NNY Business December 2010

B

Y usIness

‘Homes for Heroes’ program aids troops, responders, 18

December 2010

InaTughue r Issue al

INSIDE ...

NNY snapshot Dining guide Business scene

... and much more

Restaurant Wars The battle for tastebuds heats up $2.95

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

2 | NNY Business | December 2010

December 2010 | NNY Business

|3

CONTRIBUTORS

BusIness

www.nnybusiness.net

Publishers

Donald C. Alexander is chief executive officer of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency. He offers his thoughts on the coming changes to Albany’s political landscape and how it could impact economic development. (p. 25)

Peter J. Whitmore is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce.

This month he shares his excitement for the holiday season and welcomes a new resource to the NNY business scene. (p. 22)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Agricultural Development Corp.

He writes about how Northern New Yorkgrown soybeans are making their way to China. (p. 23)

Sarah O’Connell is an advisor for the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College.

This month she writes about the importance of networking to grow your business. (p. 26)

John B. Johnson Jr. Harold B. Johnson II

General ManaGer John B. Johnson

executive editor Bert Gault

ManaGinG editor

Robert D. Gorman

MaGazine editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

advertisinG director Karen Romeo

advertisinG sPecialist Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He writes about tools businesses can use to bolster charitable giving. (p. 24)

Sarah Haase is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. For our cover story on the city’s restaurant industry she delivers the skinny on Sonora’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant. (p. 16)

Justin Sorensen is a Watertown Daily Times staff photographer.

For our cover story he captures some sights of the city’s restaurant industry. (p.10)

MARKETPLACE Key Bank ......................................... 2 Northwestern Mutual ................ 3, 35 Small Business Development Center .................... 7 Watertown International Airport ...................... 7 NBT Bank ........................................ 12 Howard Orthotics .......................... 13 Westelcom ..................................... 14 Johnny D’s Bistro 108 .................... 15 Northern New York Community Foundation ................16 The UPS Store ................................. 17 Innovative Physical Therapy ........ 19

I

Truesdell’s Furniture ...................... 20 Cheney Tire ................................... 21 Watertown Daily Times ................. 22 Edible Arrangements ................... 23 Painfull Acres ................................ 24 Lofink Auto Spa ............................. 25 Waterbury Fine Jewelers .............. 26 Allen’s Liquor ................................. 28 Nelson’s / Romalato’s ................... 29 Morrison’s Furniture ....................... 31 Tug Hill Winery ............................... 32 Pine Camp Construction ............. 34 Jefferson County IDA ................... 36

NEXT MONTH

n our January issue we examine the economic and business outlook for the Northern New York region in 2011 as changes take place in Albany and across the state.

Also coming next month: n SOME 30 YEARS AGO Peter S. Curtis began making fine furniture and cabinetry in Evans Mills. Freelance writer

4 | NNY Business | December 2010

Clarissa Collins

PhotoGraPhy

Norm Johnston, Justin Sorensen, Colleen White

ad GraPhics, desiGn

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

NNY Business, formerly Absolutely Business magazine, is published monthly by Johnson Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Copyright 2010, Johnson Newspaper Corp.

All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Johnson Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

subscriPtion rates

12 issues are $10 a year for Watertown Daily Times and affiliate newspaper subscribers and $20 a year for non-subscribers.

Call 315-782-1000 for delivery.

subMissions

Andrea Pedrick talks to Mr. Curtis about how he’s managed to continue his craft for three decades in NNY.

Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net

n THE UNIQUE CHARM THAT has sustained downtown Watertown’s Agape Shoppe also helped it earn Business of the Year honors from the Downtown Business Association. We visit the store to learn some secrets of its success.

For advertising rates and information e-mail ccollins@wdt.net

advertisinG

PRINTED WITH PRIDE IN U.S.A. Please recycle this magazine.

Inside

10

December 2010

COVER STORY

10

RESTAURANT WARS Success in today’s restaurant business is sink or swim and, as many have experienced, the water isn’t always calm.

FEATURES

15

BEHIND THE BISTRO Dave Bartlett and his wife Robyn say they have no choice but to succeed. So what’s their plan for 108 Court Street?

16

SALSA AT SONORA’S The billing

18

HOMES FOR HEROES When it’s time

18

is authentic Mexican food. The venue a remodeled downtown eatery once called The Carriage House.

ON THE COVER

to sign a mortgage this program — a big thank-you to those who serve — keeps some bucks in the bank.

B

Y usIness

‘Homes for Heroes’ program aids troops, responders, 18

December 2010

DEPARTMENTS

$2.95

InaTugheur Issue al

INSIDE ...

EDITOR’S NOTE

6

NONPROFITS TODAY

24

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

7

ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING

25

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

8

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

26

REAL ESTATE

18

CALENDAR

27

20 QUESTIONS

20

BUSINESS SCENE

28

COMMERCE CORNER

22

DINING GUIDE

32

AGRI-BUSINESS

23

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

35

NNY snapshot Dining guide Business scene

... and much more

Restaurant Wars The battle for tastebuds heats up Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly Vol. 1 Issue 1 | www.nnybusiness.net

1025 Ruyi Japenese Steak House chef Zhu Y Wu fires up a hibachi sensation at the Arsenal Street eatery in Watertown. { JUSTIN SORENSEN PHOTO }

December 2010 | NNY Business

| 5

EDITOR’S NOTE

W

hen my family moved to the north country 31 years ago, Watertown’s Arsenal Street was little more than a two-lane road peppered with restaurants, retail shopping plazas and a movie theater. Not much stood west of Interstate 81. An old barn with a softserve ice cream stand inside was all that occupied a field where Salmon Run Mall now houses nearly 750,000 square feet of retail, entertainment and dining.

Fort Drum was practically mothballed, a hard-to-believe version of its present modern self, and north country residents traveled to Canada for the best deals with a dollarfor-dollar exchange rate far Ken Eysaman more favorable to those south of the border.

Fast forward three decades and it’s nothing short of amazing to see how the region has changed.

Now, Canadians flock to a one-time field that has grown to an international shopping destination for our friends north of the border, and there are few things I can think of that require north country residents to make the 65-mile trek south to Syracuse that they can’t find at home. In many ways, Watertown has grown up, and I am very excited to be back and working for a company that publishes the newspaper I began reading with my father when I was a small child.

After 14 years living the rat race of big-city life in places like Boston, Denver and Atlanta, where driving just five miles can take 45 minutes if not executed with the precise timing of an air-traffic controller, I am elated to be back in the north country, where the scent of fertilizer is far healthier than that of metropolitan smog.

As many things that come with age change, my perspective on the north country has matured to an appreciation for its way of life, culture and diverse business community. This is home. It is the place I looked forward to leaving after high school, and the place I couldn’t wait to return to after I grew up. n

n

n

Welcome to NNY Business magazine, the newest member of the Johnson Newspapers Corp. family of

6 | NNY Business | December 2010

publications. Formerly Absolutely Business magazine, we are pleased to build upon the foundation laid by the team that created the north country’s first magazine about local business.

What you are reading represents a commitment to deliver more content about local people doing business in our communities.

Inside this issue you will find an in-depth look at another changing part of the north country’s landscape.

The restaurant industry is a fiercely competitive and growing segment of our local economy.

With nearly 4,600 employees, an annual payroll of $58 million and annual sales that top $200 million, dining out is big business. We also visit with Mark Lavarnway, CEO of Watertown Savings Bank, for a candid, in-depth conversation about community banking and what the future holds for his 117-year-old firm.

Each month you will find a cadre of local columnists reporting on agriculture, small business, nonprofits, economic development and the chamber of commerce.

An economic snapshot lays out some ups and downs of our region’s economy, 20 questions delivers interviews with local business leaders, people on the move highlights achievements of our residents in business, an events calendar lists upcoming business to-dos, and business scene is where you might find familiar faces and names of people doing business. This month’s scene section features 41 faces from 22 different north country businesses and organizations.

When you get through reading our inaugural issue, pass it along to a friend, neighbor, relative or someone else you know. Help us spread the word about business in Northern New York. And, as always, if you have any business news to share, drop me an e-mail at keysaman@wdt.net or call me at 661-2399. I look forward to hearing from you.

Finally, the many advertisers whose messages are displayed in the pages of this magazine deserve your support. As we continue to deliver a deeper look at our region’s economy, its businesses and the people who make it tick, we must continue to support those who are committed to keeping business in Northern New York.

Yours in business,

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Launches new business

Adams resident Tammy Mayer has launched a personal concierge business for busy professionals and those who just need a hand with life’s chores.

Ms. Multitask brings new services to Northern New York with know-how on how to do anything from throw a party of any size to finding the most efficient organizing system for homes or businesses.

Mrs. Mayer, owner of Ms. Multi-Task moved to the north country 10 years ago.

Since that time, she has held several jobs where she was the “go-to” person for finding ways to meet personal and business needs.

Visit www.msmultitask.com or call 7675279 to learn more.

Business of the month

Watertown’s Downtown Business Association and the state Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College named Kang Duk Won Karate as the downtown business of the month for November based on participation, downtown spirit and business achievement.

Kang Duk Won Karate started in 1970 at the Family YMCA. The main training center is still at the Y; a martial arts store and main office are in the Paddock Arcade. Classes are also held at other sites, such as Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, and at JCC. Robert Lawlor is Kang Duk Won’s master instructor and president.

for

presented by

Commendation

The National Asphalt Pavement Association has awarded Barrett Paving Materials Inc.’s Norwood Drum Plant its 2010 Diamond Achievement Commendation for excellence in hot-mix asphalt plant/site operations.

The commendation is awarded through a self-assessment program that recognizes responsible hot-mix asphalt operation practices and good community relations.

Garners top honor

Robert W. Crump, sales and design engineer for NCC Systems, Potsdam, was named top sales and growth achiever in the Northeast for Notifier Corp., an international distributor of commercial fire systems.

The award was given Oct. 19 on Marco Island, Fla., during Notifier’s annual conference and awards ceremony. Mr. Crump has been a sales representative and design engineer for fire safety systems with NCC Systems for 27 years.

Earns certificate

Jefferson Community College, in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center at JCC and the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce, presented entrepreneur Paul M. Bigwarfe with an entrepreneurship/ small business certificate.

Mr. Bigwarfe, formerly of Rochester, owns and operates Environmental Solutions, 131 Monroe Ave., established in 1995 to provide consultation services for environmental assessments, facility audits, risk management and health and safety compliance.

Mr. Bigwarfe became eligible for the E/ SB certificate after completing the SBDC’s entrepreneurial training and JCC’s Creating a Business Plan courses, both of which

are certificate requirements, along with additional workshops.

For more information about the E/SB Workshop Series or certificate, contact Andrea Pedrick at 786-2236 or e-mail apedrick@sunyjefferson.edu.

Joins advisory board

The general manager of Candlewood Suites in Evans Mills has joined the brand’s general manager advisory board.

Christy A. Zawatski will give feedback from the local hotel to the Intercontinental Hotels Group for Candlewood Suites Hotel Brand at its corporate offices in Atlanta. The Candlewood Suites Watertown/Fort Drum also will be used as a pilot test hotel for the Candlewood.

