NNY Business November 2015

// longtime financial advisor who

touched thousands to retire P. 22

NOVEMBER 2015 Volume 5 No. 12

nnybizmag.com

***

THE INTERVIEW DANC Chief Jim Wright p. 26

Answering the call to give philanthropy within reach for many who want to help IMPROVE OUR communities

$2.95

/nnybusiness @NNYBusinessMag

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

2 | NNY Business | November 2015

November 2015 | NNY Business

|3

Introducing the

All-New Audi Cicero.

Just like our vehicles...stunning inside and out.

We invite you to visit the Grand Opening Celebration of Audi Cicero in Driver’s Village.

5885 East Circle Drive (888) 440-2286

4 | NNY Business | November 2015

>>

Inside November 2015

14 13 44 18 |

COVER |

14 giving for good Philanthropy is with reach for many who may have doubts about giving. |

SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

13 ALL IN FOCUS NOW For one veteran optician, a new Woolworth Building store is a dream come true. |

FEATURES |

22 calling it a career For 40 years, Bob Gould was a force for Northwestern Mutual in the north country.

|

REAL ESTATE |

24 New home rituals Housewarming traditions from across the globe. |

TOP TRANSACTIONS |

25 JEFFERSON COUNTY The top 10 property sales in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties topped more than $8.9m in September. |

ENTREPRENEURS |

35 A tough lesson Embrace chance to learn when the inevitable brush with failure occurs.

|

BUSINESS SCENE |

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

BUSINESS HISTORY |

44 A culinary staple Oneida Flatware began as a necessity for one rural New York utipian community. |

ONLINE |

NNYBIZMAG.COM Connect with us online for daily updates, more photos and exclusive Web content.

November 2015 | NNY Business

|5

Contributors

BusIness www.nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Karen Richmond is executive director of the Children’s Home of Jefferson County.

She writes about her recent trip to Cuba where she learned about communitybased child welafre. (pg. 29)

Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He examines housewarming traditions. (p. 24)

Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation.

He writes about how to philanthropy as a love of humankind. (p. 31)

Publishers

John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II

VP News Operations Timothy J. Farkas

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Contributing Writers

Norah Machia, Joleene Moody

Photography

Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 28-year IT veteran.

She shares some mobile strategies to employ for the holidays. (p. 32)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. He writes about inter-agency cooperation in africulture. (p. 33)

Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Jefferson. She offers some tips for how to price your products. (p. 34)

Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison Jason Hunter, Melanie Kimbler-Lago, Coty Giannelli

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Manager Beth Hornbarger

Advertising Graphics

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

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. She writes about how to overcome failure, learn from it and gain strength. (p. 35)

Norah Machia is a freelance writer and veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter. In our cover story, she examines local opportunities for philanthropy. (p. 14)

MARKETPLACE Advanced Business Systems .... 8 Blue Seal Feeds ........................ 21 Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina ................................... 12 Bradley’s Surplus ...................... 23 Burdick Audi ............................... 4 Caskinette’s Ford ..................... 43 Cheney Tire ................................ 9 Children’s Home of Jefferson County ...................... 36 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ............................... 24 Clayton Dental Office ............. 21 Coleman’s Corner ................... 21 Cortel Improvement ................ 23 CREG Systems Corp. ................. 8 Development Authority of the North Country .................... 47 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home .... 31 Dr. Guitar Music ....................... 21

Empire State Development ....... 3 Fairground Inn .......................... 21 Foy Agency Insurance ............ 17 Fuccillo Auto Group ................ 19 Fuller Insurance ....................... 17 Garlock’s Design Center ........ 19 HD Goodale Co. ...................... 17 High Tower Advisors ................ 28 Hospice of Jefferson County .... 45 Immaculate Heart Central Schools ........................ 45 Little Caesar’s Pizza ................. 21 NNY Auto Finder ...................... 36 NNY Business magazine ......... 30 Northern New York Community Foundation .......... 25 Northwestern Mutual ........... 8, 17 Nortz & Virkler Ford .................. 19 RBC Wealth Management ........ 7

6 | NNY Business | November 2015

Sea Comm Credit Union ......... 43 Shred Con ................................ 33 St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce ......... 48 T.F. Wright & Sons Granite Foundry ....................... 41 Tunes 92.5 & 104.5 ................... 40 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions .................. 17 Waite Motorsports .................... 32 Waite Toyota ............................ 34 Watertown Daily Times ............ 46 Watertown First ......................... 35 Watertown Savings Bank .......... 2 Watertown Spring & Alignment ............................. 19 WPTS-DT TV ................................. 8 WWTI TV 50 ................................ 37 Ziebart Tidycar ......................... 19

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. © 2010-2015. 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.

|

INTERVIEW

|

|

ON THE COVER

|

26 DANC, 30 YEARS LATER State chartered in 1985 to aid in infrastructure development to expand Fort Drum, the Development Authority of the North Country’s chief executive James W. Wright looks ahead. |

COLUMNS

|

29 GUEST ESSAY 31 NONPROFITS TODAY 32 BUSINESS TECH BYTES |

DEPARTMENTS

8 9 10 12 13

33 AGRIBUSINESS 34 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS 35 entrepreneur’s edge

|

EDITOR’S NOTE PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT BUSINESS BRIEFCASE SMALL BIZ STARTUP

24 38 40 44 46

real estate roundup CALENDAR BUSINESS SCENE BUSINESS HISTORY next month

Over the past century, we’ve been serving our local community, helping friends, families and neighbors reach their financial goals. And our commitment to helping you build, preserve and enjoy your wealth remains as important now as it was 100 years ago. We look forward to the many opportunities that lie ahead.

CYRIL MOUAIKEL Branch Director

SANDY CONDE Financial Advisor

PATRICK SIGNOR Financial Advisor

For this month’s cover shot, photographer Amanda Morrison captured Dr. James Oliver and his mother, Jan, inside Watertown’s Flower Memorial Library.

Dr. Oliver established a fund in honor of his mother at the NNY Community Foundation to promote reading. In our cover story, writer Norah Machia examines philanthropy in the north country.

Your Integrated Solutions Provider ~ Unified Communications ~ Digital and VoIP Telephone Systems: Shoretel, Toshiba CAT 6 and Fiber Optic Cabling Computer Networking / Routers and Firewalls

CHRISTINE CISCO, CFP® DONALD MUSNICKI Financial Advisor Financial Advisor

WILLIAM TREMONT Financial Advisor

Cameras / Fire / Security / 24hr. Monitoring SERVICE PLANS

RBC WEALTH MANAGEMENT 111 Washington Street | Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 788-4200 | www.rbcwmfa.com/watertown

1039 Water St., Watertown

315-788-0000

November 2015 | NNY Business

|7

EDITO R’S N O T E

I

n this month’s cover story, writer Norah Machia tells the story of philanthropy in the north country.

Whether it’s to honor a loved one or to aid a very specific cause or program, giving by Northern New Yorkers in support of local causes is on the rise. And one thing is for certain: north country residents have heard the call to give and answered in a big way.

What’s more, philanthropy today isn’t reserved for only the financially well to do. People of average and even modest Ken Eysaman means are giving large and small. As you’ll read in Norah’s story, which begins on page 14, giving isn’t about the amount of the gift directed to one cause or another, it’s about the act of giving itself. The north country is a place made best when we all pull together to help lift each other up.

Also in this issue you’ll read about a Bob Gould, a financial advisor for Northwestern Mutual who, after 40-plus years in the industry, is retiring. Bob touched the lives of thousands of clients in the north country, helping them to plan for a secure financial future. n

Follow financial principles, not fads or trends.

n

n

20 QUESTIONS — On the occasion of his agency’s 30th anniversary this year, we sit down this month with James W. “Jim” Wright, executive director of the Development Authority of the North Country.

The authority and its mission have grown significantly in the past three decades to deliver a broad range of services that provide regional solutions. Our interview with Mr. Wright begins on page 26.

BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s scene section, which begins on page 40, features nearly four dozen faces from roughly three-dozen north country businesses and organization across the tri-county area.

On Oct. 15, Lewis County editor Jeremiah Papineau joined the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce for its October Business After Hours at the chamber’s State Street offices.

On Oct. 20, columnist and photographer Jennifer McCluskey joined the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for its October Business Spotlight at YesterYear’s Vintage Doors in Hammond.

On Oct. 21, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for its annual Business Expo and After Hours at the Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center.

Finally, on Oct. 28, Carthage staffer Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Chamber of Commerce for its annual Business Awards dinner at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant in Fargo. n

n

n

20 UNDER 40 — NNY Business magazine’s 20 Under 40 Class of 2015 has been named. Flip to page 30 to see who will be honored during a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 10, at the Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown. Details on how to register for the luncheon can also be found on page 30 of this issue. n

n

n

As always, if you have any questions, comments or general feedback, please contact me at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.

Yours in business,

Create your financial plan with a Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor. Together, we’ll design a disciplined and balanced approach to protecting, accumulating, and managing your wealth, so you can take advantage of life’s opportunities. Who’ s helping you build your financial future?

Brian Wilcox CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC, RICP®, CASL® CLF Wealth Management Advisor (315) 782-7094 brian-wilcox.com

05-3054 © 2015 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries.

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Brian Wilcox, Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Brian Wilcox, Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Brian Wilcox, Representative(s) of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI, (investment management, trust services, and fee-based planning) subsidiary of NM, limited purpose federal savings bank. Representative(s) may also be an Investment Advisor Representative(s) of NMIS. NCAA® is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

8 | NNY Business | November 2015

P E O P L E O N T H E M O VE

New finance coordinator at community foundation

Michele R. Jeican recently joined the staff of the Northern New York Community Foundation as finance coordinator.

Mrs. Jeican comes to the foundation from DOHL Development Corp., Watertown, a sister organization of Jefferson Rehabilitation Center. She was employed at DOHL for 25 years, Jeican most recently as chief operating officer.

She oversees the NNY Community Foundation’s accounting, financial records management and financial reporting, as well as its nearly 400 designated funds.

She holds degrees in business administration from Jefferson Community College and SUNY Empire State College. Mrs. Jeican is a Watertown native, where she lives with her husband, Tim.

New staff at DANC

The Development Authority of the North Country recently announced the following new hires: E. Hartley Bonisteel-Schweitzer began with the authority in August as its community planner. She comes to the authority from the Jefferson County Department of Planning where she was the community development coordinator for five years.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in city and regional planning from Cornell University, College of Architecture, Art and Planning.

David L. Smith graduated from the St. Lawrence University with a bachelor’s degree in environmental studies and

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.

geology in May 2015.

Mr. Smith has two years of GIS experience working as a GIS technician for St. Lawrence University and the Development Authority of the North Country. As a student at St. Lawrence University, Mr. Smith collaborated on a geospatial analysis project focusing on coastal erosion due to rising sea levels in conjunction with Bering Sea storms in a remote indigenous village of Alaska.

His work experience includes field data collection, CAD to GIS conversion, georeferencing, and GIS database management.

He was hired at the authority in August as a GIS technician.

Stephen Bohmer is the newest addition to the IT team at the Development Authority of the North Country and was hired as an IT Specialist. Prior to, during and after graduating from Rochester Institute of Technology, Mr. Bohmer worked for the Washington-Saratoga-WarrenHamilton-Essex BOCES as a network analyst, among other titles.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in applied networking and systems administration with and a minor in criminal justice from RIT in 2009. He comes to the authority with several years of network, server, and desktop support.

Financial representative earns national award Clifford R. Davis, a financial advisor

with Northwestern Mutual, Watertown, has qualified for the NAIFA Quality Award from the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

The NAIFA Quality Award recognizes professionalism through education and earned designations, production measured by performance metrics customized for each practice specialty, adherence to the NAIFA Code of Ethics, and service to the industry association. This is the 5th consecutive year he has earned this honor which recognizes financial representatives for their competence and dedication to the insurance industry and their clients.

Mr. Davis has been associated with Northwestern Mutual since 1992. As a financial advisor, he provides guidance and solutions for a variety of financial needs and goals for his clients.

A native of Meadville, Pa., Mr. Davis earned a bachelor’s degree from Gannon University and is finishing a master’s in financial services with the American College.

Urban Mission director to join health initiative

The North Country Initiative, Watertown, announced recently that Erika F. Flint, executive director of Watertown Urban Mission, has accepted the position of DSRIP director for the organization.

Mrs. Flint begins her new role on or about Jan. 2, 2016, and will oversee the coordination of the North Country Initiative’s DSRIP program.

For the past five years, Mrs. Flint has served as the executive director at the Watertown Urban Mission and in 2013 began efforts to lead the organization through a $2 million capital campaign to renovate their building and build a sustainability plan for the Mission’s future.

TACKLE TOUGH WINTER WEATHER M924E

89900

$

Starting At

MEDIUM-DUTY DUAL-STAGE: Ideal for medium driveways and walkways Briggs & Stratton 900 Snow SeriesTM OHV Engine with Electric Start 24” Clearing Width

In Stock and Ready to Go – The Complete Line of Simplicity Snowthrowers up to 38”

839 State St., Watertown Phone: 788-6840 www.CheneyTire.com

www.simplicitymfg.com

November 2015 | NNY Business

|9

Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers September 2015 $1.60 August 2015 $1.60 September 2014 $2.23

were unavailable at press time.)

28.3%

192,917 in September 2015 206,129 in September 2014

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas September 2015 $2.40 August 2015 $2.63 September 2014 $3.60

33.3%

U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar) $1.34 on Sept. 30, 2015 $1.32 on Aug. 31, 2015 $1.12 on Sept. 30, 2014

31.4%

19.6%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

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

September 2015 $2.30 August 2015 $2.31 September 2014 $3.01

92,400 in September 2015 89,600 in August 2015 91,800 in September 2014

23.6%

0.65%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

101, median price $135,500 in September 2015 128, median price $146,500 in August 2015 108, median price $126,500 in September 2014

61, median price $128,800 in September 2015 77, median price $92,000 in August 2015 79, median price $84,000 in September 2014

6.5% Sales

7.1%

22.8%

Price

53.3%

Sales

Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

NNY unemployment rates

5.7 September 2014

5.5 August 2015

4.9

United States

September 2015

5.0 August 2015

September 2014

4.8 September 2015

5.5 August 2015

5.8

New York State 6.6

5.6

6.6 September 2014

Lewis County

September 2015

6.5 August 2015

5.9

St. Lawrence County

September 2015

6.4

5.7 August 2015

September 2014

5.8

Jefferson County

September 2015

ECON SNAPSHOT 10 | NNY Business | November 2015

6.5%

Source: Seaway International Bridge Corp.

