Sullivan County Business Edge June 2014 by Sullivan County Democrat/Catskill-Delaware Publications

S U M M E R

2 0 1 4

Partnership Helps lead Casino INSIDE: Push in Albany President’s Message page 2

Mohegan Sun CEO Mitchell Grossinger Etess, right, visited Sullivan County last week to discuss his company’s plans for a casino at the Concord. With him was Cliff Ehrlich, Mohegan Sun’s local consultant.

s the deadline for applications fast approaches – only 10 days from today – the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development is still hard at work, rallying local support and making sure our two remaining applicants have all the support they need. “It has been a very busy six

months,” Sullivan County Partnership President and CEO Marc Baez said. “Our team has worked hard to insure that all of our casino projects have as much local support as possible.” The Partnership teamed up with the Sullivan County Visitors Assn. and Sullivan County

.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand announced a $84,975 federal grant for The Center for Discovery in Harris. This investment, allocated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Rural Health Network Development Planning Grant Program, will be used to expand telemedicine services to adults and children with autism and severe disabilities living in rural areas. In July 2011, Senator Gillibrand toured the

Chamber of Commerce to enlist local businesses and individuals to write letters of support for inclusion in the applications. A $29,000, 205-page study detailing the Strategic Geographic/Economic Advantage Analysis was also commissioned by the Partnership on behalf of the Sullivan County Legislature, who funded the effort. “It is clear from the study that Sullivan County will circulate the most money the fastest and have the biggest impact on New York State’s economy [by siting casinos here],” Baez said. “The study only looked at six counties where casinos are currently proposed – Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, Albany, Rensselaer and Tioga. The last three counties are not competing with Sullivan County for a casino license. As Orange County’s casino players continue to push forward, the Acting Director for the New York State Gaming

Commission, Rob Williams, wrote a letter to New York State Senator John Bonacic stating, “I firmly believe any conclusion that Orange County has a competitive advantage over Sullivan County is just plain wrong. “For those proposed locations that are more affluent, a project would have to provide a considerably greater overall direct and residual economic benefit to the host municipality and surrounding region than a smaller project sited in a disadvantaged region,” Williams’ letter continued. Sullivan County’s economy is “among the most challenged in the state,” Williams continues. “A lower investment in Sullivan County could have a higher impact on economic need than a larger investment [in Orange].”

Roscoe Beer installs new brew system page 4 New small engine shop extolls Partnership’s role page 6 Catskills Farm knows meaning of ‘shop local’ page 8 DeFilippi’s Bakery expands to meet need page 10 Delaware Valley Job Corps improves National rank page 12

The Study “There is a lot of information in the study which we all

continued on page 3

ND Pro Media wins top advertising award page 14

Center for Discovery Gets Federal Grant center, meeting with program participants and discussing opportunities for the Center to grow. “I have seen firsthand the great work of The Center for Discovery,” said Senator Gillibrand, who visited the facilities in 2011. “They offer individuals with disabilities innovative educational, clinical, residential and social and creative arts experiences designed to enrich their lives through personal accomplishment. With autism affecting more and more American

children, The Center for Discovery provides initiatives to help improve the lives of children and families living with autism.” “We see great potential for this project to not only reduce overall costs but more importantly to increase care coordination and better meet the health care needs of children and adults with significant developmental disabilities and their families,” said Patrick H. Dollard, President and CEO of The Center for Discovery.

Currently, individuals in need of services in rural areas have to make long, costly trips to care centers. The Center for Discovery is addressing the shortage of specialty care, primary care and mental health professionals. They will use the funding to support development of the tele-medical home network program, including a cost analysis and needs assessment as well as education and training to fund research and fill the need for specialty care, primary care, and mental health professionals.

