NNY Business March 2011 by NNY Business

Y usIness

Engineer grows woman-owned firm with $100m job, page 21

March 2011

n 20 Questions with Lisa Weber Page 30 n SPECIAL: Women’s health [10-page bonus] Page 33

Plus:

Doreen A. Garrett

n Women in Tech n NNY Snapshot n Business Scene n Real Estate

Jody R.A. LaLone President, Jefferson Countybased Car-Freshner Corp.

Founder, president and CEO, Lewis-County-based Otis Technology Inc.

Bridget-ann Hart

President and COO, St. Lawrence County-based Kinney Drugs

Leadership’s future Women guide big business in NNY $2.95

Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly Vol. 1 Issue 4 | www.nnybusiness.net

2 | NNY Business | March 2011

March 2011 | NNY Business

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 writes about the state’s budget crisis and the urgency for politicians to reach a compromise. (p. 43)

Peter J. Whitmore is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He writes about the wealth that womenowned businesses bring to the north country. (p. 45)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp. He writes about the many contributions of women to Northern New York’s agriculture industry. (p. 46)

Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. She writes about the many resources available for women in business. (p. 48)

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 investing in our communities for future generations. (p. 44)

Jill Van Hoesen is the information security officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. She writes about women in the information tech field, past and present. (p. 47)

Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He examines the role property managers play in real estate. (p. 26)

William G. Wood is executive director of the Jefferson County Historical Society. He helps tell the story of Watertown’s Babcock Company and its place in Northern New York business history. (p. 60)

advertisinG sPecialists

Clarissa Collins, Katie Nelson

circulation director Cindy Werner

PhotoGraPhy

Norm Johnston, Justin Sorensen, Jason Hunter, Melanie Kimbler-Lago, Amanda Morrison

ad GraPhics, desiGn

Rick Gaskin, Julia Keegan, Brian Mitchell, Scott Smith, Todd Soules, Linda Zimmer

Norah Machia is a freelance writer and retired Watertown Daily Times staffer who lives in Watertown. She sits down with Timeless Frames CEO Lisa A. Weber for this month’s 20 Questions. (p. 30)

Bob Beckstead is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer based in Massena. He reports about the efforts of St. Lawrence Centre’s management to bolster the retail sector. (p. 24)

Sarah Haase is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. She writes about a woman-owned construction firm making strides in NNY and, in a second story, Clayton’s Coyote Moon Vineyards. (p. 21, 23)

Andrea Pedrick is a freelance writer who lives in Dexter. She visits a woman-owned physical therapy firm in Watertown that also boasts an all-woman staff. (p. 22)

MARKETPLACE Ambit Energy…....................43 Ameriprise Financial…........17 A New Attitude….................41 Cape Air…...........................51 Carthage Area Hospital…..34 Carthage Savings & Loan.....6 CITEC….................................19 Clarence Henry Coach…...55 Computer Doctor….............47 CREG Systems Corp….........28 Curtis Furniture…..................50 H&R Block…..........................17 Haylor, Freyer & Coon….......9 HighTower Advisors…............7 Howard Orthotics….............39 Innovative PT Solutions…....37 Jefferson County IDA….......64 Johnny D’s Bistro 108….......58

Lofink Ford Mercury….........53 Lunman’s Furniture...............25 Mary Kay…..........................38 Mixed Company............…..41 NNY Builders Exchange…...62 NNY Business…........24, 50, 59 Northern Federal Credit Union...................…..20 Northwestern Mutual...........13 Peebles Realty…..................27 Pine Camp Contracting…..63 Quick Med Urgent Care…..35 Regional Medical Management.................…..40 Samaritan Medical Center…...............................42 Sea Comm Federal Credit Union.......…...............52

NNY Business | March 2011

Slack Chemical............……46 St. Lawrence Centre…........48 St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union...................…..44 State Farm Insurance.......…..3 Stellar Marketing............…..18 Subscriber Savings..............57 Timeless Frames.....................2 Truesdell’s Furniture.............54 Village Office Supply..........45 Watertown Daily Times........61 Watertown Local Development Corp.............26 Watertown Savings Bank..................16, 32 Wells Communications.......18 Westelcom...........................29

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), 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 March 2011

COVER

14 LEADING THE WAY

Three top women are making a big mark as they guide multi-million dollar businesses to new heights across the region.

SPECIAL SECTION

33 WOMEN’S HEALTH

For women who struggle to balance career, family and community, nothing could be more important than putting health first. Learn how in this 10-page section.

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY

24 MALL MAKEOVER

New management at St. Lawrence Centre, a regional retail hub in Massena, is focused on boosting occupancy and bringing new stores to its part of the north country.

FEATURES

21 ENGINEERING A DEAL

Mary Warren admits she was a bit of a tomboy growing up. So it’s no surprise that when she chose engineering she was ready to compete with men in the construction field.

22 BALANCING ACT

Cheryl L. Howard sees no limits to what women can do in business. Her winning attitude and faith has driven her quite far.

23 QUALITY OVER QUANTITY

The simple, but time-tested principles on which the Randazzo family has built Coyote Moon Vineyards in Clayton led them to the Jefferson County Job Development Corp.’s Business Venture Award.

March 2011 | NNY Business

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NNY Business | March 2011

INTERVIEW

30 FRAMING THE FUTURE

When Timeless Frames CEO Lisa A. Weber bought the company in 1999, it had seven employees. Mrs. Weber talks about how she’s grown the company to a staff of more than 200 with projected revenues of $28 million.

COLUMNS GUEST ESSAY

ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING

AGRI-BUSINESS

NONPROFITS TODAY

BUSINESS TECH BYTES

COMMERCE CORNER

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS 48

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

CALENDAR

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

BUSINESS SCENE

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

DINING GUIDE

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

BUSINESS HISTORY

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

ON THE COVER

From left, Bridget-ann Hart, St. Lawrence County-based Kinney Drugs president and COO, Jody R.A. LaLone, Jefferson County-based Car-Freshner Corp. president and Doreen A. Garrett, founder and CEO of Lewis Countybased Otis Technology in our Watertown photo studio. {Justin Sorensen photo}

March 2011 | NNY Business

EDITOR’S NOTE

ew York State ranks third in the nation with the number of women-owned businesses, a U.S. Census Bureau report released last month found. The 2007 Survey of Business Owners, which the census bureau collected during its 2007 Economic Census, an effort it completes every five years, shows New York with 594,421 women-owned firms. Their collective economic impact is $84 billion in annual receipts. And while the majority — 51.3 percent or 305,145 — of our state’s women-owned firms is based in New York City, the north country helps add to the total 3,108 woman-owned firms that contribute $255 million in annual receipts to the economies of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. Since the impact of women in business is unquestionably significant, you’ll find this month’s issue packed with information and features on the Ken Eysaman subject in a 64-page magazine that delivers more news and content from across our three counties. In addition to our cadre of local columnists and all the information on north country business you’ve come to expect, you’ll find a 10-page bonus section covering women’s health for busy professionals. In our cover story, we get some great advice from three top women in business about what it takes to succeed in today’s highly competitive marketplace. Turn to page 14 to read what Doreen A. Garrett, founder and CEO of Lyons Falls-based Otis Technology, Jody R.A. LaLone, president of Watertown’s Car-Freshner Corp., and Bridget-ann Hart, president and COO of Gouverneur-based Kinney Drugs, have to say. Engineer Mary Warren and Physical Therapist Cheryl L. Howard share their stories of building successful businesses from the ground up in separate features. We also visit with Lisa A. Weber for 20 Questions. Lisa is the owner and CEO of Timeless Frames, a Watertown picture frame manufacturer that employs more than 200 and is estimated to gross $28 million in revenues this year. When Lisa bought the company in 1999, it boasted a staff of seven and revenues of $700,000. Lisa shares the story of how she came to do business in the north country. n

BUSINESS SCENE — In our largest-yet Scene section, which begins on page 51, you will find 69 faces from 41 different north country businesses and organizations. We joined Northern New Yorkers at events like the 59th Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award dinner, where hundreds of north country business, community and civic leaders packed the Ramada Inn to honor retired Col. Terrence L. Roche, a man who is without question the personification of citizenship. In St. Lawrence County, we learned of all the good that James E. and Pamela A. Rose, owners of Canton’s Boyden Brook Body Works, contribute to their community as the Canton Chamber of Commerce honored them as Member of the Year during its Annual Celebration Dinner at St. Lawrence University. In south Jefferson County, we saw that efforts to promote business are well under way as folks packed Lucia’s Italian Restaurant for the South Jeff Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, sponsored by Lucia’s, Widrick Construc8 8 || NNY NNY Business Business || March March 2011 2011

tion, Green Thyme and Nana Rose Unique Gifts & Home Décor. If you haven’t checked out any of those businesses, you should. Green Thyme and Nana Rose are two more examples of north country women-owned and operated enterprises. For February’s Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Watertown’s Jefferson Concrete brought in a band to play host at its Murrock Circle facility. After speaking with co-owner Mark W. Thompson, it’s clear that folks on his team are riding a well-deserved high after placing first in the National Precast Concrete Association’s annual Creative Use of Precast Awards, for an unbelievable feat: a 630-foot dock for a section of Lake Ontario that the Port of Oswego Authority commissioned. Look for a feature story about this incredible project in a future issue of NNY Business. Business Scene kicked off early last month with the Jefferson County Job Development Corp.’s Annual Membership Meeting at Black River Valley Club. As you’ll read in a feature story on page 23, the JCJDC honored Clayton’s Coyote Moon Vineyards and owners Philip J. and Mary S. Randazzo with its New Business Venture Award. The organization also presented LaClair Family Dental, owned by Drs. Scott A. and Robert A. LaClair III of Carthage, and Michael J. Siptrott’s Conley Rental Management, Watertown, with Business of Excellence Awards. Finally, armed with a digital camera, Business Tech Bytes columnist Jill Van Hoesen joined the Clayton and Cape Vincent chambers of commerce for Business With a Twist at Sand Bay Inn Restaurant & Lounge in Cape Vincent. If this isn’t an example of how Northern New York is open for business, I’m not sure what else I could offer as proof that the north country is working hard to shake off the recession. n

SOCIAL NETWORKING — We are excited to join the legions of businesses small and large on Facebook and Twitter. Editorial Assistant Kyle Hayes is managing our Twitter feed, posting daily tweets and alerting followers to news about NNY Business while Advertising Coordinator Kayla Burke has been handling the lion’s share of our Facebook posts. We hope to build a strong following on Twitter and attract as many “like”-minded visitors on Facebook through some interactive opportunities we’ve begun. In next month’s magazine, Cape Vincent native Darrel J. Aubertine, Gov. Mario M. Cuomo’s choice for New York State Commissioner of Agriculture & Markets, is our 20 Questions interview. We want readers to help us craft some questions for the nominee. What would you ask New York State’s next commissioner of agriculture & markets? Let us know on our Facebook page, www.facebook. com/nnybusiness. Or, if you prefer, tweet a question for Mr. Aubertine to @NNYBusinessMag. Our social networking sites are by no means the end-all for us in cyberspace. We are plotting a strategy for our companion website, www.nnybusiness.net, which will be online with features that complement the printed magazine. For updates on when it will go live, keep visiting our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter. For now, that’s the best way to ensure that you’ll be among the first to know. Yours in business,

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Newly licensed

Brian J. Drake has passed the state professional engineering exam. Mr. Drake joined GYMO Architecture, Engineering and Land Surveying, 220 Sterling St., Watertown, in 2007 and is a senior project engineer. A graduate of Lyme Central School, Chaumont, he Drake received his bachelor of science degree in civil engineering from Syracuse University in 2006. He is also a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green associate. Since joining GYMO, Mr. Drake has worked on site design for the Olive Garden restaurant, Regal Theater expansion, Riverview Apartments and Ives Hill Phase III, all in Watertown, and the Northern Federal Credit Union branch in West Carthage, which will seek LEED accreditation. He is designing a shopping plaza in the town of Alexandria and a 400unit residential development in the town of LeRay. Mr. Drake and his wife, Johanna, reside in Chaumont.

Wins award

James K. Edzwald, Potsdam, received the 2010 Past Presidents’ Award from the New England Water Works Association, the region’s largest and oldest nonprofit organization of water works professionals. The award is presented annually to a member who co-authored the most meritorious paper published in the Journal

of the New England Water Works Association during the previous year. Mr. Edzwald’s paper focused on a method for selecting alum dosing and demonstrated its use with data from five full-scale plants. Mr. Edzwald is a professor emeritus at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, where he was a professor of civil and environmental engineering from 1984 to 2006. He joined the faculty of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Clarkson University, Potsdam, in 1974, and served as assistant professor, associate professor, professor and then visiting professor.

Hired, licensed at Bernier, Carr

Jared Thisse, an employee at Bernier, Carr & Associates, 327 Mullin St., Watertown, has passed the state licensing exam for civil engineers. The Martinsburg resident joined the firm in 2008. He graduated from Clarkson University, Potsdam, with two bachelor Thisse of science degrees, one in engineering management and one in civil engineering. He has seven years of engineering experience in the industrial field. Also, Bernier, Carr Young has hired Anthony M. Young as an engineer in the Civil Engineering Division.

Got business milestones?

n Share your business 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.

Mr. Young graduated from SUNY Institute of Technology, Utica, with a bachelor of science degree in civil engineering technology and participated in the Bernier, Carr & Associates Summer Internship Program for three years.

Realtor honored

Licensed real estate associate broker Les Henry was presented Thousand Islands Realty’s Realtor of the Year Award. Melanie Curley, licensed broker and owner of Thousand Islands Realty, said Mr. Henry exemplifies the agency’s core Henry values: honesty, integrity and hard work. Mr. Henry serves on the board of directors of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors.

MacCuaig named bank VP

William MacCuaig has been named vice president of Massena Savings and Loan, a federally-chartered thrift with two locations in St. Lawrence County. The bank manages $140 million in assets. Mr. MacCuaig joined Massena Savings

Please see People, page 25

March March 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business

|| 9 9

NNY Economic indicators Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers Jan. ‘11 $1.38 Dec. ‘10 $1.37 Jan. ‘10 $1.32

4.6%

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

ECON SNAPSHOT

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas Jan. ‘11 $3.29 Dec. ‘10 $3.21 Jan. ‘10 $2.88

14.2%

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil Jan. ‘11 $3.53 Dec. ‘10 $3.34 Jan. ‘10 $3.03

16.5%

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane Jan. ‘11 $3.57 Dec. ‘10 $3.37 Jan. ‘10 $3.16

13.0%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 52, median price $121,450 in January 2011 95, median price $127,000 in December 2010 57, median price $109,000 in January 2010

8.8% Sales

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

11.4% Price

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales 21, median price $82,000 in January 2011 95, median price $94,300 in December 2010 34, median price $70,000 in January 2010

38.2% Sales

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

17.1% Price

Open welfare cases in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties 1,884 in January 2011 1,825 in December 2010 1,785 in January 2010

5.6%

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

U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar) $1.00 on Jan. 31, 2011 $1.00 on Dec. 30, 2010 $1.07 on Jan. 29, 2010

6.5%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Limited data release

n Due to annual updates to year-end unemployment data, the state Department of Labor was unable to provide unemployment statistics for January before press time this month. Unemployment figures for January will be reported in April’s issue along with February data. Some other data were also unavailable at press time.

10 10||NNY NNYBusiness Business| |March March2011 2011

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Correction

n The bar graphs in February’s Decade in Jobs report on page 10 were inadvertently flipped. The top line should have been labeled 2010, and the bottom line 2000. Employment figures by supersector on page 11 were correct. If you spot an error of fact in any issue, contact editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net.

NNY

Real estate sales

Watertown city sales

The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County clerk’s office. All sales are city of Watertown.

Jan. 25

Feb. 14

n 0.123 acre, 419 S. Massey St., Nicholas A. Zmijewski and Christine A. Zmijewski, Watertown, sold to Kaleigh N. Boulio and Timothy M. Alberry, both of Watertown $102,000

Feb. 11

n Two parcels, 1) 0.189 acre, 239-245 High St. and 539 Olive St.; 2) 535-537 Olive St., Patrick G. O’Connor, Dexter, sold to Ricky E. Frazier, Watertown $100,000

n Arsenal and Casey streets, Rosetta A. DeCilles, Dexter, sold to Timothy G. Eiss, Brownville $52,000 n 1202 Huntington St., Norma J. Brown, Watertown, sold to Joee R. Frattali, Watertown $70,000 n 157-59 Bowers Ave., Jerry L. Bond, Rochester, and Mary A. Bond, Rochester, sold to Anthony J. Gianfagna, Watertown $122,000 n 0.216 acre, 342 VanDuzee St., Tony M. Vanduynhoven, Tybee Island, Ga., sold to Patrick R. Kelley, Watertown $78,000 n 168 Bellew Ave., Valerie A. Towles, Watertown, sold to Helena M. Parish, Henderson Harbor $89,000 n Two parcels, Mechanic Street, Joseph Belcher, executor, will of Murray C. Belcher, Watertown, and Muriel F. Belcher, Watertown, sold to Watertown Door & Windows Inc., dba Watertown Builders Supply, Watertown $37,000

Jan. 31

n 646 Mill St., Katherine M. Plante and Joseph F. Plante, aka Joseph Frances Plante, Watertown, sold to Douglas Jay Smith Sr. and Sharalyn Ella Smith, Watertown $42,000 n 942 State St., Jesse Jay Walker, Watsonville, Calif., sold to Susan Wong, Burke, Va. $95,000

Jan. 27

n 123 Girard Ave., Jessica R. Chrissley Hayden, Watertown, sold to Megan Me Woodward, Watertown $113,000

St. Lawrence County sales

The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County clerk’s office. All sales are St. Lawrence County.