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil September 2015 $2.51 August 2015 $2.59 September 2014 $3.66

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Vehicles crossing the Seaway International (Massena) bridge. (Thousand Islands, Ogdensburg-Prescott totals

September 2014

NNY

Economic indicators

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

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

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County

Trucks Cars 141 in September 2015 457 in September 2015 147 in August 2015 518 in August 2015 497 in September 2014 144 in September 2014

8.0%

NNY

2.1%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

No airport data

n September passenger totals for Watertown International Airport were unavailable at press time because of a data release delay by American Airlines officials.

n Open welfare cases/cash assistance cases for the month of September in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties were unavailable at press time.

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office Sept. 30 to Oct. 28, 2015. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit www.nnybizmag.com.

Oct. 28: Matthews Handyman Services, 215 Winslow St., Apt. 2, Watertown, Matthew J. Bendixen, 326 High St., Watertown. n Charismatic Presbyterian Church Intl., 403 Washington

St., Watertown, Nicholas Ohene-Asamoah, 435 Gaffney Dr., Apt. 8, Watertown.

Oct. 27: Mark Deperrior & Company, 1144 Holcomb St., Watertown, Mark W. Deperrior, 1144 Holcomb St., Watertown.

John M. Grey, 220 N. Washington St., Carthage Oct. 15: The Animal Doctors, 1631 State St., Watertown, Stephanie H. Young, 25088 Route 126, Watertown n Scottie’s Small Engine Service, 25650 County Route 59,

Dexter, Scott G. Thackston, 25650 County Route 59, Dexter n M&C Interior, 8883 Middle Road, Brownville, Charles

C. Weston and Michael A. Greer, Brownville n Divinity, PO Box 153, Evans Mills, Shammel Williams,

n Lazy ‘A’ Arts, 42375 Milady Road, Carthage, Ann Marie

8465 S. Main St., Evans Mills

E. Alderman, 42375 Milady Rd., Carthage

n JRD Commercial Services, 108 Huron St., Glen Park, Ja-

Oct. 23: Computer Center, 400 S. Massey St., Watertown, Taylor J. Carey, 314 Paddock St., Watertown

son R. and Amanda N. Desjardins, 108 Huron St., Glen Park Oct. 14: Play and Learn Day Care, 14898 County Route

n The Garbage Man, 455 N. Washington St., Carthage,

89, Mannsville, Susan M. Beattie, 14898 County Route

Donald J. Hallenbeck, 455 N. Washington St., Carthage

89, Mannsville

Oct. 22: Naomi’s Natural Hair Care, 6253-B Scotch Pine Dr., Fort Drum, Tyeshia N. Baker, 6253-B Scotch Pine Dr., Fort Drum

Oct. 13: Danny J DJ Service, 32286 Town Line Road,

Oct. 21: Go Calenders, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W, Watertown, Hamza Jasim, 1106 Coffeen St., Watertown

n ABearsNecessity, 33 N. Park St., Adams, Josha W.

n Gleamy Gear, 99017-A Mountainview Dr., Fort Drum,

Oct. 9: Loveland Plowing, 31440 McKeever Road,

Polina Reed, 99017-A Mountainview Dr., Fort Drum

Philadelphia, Patrick E. Loveland, 31440 McKeever Rd.,

Oct. 16: Wilcox Wealth Management Services, 200 Washington St., Suite 208, Watertown, Brian D. Wilcox, 28471 Bartlett Point Dr., Theresa

Philadelphia, Daniel Johnson, 32286 Town Line Road, Philadelphia Gates, 33 N. Park St., Adams

Philadelphia Oct. 7: William Brenon Designs, 21892 County Route 16, Watertown, William D. Brenon, 21892 County Route 16,

n Liberty’s Assisted Living, 3845 Route 58, Gouverneur,

Watertown

Liberty Moon, 19504 CR 162, Watertown

Oct. 6: Deep Tattoos, 23438 Route 12, Watertown, Daniel

n Lake Effect Snow Service, 12249 Gobbe Hill Road,

L. Merritt, 1712 County Route 53, Dexter

Henderson, Scott Lapell and Linda Benway, Henderson

Oct. 5: A.R. McEvoy Art, 39199 Route 180, LaFargeville,

n Funny Farm Audio, 220 N. Washington St., Carthage,

Alfred R. McEvoy III, 3919 Route 180, LaFargeville

John M. Grey, 220 N. Washington St., Carthage

SEPt. 30: Knot Just Tack, 43596 County Route 2, Redwood,

n Watertown Renew, 220 N. Washington St., Carthage,

Angela M. Hunter, 43596 County Route 2, Redwood.

transactions

DBAs

No welfare data

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 11

business briefcase ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Tax, business law firm opens Watertown office

Attorney and certified public accountant Joseph M. Callahan has opened a tax and business law firm in the former Agricultural Insurance Co. building, 215 Washington St. The Watertown office, started in September, is the fourth location in upstate New York opened by Mackay, Caswell & Callahan P. C. The firm also has locations in Syracuse, Rochester and Utica. Mr. Callahan said he is the sole owner of the firm; the two former partners listed in the firm’s name have died.

Mr. Callahan, who has practiced law about 30 years, said he saw a need to open an office in Watertown to do business with clients face to face. The firm is staffed by two enrolled agents. “Clients want to deal with people face to face, and that’s why a brickand-mortar location makes sense,” said the Syracuse native, who has had clients in the Watertown area about 15 years.

Mr. Callahan, who has practiced law in Syracuse since 1988, said he opened his Rochester office last year and the Utica location this summer. Among other things, he said, his firm specializes in helping clients resolve issues with disputed unpaid taxes.

“After the economic downturn in 2008, I started specializing more in tax work and helping people out with back taxes,” he said,

12 | NNY Business | November 2015

adding his experience as an attorney and CPA enables him to handle a variety of complex legal issues. “I can take it from the investigative stage through the completion stage in court.”

Visit the firm’s website, https://mcc4tax.com.

MANUFACTURING

Air Brake still plans $3.6m Watertown expansion

Recent job cuts at New York Air Brake will not affect the company’s planned $3.6 million expansion that will house its engineering test lab, according to the company’s president.

Preliminary construction work began this fall on the expansion project at the Starbuck Avenue company, which calls for a 7,300-square-foot addition to the test lab, President Michael J. Hawthorne said Friday.

The foundation for the two-story addition has been completed, he said, and the project is expected to be done by the end of the year.

The project is expected to create 10 engineering jobs with an annual salary of $67,000. It remains underway after the company recently laid off 20 salaried workers and 15 hourly production workers. Fifteen more hourly workers are expected to lose their jobs by the end of the year.

Mr. Hawthorne said cuts were made due to an anticipated decline in demand over the next three years for the company’s brake

systems, manufactured for railroad cars and locomotives.

Nevertheless, he said, the company hasn’t discarded its investment plans.

Cuts “were in response to a soft market, and we’re not changing our investment plans moving forward,” he said. “We’re still fully committed to the expansion.”

Air Brake plans to invest $2 million to build the addition, which will connect the 252,250-square-foot main plant with a coldstorage building. The remaining $1.6 million would go toward product testing equipment the company will use to simulate the conditions brake systems on freight trains undergo.

To help fund the project, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency approved a 15-year payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement earlier this year that calls for a 50 percent tax abatement over the period, along with a salestax exemption on construction materials.

AGRICULTURE

State grants $1.5m to farms for water projects

The state Department of Agriculture and Markets awarded about $1.54 million in combined funding to soil and water conservation districts in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties to support water-quality projects at farms.

The funding was announced last month as part of $11.1 million to support 29 conservation projects across 116 farms statewide. Funds will aid farms with projects that prevent water pollution, reduce erosion and protect waterways from harmful sediments and nutrients.

The Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $1,057,925 for the implementation of cover crops to address water-quality concerns at six farms in the Sandy Creek and Stony Creek watersheds.

Both watersheds drain into Lake Ontario and are documented as “impaired” on the state Department of Environmental Conservation’s Priority Waterbody List.

Among other conservation practices, farms will develop riparian buffers on cropland to keep nutrients and other pollutants out of waterways, said Christine M. Watkins, executive director for the district. Buffers are permanent strips of vegetation, situated near waterways, that cannot be used for crops.

“Regulated farms already have a certain setback from waterways, but the installation of vegetative buffers gives us more protection,” she said Wednesday.

Mrs. Watkins, who declined to identify farms, said projects will likely begin in 2016.

The St. Lawrence County Soil and Water Conservation District was awarded $482,555 to help one undisclosed farm in the Raquette River watershed develop practices to address water-quality concerns in the village of Potsdam. The project calls for the construction of a waste storage structure to protect the river from pollutants.

Small Business startup

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

“When I saw the need, I decided to become my own owner. I saw the need to offer

something unique in the market. No one else in the area has my lines.”

— Jody A. Shuler, EyeCrave Optics, Watertown

BUSINESS

EyeCrave Optics Jody A. Shuler, who held a grand opening event last month for EyeCrave Optics in the Woolworth Building, said his business’s view of Public Square “gives it a unique focus.”

Spacious storefront windows allow people to easily peer into the upscale eyewear business, which the licensed optician opened in September. The business, which offers an array of fashionable eyewear, is the sole tenant on the ground floor of the historic building, which has leasable space available for several businesses.

Mr. Shuler, a LaFargeville native, worked for local optometrists for about 25 years before deciding to launch the store. In Watertown, he worked as an optician for 15 years at Pearle

Vision and for nine years at Meade Optical.

“When I saw the need, I decided to become my own owner,” the 44-year-old said. “I saw the need to offer something unique in the market. No one else in the area has my lines.”

Unlike other eyewear stores, he said, the business offers upscale frames made by independent eyewear manufacturers from the U.S. and abroad, including Spain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Japan. The frames, which range from about $200 to $700, are handmade and not manufactured in bulk quantities.

“I get them directly from manufacturers that make them, as opposed to mass production with designer labels,” Mr. Shuler said.

He said a licensed optometrist from Syracuse, Neil Marshall, is available for eye appointments on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Appointments are held in the store and take about an hour.

Joseph P. Duffy, a sales representative for Ovvo Optics — a German eyewear manufacturer with a U.S. presence — demonstrated last month how the company’s lightweight, flexible steel frames are difficult to break. A display for the eyewear in the store features a 45-pound weight hanging from a frame.

“The frames are indestructible and laser cut from sheets of surgical steel,” he said, adding he is impressed by Mr. Shuler’s diverse selection. “He has exclusive, highend brands that you won’t find in any other optician’s shop in Watertown.”

EyeCrave Optics is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays and from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturdays. It is closed on Sundays and Mondays.

— Ted Booker

WHERE Woolworth Building, Public Square, Watertown | OPENED September 2015 | WEB eyecraveoptics.com

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 13

C OV E R STORY

Gifts of giving brighten the region across northern new york, philanthropy large and small aids causes and honors memories while building legacies that leave the north country a better place

A

At age 30, Martha Papworth O’Neill told her mother that she had finally found her “dream job” teaching at Jefferson Community College, after having traveled to 13 different countries, including China, Turkey, Peru, and several European nations.

“She traveled extensively and loved learning about other people and their cultures,” her mother, Margot C. Jacoby, wrote in a book describing her daughter’s life.

“She taught English in China at all levels, elementary through college.”

Martha had graduated with honors from Cazenovia College and later earned a second degree from Lee University in Tennessee. She developed a passion for teaching and researching both English and history.

In 2007, she started working as an adjunct at Jefferson Community College, even sharing office space with her mother, who was also teaching in the school’s English Department.

14 | NNY Business | November 2015

BY NORAH MACHIA | NNY BUSINESS “It was a really wonderful time,” Mrs. Jacoby said. “She would bring me coffee in the morning, and we even worked out together at the gym. I learned from her as an adult child. It was such a privilege knowing her as an adult.”

Martha was also employed as a substitute teacher for children with special needs through the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES System. She played violin for the Jefferson Community College Orchestra.

She was popular among students and staff, and received the college’s Phi Theta Kappa Outstanding Part-time Faculty Award for the 2009-2010 academic year.

But it was during this time that Martha started to feel very fatigued. She was initially diagnosed with a case of pneumonia, treated with antibiotics, and seemed to be improving. Then she started to experience a persistent pain on her life side, where an ovarian cyst was discovered.

The exhaustion and pain, however, continued to worsen. One night after she could not stop vomiting, Martha was taken to the emergency department at Samaritan Medical Center. A battery of tests were run, including a CT scan, which revealed a tumor the size of a fist on her left kidney.

The physician in the emergency department broke devastating news to the family: Martha had a probable diagnosis of renal cell carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer. It was Stage 4, meaning it was advanced. Before she was discharged, a consultation was set up with Upstate Medical University, Syracuse.

The family was shocked. There was no history of kidney cancer in the family. Martha lived a healthy lifestyle, ate well and exercised, and she was not a smoker.

Mrs. Jacoby wrote some of her initial reactions in her book, titled “Love Lives: Becoming Martha O’Neill.”

C O V E R S T O RY

special to NNY BUSINESS

Margot C. Jacoby, with her daughter, Martha Papworth O’Neill. Martha died in 2010 after a fight against renal cell carcinoma, a rare form of kidney cancer. Mrs. Jacoby and her husband, Douglas, have established the Martha Papworth O’Neill Scholarship at the JCC Foundation.

The scholarship in Martha’s name is given each year to a non-traditional student enrolled in humanities and social sciences. A scholarship fund was also set up in Martha’s name at Cazenovia College, where she had served on the Alumni Board of Directors.

“That’s not right, that can’t be,” she wrote. “This is my daughter, my first born you are talking about. My beautiful, loving daughter who is just embarking on her dream career. She has her whole life ahead of her. She’s just 30 years old.”

For the following four months, Martha sought traditional cancer treatment at Upstate Medical University and alternative treatment at a North Carolina clinic.

She turned 31 years old while she was still in the hospital.

Martha wanted to make as many of her own decisions as possible during her battle with cancer. And that was not reserved to just medical treatments.

While on a ventilator, she sent a text message to her “soul-mate” of many years, Watertown resident William D. O’Neill.

Actually, it was more of a text proposal.

“Martha was very independent, and very determined,” her mother said.

Her message: “Wish you were here.

Let’s get married.”

Mr. O’Neill said yes right away, and within days, he was in the intensive care unit putting a ring on Martha’s finger during a wedding ceremony held right at the hospital.

She not only gained a husband from her hospital bed, but she also gained three step-children: Ian, Kyle and Caleb O’Neill.

Their time together as husband and wife, however, was short.

