WORLDINTECHNOLOGYUSINGACHANGED AttractingPLUS: More High Tech Development Harmonizing Work — The Tech/Life Balance
In the KNOW The TECHNOLOGY IssueSUMMER 2021
A Quarterly Publication for Member Investors of the Sullivan County Partnership For Economic Development
FROM THE CEO
Marc Baez Chief Executive Officer
In a span of almost 40 years— through a handful of recessions, 9-11, the financial crisis of 2008, recent political and social upheavals, and now the pandemic— technology evolved and in many cases made for permanent changes in how we conduct business. Add to that public policy changes like Dodd-Frank, the Affordable Care Act and ever-changing tax laws, and we have an environment ripe for technological solutions to societal challenges.
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Are we on the verge of the next technological shift? Has technology changed us, or are we changing the way we approach technology? How will it impact economic development?
These questions and others are at the heart of how the COVID-19 pandemic is impacting the role technology plays in our personal and professional lives as well as its effect on the economic development landscape.
Driven by these and other influences, the tools we now use to conduct business have changed dramatically and are undergoing another technological shift. Today, though we call it a “cell” or mobile phone, make no mistake— our handheld devices effectively carry the
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Remember when AOL (1985), Netscape (1994), and Blackberry (1999) were among the technology products that dominated the landscape along with desktop towers that took up residence at the office? They all added new ways for us to communicate with family and friends and improved our efficiency at work.
of goods and services to distant places more readily, have added to the changing landscape of consumer purchasing habits.
When the pandemic hit, we adjusted to remote communications technologies to work, learn, play, and monitor our health. Video conferencing apps including Zoom, Microsoft Teams and others became indispens able tools to conduct business. Now “the office” has new meaning as significant numbers of us continue to “Work From Home” using these platforms. We turned to e-commerce to shop online rather than risk COVID-19 exposure. Schools, (colleges especially, long familiar with distance learning) suddenly had to adapt to remote and distance learning situations. Grocery stores saw huge increases in their shopping/delivery apps. Health care providers turned to tele-medicine visits. Gyms and weight loss programs shifted to online meetings and upped their content game through live and recorded training sessions. Non-profits held virtual fundraisers and online auctions. Use of streaming entertainment services on phones, tablets and smart TVs hit new highs.
Follow along with us in this issue of In the Know. We’ll explore how you can use technology to optimize your career and personal wellbeing. You’ll hear from John Cappello of Jacobowitz & Gubits who says “Yes,” we can attract high tech development. Matt Dorcas President at Capacity Marketing shares how your business can ride the digital revolution. And our feature story uncovers how our members are using technology in surprising new ways.
Are We on the Verge of the Next Technological Shift?
Real estate in our Sullivan Catskills and surrounding areas remains hot as sales continue to outpace available inventory. The Partnership has attracted a tech company, and e-commerce firms are expressing interest in locating here— none of which would have been considered prior to the pandemic. The evolving technological advancements that allow for the delivery
Data is not yet fully aggregated and analyzed, but anecdotal evidence reveals that people are re-evaluating what is important in their lives—leaving city centers and planting roots here to enjoy the outdoors and live where they can now work. Technology has opened the door for this to be possible.
It’s not new technology, but certainly the pandemic has served as a catalyst for change and with it comes tremendous opportunities for economic development in rural areas like Sullivan County.
This of course puts pressure on our infrastructure capabilities— predominantly broadband— yet it creates tremendous opportunity to attract new investment, job opportunities, and business prospects for our members. Yes, there is a dramatic shift taking place with the next leap in technological advancements at our doorstep and yes, it is impacting economic development today and will for the foreseeable future.
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power of a computer. And it hasn’t stopped there. Our vehicles are equipped to quickly and accurately navigate us to where we want to go, play the music or news we want to hear, create the optimum cabin atmosphere, and even help us parallel park. Social media helps get our message out faster, more frequently and for less money than ever. Drones are now commonplace and are used to highlight sites, conduct topography, sell real estate, and locate and rescue disaster survivors.
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“I have not been to an in-person closing since March 2020” says Malek. “We’ve done video walk-throughs, or we let buyers do a walk-through with us on the phone.”
Most Realtors© would agree that, even before COVID, technology became so important and had such an impact on their industry, that when the pandemic hit in March of 2020, even though they were literally locked down; not allowed to show anything in person, they were still able to sell houses – and people were buying! “Because of Zoom meetings, face-time and video tours, we were closing on properties and we’d never even met the sellers or the buyers” says Carol Malek of Malek Properties in White Lake, NY. Virtual closings, digital signatures and e-signing are now commonplace in the industry.
REAL ESTATE
MEMBERS USING TECH IN CHANGEDA WORLD
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Members Using Tech in a Changed World
Malek owns 2 and has a licensed pilot who is exclusive to her company.
Drones have become an extremely useful marketing tool in the real estate industry.
Even now, when people can’t physically get to a house and they know sellers are getting multiple offers, buyers are making offers based on video tours and then come up for the inspection.
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“It’s pretty impossible to walk 200 acres so we use the drones for the bigger properties,” says Malek. “If you have a special property with beautiful views but you can’t see it through the trees, the drone shows you what you’ll be able to see from a two-story house. You can also see the roof of a house, and if it needs work. Some home inspectors use drones instead of going up on the roof, especially on a Victorian house that has many peaks and roof lines.”
Phone apps are also invaluable for a real estate professional. Malek says that a hunting app called onX Hunt has changed her life. “When you’re dealing with land, even owners sometimes don’t know what they own as far as property lines. I have been selling real estate for almost 25 years and I can attest that it’s very hard to define property lines, especially with a large tract of land. These hunting apps that work through satellite/GPS map out for you as you’re walking, exactly where the lines are, sometimes within 10 feet. The satellite image is very very clear. With this app I never put my sign on the wrong property anymore.”
There are 3D virtual space platforms available to help brokers transform real life spaces into a digital model, but Malek prefers walk-through tours. “I walk through with my video camera and upload it to YouTube, which I find to be user friendly. This way, you’re an actual person, walking through the home just like a buyer would do.”
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Aerial shot of Kauneonga Lake waterfont property
Delaware Engineering (DE) is a full-service engineering and design firm that specializes in municipal water and wastewater infrastructure. The firm, which operates a branch in Monticello, has been working with several Sullivan County clients on major infrastructure upgrade projects. For the Town of Fallsburg, DE used Infraworks© to create a 3D computerized model of the South Fallsburg sewer plant to help local officials understand the scope of the project and the placement of new facilities and equipment. InfraWorks© is cutting-edge software that helps engineers visualize infrastructure design concepts within the context of the built and natural theSouthprojectdecisionenvironment—improvingmakingandacceleratingapprovals.UpgradestotheFallsburgplantarestillinpreliminarydesignstage,but
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
The Town of Blooming Grove hired Tectonic Engineering Consultants, Geologists & Land Surveyors, D.P.C. for engineering services in connection with their May’s Field Dam removal project. Tectonic deployed an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) or drone to capture a flight video as an alternative to a traditional pre-bid site walk. This was done to maintain social distancing during the bid process and provided a safe environment for the town’s consultants to inform bidders on the details of
ENGINEERING & DESIGN
utilizing this innovative technology will be a powerful tool throughout the design process — from concept to construction.
Delaware Engineering Infraworks©
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The Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) asked Creighton Manning to confirm the volume of the man-made reservoir that they designed. They used survey scanning equipment to confirm a capacity of over 4 million gallons. The primary use of the reservoir is for snow making for the Mount Van Hoevenburg nordic ski trails in Lake Placid.