Ms. Zawatski has been with the hotel since 2009.

Please see People, page 17

the

2011 SELLING TO THE GOVERNMENT & MATCHMAKING EVENT

Jefferson Community College, Watertown

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 8:00 am -1:30 p.m.

Call for more information - 315-782-9262 Agencies and Prime Contractors are invited to contact us regarding participation!

December December2010 2010||NNY NNY Business Business || 77

Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers Sept. ’09 $1.50 Aug. ’10 $1.44 Sept. ’09 $1.03

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

45%

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

438,483 in September 2010 539,545 in August 2010 384,315 in September 2009

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

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

Sept. ’10 $2.74 Aug. ’10 $2.80 Sept. ’09 $2.73

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

0.5%

$1.03 on Sept. 30, 2010 $1.06 on Aug. 31, 2010 $1.07 on Sept. 31, 2009

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

10.5%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Passengers at Watertown International Airport

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

425 in-bound and out-bound in September 2010 445 in-bound and out-bound in August 2010 481 in-bound and out-bound in September 2009

11.7%

11.6%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Single-family home sales

Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

118, median price $132,950 in September 2010 108, median price $143,250 in August 2010 131, median price $127,800 in September 2009

Sales

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

7.9%

July 10

8.3%

Jun. 10

8.1% 8.4%

Apr. 10 Mar. 10

10.4%

Feb. 10

11.0%

Jan. 10

10.8%

Dec. 09 Nov. 09 Oct. 09 Source: New York State Department of Labor

88 || NNY NNYBusiness Business||December December2010 2010

9.4% 8.7% 8.1%

3.2%

9.3%

Q4 2009

May 10

6.6%

Aug. 10

8.2%

$18M

Sep. 10

8.8%

$15.6M

Jefferson County unemployment

Jefferson County sales tax receipts $15M

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

Oct. 10

1.4%

Q1 2010

Price

90,500 in September 2010 89,800 in August 2010 91,800 in September 2009

9.9%

$16.3M

4%

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

9.1%

Sept. ’10 $2.76 Aug. ‘10 $2.65 Sept. ’09 $2.47

3.7%

Q2 2010

Sept. ’10 $2.83 Aug. ‘10 $2.84 Sept. ’09 $2.56

14.1%

9.1%

ECON SNAPSHOT

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Q3 2010

NNY

Economic indicators

*Quarterly data are year over year comparisons for the same periods.

Source: Jefferson County Treasurer

Building permit activity Q3’10 $252,951 Q3’09 $1.3M

79.4%

YTD’10 $4.7M YTD’09 $8.9M

52.2%

NNY

* Building permit fees for city of Watertown only. See page 34 for detailed list of third-quarter building permits by address and permit category. Totals are new construction, demolitions, additions, alterations and conversions. Figures do not include repair-only permits.

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

Nov. 10, 2010

n 0.23 acre, Wight Drive, Margaret Mary Foti, Watertown, sold to Victor R. Leon and Frances M. Leon, Watertown, $175,000 n 0.115 acre, Thompson Boulevard, Mary A. Foster, Sackets Harbor, sold to Richard L. Halpin, Watertown, $108,000 n 1.16 acres, Spring Avenue, Robert W. Sweeting, Mannsville, sold to Andrea L. Phillips and Steven Phillips, Watertown, $108,000 n 207-209 Central St., Charlotte E. Petrie, Watertown, sold to Jay S. Vitug and Eleanor Vitug, Watertown, $75,000

Nov. 5, 2010

n 0.179 acre, Keyes Avenue, Debbie M. Affinati, Watertown, sold to Robert Lewis Brackbill III and Meta Christina Brackbill, Watertown, $175,000 n Three parcels, 561 Eastern Boulevard and two adjoining lots on Eastern Boulevard, Tiffany M. Jauregui, Northridge, Calif., sold to Gregory S. Matuszczak, Watertown, $80,000 n 0.124 acre, South Massey Street, Amanda S. Sipher Dealing, Watertown, sold to Shawn C. Sandiford, Fort Drum $85,000

Nov. 2, 2010

n North Orchard Street, Angel M. Medina, Waynesboro, Pa., sold to Nuno B. Henriques and Celia M. Henriques, Union, N.J., $105,000

Nov. 1, 2010

n 242 Pratt St., Ellen L. Freiman, Scarsdale, executor, will of Grace M. Babin, sold to Michael A. Deitz and Jade E. Deitz, Watertown, $149,000 n 0.25 acre, Bronson Street, Lee C. Castor and Suzette M. Castor, Watertown, sold to Aaron N. Smith, Watertown $80,000

n 0.33 acre, 255 Paddock St., Clark H. Babcock and Betty L. Babcock, Clayton, sold to Jeffrey T. Fondak and Dorothy E. Fondak, Carthage, $235,000 n 834 Anne St., Louie R. Farone and Rosemary C. Farone, Watertown, sold to Terri L. Gaylor, Rodman, $89,000

Oct. 29, 2010

n Academy Street, Ronney F. Sierra and Sonya D. Sierra, Watertown, sold to Bradley K. Johnson and Cynthia Ko-Johnson, Fort Drum, $155,000

Oct. 28, 2010

n 0.134 acre, Burchard Street, BCJ Acquisitions Group LLC, Three Mile Bay, sold to Timothy A. Drew, Watertown, $87,000 n Central Street, Marlynne Reynolds, Watertown, executor, will of Susan J. Grant, late of Watertown, sold to Garry F. Trombley Jr. and Margaret C. Pickard, both of Auburn, $75,000

Oct. 26, 2010

n Mundy Street, Leo R. Bennett and Bessie W. Bennett Trust,

by Cynthia L. Steiner, trustee, Oswego, sold to Janet Burrows and Jon A. Burrows, Clayton, $116,000, n 0.13 acre, Mundy Street, Terrence R. Carlin and Susan M. Carlin, Watertown, sold to John W.A. Tinsley III, Syracuse $80,000

$2,062,000 City real estate sales recorded over 16-day period, Oct. 26-Nov. 10, 2010

TRANSACTIONS

Source: Jefferson County Code Enforcement

December December2010 2010||NNY NNYBusiness Business||99

A Ives Hill Restaurant executive chef Geoff Puccia prepares dinner on a recent Tuesday evening.

F

{ Justin Sorensen photo}

By Ken Eysaman | NNY Business editor

FROM 1990 TO 2000, Watertown lost nearly 2,700 residents and only since 2005 has the city experienced annual population growth.

If the upward trend continues, the 2010 count could eclipse totals of 20 years ago. Despite historically modest residential growth, one thing has remained constant: city dwellers have plenty of choices to please the palate.

For good reason, many national restaurant chains — Ruby Tuesday’s, Applebee’s, Texas Roadhouse, and Red Lobster — have opened in recent years.

Fort Drum, the largest army post in the northeast is home to 18,000 active-duty soldiers and thousands more family members, civilian employees and sup-

10 10 || NNY NNYBusiness Business||December December2010 2010

port staff. With an undeniably positive economic impact, it is an engine that drives growth in nearly every sector of the region’s economy.

Last year, Fort Drum’s combined payroll soared to $1.1 billion, pumping more money into the retail service segment than any other single employment classification. And when thousands of presently deployed troops return in 2012, the region’s appetite for spending — along with soldiers’ cravings — will once again be fed.

While the familiar signs of nationally branded eateries serve as a beacon to non-natives, family-run restaurants like Leo J. Coleman Jr.’s Fairground Inn, Arthur V. and Steve Sboro’s Art’s Jug Thomas P. Costanzo’s Pete’s Restaurant, Peter T. and Brenda G. Cavallario’s

Cavallario’s Cucina, William and Michelle Tinsley’s Apollo, the Dephtereos family and The Crystal Restaurant — the city’s oldest — have been stalwarts of the local dining scene. Though most agree that competition is a healthy way of staying fresh, it has given rise to concern as the number of restaurants in the area grows.

“The pie keeps getting sliced thinner and thinner,” said Peter J. Dephtereos, third-generation chef at The Crystal.

“It causes you to be more creative to attract new customers. When you’re not the only game in town you’ve got to be more creative.”

For Mr. Dephtereos, creativity isn’t a hard-to-follow recipe. It’s sticking to a few basic principles that have kept his family’s restaurant in business for

COVER STORY

A battle for business

n With annual sales topping $200 million, consistency reigns king in city’s restaurant industry

91 years. Hard work, dedication, work ethic; unlike many formulas for success, his secrets aren’t closely guarded.

“Keep it simple. Caring about what you do. Don’t get too extravagant,” Mr. Dephtereos said. “We always strive to serve a good product at a reasonable price.”

Helen Mattraw is a near lifelong testament to Mr. Dephtereos’ formula for winning over customers. She has been coming to The Crystal since she was 6, some 80 years ago.

“It’s not changed a bit,” Mrs. Mattraw said as she sipped coffee, waiting for her breakfast order on a recent Sunday morning. “The food is always good. I never have had anything I’ve had to send back.”

With eight decades of meals to judge, Mrs. Mattraw’s comments also speak to the importance of consistency in an industry where one bad meal can swing

the pendulum in the wrong direction.

William Tinsley of the Apollo Restaurant in the Price Chopper Plaza on Arsenal Street couldn’t agree more. In describing his establishment, Mr. Tinsely beams with pride over its reputation for quality Greek food and “unmatched portion sizes” that he said have helped it earn its name as the “gyro capital of the north country.”

“It all starts with exceptional customer service,” he said. “Not being able to cling to the coattails of a corporate office somewhere makes us as a family try harder.”

While the city’s burgeoning restaurant industry isn’t cause for Mr. Tinsley to sound the alarm, it certainly is a fact that he can’t help but notice.

“There is no shortage of places to eat in this town for sure,” he said. “Dining out is one of the main outlets for entertainment in Northern New York.”

Even so, life at The Apollo is good, Mr. Tinsely said, noting that business in the past three years has actually increased because of his self-described “uniqueness” of the menu. Where else in town can hungry patrons choose from 14 different varieties of gyros and top off a meal with homemade baklava ice cream?

Perhaps it’s the ice cream that brings people through the door in all kinds of weather, but more likely it’s a point that Mr. Tinsely and others return to time and again as if it’s the No. 1 ingredient: consistency. Food quality, service, cleanliness, food safety, customer satisfaction — it’s not that a restaurant must be consistently good at one thing anymore; competition has driven the city’s restaurant industry to neverbefore-seen levels of perfection in all aspects of operation.

“We’re sticklers for food safety December 2010 | NNY Business

| 11

COVER STORY and sanitation,” Mr. Tinsley said. “And top-line customer service and food quality and, well, everything.”

W

n

n

n

ith more than 200 restaurants in the Watertown ZIP code, it’s no wonder the slice of pie that Mr. Dephtereos works hard to earn is getting smaller. The U.S. Census Bureau’s 2007 economic census, data from which were released earlier this year, is a telling portrait

“

If you don’t try you don’t know if it’s good or not.

I am a doer. I like a challenge. If I think a place is going to be worth it I will do it. At least I try.

— Neil Shi, owner, 1025 Ruyi Japanese Steak House

of just how big dining out in Watertown has become.