The following month, on Aug. 22, 2010, Martha died at Upstate Medical University following her courageous battle against kidney cancer.

After her death, Mrs. Jacoby and her husband, Douglas, established the Martha Papworth O’Neill Scholarship at the JCC Foundation. The first scholarship in Martha’s name was awarded in 2011. It’s given each year to a non-traditional student

enrolled in humanities and social sciences.

A scholarship fund was also set up in Martha’s name at Cazenovia College, where she had served on the Alumni Board of Directors. The family also established an endowment fund at Upstate Medical University to support renal cancer research.

Many of the scholarships given through the Jefferson Community College Foundation are established in honor or memory of a family member, said foundation director Lisa Familo.

“There is a story behind every single scholarship,” she said. “The people behind these scholarships show tremendous acts of kindness.”

“They take something tragic and turn it into something positive,” Mrs. Familo added. “A scholarship is a beautiful way to honor or remember someone.”

Last year, the college awarded 270 scholarships totaling $334,760, a record year November 2015 | NNY Business

| 15

COV E R STORY “This helps provide more of a sense of for JCC, Mrs. Familo said. Approximately “My grandmother was an avid reader, ownership in the community foundation, 82 percent of the college’s students receive and my mother always had a book in which is exactly as it should be,” Mr. Richsome type of financial aid. her hand,” Dr. Oliver said. “That’s the ardson added.

In addition to support from individuals, way I grew up. As a kid, I read more An increasing number of donors are alumni and businesses, the JCC Foundafor enjoyment.” becoming more passionate about specific tion also hosts several fundraising events In fact, his wife and one of his two causes and issues, he noted. throughout the year. The majority of daughters became teachers, and everyone “That is exactly what community founmoney donated to the foundation is used in the family had a passion for reading, for scholarships, and the he said. remaining money helps “We developed our own with technology and infrafamily and friends library structure upgrades. loan system,” he joked.

The JCC Foundation was Establishing a fund at established in 1979 to work the foundation “was a in partnership with the colunique way of honoring” lege, as well as with alumni his mother, and at the same and others in the commutime, providing support for nity to create scholarship a cause in the community opportunities for students. that was very important to The foundation maintains his family, Dr. Oliver said. assets of nearly $6.2 mil Dr. Oliver made a lion, and is governed by similar gesture for his a 21-member volunteer late father, Vincent R. board of directors.

Oliver, a retired Water The Northern New town City School District York Community Foundaadministrator who died tion has also experienced in 2013. Before his father’s growth in designated death, Dr. Oliver had set scholarships and total up a scholarship fund in funds, said Executive his name at the JefferDirector Rande S. Richardson Community College son. The foundation serves Foundation.

Jefferson, Lewis and St. “It was a Christmas gift Lawrence counties. in honor of him when he “In regards to growth, was alive,” Dr. Oliver said. over the past five years, “He said that was one of the foundation has the best Christmas gifts he added about 200 additional could have received.” named funds, which serve The scholarship is aimed a variety of charitable purat helping first-generation poses,” he said. “Over that college students. time, the assets the commu “My grandparents were AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS nity foundation stewards Italian immigrants,” Dr. Dr. James Oliver and his mother, Jan, inside the Flower Memorial Library, Watertown. has grown from just under Oliver said. “They did not Dr. Oliver has set up a fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation in his $40 million to approximatehave a lot of education, but mother’s honor to promote reading. ly $60 million.” they were hard workers.”

The foundation’s growth His father grew up durdations are engineered to help facilitate,” is due, in large part, “to an effort to build ing the Depression, entered the Air Force, Mr. Richardson said. “Of our roughly 200 upon a local heritage and tradition of giv“paid for college with help from the G.I. new funds established over the past few ing, coupled with an increased awareness Bill, and then became a teacher and later years, most of them have been created with of all the various ways donors can customan administrator in the Watertown School specific objectives in mind.” ize and tailor their giving both now and in District,” Dr. Oliver said.

One of those funds was established by perpetuity,” Mr. Richardson said.

“He taught me about the value of educaWatertown dentist Dr. James B. Oliver, as “Certainly, we have more relationships tion, and how it gives you so many more a gift to his mother, Jan Oliver, a retired with those who never thought they could opportunities in life,” he added. school library aide. It was established to make a difference with more modest giv The Northern New York Community honor her devotion for reading. The puring,” he said. “For many, it is a way to disFoundation has worked diligently to propose of the fund is to support an organizacover how a community foundation works, mote the idea that anyone who cares about tion or initiative that promotes the imporand how they can continue to develop the community can become involved in tance of reading among all ages. ways to customize their giving.” helping it, Mr. Richardson said.

16 | NNY Business | November 2015

C O V E R S T O RY “There is a place for everyone here, and we continue to adapt to ensure that we are able to provide that opportunity for all,” Mr. Richardson said. “Accessibility and diversity is a very big part of my personal mission statement.”

Another trend that the foundation has been experiencing is an increase in the number of donors who are designating their gifts for specific geographic areas of the north country, a “give where you live” concept, he said.

“That is something that community

foundations can do particularly well,” Mr. Richardson said. “Our north country is so vast in size, and with some communityspecific challenges and opportunities. I think, overall, the trend is going to be more donor-directed, both by location, and in areas of interest.”

Stephen W. Moyer and his husband, Lester C. Allen, are an example of donors who wanted to support a specific region in St. Lawrence County because of a strong connection to the area.

Last year, they established a special

Protect Your Investment

Medicare Solutions

H.D. Goodale Co. INSURANCE

145 Clinton St., Suite 107 Watertown, New York 13601

(315) 788-4581

goodale@northnet.org

fund at the foundation to support projects and endeavors in the Clifton-Fine region.

Although they live in Syracuse, the men have maintained a summer home in the Wanakena area for decades.

Their designated fund is a component of the Clifton-Fine Community Fund, which is administered by the NNYCF. “At one time this area had a lot of paper mills and mines, but many have closed over the years,” Mr. Moyer said.

Because the region has faced economic challenges, establishing a fund “seemed

Medicare Plans

Mary Lee Burmaster from Licensed Sales Agent 35281 County Route 7 Authorized to Offer Cape Vincent, NY 13618 315-654-4525 mlburmaster@yahoo.com

“Celebrating 65 Years”

Deer River 493-2391

Croghan 346-6378

Lowville 376-2731

“We are not like a good neighbor, we are your good neighbor.”

THIS SPACE

AVAILABLE!

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 17

cover story

Stephen W. Moyer and Lester C. Allen, are an example of donors who wanted to support a specific region in St. Lawrence County because of a strong connection to the area. Last year, they established a special fund at the Northern New York Community Foundation to support projects and endeavors in the Clifton-Fine region. special to NNY BUSINESS

like a great thing to do,” he said.

“We feel part of this community,” Mr. Moyer said. “We also have a strong belief in the Northern New York Community Foundation. So many other people also care about this region, so we wanted to support that permanent fund.”

One grant from their fund was made to the Wanakena Historical Association to help support the rebuilding of a historic suspension pedestrian bridge that had been listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1999. The Wanakena footbridge was built in 1902 by the Rich Lumber Co., who had operated a timber tract and large sawmill. It was initially used by the company’s workers to get back and forth from their homes to the mill, which were separated by the Oswegatchie River.

But in January 2014, the bridge sustained severe damage from chucks of ice in the river, and the area was closed off after the bridge’s foundation was destroyed. Shortly after, the community began a fundraising effort to restore the iconic bridge.

A second grant was given to “a group of 18 | NNY Business | November 2015

young people hoping to revitalize the area by establishing a coffee house and music place at the area’s general store, which is now closing,” Mr. Moyer said.

The idea is to also create a “community meeting hall and an art gallery” inside the building, said Mr. Moyer, a broker associate for Berkshire Hathaway CNY Realty.

Sometimes donors don’t have a specific designation for their gifts, but they just want to support a nonprofit agency because it has helped their family.

M

n n n

ichael Chiappone, owner of Chiappone’s Tire Warehouse on West Main Street in Watertown, credits the nonprofit Disabled Persons Action Organization for helping his developmentally disabled grandson learn the social skills needed to work in the community.

For the past 11 years, his grandson Brian has worked as a greeter at Sam’s Club in Watertown, and has been recognized by the company with awards for his dedication to the job.

“DPAO has such a compassionate staff,” Mr. Chiappone said. “They do a first-class job with their clients.”

Brian had been participating in socialization programs offered by the DPAO since he was a toddler. He has also received job training services through the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center.

“Our community is blessed to have both agencies,” Mr. Chiappone said. “They really work hand-in-hand with each other.”

Brian lives with his parents, Mark and Joni Chiappone, who have “done a fantastic job raising him,” the grandfather said.

The activities at the DPAO, 617 Davidson Street, Watertown, “not only helped Brian develop his social skills, but they really helped to draw out his personality,” said Mr. Chiappone.

Mr. Chiappone also had Brian spend time at the tire business while growing up, and he became fast friends with the business’s regular customers and suppliers.

A scrapbook in Mr. Chiappone’s office contains a newspaper clipping with a photo printed several years ago in the Watertown

cover story Daily Times. The photo was taken of Brian at a dance marathon being held as a fundraiser for the Disabled Persons Action Organization. Mr. Chiappone had helped his grandson raise more than $3,000 for that event.

The tire repair shop owner remains grateful for the help provided by the agency, and still supports them with regular contributions. He also works with the Kiwanis Club, which sponsors an annual picnic for the DPAO clients.

“The kids really look forward to that picnic every year,” Mr. Chiappone said.

Although he is 37 years old, Brian still participates in some of the DPAO activities, including attending the agency’s fundraising concerts.

“It make him feel part of the community,” Mr. Chiappone said. “And he really enjoys the music.”

In late 2013, the DPAO incorporated a foundation to help with its fundraising events, including its annual concert series.

Joseph L. Rich, former DPAO Executive Director, was appointed to serve as the foundation’s president.

It was Mr. Rich who started the agency in 1976 and has seen it grown to serve hundreds of families in Jefferson and

Check Out The New Look At Garlocks Design Center Monday-Friday 7am-5pm, Saturday 8am-12pm, Sunday CLOSED 15 WASHINGTON ST., ALEXANDRIA BAY

315-482-2521

WWW.GARLOCKS.COM

WATERTOWN SPRING & ALIGNMENT

NORTZ & VIRKLER, INC. 7468 State St., Lowville, NY 376-6594

ASE CERTIFIED • HRS: M-F 8 TO 5

Offer: Shocks, CV Joints, Tune-Ups, NYS Inspections, Auto Trans. Service, Air-Conditioning Service, Alighments, Struts, Brakes, Oil Change w/Filter, Engine Repair, 21-pt Safety Check, Fuel Injection Service and More!

445 COFFEEN ST., WATERTOWN

788-6831 or 1-800-359-1210

19101 U.S. Rte. 11 - Watertown, NY 13601

315-785-0904

• car audio • speedliner spray-on bedliner • leer truck caps • nerf bars • complete auto detailing • window tinting • bedliners • tonneau covers • grill guards • running boards • auto alarms • luggage racks • rust protection sound barrier • paint protection • fabric protection • mud flaps • remote starter • fog lights • vent visors • bug deflectors

RIDES FOR LESS!

Affordable Auto Rentals. Daily & Weekly Rates.

Extended terms available.

Mon. - Fri. 8am-5:30pm, Sat. 8am2pm OR BY APPOINTMENT FULL LINE FORD PRODUCTS QUALITY FIRST CLASS SERVICE & SALES

1-800-957-5748 www.nortzandvirklerford.com

TIRE SALE EVENT! Held Over Thru November 30th

THIS SPACE

AVAILABLE!

Serving Lewis • Jefferson and Surrounding Counties for 97 Years - Serving You Since 1916!

MAIL-IN REBATE OR CASH BACK REWARD CARD ON ALL SELECT SET OF 4 NEW TIRES!

UP TO $140

Before You Buy Somewhere Else, Check Us Out. We’ll Meet Or Beat Any Competitor!

CALL, OR SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT ONLINE AT

WWW.FUCCILLO.COM Mon-Thur 9-8 EXIT 41 OFF ROUTE 81 • ROUTE 11, ADAMS • 232-3222 or 1-800-235-8037 FriOpen & Sat 9-6; Sun. 10-5 or OUTER WASHINGTON ST., WATERTOWN FOR IMPORT & MITSUBISHI Service & Parts, Mon-Sat 8-5

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 19

Michael Chiappone, right, and his grandson Brian, at the Disables Persons Action Organization, or DPAO, where Brian receives services and Michael has helped to support programs.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY Business

20 | NNY Business | November 2015

C O V E R S T O RY Lewis counties with a staff of 140 full and part-time employees.

Mr. Rich, a former television reporter for WWNY-TV, decided to establish an agency that could help people with a range of disabilities after he had covered a story of a young man paralyzed in a hunting accident. The man’s family was not able to receive any financial assistance to help with his care.

Over the years, much of the agency’s fundraising efforts have focused on its concerts, drawing performers ranging

from Loretta Lynn to Meatloaf, and more recently, Lynyrd Skynyrd. Although the agency receives state funding, it also needs proceeds from the concerts to help as many individuals and families as possible.

What many people may not realize, however, is the amount of support the agency receives from businesses and individuals to help sponsor the annual fundraising concerts, said Mr. Rich.

“We have donors who are always there, they just can’t do enough for us,” he said.

“The season ticket people come every

year, they know all the money is going to help the individuals we serve.”

The agency sees “folks from all walks of life” giving to support the programs and services offered in both Jefferson and Lewis counties, he said.

“I just can’t say enough about the people who volunteer their time and money in support of our agency,” Mr. Rich said.

n Norah Machia is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-year veteran journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter. Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com.

NNY Marketplace

HATE THE DENTIST?

HOT-N-READY

Treat Yourself & Your Family To Comfortable, Safe & Anxiety Free Dental Care In Our Office

CLASSIC

Scott LaClair, DDS

A nice white, straight smile helps a face light up. Call today to experience a dental care approach like no other.

We Treat You And Your Teeth!

HOT-N-READY ALL DAY, EVERY DAY! ®

420 STATE ST., WATERTOWN

222-7171

315-686-5142

EVANS MILLS SHOPPING CENTER

775 Graves Street, Clayton www.ClaytonDentalOffice.com

629-1300

Participating Participating With With United United Concordia, Concordia, Delta Delta Dental, Dental, Metlifde, Metlifde, Teamstors, Teamstors, CareCredit CareCredit

1,000 GUITARS IN STOCK! 154 Court St. Watertown, NY

Toll Free 1-877-362-4827

www.drguitarmusic.com

PET & FARM SUPPLIES

23175 Murrock Circle Watertown, NY

• High Quality Pet And Animal Feeds • Bird Seed And Feeders • Dog And Cat Toys • Caged Bird Seed And Supplies • Feed For Backyard Farmers And Equine Enthusiasts Mon. - Fri. 8:00am - 5:30pm, Sat. 8:00am -1:00pm

(315) 788-0541 • www.bluesealretailstores.com

Watertown’s Oldest - and Newest - Irish Pub! • Guinness On Tap! • Harp On Tap! • Offering Daily Specials!