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

believe this will fundamentally change the trajectory of the Catskills,” he said. The energy at Bethel revitalize “Upstate New York”. Woods that day was Fair enough. We knew where casinos extraordinary. “Developers belonged; we have been dealing with gear up. We scramble for every benchmark promulgated during the support with the underfight to pass the legislation last fall for the standing that it is critical better part of two decades. So we rallied to the process. We have once again, businesses, economic develextraordinary projects that CEO/President Marc Baez opment groups, politicians and residents for the most part have alike to push and help get the legislation completed all of the necessary approvals to passed. But for our neighbors in Ulster be ready for the fall; after all a decision County, the New York State Small Business would be made around that time. Then we Council staffers, Assemblyman Gary Pretlow are presented news that developers are and Senator John Bonacic, I am not sure I flooding into Orange County. Really? Are recall anyone else following us across the they Upstate? To make it even worse the state making the public case for the passage clarifications of the siting board are seemingof this proposition. At the time this could ly making it easy for those newcomers with have been viewed as expected since we a much lower than expected minimum were one of the few that stood to benefit the investment requirement and a window to most. catch up to our developers relative to the Passage complete; the Governor comes to environmental approvals process. We are still our small county for his victory stop! “I strong as our projects are ready now and

Far from Over,…Support Needed through to the end

To the People:

As we enter the final weeks before casino applications are due on June 30, it is important to take stock of where we were one year ago and the road the process has taken us down. A year ago the broad discussion of the possibility of casinos was not a primary topic at the Sunday breakfast table. While there had been stories of Senator John Bonacic pushing to get legislation back on the radar behind the scenes, and all of the politics that goes with that, externally most people viewed it as just another reach to put forward a dying issue with little chance of succeeding. Our friends in Orange County quibbled “there you go with that casino talk again…..it would be nice if you got it but….”. Now the irony is forbidding, as the ‘horse trading’ there has been frantic. We were asked to support proposition 1 under the pretext that this legislation was geared to

JUNE, 2014

bring in revenues much sooner, right? Not so fast. Today financing becomes the next hurdle as investors become uneasy about projects closer to New York City. Two drop out. The Capital District loses projects as well. But it is not over yet. The decision will be made this fall. We have extraordinary projects that we will continue to support and we continue to work hard to ensure our projects succeed. The State has said there will be time for public comment during the process. While we do not know exactly when that will occur, when it is announced, we are counting on all to come out and voice your support for our projects. Sullivan County is the best place for resort destination casino projects.

Sincerely,

Marc Baez President, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

Published by Catskill Delaware Publications, Inc.

Call for location of our mobile office or visit www.catskills.com PO Box 405 • Mongaup Valley, NY 12762 845-791-4200 • Fax 845-791-4220

One Cablevision Center Ferndale, NY 12734 845-295-2603 • Fax 845-295-2604

Sullivan County Visitor’s Association 100 Sullivan Ave. • Ferndale, NY 12734 845-747-4449 • Fax 845-747-4468 www.scva.net

P.O.Box 308, Callicoon, NY, 12723

845-887-5200

15595

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development 198 Bridgeville Road • lMonticello, NY 12701 845-794-1110 • Fax 845-794-2324

Publisher: Fred Stabbert III Advertising Director Liz Tucker Marketing Director Laura Stabbert Designer Rosalie Mycka Advertising Representatives Cecile Lamy, Barbara Matos Advertising Coordinator Sandy Schraeder Production Associates Tracy Swendsen, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin Business Manager Sue Owens, Jasmine Rivera, Patricia Beidinger Distribution Bill Holmes

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Partnership Push in Albany

knew,” Baez acknowledges, speaking of the county’s high unemployment rate, sizable tax burden, low salary levels and bottom-in-the-state health rankings. But he points to how those “disadvantages in this case are the advantages” – in that the struggles of Sullivan County make it a prime candidate for the kind of economic development casinos could bring. “Obviously,” says Baez, “we need the investment in Sullivan County more than any other county.” Researchers from Capacity Business Consulting, which performed the analysis, note that this “is not a casino feasibility study and assumes the feasibility ... of the casino in each county is equal.” Rather, “the purpose ... is to determine which county (not which casino) would benefit the state the most as a location for one or more casinos.” The top two measurements are “marginal propensity to consume” and “velocity of money.” “Simply put, the county whose people are most likely to get the biggest bump in income from a casino and spend it the fastest is the county that will most likely fulfill the intent of the legislation and benefit the state the most,” say analysts. The study determines that place is Sulli-

