BusIness Keeping fit in NNY a growing business, p. 17
January 2011
PLUS
Agape Shoppe nets top honor Page 18
Curtis Furniture celebrates 30 Page 14
n Biz Tech n NNY Snapshot n Business History n Real Estate
Turning the Corner
Region’s economy poised for gains $2.95
Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly Vol. 1 Issue 2 | www.nnybusiness.net
Housewares & Restaurant Supply
170 Court Street Watertown, NY 777-4528 2 | NNY Business | January 2011
Store Hours Mon.-Fri 9am-5pm Sat. 10am-4pm Sun. Closed
January 2011 | NNY Business
|3
CONTRIBUTORS
BusIness
www.nnybusiness.net
Publishers
John B. Johnson Jr. Harold B. Johnson II Donald C. Alexander is chief executive officer of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency. This month he offers a cure for insomnia as he explains the agency’s Uniform Tax Exemption Policy. (p. 23)
Peter J. Whitmore is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He writes about a resolution all businesses should make this year: quality customer service. (p. 25)
Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. He writes about how the New York Farm Viability Institute impacts NNY farms and its growing need for support. (p. 26)
Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. She writes about how business can use SWOT analysis to improve in the year ahead. (p. 28)
General ManaGer John B. Johnson
executive editor Bert Gault
ManaGinG editor Robert D. Gorman
MaGazine editor
Kenneth J. Eysaman
editorial assistant Kyle R. Hayes
advertisinG director Karen Romeo
Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He writes about how nonprofits can examine how they do business to improve. (p. 24)
Jill Van Hoesen is the information security officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. She writes about steps business can take to bolster technology in the new year. (p. 27)
Lance M. Evans is the executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He takes a look back — and ahead — at NNY’s real estate market. (p. 19)
William G. Wood is executive director of the Jefferson County Historical Society. He shares Northern New York’s colorful banking history in his debut column. (p. 36)
advertisinG sPecialists
Clarissa Collins, Katie Nelson
circulation director Cindy Werner
PhotoGraPhy
Norm Johnston, Justin Sorensen, Colleen White
ad GraPhics, desiGn
Rick Gaskin, Julia Keegan, Brian Mitchell, Scott Smith, Todd Soules, Linda Zimmer
Bob Beckstead is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer based in St. Lawrence County. He visits with Massena businessman Robert Post, who launched a State Farm agency 50 years ago. (p. 17)
Sarah Haase is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. She examines a growing fitness industry in NNY as many hit the gym with New Year’s resolutions. (p. 15)
Andrea Pedrick is a freelance writer who lives in Dexter. She visits Curtis Furniture as the firm turns 30 and the Agape Shoppe, which earned honors from Watertown’s DBA last month. (p. 14, 16)
MARKETPLACE Smith Housewares .......................... 2 Carthage Savings & Loan .............. 3 CITEC ................................................ 7 Watertown Savings Bank ..............12 Innovative Physical Therapy ........ 13 Johnny D’s Bistro 108 .....................14 Howard Orthotics .......................... 16 NNY Business ............................17, 30 Northern Federal Credit Union ......18 Watertown International Airport ......................18 Truesdell’s Furniture .......................19 NBT Bank ........................................ 22 Watertown LDC .............................. 23 Cheney Tire .................................... 24
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NNY Business | January 2011
Westelcom ..................................... 25 Northwestern Mutual ..................... 26 Northern New York Community Foundation ................ 27 Riverside Media Group ................. 28 Lofink Auto Spa .............................. 31 Small Business Development Center .................... 32 Coaches Versus Cancer .............. 33 Watertown Daily Times ................. 34 NOVOSEL ......................................... 35 Pine Camp Contracting ............... 37 GYMO Design Services ................ 38 Subscriber Savings ........................ 39 Jefferson County IDA .................... 40
NNY Business, formerly Absolutely Business magazine, is published monthly by Johnson Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601. Copyright 2010, Johnson Newspaper Corp. All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Johnson Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.
subscriPtion rates 12 issues are $15 a year for Watertown Daily Times and affiliate newspaper subscribers and $25 a year for non-subscribers. Call 315-782-1000 for delivery. subMissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net advertisinG For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, e-mail ccollins@wdt.net In St. Lawrence County, e-mail knelson@ogd.com Please recycle this magazine.
Inside
15
January 2011
COVER STORY
10 OUTLOOK 2011
Like much of the nation, economic challenges persist for NNY. Still, the region should see itself improve through the year.
FEATURES
14 A WORLD UNDER ITS ROOF
The Agape Shoppe in downtown Watertown boasts a line of fair trade products from 40 countries across the globe.
15
20
RINGING IN RESOLUTIONS Many local gyms and fitness centers say the new year is a perfect time for fitness and the choices are growing.
16 30 YEARS YOUNG
Peter S. Curtis never imagined the cabinet business he began in 1980 would be thriving today with his children at his side. ABOUT THE COVER
17 A GOLDEN MILESTONE
The State Farm Insurance agency launched in Massena by Robert Post is still going strong after 50 years.
DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S NOTE
6
AGRI-BUSINESS
26
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE
7
BUSINESS TECH BYTES
27
ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT
8
SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
28
REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP
19
CALENDAR
29
20 QUESTIONS
20
BUSINESS SCENE
30
ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING
23
DINING GUIDE
34
NONPROFITS TODAY
24
BUSINESS HISTORY
36
COMMERCE CORNER
25
WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?
38
Businesses and organizations that represent the region’s economy take the place of traditional Monopoly squares in ‘NNY Econopoly,’ a different take on the classic real estate game. { NORM JOHNSTON PHOTO }
January 2011 | NNY Business
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EDITOR’S NOTE
W
elcome to NNY Econopoly. Here are the rules: When you pass “GO,” collect $500, (O.K., so it’s not really adjusted for inflation from Charles Darrow’s classic 1933 Monopoly game that Parker Brothers popularized). If you land on a north country business, it’s time to go shopping. When you land on a railroad, mortgage all your holdings for at least a down payment on the $500 million price. Watch out for unfunded mandates, health insurance premiums, worker’s comp and Albany political potpourri. And remember, there is no get-outof-jail-free card. When Times Managing Editor Bob Gorman and I Ken Eysaman sat down with Photography Editor Norm Johnston last month to figure out how best to illustrate the region’s economy, the name of not one, but dozens of businesses and organizations started flying around the room. Then, in a flash of genius that excites only newspaper and magazine folks, Bob suggested a Monopoly board with “some game pieces that represent the NNY economy.” His only caveat: “Make it look good.” From that, NNY Econopoly took shape. So we set out to re-invent a classic, so to speak. But rather than simply write a few local business names on a traditional Monopoly game board (for copyright reasons, ours is not a dead ringer), we placed the logos of some of the north country’s better-known businesses and nonprofits around a board created from scratch using design software. Then we called on AVL Signs in the J.B. Wise Plaza to print and mount a twofoot square game board. (If you ever need any large sign printing, go see Jason and Katie at AVL Signs, they’re terrific.) After the board was done, we needed cows and tractors and soldiers and all the great symbols of the NNY economy. After some searching through boxes of toys and a trip to the Tractor Supply Center on Arsenal Street, we were finally ready to roll the dice and have Norm go to work with his camera. The result is what you see on the cover — NNY Econopoly, where the region’s economy meets monopoly. All that said, it was great fun creating the cover for this issue. So much so, that if anyone is interested in buying an Econopoly board, give me a call or drop me an e-mail.
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NNY Business | January 2011
I am excited to introduce two new columnists and a business history feature in this month’s issue. In Real Estate Roundup (page 19), Lance M. Evans, executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors, writes about how Northern New York enjoys stability in its real estate market. He also announces a host of award-winners and new board members from the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors. In Business Tech Bytes (page 27), Jill Van Hoesen, a 25-year veteran IT professional and Johnson Newspapers information security officer, writes about steps businesses can take to bolster technology in the new year. Business History (page 36) is a partnership forged with the Jefferson County Historical Society and its director, Bill Wood. Bill writes about the colorful history of banking in Northern New York. You will also find the same cadre of local columnists reporting on agriculture, small business, nonprofits, economic development and the chamber of commerce. We also visit with Peter Schmitt, CEO of the Watertown Family YMCA, for a candid, in-depth conversation about how his organization has grown from a once-struggling nonprofit with an annual budget of just $600,000 to a $4-million-a-year operation. Known for his candor, Schmitt shares a story of transforming the YMCA into a caring nonprofit built around community. Be sure to check out this month’s business scene section, which starts on page 30. It’s where you will find 39 faces from 28 different north country businesses and organizations networking during events like the Children’s Christmas Gift & Fund Drive, sponsored by Bernier, Carr & Associates and the Paul G. and Kathleen E. Carr Foundation, and the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the historic Paddock Arcade. Thank you to those readers who have already subscribed. Reader feedback and the overall response from our communities to the inaugural issue have been humbling. As always, if you have any business news to share, drop me an e-mail at keysaman@wdt.net or call me at 661-2399. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours in business,
PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Attorney honored
The New York State Bar Association Committee on Attorney Professionalism has named James P. Bessette winner of the 2010 award for attorney professionalism. Mr. Bessette practices law with the Malone law firm Fischer, Bessette, Muldowney & Bessette Hunter LLP. Mr. Bessette’s selection marks the first time the award has been made to an attorney north of Albany. Mr. Bessette is a 1973 graduate of St. Lawrence University. He received his law degree from Albany Law School of Union University in 1976 and has practiced law with his present firm since then. He was Franklin County district attorney from 1984 to 1990.
New staff members
Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, 522 Bradley St., has added several new employees in recent months. Administrative assistant Rebecca St. Croix received an associate’s degree in business administration from Jefferson Community College in 2001 and has more than eight years of administrative assistant experience. St. Croix She lives in Watertown with her husband, Jess, and their three sons.
Daniel Simoneau, a survey technician, earned a bachelor of science degree in surveying engineering technology from Alfred State College. Mr. Simoneau is a native of Brownville and a longtime resident of Dexter. He also is a certified first responder at the Simoneau Dexter Volunteer Fire Department. Jonathan Boomhower, also a survey technician, graduated with an associate of science degree in natural resources from SUNY Morrisville. He has more than 12 years of land surveying experience. Mr. Boomhower is an associate member Boomhower of the New York State Association of Professional Land Surveyors. He resides in Rutland Center with his wife, Robin, and their children, Augusta and Alexander. He and Mr. Simoneau will be working with the land surveying team on projects throughout the region.
Changes at museum
The Adirondack Museum, Blue Mountain Lake, has named Caroline M. Welsh senior art historian and director emerita. Michael Lombardi, director of finance and operations, has been appointed the museum’s interim director. Ms. Welsh has served the Adirondack Museum for more than two decades, first as a curator and for the past three years as
Got business news?
n Share your business news and milestones
with NNY Business. E-mail 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.
director. During her tenure, she brought the museum’s collections and facilities to new heights and provided unique educational and exhibit experiences to the community. Ms. Welsh will continue working with the museum on projects including the Arthur Fitzwilliam Tait exhibit opening this summer, along with producing the catalog for the exhibit. For information about the museum, call 1-518-352-7311 or visit www.adirondack museum.org.
Business of the month
Watertown’s Downtown Business Association and the Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College named Watertown Savings Bank its December member of the month. The bank opened at 17 Washington St. in 1893 and moved in 1921 to the Woolworth building. In 1960, the downtown branch moved to 111 Clinton St. In 2000, the bank built a new building at that location. Watertown Savings Bank’s selection was based on participation, downtown spirit and business achievement.
Please see People, page 18
January 2011 | NNY Business
|7
ECON SNAPSHOT
NNY
Economic indicators Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers Nov. ’10 $1.48 Oct. ’10 $1.52 Nov. ’09 $1.21
22.3%
(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)
Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands, OgdensburgPrescott and Seaway International (Massena) bridges
Source: NYS Department of Agriculture
396,910 in November 2010 427,096 in October 2010 363,099 in November 2009
Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas
Source: T.I. Bridge Authority, Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Seaway International Bridge Corp.
Nov. ’10 $3.05 Oct. ’10 $2.94 Nov. ’09 $2.83
U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)
7.8%
Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil Nov. ’10 $3.15 Oct. ’10 $2.97 Nov. ’09 $2.83
11.3%
Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane Nov. ’10 $3.16 Oct. ’10 $2.85 Nov. ’09 $2.72
16.2%
$1.03 on Nov. 30, 2010 $1.02 on Oct. 29, 2010 $1.06 on Nov. 30, 2009
2.8%
Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.
