

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June 2016 | NNY Business

| 29

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

Alexandria Bay Saturday, July 16 to Sunday, July 17

n Summer Craft Fair, 9 a.m. Saturday to 6 p.m. Sunday, Scenic View Park, 8 Fuller St. Featuring local art, photography, pottery, spoon jewelry, wood products and handmade quilts.

Cost: Free admission. Information: Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531, info@alexbay.org or visitalexbay.org.

Adams Saturday, July 9

n Cheddar Cheese Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Village of Adams. A village-wide celebration of the agriculture and cheese-making industry in Jefferson County. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: 232-9979 or cheddarcheesefestival.com.

Cape Vincent Friday, June 26 to Sunday June 28

n Historical Weekend, All Weekend, Downtown Cape Vincent. Events include a historical lecture series, War of 1812 walking tour, period musical performances and a battle skirmish re-enactment. Cost: Contact for prices.

Information: Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce, 654-2481 or cape vincent.org.

Saturday, July 9 to Sunday, July 10

n 48th Annual French Festival, 9 a.m.

Saturday to 3 p.m. Sunday, Broadway Street. Featuring crafts, artists, food, live music, street performers, puppet shows and bounce houses. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce, 6542481 or capevincent.org.

Carthage Wednesday, June 22

n Business After Hours, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Independent Medical Evaluation Company, 111 Riverside Drive. Cost: Preregistered, $4; at the door, $5.

Information: Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, 493-3590.

30 | NNY Business | June 2016

Every Wednesday

n Cruise In Classic Auto Show, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Turning Point Park. Includes food, prizes, music and a raffle. Proceeds to benefit the American Legion Scholarship Fund. Cost: Free. Information: 493-2787.

Chaumont Saturday, July 30

n Classic Car Show & Craft Show, 9 a.m., throughout Chaumont. This annual event will include more than 80 classic cars, an indoor auction and bake sale, a petting zoo, and face painting. Cost: Free admission.

Information: Chaumont Volunteer Fire Department, 649-2410.

Thursday, July 14

n Building Your Own Business, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Army Community Service, P-4330 Conway Road. Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College and the Employment Readiness program provide instruction on starting a new business.

Cost: Free. Information: 772-9611 or fortdrumacs.checkappointments.com.

Tuesday, July 26

n Fort Drum Business Networking Group, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Army Community Service, P-4330 Conway Road. Fort Drum business owners are invited to connect with each other. Cost: Free. Information: 772-9611 or fortdrumacs.check appointments.com.

Clayton

LaFargeville

Friday, July 15 to Saturday, July 16

Saturday, June 25

n Decoy/Wildlife Art & Sporting Collectibles Show, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Cerow Recreation Park Arena, East Line Road. A two-day show where exhibitors display decoys, wildlife artwork and related items. It includes an auction and decoy contest. Cost: Adults, $5; children and military, free.

Information: Thousand Islands Museum, 686-5794 or timuseum.org.

Fort Drum Wednesday, June 22

n Mountainfest, 1 p.m., Division Hill Parade Field. This annual event features military equipment display, children’s games, and Adventure Zone, and the Boss Auto and Motorcycle Show. Lee Brice will be the headliner for the free concert sponsored by AmeriCU Credit Union. Cost: Free admission. Information: 772-0789 or mountainfest.co.

Wednesday, July 13

n Career Portfolio & Interviewing Workshop, 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Army Community Service, P-4330 Conway Road. Learn how to set up and display your portfolio, and get tips and tricks to ace your next interview. Cost: Free. Information: 772-9611 or fortdrumacs.check appointments.com.

n Strawberry Festival, 10 a.m., 30950 NYS Route 180. The festival includes vendors, games, music and family fun. CostL Free admission. Information: stonemillsmuseum.org.

Lowville Tuesday, July 19 to Saturday, July 23

n 196th Lewis County Fair, Bostwick Street. Includes games, rides, live music, livestock shows, and more.

Cost: Contact for prices. Information: 831-4285 or bonniemurphy.lcf@ frontiernet.net.

Madrid Wednesday, June 22

n Business In the Spotlight, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Lawrence Power & Equipment Museum, 1755 State Highway 345. This after hour networking event spotlights member business and organizations. June’s event includes a tour of the facilities. Cost: $5. Information: St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, (877) 228-7810 or northcountryguide.com.

Old Forge Monday, July 4

n Forge Festival of the Arts & Crafts,

fair, children’s programs and activities and the Thompson Park Traveling Zoo. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: canamfestival.com.

