NNY Business November 2016

B

NNY usIness // 2016 family business issue

NOVEMBER 2016 Volume 6 No.12

nnybizmag.com

***

THE INTERVIEW Burrville Cider Mill’s Tina L. Steiner p. 32

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Nurturing the ties that bind family traditions draw young pros // Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly //

2 | NNY Business | November 2016

November 2016 | NNY Business

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Protect Your Investment H.D. Goodale Co. INSURANCE

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4 | NNY Business | November 2016

>>

Inside November 2016

13 14 24 |

SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

13 It’s in the cards One Watertown man hopes his concept for quality coffee drinks will fuel the Tarot Café. |

|

FAMILY BUSINESS |

|

TOP TRANSACTIONS |

22 AN ALL-NATURAL APPROACH For Croghan’s Ledoux family, Adirondack Beef Co. is all about providing healthy products.

31 TOP TRANSACTIONS Top 10 home sales in Jefferson and St. Lawrence, counties top $7.1m in September.

COVER |

24 a family investment Risk management and trust guide results at the financial firm The Morgia Group at High Tower Advisors.

|

FAMILY BUSINESS |

26 A NEW BIZ VENTURE Seasoned local business veterans Sissy and Michael Colello have found success with Rainbow Restoration.

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14 brotherly bonds In biz Meet three family enterprises that help give new meaning to the expression ‘sibling rivalry.’ |

28

22 A NEW generation Dr. Chelsea Eppolito hopes to contine her grandfather’s legacy as a pediatric dentist in Clayton.

BUSINESS SCENE |

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

ONLINE |

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

November 2016 | NNY Business

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BusIness

C o n tr i b u t o r s

nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Lance M. Evans is the executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors. He writes about the 100th anniversary of the Realtor trademark. (p. 30)

Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. She writes about how to take the big step of leaving a job when you’re not happy with your work. (p. 36)

Kylie Peck is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

She writes about Small Business Saturday and the 2016 “Shop Small” movement. (p. 37)

Editor & Publisher John B. Johnson

Co-Publisher

Harold B. Johnson II

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Magazine Associate Holly C. Boname

Contributing Writers

Norah Machia & Joleene Moody

Photography

Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison Jason Hunter, Stephen Swofford Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 28-year IT veteran.

She writes about cyber risk management and the threat that the “Dark Web” poses businesses. (p. 38)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. He shares Kaitlyn Lawrence’s efforts to develop a local meat CSA program. (p. 39)

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

He outlines the importance of preserving stories of local giving that make the region great. (p. 40)

Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the New York state Small Business Development Center at SUNYJefferson. She offers tips to jump-start marketing efforts for the long winter. (p. 41)

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Coordinator Sue Gardner

Advertising Sales

Justin Sullivan, Jill Halley, Laurie Denesha, Barb Loomis, Jim Homa, Katie Nelson, Cindy Aucter, Yvonne Houppert and Lori Coburn

Advertising Graphics

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

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Holly C. Boname is a magazine associate for NNY Magazines. She writes about family dentists Dr. Chelsea Eppolito and her grandfather, Dr. John ‘Doc’ Eppolito, both of Clayton. (pgs. 20)

Norah Machia is a freelance writer and veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter. In this month’s cover story, she visits with three businesses that each involve partnerships between brothers. (p. 14)

Marcus Wolf is a Johnson Newspaper Corp. staff writer. In real estate this month, he writes about forces behind third quarter home sales and prices across the tri-county north country region. (pgs. 28)

MARKETPLACE NNY Business Magazine .......... 7, 52-53 Advanced Business Systems .............. 35 Bach & Company ............................... 42 Cantwell’s Property Service ................ 42 Cheney Tire ........................................ 46 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ......... 47 Clayton Dental Office .......................... 43 Clayton Marina ................................... 42 Coleman’s Corner ............................... 43 Conboy McKay, Bachman & Kendall, LLP ................................... 12 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home ................ 27 DGM Coon & Co. ............................... 51 Dr. Guitar ............................................ 43 Fairground Inn .................................... 43 Flat Rock Inn ....................................... 16 Food Bank of CNY .............................. 18 Foy Agency Inc. .................................... 4 Fuccillo Automotive Group ................... 4 Fuller Insurance ..................................... 4 Garlocks Design Center ...................... 25

HD Goodale Co. ................................... 4 High Tower Advisors .......................... 34 Hospice of Jefferson County .............. 23 Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College ............ 21 Liberty Glass ....................................... 30 Caskinette’s Ford ................................ 44 Montague Inn ..................................... 16 National Grid ........................................ 3 Netto Fire Equipment .......................... 23 NNY Community Foundation ............. 35 Nortz & Virkler Inc. ............................... 4 Overhead Door Company ................... 43 Paradise Energy Solutions ................. 31 Party Rentals ....................................... 42 Odgensburg Pepsi Bottlers ................. 25 Phinney’s Automotive ......................... 42 Purcell Construction ............................. 3 RBC Wealth Management ...................... 7 Samaritan Medical Center .................. 54 Schonfield Dental ............................... 42

6 | NNY Business | November 2016

Sea Comm Federal Credit Union ........ 41 Shred Con .......................................... 38 Slack Chemical Co. ............................ 39 Snapshots Photobooth ....................... 18 Spring Valley Garden Center & Gift Shop ......................................... 43 St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce ...................................... 56 T & R Wines and Liquor ..................... 23 Tuggers Family Restaurant ................. 16 Tunes 92.5/104.5 FM ........................... 9 Volunteer Transportation Center 18th Annual Chili Cook-off ......................... 50 Waite Motorsports .............................. 49 Waite Toyota ....................................... 48 Watertown Savings Bank ...................... 2 Watertown Spring and Alignment ......... 4 T.F. Wright & Sons Granite Foundry .............................................. 37 WWTI-ABC50 ..................................... 55 Ziebart Tidycar ...................................... 4

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), is published monthly by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2010-2016. All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

Subscription Rates 12 issues are $15 a year and 24 issues are $25 for two years.

Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe.

Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email bhornbarger@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2325 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility.

Please recycle this magazine.

| THE INTERVIEW |

| ABOUT THE COVER |

32 Nature’s sweet treats While studying education at SUNY Oswego, Tina Steiner never saw herself working with family to run an apple cider mill. Now 21 seasons into Burrville Cider Mill and she couldn’t be happier. | COLUMNS |

36 ENTREPRENEUR’S EDGE 37 commerce corner 38 BUSINESS TECH BYTES

39 AGRIBUSINESS 40 nonprofits today 41 SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

| DEPARTMENTS |

8 EDITOR’S NOTE 8 NEXT MONTH 9 PEOPLE ON THE MOVE 10 ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT 12 BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

13 SMALL BIZ STARTUP 30 real estate roundup 31 TOP transactions 44 CALENDAR 46 BUSINESS SCENE

For this month’s cover photo, staff Photographer Amanda Morrison captured Clayton dentists Dr. Chelsea Eppolito and her grandfather, Dr. John ‘Doc’ Eppolito, in the younger’s pediatric dental office (features, page 20). In this month’s cover story, writer Norah Machia features three businesses that involve close partnerships between brothers. Norah’s cover story starts on page 14.

NNY BUSINESS MAGAZINE NORTHERN NEW YORK’S EMERGING LEADERS

Save the date for the 6th annual NNY Business 20 Under 40 Awards Wednesday, Dec. 7 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown Turn to page 52 in this issue meet this year’s class and learn more!

November 2016 | NNY Business

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EDITO R’S N O T E

T

his month we are excited to deliver our annual family business issue. For our cover story this year, writer Norah Machia connects with three family enterprises where success is rooted in the bonds between brothers who give new meaning to “sibling rivalry.” Croghan’s Lyndaker Timber Harvesting LLC, Watertown’s Waite Toyota and Titus Mountain Family Ski Center and Malone-based Adirondack Energy Products Inc. are each guided by a collective of 10 brothers between them. The brothers talk candidly about what it’s like Ken Eysaman to work so closely with family, while managing business interests and lifelong relationships.

In features, Magazine Associate Holly Boname introduces us to Clayton dentists Dr. Chelsea Eppolito and her grandfather, longtime (now retired) dentist Dr. John “Doc” Eppolito (page 20). Writer Joleene Moody takes us behind the scenes at Adirondack Beef Co. in Croghan where the Ledoux family takes an all-natural approach to raising beef (page 22).

Norah Machia learns the formula for success at The Morgia Group at HighTower Advisors, Watertown (page 24). Joleene also introduces Sissy and Michael Colello, who nearly 18 months ago bought Watertown’s Rainbow Restoration franchise (page 26).

Finally, Johnson Newspapers Staff Writer Marcus Wolf delivers a third quarter real estate report on page 30.

20 QUESTIONS — This month we sit down with Tina L. Steiner, whose family owns and operates one of the north country’s sweetest treats of the fall season. In 1996, the Steiner family bought Burrville Cider Mill. In the 21 seasons since, the fall family tradition of freshpressed apple cider and cider doughnuts has warmed the hearts of thousands. Our interview with Tina begins on page 32.

tion, which begins on page 46, features 50 faces from more than three-dozen businesses and organizations across the region.

On Oct. 12, Carthage staffer Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce for Business After Hours at Carthage VFW Post 7227. On Oct. 13, Magazine Associate Holly Boname joined the Clayton Dental Office for an open house to honor new pediatric dentist Dr. Chelsea Eppolito.

On Oct. 19, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for the North Country Business Expo at the Dulles State Office Building. That evening, we joined the chamber for its October Business After Hours, also at the Dulles State Office Building.

On Oct. 26, Jennifer McCluskey, small business columnist and photographer, joined the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce for its October Business in the Spotlight networking event at The Sherman Inn, Ogdensburg.

That same evening, Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce for its annual business awards dinner at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant.

20 UNDER 40 — Turn to page 52 of this issue to meet the 20 Under 40 Class of 2016.

On Wednesday, Dec. 7, we will recognize the class during a luncheon from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St., Watertown. Visit nnybizmag.com and click on the “20 Under 40” menu to register for the luncheon. All who pre-pay by Monday, Nov. 28, will receive a $3 discount. Complete details are online.

CONTACT US — As always, if you have any questions, comments or general feedback, including story ideas, please call me at (315) 661-2399 or email keysaman@wdt.net. NNY Business strives to publish an accurate magazine each month. If you spot an error of fact, please let me know.

Yours in business,

BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s Scene sec-

next month n THE EMERGING LEADERS ISSUE: In our December issue, we introduce you to the NNY Business 20 Under 40 Class 2016. n SMALL BIZ STARTUP: A feature story about a recently opened north country small business in St. Lawrence County. n BUSINESS HISTORY: Our monthly feature about a north country business from the past recalls a once-thriving Lewis County business. n 20 QUESTIONS: Our monthly featured interview returns in January.

8 | NNY Business | November 2016

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

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

Admitted to American College of Trial Lawyers

Janet D. Callahan, an attorney and managing partner with the law firm of Hancock Estabrook LLP, Syracuse, has been named a Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in North America.

Callahan The induction ceremony took place before an audience of approximately 800 during the recent 2016 Annual Meeting of the College in Philadelphia, Pa. Founded in 1950, the college is composed of the best of the trial bar from the United States and Canada. Fellowship in the college is extended by invitation only, after careful investigation, to experienced trial lawyers whose professional careers have been marked by the highest standards of ethical conduct, professionalism, civility and collegiality.

Ms. Callahan is an alumna of Albany Law School of Union University.

Hotel taps hospitality vet as sales manager

The 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel has appointed Sam Toscano sales manager to attract visitors on both a regional and national scale.

“Since opening a little more than two years ago, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, and consequently the destination, have seen a steady upsurge in visitors,

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. conferences and weddings,” said Todd Buchko, the hotel’s general manager.

Mr. Toscano joins the hotel after serving nearly eight years as sales manager for Turning Stone Resort and Casino, where he was responsible for sales and marketing for lodging, spa, golf, gaming, food and beverage, as well as entertainment groups at the resort.

He continues to serve as president of the board of directors for the Eastern Great Lakes Chapter of Meeting Professionals International, as well as a hospitality advisory board member at Monroe Community College in Rochester. He is a certified meeting professional, signifying his achievement of the meetings, conventions and exhibitions industry’s highest standard of professionalism.

Fibonacci 321 Art Gallery announces new artist

Beginning this month, Fibonacci 321 Art Gallery, Clayton, will present the work of artist Chris Murray.

A landscape photographer for more than 15 years, Chris’ work has appeared in several magazines including Popular Photography, Shutterbug, Adirondack Life, Life in the Finger Lakes, and New York State Conservationist. His landscape stock imagery is represented by Aurora

Photos and Getty Images. He has conducted photography workshops through Cazenovia College and the Thousand Islands Arts Center.

Promoted to manager at Community Bank

Community Bank N.A. has named Bethany Todd branch manager of the Alexandria Bay location. She brings nearly 25 years of banking experience to the position, most recently serving as the retail loan officer at Community Bank.

In her new role, Todd Ms. Todd will manage daily branch operations, ensuring quality customer service. She will also manage sales and promote business development.

“Since she joined Community Bank in 2012 Bethany has remained committed to putting customers first. She brings a wealth of experience to the position and we are excited to what she will do at this next level,” said Rita Walldroff, Community Bank regional banking manager.

Community Bank, N.A. is the wholly owned national banking subsidiary of Community Bank System, Inc., whose predecessor bank was the St. Lawrence National Bank, chartered in 1866. In 1983, CBSI was incorporated in Delaware and became a registered bank holding company. CBSI maintains its headquarters in DeWitt, New York and is a full-service financial institution.

November 2016 | NNY Business

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

Average New York surrogate* price for on-highway diesel

September 2016 $1.62 August 2016 $1.49 September 2015 $1.60

September 2016 $2.49 August 2016 $2.45 September 2015 $2.68

1.2

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands bridge

7.0%

191,189 in September 2016 253,758 in August 2016 182,175 in September 2015 Source: T.I. Bridge Authority

6.4%

Vehicles crossing the Ogdensburg-Prescott bridge 57,256 in September 2016 64,379 in August 2016 54,908 in September 2015

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

3.0%

Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority

Vehicles crossing the Seaway International (Massena) bridge

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

198,436 in September 2016 203,528 in August 2016 192,917 in September 2015

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 154, median price $148,950 in September 2016 154, median price $134,500 in August 2016 103, median price $135,500 in September 2015

Seaway International Bridge Corp.

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

9.9%

$1.31 on Sept. 30, 2016 $1.31 on Aug. 31, 2016 $1.34 on Sept. 30, 2015

Price

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales 90, median price $102,500 in September 2016 75, median price $110,000 in August 2016 65, median price $119,000 in September 2015

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

13.9%

91,800 in September 2016 90,800 in August 2016 91,400 in September 2015

Price

Source: NYS Department of Labor

United States

4.9

New York State

September 2015

5.7 September 2016

5.6

5.9 September 2015

September 2015

5.7 August 2016

5.4

5.4 September 2016

August 2016

5.5

Lewis County

September 2015

5.1 August 2016

5.4

St. Lawrence County

5.0

NNY unemployment rates

August 2016

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

Jefferson County

0.8%

4.8

Sales

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

September 2016

38.5%

2.2%

4.8

Sales

2.9%

September 2015

49.5%

4.3%

4.9

September 2016 $2.23 August 2016 $2.57 September 2015 $2.30

4.9%

August 2016

September 2016 $2.35 August 2016 $2.18 September 2015 $2.51

September 2016

ECON SNAPSHOT

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

5.1

September 2016 $2.27 August 2016 $2.27 September 2015 $2.44

7.1%

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

Source: U.S. DOE, Energy Information Administration

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

10 | NNY Business | November 2016

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

September 2016

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 126 in September 2016 563 in September 2016 132 in August 2016 556 in August 2016 518 in September 2015 147 in September 2015

8.7%

NNY

14.3%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers* at Watertown International Airport

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

3,279 in September 2016 3,539 in August 2016 3,205 in September 2015

2,227 in September 2016 2,300 in August 2016 2,282 in September 2015

2.3%

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

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

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office oct. 3 to oct. 27. For a complete list of DBAs filed in October and in past months, visit nnybizmag.com.