In 2007, the Census Bureau reported 238 “food service establishments” in Watertown, a figure that included 32 full-service restaurants that employ wait staff, 103

“limited-service eating places and restaurants,” and another 103 “food services and drinking establishments.”

The same economic census also listed annual sales of $211.8 million in all Watertown food-service categories and an annual employee payroll of $56.7 million for 4,621 restaurant and bar employees.

Based on those figures, it’s hardly presumptuous to say competition in the market is downright fierce.

Yet, it’s just that which drives the owner of one of the city’s newest and trendiest independent restaurants.

“You have to take risks,” said Neil Shi, owner of 1025 Rui Japanese Steak House on Arsenal Street.

Shi, a former Massachusetts restaurateur who grew up in New York City, has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into setting up shop in Watertown, and he’s already signed a long-term lease for a second location in the Top of the Square building on Court Street, a move that surprised some who charge that he might be moving too fast, basing a decision for a downtown locale on the early success of his first. But Shi has a simple answer for his critics.

“I at least try. If you don’t try you

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

The Tilted Kilt, 1050 Arsenal St., is one of the city’s newest full-service restaurants.

12 | NNY Business | December 2010

COVER STORY By the numbers

238

Restaurants in Watertown ZIP code

$211.8M 2007 restaurant and bar sales in Watertown ZIP code

4,621 2007 paid restaurant and bar employees in Watertown ZIP code per pay period

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

Helen Mattraw enjoys breakfast at the Crystal Restaurant on Public Square on a recent Sunday morning with her daughter, Gail Mattraw.

don’t know if it’s good or not,” Shi said.

“I am a doer. I must try.”

One downtown restaurant owner said he actually looks forward to Shi’s second location.

David P. Bartlett, who along with his wife Robyn L. owns Johnny D’s in the Paddock Arcade and Johnny D’s Bistro 108 on Court Street, said the fact that Shi has made such a commitment to the city, and to downtown, is great.

He even welcomes the competition with hopes it helps kick his bar business up a notch.

“If it brings more people downtown, I am all for it,” he said.

Shi is cautiously optimistic that his immediate success will continue.

“If I think a place is going to be worth

$56.7M

it, I will do it,” he said. “So far we are still comfortable.”

His hibachi grill is a unique blend of entertainment with quality food. A critical component of that combination is hiring experienced chefs who can put on a fun show while working the grills without sacrificing quality on the food they’re preparing. To achieve that result, he said, none of his chefs have fewer than five years in high-profile cooking jobs.

“It’s all about experience,” Shi said. “If you are experienced, you can do a lot at once on the grill.”

Shi’s restaurant also stands as an example of another trend in city dining. In recent years it’s become quite possible for a person to eat their way around the world without even leaving the city, sam-

town’s Newest D Wa t e rE n t e r t a i n m e n t Ve niun i n g e &

2007 restaurant and bar payroll in Watertown ZIP code

91 Years Watertown’s oldest continually operating eatery — The Crystal Restaurant — has been open on Public Square

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2007 Economic Census, www.census.gov

Now Booking: • Company Parties • Birthday Celebrations • Catering for Events Happy Hour Specials Include: 2 Dollar Tuesdays - Wine Enjoy a Tom & Jerry “Bistro Style” and Other Hot Winter Drink Specials!

108 Court Street Watertown, NY 13601

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

Live Music Tuesday to Saturday!!

December 2010 | NNY Business

| 13

COVER STORY pling cuisine from nearly a dozen distinct regions of the globe. Japanese, Mexican, Thai, Korean, Chinese, Italian, Greek, Irish, American, and Indian, to name a few, can all be sampled in Watertown.

Geoff Puccia, executive chef at Ives Hill Restaurant on Flower Avenue, has worked hard to to capitalize on the region’s growth related to Fort Drum by building business through creative cuisine.

Mr. Puccia is a north country native who returned home three years ago following a decade away in North Carolina. After seeing what has happened in larger cities of the country, his biggest fear is that the old-time Italian-American flavor of classic Watertown will be lost to the franchises that have exploded in the past decade.

Despite that concern, he says it’s do-ordie to compete and adapt to the changing marketplace.

“When it comes down to it, you’ve got to give people what they want with a modern twist,” Mr. Puccia said.

Most important for Mr. Puccia is a familiar chord that rings true for anyone who wants to make it in the dining industry: customer satisfaction.

“You’re only as good as your last meal,”

T

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

Server Ashlie Cobb prepares a breakfast order in the kitchen at The Crystal Restaurant on a recent Sunday morning.

he said. “People have to have a desire to come back.”

he city’s newest full-service restaurant, the Tilted Kilt at 1050 Arsenal St. represents a nearly $2 million investment to redevelop a site once occupied by a car dealership. In an economy that has been slow to recover from the depths of recession, that alone is huge.

Lyons Falls-based Otis Technology owner Doreen Garret and her husband Jody, who owns Watertown’s Overhead Door Company, were the first to bring the Arizona-based franchise to the northeast.

The next closest is in Columbus, Ohio.

While Tilted Kilt isn’t bashful about the fact that women servers don uniforms that are far from conservative, it strives to operate with respect and class and it’s hard to ignore the fact that 90 people are working who might not otherwise have jobs in tough economic times.

“We are no ordinary restaurant,” said Dean DeVito, an industry veteran of 20-plus years who the Garretts hired as general manager before it opened on Sept. 1. “It’s a substantial investment. (Jody and Doreen) felt the area needed something different.”

And different it is.

It is staffed with attractive young waitresses all dressed in official Tilted Kilt uniforms: short red plaid kilts with matching plaid halter tops and white knee socks.

Mr. DeVito, who once owned restaurants on Long Island and most recently managed Watertown’s T.G.I.Fridays, admits that the getup is a draw, especially for young, single military men, but he comes back to the fact that it, like dozens of other restaurants in the city, is putting people to work.

“We’re different. We stand out,” he said.

“But the people who work here are real working people.”

Like others who worry about the bottom line, Mr. DeVito isn’t blind to the growing number of restaurants in Watertown, a city with a population that is still less than 30,000 despite the 18,000 soldiers stationed at Fort Drum.

“I don’t think the area is near saturation with restaurants — not yet,” he said. “Competition is good for everybody. I don’t want to see anyone close their doors.”

For now, all Mr. DeVito can do is hope that profits at his restaurant don’t tilt in the wrong direction and that all who can afford to dine out will go and spend a little cash. n Ken Eysaman is editor of NNY Business. Contact him at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.

14 | NNY Business | December 2010

F E AT U R E S

Bistro captures top honors from DBA n Hard work, pride drive couple to make it in city dining scene

By KEN EYSAMAN

Johnny D’s Bistro 108 owners David P. and Robyn L. Bartlett sit with a glass of Downtown Brown beer and Coyote Moon Twisted Sister wine.

NNY Business editor

D

avid P. Bartlett is the first to admit that he’s made a few crazy decisions in his life.

Take as an example his decision of Nov. 6, 2009. It was a typical Friday for Mr. Bartlett and his wife Robyn L. They were working at Johnny D’s, their breakfast and lunch café in the Paddock Arcade, when Michael J. Hennegan and Gordon D. Silverthorne, owners of First National Beef & Brew walked in and shared some startling news: unless they could find a suitable buyer, they were closing their restaurant at 108 Court St. This is where Mr. Bartlett says “crazy” enters the story. Without much hesitation, he said he would take it.

“It was a Friday. I said yes, went home, came up with a new name over the weekend, hung a new sign on the building Monday morning, and reopened as Johnny D’s Bistro 108,” he said.

Now just 13 months later, things are starting to fall into place.

Last month, Watertown’s Downtown Business Association named Johnny D’s Bistro 108 Downtown Business of the Year (see photo on page 30). The Agape Shoppe also earned top honors.

Mr. Bartlett’s award cites his “dedication to downtown business development.”

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Bistro 108 / At a glance FARE: Classic Italian-American fare, noted for prime rib and chicken parmesan.

HOURS: 4 -10 p.m. Mondays; 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday- Thursday; 11 a.m.-midnight Fridays; noon-9 p.m. Sunday AVERAGE ENTREE PRICE: $11 RESERVATIONS: Recommended for large dinner parties or special events DRESS: Casual

Johnny D’s Bistro 108 also sponsors many events for local organizations and charities and is a venue for the traveling art show sponsored by the North Country Arts Council.

Coincidentally, Mr. Bartlett hosted the DBA’s annual social event at Bistro 108, during which his selection was announced.

These days, Mr. Bartlett spends most of his time at 108 Court St., while Mrs.

Bartlett handles all the requisite tasks at Johnny D’s in the Paddock Arcade.

“We have learned how to make it work,” Mr. Bartlett said. “We really want to make it a special place.”

While the journey hasn’t been an easy one, Mr. and Mrs. Bartlett aren’t the type to back away from a challenge.

“We have been married for 28 years, so obviously we don’t give up easily,” Mrs. Bartlett said with a laugh.

Mr. Bartlett is one of the biggest boosters for downtown business one could meet.

He is always doing things to help drive traffic into shops and restaurants, and not just to his own eateries.

“There are enough quality places to get a good meal in and around downtown,” Mr. Bartlett said. “We are all in it together to service people in the downtown area.” n Ken Eysaman is editor of NNY Business. Contact him at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.

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| 15

F E AT U R E S

Sonora’s takes trip south of border n Authentic Mexican stirs the senses at Best Western hotel

By SARAH HAASE NNY Business

A

n authentic South American flair has arrived in Watertown in the form of cuisine.

Sonora’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant, located in the former Carriage House Restaurant at the Best Western on Washington Street, has been open three months and owners say they are here to please.

Christopher J. Klee, one of the restaurants founders and director of operations for the family-owned franchise from Big Flats, said its grand opening in October was a successful event and hopes people will be eager to come back for more.

Watertown was a prime location for a Mexican family-style restaurant, Mr. Klee said.

“Mexican food is a niche market and it’s huge,” he said. “It’s good for smaller areas.

Our research showed us that Watertown ranked in the top 20 cities in need of a family-style Mexican restaurant.”

Serving traditional favorites from Sonora, Mexico, located on the northwestern coast of the country, Mr. Klee said one of his goals for the restaurant is to make those dishes favorites of people in the north country.

“The food we serve is truly authentic Mexican food,” he said. “It’s not what

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Christopher J. Klee, director of operations, and Barbara J. Rogers, manager of food and beverage, recently celebrated the grand opening for Sonora’s Authentic Mexican Restaurant in the former Carriage House.

Sonora’s / At a glance FARE: Authentic Mexican HOURS: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. MondaySaturday; noon-9 p.m. Sunday AVERAGE ENTREE PRICE: $9 DRESS: Casual

people consider traditional though, it’s not Tex-Mex. We spent years traveling to Sonora, we still make trips there, in search of new recipes and ingredients to bring

16 | NNY Business | December 2010

back to our restaurants. We cook it how it’s cooked in Mexico.”

There are already Sonora’s in Bath, Corning and Rochester, and Mr. Klee said in 2011 three more are slated to open in Utica, Vernon and Tioga.

