NNY Business May 2011

B May 2011

Y usIness

n 20 Questions with Renzi Bros.

Page 40

Adventurer’s shop turns to two-wheeled fun page 26

n Fishing charters: Tourism’s best catch Page 24

Plus:

n Biz Tech n NNY Snapshot n Business Scene n Real Estate

Adventure begins here Tourism, recreation abound across region $2.95

Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly Vol. 1 Issue 6 | www.nnybusiness.net

May 2011 | NNY Business

|3

CONTRIBUTORS

BusIness

www.nnybusiness.net

Publishers

John B. Johnson Jr. Harold B. Johnson II David Mosher is the owner and chief executive of Mosher Business Advisors. He writes about how a federally approved foreign investment program can help stimulate local job growth. (p. 44)

Peter J. Whitmore is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He writes about the importance of putting your game face on for tourism season. (p. 46)

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

He writes about the need for a year-round guest-worker program for farm labor. (p. 47)

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

She offers advice for tourism-based businesses. (p. 49)

General Manager John B. Johnson

Executive Editor Bert Gault

Managing Editor Robert D. Gorman

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Editorial Assistant Kyle R. Hayes

Advertising Director Rande Richardson is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He writes about the value of volunteers in the nonprofit community. (p. 45)

Jill VanHoesen is the information security officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. She offers a preview of the North Country Technology Symposium. (p. 48)

Lance M. Evans is executive officer for the Jefferson-Lewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He examines the seasonal property market. (p. 37)

Rebecca Madden is a Johnson Newspaper staff writer. She joins a charter boat company in Henderson Harbor for a look inside the fishing industry. (p. 24)

Karen Romeo

Advertising Specialists

Clarissa Collins, Katie Nelson

Circulation Director Cindy Werner

Photography

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

Ad Graphics, Design

Rick Gaskin, Julia Keegan, Brian Mitchell, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules Nancy Madsen is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. In this month’s cover story, she writes about the economic impact of tourism on the region.

She also examines the growth in hotel occupancy tax collections. (p. 14, 36)

Norah Machia is a veteran Watertown Daily Times reporter who lives in Watertown.

She visits Watertown’s Black River Adventerer’s Shop and also highlights the north country’s wealth of museums. (p. 26, 30)

Katie Stokes is a freelance writer and blogger. She writes about the traditions of the Jefferson County Fair and drops a few hints about this year’s coming attractions. (p. 27)

MARKETPLACE

A.G. Netto Realty …........... 38 Ameriprise Financial ..........17 Antique Boat Museum .......19 Bella’s Bistro ......................... 53 Carthage Federal Savings and Loan ................ 6 Cheney Tire ........................ 51 Christensen Realty ............. 38 Clarence Henry Coach .... 21 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ......................... 20 Coldwell Banker Realty ..... 38 Community Bank NA ......... 43 Computer Doctor ............... 48 Condino Realty .................. 38 CREG Systems Corp .......... 52 DANC (AUSA) ..................... 62 H&R Block ............................17 HighTower Advisors ............. 7

4|

Howard Orthotics ............... 54 Innovative PT ...................... 55 JCJDC ................................. 64 Johnny D’s Bistro 108 ......... 58 Keith Caughlin ....................18 KeyBank ............................... 3 Lofink Ford Mercury ........... 46 Lori Gervera Realty ............ 38 Lunman’s Furniture ..............13 Macars ................................. 9 NNY Business .… 36, 51, 59, 63 NNY Community Foundation ......................... 57 North Country Technology Symposium ......................... 36 Northern Federal Credit Union .................................... 31 Old McDonald’s Farm ....... 33 Peebles Realty ................... 37

NNY Business | May 2011

Steve Virkler is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. He writes about how Lewis County’s network of ATV trails is bringing four-wheeled fun and tourism dollars to cash-strapped towns. (p. 28)

Regional Medical Management ..................... 49 Schwerzmann and Wise .... 42 SeaComm Federal CU ....... 56 Slack Chemical Co ........... 47 St. Lawrence Federal Credit Union ....................... 45 State Farm Insurance ........ 25 Thousand Island Realty ..... 38 Thousand Islands Winery ................................. 18 Timeless Frames ................... 2 Truesdell’s Furniture ............12 UPS Store ............................. 39 Watertown Daily Times .….. 61 Watertown Local Development Corp ............ 44 Watertown Savings Bank ... 16 Westelcom ......................... 35

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), formerly Absolutely Business magazine, is published monthly by Johnson Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601.

Copyright 2010, Johnson Newspaper Corp.

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

Subscription Rates 12 issues are $15 a year for Watertown Daily Times and affiliate newspaper subscribers and $25 a year for non-subscribers.

Call 315-782-1000 for delivery.

Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, e-mail ccollins@wdt.net In St. Lawrence County, e-mail knelson@ogd.com Please recycle this magazine.

Inside May 2011

COVER

14 I LOVE (NORTHERN) NY

The north country has plenty to offer its visitors: Fishing, golf, world-class museums — it all adds up to a mighty impact on the area.

14

FEATURES

24 ANGLING FOR THE BIG ONE

Don’t waste time chasing the catch of the day when a local fishing charter can help net the catch of a lifetime.

26 HIT THE OPEN ROAD

Todd Phelps at Black River Adventurer’s Shop is transforming his Watertown store into a premier headquarters for cyclists of all sorts.

27 NEARLY 200 YEARS & GOING

The nation’s first county fair took place in Jefferson County 194 years ago. What’s on tap for this year’s storied summer fest?

28 FOUR WHEELS ARE FASTER

Until the rest of the nation catches up, Lewis County’s ATV trails will attract cash-carrying tourists from afar.

32

24

30 IT’S RAINING? DON’T FRET

Spend some time inside one of the region’s world-class museums and you won’t be worried about a little shower.

32 JUMP IN AND DRIVE

The 1000 Islands Agriculture Tour is a great way to discover some hidden treasures in our big, beautiful backyard.

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY

34 DOWNTOWN REVIVAL

Massena is seeing a resurgence in its downtown shopping district as several new businesses plan openings soon.

28

One of the area’s leading banks in mortgage lending.

Home of totally free checking and three other checking accounts that pay you interest!

Three Full Service Locations...

Carthage 493-3480

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Clayton 686-4850

Member owned since 1888

WWW.CARTHAGESAVINGS.COM • 800-232-0450 6|

NNY Business | May 2011

INTERVIEW

40 THE BROTHERS RENZI

In 1977, Roy and Michael Renzi started a wholesale meat distribution, selling fresh meat and frozen seafood. Today, a new generation is leading Renzi Foodservice. We sat down with them in a rare visit about the business.

COLUMNS GUEST ESSAY

12

40

ECONOMICALLY SPEAKING 44

AGRI-BUSINESS

47

NONPROFITS TODAY

45

BUSINESS TECH BYTES

COMMERCE CORNER

46

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS 49

ON THE COVER

48

Golfer Scott R. Kellner, Carthage, cyclist Chris Brock, Watertown, and kayaker Cody R. Dunn, Copenhagen, show off a sample of north country adventure opportunities. The trio was photographed in Thompson Park overlooking Watertown on a brisk spring evening.

DEPARTMENTS EDITOR’S NOTE

8

CALENDAR

50

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE

9

BUSINESS SCENE

52

ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT

10

DINING GUIDE

58

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

13

BUSINESS HISTORY

60

REAL ESTATE ROUNDUP

37

WHAT’S HAPPENING HERE?

62

{Amanda Morrison photo}

May 2011 | NNY Business

|7

EDITOR’S NOTE

I

f after reading this issue you are left with any doubts that Northern New York is an exciting place to live and play, then I personally challenge you to take your next vacation here in the north country.

That’s right, a staycation, a vaction spent at home or nearby. With gas prices topping $4 a gallon and no retreat in sight, I’m sure by the end of summer you, too, will be asking yourself when you started using the word staycation.

Whether it’s recreation on two or four wheels, a trip to Lake Ontario, down the St. Lawrence River or one of the countless other waterways in our backyard, we sure don’t lack for places to go and fun things to do.

In the nearly 20 years since I turned my tassel at Imamculate Heart Central High School, I have lived and worked in some incredible areas of the country.

Burlington, Vt., metro Boston, western Massachusetts, Cape Cod, Denver, Evergreen, Colo., Ken Eysaman Atlanta — each a great experience unlike any other. Yet, last fall I unloaded more than a ton of meaningless stuff, flea-market furniture I’d bought through the years while styling one bachelor pad after another. I loaded all that remained into a U-Haul and headed east nearly 2,000 miles to Watertown. Yes, after 18 years on the hamster wheel, moving from city to city in search of a great place to put down roots, I realized that the north country is a far cry from the Siberian wasteland we like to believe when we’re years younger and itching to fly the coop.

If you don’t believe me, just start flipping through this issue and read for yourself about all the reasons why visitors to the north country in 2008 spent $433 million during tourism season, generating $27.6 million in local taxes.

Still not convinced we live in a great place? Ask around and see how long it takes for you to bump into one of the 8,328 people who make their life’s work around the pristine reputation of our waterways and the diversity of our outdoors or who work in one of the many museums we are so fortunate to have. Sure, I could go on about how I once lived at 5,600 feet above sea level and worked at 7,600 feet, or how awesome Cape Cod is in the summer and how nice it is to not have to wear seven layers in the winter in Atlanta. But, if I was going to boast, I’d still be in one of those places.

Truth is, we have a whole lot more right here to discover without the hassle of lugging around a truckload of stuff that keeps us from sketching out our next big adventure right where we are. So turn the page and start

8|

NNY Business | May 2011

reading. You might find your next favorite place right under your nose. n

n

n

20 QUESTIONS — This month we sat down with John M. and M. Jude Renzi for a rare conversation about how the 34-year-old family business is poised to weather the storm of a fast-changing marketplace.

Without spoiling the interview for you, I will say there is an incredible future in the hands of two still very young men who are leading a company that contributes volumes to the north country. n

n

n

BUSINESS SCENE — In this month’s Scene section, which begins on page 52, you will find 58 faces from 40 north country businesses and organizations. We joined Northern New Yorkers at events like the 35th Annual North County Home Show, which is made possible each year by the Northern New York Builders Exchange.

We’d be remiss if we didn’t drop by the 9th Annual Taste of the Town, where we discovered so many talented chefs and even got to sample a bite or two of their best dishes.

A quick drive over the hill and we were in Turin where we joined the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce for its annual Spring Fling dinner at the Timberview Lodge.

For April’s Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours, Coyote Moon Vineyards threw a party at its Clayton winery where the food was great and the wine flowed freely.

And just last week we joined the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce at the Carthage Elks Lodge to see Mary Beth Renaud take her seat as 2011 Citizen of the Year. n

n

n

LIKE US ON FACEBOOK — One more reminder to visit us on Facebook to view more than 160 photos from Business Scene events across the north country since we launched in December, many of which have not appeared in print. We’re just a click away at www.facebook.com/ nnybusiness. Tag yourself, tag your friends and tag your friends’ friends. Like us on Facebook and be the first to see the front page before it hits newsstands, learn who we’re interviewing, what we’re covering and join in the discussion about business in Northern New York.

Yours in business,

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE Named new deputy comptroller at DANC

Michelle L. Capone has been appointed deputy comptroller for the Development Authority of the North Country. She holds an associate’s degree in math and science from Jefferson Community College, a bachelor of arts degree in economics from SUNY Geneseo Capone and a master’s in business administration from SUNY Oswego.

For the past 11 years Ms. Capone has worked for the Development Authority of the North Country, most recently in the position of senior project development specialist.

Ms. Capone serves on the board of directors for several organizations including the Greater Watertown Jaycees, Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Investment Board, AUSA, Empire State Certified Development Corporation, United Way of NNY and the Jefferson Community College Alumni Association. Ms. Capone is the current president of Watertown Sunrise Rotary and serves on the statewide We Live New York Young Professionals Group.

JCC staff news

Jefferson Community College has announced promotions and continuing appointments for faculty and staff.

Joshua A. Dickinson, Harrisville, was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor of English.

Jack N. Donato, Watertown, was promoted from assistant professor to associate professor of computer science.

Natalie A. Spooner, Wellesley Island, college registrar, and Michael J. Burns, Watertown, director of the advising,

career and counseling center, received promotion from grade 7 to grade 9.

Continuing appointment was granted to Elizabeth Ann Durant, Watertown, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center; Jeannine T. Gomiela, Watertown, paramedic instructor and program coordinator; John T. Gould, Watertown, Robin E. Stephenson, Redwood, and Sarah C. O’Connell, Glen Park, advisers in the Small Business Development Center; Christine M. Grimes-Topping, Watertown, assistant professor of English; Susan M. Sprague, Watertown, information systems specialist, office of financial services.

Gina L. Costanzo, Watertown, was appointed coordinator of distance learning.

Joshua J. Hollenbeck, Philadelphia, joined the institutional technology department as a microcomputer applications specialist.

Got business milestones?

n Share your business milestones with NNY

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

contracts at Ogdensburg Mental Health, the Unified Court System, Adirondack Park Agency, New York State Insurance and document preparation work for St. Lawrence County, among others.

Joins SLU staff

Matthew Howard has been named secretary to the state Assembly Ways and Means Committee, a leadership post under Speaker Sheldon Silver.

Mr. Howard, a native of Watertown, was raised in Pulaski and graduated from Pulaski Central School. He is the son of Maryanne and Courtland R. Howard, Pulaski.

Tom Evelyn, a senior communications leader at Bucknell University, Lewisburg, Pa., has been named vice president of communications at St. Lawrence University, Canton.

Mr. Evelyn has more than 19 years of experience in higher education Evelyn communications and journalism. He earned a bachelor of science degree in journalism with a minor in philosophy from the University of Florida and a master of arts degree in communication from the University of Central Florida.

Worker honored

Top weathercaster named

Takes leadership post

Doug McIntosh, an employee of St. Lawrence NYSARC for 17 years, was named a Joslin Outstanding Performer for work on contracts for New York State Industries for the Disabled.

NYSARC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people with intellectual and other developmental disabilities.

Mr. McIntosh's award recognizes his consistent performance on custodial

John Kubis has been named chief weathercaster for the 6, 10 and 11 p.m. weeknight newscast at WWNY/WNYF, where he has been weekend weathercaster since 2000.

Mr. Kubis’s experience includes eight years of weather observation and forecasting in the Air Force.

Please see People, page 43

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May 2011 | NNY Business

|9

ECON SNAPSHOT

NNY

Economic indicators Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers March ’11 $1.66 Feb. ’11 $1.53 March ’10 $1.26

31.8%

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

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

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

382,787 in March 2011 311,544 in February 2011 376,188 in March 2010

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

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

March ’11 $3.70 Feb. ’11 $3.38 March ’10 $2.90

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

27.6%

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil March ’11 $3.94 Feb. ’11 $3.71 March ’10 $3.00

31.3%

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane March ’11 $3.72 Feb. ’11 $3.71 March ’10 $3.21

15.9%

1.8%

$0.97 on March 31, 2011 $0.97 on Feb. 28, 2011 $1.02 on March 31, 2010

4.9%

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Passengers at Watertown International Airport 626 in-bound and out-bound in March 2011 397 in-bound and out-bound in February 2011 489 in-bound and out-bound in March 2010

28.0%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales 59, median price $119,000 in March 2011 49, median price $110,000 in February 2011 75, median price $135,000 in March 2010

21.3% Sales

11.9% Price

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties area, not including military positions 89,300 in March 2011 88,800 in February 2011 89,000 in March 2010

0.34%

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson County unemployment Mar. 11

Feb. 11

Jan. 11

Dec. 10

10.9% 11.6 % 10.3 % 9.9%

Nov. 10 Oct. 10

8.8%

Sep. 10 Aug. 10 July 10 June 10

8.2% 7.9%

May 10

8.3%

8.1% 8.4%

April 10 Mar. 10

11.7%

9.3%

11.0%

Source: New York State Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)

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

10 NNYBusiness Business| |April May2011 2011 8 ||NNY

NNY

Economic indicators St. Lawrence county unemployment rates

Lewis county unemployment rates

10.9% in March 2011 11.3% in February 2011 11.2% in March 2010

11.1% in January 2011 11.5% in December 2010 11.4% in January 2010

0.3

0.3

Percentage points

Percentage points

Source: NYS Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)

Source: NYS Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted)

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

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

30, median price $64,150 in March 2011 39, median price $77,000 in February 2011 44, median price $75,250 in March 2010

1,943 in March 2011 1,899 in February 2011 1,748 in March 2010

Sales

14.8%

11.2%

Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

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

Real estate sales Watertown city sales

The following sales were recorded in the Jefferson County clerk’s office:

April 15

n 506 Jefferson St., Polly A. Dobson, Theresa, sold to Robert Amell and Adrianne Amell, Watertown $42,000 n 0.517 acre, Thompson Boulevard, Catherine Burns Quencer, executor, will of James H. Cox, late of Watertown, sold to Anderson Wise and Donna M. Wise, Watertown $150,000

(For a five-day look at Jefferson County non-city real estate sales, turn to page 38)

April 5

n 0.152 acre, intersection State Street and North Indiana Avenue, Joanne M. Smith, Watertown, sold to Michelle R. Hughes, Gouverneur $185,000

April 4

n 418 Cross St., Thomas H. Kitto, Dexter, sold to Nancy D. Storino Farney, Watertown $89,000 n 0.153 acre, Bishop Street, Matthew Chase, Watertown, sold to Kenneth E. Moran, Fort Knox, Ky. $168,000

April 13

n 0.12 acre, 208 Arlington St., Jorge Zavala and Anne D. Zavala, Watertown, sold to Benjamin D. Gorden, Black River $125,000

n 808 Davidson St., Curtis L. Spivey, by attorney in fact Heather L. Spivey, and Heather L. Spivey, Watertown, sold to Michael P. Linnemeier and Sarah M. Linnemeier, Watertown $156,000

April 12

April 1

n Court Street, Charles F. Quaglia Jr., Syracuse, sold to AJN Enterprises LLC, Liverpool $35,000

March 31

n Two parcels, Riggs Avenue, Edward Donato, Watertown, sold to Gregory Kimmett and Louann Kimmett, Lakeland, Fla. $33,000

April 11

n 0.165 acre, Morrison Street, Debra J. Allmond, Watertown, sold to Joshua A. Frasher, Bagram Airfield, APO AE, NY $117,000 n 325 Arlington St., Jonathan D. Croy and Nattamon Croy, Watertown, sold to Donald C. Walters and Sarah M. Walters, Watertown $117,000

April 8

n City of Watertown: 170 Bowers Ave., Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Richardson, Texas, sold to Chui Sam Chan, Watertown $77,000 n Two parcels, 248 E. Main St., HSBC Mortgage Corp., Depew, sold to Chui Sam Chan, Watertown $34,000 n Intersection Boon and Arsenal streets, Mary (Felice) Agafonoff, Winston Salem, N.C., sold to Robert David South, Watertown $63,000

April 7

n 0.286 acre, 825 LeRay St., Beth A. Russell, Watertown, sold to Kevin D. McLain and Heather M. McLain, Watertown $98,000

TRANSACTIONS

31.8%

n 1.38 acres, State Street, 1867 State Street LLC, Watertown, sold to Ronald A. Frost, Watertown $149,000 n 531 W. Main St., (foreclosure) Kimberly Ann Wood, Watertown, referee, Tracy L. Rafferty, sold to IB Property Holdings LLC, Coral Gables, Fla. $166,000 n 531 W. Main St., IB Property Holdings LLC, Coral Gables, Fla., sold to Kenneth E. Powley, White Haven, Pa. $29,000

March 29

n 0.205 acre, 249 Winslow St., Armand J.B. Levesque and Traci A. Levesque, Watertown, sold to Nicolaus L. Crocker and Heather Crocker, Louisville, Tenn. $127,500 n 313 William St., Anne M. Harrienger, executor, will of Lance C. Marzano, late of Watertown, sold to Aaron P. Quencer and Sandy R. Quencer, Watertown $110,000

$2,070,500

City real estate sales recorded over 18-day period, March 29-April 15, 2011

May April2011 2011||NNY NNYBusiness Business ||11 9

G U E S T E S S AY

Tourism strengthens our economy

T

ourism has a long history in the 1000 Islands Region.