Passengers at Watertown International Airport 381 in-bound and out-bound in November 2010 413 in-bound and out-bound in October 2010 445 in-bound and out-bound in November 2009
2.8%
Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority
Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 77, median price $135,000 in November 2010 109, median price $139,000 in October 2010 102, median price $107,870 in November 2009
25.2% Price
24.5% Sales
Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.
8 | NNY Business | January 2011
9.3%
Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators
Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St, Lawrence counties area, not including military positions 89,400 in November 2010 90,400 in October 2010 91,000 in November 2009
1.8%
Source: NYS Department of Agriculture
Jefferson County unemployment Nov. 10 Oct. 10 Sep. 10 Aug. 10
9.9 % 8.8% 8.2% 7.9%
July 10
8.3%
Jun. 10
8.1%
May 10 Apr. 10
8.4% 9.3%
Mar. 10
10.4%
Feb. 10
11.0%
Jan. 10
10.8%
Dec. 09 Nov. 09
9.4% 8.7%
Source: New York State Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)
NNY
Economic indicators St. Lawrence county unemployment rates
Lewis county unemployment rates
10.3% in November 2010 9.5% in October 2010 9.2% in November 2009
9.2% in November 2010 8.8% in October 2010 8.7% in November 2009
1.1%
0.5%
Source: NYS Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)
Source: NYS Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)
St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales
Open welfare cases in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
48, median price $79,690 in November 2010 37, median price $81,000 in October 2010 57, median price $83,000 in November 2009
1,808 in November 2010 1,764 in October 2010 1,762 in November 2009
Price
15.8%
2.6%
Sales
Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.
Source: Social Service Depts. of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties
Real estate sales
Jefferson County sales
The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s office. All sales are outside the city of Watertown.
Nov. 30, 2010
n Town of Rodman: 1.41 acres, intersection Washington Park Road and Dobbins Road, Lisa L. Pittman, Adams, sold to Denean E. Clark, Adams $85,000 n Town of LeRay: 0.3125 acre, 29613 County Route 50, John L. Lyse and Lauren T. Lyse, Carthage, sold to Han Jiang and Yu Wu, Black River $105,000 n Town of Henderson: Three parcels, 1) and 2) no acreage or addresses given; 3) 0.027 acre, Lasher Road on Sawyer Point, William H. Berry and Helen B. Sinclair, both of Henderson, sold to Helen B. Sinclair, Adams $67,000
Dec. 1, 2010
n Town of Adams: 0.16 acre, Minkler Road, Jerry A. Widrick, Adams Center, sold to Jason H. Livingston and Tina M. Livingston, Adams $83,000
Dec. 2, 2010
n Village of Theresa: 0.28 acre, intersection Mill and Morgan streets, George Rollinson and Anne M. Rollinson, Plessis, sold to William S. Bradshaw and Amanda L. Bradshaw, Fort Drum $152,000 n Town of LeRay: 5 acres, Rogers Road, Justina E. Assmus and Jeremy W. Assmus, Killeen, Texas, sold to Kent Natapraya and Melisa E. Natapraya, Gaithersburg, Md. $306,000 n Town of Wilna: Two parcels, 55.93 acres and 20 acres, County Route 42, Matt S. McConahay and Debbie L. McConahay, Lowville, sold to Jesse J. Rice and Anna L. Rice, Port Leyden $37,000 n Town of Rutland: Two parcels, 0.604 acre and 53.26 acres, state Route 3, Thomas A. Girard, Black River, executor, will of Virginia R. Girard, late of town of LeRay, sold to Jesse Woodruff, Watertown $30,000
Dec. 3, 2010
n Village of Theresa: 0.25 acre, Main Street, Christina M. Thornton, Theresa, sold to Charles R. Wilson, Theresa $92,000 n Town of Rodman: Intersection, Freeman Creek Road and Coffeen Road, Mark A. Jennings, Antwerp, sold to Brian Terry, Fort Drum $177,500
n Village of Carthage: Two parcels, 1) Furnace Street; 2) 0.029 acre, Furnace Street, Kevin M. Latremore and Andrea G. Latremore, Carthage, sold to Jodie R. Street, Carthage $85,000
n Town of Lyme: Two parcels, Point Salubrious, Paul H. Jordan Jr., Kingston, and Sarah Jordan Phillips, Wayland, Mass., sold to Elizabeth Meyerdierks, Greensboro, N.C. $275,000
n Town of Rutland: 0.46 acre, Cemetery Road, Damien J. Porciello and JoAnna Porciello, Felts Mills, sold to Tabitha M. Wigginton, Calcium $147,500
n Town of Clayton: Four parcels, 1.42 acres, 0.03 acre, no acreage given, 0.1965 acre, state Route 12E, Kelli H. Ligeikis, Binghamton, sold to Del Patrick Boyer, Clayton $162,000
n Town of Cape Vincent: Lot 7, Niles Subdivision, Jonathan Belvel Boyd, Detroit, Mich.; Deborah Ellen Mitchell, Upland, Calif.; Christine Evelyn Behring, Milford, Mich.; and Jeannette Anne Hayward, Leslie, Mich., sold to Mary W. Townsend and Michael H. Townsend, Syracuse $150,000
n Town of Champion: 0.549 acre, Lewis Loop, Charles W. Stokes and Tara D. Stokes, Grovetown, Ga., sold to James E. Willis and Martha J. Willis, Carthage $262,000
n Town of Lorraine: 0.46 acre, County Route 189, Jason H. Livingston and Tina M. Livingston, Adams, sold to Mark Simonton and Terry Simonton, Adams $31,000 n Town of Lyme: 1.07 acres, South Shore Road, Point Peninsula, Duane C. Hazelton and Cynthia Hazelton, Clayton, sold to Patrick J. Meaney and Traci A. Mason, both of Cape Vincent $49,000 n Town of Watertown: 0.753 acre, Floral Drive, Gerald W. Bickel and Laurie L. Bickel, Watertown, sold to Brittani L. Bickel, Watertown $250,000
$2,156,000 County real estate sales recorded over four-day period, Nov. 30-Dec. 3, 2010
TRANSACTIONS
4%
January 2011 | NNY Business
|9
COVER STORY OUTLOOK 2011
Steady the course
n Nationally, signs point to a slow economic recovery through 2011. Don’t expect the region to buck the trend.
T
By Ken Eysaman | NNY Business editor
THE NEW YEAR is a time for renewal, a time to wipe clean the slate of the past and set forth in a new direction. For many north country residents, renewal means a return to economic prosperity, a fact that just can’t come soon enough. Since the early climb from the depths of recession began, the pace of economic recovery across the country has frustrated politicians, Fortune 500 CEOs, small business owners and just about every
American who has felt a squeeze. That frustration is seen in communities large and small, many here in Northern New York. But when it comes to the economy, — national and local — experts say patience is a key that can’t be tossed aside. “A lot of people really, really had their attention captured,” said Gregory A. Gardner, an assistant professor of business at SUNY Potsdam and a regional authority on Northern New York’s economy. “People who are usually insulated have felt the effects.” Consequently, the nation and the region are more likely to crawl to a full recovery, rather than sprint, as careful spending plays a major role in the economic actions of individuals and businesses. “We’re sure to see a lot of caution for the next five to 10 years,” he said. For the region, unemployment is likely to remain at its present levels through the year, and could see a slight increase if new leadership in Albany turns more than an eye 10 |
NNY Business | January 2011
JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS FILE PHOTOS
MILITARY: With 7,000 soldiers from Fort Drum who are presently deployed scheduled to return, another 3,500 will deploy, leaving the region with the same number of troops contributing to the local economy as now until late in 2011.
toward cutting jobs from state government, which is one of the north country’s largest employers. A regional jobs recovery should begin to take hold late in 2011 and early 2012, but when it does improve, don’t expect a fast return to pre-recession employment levels. “Employment is one of the last areas to recover from a recession,” Mr. Gardner said. “What improvements we
COVER STORY
CONSUMER SPENDING: Regional consumer spending should follow national trends upward as economic conditions improve. A surge in spending locally is likely when soldiers return from deployment.
CONSTRUCTION: Building permits fell sharply in 2010 in the city of Watertown while other areas saw the pace remain steady. As recovery continues, officials are confident the region will see an uptick in construction this year.
MANUFACTURING: As orders for durable goods increase nationally, the trend will be felt locally, as well. Businesses that are in good credit positions could help as they look to invest in their own productivity.
AGRICULTURE: Despite a less-than favorable forcast for milk prices and rising production costs in the dairy segment, opportunities for diversification abound in the region’s ag sector. Look for continued growth in the wine and soybeans.
will see in 2011 employment will be marginal.” Today’s jobs picture looks a lot like it did in 1992, a time when the nation was also in the midst of a recession. It took steady improvements for 10 years to build significant gains in employment. “We took a huge hit this time with unemployment topping 10 percent,” Mr. Gardner said. “It will be a steady climb for several years.” Also unlikely this year is an excess of state spending to aid in economic recovery. More true to course is relatively flat state spending, which will not only affect the government sector, but private industry as well. A mainstay of Northern New York’s economy, Fort Drum pumps more cash into the region’s retail and service segments than any other employment sector. But with roughly 7,000 of the post’s 18,000 soldiers deployed to
Afghanistan, more than a third of north country-based troops are not home to help boost consumer spending, which has a profound impact on the local economy. Robust consumer spending also bolsters sales tax receipts for the state and local and governments, a key component that helps shore up revenues necessary to deliver services and keep those who do so employed. A bright spot in the year’s outlook is the expected return of thousands of soldiers in 2011. This spring, the division’s 3,500-member 1st Brigade Combat Team returns and, this fall, its 2,700-member Aviation Brigade and 800 division headquarters soldiers come home. While that by itself is good news, the post will also see its 3,500-member 3rd Brigade Combat Team head to war. “We’ve ridden the deployment cycle in this area for January January 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business
|| 11 11
COVER STORY a long time,” said Mr. Gardner, who is also a colonel in the Air National Guard. Nonetheless, for the economy, it means that by year’s end, the region will see a net gain in the number of non-deployed soldiers, with the total number of those serving overseas reduced to half its present tally. “There is always a surge in spending when they get back” Mr. Gardner said. But the potential spending surge won’t necessarily be felt instantly as it takes time for soldiers to re-acclimate and establish economic patterns that they enjoyed before a deployment. In the agriculture sector, the outlook for 2011 could be better, said Jay M. Matteson, coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. and an authority on the region’s agriculture industry. The forecast for dairy farmers is especially poor as milk is expected to fetch just $16 per hundred-weight. Couple that with production costs estimated at $17 per hundred-weight and it is discouraging. Mr. Matteson called 2010 “pretty much a break-even year” for dairy farms as prices were high enough during most of the year to cover production costs. “The bottom line for the dairy industry in Northern New York is that farmers will lose money, but over time prices will get better and the better farms with better resources will survive,” Mr. Matteson said. In other segments of the agriculture industry, a push toward diversification is likely by some farms that have the resources to add new crops such as soybeans. “I think you are going to see more and more local production of local products in agriculture.” Mr. Matteson said. For the construction sector, building permits fell sharply in 2010 in the city of Watertown while other areas saw the pace remain steady. As recovery continues, officials are confident the region will see an uptick in construction activity this year. Meanwhile, enrollments at colleges and universities are up and officials there expect that trend to continue as many seek to strengthen their resumes to compete in a tough job market. Tourism is a particularly high
12 |
NNY Business | January 2011
point for the north country. A number of attractions in the region, like Boldt Castle, Lake Ontario, and the Thousand IslandsSeaway Wine Trail, help bring money into the economy. Last year, the north country posted one of its best tourism seasons in at least a decade, said Gary S. DeYoung, executive director of the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, and many business owners are optimistic the trend will continue. Still, the industry faces a challenge as gasoline prices continue to soar. “Gas prices are way up because the dollar is down,” Mr. Gardner said. “That makes it tough for many industries.” With the Canadian dollar nearly at par with the U.S. dollar, many cross-border retail outlets are seeing to benefit from a weak U.S. dollar. “Anyone who is attracting Canadian business will see those benefits continue,” Mr. Gardner said. “The U.S. dollar will stay where it is relative to the Canadian dollar.” Despite the slow-paced recovery and somewhat lukewarm outlook for the region, several opportunities for businesses that didn’t feel the full squeeze of the recession abound. Companies large and small that boast good credit are well positioned to take advantage of historically low interest rates and invest in future growth. “Generally speaking, 2011 is a good year for a lot of businesses to make investments in their own productivity,” Mr. Gardner said. “Smart businesses are doing that.”