Saturday, July 23 to Sunday, July 24

n War of 1812 Living History Weekend, Sackets Harbor Battlefield, 504 W. Main St. This event includes re-enactment demonstrations, military tacticals, period music and visitors experience military formations, drills, and watch battle tactics. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: 646-2321 or sacketsharborny.com/.

n Old Forge Antiques & Vintage Show & Sale, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Hiltebrant Recreation Center, 225 North St. Features more than 50 dealers with antique and vintage furniture, camp decor, oriental rugs, jewelry, hotel china, books, fine art, sporting goods, and taxidermy. Cost: $6. Information: Helene McAleese, (800) 365-5217 or mcaleeseh@aol.com

Saturday, July 30 to Sunday, July 31 n Old Forge Home Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Sunday, The North Street Pavilion, 100 North St. Find the most qualified experts in the field of home building, remodeling and improving. Cost: Free admission. Information: OldForgeHomeShow.com or call 315-527-5957.

Potsdam Thursday, July 14 to Saturday, July 16

n Potsdam Summer Festival, throughout Potsdam. Features a craft show, antique car show, laser tag, parade, and sidewalk sales. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: potsdam chamber.com.

Sackets Harbor Saturday, July 2 n Made in New York, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Madison Barracks 85 Worth Road. Promotes a “buy local” theme with vendors from New York farm and home-based businesses. Cost: Advance tickets, $10; at the gate, $15.

Information: sacketsharborny.com/ or madeinnny.com.

Saturday, July 16

n Can Am Festival, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., throughout Sackets Harbor. The festival includes a parade, kite fest, book

Saturday, July 30 to Sunday, July 31

Star Lake n Business In the Spotlight, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Coffee Fever, 4239 State Highway 3. This after hour networking event spotlights member business and organizations. Cost: $5. Information: St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, (877) 228-7810 or northcountryguide.com.

Syracuse Thursday, July 14 n Tech Meets Taste, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Tech Garden, 235 Harrison St. This annual event hosted by CenterState CEO, SyracyseFirst, and the Tech Garden provides an opportunity to network with the region’s young tech companies and other local business owners. Cost: Contact for prices. Information: CenterState CEO, 470-1800 or centerstateceo.com.

First Wednesday of the month n Business Innovation Days meeting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Tech Garden, 235 Harrison St. Entrepreneurs and small business owners meet with a counselor from the Small Business Development Center at Onondaga Community College for advice and assistance opportunities. Information: 498-6070 or SBDC@sunyocc.edu.

Every Wednesday

n Introduction to Business Startup, Small Business Development Center, 4 to 6 p.m., Mulroy Hall, Onondaga Community College, 4585 West Sen-

eca Turnpike. Information: 498-6070 or cnyastd.org. n Syracuse Business Networking, 6 to 7 p.m., Barbieri’s Restaurant, 304 S. Main St. Cost: Free. Information: Kim Bachstein, 414-8223 or info@ SyracuseBusinessNetworking.com.

Every Thursday

n Free Business Counseling with SCORE, 10 to 11:30 a.m., Tioga County Chamber of Commerce, 80 North Ave. Information: Tioga Chamber of Commerce, 1- (607) 6872020.

Every Friday

n 40 Above: Workers in Transition, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., Northern Onondaga Public Library at North Syracuse, 100 Trolley Barn Lane.

Helping job seekers aged 40 and above in search of work. Information: John A. Cruty, 569-3964 or crutij@ yahoo.com.

Watertown Thursday, July 14

n EMERGE NNY Leadership Conference, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Savory Downtown, 300 Washington St. This year’s program includes Sandler’s Training’s Lessons in Personal and Organizational Effectiveness. Cost: $70 before July 1; EMERGE members, $55; military and students, $65; day of the event, $85. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Parking Lot, Adirondack Bank, 108 Codling Street. Includes arts and crafts from more than 55 vendors. Cost: $3. Information: 369-6411 ext. 201, info@viewarts. org, or viewarts.org.

Thursday, JULY 21

n Business After Hours, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., AT&T Premier Technologies, 26183 U.S. Route 11, Unit C, Evans Mills. Register by noon, June 15. Cost: registered members, $ 10; non-registered members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.  GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? Email nnybusiness@wdt.net.

Deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue. Visit us on Facebook at facebook.com/NNY Business ornnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 31

business scene Carthage Area Chamber Citizen of the Year dinner at Carthage Elks Lodge 1762

From left, Debra Swen, F. Amy McEathron, IMEC and 2015 Carthage Citizen of the Year, and Stepenie Clemons.

From left, Joanne LaZore 1999 Carthage Citizen of the Year, and Joanne Sligar, 2000 Carthage Citizen of the Year.