Charles Dickens wrote about his 1842 journey down the St. Lawrence in American Notes.

By the late 19th century, railroads heavily promoted the region and, in combination with steam boats, made it a major destination. Summer tourists flocked here to enjoy the stunning scenery and excellent fishing.

Passenger railroads and steamers are long gone from the 1000 Islands. Sweeping changes of the 20th century transformed tourism. Like so many other industries in Northern New York, tourism businesses have struggled to adapt, to compete and to remain profitable.

Through it all, tourism continued as an important and positive force in the north country economy and culture.

Regardless of the changes, nature is still the region’s fundamental attraction. Beautiful scenery, open spaces for recreation and access to an incredible array of water activities keep loyal visitors coming year after year.

The region’s rich history has also emerged as a tourism resource. Villages like Sackets Harbor have transformed their military heritage into a tourism product. The remnants of gilded age tourism like Boldt Castle and antique boats have themselves become attractions.

More and more, traditions of agriculture and tourism are blending. Wineries have found new uses for old farms. Farm tours and specialty growers are showcasing rural life.

All this adds up to make the 1000 Islands a prime example of two tourism buzz concepts: sustainability and authenticity. Tourism has maintained an organic relationship with the region. For better or

worse, the 1000 Islands doesn’t boast contrived mega-attractions or huge national chains.

Communities worldwide are working to develop sustainable tourism.

Sustainable tourism is by Gary DeYoung definition built on local entrepreneurism while respecting and complementing natural and cultural environments. Thousand Islands tourism businesses are mostly locally owned and operate on a scale that blends comfortably into communities.

Visitors are looking for authentic experiences and places. Few places can offer this region’s variety of fascinating historic sites, open space, majestic waterways and genuine communities. Tourism sells a taste of the north country lifestyle.

So how does all this benefit the average person? Economic impact studies illustrate visitor spending ranging into the hundreds of millions of dollars. That spending translates into thousands of jobs.

Even if you feel far removed from the tourism industry, consider a few points that may impact you professionally or personally. Sustainable tourism that offers an authentic experience also lowers local taxes and improves quality of life.

Tourists pay taxes, but have relatively low demand for public services. True, tourism needs parks, highways and other public facilities. But, tourists don’t attend local schools or look to local social services in times of need. As temporary taxpayers,

visitors lower the tax burden of residents.

The recent influx of Canadian shoppers is a clear illustration of this benefit. A careful look at Jefferson County’s sales tax data over the years shows that sales in tourism sensitive categories are consistently stronger than its population would predict. That extra tax income helps every taxpayer.

Image and quality of life are X-factors in economic development. What is it that makes a region attractive and livable?

Most answers would include access to recreation, entertainment and cultural activities, good restaurants and nice shopping districts. Tourists support the development of shopping, dining, entertainment and recreation that residents enjoy as part of their daily lives. Life in a tourism area means enjoying many amenities that would not exist without the visitor trade.

Tourism also helps define a community’s image. Earlier this year, Clayton vied for Frommer’s title of “America’s Coolest Small Town” and this spring a number of north country towns are in competition as the “Ultimate Fishing Town USA.” Last year the region enjoyed feature articles in National Geographic Traveler magazine and the Washington Post Sunday travel section.

Tourism businesses savor the exposure for its value in attracting new visitors. Such national media exposure also portrays the region as a desirable place to live and work, making it easier to recruit new residents.

The north country can be proud of its heritage of hospitality. Welcoming visitors has proven to be a great way to strengthen the region’s economy and improve quality of life for more than 150 years. n GARY S. DeYOUNG is director of tourism for the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council. Contact him at gary@visit1000islands.com, 482-2520 or 1 (800) 847-5263.

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NNY Business | May 2011

BUSINESS BRIEFCASE The North Country Arts Council was chosen as business of the month based on participation, downtown spirit and business achievement.

Got business news?

n Share your business news with NNY

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

Firm honored

United Way donation

Steven M. Pierce, senior vice president of Key Bank, recently made a corporate donation of $15,000 to the 2010 to 2011 United Way Campaign, accepted by Tobi R. Darrah, campaign director.

New Business Network International chapter

Business Network International the world’s largest word-of-mouth referral organization, has a new chapter in Watertown. Meetings are held Tuesday mornings from 7 to 8:30 a.m. at Denny’s on Arsenal Street. BNI allows professionals in an array of occupations to pass on quality referrals to other members.

BNI only allows one person for each occupation to join a chapter, so there is no competition from other similar businesses.

At each weekly meeting, chapter members have a chance to talk about their business and the type of referrals they would like.

Upstate New York has more than 700 members in 30-plus chapters. Contact Bernie Sturr, 775-3036, or BernieSturr@gmail. com, to learn about attending a meeting.

CSArch Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, Malone, was honored by Renewable Energy World Network for its design work at the Wild Center, Tupper Lake, New York’s natural history museum of the Adirondacks.

The project received the 2011 Excellence in Renewable Energy Award for biomass project of the year. The project combines a wood gasification heating plant integrated with a solar thermal collection and storage system.

It is the first system built in the state and includes an educational viewing area for the museum’s 100,000 annual visitors.

The Renewable Energy World Network, which includes five magazines and four websites in 170 countries, considered the innovative technology as well as the project’s impact on the industry at large and on the communities. CSArch project leaders were Dan Woodside, principal in charge, and Tim McCarthy, project architect.

From left, Lyle Furnace, Happy Daze, Jessika Furnace and Darin Richards, Little Italy, Dave Crowell, World Artisan, Janice Adderly, The Copy Shop, and Rob Bicknell, Bicknell Corp. and chamber president.

Little Italy nominated

Little Italy Pizzeria, 30 Market St., Pots-

Please see BRIEFCASE, page 39

YOU DREAM. WE DELIVER.

Business of the month

Watertown’s Downtown Business Association and the state’s Small Business Development Center at Jefferson Community College chose the North Country Arts Council as downtown business of the month for March.

The North Country Arts Council is an allOakes volunteer nonprofit organization whose purpose is to promote growth in and through the arts. Its new location is in the Franklin Building on Public Square. The group’s president is Laura J. Oakes.

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 13

COVER STORY

SELLING n Northern New York ripe with tourism, recreation that thrills visitors, residents

M

By Nancy Madsen | NNY Business writer

Melissa A. Ringer-Hardy loves the St. Lawrence River.

She loves the sunsets over the river, the energy in the village of Clayton and the seasonal visitors and year-round residents who frequent her Bella’s Bistro, not that she gets much of a chance to savor them during the busy summer season.

“I love the seasons and everything that comes with each of them,” she said. “I love the sports and food that go with the different seasons.”

Bella’s, a bustling restaurant at 602 Riverside Drive, will offer dinner service for the first time this summer.

The restaurant will be open from around 7 a.m. until dark and seat 200 people, up from 130 last year. The kitchen is also larger to support more guests and dinner service.

Tourism-based seasonal businesses along the shore of the St. Lawrence River and Lake Ontario must choose between staying open and losing money in the off-season or closing down with the possibility of losing core staff members. Ms. Ringer-Hardy has opted to keep open until New Year’s Eve, but said winter business is too sporadic.

“It’s not really enough to pay for the heat, and product and it cuts into the time spent with family,” she said.

14 |

NNY Business | May 2011

And the summer more than makes up for it, with up to 18-hour days that stacks catering on top of restaurant business.

“I’ve had 14 catering events in four days,” she said.

“You’ve got to take the business when you get it.”

Ronald G. Thompson, owner of Uncle Sam Boat Tours, Alexandria Bay, said continual reinvention and reinvestment is a key to owning seasonal businesses.

The seven boats that take tourists to Boldt Castle and through portions of the Thousand Islands are outfitted with new engines and generators this year.

“I’m a firm believer in preventative maintenance,” he said. “When you’ve got that many moving parts, something will happen. If you do preventative maintenance, it can minimize the problems and helps with

A kayaker rides the rapids at Hole Bros. on the Black River. Water sports draw thousands of people to Northern New York rivers and lakes from mid-spring through early fall each year in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

fuel efficiency.”

The boat tours run from April 1 to October or November, depending on ice.

Despite the seasonal nature, his family has been in the tour boat business since before 1900 and the current company has been in business for 85 years. Mr. Thomson said he stays in it because of his love for the water.

“I was never forced into the business,” he said. “I love living on the water and working on the water and being by the water every single day. It’s a relaxed atmosphere and most people are in a good mood and out to enjoy the experience.”

“We have a lot of fixed cost that we have to recoup in a very short time, so we have lengthened the season as

much as we can,” he said. “There’s only so far you can go in this business. You’ve just got to be able to do it.

We keep costs down as much as we can, which weeds out some of the competition.”

This year, the complete facelift, including new furnishings, flooring and air conditioners, of the 68 rooms at Capt. Thomson’s Resort, a 10-year project, will be done. The reinvestment helps visitors and customers feel they’re getting a good value for the charge.

“Some places are not reinvesting and it hurts the whole area,” Mr. Thomson said. “But with the people I talk to, it does work. If you don’t invest, it’s a downward spiral.”

Even the state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation makes improvements at its Thousand

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 15

COVER STORY Islands region a priority. Of the 26 state parks in the region, which includes Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence and Clinton counties outside of the Adirondack Park, 21 are improved and must divide about $1 million on capital construction projects.

“It doesn’t spread that far, but we do have a very aggressive building program,” said Kevin A. Kieff, the state parks’ regional director. “The money we generate — what patrons pay — stays with the agency and that is the money that populates the state park’s infrastructure fund.”

The parks are open year-round for activities such as cross-country skiing and ice fishing. But during the busy summer, Mr. Kieff said the parks avoid the myriad of improvements that need to be done. With the 1.5 million visitors to the reional state parks annually, “the state is a big economic driver in the tourism business,” he said.

State parks also looks to grant sources, such as the $250,000 it received from a federal source for a boat launch replacement and improvement project is going on at Cedar Point State Park, Clayton.

“It will be done this spring in time for the season,” Mr. Kieff said. “The expansion will handle two boat loadings at a time instead of one and the project will improve the traffic pattern and parking, which is really important.”

Other projects around the region have included complete toilet and shower building replacements at Westcott Beach and Southwick Beach state parks. And $12 million in capital construction, from the New York Power Authority, has been completed at Robert Moses and Coles Creek state parks.

Janine M. Ridley, owner of Edgewood Resort & Conference Center, makes continual improvements to the resort.

“We reinvest in the property because we believe in it and it’s a beautiful gem,” she said. “We take it and polish it and we’ve started to see it shine.”

In 2002, she and her husband, Benjamin, bought the property and began building the conference center, which seats dinners of up to 650 people.

“It was bankrupt two or three times before us, so there was that obstacle to get over,” she said. “It’s definitely been

16 |

NNY Business | May 2011

COVER STORY a challenge and you’ve got to be a very aggressive person, but myself and my husband are partners and we are very aggressive, Type-A, hardworking personalities.”

This year, they’ve added eight to 10 rooms on top of the Curtis Cottage, which was constructed in the 1800s, she said.

“When they opened it, it was in pretty bad condition,” Mrs. Ridley said. “1902 or 1905 was the last time it was rehauled and we know that because they left signatures and dates from the construction crews.”

And extending the season with parties and weekends only also provide cash flow at the bookends of the summer frenzy.

“We’re open for Christmas parties and we open up in the middle of March, running the dining room just on Fridays and Saturdays,” Mrs. Ridley said. “Without the conference center, we wouldn’t be able to do that.”

The resort, which has existed for over 125 years, has more than 40 acres of property over which the buildings are scattered.

“We fill our weekdays with conferences,” she said. “After school lets out, you’re OK in July and August — that’s where you really make the money. But the conference center can extend the season.”

Riverview Motel, Waddington, tries to attract more long-term guests in the winter to survive.

“It’s hard,” manager Robert Henwood said. “We make money in the summer and lose it in the winter. We try to put in place as many longterm people through the winter months.”

The winter guests tend to be workers on projects, such as improvements to the OgdensburgPrescott International Bridge. During the peak season, the majority of guests are transient travelers.

Another quarter of the guests are fishermen. The carp-focused Specialist Bait and Tackle shop is attached to the hotel, which has 12 rooms and seven cabins. The St. Lawrence River is believed to have one of the highest concentrations

Ronnie Thomson, owner of Capt.

Thomson’s Resort, explains that while patrons expect a nice room, the view, like this one of the St. Lawrence River and Boldt Castle, is what people really notice.

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 17

COVER STORY

JASON HUNTER | NNY BUSINESS

Louis J. Williams, owner of Quality Inn Gran-View, 6765 Route 37, Ogdensburg, sits in one of his rooms overlooking the St. Lawrence River.

of carp in the world.

“We’ve got a fair number from Europe and England, with some other places as well,” Mr. Henwood said.

“We do not have masses of locals. We deal mostly with clients that come from

abroad and other parts of the USA, as well, just to do carp fishing.”

On the other hand, The Lodge restaurant, Morristown, needs to satisfy a core of regulars.

“We don’t get a lot of transients,”

owner Christopher Armstrong said.

“Ninety-nine percent of all the people who walk in the door I know and can greet them by name.”

When he, his wife Diane and son Eric reopened The Lodge in July 2009, it wasn’t Mr. Armstrong’s first choice.

“I didn’t want to have to come in and open a restaurant that had been closed for a couple of years, but another place didn’t work out for whatever reason and we live in Morristown, so we fell back on this place,” he said. “We’re really happy here. It’s close to home and maintaining the place is easy when you’re nearby.”

The Lodge hosts many parties throughout the year and tries to capitalize on the holidays and events, particularly in the fall and winter months, to support the year-round business.

“You try to do enough business in the summertime to get you through, basically, and that’s all there is to it,” Mr. Armstrong said. “The truth of the matter is that it’s not disgusting until Jan. 1, with Christmas business parties and New Year’s Eve celebrations.”

The Quality Inn Gran-View, Ogdensburg, extends the season by hosting formal weddings from April through October.

“I bleed all winter long,” owner Louis Williams said. “But in order to keep a strong staff and operation intact, I do stay open.”

The summer, with the transient tourists and regional trip-takers, remains the prime season.

“It’s extremely important for our community,” he said. “It’s the driving force that keeps me in business.”

The hotel hosts mostly travelers from places such as New York City

POLITICAL ADVERTISING

18 |

NNY Business | May 2011

COVER STORY By the numbers

$433.1m Visitor spending during 2008 tourism season

3.4

Percent growth in spending from 2007 to 2008

$137.4m Spending on second homes

$111m Restaurant spending

8,328

Tourism-related jobs

7.4

Percent share of regional employment

$190.9m Labor income

$27.6m Local taxes generated

Source: Thousand Islands International Tourism Council 2008 tourism season study for St. Lawrence, Jefferson and Oswego counties. (Most recent year available.)

OPENING MAY 13th

and Montreal.

“Our little market is a transient tourism-type stop,” Mr. Williams said.

“The bulk of guests tend to be a lot of Europeans and cyclists on road trips to Cape Vincent and Wolfe Island and Kingston.”

Like other seasonal business owners, Mr. Williams is optimistic about the coming season.

“If the weather is beautiful like last year, people say, ‘Let’s go on a drive,’” he said. “With good weather and a strong Canadian dollar, we’ll have a good season.”

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 19

COVER STORY

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Gabriel L. Aubertine, a chef at Bella’s Bistro, paints trim as part of renovations at the Clayton restaurant.

Tourism officials are optimistic about the coming season.

“We’ve benefited frankly from the economy,” said Gary S. DeYoung, 1000 Islands International Tourism Council director of tourism. “The weaker economy in the U.S. has meant people looking closer by opting for camping and cottages.”

Last year brought spectacular weather, which lured many people to the region.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Mr. DeYoung said. “When the vacationers come from under 300 miles away, it’s an all-drive vacation and they can make the decision not to get in the car at the last minute.”

For business owners who depend on the dozen or so summer weekends, one

rainy weekend is a big deal, he said.

Mr. Kieff said state parks attendance fluctuates by five to 10 percent based on the weather along. The strength of the Canadian dollar and the ease of border crossings also affect attendance.

“We anticipate a good year with Canadian customers,” he said. “To a great degree, border crossing issues have settled into a comfort zone where our patrons are comfortable crossing both ways.”

The parks have 2,400 campsites, including sites with electricity as well as cabins and cottages, which serve about 450,000 people annually.

“It’s certainly a big number in economic impact in terms of the number of people parks bring into the region,” he said. “It’s a big place where people

Along the coast

20 |

NNY Business | May 2011

SOUTHWICK BEACH STATE PARK 8119 Southwicks Place, Henderson www.nysparks.com/parks/36/details.aspx

UNCLE SAM’S BOAT TOURS 45 James St., Alexandria Bay www.usboattours.com

WESTCOTT BEACH STATE PARK Route 3, Henderson www.nysparks.com/parks/90/details.aspx

THE LODGE 3792 Route 37, Morristown, 375-6646

BELLA’S BISTRO 602 Riverside Drive, Clayton www.bellasonlinenow.com

GRAN-VIEW QUALITY INN 6765 Route 37, Ogdensburg www.qualityinn.com/hotel-ogdensburg-new_ york-NY033

EDGEWOOD RESORT Edgewood Park Road, Alexandria Bay www.theedgewoodresort.com

RIVERVIEW MOTEL Route 37, Waddington www.riverviewofwaddington.com

COVER STORY

Renovations are under way at the Park Marina in preparation for the 2011 tourism and boating season.

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

come in to stay when there are local events going on.”

Mr. Kieff described state parks and the Thousand Islands council as destination marketers, just attracting people to the region.

festivals, or have a night when the patrons go to eat out or visit local tourist attractions.”

“Then we encourage the chambers of commerce to encourage people to take advantage of what’s in the community,” he said. “There’s a lot to do and the community has a lot to offer.

There’s the opportunity to go to local

n NANCY MADSEN is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at nmadsen@wdt. net or 661-2358.

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 21

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS ALEXANDRIA BAY SATURDAY, MAY 7

out downtown Alexandria Bay. Pirate invasions at 2 p.m. Saturdays, Aug. 13 and Aug. 20. Information: www.visitalexbay.org or Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 482-9531.

FRIDAY, MAY 13

BOONVILLE MONDAY, JULY 25 TO SUNDAY, JULY 31

n Boonville-Oneida County Fair, Oneida County Fairgrounds, School Road, Boonville. Parking at Adirondack High School. Admission: Monday, free; Tuesday through Sunday, $5; children ages 12 and younger, free; senior citizens, $3; week-long passes, $20. Information: www.boonvillefair.com.

CAPE VINCENT n Boldt Castle opens. Hours: 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. until Friday, June 24; 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, June 25, to Sunday, Sept. 4; 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 5, to Sunday, Oct. 2; 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 3, to Monday, Oct. 10; and 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Saturday, Oct. 15, and Sunday, Oct. 16. Admission: $7; children ages 6 to 12, $4.50. Information: www.boldtcastle.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

n Boldt Castle Yacht House opens. Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. until Sunday, Oct. 2. Admission: $4; children ages 6 to 12, $2.

Admission to both Boldt Castle and the Yacht House: $9; children, $5.50. Information: www.boldtcastle.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

n Singer Castle opens. Open Saturdays and Sundays from Saturday, May 21, to Saturday, June 18; open daily from June 18 to Monday, Sept. 5; open Saturdays and Sundays from Sept. 5 to Sunday, Oct. 9. Guided tours are provided on the hour beginning at 10 a.m. with the last tour leaving the main gate at 4 p.m. Tour cost: $14; senior citizens, $11; children ages 4 to 12, $6; children younger than 4, free. Information: www.singercastle.com.