Feb. 3

n McClelland Street, Anne H. Calender, by Chris J. Calender, attorney in fact, Watertown, sold to Paul R. Luttman, Watertown $48,000

Jan. 21

n 0.179 acre, Chestnut Street, Richard C. DeFranco, Watertown, sold to Michael W. Tanner and Sarah R. Legates, both of Grovetown, Ga. $152,000

Jan. 20

n 0.424 acre, 1208 Harris Drive, Brian J. Fraser and Mary D. Fraser, Watertown, sold to John M. Bidwell Jr. and Marjana E. Bidwell, Chester, Va. $235,000

Jan. 18

n Two parcels, Wyoming Avenue, Eric W. Howe, Ogdensburg, sold to Ann W. McCarty, Watertown $90,000

Jan. 14

n 0.143 acre, 333 Michigan Ave., Karen Staplin, Sauquoit, sold to Thousand Islands Area Habitat for Humanity, Watertown $197,000

$1,622,000 City real estate sales recorded over 30-day period, Jan. 14-Feb. 14, 2011

n Village of Massena: Unknown acres, known as Lot 11 in Block M, bounded by Highland Avenue, Peter E. and Lynn Wert, Massena, sold to Dana R. Paduano, Massena $140,000

n Town of Canton: Unknown acres, in Mile Square 5, bounded by County Route 32, Joseph W. and Deborah Neubert, Canton, sold to Daniel J. and Michelle D. Roiger, Canton $326,000

n Town of Oswegatchie: Four parcels, unknown acres, bounded by Riverside Avenue and Rensselaer Street, Ira and Peggy F. Bush, Heuvelton, sold to Ryan Bush, Heuvelton $50,000

n Village of Potsdam: 0.735 of an acre more or less, bounded by Main Street, the Roman Catholic Church of St. Mary, Potsdam, sold to Christian Fellowship Center of New York Inc., Madrid $200,000

Jan. 31

n Town of Morristown: Four parcels, unknown acres, bounded by Route 37, Christopher J. Rapin, Hume, Va., sold to Robert and Anne McKenty, Skaneateles $68,000 n Town of Pierrepont: 1.37 acres more or less, in Great Lot 9, bounded by Back Hannawa Road, Peter and Ann Ciadella, Scottsdale, Ariz., sold to Christopher D. Champney, Colton $165,000 n Town of Potsdam: 7.12 acres more or less, in Mile Square 5, bounded by Potsdam-Madrid and Mackey roads, Roger D. Larose, Potsdam, and Christine M. Larose, Potsdam, sold to Benjamin D. Larose, Potsdam $46,000

Feb. 2

n Town of DeKalb: Unknown acres, being a part of Lots 502 and 503, bounded by Route 11, Paul A. Manchester, Colton, Lloyd C. Manchester, New Carlisle, Ohio and Darleen M. Campbell, Myrtle Beach, S.C., sold to Ronald W. and Ruth E. Mead, DeKalb Junction $60,000 n City of Ogdensburg: Unknown acres, in Farm Lot 6 of Section 1, bounded by Meadow Drive, Erin L. Cougler, Massena, sold to Ralph Deloney, Ogdensburg $100,000 n Town of Stockholm: 9.90 acres more or less, being a part of Lot 50, bounded by May Road, Helen M. Phillips, Chelsea, Mich., sold to James Deon, Potsdam $109,000

Feb. 1

n Village of Gouverneur: 0.099 of an acre more or less, bounded by Grove Street, Tanya Travis, Gouverneur, sold to Gouverneur Savings and Loan Association, Gouverneur $30,994

n Town of Brasher: 19.89 acres more or less, bounded by Smith and Reagan roads, Ted Chang (trustee), FOSL Land Trust, Elmhurst, sold to Carole Kaly White, Akwesasne $33,900 n Town of Lisbon: Three parcels, 1) 0.39 of an acre more or less, 2) 0.15 of an acre more or less, and 3) unknown acres, all bounded by Route 37, Michael J. Legacy, Lisbon, sold to Randy Rolfe and Melissa Youngs, Ogdensburg $122,500 n Town of Fine: Unknown acres, in Lot 31 of Great Tract 3, bounded by Youngs Road, Paul L. and Christine S. Versteeg, Holley, sold to William and Denise Dzikowski, Dansville $173,000

Jan. 28

n Village of Canton: 0.227 of an acre more or less, bounded by Goodrich and Judson streets, Alan J. and Rachelle E. Romoda, Potsdam, sold to Howard L. and Yasemin Eissenstat, Canton $167,000 n Village of Potsdam: Unknown acres, bounded by Haggerty Road and Circle Drive, Narayanan Neithalath and Delna Menon, Potsdam, sold to Ajit Achuthan and Sulapha Peethamparan, Potsdam $160,000 n City of Ogdensburg: Unknown acres, bounded by Gates Street, Randy Rolfe, Ogdensburg, sold to Susan L. Farr, Ogdensburg $52,500

$2,003,894 County real estate sales recorded over five-day period, Jan. 28-Feb. 3, 2011

TRANSACTIONS

Feb. 4

Jan. 24

March March2011 2011| |NNY NNYBusiness Business||11 11

G U E S T E S S AY

A memo regarding job creation

s I travel around the region, it is clear that constituents are most concerned with job creation. Over the years, we have come to learn that job creation occurs through sustainable economic development. Frequently, when we consider economic development, the first thought that comes to mind is recruitment of new companies. Equally important is that we not forget those companies that have existed in local communities for many years, employing our friends and neighbors. Elected officials at the local, county and state levels provide the first line of service to existing businesses. It is critical that elected officials at the federal level also understand the necessity of developing policies that help businesses thrive in our local communities. I constantly think of that as I see policies evolve in Washington and at all levels of government. We must also remember that many of our sustaining services are provided on a business-tobusiness basis. A healthy climate created in local communities includes education, professional services, banking services and various other government services. These all facilitate the maintenance and growth of local business. The second prong of economic development is attracting business to local communities. I have had the good fortune during the past 25 years to participate in that process. First as a member of a group of entrepreneurs who traveled to Canada, principally the province of Québec, to educate Canadian companies on the advantages of doing business in upstate New York, on our own initiative and at our own expense. The chamber of commerce, the local IDA and New York State would later become involved. Most of my colleagues who started this recruitment in the mid-1980s still participate. Economic development is a local issue, and must be driven by the local community. In 1985, this group performed an intuitive assessment of assets. Easy access to Interstate 87, access to the northeastern

U.S. market of between 35 million and 50 million people within an eighthour drive, an excellent workforce, superior educational institutions, and proximity to the province Bill Owens of Quebec were among the factors we considered. As communities begin the process and create an economic development plan focused on attracting new companies, they should also assess their resources.

cils (REDCs). This is an excellent idea, provided the councils focus on helping local communities inventory their assets and develop retention and marketing plans. On the eastern side of the district, approximately 200 Quebec-connected companies have invested in and provided jobs in the north country, with an economic impact of $1.6 billion (2008). These statistics are important but only illustrate the type of activity communities can engage in. I am committed to make myself available to every economic development group in New York’s 23rd Congressional District to help solicit new companies, and assist existing firms. I have committed to the economic development community to make myself available personally, when my schedule permits or by phone, in an effort to bring companies to upstate New York to do business. For companies that presently operate in New York, I have embarked on a program to help them challenge regulations that defy common sense. The launch of this program, through my website, will take place in the coming weeks. I have had several opportunities to assist in regulatory disputes, recently one involving OSHA, and the other involving the EPA, which were satisfactorily resolved. Job creation is a top priority for local residents. I pledge to continue to work toward that goal. I urge individuals and economic development groups to reach out to me with suggestions and ideas. We can work together to implement reasonable ideas to retain companies that employ local residents and bring in new companies to create new jobs for our region.

Over the years, we have come to learn that job creation occurs through sustainable economic development. Economic development is a local issue, and must be driven by the local community.

12 |

NNY Business | March 2011

This analysis might also include “Buy America” provisions of various state and federal statutes, Fort Drum, recreational facilities such as Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, access to more affordable power as found in St. Lawrence County, access to raw materials in the Adirondacks and clean drinking water. Consider virtually any other natural resource that exists in your community as well. The second step is to identify your targets. One might look to energy companies to build a nuclear power plant, focusing on Canadian companies in a particular industry, such as has happened in Ogdensburg, where there is a concentration of defense-related activity. A common theme we have heard over the years is that many Canadian companies believe that, for marketing purposes, saying they sell an American product from an Americanbased company is very important to a successful sales program. The evolution of economic development has taken a new turn with the proposal by Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to establish Regional Economic Development Coun-

n REP. WILLIAM L. OWENS, D-Plattsburgh, represents New York’s 23rd Congressional District. He is a member of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Small Business Committee. Before election to Congress in 2009, he was managing partner at the Stafford and Owens law firm, specializing in business and tax law. Contact his Watertown office at 120 Washington St., Suite 200, (315) 782-3150. E-mail him through his website, https://owens. house.gov.

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Concrete Corp. honored

Jefferson Concrete Corp., 22850 Murrock Circle, Watertown, won first place in the National Precast Concrete Association’s annual Creative Use of Precast Awards. The winning project, a 630-foot dock for a section of Lake Ontario, was completed for the Port of Oswego Authority in conjunction with Finland-based Marinetek. The dock needed to be a stable platform for boaters and serve as a breakwater for the inner harbor. Marinetek’s system was chosen, but the company did not have a plant close enough to the harbor to efficiently serve the project. Marinetek chose Jefferson Concrete because it had the expertise to cast the project to its exacting specifications.

Servpro investing, hiring

MMH Auxiliary Donates

Massena Memorial Hospital Auxiliary president Helen Murray recently presented a $5,000 check to hospital CEO Charles F. Fahd II to help buy much-needed medical equipment. The donation will help pay for a bipap machine for respiratory therapy. The non-invasive ventilator is used in acute emergencies. It will also be used for inpatient respiratory patients, readying them for home care ventilation. The auxiliary is donating proceeds of its Christmas fundraiser coordinated by Julie Paquin.

Servpro of Jefferson County recently announced plans to hire more staff and make additional investments in its north country operation. Due to its 24-hour emergency service, Servpro’s service of disaster restoration resulting from water, fire and mold is in high demand. Most recently, Servpro helped restore the HSBC Bank building on Washington Street in Watertown after it suffered water damage that flooded four floors. Servpro owner Mark Zegarelli has hired additional employees. He also invested more than $10,000 in new equipment to combat water damage. Rafael Yanouri, marketing manager, plans to introduce disaster recovery resources to help municipalities, businesses or hospitals get back to business as soon as possible after a disaster.

F.X. Caprara Kia buys land to add parking

F.X. Caprara will expand the parking

Please see Briefcase, page 29

Gourmet Guys & A Gal raise money

Local Chefs, from left, Wally Siebel, Jenny Walker, George Arnold and Steve Maiocco, donated their cooking skills for the annual Gourmet Guys & A Gal fundraiser for Community Performance Series on Jan. 29. This year’s fundraiser was the most successful to date, raising more than $8,000 to support CPS concerts and events.

Business of the Month

Watertown’s Downtown Business Association and the Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College named Abbey Carpet & Floor, 150 Court St., its Business of the Month for January, based on participation, downtown spirit S. Bradley and business achievement. Stephen J. and Joyce M. Bradley own and operate the business, which is the longest-running Abbey Carpet & Floor franchise in the state. March 2011 | NNY Business

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COVER STORY

WOMEN in

business n For three north country executives, hard work spells success in today’s business world — man or woman

By Ken Eysaman | NNY Business editor

WHEN BRIDGET-ANN HART was a student at Albany College of Pharmacy, a professor once made the comment that in her business, there is no such thing as close enough – it has to be 100-percent perfect. More than 30 years later, that

sage advice has stayed with her as she’s worked tirelessly in every job she’s held while climbing the ranks of Gouverneur-based Kinney Drugs. Today, she is the only woman on the 90-store retail chain’s executive management team. “That really stuck with me and is a good message to carry over into every profession and workplace,” Ms. Hart said during an interview in her office

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NNY Business | March 2011

at the distribution center, where many of the chain’s executives are housed. “If you are going to do something, give it your very best effort, because if you settle for less in your own performance, at some point you will end up settling for less in your career.” Now president and chief operating officer of a chain that in 2007 posted sales of $667 million, Ms. Hart says the fact that she is a high-ranking woman executive means nothing more to her than if she were a top male executive making it in business. To her, and to others like her determined to lead and be judged on their impact, not their gender, the recipe to succeed is the same and the barriers none the greater in today’s climate for women in business.

“Barriers to success are usually self-imposed,” she said. “It’s important to focus on your own personal strengths and what makes you unique, and then apply those characteristics to your job.” So it’s when people look at her resume that outlines a career on a successful path blazed by hard work, determination and a disciplined work ethic and ask how she has done it as a woman that she can’t help but express a modicum of frustration. “I’m looking forward to the day when a reporter calls me for a story about my success as a leader, not as a woman,” Ms. Hart said. “In today’s environment, regardless of who you are, business is tough.” Ms. Hart concedes there are more

Doreen A.A. Garrett, founder and CEO ofof Doreen Garrett, founder and CEO Otis Technology in her state-of-the-art Otis Technology in her state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Lyons facility Falls. Lyons Falls manufacturing {Norm Johnston photo}.

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

opportunities for women in business today than when she began her career as one of five female staff pharmacists with Kinney Drugs some 31 years ago. Now, more than half the pharmacists in the company that runs stores across Northern New York and Vermont are women. Part of that, she said, is that the pharmacy profession has become more female-dominated as more women graduate from pharmacy school. Another part, she said, is that women are more inclined to take risks and attempt things that in the past were viewed as out of reach because they were women. The latter could be attributed to a leveling of the playing field as there are few things, save for being elected to the American presi-

dency, that women haven’t achieved. “A lot has changed in the last 30 to 50 years,” she said. “Before women were regarded and respected for their work contribution they faced many different challenges. Any evolution is highly dependent upon time.” For Ms. Hart, success is as much the outcome of what goes into the steps required to achieve it. Hard work, professionalism, dedication, not being too impatient with the job you have now before looking to the next step, is all sound advice for any young person beginning a career in business today. “While it’s useful perhaps to have an eye toward that long-range goal so you can make sure you are developing the necessary skill sets,

it’s even more important to make sure you are focused on the job you have currently,” she said. “If you are overly focused on what the future might bring, you miss too many opportunities that are present in your current position.” On the merits of her work, as a leader and a highly successful executive, Ms. Hart, who at 53 doesn’t spend much time on the topic of retirement, said she hopes when that time comes, she is remembered most for a lasting impact that helped preserve Kinney Drugs for the future. “Each generation of Kinney management has carried forward the core values the company was founded on. At the same time, they have facilitated the growth and evolution of March 2011 | NNY Business

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NNY Business | March 2011

COVER STORY our company in an ever-changing business environment,” she said. “It is my goal to carry that legacy forward and know that Kinney’s will be around for the next 100-plus years.”

n n

or Doreen A. Garrett, the story is more about age than it is gender. At just 41 years old, she has spent 26 years turning a company she founded at her parents’ kitchen table when she was 15 into a firm with global reach. Otis Technology Inc. manufactures portable breech-to-muzzle cleaning systems for rifles, pistols and shotguns for all branches of the U.S. military, recreational hunters, professional and competitive shooters and law enforcement officers. The name Otis is a family one, — her brother, father and grandfather each share it as a middle name — but to the company it stands for Outstanding Technology Innovation and Service. “Early on it was not necessarily gender, but age,” Mrs. Garrett said. “My father was the face of the company in those early years. It doesn’t matter if you are male or female; when you’re 17 telling a general how to clean his gun doesn’t go over well.” That kind of bravado has driven Mrs. Garrett and her family’s company to impressive levels of success on a pace often not heard of in today’s domestic manufacturing sector. Less than a decade ago, in 2002, the Lyons Falls-based Otis was approaching revenues of $3 million with a workforce of 31 people. In 2009, the company ranked No. 1,369 on Inc. Magazine’s “Inc. 5,000” list, posting a three-year growth rate in revenue of 234 percent from $15.1 million in 2005 to $50.5 million in 2008. From 2002 to 2008, Otis hired 105 employees. And in 2005, the company opened a $4 million, state-of-the-art 70,000-squarefoot manufacturing facility on its Lyon’s Falls campus, which also boasts a day care center that is state licensed to serve 77 children from ages six weeks to 12 years. Despite the recent fortune, the company has managed some hard

Car-Freshner Corp. President Jody R.A. LaLone works in her office at the company’s Watertown headquarters on Little Tree Drive.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

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COVER STORY times, through which Mrs. Garrett has persevered, finding motivation in what she can do for others in terms of jobs and quality of life. As recent as 1995, Otis had just eight employees. Including the day care center, the number now totals 170 and growing with a recent addition of an engineering facility on County Route 59 in Schroeppel, just north of the village of Phoenix in Oswego County.

“

Women shouldn’t create their own obstacles. If you think there is a glass ceiling, there will be one. — Doreen A. Garrett, founder and CEO, Otis Technology KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

Gail F. Young, left, talks with Otis Technology founder and CEO Doreen A. Garrett on the assembly line. Mrs. Young has worked for Otis Technology for 21 of the company’s 26 years.

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NNY Business | March 2011

“I’ve suffered some hard knocks. Lots of people have taken risks,” she said on a recent Tuesday while joining employees in the break room for a spaghetti lunch. “It makes me the business person I am, going through all those experiences just makes me better.” Even in the highly charged maledominated firearms industry, which has few women in its top ranks, Mrs. Garrett dismisses the notion that women in today’s business world are still working to break through the glass ceiling. Because she founded the company with the help of her family, she’s never personally experienced such a phenomenon. “Women shouldn’t create their own

COVER STORY

Kinney Drugs president and chief operating officer Bridgetann Hart stands in an aisle of the company’s mock store at the Gouverneur headquarters on Route 11. Ms. Hart has worked her way up the ranks with Kinney Drugs since she joined the company as a pharmacist in 1980.

MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO | NNY BUSINESS

barriers,” she said. “If you think there is a glass ceiling, there will be one. Women have more of an edge now.” Still, like Ms. Hart, Mrs. Garrett says she would rather be judged on the merits of her work and her contributions to her community and to the lives of her employees than on the fact that as a woman, she is a minority among successful business people. “I don’t necessarily want to belong to an all-women club, but it’s nice to see more CEOs as females,” she said. “Most small business owners are women creating jobs.” When she speaks to high school and college students about succeeding in business, she encourages them to take risks. “I like to go into high schools and colleges and let the next generation know that if I can do it here, they can do it if they try — whatever their goal,” she said. “Can’t is not in my vocabulary.” Her philosophy for how she runs the business is eloquently simple: “Produce the best high-end quality product we possibly can and take care of our employees.” “When someone’s life depends on their firearm working properly they want it made in the U.S.A. They want what March 2011 | NNY Business

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COVER STORY we have to sell,” Mrs. Garrett said.

ody R.A. LaLone is president of Watertown-based Car-Freshner Corp., an international company famously known across the globe for its pine tree-shaped scented air fresheners. Despite the pressures that come with leading a multinational manufacturing firm, Mrs. LaLone maintains a simple set

“

If you are going to do something, give it your very best effort; because if you settle for less in your own performance, at some point you will end up settling for less in your career. — Bridget-ann Hart, president & COO, Kinney Drugs

of rules to win in business. “It takes the same thing as a man to succeed as a woman in business,” she said. “Hard work, determination, com-

mon sense; do what is right and always do what you say you are going to do.” At just 45, Mrs. LaLone has worked for Car-Freshner Corp. most of her career and has not experienced any barriers on her way to the top. “I’m not sure I believe in the idea of a glass ceiling,” she said. “I’ve always felt that if you are good at what you are doing, whether you are a man or a woman, you will get the job you want.” With 520 employees and domestic manufacturing facilities in New Hampshire, Iowa and Watertown, Mrs. LaLone does a fair amount of traveling. Her schedule makes it challenging for the wife and mother of two to maintain a good work-life balance. “I believe I could have easily become a workaholic but I put barriers up early on so I could balance being a wife and mother with my work responsibilities,” she said. “Remember that you can say no. That is the hardest to do sometimes.” For young people who might aspire to a similar job as hers, Mrs. LaLone offers the best piece of advice she has ever followed about succeeding in business. “My very first job out of college was working for a large moving company in Virginia. My supervisor was leaving the company for another job and he took me aside and told me that I was a great worker but that I should be careful about my attitude,” she said. “He said that my attitude could be viewed as over-confident and I should be careful about giving off the wrong message. I never forgot that.” n KEN EYSAMAN is editor of NNY Business. Contact him at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.

On the Web n CAR-FRESHNER CORP. www.little-trees.com n KINNEY DRUGS www.kinneydrugs.com n OTIS TECHNOLOGY www.otisgun.com

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F E AT U R E S

Engineer reaches new heights n Woman hits stride in male-dominated construction industry By SARAH HAASE

M NNY Business

ary Warren chose to play with gadgets rather than Barbie dolls. She enjoyed taking things apart and the challenge of putting the pieces back together. As she grew up, she realized she was a mechanical type of person who enjoyed the challenge that math provided. So much so that she decided to become an engineer. Today, Ms. Warren runs her own company, Black Horse Construction Group, based in Watertown. She said getting where she is today wasn’t easy, but with determination and thick skin she was able climb to the top. She faced numerous challenges and continues to battle the false ideology that a woman’s place is not in construction. “I feel like I’m chipping away at the mystique that women shouldn’t be in construction. It tickles me to death to think that I’m breaking through those challenges and beginning to pave the way for women in construction,” she said. Black Horse Construction was formed in 2006 with help from the Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. It has grown exponentially in its five years, Ms. Warren said. The center helps aspiring entrepreneurs and small-business owners get started. It provides counseling for small business owners, organizes training and workshops on a variety of topics and collects data to help businesses make decisions. E. Ann Durant, assistant director for the center, was one of the people who helped Black Horse Construction find its footing. She said there was a lot of determination and motivation on Ms. Warren’s part. “Women-owned companies usually have a disadvantage in the construction world,” Ms. Durant said. “There aren’t a lot of them out there and Mary really struggled at first. She was turned down for work many times but she eventually found a cutting-edge investor.” And the rest is history. “Basically, when I started out, I saw a market opportunity. Small businesses are the heart of the economy so with a lot of

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Mary Warren is president and owner of Black Horse Group General Contractors in Watertown.

Black Horse Construction Mary Warren, P.E., owner & president 800 Starbuck Ave., Watertown; (315) 755-1213 www.blackhorsegroup.us

help from JCC, I broke out in the construction field.” Black Horse Construction is one of four companies locked in to a five-year contract with Fort Drum. The Multiple Award Task Order Contract is a $400 million dollar contract where the four companies compete against task orders that are written against the contract. “I’m extremely lucky and blessed to be on that contract. It provides a steady source of opportunities to bid. More importantly, to get on that contract, you need to be experienced and have the skill-set to get the work done. We’re going into our third year of the contract and we’ve won the first two contracts.” In 2008, the company lifted a milliongallon water tank 24 feet in the air using a powerful hydraulic system instead of a traditional crane. Moving the tank increased the amount of water pressure available for the expanding population on post. It has also worked on building a 25,000 square-foot child development center for Fort Drum, which included building office space, classrooms, a full service kitchen and playground area. The building uses

high-efficiency natural gas-fired boilers and in-floor radiant heating. Recently, the company was awarded a contract for building a two-company fire station on Fort Drum. Some features the station will have include five bays, dormitory rooms and a physical training area. Ms. Warren said it was hard for her to get people to take her seriously at first. Investors, bonding companies, even construction workers doubted her capability. “Being a blonde female, they looked at me funny. They think I’m just a front for someone else, for a man. They were kind to me and they listened to me but they really didn’t think I could bring it to the table,” she said. “Even getting men to work for me is challenging. There are some old school boys out there who just wouldn’t want to work for a woman. But because of the way the economy is these days, that’s getting a little bit easier.” Depending on the season and the amount of work, Black Horse Construction provides up to 40 jobs. Ms. Warren said she has quite a few women working for her. Her assistant contract manager and her quality control manager are both women. “I just want good people working for me. I’d like to find as many qualified people as possible. Women are real hard workers. I’m constantly looking for tradeskilled people, electricians, masons.” n SARAH HAASE is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at shaase@wdt.net or 661-2371. March 2011 | NNY Business

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F E AT U R E S

Therapy firm strives for balance n Owner: Women in business limited most by ‘self-imposed hurdles’ By ANDREA PEDRICK

M NNY Business

any women struggle to achieve a healthy worklife balance. For some, it’s a matter of giving one side of their life — professional or personal — more attention than the other. But when one side receives too much emphasis, the other side begins to suffer. Cheryl L. Howard, Watertown, is in the business of helping others restore balance to their lives after a devastating injury. President and CEO of Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions on Sherman Street, Mrs. Howard holds certifications in spinal treatment. She’s also a wife and mother of four children who knows what it’s like to struggle with the juggle of many demands. In the past, physical therapy was a male-dominated career choice. Now women hold the majority. Coincidentally, the all-woman staff at Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions is a good example of what has changed in the industry and what can be accomplished when an organizational emphasis nurtures a work environment that values working women. “She has created a business that is intended to allow women to have a family and a career,” Physical Therapist Monika B. Docteur said. “She believes in flexibility that allows both the staff and business to benefit.” Others on her staff say Mrs. Howard is an inspiration. “She balances a successful business and family with grace,” Physical Therapist Erin M. Hannink said. Mrs. Howard sees no limits to what women in this industry or others can accomplish. The only barrier holding a woman back from success are her own self-imposed hurdles. She adds that any woman or man has the potential to achieve miraculous results in their lifetime, based on their innate gifts and talents. Mrs. Howard credits her success to perseverance, hard work and her faith in God. “Ultimately in all things I hope to ex-

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From left, physical therapists Johnna Wagoner Covey, Erin Hannick and Lisa Skala of Innovative Physical Therapy Solutions on Sherman Street, Watertown. Practice owner Cheryl L. Howard has worked to create a business that gives the women she employs flexibility to women to manage a family and a good career.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Innovative PT Solutions Cheryl L. Howard, owner 316 Sherman St., Watertown 786-0655 www.innovativeptsolutions.com

ude exemplary virtue and bold, extraordinary faith,” she said. “I consider my family, career and practice a gift from God, each and every day.” Mrs. Howard’s compassion for others trickles down to the care of her clients. When a person is injured, it is not just their body that is hurt. Their whole life is off-kilter. Injuries can negatively affect a person’s physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. Mrs. Howard and her licensed physical therapists provide rehabilitative care to those with chronic pain and

those who are recovering from strained muscles, damaged joints or other skeletal and soft issue injuries. They look at the person as a whole and help them with return balance to their well-being. “Treatment is based on a partnership between the patient and one of our experienced therapists, Mrs. Howard said. “We take advantage of the body’s ability to heal and move and do all the things the patient needs to. Our patients’ total health is both a daily goal and a lasting commitment.” The commitment to her family, business, staff and clients is driven by her own centered well-being. n ANDREA PEDRICK is a freelance writer and former television reporter who lives in Dexter. Contact her at abrped@twcny.rr.com.

F E AT U R E S

‘Passion’ drives family vineyard n Clayton winery nets top business award, plans new wines in ‘11 By SARAH HAASE

NNY Business

or one north country winery, passion is the key to success. Coyote Moon Vineyards is still the new kid on the block when it comes to local wineries, but looking at awards won and honors received, one might think they’ve been around for years. Starting the winery was a simple decision for owners Philip J. and Mary S. Randazzo. The vineyard and the winery were just going to help them keep busy in their golden years. It quickly grew into something they never expected. “My wife and I wanted to start the winery as a retirement business,” Mr. Randazzo said. “We approached it with a passion and the decision to make the best possible wine we could.” And they have. The winery’s marketing tagline boasts what their life and wine has become — “Excitement, romance and award-winning wine.” The Randazzos have won more than 30 medals and awards since they opened in 2009. The most recent was the Jefferson County Job Development Corp.’s New Business Venture Award, which recognizes a company two to four years old that has shown how their business plan has impacted the growth of business. “It shows the entrepreneurial spirit that is alive and well in Jefferson County,” said Mary Anne Hanley, marketing director for JCJDC. “The Randazzos saw an opportunity and really grabbed hold of it. They have a dream of doing something on their own and leaving a legacy for their children. They’ve really exploded onto the scene.” Ms. Hanley said Coyote Moon Winery and all other businesses nominated for the New Business Venture Award have each started a business during a very challenging economic recession. “Did I ever think we’d get to this point? Heavens no,” Mr. Randazzo said. “I thought if it got here in 10 years, then great. This has surpassed what we ever

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Coyote Moon Vineyards owners Philip J. Randazzo, his son, Tony Randazzo, and daughter, Kristina Ives, stand in the fermentation room at their winery on County Road 3 in Clayton.

Coyote Moon Vineyards Philip J. and Mary S. Randazzo family 17371 County Road 3 Clayton, NY 13624 (315) 686-5600 coyotemoonvineyards.com

thought would happen so quickly.” As the awards poured in, Mr. Randazzo said his family also began to trickle back to the north country. His daughter Kristina came back when the winery was in its early stages. His son moved back from Oregon. “We have 15 acres of vineyard to take care of, but the excitement of having the whole family back together is just wonderful,” he said. Mr. Randazzo said the challenge, now, is to keep up with the demand for wine. Because of the awards, Mr. Randazzo said Internet sales have increased exponentially. All 16 varieties have won at least one award. Naked Chardonnay, a dry, fruity wine that is fermented in stainless steel tanks instead of oak is one of the Randazzo’s prized whites. “We literally sell the best Chardonnay in the state of New York,” Mr. Randazzo said. The wine won best of class during the

2010 Food and Wine Classic. In August, the Randazzo’s launched a line of homemade pasta sauce made with Casa Papa wine, a semi-sweet red with a wild berry flavor. “My mother would roll over in her grave if we used anything else but real garlic, real herbs and real everything,” he said. New flavors aren’t stopping with the pasta sauce. In 2011, Mr. Randazzo said Coyote Moon plans to launch four new wines. “Our Marquett is aging in oak as we speak,” he said. The dry red wine, Mr. Randazzo noted, is the “grandson of Pinot Noir.” Another new wine that will debut this year is Brianna, a sweeter white wine inspired by a table grape. Even with the winery’s sudden and successful growth, Mr. Randazzo said the company will always maintain what he says has been a driving force for the business: “Quality over quantity.” The first year in business, the winery produced about 4,000 cases of wine, now it produces more than 5,000. Coyote Moon now ships to 37 states. n SARAH HAASE is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at shaase@wdt.net or 661-2371. March 2011 | NNY Business

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S T. L AW R E N C E C O U N T Y

Manager focused on mall’s growth n Push is on to show store owners value of St. Lawrence Centre

Shoppers check out spring fashions as they speed walk around St. Lawrence Centre Mall in Massena. David Viola is the mall’s new general manager and is working to bolster occupancy and increase the area’s retail base.

By BOB BECKSTEAD

NNY Business

he new general manager at the St. Lawrence Centre mall is recruiting stores to come to Massena, and the arrival of one major retailer could pave the way for others to follow suit. “We need to capture the attention of one good major tenant to show them the value of St. Lawrence Centre. We need to get them in here to see what we have to offer,” David Viola said. Mr. Viola, who was employed for just over seven years with Pyramid Companies, managing a mall in Hadley, Mass., took over as the St. Lawrence Centre general manager in mid-September. Born and raised in Philadelphia, Mr. Viola served aboard a submarine in the Navy and was a plant engineer for Spalding Sports Worldwide for 13 years before taking a job with Pyramid Management Group, Syracuse. Since his arrival, mall management changed hands Oct. 1 from General Growth Properties to Jones Lang LaSalle, a third-party management company. Then, on Jan. 1, the mall’s owners, Carlyle St. Lawrence LLC, decided to self-manage the center. That means the management and marketing of St. Lawrence Centre is now conducted on-site for Carlyle St. Lawrence. Leasing services are provided by Spinoso Real Estate Group. “With our assistance, they market to national tenants,” Mr. Viola said, while mall

MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO | NNY BUSINESS

marketing manager Ronald J. Patnode deals with specialty leasing. Their goal is to promote the mall more heavily to prospective tenants, something he said hadn’t been done well in the past. “I can’t attribute (vacancies) to the mall itself. I attribute it to the lack of marketing it experienced over the years,” Mr. Viola said. Viola He said the mall originally was “built on the premise of a large Canadian shopper influence,” but over the years mall management “became very comfortable with the way things were.” “We haven’t marketed the center strongly enough in the past. Unfortunately, I think it caught up to us,” he said. Mr. Viola said while mall employees

are “great people who take pride” in St. Lawrence Centre, they need to reverse a domino effect that started with one tenant leaving and others following suit. Most recently, the mall is seeing the departure of T.J. Maxx and Radio Shack, which are relocating to Harte Haven Shopping Plaza. “I personally think those tenants are making a big mistake. I think it’s a timing issue. They’re not going to stick around and see the changes I’m planning,” Mr. Viola said. Mr. Viola said he has a vision for the mall that includes adding new retailers, making it a regional center for the community and marketing it as an entertainment venue. The arena will host a Battle of the Bands in March. “One of my biggest objectives is to turn it back into an entertainment venue and continue to promote the arena. It’s a big opportunity. I want to explore different areas other than skating,” he said. He also wants to find tenants who would be right for the area. “It’s striving for a national tenant, but it’s striving for the right national tenant,” Mr. Viola said. For instance, with the recent focus by the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce on marketing the north country as the “fishing capital of the world,” Mr. Viola said, he could use that to the mall’s advantage when talking with potential tenants. n BOB BECKSTEAD is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers in St. Lawrence County. Contact him at bbeckstead@ogd.com.

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NNY Business | March 2011

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE People, from page 9 and Loan in 2004. He was a loan officer from 2004 to 2006, the Waddington branch manager from 2006 to 2009 and an assistant vice president in 2010. Mr. MacCuaig holds an economics degree from St. Lawrence University, Canton. He lives in Louisville with his MacCuaig wife, Shannon, son, William, and daughter, Katie. He is a Massena Central High School graduate, a member of the Massena Country Club and a Minor Hockey coach.

New at GYMO

GYMO Architecture, Engineering and Land Surveying has filled several jobs. Gregory L. Holmes, Gouverneur, has joined the staff as a survey crew chief. Mr. Holmes attended St. John Fisher College, Rochester, and has more than 24 years of experience Holmes in all phases of land surveying. Kari Nortz has joined the GYMO staff as an administrative assistant. She has more than six years of administrative assistant experience.

surveying engineering experience. He has an extensive background with Microstation and AutoCAD CADD platforms. Michael E. Adams, an architectural project manager, graduated from SUNY Delhi in 2000 with an associate’s degree in architectural technology. Lynch He has more than 10 years of residential design and consulting experience. He lives in Philadelphia with his wife, Naomi, and their three children. Civil/site designer Tia Hastings, North Adams Syracuse, received a bachelor’s degree in environmental resources and forest management from SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Syracuse. She has more than four years of experience in retail, residential and industrial-use site development, as well as storm water management and sewer system design.