• Take-Out Available!

Open Daily at 11:00AM • Sunday at Noon

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

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

849 Lawrence Street, Watertown, NY 782-6888 Serving Lunch & Dinner Monday-Thursday 11:00am to 10:00pm Friday & Saturday 11:00am to 11:00pm

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 21

F eatures

Bob Gould, left, is retiring from Northwestern Mutual in Watertown after nearly 40 years.

He also served as a mentor for Cliff Davis, right, and recruited him to the financial services firm 23 years ago.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

All in a life’s work

Bob Gould will always shine at Northwestern Mutual

By Joleene Moody

W NNY Business

hen Cliff Davis met Bob Gould in the hallway of a downtown Watertown office building, he had no idea that selling insurance investments would become his life.

Mr. Davis is a retired Army Reserve lieutenant colonel. He knew when he left active duty at Fort Drum that he wanted to buy a business of some kind.

A franchise, if he could find a decent one.

So when Mr. Gould sparked his interest in Northwestern Mutual some 23 years ago, Mr. Davis listened with deep interest.

“Meeting Bob Gould was a happy accident,” Mr. Davis said. “I was supposed to meet with a headhunter that day. Headhunters recruit military officers for Fortune 500 jobs, and I was to interview with a company out of Detroit. When I went

22 | NNY Business | November 2015

by that Monday morning to interview, no one was there. Bob Gould saw me waiting and invited me to have a seat in his office.

I asked him what he did and he told me.

That’s where it began.”

That inviting gesture gave Mr. Davis a future. But what’s more, it was an introduction to mentor and top insurance salesman Bob Gould, a man who knows what it takes to succeed in the financial services industry. He knows how because he lives it, and like most who plunge headfirst into the world of entrepreneurship, Mr. Gould recognized the only way to build a deliberate, successful life was to step up and work for it.

Mr. Gould was 23 years old when he was about to take a night job as a manager at Friendly’s restaurant. He killed that plan after talking with then-SUNY Oswego college director Bob Brutsch. Mr. Brutsch was very driven and very suc-

cessful as a Northwestern Mutual agent, Mr. Gould said, and that success was attractive. In turn, the college director saw gumption in the young man and gave him his first shot as an insurance agent.

“What Brutsch saw in me was work ethic,” Mr. Gould recalled. “He made it very clear that if I did what he asked me to do, I could do good work, too. He knew I was a caring person and that I was a competitor. And he knew, because I grew up in foster homes and on farms that I respected hard work. He gave me an opportunity to become a college agent at the time.”

Mr. Gould was a second semester junior when he began his contract with Northwestern Mutual. To date, he’s been with the company for just over four decades, an exceptional feat, considering longevity is hard to come by in most industries today.

In that time, he’s written approximately 5,950 policies for families and businesses

Features across the north country, a testament to his faith, commitment and belief in the Milwaukee-based Northwestern Mutual.

But now the time has come to hang his hat. After 40 years, Mr. Gould wants to slow down. Semi-retire, as they say, and manage his accounts until other agents like Mr. Davis can assume skillful responsibility of them. Leaving his work behind won’t be easy. He’s got years of honest, meaningful relationships with longtime clients under his belt, and he wants to keep it that way.

“I’m going to miss my clients. Forty years makes for strong relationships.

Some are with people I’ve done business with for more than 20 years. It’s an awesome responsibility,” Mr. Gould said, “but I’m confident in the agents like Cliff.”

Mr. Gould has mentored many men and women over the past 40 years. His passion for the business is palpable. It’s the same passion he was able to ignite in Mr. Davis.

“I knew how to farm and I knew how to fight,” Mr. Davis said. “I knew logistics.

But I didn’t know anything about selling insurance. I was inclined to be self-employed, so it intrigued me. Bob gave me the spark to check out the industry. Here I am some twenty years later helping other people because I know it’s the right thing to do. That’s what Bob taught me.”

The right thing to do is serve clients with the best product that fits their needs.

Everyone is different. Every business is different. Mr. Gould believes the key to serving a client is simple: Show up with integrity and knowledge and genuinely care about the person you intend to serve.

“If you have expert training, a great company and discipline, you’re going to be great. Here in the north country if you want to be successful, you better talk to everybody and you better be talking a lot,” Mr. Gould said. “The only ones who are going to make it are the ones who are truly compassionate and care about people.”

Bob Gould leaves Northwestern Mutual with a myriad of recognition in his wake, including being named at the Million Dollar Round Table 31 times, an accolade that puts him in the top 5 percent of all insurance producers in the world. n Joleene moody is a creative coach, author, comedic speaker and freelance writer who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at joleenemoody.com.

HUNTING AND CAMPING GEAR

We Support You:

(315) 493-1492 team@cortelimprovement.com

www.cortelimprovement.com

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 23

R EA L E STATE ROUNDUP

Traditions from around the globe

T

n n n

1, 2014, and Sept. 30, 2015. Amanda Miller, Lake Ontario Real Estate, was honored as the top seller and Sandra Rowland, Freedom Homes, as the top rental agent.

The rest of the sales honorees, in alphabetical order, were: Britton Abbey, Roger Abbey, Lois Aubin, Clifford Bennett III, Larry Boliver, Marcia Brooks, Vicki Bulger, Kent Burto, Patricia Calhoun, Walter Christensen, Libby Churchill, James Conlin, Sonia Conlin, Kathy Cook, Katherine Couch, Melanie Curley, Carole Dunbar, William Elliott, Kenneth Erb, Jennifer Flynn, Cathy Garlock, Matthew Garlock, Anne George, Joan Gerni LaLone, Lori Gervera, Marsha Gibbons, Michael Hall, Janet Handschuh, Jennifer Hebert, Les Henry, Beth Hopkins, Suzanne Krouse, Barry Kukowski, Jacqueline Ladue, Keith Lawrence, William Leepy, Donna Loucks, Lisa Lowe, Julie Lyndaker, Brenda Malone, Erin Meyer, Elizabeth Miller, Gail Miller, Gwyn Monnat, Cynthia Moyer, Rob Moyer, Lori Nettles, Bambi Norman, Lorie O’Brien, Doris Olin, Karen Peebles, Debbie Polniak, Lori Porter, Penny Price, Maxine Quigg, Randy Raso, Gayla Roggie, Nancy Rome, Jill Rosette, Jason Smith, Nicholas Sterling, Tania Sterling, John Stevens, Barry Stewart, Nancy Storino-Farney, Bernard Sturr, Janette Vander Baan, and Nancy Williams.

In addition to Ms. Rowland, the top rental honorees were: Clifford Bennett III, Ron Berie, James Conlin, Sonia Conlin, Joan Gerni LaLone, Elaine Gibeau, Nicole Lajoie, and Micah Matteson.

On Oct. 29, the Tri-County (NY) WCR Chapter held its sixth annual “Top Producer” event honoring 69 Jefferson-Lewis Realtors who were in the top 20 percent in terms of units sold or rented between Oct.

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.

he saying goes that all real estate is local, but not all homebuyers are local. According to the National Association of Realtors 2015 international homebuyers report, global buyers spent an estimated $104 billion on housing in 2014, an increase of more than $10 billion from the previous year. American real estate is extremely attractive to foreign buyers due to our attractive prices, economic stability, and well-defined property rights.

As more international buyers become a part of the fabric of American communities, they bring with them their many traditions and customs — including those that go along with moving into a new home.

Below are a few common housewarming traditions from around the globe.

finished, the French throw a traditional party called the ‘pendre la cremaillere,’ literally meaning ‘to hang the chimney hook.’ The phrase comes from medieval times when it was customary to invite over evLance Evans eryone who took part in the building of the house and eat dinner as a gesture of thanks. The food would be cooked in a large pot over a fire, where the chimney hook could be used to raise or lower the pot to heat or cool the food.

Thailand

India

Thai tradition dictates that visitors bring new homeowners three items: rice, water, and a knife. The rice and water are so that food is always plentiful and the homeowner will know prosperity, and the knife is to protect them from any evil spirits. There is also a traditional ceremony known as “Sen Wai Jour Teen,” during which the homeowner asks the “Lord of the Land” and any restless ghosts and spirits in the vicinity for protection through an offering of food and water, flowers, and incense.

China

Before moving into a new home, Chinese custom is to shine a light in every corner, closet and wardrobe of the house. This tells any lingering spirits know that it is time to leave and how to find the way outside.

France

When construction of a new home is

24 | NNY Business | November 2015

In India, it is considered lucky to move into a new house on Thursday, while Friday and Saturday are the unluckiest days to move.

There is also the ceremonial housewarming known as “Grinha Pravesh,” during which, in some parts of the country, a cow is allowed to walk through the house first, bringing good fortune to the homeowners.

Buying a home can be a complicated and trying process, and Realtors have the expertise to serve clients in a variety of real estate transactions. No matter where you are from, when you are ready to buy a home make sure to contact a Realtor.

RE AL E STAT E / top transactions The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in September: $1,500,000: Sept. 2, Town of Cape Vincent: 1096.839 acres more or less, no address given, Wesley Bourcy, Cape Vincent, sold to Wood Farms LLC, Clayton $1,475,000: Sept. 30, Town of Alexandria: 2.86 acres, Aerie Cove Road, Charles G. Caprara, Manlius, sold to Thomas O. McCraith and Patricia M. McCraith, Clinton. $600,000: Sept. 16, Town of Cape Vincent: 16.26 acres, state Route 12E (Cape Vincent-Clayton Highway), William G. Erwin, Rochester, sold to Daniel Thomas and Carol Thomas, Cape Vincent. $600,000: Sept. 30: Town of Alexandria: No acreage given, island known as Isle Imperial, Mary Ann Waterstreet, Spencerport, as trustee of Arthur C. Waterstreet Irrevocable Trust, sold to Peter Mellon, Fineview. $472,500: Sept. 25, Town of Henderson: 1.002 acres, Snowshoe Road, David Moran, Henderson, sold to Eric Larson, Dobbs Ferry $456,300: Sept. 14, Town of Orleans: Two parcels, 1.2 acres, 18338 Blue Heron Drive, Wellesley Island, Thomas Eder and Mary Eder, Wellesley Island, sold to Eugene H. Hulbert and Larraine A. Hulbert, Binghamton.

Michael and Coletta Richardson, Ogdensburg.

S. Wellings and Colleen M. Baker, Potsdam.

$205,000: Sept. 18, Town of Colton: Parcel 1) 0.067 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) 0.32 of an acre more or less, Section 21, bounded by Route 56, Deborah A. Taylor, North Fort Myers, Fla., sold to Jennifer Waite and Angela Doe, Ogdensburg.

$187,000: Sept. 24, Town of Potsdam: Unknown acres, Lot 4, bounded by Lime Hollow Road, Cindy J. Vivlamore, Norwood, sold to Jason F. and Tara L. Gallant, Norfolk.

$200,000: Sept. 14, Village of Massena: 0.421 of an acre more or less, bounded by Windsor Road, Jeffrey L. and Barbara Darling, Massena, sold to Michael H. and Jessica A. Cox, Brasher Falls. $190,000: Sept. 29, Village of Potsdam: Unknown acres, bounded by Upper Main Street, Kussad House LLC, Camas, Wash., sold to Jeffrey

$185,000: Sept. 11, Town of Parishville: 0.31 of an acre more or less, Lot 42, bounded by Southville Road, Johannes H. Dulfer, Potsdam, sold to Richard Wessel Jr., Potsdam. $180,000: Sept. 18, City of Ogdensburg: Unknown acres, Block 437, bounded by Proctor Avenue and William Street, Angela M. Doe and Jennifer M. Waite, Ogdensburg, sold to Billie P. and Brenda J. Buttry, Anchorage, Alaska.

Your story is our story.

$385,000: Sept. 30: Town of Alexandria: 1 acre, Linden Cove Road, Mark A. Smith and Susan J. Tague Smith, Alexandria Bay, sold to Carl H. Lueck and Tamala S. Lueck, Eustis, Fla. $365,000: Sept. 30, Town of Alexandria: No acreage given, Unit 18, Pines & Stonegate, Edward J. Rosecrans and Sandra Rosecrans, Liverpool, sold to Ronald J. Turner, Fayetteville $350,000: Sept. 30, Town of Hounsfield: 0.31 acres, Storrs Road, David A. Erhardt, Sackets Harbor, sold to Richard J. Purvis and Paula J. Amato, Dexter. $310,000: Sept. 28, Town of Henderson: 0.318 acres, Snowshoe Road, MOTL LLC, Rochester, sold to K-Club Properties LLC, Oswego The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s office in September: $605,000: Sept. 24, Town of Hammond: 0.95 of an acre more or less, on Chippewa Point, bounded by state Route 12, John M. Freeman and Patricia A. Vandermallie (trustees), Freeman Irrevocable Trust, Hammond, sold to Gary E. and Cindy L. Rowe, Watertown. $251,000: Sept. 14, Town of Brasher: Parcel 1) 48.96 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 2.01 acres more or less, Lot 77, bounded by Hopson Road, Michael H. and Jessica A. Cox, Brasher Falls, sold to Christopher G. Sarsfield, Canton. $239,000: Sept. 4, Town of Pierrepont: 0.48 of an acre more or less, bounded by Colton Road, Roger B. Cameron, Potsdam, sold to Geoffrey and Maryon Brown, Potsdam. $215,000: Sept. 17, Town of Waddington: 12.29 acres more or less, Lot 37, bounded by Dennis Road, Charles E. and Carol Coons, Lisbon, sold to

“This community is really important to us. It’s a great place to live, work and raise a family. Anything that we can do to make the community better or keep it going is important to us. We’ve seen firsthand what the Community Foundation does. We know it’s a good organization, and we know others who have received scholarships or grants. We’ve seen the grants at work in our community. We thought it would be a great place to put a few of our dollars.”