SATURDAY, MAY 14

n Breakwater Gallery opens. Located at 379 Club St., Cape Vincent. Hours: 3 to 7 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday. Contact: 654-4750. Shows for this season: Children Artists from Thousand Island Central School, tentatively opening Friday, June 3; North Country Artists Invitational, opening Friday, June 17; Abstracts and Found Objects, opening Friday, July 15; Breakwater Artists, opening Saturday, Aug. 20. Gallery closes Sunday, Sept. 11.

n Antique Boat Museum opens. Located at 750 Mary St., Clayton. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily until October. Admission: $12; senior citizens, $11; youth ages 7 to 17, $6; children ages 6 and younger, free; AAA members with card, $11; active military and immediate family, free; retired military member or spouse, $6, children, $3; college students with identification, $10; family of two adults and children ages 18 and younger, $30. Information: www.abm.org or 686-4104.

TUESDAY, JUNE 14 TO MONDAY, JUNE 20

SATURDAY, JULY 9 AND SUNDAY, JULY 10

n Cape Vincent French Festival, 7 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday, throughout the village. French pastry and bread sale: 8 a.m. Saturday, Cape Vincent Fire Hall.

Parade: 2 p.m. Saturday, Broadway Street. Fireworks: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, break wall on the waterfront. North Country All American Classics antique car parade: 1 p.m. Sunday. Information: www.capevincent.org.

CLAYTON MONDAY, MAY 2

n Sailing Seaway Clayton, Frink Park, Clayton.

Grand arrival of the tall ship Lynx at noon Tuesday. Deck tours from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. daily and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday; sail away tours from 2 to 4 or 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily. Coffee with the captain event: 8 p.m. Saturday, Lyric Coffee House. Deck tours: $5; children ages 12 and younger, free. Sail aways: $55; active military, $45; senior citizens, $45; children ages 12 and younger, $30. Full schedule and information: www.sailingseawayclayton.com.

FRIDAY, JUNE 17 TO SUNDAY, JUNE 19

n Great New York State Food and Wine Festival, 1 to 8 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Sunday, Cerow Recreation Park Arena, Clayton. Vendors, food tasting, farmers market and Made in New York products. Admission: 5; military with identification, $4; children, $3. Information: www.nysfoodwinefestival.com.

FRIDAY, AUG. 5, SATURDAY, AUG. 6, AND SUNDAY, AUG. 7

FRIDAY, AUG. 12 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 21

n Bill Johnston’s Pirate Days, daily events through-

n Thousand Islands Museum opens. Located at 312 James St., Clayton. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday. Contact: 686-5794. Information: www. timuseum.org.

22 |

NNY Business | May 2011

n 47th Annual Antique Boat Show and Auction, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St., Clayton. Information: www.abm.org or 686-4104.

SUMMER HIGHLIGHTS GOUVERNEUR

Harbor. Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday; 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday until Sunday, June 5; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday from Saturday, June 11, to Sunday, July 3; 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday from Tuesday, July 5, to Sunday, Sept. 4; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. Sunday from Saturday, Sept. 10, to Sunday, Oct. 2.

Spring art show runs through Sunday, June 5, with water color paintings, oil and acrylic paintings, pastels, drawing, sculpture, photography, decorative arts, mixed media and youth art. Information: www.aanny.org or 646-3502.

MONDAY, AUG. 1 TO SUNDAY, AUG. 7

n 159th Annual Gouverneur – St. Lawrence County Fair, St. Lawrence County Fairgrounds, 85 E. Barney St., Gouverneur. Free admission to fairgrounds. Information: www.gouvernerfair.net.

LAFARGEVILLE FRIDAY, JUNE 3, SATURDAY, JUNE 4, AND SUNDAY, JUNE 5

n 21st Annual Bluegrass Music Festival, gates open at 10 a.m. Friday. Sponsored by Thousand Islands Bluegrass Preservation Society. Located at the Northern New York Agricultural and Historical Society at Stone Mills, LaFargeville. Admission: Advance sale weekend pass, $30; at the gate, weekend, $35; Friday, $10; Saturday, $20; Sunday, $15. Information: www.tibluegrass.www3.50megs.com.

LOWVILLE SATURDAY, MAY 21

n Lowville Farmers Market opens. Hours: 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays until October, Forest Park Pavilion, Lewis County Fairgrounds, Lowville. Sponsored by Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. Contact: 376-2213.

to August on the village green. Performances: SLCMEA Pop Choral/Stage Band Festival, 4 to 9 p.m. Thursday, June 2; Martha Gallagher, Brian Melick, Karen Montanaro, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 9; McPeake, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 16; The Debt, 7 p.m. Sunday, June 19; Northern Symphonic Winds, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 23; Sounds of Summer Festival, 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, June 27; Wally Siebel All-Star Big Band with Wycliffe Gordon, 7 p.m. Thursday, June 30; Robin Down Hopper, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 7; Frank Vignola Trio, 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 10; Dave Alderson Quartet, 7 p.m.

Sunday, July 17; JW Jones Blues Band, 7 p.m.

Thursday, July 21; Taylor 2, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 24; Brass Firemen, 7 p.m. Thursday, July 28; Bluegrass Gospel Project, 7 p.m. Sunday, July 31; Paul Meyers, Danny Gotham, Dick Stephan, 7 p.m.

Thursday, Aug. 4; Magpie performs “Under One Sky”, 7 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 7. Information: www. norwoodvillagegreenconcertseries.org.

n Great New York State Fair, New York State Fairgrounds, 581 State Fair Blvd., Syracuse.

Admission: $10; children ages 12 and younger, free; senior citizens, free admission on Monday, Aug. 29, and Tuesday, Aug. 30; students ages 16 and younger, free on Friday, Sept. 2; free admission for grandstand ticket holders on the day of the grandstand event. Parking: $5, free shuttle to main gate from all designated fair parking lots.

Information: www.nysfair.org or 487-7711.

WATERTOWN WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

n Greater Watertown-North Country Farm and Craft Market opens. Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wednesdays from May 25 to Oct. 5, Washington Street from Morgan Stanley Building to Dulles State Office Building. Local produce, handmade items and food vendors.

SATURDAY, MAY 7

n Ogdensburg Green Market opens. Hours: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays through Oct. 8, Library Park, 300 Black Riverside Ave., Ogdensburg. Information: 393-3620. n Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington St., Ogdensburg. Hours: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m.

Sunday until Saturday, May 14; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday from Sunday, May 15, until Saturday, Oct. 15. Admission: $9; senior citizens, students ages 16 and older, $8; groups of 15 or more, $7 per person; active military, $5; school groups, $2 per person; members, volunteers, residents of Ogdensburg and children ages 15 and younger, free. Information: www.fredericremington.org or 393-2425.

FRIDAY, JUNE 3

OLD FORGE

n Jefferson County Dairy Festival, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, Washington Street. Free admission. Agricultural displays and demonstrations, food, entertainment, parade, crafters and giant ice cream sundae.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, SATURDAY, MAY 21, AND SUNDAY, MAY 22

n Lewis County Fair, Lewis County Fairgrounds, 5443 Bostwick St., Lowville. Free admission. Five day parking pass: $10. Information: www.lewiscountyfair.org or 831-4285.

NORWOOD

SACKETS HARBOR

THURSDAY, JUNE 2 - SUNDAY, AUG 7

SATURDAY, MAY 21

n Village Green Concert Series. Free concert series on select Thursdays and Sundays from June

THURSDAY, AUG. 25 TO MONDAY, SEPT. 5

OGDENSBURG

n Adirondack Paddlefest 2011, noon to 6 p.m.

Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Old Forge waterfront. On-water canoe and kayak sale, vendors, food, businesses and test paddling. Admission: $5 per day; children 12 and younger, free. Test paddle fee: $15 for entire weekend, includes paddlefest admission.

TUESDAY, JULY 19 TO SATURDAY, JULY 23

SYRACUSE

TUESDAY, JULY 12 TO SUNDAY, JULY 17

n 194th Annual Jefferson County Fair, 10 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday and 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds, Coffeen Street, Watertown. Advance sale: Gate ticket, $4; Mega Pass, $19. Admission: Tuesday, free; Wednesday to Saturday, $5; Sunday, $4; children ages 5 and younger, free; Mega Pass, $23; individual season pass, $15. Parking: $3 on fairgrounds, free at Jefferson Community College. Information: www.jeffcofair.org.

n Arts Association of Northern New York gallery opens. Located at 119 W. Main St., Sackets

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 23

F E AT U R E S

Fishing draws thousands to NNY

n North country waters make region a popular destination for anglers

By REBECCA MADDEN

A NNY Business

long the shoreline of Lake Ontario, and in the St. Lawrence and Grasse rivers, is some of the best fishing around, according to area fishing charters and guide services.

Popular for their trophy-size walleye and northern pike or abundance of bass or trout, north country waterways help reel in big business from April to September.

Hundreds of people from throughout the state, nation and even European countries come to Jefferson, Lewis, St. NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS Lawrence and northern Oswego counties Fishing charter Capt.

Robert W. Dick, owns and operates Moby Dick Charters, Henderson Harbor. Northeach year for fishing and fun. ern pike and walleye fishing begin this month, while steelhead season began in April.

Robert W. Dick, operator of Moby Dick Charters, Henderson Harbor, operates his August and September, during spawning hours of driving distance away. Fisherfishing boat throughout Eastern Lake Onmen from throughout New England make season. tario, from Chaumont Bay down to Sandy Clients have also enjoyed the struggle, up a good portion of his business.

Pond. he said, reeling in 24- to 26-pound lake Most fishing charters take on four to “We have structure here, and the bait trout, or 20- to 22-pound brown trout. six people at a time, at either four- or love structure, and where there’s bait the “But, those aren’t everyday fish,” he eight-hour days. Jerry L. Sharrow, owner fish are,” he said. said. of Lake Ontario Fishing Charters, Sandy Captain to his boat for more than 100 Mr. Sharrow takes his clients along the Creek, recommends a party of four. Many guided trips each year, Mr. Dick runs eastern shoreline of Lake his operation six days a Ontario, as does Thomas week. The seventh day is S. Ewing, owner of Ewspent performing routine ing Charters, Lowville. maintenance.

Mr. Ewing said his spe He’s had his boat in the cialty spot is just below water since mid-April Stony Point Light House, when brown trout started Henderson. That’s where biting. Fishing for steelhe gets lake trout, in head also began in April, about 140 feet of water. while northern pike and “We catch them right walleye fishing begin there at the bottom,” this month. Lake trout, he said. “In spring, the salmon and bass fishing water warms up quicker won’t begin until June and the big fish come in and the later summer there.” months, he said.

He, too, sees fisherman While Mr. Dick is NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS from northeastern states Northern pike are a common catch in Lake Ontario waters. booked throughout most requesting his charter of May, he said people service. should call him with their Just 100 miles north of Mr. Ewing’s of his clients are also from the northeast. contact information, because there could Lowville-based business is Muskie Salmon is Mr. Sharrow’s most popular be cancellations, especially since a majorMagic Charters and Tours, Mascharter, but he said that fishing is best in ity of his clients are more than several

24 |

NNY Business | May 2011

F E AT U R E S Fishing / resources n MOBY DICK CHARTERS Henderson Harbor — 938-5871 n MUSKIE MAGIC CHARTERS & TOURS Massena — 769-7683 n LAKE ONTARIO FISHING CHARTERS Sandy Creek — 387-3182 n EWING CHARTERS Lowville — 376-6921 A complete list of local charters can be found online at www.visit1000islands.com. n Be sure to check out licensing requirements and more before booking a charter.

NORTHERN NEW YORK SPORTSMAN www.nnysportsman.com NEW YORK STATE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION www.dec.ny.gov/permits

sena, owned by Donald Lucas, who has a much different perspective on the impact of fishing charters — at least along the St. Lawrence River.

While the river has pockets of fantastic fishing, and offers a serene environment, it’s the escalating price of fuel that’s drowning the more northern guide services, he said.

“The last couple of years, business has been down about 60 percent,” Mr. Lucas said. “Last year I only realized 20 charters and there’s a combination of factors — the price of gas will hurt me this year.

The last couple of years it’s been investments in 401ks. People are losing money in the stock market and there wasn’t consumer confidence because of the economy.”

When he started his business just over 23 years ago, Mr. Lucas said a gallon of gasoline was 73 cents a gallon. It’s now topping $4 a gallon, and continues to climb.

He and other charters along the St. Lawrence River in St. Lawrence County are tied to that though since they have to sell the area’s remoteness.

“We have such an expansive body of water that’s less populated and utilized like in the tourist destinations of Clayton and Alexandria Bay where boats are going in a hundred different directions,” Mr. Lucas said. “That’s a big selling point for us up here; we have tranquility.”

Previous charters booked through Muskie Magic have included people from Germany, Denmark, Sweden, and many western or southern states. Mr. Lucas said

NORM JOHNSTON | NNY BUSINESS

Capt. Dick casts a line off the Moby Dick in Lake Ontario near Henderson Harbor.

ful to be able to do what they do best and love the most — fishing.

he depends on some repeat clients to help him through each season.

But no matter his struggles, or the struggles of Mr. Dick, Mr. Ewing or Mr. Sharrow, all captains said they’re thank-

n REBECCA MADDEN is a staff writer for Johnson Newspapers. Contact her at rmadden@ wdt.net or 661-2375.

May 2011 | NNY Business

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F E AT U R E S

To wield fun, turn to two wheels n Black River Adventurer’s shop shifts gears to cycling for all ages, skill levels

By NORAH MACHIA

T

NNY Business

he Black River Adventurer’s Shop, Watertown, has developed into a specialty store that caters to recreational and competitive bikers of all ages and skill levels.

Although the store carries a limited number of kayaks in the spring and snowshoes and cross-country skis in the winter, the business has really focused on expanding its line of bikes and accessories, said Todd Phelps, president.

“We are almost exclusively a bike shop,” said Mr. Phelps, who moved the business into its current location at 129 Mill St. in 1997.

When the store was opened more than 20 years ago in Black River, it featured a variety of sports gear, including equipment for rappelling, rock climbing and camping.

But the demand for camping gear has declined in recent years, as many people seemed to be more interested in daytime hiking trips and “not staying overnight,” said Mr. Phelps.

“A lot of people will go for just the day to climb a mountain” in the nearby Adirondacks, he said.

As the military stepped up the quality of outdoor gear issued to soldiers, the demand to find those types of items off-post also declined, Mr. Phelps said.

“By focusing on the bikes, we can deal with one main supplier and we can do one large preseason order,” he said. “We had to go through a number of different suppliers with all the other gear.”

The store offers “high-quality” bikes that start at approximately $450 for a mountain bike and $2,000 for a road bike, but along with the products comes a lot of expertise, said Mr. Phelps.

“Serious bikers have to come to a place like this,” said Mr. Phelps, as he stood on the floor of his store pointing out a large collection of bikes and accessories, including clothing.

As the popularity of triathlons has increased, the store has seen more customers who are training for the bike race portion of the events, he said.

But the Black River Adventurer’s Shop also caters to less-experienced bikers, including those who are new to the sport, Mr. Phelps said.

“We have people who come in here and tell us they’d like to get back into riding” after having taken a break from it, he said.

That’s one reason the store has organized informal “group rides” for both road and mountain bikers of different abilities, Mr. Phelps said.

The mountain biking group meets at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the store and the bikers head up to Thompson Park, where there are several trails to ride.

It’s helpful for those who are new to the sport of mountain biking to ride with a group so they can learn where the trails are located in the park, he said.

“A lot of people don’t realize there are mountain biking trails up there,” Mr. Phelps said.

Those interested in road biking meet at 6 p.m. Tuesdays and ride outside the city “onto the country roads,” he said.

That group typically has two levels of riders. While they start out together, a faster group will often move ahead after everyone gets outside the city limits.

Anyone interested should call the store first at 786-8800 to make sure the rides will be held if the weather is questionable.

There are many roads throughout Jefferson County that can make for very scenic routes for bikers, particularly around Lake Ontario and in southern Jefferson County,

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NNY Business | May 2011

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Todd Phelps, owner of Black River Adventurer’s Shop, sits on a bicycle at the store on Mill Street in Watertown. Mr. Phelps has expanded his selection of bicycles at the store.

said Craig S. Burleigh, who helps lead the group rides.

“Some of those roads are pretty flat and really gorgeous to ride on,” he said. “We can recommend different routes to people, depending on their interests.”

For those wanting to stick closer to the city, there is the paved Black River Trail off Ridge Road (from Eastern Boulevard) that is just over three miles from end to end (the trail does not loop).

Several other options for bike trails in Jefferson County can be found on the website: www.trailjeffersoncounty.com.

The two men said they’re hoping more bike paths will be developed in the future throughout the city of Watertown, which would increase the opportunity for people to commute to work on their bikes.

Also needed is a location downtown where people could store their bikes for the day, and use shower facilities prior to work, Mr. Phelps said.

“We are seeing an increase in sales because of the rising gas prices,” he said.

“This usually happens when the prices go up really high.”

“Biking is like paying for gas with fat,” he added. n NORAH MACHIA is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-year veteran journalist who left the Watertown Daily Times in 2007 to work as a project manager with her husband, Tony, owner of Capital Construction and Development, 646 Coffeen St. Contact her at nemachia@yahoo.com.

F E AT U R E S

County fair a north country staple n Jefferson County Fairgrounds set stage for summer traditions

The Jefferson County Fair — the oldest, continuously operating fair in the country — returns in July for its 194th year. Lewis County will see its 191st fair and in St. Lawrence County, the 159th opens in August.

By KATIE STOKES

W NNY Business

atertown will commemorate the 194th consecutive year of Jefferson County’s annual celebration of the finest in agriculture, art, food and family-friendly fun at the Jefferson County Fair in July. And, despite its record as the longest-running county fair in the country, the Jefferson County Fair isn’t your grandmother’s fair.

The Jefferson County Fair boasts much more than livestock shows and creaky carnival rides to offer activities for folks of all ages and backgrounds, according to Robert J. Simpson, Jefferson County Agricultural Society president.

“One of the things you do with the fair is try to keep things different,” Mr. Simpson, who has been president of the agricultural society since 2000, said. “We’re constantly looking at different attractions every year.”

Still, some things at the fair will never change, and the people in charge of planning and running the annual event, along with a good number of the fair’s attendants, don’t mind keeping it that way. The fact remains: Jefferson County is home to an active agricultural industry and the Jefferson County Fair reflects that.

According to the fair website, the first official cattle show and fair were held in September of 1818. However, that event was inspired by an even older annual contest for Jefferson County residents to produce the “best woolen cloth of texture and quality not less than 30 yards long” put on by the owners of high-quality sheep in Jefferson County.

The level of success of the event has ebbed and flowed over its 194 years, but the Jefferson County Fair has never stopped functioning. This has made it relatively easy to roll with the punches. A key factor in the fair’s longevity is the Jefferson County Agricultural Society’s planning structure. Mr. Simpson said the people in charge of planning the fair are dedicated volunteers.

“The volunteers do this because they love the fair,” he said. “We couldn’t do this without them.”

JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS FILE PHOTO

washing station gets us out there.”

Another aspect that keeps the Jefferson County Fair alive year after year is the fact that the fair isn’t the same as it was almost 200 years ago. Simpson says he has learned the importance of keeping things fresh for fairgoers. If he brings back an event that was popular its first year time after time, people will stop showing up.

“You get a good act and you do it for a few years,” he said. “But you don’t want to wear it out. It was time to do a change-out.”

Some of the most exciting features of this year’s fair include new shows that are part of the price of general admission to the fair, like Vicenta’s White Tiger Show, for instance. Vicenta Pages, purveyor of the act, was formerly a part of the Greatest Show on Earth — the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. Her talents — besides holding her own in a ring with six fully-grown white Bengal tigers — include high-flying trapeze arts and performances with all types of animals. The fifth-generation circus performer will host shows every day but Sunday at the fair.

Another exciting act that Mr. Simpson and the agricultural society are proud to bring to the fair is the Smudge Fundaes, voted the most popular children’s group in Canada. The act will hold stage shows as well as interact with young children on the fairgrounds, said Mr. Simpson. A mainstay of modern fairs, and back by popular demand, is the Stoney Roberts Demolition Derby.