van County, where the average wage is $31,483 a year, the lowest of the six studied counties. If a casino arrives locally and employs someone making that average wage, researchers say his/her income could climb to a point ($36,237) where he/she could spend another $903 in the local economy – aka the “marginal propensity to consume.” Only Ulster County was close to Sullivan, with a casino job there possibly giving the average worker the ability to spend an additional $708 a year. The average Orange County worker might see a $112 increase in spending ability, say researchers, while Albany, Rensselaer and Tioga County casino workers would theoretically make less than their counties’ average salaries. “What it means is the impact of those dollars will be greater here than in other areas,” explains Baez. “The bigger the propensity to consume and the higher the velocity of money,” say researchers, “the bigger the positive economic impact.” They link that to potentially higher graduation rates, better health and less crime – a plus not just for Sullivan but for New York. “Any improvements in these areas has the potential to lower the state’s costs for things

BUSINESS EDGE

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

like school aid, Medicaid and State Police,” they write. Baez said the analysis will be used by the Partnership and possibly by the Legislature and local casino developers to press the case that Sullivan County should be the state Gaming Commission’s choice for up to two casino licenses. Ranking Sullivan’s strengths The study categorizes its findings into three rankings: strong arguments, medium arguments, and weak arguments for siting a casino in Sullivan County. Under “Strong”: • A current and longtime unemployment rate and a homeowner vacancy rate that are higher than the five other studied counties • A labor force participation rate, average salary, educational achievement level, health ranking and residential median home sale price that are lower than the five other counties • A property tax rate (as a percentage of income) that’s higher than four of the five other counties (only Orange is higher) • Statewide, the highest percentage of “yes” votes on the state’s casino referendum in November, plus the second-lowest percentage of blank

votes • Existing resort sites ready to be adapted for reuse as casinos Under “Medium”: • Of the six studied counties, Sullivan had the second largest percentage decline in labor force between 1990 and 2014 • The lowest per-capita income, currently and in the past 50 years, of the six counties • The third-highest property tax (as a percentage of home value) and property crime rate • The least dense traffic of the six counties • The second-closest of the six to the major NYC market (Orange being the closest) (Notably, on this point researchers wrote that “the state would benefit the most from a casino in Orange County, as it is closest to the three biggest competitors and could potentially pull money from New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania into New York.”) Under “Weak”: • Sullivan County is not alone nor unique, when compared to the other five counties, in experiencing natural disasters that hurt the economy • The distance between existing casinos and proposed counties was deemed irrelevant, as the study assumes that each of the six counties will

15593

JUNE, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

Roscoe NY Beer Co.:

New brew system means more beer, new styles ore beer will be flowing out of Roscoe this spring. In addition to its flagship beer, Trout Town™ American Amber Ale, Roscoe NY Beer Co. will begin distributing new styles of beer throughout the area. The installation of the new brewing system in early May has allowed for production of new brews on a larger scale. Kegs of the new beer will be sold to local bars and restaurants, and customers will be able to purchase growler fills at the company’s Rockland Road retail store. Michigan-based Psycho Brew, LLC is manufacturing and installing the new five-barrel system. “We’ve had a great response from customers to our small batch pilot brews,” said Josh Hughes, Roscoe NY Beer Co.’s onsite brewmaster. “We wanted to meet that demand and continue offering new and unique styles to customers and local

establishments on a larger scale.” The new system will make it possible for the company to produce a wider variety of beer styles, and in larger quantities, than their current system allows. No official production schedule has been released, but Hughes suggested that a blackberry Hefeweizen could be in the works, and that their recently sold-out India Red Ale would likely make a comeback. According to Hughes, the decision to go with a Psycho Brew system was an easy one. “Within five minutes of our first phone call, I knew they were a perfect fit for us,” said Contributed Photo

Roscoe NY Beer Co. recently installed a Psycho Brew system consisting of five barrels. It will enable the company to brew more and different types of beer.