Oct. 27: DJ Drex Mobile Entertainment Service, 99112 Forest Drive, Fort Drum, Nigil K. Handy, 99112 Forest Drive, Fort Drum. n Overlook Farms, 23954 Sate Route 37, Watertown, Matthew A. Lowe, 23954 Sate Route 37, Watertown. n Shakers Bar, 536 Arsenal St., Watertown, Ricky E. Frazier, 23960 White Road, Watertown.

Oct. 26: Cabinets & More Enterprises, 24015 Gotham Street Road, Watertown, Terri L. Weller, 24015 Gotham Street Road, Watertown.

Oct. 25: Lineman’s Diner, 24479 State Route 411, LaFargeville, Jamie Pratt, 1923 County Route 6, Hammond, Tammy B. Mathous, 45901 State Route 37, Redwood. n Special Frame, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W., Watertown, Firudin Maharmov, 522 Washington St., Watertown.

Oct. 21: Martin’s Greenhouse, 32389 US Route 11, Philadelphia, Luke K. Martin, 32389 US Route 11, Philadelphia. n Mamo Boutique, 28987 State Route 37, Evans Mills, Amanda L. Bellnier, 28987 State Route 37, Evans Mills. n Jumping Beans Registered Daycare, 104 Patrician Lane, P.O. Box 217, Brownville, Colleen D. Pender, 104 Patrician Lane, P.O. Box 217, Brownville. n Mike Kampnich Contracting, 16586 Evans Road, Dexter, Michael A. Kampnich, 16586 Evans Road, Dexter. n Brandi Enterprises, 710 Arsenal St., Watertown, Brandi Bryant, 20281 County Route 181, LaFargeville.

Oct. 20: @ Books & Textbooks, 10873 A Baldwin Circle, Fort Drum, Jerry M. Asumbrado, 10873 A Baldwin Circle, Fort Drum.

J. Leone, 519 Stone St., Watertown.

Oct. 13: Camp Lee Partnership, P.O. Box 430, Dexter, Michael Romandetti, 12516 Percival St., Chester, Pa., Randy McAvoy, 15932 County Route 59, Dexter, Mark VanBrocklin, 15886 County Route 59, Dexter, Zachary VanBrocklin, 15886 County Route 59, Dexter, Corey McAvoy, 15932 County Route 59, Dexter, George Youngs, Jr., 16480 Game Farm Road Ext., Dexter, Jodey McAvoy, 15237 County Route 59, Dexter, Michael Parks, 23368 County Route 59, Dexter, Stephen Cameron, P.O. Box 430, Dexter. n Teebs Cleaning, 35380 Jackson II Road, Carthage, Tina M. Baker, 35380 Jackson II Road, Carthage.

Oct. 11: Odd Jobs, 20441 Hadcock Road, Watertown, Brian C. Knight, 20441 Hadcock Road, Watertown. n TLM Excavating and Property Services, 29736 Route 3, Black River, Michael Jordal, 26395 LeRay Park Lane, Calcium, Lindsey Jordal, 26395 LeRay Park Lane, Calcium.

Oct. 10: Busy B Pet Sitting Service, 813 Bigham Ave., Watertown, Jacob Grigg, 813 Bigham Ave., Brandy Grigg, 813 Bigham Ave. Oct. 7: R@R Construction, 10292 County Route 77, Adams, Dustin W. Robbins, 10292 County Route 77, Adams.

Oct. 5: From Rags to Rachels Cleaning Service, 132 Maywood Terrace, Watertown, Rachel A. Repp, 132 Maywood Terrace, Watertown, Rush F. Reynolds, 132 Maywood Terrace, Watertown. n Imaginary Press, 4841 Becker Lane, Three Mile Bay, Mary Kim, 4841 Becker Lane, Three Mile Bay.

n L.A. Waite Construction, 33823 Lamb Road, Carthage, Larry A. Waite, 33823 Lamb Road, Carthage.

n Watertown Wild Hockey, 18845 County Route 155, Watertown, Gregory J. Lafex, 18845 County Route 155, Watertown.

n Copper Tub, 30978 Pinewood Drive, Black River, Bethany R. Patrick, 30978 Pinewood Drive, Black River.

n Tennantville Auto, 763 US Route 11, Mannsville, Wilbur A. Tennant Jr., 763 US Route 11, Mannsville.

Oct. 19: Turnt Up DJ Service, 20 Liberty St., Carthage, John R. Barker, 20 Liberty St., Carthage.

Oct. 4: Eaba Ground End All Be All, 726 Sherman St., Apt. 2, Watertown, Daniel Rodriguez, 726 Sherman St., Watertown.

Oct. 18: Green Logistics Unlimited, 94120 A Sycamore Drive, Fort Drum, Tamla Bumbury, 94120 A Sycamore Drive, Fort Drum.

n Four Season Whitetails, 29268 US Route 11, Evans Mills, Michael J. Kerry, 29268 US Route 11, Evans Mills.

n Carolyn Janitorial Services, 24360 Plank Road, Rodman, Thomas M. Kostoroski, 24360 Plank Road, Rodman.

Oct. 17: Strut Boutique, 308 State St., Watertown, Ashley B. Scanlin, 1407 State St., Watertown. n Sloppy Kisses Pet Grooming, 19032 State Route 12F, Dexter, Summer A. DeCaprio, 19032 State Route 12F, Dexter.

Oct. 14: Keithas Kafe, 20693 County Route 93, Lorraine, Keitha L. Robarge, 20788 County Route 93, Lorraine. n Clean Out Kings, 519 Stone St., Watertown, Christopher

n All Aboard At The Depot Café, 13449 Depot St., Adams, Trudie C. Bertram, 5214 Wilder Road, Adams.

Oct. 3: Terminally Cosplay, 22253 Route 411, LaFargeville, Kaley L. Schrecengast, 22253 Route 411, LaFargeville. n Fisherman’s Cove, 37451 County Route 25, Gouverneur, William S. Law, 6641 SH 58, Gouverneur, Joanna M. Norsworthy, 6641 SH 58, Gouverneur. n McPlanes Collectables, 1015 Water St., Watertown, Daniel McDougal, 110 Stafford Drive, Black River, Leonard Planes, 110 Stafford Drive, Black River.

transactions

DBAs

2.4%

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 11

Business briefcase NonprofitS

Taco Bell donates nearly $5k to Children’s Home

The Children’s Home of Jefferson County recently received a donation of $4,860 from the locally owned and operated Taco Bell restaurants.

A check presentation was held last month at the Boys & Girls Club SoZo Teen Center, 171 Polk St., Watertown.

Taco Bell Foundation for Teens is a public nonprofit charity committed to inspiring teenagers to graduate from high school and become caring, educated and productive

adults. Through partners and programs, such as the Boys & Girls Clubs, the foundation has created a national focus to foster educational, career and service opportunities for teens.

The Taco Bell Foundation for Teens is the largest donor to Boys & Girls Clubs of America, giving more than $40 million to support teen programming since 1995. health care

Carthage Area Hospital begins ‘healthy’ initiative

Carthage Area Hospital’s Pediatric Clinic will now give a book to each pediatric

patient at each visit courtesy of the Carthage Free Library.

According to Readingbrightstart.org, reading skill is the “single strongest predictor of adult health status.”

“Reading to your child, talking, singing, playing together from an early age helps get children ready to read. Reading is one of the most important tools for success in all areas of school. And it’s fun!” said Linda McCullough of the Carthage Free Library.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to partner with our local library to provide yet another way to enhance our patients’ overall health. Reading and health go hand-in-hand,” said Taylour Scanlin, Carthage Area Hospital Marketing Director.

The Carthage Pediatric Clinic is now accepting same day/same week appointments.

Call 493-4187 to schedule an appointment.

EDUCATION

St. Lawrence named to Princeton Review’s ‘Green Colleges Guide’

St. Lawrence University is one of the nation’s 361 most environmentally responsible colleges, according to the 2016 edition of The Princeton Review’s Guide to 361 Green Colleges.

Princeton Review chose the schools for this seventh-annual edition of its “green guide” based on data from its 2015-16 survey of four-year colleges concerning commitments to the environment and sustainability. The profiles in Guide to 361 Green Colleges provide information about admission requirements, cost and financial aid, and student body as well as “Green Facts” such as the availability of transportation alternatives and the percentage of the school food budgets spent on local food.

The Princeton Review notes that Johnson Hall of Science was the first LEED Gold-certified science building in New York State, and, as part of St. Lawrence’s promise to achieve climate neutrality, all future construction will be designed to meet LEED Silver certification, including Kirk Douglas Hall, which opened in August 2014 and uses 24 geothermal wells for heating and cooling.

St. Lawrence also has offers students a unique off-campus learning experience through its Adirondack Semester. The program enables students to study nature and human relationships with nature while living in a yurt village “off the grid” deep in the Adirondack Park. Students also engage in a number of sustainable initiatives, such as participating (and winning two years in row) the Negawatt Challenge.

12 | NNY Business | November 2016

Small Bu siness startup BUSINESS

The Tarot Café THE INITIAL IDEA

An idea that emerged from his past, coupled with a lack of availability of specialty product in downtown Watertown, artist and performer Seth Hill opened the Tarot Café and is seeing support throughout the community.

“I always wanted to have a café as a kid,” Mr. Hill said. From his love for Manga, a style of Japanese comic books and graphic novels, he discovered a series in the books about a Tarot Café. “It was about a place of escape and I really wanted that one day,” he said.

The Tarot Café specializes in hand-crafted beverages, teas from around the world, tarot and astrology chart readings and the Reiki healing art. Mr. Hill is trained in Europeanstyle coffee-making as well as the spiritual healing arts.

“The Tarot Café offers its guests a delicious, unique latte experience and comfortable, welcoming environment for all who explore downtown,” said AmberLee Clement, a Clayton resident and regular customer of the Tarot Café.

“The café owner creates magical and delicious fresh pumpkin lattes for the season and healthy herbal teas to please any palate, which is why I continue to come back.”

TARGET CLIENTELE

For local residents who seek out healthy, organic and fair-trade food and beverage options, the Tarot Café specializes in those products.

“All of my syrups are made from scratch; nothing is artificial, no chemicals and no preservatives,” Mr. Hill said. But it’s not just his syrups and coffee additives that separate him from the rest. Mr. Hill uses organic fair-trade coffee from St. Lawrence Roasters, organic teas from around the world and cookies and scones from local businesses like April’s Cake Shop, Watertown.

“A café should be all about community and very local,” Mr. Hill said. “I’m not just selling you a product; I’m selling you a memory and experience.”

As you walk into the Tarot Café the warm atmosphere is inviting and intriguing as it is decorated with candles, tapestries and other inspired items.

Ms. Clement said she first learned of the café’s opening from the owner who was looking to find a community-focused space to bring people together. “He offers meditation classes

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

“A café should be all about community and very local. I’m not just selling you a product; I’m selling you a memory and an experience.”

— Seth Hill, owner, Tarot Café and invites other organizations to partner on projects and events.”

THE JOURNEY

Sitting on the idea for many years, the opportunity to develop the café presented itself when a commercial space in downtown Watertown’s historically renovated Franklin Building became available. Mr. Hill, vice-president of the North Country Arts Council, located in the same building, learned of the space and immediately knew he’d found the ideal location for the Tarot Café.

“I would look all over town,” Mr. Hill said, “I would go to all the stores on Public Square and look at their store fronts, take pictures.” From these continued actions Mr. Hill said he was able to manifest his dream of opening the café and the business space became available at the right time.

The Tarot Café is inside the Franklin Building where six to 12 street-level commercial units are housed. The retail space is shared with a tattoo parlor, an opera singer, a jewelry maker, a piano teacher, the North Country Arts Council and now Mr. Hill’s specialty café.

“If you look around the building it’s becoming an arts center,” Mr. Hill said, “It’s like a cave

of wonders.” The building is kept by the Watertown Local Development Corp. and Neighbors of Watertown. Mr. Hill said he believes both agencies support artistic businesses in the building as a means of encouraging people to participate in the art community.

IN FIVE YEARS

As the Tarot Café gains ground and sales continue to increase steadily, Mr. Hill said he hopes to expand into surrounding towns.

“I would like to open cafés in Clayton and Sackets Harbor because of their locations and developing markets,” Mr. Hill said.

A major driving force behind the Tarot Café is community gathering and sharing of energy and ideas, something that Mr. Hill wants to develop in surrounding areas to expand his brand and business.

“I see the Tarot Café expanding its business in the region within the next few years,” Ms. Clement said. “He is providing a venue for local business partnerships to emerge and community gatherings to flourish.”

— Holly Boname

WHERE 50 Public Square, Suite E3, Watertown | LAUNCHED April 2016 | WEB thetarotcafe.org

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 13

COV E R STORY

A sibling ‘rivalry’ For three north country families, the bonds that lead to success in business begAn as brotherly STORY BY NORAH MACHIA | NNY BUSINESS Despite what some skeptics may believe, it is really possible for brothers to successfully work together in a family business. The main reason? There is typically a very strong incentive on everyone’s part to succeed.

That’s the message from several brothers who work in family businesses throughout the north country. In some cases, they found that having assigned roles in the company helps things run smoothly, along with maintaining some type of system that allows for those “collaborative management decisions.”

For others, it’s a matter of faith.

“We’ve worked together for a long time and we know each other well,” said Matthew D. Lyndaker, 39, the oldest brother of the Lyndaker Timber Harvesting LLC, Croghan. “But sometimes the challenge is trying to see eye-to-eye with

14 | NNY Business | November 2016

four or five differing opinions.”

As far as dealing with any disagreements on the job, “they’ll always be my brothers, so we need to get along,” he said. “I try to use a Christian attitude when I deal with my brothers.”

Lyndaker Timber Harvesting LLC was formed in 2005 when all four brothers — Matthew, Wade, Travis and Cody — became members with their parents, David and Anita Lyndaker.

The business was initially started in 1998 as David Lyndaker and Sons. Prior to 1998, David worked with his brother Daniel in a partnership, Lyndaker Logging.

The brothers had spent a lot of time around the business growing up, and they all started working full-time after graduation from River Valley Mennonite School.

Lyndaker Timber Harvesting provides a variety of timber products to several op-

erations, including ReEnergy Black River, Fort Drum; International Paper, Ticonderoga; Finch Paper, Glens Falls; and New England Wood Pellet, Schuyler.

Because each brother has a designated role in the business, such as operating different equipment, they are not always in the same place at the same time, Matthew said.

“Some of us work together, but not with the same ones all the time,” said Matthew, who operates a feller buncher and a loader. “We always have two jobs going, sometimes three.”

But they also have the capability to fill in for each other when needed if someone wants to take vacation time, and that is an added benefit to the Facing page, from left, brothers, Wade, Travis, Cody and Matt Lyndaker work in the family’s business, Lyndaker Timber Harvest, Croghan, with their parents, David and Anita Lyndaker.

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C O V E R S T O RY brothers working together, he said.

Wade E. Lyndaker, 36, operates the whole tree chipper and manages his own crew.

“The main advantage of working with your siblings is knowing where they really excel or struggle,” Wade said. “This knowledge can pertain to everything from where they are gifted in operating certain equipment to the social aspects of work.”

But in reality, sometimes there are disagreements among the brothers, and they need to work together to find a resolution, he said.

“When differences of opinion occur, knowing that we all have a common goal helps,” he said. “Personally, being a Christian allows me to humbly enter situation with my brothers that might be confrontational.”

It does take coordination, however, for family members to plan for any vacation time, because it involves “being flexible and able to shift workers between crews when someone needs time off,” Wade said.

“Sometimes we work together, but frequently we are working with different crews,” he said.

Travis L. Lyndaker, 34, operates a feller buncher, and a loader.

“We are all on the same page, we have each other’s back,” he said. “We don’t need to babysit each other.”

