NNY Business October 2015

B

Y usIness

// on leadership: 20 north country

leaders share some advice P. 26

OCTOBER 2015 Volume 5 No. 11

nnybizmag.com

On the path to success north country business owners on what it takes to win $2.95

/nnybusiness @NNYBusinessMag

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

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Inside october 2015 13

14 22 18 |

COVER |

14 DRIVING SUCCESS Success requires leadership.

We visit three north country businesses to learn how. |

SMALL BIZ STARTUP |

13 passion for product For this fashion retailer, good business starts with a sincere love of her wares. |

FEATURES |

20 a major milestone Foy Agency Insurance in Lewis County celebrates 65 years in business.

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REAL ESTATE |

22 MARKET ANALYSIS Is the north country a buyer’s market or a seller’s market? |

TOP TRANSACTIONS |

23 JEFFERSON COUNTY The top 10 property sales in the Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties topped more than $9.2m in August. |

ENTREPRENEURS |

36 KNOW YOUR WORTH Your worth in business is much greater than others may see it. Stand up for it.

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BUSINESS SCENE |

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

BUSINESS HISTORY |

44 A worldwide icon Watertown’s Car-Freshner Corp. is an international scented powerhouse. |

ONLINE |

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

October 2015 | NNY Business

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Contributors

BusIness www.nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He analyzes the current real estate market. (p. 22)

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

He writes about the importance of transparency in the nonprofits when theft occurs. (p. 29)

Larry Covell is an attorney and professor of business at Jefferson Community College.

He concludes a threepart series on the eviction process. (p. 31)

Publishers

John B. Johnson Harold B. Johnson II

VP News Operations Timothy J. Farkas

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Staff Writer / Editorial Assistant Lorna Oppedisano

Photography

Brooke Rouse is the executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

She offers a few tips about growing your small business. (p. 32)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. He writes about new challenges in the dairy industry. (p. 33)

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

She shares some insight into the technology that powers the USPS. (p. 34)

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

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Manager Beth Hornbarger

Advertising Graphics

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

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Jennifer McCluskey is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. She explains grant funds for for-profits. (p. 35)

Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. In her debut column, she writes about valuing yourself and your work. (p.36)

Lorna Oppedisano is an editorial assistant and writer for NNY Magazines. In this month’s cover story, she writes about what it takes to achieve lasting success in business. (pgs. 14)

MARKETPLACE Aubertine & Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors ..... 8 Blue Seal Feeds ........................ 46 Bonnie Castle Resort & Marina ................................... 19 Bradley’s Surplus ...................... 21 Caskinette’s Ford ..................... 43 Cheney Tire .............................. 21 CITEC Manufacturing ............. 23 Clayton Dental Office ............. 46 Coleman’s Corner ................... 46 Community Bank ..................... 12 Community Bank Wealth Management .............. 48 Cortel Improvement ................ 17 Creative Minds of NNY ............ 36 CREG Systems Corp. ................. 8 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home .... 31 Dr. Guitar Music ....................... 46

6 | NNY Business | October 2015

Empire State Development ....... 3 Fairground Inn .......................... 46 Foy Agency Insurance ............ 47 Fuccillo Auto Group ................ 47 Fuller Insurance ....................... 47 Garlocks Design Center ........... 4 HD Goodale Co. ...................... 47 High Tower Advisors ................ 28 Holliday Inn Express ................. 8 Hospice of Jefferson County .... 45 Immaculate Heart Central Schools ........................ 45 Macar’s ..................................... 35 Nigro Companies .................... 16 Northern New York Community Foundation ..... 24-25 Northwestern Mutual ........... 9, 47 Nortz & Virkler Ford .................. 47 Rainbow International ............. 19

RBC Wealth Management ........ 7 Sea Comm Credit Union ......... 32 Shred Con ................................ 22 Slack Chemical ....................... 33 SUNY North Country Consortium ............................... 18 T.F. Wright & Sons Granite Foundry ....................... 30 Tunes 92.5 & 104.5 ................... 41 UnitedHealthcare Medicare Solutions .................... 9 Waite Motorsports .................... 40 Waite Toyota ............................ 34 Watertown Daily Times ............ 42 Watertown Savings Bank .......... 2 Watertown Spring & Alignment ............................. 47 WWTI TV 50 ................................ 37 Ziebart Tidycar ......................... 47

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), is published monthly by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2010-2015. All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

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

Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe.

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

Please recycle this magazine.

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INTERVIEW

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ON THE COVER

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26 MAKING LEADERSHIP COUNT After more than 50 interviews with north country business leaders, we compiled the best advice we’ve heard from 20 of the region’s top leaders from across Northern New York. |

COLUMNS

29 30 31 32 |

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NONPROFITS TODAY ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING BUSINESS LAW COMMERCE CORNER

DEPARTMENTS

8 9 10 12 13

33 34 35 36

AGRIBUSINESS BUSINESS TECH BYTES SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS entrepreneur’s edge

22 38 39 44 46

real estate roundup CALENDAR BUSINESS SCENE BUSINESS HISTORY next month

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

For this month’s cover shot, photographer Justin Sorensen captured Timeless Frames CEO Lisa A. Weber on the production floor at her Watertown picture fram manufacturing plant. In this month’s cover story, by staff writer Lorna Oppedisano, we go behind the scenes with three businesses that have worked tirelessly to reach success.

October 2015 | NNY Business

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I

EDITO R’S N O T E

Your Integrated Solutions Provider ~ Unified Communications ~ Digital and VoIP Telephone Systems: Shoretel, Toshiba CAT 6 and Fiber Optic Cabling Computer Networking / Routers and Firewalls Cameras / Fire / Security / 24hr. Monitoring SERVICE PLANS

n this month’s cover story, staff writer Lorna Oppedisano visits three leading north country businesses — a picture frame manufacturer, a small town diner and a fast-growing agribusiness — to learn what has helped to fuel their success. Her takeaway: There is no single like recipe that leads to success in business.

In this issue you’ll also read about a major milestone at Lewis County’s Foy Agency Insurance — 65 years in business.

In Small Business Ken Eysaman Startup, we visit with Dedra Morgia who is making waves with her growing boutique, Finley’s Closet. n

1039 Water St., Watertown

315-788-0000

n

n

20 QUESTIONS — Since NNY Business began publishing monthly in December 2010, we have featured a wide-ranging, in-depth interview with a different north country business or leader 11 times a year, skipping December for our 20 Under 40 emerging leaders issue. Our 54 featured interviews to date have not been limited to the for-profit sector. We’ve sat down with nonprofit and not-for-profit leaders and educational and health care leaders as well. This month, we compiled the best advice we’ve heard from 20 of the region’s top leaders from across Northern New York. 20 Questions begins on page 26. n

n

n

BUSINESS SCENE — This month’s scene section, which begins on page 40, features 54 faces from roughly four-dozen north country businesses and organization across the tricounty area.

8 | NNY Business | October 2015

On Sept. 10, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for its annual Athena Award presentation and dinner at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel.

Congratulations to this year’s recipient, Carolyn Fitzpatrick, chairwoman of the Jefferson County Board of Legislators.

On Sept. 17, we took to the skies, or hanger, for the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce September Business After Hours at Watertown International Airport in Dexter. Thanks to Mike Williams and his team of pilots and ground crew at St. Lawrence Aviation, we were able to catch a beautiful sunset flight over Sackets Harbor.

On Sept. 24, Carthage staffer Elaine Avallone joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce for its September Business After Hours at Carthage VFW Post 2590.

Finally, on Sept. 25, we joined the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce for its Jefferson Leadership Institute Class of 2016 kick-off dinner at the Riveredge Resort in Alexandria Bay. n

n

n

20 UNDER 40 — I am pleased to report that we received more than 50 nominations for our 5th annual NNY Business 20 Under 40 emerging leader program.

Keep an eye on our Facebook page and website, nnybizmag.com, where we will announce the list of selectees before the end of the month. On Thursday, Dec. 10, we will recognize the class of 2015 during a luncheon at the Hilton Garden Inn, Watertown.

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

Yours in business,

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

New Norfolk town assessor chosen

Got business milestones?

Norfolk has chosen Massena Town Assessor Michael C. Ward as its new town assessor.

Mr. Ward will serve a four-year term ending in 2019.

Mr. Ward began his duties as town assessor on Aug. 12. His schedule includes office hours from 5 to 8 p.m. Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays and 9 a.m. to noon every other Saturday beginning this week.

Along with his newly appointed position, Mr. Ward has been the town and village assessor for Massena for about 12 years. He also holds a part-time assessor job in Clifton.

Historical society names new executive director

The Jefferson County Historical Society has named Diana Page Jordan as its executive director.

Ms. Jordan, who previously worked as a video journalist for WWNY-TV7, began work at the historical society on Sept. 15.

In May, former director Jessica M. Phinney resigned to accept a curator position at the Thousand Islands Jordan Art Center, Clayton.

Ms. Jordan, who has an extensive background in journalism and communications, said she is looking forward to using her knowledge of media to help restore the museum’s success.

Before she joined WWNY-TV in February 2014, Ms. Jordan worked as a producer,

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.

anchor and reporter for several radio stations in Los Angeles, New York City, Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Portland, Ore.

SLU hires new faculty

St. Lawrence University recently appointed nine new tenure-track faculty members. The new teaching faculty bring with them areas of expertise that include the humanities, performing arts and both the physical and social sciences.

The newly appointed faculty are Natasha Komarov, assistant professor of mathematics; Sahar Milani, assistant professor of economics; Erik Johnson, assistant professor of performance and communication arts; Jeffrey Maynes, assistant professor of philosophy; Daniel McLane, assistant professor of sociology; Peter Pettengill, assistant professor of environmental studies; Allison Rowland, assistant professor of performance and communication arts; Samuel Tartakoff, assistant professor of chemistry; and Elyssa Twedt, assistant professor of psychology.

Special visiting faculty positions this semester include Lillian-Yvonne Bertram, Viebranz Visiting Professor of Creative Writing; Khalid Omar Mohamed Kitito, Swahili Fellow, Department of Modern Languages; and Jing Wang, Chinese language Fulbright, Department of Modern Languages.

Children’s center recognizes service

At its annual staff appreciation dinner

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

Medicare Plans from

in June, the board of directors recognized New Day Children’s Center executive director Megan E. Dyer, Watertown, for 30 years of service to the child care center.

Mrs. Dyer first joined the center as an assistant teacher in 1985, became assistant director in 1990 and has served as the director since 1996. She and her husband, Pete, have four children, all of whom attended New Day. She holds a degree in early childhood education from the former Mater Dei College in Ogdensburg.

Community Broadcasters named new manager

Nancy E. Dymond was recently named Watertown market manager for Community Broadcasters.

Ms. Dymond, previously the general manager for Max Media of Selinsgrove, Pa., started working Aug. 31 at the Watertown company on Wealtha Avenue, which has eight radio stations that serve listeners across the north country. The move to hire the native of Saginaw, Mich., who started her radio broadcasting career in 1980, comes as the company is experiencing rapid growth, President James L. Leven said.

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

October 2015 | NNY Business

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Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers August 2015 $1.60 July 2015 $1.62 August 2014 $2.25

28.9%

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

525,094 in August 2015 526,398 in July 2015 589,003 in August 2014

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

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

August 2015 $2.63 July 2015 $2.82 August 2014 $3.69

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

28.7%

30.4%

21.1

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

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

August 2015 $2.31 July 2015 $2.36 August 2014 $3.00

89,600 in August 2015 90,100 in July 2015 89,800 in August 2014

23.0%

0.2%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

128, median price $146,500 in August uly 2015 134, median price $139,450 in July 2015 142, median price $136,000 in August 2014

74, median price $93,500 in August 2015 86, median price $91,000 in July 2015 64, median price $96,500 in August 2014

9.9% Sales

7.7%

15.6%

Price

3.1%

Sales

Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

NNY unemployment rates

6.3

5.6 July 2015

August 2014

5.5

United States

August 2015

6.1

5.4 July 2015

August 2014

5.0

6.5

New York State

August 2015

July 2015

August 2015

6.1

Lewis County

5.5

7.5 August 2014

6.5 August 2015

7.2

6.4 August 2014

July 2015

6.2

St. Lawrence County

July 2015

5.7

Jefferson County

August 2015

ECON SNAPSHOT

August 2015 $2.59 July 2015 $2.73 August 2014 $3.72

10.9%

$1.32 on Aug. 31, 2015 $1.30 on July 31, 2015 $1.09 on Aug. 29, 2014

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

10 | NNY Business | October 2015

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

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

August 2014

NNY

Economic indicators

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

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

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County Cars 518 in August 2015 558 in July 2015 562 in August 2014

7.8%

Trucks 147 in August 2015 141 in July 2015 140 in August 2014

NNY

13.0%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers at Watertown International Airport

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

4,725 inbound and outbound in August 2015 3,694 inbound and outbound in July 2015 4,561 inbound and outbound in August 2014

2,251 in August 2015 2,332 in July 2015 2,267 in August 2014

13.0% 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 July 28 to Aug. 28, 2015. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit www.nnybizmag.com.