Joseph N. Garlick Funeral Home Inc. Exclusively Serving the Jewish Community Jewish Owned & Independently Operated

647-7747

388 Broadway Monticello

186 Canal St. Ellenville

www.josephngarlickfuneralhome.com

13312

794-7474

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Hughes. “Everything is hand made in the U.S. to the highest quality, and the owners and workers are phenomenal individuals to work with.” Since 2010, Psycho Brew has grown from a small start-up company to an international equipment supplier. It specializes in brew systems, tanks, and kettles for home-brewers and largescale beer producers alike, and all equipment is hand-built in Michigan using American stainless steel. The system boats new glycol-chilled fermenters to help control the temperature of beer, which will enable Roscoe NY Beer Co. to brew a broader range of styles for distribution to local establishments. While they will not be bottling on-site, growlers of the new styles will be available. Roscoe NY Beer Co.’s BrewMagic System, purchased earlier this year, will still be on-hand and used to not only test new recipes, but also for use at Home Brew Club meetings. Members of the Home Brew Club will be able to bring, brew, and test their recipes on the old system for potential cultivation into the Trout Town™ brand of beers.

The new brewing system opens up greater opportunities for the Home Brew Club members to experiment with recipe ideas and styles on the old system. RBC’s inaugural brew, Trout Town™ American Amber Ale, pours a deep amber color, with a clean nose, balanced hops and malt, and ends with a light citrus finish. As a nod to tradition, this style of beer was typically brewed around New York State during the early 1900s. Roscoe Beer Co.’s initiative is to remain true to American beer-making traditions which have evolved from their early European ancestors. With an aggressive plan in place, Trout Town™ American Amber Ale’s distribution continues to grow from its hometown-only point of sale. Since its debut on the market in late April, the brew is now widely distributed throughout Sullivan County, as well as the region. To get the most up-to-date information about Roscoe Beer Company, visit www.RoscoeBeerCompany. com, and follow on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn.

Andrew Scott and Jennifer Clark, owners of Eminence Road Farm Winery in Long Eddy, rely on Jeff Bank for their business banking.

JEFF BANK... Helping local businesses for 100 years! Jeff Bank has been a loyal partner to area businesses since 1913. Today, with the help of our seasoned commercial bankers, your business receives the kind of quick, reliable financial service you need. Because of our long history as a community bank, we have an understanding of the local economy unmatched by newer or larger banks. To start getting the financial support your business deserves, call 845 /482.4000 and make an appointment with one of our banking professionals – your place or ours.

www.jeffbank.com

10857

JUNE, 2014

• www.facebook.com/jeffersonvillebank

BLOOMINGBURG • CALLICOON • ELDRED • JEFFERSONVILLE • LIBERTY • LIVINGSTON MANOR LOCH SHELDRAKE • MONTICELLO • NARROWSBURG • WAL-MART • WHITE LAKE • WURTSBORO

WE OFFER COMPLETE INSURANCE PROGRAMS Personal Coverage • Boats • Automobile • Homeowners

• Umbrella Policy • Valuable Property

Business Coverage Merrell Benco www.mbagency.com 796-1500

• Liability, Fire, Crime, Marine • Worker’s Compensation • Package Policies • Business Automobile

Lawrence Miller associates www.lbmillerinsurance.com 292-2100

67 East Broadway, Monticello, NY

13331

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Apple’s Small Engine Repair:

New owners, new name, same quality service

Doug Abplanalp’s business partner Erin Edwards helps customers at one of the newly renovated showrooms off of the business’s main entrance.