Marc and Christina Laribee, Owners, Grace-Way Farms, Lowville Marc was a Community Foundation scholarship recipient in 1990 His scholarship supported his education and helped position him for a local career in agriculture

Northern New York

Community Foundation 120 Washington Street, Suite 400, Watertown, NY 13601 1 Main Street, Suite 102A, Canton, NY 13617

(315) 782-7110 • info@nnycf.org • www.nnycf.org

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 25

20 questions

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Regional solutions at work n 30

A

years later, DANC develops tools for success

landfill hauler dumps trash at a regional solid waste management facility. Workers install new fiberoptic cable for a high-speed telecommunications line. An entrepreneur acquires a loan to start a seasonal resort.

Those are but a few activities in Northern New York made possible by the Development Authority of the North Country, which celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The authority has seen many growing pains since it was established in June 1985 by the state Legislature, finding numerous ways to contract with municipalities and residents across Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. On the occasion of 30 years of service, we sat down with DANC Executive Director James W. “Jim” Wright to learn more about his agency’s mission and its future.

1 2

NNYB: How many staff members does DANC have and what’s the agency’s annual budget?

WRIGHT: 75 staff, $37 million budget.

NNYB: What’s one of the least-known services that DANC provides that people should know?

WRIGHT: The study of local government. We’re currently working in two municipalities. The village of Hermon, we’re working with them — have completed — a dissolution study, and now we’re currently working with Clifton-Fine on a consolidation study. The state of New York provides funding to look at mergers, alternatives, so we’ve been authorized to contract with the municipalities to service those studies because that’s the requirement.

There has to be an analysis and a study. We’ve now completed one, and we’re now working on the process of Clifton-Fine. It’s a combination of analyzing all the data about the municipality, presenting it to a

26 | NNY Business | November 2015

citizens’ committee that’s usually comprised of board members — elected as well as appointed individuals — securing their input and developing recommendations for their consideration. It’s a new line of business to us. It’s been done by outside consultants in other areas. This is the first time we’ve had the opportunity to do it. It seems to be a very logical fit with the growth of municipal contracts that we have now.

3

NNYB: Recycling and the reduction of waste going into the regional landfill has been a consistent initiative for DANC. How successful has that been?

WRIGHT: We’re seeing progress. You can see it in the decline of the municipal solid waste stream.

That’s on a regular recurring basis. It could be better. We’re in the process now of documenting to what degree we’ve seen change in the last five years and will continue working with the municipalities. If you’ve recently seen the coverage of Massena, it demonstrates that people don’t like change.

And in turn it takes leadership from the elected officials to encourage that kind of activity. The mayor did just that, and we saw an improvement in their numbers. As a result he saved money for the municipality. It’s a win for everybody. It’s simply a question of local elected leaders encouraging participation.

Recycling is actually required by law. It’s a New York state law, and each of the three counties have adopted local laws that require local residents to recycle as well. The problem, as it is with many things of that nature, is enforcement. That’s what you’re encountering some resistance with – the absence of enforcement or inconsistent enforcement. It’s difficult for us to do because by the time it gets to us, we’re really not going to sort through the waste. It has to be on the front end, the collection point.

NNYB: How many years do you estimate have been added to the life of the regional landfill be-

cause of these efforts?

4

WRIGHT: I don’t know that we’ve ever actually calculated that. Part of it is because of the ebb and flow that’s gone on, particularly here in Jefferson County, where you’ve seen growth as a result of housing Fort Drum. So annually, that contributes to a change in the waste stream from demolition projects, that kind of thing. We haven’t done the net calculation in terms of what it would save. But certainly where the new landfill was predicted for 2018, we’re now looking further out. So it’s been at least four years that have been added.

5

NNYB:DANC recently surveyed residents about recycling. Have you had the results yet? What did you learn?

WRIGHT: That’s what we’re in the process of now.

It’s a combination of things we’re looking at. We did an opinion survey where we were looking for feedback and results from residents. We’re also doing a waste composition analysis at each of the three county locations, and then again at the landfill. All of that will be compiled in a single report and shared probably late November or early December. We’ll use that as a planning document going into the next fiscal year.

6

NNYB:Should Fort Drum land the missile defense site, DANC will play a role in helping to build out needed infrastructure to accommodate it. How well prepared is the agency to help in that effort?

WRIGHT: I think we’re well positioned to assist in that effort. From the authority’s standpoint ... it’s a relatively simple reach to get there. We could extend existing capacity. The relations we have with the Army could easily be an extension of the current contract, or depending on the federal requirements, it could become a new contract. From our perspective,

2 0 q uestions hooking up the utility components that we handle — sewer, water and telecomm — it’s doable.

7

NNYB:DANC has invested millions in building out telecommunications infrastructure for the region.

What kind of return on that investment is tangible that people may not realize?

WRIGHT: I think if you look around the community, it was not only to insure that you had access to Broadband but that there was a competition available. Whether it’s Verizon or AT&T or any other service provider, we now provide choices to people.

As a private business where you had one provider and that was it available to you, now you have multiple providers. We’ve seen that change occur on a regular basis, which brings more affordable prices to the business community. There are now some 278 businesses we service. You have choice, you have affordability. That was the objective. From the standpoint of Fort Drum, we now have multiple providers on Fort Drum as well. It’s a very competitive opportunity. It’s a tangible benefit to the community.

8

NNYB:What is the buildout plan? Is it connecting major hubs to this region?

WRIGHT: If you take a look at the map, you can see that we’re already there. We come across the Adirondacks, over to Plattsburgh, down into Albany, across on a link along the Thruway, Utica and Syracuse. You’ll notice it’s all a series of loops. There’s the bigger circle and the smaller circles; that’s to give us the redundancies and the access that we’re looking for, the egress from the area. It’s like an electrical circuit. If one gets severed or blocked, you go up the other way. And all of that is done instantaneously.

The next primary builds right now, we’re focusing on a public safety network that links the E911 centers throughout the region. We continue to expand the two telemedicine networks and the two educational networks where we provide services through BOCES and to universities. They’re all continuing to grow.

New builds are on the basis of those networks. We continue to have conversations with others in the North Country Regional Economic Development Council footprint, particularly in Herkimer and Hamilton counties. Actually telecommunications (the initiative) just commemorated 10 years. You had the initial buildout in the three-county region from Syracuse, up through Oswego, into Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence (counties). Since then, you had the (Economic Recovery Act) funding that the federal government issued and that awarded us funds to build south to Utica as well as east through the Adirondacks — both state priorities — to Plattsburgh and Elizabethtown and down to Albany. Those have been the two big phases of construction. It’s critical if you talk to anybody, whether it’s a small-business individual or your major businesses: having access to high-speed Broadband is a significant advantage.

And it’s become so accessible in other areas that it’s a significant disadvantage if it’s not available. We’re in a unique position in that we’ve closed that gap.

The state has an initiative to deploy 100 megabits of Broadband throughout the state. We will work with the state to continue that endeavor. That’s the kind of speed that businesses and industry are looking for.

9

NNYB:As a rural area as large as we are, are we ahead of other like areas?

WRIGHT: I think we were initially, 10 years ago.

Others have been closing that gap. I think there’s a recognition that the investment has to be made to be competitive. We initially made the investment because our school districts were not being serviced by the resident provider, if you will. It was very clear

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Development Authority of the North Country executive director James W. “Jim” Wright talkes about the Authority’s 30-year history in his office at the Dulles State Office Building, Watertown.

The James W. “Jim” Wright file AGE: 66 JOB: Executive director, Development Authority of the North Country, for six years FAMILY: Wife Carol;. daughter Alison Nugent, 31; sons Conner, 18, and Alec, 16; two grandchildren HOMETOWN: Cayuga; lives in Watertown EDUCATION: SUNY Oswego; Maxwell School of Public Administration at Syracuse University. Selected to participate in the Program for Senior Executives, Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University and the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College CAREER: Child-protection case worker; Oswego County personnel director; Oswego County administrator; Jefferson County administrator; 15 years as a state senator BEST BOOK YOU’VE READ AND WOULD RECOMMEND: “The Power Broker” by Robert Caro that investment was not going to be made. The authority was asked to fill that void. That continues to this day in many instances. There are many areas the private sector does not have the return on investment.

We have the advantage that we’re not profit-driven; we’re not paying taxes That enables us to provide services to areas that normally wouldn’t have it.

10

NNYB: What is the life span of the technology?

WRIGHT: That’s always the challenge. It’s easy to upgrade. It’s technology that is consistently turning over improvements. Right now you’re looking at usually a seven-year life cycle. We have been through one major upgrade of our electronics already. The cable itself is fine. The fiber is fine. It’s really the electronics you’re working through. With each generation of improvement, you’re making a significant investment in electronics. We’ve made an investment of several million dollars in the last couple of years to upgrade our capabilities. It is a significant investment to maintain all the assets and stay current.

NNYB: Thanks to rapidly changing technology, GIS is a new initiative that’s somewhat mind boggling. Rural firefighters can use iPads to find

11

hydrants, for example. How has that expanded?

WRIGHT: It’s the technology that’s available. Our objective is trying to deploy that uniformly across the region. That requires an initial investment to actually do the mapping. New York state has funds available. We access the state funds on behalf of a group of municipalities. We will then go in and award the money and map the infrastructure of the municipalities. The municipal assets get GIS’d. We now have contracts with 52 different municipalities to provide GIS services.

12

NNYB: DANC’s work to support water and sewer infrastructure for smaller towns has saved those towns significant money by providing engineering expertise. Can you tell us how that came to pass?

WRIGHT: We started with our core business – the sewer and water connections to Fort Drum. From that Fort Drum wanted to see expansion. As a result you have water and sewer districts that have developed.

With that our internal engineering capabilities grew.

We now take on projects that are probably the largest projects that most of these municipalities are going to encounter. When you’re talking about projects that are 2 to 3 to 10 million dollar investments in infrastructure and volunteer governing boards that don’t have the expertise with major construction projects, that’s where we can be beneficial. Many of our contracts are technical-assistance agreements, where we’re providing engineering services and project management we become the eyes and the ears of the municipality in working with their engineers and contractors. It helps the municipality have continuity and contacts to work with us. We can work with a municipality throughout the process. We now have contracts with 99 municipalities in various forms.

13

NNYB: The Authority recently agreed to provide a $200,000 revolving line of credit to re-establish a housing rehab program run by Neighbors of Watertown. Why is this an important initiative for the Authority?

WRIGHT: We have led the effort over the last half dozen years to address the identified need for affordable housing within the community. And when I say affordable, I mean access to quality housing within the community that had heretofore not been available, whether it was Fort Drum-related or community-related. We worked with Fort Drum, and the community had an identified goal of building 1,100 new units. That has been met and they are either in place or on the drawing board for further construction. From that vantage point, we’ve November 2015 | NNY Business

| 27

20 questions been successful. What that means is it provides people choices. That was one of our objectives was to make sure there were choices in housing.

Now that you have choices available, it means that some of these less-attractive offerings now need to be rehabilitated. You see it whether it’s a privately owned product or federally subsidized product.

They all need investments. What we know is still an identified need is low-income or affordable housing.

That’s not being met by the marketplace, so we will continue to focus on those endeavors to make quality housing available by rehabbing existing housing so it becomes more attractive and meets people’s needs better. This is one of those projects.

NNYB: What is the most challenging aspect of pro-

14

viding regional leadership and service across such a large geographic territory?

WRIGHT: The diversity of interests. On any given day, whether it’s recycling goals or broader economic issues, there is a competition that remains within the region. We try to work with that to facilitate it so it becomes a positive force rather than a negative force. This is particularly true in the economic development arena, where we encourage a regional perspective rather than competing against one another. That still exists to this day, so that becomes the hurdle: the diversity of interests. People from the outside look at it and say it is all rural Northern New York and should be the same, in fact. But it is not. There are differences in perspective among the three counties.

15

NNYB: How important has building the right team of managers and staff been to DANC’s success?

WRIGHT: It’s critical. The success that we’ve had over the past half-dozen years is directly attributable to the team of managers we’ve been able to recruit as well as the promotions internally. Several of the current managers were on staff; they have been promoted to take on additional responsibilities. That’s been key. Whether it’s at the management level or the entry level, we do the same things. We cross train, we have shared responsibilities. That is the dynamic that has enabled us to grow and be productive.

16

NNYB: Your staff includes many up-and-coming younger professionals. What can other businesses and agencies do to recruit and retain quality young professionals?

WRIGHT: The key is we give them challenges and we give them opportunities. We are diverse in what we do, so it is not going to become routine.

17

NNYB: Where do you see this agency in 10 years?

WRIGHT: We continue to build upon the municipal partnership. We’ve consistently grown year after year in terms of our contracts with municipalities. In terms of where New York state is headed, where finances are headed, shared services become more and more an option for people.

We’re in a position to do that, to assist. That’s a very direct savings to municipalities.

18

NNYB: Your board vice chairman recently said that you “make sure the board has a vision for where we’re going.” How do you keep that vision on track?

WRIGHT: Annually we spend a day talking about where we think the Authority can and should be going. On a couple of different occasions, we’ve brought in municipal leaders who have worked with us to evaluate what it is we are doing for them. Is that an appropriate level of service? Are there more opportunities? Are those opportunities a good fit?

19

NNYB: What’s the best advice you’ve ever followed during your career?

WRIGHT: It was some advice my father gave me that was really kind of twofold. One is that you personally have to ask people to invest in you. The other piece of it was kind of a spinoff on the Boy Scout troop that he had me involved in. It was do your homework. Or as the Boy Scouts say, “Be prepared.”

But it’s always been do your homework so that you understand what you’re dealing with. From there, you can make informed decisions. That becomes relatively easy when you have the information.

20

NNYB: After a long career in public service, are you in the ideal job now?

WRIGHT: I think I am. That’s what my wife tells me.

I was always more comfortable being an administrator/manager than a legislator. From a personal standpoint of satisfaction, it’s seeing things get done in a timely fashion. We joke that our motto for strategic planning is “Just Do It.” We have defined objectives, we’re looking to meet them, and we do that. I enjoy the direct reward of managing and seeing the project completed.

— Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length, clartity and grammar to fit this space.

28 | NNY Business | November 2015

G U E ST E S S AY

Some lessons learned from Cuba

I

recently returned from one of my life’s greatest adventures, traveling to a place few Americans have been allowed to visit — the nation of Cuba. I had never even thought about traveling there but when offered this unique opportunity, I jumped at the chance of experiencing its culture and meeting its people.

It began after being approached by colleagues in the Child Welfare League of America, the Council of Family and Child Caring Agencies, and the Coalition for Research to Practice, who had formed a delegation traveling to Havana focused on sharing, learning, and networking child welfare expertise.

This delegation of community leaders, educators, researchers, and officers representing children and family service programs throughout the United States and Puerto Rico, were missioned with the task of learning all they could about the strengths of Cuba’s community-based child welfare practices, and sharing our best practices with Cuban leaders.