Sept. 30: Bail Skip Recovery & Investigation Services, 20 Public Square, Watertown, Jarrod and Alissa Randall, both of 114 Katherine St., Watertown. n A Happy Tail Pet Spa, 800 Bradley St., Watertown, Tracy Cooper, 10389 county Route 97, Adams. n Nesting to Nursing Birth Service, 21575D Redwood Lane, Watertown, Jessica Lynn Polaino, 21575D Redwood Lane, Watertown.

Sept. 29: John Brownell CPA, 42261 Arcadia Park Road, P.O. Box 91, Fishers Landing, John Brownell, 42261 Arcadia Park Road, Fishers Landing. n SMP Fresh Pack, 200 Howk St., Watertown, Susan Marie Puccia, 213 Bellew Ave., Watertown.

Sept. 28: The Chez Heron, 12046 state Route 12E, Chaumont, Cari Lynn Greene, 12403 Crescent Drive, P.O. Box 291, Chaumont. n AMPM Professional Services, 14587 county Rote 63, Adams Center, Matthew E. Pelc, 14587 county Rote 63, Adams Center.

Sept. 25: Shear Ink, 332 Arsenal St., Watertown, Tina M. Peck, 1017 Washington St., Watertown.

n IM Fitness, 18 Norris Ave., Carthage, Marci Jo Redden, 18 Norris Ave., Carthage. n Fins Eatery and Pub, 43681 state Route 12, Alexandria Bay, David Roberts, 43681 state Route 12, Alexandria Bay. Sept. 16: Comfy Cozy Critters, 25035 county Road 189, Rodman, Naphtali Kleingardner, 25035 county Road 189, Rodman. n Calilly Photography, 412 Creekside Lake, Sackets Harbor, Kimberly Rae Schuldt, 412 Creekside Lake, Sackets Harbor.

Sept. 14: Daksongs, 44069 Cross Island Road, Wellesley Island, David A. Knapp, 42972 Murray Isle, Clayton.

Sept. 11: Cara’s Property Services, 16664 Ives St. Road Extension, Watertown, Betsy Ann Herrick, 16664 Ives St. Road Extension.

Sept. 9: Rose’s Design Planet, 6503A Pinehurst Drive, Fort Drum, Rose M. Simpao, 6503A Pinehurst Drive, Fort Drum. n Golden Upcycling, 26828 Lafave Road, Watertown, Sarah Shelmedine, 26828 Lafave Road, Watertown.

Sept. 8: KB Photography, 6261A Scotch Pine Drive, Fort Drum, Kayla Breann Moreno, 6261A Scotch Pine Drive, Fort Drum.

n Halfway Country Grill, 7831 state Route 12E, Three Mile Bay, Shane Jackson and Danielle Pearson, both of 29919 county Route 4, Cape Vincent.

n Walts Family Farm and Crafts, 18537 Minkler Road, Adams Center, Christopher M. Walts, 18537 Minkler Road, Adams Center.

n Laundry Factory, 514 Factory St., Watertown, Amanda Marzano, 24988 state Route 12, Watertown.

Sept. 4: Slit, 25569 county Route 93, Lorraine, Jozette Marie Borrmann, 25569 county Route 93, Lorraine.

Sept. 24: Shaggy’s Sound and Style, 25440 Route 342, Evans Mills, John F. Maciag, 25440 Route 342, Evans Mills.

n Lake Effect Snow Service, 12249 Gobbe Hill Road, Henderson, Scott Lapell, 12249 Gobbe Hill Road, Henderson.

Sept. 23: Funfish Fabric Art, 558 S. Mechanic St., Carthage, Frederick Lewis Lehnhardt, 558 S. Mechanic St., Carthage.

n MSB Construction, 35033 Eddy Road, Lot 67, Theresa, Michael Sam Brancatella, 35033 Eddy Road, Lot 67, Theresa.

Sept. 21: Partridge Maintenance, 17894 county Route 3, Clayton, Kenneth Howard Partridge, 17894 county Route 3, Clayton.

n Doug Schmidt Historic Research and Consulting, 33919 Eddy Road, Theresa, Douglas William Schmidt, 33919 Eddy Road, Theresa.

Sept. 18: Ashcraft Auto Detailing, 17490 U.S. Route 11, Watertown, Travis Michael Ashcraft, 339 S. Rutland St., Watertown. n Clark’s Concrete and Construction, 30728 Burnup Road, Black River, Jessica Ann Percy, 30728 Burnup Road, Black River.

Sept. 17: Delicious Dynasty, 24479 state Route 411, LaFargeville, Ivy R. Sanford-Harrell, 30591 state Route 180, Watertown.

Sept. 3: North Country Kustoms, 18841 U.S. Route 11, Watertown, Alex J. McEathron, 1411 State Highway 3, Harrisville. n Schirmer’s Contracting, 39929 country Route 24, Antwerp, Matthew Thomas Schirmer, 39929 country Route 24, Antwerp.

Sept. 1: Fresh Start Real Estate, 29218 Van Tassel Road, Evans Mills, Apryl Lynn Paul, 29218 Van Tassel Road, Evans Mills.

transactions

DBAs

0.7%

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 11

business briefcase MANUFACTURING

Plant closure delayed

Nirvana Spring Water now intends to close its plant in November, with no layoffs expected until the middle of next month.

Local employment officials have said that 21 of the Oneida County plant’s workers are Lewis County residents. While the initial notice June 1 stated that layoffs from the plant’s 70-member, non-union workforce were to begin Sept. 2, an amended notice states that terminations may first take effect from Nov. 16 to 30 and “continue

permanently after that.”

The notice indicated the firm will be filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection.

The water-bottling company last month amended its federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification notice with the state Department of Labor to include the month of closure and the new, later layoff dates.

HEALTH CARE

Hospitals and nonprofits awarded state grants

North country hospitals and nonprofits will

share $650,000 in state funding to improve their offerings to soldiers and the community.

River Hospital in Alexandria Bay is expected to receive $175,000, with $125,000 going to the hospital’s capital expansion and $50,000 to the River Community Wellness program.

Carthage Area Hospital is expected to receive $150,000 for improvements to its emergency and operating rooms and for a program that helps train Army medical workers. Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown is expected to receive $125,000 for improvements to its maternity ward.

Gouverneur Hospital is expected to receive $100,000 for new ultrasound equipment.

The funding was announced in early July during a press conference at Carthage Area Hospital. Representatives of the fund recipients and Fort Drum’s Medical Activity were at the hospital for the announcement.

The Development Authority of the North Country is expected to receive $100,000 to expand its coordination between local government offices and Fort Drum.

The new money comes from a special $3 million state base-retention fund.

The state budget allocated $25.8 million for a pair of road projects on Route 26, and $1.5 million for the Army Compatible Use Buffer program.

NCFHC to expand services at Lewis County clinic

The North Country Family Health Center was recently awarded more than $263,000 to expand oral health services at its Lowville location, 7785 N. State St. The money is part of more than $18 million distributed to health centers across the state under the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Expanded Services funding program.

Apart from funding the employment of one full-time dentist, the money also allows the Lowville clinic to expand its hours from one 10-hour day a week to five days a week. Executive Director Joey Marie Horton expects that the expanded hours will allow the health center to see about 60 additional patients per week.

United Way awards Mental Health Association grant

The United Way of Northern New York has awarded a $4,000 grant to the Mental Health Association of Jefferson County.

The money aims to help the agency with a program that provides clients with healthy eating choices and offers restaurant kitchen training that can lead to employment.

12 | NNY Business | October 2015

S mall B usiness startup BUSINESS

Finley’s Closet Too THE INITIAL IDEA When Dedra M. Morgia

took a job as the receptionist of A New Attitude Spa and Salon, she never knew where that decision would eventually land her. Now, years later, she’s thrown caution to the wind a number of times, and not only owns the salon, but also divides her time between her three children and the three clothing and accessory boutiques she owns in Sackets Harbor, Clayton and Watertown.

How does she do it all?

“Taking chances for me is not a big deal,” she said. “I’m willing to take chances.”

TARGET CLIENTELE Mrs. Morgia’s boutiques

— A New Attitude Boutique in Sackets Harbor, Finley’s Closet in Clayton and the recently added Finley’s Closet Too in Watertown — offer women a variety of trending clothing and accessories.

In terms of a target customer base, she said she doesn’t have any specific parameters in mind.

“It runs from teenagers all the way up,” she explained.

While Mrs. Morgia plans to keep the Watertown location open year-round, her other two shops are open seasonally. A New Attitude Boutique is open only during the summer, and she plans to keep Finley’s Closet open until close to Christmas this year. With its constant flow of tourists throughout the summer months, Finley’s Closet has the highest volume of traffic of the three shops.

“Realistically, that’s all people are doing: shopping and eating,” she said with a laugh.

“The customers are pleasant. I like meeting new people from different areas all the time.”

THE JOURNEY Through her years working at

and eventually owning the salon, Mrs. Morgia’s passion for fashion never waned.

A New Attitude Boutique’s first year in business was actually as a satellite location for the larger salon in Watertown. Mrs. Morgia loved Sackets Harbor and decided to buy property. It was only natural for the established salon owner to try her hand at offering a limited spa menu — just manicures and pedicures — in the small space.

After a period of success, she closed the Sackets Harbor salon for the season. When she opened the next year, she took a shot on her dream of becoming part of the fashion world.

“I had never thought that I would do it, so I never gave it a second thought,” she said. “And then I realized it’s not that bad. You just go and try it.”

Unlike many small business owners starting a new venture, Mrs. Morgia said she faced few challenges to get her idea off the ground.

“It was such a great year. It was just so easy,” she said, citing her husband and sister as strong pillars of support.

When planning her boutique, Mrs. Morgia took inspiration from shops in downtown Syracuse’s Armory Square district. She would visit and ask questions: “Where do you go to shows?

From where do you buy?”

The first few fashion shows were the most overwhelming aspect of breaking into the

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

“I love fashion and I love the shows.

I even love setting up for the stores. All of it.”

— Dedra M. Morgia, owner, A New Attitude Spa and Salon, A New Attitude Boutique, Finley’s Closet and Finley’s Closet Too industry, she said. But Mrs. Morgia used her skills that years of taking chances had taught her; she threw herself into it and figured it out.

Not long after getting the first boutique up and running, in early 2014 Mrs. Morgia decided she was ready to expand her love of fashion and tackle a larger market: Clayton.

“Clayton is booming,” she explained. “It’s just a beautiful place.”

Along with having a bustling tourism business in the summer, the network of other business owners make the town an easy place to do business, she said. Mrs. Morgia said that while some of the other boutiques in Clayton are technically competition to Finley’s Closet, it’s a healthy competition, and her shop’s unique style sets her apart.

As her first shopping season in Clayton came to a close later the same year, Mrs. Morgia had her eye on a third location: Watertown.

She lives in the area, and kept looking at the empty space on Washington Street and thinking that someone had to take advantage of that opportunity. The space was in close proximity to a bank, hairdresser and liquor store, and had ample parking; it was prime real estate for a clothing boutique. In November 2014, Mrs. Morgia opened her third boutique and fourth business. Her No. 1 reason behind the decision is the same as for the other stores: her passion for the industry.

“I love fashion and I love the shows,” she said.

“I even love setting up the stores. All of it.”

IN FIVE YEARS Although Mrs. Morgia could be mistaken for the north country’s superwoman of fashion, even superheroes have to know their

limits, and she is well aware of hers. Regardless of what she has on her plate, family comes first.

Now that her children are growing and keeping her busy with traveling sports teams, she’s cutting back in the business world.

At the beginning of last year, she stepped back at the salon and stopped taking clients herself. While she misses the people with whom she interacted, the decision wasn’t upsetting; she’d always favored the business side of the operation, she said.

Mrs. Morgia is also considering closing A New Attitude Boutique, she said, explaining that while business is good, the season is short. As of now, the building in Sackets Harbor is for sale.

“With my life being so crazy, if I have to give up something, that would be the one I would give up,” she said.

These consolidations don’t mean that Mrs. Morgia is done expanding her fashion empire, though. Her sister, a resident of San Antonio, Texas, is considering opening a location of Finley’s Closet in her city, Mrs. Morgia said. The sisters travel to all the fashion shows together, so a southern Finley’s Closet location is a good possibility.