JUNE, 2014

un by local businesswoman Meg Bartow under the name Roger’s Small Engine for nearly 40 years, the 185 Lake Street, Liberty, small engine repair shop has new owners and a fresh new name. In mid-April, Liberty native Doug Abplanalp took over the operations at the old Roger’s Small Engine, dubbing the business Apple’s Small Engine Repair. As Abplanalp tells it, “I walked in one day to buy a lawn mower and Meg says to me, ‘You really need to buy this place because I’m going to be closing the doors by January 1.’ ” Along with partner Erin Edwards, Abplanalp has made many customer friendly upgrades to the longstanding business, including new flooring, showroom lighting and more. But Abplanalp has also kept some things at Apple’s the same – namely his workforce, much of which is carried over from the Roger’s Small Engine days. One of the carryovers is parts man Kevin Hart, who as Edwards put it “was part of the deal.” “He’s [Hart] so important here that he gets no vacation time or days off,”

Story and Photos by Eli Ruiz

JC the pooch takes a nap as head mechanic Jamie Weizenecker works on an engine. Edwards jokingly added. Abplanalp, though, was sure to mention the important roll the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development and its CEO, Marc Baez, played in making the deal to purchase his second Liberty business (Abplanalp also owns a physical therapy practice

Ellenville (845) 647-4408

| Newburgh (845) 391-8360

Community Revitalization • Water / Sewer Engineering Planning / Zoning Board Review Services • Environmental Consulting Bridge Design • Grant Writing Construction Administration and Inspection • Green Infrastructure Municipal Facilities Engineering • Recycling/Composting/Solid Waste

www.bartonandloguidice.com 10840

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

This artist’s rendering shows the EPR/Concord Resort proposed layout in Kiamesha Lake.

C O N S U L T I N G E N G I N E E R S , P . C . 33 Airport Center Drive Suite 202 x New Windsor, New York 12553 x (845) 567-3100 111 Wheatfield Drive Suite 1 x Milford, Pennsylvania 18337x (570) 296-2765

CIVIL MECHANICAL ELECTRICAL STRUCTURAL ENVIRONMENTAL MUNICIPAL LAND PLANNING PROJECT ADMINISTRATION CONSTRUCTION SERVICES

15115

Dedicated Professionals Committed To Providing Quality Engineering

Save Yourself This Tax Season

n enrolled agent (EA) can be a real lifesaver at tax time. Unlike other tax preparers, enrolled agents are

federally licensed and have unlimited rights to represent taxpayers before the IRS. They must go through strict testing and application procedures and complete ongoing continuing education to achieve the unmatched expertise they offer you today. So, before you get in over your head, put an enrolled agent on your side.

Atkins and Garone

<RXU ÀUP·V ORJR DQG FRQWDFW LQIRUPDWLRQ VKRXOG 292-0065 EH SODFHG ZLWKLQ WKH JUD\ ER[ DUHD 7KH JUD\ ER[ Craig E. Atkins, E.A. and Laura A. Garone, E.A. 6+28/' 127 35,17 1864 State Route 52, Liberty, N.Y.

12467

McGOEY, HAUSER and EDSALL

Enrolled Agents – America’s Tax Experts!

rates and other incentives to get local businesses rolling. I think the Partnership is an invaluable resource... at least it has been for us.”

18998

After decades as Roger’s Small Engine, the facility at 185 Lake St. in Liberty has a new owner and a new name. called Progressive Physical Therapy on Route 52 above the Medicine Shoppe pharmacy): “The Partnership was huge as far as us closing the deal on this place,” affirmed Abplanalp. “Marc Baez was so hands-on with us and took us through every step of the process, and he was even there with us when we went before the Industrial Development Agency (IDA). We were able to get two loans, one through the bank and the other through the Partnership.” “The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development is just great,” concluded Abplanalp. “They even have incentives like hiring high school students for lower interest

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

MARCH, 2014

The relationship behind Petersheim’s success By Margaret Bruetsch

he driveway is marked by a little red barn-shaped mailbox on 42 Proctor Road in Eldred but there is nothing little about the business that resides there. It’s a short walk to the entrance to the main office for Catskill Farms Real Estate. As you enter the office you pass a piano, a front desk, a wall filled with pictures of houses before you reach the door to owner Charles Petersheim’s office. The back wall of his office is made of shelves occupied by at least fifty different typewriters, and his desk proudly displays photos of his son. Small town business, small town man, one big success story. Born and raised in Lancaster, PA, Petersheim left at 18 to attend college at the University of Pittsburgh and, after graduating, moved to New York City. Shortly after 9/11, and four years living

in NYC Petersheim moved up to Sullivan County and into “a one-room shack” in Fosterdale. “There’s really no rhyme or reason; I think, like many people, although that’s kind of looking back, it was an affordable place to run away to.” Petersheim explained. “I was kind of familiar with

How do you feel the Sullivan County Partnership has helped promote business in Sullivan County The Partnership is a vital facilitator between existing businesses and new ventures thinking about Sullivan County. The Partnership excels at highlighting thriving Sullivan County businesses which may be unknown to most but inspiring to those contemplating a startup venture or expansion.