However, when they don’t see “eye-toeye,” they handle it with “tough love,” Travis said.

“We have it out and get over it,” he said. “We are brothers, so it’s only natural to have differences. At the end of the day, we all know why we’re here.”

While other topics of conversation may come up outside of work, in reality, “it’s pretty much impossible not to talk about work when we are together, it’s just an aspect of a family business operation,” he said.

Cody L. Lyndaker, 28, operates the whole tree chipper and loader, and manages the landing.

One advantage of working together is having the opportunity to see his brothers often, but at times, “everyone has different idea,” he said.

“It’s hard to separate work from personal life, but once in awhile, I take a weekday off to spend time hunting,” he said. “We speak our mind to each other, and for the most part, the next day we’re fine.”

Stephen swofford | NNY BUSINESS

From left, brothers and the fourth-generation at Waite Toyota and Waite Motorsports, Darrick, Matthew and Justin Waite, on the auto lot at Waite Toyota, Watertown. Easton Waite, the brothers’ great-grandfather, started the business in 1929, selling Studebakers. Waite Toyota celebrated its 50th anniversary as a Toyota auto dealership this year.

Waite Toyota There are three brothers — Darrick, Justin and Matthew — who represent the fourth generation of the family-owned and operated Waite Toyota-Scion Dealership at 18406 Route 11, Watertown.

They all grew up spending time in the business — doing odd jobs such as washing cars, mowing lawns and repainting light poles.

The dealership was started in 1929 in Adams by owner Barry L. Waite’s grandfather, Easton Waite. He had started off selling Studebakers, and after the Great Depression, he expanded the dealership by selling Alice Chalmers tractors as well.

The Waite family dealership was relocated to Adams Center in the 1950s, and when Studebaker announced in the mid1960s it was going to cease production of its vehicles, the family switched to Toyota and moved back to Adams.

Barry Waite and his father, Paul C., bought out the business in 1976. After his father’s death in 1986, Barry Waite took over the operation of the dealership at the age of 32. In 1988, the business was moved to its current location in Watertown, and in 2013, the family opened its new service and parts department in a renovated adjacent building.

Waite Toyota is one of 12 dealerships na-

tionwide that was recently recognized for being in business 50 years (out of approximately 1,300 dealerships nationwide).

The Watertown dealership has been awarded Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A. Inc.’s President’s Award for outstanding sales and service nearly 20 times. The family business, which also supports many nonprofit organizations in the community, was featured in the Winter 2002 “Pictures of the Year” issue of Time magazine.

The company started a motorsports division in 1996 and later relocated it to a separate building in Adams Center. Waite Motorsports carries a variety of ATVs, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and lawnmowers.

It also offers repair services, and sales of parts and accessories.

Each brother oversees a particular area of the family-owned business, and the arrangement helps to make things run smoothly, they said.

The oldest brother, Darrick N., 36, is serving as the general manager at the dealership. He started working in the dealership after graduating with a business degree from LeMoyne College, Syracuse, where he played on the lacrosse team.

“At first, I wasn’t certain I wanted come back,” said Darrick. “But I spent time working in different departments, and figured this is what I wanted to do for a living.”

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 17

C O V E R ST O RY Darrick said he and his brothers work well together, because they are not only coworkers, but “we’re also friends,” he said.

“It makes easier for us to ask questions and get answers,” Darrick said. “We don’t worry about hurting someone’s feelings.”

Although the brothers may naturally get competitive with each other, “that doesn’t really happen at work, it’s more when we socialize outside the business – like during a hunting or fishing trip,” he said.

One thing they all agree upon, however, is that “we all have big shoes to fill between the three of us,” he said, referring to Barry Waite.

Justin P., 32, is the company’s used car and wholesale manager. He knew from a young age that he wanted to be involved in the family business. Justin started working full-time at Waite Toyota after obtaining his degree in business administration from Jefferson Community College.

“I love cars, and I always had the idea I would be working here,” he said. “The dealership has been in the family for so long, so it seemed like a wise move.”

A major advantage of having all three brothers involved in the family business is that “we all have the same goal, and we work very hard on a personal level to achieve it,” said Justin.

The youngest brother, Matthew J., 30, is the general manager of Waite Motorsports in Adams Center.

The position was a good fit for him because “I always like toys,” he joked.

While they can’t take a large family trip together very often, the brothers can help cover for each other during vacation time, he said.

Not only are the brothers working to continue the successful operation of the family business, but they are aiming for another milestone as well, Matthew said.

“Our goal is to have another generation running Waite Toyota after us,” he said.

The Monette family The Monette brothers in Malone have found success working together by building a large portfolio of operations throughout the region.

The three brothers — Bruce Jr., Brian and Christopher — started with the Malone-based Adirondack Energy Products Inc., which includes Adirondack Energy, Adirondack Propane, Adirondack Waste Solutions and Mountain 18 | NNY Business | November 2016

C O V E R S T O RY

JASON HUNTER | NNY BUSINESS

From left, brothers Bruce Jr., Brian and Chris Monette at Titus Mountain in Malone last month. The brothers are equal partners in the family businesses, which includes Titus Mountain Family Ski Center, Malone-based Adirondack Energy Products Inc., and its affiliated Adirondack Energy, Adirondack Propane, Adirondack Waste Solutions and Mountain Mart convenience stores and gas stations

Mart convenience stores and gas stations.

Bruce, 52, is the oldest (although he claims to be the youngest-looking brother). He began building the business in 1988, “but it did not actually get moving with any earnest until my brother Brian came on board in 1991,” he said.

Both are graduates of Clarkson University. Bruce earned a degree in industrial distribution, the combined study of engineering and business, and Brian, 49, earned an accounting degree.

While Bruce worked in Texas and Brian worked in Syracuse following college graduation, they both decided to eventually return to Malone. Their younger brother, Christopher, 45, joined them in the family business after graduating from Canton ATC in 1993 with a business administration degree.

“As our business grew, we were quick

to realize we had to incorporate our most popular brother into the company, and Christopher “Dude” Monette began his tenure with Adirondack,” Bruce said.

The three brothers are now all equal principals in the family businesses, although the two younger ones elected him to be “spokesperson,” Bruce said.

Adirondack Energy Products, Inc. was the first entity the brothers created, and “has been the standard bearer for all that we have done,” he said.

“It has the longest tenure, and for the three of us, it holds the most special place among all our other units,” he added.

Adirondack is a full service energy company offering every variety of distilled energy products, propane, motor fuel, diesel and finished products. It is a Mobil-branded gasoline distributor supplying a number of retail outlets, most of

which the brothers own and operate as Mountain Mart convenience stores.

They also operate Adirondack Waste Solutions, a retail and commercial refuse collection and disposal company, in Franklin, Clinton, Essex and St. Lawrence counties.

“The main advantage to working here for me personally, is the fact that I get to work with my brothers each and every day for a common cause,” Bruce said.

“Not only do we strive to be successful businessmen, we also want to be good stewards of the community and try in any way possible to enhance the quality of life in the north country.”

“We all have raised our families here, and we all agree that we have to constantly focus on giving back to the area that has been so good to us,” he added. “We Please see brothers, page 29 November 2016 | NNY Business

| 19

Feat ures

Dr. Chelsea Eppolito, D.D.S., right, has jumped into the dental field in Clayton, where her grandfather, Dr. John ‘Doc’ Eppolito, left, was the town’s dentist for generations.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Passing the torch

Dr. Chelsea Eppolito follows in grandfathers’s footsteps

By HOLLY C. BONAME

I

NNY Business

t’s said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery. But what happens when you don’t mean to imitate and your journey inadvertently guides you to do just that, but with a twist?

In the St. Lawrence River community of Clayton where family and friends always come first, one young doctor is working to ensure her mentor’s legacy continues through her own work — the continuation of trusted, heartfelt care.

Dr. Chelsea Eppolito’s journey back to the north country to practice pediatric dentistry might have begun before she knew it. Her grandfather, Dr. John Eppolito, a Clayton general practitioner for 48 years from 1958 to 2004, is a small-town legend in his own right.

“For longer than I should probably admit I thought my grandfather’s name was Doc,” Chelsea said. “In my defense, not my family, not friends of ours, not community

20 | NNY Business | November 2016

members, no one called him anything differently. And there is something to be said for that.”

Her grandfather spent his life serving Clayton residents, earning the name “Doc” and building a reputation that his granddaugthter, Dr. Chelsea Eppolito, hopes to continue.

“I admire him for this work, and it is one of the reasons that I made the decision to come home to practice. I know full well that there will only ever be one Doc Eppolito, but I am honored to be given the chance to make my own imprint on the north country.”

The young Dr. Eppolito didn’t always know that she wanted to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps. While in high school, fixing teeth was the last thing on her mind.

“I wanted to be an architect, a lawyer, a veterinarian, a teacher, but never really contemplated becoming a dentist,” she said. In grade school she excelled in math and science and knew that those interests would be included in her career, but it wasn’t until she was 14 and working her first job at Clayton Dental Office watering

flowers that inspiration struck; she didn’t want to water flowers anymore, she wanted to get through the doors and see what all the fuss was about. After her first year with Clayton Dental she started to shadow Dr. Scott LaClair, who now owns the practice.

“Chelsea was the first person who greeted me in 1995 when my wife and I arrived from Buffalo where I had just finished my dental training,” Dr. LaClair said. She was 6 at that time, and their continued relationship has led to her return to practice in her hometown, more specifically as one of only three pediatric dentists in the north country.

She completed her undergraduate studies and dental school at the University of Buffalo.

She never intended to study there; she instead wanted to begin her adult life in a big city, New York to be exact. But family and friends guided her to the University of Buffalo where she spent eight years studying — four as an undergrad and four in dental school.

“After weighing all the options we decided that (University of Buffalo) would be the better fit,” Chelsea said. While at the

Feat ures University of Buffalo, students completed But before she could make her way back and add to the short supply of these services rotations that focused on different specialto her hometown, Chelsea needed to comto the tri-county area.”

For Chelsea and her family, her return ties in dentistry. Chelsea says it was in her plete her pediatric dental residency. For the senior year while working rotation in the pe- next two years following graduation she is much more than just having her closer diatric clinic that she came to the realization worked at St. Christopher’s Hospital for to home; they know that her impact on the that working with children was her calling.

Children, serving as chief resident during community professionally and personally “I was working on a 6-year-old girl who her second year. will become her own legacy. wasn’t interested in having any sort of “I think the north country is a hard sell “I know she will certainly have a strong dental work done. With some patience to most new dentists,” Dr. LaClair said, impact on the community if she remembers and time we were able to get the treatment “recruitment across all health care profesthat she is a member of it,” Dr. John Eppolito completed and she left the clinic smiling,” sions to our area is a chore.” While there are said. “This was a great place for me to raise she said. Upon completion of the child’s greater professional and financial opportumy seven children and it was a great place dental work, her peers for them to grow up. To asked her how she was me it’s a way of life that able to ease the child’s is so much nicer then stress. “I told them I to make your way in a didn’t know that I just metropolitan area.” did. And it was that “As I got older I moment that I knew learned to appreciate pediatrics was for me.” everything a small She credits her pastown has to offer. sion for pediatrics to The camaraderie of the different types of supporting your high challenge youth present school sports teams, — Dr. Chelsea Eppolito, D.D.S., Clayton Dental Office different than adults; pediatric dentist, on her grandfather, Dr. John ‘Doc’ Eppolito. the lemonade stands how they are inquisiyou are happy to stop tive, and sometimes by, the neighbors who fearful which she said can be challenging. nities in larger metropolitan areas, where bring home your dog that got loose. These But for Chelsea, there is nothing more there is greater access to teaching hospitals are the things you can’t get in a big city,” rewarding than being able to guide an apand dental schools that attract the attention Chelsea said. “Coming home has been a prehensive patient through treatment and of many graduates in their profession, Dr. truly humbling experience. The more I they leave with a smile on their face.

LaClair said the north country is lucky she reflect, the more I realize my accomplish “I sing, although I probably shouldn’t, I chose to return and knows the quality of care ments are not just my own. I attribute tell stories, and most importantly I laugh out she provides will remain for years to come as much of my success to a lifetime of support loud every day. I am a kid at heart with an she works in his office and practices as only from friends, family and my community, obsession for everything Disney and this job one of three pediatric specialists in the area. and now it’s my turn to five back to the allows me to have it all,” she said.

“She has helped our practice by assumcommunity that helped raise me.”

Now, 10 years later she is thankful she ing responsibility for most of our pediatric When asked where she would like to attended that specific school and found patients. This has freed up time for our see her career in five years, the answer practice to engage deeper in other areas,” her passion and upon completion of her was clear for Chelsea: “With any luck, not degree her grandfather again stood by Dr. LaClair said. “Her specialized training much will change from where it is now. her side having the honor of presenting will help us offer procedures and options I am home, back where it all began and I her with her doctorates degree on stage at for care that we have never been able to couldn’t be happier.”

University of Buffalo. offer. Operating room affiliations with local

“

For longer than I should probably admit I thought my grandfather’s name was Doc. In my defense, not my family, not friends of ours, not community members, no one called him anything differently.

And there is something to be said for that.

“It was fun,” Dr. John Eppolito said. “I knew she would have a strong impact on her community wherever she went.”

hospitals, sedation dentistry and a full range of more contemporary pediatric treatment options will be introduced to our practice

n HOLLY BONAME is a magazine associate for NNY Magazines. Contact her at hboname@ wdt.net or 661-2381.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 21

Feat ures

LEDOUX FAMILY PHOTO | SPECIAL TO NNY BUSINESS

From left, Adirondack Beef Co. owners and operators, Michele Ledoux, son, Jake, 20, a student at Cornell University, Ithaca, studying international agriculture and rural development; daughter, Camille, 17, a student at Beaver River High School and a member of the FFA, and husband Steve, co-owner.

A natural way of life Adirondack beef Co. started to provide healthy food for family

By JOLEENE MOODY

A NNY Business

t the top of the Black River Valley in Chroghan, sits a natural beef farm that just might be one of the best-kept secrets in the north country. The 36-acre farm is home to dozens of grass-fed beef cows, hogs, chickens, and turkeys. There are no antibiotics or growth promotants used on the farm and that’s quite intentional. Owners Steve and Michele Ledoux wanted to create an environment for their children that would provide them with natural and nutritious

22 | NNY Business | November 2016

food. So far, they’ve been successful. And while their original intent was to raise cattle to feed their family well, they soon discovered the product they had was one the community wanted, too.

“We had young children when we started it,” Steve Ledoux said. “There was a lot of controversy at the time about different stuff in foods, so we decided we were going to do something about it. We did, before it was real cool, and now it’s become mainstream, which is kind of crazy to me.”

Crazy because the Ledoux’s didn’t realize they were on the cusp of something big.

But good crazy, in a lets-start-a-businesskind-of crazy way. So they did.

“It’s nice because we work well together,” Mr. Ledoux said. “It’s such a great thing to be able to work with your kids. We talk to each other as we work. We’ve always made it an educational experience for them. They learn the values of hard work, common sense and responsibility.”

The adventure began in 1998 when the Ledoux’s bought their farm on Old State Road. Their children, both under the age of 4, quickly became part of the business.

In the fields they learned what hard work was really about. They also learned about life and death, a crucial part of farming life that can’t be denied.

As they grew, so did their interest in

Feat ures The Adirondack Beef Co. n To learn more about the Adirondack Beef Co. CSA program, contact Steve or Michele Ledoux, 346-1741, visit adirondackbeef company.com email shorthorn@frontiernet.net.

farm life. Today their son, Jake, 20 is a student at Cornell University, Ithaca, studying international agriculture and rural development. Daughter, Camille, 17, is a student at Beaver River High School, Castorland, and proudly serves as New York State FFA president. To say the farming business is a family affair is an understatement, especially when you add extended family to the mix.

“My family lives in the area,” Michele Ledoux said. “They’re very supportive of the farm. So when we have a fall herd check or other big projects on the farm, they come to help. We mix Thanksgiving weekend with work and it’s actually nice.