Potsdam insurance agent retires, sells firm

Insurance agency owner and agent William Hayman retired after 37 years at William Hayman Agency, which has been sold to Kevin Daniels. The Hayman Agency, a Nationwide Insurance affiliate, has offices at 20 Elm St., Potsdam, and 63 Main St., Canton. Staff members Tanya Delosh and Myra Grady in Potsdam, Canton manager Alan Daniels and claim adjuster Jim Stickney will remain. Mr. Daniels, a SUNY Canton graduate, has worked as a licensed agent with Mr. Hayman. He lives in Potsdam with his wife, Elizabeth, and twin children. Contact him at 265-2140. Mr. Hayman, a Potsdam Central School and St. Lawrence University, Canton, graduate, became a chartered property and casualty underwriter in 1984. In 2000, he opened a Canton office when he purchased the Eugene Seeley Agency. Mr. Hayman and his wife, Chrystal, will continue to live in Potsdam.

Aubertine and Currier announces new hires

Aubertine and Currier Architects, Engineers and Land Surveyors, Watertown, has added several new employees. Survey Technician Kevin Elliott attended Jefferson Community College and SUNY Potsdam and has more than 23 years of surveying and CAD technician experience. He and Elliott his wife, Stephanie, live in Sackets Harbor with their three children. Olin “Butch” Lynch, Watertown, is a civil/site CAD technician and survey technician. He received a civil engineering degree from Spartanburg (S.C.) Technical College and has more than 26 years of

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March 2011 | NNY Business

| 25

R E A L E S TAT E R O U N D U P

Learn rules on property managers

ur area has seen an increase in the number of property management firms in recent years. Much of this can be attributed to the growth in the number of troops and families at Fort Drum and the need for a variety of services. I am frequently asked, “What is a property manager? What do they do?” and, “What can they legally do?” Answers to these questions are in the type of services offered. Some property management firms offer property maintenance only. This can include snow plowing, lawn care or just being the contact for any problems with the property. None of these activities require a state real estate license. Where the line gets blurred is when a property manager negotiates leases or collects rent. This is an activity that either requires a real estate broker’s license or for the person or entity to be the property’s owner or working solely for the owner as a property manager. If the person works for more than one owner as a property manager, then they need to be licensed. According to the New York State Department of State (the agency that issues real estate licenses), and Article 12-A of the Real Property Law, “anyone who, on behalf of another and for a fee, negotiates a sale, exchange or rental of real property, collects rent or negotiates a commercial loan secured by a mortgage must be licensed as a real estate broker.” It should be noted that a real estate agent may also do this when they work under a broker’s

license and with the broker’s permission. Some larger real estate management firms will have a broker in the firm who oversees the operation and employees who do the actual physical rent collection.

Lance Evans

any Realtor, man or woman. The organization was formed in 1938, when National Association of Realtors President Joseph Catherine encouraged a national women’s council. WCR’s many dedicated members have served as role models and achieved many firsts in the industry and in their communities. Through the decades, membership growth has reflected the vast number of women who choose to work in real estate. The local chapter is led by 2011 President Betty Henderson. Rounding out the leadership is Lisa L’Huillier, presidentelect, David Barron, treasurer, Vicki Staie, secretary, and Carolyn Gaebel, immediate pastpresident. These officers plus Elizabeth Miller, Deborah Schaefer and Lin Fields serve on the governing board. One of WCR’s annual events, “A Day About Me,” is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 9, at Watertown’s Best Western Carriage House Inn, 300 Washington St. It will include a variety of events designed to pamper participants. The event is open to the public and admission is a donation to benefit the Victim’s Assistance Center of Jefferson County, the chapter’s adopted charity. The chapter also sponsors educational talks for members and several mixers throughout the year as well as other networking opportunities.

Where the line gets blurred is when a property manager negotiates leases or collects rent. That could require a property manager to hold a real estate broker’s license. These employees are working under the broker’s oversight and are permitted to act in this capacity. n

TRI-COUNTY WOMEN’S COUNCIL OF REALTORS — In late 2008, Realtors in Jef-

ferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties formed the Tri-County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors (WCR). The organization operates under the Realtors banner. Its mission is to be “a network of successful Realtors empowering women to exercise their potential as entrepreneurs and industry leaders.” There are six chapters in New York with approximately 730 members. Nationally, WCR is a community of more than 18,000 real estate professionals. Despite its name, membership is open to

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.

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:

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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 | NNY Business | March 2011 2626 | NNY Business | March 2011

Phone: 315.786.3494 Fax: 315.786.3495 email: don@watertownldc.com

10412 US RTE# 11 Suite #3 Adams, New York 13605 315-232-7355 (SELL) www.buypeeblesproperty.com Adams Realtor® Karen Peebles has been appointed as NYSAR (New York State Association of Realtors®) Central Region Vice President. Karen took the oath of office on Monday, January 31 during the association’s inauguration ceremony in Albany.

Karen has been serving her community as a Realtor for 12 years and is the broker/owner of Peebles Realty, Inc. in Adams. Karen serves on a number of committees for the NYSAR’s including Education Management, Executive, Legal Action, MLS Issues and Policies, Organizational Planning, Professional Standards, and Resort & Second-home Forum. Karen is also on the 2011 Board of Directors. Since she became a member in 1999, she has served as secretary, vice president and president elect for the Jefferson Lewis Board of Realtors. She was also elected president of the board for two consecutive terms. In addition to her local board leadership roles, she has served as chair for its annual Red Cross blood drive for four years and was honored as their REALTOR of the Year in 2005.

Karen has most recently become HOMES (Housing Our Military with Excellent Service) certified. This means that she is a valued resource for military personnel, veterans, and their families. Karen understands the unique needs, issues and challenges of military families and she can help you select the best housing and financing options available. At the state level, Peebles graduated from the 2009 class of the NYSAR Leadership Academy. She has served on the Board of Directors since 2007. Community action has been a big part of Karen’s life and this is reflected in her having been a Town Court Judge for 23 years.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 27

R E A L E S TAT E

Jefferson house prices, sales up n Realtors ’10 figures: St. Lawrence, Lewis both slightly down

2010 NNY home sales Jefferson

946

By NANCY MADSEN and SUSan MEndE

Homes sold

NNY Business

ouse prices across the north country rose in 2010, while Jefferson County had a bump in sales, according to the New York State Association of Realtors. Sales of single-family houses in St. Lawrence and Lewis counties fell slightly during the year. In Jefferson County, 946 single-family houses were sold last year, compared with 845 in 2009, a 12 percent increase, and 913 in 2008. “It was definitely better than the year before,” said Jennifer J. Dindl-Neff of Humes Realty and Appraisal Service, Black River, the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors president-elect. “And we’re optimistic that this next year will be even better.” Jefferson County continues to be the most expensive of the three counties in terms of price. In 2010, the median sale price was $139,000, up from $136,900 in 2009 and $133,000 in 2008. Houses priced below $160,000 seemed to move particularly well, Ms. Dindl-Neff said, in part owing to soldiers and their families moving to the area because of Fort Drum. “If they’re priced right, they’re being sold,” she said. In St. Lawrence County, 644 single-family houses sold in 2010, compared with 657 in 2009, a 2 percent drop, and 659 in 2008. In 2010, Lewis County had 145 singlefamily sales, compared with 158 in 2009, an

12.0%

$139,000 Median price

1.5%

St. Lawrence

644

Homes sold

2.0%

$81,000 Median price

9.5%

Lewis

145

Homes sold

8.2%

$115,000 Median price

15.0% Source: Jefferson-Lewis / St. Lawrence County boards of Realtors

8.2 percent decline, and 161 in 2008. “The numbers dropped, but not as much as the state in any years,” said Lance M. Evans, executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors.

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Norene A. Randall, president of the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors and broker/manager at Plumley Real Estate, Potsdam, said the slight drop in St. Lawrence County sales likely is related to the distressed economy, but overall the market is stable. “Things are down a little, but it’s not like we’re in a slump or anything,” she said. “I think it looks very promising.” The restart of operations at Alcoa’s Massena East plant, a pharmaceutical company planned for Massena and new physicians hired for area hospitals should help spur St. Lawrence County’s real estate market, she said. Lewis County’s $115,000 median sale price for 2010 showed the biggest jump — 15 percent — compared with $100,000 in 2009 and $95,000 in 2008. In St. Lawrence County, last year’s median sale price was $81,000. That followed $74,000 in 2009 and $79,000 in 2008. Real estate brokers say this is a good time to buy. “It won’t get any better in terms of prices on houses now than in six months,” said Patrick J. Henry, associate broker and office manager at Christensen RealtyUSA. com, Clayton. “There are low mortgage rates right now, and the housing inventory is decent.” Mr. Henry, president of the JeffersonLewis board, said interested buyers won’t have the competition now that they could in the summer. “There are less people looking, so you can take half a day to make an offer,” he said. Both New York state and the north country continue to fare much better than other parts of the country in terms of the volume of home foreclosures, Mr. Evans said. “The banks up here are very good at scrutinizing who they will lend to,” he said. “They make sure they don’t overextend to lenders.” The state was ranked 46th in foreclosures in December, one in every 3,042 homes. Lewis County had no foreclosure actions filed in December, while St. Lawrence County had three, or one in every 16,887 homes. Jefferson County had two, or one in every 28,893 homes. n NANCY MADSEN and SUSan MEndE are staff writers for Johnson Newspapers. Contact Nancy Madsen at nmadsen@wdt.net or 661-2358. Contact Susan Mende at smende @ogd.com or 661-2519.

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE BRIEFCASE, from page 13 area at its Kia dealership after buying property for the added space. W&C LLC, F.X. Caprara’s property holding company, purchased 32.54 acres off Route 11 on Feb. 1, according to Jefferson County clerk’s records. The purchase, from Gary W. Pickard, Syracuse, was for $30,000. Billie Jean Caprara, Internet manager, said parking is planned for the land.

Extension closest to you: Clinton County, Pete Hagar, 1 (518) 561-7450; Franklin County, Bernadette Logozar or Diane Dumont, 1 (518) 483-7403; Jefferson County, Ron Kuck, 788-8450; St. Lawrence County, Betsy Hodge, 379-9192.

Clarkson receives $1.4m from Intel over decade

Clarkson University, Potsdam, has received more than $1.4 million of direct and indirect funding from Intel Corp. over the past decade. Intel has donated silicon wafer polishing equipment and the funding to support research in the area of chemical-mechanical planarization to professors S.V. Babu, Egon Matijevic and Dipankar Roy, and in nanoparticle detachment to professor Cetin Cetinkaya. The money also supported many graduate and undergraduate researchers and led to the hiring of 12 Clarkson doctoral graduates in recent years. Intel is a global leader in silicon innovation and the world’s largest manufacturer of microprocessors. It was founded in 1968 with headquarters in Santa Clara, Calif.

TAUNY nets donations

Traditional Arts of Upstate New York, Canton, was one of several Northern New York organizations to recently receive funding from Ronald McDonald Charities of Northern New York. TAUNY is celebrating their 25th anniversary and will be putting the $5,000 donation toward their Evergreen Campaign for renovations to the TAUNY Center

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at 53 Main St. SeaComm Federal Credit Union, Massena, also committed $5,000 toward the Evergreen Campaign. A total of $1.25 million is needed for renovations that include the creation of an education gallery on the second floor of the center. The education gallery will be used for children to meet and learn from master traditional artists with workshops, demonstrations, concerts and school classes. Pictured from left are Varick Chittenden, TAUNY Center project director, Tom Uhring Walker, Kristen Whittier, TAUNY development director, Ronald McDonald, Mabel Walker and James O’Donnell, president of the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Northern New York Board of Trustees. Mr. and Mrs. Walker are Evergreen Campaign Honorary Co-Chairs.

Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange trip slated

Cornell Cooperative Extension has opened registration for their two-day learning trip to the state’s largest independently-owned livestock sales center, Finger Lakes Livestock Exchange, Canandaigua, to all Northern New York livestock producers. Vans will leave Friday, April 1, from Plattsburgh, Malone, Canton and Watertown, and return Saturday, April 2. The visit includes a tour of the exchange by sales manager Ron Parker and stops at the New York Wine and Culinary Center, Canandaigua. At the culinary center, visitors will see the test kitchen, restaurant, theater and other facilities used for developing and promoting products made in New York State. A potluck dinner with the Seneca Beef Producers in Ovid is planned for Friday evening. The cost for the trip is $99 per room, plus $20 per person for transportation. To register, contact the Cornell Cooperative March March 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business || 29 29

20 QUESTIONS

Inside the frame

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

isa A. Weber is chief executive officer of Timeless Frames, Timeless Decor and Timeless Expressions, Fisher Road, Watertown. Since acquiring Timeless Frames in 1999, she has grown annual revenue from $700,000 to a projected $28 million for 2011, increased an employee base of seven to more than 200 — close to 300 for busy seasonal work —and increased operating square footage from 52,000 to 230,000.

NNYB: You’ve worked in the retail and manufacturing business for a very long time. What was your most recent position before acquiring Timeless Frames? WEBER: I was the director of consumer products for a company called Syndicate Sales. We specialized in floral products. Everything a florist would use, except the flowers. The plastic forks used to hold the cards, the vases, the water tubes. People don’t think about those things when they enter a florist shop.

NNYB: How did you hear about Timeless Frames? WEBER: One of my customers told me about it. I was 34 years old at the time, and in the back of my mind, I had always wanted my own business. I had been in manufacturing all my life. But I had initially thought the company that I was working for was interested in buying Timeless Frames. NNYB: What was your first thought when you heard about the plant in Watertown?

30 |

NNY Business | March 2011

achievement

n Timeless Frames CEO Lisa A. Weber talks about her company’s future and direction

WEBER: I thought ‘Oh, Hell no!’ when I saw Watertown on the map. But I came to visit in October and it happened to be warm. The trees were beautiful. The one thing that really hit me was how nice people were. Everyone was so nice. That really left me with a good impression.

NNYB: You had already left your previous position with Syndicate Sales at that time. It sounds as if you were doing some soulsearching. WEBER: I had quit my job by the time I walked along this road. I wanted to see what was out there. The third day of my vacation in Florida, the previous owner called me and told me he was going to shut the doors. I said, “Give me a day, I’ll be there tomorrow.”

NNYB: But you didn’t jump at the opportunity to buy the company right away. What made you hesitate? WEBER: There were a lot of unknowns. At that time, the company wasn’t making money. There was a bit of uncertainty. The owners were really unrealistic about what they were asking for the purchase price. I wanted to think about it. In reality, I needed

a more realistic price.

NNYB: What finally made you decide to take a step toward acquiring the business, despite all of your reservations? WEBER: When you’re looking at buying a factory, you can do an OSHA audit, an equipment appraisal. But what was nagging in the back of my head was, “Can I make a profit?” So I told the owner, “Let me run the business for a month. Let me test it and see what it’s all about.” I offered to pay the employees and expenses for the month. If I lost money, I would cover those losses. If I made money, I would keep the profit.

NNYB: When you decided it could work, and you wanted to move forward with the acquisition, how did you finance it? WEBER: I had some of my own money to invest. I also had loans from then-Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp., the Watertown Local Development Corp. and a local bank.

NNYB: What was it like that first week? Did anything unexpected happen? WEBER: The day after I bought the company, the second biggest customer called

20 QUESTIONS and said they wouldn’t be doing business with us. At the time, there had been no new products being developed, no new styles, so there was not a big compelling reason for them to stay. But I wasn’t worried, because it turned out that customer had also been one of my former customers at my other business. I told her who I was on the other end of the phone, and I said to her, “You cannot do this to me.” She said, “Well get down here and show me what you can offer.”

NNYB: You were able to capture interest from your previous business contacts in what Timeless Frames could offer them? WEBER: I began reaching out step by step. I contacted former customers and asked them if there were any orders they could place with us. The first week we had an $80,000 order. We quickly found that we could be profitable.

NNYB: Who is one of your biggest retail customers?

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

Lisa A. Weber, CEO of Timeless Frames, talks about her company’s growth in her Watertown plant.

WEBER: The A.C. Moore Store chain. They are a retailer with stores along the East Coast from Maine to Florida. The closest ones in our area are located in Dewitt, Clay and Henrietta. The company is based in Berlin, N.J.

The Lisa A. Weber file

NNYB: What was your business philosophy when you took over Timeless Frames?

EDUCATION: Lake High School, Uniontown, Ohio. Bachelor of Science in interpersonal communications, Hiram College, Hiram, Ohio.

WEBER: There was nowhere to go but up. The product line, from when I bought it, is so different now. It’s like night and day. We’re in a wall frame category now. We also added metal frames. We mill from rough cut lumber, but we purchase moldings worldwide. We have 1,600 different SKU products. Last year, we started making table top frames. We’re always evaluating our product lines.

NNYB: Is it difficult to operate a womanowned business? Do you feel you’re treated any differently than men? WEBER: I think it depends on who you are. In terms of my career, I never thought about it. My parents told me I could be anything I wanted to be. I do remember one time at my former job when we were driving with a potential customer and looking at a possible acquisition. He kept calling me “honey” the entire time we were in the car. The vice president thought I’d be really upset about it. But I said, “If we can get this deal done, he can call me anything he wants.”

NNYB: You mentioned a recent article in the Wall Street Journal that reported only 3 percent of women-owned businesses have annual revenues of $1 million or more, compared with 6 percent of businesses owned

AGE: 46 HOMETOWN: Canton, Ohio

PROFESSIONAL: Two years retail management as corporate management trainee, The Higbee Company in Cleveland, Ohio. Twenty-three years manufacturing experience. Progressive experience and ultimately acting president, American Foliage Company, a Canton, Ohio-based wedding product manufacturer, director of consumer products and international operations, Syndicate Sales, Kokomo, Ind. FAMILY: Husband, Joe Weber, Chief Operating Officer at Timeless Frames LAST BOOK READ: “Let My People Go Surfing,” by Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia, a company that makes outdoor clothing and gear.

by men. That’s basically double the number. WEBER: I was really surprised when I read that figure. While more women are starting their own businesses, they are still behind men when it comes to actual revenue dollars. I hadn’t realized there was that much of a gap.