What lends itself to the restaurant’s success? Mr. Klee said keeping things fresh is key.

The menu changes quarterly, but there are some core dishes within the more than

Please see SONORA’S, page 17

People, from page 7

Entrepreneur honored

The owner of Otis Technology Inc. has been named the 2010 businessperson of the year by the Lewis County Chamber.

Doreen Garrett, president and CEO of southern Lewis County’s largest private employer, was presented the 29th annual award at the banquet Nov. 18 at the 3-G Fire Hall in Glenfield.

Otis Technology’s “breech-to-muzzle” cleaning systems are used by military, law enforcement personnel and hunters.

Ms. Garrett has received numerous awards, most recently the 2010 Progressive Manufacturing Award for Automated Warehouse and Technology and 2010 DSCC Gold Award for quality performance as a government contractor.

Earns accreditation

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society has accredited the Watertown Animal Hospital, 1445 Washington St., as a member of the society’s Veterinary Facility Accreditation Program. The accreditation signifies a commitment to excellence in veterinary facility professionalism, appearance and maintenance, and quality patient care.

The New York State Veterinary Medical Society is the professional membership association of veterinarians in New York, represents more than 2,000 members.

Madison, Wis. Mr. Bayne has worked in the artificial insemination industry for 34 years. His experiences range from developing sales territories and staff to consulting with larger producers and management of reproductive protocols.

Mr. Fargo’s work in the AI industry for the last 20 years is driven by a passion for pedigrees and producers. He uses these strengths to consult with dairy producers and help them fulfill their herd goals.

Visit www.crv4all.us to learn more.

Grant finalist

Amanda L. “Mandee” Widrick, Adams, is a finalist in Idea Cafe’s 10th Small Business Grant Competition.

The 22-year-old founder and CEO of ChargedUp Media is one of five finalists, based on creativity and entrepreneurship.

Idea Cafe will award a grant of $1,000 to the contestant who receives the most votes during the final voting round.

ChargedUp Media offers social media management and training services to entrepreneurs and small business owners. Ms. Widrick teaches bi-monthly social media workshops in Watertown on using Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Got business news?

n Share your business news and milestones

with NNY Business. E-mail news releases and photos (.jpg/300 dpi) to editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net. The dealine for submissions is the 10th of the month for the following month’s issue. Photos that don’t apear in print may be posted on our Facebook page.

SONORA’S, from page 16 25 lunch and dinner selections.

Huivalai, pronounced we-bull-eye, is a dish of grilled chicken, cauliflower, broccoli, carrots, bacon and pineapple served over rice with a homemade cheese sauce.

Mr. Klee said it’s one of his favorites. He said the combination of meats and veggies with pineapple is better then what diners may expect.

Another staple dinner item on the menu is Pancho’s Plate, grilled chicken and shrimp served over rice smothered with the homemade cheese sauce.

“It’s probably the most popular dish on the menu,” Mr. Klee said. “Everything in our restaurant is prepared daily and practically nothing is out of a can.” n SARAH HAASE is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at shaase@wdt.net.

New manager

Brian Sheley, Adams Center, has been appointed manager of White’s Lumber and Building Supplies Store, Clayton.

Mr. Sheley has worked for Agway, Lowville Farmers Co-op and Backyard Farmer. He earned a bachelor of science degree from Cornell University, Ithaca.

Mr. Sheley and his wife, Jodi, have three school-age children, Caela, Jaryn and Emma.

New sales managers

James R. Bayne, De Peyster, and Timothy Fargo, Turin, have joined CRV USA as area sales managers. CRV USA is an international cattle improvement organization whose U.S. headquarters is in December 2010 | NNY Business

| 17

R E A L E S TAT E

‘Homes for Heroes’ takes flight n Real estate agents sacrifice commission for those who serve To learn more

Violeta Y. Cairo and her husband Enrique are shown with their home contract acquired through the Homes for Heroes program with Exit More Real Estate.

Behind them is agent Sylvia A. DeVita, left, and broker Deborah S. Moran.

n Visit www.homesforheroes.com to learn more about the Homes for Heroes program. n For assistance with the Homes for Heroes program in the north country, contact Exit More Real Estate, 782-9292, or visit www.exitmore.com.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

By KEN EYSAMAN NNY Business editor

W

hen Army Spc. Violeta Y. Cairo learned that she would be transferred to Fort Drum she and her husband Enrique began shopping for a house on the Internet.

Within days, the supply specialist was on the telephone to Exit More Real Estate in Watertown to review local listings. Real estate agent Sylvia DeVita took the call and told Spc. Cairo that because she served in the military, she was a hero, and she could save some money at closing.

As a veteran, Spc. Cairo qualified for Homes for Heroes, a program that began in Minnesota after the Sept. 11 attacks to provide savings for people who work every day to ensure communities across the country are safer.

Spc. Cairo was impressed and Mrs. DeVita began to hunt for a house in the north country for the soldier’s family of four.

“It was the first time I had heard of the program,” Spc. Cairo said.

An army wife of more than 25 years, Mrs. DeVita said she understands the sacrifices servicemen and women make, so she doesn’t hesitate to offer the costsavings program to her clients.

“I really appreciate it,” Spc. Cairo said, “It’s a very good program to help you out” That help was a $1,026 credit at closing, which meant Spc. Cairo and her husband didn’t have to hand over as much cash to get into their Black River home.

But the program isn’t just for military members. Homes for Heroes is available to firefighters, police officers, first responders, doctors and, most recently, teachers.

“It’s our way of saying thank-you,” Mrs.

DeVita said.

Exit More Real Estate is the only north country agency that participates.

Deborah S. Moran, managing broker for Exit More’s Watertown office, said she learned about the program several months ago through an e-mail and immediately realized “it was a no-brainer,” especially for the Fort Drum market.

“It’s a unique program that rewards local heroes and builds business at the same time,” Ms. Moran said. “The majority of our agents are now participating.”

For those participating agents, it means a 25 percent cut in commission, a savings that is passed on to heroes as a credit at closing.

Since Oct. 1, when Exit More joined the program, Ms. Moran’s office has saved local heroes $15,223.

“Personally, it is agent generosity that makes this program work,” Ms. Moran said. “It is what we do. We work in real estate, so we thank people through real estate. If I were a teacher it would be books.

If I were a dentist, it would be toothpaste and dental floss.” n Ken Eysaman is editor of NNY Business. Contact him at keysaman@wdt.net or 661-2399.

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R E A L E S TAT E

Realtors focus on service to troops

By DANIEL WOOLFOLK NNY Business

T

hirty real-estate professionals — some from as far away as Long Island — packed into a downtown classroom last month last month for the first Housing Our Military with Excellent Service, certification.

Randy Templeman, an Binghamton broker, taught the three-day, $295 class at the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors office, 210 Court St., and asked what students wanted to learn about working with military members.

Getting familiar with the military mindset and the special needs of soldiers were common goals for the students.

The New York State Association of Realtors chose Watertown as the site to discuss those needs because of its location, location, location. Nearby Fort Drum has about 18,500 soldiers assigned to it.

One-third of north country home mortgages are backed by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, according to JeffersonLewis Board of Realtors Executive Director Lance M. Evans. A Department of the Army report about the post shows 26 percent of off-post soldiers own their own homes.

More than 71,000 military personnel live in the state, according to the state association, which partly funded the event with grant money. It plans to host more classes — which fulfill a member’s educational requirement for two years — throughout the state in 2011 and agents who become certified will be on a special online listing.

“The military buyer is an important part of our market here,” Mr. Evans said. “They

have different needs than civilians do.”

Many soldiers begin shopping for homes from other posts around the nation and even Afghanistan. One saleswoman has often gone to homes to take extra pictures for a soldier who didn’t have the ability to visit the property. And once soldiers come to town, many want to make the purchase on-site and move in as quickly as they can.

Others, however, have been renting locally for years and want to buy a home, Adams broker Karen A. Peebles said.

One family wanted their children to stay in the same school district after they bought a home.

“We switched gears and started looking where the kids went to school,” she said.

“It’s not just the parents’ needs; it’s the family’s needs.”

The next step is financing. Many military members and veterans are eligible for the VA home loan, which has its own requirements for the condition of the house. The certification includes a three-hour seminar on navigating the paperwork-intensive

process of securing a VA-backed loan.

Buying isn’t the only concern for military families, who move three times more often than civilians and spend an average of only three years in their home, according to state association statistics.

When the time comes to sell a home, owners likely will face higher interest rates, causing some to be reluctant to trade their current mortgages for others, he said.

He spoke briefly about options to transfer existing mortgages to other properties.

Even though brokers are intent on selling homes, students are expected to attend a session on when to recommend renting instead of buying.

The students — three of whom were veterans — were quick to point out their main goal was to increase their own profits, the top priority for Mr. Templeman’s lesson.

But profits don’t come out of nowhere.

“You need to learn to provide better service,” he said. n DANIEL WOOLFOLK is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact him at dwolfolk@wdt.net.

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| 19

20 QUESTIONS

Preparing for the future

W

atertown native Mark R. Lavarnway began his job as president and chief executive officer of Watertown Savings Bank on July 1. In a wide-ranging inverview, Mr. Lavarnway shares his view from the top in a particularly challenging time for the economy and the banking industry.

1

NNYB: We will ever see returns on savings and investments rebound to rates we saw 25 years ago?

LAVARNWAY: There will be a lot of pressure to get them back there that high. The economy has been used to low interest rates — not this low, not as low as they are today — but mortgage rates have been low for over a decade now. The prime rate has been relatively low, historically speaking.

It would take a lot of upward forces to move rates back that high. Clearly it could happen. You never know what kind of stress could come on the economy. When you get a country used to mortgage rates where they’ve been and take those rates back up high and CD and savings rates back up high it would be a big shock to the economy.

2

NNYB: With rates for borrowers at all-time lows, record numbers of consumers are refinancing or taking on new, while savings rates remain low.

Does that discourage savings?

LAVARNWAY: Surprisingly, even though rates are low on the savings side, we have grown about

20 | NNY Business | December 2010

8 percent this year in deposits. With some of the problems in the stock market associated with the change in the economy people have wanted a flight to quality, a flight to safety; a flight to something that they know and understand. On the other hand, mortgage refinancing is really robust. We are doing a ton of mortgage refinancing. People are taking advantage of record low rates.

3

NNYB: The north country ranks fairly low among foreclosures in the larger picture. How does Watertown Savings Bank fare with foreclosures?

LAVARNWAY: Our bank, and this region as a whole, is really ahead of the norm in the country on foreclosures. We don’t have that many.

We have a handful a year, and it comes with the territory, comes with banking. Most banks in this area do as well. Relative to the rest of the country, we’re not even close. Our housing market is very sound, robust and stable.

4

NNYB: To what do you attribute that?

LAVARNWAY: It’s quite obvious that the Fort Drum impact has really helped buoy our housing market. Right now there is a perceived shortage out into 2012 with troops coming back. Coupled with the increased economy in this area, it has really helped stabilize the housing market. There aren’t double-digit increases in appreciation, but conversely, you’re not seeing the 20- to 30-percent declines and depreciation that you’re seeing in other parts of the country where people truly underwater on their houses. We haven’t seen that

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

n In first year as CEO, Watertown Savings Mark Lavarnway shares vision for bank here. The foreclosure bug hasn’t hit hard here.