The Traffic Engineering Group at Creighton Manning uses traffic simulation programs like Synchro to model traffic operations at intersections and corridors. They also used StreetLight data during the Pandemic, a technology that uses smartphones as sensors to measure vehicle, transit, bike, and foot traffic virtually. The software confirms traffic counts, origin-destination data, and other transportation metrics.
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Their Bridge and Highway Design Engineers use computer-aided design and drafting software called MicroStation to build three-dimensional models and drawings of roads and bridges. These models can be used to evaluate alternatives, minimize the environmental impact of a project, and facilitate construction through machine-control technology which uses the digital terrain model (DTM) developed during design.the project’s existing conditions. This UAV video provided the bidders a sense of the route, current site configuration, available future staging areas, and a view of the river and dam. For the dam, this included a 360-degree view of the structure’s surroundings, as well as upstream and downstream limits of work proposed within the river. The footage captured views and conditions that could be seen on foot, including close ups of the dam face and shoreline at the water‘s edge. Feedback from the bidders was so positive that Tectonic is considering using drones for future post pandemic projects.
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Creighton Manning Engineering uses technology every day to provide civil engineering and surveys. Their surveyors use GPS, Electronic Data Collectors, Digital and Auto Levels, Total Stations, and 3D Laser Scanners for field data collection. Recently, Creighton Manning used laser scanning in a railroad tunnel to map the interior walls for modifications necessary to accommodate trains after adjustments were made to the track alignment. They also used GPS in conjunction with depth finders in a boat to provide topographic mapping of underwater features in a water body for a dredging project.
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
May’s Field Dam
— Constance
“Especially during COVID, when banking lobbies were closed except by appointment, customers migrated to online banking.” says Constance Harkin, VP/Marketing at Ulster Savings Bank. “No longer did they need to stand in line at the bank to deposit a check. Through online banking and our mobile app (both free), customers can easily deposit a check by taking its picture. Regular recurring deposits like paychecks can also be set up as a direct deposit from your employer directly into your account.”
Businesses can also take advantage of this time saving innovation right at their office with remote deposit capture services. Need to find a surcharge free ATM? No problem, just search locations on your mobile app or on the website.
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
You can check account balances; transfer funds between accounts or financial institutions; receive,
“Financial literacy is an important component of financial wellness. Technology allows banks to offer on-line education on subjects from home buying to savings that can be viewed on a desktop or a phone-wherever you are.”
Technology has changed how we bank allowing us to support a local institution and still access our money from anywhere— anytime. Ulster Savings Bank, now celebrating its 170th anniversary is the oldest bank in the Hudson Valley, and like any business, they have had to adapt to changing times with the help of technology.
According to Harkin “you don’t even need to carry your debit card if you have it pre-loaded into your mobile wallet on your mobile device. Just point your mobile device at any terminal that accepts Google/Apple Pay and enjoy the convenience of contactless transactions.”
VP/MarketingHarkin
Ulster Savings Bank
BANKING
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schedule and pay bills without the stamp; turn on/off your debit card; set up alerts to monitor your accounts; send secure emails; set financial goals; apply for a loan and more.
If you’re out to dinner with friends and have no cash, you can use Zelle®, a fast, safe and easy way to send money directly between almost any bank accounts in the U.S., typically within minutes. With just an email address or U.S. mobile phone number, you can send money to people you trust, regardless of where they bank.
Mobile Classroom
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Rolling V Bus Corp., Sullivan 180, and Sullivan BOCES partnered to create a classroom on wheels. They renovated a school bus and equipped it with internet service for students without online access. This innovative mobile classroom enables students to learn remotely while being socially distanced. The vision for this project stretches beyond the pandemic. Rolling V and
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Dr. Robert Dufour of BOCES notes that “Any Sullivan County school district can reserve the bus through our cansite.willdepartmentcommunicationsandwedeliverittotheThebusoperatesoffofhotspotsoritbetappedintothebuilding’shigh-speedinternetconnection.”
Innovative Solution Connects Kids to Online Classrooms
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BOCES will offer continued access to schools and organizationscommunitylikeSullivan 180, the Center for Workforce Development, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Sullivan Allies Leading Together (SALT) Coalition, and Sullivan Renaissance. Other options include mobile offices, job fairs, education tours, showcasing of community programs and other projects that benefit to the community. To learn more, contact Sullivan BOCES at (845) 295-4043 or email communications@scboces.org.
EDUCATION
there are certified stroke care neurologists that log in virtually Schiller.Catskillsoftoreducedarrival.15symptomtoED,attendingtostrokeaudiotele-technology.throughThroughandvideo,theneurologistisablecollaboratewiththephysician,theandthenursingteamperformacompleteassessmentwithinminutesofapatient’s“We’veconsiderablythetimeittakesgetthatpatientinfrontaspecialist.”saysGarnetCEOJonathan“Inaddition,ifthe
Tele-Stroke technology program is a collaboration with Westchester Medical’s stroke team. If a patient presents to the emergency department with a stroke,
With telemedicine, you don’t have to drive to the doctor’s office or clinic, park, walk or sit in a waiting room when you’re sick. You can see your doctor from the comfort of your own bed or sofa. Virtual visits can be easier to fit into your busy schedule.
“In terms of the future—we’re now mastering a platform for how to technologically provide these services and now we’re setting up other specialties/cardiologists and gastroenterologists, to begin using the platform that the psychiatrists are using in anticipation of those specialties being able to provide similar patient experiences.”
— Jonathan Schiller, Garnet Catskills CEO
MEDICAL
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Members Using Tech in a Changed World
Health organizations around the country are providing virtual appointments and expanding their telehealth options, particularly in light of the COVID pandemic. Improved technology has made telemedicine easier, even for those who don’t consider themselves computer savvy. More and more health care providers are offering to “see” patients by computer and smartphone.
At Garnet Health Medical Center-Catskills, (formerly Catskill Regional Medical Center) they’ve implemented 3 telehealth programs since 2020 and are a licensed telehealth provider in New York State.
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Catskills outpatient mental health clinic in Harris, the patient population typically has a high no-show rate for appointments, so this has enabled them to significantly reduce the no-show rate as well as patients’ compliance with medications. This allows the psychiatrist, right here at the hospital’s outpatient clinic, to “visit” with all of his/her patients virtually. Appointment compliance is typically in the 90% Thererange.aremany times when a primary care physician will identify a patient who has clinical depression or anxiety that doesn’t require hospitalization but needs a specialist to help them manage medications. This will allow them to refer their patients right there to the tele-mental health service.
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
patient may be a candidate for a clot retrieval, that same team would perform the procedure.”
Garnet Catskills applied for and received a $1.2 million grant from the Federal Government (HRSA) to purchase and run their own tele-program for psychiatry called Tele-Mental Health. This allows the hospital, on overnights and weekends, to have a psychiatrist see a patient in the ED immediately. At Garnet
“We would never be able to afford having five neurologists on staff to cover 24/7 because there’s just not that many consults, but having this service available to us, and within 30 minutes of a consult request… that’s pretty quick, and they are excellent.” Says Schiller.
Last month, they rolled out the Garnet Health app which was developed in-house and lets patients schedule appointments with their doctors. “Within our IT team, we hired one web developer, and 2 app developers, and they worked hand in hand with our marketing team so that the scheduling and pre-registration components on the app mirror the look and feel of what’s on our website.” notes Schiller.
Tele-Neurology is also new. This is for in-patients who aren’t experiencing a stroke, but require the care and oversight of a neurologist. This could be for patients with seizure disorders, advanced Parkinson’s disorders, ALS and all neurological disorders. This third party service, Specialists On Call, features board certified neurologists who can “see” patients in the hospital. They do consults and help direct care for specialty neurology service.