NNYB: What special challenges do women face in operating their own businesses? WEBER: There are some tradeoffs for wom-

en. Especially those with families. If you’re a mother of three, there are times when you have to decide between work and the children. I made a conscience decision not to have kids. I’m driven with a passion for business, and I would not want to be faced with the potential of “my business needs me and my kids need me” at the same time. But I’m a very good aunt. [My nieces and nephews] love to come over to my house.

NNYB: Your most recent online business venture, Timeless Expressions, has given you the opportunity to deal directly with the public. How has that worked for you? WEBER: In the beginning, we didn’t sell to the public because it was distracting from what we were trying to do. Now our website gives customers the opportunity to upload digital photos to create albums, mouse pads, calendars and many other items. Digital photography has allowed us to offer more gift options.

NNYB: Younger people often share photos on laptops or cell phones. What have you done to keep pace with the ever-changing climate of the Internet? WEBER: These days, you can’t not be connected. In the age of Facebook and Twitter, you need a sharing environment. On our website, we’ve set it up so people can share projects with friends and family. If you want to create a special photo book for mom and dad, everyone can contribute their photos. We’ve made it easy to put it together online. It’s really a dynamic site that allows you to do a lot and share a lot. March 2011 | NNY Business

| 31

20 QUESTIONS

NNYB: Why has it been so important to continue to expand and diversify your product lines? WEBER: We saw an opportunity to expand into custom framing and deliver to new channels. Our biggest reason for doing that is all the foreign competition. If you make customers a one-of-a-kind product, you can insulate yourself from foreign competition. Our website allows us to offer thousands of art prints to customers. We’ve done framed art for McDonald’s restaurants and Kinney Drugs stores. The Holiday Inn Express was one of our first customers.

NNYB: Your company recently made a generous donation to the Jefferson County Historical Society by offering to frame more than 25 historical documents as part of the museum’s presidential documents display. These included documents signed by George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. How did that work out? WEBER: It was such an honor to be involved with that project. There were letters dating back to the 1700s. On one document, the ink was literally tumbling off the paper. What an amazing gift for the community. This was a donation we were happy to make.

NNYB: You have served as president of the Samaritan Foundation for the past two years and you’ve been a member of the Samaritan Medical Center board of directors for three years, during the time of the major hospital expansion. How rewarding has that volunteer work been? WEBER: You can’t explain how it feels. That expansion was so important to this community. It was great to be a part of the board, to take part in raising the money and to see it come to life.

NNYB: You have a reputation for getting to know the employees who work for you, and that they are more than just names on paper. WEBER: Your people are the ones who make it happen. I give our employees a lot of credit. I would not have the patience to do it every day. It’s important to know your people. Someone may be experiencing something bad in their life, and you can show that you care. You can do something to help them. By walking around the production floor, you can find those things out. That’s where it all happens. Or you could go into an ivory tower and not really know what’s going on with your business. — Interview by Norah Machia. Edited for length.

32 |

NNY Business | March 2011

Health A special supplement to NNY Business

Karen Jobson, R.N.

Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray

Emergency department nurse Samaritan Medical Center

Emergency medicine physician Samaritan Medical Center

Kacey Sleeman, R.N.

Emergency department clinical leader Samaritan Medical Center

Working to live well How to maintain health and career

CANCER

NUTRITION

MANAGING

page 37

page 38

page 39

prevention

made easy

life changes

MENTAL

health tips page |40 43

March 2011 | NNY Business

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34 | NNY Business | March 2011

W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Top 10 to-dos to maintain health By JOLEENE DES ROSIERS

W NNY Business

hat does it take to keep our engines running clean? Registered Dietician Nicole Garnsey of Watertown and Dr. Sarika Shah-Sekhon of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg recommend following this list of 10 simple things to do regularly for increased energy and better physical and mental health.

10 9

BE PHYSICALLY ACTIVE — Doctors rec-

ommend 150 minutes of physical activity a week. Break it down into two 60-minute sessions and one 30-minute session, or try five 30-minute sessions throughout the week.

MANAGE STRESS — Find something you enjoy doing away from work. From watching a hockey game to a beginner yoga class, choose something that helps you unwind. “Chronic stress is toxic,” Dr. Shah-Sekhon said. “People need to find something enjoyable outside the stressful aspect of their lives.”

following formula: Your current weight divided by 2.2 then multiplied by 20, 25, or 30 equals the calories you should consume per day. Example: 160 lbs. divided by 2.2 = 73, multiplied by 20 = 1460. This individual would have to consume no more than 1460 calories per day to lose a healthy one to two pounds a week.

BUILD HEALTHY RELATIONSHIPS —

Healthy, strong, honest relationships are key to improving quality of life. When you’re in harmony with others, the feeling of happiness and love you share goes a long way. “Having healthy relationships free of drama is important,” Dr. Shah-Sekhon said “We tend to forget about this when building optimal health.”

LIMIT ALCOHOL — Drinks should be

consumed in moderation. Two drinks a night for men, one 5-ounce drink for women.

FORGE A GOOD DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP — Develop an honest,

EAT MORE FRUITS, VEGETABLES AND FIBER — Vitamins play a specific role in

MAINTAIN HEALTHY WEIGHT — Maintaining an ideal weight can prevent chronic disease. To determine how many calories you should consume each day to reach your ideal body weight, use the information below provided by Ms. Garnsey: To lose weight, use 20 calories per kilo in the formula below. To maintain your current weight, use 25 calories per kilo in the formula below. To maintain weight for a very physical individual, use 30 calories per kilo in the

GET A REGULAR CHECK-UP — Lots of things can be prevented by seeing a doctor regularly. Follow recommendations for regular check-ups, like mammograms and pap smears. If you don’t go on a regular basis, you’re not able to detect things early on to manage or prevent them.

INDULDGE YOURSELF — Give yourself a healthy reward from time to time. Do something once a week that you enjoy, like watching a movie or spending time outside in your garden. “We tend to limit ourselves and don’t treat ourselves as a result. We work hard and deserve the little things,” Dr. ShahSekhon said.

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our body so we need to feed ourselves with them regularly. Go for lots of color and variety, filling half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables like red peppers, mushrooms, cucumbers or broccoli.

STAY HYDRATED — Many of us forget to drink because we’re so busy. Dr. ShahSekhon and Ms. Garnsey urge women to drink eight to 10 8-ounce glasses of water a day to maintain regularity and stave off hunger. “People think they’re hungry when in fact they’re only thirsty,” Ms. Garnsey said. “Drinking water keeps our body moving better, too.”

open relationship with your doctor and don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t have this kind of relationship, consider finding a doctor with whom you can build a good rapport. “If you’re taking medication, you know your dose,” Dr. Shah-Sekhon said. “You should know what you are taking and why you’re taking it.”

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Questions

Dr. Maja Lundborg-Gray ON Women’s health, work & the great balancing act

r. Maja Lundborg-Gray has worked as president of North Country Emergency Medical Consultants P.C. at Samaritan Medical Center in Watertown since 1998. We sat down with her to talk about how she handles a harried day in the emergency room and what she does to unwind when it’s all over.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Convincing potential candidates that living north of Syracuse is desirable isn’t always easy. So when I talk to someone, I find out if they are a summer person or a winter person. Depending on their answer, the weekend they visit may include a boat ride or downhill skiing. They have to be happy with where they’re going to live. So the key is to make sure they’re a good match for the area.

NNYB: Who are North Country Emergency Medical Consultants P.C., and what is your role? LUNDBORG-GRAY: We are a group of medical doctors contracted by Samaritan Medical Center to provide emergency services to our community. I am one of four equal partners in that group. The biggest part of my role is recruiting providers to work in our emergency department. I also do six to eight emergency room shifts a month. We all do. If we’re not out there on the front lines we can’t possibly appreciate the needs of our patients and staff. NNYB: What is your biggest challenge? LUNDBORG-GRAY: Recruiting. I do this by using a recruiting team, visiting resident physicians and serving on community boards to learn whose children are practicing medicine.

36 |

NNY Business | March 2011

NNYB: Upgrades to Samaritan Medical Center cost millions of dollars. Some have said it all wasn’t necessary. What are your thoughts on this, and what do recruits think of the new facility? LUNDBORG-GRAY: I’m a firm believer of the strategic plan set forth by the board of trustees, the senior team and Thomas Carman, the hospital chief executive officer. The new hospital is state-of-the-art and because of that, it’s made recruiting easier. It amazes potential physicians to see how modernized both Watertown and the hospital are. We have a brand new electronic medical record system that tracks our patients and their progress while they’re in the ER. This is a key when recruiting. NNYB: What is the most difficult part of balancing life in the ER? LUNDBORG-GRAY: I would say matching

staff to meet the number of incoming patients. Weekly, monthly and quarterly, we look at patient arrival time so we can staff appropriately. During the summer, a lot of out-of-towners spend time here. So we have to match our staff to meet those kinds of increases.

NNYB: You must see women’s health issues when you’re on the floor of the emergency room. What advice would you give women to better care for their health, while balancing the stresses of career and family? LUNDBORG-GRAY: I do see a lot of women’s health issues, yes. Like the woman who missed her regular mammogram and ends up with a breast mass, or the woman who missed her Pap smear and now has cervical cancer. I would tell these women to carve out time for themselves. It can be exercise three times a week or down time with a book. I use a calendar. And on the first day of every new year, I make all of my regular doctor’s appointments. Then I back fill it with my work schedule and things going on with my family. Every Sunday night, I carve out three 30-minute slots for when I’m going to exercise that week. That’s my ‘me’ time. NNYB: Samaritan is a very busy hospital.

Please see 10 questions, page 42

W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Awareness key to prevent cancer n Early education, learning family history critical steps for women

Dr. Lucille L. Alston with a mammography machine used to detect cancerous tumors at the R.E. Winter Cancer Center in Ogdensburg. Regular mamograms are an important part of early detection of breast cancer.

By JOLEENE DES ROSIERS

A NNY Business

pproximately one in eight women in the United States will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of their lifetime. If that sounds surprising, consider a recent study released by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force that reports that breast selfexams are no longer necessary or effective at screening for breast cancer. “The study said that self-breast exams don’t improve survival,” Dr. Lucille L. Alston of Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center, Ogdensburg, said. “Statistics show the exam doesn’t decrease mortality. Most women don’t know how to do them effectively. And even when they do, the study still found the self-breast exam did not impact survival.” The American Cancer Society says women still need to be aware of the changes in their breasts and know what’s normal for their bodies. Dr. Bruce Todd Sanders of Canton-Potsdam Hospital, Potsdam, agrees. “There was information presented outside of the American Cancer Society that said self-breast exams were not beneficial,” Dr. Sanders said. “However, I disagree. Granted, most women may not know exactly what they’re looking for; but no one knows their body better than

JASON HUNTER | NNY BUSINESS

themselves. And a self-breast exam can’t hurt. If a woman feels tenderness or pain or feels what they think is a mass, than I don’t find it detrimental for them to go see their primary care physician or gynecologist. Ultimately, what’s the harm?” In late 2009, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force made changes in the line of women’s health when the organization raised the guidelines as to when women should begin routine mammograms, from age 40 to age 50. The study claimed early mammograms could result in a “false positive” for women, creating undue stress and anxiety, and prompting additional and unnecessary treatments. The recommendation was met with much controversy, resulting in heated discussions and arguments throughout Congress. Both the American Cancer Society and the Mayo Clinic

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disagree with the guideline change and continue to recommend annual screenings begin at age 40. “Women need to have the mammograms,” Dr. Alston said. “The most recent recommendations for women, as published by the American Cancer Society, are a baseline screening at age 35. At age 40, they should go every two years. At age 50, it is recommended that women continue screenings once a year.” Both Dr. Alston and Dr. Sanders agree that prevention starts with early education and health maintenance. First and foremost, women need to know their family health history. “Family history is very important,” Dr. Sanders said. “Every woman should be aware of who in their family has had can-

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Easily bring nutrition to fruition n Food, lifestyle choices key to successfully managing healthy diet By JOLEENE DES ROSIERS

A NNY Business

dvice on proper nutrition and healthy eating habits is seemingly endless, as are the weight and calorie counting calculators that typically accompany them. It can make the decision to eat healthy seem like a frustrating and time consuming task. Allison Felt is a registered dietician at Claxton-Hepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg. She says she’s seen more than one patient give up new eating habits purely out of frustration. “Whenever something becomes overwhelming, that’s when people revert back to their old eating habits or fail on diets,” Ms. Felt said. “You can’t just tell someone to change their eating habits and give them a sample diet to follow. You really have to look at what that person is already eating and go from there.” What? No simple super-duper diet to sculpt bodies in 10 days or less? No secret formula or pill to change from a size 12 to a size 8 in six days? Why not? “Because we’re all different, bottom line,” Nicole Garnsey, a registered dietician in Watertown, said. “Some of us need more vitamins and nutrients than others. When a client comes in to see me, I determine what they’re eating too much of and what they’re body is deficient in. If they’re consuming too much sugar, we talk about ways to remove it from their diet. If they

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Registered Dietician Nicole Garnsey sits with sample healthy foods she uses to educate clients at Quik Med Urgent Care on Washington Street in Watertown.

need more vitamin C, we talk about adding it to their diet.” Supplements tend to be the immediate answer; but Ms. Garnsey says women should feed their body with vitaminpacked food sources first. “There’s a place for supplements, especially as we get older,” Ms. Garnsey said. “We need to first try to get our vitamins and minerals from our food. Our body will recognize these before they recognize a supplement. If a supplement is necessary, we should try to get a ‘whole food’ supplement capsule.” Diet and lifestyle choices affect your

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health and lifespan. Good choices lead to more energy and improved quality of life. For those looking for a place to start, both Ms. Felt and Ms. Garnsey say you can’t go wrong by consuming more fruits, vegetables and whole grains. “The more fruits, vegetables and whole grains we incorporate into our diet, the fuller we will feel. And that certainly helps people when they’re making those dietary changes,” Ms. Felt said. “Look at the difference between simple and complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates fill you up better. And when you make the change to complex carbohydrates, you’ll finish a meal feeling more satisfied. They’re packed with nutrients and provide you with long-lasting energy. It can be as simple as switching from white bread to wheat bread, or eating a whole grain cereal instead of a sugary cereal.” While many people do follow the simple rules, they may wonder why dropping that last five or 10 pounds is so difficult. Ms. Garnsey says it could be because they’re so close to their ideal weight already. “If we only have a few pounds to lose, it’s much more difficult for our body to let go of it,” she said. “So we have to be

Please see Nutrition, page 41

W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Become aware of ‘life change’ n Exercise, healthy diet aid in coping with the menopausal years

Dr. Kate Buchanan of A Woman’s Perspective in Watertown shows a bone-density chart on her computer. Osteoporosis is a condition many women face as they age.

By JOLEENE DES ROSIERS

NNY Business

he menopausal years are inevitable; one cannot opt out of, or be lucky enough to never experience, the tenure of menopause that comes with being a female. Somewhere around the age of 51, women will begin experiencing symptoms that can last anywhere from five to 10 years. “Menopause is defined as a period when you stop menstruating and are no longer able to become pregnant,” said Dr. Kate Buchanan of A Woman’s Perspective in Watertown. “The average age when this begins is 51, but it can happen as early as 40 and as late as 58.” Menopause is considered a normal part of aging. Some women can experience menopause early, either as a result of surgery, like a hysterectomy, or damage to the ovaries. For women experiencing the change, the process is gradual and is described in three stages: PERIMENOPAUSE: This begins several years before menopause when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. It lasts until menopause begins. MENOPAUSE: This is the point when it’s been a year since a woman has her last period. The ovaries stop releasing eggs and symptoms begin to reveal themselves.

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

POSTMENOPAUSE: These are the years after menopause. During this stage, symptoms will begin to disappear. Dr. Sarika Shah-Sekhon of ClaxtonHepburn Medical Center in Ogdensburg says women experiencing insomnia, anxiety or hot flashes often mistake the symptoms as stress-related when, in fact, they are menopausal. “We handle our stress very differently than men, so we try to hold onto our symptoms thinking we can treat them ourselves,” Dr. Shah-Sekhon said. “So by the time they’ve reached the physicians office, they realize what they’re experiencing isn’t just stress.” Symptoms of menopause include but are not limited to: n Irregular periods: Usually the first

symptom: some women may experience a period every two to three weeks while others may not have one for months at a time. n Urinary concerns: Urinary tract infections may become relevant. Some women may find they urinate more frequently. n Hot flashes: This is a sudden feeling of extreme warmth in the upper body, generally in the face, neck or chest area. The skin may become blotchy. Hot flashes generally occur during the first year of menopause. n Insomnia: Difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep. n Moodiness: This is often triggered because of lack of sleep. Short tempers and

Please see Change, page 41

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H

Unwind for sound mental clarity

n Caring for the mind a critical step to avoid lasting impacts of stress

D. Laurie LaGorga of Harmony Day Spa in Watertown treats a client at her outer Arsenal Street spa. Taking time out to “de-stress” is an important part of overall health for busy women.