County fairs / details County fairs are a north country tradition that have taken place a collective 544 times in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence Counties since 1817. Here are the details on this year’s fairs:

n JEFFERSON COUNTY FAIR

194th year July 12-17 at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds on Coffeen Street, Watertown. www.jeffcofair.org/society.htm

n LEWIS COUNTY FAIR

191st will be held July 19-23 in Lowville www.lewiscountyfair.org/

n ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY FAIR

159th will be held August 1-7 in Gouverneur, www.gouverneurfair.net/

The agricultural society’s 130 members elect a core executive committee, and then dozens of volunteers are elected for positions as fair superintendents in charge of entries in categories like dairy cattle, beef cattle, creative crafts and food products.

The Jefferson County Fair volunteers’ hands-on style to planning and operating the fair is vital, said Mr. Simpson – especially during fair week. One of the practical methods Mr. Simpson himself uses to keep a handle on things during the fair’s operation is very simple: he and another superintendent take a golf cart out each morning to fill the hand soap and paper towels at each of the hand washing stations on the grounds, something a member of the paid grounds staff could do. But, Mr. Simpson said, “We try very hard to get into the exhibits every day. Filling the hand

n KATIE STOKES is a freelance writer and blogger. Contact her at kstokes@twcny.rr.com or visit her blog at www.nnylife.com.

May 2011 | NNY Business

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F E AT U R E S

Lewis Co. takes tourism to trails n Expansion in works for ATV network that’s a model for other areas

By STEVE VIRKLER

L

NNY Business

ewis County officials are working to maintain and expand its all-terrain vehicle trail system in hopes of making the county more of a year-round tourist destination.

And, with adjacent counties also working to develop ATV trails, county Trail Coordinator Robert C. Diehl envisions a five- or six-county regional system in the not-to-distant future that would attract ATV enthusiasts from throughout the eastern U.S. “It will definitely be one of the biggest ATV systems on the east coast,” Mr. Diehl said.

Lewis County is already considered a mecca for snowmobilers, owing to its typically high snowfall totals and extensive trail system.

A recent tourism study conducted on the county’s behalf by The Herzig Group Inc., Geneva, suggests that Lewis County’s tourism industry should focus on increasing visitors during non-winter months. It specifically encouraged continuation and expansion of the ATV trail program.

While new industries and companies are not exactly clamoring to locate in Lewis County, recreation offers strong potential for growth of the local economy, Mr. Diehl said.

Unlike snowmobiling, ATVing does not rely heavily on the weather conditions, and an abundance of seasonal roads here provides a trail infrastructure that many other areas don’t have, he said.

“And we’re within five hours of huge population bases,” Mr. Diehl said.

The county two years ago implemented a permit-based ATV trail system as a means of generating revenues to bolster the local industry.

“We’re way ahead of permits from last year,” said Anne L. Merrill, executive director of the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce.

As of April 18, the chamber had sold 668 ATV permits, up from 572 at the same point in 2010, on the county’s behalf.

The trail system is slated to be open from May 1 and through late October.

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NNY Business | May 2011

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Lewis County Trails Coordinator Bob Diehl takes an ATV down a trail off Cronk Road in Barnes Corners.

The county’s all-terrain vehicle trails network is a big draw for ATV tourists.

A strong ATV season would be very beneficial for the county’s tourism-related businesses, particularly in the wake of a “less than stellar” snowmobile season, Mr. Diehl said. “Everybody had snow, so we didn’t have the traffic,” he said.

Many businesses did receive a boost April 9 from the eighth annual Snirt Run ATV rally, which had 2,234 registered participants, Mrs. Merrill said.

“One business is booked already for next year,” she said.

The chamber is surveying participating businesses to get a better handle on the event’s impact.

Lewis County’s ATV system consists of roughly 100 miles of off-road trail and about 300 miles of opened county and town roads.

The system continues to rely heavily on opened county and town roads, while permits are required only for riding on county reforestation land or private trails that are maintained by the clubs and open to the public. Mr. Diehl said he is continuing to work to develop more offroad trails and lessen reliance on roads, particularly paved ones.

Over the past several years, the county has built up a solid base of trail maintenance equipment, primarily through grant funding, and recently secured funding to purchase a small bulldozer, he said.

However, aside from Mr. Diehl, the local trail development crew consists en-

tirely of volunteers. While they have done a commendable job, the trail coordinator said he may soon need at least one paid worker — using permit revenues— to assist with the effort.

“We’ve gotten by with great volunteers for the past four years,” he said. “But we really need to focus on more trail access and maintaining current trails.”

Of course, permit sales will determine how much funding would be available for any paid trail workers.

There were 2,337 permits sold in 2010, up from 2,016 in the inaugural 2009 season.

However, revenues to the county and chamber — which retains a 10 percent administrative fee on all sales — dropped from $81,185 to $79,160 owing to a new multiple machine discount.

Permits cost $40 for an ATV owned by a member of a club in the Tug Hill Adirondack ATV Association and $80 for a machine owned by a nonmember.

County officials last year introduced a half-price discount on permits for the second through fifth machines purchased by members of the same household, with all ATVs having to be registered to the same mailing address.

Permit buyers are allowed to join the club of their choice for an additional $25.

Permits once again are being sold at the chamber office at 7576 S. State

F E AT U R E S

2011 Lewis County ATV Trail System

MAP COURTESY LEWIS COUNTY

LEGEND

St., through its website — www.lewiscountychamber.org — and at several area locations: Creekside Market and Tuggers in Barnes Corners, Montague Inn, Ridge View Lodge in Lowville, Flat Rock Inn in Martinsburg, Lowville Sport and Farm in West Martinsburg, Gamble Distributors in West Carthage, Timberview Lodge in Houseville and Kovach Repair in Brantingham.

Permits will likely be available soon at the Catspaw Country Market in Brantingham, according to chamber officials.

Kovach Repair and Flat Rock Inn are both planning to offer ATV rentals this season, Mr. Diehl said. “It’s another option to get people into the county, into the businesses and out on the trails,” he said.

Free guided tours of the system are also available by calling Joseph Z. Onyon, the

local ATV association president, at 4936620.

“We have a bunch of retired guys that love to ride,” Mr. Diehl said.

Tours typically last about a half-day and are generally offered to groups of four or more riders, Mr. Onyon said. n STEVE VIRKLER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer who covers Lewis County. Contact him at svirkler@wdt.net or 376-3811.

May 2011 | NNY Business

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F E AT U R E S

Region ripe with world-class museums n From antique boats to fine art and history, north country doesn’t fall short

By NORAH MACHIA

N NNY Business

orth country museums offer the opportunity for visitors to not only view history, but to experience it as well.

The Antique Boat Museum in Clayton displays hundreds of vintage boats, and also gives visitors a chance to take some of them out in the water.

As part of the admission price, visitors to the museum can “take a skiff out on the St. Lawrence River,” after completing an orientation session, said Lora A. Nadolski, curator of education.

“This is a way that people can connect with the river and the boats,” she said.

For an additional fee, visitors can get a ride in a triple cockpit runabout by a licensed captain, she added.

The Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St., is one of the largest freshwater nautical boat museums in the world. It attracts approximately 40,000 visitors annually, providing them with a glimpse of the Gilded Age in the Thousand Islands.

The museum features a variety of boats, including canoes, rowboats, sailboats and racing boats, some dating back to the late 1800s. Its annual boat show and auction typically draws entries from throughout the country.

In addition to the historic wooden boats, the museum is home to the houseboat La Duchesse, a 110-foot houseboat bequeathed to the Antique Boat Museum

by Andrew McNally III, former president of Rand McNally, who died in 2001.

The two-story boat was built for George Boldt, the millionaire owner of the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York City and Boldt Castle on Heart Island.

The houseboat features a mahogany wood interior and seven bedrooms, five bathrooms, study, kitchen, dining room and grand salon.

“We run a variety of program throughout the summer” for both children and adults, said Miss Nadolski.

Children ages 6 to 15 can participate in a junior sailing program which starts in late June. There is also a “Camp ABM” for

ages 4 to 9, which offers younger children the opportunity to develop an appreciation for the St. Lawrence River, she said.

“They learn about the history of the river through games and activities,” Miss Nadolski said. “We cover topics from boat construction to birds of the Thousand Islands.”

The museum will again offer the New York State Boat Safety Course open to ages 10 and older. A more advanced program, a captain’s licensing course, will also be given at the museum. This course offers participants the opportunity to obtain a United States Coast Guard Captain’s License. The program is designed for people who make their living on the water, such as fishing guides and dive operators, she said.

On Tuesday evenings starting July 12, those interested can participate in a free sailing and rowing program. During the programs, the museum will allow sailboats and skiffs to be taken out from the docks under the direction of instructors and volunteers.

“This will give people the opportunity to get on the water in a boat they normally wouldn’t take out,” Miss Nadolski said.

The Antique Boat Museum is scheduled to open May 13 and will remain open seven days a week through October. For more information, call the museum at 6864104 or visit the website: www.abm.org.

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NNY Business | May 2011

JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS FILE PHOTO

The Antique Boat Museum, 750 Mary St., Clayton, is one of the largest freshwater nautical boat museums in the world, attracting roughly 40,000 visitors a year. It opens for the season Friday, May 13.

JOHNSON NEWSPAPERS FILE PHOTO

Laura A. Foster is curator of the Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington St., Ogdensburg. The museum is open year-round.

Frederic Remington Art Museum

Another popular north country museum is the Frederic Remington Art Museum, 303 Washington St., Ogdensburg. Its mission is to collect, exhibit, preserve and interpret the art of famous Wild West artist artist Frederic Remington.

The museum’s collection includes a variety of the artist’s paintings, drawings and bronze sculptures. The late Mr. Remington, a Canton native, is known throughout the world for his bronze statues, including the most famous, “Broncho Buster.”

Both children and adults are offered a unique opportunity to learn more about the artist at the museum’s Eva Caten Remington Education Center, which

F E AT U R E S Museums / where to go Some other popular north country museums: n JEFFERSON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 228 Washington St. Watertown, NY 782-3491 www.jeffersoncountyhistory.org n THOUSAND ISLANDS MUSEUM 312 James St. Clayton, NY 686-5794 www.timuseum.org

ton’s travels out west and in upstate New York,” with interactive displays such as a life-size canoe and a dress-up trunk, she said.

“It’s a popular venue for birthday parties as well,” Miss Gilmour said.

The museum also offers school tours and “art activities related to what’s going on in the classroom,” she said.

The education center is home to the “Small Fry Academy” preschool, which rents space at the center. The museum also offers a preschool art programs and

in the summer months, the programming is expanded for toddlers as well.

The Frederic Remington Museum is open year-round. For more information, contact the museum at 393-2425 or visit its website www.fredericremington.org n NORAH MACHIA is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-year veteran journalist who left the Watertown Daily Times in 2007 to work as a project manager with her husband, Tony, owner of Capital Construction and Development, 646 Coffeen St. Contact her at nemachia@yahoo.com.

n NORTHERN NEW YORK AGRICULTURAL HISTORICAL SOCIETY 30950 Route 180 Stone Mills, NY 658-2353 www.stonemillsmuseum.org n THOUSAND ISLANDS ART CENTER Home of the Handweaving Museum 314 John St. Clayton, NY 686-4123 www.tiartscenter.org n SEAWAY TRAIL DISCOVERY CENTER Corner Ray and West Main Streets Sackets Harbor, NY 646-1000 www.seawaytrail.com/discoverycenter n AMERICAN MAPLE MUSEUM 9753 State Route 812 Croghan, NY 346-1107 www.americanmaplemuseum.org n CONSTABLE HALL 5909 John St. Constable, NY 397-2323 www.constablehall.org

is adjacent to the museum. It features displays and interactive activities for visitors to develop a better understanding of Mr. Remington’s life in the north country and as a famous Western artist.

“The education center is not just for kids,” said Lauren V. Gilmour, education specialist. “We’re trying to reach out to all ages.”

There are a variety of art classes offered for adolescents and adults throughout the year. These weekend classes include instruction in drawing, oil painting and sculpture.

At the Kid’s Place inside the center, “there is a treasure trove of things going on,” said Miss Gilmour.

The special area offers children the opportunity to “learn more about Reming-

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F E AT U R E S

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Roger K. Duvall, front, feeds goats Joe Kidd and Liddles, while Kevin A. Lippincott rides Jerico next to his Saint Bernard, Beatrice, on Broken Spur Ranch off Route 26, Theresa.

Agri-tourism a perfect staycation 1000 Islands Agriculture Tour steadily catching with something for everyone

D

broader customer market for farmers.”

The agriculture tour was developed to showcase other parts of the north country tourists might not get to see. The tour ties in with the wine trail to showcase all of the other opportunity in Jefferson County.

Brothers Roger K. Duvall and Kevin A. Lippincott own stop number 11, Broken Spur Ranch, Theresa, along the tour. Mr. Duvall said the ranch was built seven years ago as a form of therapy for him and his brother. It has since turned into a retreat for visitors who stop by to enjoy the streams and waterfalls on the property. The farm has a variety of animals, including peacocks, horses and Snorty, a brown pig with black spots “who loves birthday cake,” said Mr. Duvall.

“This is our therapy that we opened up to the public to come here and relax,” Mr. Duvall said. “This is not a money making operation for us because this is our home.

This is a labor of love and this is our way of giving back to the people of North-

riving along north country roads, past corn fields and cow pastures, can seem a bit mundane. But with a special map and a cell phone, those drives can turn into a hunt for some offthe-beaten-path tourist destinations.

The north country is known for its 1000 islands, Lake Ontario and beautiful viewscapes. It should also be known for Sheland Farm, Ellisburg, where technology combines with waste and creates electricity that serves homes in the hamlet of Belleville. It should also be known for Old McDonald’s Farm, Sackets Harbor where a petting zoo, putt putt golf course and tours of a working dairy farm are given.

These are just several examples of the agri-tourism business highlighted along the 1000 Islands Agriculture Tour. Agritourism has been steadily catching on for years, and Jefferson County is one area that has monopolized on the industry.

Moving into its third year, the tour pro-

vides visitors with an array of activities apart from the traditional north country attractions.

“This type of tourism is important for several different reasons,” said Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County Agriculture

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NNY Business | May 2011

“

We have one alpaca that’s our PR girl. She lets the kids climb over her, she’s really great.

— Gail A. March, owner, Home Again Farm, Theresa Coordinator. “Number one, it’s another economic opportunity for the county.

The more people that come in the more money we receive. It also helps build up a

F E AT U R E S 1000 Islands Ag Tour / info n To download a map or request a brochure for the 1000 Islands Agricultural Tour, visit www.agvisit.com

ern New York.”

More than 15 stops are on the map and activities range from maple syrup production to farmers markets to cider mills to Rhodes Green House, Henderson.

“By building the 1000 Islands Ag Tour we’re able to give visitors a vehicle to go off the trails,” Mr. Matteson said. “That’s the reason we worked with the 1000 Islands, to tie into those wine trails and use the Seaway Wine Trail to support the agriculture tour.”

Stop number 41 will bring you to Home Again Farm, Theresa. Its owners Gail A. and Daryl K. Marsh returned to the north country six years ago. Mrs. Marsh and her husband retired to the farm that has been in her family for decades.

“It’s the farm I grew up on,” she said.

“Since 1831 it was small self-sustaining dairy farm. In the 1970s it went fallow and six years ago this May, my husband and I came back from New Jersey and started getting the farm ready.”

Ready for alpacas and the people that would come to see them.

Visitors to this alpaca farm have the opportunity to learn about the history of both the farm and the animal. Children have the opportunity to interact with some of the animals and touch their soft and warm fiber.

“We have one alpaca that’s our PR girl,” Mrs. Marsh said. “She lets the kids climb all over her, she’s really great.”

That personable demeanor may have something to do with visitors handing out treats all the time.

“We’ll go into the pasture with visitors and they can hand feed the alpacas treats,” she said.

Mr. Matteson said along the agriculture tour there are places for families, older couples, younger couples and solo travelers.

“There’s definitely something for everybody. The trail really only highlights just a few of the tremendous opportunities Jefferson County has to offer,” Mr. Matteson said. n SARAH HAASE is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact her at shaase@wdt.net or 661-2371.

Jefferson County Agricultural Tour / stops 13 10 11 12 21 22 41 42 60

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Almedan Produce Backyard Farmer Broken Spur Ranch Burrville Cider Mill Coyote Moon Cross Island Farms Home Again Farm Jefferson County Fairgrounds NNY Ag Society at Stone Mills

61 62 70 80 81 82 90 91 92

.......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... .......... ..........

Old McDonald’s Farm Otter Creek Winery Rhodes Greenhouses Seaway Cold Hardy Vineyard Thousand Islands Winery Thousand Islands Goat Farm Windswept Farm Yellow Barn Winery Zenda Farm Preserve

OPEN MAY-OCTOBER

Spend The Day on the Farm!

Visit and learn about 1000 animals!

Tour a modern dairy on the Moo Town Trolley!

Ride the Pony... Play Mini Golf...Eat in our Café - Ice Cream, Hot Dogs, & Hamburgers! Shop in our Barnyard Boutique Open Daily 10:00am • Sackets Harbor • 583-5737 www.OldMcDonaldHasAFarm.com

May 2011 | NNY Business

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

Massena sees downtown revival n City bucking a trend as several new businesses opening in coming months

By BRIAN HAYDEN

L

NNY Business

orry J. Hewlett looked around the inside of the village’s old fire hall and former home of United Auto Workers Local 465 last month.

She saw new carpeting and ceilings.

The UAW hall’s wood paneling had been torn out and replaced with bright green and purple painted walls.

Ms. Hewlett is the owner of Massena Curves women’s fitness center, which relocated in April from E. Orvis Street to Andrews Street downtown. The opening caps a month of 18-hour days Ms. Hewlett worked to prepare the space.

“I’ve had a lot of people stopping in to see what’s going on,” she said. “It just seemed like a perfect fit.”

Curves is the first in a series of businesses slated to open in downtown Massena in the next several months.

Within 10 days, Denise L. Thomas will begin selling health food supplements at Herbal Thyme, 88 Main St. Farther down Main Street, attorney Michael V. Almasian is reaching the end of his five-year renovation of 59 and 61 Main St. Mr. Almasian will move his law office from Glenn Street to 59 Main in the next few weeks. He plans to open a bakery and cafe with Armenian accents at 61 Main by this summer.

Cape Air is closing on a lease for a passenger ticket office at an undisclosed location on Main Street near the Massena Chamber of Commerce. Attorney Eric Gustafson has hired contractors to renovate part of the first floor of his building at 45 Main St. into office space for an undisclosed tenant.

Around the corner on Church Street, Tammy J. Murray is closing on purchasing the Adath Israel Synagogue to convert it into a new location for Hallelujah House, a Christian coffeehouse, bookstore and event space. The new location will be more than five times larger than the Harte Haven Shopping Center shop she operated until recently, when she closed to prepare for the move.

All of these entrepreneurs are helping to revive a downtown shopping district that has long struggled to get back on its feet. It has been decades since shoppers browsed through the aisles at M.H. Fishman’s Five and Dime, sat at J.J. Newberry’s soda fountain or saw a movie at the Schine Theater.

At Herbal Thyme, Ms. Thomas said she hopes to take advantage of downtown’s foot traffic and of the “busiest corner in Massena” at Main and E. Orvis streets.

“Here, they can just run in on their lunch hour,” Ms. Thomas said. “I had no idea how many people walk down here.”

Ms. Thomas co-owned the Natural Way health food store until last year. She now has a store to call her own. She did not know where she was going to open, she said, until God answered her prayers by finding her a space next to Cornell’s Dry Cleaning.

“I have people every day stopping in, waiting for me to be open, waiting for my knowledge to be shared with them,” she said. “The energy is coming back to downtown.”

By relocating Hallelujah House downtown, Ms. Murray said, she is returning to the roots of her community.