“
COVER STORY Generally speaking, 2011 is a good year for businesses to invest in their own productivity. Smart businesses are doing that.
“
— Gregory A. Gardner, associate professor of business, SUNY Potsdam
TOURISM: Officials reported a banner year in 2010 and all signs point to the pattern repeating itself as more Canadian tourists head south to capitalize on a weak U.S. dollar. JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS FILE PHOTOS
EDUCATION: Enrollments at colleges and universities are up and officials expect the trend to continue as many seek to strengthen their resumes to compete in a tough job market.
n KEN EYSAMAN is editor of NNY Business. Contact him at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.
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F E AT U R E S
Agape Shoppe brings world to city Beth Smith, center, co-assistant manager of Agape Shoppe, which sells hand-crafted, fair trade items from Third World countries, along with, Geneva L. Virkler, president, left, and Adeline Knechtel, co-assistant manager, are the driving force behind the Court Street store that was named 2010 Downtown Business of the Year by the Downtown Business Association.
n Business Association honors unique store with top award for ’10 By ANDREA C. PEDRICK
I
NNY Business
n downtown Watertown is a store where you can glimpse the whole world. More than 40 different countries are represented on the shelves of the Agape Shoppe, and customers only need to pick up an item to see its country of origin and cost. The Agape Shoppe, 136 Court St., stocks items from fair trade organizations, such as Ten Thousand Villages and the Sales Exchange for Refugee Rehabilitation and Vocation, or SERRV. Ten Thousand Villages is a way for artisans of Third World countries to earn a fair wage. SERRV is a similar organization. A portion of each dollar customers spend at the Agape Shoppe is returned to the artisans and free trade organizations use the money for services to break the cycle of poverty, violence and illiteracy in the lives of adults and children. Items on the shelves include teas, coffee, chocolate and soup mix. “Coffee is one of the most heavily traded commodities in the world,” said Geneva L. Virkler, president of the board of directors. “Most small coffee farmers live in some of the poorest countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia. By selling through fair trade, these farmers are not forced to sell their beans to middlemen at a loss. Thus they receive a better income and can even form small cooperatives to invest in their community.” The chocolate from Ghana is guilt
COLLEEN WHITE | NNY BUSINESS
free — not in calories but in guilt-free conscious because child labor is not used to harvest the cocoa beans. The soup mix is made in Denver by members of the Women’s Bean Project. The project teaches job readiness skills and life skills to inspire women to break away from a life of unemployment and poverty. “By choosing fair trade, you can help lift someone out of poverty and help artisans in developing countries earn income by purchasing their handcrafted items that also reflect their cultural heritage,” Mrs. Virkler said. The Agape Shoppe has been doing business downtown for more than 30 years. It got its start downstairs in the Globe mini-mall. Today the storefront faces Court Street and is filled with colorful eye-catching items that stop pedestrians and encourage people to step into the store for a closer look. Mrs. Virkler has been with the shop since it began. She is one of a handful of paid employees and around 50 volunteers who share the day-to-day business.
town’s Newest D Wa t e rE n t e r t a i n m e n t Ve niun i n g e &
She credits the long-term success of the shop to the passion and commitment of the people who volunteer to work the cash register or keep the store tidy and clean. This volunteer workforce keeps costs manageable and items on the shelves keep the social-minded person a repeat customer. The Downtown Business Association recently honored Agape’s commitment to downtown and to its mission, presenting it with the Downtown Business of the Year award for 2010. The nomination came from a person who wrote about its quality items and the quality of the store’s customer service volunteers. John Gould, DBA president, said the person also noted that they felt good about where their money was going and they supported a business that strives to offer variety in the city. n ANDREA PEDRICK is a freelance writer and former television reporter who lives in Dexter. Contact her at abrped@twcny.rr.com.
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NNY Business | January 2011
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F E AT U R E S
Fitness centers shape resolutions n New year brings many through doors at fitness centers By SARAH HAASE
A NNY Business
s north country residents heartily ring in the new year, many begin to answer a question that probably gets more thought than necessary: What is my New Year’s resolution? And although answers differ, one resolution is bound to gain a number of followers. With the often unforgiving winter weather, getting in shape in January might seem impossible for those who don’t embrace snow sports. But independent gyms and fitness centers say it’s the perfect time to start. “When New Year’s resolutions are made it’s traditionally a time when the heart of winter is starting to set in,” said Chester F. Gray, owner of the Watertown Health and Racquet Club. “We always get an increase in membership at this time.” To ensure that continues, Mr. Gray says the $49.50 enrollment fee is waived and $5 from every new membership this month will be donated to Hospice of Jefferson County. The Health and Racquet Club focuses on resistance and cardio training, Mr. Gray said. “Spinning classes will start in January, too,” he said. “We have about a dozen bikes for the class.” South Jefferson Fitness Center in Adams also gets an influx of new members around the new year. Owners Heather A. Miller and Joel H. Grimshaw have developed a fun and competitive way to encourage members, old and new, to reach their goals. “We have a biggest loser competition and anyone who is a member can join,” Mrs. Miller said. “It begins Jan. 15 and runs for 12 weeks. Participants check in each week and we have weekly prizes for winners to help keep them motivated.” In north Jefferson County Diane F. Bass, owner of Alexandria Bay’s Thousand Island Fitness Center, said staff members are always ready to help. New members get free training sessions
Ernie J. Miller, Adams Center, manager of the South Jefferson Fitness Center, works out last month while Brook L. Lalone, 15, Adams, and Jackie A. Decker, 14, Adams, run on the treadmills.
JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS
to acclimate themselves with unfamiliar equipment. “My biggest peeve is gyms that make you join for a year and don’t show you a thing,” Mrs. Bass said. “I had that happen to me, I walked into a new gym and was so overwhelmed and intimidated that I just turned around and never went back.” Thousand Island Fitness Center also has a women’s circuit that was established about five years ago. Mrs. Bass said the circuits help ease women into a routine. “There are a lot of women who don’t want to do weights or are intimidated. This is a starting point for them.” Planet Fitness has also found a starting point in the north country. “We think Watertown is an under-served market,” said John Craig, company spokesman. “There are certainly enough people in the area and our gyms are pretty universal in their appeal.” Mr. Craig said the gym is slated to open sometime in March and there will be some promotional specials to entice memberships. “Typically we do a dollar down then $10 a month, but each market does its own thing,” Mr. Craig said. In 2010, Planet Fitness opened 90 gyms nationwide. Mr. Craig said the Watertown location will be the franchise’s northern most gym in New York. n SARAH HAASE is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at shaase@wdt.net.
NNY gyms / At a glance Curves for Women
1511 Washington St., Watertown (315) 222-7122 5:30 a.m.-7 p.m. Monday-Friday; 7:30 a.m.11:30 a.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday n Strength training, cardio and stretching through 30-minute workouts, three times a week.
Page Fitness 19472 Route 11, Watertown (315) 786-8032 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30 a.m.7 p.m. Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday-Sunday n Racquetball, pilates, boxing and outdoor workouts. Personal and group training sessions.
Planet Fitness
Coming soon to Stateway Plaza, in the former P&C Foods. Cardio workouts and strength training. Designated area for 30-minute workouts.
South Jefferson Fitness Center
10924 Route 11, Adams (315) 203-4114 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday n Long- and short-term memberships. Discounts for families, students and seniors. Personal training.
Thousand Island Fitness Center
45240 Route 12, Alexandria Bay (315) 482-2845 7 a.m.-8 p.m. Monday-Friday; 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday; Closed Sunday n Two free training sessions. Private rooms for women’s workouts. Gym is presently expanding.
Watertown Health and Racquet Club
431 Eastern Boulevard, Watertown (315) 788-8373 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 5:30 a.m.8 p.m. Friday; 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday-Sunday n Long- and short-term memberships. Four racquetball courts, two tennis courts and 90 pieces of cardio and strength-training equipment.
January 2011 | NNY Business
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F E AT U R E S
Curtis Furniture Co. a family affair
n Quality has helped sustain furniture maker for 30 years
The Curtis family from left, Mark, his sister, Jessica Priestley, and their father and founder of Evans Mills-based Curtis Furniture Co., Peter S. Curtis. The business celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.
By ANDREA C. PEDRICK
W NNY Business
hat do a castle, a courthouse and a hospital have in common? The answer is found inside the buildings themselves. There you will find woodwork that accents the style and design of the setting through the workmanship of Curtis Woodworking Fine Furniture & Cabinetry Co. Curtis’ skilled designers and craftsmen created the woodwork for the main dining room and Mr. and Mrs. George Boldt’s bedroom suite at Boldt Castle. At the Jefferson County Courthouse they handcrafted the tables and podium for the Jefferson County Board of Legislators. Their work is also seen in a conference room table and a donor wall at Samaritan Medical Center. And that’s not all. Have you seen Coleman’s Corner? They built and designed the hardwood interior of Watertown’s Irish Pub. The dark wood gives the pub an authentic feel that is awe-inspiring. Whether it’s a castle, a restaurant, hospital or county building, this familyowned business has a sincere commitment to the area and its customers — no matter how big or small the project. Over the years, much of their business has been to create custom cabinetry and furniture for everyday people. In Northern New York alone they’ve built staircases and countless kitchens and bathroom
COLLEEN WHITE | NNY BUSINESS
cabinets, dining room and bedroom sets for homeowners. The projects are created at their Route 342 location in Evans Mills. It features a 4,000-square-foot showroom and a 10,000-square-foot woodworking shop. Owner and founder Peter S. Curtis’ son, Mark, supervises the woodworking shop while daughter, Jessica Priestly, is a designer and manages the showroom and sales. This year the Curtis family will celebrate 30 years in business in Jefferson County. “As a proud father, dreams do come true,” Mr. Curtis said. “Never in my wildest dreams could we have ever imagined the many accomplishments and gratifications that have come our way.” After 30 years in Evans Mills, what is the secret to surviving and thriving? Mr. Curtis credits the location as well as a reputation for providing quality furniture and woodworking projects at a reasonable and competitive price. Around Thanksgiving last year, Mr. Curtis said he delivered a kitchen hutch
and kitchen island to a family in Black River. His team took the ideas and concepts the customer had and created handcrafted items that will last a lifetime. Some might think the extra time and effort to take a concept to realization would be costly. But Mr. Curtis said his price was very comparable to big-box homeimprovement retailer Lowe’s. “I believe our greatest business challenge we face today is how to convince the public that handcrafted, quality custombuilt cabinetry is affordable and a great value for their money,” Mr. Curtis said. “Our work was exactly what [the customer] wanted at the price she needed.” “It is the Curtis name and quality and we are able to price it competitively,” Mr. Curtis said. “We only have our faith that the years to come will provide more growth and employment to our already successful business.” n ANDREA PEDRICK is a freelance writer and former television reporter who lives in Dexter. Contact her at abrped@twcny.rr.com.