By JOLEENE DES ROSIERS

NNY Business

t is often difficult to find time to carve out just for you, especially if your spouse, kids and career take up every moment you’ve got. But it can be done. Those little moments you reserve for yourself can make all the difference in how you mentally handle stress, a busy lifestyle and the people around you. It can be the buffer that wards off depression, too. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate approximately 80 percent of individuals with depression reported some level of functional impairment because of their condition. Twentyseven percent reported serious difficulties in work and home life. “Stress and depression can affect the body in so many different ways, both physically and mentally,” said D. Laurie LaGorga of Harmony Day Spa in Watertown. “Women have so many responsibilities with their jobs and family. Some women just keep going and going and they don’t know how to relax.” Ms. LaGorga recommends women on “overload” take just one hour for themselves and decide, after that hour is over, if it made a difference or not. For many busy women, spending that time on a massage table is a good treat. A deep tissue massage releases endorphins that can best be described as the body’s natural pain relievers. When those pain

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

relievers are released, the effect is what brings so much pleasure during the session: a sense of mental clarity and happiness. Laurel Blackmore of Marcy Day Spa, Watertown, has seen this sense of comfort come through her clients on an extremely emotional level. “Massage releases a chemical in your body called dopamine, and that actually sends the brain a sense of well-being,” Ms. Blackmore said. “Women tend to carry a lot of stress and tension in their head, neck and shoulders and we focus on that during the massage. When we start massaging, a lot of women will start crying because it releases all of those chemicals. It’s very therapeutic.” From massages to facials and pedicures to body wraps, these pleasurable day spa antidotes can be the ultimate reward for the woman juggling work and home life. But many women may forego a day at the spa because of the cost. Ms. LaGorga encourages women to consider what

they’re spending on frivolities now and perhaps spend that cash on mental health, instead. “I have a client who used to spend almost five dollars a day on a latte at Starbucks,” Ms. LaGorga said. “That was her reward, she said. But it wasn’t necessarily relieving her stress. So I suggested she set that money aside and try a massage once a month instead. For only $1.75 a day, she can enjoy a quiet hour and leave feeling completely refreshed.” “You’re not going to make your family life better or your business life better unless you are whole and well,” Ms. Blackmore said. “It’s our job to do that.” Ms. LaGorga couldn’t agree more. “Women need to take the time and do something for themselves, even if it’s every other month,” she said. “I think it helps make them a calmer person and appreciate life so much more. They see that if they don’t take care of themselves, they can’t take care of their family.”

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H CHANGE, from page 39

PREVENTION, from page 37

mood swings are not uncommon during the menopausal years. n Focus issues: Some women may have short-term memory problems or trouble focusing on one problem for too long. n Weight gain: Fat tends to build in the mid-section. n Hair loss: Some women experience thinning hair. n Genital issues: Women may experience vaginal dryness, itching or pain during sex. Many women experience what is known as vaginal atrophy, which is defined as an inflammation of the genital area as a result of the thinning and shrinking of the tissues. Hormone replacement therapy is the most widely accepted method of managing symptoms. HRT is used to supplement the body with estrogen and/or progesterone during and after menopause. The therapy is evaluated every year until your doctor determines a stopping point. Women seeking a more natural approach will make dietary changes and incorporate exercise. “There are foods that seem to have a positive affect,” Dr. Shah-Sekhon said. “Women in Japan consume a lot more plant-derived vegetables to control their menopausal symptoms, like apples, carrots, potatoes, red beans, whole wheat and brown rice. These foods include high calcium, magnesium, potassium and phytoestrogens.” No matter the approach, women are encouraged to eat healthy and exercise regularly. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can ward off the likes of osteoporosis and more severe menopause symptoms.

cer, albeit breast, cervical or endometrial cancer. If there is a history, women should talk to their doctor about adding a few more screenings during the year. If a young lady under the age of 35 comes in and tells me that her mother or grandmother had breast cancer, right then and there, alarm bells go off. That young lady should then be tested for breast cancer as well.” The American Cancer Society lists the following symptoms as “red flags”: n Breast swelling, which is usually sudden with one breast much larger than the other. n Breast pain. n Itching of the breast. n A pink, red or dark colored area, sometimes with a texture like the skin of an orange, on the breast. n Ridges and thickened areas of the skin on the breast. n Breast feeling warm to the touch. n Nipple retraction. n Unusual lumps.

JOLEENE DES ROSIERS is a freelance writer and public speaker who lives in Sandy Creek with her husband and daughter. She is a former television reporter for YNN, NBC 3 WSTM in Syracuse and ABC NewsWatch 50 in Watertown. Contact her at myddes@hotmail.com.

NUTRITION, from page 38 more restrictive than someone who has 50 pounds to lose. Someone with a healthier weight is likely doing a lot of good things already, so they’re really going to have to make drastic changes and really give up a lot of things in order to lose that extra five or 10 pounds.” Consult with a registered dietician or physician before beginning any new eating lifestyle plan. Fad diets look good on the front pages of magazines, but they may not bode well within the pages of your own busy lifestyle.

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W O M E N ’ S H E A LT H 10 QUESTIONS, from page 36

Not only do you cater to Jefferson County, but to Fort Drum, too. How do you streamline such a triage? LUNDBORG-GRAY: It’s actually very easy because of the new electronic medical records system. At any given moment we know who is seeing what provider, where the patient is in their work-up and how long they’ve been in the ER, all by looking at a screen. We also have three new beds in the emergency area. When a patient comes in, one nurse triages them in this area while a practitioner talks to them at the same time. They can either discharge the patient if the matter is minor, or start expediting their care by ordering appropriate lab work. It really alleviates wait time.

NNYB: How do you juggle a busy job like yours with family, community and the rest of everyday life? LUNDBORG-GRAY: I go back to the concept of the calendar. Weekly and monthly, I’m reviewing the life of my family for key functions I don’t want to miss. If I need to trade a shift with someone to get to those functions, I do. That’s the luxury of shift work. The other part of the juggle is having a supportive spouse. My husband and I work with each other. I also have lots of friends who are there when I need them. The bottom line is to structure your time

42 | NNY Business | March 2011

The Maja Lundborg-Gray file AGE: 43 HOMETOWN: Woodbridge, Conn. EDUCATION: Trinity College, Hartford, Conn., 1985-1989; New York Medical College, Valhalla, 1991-1995; Emergency medicine residency, Allegheny University Hospital, Medical College of Pennsylvania division, 1995-1998; Emergency Medicine Consultants, 1998-1999 PROFESSIONAL: Samaritan Medical Center Intensive Care Unit Committee, SMC Physician Development Committee COMMUNITY: Thompson Park Conservancy board, 2006-present; Herring College Trust Board, 2002-present. PRESENT JOB: President and practicing emergency medicine physician, North Country Emergency Medicine Consultants P.C. FAMILY: Husband, Dr. Daniel Gray, partner, Northern Radiology Associates; sons, Spencer, 10, Maxwell, 8.

people that sit on boards with me are equally invested in our community. And they’re the first to lend an ear. I can run things by them and, frankly, they let me know if my decisions are helping or hurting. So I think for the struggling person, getting out and meeting other professionals who go through the same thing is an asset.

NNYB: When it’s all said and done, what is your favorite part of the day? LUNDBORG-GRAY: Hands down, bedtime with my boys. An hour before lights out my husband and I sit down with them and talk about the day. We leave our phones in the kitchen and focus on our kids. And then when they’re asleep, I settle within myself and turn off work. I spend time with my husband or I read or just watch a movie. These are ways I turn my mind off. And it’s not always easy. I have to practice turning it off.

NNYB: What advice would you give to women in business who might struggle with the juggle of work and home?

NNYB: You serve on a handful of community boards. How do you have time for that?

LUNDBORG-GRAY: Organize. Find a method that works. For me, it’s the calendar. What’s going on a week from now? Or two weeks from now? Write it down. And don’t ever be afraid to say no. You can’t do it all.

LUNDBORG-GRAY: Believe it or not, it’s not something that gets in the way. It helps. The

— Interview by Joleene Des Rosiers. Edited for length.

and remember there are sacred times you don’t violate; primarily your ‘me’ time.

E C O N O M I C A L LY S P E A K I N G

Budget crisis a terrible thing to waste

ercedes-Benz USA CEO, Ernst Lieb was recently quoted as saying that “a crisis is a terrible thing to waste.” His reference was to circumstances in which both federal and state governments find themselves these days. I hope that you will permit me the liberty of placing my interpretation on Mr. Lieb’s remark. He seems to be pointing out that we have reached a time in New York State history where a little down-home common sense and financial responsibility is required by the people who are elected to govern. These individuals, it is hoped, can be relied on to make the tough decisions in the weeks and months ahead by effectively resisting the urge to spend money we do not have. We hope they are representatives who can differentiate a decision that will have a long-term, positive impact from a decision that might gain short-term favor but have a deleterious long-term result. We call that governing effectively. Of course, we all support the commonsense approach to good government but just think for a moment about the last time you were the one standing at the public trough asking for a state handout. I would be willing to bet you have been there along with me and everyone else I know. Further, I will bet that, at the time, it seemed perfectly appropriate. You see, state tax dollars come back to us in many forms — it may be support for the latest state grant program, a property tax break because of our age, increased money for school aid for your district or even supporting an ambitious raise as a state employee. All of this and so much more are your state tax dollars at work.

The problem is that we have been living on-the-margin for years and no matter how important these givebacks are we are now forced into the difficult position of making hard Don Alexander choices that will eliminate or severely impact the scope of many of our favorites. This even begs the question about the quality of these favorites, the bang for the buck. That is the subject of another discussion. No one is suggesting newly elected representatives enter the political fray with anything other than the best intentions; but there is strong evidence, recently revealed by the governor himself, that somehow, someway our political leaders have lost their sense of direction. Pressures are exerted by those now famous but ill-defined “special-interest groups” led by persuasive lobbyists. Pressures of facing re-election without spreading the wealth — affectionately called “member items;” deeply rooted partisan politics; a mountain of legislation to consider, often without a full vetting and a host of influences that become a fact of daily life in Albany and Washington, all contribute to the present “spend-and-pray” approach to governing. As the governor has so rightly pointed out, we are not changing the budget so much as we are attempting to change the process. Bravo. The process has been flawed and needs to change. If Albany

ATTENTION ENTREPENEURS!

persists in business as usual, the end result will likely be catastrophic. Economic development is much a part of the environment in which it is practiced. The crisis management for which Albany has become famous must stop. If we do not change, the very future of the state is in doubt and economic development will be as effective as the return of high-button shoes in our fight against obesity. It is much too early to determine the effectiveness of the governor’s specific suggestions, or even if all, or any, of his proposals are enacted. The Legislature will need to grapple with these suggestions and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the governor if change is possible. If partisan bickering takes over again, we may miss out on a critical opportunity to reset the course for state economic revitalization. If we fail, shame on Republicans and Democrats alike. I suspect there are few of us who have any allusions about not seeing some impact in our personal life as we attempt to rein in state spending. Some cuts will, most assuredly, be seen as a bad thing. That said, castor oil political decisionmaking has a critical part to play to assure the long-term viability of the state and we cannot afford to waste time in introducing the distasteful remedy. I join with Mr. Lieb in saying to Albany: Don’t waste a good crisis, cross the aisle and govern effectively. If you do not, the next crisis will likely be very worse. 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.

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N O N P R O F I T S T O D AY

Connection to community a key driver

n the philanthropic and nonprofit worlds, there is ongoing conversation about how to remain relevant in the minds of diverse generations of community members. How will the next generation of donors perceive community need? How will that same group see their role in keeping our communities healthy and vibrant? How is this done without alienating those who have already been steadfast in their commitment to the nonprofit community? When the Northern New York Community Foundation launched the youth philanthropy initiative last year, part of the reason this was done was to begin to wrap our arms around some of those concepts. Although it is still in its infancy, what I will tell you is from what I witnessed in watching those young adults work; there is every reason to believe that the tremendous leadership, passion and love of community that has been present in the north country for decades will continue. So, what is it about our community that will produce, attract and retain passionate, loyal citizens? Over the past three years, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation partnered with Gallup to conduct a study entitled “Soul of the Community.” The results were the product of surveys of 43,000 people in 26 communities of varying sizes, locations and demographics. As one might expect, the study found that those communities with the highest levels of passion for their community had higher rates of economic growth over time. This is similar to employees’ feelings

of connection resulting in higher levels of productivity and stronger financial performance for a business. This data can be a tool to help communities Rande Richardson organize to attract businesses, bring in new residents, retain current ones as well as improve overall economic vitality. The findings center on “resident attachment.” That is, the things that consistently help foster the strongest emotional connection between citizens and their community. As you would expect, things such as civic involvement, social capital, education, perception of the local economy, leadership, safety, emotional wellbeing and basic services made the list. However, the drivers most frequently and universally identified were social offerings, openness and aesthetics. Do our communities provide good places to meet people? Is there an availability of arts and cultural opportunities as well as socially engaging community events? Is there a vibrant nightlife? Is there a perception that the community is a good place for older people, families with young children, talented college graduates looking for work or young adults without children? Is diversity of background, thought and philosophy

welcomed and embraced? Is there a good availability of parks, playgrounds, trails and open spaces? Is there a perceived overall beauty of the physical setting? You may think as I did, that, for the most part, Northern New York has a leg up on many of these drivers. We do. However, how can we best allocate our community resources and energies that connect people in meaningful ways? How do we inspire people to passionately make their community better? So, we know that attachment to place matters. We know that it correlates to long-term economic well-being. These findings are affirmation that investments in the arts, cultural opportunities, social enrichment and the environment are not only about quality of life, but are also good business. It will be wise to keep in mind that the viability of all of our organizations relies on the commitment those who feel a deep connection to their community. In this world of e-mail, text messaging and social networking, it appears that there is still some value to good, old-fashioned human, emotional connectedness. If we remain committed to providing a place where people love to live, then supporters of all of our organizations and businesses, as generations before us, will have a desire to give back in ways we have not yet imagined. 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.

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COMMERCE CORNER

Women contribute volumes to region

his month’s NNY Business highlights women in the workplace. I can’t tell you how fortunate we are to have so many professional and qualified women in all aspects of our region’s workforce. I grew up with four sisters and three brothers, lots of entertainment (next time you see me, remind me to tell you about playing pass the spoon at dinner time). I learned respect for women early on and suffered many a punishment brought at the wrath of one or all of those female influences. I love and fear all of them. I suspect my comments should be light and flowery about all the strides women have made. I am going out on a limb and honestly tell you I am amazed at how much women get accomplished with all the obstacles they face. The constant battle over priorities of family, career and a thousand other things, I don’t know how they do it. I know for men it is beer, red meat and that “other thing.” I’ve always said if men had to go through childbirth, civilization would have ended thousands of years ago. I am continually impressed by the ability of so many women to manage their time and balance their lives. The workplace has changed dramatically and statistics back that up with womenmanaged or owned business percentages that equal and, in many cases, surpass the numbers of men.

Northern New York has so many impressive women in its business community at all levels from retail and service to CEOs of large firms Peter Whitmore and large business owners. I should mention many of them personally, but I am afraid I’ll forget one or two, and that leads back

every tool available to succeed, be it brains, looks or outright chutzpah. Like men, we have all seen people try to get by on style not substance and it catches up with all of us sooner or later. One concern I see on occasion, and perhaps we Neanderthal men created it, is when the work environment gets too competitive, it seems like it has to be winner takes all. I have seen some women approach with guns blazing when it’s not necessary. If you aren’t taken seriously, it may be the delivery or if you are talking to an idiot, change the game and go to plan B. There always needs to be room for negotiation and options, smart women and smart men know that. I simply say thank you to all of those women who have influenced my life, my mother, my sisters, my daughter and most importantly, my wife Rita. We can all take note that women everywhere have a huge impact and will continue to have even more influence. I am going to pay more attention. Women are fun to be around, but I still fear them.

Women seem much more willing to be involved and take advantage of the opportunities presented in their career. I am impressed by their ability to be so compassionate and yet so focused and confident. to my fear of them. Women seem much more willing to be involved and take advantage the opportunities presented in their career. I really can’t speak for women, but I have spoken with many of them, (I have no game, but apparently I don’t seem to repel them too much either) and I am impressed by their ability to be so compassionate and yet so focused and confident. I hope we have evolved in the workplace and while there is still prejudice, I have no problem with any person using

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.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 45

AGRI-BUSINESS

Women a driving force in NNY ag

omen have played an important role in farming and always will. Their roles are diverse and their impact is tremendous. Looking at agriculture today, there is hardly a farm where women don’t play a significant role. In dairy farming, from milking cows to managing finances, women are doing what needs to be done. Some smaller farms that raise vegetables, fruits, or small livestock are almost entirely run by the woman of the house. In businesses that service farms, women are large livestock veterinarians, artificial breeding technicians, equipment sales people, feed sales people, environmental planners, and the list goes on. In a few instances, farms of all sizes from the vegetable operation to the dairy farm are solely owned and operated by a female farmer. Women work in jobs from bottom to top and own businesses from small to large throughout agriculture. So it’s no surprise that women helped create and serve on Jefferson County’s local development corporation (LDC) dedicated to agriculture. The Jefferson County Board of Legislators formed an ad-hoc committee in 2000 to provide recommendations about forming the LDC and creating an ag coordinator position. Nancy Robbins, owner of Old McDonald’s Farm near Sackets Harbor, was one of the first people appointed. From its creation, women have been integral to the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation and its success. In creating the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corporation, the ad-hoc committee county officials

appointed felt it was critical to have a board of directors reflect Jefferson County’s agriculture industry. Thirteen board positions were created to represent all of agriculture. Of Jay Matteson the original 13 voting members three were women. Mrs. Robbins was named to serve as a dairy farm representative. Nancy brought her knowledge of dairy farming and her knowledge and experience of agritourism. Nancy served two consecutive three-year terms as allowed by corporation bylaws. Elizabeth Lassen was appointed to also represent dairy farms. Her family owns Clover Crest Dairy Farm outside Belleville. Liz manages finances for the farm and brought the perspective of moving their farm from Connecticut to New York, guiding the corporation in attracting new farms. Liz served two terms with the corporation. Deborah Johnston was appointed to represent alternative agriculture. Deb and her husband own Goatenbacque Farm in the Town of Hounsfield. Deb brought owning a small livestock operation and working on Old McDonald’s Farm to the board. Deb completed two terms with the corporation. Kathryn Canzonier is starting her sec-

ond term serving as agricultural finance representative. She serves on the executive committee as treasurer. Kathryn is branch manager for Farm Credit East in Burrville. Kathryn’s husband Jay owns North Branch Farms, Jefferson County’s largest vegetable farm. Operating a small dairy in Ellisburg with husband Jim, Martha Aschmann is serving her first term with the corporation. Martha is involved from milking cows to helping with cropping. Her smallfarm perspective has been very helpful to the board when discussing dairy issues. Nominated to serve on the Ag Development Corporation Board of Directors is Peggy Murray. Peggy and husband Lynn are partners in Murcrest Dairy Farm in the Town of Champion. Peggy manages farm finances and serves as Farm Business Management Educator for Cornell Cooperative Extension of Lewis County. Peggy will bring a strong financial background and a broad knowledge of what’s happening on dairy farms around Northern New York. The Ag Development Corporation, as well as the entire industry, is fortunate to have women involved with its board of directors who are strong leaders, have knowledge and experience to help in the decision-making process, and are passionate about what they do. From field to barn to desk, women are part of the driving force behind the success of agriculture.