“Years ago, everything was downtown,” she said. “That’s where all the businesses were birthed out of.”

34 |

NNY Business | May 2011

MELANIE KIMBLER-LAGO | NNY BUSINESS

Herbal specialist Denise L. Thomas stands next to vials of herbal remedies as she prepares to open her shop, Herbal Thyme, 88 Main St., Massena.

Ms. Murray’s reasons for relocating also are spiritual. The Adath Israel Synagogue building opened in 1844 as the first home of the Emmanuel Church of Christ.

“It’s great to be able to house Hallelujah House in a place that has so much history,” she said.

Over the past several years, Mr. Almasian recessed the front facade of 59 and 61 Main St. to allow outdoor seating, installed tin ceilings and restored the building’s hardwood floors. He lives in a loft with his family above the planned businesses.

“I have a love and respect for these buildings,” Mr. Almasian said. “I want to make them durable.”

Restoring old buildings is Mr. Almasian’s passion. He is not motivated to inspire others to make a difference, he said.

“If I inspire that person, great, fantastic,” Mr. Almasian said. “If you think I’m an idiot, or you think I’m a genius, I don’t care. I do it because I love to do it.”

By opening a bakery and cafe, he said, he plans fill a void in sit-down restaurants in downtown’s core. Mr. Almasian remembers how downtown once was. He said he wants to help usher in a new era.

“I’m protective of my little downtown,” he said. “There’s not a lot of it.” n BRIAN HAYDEN is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at bhayden@ogd.com or 769-2451.

LEWIS COUNTY

Nice N Easy names franchise of year

By CASEY QUINLAN

Front row, from left, Dave Daily, Christine and Lonnie Herzig; back row, Ashley Farrington, Jeb Ward, Dave Fluno, Donnie Wicks, Consie Zehr, Scott Brozzo and Diane Thomas.

N NNY Business

ice N Easy Grocery Shoppes owned by Lonnie and Christine Herzig were named Franchise of the Year 2010.

Their stores are located in Lowville, Croghan and Harrisville.

The annual award was given on the merit of sales growth, community involvement, outstanding customer service, image and willingness to grow in corporation and community. The corporate headquarters also sends in mystery shoppers to ensure employees are always on their game.

The stores owe a lot of their success to community involvement. David Daily, director of operations of the Herzig franchise, said the management team and employees work on close to 30 community projects each year, which ensures their customers are more like friendly neighbors than transient consumers.

“We do a lot with our community.

Employees go out during their personal time to get out to the pancake breakfasts, to clean the cemetery, to help raise money for the Carthage Augustinian Academy for their 125-year dinner,” Mr. Daily said.

“We go as a group to get to know the customers better.”

Nice N Easy workers have been involved with other organizations such as the Lewis County Relay for Life and Heart Walk.

“Our biggest success is our repeat customers. We have more transients in Harrisville because of people going to the Adirondacks but most of our business is with the locals,” Mr. Daily said.

Mr. and Mrs. Herzig acknowledge that their success is not only due to the exceptional employees who work with them, but the continuous support from loyal customers.

One of the stores’ other strengths is its ability to keep employees working at Nice N Easy for many years.

“There is normally a high turnover rate in this business but our employees stay for six years on average, so the customer sees the same face every time and they get to know them,” Mr. Daily said.

The friendly atmosphere isn’t the only reason the stores get many repeat customers. The stores have convenient hours, staying open until 11 p.m. in the winter and midnight in the summer. Customers also benefit from the amount of food and

Mr. Daily has worked with Mr. and Mrs. Herzig for 13 years and with Nice N Easy for 29 years and said it has been an honor for their hard work to be recognized.

He said one of the management team’s strengths is their lack of tolerance for middle-of-the-road success.

“Anytime there’s bad service, it’s not stood for,” Mr. Daily said.

The Herzigs said they would like to acknowledge their success to both the “exceptional employees” they work with and the continuous support from the “outstanding and loyal” customers they have.

meals available in a condensed grocery form located at easy-to-reach spots in each town. Mr. Dailey said convenience stores have been able to sell food at lower prices than in earlier years, allowing families to do more substantial grocery shopping at Nice N Easy.

“It’s more like your corner grocery store because of the prices compared to the larger grocery stores,” Mr. Daily said.

“There’s not a big difference. The old adage used to be that you pay for convenience, but you can still get quick service and find the top two brands.”

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 35

REGION

Hotel stays, tax revenue post gains

By NANCY MADSEN NNY Business

T

ourism in the north country continues to be a burgeoning industry.

And Jefferson, St. Lawrence and Lewis counties reap the rewards through rising income from occupancy tax, or “bed tax.” St. Lawrence and Lewis counties direct the money to the general fund, while Jefferson County has a separate bed tax account, which supports tourism programs in the county.

The growing bed tax revenue indicates the county has a growing number of hotels where visitors can stay.

“Bed tax has grown quite a bit in the last few years as more rooms have come online, particularly in Watertown,” said Gary S. DeYoung, director of tourism for the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council.

There are tax-exempt lodgers at local hotels, such as government employees or those on a trip paid for by a nonprofit organization. Bed tax applies to guests in motels or hotels, not campers. But especially in Jefferson County, bed tax receipts

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Tri-county occupancy tax / 6-year trend Year

Jefferson % Growth

St. Lawrence % Growth

Lewis

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

$826,538 $819,057 $755,430 $692,265 $589,889 $577,256

$366,262 $314,178 $358,215 $330,061 $313,658 $307,473

$100,604 $100,337 $91,602 $87,348 $81,255 $73,116

0.9 8.4 9.1 17.4 2.2 n/a

show strong increases over the past few years. Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties collect a 3 percent tax, while Lewis County collects a 5 percent tax.

St. Lawrence County, besides a drop in 2009, has also shown steady growth in bed tax revenue.

“The strong Canadian dollar has something to do with it,” County Treasurer Kevin Felt said. “But the price of gas is the main thing. When the price was high and the economy was shaky, people were not traveling.”

So the tourism-dependent hospitality industry in St. Lawrence County suffered in 2009, but rebounded in 2010.

Both the county and the towns, who receive half of what is collected at local lodging establishments, are required to spend the bed tax collections on tourism initiatives. The county portion supports an annual allocation to the tourism council, which totaled $300,000 in 2011. The county also gave the Disabled Persons Action Organization an annual $4,300 in support of the organization’s concert series.

“The money is captured specifically for that purpose,” Jefferson County Administrator Robert F. Hagemann III said. “There have been years when there hasn’t been enough to make them whole to fund the

16.6 12.3 8.5 5.2 2.0 n/a

% Growth 0.3 9.5 4.9 7.5 11.1 n/a

tourism council and we’ve had to dip into the reserve to fill the gap.”

The account now has about $170,000 in it. The county gave the council $20,000 more in 2011 than in 2010, half for a specific program — a survey of seasonal residents and their spending — and half for base funding.

“The county revenues are matched by other sources,” Mr. DeYoung said. “Our budget is about $1 million, so the county provides 30 percent of the budget, but its portion is fairly flexible.”

The Thousand Islands Bridge Authority pays the salaries and gives the tourism council office space, but the other matching sources are devoted to specific projects, such as regional advertising.

“When you’re looking at promoting the entire county, the bed tax money allows us to do it and do it consistently,” Mr. DeYoung said. “We know it will be there year after year.”

The county’s money covers administrative costs, insurance, travel, regional and promotional advertising, the travel and fishing guide, tourism kits and the 1-800 telephone number. n NANCY MADSEN is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact her at nmadsen@wdt. net or 661-2358.

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NNY Business | May 2011

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

Seasonal homes market heats up

M

ay is the time of the year when thoughts begin to turn to the approaching summer. Not only are the days warming and the sun lingering longer, but many of the “snow birds” are returning.

For a number of people, May means opening up the cottage and spending days by the water. However, not all of the “seasonal properties” in the tri-county area are used in the summer.

The north country is blessed with an abundance of areas where people want to have property they can use in other seasons like fall for hunting and winter for snowmobiling and cross country skiing. As a result, talking about “seasonal” property depends on what season it is and the location.

Many properties that are sold are considered “second” homes, even if they could be used year-round. Other properties are sold as camps, seasonal homes, or just land and are intended to remain that way by the owner. As you may imagine, this market took a hit a few years ago when the economic downturn began. While a primary residence is a necessity, a secondary or vacation home or property isn’t.

The purchase of a vacation home is largely a lifestyle choice, often with the expectation that the home will become the buyer’s primary residence in the future.

The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that there are 7.9 million vacation homes in the country, compared with 75.0 million owner-occupied homes. Nationwide, vacation home sales rose 7.9 percent in 2009, while primary residence sales climbed 7.1

percent. Data from the National Association of Realtors indicates that vacation homes accounted for 10 percent of all 2009 sales.

In our area, this percentage appears to be Lance Evans slightly higher.

It is hard to pinpoint exactly since, as stated earlier, a year-round home can be used seasonally. Using waterfront as an indicator, about 20 percent to 25 percent of all homes sold in the tri-county area were waterfront properties. This is not a completely accurate measure as there is a mixture of year around and seasonal residents who live on the water and not all seasonal use includes waterfront.

I contacted several brokers who work in some of our traditional “second home” areas in the tri-county area to find out what they have seen over the past few years.

Denise Barstow (Cranberry Shores Realty, Cranberry Lake) noted that people usually come to the Adirondacks first as renters or as campers at one of the campgrounds. They get a taste for the area and want to buy. She also mentioned that buyers seem to prefer properties that can be used year-round over seasonal ones.

These buyers are looking to the future for a place to spend their retirement. Others echoed this.

Karen Peebles (Peebles Realty, Adams) and Melanie Curley (Thousand Islands

Realty, Clayton) report that 2011 is starting out faster than 2010 as phones are ringing earlier and more properties are being shown. In fact, Ms. Curley was showing island property in mid-April and mentioned that it was hard to find someone who had a boat in the water to carry her and her clients.

Amanda Miller (Lake Ontario Realty, Chaumont) spoke for all of the brokers when she said that 2005 was a hot year for the vacation home market with the market beginning to cool by the end of 2007. The toughest period was 2008-2009 with high inventory levels and not as many buyers.

Last year was more stable.

When I inquired about impediments to the second home market, I was told that one of the main ones is the economy with people being unsure of where it is heading and uncertainty in the job market.

Another thing that can hinder a sale is a requirement of up to 20 percent down on a loan for a second home. This has led to more baby boomers buying than younger couples who can’t always free up the needed cash.

Overall, each broker said it’s a great time to buy property with interest rates still low and good properties on the market. They don’t make waterfront anymore, so grab some while you can. Here is to a great summer no matter what your plans. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors. He has lived in the north country since 1985. Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 37

R E A L E S TAT E / T R A N S A C T I O N S

Real estate sales Jefferson County

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

April 15

n Town of Watertown: 19.537 acres, County Route 67 (Brookside Drive), William C. Couch Jr., and Elizabeth B. Couch, Watertown, sold to William J. Mousaw and Patricia K. Mousaw, Cogan Station, Pa.; $68,000

April 14

n Town of Hounsfield: 1.098 acres, Hess Road, William M. Maciorowski, Chester, Va., sold to Ryan T. Dorr and Jessica S. Dorr, Evans Mills $240,000 n Town of LeRay: 2.35 acres, Beckwith Road, Francisco J. Portillo and Nikki L. Portillo, Evans Mills, sold to Jason Sorice and Jessica S. Sorice, Theresa $306,000 n Town of Hounsfield: 32.84 acres, road from Watertown to Sackets Harbor, Peter Henning, San Antonio, Texas, sold to James Madden McDonald IV, Troy $40,000 n Village of Carthage: 0.05 acre, 33 Norris Ave. (foreclosure), Scott R. Nortz, Clayton, referee, Steven Henri, aka Steven G. Henri, sold to David Briggs, Harrisville $38,000 n Town of Theresa: 1.03 acres, Dutch Settlement Road, Henry J. Celenzo, Manchester, N.H., ad-

ministrator, estate of Joseph H. Celenzo Sr., late of Theresa, sold to Jason J. Lacey and Lori A. Lacey, Calcium $50,000 n Town of Alexandria: 8.01 acres, state Route 12, Brian Davis and Janet Davis, Alexandria Bay, sold to Alfred A. Lopresti Sr., Alexandria Bay $48,000

April 13

n Town of Cape Vincent: Four parcels, 41.50 acres, 21.11 acres, 216.0137 acres, 5.63 acres, Comins Road, Thomas M. Kyle, Nanuet, sold to Eagle Farms LLC, Troy $134,000 n Town of Rutland: 0.25 acre, no address given, Ulysses G. Telegadis, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., sold to Donald R. Legault, Miami, Fla. $50,000 n Town of Cape Vincent: Two parcels, state Route 12E, Sandra J. Canell, Cape Vincent, sold to Brian K. Herget and Jennifer Herget, Annandale, Va. $185,000

April 12

n Village of Ellisburg: 4.9 acres, Joslyn Road, Christopher D. Staie and Kassandra L. Staie, Mannsville, sold to Mathew Allen Weyerstrass and Christie M. Weyerstrass, Watertown $130,000 n Village of Cape Vincent: Real Street, Jeffrey A. Clingerman and Carmina L. Clingerman, Port Byron, sold to Donald C. Mattison Jr. and Andrea L. Mattison, Cape Vincent $136,000 n Village of Sackets Harbor: Dodge Avenue, Robert Birkenstock and Yanping Jia, both of Sackets Harbor, sold to David E. Gardner and Sandra

J. Clement, both of Watertown $230,000 n Town of Lyme: 0.226 acre, FR #45 (private access road) James McClarrie, Rochester, surviving co-administrator, estate of Helen S. Kruppenbacher, late of Rochester, sold to Scot A. Rowles and Christine L. Rowles, Palmyra $40,000 n Town of Ellisburg: 4.466 acres, 8891 Mixer Road, Robert A. Burger, Adams, executor, will of N.V. Nathan Burger, sold to David G. Forrester, Woodville $83,000 n Town of Clayton: Two parcels, 18.2 acres, state Route 12; 20 acres, Spicer Bay, Spicer Holdings LLC, Clayton; Captain Spicer’s Gallery LLC, Clayton; and Kenneth A. Hooson, aka Ken Hooson, aka Kenneth Hooson, Clayton, sold to CDF & Associates LLC, Windham $1,150,000 n Town of Brownville: 10680 Middle Road, Secretary of Veterans Affairs, Washington, D.C., sold to Charles J. Wischoff and Betty J. Wischoff, Dexter $113,000

April 11

n Village of Alexandria Bay: No acreage or address given, Village of Alexandria Bay, Alexandria Bay, sold to Albert L. Cerow, Clayton $40,000

$3,081,000 County real estate sales recorded over 5-day period, April 11-15, 2011

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BUSINESS BRIEFCASE Briefcase, from page 13 dam, was recently named a Pride in Potsdam nominee by the Potsdam Chamber of Commerce’s Town Gown Committee.

Little Italy has been established in Potsdam for more than six years. Darin S. Richards and Jessika T. Furnace have been running the pizzeria since May 2008. Built in 1821, the building that houses Little Italy is the oldest standing sandstone structure in Potsdam.

The business is being recognized for recent interior painting and accessories as well as the expansion into offering delivery service. Little Italy recently updated their menus, taking into consideration customer suggestions. They have added French fries and gravy, poutine, chicken noodle soup, fried mushrooms, fried cauliflower and other appetizers and pizzas.

The Pride in Potsdam program is designed to encourage merchants in the village and town to maintain and improve their properties. Each month a business is added to the nominee list from which a winner will be selected and then announced at the Chamber’s annual dinner.

Farney’s nets award

that more landscaping would be added as the site is developed.

The project will be built in phases starting this summer with Five Guys, a larger restaurant will follow later. Prospective tenants have not been named. The developer is slated to return to the planning board for site plan review and final approval.

Watertown lands Ulta

Foxy’s business of year

Ulta Beauty, a cosmetics, hair care and skin care retailer, will fill out a line of stores in Watertown’s Towne Center Plaza on Arsenal Street. The store, which will be located next to Michaels, will cover 10,000 square feet with 90 feet of storefront.

Ulta offers more than 21,000 beauty and salon hair care products, including Bare Minerals, Smashbox and Urban Decay cosmetics, along with a full-service salon.

COR Development Co., which runs the plaza, will build a 3,890-square-foot addition on the 90,000-square-foot building, which was first approved in April 2010.

Ulta retail stores are owned by Ulta Salon, Cosmetics & Fragrance Inc., Bolingbrook, Ill. The company has more than 380 stores in 40 states. Visit www.ulta.com to learn more.

The Potsdam Chamber of Commerce has named Foxy Roxy’s Diner as the 2011 business of the year.

Owners Roxanne and Lynn Smith will accept the award at the chamber’s annual spring luncheon on Wednesday, May 11, at the Potsdam Town and Country Club.

Foxy Roxy’s opened in May 2008 in the location of the former Caroline’s Diner.

Exterior and interior renovations were done and the business was named a Pride in Potsdam business in October. The diner was also highlighted in the December issue of SeaComm Federal Credit Union’s newsletter as a rising leader.

Reservations for the spring luncheon may be made by contacting the chamber at 274-9000 or Potsdam@slic.com. Seating is limited and tickets are $15.

Farney’s Home and Building Center, Carthage, was named the April business of the month by the Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. Farney’s was founded in 1958 by Vincent R. and Gladyce B. Farney and is in its second generation of family ownership under Reg A. Farney.

Five Guys to break ground

In his latest project, developer Patrick M. Donegan, Alexandria Bay, who is building the Hilton Garden Inn hotel in Watertown City Center plaza on Arsenal Street, has gotten Five Guys burger and Fries to sign a lease for a 2,500-squarefoot restaurant at the plaza that already features a Starbucks and Ruby Tuesday.

He is also looking to include another 2,500-square-foot restaurant that will be in the same building as Five Guys, 15,000 square feet of retail space with two to four stores in another structure and a freestanding building that will house a bank.

City Planning Board Chairman Norman J. Wayte said he generally liked the conceptual plans in an early April planning board meeting but had concerns about parking in the plaza. Gregory Sgromo, an engineer with Dunn & Sgromo Engineers, Syracuse, told the board that more parking could be added as the plans become more definitive. Mr. Donegan promised

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 39

20 QUESTIONS

Perfecting a family

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

I

n 1977, brothers Roy and Michael Renzi opened a small wholesale meat distribution in Watertown. They sold fresh meat and frozen seafood. Some 34 years later, a new generation of Renzi family is at the helm of a business that serves five states in the Northeast and carries more than 7,000 products.

We sat down with brothers John M. (above left) and M. Jude Renzi, who are the top-ranking family members in this decadesold north country family enterprise.

1

NNYB: With the consolidation of several small local food distribution companies into a larger, non-local company, how does Renzi Foodservice compete?

JOHN: We believe it gives us an opportunity.

Hopefully the customers who bought from local distributors before will look to us for a locally owned brand because now, obviously, there are more of the national companies. In some ways we’re looking for benefits.

JUDE: I believe the consolidation really does not change our go-to-market strategy at all in how Renzi Foodservice has competed or will continue to compete in the future. Like most other businesses, there’s been a lot of consolidation over the last 10 years, locally, regionally and nationally in the food distribution business. Fortunately, our willingness to adapt and to change has allowed us to look into our business and really put forth a very aggressive go-to-market strategy.We’ve competed with national non-local companies for the last 20 years here and in other markets.

2

NNYB: Are market pressures forcing you to reevaluate, or is it a constant process, always looking for that next step to improve?

JOHN: We always evaluate our business. In the business climate and markets we’re in we have to evaluate our departments and we’re always looking for innovative ways to benchmark ourselves against market standards. I don’t know if it’s a market-driven thing or more philosophical.

BUSINESS RECIPE n Brothers lead 34-year-old foodservice distribution in fast-changing marketplace

selves and constantly reinvent or look within our own company and opportunities we have had, I don’t think we would be here or be as successful. I don’t think there are any current market conditions that would change our strategy or how we evaluate ourselves every year.