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NNY Business | January 2011
F E AT U R E S
Massena business marks 50 years n Robert Post began
State Farm Insurance agency Dec. 1, 1960 By BOB BECKSTEAD
W NNY Business
hen Robert Post started his own local agency with State Farm Insurance 50 years ago, clients didn’t just walk into his office, a bedroom in his Bishop Avenue home. Instead, Robert said, he had to go out and find them. “He used to go to the drive-in theaters and wash their windshields,” said Robert’s son, Thomas W. Post, who followed in his father’s footsteps in the business. The agency celebrated its golden anniversary last month. Robert, who started it Dec. 1, 1960, from the Bishop Avenue bedroom and later relocated to an office at the corner of Maple and George streets, retired after 40 years as an agent. Thomas became an agent Dec. 1, 2000, in Massena, where he has an office at 57 East Orvis St. It all started with humble beginnings and a lot of legwork, according to Robert, who initially worked with John Story at the Spear Agency before venturing out on his own. Robert said that, in those early days, while washing windsheilds at the drivein, he would tell potential customers about himself and his new business. “I said, ‘My name’s Bob Post, and I started an insurance business,’” he said, asking the drive-in customers if they would mind if he called when their insurance policy expired. “He used to say, ‘Come to me when you have insurance needs,’” his wife, Judy recalled. In fact, she was one of his potential customers. “The first time Bob took me out I had just picked up a new car. He said, ‘Hey, where do you get your insurance?’” she said. Robert would also go door-to-door to find new clients. “I used to knock on doors, every house in Homecroft, for instance. You had to go
BOB BECKSTEAD | NNY BUSINESS
The State Farm Insurance agency started in Massena in 1960 by Robert Post, seated, is still going strong after 50 years. Robert retired after 40 years and his son, Thomas W. Post, standing, took over the agency, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last month.
out and get it,” he said. Robert still remembers the customer who bought his first policy — Charles Boots. Back then, he said, State Farm only sold policies for homes and cars. “Life (insurance) came later,” Judy said. And now, they’ve even expanded into the world of financial services, offering products such as mortgages and CDs, said Thomas, who started his State Farm Insurance career just as his father was retiring to enjoy hunting, fishing and life at their Wilson Hill home along the St. Lawrence River. “I was approached at his retirement party. I was working for an engineering firm,” he said. The change in careers enticed him be-
cause of “the concept of owning your own business,” Thomas said. “He picked it up real quick,” his father said. Technology has been one of the biggest changes in the insurance world, according to Thomas. “Bob started out with an old manual typewriter and telephone,” Judy said. Now, Thomas said, everything is automated, including the use of a customer response center and marketing through the mail. “We can’t call anybody,” he said, because of the advent of the National Do Not Call Registry. But that hasn’t stopped the company from growing over the years, even with the glut of television commercials promising lower rates by switching to another insurance company. “We’re still growing. Like every other business, it’s very competitive right now. It’s tough with the amount of marketing Geico does,” Robert said. Still, he noted, “State Farm is still the largest insurance company in the country,” with close to 50 million vehicles insured by them. “It’s been a great company to work for,” Thomas said. Despite the changes over the past 50 years, one constant has remained — the personal service provided by local agents. “The big selling point is the local agent. You can call in, walk in or send an e-mail,” Thomas said. n BOB BECKSTEAD is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers in St. Lawrence County. Contact him at bbeckstead@ogd.com.
BusIness
Connect with Katie Nelson. Let her capture your advertising message, St. Lawrence County. (315) 769-2451.
Because her business is your business. January 2011 | NNY Business
| 17
People, from page 7
Hired at Servpro
Servpro of Jefferson County, 800 Starbuck Ave., has hired Rafael Yanouri as marketing manager. He is responsible for building relationships and educating about fire, water and mold damage and how to mitigate them. Yanouri Mr. Yanouri has a German diploma in engineering and a
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NNY Business | January 2011
British business management degree. He has worked as a marketing and account manager in Austria, Germany, Spain and New York City. He is married to Kelle O’Connor, daughter of Diane and George O’Connor, Watertown. He has a son and daughter.
CITEC adds to staff
CITEC, a nonprofit economic development organization in Potsdam, has hired Debi Pettit, Plattsburgh, to provide services in human resources and Robert D. Oram, Sackets Harbor, to focus on business development.
Ms. Pettit has 20 years experience in human resources. Most recently she was director of human resources for Schonbek Worldwide Lighting Inc. and Salerno Plastics Corp., both in Plattsburgh. She is certified in change management. Pettit She will offer a twohour introductory session on the topic in late January. Mr. Oram has more than 20 years of public and private sector experience in business development. Most recently, he was product marketing manager at Car-Freshner Corp., Watertown. Prior to Oram that, he was sales manager for filtration and specialty products at Knowlton Specialty Papers, Watertown. For more information, or to speak with Ms. Pettit or Mr. Oram, visit www.citec. org or call 268-3778.
R E A L E S TAT E R O U N D U P
Real estate enjoys stability in NNY
R
eal estate is a vital part of the north country’s economy with roughly $230 million in properties sold in the past year. While the market across the country has risen and fallen with some volatility since 2000, Northern New York has held fairly stable. A good example of our stability is the foreclosure rate, which has held steady in the north country compared with other parts of the state and nation. According to RealtyTrac.com, an online marketplace of foreclosure properties, one in every 389 homes in the United States received a foreclosure filing in October. This is measured by the number of filings for the total number of housing units regardless of whether the unit is mortgaged. On the state level, the range goes from one in every 79 homes in Nevada to one in every 14,210 in Vermont. New York ranks 43rd with one home in 2,087 receiving a filing. Within New York, Jefferson County had one filing for every 4,128 homes, St. Lawrence County had one in 12,665, and Lewis County had zero. The highest in the state was Rockland County with one filing for every 417 homes. Through 2010, interest rates for north country borrowers remained low and stability in the our real estate market continues. And with a variety of properties on the market it’s a great time to buy in Northern New York. n
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I am excited to contribute to NNY Business as a columnist, writing about
Northern New York’s real estate industry. As executive officer of Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors I Lance Evans have a unique perspective as I administer both trade associations and do not sell or appraise real estate. The two associations have more than 500 real estate professionals between them plus a number of affiliate members such as banks, mortgage lenders and home inspectors. n
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The elected leadership of the Realtor associations change annually. During its annual meeting last month, the JeffersonLewis Board of Realtors honored several members and elected new officers and directors for 2011. The first-ever Affiliate of the Year Award went to Linda Fields, owner of the Professional Institute of Real Estate Training. The award was established to recognize an association affiliate partner for the many ways they help members. The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Beth Hopkins. Mrs. Hopkins recently merged her company, Hopkins Homes GMAC Real Estate, with Lake Ontario Realty, which her daughter-in-
law, Amanda Miller, owns. Mrs. Hopkins is now a licensed real estate associate broker with that firm. The association’s most prestigious award, Realtor of the Year, was awarded to Gwyn Monnat. The honor is given to a Realtor who has delivered outstanding service to the association and shows a strict adherence to the National Association of Realtors ethics code. Mr. Monnat began his real estate career as a salesman in 2005. In 2006, with two partners, Mr. Monnat bought Long Falls Realty. The following year, it merged with Hunt Real Estate ERA. Presently a licensed real estate associate broker and area manager for Hunt, Mr. Monnat is vice president of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors. n
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A slate of officers and directors were also elected and sworn in. In addition to Mr. Monnat, the 2011 association officers are Patrick Henry, president, Jennifer Dindl-Neff, president-elect, Mary Adair, treasurer, Joseph Rizzo Jr., recording secretary, and Les Henry, corresponding secretary. Directors are Vicki Bulger, William Elliott, Brenda Malone, Elizabeth Miller and Karen Peebles. The St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors holds its annual meeting and election of officers Jan. 12. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He has lived in the north country since 1985. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
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| 19
20 QUESTIONS
A well-refined recipe for success O JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS
n March 4, 1996, Ontario, Canada, native Peter W. Schmitt was named executive director of the Watertown Family YMCA. In a wide-ranging inverview, Mr. Schmitt shares his thoughts on how a once struggling nonprofit has become what it is today.
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NNYB: Not too long ago, the YMCA was an organization that operated on roughly $600,000 a year. Today, it’s a $4 million-a-year organization with two vibrant city branches, a Carthage branch and a booming School-Aged Child Care program, and now you’re opening a day care facility. What has been a key ingredient to sustain that kind of growth? SCHMITT: This is a good community. Having traveled to different communities around Ontario, when we came here we didn’t quite know what to expect. This is a caring community. It is a community that looks after its own. What we needed was to harness some of that energy; and the key ingredient is we always had a strong and committed board. That top-down leadership is what we needed to have the courage to move forward. Then we went out and established and strengthened relationships with organizations in town like the Northern New York Community Foundation and the United Way. We strengthened the relationship with them because those two groups also give us courage to move forward because we know they, financially, have our backsides. Complement that with a staff team that has grown in numbers, strength and expertise as we’ve expanded and couple that with a volunteer base that continues to grow along with us and it’s easy.
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NNYB: The YMCA is one of the largest providers of School-Aged Child Care in the area. What has made this program work for the Y, and what convinced the Y to get into SACC in the first place? SCHMITT: SACC is one of those programs that was started by an individual, Peg Fargo; she started it well over 25 years ago. She really cared about kids, saw a need and addressed it. She had an opportunity to make it work because her husband, Warren, was a school superintendent. She came and started with one school and it grew. She cared enough, so people knew their kids were safe. Add the fact that they were learn-
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NNY Business | January 2011
n After 15 years leading NNY’s only YMCA, CEO Peter Schmitt knows the right secrets
ing and developing through the process and it was a natural thing. By the time she left six or seven years ago we were in 19 schools. She left a great model. Economically it wasn’t strong, so one of the things we had to do was to make sure that the financial part got stronger so we could sustain it. That’s one of the reasons why when I got here we were in a bit of trouble financially.
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NNYB: What steps were initially important to turn things around? SCHMITT: I’ve done this often enough to recognize that it’s not to do with finances. That’s where people get confused. It has to do with people and it has to do with missions. People hire me to do this because of my business background but the reality is that that’s not the part that makes it work. It’s the attention to the mission. We go back and say, ‘What are we supposed to be doing? Let’s get back to that.’ Oddly enough, when you’re doing that and re-centering people to the true mission of the organization and you apply some strengths, it moves quickly. We are the Y. We are well recognized and people will come to us if we do our jobs well. That’s part of the brand loyalty because of our national presence.
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NNYB: Now you are getting into the day care business with the opening of a renovated facility down the street in a former OB/GYN office. What drove the Y to expand its day care services? SCHMITT: Community need. We responded to a request from economic development authorities to look at it. So we looked at it, our board looked at it, we reviewed studies and there really just is a proven need. Add the military nature of our population. We have a great network of family providers in this community but when you’re coming from outside the community you don’t have that network, so people need to know that those spaces were available and they will be provided
a safe and nurturing environment. We have great day cares in this community, we are going to try and be one more great day care.
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NNYB: But why did it ultimately fall on the YMCA and not a for-profit enterprise? SCHMITT: It’s a battle of margins, it’s not something that in this kind of economic environment people can afford to pay at levels that private operations require. Nonprofit is a natural fit. We don’t carry any capital costs. This community got together and paid for that building through a capital campaign. We don’t have any debt for capital that a for-profit would have. Add that cost onto the cost base for childcare and it’s higher.
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NNYB: Growth is an important element of your success, but equally important is member retention. What steps do you take to retain members and keep them coming back, taking advantage of programs and facilities? SCHMITT: The retention base is the most fascinating part. In a community this size, with as many members as we have, we can’t afford to be turning over. So it’s really getting to know people, connecting with them, connecting with the families and doing more for them than being a fitness center, being more than just a swimming pool. Part of that also comes from being involved in the public with the operation of the business as donors or volunteers or as advocates, or any of the above. That’s really where we have strength and attachment to the Y. It’s not our Y, it’s their Y. It’s a Y belonging to the community.
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NNYB: The YMCA is very aggressive about delivering quality programs that are relevant, fresh and well-attended by its members. How do you come up with programs that work? SCHMITT: When you have 1,000 Ys out there, somebody is always one step ahead of us.
20 QUESTIONS So we just look for the successes that are out there. Part of the reason we can stay economically affordable is we kind of piggy-back on other successes.
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NNYB: You seem to be moving way beyond a fitness center and a place to swim to becoming a lifestyle center with pre-diabetes classes and health classes and lifestyle education. What does that mean for the future? SCHMITT: We are one of 10 Ys doing the diabetes program. We are trying to get into cancer recovery with the Lance Armstrong Cancer Recovery Program. It comes down to the issue that our problems are not that we are overweight; it’s a lot more than that. We need help getting active and we need somebody that can sit down and listen to our story. Each person’s story is different. Out of that evolves something that will help us all be successful. The funny part is people put on weight over 20 years, and then they want to take it off over two months. It doesn’t work that way. We are trying to figure out ways to change peoples’ lifestyles. It’s not easy. You really have to drag your butt. You can change that by giving people a smiling face when you walk in here and someone who cares about you; it changes the whole complexion. That’s the direction we are trying to head in. It’s not easy. Some people also just want to work out. They want no attachment and we have to respect that, too.
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NNYB: How can you afford to offer programming centered on the whole person and a lifestyle concept? It seems incredible that you deliver all this for $32 a month. SCHMITT: Administratively, our expenses are extremely low. It’s the age-old case, same thing applies for health care, and do we really care what percent administration is? No, we care about the people who actually impact us. We want to know that the person delivering the service saving our life is well paid for. We don’t particularly care about the desk jockies, we try to keep the desk jockies to a minimum and that’s probably one of the points to make sure that our pricing is at a level appropriate for this community. We have done studies of our childcare and gymnastics and we find in all cases we are below the median [cost] for communities of like size in the state. That’s where we want to be. So we set ourselves up structurally and administratively to make sure that that’s where we are.