5

NNYB: Much national attention has been paid to the federal government’s Troubled Asset Relief Program, or TARP. Watertown Savings Bank did not participate. What are your thoughts on TARP? LAVARNWAY: That’s right, we didn’t take any TARP money. It was an opportunity for all banks, but we didn’t need it. We have good footings at this bank. We have good capital; we have good liquidity; we have good ratios. We have a good customer base, so we didn’t really feel the stress of the big banks and therefore didn’t want to — but more importantly didn’t need to.

6

NNYB: Do you see any consolidation in the next few years among north country community banks?

LAVARNWAY: It’s likely that you will see something in the future. I can’t specifically say right now what that might be. But as you project out, all the regulation and compliance poses some challenges for smaller banks in this economy. Do I see it happening with any two banks that I can name today getting together? No, but it wouldn’t surprise me if it happened and it doesn’t necessarily mean if it were to happen that some bank was weak, but there are economies of scale that can be garnered. Right now you could make a persuasive argument that consolidation makes sense.

7

NNYB: How has evolving technology redefined personal banking services for Watertown Savings?

LAVARNWAY: We have spent a lot of time and ef-

20 QUESTIONS fort on our website and our Internet banking model.

It was the first generation if you will that’s come to where we are today. But we know that we have other things we need to take a look at in the near future. Some big banks have rolled out iPhone applications and smart ATMs. That’s where the industry is likely going and we are on the cusp of being prepared to do more with technology. We know that that’s the future. It represents where the industry will be in number of years. We are geared up with an eye toward continually moving in that direction.

Mark R. Lavarnway, Watertown Savings Bank president and chief executive officer, discusses the community banking industry in his Clinton Street office.

8

NNYB: That’s kind of a tightrope you’re walking as in 2001 your former president, Mr. Bradley T. Clark, said on the occasion of your Clinton Street headquarters ‘The Bank is making a statement with this building: that it is committed to the Jefferson County area for the long term; with emphasis on person-to-person service, not service through a machine.’ How do you reconcile his statement of nearly 10 years ago emerging technology that takes the person out?

LAVARNWAY: I reconcile it in this way: We will always be in this community in our buildings, our reputation and our people. Our bank is made with our people and our relationships with our customers. That said, if one of our customers finds it more convenient to bank through our Internet site or bank through an iPhone application, but still bank with us, we feel it’s incumbent upon us to offer that technology. That’s just another delivery channel. We have a vision that our Internet site will be another branch, and that branch, if a customer chooses to utilize it as opposed to a walk-in branch then we’re giving them another opportunity. So, Brad’s statement is accurate. We will be here for our customers, but the industry has evolved to the point that customers want technology and we need to provide it.

9

NNYB: Are you getting older adults involved and active with new technology?

LAVARNWAY: It’s funny you say that. We track our numbers with the Internet banking people and it’s what you would have expected. Initially the early adopters were younger people. But now as we look out there, the average age has moved up. As people put technology in the workplace and in their homes it’s not as frightening. People like it once they get used to it. They can move money inside their accounts without coming into the bank, they can make payments; they can do all kinds of things. We still like the face-to-face contact because it’s better as an opportunity to build a relationship, but we also have to recognize that sometimes people don’t want it.

10

NNYB: The military is a mainstay of our region’s economy. As a whole, how has Fort Drum’s expansion and prosperity benefitted your bank?

LAVARNWAY: It’s truly the ripple effect. We don’t necessarily have a lot of soldiers who are customers of our bank. Many of them come from other areas and have established banking relationships, and they are very tech savvy and use Internet banking. For us, Fort Drum has put more kids in schools, which have hired more teachers, which means more customers for local banks. The numbers are simply up. So how does it impact us? When the tide rises, the ships rise, too. Specifically we have not done a ton with Fort Drum military soldiers, but a large number of our commercial customers have

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

been impacted positively by building, construction, supplies and employment. The increase in their activity certainly benefits us and has benefitted us.

The Mark R. Lavarnway file

NNYB: How has Watertown Savings Bank turned recent economic challenges into opportunities?

HOMETOWN: Watertown

11

LAVARNWAY: We have been able to weather any of the storms that have happened because of our long tradition of service and such a great customer base. We have a 117-year tradition in the community of same name, same sound management and local decision-making. We’ve avoided areas of risk that have put other banks in peril. We’ve stuck to our knitting, so to speak. We maintain good relations with our clients and with our customers. We have a good reputation in the community and we have been able to sustain what we do through all sorts of economies. And we are lucky to have loyal people as customers and as employees.

12

NNYB: Many politicians wag their finger at banks, blast them for a lack of consumer lending and say that’s what’s keeping the economy down.

How have you managed the pressure to lend money while taking wise risks?

LAVARNWAY: I’m proud to say that the comment that banks are not lending does not apply to us.

We’ve continued to lend through this economic storm. Our loan growth is about 8 percent yearto-date, so that’s growth in the face of these problems when everybody is saying there’s no money to lend. We have more money to lend. Although we’re very happy that we’ve grown at 8 percent, I wish it was 15 percent, because we’ve got that type of money; we’ve got that type of support for our community.

13

NNYB: Have we seen the end of banking reform?

LAVARNWAY: Over the next few years you will continue to see more. Over the last 10 months there have been more new regulations than there have been in the last 10 years. What we find frustrating is that a lot of the rhetoric around all of the new rules and regulations were aimed at Wall Street and big banks, yet we feel that some of the new rules and regulations have unfairly fallen upon our shoulders. As a community bank that wasn’t involved in any of the problems the industry, we feel it’s unfair. To compare Watertown Savings Bank with Goldman Sachs is a stop short of saying irresponsible; it’s just not an apples-to-

AGE: 44 EDUCATION: Watertown High School, 1984, SUNY Potsdam, 1988, B.S. economics, MBA SUNY Oswego; Graduate, National School of Banking, Fairfield University, Fairfield, Conn.

PROFESSIONAL: Joined Marine Midland Bank training program in Syracuse, 1988.

Moved to Watertown Savings Bank in 1993.

PRESENT JOB: Watertown Savings Bank president and chief executive officer since July 1, 2010, succeeding Bradley T. Clark.

FAMILY: Married to the former Joanne Carbone; three children Marcus, 13; Julia, 9; Vincent, 7 apples comparison.

14

NNYB: Is it frustrating that banks are labeled the bad guys and the personal responsibility part of the equation is often ignored?

LAVARNWAY: That is frustrating, but we are more frustrated with being lumped together with the big banks that were so ingrained in unsafe and unsound practices and now the knee-jerk reaction is to fix everything. It’s frustrating to us that the fixes that came out of Congress for our customers have made some of the processes more time consuming and slightly more expensive. Their goal was sound but the result was more time, more money and more confusion, in our opinion.

15

NNYB: Did the federal Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act go far enough to protect customers or too far to regulate the banking industry?

LAVARNWAY: The smoke is still kind of clearing on the whole thing. The good news was that for the first time, non-banks are being put under the same microscope as banks, and I am specifically referring to mortgage originators, mortgage brokers, non-bank banks that were not worrying

Please see Lavarnway, page 31 December 2010 | NNY Business

| 21

COMMERCE CORNER

Excitement stirs around season

I

am excited to contribute to the inaugural issue of NNY Business magazine. I wish the very best to editor Ken Eysaman and Johnson Newspaper Corp. for continuing to deliver this resource for the northern New York business community. It is my belief that this magazine has the potential to be the local publication to find out what

is really happening in our community, across the region and around the state with a true business focus.

I know at the chamber we are trying to refocus and rebrand the great services and resources of our local area. We know how much small businesses struggle and sometimes it just helps to know that we are in the fight together.

I hope NNY Business will bring a sense of community and pride to local business and will create a singlefocus publication to celebrate success and help us navigate the risks and rewards of Peter Whitmore the entrepreneur spirit.

I believe the foundation begun by Absolutely Business merged with new energy and focus will benefit all of us as we look to tell our story and learn more about the northern New York marketplace. I also anticipate some “social” aspects of the magazine that give insight to those “MIPs,” Most Influential People, and clearly show those engaged in growth and community activities.

The chamber is excited about what the coming year has to offer. We are optimistic that growth will be steady, albeit not impressive. The election is over and God willing politicians and Albany will come to their senses and finally make better decisions. The holiday season is always a time to consider what we have, especially in light of Thanksgiving and maybe not worry as much about what we don’t have.

Economic challenges of the past three years have certainly defined “need versus want” for many of us. It is important to dream, but equally important to live with balance, integrity and humility. I hope this holiday season finds you “balanced.” We can still want, but we really only need a few basics: food, water, health and a few good friends to make life pretty comfortable.

Once again, please join me in welcoming the new NNY Business magazine and here’s wishing you, your family and your business the very best.

Warm regards this holiday season. n PETER S. WHITMORE is president and CEO of

the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He is a longtime small businessman 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.

22 | NNY Business | December 2010

AGRI-BUSINESS

Region’s farmers profit from China

S

omewhere in China right now you’ll find a hill of soybeans with “Made in the U.S.A” labels on it. Maybe it won’t actually have a label on it, but there are mountains of soybeans flowing into China grown right here in the U.S.A. Even better, dozens of rail cars loaded with soybeans from Jefferson County are traveling to the Port of New Jersey. There, beans are loaded into containers to make the voyage. It stirs the patriotic spirit to know that local farmers are exporting to China, especially when it’s from the fields of northern New York.

A growing group of dairy farmers from Jefferson and its surrounding counties are working to make their excess crop an export product. The farmers traditionally grow soybeans to use as a feed supplement for their livestock. Soybeans are grown and fed raw or roasted to offset grain costs on the farm. Soybeans add protein to the diet of livestock. Protein is important in milk production, working to improve the pounds of milk produced per cow.

According to Ron Kuck, dairy and livestock educator for Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County, farms and their advisors have been working since the early 1900’s to use soybeans as a feed supplement. As technology advanced and feed prices climbed, farms began to see an advantage in planting soybeans. And as more farms bought large combines to harvest crops, soybeans became a practical protein source.

In the 1990’s, there were nearly 3,000 acres of soybeans in Jefferson County, said Mike Hunter, agronomist and agricultural program team leader with Cornell University Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County.

In the past 20 years, soybean acreage has grown to about 5,000 in Jefferson County and 3,000 in St. Lawrence County, Mr. Hunter said, adding that Jefferson County has the potential to grow another 1,000 to 3,000 acres. There is also growing demand for our soybeans in Canada from a company that aims to buy our beans, process them for oil, and ship soybean meal back to farms for use as livestock feed, a great win-win for

farms and the company.

Ron Robbins, owner of North Harbor Dairy Farm is excited about the soybean market and what is happening in the fields.

Mr. Robbins said Jay Matteson bean production per acre is excellent with New York and North Dakota showing the highest yearto-year production gain in the country.

Jefferson County’s average is about 45 bushels per acre but some fields yield as high as 50 to 60 bushels per acre.