3

NNYB: How have consumer demands changed and how have you adjusted to those demands?

JOHN: The industry is looking at problems from the supplier’s perspective. Our vendor’s nutritional information is becoming big for all of our business.

You’re going to start seeing nutritional facts on menus and menu boards. Those are things that we need to keep up on and offer to our customers to give them the tools to be able to do that.

JUDE: Consumer demands have changed immensely over the years. Today, people eat much healthier than they have and are demanding healthier foods. There are many new diet demands, such as gluten-free products, that we offer our operators now. There’s a movement with buying local foods for our restaurants and our college campuses and K-12 school systems. You’re seeing salad bars in K-12 school systems today and much greater offerings in college and universities for healthier eating.

Consumer demands play a major role in how we operate. We believe in having our inventory being customer-driven rather than corporately-driven.

4

NNYB: What does the next five years mean for Renzi Foodservice?

JUDE: We’re ultimately in a disposable-income business with our operators. The economy has changed our ability to react to that and over the next five years it is going to be crucial to operate more efficiently than the way we do today and try to find less expensive ways to keep costs down for our organization.

5

NNYB: And down the road, say, 20 years?

JOHN: The footprint of this building is 250,000 square feet. So we definitely have done our due diligence from an operating side on setting the path to move forward. We have to continue to look and see what changes are coming. Our management team is great; we have a great workforce, they’re young and very adaptive to change and proactive and innovative. We always have our hands toward the next big thing, what’s coming, trying to look at how we’re going to implement those things.

JUDE: We’re going to look for opportunities, especially locally, to continue to develop our strategy and continue to expand regionally as well.

6

NNYB: You have about 120 full-time employees.

As the region continues to see economic recovery, are there any plans to add staff?

JOHN: It runs around 120-124 full-time employees. We have a very young, very experienced work staff with a lot of people who have grown up in the business with us. They really stay adaptive to this industry. They read a lot about it, they attend conferences, they’re well-educated and we have been fortunate to have a lot of mentors who have helped us out. They’re a big reason why we’re here.

JUDE: Our business started over 33 years ago and we just sold fresh meat, pork and chicken. If we didn’t change with the times and adapt our-

JOHN: We moved to this facility in April of 2007.

We hope we can sustain the same growth we’ve had in the past few years. Our geography has changed and we need to complement that. We need to continue to look at new markets, try and find ways to service them and continue to evaluate how we service our customers to improve.

40 |

NNY Business | May 2011

JUDE: Our workforce, when you look at our business from a point of differentiation, there’s not a lot of differences from an aspect of food offerings to the operator. Our point of difference is our

20 QUESTIONS workforce and our employees. That’s how we’ve been able to grow to the point that we have. Our employees are willing to give customers value-added services and work very hard for our customers.

7

NNYB: Are there any plans for expansion?

JOHN: As we continue to grow, our employee numbers are going to expand with it; they sort of work hand-in-hand. As we grow geographically we’re going to need more people to pick those products and ship those products. We see definite opportunity for growth.

JUDE: We have opened sales offices in three other regions, in Malone, Rochester and Syracuse. Our home base is Watertown, where our distribution comes from, but we also have a sales presence in those markets. As those geographical territories grow, our home base grows as well. This allows us to hire more people and build a workforce. Technology is really changing our customer’s business.

Social media is truly a game-changer. I believe with our operators, the way they advertise and go to market and how they reach people to dine in their restaurants is changing drastically. I’m not sure how social media will change the distribution business, because we sell business-to-business, but I believe it will change our customer’s business greatly.

AMANDA MORRISON | NNY BUSINESS

Brothers M. Jude Renzi, left, and John M. Renzi of Renzi Foodservice share a laugh in their corporate offices on in Watertown’s City Center Industrial Park on Rail Drive. team. It’s challenging at times, obviously, just like any business. We have had fun with it and really embraced it, having been given some great opportunities. John and I are privileged to lead and run this organization, we have a foundation here that was really started and given to us. The north country has great customers who have given us a great opportunity to grow and help us grow and take chances on us to grow. We are appreciate our customers, our employees.

8

NNYB: Renzi Foodservice is a traditionally modest company, consciously choosing to keep quiet on things you’ve done. Do you see that strategy changing as competition in the marketplace grows?

JOHN: If you’re going to give to a charitable organization in the community, really they are the ones we want to publicize. They’re the ones who need the publicity. At a young age, our dad taught us that actions speak louder than words. We have always philosophically led that way. It’s not a strategic plan. Our competition doesn’t dictate when or how we do it. It’s just something we feel we have a responsibility to do and we do it.

10

NNYB: Your brother, Dave, and most of your sisters work in the business don’t they?

JUDE: John and I are two of seven children. Our brother, Dave, also works here as well as three other sisters. Six out of the seven work here. Dave is vice president of purchasing. He handles all of the procurement of the inbound products and freight that we purchase. One sister works in marketing, one works in customer service and the other works in sales. All of us gravitated to our areas of expertise in the business.

JUDE: I don’t think it will change. The Renzi organization and the Renzi family believes very strongly in giving back to the communities that have helped us become who we are and allowed us to become successful. We believe in supporting those organizations as best we can. We also believe that all of the emphasis and the conversation pieces surrounding those types of gifts should be geared toward those organizations rather than us.

11

NNYB: What is it like to work with a big family?

JOHN: My dad really laid the foundation for us.

We communicate and understand each other’s strengths and weaknesses. My dad has played a big factor in how we operate and set the stage for responsibility. My dad always talked to us about the Renzi Foodservice is one piece and the Renzi family is another piece. As long as Renzi Foodservice is successful, the family will be fine.

9

NNYB: Carrying the torch in a well-established 33-year-old family business can be daunting.

What is that like?

JOHN: At the end of the day, my father and uncle had the daunting task. Creating an organization is much more difficult than sustaining it. When we look at what we have to do, taking one business from where it is to another level is much easier than creating it from nothing. We think we’re fortunate.

We’re just trying to build on the foundation that was left to us. My father and uncle had it much harder than we did. We take their basic principles and carry them through to everybody — our managers, or supervisors — and try and lead the way they did. By doing that we can continue the success we’ve been fortunate to have the last few years.

JUDE: I think a major successful trait is communication. It is extremely important anywhere in any business, but especially in family businesses. You can tend to over-communicate to be successful. Always keep in your mind that the organization as a whole is much greater than your individuality from an aspect of what’s best for the organization.

12

NNYB: It’s no secret that New York isn’t the most business-friendly state in the country, yet your family has made a conscious decision to stay in the north country. Why is that?

JUDE: My father and my uncle started the business in 1977, almost 34 years ago. I think it was daunting for my father and my uncle; they really set the foundation and the ground work for our ability to succeed. They instilled a lot of core values in ourselves and as well as our senior management

JOHN: North country people have helped us achieve success and given us an opportunity to provide them with great service. We look for this place to be our home for as long as we’re invited to be able to do that.

The Renzi brothers file JOHN M. RENZI AGE: 42 JOB: President, Renzi Foodservice HOMETOWN: Watertown EDUCATION: Immaculate Heart Central School, 1986; Jefferson Community College.

PROFESSIONAL: Worked for Renzi Bros.

Foodservice in positions of increasing responsibility for the past 25 years. Became company president in 2009.

FAMILY: Married to Kathryn since 1992, five children, J.T., 17, Austin, 15, Luke, 13, Will, 10, Samantha, 5.

LAST BOOK READ: “The Brand Who Cried Wolf” by Scott Deming.

M. JUDE RENZI AGE: 41 JOB: CEO and vice president, sales and marketing, Renzi Foodservice HOMETOWN: Watertown EDUCATION: Immaculate Heart Central School, 1987; associate’s degree, Jefferson Community College, 1989; bachelor’s degree in management and marketing, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 1991.

PROFESSIONAL: Eight years, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Providence, R.I. Renzi Foodservice, 1997-present in positions of increasing responsibility. Became CEO/VP sales and marketing in 2009.

FAMILY: Married to Leslie since 1994, three children, Jacob, 15, Jude, 13, Samia, 11.

LAST BOOK READ: “Decision Points” by George W. Bush.

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 41

20 QUESTIONS JUDE: Our roots are here, we started here, we have a special place in our hearts for the north country.

Obviously the weather isn’t always the greatest, but I can tell you that raising a family and children in the north country is great. It’s a special place to bring your family up with traditional values.

13

NNYB: As a broad-line food service distributor, moving products from warehouses to customers is a major part of operating. What are you doing to maximize efficiencies as fuel prices climb?

JOHN: Our operations and transportation people really take the lead in innovation. Things like truck design and aerodynamics are big factors, but training is a huge piece of it. How our drivers drive. Tire pressure is another big piece. All of those little factors can add up to a big savings on the efficiency end. We have three-temperature trucks so it sometimes can be difficult because you need to maintain the temperatures; technology plays a big part.

JUDE: Fuel plays a large part in our business.

Obviously it’s a concern of ours from a distribution standpoint but also from our customer’s perspective.

Consumers and people who dine in the restaurants we service have less disposable income because of fuel prices and the economy. It makes it more challenging for our operators and for the people we sell to. Fuel has caused food prices to rise immensely, which has put strain on our operators, which has forced them to re-evaluate their menus and menu prices, which has put strain on the consumer who is dining out with less disposable income.

14

NNYB: Any efforts to go green under way?

JOHN: Obviously technology plays a big role for us. About a year-and-a-half ago, we invested in transportation technology. All of our trucks are equipped with on-board computers. We use those computers to measure what we call key performance indicators. Things like your idle time on your trucks, fuel mileage per gallon and driver out-of-route miles. We use that stuff to come back to management to help us make better decisions.

Technology is a huge asset. We scorecard all of our drivers and they get that scorecard each month. We have incentive plans designed to improve those scorecards. Technology has been a piece of everything from our software for our sales representatives to our Internet ordering systems.

Our warehouse management systems are all green and paperless. Our drivers don’t use log books anymore, it’s all electronic. I do believe it’s going to get to a point where our industry will be going paperless on the trucks; you’ll be signing on a board. We’re not there, yet.

JUDE: From our customer’s perspective, we have really taken a proactive approach to reduce the carbon footprint and offer local goods and supplies to our operators. It’s prevalent in the colleges, universities and restaurants. They want to buy local foods. We’re purchasing from more than 20 local manufacturers and distributing those products to our operator base. We believe it’s our responsibility to help that process and it’s probably the best alternative to grow the community and grow locally.

15

NNYB: Speaking of local, how has the local food movement affected your business?

JOHN: To us, it’s no different from what we do now. If we can purchase product from a local vendor who offers the same service, quality and pricing as a national vendor then why wouldn’t we try to promote that?

JUDE: We are very involved with trying to help the local food movement. We feel it’s our responsibility and we’re in a position where we can help.

However, there are some issues that arise. One is cost. The ability of local manufacturers to produce a product that’s cost effective for our consumers.

Food safety is another big issue. Origin of product; where it comes from. Labeling and making sure that the product that we’re distributing and delivering to these operators is of the highest quality. The other issue is availability. At certain times of the year here we have an abundance of products. Other times, due to weather or economic factors, they don’t have any supply. Having our restaurateurs or education clients understand that is challenging. There are product needs year-round.

16

NNYB: Your business isn’t just delivering food and food service products to restaurants. You offer a variety of services from your Market Trends newsletter that aims to advise clients on market conditions, to recipes and menu training. Why is it important to diversify like that and not put all your effort into your core distribution unit?

JOHN: We help operators with menus; help them assess margins and food costs, portion sizes, plate presentation. A lot of things go into it. And they can try it out in our test kitchen, which has provided us with an invaluable tool for our operators, to sample a product and give it a taste test. It’s a place where our customers can come and help us educate them and become more profitable.

JUDE: We have taken a very proactive approach in trying to help our customers become more profitable and learning and understanding more about their business. Those value-added services that we

offer, whether it’s menu design, menu engineering, any information that we can get to our operators about procurement, purchasing goods, market trends, spikes in food costs, decline in food costs, opportunities when to buy. That’s our way of partnering and forming a relationship with our customer and helping them succeed in business and becoming more profitable.

17

NNYB: You are a broad-line distributor, as opposed to a system distributor serving say, a specific restaurant chain. How many different food products do you carry?

JOHN: Well over 7,000 different products.

That’s food, supplies and equipment, paper, disposables, non-disposables, chemicals, small wares, too.

JUDE: I think what has been our success in the north country is our ability to diversify and truly concentrate on different segments of a business.

18

NNYB: Nationally, we hear innovation will bring us out of the recession. How important is continuing innovation to your company and what role does that play in your operation?

JOHN: I think innovation is everything. I will say that your technology, whether it’s warehouse, transportation, sales or software, are only as good as the people using it. We have invested a lot in technology but we do that because we know the people managing it are going to make it successful. We talk about social media. It’s going to change everything. We have to be in the forefront of it.

JUDE: Technology is a game-changer; however, we are still in a people business. Our ability to embrace technology and change with it and drive costs out of the system and help our operators become more profitable is extremely important. But also to never lose that local, north country one-onone personable touch to our operators.

19

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

JOHN: There are core values in the way you do business and the way you represent yourself: hard-working, integrity and honesty. Those are always things we’ve kept here. There are certain things that my dad always taught us, like that the business is built one case at a time. You can’t do everything overnight.

JUDE: My dad always told us that you’re always going to have a lot of questions in business on what’s right and what’s wrong. If you really want to find out the true answer the question, go ask your customer or your employees. The best business advice, as John stated, is to be honest, be humble and continue to work hard.

20

NNYB: What’s your best business advice for other families in business together?

JOHN: You have to continuously communicate.

You have to appreciate each other’s positions and know their strengths and weaknesses. You have to be forthright and honest with each other. Put everything on the table.

JUDE: Always know that the business is greater than you individually. If you always keep that perspective on the decisions you make, you’re always doing the greater good for your business, your employees and your customers.

— Interview by Ken Eysaman. Edited for length.

42 |

NNY Business | May 2011

PEOPLE ON THE MOVE People, from page 9 He is a native of Evans Mills and the father of an 8-month-old girl.

Team wins award

Libby Churchill and Bobbi Frederick of Christensen RealtyUSA’s Libby Churchill Team, Clayton, won RealtyUSA's 2010 Ultimate Team Achievement Award. The two were honored at the annual RealtyUSA Awards lunch held Churchill in Syracuse for the company's offices in Central and Northern New York.

The team also won a platinum award, president's council award and one of the branch top producer awards.

Ms. Churchill has Frederick been with Christensen RealtyUSA for 15 years. She and Ms. Frederick both live in the Clayton area with their families.

Added to staff

nzymSys Inc., East Hartford, Conn.

The company manufactures technologically advanced natural cleaners and disinfectants with enzyme-based products for mold, bacteria and odor.

Nancy Hewlett, Norwood, has joined the Canton-based Triple “A” Building Center’s Massena home décor staff.

Ms. Hewlett earned a bachelor of science degree in home economics from SUNY Plattsburgh. She has worked with St. Lawrence County’s Hewlett Cornell Cooperative Extension Service as a home economist and at various local hardware and home center retailers in their paint, wallpaper, kitchen and bath design departments.

Most recently, she was with Sherwin-Williams in Massena as a decorative products specialist, assisting clients with color design choices for their homes.

Ms. Hewlett is a lifelong resident of St. Lawrence County. She and her husband, Norm, spend their free time remodeling houses and traveling.

McDougall named hotel sales director

Candlewood Suites-Watertown/Fort Drum has named Sandra McDougall sales director of its 112-room hotel at 26513 Herrick Drive.

Ms. McDougall will oversee hotel sales along with accommodating guests within the extended stay market.

With more than 10 years in the hospitality industry, Ms. McDougall most recently served as a guest services representative of the Candlewood Suites where she serviced the day-to-day operations of the department.

Ms. McDougall began her hospitality career in Alexandria Bay, at a fivediamond resort. She later joined Days Inn Watertown as the function coordinator and then Ramada Inn’s Guest Services team. She attended Keuka College and holds a bachelor’s degree in food service and hotel and resort management.

Newly hired

George Bearup of Watertown has been appointed regional marketing director for

May 2011 | NNY Business

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

Foreign investment a new local tool

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ate in 2009, the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency began looking at ways to bring investment money for business to Jefferson County. The region never has had a wealth of capital for companies that need cash beyond conventional senior bank debt when seeking to expand and add jobs. To compound the problem, the recession and ensuing credit crunch made many sources of capital scarce.

The study brought to light the Employment-Based Immigration Fifth Preference (EB-5) program, a federally supported capital investment initiative administered by the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service, a division of the Department of Homeland Security. The EB-5 program, approved by Congress in the 1990s, grew rapidly after the recession began in 2007.

EB-5 is designed to attract investment dollars from wealthy foreign people and put those dollars to work in the U.S. to create jobs for American citizens. In return, the foreign national, his or her spouse and minor children can receive a green card.

The most common investment for a single immigrant investor is $500,000, and each investment must create 10 new U.S. jobs.

There has been more than $2.5 billion in EB-5 capital invested in U.S. enterprises since the program’s inception, with the lion’s share raised since 2005.

Most EB-5 investments are originated through regional centers. At the request of the JCIDA, a regional center covering Western New York expanded to include Jefferson County and now includes the entire state. This regional center is EB-5 New York State LLC. Its headquarters and management team are in Buffalo. The local office and operations are at the JCIDA offices, 800 Starbuck Ave., Watertown. Its

local representative is Mosher Business Advisors Corp.

To raise EB-5 capital for a jobcreating project one must identify a New Yorkbased project, structure a loan or investment David Mosher into the project and identify immigrant investors to participate. The process generally takes nine to 12 months. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services requires much of that time to check the backgrounds of each immigrant investor and confirm legitimate sources of investment funds. The process begins locally by contacting Mosher Business Advisors Corp. directly or through the JCIDA for a confidential interview.

The types of projects eligible for EB-5 investments are nearly unlimited as long as a sufficient number of new jobs are created.

EB-5 projects throughout the U.S. include investments into ski areas in New England and Idaho, hospital expansion projects in several locations, senior citizen housing in Florida, corporate offices for Fortune 100 companies and various manufacturing enterprises. EB-5 New York State is particularly interested in health care projects in the nonprofit arena. Municipal projects, with municipal finance, such as airport expansions and associated industrial parks, also are appropriate projects.

Although EB-5 investments can be the only source of capital to finance a project, it is often best used when it’s one of several sources of capital, including equity,

other debt and other financing. As an example, regional centers often work with commercial banks to help banks and their loan transactions.

Another benefit of using EB-5 capital is the ability to creatively structure an investment, which may take many forms, including a simple conventional senior debt financing similar to a bank.

The most important factor is that the investment creates at least 10 new U.S. jobs for each immigrant investor. Under federal law, an EB-5 regional center investment identifies all jobs an EB-5-funded project creates. New jobs are created directly and indirectly. Construction jobs may also be counted whenever the length of the associated construction is two years or longer.

EB-5 capital is most commonly invested into job-creating projects in rural communities or in area of high unemployment. Most north country communities can be defined as rural. If a community is not rural, it must have a high unemployment rate to be appropriate for most EB-5 investments.

Loans and investments are privately arranged through Mosher Business Advisors and the New York State Regional Center. Applications are not reviewed by other agencies including the JCIDA or its board and strict confidentiality is respected when requested or required. Local companies may benefit by including the JCIDA in expansion discussions as there are many complementary programs that will enhance a project’s chance for success. n DAVID MOSHER is the owner and chief executive of Mosher Business Advisors. Contact him at dmosher@mosherltd.com or (802) 492-2405.

CONTACT WLDC TODAY - GROW YOUR BUSINESS TOMORROW! THE WLDC EXISTS TO HELP move your strategic business plans forward.

Financing options and incentives through the WLDC:

■ Fixed - interest loans for real estate, machinery and equipment ■ Working Capitol financing ■ Leasehold improvement financing ■ Assists in securing primary financing through commercial banks

For help with expanding or relocating your business to the City of Watertown Contact: Donald W. Rutherford CEO

Watertown Local Development Corporation (WLDC) 82 Public Square Watertown, NY 13601 44 |

NNY Business | May 2011

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

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

Volunteers foundation of nonprofits

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hink for a moment about the greatest endeavor, project or accomplishment you’ve observed in our community.