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NNYB: How much financial aid is given to Y members and how do you determine who gets help? SCHMITT: $300,000 was last year in financial aid. We’ll be $350,000 to $400,000 this year would be my guess. Our people are set up to listen for keys. If you come to the counter and you say, ‘Wow, that’s a lot,’ they will move into a quiet dialogue about the assistance we have and how to get involved. So when somebody says they can’t afford that, we immediately set up a plan and they can sign up right there. We don’t make them wait. We do an income screening process and I go over those. I do all of the membership applications and we have a very small team working on the rest. We don’t want anyone else to know or see it. It’s a private matter between you and me. That’s how we process it.
Watertown Family YMCA CEO Peter W. Schmitt discusses future plans for the Y in his office at the Downtown YMCA, 119 Washington St. JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS
The Peter W. Schmitt file AGE: 59 HOMETOWN: Kitchener-Waterloo area, Ontario, Canada, west of Toronto EDUCATION: Bachelor’s in environmental science, University of Waterloo, Ontario. Master’s in business, Springfield College, Massachusetts. PROFESSIONAL: Vice president Kelly Wood Products Inc.; director, KitchenerWaterloo, Ontario, YMCA; chief executive officer, Kingston, Ontario, YMCA. PRESENT JOB: Chief executive officer, Watertown Family YMCA. FAMILY: Wife, Jane, an administrator at Samaritan Medical Center, son Stuart, 24.
One at a time and as unobtrusively as possible to protect the dignity of participants. Once they’re in the process, no one knows; and that’s key to it all.
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NNYB: It seems like the YMCA always has something going on in the way of building, expanding or improving itself to bolster services and facilities for its members and the community. Do you see the Y as a process-improvement organization with a need to constantly evolve, or is there an end goal you have in mind when you can simply manage all that you have? Is there a point when you say, everything is in place? SCHMITT: You take all of those questions and you take the Y out of that and ask, ‘Is there a constant evolution in our community?’ There’s the trick. There is a constant evolution in our community. As long as our community continues to grow and needs continue to change, we will evolve with it. Our job is to be driven by the community and community need, that’s why it’s imperative that we be connected to the community through our board, volunteers and staff. If the needs didn’t change, would we continue to grow? We wouldn’t need to. If we could satisfy those needs, we would stop. But we are changing, government involvement in the community will change, not-for-profits will have to take a stronger presence. Not-for-profits will have to help each other and build our own network because we can be
more efficient that way. We talk about partnerships, but it doesn’t happen enough. We need to see more of that. That is another stage in the evolution of the community.
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NNYB: You recently talked about establishing partnerships among other nonprofits. What efficiencies do you see in effective partnerships? SCHMITT: People worry too much about losing in a partnership, ‘Will I lose my identity?’ I don’t think an effective partnership will change an organization’s identity if it’s strong and its mission is strong. If the organization is a good organization, it will stay there. There are pieces the consumer doesn’t see, that’s where we need to share. Things like administration, bookkeeping, human resources, where we can share that kind of resource through more than one organization without impacting the identity of each one. I can’t run your organization, I don’t know it well enough, but I can look after your books.
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NNYB: How do you build community around the Y? What makes that successful? SCHMITT: Well, I think that sometimes people lose sight of community and what it’s about. It’s a stratification process involving everyone. We are accessible. We have been working with $300,000, and may top $400,000 this year in financial assistance for childcare and membership to programs and that continues to grow. That’s made possible by donations, by the United Way, Youth Bureau and ourselves. That means that when you’re out there doing your workout you may be standing beside somebody who, on your right, may be one of the wealthier people in town and, on your left, one of the poorest. When you’re in your gym togs, can you tell? That to me is community. It’s everybody being able to work out, play and participate at the same place, same time, regardless of race, religion or ability to pay. That’s key to who we are.
14
NNYB: It’s a tough economic climate for nonprofits. How has the Y managed to attract donors to levels that have enabled it to expand? SCHMITT: Most YMCAs have annual campaigns. We have chosen not to. Our board made that decision and we choose to put our back into the United Way. We continue to get strong support from them and we put strong support into them. Our staff is seventh on the list of doJanuary 2011 | NNY Business
| 21
20 QUESTIONS nors to the United Way. Our people believe in the United Way and believe in the community and what it does for us. The United Way has been key to the process; they have grown in contributions to us as we have grown. We are nonprofit so we reinvest in ourselves; we reinvest in that segment of the community that can’t afford it.
15
NNYB: You have the beginnings of a regional Y enterprise with two city branches and a Carthage branch and now a new modern day care facility. What areas of the north country are ripe for the Y to move into next? SCHMITT: We wouldn’t go anywhere until we are invited. That’s a trick. I don’t want to impose
this organization onto other communities. We are going into a strategic planning process in which we are beginning to look at ways to strengthen our outreach. We have to be able to figure out a system where we are walking into a new community and assessing what the needs are and how we can strengthen that. I want it to be driven by a process that evaluates community because the final analysis is that it’s the community that needs the services, not any one business or individual.
16
NNYB: How do you make the business decision to go into other communities? SCHMITT: When we went into Carthage, that was a good example of when we went in there
the Boys and Girls needed to be redesigned. We sat down with the board and they turned the facility over to us at no charge. We put together a practice that allowed us to renovate it and that’s what it takes to put the business pieces together. If we are not bound by any debt. If we avoid debt as much as possible. The Fairgrounds Y is another example. We are carrying some debt on that but certainly not what the facility is worth. There was a community need and it was going to be shut down. So we stepped forward and worked carefully with the bank and community, which worked with us so we could make it a tremendous partnership to get rid of capital carrying cost. That’s critical, we can’t take that with us.
17
NNYB: Do you see other opportunities in the city like an eastern branch or closer to Fort Drum? SCHMITT: Population-wise, probably not. We looked into putting a branch on the east end. One of our donors said, ‘Do we need another Y or do we need to make sure we are presenting ourselves in the best manner possible?’ That’s the direction we have chosen to go in.
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NNYB: As an organization of such revenue, you must be gaining some free cash flow. What kinds of investments are you making for the future? SCHMITT: Right now our major investment is in the provision of childcare and the improvements we are looking at. Once those pieces are done with we build ourselves financially where we have the strength to take on a new venture. That will take us a little while to rebuild, to have a safety cushion and have the capital to go ahead and do new ventures. We went back to a community in 2000 to do this facility and we went again in 2010 to do changes. We can’t go again for quite a while. We need to go to a cash position to finance any new ventures and that’s where we are headed over the next five years.
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NNYB: How did you get involved in YMCAs in the first place? SCHMITT: Family. My dad was a chairman of a Y and we went to camp as kids and then as staff members. I have three brothers, one brother who is CEO of a Y in Canada. We just grew up around the Y and mom and dad were involved in volunteering and we just saw what it can do and the impact it can have on our family. So when I had a chance to get started in the workplace, they offered me a job and it was natural fit.
20
NNYB: What’s the last book you read? SCHMITT: I’m reading Andersonville, which is a tough slug. It’s great literature and it makes me sit back and think, ‘My God, I don’t want to ever live in that kind of scenario.’ But it also makes you respect the fact that people are committed enough to their country to take on that kind of life. And in a military community like ours, there are people all around us who have that kind of belief. I think that’s kind of special. — Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length.
n DO YOU KNOW someone in business who is a good candidate for our 20 Questions feature? E-mail NNY Business editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net.
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NNY Business | January 2011
E C O N O M I C A L LY S P E A K I N G
UTEP: A recipe to cure insomnia
I
f you suffer from an acute case of insomnia, might I suggest spending some comfort time with the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency’s Uniform Tax Exemption Policy? It ranks second only to reading the New York telephone book in widely recommended cures for that dreaded sleep disorder. The UTEP is a Bible of sorts in development circles, required by state law and used by our agency to provide a framework for economic development. Like so much of what is done in the name of economic development, UTEPs are maligned, misunderstood, trumpeted or trampled depending on the particular project or perception in question. In truth, it is a tool that we use to chart a thoughtful course of development action. The uniform policy, as its name suggests, provides something of a standardized approach to how the community handles economic development. The UTEP is officially adopted so that our approach to differing projects is not arbitrary but offers a transparent and uniform approach when dealing with projects of a similar nature. Thus eliminating the perception that one project might be receiving special treatment over another. Further, the UTEP is a reflection of community priorities and public policy. It reflects those priorities by placing greater emphasis on projects identified by the atlarge community as being more important than others. Projects stimulating manufacturing jobs, for example, are of the highest priority because of their overall economic
value, and our policy reflects that. Uniform policies are really an evolutionary process, improved and adopted over the course of several years. Unfortunately, Don Alexander what we often focus on is a single event — the adoption of the latest iteration. That, however, does not do justice to all of the building blocks laid before the latest approval is undertaken. Good practice recommends these devices be reviewed every five years to determine their continued relevance. Over the past several months there have been numerous references in the media about the JCIDA process to review our UTEP. That extensive process was recently completed following numerous meetings, letters, phone calls, public appearances, a public hearing and other outreach activities aimed primarily at the local elected officials but ultimately including everyone in the county. After careful review and rigorous debate, the JCIDA board of directors unanimously decided to continue with the same policy that has been in effect since 2004. Why? Because the policy is working. It was evident after many hours of review that utility-sized wind farms were the 800-pound gorilla in the room.
If consideration of wind projects alone drove the process, the tail would end up wagging the dog. As the current policy suggests, local elected officials have final say on projects of exceptionally large size and scope, specifically wind, because our current policy requires a deviation to accommodate them. A deviation suggests that these projects, because of their varying complexities, frankly do not and cannot conform to any uniform policy. As such, they need approval by the affected taxing jurisdictions. End of story. UTEPs should not be confused with a Payment in Lieu of Tax agreement. The UTEP is a policy of the JCIDA. A PILOT is a project-specific agreement hammered out between the developers, the JCIDA and the taxing jurisdictions using the UTEP as a guide. A final note: Tax exemption policies are not designed to determine whether a project should fit within a community or not, they are simply a legal device to tax them. Determining a project’s fit resides squarely with the local taxing jurisdictions through their approval process — as it should be. So, when troubled by sleeplessness, grab a copy of our UTEP. It’s a winner if you are a loser — of sleep that is. n DONALD C. ALEXANDER is chief executive officer of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, the Jefferson County Local Development Corp. and the Jefferson County Job Development Corp. He is a lifelong NNY resident and former broadcaster. Contact him at dcalexander@jcjdc.net. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
CONTACT WLDC TODAY - GROW YOUR BUSINESS TOMORROW! THE WLDC EXISTS TO HELP move your strategic business plans forward. Financing options and incentives through the WLDC:
■ Fixed - interest loans for real estate, machinery and equipment ■ Working Capitol financing ■ Leasehold improvement financing ■ Assists in securing primary financing through commercial banks
For help with expanding or relocating your business to the City of Watertown Contact: Donald W. Rutherford CEO
Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC) 82 Public Square Watertown, NY 13601
Phone: 315.786.3494 Fax: 315.786.3495 email: don@watertownldc.com January 2011 | NNY Business
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N O N P R O F I T S T O D AY
Planning key to long-term viability
A
s 2010 drew to a close, there was considerable discussion in the nonprofit sector about how new legislation would affect charities. The recent tax bill included provisions for the continuation of the Pension Protection Act of 2006’s deductibility of qualified IRA charitable rollovers as well as reinstatement of the estate tax, which had expired in 2010. What we know for sure is that more people are turning to nonprofit organizations for services that federal, state and local governments cannot, should not or will not do. The demand for the services these organizations provide continues to increase. The last few years have been challenging for everyone. Many look for the silver lining in the midst of all of the uncertainty. It surely has forced us all, including businesses and nonprofits, to operate better, wiser and more efficiently. It has encouraged us to take a hard look at areas of duplication and overlap. In Northern New York, we are fortunate to have many strong, charitable organizations working hard every day to benefit our community. However, even the strongest organizations have been forced to do something they should have been doing anyway — take a look at how they do business. Just as in the for-profit world, the nonprofit community has a choice: operate business savvy or not operate at all. As business owners know, there is not
the option to simply raise taxes to offset deficits. Nonprofits operate under the same general rule. In fact, corporate philanthropy can, and should, look at the Rande Richardson organizations they support to ensure they operate efficiently and with a maximum portion of their budgets going
searching, it was determined that to keep its work and mission alive, the grantee would have to partner with another entity whose mission was most aligned with theirs. The foundation then provided seed money to facilitate the merger. I am confident the result will be a better and stronger organization that can serve its clients in new ways. The alternative would not have been good for the organization or the community. I hold this up as a model of the possibility of future partnerships and collaborations that result in better outcomes, resulting in charitable gifts that go further. Several community foundations across the country have developed programs that provide grants to nonprofit organizations to implement plans to bolster revenue for long-term sustainability. Driving innovation and exploring new business approaches in the nonprofit community takes resources and time. Others have implemented matching grant programs to encourage organizations to consider establishing endowments as part of their long-term viability strategy. An endowment fund can diversify an organization’s revenue stream and can provide funding at times when other sources don’t come through. Nonprofit organizations are among the most important resources we have in our community. They do critical work. If not for the safety net they provide, the government would be even more overburdened than it is now. Community philanthropy designed to solve local problems, led by individuals and forward-thinking businesses, will always strengthen our region and, in the long run, will mean a healthier region for our community, its businesses, their customers and employees and a better quality of life for all of us.