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.

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BUSINESS TECH BYTES

Tech upgrades may hold tax savings

nformation technology, as most of us think of it today, has a relatively short history; but the history of computing goes back much further, and women played an important role in the advancement of computers and computer technology. In 2011, it is common for most everyone to not only have a computer in their office, another at home, and with the advent of smart phones, another in the palm of their hand. However, it was not until the 1960s when a woman was the first to use a computer in her home. Mary Allen Wilkes, a MIT computer programmer and hardware engineer, was a forerunner of the modern telecommuter. She worked tirelessly from her home to develop some of the first operating systems, independent of a computer’s hardware and software components, for the Laboratory Instrument Computer (LINC) minicomputer. 1980 brought President Jimmy Carter’s first proclamation of Women’s History Month; the same year the “Ada” computer language was named for England’s Ada Bryon King. Another first for women and technology, Ada Bryon King can be described as the first computer programmer for her work on the first algorithms intended to be processed by a machine, the analytical engine, an early mechanical general purpose computer. The analytical engine became the precursor of the modern day computer. The explosion of the Internet and the business opportunities it can bring has not been lost on the women of the north country. St. Lawrence County is no stranger to women-owned businesses, with 28.9 percent of the county’s businesses being

owned by females, coming in just below the state percentage of 29.6 percent. Jefferson County does lag a bit, but women-owned businesses still encompass 25.5 percent of all Jill Van Hoesen businesses. With these statistics it was not hard to find a successful information technology-related woman-owned business. For nearly eight years, HarborSide Services, Sackets Harbor, has fit this bill. HarborSide Services is a website design and marketing business catering to other local businesses that demand great customer service while designing and maintaining their web presence. Owner Beverly K. Sterling-Affinati would encourage other women to explore sole proprietorship in the ever-changing Internet marketplace. “It’s really been a learning process the whole time,” she said. “I’m still learning, especially keeping up with the latest software and technology. It’s always changing, and I have to be flexible enough to change with it. In the end, it’s all about delivering a great product at an affordable price.” Ms. Sterling-Affinati’s business model includes her customer service theory, “If the product is anything less than quality, there’s no point in presenting it to my customers.”

Ms. Sterling-Affinati credits the success of HarborSide Services to her hometown grassroots activities. “I owe a great deal of thanks to the Sackets Harbor Chamber of Commerce for helping me get my business off the ground,” she said. “They were there to help me promote it and I would definitely recommend that avenue to every small business owner who is getting started. It is the best form of advertising I could have hoped for at the time and an underutilized source by most businesses today.” Ms. Sterling-Affinati also stresses the importance of developing a good rapport with the local community by getting involved and meeting people. “Stay involved in your community,” she said. “You can meet a lot of people by attending local functions. Many people have passed my business information on to others. Word of mouth advertising has played a major role in growing my current customer base.” The tri-county area has been successful in embracing women in all facets of north country life and always recognizing the unique achievements of this diversified mix. Not only this March, in honor of National Women’s History Month, but all year long, take a moment to look at the impact of the women that work amongst you today and the struggles, dreams and accomplishments of those who came before them, and reflect upon the rich history they have helped to create. 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.

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| 47

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Tools plenty for women in business

offee shop owner (five employees). Corporation with contracts on Fort Drum (20plus employees). Manufacturer (100-plus employees). Crafter (single owner). What do these small business owners have in common? They’re examples of just a few of the women-owned businesses we’ve worked with at the Watertown Small Business Development Center. Of the 800-plus clients we counseled at the SBDC last year, 37 percent were women. According to a report the U.S. Department of Commerce released in October, the number of women-owned businesses grew by 44 percent from 1997 to 2007; they account for $1.2 trillion in economic output annually and, as of 2007, employ more than 7.6 million people. But womenowned businesses tend to be smaller, have lower levels of financial capital, generate less revenue and have fewer employees than male-owned business, much of which can be attributed to the types of businesses women own. Nevertheless, they are an important and growing force in our economy. The report concludes that “these businesses represent a potential source of future economic growth, yet they have a long way to go to achieve parity with menowned businesses. More consideration should be given to identifying and implementing measures that support women’s business ownership, such as increasing the networks, mentoring and information available to potential women business owners, as well as assuring that startup capital is available.” (The full report can be accessed at www.commerce.gov.) So, do women of the north country have the support they need to start or expand a

48| |NNY NNYBusiness Business March 2011 48 || March 2011

business? They certainly do.

NETWORKS — The Business

of Women networking group, sponsored by our own SBDC, held its seventh annual event in Watertown last fall, attended Sarah O’Connell by more than 50 business and professional women. Our group was inspired by a conference I attended in Syracuse in 2004, the Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship Symposium (WISE). This year’s WISE event is slated for Tuesday, April 21. To learn more, visit www.WISEconference.com. Other NNY networking events include the annual Women’s Business Bootcamp in Canton, held March 2, and the annual fall conference and monthly gatherings of the Women’s Network for Entrepreneurial Training in Oswego (WNET). In Syracuse, the mission of the Women Business Opportunities Connections (www.wboconnection.org) is to “support and advance the success of entrepreneurs.” The website www.WomenTies.com is a virtual marketplace designed to promote and expand the sale of products and services of womenowned businesses throughout Central New York. MENTORING — The Watertown SBDC provides counseling and training to many women entrepreneurs all year long. In addition, the U.S. Small Business Administration (www.sba.gov) sponsors a local SCORE chapter and has a network of

Women’s Business Centers, the nearest in Malone, Utica and Syracuse. STARTUP CAPITAL — We’re often asked if there are grants or special loans just for women. In a word, no. Occasionally, we’ll run across a small grant, such as Idea Cafe’s $1,500 competition, but in general, don’t believe what you see on the Internet – we’d be the first to let you know about this kind of opportunity. The Small Business Administration’s loan guarantee program makes lenders more willing to lend to startups and existing businesses. Local business borrowers also have access to micro- and regular loan programs through public lenders such as Jefferson County Job Development Corp. and Watertown Local Development. One of the biggest advantages a womanowned business has is when it comes to contracting opportunities with public agencies such as Fort Drum or the state Department of Transportation. Both the federal government and the state have certification programs to help women qualify to compete for contracts. These include the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program and the NYS Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise program. However, it is important to note that the business must be 51 percent woman-owned and the ownership must be “real, substantial and continuing.” While the certification process is rigorous, the benefits can be significant. 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.

WATERTOWN

n SATURDAY, MARCH 26

n WEDNESDAY, MARCH 16

Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond event, 6:30 to 11:30 p.m., the Commons on Fort Drum. Cost: $150 per couple, includes hors d’oeuvres, dinner, drinks, dessert and music from Atlas. Chance to win a half-carat diamond from Waterbury Fine Jewelers. Information, tickets or sponsorship: Irene, iccrph@twcny. rr.com.

OGDENSBURG n FRIDAY, MARCH 25 – SUNDAY, MARCH 27

Ogdensburg Expo, E.A. Newell Golden Dome, State Street. Sponsored by Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce and Ogdensburg Boys and Girls Club. Exhibition with craft and health fair, concessions, entertainment, dance recitals and merchant displays. Fundraiser tickets: $10. Contact: 393-1241 or www.ogdensburgny.com.

OLD FORGE n SATURDAY, MARCH 12, AND SUNDAY, MARCH 13

SnoFest 2011, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, North Street Recreation Center. Ski-Doo, Yamaha, Polaris and Arctic Cat premiere their 2012 models and gear with demo rides, weather permitting. Free admission. Contact: Old Forge Visitor’s Center, 369-6983, or www. snofestUSA.com.

SACKETS HARBOR n SATURDAY, MARCH 19, AND SUNDAY, MARCH 20

11th Annual Seaway Trail Quilt Show, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Seaway Trail Discover Center, 401 W. Main St. Three floors of quilters, presentations, vendors and demonstrations. Admission, good for both days: $5; military, $4. Contact: Daryl Giles, 646-1000.

SYRACUSE

Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Center for Sight – Watertown Eye Center, 1815 State St. Registration required by noon Tuesday, March 15. Information, registration: www.watertownny.com or 788-4400. Cost: $8; non-member, $12.

n Public Safety Career Fair, 9:30 a.m. to

12:30 p.m., Jules Center Commons, Jefferson Community College. Public safety program, 10:15 a.m., Sturtz Theater. Free. Information: 786-2277.

n SATURDAY, MARCH 19

Cabin Fever Rummage and Craft Sale, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Liberty Building, 210 Court St. Sponsored by Northern Regional Center for Independent Living. Vendor spaces available for $20 and $25. Food and drinks available. Contact: Kathy Connor or Cathie Wooledge, 785-8703.

n WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

n FRIDAY, APRIL 1, AND SATURDAY, APRIL 2

46th Annual Antique Show and Sale, 5 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Dulles State Office Building, Washington Street. Benefits the Credo Community Center. Antiques and collectibles. Coffee, tea and light desserts available Friday; food available for purchase on Saturday. Free parking in the parking garage. Accepting new vendors. Contact: Sherry M. Wilson, 782-8356. Admission, good both days: $4.

n FRIDAY, APRIL 1 – SUNDAY, APRIL 3

35th Annual North Country Home Show, Watertown Fairgrounds Arena, Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, Coffeen Street.

n SATURDAY, APRIL 9

n FRIDAY, MARCH 25 – SUNDAY, MARCH 27

n A Day About Me, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Best Western Carriage House Inn, 300 Washington St. Sponsored by Tri-County Chapter of the Women’s Council of Realtors. Admission by donation to benefit Victim’s Assistance Center of Jefferson County.

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, 782-3381.

n TUESDAY, MARCH 29

Selling To the Government Matchmaking Event, 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Jefferson Community College, 1220 Washington St. Small Business Development Center presents a matchmaking event for businesses to meet face-to-face with purchasing representatives from federal, state and local agencies, colleges, corporations and prime contractors. Cost: $25 if registered by Monday, March 14; after March 14, $35. Registration required by Thursday, March 24. Register: Robin or Ann, sbdc@sunyjefferson.edu or 782-9262.

n THURSDAY, MARCH 31

22nd Annual Local Government Conference, Jefferson Community College. Sponsored by Tug Hill Commission. Early bird registration, postmarked by Wednesday, March 9, $50; postmarked by Wednesday, March 16, $75; received after March 16, $100. Register: 785-2380.

n THURSDAY, MARCH 24

NORTH COUNTRY

Centerstate CEO Business Show 2011, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., New York State Fairgrounds Toyota Exhibition Center. More than 300 exhibitors showcasing products and services to 7,000 attendees. Exhibitor booth registration and fees available at www.centerstateceo.com.

DOWN THE ROAD

Social Media – How Can I Use It to Promote My Business? 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., Jefferson Community College. Learn what Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can do for your business. Cost: $35. Register: JCC Continuing Education Dept., 786-2438.

n TUESDAY, MARCH 15

Intelligent Mail Barcode seminar, 8:45 to 10 a.m., United States Post Office, Taft Road. Presented by CNY Postal Customer Council. For customers presently receiving automation discounts for barcoding your mail. Contact: Natalie Dolan, 452-3408.

Croghan. Participating maple producers in Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties. For participating vendors, visit www.mapleweekend.com/locations.htm.

n SATURDAYS AND SUNDAYS, MARCH 19, 20, 26 AND 27

Maple Weekends, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., presented by New York State Maple Producers Association and American Maple Museum,

Ninth Annual Taste of the Town, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, Washington Street. Benefits Victim’s Assistance Center. Information, sponsorships: Irene, iccrph@twcny.rr.com.

n SATURDAY, APRIL 16

Annual Sportsman’s Show, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., E.A. Newell Golden Dome, 1100 State St., Ogdensburg. Sponsored by Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce. Muzzleloader rifle raffle, taxidermy display, Army climbing wall, vendors and refreshments. New vendors welcome. Information: Alisha, 393-3620.

n SATURDAY, APRIL 30

Arbor Day Festival, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., South Jefferson High School, 11060 Route 11. Sponsored by South Jefferson Chamber of Commerce. Vendors, crafts, food, educational information. Contact: 232-4215.

n WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

North Country Technology Symposium, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Clarkson University, Potsdam. Largest one-day regional event focused on information technology related to leaders in business, health care, government, agriculture and community service industries. Cost: $35, includes lunch, refreshments and workshop materials. Registration required, early bird price expires Friday, April 15. Information, registration: www. co.st-lawrence.ny.us/NCTechSymposium or Laura Perry, laurap@slic.com or 265-4233.

n GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? E-mail editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net. Submission deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue.

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS EVENTS CALENDAR

FORT DRUM

March 2011 NNYBusiness Business| |49 49 March 2011 || NNY

CHAMBER / WEB DIRECTORY

NNY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE n ALEXANDRIA BAY

7 Market St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607; 482-9531, www.visitalexbay.org

n BOONVILLE

122 Main St., P.O. Box 163, Boonville NY 13309; 942-6823, www.boonville chamber.com

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 CENTERSTATE CEO

572 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202; 470-1800, www.centerstateceo.com

n CHAUMONT-THREE MILE BAY

686-3771, www.1000islands-clayton.com

n GREATER WATERTOWNNORTH COUNTRY

1241 Coffeen St., Watertown, NY 13601; 788-4400, www.watertownny.com

n GOUVERNEUR

214 E. Main St., Gouverneur, NY 13642; 287-0331, www.gouverneurchamber.net

n HENDERSON HARBOR

P.O. Box 468, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651; 938-5568, www.henderson harborny.com

n LEWIS COUNTY

7576 S. State St., Lowville, NY 13367; 376-2213, www.lewiscountychamber.org

n MASSENA

50 Main St., Massena, NY 13662; 7693525, www.massenachamber.com

n MALONE

393-3620, www.ogdensburgny.com

n OLD FORGE

3140 Route 28, P.O. Box 68, Old Forge, NY 13420; 369-6983, www.oldforgeny.com

n POTSDAM

1 Market St., Potsdam, NY 13676; 2749000, www.potsdamchamber.com

n PULASKI

3044 Route 13, P.O. Box 34, Pulaski, NY 13142; 298-2213, www.pulaskiny chamber.com

n SACKETS HARBOR

304 W. Main St., P.O. Box 17, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685; 646-1700, www. sacketsharborchamberofcommerce.com

n SOUTH JEFFERSON

14 E. Church St., Adams, NY 13605; 232-4215, www.southjeffchamber.org

n ST. LAWRENCE

101 Main St., 1st Floor, Canton, NY 13617; 386-4000, www.northcountryguide.com

P.O. Box 24, Three Mile Bay, NY 13693; 649-3404, www.chaumontchamber.com

497 East Main St., Malone, NY 12953; 1(518) 483-3760, www.visitmalone.com

n CLAYTON

n OGDENSBURG

1 Bridge Plaza, Ogdensburg, NY 13669;

907 Route 11 C, P.O. Box 297, Brasher Falls, NY 13613; 389-4800, www. tritownchamberofcommerce.com

JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DEVELOPMENT CORP.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

517 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624;

BIZ WEB DIRECTORY CITEC MANUFACTURING & TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS www.citec.org

CLARKSON UNIVERSITY CENTER FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP www.helpmysmallbusinesstoday.com www.facebook.com/CUEntrepCtr www.twitter.com/CUEntrepCtr

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY www.danc.org

LEWIS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

www.jcjdc.net

www.northcountryptac.com

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT SUNY JEFFERSON

n TRI-TOWN

www.slrvra.com

www.sba.gov www.facebook.com/SBAAtlantic www.twitter.com/SBAAtlantic

www.watertown.nyssbdc.org www.facebook.com/WatertownSBDC www.twitter.com/nys_sbdc

WATERTOWN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORP.

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA / LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORP.

WATERTOWN SCORE

www.slcida.com

www.watertownldc.com

www.scorewatertownny.org

www.lcida.org

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50 |

NNY Business | March 2011

B U S I N E S S S C E N E / J C J D C AWA R D S JCJDC Annual Membership Meeting

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Clockwise from top left, Donald C. Alexander, left, CEO, Jefferson County Job Development Corp., and Michelle D. Pfaff, president, JCJDC board of directors, present Coyote Moon Vineyards owners Philip J. and Mary S. Randazzo with a $1,000 check after their business was named recipient of the 2010 New Business Venture Award. Mr. and Mrs. Randazzo with the award. Della Ramsdell, left, practice manager, LaClair Family Dental, Carthage, and Megan Ebbrecht, registered dental hygienist, with the JCJDC Business of Excellence Award. Mr. Alexander, left, Mrs. Pfaff, Conley Rental Management owner Michael J. Siptrott with the JCJDC Business of Excellence Award, and Mary Anne Hanley, JCJDC director of marketing.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 51

BUSINESS SCENE / CANTON CHAMBER Canton Chamber of Commerce Annual Celebration Dinner

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, James E. and Pamela A. Rose, owners, Boyden Brook Body Works, recipient of the 2010 Canton Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year. Above, Margie F. Strait, left, St. Lawrence University director of athletics, and Nellie E. Coakley, Canton. St. Lawrence University, hosted the chamberâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s annual Celebration Dinner on Feb. 10.