What is the most daring, successful initiative in your memory? What community projects or organizations will people be talking about 50 years from now? My guess is, whatever the answer, volunteers were involved in some critical aspect of it.

Every nonprofit organization in the north country would be unable to effectively function without the dedication of individuals who give perhaps the most precious of gifts: their time, energy, creativity, thoughts and ingenuity. One of the great privileges of being affiliated with the community foundation is that I frequently have the opportunity to witness the passion and commitment of volunteers. Some people bring their life experiences, education, business acumen and other talents to the boardroom.

Others are in the trenches, pouring their heart and soul into carrying out the critical functions of an organization. No matter the role, they are all leaders in my book. On any given day, hundreds of citizens give thousands of hours of service in our region. Some organizations are almost entirely volunteer-driven. Others would stretch to accomplish their full potential without volunteers. Not only is our nonprofit community the beneficiary of these gifts, so, too, are our schools, churches and government entities.

The Corporation for National and Community Service produces regular reports

on volunteering. Their most recent study found that an estimated 63.4 million Americans volunteered in some way through a formal organization. This Rande Richardson amounted to over 8.1 billion volunteer hours worth an estimated $169 billion. My guess is this is a conservative estimate.

Despite the continuing economic challenges, or perhaps as a result, volunteering has increased at the fastest rate in six years. The national “United We Serve” initiative, which runs from June through Sept. 11, challenges all Americans to engage in sustained, meaningful community service with the hope that it will promote service as a way of life.

You don’t have to be around long to gain a sense of the importance this community places toward service. You may even be hard pressed to think of anyone you know who is not involved in some form of volunteer service. We have a solid, distinguished heritage of individuals rolling up their sleeves to make good things happen. They have consistently risen to meet challenges, address emergencies, extend a helping hand to a neighbor in need or simply provide the forces for good.

So, if we acknowledge the important role the nonprofit organizations play

in our community, we also recognize the extreme value of the willingness of citizens to step forward with only the desire to accomplish a purpose greater than oneself. Volunteers are more than free labor, and the finest nonprofits know this. Volunteers allow an organization to do something that it should already be doing: to reflect the community it serves.

This does not mean being all things to all people. Ask the question: can an organization fulfill its mission in partnership with the community if it doesn’t represent its community? Further, what better way can you build the best base of advocates for your cause?

If you have served, you can attest that you almost always get more in return than you ever give. A strong, healthy community benefits us all: individuals, families, organizations and businesses. As additional hope for the future, studies show that children whose parents volunteer are nearly three times more likely to volunteer on a regular basis themselves.

Also, other reports verify that the meaning, fulfillment and happiness volunteering provides results in lower stress and better health. If somehow you’re missing the boat, there is no better time to set sail and give where you live. My guess is you’ll simply be repaying gifts that have already been given to you.

n RANDE S. RICHARDSON is executive director of the Northern New York Community Foundation. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident and former funeral director. Contact him at rande@nnycf.org. His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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May 2011 | NNY Business

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COMMERCE CORNER

May means time to show your best

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son” there is a mindset that surfaces before Labor Day, that finally those ”crazy” tourists will be gone.

These are the same tourists that spent their money when you were so Peter Whitmore glad to see them on Memorial Day. It would also help to decide that the “season” doesn’t have to be Memorial

ourism in Northern New York is an asset that continually seems to be taken for granted and undervalued.

While Florida may have sunshine, we have an incredible range of natural resources in our backyard.

I can’t think of any place in the world where in a matter of a few hours you can be at a freshwater lake, a scenic river with more than a 1,000 islands, inland lakes, streams, a natural plateau or a national park. We are lucky, but like people who live in New York City and have never visited the Statue of Liberty or the Empire State Building, we can’t ever take it for granted. We need to be our own best tourists.

There are the obvious choices that include the beach and boat rides; but I think there are more opportunities, what about parasailing, sea plane rides, eco-tours, guided ATV tours or survival courses? There are these opportunities. When was the last time you visited somewhere else and did an activity and thought, “Why don’t we have that in NNY?” There may be another answer, but I’m guessing someone just didn’t take time to reach out and do the hard work to see if a new tourism activity makes sense.

We also need to spruce up our businesses. It doesn’t take a lot of money to plant a few flowers or put on a new coat of paint.

It’s simply sending the message that we are glad you’re here and actually meaning it. I have noticed by the end of the “sea-

Day to Labor Day. The smart business owner realizes we truly have something to see and do during every season and adapts to it.

The 1000 Islands International Tourism Council and other agencies do a wonderful job promoting our area, we just have to make sure that the tourist experience lives up to the promotion. The natural resource, like Florida sunshine, doesn’t cost a thing; it’s what we do with the resource that matters. Can you imagine driving to Florida just to find out no one had suntan lotion to sell and all the seafood was frozen?

A little far-fetched, but my point: Local tourism businesses should step outside

46 |

of their comfort zone occasionally and look at your business as a tourist. Does it pass the same standards when you are a tourist traveling to some other part of the country?

Do you have the similar pleasant surprise or disappointment you have experienced travelling? It may be as simple as giving a free upgrade or having multilingual information for your guest. Note: I have traveled quite a bit overseas and I can’t tell you how intimidating it is when you can’t understand another language. (I barely speak English.)

I want to be clear that there are a lot of folks doing it right. I try to ask newcomers and tourists that come to our office what they want to do and what their impressions are of our area. We get so many compliments from the incredible scenery we take for granted to great food and outstanding service. We also get comments on subpar experiences and try to reach out to those businesses with the good and bad feedback.

That said, it’s May and it’s “show time” people, time for makeup, costumes and have your “actors” rehearse their roles, this year could be a full house … if the show is worth it.

It doesn’t take a lot of money to plant a few flowers or put on a new coat of paint. It’s simply sending the message that we are glad you’re here and meaning it.

NNY Business | May 2011

n PETER S. WHITMORE is president and CEO of the Greater Watertown North Country Chamber of Commerce. He is a longtime small business owner and Jreck Subs franchisee who is also active with the Fort Drum chapter of the Association of the United States Army. Contact him at ceo@watertownny.com His column appears monthly in NNY Business.

AGRI-BUSINESS

Migrant farm help issue needs fix

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he tragic death of Porifirio Lopez in March on Butterville Dairy Farm in Henderson reopened the debate over farm workers from other countries. Mr. Lopez, a Guatemalan in his 40s, worked on Butterville Farm as a milker. His son was also employed by the Barney family.

As the story goes, the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Department contacted the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Office, which sent officers to detain the remaining eight Hispanic employees who also worked on the farm. A week later, law enforcement officials returned to the farm, after contacting the news media, to arrest John Barney, a member of the family that owns and operates Butterville Dairy Farm.

Mr. Barney was arrested for allegedly harboring illegal aliens.

Mr. Barney will have his day in court and hopefully be able to prove his innocence. But the issue still remains.

There are an estimated 300 Hispanic farm workers employed in Jefferson County. In 2009, the Survey of New York Dairy Farm Employers, conducted by Thomas R. Maloney and Nelson L. Bills from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University reported there were approximately 2,600 Hispanic workers on dairy farms across New York State. The dairy farms follow the law, they check the documentation provided by the job applicant, inspect it as best they can to determine if it’s authentic and then record the information on their federal I-9 forms as required of any business.

The dairy farms offer their milkers a reasonable pay rate and generous benefits in most cases. In a 2005 Survey of Hispanic

all sizes have used Hispanic labor.

So what are the opportunities in New York State, today, for economic growth?

One needs only to look at the nearest tub of yogurt. Dairy manufacturing in the state is growing by leaps and bounds.

Great Lakes Cheese in Adams and Crowley Foods in LaFargeville have either built new plants or reinvested in existing structures. Chobani yogurt in Edmeston has grown significantly from a startup just a few years ago. A new yogurt manufacturer is building in Batavia. And Chobani wants to double its manufacturing. All of these create well-paying local jobs.

There’s one problem: Milk supply. Plants are starting to struggle to find milk. Milk is being brought in from farther away to fill demand. Why? Shouldn’t our farms be growing to meet the demand? There are three barriers to farm growth: Milk pricing, overzealous environmental regulations, and availability of farm labor. If a farm cannot at least clear one of these barriers, why would they want to risk growth?

If the United States creates a guest farm worker program where people can enter the country legally to work on farms for two to three years and then return home, it will help resolve one of the barriers to farm growth. Think about it. Every job on the farm results in 1.5 jobs being created in the community. Every job created in a dairy manufacturing plant creates more than three jobs in the community. It all starts with milking the cow.

Dairy Workers in New York State, Mr. Maloney and David C. Grusenmeyer, also from the College of Agriculture and life Sciences at Cornell University, reported the average hourly Jay Matteson rate was $7.51 and benefits included paid housing, paid utilities, Spanish-language television, telephone, vacation, uniforms/ clothing, weekend and holiday pay and food allowances. In some cases milkers also received milk quality bonuses and year-end or Christmas bonuses.

Workers surveyed said they wanted to work more than 60 hours a week and many send money home to their families.

Most desire to return to their families in two to three years. The farms reported paying social security and other employment taxes. Many farms even paid for employee health care costs.

On a dairy farm, the milkers are where it all begins. Cows not milked properly develop health problems. Milkers not doing their job correctly can contaminate the milk. Inefficient milking slows down the process and costs the business money. If a farm knows they have a quality workforce, they can focus on the other aspects of growing their business. Farms that do not have a solid workforce, struggle. This is not a large farm or small farm problem.

Farms of all sizes struggle to find reliable workers who’ll get the job done. Farms of

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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May 2011 | NNY Business

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BUSINESS TECH BYTES

Tech symposium a can’t-miss event

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n today’s ever-changing business environment, are you responsible for insuring your business has the competitive edge? Is your business using information technology and the advances it can offer to its fullest extent? Or do you just want to learn more about the benefits that information technology can bring to not only your professional but personal life?

The North County Technology Symposium is a must attend event for all north country leaders in business, agriculture, health care, government and community enterprises, large and small. The Second Annual North Country Technology Symposium will be held on Wednesday, May 25, at the Cheel Center, Clarkson University, Potsdam.

Event Coordinator Laura Perry feels this year’s symposium will be an even bigger and better event.

“With 24 breakout sessions scheduled and numerous exhibitors lined up, every north country business should be able to find valuable tools to benefit your north country business, nonprofit, local government, agri-business or health care organization,” she said.

This year’s lineup features two-dozen local speakers who will complete a series of presentations on six different tracks of relevant information technology topics. Cutting edge sessions will range from cloud computing, social media and websites, information technology and PCI compliance to a potpourri of topics like Excel for the small family farm, “Mobile Apps — Android and Apple,” “Digital

Literacy at Your Local Library” and an IT health care panel discussion.

Promising to have something for everyone, this year’s symposium, in addition to the varying semiJill Van Hoesen nars, will once again hold the IT Expo complete with product displays, exhibitor’s demonstrations and presentations.

The IT Expo features expert technical advice from networking consultants, business development specialists and varying hardware and software vendors. New in 2011, the IT Expo will provide an opportunity to meet one-on-one with designated exhibitors to discuss your individual information technology business concepts and developments. Be sure to reserve early to insure your personalized session.

Innovative north country technology will also be highlighted with the SPIRIT Award, given each year, in honor of Helene Mellon and her dedicated service to not only the North Country Technology Symposium, but the St. Lawrence County community as a whole. The SPIRIT award will be given to the nominated projects that best demonstrate an innovative effort that revolutionized the selected organization in each of the following industries: business/industry, high tech business, community service, government, agricul-

ture and education.

The North Country Technology Symposium promises to be a one-day information technology extravaganza providing innovative information on how information technology is shaping our lives today, tomorrow and beyond. Registration is being accepted online until Wednesday, May 18.

Your $45 registration fee will include attendance at the community-impacting key note presentation, breakout sessions with topic experts and answers to your questions from various service providers at the IT Expo, as well as networking opportunities with colleagues and much more.

The symposium’s comprehensive agenda and further details can be found at www.stlawco.org/nctechsymposium.

You may also follow the symposium on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NorthCountryTechnologySymposium. n

n

n

I will be a featured presenter at this month’s North Country Technology Symposium, presenting “Skeletal Elements of Your Organization’s IT Systems,” “Information Security Program & PCI Compliance for Your Business” and leading a discussion that includes elements necessary to develop a successful information technology security program using NIST and COBIT standards and procedures to obtain and sustain PCI compliance. n JILL VAN HOESEN is the information security officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@ wdt.net. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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NNY Business | May 2011

SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS

Remember: Locals are tourists, too

W

e’re heading into the busy season for many of our lake and river communities. The whole atmosphere of places like Alexandria Bay, Clayton and Sackets Harbor changes as gift shops open for the summer, restaurants fill up with customers and boaters come in from the Thousand Islands and Canada.

Tourism is big business in the north country. Tourism in the Thousand Islands region, in a report on the Economic Impact of Tourism in the Thousand Island Region (April 2009) is “a $433 million industry, supporting more than 8,300 jobs.” In another survey, the Business Confidence Survey on the 2010 Summer Tourism Season conducted by the 1000 Islands International Tourism Council, 48 percent of the responding business owners indicated they had a much or somewhat better 2010 season than the previous year. Much of those ascribed the improvement to better weather (after an unseasonably very cool summer in 2009 in the Northeast) and stabilized gas prices.

I’m sitting here in mid-April with 38-degree-weather outside and a pretty chilly spring so far. Many of the local ice cream shops have already opened in a burst of optimism. Will it be warming up soon?

We sure hope so. But then there are those gas prices, which have started hitting $4 a gallon. What’s a business to do?

Hopefully, the seasonal business owners out there took the lesson of the “Grasshopper and the Ant” to heart after the last slow summer.

In that story, the grasshopper Sarah O’Connell sings its way through the summer while the ant works hard to store food for the winter. Then, in the winter,

with two conditions that we can’t predict and can’t do much about. The weather, and gas prices. It’s too soon to tell what the season will bring; but in the meantime, I want you to remember us locals who don’t really go too far in the summer.

I always feel so fortunate that we have a variety of tourist attractions that other people will come hundreds of miles to enjoy, and our money is just as green. We’ve also got a large military community that may not be familiar with what the area has to offer.

So start thinking now about some innovative marketing to attract that local business. For hotels and motels, maybe you can offer a getaway weekend deal with an extra discount for the stay-cationers. Other small businesses might be able to come up with some cooperative ventures, like booking a boat rental and receiving a coupon from a nearby restaurant.

How about family-fun packages, like miniature golf and drive-in passes?

Who knows, we could have the best summer ever and gas prices could at least stay put, if not drop some. But if not, the ants and even the grasshoppers can try to pull together, do some smart marketing and harvest those tourist dollars.

Start thinking about some innovative marketing to attract that local business. Who knows, we could have the best summer ever and gas prices could at least stay put, if not drop some. the grasshopper finds itself starving and begs the ant to save it.

So, when the ice cream shop, or the marina, or the riverside restaurant is booming in June, July and August, the wise business owner will be tucking away some of the profits to help get through the coming winter as well as into the start of the summer. It’s hard to remember that when your bank account is fat in the fall and the Florida beaches are beckoning in February. After all, didn’t you already have to work hard during our beautiful summer?

Yes. But then your business gets hit

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.

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| 49

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS EVENTS CALENDAR

ALEXANDRIA BAY SATURDAY, MAY 28

n Grape Blossom Festival, noon to 8 p.m., Thousand Islands Winery, 43298 Seaway Ave. Pig roast, wine, beer, local crafters and live music. Contact: Thousand Islands Winery, 482-9306.

BALDWINSVILLE FRIDAY, MAY 27

n Central New York Postal Customer Council Annual Golf Outing, registration begins at 8 a.m., 9 a.m. shotgun start, Foxfire at the Village Green. Lunch served at the turn with hot and cold dinner buffet with door prizes, raffles and awards that evening.

Beer, soda and water available all day.

Cost: $70 per person; $260 per foursome.

Information: www.cnypcc.org.

CANTON n Traditional Arts in Upstate New York TAUNY at 25 Auction (open to all), auction preview (free to TAUNY members; $10 for non-members) at 5:30 p.m.; silent auction opens at 6 p.m., 6:30 p.m. Hazel Tyrrell presentation by Varick Chittenden, silent auction closes at 7 p.m. and live auction begins, St. Lawrence University’s Eben Holden Conference Center. TAUNY will auction a collection of hand-carved birds by the late Hazel Tyrrell of Pierrepont. North county art and antiques will also be available in the silent auction. Proceeds from the sale of birds will be split with St. Lawrence University, which was also a recipient of the bird collection gift; proceeds from the silent auction go to TAUNY’s Evergreen Campaign to support renovations to the TAUNY Center.

For more information and a link to photos of auction items, visit www.tauny.org and click on the 25th anniversary link.

CARTHAGE WEDNESDAY, MAY 25

n Carthage Block Party, Bridge Street. Sponsored by Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce. Music, food, dancing and vendors.

Information: 493-3590.

CHAUMONT SUNDAY, MAY 29

n Le Race de Chaumont 5K, 10 a.m., Copley House, 12032 Main St. Sponsored by Lyme Community Foundation. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and closes at 9:45 a.m. T-shirts given to the first 150 entrants.

Cost: Pre-registration, $20; day of race, $25. Register: www.chaumontny.org/5K. html. Information: Mike Harris, 649-3622, or Carrie Fleming, 767-4328.

CLAYTON n Highway Legends Car Show, 2 p.m. Fri-

50 |

NNY Business | May 2011

FORT DRUM WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

n Armed Forces Day luncheon, noon to 1:30 p.m., The Commons. Sponsored by Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce and Watertown Noon Rotary. Businesses may sponsor 10 soldiers for $150 and receive a free ticket for organization to be seated at the head table.

Guest speaker: Col. William M. Burleson, 1st Brigade Commander. Cost: Advance, $15; at the door, $17. Register: 788-4400 or www.watertownny.com.

GOUVERNEUR SATURDAY, MAY 7

THURSDAY, MAY 26

FRIDAY, MAY 20 SUNDAY, MAY 22

day to 4 p.m. Sunday, Cerow Recreation Park, 600 E. Line Road. Live entertainment, vendors, crafters, chicken barbecue. Information: www.highwaylegends.us.

n Gouverneur Business Women Breast Cancer Walk Fundraiser, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., village park and Tangles Salon and Day Spa. Pink hair extensions, $10; haircuts and styles, $5; nail polish with artwork, $2; 10-minute chair massage, $5; and mini facial masks, $5. Castle bounce house, bake sale, snow cones, cash raffle and cotton candy.

MASSENA THURSDAY, MAY 26

n 20th Annual Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce Golf Tournament, 8:30 a.m., Massena Country Club. Four person scramble, prizes paid in cash or merchandise, team prizes for each flight, which is determined by score of first nine holes. Golfers responsible for their own greens and cart fees. Carts available when reserved in advance. Registration required by Friday, May 13. Cost: $40 per person, fees include prizes and dinner at the country club restaurant. Register: 769-3525 or www. massenachamber.com.

POTSDAM WEDNESDAY, MAY 11

n Potsdam Chamber of Commerce Spring Luncheon, noon to 1 p.m., Potsdam Town and Country Club, Route 56 South. Award presentation for Business of the Year Award and members celebrating milestone anniversaries of more than 25 years. Reservations required by Friday, May 6. Cost: $15.

Contact: 274-9000.

FRIDAY, MAY 20, AND SATURDAY, MAY 21

n Third Annual Home, Garden and Business Show, noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Clarkson University’s Cheel Arena. Showcase for businesses of all sizes to promote or sell products and network with other vendors or attendees.

Information: Jo Ann Roberts, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce events and

promotions manager: 386-4000 or jroberts@stlawrencecountychamber.org.