Participating farms deliver soybeans to Mr. Robbins’ facility in Sackets Harbor.

There, beans are weighed and graded before they are transported to a rail siding owned by Jeff Rudd in Watertown, where they are loaded onto the rail cars and

shipped to the Port of New Jersey. From New Jersey, they travel in containers over the oceans to China where there is great demand for the many products made from soybeans.

Money farms are presently getting is fantastic, Mr. Robbins said, with prices 30 to 40 percent better than elsewhere. Multiplied across the fields of Jefferson County, it amounts to a great source of revenue for dairy farms that struggle to make a profit with otherwise high feed costs. It also offsets lagging milk prices.

For all of us in Jefferson County, anytime we have farmers utilizing the sun, soil, and water to grow a crop, sell it elsewhere, and bring that revenue back into our area to support our tax base and stimulate economic growth, it is definitely worth a hill of beans. 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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N O N P R O F I T S T O D AY

Leverage partnerships in giving

T

he north country has a wonderful history of individual and family generosity. As well, time and time again, the business community has proven it has an understanding of and appreciation for the important role of responsibly reinvesting a portion of its profits back into the community.

We know that simply having thriving businesses in our community provides a better quality of life for all of us. However, by going that extra measure, they more tangibly demonstrate their gratitude and reaffirm an integral role to help make the region so great.

Businesses are continually looking at how they can add value for customers.

Giving back to the community becomes another extension of that value.

Studies have long shown that a company’s ties to a community result in benefits not only the communities where

customers and employees live but also to the company itself.

There are countless examples of businesses of all sizes making charitable contributions, Rande Richardson not just with outright gifts, but also through gifts-in-kind and providing paid time away for employees performing community service. Although this occurs all year long, the holiday and year-end season tends to be the time when this giving is foremost on minds.

As we discuss charitable giving with business owners, they continually express a deep sense of gratitude for all of the opportunities northern New York has

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given them.

Business owners each year make countless deciaions. Some of those involve how a local investment can most effectively benefit the community in a manner consistent with the company’s philosophy and mission.

As in business, every time additional dollars can be leveraged, the end result is likely to be a better product. In coming years, partnerships will become increasingly critical as it is less likely that significant community initiatives will be accomplished without effective collaboration.

There are many tools that allow the business community to focus on the giving rather than the administration of giving as well as providing greater efficiencies. These vehicles can enable donors to effectively make more meaningful gifts at more opportune times.

For instance, it can open the door to exploring larger forms of support that never may have been thought possible.

This could include transformational gifts to capital campaigns or scholarships established in a business’ name.

Therein rests the case for organized community philanthropy. Investments that maximize the gift while preserving the appropriate acknowledgement and recognition for the donor.

These tools are available to every business and individual in northern New York. I look forward to exploring those more with readers in subsequent issues of NNY Business.

Ultimately, it is about realizing full charitable potential and the corresponding benefit to the community. Using the best strategies for giving can translate into more dollars being directed back to the community and even greater visibility for donors.

Your dollars work smarter and harder.

As businesses know all too well, when we are all asked to do more with less the value added to all we do has never been more important. 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.

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

A new environment in Albany

A

s you read this column, we have new leadership headed to Albany. The prayer of all of us in economic development is that this group will be able to bring sanity out of the chaos of recent governments.

Farmers, when contemplating spring planting, know that the most plentiful harvest is produced when the seeds are planted in fertile soil. Like those seeds, economic development must have a stable economic and political background in order to grow. It is a backdrop that has been missing for some time in New York.

As economic developers, the Holy Grail is to capture high-tech manufacturing companies for our area bringing with them plentiful, high-paying jobs. Sadly, like Jules Vern, that is a fictional world unless and until we can stabilize the political environment in Albany.

Today’s’ companies are faced with an enormous amount of uncertainty. With the enlarging global economy comes shifting paradigms bringing with them significant change.

These changing business tenets, while presenting tremendous opportunity, also produce a high degree of uncertainty.

Stabilizing our home turf — the Albany landscape — simply eliminates one critical component that makes up the operating conditions in which New York companies function.

In these days of increasingly big government, employers of all types are watching carefully what is being decided or, in some cases, not decided by Albany. Nearly every decision made by government these days has a tremendous influence on a company’s ability to produce a profit. If decisions made in the heat of political controversy are perceived as detrimental to New York State business, as is often the case, there is trouble ahead for the folks who create jobs for our residents.

Most businesses are really not so concerned with partisan issues as they are with the more fundamental matter of whether or not Albany, in whatever political iteration happens to be in vogue, can effectively govern itself.

New York State has now found itself in the unenviable position of being the

most unfriendly state in the Union in which to do business.

Unfortunately, much of that reputation is deserved and conditions that create that reputation simply cannot continue Don Alexander if we expect to revitalize our economy.

The private sector is an enormous

the creation of a governing environment where the free-market is allowed to flourish.

Reinvestment in jobs in New York will begin to take place when employers are free from government instability and indecision. Free from a state government often thought of as one functioning for the politicians of New York, not for those for whom they were elected to serve.

Let us start with on-time and balanced budgets and comprehensive plans for restoring New York to its Empire State status and grow from there.

Leadership and Albany when again used in the same context will provide the fertile ground for economic development and that condition cannot come soon enough.

Reinvestment in jobs in New York will begin to take place when employers are free from government instability and indecision. Free from a state government often thought of as one functioning for the politicians of New York, not for those for whom they were elected to serve. economic engine, capable of regenerating itself if allowed to function in a free market and stable society. Albany needs to be very mindful that recent political campaign rhetoric must be followed by

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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SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Networking essential in business

W

hat do you get when you put 50 business and professional women (and one man) in a room?

Lots of laughs, plenty of conversation, and an opportunity to talk about issues that everyone shares in their business and personal lives.

On Nov. 15, the Business of Women Networking Conference, sponsored by the NYS Small Business Development Center, was held at the Jefferson-Lewis BOCES conference center.

Participants had a chance to attend workshops on legal issues, social media, retirement planning and communications. But most importantly, they had the chance to network.

Business networking can be one of the most effective ways to get the word out about yourself, whether you’re trying to land a new customer or find an

employer. There are lots of ‘best practices’ for networking, but the top 5 are: 1. Bring your business cards.

This seems obvious, but when you’re meeting Sarah O’Connell several people, you want them to remember who you are. And if you get a business card from someone, after your conversation write a little reminder note about them on the back so you can make that personal connection when you contact them later. n

n

2. Set a goal for meeting new people (at least three to five). You don’t have to be a social butterfly; nor do you want to stick with one group for the entire time.

It may move you out of your comfort zone, but as with anything, it will get easier with time. n

n

n

3. Listen more than you talk. For one thing, people love to be asked about what they do. For another, as you listen you may get clues to some business opportunities. n

| NNY Business | December 2010 26 26 | NNY Business | December 2010

n

n

n

The Small Business Development

Listen more than you talk. For one thing, people love to be asked about what they do. For another, as you listen you may get clues to some business opportunities.

n

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5. Do not try to sell right then. Instead, follow up after the event with a call or email, reminding them of when you met. By listening (Tip No. 3), you may be able to tell them how you can help them solve a problem they were talking about — even if it’s by referring them to someone else you know. The point is, you will make a lasting and positive impact.

n

n

4. Act like a host rather than a visitor.

If you’re speaking to one or two people, invite others into the group and see what happens. If you see a chance to put two people together who can help each other’s businesses, do it.

Center’s other big networking day during the year is its “Selling to the Government and Matchmaking Event.”

This year’s program will be held on Tuesday, March 29, at Jefferson Community College. The event offers business participants matchmaking appointments with agencies, prime contractors, and corporate sponsors including national, regional and local firms.

The 2010 event brought together 94 participants with 27 matchmakers, creating valuable business connections.

Prime contractors and agencies have the advantage of networking for new business opportunities by registering as a matchmaker.

The NYS Small Business Development Center also offers individual, confidential counseling at no cost for people with new or existing businesses, as well as other workshop opportunities. Contact the center at at (315) 782-9262 or sbdc@ sunyjefferson.edu. n SARAH O’CONNELL is a certified business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College.

She is a former small business owner and lifelong northern New York resident. Contact her at soconnell@sunyjefferson.edu. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

n SUNDAY, DEC. 12

Community Christmas Concert, United Church, 260 E. Broadway St., 654-2881, sponsored by United Church.

n SATURDAY, DEC. 18

Community Concert Sing-Along, Aubrey’s Inn, 126 S. James St., 654-3754.

CARTHAGE n WEDNESDAY, DEC. 8

Noon-1 p.m., Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce board meeting, Village of Carthage community room, 120 S. Mechanic St., Carthage.

CLAYTON n THRU WEDNESDAY, DEC. 29

16th Annual Festival of Trees, Thousands Islands Museum, 312 James St, Clayton, 686-5794.

n FRIDAY, DEC. 10

5-7 p.m. Business With A Twist, Thousands Islands Museum, 312 James St, Clayton, 686-5794.

FORT DRUM n TUESDAY, DEC. 7

11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Operation Best Wishes visits AmeriCU Credit Union at The Commons on Fort Drum. Building 4350 – corner of Pole Valley and Euphrates River Valley Road. Send a surprise holiday webcast message to a loved one. Interested families must visit www.operationbestwishes. com to register for a webcast session.

Space is limited. Tina Wildhaber, regional manager, 773-3943.

n SUNDAY, DEC. 12

1-5 p.m., Fort Drum Tour of Homes presented by Enlisted Spouses’ Club and Officer’s Spouses’ Club. Tour begins at Timbers Community Center, 8850 Main St., Fort Drum, and ends at LeRay Mansion. Features eight locations, including homes in Richard Hills, the USO and homes on LeRay Drive. $15.

Tickets: www.ftdrumesc.org

n THURSDAY, DEC. 16

9-11 a.m. Veteran transition assistance and self-employment training. Clark Hall, Fort Drum, 782-9262, sbdc@sunyjefferson.edu.

Register: 772-3434

SACKETS HARBOR n SATURDAY, DEC. 11

Sounds of the Season. Sponsored by Sackets Harbor Chamber of Commerce. Events@ sacketsharborchamberofcommerce.com or 646-1700.

n SATURDAY, DEC. 11

9 a.m.-2 p.m. A nonprofit, community-wide event at Best Western, 300 Washington St. Children can meet Santa, do activities and crafts, write letters to troops, enjoy refreshments and grab a gift. All are welcome. To donate money, toys, coloring books or napkins and cups, contact Kathy Fraser, 7828000 ext. 125. Best Western, 782-8000 ext. 192.

n WEDNESDAY, DEC. 15

5-7 p.m. Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Paddock Club, 1 Paddock Arcade, 786-6633, members $8; non-member $12.

SOUTH JEFFERSON

ONGOING

n SUNDAY, DEC. 12

n THRU THURSDAY, DEC. 23

All day, South Jeff Senior Dinner.

Deliveries to South Jeff seniors from Adams American Legion. 232-4215.