52 |

NNY Business | March 2011

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Judy A. Chase, left, president, E.J. Noble Guild, Canton, and Betty Jo Dutcher, charter member, E.J. Noble Guild, recipient of the 2010 Canton Chamber of Commerce Chamber Recognition Award. Above, Liz Carpenter left, and Kathy Whiteford of Timeless Taste Catering, Canton.

BUSINESS SCENE / AFTER HOURS South Jeff Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Lucia’s Restaurant

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Kelly Widrick, left, owner of Green Thyme, Adams Center, and Dorothy A. Wolff, Northern Federal Credit Union. Above, left, Barbara J. McKeever, Lake Ontario Realty, and Paula A. Biazzo, owner of Nana Rose Unique Gifts & Home Decor, Adams. Lucia’s Italian Restaurant, Nana Rose, Green Thyme and Widrick Construction sponsored the Feb. 17 South Jeff Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Lucia’s Italian Restaurant on Route 11 in Adams.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Marlene A. Norfolk, left, co-owner, Honeyville Manor Bed & Breakfast, Adams Center, and secretary, South Jeff Chamber of Commerce, Connie A. Elliott, president, South Jeff Chamber of Commerce, and Connie Orr, vice president, South Jeff Chamber of Commerce. Above, Denise P. Brownell, left, Watertown Savings Bank internal auditor, and Nina J. Zehr, ENV North Agency sales consultant, Mannsville.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 53

BUSINESS SCENE / AFTER HOURS GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Jefferson Concrete

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Kelly J.C. Burns, left, Watertown Savings Bank Sackets Harbor branch manager, Charles V. Berkman, HSBC Bank business banking specialist, and Denice M. Fisk, Plaza Beauty & Tanning stylist. Above, Mark R. Lavarnway, left, Watertown Savings Bank president and CEO, Richard T. O’Connor, Taylor Concrete Products Inc., and Mark S. Bellinger, Watertown Savings Bank. Jefferson Concrete Corp. hosted the Feb. 16 Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Margi R. Gould, left, Shuler’s Restaurant and Mark W. Thompson, co-owner, Jefferson Concrete Corp. Above, Nicole N. Langridge, left, HSBC Bank, Crystal J. Cobb, HSBC Bank, Robert J. Dalton, owner, Paddock Club, and Alex L. Mix, HSBC Bank.

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BUSINESS SCENE / AFTER HOURS GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Jefferson Concrete

Clayton / Cape Vincent chambers of commerce Business With a Twist

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top left, Charles M. Capone II, left, Watertown Savings Bank commercial loan officer, and Sarah M. Colligan, WWNY-TV 7 and Fox 28 WNYFTV marketing consultant. Top right, Christine D. Petrie, left, Northern Glass Co. Inc., Terry M. Petrie, executive director, Northern New York Builders Exchange, Linda H. Petrie, co-owner, Northern Glass Co. Inc. Above, Dawn S. and Capt. Robert W. Dick, owners and operators, Moby Dick Charters, Henderson Harbor, and William H. Smith, NCC Systems. Jefferson Concrete Corp. hosted the Feb. 16 Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

JILL VAN HOESEN | NNY BUSINESS

Above, 2010 Miss French Festival Shelley Burgess, left, and 2010 Miss Thousand Islands Outstanding Teen Kaili Schindler at the Clayton/Cape Vincent chambers of commerce Business After Hours at Sand Bay Inn Restaurant & Lounge in Cape Vincent.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 55

B U S I N E S S S C E N E / S H A P I R O AWA R D GWNC Chamber of Commerce 59th Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award dinner

From left, Maria J. Roche, daughter Brienne M., husband Terrence L., Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce 59th Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award winner, daughter Heather M. Ries and daughter Kelly R. Gilliam.

Terrence L. Roche and wife Maria J. with the 59th Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award cup presented on Feb. 3 at the Ramada Inn.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top left, Mary M. Corriveau, left, Watertown city manager, husband James W., Fort Drum director of public works, and Denise R. Young, executive director, Fort Drum Regional Health Planning Organization. Top right, Maureen P. Cean, left, Transitional Living Services director of adult services, Caroline M. Baker, Carthage Area Hospital, Jan T. Mosher, Transitional Living Services director of finance, NNY Business | March 2011 5656 || NNY Business | March 2011

and Donnie P. Cean. Above left, Mary Anne Hanley, left, Jefferson County Job Development Corp. director of marketing, husband Thomas F., president, WPBS-TV, and Mabel B. Walker. Above right, New York State Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell, D-Theresa, left, Doris A. McCallen, Dr. Kenneth J. Fish and wife Linda A.

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March March 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business || 57 57

DINING GUIDE Café Mira 14 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4470

Fiesta Mexicana 566 State St., Watertown (315) 779-7577

Ives Hill Restaurant 435 Flower Ave. W., Watertown (315) 775-4837

Cajun Cafe & Grill Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 779-8169

Fireside at Partridge Berry Inn 26561 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 782-8401

Jean’s Beans 259 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 788-7460

Cam’s Pizzeria 25 Public Square, Watertown (315) 779-8900

Flaming Wok 431 E. Hoard St., Watertown (315) 788-9928

Joey’s at the Thousand Island Club 21952 Club Road, Alexandria Bay (315) 482-9999

Candlelight Restaurant and Lounge 380 S. Railroad St., Parish (315) 625-4005

Fung Hing Chinese 225 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9689

Johnny D’s 1 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-6108

Cavallario’s Cucina 133 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 788-9744

Gary’s Restaurant 5424 Shady Ave., Lowville (315) 376-6612

Johnny D’s Bistro 108 108 Court St., Watertown (315) 755-2333

Cherry Tree Inn 8541 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-7281

G&F Italian Pizza and Restaurant 2972 E. Main St., Parish (315) 625-7177

Karen & Jasper’s Bar & Bistro 1322 Washington St. Plaza, Watertown (315) 788-4110

China City 1125 Arsenal St. Suite 2, Watertown (315) 788-8289

Gold Star Deli 343 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-6155

King Star Food Oriental 22265 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 786-0246

Church Street Diner 107 Church St., Carthage (315) 493-0997

Goodfellos 202 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3463

Korean Grill 525 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 681-4226

Coleman’s Corner 849 Lawrence St., Watertown (315) 782-6888

Gram’s Diner 13 Main St., Adams (315) 232-4881

Lake Ontario Playhouse 103 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2305

Crossroads Diner 22474 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 782-9591

Great Wall Chinese 300 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-7668

Leanna’s at the Manor Store Route 11, Pierrepont Manor (315) 465-4400

Crystal Restaurant 87 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-9938

Harby’s Hots Outer Washington Street, Watertown (315) 788-2250

Limerick Hotel 16331 State Route 12E, Limerick (315) 639-6804

Daily Buffet (Chinese) 1283 Arsenal St. Stop 8, Watertown (315) 786-8598

Herrings Inn 35802 State Route 3, Carthage (315) 493-9829

Lloyd’s of Lowville 7405 S. State St., Lowville (315) 376-7037

Blue Heron 12050 Route 12E, Chaumont (315) 649-2240

Dano’s Pizzeria and Restaurant 24411 State Route 971V, Felts Mills (315) 773-3266

Highland Meadows Country Club 24201 State Route 342, Watertown (315) 785-0108

Lucia’s Italian Restaurant 11613 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-2223

Boondocks Restaurant and Bar 3950 State Route 12, Lyons Falls (315) 348-4040

Depot Café 13449 Depot St., Adams Center (315) 583-6555

Home Deli Pizza & Subs 305 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 782-6340

Maggie’s on the River 500 Newell St., Watertown (315) 405-4239

Brookside Diner 1873 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9824

Erin’s Isle Restaurant 928 State Route 11C, Brasher Falls (315) 389-4100

Hot Diggity Dogs Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 788-4844

Mariano’s Pizza 981 Waterman Drive, Watertown (315) 788-8088

Brownville Diner 114 W. Main St., Brownville (315) 786-8554

Fairground Inn 852 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7335

India Palace 1196 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-8457

McCarthy’s Restaurant 5821 U.S. Route 11, Canton (315) 386-2564

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 Andy’s Caribbean Cuisine 302 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-8658 Apollo Restaurant 1283 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-3569 Art’s Jug 820 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 782-9764 Bernardo’s Pizzeria 702 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9500 B J’s Grill 610 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-8126 Black River Valley Club 131 Washington St., Watertown (315) 788-2300

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58 |

NNY Business | March 2011

108 Court Street Watertown, NY 13601

Ph. 315-755-2333 Fax. 315-755-2739

Live Music Tuesday to Saturday!!

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

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. Shorty’s Place 1280 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7878 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 Mex Grill 65 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-4778

Tilted Kilt 1050 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-5458

Clueless 545 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-9006

Tin Pan Galley 110 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3812

Crazy Legs Saloon 536 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 777-8333

United China Restaurant 144 Eastern Blvd., Watertown (315) 782-4432

Edge of the River Pub 519 W. Main St., Watertown (315) 788-0695

Violi’s Restaurant 209 Center St., Massena (315) 764-0329

Fat Boys 743 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 779-0087

Village Inn 8208 Main St., Harrisville (315) 543-9382

Fort Pearl Inc. 557 Pearl St., Watertown (315) 786-3333

VV’s Mexican Kitchen Noble Street, Evans Mills (315) 629-4652

Hitchin’ Post Tavern 404 Court St., Watertown (315) 782-9656

Walsh’s Pub & Grill 101 E. Main St., Brownville (315) 782-6065

Hotel Adams 4 W. Church St., Adams (315) 232-3000

Watertown Golf Club Grill and Bar 1 Thompson Park, Watertown (315) 782-5606

Joe’s Tavern 548 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9709

Willowbrook Golf Club 25075 State Route 37, Watertown (315) 782-8192

Kicker’s Lounge 498 Factory St., Watertown (315) 785-9392

Wing Wagon 71 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-3205

Mick’s Place 204 Factory St., Watertown (315) 786-1992

Coffee Houses 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 E. Orvis St., 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

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

March March 2011 2011 || NNY NNY Business Business || 59 59

BUSINESS HISTORY

Babcock Co. put NNY in motion n From carriages to automobiles, Watertown firm built for the road By ELIZABETH LINDER and WILLIAM G. WOOD

Jefferson County Historical Society

he Babcock Co. history begins with an enterprising and astute businessman named Henry H. Babcock. In 1845, he founded his company as a wooden pump and water pipe factory, which later expanded to include the manufacture of windmills. In Watertown, the Babcock name is synonymous with carriages; the Babcock windmills, used in conjunction with wells to provide domestic running water, were once known throughout the United States. As the 19th century wore on, new times brought new business opportunities. Henry Babcock soon realized there was a growing need for carriage manufacturers in Watertown, so the company abandoned production of pumps, tubing and windmills. A new factory was built and eventually enlarged to include the former sites of Gurdon Caswell’s paper mill, the Nathaniel Wiley machine shop, the Jason Fairbanks tannery, the Kimball distillery, the James Wood machine shops and Baker Massey’s tavern. With his sons as partners and Roswell P. Flower and Anson R. Flower as members of the Board of Trustees, the new venture blossomed into a business that would become part of Watertown’s industrial history. Yet, ambition and experience alone would not secure the H.H. Babcock Co. a place among its rivals. In Watertown itself, Babcock had strong competition from other local carriage makers, including the Watertown Spring Wagon Company, the Union Carriage and Gear Co. and the Excelsior Carriage Co. Babcock, however, was a pioneer of a new sort of carriage company, seeking to centralize production. As the Watertown Daily Times noted, the Babcock Carriage Co. “was in the process of development and getting beyond the scope of the hundreds of small handmade shops that dotted the country.” The Babcock system allowed the company

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The former H. Babcock Co. on Factory Square, Watertown, is pictured next to a roaring Black River on March 28, 1913.

to produce an extensive line of models while upholding rigorous production standards. As a consequence and despite plenty of competition, during the late 1880s and through the 1890s, Babcock was the

and Gear Co. and the Excelsior Carriage Co. had also closed their doors. In 1910, Babcock debuted its famous Model 30 automobile. During this time, the automobile was not yet universally embraced, nor had the company been able to completely depart from its carriage-making past. The woodwork, springs and several other details show how closely the manufacturer held to its experience in making fine carriages. During the 1910 Watertown Automobile Show, the Babcock car caused heads to turn and three cars were sold at the show. In 1910, Watertown was still in the full flush of prosperity created by the papermaking boom and there were more than a few in the community who could afford Babcock’s $3,200 price tag. Making a move toward automobile production was a logical next step for H.H. Babcock Co., if only lucrative for a few years. Just as the company centralized the carriage industry, eliminating the small blacksmith shops, Henry Ford began the mass production of the automobile in Detroit, eventually negating the need for small companies such as H.H. Babcock. In 1913, Babcock stopped making complete automobiles but continued production

In 1910, Watertown was still in the full flush of prosperity created by the paper-making boom and there were more than a few in the community who could afford the Babcock car’s $3,200 price tag.

60 |

NNY Business | March 2011

choice of many Americans. Seven thousand carriages were produced in 1900. At the company’s height, 10,000 carriages were produced per year and 400 men were employed. In 1901, the company reported that its order books were bulging; and as a local measure of its success, Babcock buggies and carriages could often be seen around Public Square or parked in front of fashionable homes. Things were moving swiftly for the company, and by 1908, the H.H. Babcock Co. could feel secure in making another grand leap in its business ventures. In that year, the company included automobiles in its production. By 1909 it bought out the floundering Watertown Spring Wagon Co. The Union Carriage

BUSINESS HISTORY of the bodies until 1928. The company made bodies to order for other automobile manufacturers until fully-integrated manufacturers came to dominate the American market. World War I gave the company a new purpose: the production of ambulance bodies. Soldiers were brought to Watertown to be trained to assemble the bodies. A popular advertisement of the day with an illustration of Uncle Sam declaring, “There is nothing too good for a wounded soldier,” referred to the Babcock ambulances that were produced for the Red Cross and military. In 1928, the factory was closed, and in 1979 much of the Babcock factory on Factory Square was demolished. Surviving buildings of the original Babcock factory are now home to the Black River Paper and Blue Diamond Hardware companies. The Jefferson County Historical Society has one of the few remaining 1910 Babcock Automobiles on display, professionally restored in great detail to its original condition. Admirers can join the exclusive “Babcock Society” to support the JCHS. Membership includes lifetime membership in the JCHS, a

Jefferson County Historical Society has one of the few remaining 1910 Babcock Automobiles on display in its Washington Street museum.

JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY

personal commemorative plaque and an opportunity to have a photo taken in the driver’s seat and more. A “Junior Babcock Society” is also planned for youth membership. JCHS plans also include a campaign to “Free the Babcock” and have it displayed throughout events in the north country. n Elizabeth Linder is the former Jefferson County Historical Society collections curator.

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. 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.

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 61

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G H E R E ? F.X. CAPRARA VOLKSWAGEN DEALERSHIP LOCATION: Route 11, Outer Washington Street, Watertown. SIZE: 6,807 square-foot building. Sales lot will house 150 to 200 autos. COMPLETION DATE: Early summer. Site work began in September. LOCAL JOBS: A dozen construction jobs; approximately 10 F.X. Caprara employees. COST: $700,000 CONTRACTORS: DC Building Systems Inc., general contractor, Watertown. — Compiled by Kyle R. Hayes.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Construction continues on a nearly 7,000 square-foot F.X. Caprara Volkswagen building next to Grenadier Construction in Watertown. The new Volkswagen building is part of the auto dealership’s plan to split its Kia-Volkswagen business at 18476 Route 11. The Kia operation has moved to the former Saturn lot at 18675 Route 11.

Northern New York Builders Exchange, Inc. 22074 Fabco Road • Watertown, NY Tel: 315-788-1330 • Fax: 315-788-9357 Headquarters of the Building Industry in Northern New York

The 35th Annual North Country Home Show April 1st. 2nd. & 3rd. 2011 Show Hours are: Friday, April 1st - 5:00pm to 9:00pm Saturday, April 2nd - 10:00am to 7:00pm Sunday, April 3rd - 10:00am to 3:00pm Tickets $5.00 for adults • $4.00 for Seniors over 65 & Military • Children 16 and under FREE

For more information please call: 788-1330 62 |

NNY Business | March 2011

NEXT MONTH

n our April cover story, we examine the impact of agriculture on Northern New York and its economy. Also coming next month:

n KELLY WIDRICK, owner of Green Thyme in Adams Center, is involved in a community-supported agriculture program to sell locally produced foods. Johnson Newspapers staff writer Sarah Haase visits with Mrs. Widrick to learn how her efforts help local farmers. n OFFICE SPACE CRUNCH — When one north country financial firm decided to open its doors in a new location, its owners were stymied by a lack of available professional office space in Watertown. Johnson Newspapers staff writer Nancy Madsen examines the implications of the short supply of class A office space. n 20 QUESTIONS WITH Darrel J. Aubertine, a longtime NNY farmer and Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s pick for commissioner of the New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets. n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, History, Business Scene and more.

Specializing in Government, Commercial, Property Management, and Residential applications We are proud to be pioneering the field of construction based recycling in Jefferson County. To date, we have recycled nearly 600,000 lbs of used carpet and padding! Hub Zone Certified Small Business

We offer a wide range of “Green”, LEEDS Certified products for your next project. Women owned/ Veteran owned

Timbers Lodge ~ Fort Drum, NY

Colleen Bellnier, President

Painting by Pine Camp Contracting Inc., 2010

Pine Camp Contracting Inc.

“Providing Professional Painting and Flooring Installation for Businesses, Property maintenance, Commercial and Residential Customers”

800 Starbuck Avenue • Watertown, NY 13601 315-777-4766

March 2011 | NNY Business

www.pinecampcontracting.com

| 63

March 2011 | NNY Business

| 63

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