As Cuba has no child welfare system in place as we do in the States, my personal goal was to witness firsthand how they care for their children and families. What I witnessed was a culture vastly different from ours — but also very different from what I imagined.

Landing in this brightly colored land filled with beautiful, yet crumbling, architecture, I felt very much like I was stepping back in time. The hotel was comfortable, the restaurants small and family owned — and yes — “vintage” American cars were everywhere.

Our first stop was the Cuban National Maternal Child Health Center. In this country where diets are less than ideal, alcohol and tobacco widely used, and prostitution rampant, the staff shared their successful methods of treating pregnant women and babies. All mothers attending the clinic are monitored closely. Consistent care is given throughout pregnancy and continues long after.

Many of the moms live at the clinic throughout their pregnancy and as long as three months after delivery.

An attorney at the National Union of

derson Harbor Triathlon shirt in my bag.

Lawyers spoke I will never forget her huge smile when I passionately on handed her the shirt. The moment tranCuban famscended any language barrier. ily law. He Education is held in high regard felt proud to throughout Cuba. At the Literacy Mube Cuban and seum, we were taught about Fidel Castro’s firmly believed mission to educate his country. We their system did learned when Castro first came to power, what it could literate Cubans were commissioned and within the conplaced with illiterate families to teach fines of availKaren Richmond reading and language. Success was noted able resources. only after the child or adult composed There are no and sent a letter to Castro detailing their adoptions in Cuba. Once a child is taken learning experience. away from their parents— usually due I hoped what I saw during the trip to improper care or incarceration — they would support my belief the US child seldom return home. welfare system is the best. But I was We visited an orphanage where impressed at children lived how the Cubans in a family-like worked through system the US their difficult hasn’t seen in challenges with years. Fifteen a family cenchildren lived tered approach. with a “house My experiences mom” who in Cuba will seemed vested remain with me in their wellthe rest of my being. And life. Thinking I this, I learned, would be the one is a very good teaching — in thing, for when reality — I bea child is placed came the student in Cuba, they learning some remain in that very valuable lesplacement sons of my own. till their 18th It was a tremenbirthday — far dous opportunidifferent from ty to step outside our system of my world into moving chilone far removed dren according A young Cuban girl smiles after receiving a new T-shirt from estabto their changfrom the Henderson Harbor Triathlon. lished routines. I ing needs and learned different ever striving for family permanence – either birth can be OK and returned home with a fresh or adopted. perspective and renewed commitment — One very special moment came at the and that no matter what the country or orphanage. A little girl was curled up in culture — to always remember it’s really the corner crying. Asking why, I was told about the children. when the gifts our contingent brought n Karen Y. Richmond is the executive were passed out among the children, director of the Children’s Home of Jefferson there was no shirt left for this little girl.

County. Contact her at krichmond@nnychild Fortunately, I had tucked a small Henrenshome.com or 777-9274.

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 29

and

proudly present the

20UNDER40 NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Class of 2015 Morgan Bocciolatt — Children’s Miracle Network / Samaritan Medical Center | Sarah Bullock — Village of Carthage / Carthage IDC | Jeff Cole — WWNY-TV 7 / WNYF Fox 28 | Max DelSignore — NNY Community Foundation | Bridget Fetterly — Carthage Savings & Loan Association | Dr. Nicholas Gardner — Nicholas F. Gardner DDS | Jeffrey Ginger — Watertown High School | Erin Hunter — North Country Family Health Center | Nathan LaShomb — Massena Chamber of Commerce | Dr. Jill Laureano-Surber — Family Medicine of NNY | Jennifer Loonan — Time-Warner Cable Media | Dr. Thomas McCue — McCue Dental | Andrea Montgomery — St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging | Brian Peck — New York State Assembly | Kevin Richardson — North Country Farms | Donna Smith — Village of Lowville | Jared Thisse — BCA Architects | Lenore VanderZee — SUNY Canton | Rodger Voss — Fort Drum Forestry Program | Caryn White — Credo Community Center

Join us for a luncheon at Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Thursday, Dec. 10, to honor our 2015 Class of 20 Under 40, NNY’s Emerging Leaders.

Look for profiles of this year’s class in December’s issue of NNY Business.

RSVP at nnybizmag.com and click on “20 Under 40” or email nnybusiness@wdt.net by noon, Monday, Dec. 7.

Luncheon is $22 for guests — honorees are free. Pre-pay by Dec. 1 and save $2. Lunch includes a house salad, fresh-baked rolls, cranberry and walnut-stuffed chicken with sage-infused cream sauce, red skin potatoes, green beans,chocolate mousse parfait and coffee, tea, decaf or water. Vegetarian option available. Need a hotel room the night before? Mention the NNY Business magazine 20 Under 40 event for a 12 percent discount.

Gold sponsors:

Bronze sponsors:

Media partners:

Leadership partners:

Event partner:

Jefferson County Economic Development

30 | NNY Business | November 2015

N onprofits T oday

For a sincere ‘ love of humankind’

“I am only one, but I am still one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something.

And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do.”

— Helen Keller

D

on’t let the word “philanthropy” scare you. Don’t for a second believe that the experience of philanthropy only belongs to someone else. The word comes from the Greek meaning “love of humankind.” That’s the only requirement. Simple.

Even though names like Carnegie and Rockefeller paved the way for collective actions for the public good, each one of us has the ability to make a difference in the lives of others, strengthen our communities and inspire others to reach higher.

Communities where people desire to live, work and and spend their lives require a variety of offerings that the private sector is unable or unwilling to provide. To thrive, businesses need these types of communities as well. We enjoy our libraries, museums, and opportunities to enjoy the arts and culture. We are passionate about preserving, protecting and enhancing our environment and regional recreational assets. We want human service organizations there for us when we need them.

What may not seem relevant to you today could become very relevant to you tomorrow. Most of us are one bad event away from needing the variety of charitable services made possible by philanthropy.

To create communities that are something more than just dots on a map, we want all kinds of things that society has not found a way to make entirely profitable and government won’t or shouldn’t provide.

135 Keyes Avenue, Watertown, New York

315-782-4910

Compassionate and caring generosity enables things that we can agree add quality to life, but philanthropy is not just about writing a check.

There are many ways to express Rande Richardson love of humankind. Every citizen is a social activist. It is just that those who do not participate in philanthropy in any form are effectively surrendering their voice and role in directing their community’s future. Don’t give up your philanthropic capital to someone else. It’s a too important and precious part of the human experience to ignore.

I am blessed to be affiliated with an entity that was created so that people of all backgrounds, interests and abilities could express their love of humanity in an inclusive, connected way — an organization that belongs to everyone, whose primary purpose is to move our community forward by helping nurture and grow the great North Country can-do civic spirit by helping enable anyone with a desire to make a difference to do so.

Frederick Harris Goff felt so strongly that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate in philanthropy in a more connected and inclusive way that he established the first Community Foundation in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1914. The visionaries of the North Country were not far behind, establishing a presence here just 15 years later. During the past 86 years, gifts large

and small offered during their lifetimes and through legacy giving, from the wellknown and the not as well known, together have created an enduring expression of love of humankind with tremendous local impact. It has helped create a synergy of public/governmental, private, business and nonprofit collaboration for a better community now and for the future. It has provided an example of seizing current opportunities with a long-term perspective.

Change often starts with ideas, but ideas do not change our world. People who turn ideas into action change our world. Look to discern between charity and philanthropy, recognizing both the immediate needs charity addresses and the role philanthropy plays in addressing the root cause of the need. The history of our community is filled with stories of citizens joining together to demonstrate philanthropy. Each of us has benefitted from this.

Are you one who finds greater joy in watching someone open a gift than in opening your own? In taking an active role in changing your community, you are changed yourself. This is love of humanity in its best form: giving and receiving. In so doing, you also inspire the generations beyond to continue the tradition.

How many lives do you have to positively affect to make your service worthwhile?

Only one. We shouldn’t think of philanthropists as big or small. Philanthropy is for everyone. Don’t let someone else write your community’s history for you. n Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident and former funeral director. Contact him at rande@nnycf.org. His column appears every other month in NNY Business.

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

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 31

business tech bytes

Fine tune mobile for the holidays

S

ince Thanksgiving Day has now become the new Black Friday, you need to be serious about when the holiday shopping season really starts.

Nowadays between football games and the second helping of pecan pie, your customers are busy browsing, mostly on their mobile devices, for the “real deals.” Last year, Thanksgiving Day saw the highest sales growth of the whole Thanksgiving holiday weekend.

Though sales from Thanksgiving Day are significant and need to be part of your plan, Cyber Monday will still reign as one of the biggest online shopping days of the season. In 2014, we saw Dec. 21 post the highest foot traffic of any shopping day to account for the most purchases, while Dec. 24 boasted the highest spend for a single day. Black Friday, traditionally one of the biggest shopping days of the year, didn’t even rank among the top 10 days for sales or total number of purchases last year? This year’s holiday season retail sales are projected to reach $617 million and should account for almost 20 percent of the total yearly sales.

If last year is any indication, the trends should continue and your customers will be looking for early holidays promotions that run even longer. You must remember that shopping has become less about the destination as the lines begin to blur between physical and virtual stores. Have you looked at your website stats, many consumers admit they are visiting physical stores less and web stores more? Mobile commerce has grown tenfold in the

last 10 years and your customer is no longer just browsing but spending in the mobile arena with a projection to exceed $121 million by the end of 2015 holiday season.

Jill Van Hoesen According to Google, “the average buyer seeks out 10 sources of information before making a purchasing decision, with a whopping 88 percent of consumers reporting they are influenced by other’s online comments.”

Remember, your customer is talking about their experiences through social channels, and others are seeking out these reviews and comments when making their buying decisions. Businesses that have made investments in mobile apps with easy responsive design and mobilefriendly checkout options have reported amazing jumps in mobile revenue, ranging anywhere from 43 percent to 111 percent. With two-thirds of consumers saying they will shop and buy even more on their mobile devices this year now is the time to add mobile payments options like Apply Pay and Google Wallet.

Though uses of these payment options are still relativity small to stay ahead of competitors you need to be ready for this growing trend. Your business should also be prepared to offer same-day shipping

or delivery. Consumers have embraced and will expect the “buy online and pickup in store” option. You should also consider adding geolocation technology to your web store which will allow your customers to check stock in real time and promote the in-store pick-up options.

Do you have a social media relationship with your customers? You should be using social media to market your latest promotions and share your customer’s reviews and testimonials. Are you offering mobile coupons? If not, now is the time.

In addition to mobile coupons, you need to be offering personalized targeted offers, “close to 80 percent of consumers admit they are more likely to buy from retailers who send them targeted, personalized offers, 70 percent expect some level of personalization from the brands they prefer and 54 percent say they want a personalized experience everywhere they shop,” according to a McKinsey Global Institute report.

Your customers are researching prices and products online, pursuing recommendations and assurances on social media and using their mobile devices to do almost everything. Your mobile presence needs to keep their attention and be as equally tech-savvy this holiday season, your customers will expect it. Marketing your business is about forecasting the latest trends, and what’s trending now is technology. n Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspaper Corp. and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net.

Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

RUSH PRO S

18014 GOODNOUGH ST., ADAMS CENTER, NY

315-583-5680 HOURS: MONDAY-WEDNESDAY 8-5, THURSDAY & FRIDAY 8-6, SATURDAY 8-2

32 | NNY Business | November 2015

WWW.WAITEMOTORSPORTS.COM

agribusiness

Agency cooperation critical to future

T

he Jefferson County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board is wrapping up work on a new County Agriculture and Farmland Protection Plan. The county’s original Farmland Protection Plan was completed in 2002 and proved to be a strong guide in how to support our agricultural industry.

There were many successes from the 2002 plan, including improved communication and cooperation among the agencies who serve agriculture. In 2002, the agencies involved in supporting agriculture in Jefferson County began quarterly meetings. We called these meetings the Ag Agency Roundtable. But more interesting in the success of this effort is the response we’ve received from the consulting firm who is assisting in the development of our new plan.

I’ve spent the past few days pouring over the most recent draft of the new farmland protection plan. Very noticeable is the enthusiastic support for our Ag Agency Roundtable meetings. Twice we’ve invited consultants to meet with roundtable members to hear concerns and issues within the agricultural industry and thoughts on how to better support growth within the industry. Roundtable participants also provided analysis of components of the draft plan, so the consultants helping us develop the new plan have experienced firsthand the cooperation and communication that occurs.

Having worked for agencies serving the ag industry for 27 years and traveling around the state speaking at conferences and meeting with individual agencies, I’ve seen a variety of examples of how

agencies work, and don’t work, together to serve the same customers. Turf battles and personality conflicts can be a barrier to cooperation between those serving agriculture.

Jay Matteson With our roundtable, we bring together Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County; Jefferson County Soil and Water Conservation District; Jefferson County Economic Development; USDA Farm Service Agency, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Rural Development; Development Authority of North Country; NYS Tug Hill Commission; Jefferson County Planning Department; Tug Hill Tomorrow Land Trust; Jefferson County Farm Bureau and Jefferson Community College.

There are the occasional bumps in the road between agencies but overall, our quarterly meetings are very productive and usually result in great discussions and cooperative actions. Most recently, the roundtable met and discussed the issues surrounding manure storage structures and challenges in public perceptions of agriculture. Staff members from the agencies shared some planned initiatives and everyone contributed to ideas and further efforts to address the current challenges facing our farms. This commonly occurs at the roundtable meetings.

It is interesting that the consultants picked

up so strongly on the success of the roundtable. As facilitator for the roundtable, I’ve noticed the value the agency participants place on the roundtable meetings whenever I’ve been slow to get out notices about meetings and with strong attendance. There was a short period of time several years ago where we skipped a few roundtable meetings and agencies started asking for me to reinstitute the meetings. Otherwise, I think we just take it for granted that this is a good common sense thing to do. And that’s why I was surprised me when I’ve been reviewing the draft agriculture and farmland protection plan. The consultants indicate that in other areas of New York State this type of cooperation does not occur on a regular basis. They indicate they have started using Jefferson County as a model as they work with others counties and regions.

The recommendations of the consultants are suggesting that the roundtable plays a larger role in supporting efforts of the Agriculture and Farmland Protection Board and on other ways to grow agriculture and protect farmland. The plan is still in draft form so those suggestions by the consultants may change somewhat over the next couple months as we work to finalize the plan. But it is worth noting that the efforts of the agencies and organizations that serve agriculture in Jefferson County are serving as a model being suggested to others as a way to support and grow agriculture. 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.