WATERTOWN n TUESDAY, DEC. 8

8 a.m., 2010 Business of the Year breakfast, Black River Valley Club, 131 Washington St., Watertown, 788-2300. $16.

n THURSDAY, DEC. 9

9:30 a.m., Development Authority of the North Country board of directors meeting, 11th floor, Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St.

n FRIDAY, DEC. 10

Northern Regional Center for Independent Living (NRCIL), 210 Court St., welcomes

NNY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

n Clayton 517 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624 686-3771, www.1000islands-clayton.com

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

n Sackets Harbor Box 17, Sackets Harbor, NY 13685 646-1700, www.sacketsharborchamber ofcommerce.com

n Cape Vincent 175 N. James St., P.O. Box 482, Cape Vincent, NY 13618; 654-2481, www.capevincent.org

the public to celebrate the 60th anniversary of International Human Rights Day. Jefferson County Legislator Jenny Adsit will read a proclamation at 10 a.m. Information A bake sale and raffle with proceeds to benefit an agency promoting human rights is slated. Michelle Appleby, 785-8703, 7858704 (TTY) or michellea@nrcil.net.

n Greater Watertown-North Country 241 Coffen St., Watertown , NY 13601; 788-4400, www.watertownny.com

n Carthage Area 120 S. Mechanic St., Carthage, NY 13619, 493-3590, www.carthageny.com

n Henderson Harbor Box 468, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651 938-5568, www.hendersonharborny.com

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

n Lewis County 7559 South State St., Lowville, NY 13367 376-2213, www.Lewiscountychamber.org

Hospice Memorial Tree, Salmon Run Mall, Arsenal Street, Watertown.

DOWN THE ROAD n SATURDAY, JAN. 29

10 a.m.-3 p.m. 5th annual Lewis County Bridal Show at the Lowville Elks Club Limited space for vendors. Large variety of vendors and taste-testing. Produced by Lewis County-based All Things Beautiful Photography and R&H Creations. Connie, 3466915, or Helen, 376-2951.

n SATURDAY, JAN. 29

March 26, 2011, Samaritan Auxiliary’s One Night, One Diamond, The Commons, Fort Drum. Proceeds help buy Samaritan Medical Center equipment. (315) 785-4479.

n South Jefferson 10924 US Route 11, Suite 2, Adams, NY 13605, 232-4215 www.southjeffchamber.net n St. Lawrence 101 Main St., 1st Floor, Canton, NY 13617; 386-4000 www.northcountryguide.com n Centerstate CEO 572 S. Salina St., Syracuse, NY 13202 470-1800, www.centerstateceo.com

CHAMBER DIRECTORY / EVENTS CALENDAR

CAPE VINCENT

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.

December 2010 | NNY Business

| 27

BUSINESS SCENE / AFTER HOURS Perrywinkles Fine Jewelry

Samaritan Medical Center

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

T

he staff of Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry, from left, sales associate Stephanie Eaves, assistant manager Jennifer Connor-Kennedy, sales associate Kendralee Kittelson, sales associate Doug Green, sales associate Megan Shane and manager Lorraine Guidry. Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry, 21875 Towne Center Drive, Watertown, hosted November’s business after hours mixer on Nov. 17 for the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce.

Samaritan Medical Center

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

P

eter Curtis of Curtis Furniture Co., Collene Alexander and Jessica Curtis, also of Curtis Furniture Co., visit during the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce business after hours mixer on Oct. 20, at Samaritan Medical Center. Samaritan Medical Center hosted the October networking event, which gave participants a chance to tour the hospital’s new patient pavilion.

Samaritan Medical Center

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KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

ebbie Hill and Kathleen McGraw (above left) of Livingston Moving and Storage, at the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce business after hours mixer on Oct. 20 at Samaritan Medical Center.

K

athy Fraser and Art Robinson (above), both of Best Western Carriage House Inn & Conference Center, during the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours on Oct. 20, at Samaritan Medical Center. n GOT BUSINESS EVENT PHOTOS? Share them with NNY Business. E-mail photos (.jpg/300dpi) to editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net.

Your photo may appear in a future issue or on our Facebook page.

BUSINESS SCENE / COMMUNITY Chamber of Commerce Business Fair

Chamber of Commerce Business Fair

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

M D

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

ianna Cameron, left, director of sales and promotions for the 1000 Islands Privateers Professional Hockey and team owner/president Nicole Kirnan during the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce business fair on Oct. 13 at the Dulles State Office Building.

ary Anne Hanley, director of marketing for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency, middle, and David J. Zembiec, JCIDA deputy director, visit with a businessman during the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce business fair on Oct. 13 at the Dulles State Office Building.

Samaritan Medical Center ribbon cutting

Chamber of Commerce Business Fair

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

D A

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

ndrea C. Pedrick, Jefferson Community College Continuing Education Division coordinator of community services, talks with Mark Holberg of WayNorth Web while Jill M. Pippin, JCC dean for continuing education, looks on during the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce business fair on Oct. 13 at the Dulles State Office Building.

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aniel J. Villa, chairman of Samaritan Medical Center’s board of trustees, Jocelyn Mejias, director of the Children’s Miracle Network of NNY at Samaritan, Lisa A. Weber, president of the Samaritan Foundation board of trustees, Judith J. Foster, co-chairwoman of Samaritan’s capital campaign, Thomas H. Carman, Samaritan president and CEO, Lu Greene, president of the Samaritan Auxiliary, Dr. LaVerne VandeWall, president of Samaritan’s medical staff, Rich McNulty, vice president of human resources, Kinney Drugs Corp., Mark Brackett, vice president of the Kinney Drugs Foundation, Col. Bertram Providence, M.D., commander of the Fort Drum MEDDAC and Rande Richardson, executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation cut the ribbon on Samaritan Medical Center’s $61 million patient pavilion at the Washington Street Medical Complex on Friday, Oct. 15. e-mail: nelsons@nelsonsformals.com www.nelsonsformals.com

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everal city businesses garnered recognition during the Downtown Business Association Annual Social Event on Nov. 11 at Johnny D’s Bistro 108 on Court Street. The awards were sponsored by the DBA and the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College (SBDC).

(1) John T. Gould, president of the Downtown Business Association. presents the 2010 Downtown Business Association Downtown Institution Award to Dino Arvan of Dino’s Shoe Repair, 22 Public Square. (2) Beth Smith of the Agape Shoppe, 136 Court St., earned the 2010 Downtown Business of the Year Award along

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KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

30 || NNY NNY Business Business || December December 2010 2010 30

with (3) David P. Bartlett, owner of Johnny D’s Bistro 108, who is pictured with Christine Hoffman, left, and Sarah O’Connell of the New York State Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College. (4) Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library director Barbara J. Wheeler accepts a 2010 Community Service Award for the library. 5) Sherri Munson and Cindy Vecchio accept a 2010 Community Service Award for The Ritz Salon, 153 Coleman Ave., for its recent pink hair strand campaign, which rasied more than $47,000 for breast cancer research.

AH’s Diner, the Downtown Post Office, Waterbury Fine Jewelers and Moontide Arts also received honorable mentions.

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

The Ritz Salon

KEN EYSAMAN | NNY BUSINESS

20 QUESTIONS Lavarnway, from page 21 about any of the credit risks. The people involved in the big blow up are now under regulations. That part of the bill is good. They now have to operate in the constraints that we operate in and it will slow them down on that kind of unscrupulous lending. On the other hand, it has gone too far to lump Main Street banks with Wall Street banks. We didn’t take any TARP money; we didn’t need a bailout. More banks in the country have failed this year than any prior year, and fair enough, there has been a lot of stress in the market. But, Bank of America didn’t fail Citibank didn’t fail; they all got bailed out. If we as Watertown Savings Bank had a problem — which we don’t — but if we did, they would let us go. We’re not too big to fail. Whether it’s Watertown Savings or any of the community banks around here, the guy who’s lending to the local hardware store is not the same banker. The guy you’re going to Rotary with is not the same banker as the Goldman Sachs guy who’s taking a position with credit derivative swaps on the foreign exchange. They’re not analogous people. We are a community bank through and through. We have local people and make local decisions and we support our local community. We’ve given more money away to local things in this area because we believe in where we are.

16

NNYB: What innovations do you see on the horizon for customers?

LAVARNWAY: Smarter ATMs. You see a lot of larger banks improving technology and we have to remain competitive. Smarter integration of technology is likely. I don’t see a lot of new products rolling out, just honing our services and improving our position. We’d like to take our Internet to a whole new level so that it truly becomes a branch where you could do a loan application or open an account. We want to harness new technology and make our Internet site our next branch.

17

NNYB: Watertown Saving Bank dates back to 1893. What’s do community banks have to do to ensure that kind of longevity?

LAVARNWAY: Continue to be committed to the community, continue to hire local people, continue to make local decisions and do what we know well and stay away from things we don’t know well, while continuing to support our area. Commitment to our customers and commitment to our community — it’s a very simple recipe, but it’s worked for us for a very long time.

18

NNYB: Are there any plans for expansion on the horizon; any new branches or groundbreakings?

LAVARNWAY: We continue to be in a holding pattern. We are still growing into the Redwood

Bank acquisition we completed in 2008. We’ve just crested two years on that and it’s been very good for us. We’re still realizing some of the benefits of that and still going through some of the burdens of an acquisition. That acquisition, although it’s been two years, it’s still fresh on our plate. I don’t see any new branches in the very near future. We would obviously keep an eye toward any new consolidation opportunities that might arise, but as we speak today we will try to realize the benefits of the Redwood acquisition and continue a focus on managing present services well.

19

NNYB: Coming from a family of U.S. Savings Bond fans, are they still a good investment?

LAVARNWAY: Yes. From an interest rate point of view, all the interest rates are tough right now. But it’s a forced savings. They are quantifiable, you can save them at home and they are there for the future. They provide a competitive return.

20

NNYB: What’s the last book you read?

LAVARNWAY: “The Yankee Years” by Joe Torre.

I’m a big Yankee’s fan. I’m reading Nelson Mandela’s new book now, “Conversations with Myself.”

— Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length.

n DO YOU KNOW someone in business who is a good candidate for our 20 Questions feature?

E-mail NNY Business editor Ken Eysaman at keysaman@wdt.net.

Amidst all the fun and excitement of the holiday season, let’s not forget the true meaning of Christmas: the wondrous birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

At this special time of year, we’re especially thankful for the many blessings we enjoy. Having the support of loyal customers like you is something for which we’re truly grateful.

Please accept our best wishes for a wonderful holiday season.

Morrison’s Furniture 230 Factory Street • Watertown, NY • 788-6600

December December2010 2010||NNY NNYBusiness Business||31 31

DINING GUIDE n A directory of independent, restaurants, bars and dining establishments in Watertown.