Some of my family members don’t spend a lot of time around animals, but they’re always willing to be a part of it and learn.

Everybody jumps right in.”

The Adirondack Beef Co. doesn’t sell its product on the open commercial market, but reserves it specifically for local consumers instead. Using the share structure of Community Supported Agriculture, the Ledoux family offers fresh, wholesome meat to interested buyers each month.

“We sell everything directly to consumers,” Mr. Ledoux said. “They get a mix of beef, pork and chicken. And they get a turkey for Thanksgiving as part of the deal.”

The most impressive piece of this familyrun farm is that it’s done with both Mr. and Mrs. Ledoux working additional full-time jobs. Mr. Ledoux is a sales account manager for AgroLiquid. Mrs. Ledoux is the executive director of Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County. Both rise each day at 5 a.m., hitting the barns and fields first to feed the animals and finish chores.

Once the animals are situated, they come inside to clean up and start their day.

All of this is done without complaint or question. This is what they want: To provide their family and community with the kind of food that is so desperately needed, yet often undervalued.

“Agriculture is underrated for what we actually do,” Mr. Ledoux said. “In the future I think we have to be more competitive in the world market for food. We have limited amounts of land and limited amounts of resources, and we need to be

more efficient with what we have.”

Young Jake Ledoux understands this, and once he finishes school he’ll be back at the farm to grow the poultry end of the business.

“Our children have always been involved in the farm,” Mrs. Ledoux said, “but we wanted to make sure they had opportunities to do other things before they made any decisions about continuing to work on the farm. Our youth have to make these kinds of decisions for themselves and not jump into a family business just because it’s a family business. It was important for him

to go out and explore opportunities before he made the decision to run a piece of the farm on his own.”

In the end, the goal of the farm is to vaccinate and prevent disease before the need to use antibiotics is eminent. The health of the animals is a priority, so the Ledoux’s can provide healthy livestock to consumers that result in a better-tasting product. n Joleene moody is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at takeyourvoiceback.com.

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Feat ures

STEPHEN SWOFFORD | NNY BUSINESS

From left, third-generation family member Nico, grandfather, C. Anthony, and his son, Michael Morgia, with brother-in-law P.J. Banazek. The three older family members formed The Morgia Group at HighTower Advisors, Watertown, in 2011 and built a new office on Mullin Street.

An investment in family Risk management, trust keys to success for financial firm

By NORAH MACHIA

T

NNY Business

he extended Morgia family in Watertown has been known to many north country residents for years as financial and estate planning experts, offering investment advisory services and asset management.

C. Anthony Morgia, 78, Michael A. Morgia, 50, and Phillip “P.J.” Banazek, 51, all serve as managing directors and partners of The Morgia Group of HighTower Advisors LLC, 151 Mullin St. A third generation has entered the family business as well. This past spring, Nico Morgia, 25, who is the son of Michael Morgia, joined the firm as a client service associate.

24 | NNY Business | November 2016

All four men graduated from LeMoyne College, Syracuse — Tony Morgia in 1960; Michael Morgia and Phillip Banazek in 1988; and Nico Morgia in 2013.

The three managing directors and partners left the Watertown office of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney five years ago. The Morgia Group, a standalone investment advisory firm, then affiliated with the Chicago-based HighTower Advisors.

In 2011, they constructed a new 3,500-square-foot office on Mullin Street.

Nico Morgia, who worked as an intern at the family business during college, joined the firm this past spring after working at the Bank of New York Mellon.

“I liked the idea of being around my family and working with them,” he said.

“I’m actually more comfortable that my bosses are my family.”

“I have no problem asking questions or giving my opinion,” he added.

That’s the type of workplace atmosphere that Tony Morgia, who started in the portfolio management field in 1968, has tried to promote in the family business for years.

“At some point, everyone has to feel part of the business” said Tony Morgia. “Each generation can mentor the next.”

Part of working together as a family involves mandatory meetings, which also include staff, and “everyone is free to say something and offer their opinion,” he said.

“We must be willing to see both sides of an issue,” Tony Morgia said. “But we must still keep the main focus on the client.

We put the client first because we have a fiduciary relationship with the client.”

It was 20 years after Tony Morgia began his portfolio management career that his

Features son, Michael Morgia, joined him. Approximately 15 years later, they recruited Mr. Banazek to their team.

Mr. Banazek is related to the Morgia family through marriage. In 1994, he married Tony Morgia’s daughter, Jennifer, who is also a LeMoyne College graduate.

Despite being at LeMoyne at the same time as Michael Morgia, the two men did not meet in college. Mr. Banazek actually met his future wife through a friend of the Morgia family.

Mr. Banazek had spent 13 years working as a certified public accountant for a Syracuse firm before he joiend The Morgia Group.

“Mike and I were looking for a partner, and we wrote down 10 names and started crossing them off,” said Tony Morgia. “P.J. was the only one left on the list.”

But “we didn’t want him to feel pressured, so we decided to just mention in passing that we were planning to hire someone,” said Tony Morgia.

The strategy worked, and Mr. Banazek and his wife relocated to the north country.

“This is one of the best places to raise a family,” Mr. Banazek said.

Having three partners with different backgrounds and areas of expertise is a huge benefit for the client, he said.

“We each have our own skills that we can share with clients,” Mr. Banazek said.

Mike Morgia, who started in the business right after the stock market crash of 1987, said he made an arrangement with his father to try it out for two years, and then re-evaluate his decision.

Both father and son decided it was the right one.

“You need to have very open communication when working with family,” said Mike Morgia. “And you must set expectations at the beginning.”

“Our No. 1 philosophy is risk control,” he added.

While Tony Morgia said “I love the business and plan to continue working,” he also noted, “I don’t want to be the quarterback.”

“I’ve been mentoring, but Mike and P.J. are now setting the direction,” he said. “It was not a difficult decision on my part.

I knew their capabilities, and that they would run this business efficiently, and would run it right.” 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.

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| 25

F eat ures

stephen swofford | NNY BUSINESS

Seasoned business owners Sissy and Michael Colello bought Watertown Rainbow Restoration franchise in April 2015. Mr. Colello was previously a partner with his father and brother in Frontenac Crystal Springs water.

Under the ‘Rainbow’

Restoration franchise latest venture for seasoned business couple

By JOLEENE MOODY

F

NNY Business

or 25 years, Rainbow Restoration of Watertown has cleaned, restored, and reconstructed homes damaged by fire and water. When the company was born, it started as a cleaning and rug-dyeing service. Today it is a full-service restoration company with seasoned business owners Sissy and Michael Colello at the helm.

The husband and wife finalized the sale of the company in April 2015. A week into operations, their 25-year-old daughter, Arika, stepped in as marketing manager and to assist with insurance claims.

Despite only operating the business for a year and a half, the Colellos have been

26 | NNY Business | November 2016

local business owners since 1992.

“My grandfather bought F K Gailey, a petroleum company in LaFargeville, in 1965,” Michael Colello, vice president of operations said. “I started working there in 1985 and then bought the company in 1992.

Shortly thereafter we became a franchisee for the Dunkin’ Donuts in Watertown, overseeing six locations. A short time later, I bought in to Frontenac Crystal Springs water with my father and brother. We sold that company in 2013.”

Mr. Colello went to work for Rainbow Restoration shortly thereafter. He told the owners that if they ever wanted to sell the company, that he’d buy. When the opportunity came up, the Colellos stepped up.

Today, Rainbow Restoration is a womanowned company with 10 employees.

“We’ve always had our own businesses,” Mr. Colello said. “We’ve never really worked for anyone else, with the exception of when I worked with the owners at Rainbow before we bought it. Some people aren’t meant to work for large companies or somebody else and I think that’s me. I’m not a good employee and I don’t do well by committee. I also don’t take direction very well at all.”

Mrs. Colello, who holds the job of company president, laughs at this statement, noting that the two don’t always see eye-to-eye. They know what it takes to run a business, for sure. They also know there are times when the pressure is high and tolerance of one another is low.

“Sometimes it can be a challenge,” Sissy Colello said. “One of us might be in a bad

Feat ures mood, but we try to keep that out of the office. We can’t let the rest of our employees see that one of us is driving the other crazy and have it affect the business. We learn to separate it from day to day operations.”

In truth, they work together quite well.

But they’re only human. In the end, their goal is to operate a successful business that serves its customers and employees well.

“We go to work every day and do our best to take care of our people and continue to work to grow our business,” Mrs. Colello, company president added. “We see the struggles they have with their own families and red tape with health insurance and we want to do everything we can to grow this company enough so that we can help them as much as we can.”

The Colellos have three grown daughters, each in their 20s. Arika is the only one who presently works in the family business, and does so by choice. Their youngest daughter is still in college and their oldest works in Watertown at Car-Freshner Corp.

Will they become business owners themselves some day? It’s possible, but it’s nothing Sissy and Michael Colello push.

“We encourage all of our girls to explore other opportunities,” Mrs. Colello said.

“We don’t want our girls to feel like they have to come and work with mom and dad.

If they have something else in mind, we are totally OK with that.”

In the 18 months since they bought the Rainbow franchise, the Colellos have worked to improve all aspects of the business. More than anything, they want to see growth so that their employees feel safe and secure and so they have something to pass on to the succeeding generation.

“We want to do the best we can with

135 Keyes Avenue, Watertown, New York

315-782-4910

this company so we can leave a legacy for our children and grandchildren, if that’s something they want,” Mrs. Colello said.

“I find running a business exciting and rewarding, especially when you see the potential a company has. Rainbow Restoration definitely has potential.”

“It’s all about good leadership,” Mr. Colello added. “If you’re a good leader, when things go good, it’s a win for everybody. But when they don’t go so well, it’s

all on you as a business owner and you’ve got to be able to handle that.”

Rainbow Restoration, Watertown’s smoke and fire restorations specialists, are located on Coleman Avenue in Watertown and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Visit them at rainbowintl. com/watertown or call 786-7269. n Joleene moody is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at takeyourvoiceback.com.

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November 2016 | NNY Business

| 27

RE A L E STATE

Costlier home sales fuel Q3 prices Jefferson, St. Lawrence post gains; Lewis drops

By Marcus Wolf

I

NNY Business

ncentives driven by economic development and home buyers purchasing more expensive homes increased the number of homes sold in Jefferson County and the median price in both Jefferson and St. Lawrence County in the third quarter of the year, but a loss of employment opportunities in Lewis County decreased the median price and kept the number of homes sold relatively flat.

The number of houses sold in Jefferson County increased last quarter by 80 units, or by 33 percent, from 246 to 326, according to the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors. The median home price in Jefferson County also increased by $2,875, or 1.9 percent, from $148,625 to $151,500 and the median number of days on the market for a house increased by 30 days, or 49.2 percent, from 61 to 91.

Randy T. Raso, president of the JeffersonLewis Board of Realtors, said that the proposed missile defense site at Fort Drum encouraged more prospective home buyers to purchase homes in the area, driving up home sales last quarter.

“A lot of folks hear things like that and their first thought is ‘Should I invest in this area?’” Mr. Raso said. “I have worked with people overseas … who are interested in investing in the area.”

Foreclosed properties that investors purchased earlier this year were put back on the market and sold at higher prices, Mr. Raso said, raising both the number of units sold and the median price. For instance, a developer would renovate a house valued at $100,000 at the time of purchase and resell it for $30,000 to $40,000 more.

“They are buying them up as a deal and are fixing them to make more of a profit,” he said. “So that raised the median price. Not only does that help the city and the area, but it also increases the value of the home.”

Lance M. Evans, executive officer of both the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence boards, said that realty firms sold more

stephen swofford | NNY BUSINESS

The house at 207 Elm St., Watertown, sold above median price. Home buyers purchasing more expensive homes and incentives driven by economic development combined to increase the number of homes sold in Jefferson County and the median price in both Jefferson and St. Lawrence County last quarter.

single-family, year-around homes at higher prices and waterfront summer cottages last quarter. For example, one realtor, Mr. Evans said, sold a $999,999 cottage in Henderson.

“The bottom line is that in the north country real estate market homes are still

“

28 | NNY Business | November 2016

the market is also up from 2015 by 16 days, or 21 percent, from 77 to 93.

The number of units sold in Jefferson County so far this year is up and the median price is down because of the foreclosed properties sold in the first two quarters, Mr. Evans said. Mr. Raso, however, said that more units could have been sold in Jefferson County this year.

Mr. Raso said that investors were less likely to purchase properties in the city of Watertown while City Council discussed Councilman Stephen A. Jennings’s proposed rental registration and inspection law. Under its initial version proposed in August, the law would have required landlords, including ones who operated outside of Jefferson County, to register all of their properties with the city and have them inspected once every three years.

“Investors felt like they were being penalized for a few people who did not take care of their properties in the area,” Mr. Raso said. “It put a lot of folks on hold.”

In St. Lawrence County, the number of units sold last quarter decreased from the same time in 2015 by 25 units, or 11.7 percent from 214 to 189, according to the

The bottom line is that in the north country real estate market homes are still priced nicely and interest rates are still low.

— Lance M. Evans, utive officer Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors

priced nicely and interest rates are still low,” he said.

Compared to 2015, home sales from January to September this year increased from last year in Jefferson County by 96 units, or 15.7 percent, from 611 to 707. The median price for homes for the nine month period in Jefferson County, however, decreased by $27,700, or 18 percent, from $154,000 to $126,300. The median number of days on

RE AL E S TAT E St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors.

The median price, however, increased in by $12,880, or 14.2 percent, from $91,000 to 103,880 and the median number of days on the market was down last quarter by 6 days, or seven percent, from 88 to 82.

Debra J. Gilson, president of the St. Lawrence Board of Realtors and a broker for County Seat Realty, said that having a low inventory in areas such as Canton and Potsdam could have caused a decrease in sales, although some areas like Massena still have an overabundance of units on the market. While the number of units sold was slightly down, Mrs. Gilson said waterfront property purchases drove up the median price last quarter.

“And of course, interest rates are at an all-time low,” she said.

The number of units sold from January to September this year increased from 2015 in St. Lawrence County by 15 units, or 3.2 percent, from 466 to 481. The median price increased from the same period in 2015 by $1,750, or two percent, from $87,250 to $89,000 and the median number of days was up by five days, or 5 percent, from 99 to 104.

While the second quarter was “sluggish,”

Mrs. Gilson said that a strong first quarter and an influx of doctors moving to the area due to the Canton-Potsdam hospital expansion boosted the number of overall homes sold and the median price this year.

“If our market next year continues to increase, I am looking forward to a very productive 2017,” she said.

Lewis County home sales remained relatively flat last quarter compared with the third quarter in 2015 only decreasing by four units, or 6.3 percent, from 64 to 60, according to the Jefferson-Lewis County Board of Realtors. The median price also decreased in Lewis County by $22,750, or 16.5 percent, from $137,750 to $115,000 and the median number of days on the market dropped by 35 days, or 31.3 percent, from 112 to 77.

The number of units from January to September this year increased from 2015 in Lewis County by two units, or 1.3 percent, 143 to 145. The median price for 2016, however, decreased in Lewis County from 2015 by $14,500, or 12.2 percent, from $119,000 to $104,500 and the median number of days on the market dropped by 34 days, or 27 percent, from 128 to 94.

When Climax Packaging, Lowville,

closed in April and laid off 157 workers, Mr. Raso said that it slowed the economy and caused a drop in both sales and the median price last quarter. For this year, Mr. Raso said that an overall lack of employment opportunities in the county affected the median price and number of units sold.

“Quite a few jobs were lost,” he said. “(People) could be a little shy about purchasing a home if the income is not there.”

Statewide, quarterly home sales have increased compared to the third quarter in 2015 by 1,054 units, or 2.8 percent, from 38,629 to 37,575, according to the New York State Association of Realtors. The thirdquarter statewide median sales price was also up this year by $10,100, or 4.2 percent, from $239,900 to $250,000. The median number of days on the market stayed relatively flat, decreasing by two days, or 2.4 percent, from 84 to 82.