ELAINE Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

ELAINE Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Bradley Good, 2007 Carthage Citizen of the Year, and Teri L. Ellis, 2006 Carthage Citizen of the Year. Many past recipients of the Carthage Citizens of the Year award were present to honor 2015 Citizen of the Year F. Amy McEathron during a May 10 dinner at the Carthage Elks Lodge 1762. The award is given annually by the Elks and Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce.

From left, Christopher Lorence 2005 Carthage Citizen of the Year, and William Skye, 1995 Carthage Citizen of the Year.

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BU SINE SS SCENE GWNC Chamber Armed Forces Day Luncheon at The Commons, Fort Drum

Peter Whitmore, Association of the United States Army NNY-Fort Drum, and Donna Orvis, Family and MWR, Fort Drum.

From left, Maureen Cean, Transitional Living Services of Northern New York, and Nellie Mathous, Fairfield Inn & Suites/Candlewood Suites, Watertown.

KAREE MAGEE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Angie Blair, Judy Cowden, and Carrie Barth, all of AmeriCU Credit Union, Watertown. The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce hosted the annual Armed Forced Day Luncheon at The Commons on Fort Drum on May 17 to honor all who serve.

KAREE MAGEE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Joe McLaughlin and Erin Simser, both of Mountain Community Homes, and Erin Reed, AmeriCU Credit Union, Watertown.

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June 2016 | NNY Business

| 33

business scene Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours along School Street

Tina Soukup and Timothy Farley, Carthage.

ELAINE Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Toni Margo, Stefano’s Pizzeria, and Donna Martel and Dick Simmons, American Legion. Nine businesses along S. School Street in Carthage hosted the Carthage Area CHamber of Commerce May Business After Hours on May 19.

34 | NNY Business | June 2016

Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce board member Tina Lanier, AmeriCU Credit Union, and Kyle Pleskach, Carthage Elks Locge 1762 manager.

ELAINE Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Derek Davis, Slack Chemical, John F. McHugh, former Carthage Community Development director, and Thomas H. Piche, Carthage Savings and Loan Association president.

business scene South Jeff Chamber Business of the Year Awards at Westview Lodge, Henderson Harbor

Patricia and Bob Simpson, South Jeff Citizen of the Year, Adams.

Melinda A. and Paul S. Shear, owners, Pearl’s Pastry Shoppe, Adams. The South Jeff Chamber of Commerce named Pearl’s Pastry Shoppe the 2016 Small Business of the Year.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Matt Waite, parents, Barry and Ellen, and brothers Justin and Darrick. The South Jeff Chamber of Commerce named Waite Toyota / Waite Motorsports the 2016 Large Business of the Year during its annual Awards Dinner held May 19 at the Westview Lodge, Henderson Harbor. This year also marks Waite’s 50th Anniversary as a Toyota dealership.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Denise Lariviere, Melissa Thomas, Ashley Loomis and Bridget Salisbury, Northern Ceredit Union, Adams and Watertown.

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June 2016 | NNY Business

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business scene St. Lawrence Chamber Business in the Spotlight at Badenhausen Branch Library

From left, Nathan and Tori Lashomb, Forevermore Studio, and Jason Hendricks, H3 Designs.

From left, John Ward and Jack Charlebois, St. Regis Realty.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Amanda Stark and Amy Durham, Jake’s Place, Nancé Arquiett and Brittany Murtagh, 2 Mama Birds. St. Regis Realty hosted the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce May Business in the Spotlight at the Badenhausen Branch Library on May 26.

From left, Elaine Dunne-Thayer, Linda McDonald, Jack Bain, and Patty Ryan, Massena Public Library.

18014 GOODNOUGH ST., ADAMS CENTER, NY • 315-583-5680 MON.-WED. 8-5, THURS. & FRI. 8-6, SAT. 8-2 36 | NNY Business | June 2016

business scene GWNC Chamber Business After Hours at Jefferson Historical Society Paddock Mansion

From left, Nusret Hafeez and Vici Diehl, Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown.

Chris Hoffman, American Red Cross, Syracuse, and Michele Downey, E2I, Fort Drum.

KAREE MAGEE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Tammy Beach, Susan Schofield and Olivia Morris, all of Jefferson County Historical Society, Watertown. The Jefferson County Historical Society hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce May Business After Hours at the historic Paddock Mansion and gardens on May 26.

KAREE MAGEE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Stacey Bristow, Watertown Family YMCA, and Chris Wells, North Country Lock & Key, Watertown.

June 2016 | NNY Business

| 37

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