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Bottom Line The
FEBRUARY 2013
Legislative update to be provided at Breakfast Message From The Chair.............................2 Member Spotlight.....................................2 Small Business Partner of the Month.............. 3 International Women’s Day ........................ 3 Message From The Chamber President ............4 Smart Card Deals .....................................5 Upcoming Events...................................6-7 Member News ...................................... 8-9 New Members ...................................10-11 Ribbon Cutting Pictures ........................12-13 The Chamber Foundation.......................... 14
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eaders of The Business Council of New York State will provide insight into Governor Andrew Cuomo’s 2013 agenda at the Contact Breakfast on Wednesday, February 20 from 7:30-9 a.m. inside the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel and Conference Center. The Business Council PresiBRICCETTI dent & CEO Heather Briccetti and VP, Government Affairs Ken Pokalsky are expected to touch on an overview of Cuomo’s budget,
priority legislative issues on the upcoming calendar, ways to increase grassroots participation in business advocacy and much more. Briccetti became President & CEO of The Business Council in January 2012. She joined the organization in 2007 when she was named vice president of government affairs. In that position, she worked to drive the organization’s pro-jobs agenda. Prior to joining The Business Council, Briccetti worked as a consultant and lobbyist for Powers and Company and as special counsel to then-Attorney General Cuomo. Pokalsky, with The Business Council in various capacities since
SBA Days ............................................. 16
Working to create economic growth, good jobs and strong communities across New York State. For more, go to bcnys.org
1982, is responsible for management of The Business Council’s government affairs staff and the Council’s POKALSKY overall legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts; he is also directly responsible for the Council’s lobbying on economic development and taxation issues. He has served on numerous state advisory panels, and is currently a member of the state’s Business Taxpayer Advisory Committee. Hudson Valley Heart Center proudly sponsors the February Contact Breakfast. In addition to the keynote, not-for-profit members Mill Street Loft, CareNet Pregnancy Center and Dutchess ARC will also be in attendance. Chamber members are invited to attend at a cost of $20 with advance reservations. Non-members and guests are welcome for $30. Visit dcrcoc. org to RSVP.
Contact Breakfast Sponsored by:
Canned goods needed The Chamber’s Membership Ambassador committee is continuing its food drive each month at the Contact Breakfast. To date more than 225 items have been collected for Dutchess Outreach. Please check dutchessoutreach.org to see what is needed and consider making a donation by bringing these non-perishable items to the Breakfast.
Get glimpse of spring at special Business After Hours
NEW WEBSITE DCRCOC.ORG
stock. From perennials and ground covers to vines, shrubs and trees, they have plants and flowers for every outdoor setting and are consistently ranked among the top 100 independent lawn and garden retailers in the nation. Integrated Enterprise Solutions proudly sponsors the February Business After Hours. IES is a full-service computer consulting
Firmbach & Firmbach Certified Public Accountants
company that uses their global experience to provide cutting-edge business technology solutions, made personal. Their goal is to provide a creative, innovative, and proactive approach to address all customers’ technical needs while building a long-term and sustainable relationship. Even though there is no cost to attend Business After Hours, reser-
vations are required. To RSVP, visit dcrcoc.org or call Whitney at 845454-1700 ext. 1000. Business After Hours Sponsored by:
A Fa m i l y A c c o u n t i n g p r a c t i c e Our family has been serving the Hudson Valley’s Accounting needs for the last 50 years.
Call and ask for Karl or Rudy 845-454-5440 w w w . F i r m b a c h C P A s . c o m
PK-0000100423
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ith spring just around the corner, Chamber members and their guests are invited to Business After Hours to enjoy the first look at Adams Fairacre Farms’ new Garden Center at their Wappingers store located on Route 9. The complimentary networking event takes place on Thursday, February 28 beginning at 5 p.m. and continuing until 7. Passed hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar will be available. Adams has the Hudson Valley’s largest selection of quality nursery