Once her children — the youngest of whom is 8 years old — are out of school, Mrs. Morgia might open another boutique in the area, she said.

For now, she plans to simply make her shops the best they can be.

“When people come in and find a ton of stuff, and have to pick and choose because they love everything, that’s rewarding to me,” she said.

— Lorna Oppedisano

WHERE 1320 Washington St., Watertown | FOUNDED November 2014 | WEB Facebook.com/Finleysclosettoo

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 13

C OV E R STORY

The formula for lasting success leadership delivers results for three north country businesses where owners say Perseverance, patience and a willingness to take risks are keys

S

BY LORNA OPPEDISANO | NNY BUSINESS

Success has no set recipe. There are some basic requirements; strong leadership, the ability to learn from mistakes and the willingness to step out of one’s comfort zone are just a few. But there’s no instruction sheet to direct the proportions of these qualities or the order in which they are to be combined.

Every success story is different. The north country has many to tell, and they all share one common thread: the leader or leaders understand the necessity of drive and hard work.

North Country Farms

Kevin K. Richardson wanted to make an impact on the north country. He earned a master’s degree in teaching from SUNY Potsdam, and took a job in the Watertown City School District at the age of 22. Things were on track and life was normal. Little 14 | NNY Business | October 2015

did he know that soon he’d be approached with a new business venture that would eventually place him at the top of north country agribusiness.

When he was 27 years old, the founding members of North Country Farms presented Mr. Richardson with an opportunity to be president of the company.

They aimed to make the fledgling organization into a primary food grower and supplier for the area.

“If I was going to take a risk, I was going to do it now,” Mr. Richardson said, thinking back to that moment in his life.

So with little knowledge of small business or agriculture, he jumped headfirst into the new North Country Farms, armed with an “old school” mill, as he calls it, and general manager F. Marshall Weir.

“The investor group thought that I would be a good fit with Kevin,” Mr.

Weir, now marketing director at Jefferson County Economic Development, said. “All he had was his work ethic and a willingness to learn. I had more small business experience.”

The first few years were challenging, the duo explained. The milling process is automated now, thanks to a grant the business received in late 2009, but starting out, Mr. Richardson and Mr. Weir were limited to a manual machine. Both types of machines are stone mills, which, unlike metal mills, use a low-temperature process to turn the locally-sourced wheat from Ronald C. Robbins’ farm into flour. The end result is a high-nutrient, high-end product.

“So it’s kind of like an art,” Mr. Richardson explained.

Along with long hours and manual labor, North Country Farms was faced with the issue of finding a market. With the region’s

C O V E R S T O RY

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Kevin K. Richardson, president of North Country Farms, Watertown, stands beside pallets of flour ready for shipment to Manhattan. Mr. Richardson left a secure teaching job in the Watertown City School District to become president of the start-up North Country Farms, a risky move that’s paid off.

limited number of bakeries, and the realization that breaking into local grocery chains would take some time, Mr. Richardson turned his attention to higher end markets.

One day, he packed some samples in his car and hit the road for New York City.

“I mapped out all the bakeries that I thought would use our stuff,” he said.

“I made my way around Manhattan and handed out business cards.”

Taking that initiative paid off. Soon after he returned home, Mr. Richardson received an order for a pallet of flour — by far the largest order North Country Farms had ever seen — from Jim at Sullivan Street Bakery. He worked for 24 hours straight to meet the demand.

That was the tipping point for North Country Farms. The brand was out there and within a span of about a year, the number of accounts grew from about

three or four in the north country to 35 to 40 within the state.

When the company received the funding that allowed for automated equipment, Mr. Richardson could in turn hire a third full-time worker, and he was freed to focus more on sales, which by Mr. Weir’s estimation is Mr. Richardson’s calling.

“Kevin is one of the finest sales people I’ve ever known,” Mr. Weir explained. “At that level of sales, they’re born and not made.”

It’s not just Mr. Richardson’s inborn skills that have driven North Country Farms to such success; it’s the passion for local food that he’s brought to the leadership role.

Once he saw the impact a company like North Country Farms could have on the local economy, he knew he was the right fit for the president position. During those first three or four years of establishing the brand and setting the groundwork

for a successful startup, his passion and employees kept him going. Mr. Richardson stressed that he wouldn’t have made it this far if not for his coworkers.

“You need trust in your employees to get you to that point,” he said.

About 90 percent of North Country Farm’s sales are in done New York City, and in the future the brand might expand to other metropolitan markets, like Boston, Mr. Richardson said. Other possible growth includes adding more automated equipment to the mill itself, and aggregating more local products into the label.

Now, with about seven years of experience under his belt, Mr. Richardson’s advice to any aspiring business leaders is simple: be passionate, hold true to your values and don’t be afraid to take risks.

“You have to go for it,” he said. “You have to prove that your integrity’s there.”

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 15

C O V E R ST O RY Gram’s Diner

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Success in business isn’t always built from the ground up. For Gram’s Diner owners Chad L. Burdick, Kyle R. Hayes and Andrew J. Beckstead, the foundation was already there. When the trio bought the establishment in 2013, they stripped it down to the bare bones to construct their vision.

Mr. Burdick and Mr. Hayes had worked at Gram’s Diner for 14 and 10 years, respectively, when the team bought the business from Mr. Burdick’s stepfather, Derek J. Butler. The two had pondered the idea of buying the restaurant, and Mr. Beckstead approached them about investing his money, time and 20 years of corporate business experience in his hometown of Adams, they knew it was time.

“I inquired what path they thought [Gram’s Diner] was on,” Mr. Beckstead said. “[I wanted to] see if something could be done with the business above and beyond what was currently being done.”

The three decided on a plan to purchase the establishment in November 2011, and spent the next year or so waiting for funding to be finalized and constructing a business plan. Sarah O’Connell, certified business advisor at SUNY Jefferson’s New York State Small Business Development Center, helped them through a lot of the finances; the trio secured a loan through M&T Bank, as well as gap funding through the North Country Alliance.

Meanwhile, they examined the existing business plan and discussed improvements. Mr. Burdick and Mr. Hayes were familiar with the day-to-day operations.

They knew the customers, many of them by name, and could pinpoint what was and wasn’t working.

“We did write it all ourselves and it was all our own ideas and our own words,” Mr. Hayes explained. “It was easier to look at what’s currently going on and what gaps you can fill.”

The men agree that rebooting an existing business is in many ways easier than creating a startup. Buying Gram’s Diner gave them a platform off of which they could build, as well as money coming in from day one. The brand, as well as the new owners, was already known in Adams, too.

“Being in such a small community, a lot of times success in business is who you know,” Mr. Hayes said, adding that they joke that Mr. Burdick is known throughout the town as “Chad from Gram’s.”

Once the finances were settled and paperwork complete the men began putting their planned improvements into place.

While they did have a long list in mind, they knew that pacing the changes was key.

C O V E R S T O RY Practically speaking, they knew that all their dreams couldn’t come true in one fell swoop. Not only was it not financially feasible, but they didn’t want to shock their clientele. With changes happening piece by piece, the customers’ interest was piqued with every noticeable difference, and in a sense, the community was more a part of the evolution.

“We had to keep our momentum,” Mr. Beckstead explained. “Rolling new things out, whether it’s a menu item or new piece of equipment, keeps us current and keeps our guests talking and spreading the word.”

He added that coming from a corporate background, he knows that no good decision is made overnight.

The first issues that the new owners addressed were those dealing with productivity and safety in the kitchen. Then they tackled problems that directly affected the clientele. By Mr. Hayes’ estimation, the team spent about $40,000 on new equipment in the first year. Since the transition, they’ve updated the facade to make the establishment stand out more, revamped the inside and made the menu more current.

One new customer favorite is Sunday brunch. The trio waited about 10 months before opening on Sundays, Mr. Beckstead said.

“It gave us an opportunity to learn and accomplishment a lot of things,” he explained, “as well as listening to our customers, what they wanted and what they expected to see, so we could please everybody.”

While the new owners have put in hours of hard work that’s paid off, the journey hasn’t been without its problems. Mr. Beckstead and Mr. Hayes agree that building a skilled kitchen staff who work well together toward the restaurant’s mission has, at times, been a struggle.

For Mr. Burdick, having spent more than a decade working at Gram’s Diner before purchasing the business put him in the position of transitioning from fellow employee to boss.

“It’s hard to be a boss to these people,” he said. “Once you work with people so long, you become a family.”

Perhaps the owners’ largest asset is their strength in numbers. With a team leading the effort, rather than just one boss, the perspective widens. Mrs. O’Connell from the SBDC said this was a key to their success she noticed while working with them.

“If they recognize where their strengths are and where their weaknesses are, and not meddle in each other’s areas, then that can really work better,” she said.

Mrs. O’Connell also said that the trio fit her idea of good business leaders: they’re

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Owners of Gram’s Diner in Adams, from left, Chad L. Burdick, Andrew J. Beckstead, and Kyle R. Hayes.

The three men purchased the Main Street diner in 2013 and have steadily worked to improve the business.

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cover story own on the second floor of the building.

“I really just want to keep the momentum of what we’re doing,” Mr. Beckstead said, “and stay on top of our game so we can explore doing more things down the road.”

Timeless Frames

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Timeless Frames CEO Lisa A. Weber talks to an employee on the production floor last month.

not afraid of putting in the work.

Looking to the future, the team plans to continue to strategically make improve-

18 | NNY Business | October 2015

ments step by step.

They’d like to tackle more renovations and possibly find a way to use the space they

Lisa A. Weber was born with manufacturing in her blood. Raised by parents who owned a manufacturing company, Mrs. Weber knew her destiny from a young age.

At 7 years old, she spent time at her parents’ factory, proudly lending a hand to the finished products. After earning a Bachelor of Science in interpersonal communications from Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio, she worked a year of retail, but never lost the love for manufacturing.

Now she serves as CEO for three companies: Timeless Frames, Timeless Décor and Timeless Expressions.

“Although I’m a very focused person, I need new challenges all the time,” she said.

“It really gives me the opportunity to stay challenged and stay on my toes.”

Mrs. Weber started her journey with the Timeless family when her company LCO Destiny — meaning “let’s create our destiny” — bought the inventory, equipment and customer lists of Timeless Frames from David H. Barclay in 1999. At the time, the business had been struggling; it had eight employees, limited production and annual sales of between $600,000 and $700,000.

The new CEO quickly turned things around. By May 2001, Timeless Frames had grown to employ 44 people and had annual sales of more than $2 million.

“I didn’t know anything about frames, but I knew about the marketing space,” she said, explaining that she had customers on board before finalizing the sale and knew with relative certainty that her venture would be successful.

Being a 34-year-old woman new to the game of business ownership, Mrs. Weber knew that some people might have doubts about her ability to succeed. But she had a concrete idea of her path and destination, and used those potential disadvantages to her benefit.

“You can be aggressive and know where you’re going when someone else is underestimating you,” she explained. “You can clear your path a lot faster.”

In 2005, the business expanded again with the creation of Timeless Décor, adding custom framing to the company’s repertoire. A Timeless Frames client wanted to provide custom framing to their customers, and asked Mrs. Weber if she had any ideas.

“I said, ‘Send all the art to a centralized place,’” she reminisced, “and they said, ‘Great. Do you want to do that for us?’”

cover story And thus, Timeless Décor, which Mrs. Weber jokingly refers to as her baby, was born. Looking back at her career, she said that it was the most difficult challenge she’s overcome. Because the business model was completely different in concept from what Timeless Frames was already producing, Mrs. Weber had to build the business model from the ground up. She described the new process of custom framing as both an art and a science.

“The start up of the Timeless Décor custom framing facility was a lesson in perseverance,” director of marketing and Mrs. Weber’s right-hand woman during the project Angela M. Owen wrote in an email. She added that Mrs. Weber’s confidence in the team and business helped turn the vision for Timeless Décor into a reality. The company now produces about a quarter million pieces of custom framed art each year.

Mrs. Weber’s pride in her team wasn’t unique to this endeavor; the CEO’s relationship with hr employees is a driving force in the success of the Timeless family. She tries to know every employee’s story.

“It is still a small company,” she explained, “and in a sense, a part of the family.”

Between the three Timeless companies, Mrs. Weber employs 190 people, and is looking for another 20 as the holiday season approaches. The average turnover rate is 4.5 percent, lower than at local institution Samaritan Medical Center, she said. The average tenure of an employee is seven years.

Mrs. Owen, a Watertown native, considered moving out of the area to start her career after college. She chose to investigate options closer to home first, and found an opportunity at Timeless Frames.

“Eleven years later, the Timeless family of companies continues to offer me a rewarding and challenging career,” she wrote, “in an environment that is constantly evolving and growing.”