• Smart meters also help utilities manage renewable resources like solar more efficiently.
• By modernizing the grid, O&R will know right away when problems arise, so they can get to work on restoring power even faster.
The smart meter is a digital meter that communicates between residences/ businesses and Orange & Rockland through a secure wireless network.
Area utility companies including Orange and Rockland are installing smart meter technology to provide detailed energy usage so customers can make informed choices about how and when they use energy in their home or business.
These new smart meters are an essential building block to creating a smart grid in O&R’s territory—and to help the state achieve its energy goals:
• Smart meters also allow utilities to read meters remotely. That means no more waiting for a meter reader, and far fewer estimated bills. It also means fewer trucks on the road, reducing carbon emissions and air pollution.
UTILITIES & RENEWABLE ENERGY
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
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• Smart meters will give customers access to near real-time usage so they can conserve and save money; with more options like high-bill alerts and customized energy-saving information.
paired with subject matter expertise can create controls and workflows that paper-based processes simply cannot keep up with. Hornicek has seen software turn months of recovery work into days –eliminating gaps in processes and errors in documentation, which means funds get distributed faster and people get back into their homes. Her goal, and the goal of everyone at Civix, is to make the greatest impact – innovative technology makes that possible.
It is a misconception that in order to participate in Solar savings, you have to have panels installed on your home. Delaware River Solar farms generate solar power that is offloaded back to the utility grid. For example, if the solar farm is built in an O&R or NYSEG territory, those utilities reap the benefits of that offloaded power back to the grid. DRS solar farms house up to 400 homes
SOFTWARE SERVICES
on one farm, so if 300-400 homes subscribe, they receive the benefits from that one farm. There are about 9,000 panels per solar farm that generate energy and it goes into the generated panel box that gets uploaded back to the NYSEG/O&R utility grid. Delaware River Solar works in tandem with each utility they service; including Central Hudson, O&R, NYSEG, RGE and National Grid.
applying technology to traditionally service-oriented efforts, allowing it to streamline and automate processes that typically bog down state and local governments. Civix, which started as a planning firm in 1979, found that pairing their services with software worked as a force multiplier. What began as a way to differentiate themselves in the market has had a major impact on clients. When the immediate response to a disaster is hectic and resources are maxed, technology
Partnership board member Kelsey Hornicek is a Senior Grants Manager with Civix – a public sector software and services firm with clients and offices across North America. She works with states in the long-term recovery phase of natural disasters, helping administer programs aimed at making communities whole. The secret to her team’s success is
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
AllocationProject % ProducesProject303kwh 303AppliedCreditskwh 303 kwh Billed @ Discount5% UTILITY 1 2 3 4 Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 15
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ITAUTOMOTIVE&CYBERSECURITY“Because
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
probably already had the cleanest cars on the market.”
He started expanding his territory; selling cars to people in Philadel phia, Vermont, Buffalo, Rochester, Massachusetts. Seven X was
were sitting home with nothing to do and said, ‘hey let’s take a road trip and let’s go buy this car that we never thought that we could get to begin with.’ “We were getting 300-400 applications each month for cars. It made things a lot easier for us, because now there was no sitting in the dealership for three hours.” Alleva adds. He saw yet another opportunity when New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania DMVs were shut down and people couldn’t register their cars. We handled all the paperwork and got bonded and we’re now a registered PA and NYS DMV and can do all of that in-house, something Alleva says he never would have thought of before the Seven-XPandemic.also became an e-document signing dealership for all contracts which has streamlined the car buying process. A customer can go on the website, fill out an application, get approved and pick up their car all with never having to step foot in the dealership.
reaching customers within a 400 mile radius that they never dreamed of selling to. “Not only were we reaching them, but they were coming to us to pick up their cars. It was like a novelty for people. They
Pre COVID, Eric Alleva of Seven X Motors was on the road four days a week going to new car dealers and auctions to buy trade-ins and used cars throughout upstate NY, PA and NJ. Then in March 2020 — everything screeched to a halt. “All the auctions were closed. All the dealerships were closed. Auction bidding went exclusively online. You couldn’t see the car, couldn’t touch the car, couldn’t drive the car. You didn’t know anything about them so you basically had to bid on them completely blind.” says Alleva. “But I realized quickly, this presented a phenomenal opportunity to sell cars exclusively online.”
Alleva immediately tripled his advertising budget on Facebook and Instagram, promoting contactless delivery. “Everything that the CDC was telling us what to do as far as sanitizing and disinfecting the cars, we were doing that anyway. We
Along with all of this great technology comes some risk, but there IS tech out there to combat cyber-security risks. We’ve all seen the news recently with the cyber-hackings and subsequent
we knew that we weren’t going to get any more people through the door, I borrowed Carvana’s model— buy a car over the Internet. We were up over 18 percent in sales for 2020.”
shutdowns of the pipeline and meat industry. We notice it when the really big companies get hit, but small companies and small businesses are actually much more vulnerable, because they have less security in
place. You don’t hear about the small real estate business that gets hit because it’s not affecting millions of people. But there are layers of protection that small companies can put into place that aren’t cost
— Eric and Faith Alleva Co-Owners of Seven X Motors
going to be alright. But for those ten percent, if they haven’t protected their company or put measures in place to recover, they could be out of business in a heartbeat.”
prohibitive, especially when you weigh it against what it would cost to have your entire business encrypted, have all of your info stolen or get sued because somebody breeched your secure information.
“You have to make sure that you do your updates regularly, have good workstation protection; a second layer of protection that looks for a different kind of threat or one that has SOC (security operations center) associated with it.” adds Shanker.
“A huge part of our job is to protect companies, so they’re not exposed to as much risk,” says Ed Shanker, CEO of Meeting Tree Computer, an IT company out of Salisbury Mills, NY. “If there’s a ten percent chance something terrible will happen to you that’s going to shut you down, that means that if you don’t do anything, ninety percent of the people are
Members Using Tech in a Changed World
“The technical components aside, you have to have the mindset that it’s important.” adds Monique Duci, Meeting Tree’s Business Development specialist, “Don’t be the person that says, ‘It’s not going to happen to me.’ We can set training in place, we can send videos and newsletters out, tech tips etc. everything to make people aware, but you must be of one mindset to make it an important issue at your business. You can’t defend against the person who clicks on the wrong stuff, but you can try to train them and that’s a big part of what we do – training.”
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“That tends to cost a little more but that’s because there are people actually standing by and watching what happens. Getting a firewall is really important and most people don’t have one that’s acceptable.”
UTC Associates, Inc. 150 West 30th Street New York, NY (212)sales@utcassociates.com1001344-4111 Reshape VisitDisruptiveThroughTechnologiesusathttps://utcassociates.comAminoritycertifiedandaGSASchedule70approvedBusinessEnterprise Cyber SolutionsSecurity/SOCandServices TransformationCloud DevOps/Mobility/IoT Workforce Automation& Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) TeleHealth and SolutionsEHR/EMR UTC Associates offers integrated portfolio of technology services to enable clients to navigate their digital transformation strategy with Cyber Security @ core Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202118
Harmonizing Work:
We are all so tired of COVID and its numbing weight and impact across our work, family and personal lives. The essential work of governance and public service has been severely stretched, particularly in hard hit states like New York.