This year, 95,453 homes were sold, up 9,464 homes, or 11 percent, from the 85,989 sold during the same time in 2015.

The Jefferson-Lewis board has 347 Realtor members and the St. Lawrence board has 184, Mr. Evans said.

brothers, from page 19

more season pass customers now than at any time in the mountain’s history.”

Below the slopes is a sand and gravel quarry offering all types of aggregate material for construction purposes and sand for different concrete blends. This is a separate entity known as Titus Mountain Sand and Gravel, he said.

The brothers recently tapped approximately 20,000 maple trees adjacent to the ski terrain for their “proprietary Moon Valley Maple award-winning 100 percent organic maple syrup,” Bruce said.

“The family model and the concept of family first truly is the most important aspect of who we are, what we do, and why we do it,” he said “From my humble opinion, if we had a bigger focus on the family, many of our modern day afflictions would be much less prevalent.”

The brothers also own and operate several other businesses in Malone, including Mo’s Pub and Grill, a full service restaurant and banquet facility. Adirondack Power Sports, which is a Polaris/Yamaha dealership selling ATV’s, four wheelers, snowmobiles, watercraft, campers and recreational vehicles, is another of their

business ventures.

They have built and now manage two new Dairy Queen Grill and Chill locations, the first in Malone, and the second in Colonie.

The Monette brothers have also joined forces with others outside the family for business ventures. They are partners with a local real estate developer, Chris Labarge and a local attorney, Nathan Race, for two new Holiday Inn Express properties in Malone and Oswego.

Speaking of his brothers, Bruce said “rarely do we have a major difference of opinion, but when we do, the consensus model usually rules the day.”

“We are mature and seasoned enough to understand all points are valid, and we typically try to make a decision that will be best for both the company, the employees, and the community,” he added.

“When we focus on aspects beyond the financial, it has a tendency to make the issue much clearer.”

have a proprietary charity called Adirondack for Kids, and we try to focus on the younger members of our community as much as possible.”

The brothers also own Titus Mountain Family Ski Center in Malone, which is open year round (not only for skiing in the winter, but for weddings and other special events). It will again be the site of Empire State Winter Games competitions next year.

“We feel it will be our best winter ever,” said Bruce. “For the last five years we have spent millions of dollars on improvements to every aspect of the mountain.”

The brothers have invested in building new lodges and remodeling all facilities on site as well. They have also cut some additional terrain to bring the number of trails up to 50, and modernized their snow making operation.

“With the capital expenditures mostly complete, we have been able to lower the cost of our season pass products substantially,” Bruce said. “The results have far exceeded our expectations, and we have

n MARCUS WOLF is a staff writer for Johnson Newspaper Corp. Contact him at mwolf@wdt. net or 661-2371.

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.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 29

R EA L E STATE ROUNDUP

A century of the Realtor trademark

T

his year marks the 100th anniversary of the adoption of the term “Realtor” by the National Association of Realtors. It was trademarked in 1916 to identify members of the association, a revolutionary group of individuals deeply committed to integrity, community and protecting the American dream of homeownership.

The terms “Realtor” and “Realtors” are trademarks that, along with the Code of Ethics and Standards of Practice, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2013, set members apart from other real estate licensees. Realtors subscribe to NAR’s strict ethics code as a condition of membership.

The term Realtor is not a generic term.

It is not synonymous with “real estate agent.” There are more than 1.84 million active licensed real estate professionals in the U.S. with 1.1 million of them as members of NAR. Realtors work in residential and commercial real estate as brokers, salespeople, property managers, appraisers, counselors and others engaged in all aspects of the real estate industry.

Realtors have access to advanced educational opportunities and training in residential and commercial real estate specialties.

Members are industry innovators. They’re on the cutting edge of technology to better serve consumers, and they have helped bring real estate technologies into the homebuying and selling process to facilitate and streamline today’s real estate transactions.

The more than 500 brokers, appraisers and salespeople who are members of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors are members of NAR as part of their membership. Remember, not everyone who sells or appraises real estate is a Realtor, only those who are members of NAR can claim

that distinction. n

n

n

The TriCounty (NY) Women’s Council of Realtors chapter held its sixth annual Jefferson-Lewis “Top Producer” event sponsored

by Carthage Lance Evans Federal Savings and Loan, Community Bank, N.A., Gouverneur Savings and Loan, Homestead Funding, Key Bank, the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and Northern Credit Union on Oct. 20. Members were honored in sales and rental categories based on the number of units sold or rented between Oct. 1, 2015, and Sept. 30, 2016.

The chapter honored Rob Moyer as the Realtor who sold the most units and Rhonda Rogers as the Realtor who was the top rental agent.

The rest of the Realtors in terms of units sold, alphabetically, were: Britton Abbey, Roger Abbey, Mary Adair, Lois Aubin, Joy Baker, Marcia Brooks, Sara Bulger, Vicki Bulger, Patricia Calhoun, Walter Christensen, Libby Churchill, Kathy Cook, Katherine Couch, Melanie Curley, Linda Donaldson, Carole Dunbar, Randy Durham, William Elliott, Kenneth Erb, Cathy Fiacco-Garlock, Jennifer Flynn, Matthew Garlock, Joan Gerni-LaLone, Lori Gervera, Marsha Gibbons, Janet Handschuh, Les Henry, Jeffery Jones, Amy Kenney, Suzanne Krouse, Barry Kukowski, Jacqueline Ladue, Lisa L’Huillier, Donna Loucks, Lisa Lowe, Brenda Malone, Amanda Mattimore, Erin Meyer, Amanda Miller, Eliza-

beth Miller, Gail Miller, Gwyn Monnat, Cynthia Moyer, Bambi Norman, Timothy Nortz, Lorie O’Brien, Doris Olin, Deborah Peebles, Karen Peebles, Lori Porter, Jeff Powell, Tammy Queior, Maxine Quigg, Desiree Roberts, GaylaRoggie, Nancy Rome, Jill Rosette, Jason Smith, Vickie Staie, Nicholas Sterling, John Stevens, Barry Stewart, Nancy Storino-Farney, Bernard Sturr, and Jennifer Waite.

In addition to Ms. Rogers, the top Realtors for rentals, alphabetically, were: Clifford Bennett III, Daniel Conlin, James Conlin, Sonia Conlin, Carolyn Gaebel, Joan GerniLaLone, Daniel Gibeau, Michael Hall, Nicole Lajoie, Micah Matteson, Sandra Rowland, and Lisa Spear Woodward. n

n

n

Nina Amadon, New York State Women’s Council of Realtors governor, and Lisa L’Huillier, state president, installed the 2017 Tri-County (NY) Women’s Council of Realtors chapter officers during the Top Producer event. Leadership includes Carolyn Gaebel, Bridgeview Real Estate, president; Alfred Netto, Weichert Realtors Thousand Islands Realty, president-elect; Wendy-Jane Smith, Cross Keys Real Estate, vice president of membership; Jumana McManus, Hunt Real Estate ERA, secretary; Lance Evans, Board of Realtors, treasurer. n

n

n

Correction — First Niagara and Key Bank were inadvertently omitted as sponsors of the St. Lawrence County WCR Top Producer event in last month’s column. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

Liberty GLASS & WINDOW INC.

30 | NNY Business | November 2016

RE AL E STAT E / top transactions The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in September: $1,000,000: Sept. 1, City of Watertown: No acreage listed, Hunt Street, Vogel Properties Watertown LLC, New Hartford, sold to 1851 State Street LLC, Watertown $515,000: Sept. 7, Town of Alexandria and Village of Alexandria Bay: 0.70 acres, Sisson Street, Julie Todaro as trustee of the Revocable Inter Vivos Trust of Louise P. Todaro, c/o Marbin and Associates, Miami, Fla., sold to Robert C. Tague and Jean C. Tague, Alexandria Bay, and James R. Tague, Alexandria Bay. $500,000: Sept. 12, Town of Cape Vincent: 6.10 acres, state highway from Cape Vincent to Clayton, Fred C. DeWire and L. Jane DeWire, Milton, Pa., Laurie S. Staib, Milton, Pa., Matthew E. DeWire, Allenwood, Pa., Mary M. DeWire Hostettler, Beaver Springs, Pa., Bryan S. DeWire, Albert Lea, Minn., Kline C. DeWire, Gulfport, Miss., and Margaret L. DeWire, Beaver Springs, Pa., sold to James E. Mothersbaugh and Elizabeth Mothersbaugh, Muncy, Pa. $500,000: Sept. 29, Town of Henderson: No acreage or address listed, Green Lake Associates LLC, Tully, sold to Dana Keefer, Henderson. $475,000: Sept. 6, Town of Cape Vincent: 1.47 acres, state Route 12E, Joseph Gilfus and Jonna Gilfus, Cape Vincent, sold to Carey R. Glessing, Downers Grove, Ill.

The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s Office Sept. 1 to Sept. 9, 2016:

Columbian Road, Terence J. and Brandon B. Fortune, Cabin John, Md., sold to Richard A. Brush, Manlius.

$315,000: Sept. 6, Town of Clifton: 1.53 acres more or less, bounded by New York State Route 3, Robert P. Kimmes Jr. and Theresa L. Kimmes, Salmon, Wash., sold to Russell Marra, Buffalo.

$175,000: Sept. 6, Town of Lisbon: 3.26 acres more or less, Mill Tract, Craig W. Worden, Ogdensburg, sold to Andrew C. Coons, Alemogordo, N.M.

$300,000: Sept. 1, Village of Massena: Parcel 1) 0.310 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) 0.220 of an acre more or less, bounded by East Orvis Street and Butler Street, Deborah A. Sullivan, Ogdensburg, sold to Skelly Development LLC., Ogdensburg . $249,000: Sept. 2, Village of Canton: Unknown acres, Lot 4, Section 5, Gary R. and Lu’ann L. Hart, Canton, sold to Arthur W. and Nicole L. Weber, Malone. $198,000: Sept. 8, Town of Lawrence: Parcel 1) 30.55 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 116.89 acres more or less, Section Lot 2 and Section Lot 3, bounded by Baxter Road, Debra S. Silver (trustee), Howard B. Silver Jr. and Debra S. Silver Intervivos Revocable Trust, Clermont , Fla., sold to Justin and Brooke E. Moreau, Bombay. $180,000: Sept. 1, Town of Clifton: Parcel 1) 0.17 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) 0.37 of an acre more or less, bounded by

$170,000: Sept. 9, Town of Massena: 2.52 acres more or less, bounded by North Raquette River Road, Everette M. and Judith A. Hampton, Massena, sold to Jonathan R. and Autumn E. Hirschey, Massena. $160,000: Sept. 6, Town of DePeyster: Parcel 1) 86.76 acres more or less, Parcel 2) Unknown acres, Parcel 3) 15 acres more or less, Lot 14, Lot 15 and Lot 24, bounded by State Highway 184 and Fish Creek Road, Dennis B. and Mary J. Shelter, Heuvelton, sold to Daniel J. and Mary Gingerich, Peebles, Ohio. $133,000: Sept. 1, Village of Hermon: 0.44 of an acre more or less, bounded by Rossie Plank Road, Gregory M. and Jacqueline J. Washburn, Hammond, sold to Amy Jo Scarlett, Hammond. $127,500: Sept. 2, Village of Potsdam: 0.62 of an acre more or less, bounded by Main Street and Cedar Street, Alexander Rhea and Kristen Van Hooreweghe, Bennington, Vt., sold to Russell and Darlene Langhorne, Medford.

$448,000: Sept. 23, Town of Cape Vincent: 5.1 acres, Dablon Point, Glen A. Kennedy and Kristine M. Kennedy, Cape Vincent, sold to Gerald E. Armani and Marilyn A. Armani, Doylestown, Pa. $440,000: Sept. 9, Village of Clayton: 0.45 acres, North Shore Drive, John Gorman and Elizabeth Gorman, Clayton, sold to Susan J. Mitchell and Michael D. Mitchell, Dexter. $417,000: Sept. 14, Town of Watertown: 5.02 acres, Cagwin Bend South Road (Pheasant Run), Richard C. McNeely III and Rhonda M. McNeely, Watertown, sold to Chad Stern and Erin Stern, Watertown. $415,000: Sept. 6, Town of Alexandria: 1.25 acres, Dingman Point Road, Robert E. Stromwall and Margaret Anne Beadling Stromwall, as trustees for the Stromwall Family Revocable Living Trust, Alexandria Bay, sold to Rocco Valentine II, Rome, and Eric S. Valentine, Baldwinsville. $406,000: Sept. 1, Village of Alexandria Bay: 0.28 acres, Otter Street, Robert Roddy Lloyd, trustee of the Robert Roddy Lloyd Revocable Trust of 2013 and Mary O’Malley Lloyd, trustee of the Mary O’Malley Lloyd Revocable Trust of 2013, Daphne, Ala., sold to Philip F. Grassi and Lorraine M. Grassi, Weedsport.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 31

20 qu estions

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

the fruits of family

or the past 21 seasons, something special has happened in Burrville that involves one close-knit family and lot of apples. It’s where apple cider and doughnuts are happily married and old traditions continue while new ones are born. For legions of north country residents, autumn wouldn’t be autumn without a few sips of nature’s sweetness at Burrville Cider Mill. We sit down this month with Tina L. Steiner, the matriarch of the current generation of Steiners who, since 1996, have owned and operated the mill.

F

n For Burrville’s Steiners, lasting success comes down to good genes

NNYB: What family members are you in business with? What is it like working in such a very close-knit family operation?

1

2

Steiner: I am in business with all my children, obviously. My five youngest totally participate in the cider mill. My three youngest participate in the CSA that I run with my friend. And my son owns a store (Steiner’s General Store & Diner) down here; we help him out. And then I have my husband, of course, and my in-laws. (During the peak season, the mill typically employs 30 people.)

It’s fun. I always wanted my children to be with me, and this is my evil way to keep them home. But no, it’s nice because I can

32 | NNY Business | November 2016

depend on them. They know exactly what I’m thinking. I don’t have to tell them specifically.

They’ve grown up here. They know exactly how things need to be done. And they come up with the best ideas. They have that younger mentality; they can think of better ways to do things than us old folks do. It’s always growing. We aren’t stagnant at all.

NNYB: As an undergraduate student at SUNY Oswego student 25 years ago, did you ever see yourself in the apple business?

How long have you owned the mill?

Steiner: No! I was going to be a child psychologist. I didn’t see it coming. I didn’t think I’d have that many kids, either. But I’m very glad the way my life has turned out. In 1996 we purchased it, and that summer, my husband and I refurbished it with my father-inlaw. My three oldest were babies back then.

We learned the business, and as the children got older, they became part of the business.

They started working about (age) 10-ish. We

homeschool, so it’s easier for us to facilitate that idea. They learn all processes of the business. My husband and I were just finishing college, and his great-uncle, from his mother’s side, was medically not able to run the mill anymore. He was getting ready to get rid of it, so we jumped on it. We thought it would be a great opportunity to be able to work as a business together as a family.

3

NNYB: Apparently that very first season, 1996, was quite a learning curve. Describe what that was like, jumping into this, with your husband with a math background and you with elementary education.

Steiner: The first thing we did was learn the equipment. The old press downstairs was an old press. We learned how to run that.

We learned how to run the grinder, the sorter — everything that had to go into making the cider itself. Another thing we had to do was learn how to make the doughnuts. Just to get the store set up. The books and that

2 0 q u estions fun stuff. That actually never happened that year. We ended up taking cider boxes to our accountant because there was just so much.

This business — there was so much to learn.

Once we got it all under control, we brought in our employees, taught them how to do it.

4

NNYB: How many acres of apples do you currently manage?

Steiner: We only have trees right now.

Our apples are still infants. We have about 10 acres of trees (on a farm in Rodman) that we’re nursing up. It’s a lot of work because of our weather and the way the north country is. It’s just not very forgiving, especially with apple trees. We also have cherry trees and pears that are doing very well. We’ll see what happens.