In 2009, Timeless Expression was incorporated into the business, adding custom digital services to Mrs. Weber’s companies’ offerings. The website is a platform through which customers can order photo albums, canvas art and photos on mugs, calendars and more, as well as share photos online.

Mrs. Weber’s companies are also active on social media, she said, explaining that it’s important to push the brand into that sphere.

“Especially when you look at the millennial generation,” she said. “They want to be able to connect with the brand.”

The company has some “smart, young people” leading the social media efforts, Mrs. Weber said, adding that it’s a part of the business the company learns more about every day.

Also new to appear on the horizon is

work with the hospitality industry. The company is doing framing for hotels and restaurants such as Holiday Inn Express and Hilton Garden Inn. It’s added $1.5 million to this year’s sales, Mrs. Weber said.

While she didn’t share this year’s projected revenue, she said she expects it to be higher than last year’s $25 million.

When Mrs. Weber isn’t working, she’s involved with the community, especially in those sectors that impact her team, like health care and education. Along with striving for the best overall well-being of her employees, she considers it a privilege to serve

in such a tight-knit community, she said.

Her years as a local leader in business and community involvement have given Mrs. Weber insight. She said knowing when to take well-calculated, mitigated risks is important, and of course, getting to know employees and listening to their input is critical.

“Be honest, respectful and open,” she said. “You don’t have all the answers, so you do need to be open to other people’s ideas. And I think you can’t be afraid.” n LORNA OPPEDISANO is a staff writer and editorial assistant for NNY Magazines. Contact her at loppedisano@wdt.net or 661-2381.

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F eatures

Mike Hayes and Jeff Foy sit in a conference room at Foy Agency Insurance last month. The third-generation family business celebrated its 65th year in operation this year.

COTY GIANNELLI | NNY BUSINESS

The Foy milestone Agency marks 65 years with third-generation at the helm

By Joleene Moody

S

NNY Business

small brick and mortar firms aren’t quite a thing of the past despite the impression technology has made on businesses.

Most companies employ social media and some forms of automation. For example, banking can be done immediately online. A personal loan can be approved within minutes, and insurance claims are sent to an agent with the touch of a button on a smartphone. Even with the growing popularity of electronic assistants and smartphones, one north country insurance agency still operates with a trusted handshake.

Foy Agency Insurance is 65 years old.

The business was born in Deer River in 1950, after Francis Foy came home from

20 | NNY Business | October 2015

World War II. He learned quickly, and began helping local farmers and business with their insurance needs. He first set up shop at his kitchen table and, after some time, recognized the growth his business was experiencing. He needed space and employees. So when an old schoolhouse in Deer River became available, Francis and his wife, Rosemary, bought it.

Foy Agency Insurance operated out of the schoolhouse until it was torn down in the 1980s. The office needed to be modernized, and construction took place on the site that boasts the agency’s present in Deer River building.

In the 1970’s, Mr. Foy’s son, Thomas, came on board to work with him. Today the family business is run by third-generation Jeffrey Foy, son of Thomas Foy. Watching his father and grandfather work with people who suffered often great

loss gave him the notion that one day he might do the same.

“I grew up near a dairy farm. I was about 15 when I remember sitting at the breakfast table one morning with our neighbor’s wife,” Mr. Foy said. “She started to explain to me what my grandfather did for her father when his barn burned down in the ’60s. That story sparked my interest. I thought it was interesting that if somebody had something like that happen, my grandfather was able to provide a way to help them rebuild it.”

Mr. Foy earned a bachelor’s degree in risk management and has been part of the Foy legacy since 2007. He works along side his uncle, Mike Hayes.

Between the two of them and their 12 employees who work in three different offices — Deer River, Chroghan and Lowville — Mr. Hayes said technology

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can only take someone so far. The one thing that has kept Foy Agency Insurance in a solid place during the past 65 years is its commitment to keeping the process a human experience.

Foy agency is a property casualty insurance agent, serving personal clients and commercial in the farming, manufacturing, restaurant, logging, and agricultural industries.

“People who need insurance might start on the Internet, but in the end they still want a person to talk to,” Mr. Hayes said.

“It’s still a people business and requires personal contact. You can’t solve business insurance problems on the Internet. It’s just too complicated.”

Mr. Foy and Mr. Hayes agree that the personalized service they provide has generated referrals across the state.

Because of their willingness to stay very much involved in the insurance process, they’ve continued to find clients who appreciate the one-on-one attention.

“What they’re buying is our promise to take care of them anytime they need it. That’s something the Foy Agency has always done. Were always involved in the claims process and that makes a big difference to people. That word gets out and people reach out,” Mr. Hayes said.

The agency is confident it will continue to see growth, despite the increase in online insurance options that many large agencies offer. The north country has a gem in Lewis County, a feat they can only attribute to the late Francis Foy. “He was a special person,” Mr. Hayes said. “I think that sort of carried on with his son Tom and now Jeff. How we treat people makes all the difference. People remember that. So we’ll keep going that route.”

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R EA L E STATE ROUNDUP

Buyer’s market or seller’s market?

O

ver the past decade, the housing market across the country has been on a roller coaster ride with highs in 2005 to 2007 and lows in 2008 to 2010 with a wave of foreclosures before starting the present recovery. However, real estate is local and not all areas were affected by the downturn. Thankfully, the north country overall was one of those areas. Our area stayed fairly steady in terms of sales and prices saw a slight to modest increase.

Some areas of the country are now experiencing a “seller’s market” while others are in a “buyer’s market.” A seller’s market occurs when demand exceeds supply and usually results in multiple offers for a single property. When there is a buyer’s market, supply exceeds demand, giving purchasers an advantage over sellers in price negotiations. This can be seen in many situations in life. For instance, if you go to a professional sporting event or amusement park, food is usually more expensive than if you went to a restaurant.

This is a seller’s market. Conversely, when you go to a craft fair and there are four or five crafters selling the same product then that can result in a buyer’s market.

So what kind of a market do we have in our area? Some of that depends on where you are and what type of property you are selling or buying. Most of our area is experiencing a buyer’s market. Our supply of housing exceeds demand.

Through August, new single family listings are up from last year in August by 5.5 percent in Jefferson and Lewis Counties and up 10.7 percent in the St. Lawrence County. In addition, the

number of new listings in the eight months ending August 2014 were higher than 2013 in all three counties.

This means that we have been is a buyer’s market for a while now.

New York as Lance Evans whole has a slight increase in supply, but demand is picking up in some areas.

Interestingly, sales in the tri-county area and statewide are also up over last year with the median price holding steady.

So what are the factors driving down demand? In Jefferson and Lewis counties, there have a number of rental complexes constructed in the past few years. With more choice, buyers or renters can be choosier and wait longer to make a decision on a place to live. In addition, starting last year, there was uncertainty about what was going on with Fort Drum and overall troop cuts. This ended in early July when the Army announced that there would be a net decrease of just 28 soldiers at the base.

In St. Lawrence County, as well as much of the state, the business climate has not improved remarkably. Areas of the county are experiencing business downturns with uncertainty about industries such as Alcoa.

As always, the consistently high tax burden in New York state is also a problem. This will limit growth in many parts of the state if not solved.

n

n

n

The Tri-County (NY) WCR Chapter held its inaugural St. Lawrence County “Top Producer” event sponsored by Fairport Mortgage, First Niagara, and North Country Savings Bank on September 17. The chapter has held an event honoring Jefferson-Lewis members since 2009. There were forty St. Lawrence County Board of Realtor members honored. The awards were based on the number of units sold between Aug. 1, 2014, and July 31, 2015.

The chapter honored Lucille Kassian, Debbie Gilson and Erin Meyer as the top three Realtors.

The rest of the Realtors, in alphabetical order, were: Gail Abplanalp, Sharon Alford, Christine Amo, Lisa Arquette, Tracy Bernard, Penny Bogardus, Allison Chadwick, Nikki Coates, Dale Coats, Patricia Collins, Rick Cutway, Randy Durham, Cathy Garlock, Matthew Garlock, Rowena General, Karen Gurrola, Michael Hall, Janet Handschuh, Duane Hazelton, Marcia Henry, Michael Kassian, Suzanne Liberty, Robert McLaughlin, Martha Morrison, Darlene O’Connor, Chantal O’Shaughnessy, Timothy Post, Brenda Powell, Doreen Radway, Scarlett Slack, Kim Smith, Lori Snyder, Charlotte Korleen Spilman, Nicholas Sterling, Tania Sterling, Jennifer Stevenson, and Cheryl Yelle. 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.

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RE AL E STAT E / top transactions Top 10 property sales by price recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in August 2015: $778,750: Aug. 21, Town of Orleans: 2 acres, Orient Island, Stven A. Procopio and Deborah S. Procopio, Jamesville, sold to Drew W. Foster and Elaine K. Foster, Loveland, Ohio. $700,000: Aug. 21, Town of Watertown and City of Watertown: 0.635 acres, Howell Road, and 2.278 acres, Hudson Lane, KDM Alliance LLC, Watertown, and CST Development LLC, Watertown. $450,000: Aug. 24, Town of Alexandria: Three parcels, 245.75 acres, no address listed, Leslie R. Stanton, LaFargeville, sold to Nathan J. Gerber and Juanita M. Gerber, Carthage. $385,000: Aug. 20, Town of Alexandria: Lot No. 24 Tennis Island North, David E. Fleming and Marsha H. Fleming, Bluffton, S.C., as trustees for David E. Fleming Revocable Trust, sold to James D. Freyer Jr. and Shari Freyer, Manlius.

or less, Parcel 3) 33 acres more or less, Parcel 4) 44.44 acres more or less, Parcel 5) 107 acres more or less, Parcel 6) 132.80 acres more or less, Parcel 7) 33 acres more or less, Parcel 8) 600 acres more or less, in Section 24, bounded by East Pond and Long Bow Road, Mary Jane Watson and Mary S. Rutley (co-executors), and Sherman L. Ayers, Canton, sold to Duane H. Curtis, Canton. $295,000: Aug. 12, Town of Clifton: Unknown acres, Lot 3, Lot 4 and Lot 5, Jean W. Gruner, Cranberry Lake, sold to Justin and Michelle McAnaney, Union, Maine. $279,000: Aug. 7, Village of Potsdam: Parcel 1) 0.54 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) Unknown acres, bounded by Spring Street, Eileen P. Visser, Potsdam, sold to Erik M. and Elizabeth

H.A. Bollt, Potsdam. $270,000: Aug. 26, Town of Potsdam: Parcel 1) 10.69 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 13.09 acres more or less, Lot 65, bounded by Sweeney Road, Edward C. and Carol A. Hayes, Potsdam, sold to Ryan W. and Alison M. Coates, Potsdam. $250,000: Aug. 19, Village of Potsdam: 0.75 of an acre more or less, bounded by Main Street, Dr. Lisa Francey, D.C., PLLC, Canton, sold to Lee Akin, D.D.S., PLLC, Potsdam. $250,000: Aug. 28, Town of Norfolk: 242.83 acres more or less, Mile Square 49 and Mile Square 59, bounded by Marsh Road, George W. Harriman Jr. and Jodie L. Harriman, Lafayette, Ind., sold to Christian A. and Aimee M. Poirier, Nicholville.

$385,000: Aug. 18, Town of Hounsfield: 0.344 acres, Jefferson Street, John E. Schmonsees and Linda A. Schmonsees, Sackets Harbor, sold to Christopher J. Mierek and Natalie S. Mierek, Watertown. $335,000: Aug. 14, Town of Henderson: No acreage listed, Clark Point, David H. Denny and Nancy B. Denny, trustees of the Denny Living Trust, Henderson, sold to Michael J. Proch and Cindy J. Mahan, Cicero. $305,000: Aug. 4, Town of LeRay: 0.77 acres, Duffy Road, Martin D. Wallace and Marcy M. Cornfield, Gowanda, sold to Edwin F. Bassler, Buffalo. $300,000: Aug. 21, Town of LeRay: Three parcels, 162.13 acres, Call Road, Linda L. Taylor, Evans Mills, sold to Andrew S. Young and Jennifer A. Young, Antwerp. $280,000: Aug. 20, Town of Champion: 0.819 acres, Lot 40, Lewis Loop, Edward William D’Emilio, Carthage, sold to Adam L. Odett and Lynn M. Odett, Carthage. $269,000: Aug. 27, City of Watertown: Two parcels, 0.343 acres, Ten Eyck Street, Elizabeth T. Bonisteel, Watertown, sold to Robert R. Skrzypinski and Cheryl Anne St. John, Watertown.