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Physical exhaustion, resource exhaustion, and even moral exhaustion – the fatigue of having to make life and death decisions on behalf of those we love, and are responsible for, have taken their toll.
by Aziz Ahmad CEO, UTC Associates
Using Technology for Optimizing your Career and Personal Well-Being
The Downsides to Technology
In many surprising, even blessed ways, technology has saved the day. This has certainly been true in the face of humanity’s worst pandemic since the 1918 Spanish Flu. Technology has also begun to prepare us for whatever is likely to follow:
And yet, as COVID gradually transforms into a more endemic versus existential threat, its strain is likely to impact our communities, families and individuals for many years to come. Our leadership, physical and mental health are required now more than ever.
For all the good that technology can bring us, there can also be damaging downsides:
The migration to meetings via Zoom, WebEx, Microsoft Team, Facebook Messenger, etc. have helped to maintain continuity in exchanging information, building relationships and negotiating deals.
Harmonizing Work Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202120
• The evolution of Drone-based delivery capacity has enabled entirely new possibilities for the delivery of emergency medications, vital food supplies – far from the original purpose of using drones for military
• The relentless adoption of automation continues to disrupt our comfortable (perhaps less efficient) work-flow habits.
How has technology played a role in our transition to this less social, more isolated life?
• Delivery applications and services have enabled safer food delivery, and have created a new class of jobs.
and other media have helped to remind us of the precautions we need to take in order to protect ourselves.
•applications.NewsApps
• The technology of PPE – masks, gloves, testing, contact-tracing, and most recently, amazing vaccines, have helped us begin to corral COVID.
• We have to prepare for tomorrow, for the ‘Future of Work’; developing actionable tasks, programs, curriculum and campaigns to ensure that our current and future generations are ready for the mounting disruption of automation upon their careers, profes sional development and the future of the traditional way of working.
• Whether at work or home, we have to optimize not only our use of technologies, but also our quality-of-life boundaries.
Technology is neither good nor evil: It depends on how you ‘harmonize’ with it
Harmonizing Work
• On a socio-psycho-health basis, the statistics reinforce the negative impact that extensive use of digital media - television, gaming, social media and telephony – is having on our aggregate mental health.
• The diligent monitoring and protection of our own health, and the mental wellness of our families and employees, must immediately be recognized as equally important as other more conventional bio-physical aspects of an individual’s health.
• Finally, remember that working from home leaves you more exposed to cyber-hacking and other potential risks to your productivity – or worse; COVID has taught state and government employees across the country that caution must be increased wherever you work.
• We have to share the technologies that promote this increased efficiency and autonomy, and make available these upskilling opportunities for all employees and, ultimately, for our constituents.
• The fewer traditional jobs we have, the harder it will be for people to find suitable work unless they are able to adapt.
The global Internet has created far greater access to jobs and the greater digital economy. Fivrr, Freelancer, Uber and AirBnB are all examples of platforms that have helped hard-working people pivot into, and harmonize with, technology to create independent income sources.
• Automation is impacting the nature of work: the more machines assume repetitive tasks, the more conventional jobs will disappear.
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• The more our supply chain depends on robotics and distant sourcing the more at risk we are from disruptions to this supply chain (witness the container ship stuck in the Suez Canal in March.)
• As with business, personal life must also be scheduled and protected regardless of external pressures.
At least for now, there is no ‘evil’ technology. All technologies are deployed as their creators see fit. For the most part, over the centuries, nearly all technology has helped to steadily increase the quality of lives for mankind.
My own Coders Trust, a Bangladesh-based blended ‘learn and earn’ platform, was developed to give the previously disenfran chised the opportunity to learn skills that are in demand globally. We have created revenue, economic freedom and a sense of purpose for tens of thousands of young people that would previously have been relegated to working in ultra-low paying jobs in agriculture or factories.
As we begin to look towards the next stage of human life post this horrific 18-month long pandemic, there are rich lessons to be learned:
Today, Forward
• This will directly impact the ‘structure of meaning.’ Such structures are typically associated with a fulfilling and/or meaningful job plus a relationship to an associated community.
• We have to look to technology as our friend, here to help us become more effective, increase our productivity, and improve our quality of life.
Harmonizing Work
Finally, it is invaluable for all of us to remember the phrase “High Tech, High Touch” as popularized in John Naisbitt’s 1982 MEGATRENDS book, with “High Touch” being our ‘Humanness.’ This thinking is particularly sage as we look to a near future when technology seems bound to becoming its own ‘species,’ jobs likely
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About the author: Aziz Ahmad is an award-winning entrepreneur, CEO, IT architect and philanthropist dedicated to the application of technology for increasing efficien cies, democratizing educational access – and the betterment of humanity. He speaks internationally, with recently presentations including Davos WEF, the European Parliament on AI’s impact on Europe’s future, and at the Vatican as the guest of Pope Francis where he spoke on the future of work.
Technology is nearly always developed to solve a problem. In disrupting the status quo, new challenges are typically created that must be understood and, ideally, anticipated. We have to anticipate where technology is going as it gets ‘smarter.’ For example, we have to develop frameworks to utilize AI to its fullest potential for the betterment of humanity and social good, with skill-readiness, governance, compliance metrics, global adoption and equitable distribution as key considerations. We have to consider the impacts on all who will be impacted and establish guidelines for the advent of even more disruptive technologies, so that they can be harnessed and developed for all rather than for the few!
In the end, we have to protect ourselves, our bodies, our souls, those we love, and perhaps most importantly, our purpose. Technology can help all of us do this if we know who we are, what we want and how to do it in harmony with (and for) others.
Where are we going?
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202122
to become increasingly precious, and the quest for personal meaning, purpose, quality, contributions and community becomes increasingly representative of how we define our existence.
We’re creating a world where “what if” can become “what is.” Our infrastructure is behind the revolutionary technologies that are transforming the way we live, work, and experience the world. With 25 years of experience and an unparalleled national portfolio of towers, small cells, and fiber, we’re bringing the world’s biggest ideas and innovations to the people and businesses that need them.
Our Yourinfrastructure.imagination.Infinitepossibilities.
©2021 Crown CastleCrownCastle.com WITH THE POWER OF COMMUNITY SOLAR As homeowners, renters, and business owners, you have the power to make a difference with no upfront costs. Accepting enrollment for Central Hudson, Orange & Rockland, and NYSEG utility customers. (845) 414-3491 DelawareRiverSolar.com SUPPORT RENEWABLE ENERGY RIGHT HERE IN SULLIVAN COUNTY! Improve the world, and save up to 5% on your energy costs! Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 23
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8 in 10 are “attracting new clients” with CAAS.
• Periodic reporting, data entry and data analysis
Why It’s Time to Invest in Client Accounting and Advisory Services
6 in 10 say CAAS delivers above-par profit margins.
In the ever-evolving world of business, we can often measure our success by our adaptability and willingness to explore innovations and technology. The traditional work-to-cash cycle goes something like this: the bills wait until the end of the month to get taken care of, the manual process results in a lot of waiting, and a poor customer experience. If you’ve experienced team frustration, lost money, dissatisfied customers, or lost time, your process needs some major overhauling. Utilizing outsourced Client Accounting and Advisory Services (CAAS) is the future of work-to cash cycles. It involves auto-drafted, optimized invoices, collections go on “smart autopilot,” and then there is an easy, instantaneous, one-click payment process. What does this mean for your company? It means more satisfied customers, saved time, more fulfilled staff, predictive insight, and a better cash flow. Consider the following survey results from CPA firms that have successfully implemented CAAS offerings:
9 in 10 cite improvements in “client satisfaction.”