5

NNYB: Where are the apples you use for cider grown? How many different varieties of apples do you press in your cider?

Steiner: Most of them are grown in Mexico, New York. At the moment, I think I have close to 20 varieties. When you come to the cider mill, the fresh fruit that’s available for you to buy is a good indication of what’s going into the cider, except we do not press Red Delicious and we try not to press Galas. They don’t have the flavor and they don’t blend well. … The more out there, the better it is.

6

NNYB: The greater number the varieties of apples in a gallon of apple cider, the better it tastes? What’s the secret (that you can share) to the best-tasting cider?

Steiner: If you press just one apple, it’s very watery tasting. It’s very, I want to say, blah. But when you take a Mac, and put a Cortland in, and then some Idas, Empires, you get that complex flavor. You get the sweetness from the Macs , the tartness from the Cortlands and you just keep mixing it, it tastes a lot better that way. Best tasting cider? You take really good fruit, and you mix it and you don’t add anything to it. We don’t add any water, we don’t add any sugar. That’s the secret to good cider. …

That’s just how you do it. You have sweet apples and mix them with tart apples, and you get a good cider.

The Tina L. Steiner file AGE: 44 FAMILY: Husband Gregory W. Steiner Jr.; sons Forrest, 23, and Zackary, 21; daughters Rebeka, 22, Brooke, 19, Jenna, 15, and Laurel, 12; granddaughters Alaina, 3, and Emma, 2; grandson Wyatt, 2 HOMETOWN: Croghan; lives in Rodman EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in elementary education from SUNY Oswego PROFESSIONAL: Has worked at her familyowned business, the Burrville Cider Mill in Watertown, since age 24.

BOOK YOU’D RECOMMEND: “The Dirty Life: A Story of Farming the Land and Falling in Love” by Kristen Kimball. About a farm in Essex County, N.Y., that has a CSA. “They grow organically and it’s very familyoriented; It’s what I envision (for) our lives,” Mrs. Steiner said.

8

lenges all growers and producers have had with drought conditions. How much of a challenge was it to get the volume you needed?

Steiner: It was a challenge getting (apples) in in the beginning of the year, which is Labor Day weekend. It was very hard to get enough apples to make cider. Once they started coming in, they were very small.

With the machinery we have, it’s hard to get them to go in because they’ll fall through the cracks, literally. But the taste, because of the drought, the sugar content is higher this year, so they taste better. Sweeter. The beginning is always fun. You fight to get as many apples as you possibly can. Once

we get going and everybody’s on the same wave length and knows exactly what needs to be done, it’s not a challenge.

9

NNYB: What’s the No. 1 product for you?

How do you prepare for years like this, with the extreme drought?

Steiner: Cider. (Sales are) right on target usually. We’ve got quite a few new stores because of TOPS opening up, Sunocos and things like that. We live a very simple life.

We don’t go into debt and that helps a lot.

If we have a bad year, my husband can go plow. We can make money other places so we can get through. Like I said — stay out of debt. We’ve taught all our children to stay out of debt. My daughter is building her house on a cash basis.

10

NNYB: What is a typical season like for you from beginning to end?

Steiner: We like to open at least a week before Labor Day. That gives the girls and the guys time to figure out how to run the equipment, get in the swing of things. Then we go all the way to Thanksgiving. Last year, we went into Black Friday because it was warm enough, and we this year hope to do that again.

11

NNYB: What’s the rest of the year like for you? Please explain the CSA. Steiner: The offseason? We take December off for Christmas and get prepped for that.

We homeschool during the winter. Once April hits, it’s planting season, and we get ready to run the CSA. That’s our summer; we have animals and things like that.

7

NNYB: For how long have cider doughnuts been a tradition?

Steiner: When we bought it, we might have been doing only 20 dozen a day. Now we’re doing hundreds of dozens a day.

The tradition has gotten up a little bit. Same recipe as I started with, though.

NNYB: Characterize this season with respect to the quality of harvest and the chal-

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Tina L. Steiner on the deck at Burrville Cider Mill overlooking the falls. The Steiner family bought the mill in 1996. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the purchase and the 21st season of Steiner family operation.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 33

20 qu estions Summertime is also time to do some kind of project on the mill, some kind of renovation or fixer upper so that she does well. Then fall hits very quickly. The CSA is called Miracles by the Acre. We formed, I think, 15 years ago. And it’s six farmers. We’re all local.

We grow vegetables and sell shares in the spring. And each week, people come and get a half bushel bag of what’s in season. I have, I think, about two acres of vegetables that I contribute. Mostly greens, beans, herbs, tomatoes, and then I do some squashes and pumpkins for fall because, obviously, I have a good place to sell them.

12

NNYB: How old is this building? What was this building when it was built?

Steiner: She was built in 1801. She’s 215 years old this year. We’ve got a solid roof, and we’ve got a solid foundation. We made sure all that is done. Now we’ve got to work on the walls and floor joists and you know, we’re going to make her perfect for another couple of hundred years. This room right here was the grist mill. The long part where the press room is now was a sawmill. And downstairs was an old press, but nothing like the big presses we have now. And it

was all run by the water falls. It’s kind of neat. … I love the history part. That’s our goal: to get the history back together and maybe put a book out so that people can understand why she’s here.

13

NNYB: This year had a major project that’s quite noticeable to customers. Tell us how you decided on the addition.

Steiner: I wanted a new kitchen, went into the back rooms and decided they would not be able to hold the convection ovens I wanted. So we brainstormed and my boys said, “Why don’t we put it in the porch. Put it in the wall, have a cement floor and everything can go in there.” I said that’s a great idea.

Now we’ll be able to take the time to fix the old building and make her stand another couple hundred years.

14

NNYB: What was behind your decision to invest in your facilities here recently?

Steiner: The children, literally. We are building something that is important — not only is it important for my children but it is important for the area’s children. It is a historic building. Raw food. Healthy food.

Things like that are very important to us.

It’s also important to us for people to know where their food comes from. We invite the school children to come in and watch us press. We invite the parents and families to come in and watch us press. That’s our drive right now. That, and the history.

15

NNYB: You’ve diversified a bit in recent years, planting additional acreage of apples in Rodman and buying the former convenience store that is now Steiner’s General Store. How have those efforts paid off?

Steiner: Very good. As the children grow, their interests grow. Not only does my son have the general store, but my oldest daughter has an apiary business. They have 50 hives. We bought that business for her when she was 16. It’s important for the kids to have their own stuff that they can work and do themselves, too, and it makes life diverse.

It’s really fun.

16

NNYB: What will the next five to10 years or more bring?

Steiner: There’s going to be a lot of construction on the old building. She’s going to be put into a state where she will live another several hundred years. There could be a cidery involved, where we’ll make hard cider here. Or a conference center. Who knows?

It’s exciting. ... I see it growing more and more, and I see other businesses coming in.

NNYB: What is it like for you to watch the

34 | NNY Business | November 2016

2 0 questions

17

generations visit with their families over 21 seasons? What drives repeat customers?

Steiner: To see the generations coming out, to see the grandmas and grandpas bringing their grandbabies and saying, “You know what? We used to come out all the time,” and they’d have their stories, and they’ll tell us all their stories and it’s just amazing to see their eyes light up. It’s a very happy place to be. It’s just a joy. Our goal is to let the families come in and enjoy themselves in an old-fashioned environment and not spend a ton of money. My husband’s and my goal is $20. You can bring your family and spend time here, see the waterfalls, watch the press, enjoy yourselves, giggle and you know pick a few apples and spend less than 20 bucks.

And kids are so happy. They’ve got a doughnut in one hand and a cup of cider, and you get to spend time together.

18

NNYB: How do you manage a seven-day operation, mostly with family?

Steiner: I’m lucky because my family’s got my back. Let’s say one of my daughters is sick. My other daughters will step up and do her job and their job. We always have each other’s backs. There’s so many of us that we can do that, where if you’re working in a workplace, you get to leave but you have to come back and take care of where you left off. It’s much easier with your family. Much easier.

19

NNYB: Who’s one of your greatest mentors?

What has he or she taught you?

Steiner: I know it’s very cliche, but it’s my mother. She taught me family first and a work ethic. We’re very hard-working people, but my family comes first.

20

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

Steiner: Business stays at the business and not into your family life. It’s very important that if something happens during business hours — and things do happen — that you don’t let it go into your family time. Somebody told us that right in the beginning. And you know what? It’s helped us a lot. Being married to the boss, literally, and having your children here all the time, things do happen.

And you have to discipline. But business is separate from family. They understand that when we’re at the cider mill, things have to go a certain way. And if they don’t go that certain way, yes, they’ll be disciplined like an employee would be. But when we go home, everything’s done.

“The great use of a life is to spend it for something that outlives it.”

William James, American Philosopher

How will you leave your mark?

It all begins with a conversation.

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

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 35

E NT R E PR ENEUR’S EDGE

When you stay in a job you don’t love

D

o you love going to work?

I’m going to guess no, because you’re reading this right now. You want out, but you don’t know how to do it.

You have bills to pay and mouths to feed.

It’s not like you can just give a two-week notice and walk out of hell and into your dream job, right? I mean, who does that?

Thousands of people do that every day.

Droves of unhappy workers trade in their desk and stapler for a shiny new career all the time. We just don’t see it because we’re too busy suffering eight to 10 hours a day at a job we don’t love, compromising ourselves spiritually, financially, and emotionally.

A Gallop poll revealed that 70 percent of U.S. employees are unhappy at work.

Seventy percent is a lot of unhappy faces.

When you’re unhappy at work, you start a chain of events that become progressively worse the longer you stay behind the desk.

Your life becomes miserable. And the misery doesn’t go away. You wait for it to, but it won’t. Not until you walk out the door.

Here are five things that happen when you stay in a job you don’t love, and the remedy of what to do to rid yourself of the misery so you can live a genuinely happy life.

one in it. Now you’re mean and bitter. You snap at others and become hateful.

When you see happy people you secretly plot their demise. It’s a horrible place to be.

Joleene Moody You slowly die inside You’re awake and you’re breathing. You put one foot in front of the other every day, but that doesn’t mean you’re living.

Your suffering is causing you so much pain that you’re actually dying inside.

Your joy is gone. But instead of taking actions to get out, you take actions that

When the weekend comes, we think.

“I’m saved!” When Monday comes, we think, “This sucks.” Where’s the joy? If we have to wait for the weekend to experience joy, what kind of life are we really living?

You have a right to love what you do and get paid for it. You don’t have to suffer working a job you don’t love. You tell yourself you do because the bills are piling up and your friends tell you it’s impossible to go after a passion or dream. Everyone else has to work a job they don’t love, so why should you be any different?

They must be right.

You’re scared, too. If you leave your job, you’re ditching your favorite security blanket. Plus there’s that whole, “How am I supposed to support myself and my family if I leave my job to go chase a dream?”

Have faith, baby; just a little faith. If you don’t have a drop of faith, you’ll always be stuck.

You’ll always blame others. If you think faith isn’t part of the equation here, stop reading. This isn’t for you. This is only for those who are ready to reclaim their lives.

You can continue to feel the pain of doing what you don’t love, or you can move forward feeling the joyfilled pain of doing something you actually do love.

Your heart breaks It’s a thin line between love and hate.

When you have to wake up every day and go to a job you don’t love, that line between love and hate grows smaller. You start to question what life is all about. Is this it?

Is this all there is; just a commute and a paycheck? This is what I signed up for?

Your relationships suffer As you question life and your place in it, you become angry. Who do you take your anger out on? The ones you love. You’re not nice. You lash out at those closest to you because they’re standing right there. They take the brunt of your anger, until one by one your loved ones fall away and you find yourself alone.

You become mean and bitter You’ve seen mean and bitter people out there. They hate the world and every36 | NNY Business | November 2016

keep you stuck right where you are.

You blame everyone around you for your pain When you’re stuck in a situation that makes you mean and bitter, you blame others for putting you there. But they didn’t put you there. You put yourself there. You made a series of choices that landed you where you are. If you want out, you have to take responsibility for yourself and take action to get out, bottom line. End of story. n n n You might be reading this thinking, ‘Working somewhere I hate isn’t ruining my life. That’s ridiculous.’ Perhaps, but here’s the deal: Human psychology says that we need to experience and fill six specific human needs in positive ways in order to feel fulfilled and purposeful. One of those needs is growth. Without growth, we die inside; just like I said. We walk around numb and uncertain. We just exist.

Our lives become a circle of frustration. We go to work, come home, pay bills, go back to work, come home, pay more bills ... and the cycle continues.

The remedy You want out; really and truly? Decide to get out. No more fluctuating back and forth, telling yourself horror stories of what might happen when you quit. No more telling yourself that what you have is “enough” when you know darn well it isn’t.

This isn’t going to be easy. Nothing ever is. But you have a choice right here and now: You can continue to feel the pain of doing what you don’t love, or you can move forward feeling the joy-filled pain of doing something you actually do love.

Either way, it’s going to be uncomfortable. Either way, it’s going to be uncertain.

But it’s worth every single awkward twitch and burn. Decide. Only you can put yourself where you truly want to be, no one else.

Be brave. Take the leap. You’ll land on your feet. You always have. n Joleene moody is a freelance writer, blogger and speaker who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Learn more at www.takeyourvoiceback.com. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business. Visit nnybizmag. com to read past columns online.

commerce corner

Small Business Saturday set Nov. 26

S

mall Business Saturday started in 2010 to promote shopping local and shopping small in a big way.This annual event is held in November on the Saturday after Black Friday and just before Cyber Monday.

American Express introduced the day in support of local businesses to help create jobs, boost the economy and preserve neighborhoods around the country. In 2011, it gained momentum with recognition and support from the United States government.

In just six years, Small Business Saturday has sparked interest in more than 95 million U.S. shoppers. According to a survey conducted in 2015 by the National Federation of Independent Business, $16.2 billion was spent nationally at small independent businesses, an increase of 14 percent over 2014.

The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce is proud to support the “Shop Small” movement and has been named a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion for the fourth consecutive year. Since 2012, the chamber has encouraged the community to patronize local shops and restaurants that offer unique gifts and experiences and locally made products.

In addition to promoting the “Shop Small” message, we have provided several opportunities for businesses to get involved. From encouraging storefront decorations in the “Shop Small” theme to using the hashtag #shopsmallnny to help spread the message, and even free advertising, it’s our responsibility to support local business.

“Shop Small Saturday” is set for Saturday, Nov. 26. The chamber will host an open house to kick of the shopping season with opportunities to promote small business by giving away Small Business Saturday kits. Stop by our office at 1241 Coffeen St. from 1 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 10,

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

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to pick up your kit and get some creative ideas on how to promote your business.

We encourage you to actively participate as we promote this national effort for small business so local shops and restaurants can Kylie Peck benefit. This day of celebration is a great way to open the doors to your business and welcome customers with excitement to “Shop Small.”

Below are some great tips to get started in making the most out of the upcoming Small Business Saturday provided by entrepreneur, Rhonda Abrams: Get your name out there — If ever there’s a season and a reason to step up your marketing, it’s the holidays. Make sure customers and prospects remember you. Reach them through your social media channels (go ahead and boost some of those posts), start sending out email newsletters to your mailing list, and take out ads in local newspapers (and yes, many shoppers still read newspapers).

WORK TOGETHER — Banding together with other local businesses — especially on Small Business Saturday — brings attention and draws customers to your locale. Work with a Small Business Saturday Neighborhood Champion to help plan and participate in local events.

Get found on mobile. Your customers are using their phones to search for products, get gift recommendations, and look for nearby businesses. Take advantage of the opportunities mobile devices offer. First,

make sure you show up when they’re looking for a local business like yours by listing your business for free on all search engines and review sites. Then give customers a reason to check in on social media when they’re at your place of business — like offering a free dessert at a restaurant or a cute place to take a pic in your retail store.

Plan in-store events — On Small Business Saturday and during the entire holiday season, customers are looking for things to do, especially with kids; plan events in your store or community. They don’t have to be big parties, just something interesting or fun. Independent bookstores have been leveraging Small Business Saturday to have in-store author events on the day and independent gyms have sponsored special free classes. Be creative.