Nonprofit organizations are among the most important resources we have in our community. They do critical work. If not for the safety net they provide, government would be even more overburdened than it is now. towards programs that directly fulfill their mission. The fact is that nonprofits really need two types of support. We all realize the importance of ongoing operational funding. Perhaps just as important is capital to invest in innovative ideas that will position them for sustainability and improved capacity. The Northern New York Community Foundation recently provided a grant to an NNY nonprofit organization to facilitate an assessment of its long-term viability. After much hard work and soul-
788-6840
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NNY Business | January 2011
n RANDE S. RICHARDSON is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident and former funeral director. Contact him at rande@nnycf.org. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
COMMERCE CORNER
Resolve to boost customer service
I
t seems that with the beginning of the New Year everyone starts the resolution game. I call it a game because it usually ends up with a bunch of good ideas on paper that end up in the resolution wastebasket. I resolve every year to lose weight, and the only thing I have ever used an exercise machine for was to hang my clothes on. We all have our challenges. This really is the perfect time to execute and stick to new ideas, which means the important things in our business and personal life. We are starting to feel a bounce in consumer confidence combined with the despair of continuing to accept the status quo. We at the chamber are trying to apply some for-profit principles to our nonprofit operation. We are looking at every event and all of our services to ensure our customers (members) continue to get more value for their membership. I firmly believe all businesses, small or large, profit or nonprofit, share some of the same characteristics; simply, we all have a product or service that we hope will generate revenue. We all have opportunity, but it’s what we do with that opportunity that counts. I have a near 30-year background in the brutally competitive fast food industry. I have been privileged to touch many aspects of the industry, including development, marketing, distribution and many other pieces of the business puzzle. There are some things that smaller businesses can’t compete with, like massive marketing budgets, national awareness and celebrity endorsements, but there is one aspect where we all have the same opportunity. That opportunity is customer service. It starts with making sure employees understand your product, service and company mission and giving them a clear protocol for customer service. We all briefly remember that extraordinary service experience, but it’s the poor customer experience that we talk and tell everyone about. I have probably grown a bit jaded over the years and, to be completely honest,
I don’t necessarily believe that “the customer is always right.” I do believe that the customer always deserves courteous service and knowledgeable Peter Whitmore employees. However, when there is a problem, the customer deserves acknowledgement of the problem, an apology if appropriate, but most importantly, the customer deserves a quick and honest effort to correct the problem. I have seen customer service nightmares simply because an employee didn’t know what to do or wasn’t empowered to fix the problem. This is
an important issue for all businesses and is worth the investment in employee training. There are many online and local resources to help you win this battle. A new year should mean new attitudes, new training, new improvements and a new commitment to support your employees and your customers. It’s easy to make resolutions; the real winners will be the ones that keep their resolutions. We at the chamber wish you the very best in the New Year, and I really will try to take the clothes off that exercise machine this year. n PETER S. WHITMORE is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He is a longtime small business owner and Jreck Subs franchisee who is also active with the Fort Drum chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Contact him at ceo@watertownny.com His column appears monthly in NNY Business.
January 2011 | NNY Business
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AGRI-BUSINESS
Farm Institute a vital ag resource
O
utside of the financial sector on Wall Street, New York’s agricultural industry leads the state’s economy. Billions of dollars flow into the state annually from the sale of products grown and made from our farms and food manufacturers. Agricultural businesses maintain and create thousands of jobs. In Jefferson County, more than 2,000 people draw a paycheck thanks to agriculture. As the country’s population expands, so does the demand for food and beverages. Jefferson County residents alone spend approximately $15 million annually on food and drink. In agriculture, we constantly strive to improve the safety of our food products, provide for better care of our livestock and promote stewardship of our environment. To facilitate research and development, agriculture had an effective and efficient delivery system. The New York Farm Viability Institute grew from the grassroots, identified by farmers, run
by farmers, and addressing the needs of farmers and agri-business. Unfortunately, the state Legislature cut its budget from $5 million in 2007 to $400,000 in 2010. EffectiveJay Matteson ly, these budget cuts wiped out the ability of the institute to conduct any critical programming it has delivered since its inception in 2003. During their December meeting, the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. board of directors expressed support for the institute’s work. Ron Robbins, an institute board member, shared with the 12-member JCADC board the institute’s accomplishments and outlined its funding
history. Board members voiced strong concerns over the Legislature’s extreme cuts in the institute’s funding and were very appreciative of the work it has done to support research and development initiatives in New York’s agricultural industry. Projects supported by the institute led to important research and development of agricultural products and businesses, helping the industry create 160 full-time jobs, saving farmers $47.5 million in production costs, increasing farm sales by $21 million and causing the investment of more than $16 million in new capital that resulted in a return on investment of institute funds of $7 for every dollar spent. In Jefferson County, JCADC received approximately $13,000 in funding to begin a Dairy Profit Teams project for dairy farms. The project helped participating dairy farms improve profitability, provide better livestock care and resulted in the creation of 12 full-time jobs. The institute’s work helps the agricultural industry be a growth industry in the state, something it desperately needs. Agriculture as an industry took a huge cut compared to other items, despite the fact that it is one of the few growing private-sector industries in the state. Even within the agriculture budget, items like migrant childcare and farmers markets within the Genessee Valley, which receive millions of dollars in funding, were left unscathed. Douglas Shelmidine, JCADC board of directors president, expressed the concern of the board when he said, “We understand that the state needs to make drastic cuts in spending, but it doesn’t make any sense at all that a program like the Farm Viability Institute is almost wiped out when their work has produced so many good things in the private sector of our economy.” “Agriculture will grow New York’s economy, creating jobs, exporting products overseas grown from our soils and bringing outside money into our communities,” Mr. Shelmidine said. “Agriculture has the ability to help make New York State once again the Empire State.” n JAY M. MATTESON is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural 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.
26 || NNY NNY Business Business || January January 2011 2011 26
BUSINESS TECH BYTES
Bolster your business tech in 2011
H
appy New Year and welcome to another winter, the time of the year when you’re reminded everywhere to take stock and be prepared for whatever Old Man Winter might throw our way. Business Bytes will try to do just that for your business, be it large, small or in between. We will focus on one of your business’s greatest assets, while also a major budgetary expense: your information technology infrastructure. Northern New York’s business scene is embracing information technology to ensure competitive advantages, not only locally, but globally, taking businesses to new heights. Increased technology use can be seen throughout Watertown and the surrounding areas in an exploding retail landscape and beyond. Each day, businesses just like yours manage everything from sales and purchasing, to invoicing and various data-processing applications over an information technology infrastructure. Information technology is being used in all aspects of large and small businesses for computerized recordkeeping on goods and services, accounting and payroll management. I’m sure you would agree that your information technology infrastructure is crucial to the livelihood of your business; and with anything critical, there comes a need to invest. Personal computers are no longer a luxury as virtually every employee has one on their desk. When was the last time you updated your information technology
inventory? Have you had the same computers for more than three years? Five years? Seven years? The industryrecommended standard is a three-year rotaJill Van Hoesen tion. Where is your business on this timeline? Has your business become increasingly dependent on the processing power of personal computers to get more done, in less time, with fewer people? Are you receiving complaints of “it takes forever for this program to load”? Based on your needs and the types of applications you use on your PC, including the configuration of your devices and peripherals, the amount of Random Access Memory (RAM) needed will vary. The more processing power you expect from your PC the more RAM you will need. Perhaps you bought new computers, but as a cost-saving measure did not purchase as much RAM as the PC can accommodate. Adding RAM to your PCs is a reasonably priced upgrade, bringing significant gain in performance while increasing staff productivity. When was the last time you checked the upload and download speed of your Internet connection? Are you really getting what you are paying for? Is there
a particular time of the day, or when running certain applications, that you get employee complaints of slow Internet response? If so, use one of the many free speed test tools available on the Internet. Record both the upload and download speeds, paying close attention to the latency rate. Discuss your results with your Internet provider. They will be very responsive in troubleshooting your concerns and ensuring that you are getting the connectivity speeds you are paying for. Gone are the days of only one Internet provider, so do your homework and shop the varied options. You will be pleasantly surprised with the technology advances throughout Northern New York. The new year is also a good time to think “green” and complete a thorough review of the volume of printing done throughout your organization. Make smart decisions on what really needs to go on paper. Cost savings can be recognized in lower ink and paper expenses. Lastly, as only Microsoft Corp. founder Bill Gates can say: “I think it’s fair to say that personal computers have become the most empowering tool we’ve created; they’re the tools of communication, they’re tools of creativity and they can be shaped by their user.” How will information technology shape your business in 2011? n JILL VAN HOESEN is the information security officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@ wdt.net. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.
January 2011 | NNY Business
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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS
Evaluate your business for new year
I
t’s that time of year when we start thinking about New Year’s resolutions, and small business owners shouldn’t be any different. People tend to come up with a list of things they should do; but if I had to suggest only one, it would be to update your strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats analysis. Strengths and weaknesses are internal measurements of your company, while opportunities and threats look at external conditions. Like your business plan, a SWOT analysis is not meant to be something you come up with once and then put on a shelf to gather dust; it should be updated and changed at least once a year. A good SWOT analysis can help focus your business ideas, streamline operations, enhance marketing strategies, decrease expenses and improve profit margin. For example, in the strengths area you might list what things your business is doing well, what products sell the best or
what your customers appreciate most about doing business with you. Under weaknesses, you should include what you could be doing better, maybe employee scheduling or Sarah O’Connell inventory controls, or those areas that you think might be lacking, like your website. For the opportunities portion, take a look beyond your company. What is coming down the pipeline in your industry? Are there trends that might benefit you? Is there new technology that can make
you more efficient? Can you grab a niche before your competitors do? Threats may include the state of the economy or some newly passed government legislation. Maybe one of your competitors has already acted on an opportunity. Perhaps you realize that one of your main products or services is becoming outdated or replaced by new technology. To do a SWOT analysis properly, you want to involve as many other people as possible — your advisory board, if you have one; your management team; your employees and your customers. There are many excellent tools out there to help develop a good set of parameters or correct your weaknesses and enhance your strengths, whether it’s a human resources consultant to help develop an employee manual, a social media manager to increase Internet presence or your banker or accountant to help evaluate financial issues. Your analysis will only be as good as how honest and critical you are willing to be about your business. For example, when is the last time you walked into your office or store as if you were a brandnew customer? What would your first impression be of the physical appearance, the way you were greeted, what your return policies are, etc.? Sometimes business owners get so caught up in the day-to-day busy-ness that they forget who is number one in the business — the customer. When you put it all together, that’s when you will need to come up with an action plan, including costs to implement changes. Don’t just concentrate on the major items; sometimes tweaking some smaller issues can give you as good of a return. You may not be able to address every single issue, but concentrating your resources where they will have the greatest effect can only be a good thing for your business and your bottom line. Happy New Year.
Your analysis will only be as good as how honest and critical you are willing to be about your business.
n SARAH O’CONNELL is a certified business advisor
with the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. She is a former small business owner and lifelong Northern New York resident. Contact her at soconnell@sunyjefferson.edu. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.
28 28 || NNY NNY Business Business || January January 2011 2011
SYRACUSE
n SATURDAY, FEB. 26
n THURSDAY, JAN. 20
Polar Bear Dip, 1 p.m., Bonnie Castle Resort, Holland Street, (315) 482-4511. Benefits Friends of River Hospital.