Typically, to implement CAAS into your daily operations you’ll need to develop a tech (or app) stack. This is a collection of add-on applications that are designed to satisfy specific functions within a business or firm that are not otherwise handled by the core accounting platform. This stack of applications may then provide automation and efficiency. Some top apps companies are taking advantage of when they build out their own
custom CAAS “tech stack” include Practice Ignition, Karbon, and Zapier. multipleusedandTransactionAdditionally,Pro,Knowify,XtraCHEFcanbetotransformfilesintosimple,
• Conversion of data formats and graphics
So what are you waiting for? You can improve your workflow today by leveraging technology and cultivating growth in previously marginal systems. Change can be intimidating or undesirable. But, avoiding change is one of the biggest pitfalls for companies, where upper management resists changing or improving an internal system. Ultimately, it is your job to take the information you have and show your team the benefits of CAAS to better serve customers and improve the culture of your organization.
consolidated reports.
8 in 10 firms report CAAS “provides superior revenue growth.”
by Jonathan Rouis, CPA
The future of productivity is automation. Transforming repetitive, time-consuming tasks into deep intelligence work (AI work) means your team will be able to work more accurately, gain productivity, boost compliance, cut costs, and gain an edge on your competitors who are wary to adopt and implement change. Some examples of time sucks that you can eliminate to refocus resources and increase your team’s overall efficiency include:
Sources: source: RSM, CPA Trendlines
9 in 10 firms offering CAAS say it’s “important to the firm’s future.”
• Eliminating overly repetitive tasks that employees carry out between 50-60 times a day
• Mass email generation, archiving, extracting
• Process lists and file storage
Jonathan Rouis, CPA RBTPartnerCPAs, LLP 51 Sullivan 845-888-5656Wurtsboro,StreetNY12790 Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 25
8 in 10 confirm CAAS “creates new opportunities.”
• ERP transactions
Taylor Thomas, LAN Associates, Josh Strang & Mike Cadwell, Boyce Excavating
Development In the Know | Summer 202126
This year the Partnership kicked-off its Networking season with four events all selling out within a week of announcement.
Jessica Rovello, Vanessa Olivo, Marc Baez
Thursday!Hello
On April 29 the Partnership welcomed its members at Solaia Restaurant for their Spring Quarterly Meeting sponsored by The Pike Company. Randy Resnick welcomed the 50 guests and Marc Baez, Partnership President and CEO, provided project updates on all things happening in Sullivan County and insight as to what this year has in store.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic
Guest Speaker: Jessica Rovello at Women In Business Event
of developing as a leader to recognize that loud inner voice, that instinct, is what separates me and many many other women leaders. I think It’s our really ornate superpower. And in a business world that thankfully is getting much more equitable, but women can still be condescended to
pleased to showcase the newest “Nest” in the Catskills, / The Old Homestead Restaurant and the Bradstan Boutique Hotel. 110 lucky guests sampled the amazing food from Chef John Botti, enjoyed signature drinks courtesy of our event sponsors, and toured the resort property , farm to table steakhouse and luxury accommodations. Chief Operating Officer Scott Samuelson talked about the completion of the project and introduced the owner, Dan Silna, who welcomed us all to their beautiful property set on 600 acres of forest in Eldred, NY.
spoken over and discounted, I think that listening to and acting upon our instincts can really be used to level the playing field.” — Jessica RovelloBack Row: Cathy Parlapiano & Stefanie Bonfanti, Here’s Help Staffing Front Row: Monique Duci, Meeting Tree Computer, Laura & Brittany Johnson, Owners of SERVPRO Board Members: Kelsey Hornicek, Charlotte VanHorn, Karen Fisher Scott Samuelson, Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, Dan Silna, Owner of The Eldred Preserve April Resnick, Roberta Byron-Lockwood,Debi Levine, Chairman Randy Resnick The Eldred Preserve Event Space Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 27
May 13 the Partnership filled the back patio at Cellio Steakhouse at Resorts World Catskills with 50 influential business-women at the Partnership’s first Women In Business networking event. The evening began with a fiery and enthusiastic address by NYS Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and was followed by an inspirational story of perseverance and grit by a pioneer in the gaming tech sector, Jessica Rovello. The food at Cellaio was perfection and was matched by the service and attention to detail. We will be back! Thank you to our event sponsor Lesley McConnell of TRRAC.
me
, we were
“It’s taken 20 years or
Sullivan PartnershipCountyGrows
GOLD INVESTOR
INVESTOR
Beer World is YOUR world of beer. With over 32 beers on tap, visit the perfect alcohol store near you. Buy the best craft beer in New York at amazing prices and jaw-dropping deals. Titled as ‘monumental’ by Ale Street News, their staff knows beer and is always on their toes to assist you.
At Alston Construction they know that what you’re constructing is so much more than a building. For more than 35 years, Alston has been a true partner, an honest advisor as well as a responsible contractor for their clients. Alston Construc tion offers a diverse background of general contracting, construction management and design-build experience of industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail, and government projects. They take pride in the success that their buildings help their owners achieve. Alstonco.com • 201-776-6914
Founded by Rick Hewitt, an active law enforcement in the Orange County NY area, and a NYS licensed Private Investigator. Retired NYPD Detective/Sergeant with 23 years of service Rick Hewitt possesses a BS in Psychology and has qualifications in Organized Crime Control Bureau Supervisors Investigation, Elite Strategic Training (Supervisor Training), Dignitary Protection Training, Counter Terrorism Training, (FEMA) Active Shooter Training, & much more. Their team of armed/ unarmed guards are made up of Law enforcement officers & New York State licensed Security guards, dedicated to ensuring reliability & quality. BlueEagleSecurity.com • 845-642-8908
Since 1994, Crown Castle has worked around the country to build and maintain the infrastructure behind the world’s most revolutionary technologies. This comprehensive portfolio of 40,000 towers and approximately 80,000 route miles of fiber supports small cells and fiber solutions—giving people and communities access to essential data, technology and wireless service that opens the door to countless opportunities and possibilities. CrownCastle.com • 845-458-7211
EXECUTIVE
BeerWorldStore.com • 914-799-0305
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202128
MediaSolstice.com • 845-202-9199
Founded in 1919, Holt Construction is celebrating 100 years in business with their 3rd generation of Holt family leadership. Holt thrives on its reputation as a quality construction company that maintains its core values and “family” atmosphere while providing the best services to their clients. Holt brings to the market veteran expertise of the construction industry in combination with entrepreneurial attributes allowing them to take great pride in their unique projects and their continuing relationships with clients.
With over customers,6,000Prestige
A full-service marketing and public relations firm based in the Tri-State area. Their staff, with more than 25 years of collective experience, is driven by creative vision, strategic planning, and personal service that allow small- to medium-sized businesses to succeed. Their services are expansive and inclusive to fit any marketing needs.
HoltCCcom • 845-735-4054
INVESTOR Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 29
NBWindow.com • 845-298-3667
One of the most dynamic full-service architectural and engineering firms in the Metropolitan area. LAN has been providing its clients with superior professional services for more than fifty years. They employ over eighty architects, engineers, design professionals, field observers, and administrative staff. LAN is responsible for over $200 million worth of construction per year for educational, hospitality, healthcare, federal, municipal, industrial, ecclesiastical, and private clients.
LanAssociates.com • 201-447-6400
A locally and fam ily-owned premier window and door distributor proudly serving the tri-state area since 2008. They handle both residential and commercial projects. You can either go to their “One Stop Shop Retail Division” which provides the consumer with both product and installation setup, or you can go to their “New Construc tion Division” where they get involved in the architectural plans of new home builds.