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

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

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

1025 Ruyi Japanese Steak House 1025 Arsenal St. (315) 405-4501

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

Crystal Restaurant 87 Public Square (315) 782-9938

Highland Meadows Country Club 24201 NYS Route 342 (315) 785-0108

2000 Chinese Restaurant 22070 U.S. Route 11 (315) 788-2000

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

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

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

A & J’s Diner 455 Court St. (315) 777-4811

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

Danny’s Coffee 21181 Salmon Run Mall Loop E. (315) 782-7057

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

Andy’s Caribbean Cuisine 302 Court St. (315) 777-8658

Casey Deli 222 N Massey St. (315) 782-1360

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

Hot Diggity Dogs 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop W. (315) 788-4844

Apollo Restaurant 1283 Arsenal St. (315) 788-3569

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

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

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

Art’s Jug 820 Huntington St. (315) 782-9764

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

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

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

Artie’s 329 High St. (315) 782-9616

Clueless 545 Arsenal St. (315) 782-9006

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

Jeans Beans 259 Eastern Blvd.

(315) 788-7460

Bernardo’s Pizzeria 702 Coffeen St. (315) 782-9500

Cocoa Cafe 527 Coffeen St. (315) 777-4407

Fireside at Partridge Berry Inn 26561 NYS Route 3 (315) 782-8401

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

B J’s Grill 610 Mill St. (315) 782-8126

Coffee Shop Carbone Plaza (315) 782-0450

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

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

Black River Brewing Company 500 Newell St. (315) 755-2739

Colesantes Restaurant 482 Factory St. (315) 782-9865

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

Johnny’s D’s Bistro 108 108 Court St. (315) 782-6108

Black River Valley Club 131 Washington St. (315) 788-2300

Cowlick 24518 NYS Route 283 (315) 788-1057

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

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

Brew Ha Ha 468 Coffeen St. (315) 788-1175

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

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

Kicker’s Lounge 498 Factory St. (315) 785-9392 King Star Food Oriental 22265 U.S. Route 11 (315) 786-0246 Kooler’s Ice Cream 17937 NYS Route 3 (315) 788-1253 Koreana Pearl Street Road (315) 786-7830 Lunch Box 1 Paddock Arcade (315) 779-9739 Maggie’s on the River 500 Newell St. (315) 405-4239

32 | NNY Business | December 2010

DINING GUIDE Make & Take Gourmet 1222 Arsenal St. Suite 6 (315) 788-2739

Rajit 262 Arsenal St. (315) 782-5513

Shuler’s Steak & Seafood 802 Mill St. (315) 782-1429

Two Brothers Pizza 843 Coffeen St. (315) 782-2200

Mardi Gras 536 Arsenal St. (315) 786-1582

Ramada 21000 NYS Route 3 (315) 788-0700

Smiley’s Subs 969 Arsenal St. (315) 785-9081

United China Restaurant 144 Eastern Blvd.

(315) 782-4432

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

Ranjar Rural Route 37 (315) 782-0760

Sol Latino 65 Public Square (315) 782-9569

Valentino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill St. (315) 783-4118

Michelle’s Fine Dining 300 Washington St. (315) 782-8000

Riccardo’s Market & Deli 710 Holcomb St. (315) 782-7810

Soluri’s Pizza 526 Factory St. (315) 782-2888

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

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

Rick’s Pizzeria 11 Paddock Arcade (315) 782-2000

Sonora’s Authentic Mexican 300 Washington St. (315) 782-8000

Watertown Golf Club Thompson Park (315) 782-4040

Midway Ice Cream 891 Coffeen St. (315) 405-4996

Roberts Family Pizzeria 839 State St. (315) 786-2006

State Street Barbeque 1307 State St. (315) 788-7427

Watertown Steak & Seafood 22415 U.S. Route 11 (315) 779-2853

Mo’s Place 345 Factory St. (315) 782-5503

Romalatos Deli 450 Gaffney Drive (315) 681-6653

Suk Hui Hi’s Korean 1301 State St. (315) 785-9740

West Main Street Diner 820 W Main St. (315) 788-4504

Morgias Pasta 22560 Fisher Road (315) 788-3509

Sandy’s Luncheonette 5 Public Square (315) 782-2935

Super Wok Chinese Restaurant 20991 NYS Route 3 (315) 788-5389

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

Mr. Sub Sandwich Shop Public Square & Mill St. (315) 782-1760

Savory Cafe 1511 Washington St. (315) 785-6464

Teriyaki Experience 21852 Towne Center Drive (315) 785-9254

Wing Wagon 71 Public Square (315) 836-3205

Original Italian Pizza 222 N. Massey St. (315) 786-0000

Sboro’s Restaurant 836 Coffeen St. (315) 788-1728

Korean Grill Midway IceMain Cream 525 West St. 891 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 681-4226

Paddock Coffee House 4 Paddock Arcade (315) 836-1508

Seth’s Pub 558 State St. (315) 681-6645

Mo’s Place Tico’s Mex Grill 345Public FactorySquare St., Watertown 65 (315) 782-5503 (315) 836-4778

Paddock Club 5 Paddock Arcade (315) 786-6633

Shootie’s Bar 504 Pearl St. (315) 782-9724

22560 Fisher Tilted Kilt Road, Watertown (315) Arsenal 788-3509St. 1050 (315) 782-5458 Mr. Sub Sandwich Shop

Panda Buffet 1283 Arsenal St. (315) 788-8887 300 Arsenal St. (315) 788-7668 Papa Tino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill St. (315) 782-7272 Pete’s Restaurant 111 Breen Ave. (315) 782-6640 Pewter Mug 1120 Gill St. (315) 782-0200 Poor Richards East 1309 State St. (315) 788-6942

Shorty’s Place 1280 Coffeen St. (315) 782-7878

(315) 405-4996

Morgia’s Pasta

Public Square & Mill St., Watertown Time (315) Warp 782-1760

302 State St. NuPier (315) 13212 782-9784 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3312

Original Italian Pizza 222 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 786-0000

by Watertown Daily Times restaurant WalterBusiness Siebel. advertising specialist ncritic Call NNY

Pete’s Restaurant Make a deeper 111 Breen Ave., Watertown connection.

(315) 782-6640

United Chin 144 Eastern (315) 782-4

Violi’s Rest 209 Center S (315) 764-0

661-2305 or e-mail ccollins@wdt.net to have your restaurant or bar listed in our monthly dining guide today.

Village Inn 8208 Main S (315) 543-9

VV’s Mexica Noble Stree (315) 629-4

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

12699 Connect State Route 3, Sackets HarborClarissa Collins.

How? with Stone Jug Pizzeria

(315) 646-2267 Bartlett Road, Sackets Harbor Let her capture your advertising104message with (315) 646-1008 Rainbow Shores Restaurant the immersive of magazines.

661-2305 186 Rainbow power Shores Road, Pulaski Suk Hui Hi’s Korean (315) 298-5110

1301 State St., Watertown

(315) 782-5513

Super Wok Chinese Restaurant 20991 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-5389

2010 | NNY Business

Walsh’s Pub 101 E. Main (315) 782-6

Watertown 1 Thompson (315) 782-5

Willowbroo 25075 State (315) 782-8

Wing Wagon 71 Public Sq (315) 836-3

Coffee Ho

(315) 785-9740 Rajit Street is closer than Because Main Wall Street.

262 Arsenal St., Watertown Ramada Inn December 21000 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-0700

Tin Pan Gal 110 W. Main (315) 646-3

Get on the list

Clarissa Collins at (315) 661-2305 or e-mail ccollins@wdt.net to have your n Call NNY Business advertising restaurant or bar listed in our monthly specialist Clarissa Collins at (315) dining guide today.

BusIness

New Year’s Papa Tino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill1St., : Watertown resolution No. (315) 782-7272

Pizza Shack

Read the reviews

n Log on to www.watertowndailytimes. com for comprehensive restaurant reviews Log on to Daily www.watertowndaily bynWatertown Times restaurant critic times.com Walter Siebel.to read restaurant reviews

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Teriyaki Experience 21852 Towne Center Drive, Watertown (315) 785-9254

Brew Ha Ha 468 Coffeen (315) 788-1

Chrissy Bea 105 W. Main (315) 646-2

Coffee Shop

W H AT ’ S H A P P E N I N G H E R E ?

OLIVE GARDEN RESTAURANT LOCATION: Southwest side of Salmon Run Mall, outer Arsenal Street, Watertown SIZE: 1.6-acre site with 7,400-square-foot Tuscan farmhouse-style building that seats up to 262 people COMPLETION DATE: Late spring 2010 LOCAL JOBS: 165 employees, full- and part-time culinary, bar and serving staff COST: Nearly $2 million (according to the construction permit) APPROVED: September 2008 by Watertown Planning Board with Salmon Run Mall expansion plans.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Construction crews last month perform site preparation on the southwest side of Salmon Run Mall to make way for a new Olive Garden restaurant

BUILDING PERMITS n Third-quarter 2010 building permits issued in the city of Watertown:

800 Starbuck Avenue Suite 12 Watertown, NY 13601

315-777-4766

Specializing in Flooring for Business, Property Management, Light Commercial and Residential Application.

Offering 72 Hour Installation on All Property Maintenance In-Stock Flooring.

34 | NNY Business | December 2010

NEW CONSTRUCTION

ALTERATIONS

n 08/20: Construct gazebo, 443 Gaffney Drive, $10,850 n 08/17: Construct garage, 158 Smith St., $16,500 n 08/13: Pour cement slab, 1010 Superior St., $3,600 n 08/03: Build new dwelling, 215 Hunt St., $50,000 n 07/07: Construct 16-by-24 garage, 205 Iroquois Ave., $5,000 n 07/02: Build storage barn, 591 Weldon Drive, $9,000

n 08/24: 4x8 deck, 508 Cooper St., $300 n 08/17: Modify handicap ramp, 368 Colorado Ave., $3,000 n 07/29: Interior, 1222 Arsenal St., $40,000 n 07/29: Enclose porch, 926 Gotham St., $13,000 n 07/07: Remodel bathroom, 215 Francis St., $500 n 06/30: First-floor alteration, 830 Washington St., $14,500

ADDITIONS

n 08/04: Conversion and remodel, 1013 Superior St., $5,000

n 08/18: Pour sign foundation & base, 100 Hudson Lane, $8,000 n 08/13: Install deck & sheetrock, 1406 Gill St., $2,300 n 08/04: Add two-story deck, 143 Charles St., $4,000 n 08/02: Add 10-by-18 deck, 1005 Superior St., $300 n 07/27: Addition, 673 Leray St., $800 n 07/26: Install swimming pool, 1641 State St., $6,800 n 07/21: Build 20-by-24 addition, 817 Earl St., $35,000 n 07/16: 12x24 deck, 1316 Gill St., $2,000 n 07/08: Deck, 390 Michigan Ave., $3,800

CONVERSIONS

DEMOLITIONS n 08/24: Raze garage/rear stairs, 287 Main St., $400 n 08/20: Garage, 683 Hillcrest Ave., $450 n 08/18: Demo house (result of a fire), 157 Palmer St., $10,000 n 07/29: Garage, 133 Central St., $2,400 n 07/29: Single-family dwelling, 215 Hunt St., $2,000 n 07/28: Demo only, 514 Washington St., $1 n 07/13: Garage, 131 Flower Ave., $450 n 07/09: Garage, 273 High St., $3,000 Source: Jefferson County code enforcement

December 2010 | NNY Business

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BusIness www.nnybusiness.net

260 Washington St. Watertown, NY 13601

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