Get social — in person and on social media. It’s a social season, so it’s time to socialize, both in person and online. During the holidays, opportunities abound to meet new customers. Attend community, industry, and neighborhood holiday parties and bring a lot of business cards. Now’s the time to step up your social media activities and get in on the conversation around holiday shopping. Suggest cute or unique gifts or holiday survival tips. If customers have liked you on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, LinkedIn, make sure you’re busy posting throughout the holidays. And be sure to use the hashtags #ShopSmall throughout the season and #SmallBizSat before and on Small Business Saturday to join the conversation on Nov. 26. n Kylie Peck is the president and CEO of the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. She lives in Clayton with her husband and two young boys. Her column appears quarterly in NNY Business. Contact her at kpeck@watertownny.com or 788-4400.

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November 2016 | NNY Business

| 37

b usiness tech bytes

Don’t ignore cyber risk management

F

riday, Oct. 21, will be remembered as the day when very successfully coordinated worldwide distributed denial of service attacks did just that, denied service to millions of internet users from the East Coast of the U.S. to portions of Europe.

Was this cyber attack in response to threats to WikiLeaks, the Russians or the U.S. retaliating to one of the numerous cyber attacks leveraged upon us? My team didn’t field any complaints; I did get an email from a colleague from Advance Services — Syracuse Post Standard asking the state of our site? This meant they were affected and I couldn’t help but wonder how many other customers of our mutual cloud service provider were also impacted?

It did affect many big players like Twitter, Netflix,PayPal, Airbnb and even Amazon Web Services. These attacks mainly seemed to be directed at the Manchester, N.H.,-based firm Dyn, a major player in managing website domains and routing internet traffic. The hackers used not only personal PCs for botnets but seemingly also leveraged the Internet of Things (IoT).

Now that the IoT extends into most of our homes and businesses, hackers were allowed to expand “zombie” bots they need for this type of attack from mainly just PCs to all the connected devices in a home or business. Using the IoT, they were able to successfully flood Dyn with service requests from the likes of security cameras, smart televisions, digital video recorders and even your new thermostat or baby monitor you control with your smart phone. This allowed a deluge of service requests, amplifying the attack on this major internet domain name server (DNS),

thus denying service requests for hours from end users who wanted to access websites across the U.S. and Europe on that fateful Friday.

Like most cyber attacks, this attack stemmed Jill Van Hoesen from activity on the “dark web.”

What is the dark web, you might wonder?

Terbium Labs explains the dark web as, “probably one of the most commonly occurring, least well-defined terms in information security.” Trying to define the dark web often depends on those doing the defining. There are some places on the internet that are very clearly within the “dark” web, such as Tor hidden services and i2p.eek sites. Likewise, websites like Google and Wikipedia are very obviously not part of the dark web, but what about all of the places in between?

“This past October’s attack on Dyn was circulated on the dark web earlier that month when the source code for the Marai botnet was released on dark web paste sites. Paste sites like these are intended to allow hackers to share blocks of source code, thus in this instance, building their own botnets to use in the coordinated DoS cyber attack.

If you were looking for a bright spot in the seemingly very dark web, it is still smaller than most would believe. Tor, the dark web flagship service has only been able to claim a little more than 100,000

registered hidden services and only about 7,000 are actually up and running, serving approximately 2 million users. By comparison, Google estimates there are roughly 1 billion registered domains across the internet with close to 2 billion users.

Criminal activities do thrive on the dark web with statistics mirroring closely our national crime data showing 85 percent is drug related and 15 percent is fraud that includes credit card and identity theft and counterfeit activities.

Bear in mind that in the present global state of information security, we all must adopt the attitude of when the next data breach will happen and what our plan is when it does. Firewalls and intrusion detection systems are still necessary but no longer solely sufficient. There are now a myriad of ways data can and will leave your organization. Traces of the breach can easily show up on the dark web; it could be in a carding forum where credit cards linked to your customer accounts are going up for sale or email addresses belonging to your organization are leaked to a paste site.

Considering we hear about a major data breach almost weekly and dark web hacker forums are dedicated to stolen data, it is how you effectively deal with information security in this adversarial and inevitable environment that will make the difference.

It’s time to examine your risk tolerance, your resources, financial and IT, and develop your personal and professional risk management plans.

n Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net.

Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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agri - b u siness

Consider bulk meat from a local CSA Columnist note: This month, I asked Kaitlyn Lawrence, a local foods educator with Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, to write about her efforts to help farms develop a local meat Community Supported Agriculture program. Here is what she had to say:

L

ooking for a holiday gift for that one family member who’s hard to please? Have an event to attend this fall? Both situations can involve supporting local farmers and their businesses. The holiday season means spending time with family and friends, sharing stories and celebrating through food. Make this holiday season even more special by buying local gifts.

There are many different options when buying local in the north country. Handmade soaps, candles, wooden bowls, quilts, paintings and more. Buying local has many benefits. Supporting community-based businesses helps sustain these small ventures and connects us with our neighbor farmers, artists and craftsmen.

Why not take supporting local businesses one step further by buying local meat?

It’s often said that the best way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

Buying meat in bulk means a larger quantity at one time. Bulk meat is usually sold by the whole, half, or quarter animal.

Selling bulk instead of by the individual pound is easier for meat producers. For example, after processing, a 1,200-pound steer provides around 490 pounds of meat.

It would take much longer to sell individual, 1-pound packages than selling a quarter of a steer to four families. There are many benefits of buying this way.

Economically, price per pound is

cheaper when buying in bulk.

You also have a clearer idea how the animal was raised. One way to find local bulk meat near you is through the site meatsuite.com. It was developed Jay Matteson

by Matt Leroux, agriculture marketing specialist at the Tompkins County office of Cornell Cooperative Extension.

Meatsuite.com is a statewide site that meat producers use as one strategy to market bulk meat. Producers write a short description about their farm and farming practices, post a picture and the price, which gives consumers a way to find different farms by typing in their area code.

Meatsuite.com is a great central location for consumers to research meat producers near them. Type in your area code, select a radius, scroll through the profiles and find a producer who interests you.

Another option for the holiday season is to buy local meat from a CSA. A CSA works like a subscription; members pay an annual, monthly or seasonal fee. They are membership-based programs that rely on relationships of mutual support. The North Country Local Meats CSA is one such program. Its stated mission is to provide the highest quality of safe, locally sourced meat to the north country region. It offers grassfed beef, grass-fed grain-finished beef, pastured lamb, eggs and occasional valueadded products. There are other CSAs and

meat CSAs available to choose from. A multi-farm meat CSA is a great way to support multiple farmers at one time.

If buying in bulk seems overwhelming, think of splitting a share with another family or friends. Buying into a meat CSA has great benefits. It can be cheaper as you can get steaks at the same price as ground beef. You are also often expanding your culinary skills by cooking cuts you usually would not buy at a store. Many CSAs feature a variety of meats including pork, lamb or turkey. Visit nocolocal.wixsite. com/2016 to learn more.

To get the most from your meat purchase, attend the Cornell Cooperative Extension Northeast Livestock Conference at the Ramada Inn, Watertown, Nov. 11 and 12. The goal of the conference is to provide a platform for producers and consumers to come together and network. There will be workshops, a local tradeshow, networking and a delicious locally sourced meal. Friday night listen to keynote speaker Jessica Ziehm present on “Animal welfare is not rare, it’s well done!” Visit ccejefferson.org to learn more or to register. n n n Thank you, Kaitlyn, for the information and work you are doing to support Northern New York farmers. Visit jeffersoncountyagriculture.com to view an interactive local foods map and find links to Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County and other agricultural agencies. n Jay M. Matteson is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Local Development Corp. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident who lives in Lorraine. Contact him at coordinator@comefarmwithus.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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Preserve the stories that make us great

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bet previous to capture first-hand audio testimonials e owe it to those who generations had from residents of Jefferson, Lewis and St. have come before to do some similar Lawrence counties. While similar projects all we can, as best as we concerns, it is have collected historical accounts of life can, as long as we can, not enough to in this region, this program has a special to make this place great. simply wish and focus on the personal stories of what As we head into the season of counting motivates one to give, and how giving has blessings and sharing those blessings with hope. We must be proactive, made our communities better. others, it’s a perfect time to point out how deliberate and I hope these first-person accounts of well the north country does both of these. philanthropy will serve as an inspiraOur citizens, organizations and businesses thoughtful. Initiatives such as tion and guide for those who inherit our have maintained and grown a great tradiRande Richardson the Community communities. Through a partnership with tion and heritage of civic pride and caring Foundation’s WPBS-TV public television, these voices over many, many years. Without that will be accessible to people of all ages, for tradition, some of our greatest community Youth Philanthropy and Next Generation LEAD programs certainly help, but we can generations to come, through traditional assets would not exist today. always do more. and modern methods.

I admit, I am an overly sentimental lover of history and I love liv To date, 10 interviews have been ing and raising my sons here. conducted, with many more When I see old photographs planned in the months and years showing a sea of faces at ahead. A conscious effort has been various gatherings, events and made to reinforce that giving is parades on Watertown’s Public not “one-size fits all,” and comes Square, I am reminded that in many forms and sizes. Somethey are the faces of people times the “everyday citizen” stowho made the north country ries are the most compelling and more than just another dot inspirational. Everyone can give on a map. I wonder about the something, and that something story behind each face. I feel need not necessarily be monumenan obligation to find ways to tal or monetary. honor them. Those stories, in I have come to realize that those their humanness, both indiwho have built and enhanced our vidually and collectively, must communities gain great joy and not be forgotten. fulfillment from doing it. They are At the Community Founkeenly aware that even greater dation, I am blessed to work satisfaction can come from not closely with those who have so much someone knowing you taken that responsibility very gave, but rather, knowing why seriously throughout their lifeyou gave. Great communities lovtimes. There is, indeed, some ingly care for the stories behind hand wringing in wondering what made them great. Nonprofit if the investments made in our organizations whose work is communities over the many made possible by those stories decades will continue to be have a duty to hold them up.

Kitchens, Bathrooms, Come down and Tabletops, Desktops, discover the supported by those to whom In so doing, we have a much Workbenches and Traditional Quality & the torch will be passed. better chance that those who Coffee Tables.

Craftsmanship that come after us will be able to tell Choose I am sympathetic to that from our only T.F. Wright & Granite Marble Granite Foundry the very same story. It is true, the best way concern.

For&the place we call home to be Earlier this year, theSons Foundation Selections. We also bring to your to predict the future is to create it, one more than mediocre, we embarked on a projectcan to tell the stories offer a Selection ofwill have to do all design application for story at a time, yours included. we can toVeneer. ensure it has the best chance to of civic engagement and citizen philanStone monuments! flourishYou across the generations.

We must in the possibleCemetery — diName the Countertop Type, Wethropy Can Do It best way Offering Restorations & Monument n Rande Richardson is Restorations executive director of the Cemetery Northern New & York Community Foundapromote the importance of an engaged rectly from those who have demonstrated Corner of Brookside Spring Valley 609 Adelaide Street, Carthage, NY 13619 tion. 13601 He is a lifelong Northern New York resiWatertown, NY (315) 785-8500 (315) (315) FaxNew& citizenry that493-2963 sees giving not•only as an 493-2965 it. “Northern York Community dent and former funeral director. Contact him email: or www.tfwrightgranite.com expectation but also astfwrightgranite@aol.com a way to bring both Podcast: Stories from thevisit Heart of Our at rande@nnycf.org. His column appears every OPEN: 8AM-5PM SATURDAY 10AM-2PM joy and fulfillment toMONDAY-FRIDAY life. Even though I Community” will be an ongoing•effort other month in NNY Business.

40 | NNY Business | November 2016

s mall b u siness s uccess

Sculpt your marketing muscles in ’17

J

anuary is time to start those often short-lived resolutions, with booming membership rolls at health and fitness clubs and upticks in the purchase of vegetables, protein

shakes and workout clothes. Maybe you’re lucky enough to be involved in one of these businesses or own a winter-sports business and we’ve had lots of snow. But for many small businesses, the time period after the holidays is often a low point in a business’s sales. Shopping is done, returns have probably been made and gift certificates that were nice sales in October and November are now being redeemed.

People are just plain tired of shopping and celebrating; their wallets are skinny and their credit cards are stressed.

So what can you do to try to make your sales dip not quite so deep? Now is the time to come up with a plan because this is the time to start implementing.

For example, I recently read about this promotional idea in the “Profit Tip” e-newsletter from the great website at restaurantowner.com (food businesses take note). It’s called the No Peeking or Red envelope campaign. You come up with some kind of offer for your restaurant, whether it’s a free dessert or a “buy-oneentree, get-one-50-percent-off” deal.

When your customers come in before the holidays or even right after, you give them the offer in a sealed envelope. The offer is dated for a specific time period during your slow time, and your customer has to come in to your place and open the envelope right in front of the server to find out what the deal is. It’s fun

for them and you’re making your customer feel special.

It’s like receiving that late Christmas gift that Grandma never mails out on time (that would be me).

Sarah O’Connell I checked out a couple of online red-envelope announcements, one for a restaurant in Winnetka, Ill. They reminded people who had received one of these envelopes earlier that they had to come in during February with their envelope, and excluded the dates of Valentine’s Day and the day after. The announcement listed a number of possible deals that might include gift cards of various denominations, a free food or drink item or different percentages off their bill.

So might that tool be adapted in various versions to other types of businesses, even online retailers? How can you make it work for your business? Think about it.

Another couple of ideas I ran across might be worth a try. Again, you have to start preparing for these now. If you’re enjoying a pre-holiday boost in business, be sure you are capturing email addresses for future promotional blasts. There are some great mail management companies online like Constant Contact or MailChimp.

Their websites feature instructional videos and other tools to teach you how to use email effectively to reach out to your

customers and show them what you have to offer. You also want to make sure your customers know how to find and follow you on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

Maybe this is the time you want to try boosting a post with a paid ad on one of your social media platforms.

Finally, have you been thinking about adding a new product or service? January is all about new beginnings and fresh starts, so this might be the best time to start promoting that one new item that will make you stand out from your competition.

Whatever your plan to keep your postholiday sales level or even growing, just remember that the key is to always keep your customers in mind — their likes, wants and needs and how your business can make their lives better. This is what will create continuing customer loyalty. n

n

n

The New York Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College offers free, individual, confidential counseling to new or existing business owners in Jefferson and Lewis counties.

Call (315) 782-9262 or email sbdc@sunyjefferson.edu for more information. St. Lawrence County residents can contact their SBDC at SUNY Canton, (315) 386-7312 or 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.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 41

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COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

Adams Saturday, Nov. 19

n A Taste of South Jeff — Savor Sixtown, 6 to 9 p.m., Adams Fire Hall, 6 N. Main St. Annual food-lovers event features restaurants from across the six town region and their best dishes for guests to sample. South Jeff Chamber of Commerce member businesses will also partner for the event. Evening includes live music and a cash bar. Event proceeds benefit the Rhode Community Center and the Six Town Community Fund. Cost: $15.

Info: southjeffchamber.org.

Alexandria Bay Friday, Dec. 2

n Alexandria Bay Christmas Tree Lighting, 6 p.m., Upper James St. Music, lighting of the community tree & meet and greet with Santa Clause. Info: Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531.

Friday, Dec. 2

n 8th Annual Christmas Masquerade Ball, 6 p.m., Bonnie Castle Resort, 31 Holland St. The Masquerade Ball benefits local families in need during the holiday season. Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization hosts the event with a night of dancing, socializing and celebrating the holiday season, with the purpose of giving back to those in need by donating to local food pantries in Clayton, Depauville and Alexandria Bay, as well as to the Paynter Senior Center and the Alexandria Central School Backpack Program. Tickets and info: tiylo.org

Saturday, Dec. 3

n 13th Annual Kris Kringle Market, 10 a.m to 5 p.m., Tasting room at the Thousand Islands Winery, 43298 Seaway Ave., Suite 1. This event is a local tradition and similar to the Kris Kringle

44 | NNY Business | November 2016

markets found in Germany. There will be mulled spiced wine, hot chocolate and a visit from Santa. Local holiday craft vendors display works for purchase. Cost: Free. Info: thousandislandswinery.com.