Top 10 property sales by price recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s Office in August 2015: $2,200,000: Aug. 11, City of Ogdensburg: Parcel 1) 0.490 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) 0.230 of an acre more or less, Parcel 3) 0.228 of an acre more or less, Parcel 4) 0.151 of an acre more or less, Parcel 5) Unknown acres, Parcel 6) Unknown acres, bounded by Mill Street, Trafalgar Power Inc., Morrisville, N.C., sold to Ampersand Ogdensburg Hydro, LLC, Boston, Mass. $450,000: Aug. 7, Village of Massena: Unknown acres, Lot 3 and Lot 4, bounded by Route 37 and Main Street, ARC Cafehld 001 LLC, Phoenix, Ariz., sold to Tacvet Enterprises LLC, Ogdensburg. $410,000: Aug. 11, Town of Hammond: 0.46 of an acre more or less, bounded by Indian Point Road, A. Sally Hyde, East Syracuse, sold to Christine M. Garrett, Mexico. $305,000: Aug. 6, Town of Massena: 2.16 acres more or less, bounded by North Raquette River Road, Donald R. Tyo, Massena, and Anita M. Tyo, Massena, sold to Brent A. and Erin M. Weinzapfel, Hudson, Mass. $300,000: Aug. 12, Town of Colton: Parcel 1) 84 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 0.30 of an acre more

October 2015 | NNY Business

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20 q uestions

On leadership

n Lessons

S

and advice from north country leaders

ince NNY Business began publishing monthly in December 2010, we have featured a wideranging, in-depth interview with a different north country business or leader 11 times a year, skipping December for our 20 Under 40 emerging leaders issue. Our 54 featured interviews to date have not been limited to the for-profit sector. We’ve sat down with nonprofit and not-for-profit leaders, and educational and health care leaders. The 20 questions that follow are the best of leadership from nearly five years of interviews.

1) Patrick M. Donegan, hotelier/ real estate developer, September 2011 NNYB: What advice would you give to someone getting into business?

DONEGAN: Surround yourself with good people; pay the extra money for good people. You get what you pay for in life, whether it’s a room or a team member. [The Holiday Inn Express] alone was well over a million dollars in Pat Donegan payroll last year. You can’t run this place by yourself; you need a good group of people.

2) Anthony G. Collins, president, Clarkson University, May 2012 NNYB: As a leader, how do you provide a clear direction? When you took the office 10 years ago, you said that the status quo won’t work.

COLLINS: Good leaders are role models. Over time, as we achieve successes, we can reference those milestones and we’re always talking about the way that everybody can. You have vision and then you point out ways that people are examples of that vision when they’re not even aware that they are. A faculty Anthony Collins member who works with undergraduates in research class may not connect that with economic development but that same undergraduate may take that research class

26 | NNY Business | October 2015

and develop a business model around the work he was thinking about in the lab.

3) Robert C. Clark, partner, MetalCraft Marine, June 2012 NNYB: Is the shortage of skilled labor, independent of having to train employees, an issue when you have the ability to increase hiring?

CLARK: All kinds of companies need welders and electricians. All these kids grow up and unfortunately we don’t try to introduce them to trades until high school. We need to introduce them from the early days. Kids growing up think that if you want to make money you have to be a computer programmer or game designer.

Robert Clark They have no concept that the trades get paid well. Our starting wage is $14 an hour for someone with no training, just a laborer. Our highest paid welder made $80,000 last year. If you couple talent and welding or any of those trades, you have a powerhouse of a guy.

4) Thomas H. Carman, president/CEO, Samaritan Medical Center, August 2012 NNYB: You’ve made significant improvements in infrastructure in recent years. How do you determine which projects to take on first and in what order? Is the puzzle ever complete?

CARMAN: It is an evolution. I think what has guided us and allowed us to prioritize what we have done is based on our strategic plan. The plan we developed in 2005 kind of guided us over that six-year period of time. The plan we introduced in 2011-12 will both help shape and guide. We look at the needs of the comThomas Carman munity and how to best serve those needs. We started with a funnel of lots of thoughts and had to sort of narrow those down because any organization can only do certain things and do them successfully. We needed to narrow it down to a group we felt we could work on over a course of time and our strategic plan has done that very well.

5) Michael J. Hawthorne, president, New York Air Brake, September 2012 NNYB: What makes for a great leader today?

HAWTHORNE: We have had a lot of discussions lately on what makes a great leader.

A great leader needs a vision and needs to be able to communicate and articulate that vision. If you can’t ask the teams to do something specific, you don’t have a chance.

You have to have the vision and a way to communicate it and Michael Hawthorne subordinate yourself.

I found ascending into different leadership roles that your job becomes less and less solving the problem and more eliminating barriers that are limiting other people from solving the problem.

You have to hold the organization up and you have to be critical and do the bad stuff; you have to tell people they aren’t doing a good job, You have to hold it up and say, ‘This is where we want to be and why we want to be there. I’m going to do everything I can do to make you successful and get barriers out of your way and make sure you have the right funding and assets.’ I think a leader’s role then becomes subordinated to making sure the rest of the plan is being met.

6) Marc S. Compeau, director, Clarkson University Reh Center for Entrepreneurship, November 2012 NNYB: Is entrepreneurship constant evolution or a fixed model?

COMPEAU: It’s always changing because consumers are always changing. Right now, I want to enjoy the purchase experience.

I want to be forced to take a deep breath. A wildly successful CEO and alumni of the university was on campus and the question was asked, ‘With technology, has it allowed you to relax a bit?’ He Mark Compeau said that technology has ramped everything up. Before technology, you used to take a day off to go play golf. Now everything is instant, instant, instant. You used to call, leave a voicemail and I’d get back to you the next day. Now you can’t. It’s just so fast.

7) Robert R. Sturtz, president and CEO, Slack Chemical Co., April 2013 NNYB: We’ve heard that every employee has a number, and you’re No. 8. As president, why

2 0 q uestions aren’t you employee No. 1?

STURTZ: There were seven people here and I was No. 8 when I came here, before I owned it.

I’ve known successful national firms where the president parks where ever there was a space.

They reserve something for me here, but it’s not good to have that kind of behavior. My success is hiring people in various areas who are better than I am. I never had a chemical background; I came from mechanical and management. I never saw a great interest in taking chemistry. I did brush up when I came here and I am closer to the chemical aspects of what we did 10 years ago than what we do today. Today I make sure the employees I hire have the tools they need to do what the customer needs.

8) Brian H. Murray, owner/president, Washington Street Properties & professor of business, JCC, May 2013 NNYB: Do you see yourself as a person who helps people move into a vocation that’s best for them?

MURRAY: I don’t look at it that way. My judgment isn’t infallible. I’ve learned that along the way. I’m not in a position to be a judge of who should do what.

I really encourage students to pursue whatever will make them happy. I don’t generally try to discourage someone or encourage someone if they don’t have the motivation. As Brian Murray a professor you have to be careful about that. The last thing I would want to do is get everyone excited about entrepreneurship and they think they’re going to accomplish great things and it’s not the right fit for everyone.

9) James P. Scordo, executive director, CREDO Community Center, July 2013 NNYB: What qualities do you think are important for any leader?

SCORDO: A CEO kind of has to be a jack of all trades, but I think the important thing is that you need to be a foundation. You need to be a person of integrity—you need to be honest with your clients, your employees and all the people you interact with. You need to be able to lead, yet step aside and let people do their jobs.

James Scordo You need to empower employees and give them opportunities to grow.

The team approach is crucial. As a leader, I look at myself almost like a coach. The best thing I can do is hire good people and surround myself with good people that are going to help us make the best decisions. We look for a quality of employees that value the language of our organization and that are going to make a difference in people’s lives.

10) Paul F. Barton, president/general manager, Westelcom, January 2014 NNYB: What do you think north country leaders should be doing to retain quality young people?

BARTON: That’s the Holy Grail we face.

The young people I have in my company I got involved early.

One of the keys is to continue to bring in programs where we can get people inPaul Barton volved at a young age; to know what’s here. There needs to be a greater cross play with schools like JCC and Clarkson to bring students in as interns. Companies need to be willing to hire them sooner, at some level.

11) Karen Y. Richmond, executive director, Children’s Home of Jefferson County, March 2014 NNYB: What has made you successful?

RICHMOND: I think my family keeps me very grounded. Truly, it’s a blessing for me to love what I do. I work really hard, probably harder than I should. But it’s the right thing to do.

I like the community. I think we are lucky to live in a community like this. People care about us and what happens.

It’s a neighborhood you can live in and Karen Richmond enjoy. The haves and have-nots live all together. I even toyed with politics for a while, but I feel like on a daily basis I can affect more change doing what I’m doing, more than walking off and doing something other than what I am. It’s important to be able to like what you do. 31 years went really fast. We’ve had so much change and growth that I never felt bored. I’ve been really fortunate to work with some tremendous people in our community. I’m successful in this pool, but not sure how well I’d do in another.

12) Erika F. Flint, executive director, Watertown Urban Mission, July 2014 NNYB: What is most important for a leader when considering challenging things?

FLINT: Big picture.

They can’t get hung up on day to day. You have to look at the overall direction of the agency or what you’re leading. Keep that always in your mind. Day to day there’s going to be setbacks. It’s par for Erika Flint the course. But if you’re always taking those steps forward; if you’re always still in line with the overall mission, you’ll be fine in the long run. It’s about progress, not perfection.

13) Kevin A. Kieff, regional director, Thousand Islands Region, New York Department of Parks and Recreation & Historic Preservation June 2014 NNYB: What are some of the employment challenges you face as a regional parks manager?

KEIFF: There are some structural challenges to growing a workforce in the state system because it is a relatively challenging process to get into at the ground level then work your way up through the Civil Service and testing system that gets you into advanced positions. In some respects we cannibalize our own system because the folks who come in at entry level and show promise are brought up through the system through advancement. In times of decreasing workforce it’s a challenge to get the new blood into the system. There’s no avoiding that that’s a challenge for us in trying to have people come in with good skills and keep them until we can start bringing them up through the system and eventually get them to their full potential.

14) F. Anthony Keating, special asst. to the secretary of the Army — New York (North), September 2014 NNYB: Who has been most inspiring to you and what have you learned from the people you’ve encountered in terms of leadership?

KEATING: The soldier; the dog-faced soldier who goes out every day and stands in formation and does everything we expect soldiers to do. They’re still doing it. I can’t think of anyone more inspirational to me than that. They’re magnificent people. The job doesn’t have any quantitative compensation but the qualitaF. Anthony Keating tive compensation is priceless. I couldn’t think of anything that would be more enlightening or inspiring than interacting with soldiers and their families every day.

15) Kevin E. Lewis, CEO, Bernier, Carr & Associates, January 2015 NNYB: When it comes to leading a business that involves people, are there such things are small decisions?

Lewis: There are small decisions; there are decisions that don’t have the same amount of gravity or weight to them. I prioritize things. Now, a small decision poorly done could kill you just Kevin as easily as a large decision poorly done. I think every day you have to prioritize.

Lewis

16) Cathy M. Pircsuk, gm/vp, WWNYTV 7 and WNYF-FOX 28, March 2015 NNYB: How do you keep people motivated during challenging times?

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 27

20 q uestions PIRCSUK: By always having something new on the horizon. We put a new set on the air two years [ago] now. We had virtually everybody looking at swatches and wood colors and design and color and lighting, and really made it a project. Everybody contributed. We’re great project people in this building. Sometimes the day-to-day stuff can get difficult, but we’re really good when we’ve got a project. I think it helps to add excitement to the day-to-day. We’re always looking ahead to something different.

CASKINETTE: It’s a real challenge. We do a lot of things to show our appreciation and celebrate the success employees enjoy. We once had a manager dress up as a cowboy and we fired up a grill outside and Mike Irey and I cooked steaks and had all the sides. I think small things like that go a long way to show the people you want to retain that you care about them. It’s important to maintain a good team who enjoy what they do. It helps the entire business succeed at a higher level.

17) Richard B. ‘rICK’ Caskinette, owner, Caskinette’s Ford, Carthage, April 2015

18) Jeffrey L. Proulx, Franchisee, owner, eight Save-A-Lot grocery stores, May 2015

NNYB: How do you manage employee recruiting and retention while also making staff feel valued?

NNYB: Talk about staff and managing people.

When you are successful, do you think it’s impor-

tant to celebrate that success?

PROULX: Well, first of all, you’re never going to be successful unless you have good people to celebrate with. And the way you celebrate that, there are so many different ways to do it.

We probably don’t do it enough, and most businesses don’t do a good job with it. But what we do a really good job with, and what I have to instill Jeffrey Proulx in all my managers, is that we respect the people we’re working with.

And you respect who they are, whether it’s a young lady who’s just starting out in a cash position, or one of your seasoned veterans.