Locally Owned and Operated ~ Mobile Shreds Onsite ~ Fast, Safe & Secure.

Call to set up free estimate or schedule service ~ Servicing Jefferson, Lewis, Oswego, St. Lawrence and parts of Franklin and Essex Counties ~ WE PROVIDE RELIABLE, TIMELY SERVICE, AND STAND BEHIND THAT.

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 33

small business success

Ensure your product’s price is right

O

ne of the decisions a business owner has to make is how to establish the price for their product or service. Especially for a new business, this can be a daunting process. But taking it step by step, it’s just a matter of looking at a number of factors about the product.

Of course, if it’s a tangible product, the first thing to look at is the actual cost of purchasing or producing the item to be sold because clearly the base price can’t be less than that. Other considerations are the costs of production and labor and fixed overhead expenses like rent, insurance, website hosting, payroll and so on. Financing debt expense and the owner’s basic income goal should also be figured in.

When business owners evaluate their target market they first look at the demographics of that market — age, gender, education, income, etc. — to determine how many of that particular mix live in this area or at least visit it regularly. Is this a broad customer base where pricing can be set on the lower end because the quantity of sales will probably be high? I’m thinking here of businesses like discount beverage stores. Or, perhaps the ideal customers are seasonal tourists They‘re already in spending mode because of hotels, food, tickets to events, etc., and may not think twice about spending a premium price on an interesting piece of local art or craftsmanship.

The business owner also needs to understand the psychographics of prospec-

tive customers.

That involves looking at the “why” of those customers who are looking and ready to buy.

The perceived value of the product or service can Sarah O’Connell really drive the pricing decision at this point because it’s an intangible impression that the savvy business owner can actually create to influence potential customers to buy. It can also influence people to choose the features and benefits of the business’s product over other competitors.

To illustrate, this week I noticed that every time I went to put on my seat belt, the clip had slipped all the way down the strap to the floor of the car. I’d have to open the car door to retrieve it, and it was getting really annoying. I finally realized that the little black stopper button on the strap must have broken off.

A quick check on Google, a fast stop at a local auto parts store, and $6.99 later, my problem was solved. That little piece of plastic that probably cost under a dime to produce was worth every penny of the $6.99 I paid, which is why the store can charge that much.

Another example is my mother-inlaw’s famous recipe for her scrumptious chocolate cake. She made it in a square

8-inch pan and baked hundreds of them over the years for family events, the nice ladies at the bank or Kinney’s, her doctor, and so on. I’ve made plenty myself too, and on a couple of occasions contributed them for benefits or fundraisers. Here’s where the perceived value came in.

Because people were buying them for a cause, they were willing to pay way more than the actual production cost, which I estimated today comes to about $3 not including the disposable pan. At one benefit, the original cake sold for about $25 and then the winner started selling off individual pieces, finally raising over $150. At another auction after some fast and furious bidding and counterbidding that little $3.00 cake sold for $45. By the way, if you’re interested in the recipe, just send me an email. However, I can’t promise you’ll get the same results. n

n

n

The New York Small Business Development Center at JCC offers free, individual, confidential counseling to new or existing business owners in Jefferson and Lewis counties. For more information, contact 782-9262, sbdc@sunyjefferson.edu.

St. Lawrence County residents can contact their SBDC at SUNY Canton, 386-7312, sbdc@canton.edu. n SARAH O’CONNELL is a certified business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. She is a former small business owner and lifelong Northern New York resident. Contact her at soconnell@sunyjefferson.edu. Her column appears bi-monthly in NNY Business.

OUTER WASHINGTON ST. WATERTOWN NY 315-788-6022

Let's Go Places

WaiteToyota.com 34 | NNY Business | November 2015

entrepreneur ’s edge

Use failure as a lesson for growth

I

bombed a talk last month. It was awful. My colleagues tell me every speaker bombs a talk at some point and, in an effort to ease the humiliation I was feeling, shared stories about their own experiences crashing and burning in front of a crowd.

Being a professional speaker isn’t always easy. Seriously. It’s risky. It’s challenging.

It’s very raw. As a member of the National Speakers Association recently told me, “We are the fools who are ready to put ourselves in front of the world and risk everything with our words. The moment we fail a crowd is the very same moment we question why we do what we do for a living. We want to run and hide and never reemerge.”

Earlier this year I was hired to speak at a prestigious dinner with roughly 200 guests.

I had a thorough conversation with the organizer so I could be very clear on what I was to deliver. I took notes and began brainstorming early on what I would do.

The talk was to be 30 minutes, and in that time I was to make them laugh and inspire them. I spent months thinking about how I would deliver. I decided I would make them laugh by making fun of my own personal experiences. To parallel those experiences, I would inspire them by talking about how we all face challenges, none of which can be measured, and it’s how we choose to come through those experiences that matter.

Many people laughed. Many people didn’t. In the end, I could feel the disappointment from the organizer and some of the attendees. As the crowd filed out for the evening, a few stopped to tell me how much they enjoyed the presentation, but many more did not. They didn’t even look at me.

That’s how I knew I had failed them.

Despite my best efforts and good intentions to make them smile and forget about their struggles, I instead inadvertently upset them. It

could be because I swore twice. It could be because I told stories from my old news days and those stories might have offended them. I don’t know. All I know is that the fact I may have offended anyone made me sick to Joleene Moody my stomach. It still does.

In the decade that I’ve been presenting and speaking publically, I have earned a positive reputation. I have inspired and empowered.

I’ve been referred by organizations to other organizations and have received some amazing testimonials. So to have the majority walk past me without a word was heart wrenching.

Later that night I reached out to the organizer to tell her that I could not, in good conscious, accept the fee they paid me. She agreed I missed the mark, but offered that we all make mistakes. I was grateful for that. She was grateful for the return of the cash.

Failing my community did quite a number on me. It had me question my self-worth and my work. It had me question a lot of things.

But it taught me some hard lessons, too. If I wanted to avoid delivering a failed talk in the future, I had to be brave and ask some of the attendees that night what went wrong. So I did. I also had to go to other seasoned speakers and share my story so they could guide me out of my head and back onto a path of certainty. Here is what I learned: n Never make a talk about you. It should always be about the audience. While I truly know this, I was so concerned with “nailing” it, that I inadvertently made it about me. This is really difficult for me to admit,

but there it is. n Ask more detailed questions of the organizer: Does this crowd frown upon profanity?

To what degree do you want the laughter? To what degree do you want the inspiration? Are they a more conservative type crowd? n Talk to attendees before your presentation. Get to know them. Ask them what they are expecting from the talk. I did the first part of this because I always strike up conversation. I want to “feel” out attendees. But I never asked them what they were expecting from my talk. I will from now on. n You can’t please everyone. The night this happened, a friend of mine had gone to see comedian John Lovitz for the third time. She is a huge fan and was super excited about him being in town. She left, however, disappointed. “He didn’t meet my expectations.

He was awful. I don’t know what happened.”

Nothing happened. He did his best. He just missed the mark that night. That’s all. n Own your mistakes. Every single time.

It’s hard to do, but it’s the integrous thing to do. I may not have made a million friends that particular night, but I did what I thought was right to correct the situation by returning the fee and writing this column.

My coach told me once that falling flat on your face and making a fool of yourself is absolutely necessary as an entrepreneur.

“You’ll emerge humbled and grateful for your mistakes. You’ll emerge strong. It’s the only way to improve the gift you give to others.”

He was right. I am stronger, I am grateful, and I am humbled.

So it’s OK to fall on your face now and again. The bruises go away. I promise. n Joleene moody is a keynote speaker, author, and freelance writer who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at joleenemoody.com. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 35

Best Auto Deals In One Place!

Search New & Used Inventory From Area Auto Dealers In One Location!

WATERTOWN

DA I LY T I M E S

BROUGHT TO YOU BY THE WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES. 36 | NNY Business | November 2015

A new special local program only on

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 37

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

Adams

Chaumont

Saturday, Nov. 13 n Third annual “A Taste of South Jeff: Savor Sixtown,” 6 to 9 p.m., Adams Fire Hall, Main Street. Admission $15; proceeds benefit public libraries of the Sixtown area — Adams, Ellisburg, Henderson, Lorraine, Rodman and Worth. Hosted by the South Jeff Chamber of Commerce. Sample food from local restaurants.

Monday, Nov. 9 n 21st Century Job Search workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Lyme Free Library, 12165 state Route 12E. Covers a modern approach to a job search through networking sites, online databases and social media. Instructor: Jessica Yancey.

Cost: $20. Information/register: Jefferson Community College Continuing Education, 786-2438.

Saturday, Nov. 28 n South Jeff Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade, 4 p.m.; rain date 4 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 29. Parade route is Roberts and West Church streets to Fireman’s Park, downtown. Kick off the 2015 holiday season at Fireman’s Park after the parade. Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, bonfire, free s ’mores, facepainting. Hot chocolate, coffee and cookies available for purchase, benefitting the South Jeff Backpack Program.

Clayton

n South Jeff Revitalization Committee Festival of Wreaths, immediately following the 4 p.m. Christmas Parade in the main pavilion at Fireman’s Park, Main Street. Festival benefits the South Jeff Revitalization Committee’s efforts to raise money to buy new “Welcome to Adams” signs. Donations are taxdeductible. Create a one-of-a-kind holidat wreath and donate it to the campaign. Call Mary Stone, 7881635, or Marlene Norfolk, 583-5597 to sign up and learn more.

Alexandria Bay Friday, Dec. 4 n Alexandria Bay Christmas Tree Lighting at Upper James Street, 6 to 8 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 5 n Holiday Arts & Crafts Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Macsherry Library, 112 Walton St. Crafts from local artisans, raffles and door prizes. Call 482-2241 or visit macsherrylibrary.org to learn more.

Saturday, Dec. 5 & Sunday, Dec. 6 n Kris Kringle Market, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, Thousand Islands Winery, 43298 Seaway Ave. Holiday craft vendors Santa’s workshop Saturday and Sunday slated for noon to 2 p.m. each day. Free admission. Information: TI Winery, thousandislandswinery.com or 482-9306.

38 | NNY Business | November 2015

Ongoing second and fourth Mondays monthly n Lion’s Club meeting, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service, 100 Union St. Information: Lion’s Club, 686-5268 or claytonlions@ gmail.com.

Thursday, Nov. 12 n Business with a twist, 5 to 7 p.m., Thousand Islands Arts Center, 314 John St. Networking event hosted by the arts center and Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization. Free. Information: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 686-3771 or 1000islands-clayton.com.

Sunday, Nov. 22 n All I want for Christmas holiday craft fair, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive.

Benefits local food pantry. Information: Kim Sherman, 777-1495.

Friday, Dec. 4 n Masquerade Ball, 8 p.m. to midnight, Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St. Benefits local families in need. More details to come. Information: Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization, info@tiylo.org.

Saturday, Dec. 5 n 53rd annual Christmas Parade.

“Christmas in the Islands – Annual Parade in Lights” begins at 6 p.m. on James Street, followed by fireworks.

Visit 1000islands-clayton.com or call 686-3771 to learn more.

Lowville Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 22 & Saturday, Nov. 28 n Home for the holidays, call for hours, Lewis County Historical Society, 7552 S. State St. Includes appearance from

Santa Clause, train display, tree auction and more. Free admission. Information: historical society, lewiscountyhistory.org. or 376-8957.

Lyons Falls Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 15 n Health and Wellness Weekend, 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, The Edge Hotel, 3952 state Route 12.

Eighth annual event features more than 65 vendors, raffles, chicken barbecue, Red Cross blood drive, lectures and more. Free admission. Information: The Edge Hotel, 348-4211 or visit theedgehotel.com.

Massena Friday, Dec. 11 — Saturday, Dec. 12 n Tastes and Talents of the North Country Holiday Show, St. Lawrence Centre Mall Arena, Massena. Noon to 8 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11; 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12. Admission is $3. Nearly 100 vendors are scheduled to be on hand. Presented by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, this is the new sister event to the Craft, food & Wine Show at Cheel Arena, Potsdam. Visit northcountryguide.com or call 386-4000 to learn more.

Syracuse First Wednesdays of each month n Business Innovation Days meeting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Technology Garden, 235 Harrison St. Opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to meet one-on-one with SBDC counselor.

Appointment required. Information/ register: Onondaga Community College SBDC, 498-6070 or SBDC@ sunyocc.edu.

First Friday each month n Toolkit Day with SCORE, by appointment, The Technology Garden, 235 Harrison St. Counselors provide mentoring to business owners. Information/register: Lynn Hughes, 579-2862 or Lynn@ TheTechGarden.com.

Thursday, Nov. 19 n 40 Under Forty, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OnCenter, 800 S. State St. Honoring 40 young community-minded individu-

Monday, Nov. 23 n Buy Local Bash, 5:30 p.m., CNY Regional Market Authority, 2100 Park St. Sixth annual SyracuseFirst fundraiser features shopping and tasting from locally-owned, independent businesses.

Cost: $25. Information: SyracuseFirst, 470-1964 or syracusefirst.org.

Thursday, Dec. 3 n Health Workplace Summit and Awards, 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., SRC Arena, Onondaga Community College, 4585 W. Seneca Turnpike. Focused topic: beyond wellness, creating a thriving workplace culture. Keynote speaker: Certified intrinsic coach Dr. Jon Robison.

Call for price details. Information: Joyl Clance, 579-3917 or jclance@ bizeventz.com.

Watertown First, third and fifth MondaYs of each month n Watertown Toastmasters Club, 7 p.m., Jefferson County BOCES- Charles H. Bohlen Technical Center Administration Building, Conference Room A, 20104 State Route 3. Meetings open to anyone interested in improving community and leadership skills. Information: watertown.toastmastersclubs.org.

Tuesdays, ongoing n Watertown Evening Rotary meeting, 5:30 p.m., Paddock Club, 1 Public Square. Information: 786-6633 or watertowneveningrotary.org. n BNI-NNY Partners for Success meeting, 7:30 p.m., Comfort Inn, 110 Commerce Park Drive. Networking group.

Information: President Jessica Page, 786-5032; bniupstateny.com.

Friday, Nov. 13 n Project Adventure Teambuilding workshop, 1 to 5 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St. Aims to teach teambuilding, problem solving and enhanced communication skills through interactive games and challenges. Cost: $50.

Information: Youth and Family Program Leader Stephanie Graf, Sag58@cornell. edu or 788-8450 ext. 251.

Friday, Nov. 13 & Saturday, Nov. 14 n WPBS-DT Fall Auction, 6 to 11 p.m.

on air. “Explore the Region, Buy it Local” and bid on hundreds of locally crafted items. Preview or donate items at wpbstv.org/butitlocal. Info: 782-3142.