Towing & Recovery Inc. has been in business since 1994. They have a proven track record, including a very large AAA contract which cover many areas in Ulster & Sullivan County. Prestige currently has 6 locations in Sullivan County, one of the newest being as little as 3 miles from the Ulster / Sullivan County line. Prestige offers over 35 heavy duty and light duty wreckers and flatbeds, as well as specialized equipment such as rotators, lowboys, and over 25 trailers that can haul any commodity on the highway. They also offer services for body repairs, in house mechanical repairs, fleet vehicle servicing and on road mechanical repairs for heavy duty trucks. 845-794-8522
C.T. Male Associates Engineering, Surveying, Architecture, Landscape Architecture & Geology, D.P.C. is a multidisciplinary consulting engineering firm with a wide range of services including architectural, engineering, surveying, environmental services. Our Poughkeepsie office specializes in clarifying and navigating the regulatory processes of the New York State Brownfield Cleanup Program for our clients. C.T. Male Associates can assist by identifying and applying for funding such as USEPA Brownfield Grants and NYSDEC Brownfield Cleanup Program (BCP) grants. CTMale.com • 845-454-4400
Partnership’s Olivo Graduates from Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress Fellows Program
Did You Miss Advertising in this Issue or would Like to Submit Editorial Content? to worry, our next issue is scheduled contact Jen Cassaro, Director of Membership at cassaro.jen@scpartnership.com Olivo, SCP Beth Bianconi,
Partner at Program.ProgressValley2020-2021participateEngineeringDelawaretointheHudsonPatternForFellowsMeeting
for publication in November. Contact us to see how your business can be included! Please
Randy Resnick Chair Karen Fisher Vice Chair Michael Zalkin Treasurer James Bates Secretary Carlito Holt Kevin McLaren Larry Wolinsky John Brust Gary FredGaryGeorgeCharlotteMattStevenKelseyJonathanGeraldSilverSkodaSchillerHornicekVeglianteDorcasVanHornKinneSchmidtStabbert
Board of Directors
Not
every two weeks from November 2020 to June 2021 this year’s Fellows Program focused on Institutional Racism; its impacts, challenges, and history in the Hudson Valley.
Vanessa
Banking, not-for-profit, municipalities, higher education, state environmental agencies, healthcare, and police departments were some of the many industries represented by those participating. The Fellows program consisted of group discussions, guest speakers and two group projects; Achieving Diversity, Equity & Inclusion in the Hudson Valley, and Community Police Relations. In addition to class time, the two groups worked outside of scheduled class time to create reports and presentations on their respective projects which can be viewed here
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202130
Economic Specialist was nominated by Mary
After completing graduation, Olivo has become a Fellow and is now part of a network with 300 plus Fellows in the Hudson Valley. Congratulations Vanessa!
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 31
Perfect. Fit. Results-oriented and client-centric, we are a leading multi-practice law firm in the Catskills & Hudson Valley. • REAL ESTATE • COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT • LITIGATION • ESTATE PLANNING • BUSINESS LAW 845.794.3833 www.BLSlaw.net Serving the Mid-Hudson and Capital Regions • Commercial Lending • Residential • Recognized Cybersecurity ple Mor tga ge It comes down to People Integrity, Safety, Knowledge www.CHBNY.com (877) CHBNY 15 CHB117_20 bullets/Mont pic Ad clr 8x4.875" .indd 1 10/8/20 9:35 AMSullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202132
Automation is
byPowerhouseProductivity-IncreasingaCassaraWagner,MarketingManagerat
FasTrax Solutions
Automation comes in many shapes and sizes, and has quite the impressive resume. In a nut shell, automation uses different types of technologies to reduce the amount of involvement humans have in processes. Fueled by the natural human desire to get more done in a shorter amount of time, automation has grown to be effective in increasing productivity, reducing costs, and limiting the possibility of human error.
continued... Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 33
The biggest goal in any workplace is to become as efficient as possible without dampening a positive office culture. Generally, with efficiency comes higher productivity and an increase in profits. The first step to increasing efficiency is to eliminate obstacles, but what most employers don’t realize is, introducing automation into a small part of their business can increase efficiency by up to 50%. One of the most common misconceptions of automation is that it leads to job losses, but this is not usually the case. The introduction of automation replaces a small piece of what an employee works on and allows them to focus on their main job responsibilities.
CUSTOMERPAYMENT
system will not only make managing your inventory more efficient, but will provide more accurate inventory counts and prevent overselling and underselling. With the right automated inventory management system you can access real-time inventory counts from anywhere, create suggested orders based on customizable parameters, and have a more accurate ordering and receiving process.
Automation can be used in pretty much every sector of your business, no matter what industry, and how big or small your business is. By automating different aspects of your business, you can focus on what matters the most, building strong customer relationships and making business decisions. Here are some examples on how automation can be used in your business:
•
Finance: to reduce costs and risks with intelligent planning and forecasting Highly automated companies outperform peers, say employees Annual revenue growth 15% or higher Profitability much higher financialExceededcompetitorsthangoals Image credit: Servicenow Automated 32% 23% 16% 10% 33% 25% Manual technology enabled
Most small businesses don’t have an in-house marketing team because of the cost associated with hiring employees, finding local talent, and software. The average cost of a staffed marketing department is $250,000 per year. Let’s compare that number to $10,000-$60,000 per year for hiring an outside agency and implementing automation tools. That’s a big difference! The possibilities of automation in marketing are endless. Automation will close the technology gaps in your marketing strategy and will cost less than what you’re currently paying. Marketing automation can improve tedious processes, innovate your marketing campaigns, and boost your bottom line. Automation can even increase consumer engagement and brand loyalty because of reduced response time of online inquiries. By automating communication such as email marketing and SMS (text marketing) you free up time to focus on nurturing strong leads.
Automation is a Productivity-Increasing Powerhouse
•
•
Think about your inventory or ordering department, the manual entry of data, analyzing data from several different locations, and the amount of human error possibilities. All of this human involvement in the inventory process hinders your businesses ability to scale and grow. Introducing an automated inventory
Production: to increase the quality and output in a supply chain and reduce time
•
Innovation: to help with analyzing insights and generating suggestions
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202134
Logistics: to reduce time and the resources required to complete a process Marketing: to improve the flow of information from brand to consumer
Not sure how to get started with automation technology? Start by looking into your business processes and expenses. Take note of those that could use some help in boosting efficiency and productivity.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 35
• Customer Segmentation
Setup & Website Integration
• Lead Management
• Tracking & Reporting
Automation is the present and the future of the digital marketing industry, and that’s why we use the best tools and people to deliver desired results at amazingly affordable prices.
• Goal Setting & Strategy
• Platform Selection
Relax
There’s a reason why tech-giants like Amazon, Tesla, and Microsoft are aiming towards implementing more and more automation into their workplaces over the next few decades. While these companies have integrated several types of automation and have invested millions of dollars into these programs, it’s important to remember that automation is scalable. Smaller businesses have been able to increase productivity, reduce human error, improve their bottom line, and even build and scale their business with a small team by using automation.
Automation is a Productivity-Increasing Powerhouse 146 Rock Hill Dr., Rock Hill NY 12775 256.319.3470 info@ftxdigital360.com FTxDigital360.com
• Focused Targeting with Automated Marketing
Sales personnel spend a significant chunk of their week sending emails and reminders, entering data into a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platform, researching leads, and drafting proposals and demos. An automated CRM helps salespeople streamline these tedious tasks allowing them to focus on actually selling. Have a leaky sales funnel? Automation gives you the ability to nurture prospects with highly-relevant and useful information across several platforms until they are ready to buy without tying up salespeople. An automated sales process increases the productivity and performance of sales reps, streamlines administrative sales tasks, reduces response time (increases customer satisfaction), and ensures that qualified leads don’t fall through the cracks. It can also allow for an efficient use of an otherwise scarce resource in small businesses, your sales team and budget.