19) Ronald C. Robbins, fourthgeneration operator at North Harbor Dairy Farm, July 2015 NNYB: Agriculture is a demanding business.

What do we need in terms of leadership to inspire young people to take up careers in farming and agriculture?

ROBBINS: I think we’ve made progress there.

Technology in agriculture has helped that tremendously. We’re seeing young people — my daughter for instance — transition back to wanting to be involved in the farm.

So I think we’ve made great strides there just in the last five years.

So you have this whole sector that wants to do Ronald Robbins away with technology on the farm, but you also have another whole sector of young people that are embracing it. It’s an interesting dynamic.

20) Erin E. Gardner, superintendent, parks and recreation department, City of Watertown, September 2015 NNYB: What really cements your place as a leader in your organization, in terms of earning the respect of constituents?

GARDNER: I have an open door policy. Anybody can come talk to me.

When there’s an issue, I address it then. That’s one of the things that a lot of leaders have.

When there’s an issue you have to address, you have to do it right then, you can’t put it on the back burner.

The community needs to look at you and say, “You know what, she’s Erin Gardner listening.” The ability to delegate.

— Compiled by Lorna Oppedisano

28 | NNY Business | October 2015

N O N P RO FIT S T O D AY

Transparent nonprofits build trust

A

money the public donates is accounted for n employee of the Jefferson it comes to the and used as advertised. So when someone Rehabilitation Center was subject of theft. asks, “How much of my donation will recently arrested for allegAll the years actually go to a service?” the honest answer edly stealing $45,000 from the of good work is: “The first portion of your donation will bank accounts of JRC clients. and service to help pay our staff to make sure that most of Such news is the last thing any nonprof- the community your donation will help pay for a service. can evaporate it wants to hear. But the good news is that Later, we will take another portion of your quickly through JRC did the right thing — it investigated donation to pay an auditing company to embezzlement. the allegations, called police and is now ensure the middle portion of your donation If the theft is letting the chips fall where they may. was actually used to pay for a service.” large enough, Years ago, many nonprofits wouldn’t Bob Gorman the nonprofit have taken that action. It was not un The list of nonprofits that have been may not have usual for a nonprofit — upon learning the victims of theft is longer than any of time to tap enough resources to ensure cash us would like. And when one is hit, the its bookkeeper had pilfered thousands flow to pay salaries, rent, etc. Embezzleof dollars — to quietly fire the employee rest of us silently acknowledge, “There, ment killed CAVA in St. Lawrence County upon the promise that the thief would but for the grace of God, go I.” We all hire and it almost killed the Family Counseling quietly pay the money back. people and that means we are all potential Services in Jefferson County.

The strategy sounded attractive: you victims of deeply flawed individuals. got your money back and you didn’t get Nonprofit execs all say the same thing: “I But the enhanced accounting methany bad publicity (and potential loss of have to run this place like a business.” But ods our nonprofits have installed and donors) that a police investheir willingness to call the tigation and news stories cops makes sure that those would generate. who have no qualms about The only problem is that stealing money — and non-punished and nonthus services from the least publicized embezzlers were among us — will be found free to go work for other out and punished. nonprofits and try to steal And it also means that again, only this time with when a nonprofit comes more experience on how to forward to acknowledge an avoid detection. embezzlement, it is actually a nonprofit you can trust.

It happened in 2007 when the Watertown Urban Mission found itself missing $20,000, Thanks to our communitIES and also found out that the employee responsible for the The United Way Food theft had done a similar thing Drive on Sept. 11 generated at another local nonprofit but more than 31,000 food items.

Volunteers from Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions, along with United Way was simply let go.

Thanks to major efforts board member Keith Perry, center, blue shirt, load trucks taking food to Jefferson County pantries.

by Watertown Savings Worthy causes besides Bank and Northern Credit nonprofits have also been taken to the cleaners: A St. Lawrence it’s tough to publicly declare that when you Union, we surpassed last year’s total County priest was duped out of hundreds would rather your daily message be: “Help of approximately 30,000 items. And we couldn’t have set up tables, and collected of thousands of dollars by a woman lying us help the people in our community who and loaded all that food without the help about her personal travails; a man who need the services we offer.” of volunteers from Jefferson County started a program to take “wounded war State charity laws, fortunately, require government, Credo and many of our riors” on fishing trips on the St. Lawrence nonprofits to be run like businesses. nonprofit partners.

River says his girlfriend ran off after stealExecutive directors are supposed to be To see photos and videos of the event, ing more than $3,000 donated to the prohired and answerable to a board of direcgo to https://www.facebook.com/Unitedgram; a former Fort Drum soldier whose tors; bookkeepers are supposed to ensure Way-of-NNY-578898112153367/timeline/ wife died after giving birth to twins, stole deposits, receipts, etc., are seen by more and gambled away thousands of dollars than just one set of eyes. Audits and 990s n BOB GORMAN is president and CEO of the donated to him to help in the care and must be filed yearly.

United Way of Northern New York. Contact him at raising of his children.

To do that, nonprofits are required to bgorman@unitedway-nny.org or 788-5631. His col But nonprofits are at particular risk when spend a lot of money making sure the umn appears every other month in NNY Business.

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 29

economically speaking

Hiring veterans: A positive impact

W

By Ray E. Moore III

hile most veterans are highly competent, confident and agile, transitioning from an active duty service member to a veteran has major life-changing implications.

Studies demonstrate that the transition to civilian life is the single hardest transition a veteran will make.

After years of intense specialized training and education, technical skills development, developmental leadership and management and organizational loyalty, every veteran is faced with the same question: “what do I want to do with the rest of my life”?

The majority of veterans are concerned with finding a rewarding career after their selfless service to our nation while attempting to translate and convey their military skills and training to civilian skills and related education. Veterans have made a commitment to serving our country; now they are looking to enter the civilian workforce and make a commitment to private-sector employers.

Two questions business owners and executives alike should ask: How can our organization assist veterans in finding a rewarding career? How can we capitalize on the education and skillsets veterans bring to the workforce? Below I will highlight some of these skillsets and traits.

Leadership — Taught through multi-level tiered classroom instruction, mentorship and years of hands-on experience to become personally and professionally competent leaders with the candid ability to guide

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Accountability — Effective utilization of available resources and equipment, strategic planning, the employment of resources, organizing and simultaneously directing and controlling complex multiple tasking’s.

Teamwork — The core of military performance is teamwork. Veterans have had to work effectively together as a unit, with people from diverse backgrounds, viewpoints, agendas, positions of authority and skillsets. Veterans exemplify teamwork and know that teamwork is a key ingredient to accomplishing strategic goals and objectives.

Dependability — Veterans report early for work, ready to work, maintain detailed calendars, arrive early for meetings, work until tasks are accomplished, rarely use sick-time and they can be relied upon to perform their assigned duties with minimal supervision.

Trainability / Adaptability — Recently separated veterans were contributing members of a highly-trained, highlyskilled modern workforce that can train, perform, and sustain in any global environment. Active duty service members regardless of the branch train on a daily basis to learn new skillsets.

Gen. George Washington said: “When we assumed the soldier, we did not lay aside the citizen.” As a result of being a Soldier, Sailor, Airman, or Marine our nation has highly skilled unemployed

veterans — citizens — with experience in information technology, logistics, communications, accounting, human resources, management, security, science, medical, project management, contract management, finance, health management, command and control and more.

Incentives to Hire Veterans The VOW to Hire Heroes Act of 2011, enacted Nov. 21, 2011, provides an expanded Work Opportunity Tax Credit to businesses that hire eligible unemployed veterans and for the first time also makes the credit available to certain tax-exempt organizations. The credit can be as high as $9,600 per veteran for for-profit employers or up to $6,240 for tax-exempt organizations. The amount of credit depends on a number of factors, including the length of the veteran’s unemployment before hire, hours a veteran works, and the amount of first-year wages paid. Employers who hire veterans with service-related disabilities may be eligible for the maximum credit.

Finally, hundreds of studies and anecdotal evidence directly support the advantages, positive impact, and value veteran service members bring to the civilian workforce. Veterans are agile, multiskilled women and men who have strong moral character, broad knowledge, and keen intellect.

Hire a veteran today to improve a lifeline and positively impact your bottom line. n Ray E. Moore III is a project management officer for the North Country Initiative at the Fort Drum Rehional Health Planning Organization.

He is a retired Army 1st Sergeant and Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt.

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30 | NNY Business | October 2015

business law

Final steps in the eviction process

T

his is the third in a three-part series concerning landlordtenant evictions. My last column covered the proper methods of service of appropriate court papers on the tenant. It is a complicated procedure because in some circumstances, the landlord must give the tenant a predicate notice while in other situations, it is not.

In this, my final column on the topic, I will review options of the tenant and related issues of eviction.

The tenant should answer the allegations of the landlord’s petition, and the tenant may assert a counterclaim.

By asserting a counterclaim the tenant is suing the landlord, and the counterclaim does not have to be an issue directly related with the landlord tenant relationship. When the tenant answers the charges in the petition, it helps the court to focus on the exact dispute between the parties. In addition, it helps preserve the rights of the tenant to sue the landlord in another court action.

Instead of answering the allegations in the landlord’s petition, the tenant may make a motion to dismiss the landlord’s case. The court will dismiss the case if there was a defect in service of required notice or if there was a defect in the notice of petition or the petition itself. If the court grants the motion, the landlord can refile the action since granting the motion to dismiss is not an adjudication on the merits of the case.

A tenant can always use the defense that the landlord violated the implied

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warranty of habitability. New York law provides whenever there is a residential rental relationship, the landlord is under an obligation to ensure that the Larry Covell premises is fit for its intended use. When a tenant asserts this defense, he or she is hoping all or part of the rent due can be reduced. These are some the complaints that courts have held to a breach of warranty of habitability: failure to provide heat or hot water for a month, an extreme odor in the water supply, mold, lead paint, and insect infestation.

A landlord should not resort to selfhelp eviction measures to accelerate the eviction proceedings. Activities such as turning off the utilities, locking or barricading the entrance, or removing the tenant’s belongings while the tenant is still in possession of the premises, have been determined to be illegal self-help activities. Under New York law, only a peace officer may evict tenants pursuant to court order. A landlord who violates this prevision is subject to treble damages and other sanctions in court.

A tenant may use non-delivery of the written lease as a defense. This defense arises when the tenant is told to review and sign a lease agreement with the landlord signing the agreement at some later

point in time. Once the landlord signs it, a copy should be given to the tenant in order to make it a binding agreement. If the tenant is in possession of the premises and a copy of the agreement hasn’t been delivered, a court views the landlord relationship as month-to-month. If on the other hand, the landlord has not delivered a copy of the lease and the tenant does not move in by the beginning of the occupancy date, the landlord cannot enforce any part of the agreement since it is deemed by the court to be an unenforceable.

The security deposit is always a point of contention between the landlord and tenant. The security deposit is supposed to be used for any damage caused by the tenant. But, the landlord may not use the security deposit to fix ordinary wear and tear or for regular maintenance expense of the premises by the tenant. Where there is no damage and the rental agreement provides for it or by consent of the parties, the security can be used for rental arrears. Landlords are under an obligation to provide the tenant with the name and address of the banking institution where security deposit is being held.

Over the last three columns, I tried to provide a general overview of New York’s Landlord-Tenant Law. The law is extremely complicated. I did not include many of the exceptions to the law or court decision which further explain the statute. Before a landlord begins an eviction proceeding, an attorney should be consulted. n LARRY COVELL is a professor of business at Jefferson Community College and an attorney.

Contact him at lcovell@sunyjefferson.edu. His column appears bimonthly in NNY Business.

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

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 31

commerce corner

Growth opportunities and cautions

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t some point in the life of your business you will approach the question: Should we expand? Should we grow our business? The many economic development agencies in the region hope you do get to this point, and hope you will seek us out for assistance.

If, or when, that question pops up for you, here are a few things to consider in the way you grow and the strategy and approach to how, when, where and what you end up doing.

Open a new location One of the common growth practices is to open a new location. If you have created a solid business in one spot and you have done extensive research to find an additional place that would be similarly successful, this may be a great opportunity. A second location may merely involve replication of your business model, staffing, product, marketing and delivery in a new spot. This can create numerous efficiencies that you did not have when you opened location No. 1.

Take note that you should always do a new business plan for the new location, calculate the numbers, be aware of new barriers and challenges and account for that. Before the new location is open, you should already have a strong staff that can make this move with you, whether it is physically relocating their work or helping you set up the new operation and being available to assist as it goes through its own growing pains. Most importantly, research and think through the market.

Are the customers going to be the same as your present location, potentially diluting

32 | NNY Business | October 2015

your existing clientele? Or will this add new markets and your capacity to deliver the product and/or service?