BEAVER FALLS n SATURDAY, JAN. 22
Beaver River Family Health Center Grand Opening, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 9559 Main St., (315) 376-5893 or pr2@lcgh.net. A division of Lewis County General Hospital.
CANTON n TUESDAYS, JAN. 18, FEB. 8
Social Media Training Webinar Series, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m., Cornell Cooperative Extension Learning Farm, 2043 State Route 68, free, register with Bobbi Jo Brothers, (315) 379-9192. January 18: “Blogs - The “Interactive” Website; February 8: YouTube — See and Be Seen, and How to Create a Well-Rounded Social Media Campaign.
CAPE VINCENT n SUNDAY, FEB. 20
Winter Green Community Volleyball Tournament, Village Green, Broadway Street. Sponsored by Cape Vincent Chamber of Commerce.
FORT DRUM n TUESDAY, FEB. 8
Starting Your Business After Military Career, 9 to 11 a.m., Clark Hall, Mount Belvedere Boulevard, register by calling (315) 7723434. Veteran training, business planning, managing a business, marketing and sales, pre-business planning.
NNY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE n Alexandria Bay 7 Market St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; 482-9531, www.visitalexbay.org n Cape Vincent 175 N. James St., P.O. Box 482, Cape Vincent, NY 13618; 654-2481, www.capevincent.org n Carthage Area 120 S. Mechanic St., Carthage, NY 13619; 493-3590, www.carthageny.com n Chaumont Three-Mile Bay P.O. Box 24, Three Mile Bay, NY 13693; 649-3404, www.chaumontchamber.com
Let’s Get Blogging, 8 to 10 a.m., CenterState CEO Headquarters, 572 S. Salina St. Register by Wednesday, Jan. 19, (315) 470-1997 or kdejoseph@centerstateceo. com, members, $40, non-members, $50. Economic Forecast Luncheon 2011, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., OnCenter, 800 S. State St. Register at www.centerstateceo.com, member, $55, non-member, $65.
WATERTOWN n SUNDAY, JAN. 9
Bridal Showcase 2011, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, Washington Street. Snow/rain date: Sunday, Jan. 16.
n THURSDAYS, JAN. 13 — FEB. 24
Entrepreneurial Training Course, 6 to 9 p.m. for seven consecutive Thursdays, Jefferson Community College Higher Education Building, 1220 Coffeen St., register, (315) 7829262 or sbdc@sunyjefferson.edu, $195, includes text book. Pre-business planning, business financing and capital sources, business planning, legal planning, managing a business, marketing, sales and tax planning.
n WEDNESDAY, JAN. 26
Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Comfort Inn and Suites, 110 Commerce Park Drive, register by noon Tuesday, Jan. 25, (315) 788-4400, member, $8, non-member, $12.
n THURSDAY, FEB. 3
Annual Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce Dinner and Shapiro Award Presentation, 6 p.m. cocktails, 7 p.m. program, Ramada, Arsenal Street, reservations required by Monday, Jan. 24, (315) 788-4400, per person, $40, per table, $425.
Concrete, 22850 Murrock Circle, register by noon Tuesday, Feb. 15, (315) 7884400, member, $8, non-member, $12.
NORTHERN NEW YORK n THURSDAY, JAN. 13
Web Marketing Boot Camp, 6 to 9 p.m. Thursdays for 14 weeks beginning Jan. 13, SUNY Canton, Franklin County BOCES in Malone, and BOCES in Watertown, $65, (315) 386-4000, (315) 788-8450 or 1 (518) 483-7403. Website development, search engine optimization, Internet marketing, mistakes and how to fix them, results tracking and developing a marketing plan.
n SATURDAY, JAN. 15 & SUNDAY, JAN. 16
Fourth Annual Tug Hill Snow Kite Festival, 9 a.m. registration, Deer River Ranch Base Camp, Route 177, trainer kits with handson demonstrations all day both days, four sites to kite on in Jefferson and Lewis counties. Zeb Jakub, 1 (603) 356-7064 or 1 (603) 986-1874.
DOWN THE ROAD n FRIDAY, MARCH 25 — SUNDAY, MARCH 27
Great Outdoor Family Expo, 4 to 7 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Fairgrounds YMCA, formerly the Ultimate Goal, Watertown. Admission, $3, discounts for military personnel. Sponsored by Watertown Noon Rotary Club, (315) 782-3381.
n THURSDAY, MARCH 31
Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Jefferson
22nd annual Local Government Conference, Jefferson Community College. Sponsored by Tug Hill Commission, (315) 7852380. Early bird registration, postmarked by Wednesday, March 9, $50; postmarked by Wednesday, March 16, $75; received after March 16, $100.
n Clayton 517 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624; 686-3771, www.1000islands-clayton.com
n South Jefferson 14 E. Church St., Adams, NY 13605; 232-4215, www.southjeffchamber.org
n Greater Watertown-North Country 1241 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY 13601; 788-4400, www.watertownny.com
n St. Lawrence 101 Main St., 1st Floor, Canton, NY 13617; 386-4000, www.northcountryguide.com
n WEDNESDAY, FEB. 16
n Henderson Harbor P.O. Box 468, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651; 938-5568, www.henderson harborny.com n Lewis County 7559 S. State St., Lowville, NY 13367; 376-2213, www.lewiscountychamber.org n Sackets Harbor P.O. Box 17, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685; 646-1700, www.sacketsharborchamberof commerce.com
n Centerstate CEO 572 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202; 470-1800, www.centerstateceo.com n GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? E-mail editor Ken Eysaman at key saman@wdt.net. Submission deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue.
CHAMBER DIRECTORY / EVENTS CALENDAR
ALEXANDRIA BAY
January January 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business || 29 29
BUSINESS SCENE / COMMUNITY Children’s Christmas Gift & Fund Drive
KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
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op, from left, Cecelia M. Thompson of the North Country Arts Council, Kathleen E. Carr, of the Paul G. and Kathleen E. Carr Foundation, and retired Army Col. Susan M. Mahoney. Bottom, from left, MacKenzie M. Dickinson, a Watertown City School District ESOL teacher, her husband, Matthew B., an Indian River School District physical education teacher, and Pamela S. Beyor of Bernier, Carr & Associates. Sponsored by Bernier, Carr & Associates and the Paul G. and Kathleen E. Carr Foundation, the 16th Annual Children’s Christmas Gift & Fund Drive raised a combined $26,500 in toys and cash contributions in a single night at the Black River Valley Club on Dec. 2.
BusIness
Connect with Clarissa Collins. Let her capture your advertising message, Jefferson and Lewis counties. (315) 661-2305.
Because her business is your business. 30 |
NNY Business | January 2011
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op, from left, Brenda J. Dimmick, of Bernier, Carr & Associates, Trish B. Pacilio and her husband, Mark A., chief of staff to Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa. Middle, Matthew J. Cooper of Bernier, Carr & Associates and his wife, Tara E. Bottom, Michael C. Robare, Watertown Housing Authority director and his wife, Leslie J.
BUSINESS SCENE / COMMUNITY Children’s Christmas Gift & Fund Drive
NNY Business launch party
JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS
F
rom left, Sarah O’Connell, business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College, Pine Camp Contracting owner Colleen Bellnier, and Amanda L. Johnson Pine Camp Contracting vice president of operations.
Paddock Arcade Business After Hours
T
KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
op, from left, Jeanne D. Derouin and her husband, Jean H. of Bette Cring Construction and Chris Dimmock of Bernier Carr & Associates. Bottom, from left, Thomas E. Bowie, Assemblyman Kenneth D. Blankenbush, R-Black River, and Sally C. Bowie. Sponsored by Bernier, Carr & Associates and the Paul G. and Kathleen E. Carr Foundation, the 16th Annual Children’s Christmas Gift & Fund Drive raised a combined $26,500 in toys and cash contributions in a single night at the Black River Valley Club on Dec. 2.
KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS
From left, Jumana McManus of Avon Corp. and Joan Gerni of NNY Homes.
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BUSINESS SCENE / AFTER HOURS Paddock Arcade Business After Hours
KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
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op, from left, Leann I. West, government relations specialist with Wladis Law Firm, Syracuse, Lorri A. Adair, international sales manager for Car-Freshner Corp. and Sandy L. Cesario of Timeless Frames. Bottom, from left, Kristina M. Dorr and Kristina A. Ives of Coyote Moon Vineyards, Clayton. KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
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32 |
NNY Business | January 2011
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op, from left, Sue Tanner and Jenn McConnell of Covered in Chocolate. Middle, from left, Cathie Ellsworth of Paddock Antiques, Trudy Dean of Paddock Coffee House and Lisa Marzano of Queens University, Kingston, Ontario. Bottom, from left, Chris Thomas of Bernier Carr & Associates and Roxanne Aikey of Northern Federal Credit Union.
BUSINESS SCENE / BUSINESS OF THE YEAR Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce honors Slack Chemical
KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS
T
he Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 7, named Slack Chemical, 465 S. Clinton St., Carthage, its 2010 Business of the Year. With $30 million in annual sales, Slack Chemical supplies industrial, municipal, agricultural and retail chemicals and services throughout the Northeast. It carries pool, spa and winter products and employs 95 in its Carthage and Saratoga Springs facilities. Clockwise from left, Slack Chemical owner Robert R. Sturtz delivers remarks after learning of his company’s award. Mr. Sturtz and his wife, Jean, are applauded after the 2010 Business of the Year recipient was announced. Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Peter J. Whitmore congratulates Mr. Sturtz.
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RIVALRY WEEK STARTS THE WEEK OF JAN. 10TH January 2011 | NNY Business
| 33
DINING GUIDE Brownville Diner 114 W. Main St., Brownville (315) 786-8554
Daily Buffet (Chinese) 1283 Arsenal St. Stop 8, Watertown (315) 786-8598
Great Wall Chinese 300 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-7668
Café Mira 14 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4470
Dano’s Pizzeria and Restaurant 24411 State Route 971V, Felts Mills (315) 773-3266
Harby’s Hots Outer Washington Street, Watertown (315) 788-2250
Cajun Cafe & Grill Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 779-8169
Depot Café 13449 Depot St., Adams Center (315) 583-6555
Herrings Inn 35802 State Route 3, Carthage (315) 493-9829
Cam’s Pizzeria 25 Public Square, Watertown (315) 779-8900
Erin’s Isle Restaurant 928 State Route 11C, Brasher Falls (315) 389-4100
Highland Meadows Country Club 24201 State Route 342, Watertown (315) 785-0108
Candlelight Restaurant and Lounge 380 S. Railroad St., Parish (315) 625-4005
Fairground Inn 852 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7335
Home Deli Pizza & Subs 305 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 782-6340
Cavallario’s Cucina 133 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 788-9744
Fiesta Mexicana 566 State St., Watertown (315) 779-7577
Hot Diggity Dogs Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 788-4844
Andy’s Caribbean Cuisine 302 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-8658
Cherry Tree Inn 8541 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-7281
Fireside at Partridge Berry Inn 26561 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 782-8401
India Palace 1196 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-8457
Apollo Restaurant 1283 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-3569
China City 1125 Arsenal St. Suite 2, Watertown (315) 788-8289
Flaming Wok 431 E. Hoard St., Watertown (315) 788-9928
Ives Hill Restaurant 435 Flower Ave. W., Watertown (315) 775-4837
Art’s Jug 820 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 782-9764
Church Street Diner 107 Church St., Carthage (315) 493-0997
Fung Hing Chinese 225 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9689
Jean’s Beans 259 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 788-7460
Bernardo’s Pizzeria 702 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9500
Cocoa Cafe 527 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 777-4407
Gary’s Restaurant 5424 Shady Ave., Lowville (315) 376-6612
Joey’s at the Thousand Island Club 21952 Club Road, Alexandria Bay (315) 482-9999
B J’s Grill 610 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-8126
Coleman’s Corner 849 Lawrence St., Watertown (315) 782-6888
G&F Italian Pizza and Restaurant 2972 E. Main St., Parish (315) 625-7177
Johnny’s D’s 1 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-6108
Black River Valley Club 131 Washington St., Watertown (315) 788-2300
Cowlick 25649 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 785-9948
Gold Star Deli 343 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-6155
Johnny’s D’s Bistro 108 108 Court St., Watertown (315) 755-2333
Boondocks Restaurant and Bar 3950 State Route 12, Lyons Falls (315) 348-4040
Crossroads Diner 22474 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 782-9591
Goodfellos 202 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3463
Karen & Jasper’s Bar & Bistro 1322 Washington St. Plaza, Watertown (315) 788-4110
Brookside Diner 1873 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9824
Crystal Restaurant 87 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-9938
Gram’s Diner 13 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4881
King Star Food Oriental 22265 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 786-0246
n A directory of independent coffee houses, bars and restaurants.