Carthage Saturday, Dec. 10

n Twin Villages Christmas, 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sponsored by Jeanette Turner with all proceeds to benefit the VEM Food Pantry. Cost: Free. Info: Jeanette Turner, 519-7459 or 1- (518) 578-6216 or email Jeanette_turner@twcny.rr.com.

Saturday, Dec. 10

n Memory Tree Ceremony, 6:30 p.m., at corner of State and N. Mechanic streets.

A brief non-denominational ceremony

by Calvary Assembly of God Church, caroling to High Rise Community Room where refreshments are served and music continues. Cost: Free. Info: Carthage Chamber, 493-3590 or carthageny.com.

Saturday, Feb. 11

n Winterfest, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Carthage Park. Cardboard sled races, horse-drawn wagon rides, winter games, fun for the family and open to the public.

Cost: Free. Info: Carthage Chamber, 493-3590 or carthageny.com.

Clayton Thursday, Nov. 17

n Business with a Twist, 5 to 7 p.m., Channelside Restaurant, 506 Riverside Dr. Business with a Twist is a social networking event hosted by the Clayton Chamber of Commerce for members and guests. This month it is sponsored by the Channelside Restaurant, Grant E. Dier Insurance & Thousand Islands Young Leaders Organization. Cost: Free. Info: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 6863771 or 1000islands-clayton.com.

Thursday, Dec. 15

n Business with a Twist, 5 to 7 p.m., Thousand Islands Museum, 312 James St. Networking event hosted by the Thousand Islands Museum, Cantwell & Associates and Clayton Country Club.

Cost: Free. Info: Clayton Chamber of Commerce, 1000islands-clayton.com or 686-3771.

Second and Fourth Mondays of the month

n Lion’s Club meeting, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Thousand Islands Emergency Rescue Service, 100 Union St. Info: Lion’s Club, 686-5268 or claytonlions@gmail.com.

Henderson Harbor Monday, Nov. 21

n Henderson Historical Society meeting, 4 p.m., Henderson Harbor Historical Society, 12581 County Route 72. Info: hendersongenealogy@yahoo.com or Elaine, 938-5315.

Ogdensburg Saturday, Nov. 19

n Thanksgiving Craft Show, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. John F. Kennedy School, Park St. Event features many local vendors and artisans. All items are handmade.

Cost: $3 and a can of food for the local pantry. Info: chamber@gisco.net or ogdensburgny.com

Friday, Dec. 9 To Saturday, Dec. 10

n 2nd Annual Tastes & Talents of the North Country, Friday noon to 8 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., SUNY Potsdam’s Maxy Hall. The show offers holiday shoppers a venue to purchase unique handcrafted and homemade gift items from vendors across the state.

Cost: Contact for vendor applications.

Info: JoAnn Roberts, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, 386-4000.

Friday, Nov. 25 to Sunday, Nov. 27 n Adirondack Christmas on Main Street , 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Shop the unique shops in the Central Adirondack mountains.

Area clubs, civic groups and businesses, Santa and Mrs. Claus will also be in town and families will be treated to old fashioned horse-drawn wagon rides, face painting, caroling, tree lightings, a light parade, Zoo Mobile, Moose River Farm animals and book signing, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Cost: Free.

Info: Old Forge Information Center, (315) 369-6983 or oldforgeny.com.

Sunday, Nov. 25 n Reindeer Run, 8 a.m., Goodsell Museum (Historical Association), 2993 State Route 28. A fun run for children of all ages takes you from the Goodsell Museum to the busy corner. Wear antlers into the special 2 p.m. holiday matinee at the Strand Theater and receive a free small popcorn and half-price matinee.

Sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association. Cost: Free. Info: Old Forge Information Center, (315) 369-6983 or oldforgeny.com.

Syracuse Wednesday, Nov. 16 n 40 Under Forty, 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., OnCenter, 800 S. State St. 10:3011:50 a.m., registration and networking reception; noon-2 p.m., awards and luncheon. Honoring 40 young community-minded men and women. Cost: $65 per person. Info: Joyl Clance, 579-3917 or jclance@bizeventz.com.

Friday, Nov. 18

n Syracuse Business Networking Event, 7:30 to 9 a.m., New York Life Insurance Co., 5788 Widewaters Pkwy., first-floor conference room, DeWitt. Join the TipClub for a structured format networking event that allows for spotlight introductions followed by a “lightning round” connection networking style. Cost: Free.

Info: 1- (800) 798-0270.

Monday, Nov. 21

n SyracuseFirst Buy Local Bash, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., Central Regional Market, 2100 Park St. The Buy Local Bash brings community members and local merchants together for a social, shopping and tasting event to highlight the locally owned, independent businesses of Central New York.

This fundraising event helps to spread

awareness and support for SyracuseFirst’s mission of educating the community about the importance of buying local while also kicking off Buy Local Month, an effort to increase support for local independent merchants during the holiday season.

Cost: $25 in advance; $30 at the door.

Sponsorships, vendor opportunities and info: Shannon Fults, 470-1884 or sfults@ centerstateceo.com.

Watertown Saturday, Nov. 16 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Ives Country Club, 435 Flower Ave West.

Join the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for a night of networking with local businesses. Hosted by GYMO Architecture Engineering & Land Surveying DPC. Cost: $10 Pre-registered members; $12 unregistered members at the door; $15 non-members. Info: Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or watertownny.com.

Thursday, Dec. 1 n Lunch & Learn: Payroll updates and guidelines for year-end planning, 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St. Join us as the Bowers & Co. Accounting Services Group covers payroll updates that affect overtime and exempt rules, the minimum wage increase, payroll-related tax credits, and guidelines for the year end. Payroll information update — white collar overtime and exempt rules (FLSA) — recent changes coming — minimum wage increase — current year/future annual increases — minimum wage tax credit payroll tax returns/year end prep — deadlines and client reporting requirements — overview of payroll tax liabilities to current calendar. Cost: Free, includes lunch. Info: Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400.

Wednesday, Dec. 7 n 20 Under 40 Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St. This year’s 20 Under 40 class will be honored at a luncheon open to the community. Ruth A. Doyle, county administrator for St. Lawrence County, will deliver the keynote address. The lunch menu includes: House salad with house dressing, fresh rolls and butter, cranberry & walnut stuffed chicken with sage infused cream sauce, green beans, red-skin potatoes and chocolate mousse parfait.

Cost: $25; save $3 per ticket if payment is made at time of online registration; corporate tables of 8 and 10 are available for $225 and $275. Register/info: NNY Business Magazine, nnybusiness@ wdt.net or nnybizmag.com.

Sunday, Jan. 8 n 2017 NNY Bridal Showcase — 25th Anniversary Show, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St. Meet experts in the wedding industry, view gowns, taste samples from caterers and cake companies, DJ’s, photographers, beauty, hotels, reception venues and more. Cost: Free to public and brides to be. Info: Timothy Sweeney or Melissa Aulet, wblhradio@yahoo.com or 786-0925.

Tuesday, Nov. 15 through Tuesday, Mar. 7, 2017 n Growers’ Academy: Market readiness training series, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St. Learn how to grow and market for large-scale consumers.

Sessions will include: Becoming an institutional market-ready producer, marketing and developing a business plan, understanding GAPs and FSMA certification, and buyers’ market panel.

Dates: Tuesday, Nov. 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Dec.13, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2017, 12:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2017, 8:30 a.m. to Wednesday, Feb. 8, 4:30 p.m.; Tuesday, March 7, 2017, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. Cost: One to three sessions — $25 each; Four sessions — $50; or all five sessions for $100; active duty soldiers or veterans free. Info: reg.cce.cornell. edu/growers_222

First, Third and Fifth Mondays of The Month

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

Old Forge

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. Info: watertown.toastmastersclubs.org.

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

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 45

b usiness scene Carthage Chamber Business After Hours at Carthage VFW Post 7227

From left, Ilene O’Conner, Esther Reape and Sabrina Intorcia, Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary Unit 7227, Carthage.

From left, Meagan Meekma and Kellie Drake, Central New York Veteran’s Outreach Center, Watertown.

ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

ELAINE AVALLONE PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Bruce Rounds and Deborah Atkins, both with Honor Flight. The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227, Carthage, hosted October’s Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Wednesday, Oct. 12.

From left, Joseph Martel, junior vice commander and Kurt Olson, post commander, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7227, Carthage.

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788-6840

BU SINE SS SCENE Clayton Dental Office Open House

From left, Nicole Hudson and Jessica Freeman, Clayton Dental Office.

From left, Kim Aubertine and Jennifer Foley, Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers, & Land Surveyors, Watertown.

Holly BONAME PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Ashley Marshall, Indian River Central School District, Philadelphia, and Natalie Lauranie of the Cerebral Palsy Association of the North Country, Watertown. Clayton Dental Office held an open house to showcase its new pediatric dental wing on Thursday, Oct. 13.

Holly BONAME PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Joshua Moran, Watertown Police Department, and Penny Eppolito, U.S. Postal Service, Clayton.

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 47

b usiness scene GWNC Chamber North Country Business Expo at Dulles State Office Building

Patricia Usherwood, Usherwood Office Technology, Syracuse, and Michael Brown, Usherwood Office Technology, Potsdam.

From left, Jessica Hayes, The United Group of Companies, Watertown, and Erin McKee, The United Group of Companies, Troy.

HOLLY BONAME PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

HOLLY BONAME PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Kyle Wheeler and Scott Colbert, Paul Davis, Watertown. The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce held its 2016 North Country Business Expo at the Dulles State Office Building on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

From left, Jeany Danielsen and Jaime Benner, Rose and Kiernan, Inc., Watertown.

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b u siness scene GWNC Chamber Business After Hours at Dulles State Office Building

From left, Kenia Canto-Jimenez and Erin Perez, both with AT&T Premier Technologies, Evans Mills.

From left, Cindy Lawrence, Watertown International Airport, Dexter, and Gary DeYoung, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, Collins Landing.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Anne Marie Angus, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, Clayton, and Jason Maurer, owner, VideoWorx, Watertown. Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry, Watertown, hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce October Business After Hours at the Dulles State Office Building on Wednesday, Oct. 19.

From left, Heather Delperuto, Berkshire Hathaway Home Services CNY Realty, Watertown; Amber Stevens, North Country PTAC, Watertown; and Stephanie Mason, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce.

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| 49

b usiness scene St. Lawrence County Chamber Business Spotlight at the Sherman Inn, Ogdensburg

Amanda Carlo, Cape Air, Ogdensburg, and John Wade, Sherman Inn, Ogdensburg.

From left, Kathy Schumann and Mary Rishe, The Sandwich Warehouse, Ogdensburg.

Jennifer McCluskey PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Jennifer McCluskey PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Catherine LaPointe Vollmer, LaPointe Illustration, Potsdam; Anneke Larrance and Loni Recker, Cornell Cooperative Extension of St. Lawrence County, Canton. The Sherman Inn, Ogdensburg, hosted the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce October Business in the Spotlight on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

From left, Doug Wetzel, Deb Moschell and Bob Penski, Penski, Inc., Potsdam. Penski, Inc. also has offices in Watertown, Massena and Ogdensburg.

18th Annual Hosted by: American Legion Family Jefferson County American Legion Auxiliary

Saturday, Februaray 4th, 2017 Dulles State Office Building 11 am - 3 pm

50 | NNY Business | November 2016

b u siness scene Carthage Area Chamber Business Awards Dinner at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant

From left, Virginia “Ginny” Hasseler and daughter Victoria “Tori” HasselerCollins, Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall, LLP, Watertown.

Teri Ellis, Carthage Savings & Loan Association, presents John Bushey, JB’s Meat Shop, Carthage, with the New Member Spotlight award.

ELAINE AVALLONE | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce board president Jeremiah S. Papineau presents Robert Sturtz, president, Slack Chemical Co., Carthage, with the Business Person of the Year award. The Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce held its annual business awards dinner at Belva’s Sahara Restaurant on Wednesday, Oct. 26.

ELAINE AVALLONE | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Darlene Jensen, Village Ecumenical Ministries Food Pantry and Jody Mono, Village Ecumenical Ministries Food Pantry board president.

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| 51

& proudly present the

20UNDER40 NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Class of 2016 Dr. David Adsit — Kinney Drugs | Jennifer Barlow — Children’s Home of Jefferson County | Todd Burker — Carthage High School | AmberLee Clement — Army Community Service — Cornell Cooperative Extension | Shawna Cutuli — Watertown Family YMCA | Daniel Daugherty — City of Watertown | Rebekah Grim — St. Lawrence-Lewis BOCES | Kyle Hayes — Gram’s Diner | Emily Herman — The Scrub Hub | Nathan Hunter — Northern Credit Union | Erica Leonard — University Suites | Dr. Matthew Maynard, D.O. — North Country Emergency Medicine Consultants, P.C. / Jefferson County EMS | Ashley Meade — Community Bank, N.A. | Jake Moser — Moser’s Maple, LLC | Sarah Parker Ada — Indian River High School | Korin Scheible — Mental Health Association of Jefferson County | E. Hartley Schweitzer — Development Authority of the North Country | Shane Simser — The Morgia Group at High Tower | Melissa Schmitt — Samaritan Advanced Wound Care Center | Katy Troester-Trate — Jefferson Community Schools at Jefferson Community College

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

Wednesday, Dec. 7, to honor our 2016 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 4 p.m., Friday, Dec. 2.

Luncheon is $25 for guests — honorees are free. Pre-pay by Nov. 28 and save $3. Corporate tables available. 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, decaf, tea or water. Vegetarian option available. Need a hotel roomthe night before? Mention the NNY Business magazine 20 Under 40 event for a 12 percent discount.

Gold sponsors: Media partners:

Bronze sponsors:

Leadership partners:

Event partner:

Jefferson County Economic Development

52 | NNY Business | November 2016

NNY Business surprised each 20 Under 40 honoree at their workplaces with notifications of selection.

Congratulations to the Class of 2016!

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 53

NNY Employment Come enjoy the natural beauty of Northern New York, minutes from Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River.

CARING HEALING LEADING Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner

Signing Bonus and Relocation Assistance Offered Join Us in delivering better healthcare & a better healthcare experience!

Samaritan Medical Center has 2 Full-Time Nurse Practitioner positions available in our Inpatient and Outpatient Mental Health Units. The position requires a current NYS RN license and NYS Licensure as Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, with a DEA License. Be a part of an organization where you will find yourself surrounded by good people doing good things ‌ every day.

Environmental Services/Housekeeping/Laundry

Exceptional, dedicated people, rewarding career opportunities, excellent compensation and benefit program and the ability to shape healthcare in our community are some of the reasons to join Samaritan. Samaritan has full-time, part-time and casual positions available within our Environmental Services/ Housekeeping and Laundry Departments. The successful candidate should have at least one year of housekeeping experience, commercial experience preferred. The ability and willingness to perform housekeeping tasks and following instructions with minimum supervision is required.

Experienced RNs and New Graduate RNs

Experienced RNs and New Graduate RNs, now is an exciting time to join the Samaritan Health team. If you are passionate about working in a Patient Centered Leadership environment and interested in advancing your career then we would invite you to explore opportunities at Samaritan. Great Career & Life at The Same Time, Excellent Salary , full and part-time opportunities available, great benefit packages, Yearly Certification and Educational bonuses, Health Insurance and Tuition Assistance. Safe community, low cost of living, zero commute time. Qualified applicants may submit a resume on-line at www.samaritanhealth.com. Samaritan Medical Center, Human Resources, 830 Washington Street, Watertown, NY 13601, 1-800-892-4785. Samaritan is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, Minorities, Disabled, and Veterans are encouraged to apply.

54 | NNY Business | November 2016

November 2016 | NNY Business

| 55

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