SANDY CREEK TUESDAY, MAY 24

n Pulaski-Eastern Shore Business After Hours, 6 p.m., Sandy Pond Steak House, 45 Wigwam Drive. Cost: $5. Contact: 298-2213.

SYRACUSE WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

n Speed Networking, 7:30 to 10 a.m., CenterState CEO headquarters, 572 S. Salina St. Bring business cards for an opportunity to share a one or two minute pitch with other participants. List of attendees provided upon arrival. Cost: $10; nonmembers, $20. Register: www.centerstateceo.com. Information: 470-1997.

THURSDAY, MAY 19

n Business After Hours, 5:30 to 7 p.m., Craftsman Inn, 1 Dupli Park, Franklin Square-Dupli Building. Sponsored by Centerstate CEO and Northland Communications. Cost: $10; non-members, $15.

Register: www.centerstateceo.com. Information: 470-1870.

WATERTOWN SATURDAY, MAY 14

n Downtown Clean-Up Day, 8 a.m., Public Square Pavilion. Sponsored by Downtown Business Association. Bring push brooms, gloves and dress for the weather. Water and coffee will be provided. Contact: Kris Marsala, 771-2700 or krismarsala@ gmail.com.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18

n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., North Country Library System, 22072 County Route 190. Sponsored by United Group of Companies at North Country Library System, North Country Library System, Sam’s Club and Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce. Must register by noon Tuesday, May 17. Register at www.watertownny.com or 788-4400.

Cost: Members, $8; non-members, $12.

SATURDAY, MAY 21

n Armed Forces Day Parade, 10 a.m., from Watertown High School to Stone Street. Review stand in front of Dulles State Office Building. Original Yanks Drum and Bugle Corps concert following the parade at the review stand. To participate, contact Kathleen Mastellon, 836-1530.

 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. Visit us on Facebook at www. facebook.com/NNYBusiness for updates to our business events calendar.

 ALEXANDRIA BAY

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

 BOONVILLE

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

 CAPE VINCENT

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

 CARTHAGE AREA

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

 CENTERSTATE CEO

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

 CHAUMONT-THREE MILE BAY

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

 GREATER WATERTOWNNORTH COUNTRY

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

 GOUVERNEUR

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

 HENDERSON HARBOR P.O. Box 468, Henderson Harbor, NY 13651; 938-5568, www.hendersonharborny.com

393-3620, www.ogdensburgny.com

 OLD FORGE

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

 POTSDAM

1 Market St., Potsdam, NY 13676; 274-9000, www.potsdamchamber.com

 PULASKI

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

 SACKETS HARBOR

 LEWIS COUNTY

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

 MASSENA

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

 MALONE

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

 SOUTH JEFFERSON

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

 ST. LAWRENCE

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

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

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

 CLAYTON

 OGDENSBURG

1 Bridge Plaza, Ogdensburg, NY 13669;

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

JEFFERSON COUNTY JOB DEVELOPMENT CORP.

ST. LAWRENCE RIVER VALLEY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY

PROCUREMENT TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CENTER

U.S. SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

517 Riverside Drive, Clayton, NY 13624;

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

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

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY www.danc.org

LEWIS COUNTY INDUSTRIAL DEVELOPMENT AGENCY

www.jcjdc.net

 TRI-TOWN

www.slrvra.com

www.northcountryptac.com

SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTER AT SUNY JEFFERSON

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

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

WATERTOWN LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORP.

ST. LAWRENCE COUNTY IDA / LOCAL DEVELOPMENT CORP.

WATERTOWN SCORE

www.slcida.com

www.watertownldc.com

CHAMBER / WEB DIRECTORY

NNY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

www.scorewatertownny.org

www.lcida.org

788-6840

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 51

BUSINESS SCENE 35th Annual North Country Home Show

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Rolanda M. Curtis, left, and husband Mark P. of Curtis Woodworking Fine Furniture & Cabinetry, Evans Mills. Above, Jocelyn H. Merritt and husband George F., owners of New York Shirt Company, Alexandria Bay. The Northern New York Builders Exchange sponsored the 35th Annual North Country Home Show at the Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds Arena April 1-3.

Top, Christina S. Meagher, left, assistant vice president and branch manager, Community Bank, Black River, and Catherine Ward, vice president and branch manager, Community Bank, Watertown.

Above, Anna Trujillo, left, sales associate for the Sherwin-Williams Company, Watertown, and Jim Bourdon, market representative for the Sherwin-Williams Company, Watertown.

CREG SYSTEMS n VISIT NNY BUSINESS at www.facebook.com/nnybusiness to view more than 160 additional Business Scene photos from events across the north country since we launched in December. Tag yourself, tag your friends and tag your friends’ friends. Like us on Facebook and be the first to see the front page before it hits newsstands, learn who we’re interviewing, what we’re covering and join in the discussion about business in Northern New York.

52 |

NNY Business | May 2011

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BUSINESS SCENE 9th Annual Taste of the Town

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Brenda T. Cavallario, left, daughter Gina L., husband Peter G., owners of Cavallario’s Cucina, Watertown, which won Best Taste of the Town 2011 during the 9th Annual Taste of the Town at the Dulles State Office Building. The April 9 event was a benefit for the Victim’s Assistance Center. Above, Robyn L. Bartlett, left, and husband David P., owners of Johnny D’s and Johnny D’s Bistro 108, Watertown.

Top, Joshua A. Halko, left, chef, the Farm House Kitchen Catering Company and Cooking School, Sackets Harbor, Boo Wells, chef and owner, the Farm House Kitchen Catering Company and Cooking School, and Justin K. Hall, chef, the Farm House Kitchen Catering Company and Cooking School, which won Best Presentation of The Town 2001. Above, Kristin M. Fuller, left, Christopher C. Williams, and Heather J. Bates, of Jeans Beans Co., Watertown.

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 53

BUSINESS SCENE 9th Annual Taste of the Town

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Jessica L. Chartier, left, and Rebecca L. Dyke of Black River Valley Club, Watertown. Above, Phillip J. Dorame, left, and Bridgit E. Kronyak of the Mustard Seed, Watertown. The 9th Annual Taste of the Town at the Dulles State Office Building on April 9 was a benefit for the Victim’s Assistance Center.

Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling at Timberview Lodge

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Lynette M. Piche, left, and husband Thomas H., president and CEO, Carthage Federal Savings and Loan. Above, Naomi M. Niskala, left, and Scott R. Locorini, Adirondack Exposure, Old Forge.

The Timberview Lodge, Turin, hosted the April 14 Lewis County Chamber of Commerce annual Spring Fling Dinner.

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NNY Business | May 2011

BUSINESS SCENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Spring Business After Hours at Coyote Moon

Lewis County Chamber of Commerce Spring Fling at Timberview Lodge

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Mary M. Rumble, left, Beaver River Central Schools teacher, and husband DeVere D., Lewis County Sheriff’s Department investigator. Above, Jerry S. Haenlin, left, Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, Lorie L. Burto-Goodman, Northern Federal Credit Union, and Sue M. Lucas, the Montague Inn, Lowville.

Top, Joleene D. Moody, left, David J. Males, vice president and general manager WWTI/My ABC 50, Watertown, and Andrea C. Pedrick, community services coordinator, SUNY Jefferson. Above, Faye Waterman, left, Citizens Bank, Cape Vincent, wife Pamela, mortgage specialist, Carthage Savings and Loan, Clayton, and Paul Luck, partner, Rivershore Associates. Coyote Moon Vineyard, Clayton, hosted the April 20 Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours.

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May 2011 | NNY Business

| 55

BUSINESS SCENE GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Coyote Moon Vineyards

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Shaynna Adams, left, Alice Andrew Salon, Watertown, Lynn Zimmerman, business sales manager, Verizon Wireless, Shannon Oney, business account executive, Verizon Wireless. Above, Robert C. Freeman III, president and CEO, Clarence Henry Coach, and wife Julie C. Coyote Moon Vineyard, Clayton, hosted the April 20 Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce April Business After Hours.

56 |

NNY Business | May 2011

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Tara M. Johnson, retail services officer, Community Bank, Watertown, Trevor C. Garlock, Northwestern Mutual, Watertown. Above, Jameson G. Wills, Northwestern Mutual, Watertown, Sarah J. Ward, college unit director, Northwestern Mutual, Watertown, and Brian Wilcox, managing director, Northwestern Mutual, Watertown.

BUSINESS SCENE Carthage Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year dinner

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Vincent J. Paragon, left, daughter Mary Beth Renaud, marketing assistant, Christopher A. Lorence Public Relations & Marketing, Carthage, wife Mona Lou. Mrs. Renaud, 2011 Carthage Citizen of the Year, was honored during the Citizen of the Year award dinner at the Carthage Elks Lodge. The Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, along with the Elks Club, sponsored the dinner. Above, Joann L. Zando, left, development manager, Carthage Area Hospital, Dr. David F. Rosner, general surgeon, Lewis County General Hospital, Lowville, and Christina L. Flint, director, Carthage Area Hospital Foundation.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

Top, Reba L. Earle, Immaculate Heart Central High School, Watertown, and mother Amy L., Amy Earle School of Dance, Carthage.

Above, Richard Musto, Knights of Columbus, Watertown, and wife Anna M., Phone Card Dispensing Services, Watertown.

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 57

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

n A directory of independent coffee houses, bars and restaurants.

Full-service restaurants 1025 Ruyi Japanese Steak House 1025 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 405-4501 1844 House “An American Bistro” 6885 U.S. Route 11, Potsdam (315) 268-1844 2000 Chinese Restaurant 22070 U.S. Route 11, Watertown (315) 788-2000 Adams Country Club 10700 U.S. Route 11, Adams (315) 232-4842 A & J’s Diner 455 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-4811 Andy’s Caribbean Cuisine 302 Court St., Watertown (315) 777-8658 Apollo Restaurant 1283 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 788-3569 Art’s Jug 820 Huntington St., Watertown (315) 782-9764 Bella’s Bistro 602 Riverside Drive, Clayton (315) 686-2341 Bernardo’s Pizzeria 702 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9500 B J’s Grill 610 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-8126

town’s Newest Dining r e t a W E n t e r t a i n m e n t Ve n u e &

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58 |

NNY Business | May 2011

108 Court Street Watertown, NY 13601

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

Live Music Tuesday to Saturday!!

DINING GUIDE Mo’s Place 345 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-5503 Morgia’s Pasta 22560 Fisher Road, Watertown (315) 788-3509 Mr. Sub Sandwich Shop Public Square & Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1760 NuPier 13212 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-3312 Original Italian Pizza 222 N. Massey St., Watertown (315) 786-0000 Papa Tino’s Pizzeria 716 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-7272 Pete’s Restaurant 111 Breen Ave., Watertown (315) 782-6640 Pizza Shack 12699 State Route 3, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2267 Rainbow Shores Restaurant 186 Rainbow Shores Road, Pulaski (315) 298-5110 Rajit 262 Arsenal St., Watertown (315) 782-5513 Ramada Inn 21000 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-0700 Riccardo’s Market & Deli 710 Holcomb St., Watertown (315) 782-7810 Riverhouse 4818 Salina St., Pulaski (315)509-4281 Roberts Family Pizzeria 839 State St., Watertown (315) 786-2006 Roma Restaurant 19 Bridge St., Carthage (315) 493-0616 Romalato’s Gourmet Deli 450 Gaffney Drive, Watertown (315) 681-6653 Ryan’s Lookout 9290 State Route 3, Henderson (315) 938-5151

Read the reviews

 Log on to www.watertowndaily times.com to read restaurant reviews

by Watertown Daily Times restaurant critic Walter Siebel.

Get on the list

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

Shuler’s Steak & Seafood 802 Mill St., Watertown (315) 782-1429 Soluri’s Pizza 526 Factory St., Watertown (315) 782-2888 Sonora’s Authentic Mexican 300 Washington St., Watertown (315) 782-8000 Stonefence Resort 7191 State Route 37, Ogdensburg (315) 393-1545 Stone Jug Pizzeria 104 Bartlett Road, Sackets Harbor (315) 646-1008 Suk Hui Hi’s Korean 1301 State St., Watertown (315) 785-9740 Super Wok Chinese Restaurant 20991 State Route 3, Watertown (315) 788-5389 Teriyaki Experience 21852 Towne Center Drive, Watertown (315) 785-9254 Thailand Thai Restaurant 1857 State St., Watertown (315) 788-6688

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Walsh’s Pub & Grill 101 E. Main St., Brownville (315) 782-6065 Watertown Golf Club Grill and Bar 1 Thompson Park, Watertown (315) 782-5606 Willowbrook Golf Club 25075 State Route 37, Watertown (315) 782-8192 Wing Wagon 71 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-3205

Coffee Houses Brew Ha Ha 468 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1175

Hometown Pizzeria 4 W. Church St., Adams (315) 232-3000 Joe’s Tavern 548 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-9709 Kicker’s Lounge 498 Factory St., Watertown (315) 785-9392 Mick’s Place 204 Factory St., Watertown (315) 786-1992 Paddock Club 5 Paddock Arcade, Watertown (315) 786-6633

Chrissy Beanz Bakery 105 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2330 Coffee Shop Carbone Plaza, Watertown (315) 782-0450 Danny’s Coffee 21181 Salmon Run Mall, Watertown (315) 782-7057 Paddock Coffee House 4 Paddock Arcade, Watertown (315) 836-1509

Pappy’s Bowlmor Lanes 227 E. Orvis St., Massena (315) 769-9877 Pewter Mug 1120 Gill St., Watertown (315) 782-0200 Seth’s Pub 558 State St., Watertown (315) 681-6645

Bars / drinking establishments

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

Tico’s Mex Mex Grill 65 Public Square, Watertown (315) 836-4778

Artie’s Tavern 329 High St., Watertown (315) 782-9616

Time Warp Tavern 302 State St., Watertown (315) 782-9784

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

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

Tuggers Grill Bar 544 Route 177, Barnes Corners (315) 688-2627

The Place 1612 Ford St., Ogdensburg 315-393-3080

Sackets Harbor Brew Pub 212 W. Main St., Sackets Harbor (315) 646-2739 Sandy’s Luncheonette 5 Public Square, Watertown (315) 782-2935 Savory Café 1511 Washington St., Watertown (315) 785-6464 Sboro’s Restaurant 836 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 788-1728 Shorty’s Place 1280 Coffeen St., Watertown (315) 782-7878

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 59

BUSINESS HISTORY

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARCHIVES

A scene from the 1908 Jefferson County Fair at the present-day Alex T. Duffy Fairgrounds on Coffeen Street, Watertown.

Jefferson fair oldest running 194th annual event set for summer at Coffeen Street fairgrounds

books and farming literature, as well as to collect pertinent agricultural news from those areas to report to the society.

The first agricultural fair in Jefferson County was held on Sept. 28 and 29, 1818.

The first day was reserved for exhibition of livestock and domestic goods. The second day hosted a plowing match between horse and ox teams and a subsequent parade. Agricultural Society President James LeRay de Chaumont delivered the first address before the crowd during the day’s events.

As dependable roads were still being developed, and in order to offer the entire community the opportunity to enter their livestock and domestic manufactures in the fair for judging, a viewing committee was formed.

This group of five men visited nine towns throughout the county examining entries and awarding prizes in the form of engraved cups, goblets and spoons. The fair of 1818 came to be known as the

he first established settlements in Jefferson County started to appear around 1800. Soon after, in 1808 an $80 premium (approximately $1,000 in today’s money) was offered for the best quality woolen cloth produced in the county. The premium was funded and awarded by the county in an attempt to encourage both agricultural production and the settlement of farmers in the area.

On April 8, 1808, the competition was scheduled for anyone living in the county to prove who could produce the best woolen cloth of texture and quality not less than 30 yards long.

James D. LeRay, having imported some fine sheep, provided the material. Specimens were produced by Hart Massey and Noadiah Hubbard, which were so nearly alike in quality that the premium was divided.

T

Less than ten years later, Oct. 25, 1817, the Jefferson County Agricultural Society was formed with the object of “the promotion and improvement of agricultural and rural economy.” The membership fee was $1, due to the society’s treasurer annually.

The by-laws of the organization called for two annual meetings - one in March and the second in October; officers were elected in the first meeting and an agricultural fair was held during the second.

Some of the best known citizens of the county were chosen to serve as officers, including James LeRay de Chaumont, president, Jacob Brown, first vice-president, Ethel Bronson, second vice-president, and Egbert Ten Eyck, secretary. Additionally, citizens of towns throughout the county were selected to serve as representatives of their communities at the society’s meetings. Among them were Hart Massey, Noadiah Hubbard and Roswell Woodruff. These satellite representatives were charged with distributing seeds, plants,

60 |

By LENKA P. WALLDROFF and BONI SHAFER Jefferson County Historical Society

NNY Business | May 2011

BUSINESS HISTORY Jefferson County Fair and was held annually thereafter.

In August of 1851, the executive board of the Jefferson County Agricultural Society resolved to purchase 10 acres of land on the Brownville Road, known today as Coffeen Street. The lot was located approximately half a mile west of James LeRay de Chaumont the railroad tracks at the bottom of the Brownville Road hill.

The area was fenced and a building was constructed to be used for fair exhibitions.

This lot has been the home of the Jefferson County Fair ever since.

On June 8, 1853, the New York State Legislature enacted “An Act to Facilitate the Forming of Agricultural and Horticultural Societies”, leading to the filing of other acts and supplementary proceedings that incor-

porated the Jefferson County Agricultural Society on Dec. 8, 1854.

The Jefferson County Agricultural Society was only the second formed in New York State; the Otsego Agricultural Society, located in the Southern Tier, being the first.

The Jefferson County Agricultural Society is still active today and is in charge of organizing the county’s annual fair. It is the oldest continuous operating fair in the United States. This year the fair is from Tuesday, July 12, to Sunday, July 17, at the Jefferson County Fair Grounds.

A Jefferson County Fair exhibit is slated to open at the Jefferson County Historical Society Museum in July. Call the historical society, 782-3491 to learn more. n Lenka P. Walldroff is curator of collections for the Jefferson County Historical Museum. She is a former museum specialist and conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. n For museum hours and program updates and to learn more about the Jefferson County Historical Society, visit www.jeffersoncountyhistory. org. Business History appears monthly in NNY Business.

Right, John Sterling’s 1886 Jefferson County Agricultural Society life member ticket.

May 2011 | NNY Business

| 61

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

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY OF THE NORTH COUNTRY WARNECK PUMP STATION PROJECT LOCATION: Route 37, Pamelia SIZE: 3,200 square feet of renovated space; 6,100 square feet of new warehouse space; 1,000 square feet of new space for reception and bypass pump enclosure COMPLETION DATE: October 2011 LOCAL JOBS: Several dozen construction jobs COST: $2.5 million CONTRACTORS: Murnane Building Contractors Inc., East Syracuse, general contractor; Hyde-Stone Mechanical Contractors, Watertown, plumbing and mechanical; Watson Electric Inc., Norwood, electrical.

PROJECT ENGINEER: Tony Curley, DANC. — Compiled by Kyle R. Hayes

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

Joseph M. Diabo, Syracuse, an employee of Parish Iron Works, secures steel joists at the Development Authority of the North Country’s $2.5 million Warneck Pump Station expansion project on Route 37, town of Pamelia.

NEXT MONTH

I

n our June cover story, we examine the state of Northern New York’s construction industry with a special focus on green architecture and sustainable building practices across the region. Also coming next month: n THE LOST ART OF custom millwork. Only a handful of mills in operation today deliver the classic quality of yesteryear. We’ll take a look at who still turns out wood products worthy of use in historic restorations. n INSIDE ONE OF THE region’s most expensive homes on the market. We take you on a tour of a $2.7 million home in Lyme.

n 20 QUESTIONS WITH James L. Leven, president of Community Broadcasters LLC. In today’s fast-changing era of instant media, we talk with the owner of eight north country radio stations. n PLUS: NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits Today, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, Business History, Business Scene and more. n FOLLOW US ON Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nnybusiness.

62 |

NNY Business | May 2011

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