Diversify your product or service Brooke Rouse Consider complimentary products when you are thinking of growing what you offer. Can the product or service you provide be replicated and branded in a different way for a different audience? Think soap for chefs — soap for gardeners; wedding portraits — school yearbook portraits; home heating — commercial heating. Or completely new products that fit with your skill set and are often requested when you are doing a job. Think website design — photography; landscaping — outdoor space construction; exterior painting — gutter installation.

Ask yourself “what do my customers want?” and whether or not it is appropriate for you to pursue development of that product or service. Diversifying what you offer can also be a key strategy to seasonality in your business. Consider products and services that will be desired and delivered during your current slow season.

Take caution that you do not dilute your brand when you are looking at new products. You want to maintain your reputation for what you offer and not confuse current and/or new customers by offering too much or offering too many different

things. You can look at creating subsidiary brands and/or companies if this seems like it might be an issue.

Take it to the next level You are confident in what you are doing and doing it profitably and effectively.

Maybe it is time to seek out much greater opportunities. Look into contracting with the government or a larger local institution. You may have something they are currently sourcing from a far distance that you can compete on. You may be eligible to become a certified business that would award you preferential bidding in the contracting circuit. Attend a Matchmaker event in Watertown or Canton to get a taste of what your business would need to take this step (NorthCountryPTAC.com).

A similar strategy for products is to look at wholesaling. Much like contracting, you need to consider capacity to deliver, new pricing models and new networks.

Another option is to take your product or service online. In rural settings it can be very difficult (and risky) to depend solely on foot traffic. The ability to provide products and/or services via the internet will open up greater and global markets.

Opportunities for growth are endless, however, you do want to be mindful of what the financial, time and human resource changes will be needed to grow sustainably.

Planning is a significant key, as usual.

n Brooke Rouse is executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agent. She is a business owner, holds a master’s degree in tourism and is a former SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center Advisor. Contact her at brouse@ stlawrencecountychamber.org or 386-4000.

agribusiness

Dairy industry faces new challenge

A

t this time last year, dairy farms were enjoying record high prices for the milk they produced, somewhere around $26 to $27 for every 100 pounds, or hundred-weight, of milk shipped. Unfortunately, the old adage what goes up must come down tends to hold true in dairy farming, too. Data from the Federal Milk Market Administrator’s office indicates that farms are now receiving approximately $16 for every hundred weight of milk shipped. This change equals a difference of roughly $10 per hundred-weight from last year. We’ll examine briefly the impact this drastic a drop in prices has on our farms and some of the causes of the decline.

On average in Jefferson County, a dairy cow produces 21,000 pounds of milk per year or 210 “hundred-weights.” A $10 decline in price means the farm lost $2,100 per cow in income. For a 900-cow dairy farm, that equals $1.9 million dollars that disappeared in a matter of months. A 500-cow dairy lost $1 million and a 100cow dairy farm $210,000. These represent significant losses of income to the farms.

High feed costs and other increasing expenses mean a very challenging time for our dairy farm businesses.

How long are milk prices expected to stay low? Projections from dairy economists indicate a period of low prices lasting another 9 to 18 months. There are indications that we are seeing the lowest prices right now. Any dairy farmer will tell you that you’ll know whether we hit the lowest prices in the down cycle when prices are

back running high. What does this mean for our dairy farms? Many farms have been preparing for the downturn in prices for months. Farms were reinvestJay Matteson ing money into improved barns and milking parlors, better tractors and field equipment, new technologies and improved genetics. All of this aimed at improving milk production per cow and maximizing milk production over feed cost.

For all of us in the community, the downturn in prices means each of these economic engines will be pumping less revenue into our local economy. If you multiply the number of cows in Jefferson County, 29,000, by the loss of $2,100 per cow in revenue — and that figure holds true as an average for 2015 — we will lose $61 million in revenue coming into Jefferson County.

Why are milk prices declining? Primarily, the laws of supply and demand are in effect. From 2012 to 2014 the United States was able to export a significant amount of milk products overseas. Roughly 19 percent of our milk products were exported to other countries, especially China, to countries enjoying a good economy, increasing populations and whose citizens were for the first time able to afford adding more proteins to their diet, especially dairy proteins. Over time, the economies of many of

these countries have stagnated. The countries also stockpiled significant amounts of dairy powder so they didn’t need to continue purchasing milk powder and whey powder from the U.S. In addition, the value of the U.S. dollar increased compared to foreign currencies. This decreased the buying power of other countries.

We also saw countries that are stiff competitors in production of dairy products enjoy good weather cycles which led to increased dairy production. Their currencies are not valued as high as the U.S. dollar so importers of dairy products began turning to their supplies. This exacerbated the declining demand for our milk.

U.S. dairy farms continued to keep the spigot open, increasing our milk production across the nation. Couple increased production with decreasing consumption of fluid milk and oversupply begins to build. Less foreign demand continues to build supply and prices begin to drop.

This leads to where we are today.

Are there any silver linings? Yes, people in the U.S. are realizing the health benefits of consuming butter. The demand for butter is up significantly. The last price I researched before writing this column indicated butter was up $0.41 and this does provide some support to overall dairy prices farmers are receiving. Someday, I hope people will also have the same realization about a cold glass of milk. 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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business tech bytes

Impressive tech powers the USPS

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on’t you like to get mail and still check your mailbox every day? When was the last time you mailed a letter or received that package from your online purchase? Chances are your Postal Service had a hand in that delivery and technology was used get to that mail piece your home or business.

Surprisingly, very few “hands” actually touch your letter or package once it leaves your local blue box or post office. The USPS operates one of the world’s largest information technology infrastructures with more than 32,000 facilities, hundreds of thousands of employees and hundreds of computer systems, which include more than 2,300 remote locations that still receive their Internet service via satellite.

The Postal Service can also boast that it maintains one of the largest corporate email systems with more than 208,000 email accounts, handling more than 3.5 million legitimate emails a day. The full USPS communication network supports and maintains more than 145,000 desktop computers, 23,000 notebook computers, 81,000 printers, 12,500 smartphones, 112,000 phone lines and 310,000 hand-held scanners.

The USPS IT teams also maintain 45,700 point-of-sale terminals and 2,850 self-service retail kiosks nationwide. The newest technology on the retail front is the Mobile Point of Sale (mPOS) system.

This latest point of sale system consists of an iPod, a portable receipt printer and a postal printer, and is already being used at more than 3,000 retail sites. These sites, together with the transactions performed online at www.usps.com, process more than 381 million credit and debit card transactions annually.

The daily mail service you come to expect is dependent on an astounding network of technology and people that collect, transport, process and deliver our mail seven days Jill Van Hoesen a week. Our Postal Service is a world leader in optical character recognition technology, with nearly 98 percent of all hand-addressed letter mail and 99.5 percent of machine-printed mail is processed automatically with no human intervention.

Using more than 8,500 pieces of automated processing equipment to sort nearly half the world’s mail, our Postal Service also manages the largest gantry robotic fleet in the world using 174 robotic systems to move 314,000 mail trays each day.

While the robots, conveyors and letter carriers move your mail and packages, information technology teams manage 35 petabytes of data, or one quadrillion bytes, which is the storage capacity equivalent to playing more than 88,700 years of songs on an MP3 player. Ever notice that all mail has a barcode, even that handwritten thank-you note from Aunt Jenny? An Intelligent Mail Barcode (IMb) increases the value of the mail for both the Postal Service and you, the customer. The IMb identifies individual pieces of mail, trays, sacks and containers of mail and tracks them through the entire mail processing system.

Soon your letter carrier will also have one

of the new Mobile Delivery Devices (MDD).

Implementation is scheduled to be completed this year and will outfit more than 263,000 letter carriers nationwide providing real-time scanning for daily mail delivery operations. This in turn can provide you real-time notification via text messages and email alerts providing estimated time of delivery through the new app, USPS Mobile.

This improved tracking system utilizes up to 11 scanning points from sender to receiver, allowing packages to be traced online, over the phone or via the USPS Mobile app.

The USPS Mobile app on your phone or desktop provides you instant access to “My USPS.” After a quick and easy sign-up process you will have access to all self-service options the Postal Service offers today, from purchasing postage, scheduling a pickup, filing an insurance claim or managing and reserving a Post Office box.

As the U.S. Postal Service continues to enhance its package delivery services it has launched a new marketing campaign designed to capitalize on the continued growth of e-commerce.

“The campaign, WatchUsDeliver.com, is designed to build on the strong momentum in our package delivery business and to highlight the many ways the Postal Service is changing technically and improving to better serve the American public,” said Betty Su, executive director of brand marketing at Postal Service. “We’re excited to communicate about the compelling reasons to do business with the Postal Service.”

Business or personal, direct mail is still relevant. n Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspaper Corp. and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net.

Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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small business success

Grant-funding your small business

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usiness owners who we work with at the SBDC are often looking for funding and ask us if there are grants available to start or grow a business. Unfortunately for a for-profit retail or service business, grant funding is unlikely.

Many websites promise easy money from the government, but usually those are trying to sell you something and are not true sources of information. Except in some specific cases, government grants are not usually given directly to for-profit businesses. Through the SBA, the federal government supports business growth by guaranteeing loans provided by banks and other lenders so the bank can have more protection if a business owner defaults on a loan. Other grants given out by the federal and state governments are usually dispersed to local and regional revolving loan funds and development groups that loan it out at low interest rates to business owners who wouldn’t otherwise qualify for bank funding. This allows business owners who may have a low credit score or come from lower-income backgrounds to be able to get funding for potential businesses.

If you think about it, it makes sense. If the government just gave out free money to people, it would get sucked up within seconds and there would be no more money to lend to the next person coming down the line. With revolving loan funds, this grant money can be used to start a pool that can provide support for businesses in the long term. As business owners pay back their loans, the money can be loaned again to others. There are also specific funding programs with low-interest loans available for manufacturers and other businesses looking to bring jobs to the region and busi-

nesses that will grow tourism.

These low-interest loans are a great resource for businesses looking to start or expand.

There are a couple of exceptions to the rule, as there is some Jennifer McCluskey grant funding available nationally for technological and scientific companies through the Small Business Innovation Research program and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program programs. New York state also has some grant programs for specific types of projects that grow the economy (see www. esd.ny.gov/BusinessPrograms.html for more information). These grants usually have strict rules and require a significant contribution from the business owner as well. While it is not a grant, Start-Up NY can also be an option for technological and manufacturing businesses to operate taxfree in connection with a college.

Some private businesses and organizations have nationwide competitions for grant funding, including Fedex, Chase Bank/Google, Wal-Mart, Zion’s Bank, Miller Lite (minority-owned businesses), and Huggies (women-owned businesses). The SBA has also started a new nationwide competition called “InnovateHER” which is looking for new and innovative ideas to improve the lives of women. These grants are highly competitive, requiring a business to win out over other businesses around the country in order to receive funding.

Locally, there are also programs providing small amounts of grant funding for people with disabilities or survivors of domestic violence who wish to start a business. Additionally, some towns and villages may have grants for beautification of store-front spaces. In St. Lawrence County, there are also some small grants for artists through the SLC Arts Council.

Finally, there are angel investor groups, such as Point Positive, that may help connect business owners with investors if they have a scalable product or service that interests the group’s investors. There are also a couple of programs for student entrepreneurs, including the national Dare to Dream grant program, and locally the North Country Regional Business Plan competition hosted by Clarkson Univeristy and SUNY Plattsburgh.

In order to apply for funding, the first step is usually to create a business plan.

There are a number of business planning guides available online, but it is often much easier to work with the (free) assistance of your local Small Business Development Center. We can help you navigate the various funding sources that are available and get the plan in place with all the information and financial projections that your bank or other lending institution will need to know to see if you will be successful with your new or growing business.

Contact the Small Business Development Center at either SUNY Canton 386-7312 or JCC in Watertown 782-9262. n JENNIFER McCLUSKEY is a certified business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. Contact her at mccluskeyj@canton.edu. Her column appears every other month in NNY Business.

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October 2015 | NNY Business

| 35

entrepreneur ’ s edge

Are you giving yourself away?

I

frequently have conversations with people about the possibility of working together. I share with them what I do and ask them questions so I can understand what they need. In the end, not everyone is ready to invest and I can respect that.

Not everyone is ready to step out and do something different and I respect that, too. What I don’t respect is when those who don’t want to pay for services continue to try and get information that paying clients receive. It’s a trend with some people, and it has me struggling between being a giving, loving person and being a responsible business owner.

Case in point: I had a consultation last month with a gentleman who was very interested in retaining coaching services.

He didn’t have the money immediately available and wanted to call in a few days if he could find the resources.