HOW WE CAN HELP YOU
Site/Civil Traffic & Transportation Services Public, Private & Municipal Projects of All Sizes Commercial and Residential 914-592-4040 • www.pderesults.com info@cmellp.com | www.cmellp.com Transportation Engineering Civil ConstructionSurveyingEngineeringInspection Offices in Albany and Westchester NY Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202136
Riding the Digital r/Evolution
This created an incredibly unique opportunity for marketers. It meant that some older techniques needed to be shelved and some new techniques needed to be folded into our business strategy. Have a conversation with the businesses who did well during the pandemic and the majority will tell you they did a digital pivot and rode the storm. Most of them found a way to survive with some hard work and digital ingenuity. Of course, there were some businesses that could not insulate themselves. The tourism industry got hit hard, but many eventually learned to adapt…though let’s take a moment of silence for the businesses that did not survive. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger, they say. Here’s to looking ahead.
them back out again. For others, it might mean archiving those techniques and accepting the digital transformation of their business. It also depends on your industry.
A digital strategy that is poised for success is a holistic approach. Think of it like a clock. If one gear is out of place you aren’t going to get an accurate time of day, or the clock might not work at all. Your website, social media, digital advertising, messaging, emails, branding and even offline efforts, need to all be in sync. If they’re not, we need to recalibrate and sometimes reconstruct. Each and every gear needs to represent your brand, your voice, and speak to the psychographic+demographic+ geographic of your target audience (*whew* that’s a lot of -graphics!). How does your Archetype speak to your customer, and how does it evoke them to connect? That’s the good stuff; the stuff we love, that brands love, and that most importantly, consumers love! When you have that figured out, anything is possible.
by Matthew Dorcas, Capacity Marketing
Back to the unique opportunity. This forced businesses to try something they have been thinking about but were too afraid to take the leap. “Why fix something that isn’t broken, right”? The pandemic pushed them to make choices, tough choices! They discovered that digital not only works, but it’s precise and incredibly efficient. When digital is done systematically, it’s trackable and directly correlates to your return on investment (ROI). When it’s paired with print and direct mail marketing, it can be even stronger. When it’s coupled with a full-service strategy and plan that integrates the brand both offline and on, it’s magical!
Technology - it’s all around us. The fact that you check and answer emails, even if it’s just once a week, means technology is part of your business. When we all had to figure out how to jump on Zoom last year and find the mute button, we learned pretty quickly how technology could play an even bigger role in our businesses.
Digital Advertising can get very expensive very quickly depending on what stage you’re competing on (*ahem* Google, we’re looking at you…). Other techniques might not even make sense for your business. Geotargeting in Sullivan County for example: There just aren’t enough impressions to deliver an ROI, so you need to think outside the box. Where is your target market, really? And where is the best place and time and location to reach them? And here is the one no one wants to hear: Digital transformations for some businesses might mean a complete overhaul. Scary! But what does that even mean?
Matthew matt@capacitymarketinginc.comCapacityPresident/CEODorcasMarketing capacitymarketinginc.com
Digital was a must for many during the pandemic, but now life is getting back to a “new norm”. For our clients, we’ve already begun the important task of assessing their tactics in light of the new shift. This may mean utilizing some of those shelved techniques and bringing
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 37
by John Cappello
3. Identify unique environmental features, i.e. wetlands, important wildlife habitat, etc. so as to avoid disturbing and/or identify mitigation to incorporate to minimize the impact of any such disturbance.
Yes We Can Attract High Tech Development
4. For high-tech development, analyze the broadband capacity and any necessary upgrades.
An important and under-used tool in New York State are the provisions in town, village and general municipal laws that authorize two or more municipalities to enter into inter-municipal agreements, form inter-municipal boards, and prepare a comprehensive plan and GEIS for a potential development corridor that may cross municipal borders. This allows municipalities to share the cost of preparation of the studies and even potentially any infrastructure improvements that facilitate and attract the type of growth desired.
Upon completion of this process, any potential developer will know up front what is expected of them; what improvements will they need to make, if any; what are the parameters for such developments; what features should not be disturbed; and what mitigation measures to incorporate in the development to address important concerns of the community. By injecting some certainty into the process and being proactive, it is much more likely that the municipality will attract the type of development it desires and the developer will be rewarded by the substantial reduction in the time it takes to obtain its land use approvals.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202138
Additional potential sources for funding this planning process and/or identified infrastructure improvements, are local or county IDAs, and grants from New York State and/or federal sources. Finally, the New York State SEQRA regulations allow a municipality to charge a portion or all of the cost for preparation of GEIS to any developer coming in who will take advantage of the new comprehensive planning and GEIS.
2. Analyze existing and potential improvements to increase capacity of sewer and water infrastructure.
The place to start in any municipality is to identify what areas of the municipality can best accommodate commercial growth. The next step is to review the existing comprehensive plan. Depending on when that plan was last reviewed you may only need to amend or add a supplement to the current plan to focus on that one particular area in which you want to encourage and believe you can accommodate growth.
When you consider that comprehensive plan update or supplement you are required to comply with the New York State Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). While this may seem daunting the good news is you can use this comprehensive plan supplement to serve or be accompanied by a Generic Environmental Impact Statement (GEIS). Once the process is completed, no further SEQRA compliance is required for subsequent site-specific developments (i.e. high-tech projects) that are in conformance with the conditions and thresholds established in that GEIS.
All of this takes a leap of faith by a municipality. However, by taking that leap and being proactive, Sullivan County communities can greatly increase opportunities to attract development that will provide decent jobs and a sustainable community for years to come.
When most people think of the land use and zoning process in New York State, the picture that comes to mind is a stop sign, or at the very least a significant delay sign. However, there are some tools available in the New York land use and zoning laws that can be used by municipal governments to streamline the process to help attract the types of high-tech development discussed in this edition.
John Cappello- Partner Jacobowits & Gubits
His primary areas of practice have been land use and municipal law since 1988.
1. Determine additional traffic that can be accommodated by existing road structure and/or with certain road improvements.
Through this process a community can proactively conduct tests and studies that can, for example:
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 39
4 6 9 5 12 15 2 13 14 1 Monticello Castleton Jeffersonville Middletown Goshen NewburghNewWindsor Wurtsboro 8 onMemberstheMap 10 15 11 3 OHIO7 Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202140
9 Jeff Bank Bank/Financial Institutions jeffbank.com 845-482-4000 4864 Jeffersonville,NY-52 NY 12748
1364 Route 9 Castleton, NY 12033
1000 Wurtsboro Mountain Road Wurtsboro, NY 12790
6 Garnet Health Medical Center Catskills Hospital & Health Care crmcny.org 845-794-3300
Ever wonder where our members are located?
From Pennsylvania to Albany, they’re not just from Sullivan County! Each issue, we’ll be calling out members from all over the map.