Full-service restaurants 1025 Ruyi Japanese Steak House 1025 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 405-4501 1844 House “An American Bistro” 6885 U.S. Route 11, Potsdam (315) 268-1844 2000 Chinese Restaurant 22070 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 788-2000 Adams Country Club 10700 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-4842 A & J’s Diner 455 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-4811
Korean Grill 525 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 681-4226 Lake Ontario Playhouse 103 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2305 Leanna’s at the Manor Store Route 11, Pierrepont Manor (315) 465-4400 Limerick Hotel 16331 State Route 12E, Limerick (315) 639-6804 Lloyd’s of Lowville 7405 S. State St., Lowville (315) 376-7037 Lucia’s Italian Restaurant 11613 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-2223 Maggie’s on the River 500 Newell St., Watertown (315) 405-4239 Mariano’s Pizza 981 Waterman Drive, Watertown (315) 788-8088 McCarthy’s Restaurant 5821 U.S. Route 11, Canton (315) 386-2564
34 |
NNY Business | January 2011
DINING GUIDE Midway Ice Cream 891 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 405-4996 Mo’s Place 345 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-5503 Morgia’s Pasta 22560 Fisher Road, Watertown (315) 788-3509 Mr. Sub Sandwich Shop Public Square & Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1760 NuPier 13212 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3312 Original Italian Pizza 222 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 786-0000 Papa Tino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-7272 Pete’s Restaurant 111 Breen Ave., Watertown (315) 782-6640 Pizza Shack 12699 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2267 Rainbow Shores Restaurant 186 Rainbow Shores Road, Pulaski (315) 298-5110 Rajit 262 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-5513 Ramada Inn 21000 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-0700 Riccardo’s Market & Deli 710 Holcomb St., Watertown (315) 782-7810 Riverhouse 4818 Salina St., Pulaski (315)509-4281 Roberts Family Pizzeria 839 State St., Watertown (315) 786-2006 Roma Restaurant 19 Bridge St., Carthage (315) 493-0616 Romalato’s Gourmet Deli 450 Gaffney Drive, Watertown (315) 681-6653 Ryan’s Lookout 9290 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-5151 Sackets Harbor Brew Pub 212 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2739 Sandy’s Luncheonette 5 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-2935 Savory Café 1511 Washington St., Watertown (315) 785-6464 Sboro’s Restaurant 836 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1728 Shorty’s Place 1280 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7878
Read the reviews
n Log on to www.watertowndaily times.com to read restaurant reviews by Watertown Daily Times restaurant critic Walter Siebel.
Get on the list
n Call NNY Business advertising specialist Clarissa Collins at (315) 661-2305 or e-mail ccollins@wdt.net to have your restaurant or bar listed in our monthly dining guide today. Shuler’s Steak & Seafood 802 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1429 Soluri’s Pizza 526 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-2888 Sonora’s Authentic Mexican 300 Washington St., Watertown (315) 782-8000 Stonefence Resort 7191 State Route 37, Ogdensburg (315) 393-1545 Stone Jug Pizzeria 104 Bartlett Road, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-1008 Suk Hui Hi’s Korean 1301 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9740 Super Wok Chinese Restaurant 20991 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-5389 Teriyaki Experience 21852 Towne Center Drive, Watertown (315) 785-9254 Thailand Thai Restaurant 1857 State St., Watertown (315) 788-6688 The Place 1612 Ford St., Ogdensburg 315-393-3080 Tico’s Mex Grill 65 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-4778 Tilted Kilt 1050 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-5458
Tin Pan Galley 110 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3812
Clueless 545 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-9006
United China Restaurant 144 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 782-4432
Crazy Legs Saloon 536 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 777-8333
Violi’s Restaurant 209 Center St., Massena (315) 764-0329
Edge of the River Pub 519 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 788-0695
Village Inn 8208 Main St., Harrisville (315) 543-9382
Fat Boys 743 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 779-0087
VV’s Mexican Kitchen Noble Street, Evans Mills (315) 629-4652
Fort Pearl Inc. 557 Pearl St., Watertown (315) 786-3333
Walsh’s Pub & Grill 101 E. Main St., Brownville (315) 782-6065
Hitchin’ Post Tavern 404 Court St., Watertown (315) 782-9656
Watertown Golf Club Grill and Bar 1 Thompson Park, Watertown (315) 782-5606
Hotel Adams 4 W. Church St., Adams (315) 232-3000
Willowbrook Golf Club 25075 State Route 37, Watertown (315) 782-8192
Joe’s Tavern 548 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9709
Wing Wagon 71 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-3205
Kicker’s Lounge 498 Factory St., Watertown (315) 785-9392
Coffee Houses
Mick’s Place 204 Factory St., Watertown (315) 786-1992
Brew Ha Ha 468 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1175
Paddock Club 5 Paddock Arcade, Watertown (315) 786-6633
Chrissy Beanz Bakery 105 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2330
Pappy’s Bowlmor Lanes 227 East Orvis, Massena (315) 769-9877
Coffee Shop Carbone Plaza, Watertown (315) 782-0450
Pewter Mug 1120 Gill St., Watertown (315) 782-0200
Danny’s Coffee 21181 Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 782-7057
Seth’s Pub 558 State St., Watertown (315) 681-6645
Paddock Coffee House 4 Paddock Arcade, Watertown (315) 836-1508
Bars / drinking establishments
Shootie’s Bar 504 Pearl St., Watertown (315) 782-9724
Artie’s Tavern 329 High St., Watertown (315) 782-9616
Time Warp Tavern 302 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9784
IT Solutions Provider Computer Sales & Service Network, Software & Data Services Training
Phone: 315 296 1347 315 535 7234 518 314 1039
www.novoselassociates.com January 2011 | NNY Business January
| 35
BUSINESS HISTORY
Push for NNY banks dates to 1807 By WILLIAM G. WOOD and LENKA P. WALLDROFF
I
Jefferson County Historical Society
n 1807, just two years after Jefferson County was formed, residents petitioned the state for a bank. Lacking population and enough free capital to provide a stable banking environment, the request was denied. The county petitioned the state again in 1816 after the 1814 Census showed a nine-fold population increase. This time the state acquiesced and the request was granted. Still very much a northern wilderness, Jefferson County residents needed capital to facilitate land purchases, refinance existing real estate in order to free up invested cash and raise or borrow money for construction projects such as mills, stores, bridges and more permanent homes. Albany finally responded to the need in 1816, authorizing a 16-year state charter for the Jefferson County Bank and $400,000 in capital that was to be backed by the sale of $50 shares. While the opening of banks in other parts of the state was generally a venture associated with the wealthy class, the introduction of banking in Jefferson County
36 | NNY Business | January 2011
Above, Watertown’s Jefferson County Bank on the corner of Washington and Stone streets. Below, top, a bank note from Jefferson County Bank and, bottom, a bank note from Black River Bank signed by L. Paddock, the father of Edwin Paddock, whose Paddock Mansion houses the Jefferson County Historical Museum.
was a grassroots effort. It is interesting to note that the wealthy families of Jefferson County were not involved with founding either of the area’s first two banks. Instead, many of Watertown’s pioneer families stepped
forward to serve as bank incorporators, commissioners and, especially during the first two years, the main stock holders. Jefferson County Bank was incorporated by Elisha Camp, John Brown, Roswell Woodruff, Egbert TenEyck, Jabez Foster, Musgrove Evans and John Paddock. Due to intense competition between Watertown and Brownville for the position of county seat, it was decided to build the bank in Adams. Because of its location and the unstable post–War of 1812 economy, the bank did not initially prosper. Following the bank’s suspension in 1819, when a banking panic led the bank to temporarily stop the redemption of notes, and a subsequent economic depression, the bank was relocated to Watertown in November 1824. By 1830, with Watertown situated as the county seat and a growing transportation hub for the manufacturing industries in Carthage and Brownville, the bank was secure with high dividends and assets. Its state charter, originally set to expire in 1832, was extended. In 1865, on the heels of the National Banking Act, Jefferson County Bank obtained a national charter and changed its name to the Jefferson County National Bank of Watertown. The bank continued to operate under this name until 1943
when it was absorbed by the Watertown National Bank and eventually, through a series of mergers, became known today as Key Bank. Interestingly enough, Watertown’s Key Bank branch, located on the corner of Washington and Stone streets, is the same site where the Jefferson County Bank once stood. Notes from individual banks were somewhat like signed checks that were
As the country was developing in the late 1700s and early 1800s, there was a shortage of money in rural and outlying areas. A number of these locally issued bank notes still survive today. circulated as currency. As the country was developing in the late 1700s and early 1800s, there was a shortage of money in rural and outlying areas. Although it was unlawful for local governments to print their own money, as the Constitution delegated that specifically to the federal government, the federal mint in Philadelphia couldn’t keep up with the demand of a growing economy. Therefore, the practice of banks issuing their own currency continued out of necessity. A number of these locally issued bank notes still survive today in the Jefferson County Historical Society museum’s collection. The JCHS “History of Jefferson County Banking” exhibit, sponsored by Key Bank, opens Saturday, Jan. 8, at the Paddock Museum, 228 Washington St., Watertown. n William G. Wood is executive director of the Jefferson County Historical Society. He is a 25year corporate and retail business veteran with more than a decade of leadership involvement in nonprofits and, until 2008, a small business owner. Contact him at director@jeffersoncounty history.org.
2011 New Year’s Resolution
THINK GREEN Million Pound Party
Think Green this year by helping us reach our goal of 1 Million Pounds of Recycled Flooring Materials
Make an impact for generations to come! Ask the question: “How Can I Help?”
Ask us about our environmentally safe products!
1/2 MILLION POUNDS SO FAR!
Currently we are recycling over 6,500 pounds of Padding & Carpet A DAY!!
Pine Camp Contracting Inc.
n Lenka P. Walldroff is curator of collections for the Jefferson County Historical Museum. She is a former museum specialist and conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.
“Providing Professional Painting and Flooring Installation for Businesses, Property maintenance, Commercial and Residential Customers”
n For museum hours and program updates and to learn more about the Jefferson County Historical Society, visit www.jeffersoncountyhistory.org. Business History appears monthly in NNY Business.
www.pinecampcontracting.com
800 Starbuck Avenue • Watertown, NY 13601 315-777-4766 January 2011 | NNY Business
| 37
W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G H E R E ? HILTON GARDEN INN LOCATION: 1290 Arsenal St., just north of Holiday Inn Express & Suites in Watertown City Center Plaza. SIZE: 88,044 square feet, including 132 guest rooms, three restaurants and a 4,000-squarefoot conference center. COMPLETION DATE: Late spring; opening June 1. LOCAL JOBS: Up to 400 construction jobs; 80-plus hotel and restaurant employees when complete. COST: $12 million DEVELOPER: Patrick M. Donegan, Alexandria Bay ARCHITECTS & ENGINEERS: GYMO, Watertown
COLLEEN WHITE | NNY BUSINESS
Construction crews have completed several floors on the city’s newest hotel and conference center. Scheduled to open later this spring, the Hilton Garden Inn Watertown/Thousands Islands is another major project for Watertown-based architecture, engineering and land surveying firm GYMO. The group is also managing construction on the latest Italian eatery to join the Northern New York dining landscape — The Olive Garden, located on outer Arsenal Street at the southwest entrance to Salmon Run Mall. With construction on schedule there, the restaurant is slated to open in early spring.
NEXT MONTH
I
n our February issue — an inaugural tax and investment guide — we visit with north country tax and finance professionals as the region prepares for tax day. Also coming next month: n TAX HELP FOR ALL kinds. Veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter and freelance writer Norah Machia explains how those with less money can find help navigating the minefield that is tax time. n A LOOK BACK IN NUMBERS — As final data for 2009 — and the decade — trickles in, we take a look at how the region’s economy fared.
n VALENTINE’S DAY MEANS boom time for the floral industry. We visit with NNY florists to see how they manage to keep the fresh in fresh cut for all those sweethearts and just how much green it brings to the region. n 20 QUESTIONS WITH Philip John Banazek and the Morgia Group, which recently formed NNY’s newest investment firm. n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business and more.
38 | NNY Business | January 2011
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