When he didn’t call, I called him. He said he was unable to come up with resources. I completely understood, recommended one of my eBooks and invited him to my October event. This way he could continue to learn and gather information as he stepped into the world of public speaking. He thanked me and asked, “Is it OK if I ask you a few more questions? What do I need to do if blah, blah blah? And how do I find blah blah blah?”

They were big questions, loaded questions — questions that required coaching.

And I told him that.

To be clear, I share free information with people all the time. I’ve started a

weekly show on Blab and am blogging to do more of this. It’s called content marketing and it creates trust, moves people to my website and eventually to a place where they invest in Joleene Moody my products and training if they desire.

But even in content marketing, a line needs to be drawn. If I continue to give

women — offer their services for free or for next to nothing in an effort to gain customers. The harsh truth is that they end up broke. And they end up broke because they don’t establish a level of worth that others can appreciate.

I had a conversation with a business owner last year who was really interested in working together. But her husband was her business partner and she needed to talk with him first. Fair enough. Later that night she e-mailed to say she still hadn’t had a chance to speak with her husband, but could I share with her my list of contacts and organizations where I’ve already spoken.

Sorry. I can’t. I love her, I do, but I have a business to run and I don’t always need to make friends while I’m doing it. To her I gently responded, “Yes, I would be happy to share that information with you – when you decide to work with me.”

I could spend the rest of the day sharing stories like this. I imagine I’ve triggered a few within you. That’s good. That is my intention. Sometimes we need these reminders. There is nothing wrong with standing tall and being clear about your price and what you offer.

If they don’t like it, they can go elsewhere for less. They may never get the value they would with you, but that is for them to discover. That is their lesson. Your lesson is to believe in what you are worth and stand by it. In the end, they will respect you for showing up strong and believing in yourself. Whether they invest or not is irrelevant. You showed them that it is OK to stand up for your worth so they can learn to do the same for themselves.

Napoleon Hill calls this “impression of increase.” Read up on it. It’s fascinating.

Know your value. Stand by it. Draw the line. And don’t let anyone who doesn’t value you cross that line. Show the world there is nothing wrong with believing in who you are. It’s the greatest gift you can give someone else.

Know your value. Stand by it. Draw the line.

And don’t let anyone who doesn’t value you cross that line. Show the world there is nothing wrong with believing in who you are.

• • • •

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away information, no one will buy me.

No one will read my books or listen to my study courses. Why should they? I’m giving it away for free.

For the record, I do share information with other entrepreneurs. I’m not that closed. But what I give away is limited. It has to be. You may disagree. That’s OK, too. I’m not here to sway you.

But I am here to ask you to look closely at who you’re giving yourself away to.

Then ask yourself why you’re giving yourself away. To be accepted? To be everyone’s friend? I have seen numerous business owners — many of them

n Joleene moody is a creative coach, author, comedic speaker and freelance writer who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter. Contact her at joleenemoody.com. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

36 | NNY Business | October 2015

A new special local program only on

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 37

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

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

Canton Monday, Oct. 26 n St. Lawrence County Matchmaker, 8 a.m. to noon, SUNY Canton Campus Center, Room 212-214, SUNY Canton, 34 Cornell Drive. Hosted by the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center, North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Provides small businesses opportunity for 10-minute meetings with colleges, federal agencies, state and local governments and large regional institutions to network and share marketing materials. Cost: small businesses, $10; purchasing agents, free. Information/register: SBDC, 386-7312, sbdc@ canton.edu or canton.edu/sbdc.

Thursday, Oct. 22 through Sunday, Oct. 25 n St. Lawrence International Film Festival, various locations in Ottawa, Brockville, Canton and Potsdam. Aims to showcase new and classic cinema.

Festival’s opening gala is planned for Thursday evening at the Canadian Museum of History and will benefit the RCMP Foundation. Cost: $25 to $350. Information: stlawrencefilm. com, info@stlawrencefilm.com or 1 (844) 753-4567.

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

Chaumont Monday, Nov. 9 n 21st Century Job Search workshop, 10 a.m. to noon, Lyme Free Library, 12165 state Route 12E. Covers a modern approach to a job search through networking sites, online databases and 38 | NNY Business | October 2015

social media. Instructor: Jessica Yancey.

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

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

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

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

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

Lowville Thursday, Nov. 19 through Sunday, Nov. 22 & Saturday, Nov. 28 n Home for the holidays, call for hours, Lewis County Historical Society, 7552 S. State St. Includes appearance from Santa Clause, train display, tree auction and more. Free admission. Information: historical society, lewiscountyhistory.org. or 376-8957.

Lyons Falls Friday, Nov. 13 through Sunday, Nov. 15 n Health and Wellness Weekend, 4 p.m. Friday; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, The Edge Hotel, 3952 state Route 12. Eighth annual event features more than 65 vendors, raffles, chicken barbecue, Red Cross blood drive, lectures and more.

Free admission. Information: The Edge Hotel, 348-4211 or theedgehotel.com.

Potsdam

Monday, Nov. 2 & Tuesday Nov. 3 n Boots 2 Business, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. each day, Clark Hall, Mount Belvedere Blvd. Course for soldiers transitioning out of service includes market research, licensing, funding and operating a business. DOL SFL-TAP briefing required.

Information: SFL-TAP, 772-3434.

Thursday, Nov. 5 n St. Lawrence County Chamber Annual Dinner, 6 p.m., Student union multipurpose room, SUNY Potsdam, 44 Pierrepoint Ave. Cocktails slated for 6 p.m.; dinner, 7 p.m. Three awards recognized: business of the year, customer service excellence, producer of the year. Cost: per person, $45; corporate table of 10, $430. Information/register: chamber, 386-4000 or jroberts@ stlawrencecountychamber.org.

Hammond

Syracuse

Tuesday, Oct. 20 n Business in the Spotlight, 5 to 7 p.m., Vintage Doors, 66 S. Main St. Hosted

by Vintage Doors and the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce. Food and refreshments provided. Cost: $5.

Register by Oct. 16. Information/register: chamber, 386-4000 or jroberts@ stlawrencecountychamber.org.

First Wednesdays of each month n Business Innovation Days meeting, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., The Technology Garden, 235 Harrison St. Opportunity for small businesses and entrepreneurs to meet one-on-one with SBDC counselor. Appointment required. Information/register: Onondaga Community College SBDC, 498-6070 or SBDC@sunyocc.edu.

Fort Drum

Henderson Friday, Oct. 23 n Hospice Round & Square Dance, 7 to 11 p.m., Henderson Fish and Game, 11837 Game Club Road. Music by The Misfit’s, refreshments, 50/50 drawing. Proceeds benefit Hospice of Jefferson County.

Sponsored by the Henderson/Henderson Harbor Committee. Cost: $7. Information: Penny, 938-5069; hospice, 788-7323.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 28 n The Art of Likeability training ses-

Thursday, Oct. 29 n An Evening with Temple Grandin, 7 p.m., Landmark Theatre, 362 S. Salina St. Noted animal expert and autism awareness advocate hosted by the Kelberman Center. Sponsored by the New York Farm Bureau. Cost: $14.40 to $48.60. Information: Kelberman Center, 797-6241 or kelbermancenter.org.

Thursday, Nov. 19 n 40 Under Forty, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., OnCenter, 800 S. State St. Honoring 40 young community-minded individuals. Call for price details. Information: Joyl Clance, 579-3917 or jclance@ bizeventz.com.

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

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

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

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

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

Tuesdays, ongoing Watertown Evening Rotary meeting,

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

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

Wednesday, Oct. 21 n Business networking expo, 3 to 7 p.m., Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, 1291 Faichney Drive.

Presented by the Greater WatertownNorth Country Chamber of Commerce.

Information: Alekzandra HuttemannKall, events@watertownny.com. n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Bruce M. Wright Memorial Conference Center, 1291 Faichney Drive. Food and drink by RJ’s Catering, Embellished Catering and O’Brien’s Restaurant and Bar. Includes networking, prizes and food. Register by noon, Tuesday, Oct. 20. Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

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

Wednesday, Oct. 28 n Tech-Splosion Two, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Best Western, 300 Washington St. Vendor fair and continuing education classes. Speakers include Frances Carroll Jay Groah and Bill Rosier from Matrix. Hosted by the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors. Cost: $25. Information: facebook.com/ events/728806910575981.

Wednesday, Nov. 4 n Mac Unleashed workshop, 5 to 8 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, room 3-104, 317 Washington St. Aims to teach latest features of Mac operating system. Topics include managing and preserving your data, iCloud, Facetime, messages, AirDrop, etc. Instructor: Leonard Flack. Cost: $35. Information/ register: Jefferson Community College Continuing Education, 786-2438.

Thursday, Nov. 5 and Friday, Nov. 6 n Prepare to be a Notary Public workshop, Thursday: 6 to 9 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, room 3-105, 317 Washington St; Friday: 9 a.m. to noon, Extended Learning Center, room E-129, Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. Aims to prepare participants for the New York State Notary Public test. Topics include avoiding

conflicts of interest, maintaining professional ethics, charging proper fees, handling special situations, when to defer to an attorney and minimizing legal liability. All materials provided.

Workshop features 80-question practice exam. Instructor: Notary Public and Notary Signing Agent Victor Bujanow.

Cost: $35. Information/register: Jefferson Community College Continuing Education, 786-2438.

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

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

Wednesday, Nov. 18 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., location TBD. Sponsored by AUSA. Includes networking, prizes and food.

Register by noon, Tuesday, Nov. 17.

Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

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

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

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

sion, 8:30 to 10 a.m., The Technology Garden, 235 Harrison St. Presented by Arel Moodie, host of Forbes and The Huffington Post’s The Art of Likeability podcast and founder of the College Success Program. Cost: CenterState CEO members, $10; nonmembers, $20.

Information: CenterState CEO, 4701800, 422-8284, CEO@centerstateceo. com or centerstateceo.com.

Thursday, Dec. 3 n What is Crowdfunding? Presentation, 10 a.m. to noon, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, 203 N. Hamilton St. Covers crowdfunding applications, practical examples, necessary components and strategies. Cost: $20. Information: Youth and Family Extended School Day Coordinator Mitch McCormick, mam697@cornell.edu or 788-8450 ext. 332.  GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? Email nnybusiness@wdt.net. Deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue. Visit us on Facebook at Facebook.com/NNYBusiness or nnybizmag.com for events calendar updates.

October 2015 | NNY Business

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business scene GWNC Chamber of Commerce Athena Award dinner at 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel

From left, Grant Sussey, Watertown, and Cindy and Jim Lawrence, Watertown.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Jim Nabywanic, Calcium, Andrea Barbalich, Calcium, and Margaret and Phillip N. Reed, Fishers Landing.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Clockwise from left, Dr. Tom J. “T.J.” Neveldine, Chesterfield, Va., Jim Fitzpatrick, Watertown, Tyler Neveldine and Cassidy Stewart, Chesterfield, Va., and 2015 Athena Award recipient Carolyn Fitzpatrick, Watertown. The Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce held its 2015 Athena Award presentation and dinner on Sept. 10 at the 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel in Clayton.

Clockwise from left, Athena Award recipients Erika F. Flint, 2014; Elizabeth Fipps, 1997; Lisa A, Weber, 2011, Pamela Beyor, 2010; Michelle Pfaff, 1992, Cindy Intschert, 2006; Jane Gendron, 2004; Rose Frattali, 1991; Carolyn Fitzpatrick, 2015; and Mary Corriveau, 2005.

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40 | NNY Business | October 2015

business scene GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Watertown International Airport

From left, Joanne Gayne and Barbara Park, both of AAA of Western and Central New York, Watertown.

From left, Joel Rarick and Tanya Whitney, both of Hi-Lite Airfield Services, Adams Center.

LORNA OPPEDISANO PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Matthew Delaney, C-Clear Window Cleaning, Clayton, Rhonda McNeely, Hi-Lite Airfield Services, Adams Center, and Matthew Coper, BCA Architects & Engineers,Watertown.

LORNA OPPEDISANO PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Heidi Noerheide, Kelsey Broschart and Danielle Denney, all of LifeNet of New York. Watertown International Airport, Dexter, hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce September Business After Hours on Sept. 17.

October 2015 | NNY Business

| 41

ne x t month

I

n November, we examine philanthropy in Northern New York and visit a handful of nonprofit organizations that work to improve the quality of life for thousands of north country residents.

n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader.

Also coming next month:

n BUSINESS HISTORY: A look through our archives at a Lewis County business.

n PEOPLE: Longtime Northwestern Mutual financial advisor Bob Gould retires from practice after touching the lives of thousands during his career.

HATE THE DENTIST?

n SMALL BIZ STARTUP: A feature story about a recently launched north country small business in Jefferson County.

n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Entreprenuer’s Edge, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today,

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