10020 Aurora Hudson Road Streetsboro, OH 44241
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 41
12 MDL Excavating & Landscaping LLC Excavating & Landscaping mdlexcavating.com 845-741-5713
7 Geis Construction Design Build Construction geiscompanies.com 216-218-3508
15 Ulster Savings Bank Financial Services ulstersavings.com 845-294-7922 3 Coates Drive, Suite 6 Goshen, NY 10924
17 Computer Drive W Albany, NY 12205
11 McGoey, Hauser & Edsall Consulting Engineers, P.C. Engineering www.mhepc.com 845-567-3100
13 Paychex Payroll & HR Services paychex.com 845-490-5525 440 New Vernon Road, Middletown, NY 10940
10 Law Office of M.L. Zager, P.C. Law Firm mzager.com 845-794-3660 461 Monticello,BroadwayNY 12701
3 CCA-FERCA-SMACNA Commercial Contractor’s Association ccahv.com 845-562-4280 330 Meadow Avenue Newburgh, NY 12550
14 Perreca Electric Co., Inc. EleCtrical Contractor perreca.com 845-562-4080 520 Newburgh,BroadwayNY 12550
33 Airport Center Drive, Suite 202, New Windsor, NY 12553
2 Bohler Engineering MA, LLC Engineering, Land Surveying & Mapping bohlerengineering.com 518-438-9900
68 Harris-Bushville Road Monticello, NY 12701
4 Cooper Arias LLP Accounting cooperarias.com 845-796-1800 892 Monticello,NY-17B NY 12701
5 Delaware Valley Job Corps./ Adams and Associates Inc. Job Corps Training delawarevalley.jobcorps.gov 845-887-5400 9368 Callicoon,NY-97NY 12723
1 A.Servidone Inc./ B. Anthony Construction Heavy Civil Contractor asibacc.com 518-732-7773
8 Granite Associates Private Investment Company 845-295-2780 PO Box 311 Liberty, NY 12754
Because of Jeff Bank’s long history as a community bank, we have an understanding of the local economy unmatched by newer or larger banks With the help of our seasoned commercial bankers, such as Heinrich Strauch, Vice President and Commercial Loan Officer, your business will receive the reliable and personalized financial services you need
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202142
Jeff Bank...
Still Banking Strong!
Franklin Trapp, Producer of The Forestburgh Playhouse in Forestburgh, NY, has been an active member of the local arts community by helping local artists develop their talents and providing quality entertainment to residents and area visitors.
Your place or our s
To start receiving the financial support your business deserves, call (845) 482 4000 and make an appointment with one of our banking professionals today
Helping local businesses for over 100 years!
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(845) 482 4000 • www.jeff.bank
Civil / Site EnvironmentalPlanningComplianceandRemediationEnvironmentalPermittingandEcologicalServicesGeotechnicalEngineeringStructuralEngineeringSurveying,MappingandConstructionStakeout3DLidarScanningSpecialInspectionsandMaterialsTestingProud to serve as a Sullivan County Partnership Gold Sponsor CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 70 Pleasant Hill Road Mountainville, nY (800) 829-6531 www.tectonicengineering.com Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 43
Karen Fisher
our Sullivan Catskills has become the place that I used to leave here for.
How long have you lived in Sullivan County?
Hometown: Methuen, MA
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202144
Fun Fact: I’m on a mission to visit every major league ballpark. Eight down, 22 to go! A
Education: Centenary College, BA Communications, Hackettstown, NJ
I have to admit I was hesitant because I had always wanted to do some work for the Partnership and I thought, “Well, if I’m sitting on the board then I can’t do work for them,” but I learned that that wasn’t the case at all, and in fact this organization supports its members and that’s why you need to be here. It’s all about connections.
How long have you been on the board?
So, what made you say yes?
I was really unhappy at first living in Sullivan County. I grew up a suburban Boston girl and there was just no life happening here. Michael and I would leave almost every weekend to find things to do. We would weekend in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Massachu setts. But I love living here now, because
Hobby: Travel, Tennis
Doing more business with people in Sullivan County and the region really was my primary motivation to join, but it’s not always about the money or the job. The older, and dare I say wiser I get, it morebecomes
Board Member SpotlightQ
I was a board appointee by board chair Jonathan Drapkin, in 2000. I think that except for Jerry Skoda and Gary Schmidt, I may be the longest standing board member.
FisherMearsPresident Marketing Communications
I moved to Sullivan County 40 years ago in 1981 from Hackettstown, NJ when my husband— then a college professor at Centenary College— took a position as Professor and Media Center Director at SUNY Sullivan two weeks before the start of the semester. I was fresh out of college, with a Communications degree, no job prospects, and living in a garden apartment in Liberty watching soap operas every day. Thankfully in 1982 we met Mike Egan, the director of programming for Alan Gerry’s Cablevision Industries. I was hired as a copywriter for the company and worked in the marketing department for 15 years until the company was sold. And with that came the opportunity to start FisherMears Marketing Communications.
Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 45
technology has sped up the process in every aspect. We can put a job to bed from start to finish in sometimes as little as ten days where, previously it could take months. The Internet has been amazing. We used to have to send proofs out by FedEx or UPS and would have to build time into our production calendars to accommodate that. Now it’s almost instantaneous. The disadvantage of that is that I think it does take away from personal connections, but ultimately technology has increased productivity and also gives us more time and availability to take on more clients.
How about a new member of the partnership in general-how would you tell him/her to make the best use of their membership?
Beyond efficiency which allows us to take on more work, being connected with all our Mac devices— desktop, iPads, iPhones — allows us to work wherever we are. It increases productivity of course, but doesn’t tie us to a desk, giving us more freedom. Instead of WFH (work from home) it’s becoming WFA (work from anywhere).
Technology has made us more efficient than we ever used to be. In my business of marketing communications and advertising,
important to me and feels better to connect people and that benefits us all when we all support one another and support new, incoming projects.
What is the biggest accomplishment since you’ve been on the board?
Ask questions. Ask how you can help, how you can get involved. Attend our events. Suggest to other friends or business associates for them to join the partnership as well. It goes back to the old saying that many hands make light work.
Finish this statement:
As a board member, it’s part of my responsibility to support new economic development projects; for example by attending public hearings to counter the “Not in my backyard” mentality. It comes from a belief or philosophy that’s part altruistic and part pro-economy.
What ways do you use technology to your advantage?
If you were to sit down with a new member of the board, what advice would you give them?
Get to know people, make connections, learn from one another. It’s one of the best ways to do business. It’s one of the best ways to get work and to connect to other people.
it’s in our DNA. But what if tourism all fell apart tomorrow? Luckily it hasn’t. Tourism like many industries has had its ups and downs, but it always comes back. Still, we realize that having all your eggs in one basket isn’t always the best approach. Attracting more light manufacturing, e-commerce companies and the like comes with the challenge of convincing them that Sullivan County is not as far away as they think. That’s the next big marketing hurdle we’ll look to tackle.
I think the role that the Partnership played in helping get some of our recent big projects off the ground was hugely important— Resorts World Catskills, Kartrite Resort and Indoor Water Park, Yo1. Even if you’re not necessarily the attractor, you can still play a role in economic development connecting new companies to the local business community, who they need to see and what they need to do to get necessary approvals. We didn’t go out and attract these companies, they did their due diligence, but our role in shepherding those projects is equally as important. We’re always there ready to help, always ready to lend a hand.
“I love living and working in Sullivan County because……. Because it feels like home. It’s a fun place to be. I can still make business connections and it doesn’t matter where I work or where I live, I can do business with anybody because of technology. Technology has allowed me to work where I love to live.
What are the challenges?
One of our challengesbiggestisdiversifyingourSullivanCatskillseconomy.Yeswe’retourism-based,
Upcoming
Events 27th PartnershipAnnual Meeting October 7th, 2021 Location - TBD Construction Cluster Meeting Coming in November Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development In the Know | Summer 202146
IICOMMERCIALNDUSTRIALNVESTMENTREAL ESTATE SITE SELECTION Serving Sullivan County TEAM RJ Randrandcommercial.comSMITHCommercial55MainStreetPOBox668Pine Bush, New York 12566 845-744-2095 info@randcommercial.comoffice RJ Smith NYS Licensed RE Broker rj@randcommercial com John Lavelle NYS Licensed RE Broker john.lavelle@randcommercial.com Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development | 845.794.1110 | SCPartnership.com 47