Saturday, Nov. 14 n Second annual Hospice Remembrance Walk, 8 a.m. to noon, Salmon Run Mall, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop West, Watertown. Memorialize those we have lost and raise money to support programs offered by Hospice.

8 a.m. at the Best Buy entrance; 9 a.m. walk start. Email Nicole Paratore, information@jeffersonhospice.org n Second annual IHC Home & School Club Holiday Craft Fair, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Immaculate Heart Central Intermediate School, 733 South Massey St., formerly St. Patrick’s School. Admission: $2; ages 10 and younger, free.

Handmade crafts, door prizes, holiday gifts. Santa arrives at noon. Email Lori Hickman, IHCHASC@gmail.com, or call (518) 250-6008, to learn more.

Wednesday, Nov. 18 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Woolworth Building, Public Square.

Sponsored by AUSA and I Love Fort Drum. Includes networking, prizes and food. Register by noon, Tuesday, Nov. 17. Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Thursday, Nov. 19 n WORKFORCE 2020 Career Fair, 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, 1291 Faichney Drive. Aims to give high school students interviewing experience with local NNY businesses. In event of snow day, event rescheduled to Thursday, Dec. 3. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or events@ watertownny.com.

Saturday, Nov. 21 n A Time of Holiday Remembrance, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. All Souls Unitarian Universalist Church, 1330 Gotham St. For children ages 6 to 12 who have experienced the loss of a loved one. Bring photos and mementos. Families are welcome to join children from 12:30 to 1 p.m. RSVP, more information, call Derek Mattern, 788-7323 by Nov. 18.

Thursday, Dec. 3 n What is Crowdfunding? Presentation, 10 a.m. to noon, Cornell Cooperative

Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St. Covers crowdfunding applications, practical examples, necessary components and strategies. Cost: $20. Information: Youth and Family Extended School Day Coordinator Mitch McCormick, mam697@cornell.edu or 788-8450 ext. 332. n 21st annual Children’s Gift & Fund Drive, 4 to 8 p.m., Historic Paddock Arcade, 1 Public Square, presented by BCA Architects & Engineers and the Paul G. & Kathleen E. Carr Foundation. “Brighten the Holidays for a Child in Need” and welcome the Christmas season. Participate by donating two new unwrapped toys, one for a boy and one for a girl. No stuffed animals, please. Cash donations in lieu of toys also welcomed. Can’t attend? Drop you gift off at 327 Mullin St., Watertown.

Thursday, Dec. 10 n NNY Business magazine and New York Air Brake present the 5th annual 20 Under 40 luncheon. 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St.. Recognizes the north country’s young civic, community and workplace leaders. All 20 Under 40 honorees are admitted for free; guests are $20, pre-paid through Nov. 30 and $22 after. Corporate tables of eight and 10 are available for $185 and $225, respectively. Keynote speaker is Brian H. Murray, founder and CEO of Washington Street Properties. RSVP at nnybizmag.com and click on “20 Under 40” or email nnybusiness@wdt.net by noon, Monday, Dec. 7. Lunch includes a house salad, fresh-baked rolls, cranberry and walnut-stuffed chicken with sage-infused cream sauce, red skin potatoes, green beans,chocolate mousse parfait and coffee, tea, decaf or water.

Vegetarian option available.

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

als. Call for price details. Information: Joyl Clance, 579-3917 or jclance@ bizeventz.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Paddock Arcade, 1 Public Square.

Includes networking, prizes and food.

Register by noon, Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Cost: preregistered members, $10; 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/NNYBusiness or nnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 39

business scene Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Chamber

Christie Andrus, The Human Factor, and Jamie Nakano, Griffith Eenergy.

JEREMIAH PAPINEAU PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Tim Bush and Deborah Belmont, Superior Plus Energy Services, Lowville.

Griffith Energy sponsored the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce October Business After Hours Business Thursday, Oct. 15, at the chamber’s State Street offices. Gary’s Restaurant, Lowville, catered the event.

40 | NNY Business | November 2015

From left, Ashley Hulbert and Mariah Brown, Superior Plus Energy Services, Lowville.

JEREMIAH PAPINEAU PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Sandy Demarest, North Country Public Radio, Joe Wessner and Rebekah Andre, Coughlin Printing Group, Lowville.

business scene St. Lawrence County Chamber Business Spotlight at YesterYear’s Vintage Doors

Amanda Potter, Adirondack Battery and Solar, Potsdam, and Bill Dashnaw, Black Lake Chamber of Commerce.

From left, Larry Reece, Reece & Robinson, CPA, Potsdam, and Jake and Audrey Roberts, Maple Rock Bed and Breakfast, Potsdam.

JENNIFER McCLUSKEY PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Jodi and Larry Hollister, Bella-Brooke Vineyard, Hammond, and Lindsey Breitbeck, St. Lawrence Centre Mall, Massena.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Tabletops, Desktops, Workbenches and Coffee Tables.

Choose from our Granite & Marble Selections. We also offer a Selection of Stone Veneer.

JENNIFER McCLUSKEY PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Ryan Demick, Rosemary Demick, husband Howard, and Erica C. Demick, YesterYear’s Vintage Doors, Hammond. YesterYear’s Vintage Doors hosted the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Business Spotlight Tuesday, Oct. 20, at their Hammond location.

Come down and discover the Traditional Quality & Craftsmanship that only T.F. Wright & Sons Granite Foundry can bring to your design application for monuments!

You Name the Countertop Type, We Can Do It Offering Cemetery Restorations & Monument Restorations Corner of Brookside Cemetery & Spring Valley 609 Adelaide Street, Carthage, NY 13619 & Watertown, NY 13601 (315) 785-8500 (315) 493-2963 • (315) 493-2965 Fax email: tfwrightgranite@aol.com or visit www.tfwrightgranite.com

OPEN: MONDAY-FRIDAY 8AM-5PM • SATURDAY 10AM-2PM

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 41

business scene GWNC Chamber of Commerce BAH at Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center

From left, Thomas Piche, CEO of Carthage Savings & Loan Association, and Paul F. Barton, president of Westelcom, Watertown.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Colin Burns and Kraig Everard, WPBS-DT and Quality Production, Watertown. The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce held its annual Business Networking Expo and After Hours at the Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, Watertown, Wednesday, Oct. 21.

42 | NNY Business | November 2015

From left, Michele Warner and Mathieu Mitchell, Embellished Catering & Events, Henderson Harbor.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left,Jessica Farney, Leah Woodkirk, Jennifer Connor and Marlene Palmer, Center for Sight Cosmetic & Laser Medispa, Watertown.

business scene Carthage Area Chamber Business Awards dinner at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant

From left, Robert Sligar, Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce treasurer, presents a plaque denoting Chamber sponsorship to Thomas Piche, CEO of Carthage Savings & Loan Association.

From left, Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce president Jeremiah S. Papineau presents the Community Impact Award to Robert Sturtz, owner/ president, Slack Chemical Co., Carthage.

ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Naura Christman, Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce board mamber, presents the New Member Spotlight award to Upstate Landscaping & Supply owners Andrew, Bryce, Jessica and Macee Trudeau during the Business Awards dinner Oct. 28 at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant, Fargo.

Teri L. Ellis, far left, presents Carthage Area Hospital CEO Richard A. Duvall, center, with the Business Person of the Year Award during the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Business Awards dinner, Wednesday, Oct. 28 at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant, Fargo. Supporting the nomination of Mr. Duvall were Dale Klock, hospital board president, Dr. Mark Parshall and Adam Fuller, Carthage Area Hospital Foundation board president.

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 43

business history

A postcard dated June 26, 1907, shows the Oneida Community Home Building in Kenwood, N.Y., near Oneida.

PHOTO COURTESY WIKIPEDIA.COM

A storied past

Oneida flatware was necessity for utopian society

By Lenka Walldroff

T

NNY Business

here are few people today who have not used or at least heard of Oneida cutlery. The flatware is ubiquitous in restaurants, hotels, and kitchen drawers worldwide.

Since its founding in the 19th century, Oneida Limited flatware has become something of an American tradition, although its roots are anything but traditional.

The flatware was originally manufactured by the Oneida Community, a religious utopian commune based in Oneida, N.Y., between 1848 and 1880.

The group was led by a man named John Humphrey Noyes. Noyes was born in Battleboro, Vt., in 1811 to John and Polly Noyes. His father was a businessman and United States Congressman. His mother was an ardently religious woman who had hopes that her son would one day pursue a religious vocation.

Though he lacked any real interest in religion as a young man, in order to placate his mother, Noyes agreed to attend a local revival meeting in 1828 led by the great revivalist preacher Charles Finney. Though initially unimpressed by the revival, within

44 | NNY Business | November 2015

days of his return Noyes became gravely ill and was convinced of his imminent death.

While he did recover, the experience served as a catalyst for a religious conversion that led Noyes to enroll in Yale Divinity School with the aim of becoming a preacher.

Denied ordination by Yale due to controversial theories he developed regarding the nature of salvation, Noyes left the school to preach his newly minted religious philosophy. Between the years 1834 and 1837 he traveled throughout New England and New York looking for converts; he found none. By this time, his religious philosophy grew to include a number of unconventional beliefs, including the denunciation of marriage.

As part of his evangelization effort, Noyes published articles elucidating his beliefs in a local Vermont newspaper. The articles attracted the attention of a woman named Harriet Holton, the daughter of a well-todo, politically connected Vermont family.

Ms. Holton became interested in Noyes’s work which she financially supported. In June of1838, John Noyes proposed “spiritual marriage” to Ms. Holton, explaining that the marriage would have all the trappings of a traditional marriage without the “selfish possession of one another.”

Noyes’ marriage to Harriet Holton

brought a financial windfall which he used to buy a small publishing company. There he published a newsletter called “The Witness”— a tool he used for the propagation of his teachings.

A handful of students from a bible school located in Putney, Vermont that Noyes established joined his religious group in 1840.

Calling themselves the “Putney Association”, the group formally adopted communism in 1844. Members pooled their personal and family assets, including a $20,000 inheritance from John Noyes’ father, for the support of the community. By this time, the group had grown to 37 members living together in three houses. They ran two farms and maintained a general store in Putney.

It was during this period that the community began to practice some of Noyes’ more controversial beliefs, including group marriage. While limited to the group’s leadership, the practice was sufficient to draw ire from locals who had John Noyes indicted on charges of adultery. Having no interest in political martyrdom, Noyes’ quickly moved the community to Oneida, N.Y., where he purchased twenty three acres of land.

Following their relocation to New York, the group renamed themselves the “Oneida Community.” In addition to the personal

business history property and assets of incoming members, the group supported themselves through various agricultural and industrial endeavors. These would eventually include such a wide array of businesses as dentistry, the manufacture of leather bags, a silk mill, and of course, silverware.

The group had 87 members by 1848, most of whom were now openly engaged in the controversial practices that led to John Noyes’ prosecution in Vermont. In the Oneida Community, every man in the community was “married” to every woman, and while cohabitation between two people was allowed, an exclusive mutual attachment was not only discouraged but punished.

Birth control, still relatively uncommon in the Victorian period, was widely practiced among the group. Noyes justified the practice by citing the numerous difficult childbirths experienced by his wife Harriet.

During the years of the birth control policy’s implementation, roughly 1848 to 1868, only 40 children were born to a community that, during the time, had 250 members.

The Oneida Community members also submitted to regular “mutual criticism.” A practice championed by Noyes as a means of ensuring moral conformity among the group. Each member would be criticized publically for any perceived deviations from the Community’s moral or social code.

The community continued to exist peacefully until 1876 when John Noyes, wanting to retire to Connecticut, conferred his role as community leader to his son Theodore.

Lacking the charisma and religious conviction of his father, Theodore Noyes’ leadership quickly sowed seeds of discontent among the community.

By 1879 deep schisms within the community had formed. Eventually, opposition from the outside community to the groups’ progressive practices forced members to abandon the complex marriage system altogether. By 1880, the community’s various businesses and manufacturing assets were reorganized into a joint-stock venture. By 1881 the community disbanded and Oneida Community Limited, eventually called Oneida Limited, was charged with managing the businesses.

Today, the 93,000 square foot Oneida Community Mansion, begun in 1861, is both a National Historic Landmark and a museum that houses a collection of artifacts related to the Oneida Community. n Business history is a monthly feature, often from

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

COMPASSIONATE PERSONALIZED QUALITY QUALITY CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Hospice of Jefferson County delivers compassionate, personalized, high-quality care. Hospice is committed to comfort, privacy, dignity and control.

SERVICES AVAILABLE IN YOUR HOME OR AT THE HOSPICE RESIDENCE

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 45

ne xt month

I

n December, we present our 5th annual 20 Under 40 issue, complete with profiles of 20 of Northern New York’s emerging leaders under the age of 40 from Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Also coming next month: n MILESTONES: Stefano’s Restaurant, an Italian eatery in Carthage and Pulaski, celebrates its 30-year anniversary in business.

We visit the owners for their secret recipe. n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader. n BUSINESS HISTORY: A look through our archives at a north country business. n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Entreprenuer’s Edge, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agribusiness, and Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at nnybizmag.com.

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

Be a part of the magic!

Donate to the Children’s Home of Jefferson County’s Holiday Fund Drive!

By donating to the Children’s Home of Jefferson County’s annual Holiday Fund Drive, you are supporting a Christmas morning filled with joy and a sense of wonder for the more than 1,000 children in our care.

Make this a Christmas our children will never forget.

Donate online at www.nnychildrenshome.com Or mail your gift to: Holiday Fund Drive Children’s Home of Jefferson County PO Box 6550 Watertown, NY 13601

Call 315-782-1012 or (800)724-1012 for details on how you can get delivery started today!

46 | NNY Business | November 2015

317 Washington St., Suite 414 Watertown, NY 13601 www.danc.org

November 2015 | NNY Business

| 47

BusIness

www.nnybizmag.com

260 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601

ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

St. Lawrence County CHAMBER of COMMERCE INC. PRESENTS

“All Of Your Local, Unique Shopping Under One Roof” TASTES & TALENTS OF THE NORTH COUNTRY

ST. LAWRENCE CENTRE MALL ARENA, MASSENA NY 90+ UNIQUE VENDORS! EW sister N e th is is Th Craft, Food e th to t n e ev w at & Wine Sho otsdam!

P , a n re A l Chee it!

Don’t Mission $3 Admiss

Friday, December 11th Noon to 8:00pm Saturday, December 12th 9:00am to 4:00pm

for more info: 315-386-4000 www.northcountryguide.com