Margaret Bruetsch/Democrat

Charles Petersheim, left, with Jeff Bank Vice President George Kinne. Petersheim credited the bank with continuing to extend his company credit despite the economic downturn.

Farms more efficient. Petersheim an area like this because I grew up in an explained that the insulation was the area like this in Pennsylvania. So it was“intelligent choice” and enabled the n’t unfamiliar.” company to bring down the cost of The idea for Catskill Farms came the ownership. following year while Petersheim was Better insulation equaled a better working for a realtor. Instead of selling home, and Petersheim is proud to say, new modern looking homes or old, vin“My homes haven’t used anything but tage homes that need work, Petersheim the most premium insulation since 2008, decided to build and sell a combination which is very rare. It’s typically not a of both. standard building product, but we’ve “When I moved up here the most frebeen installing it standardly since 2009 quent thing sold, most frequent house since we’re committed to smart construcsold to people looking to buy here was tion.” ‘this old house,’” Petersheim explained, Catskill Farms and its sister companies and noted that he believed most of the seemed to be doing well and its success buyers were not cut out to be buying an only seemed to have one way to go: up. old house they needed to fix up. Then in 2008, the Housing Bubble “So very quickly the idea occurred to Crisis followed by what many called me to add to the local real estate offer“The Great Recession” hit and hit hard. ings,” Petersheim said. “This new vintage Real estate and non-real estate businesshome as opposed to that crappy old vines alike were crashing and going banktage home; give people something that rupt as customers disappeared and works. Most people who came up here banks stopped giving out loans. found themselves needing to renovate or “Some banks took the industry view rehab, which wasn’t necessarily what and limited expenses,” George Kinne, they were thinking about doing when Vice President of Jeff Bank explained. they started dreaming about upstate. Not Jeff Bank, “As long as a customer They got caught up in a dream, got met our needs we recognized there concaught up in a sales pitch that wasn’t tinued to be need for our product necessarily true.” throughout the that time period.” Petersheim founded Catskill Farms The industry view other banks took with the goal of facilitating what he saw was to call the loan and take it away as the main reason why people moved from their customers and inform those up to Sullivan County either full-time or customers they had to pay the loan a second homeowners. back. “Which was peace and quiet and relax“When they needed their bank most, ation,” Petersheim explained, “Which they weren’t there,” Kinne said. doesn’t necessarily equal fixer upper.” Jeff Bank, on Catskill Farms was the other hand, only the beginning. was. The comPetersheim also What do you feel is the munity bank folfounded two other importance of using local lows a business companies: businesses approach that Bluestone As a company that spends could be considConstruction and $400,000 a month on local busiered old-fashEcoTech Spray Foam nesses, every month, it's gratifying to ioned. They Insulation. see that money work its magic as it make their Bluestone works its way through the local econmoney off the Construction is the omy - to the excavator, who spends it interest on a loan construction arm of instead of selling the Catskill Farms on new machines, to the machine that loan or mortMarketing Body that salesman who hires another employgage to another is technically hired ee, to the employee who is able to company. If the by Catskill Farms improve the future of his family loan fails it’s Jeff and anyone else through local improvement. Bank that suffers. who needs to hire For someone like myself who is a Petersheim’s out a construction student of economics and the impact small town realfirm. EcoTech Spray of small business, it's thrilling to estate company Foam was founded watch our investment ripple out was in a business in an initial attempt through the lives of dozens of local that was considto make the homes families. ered a bad sold by Catskill

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

MARCH, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

Builder enjoys partnership with Jeff Bank

As you have grown your business, what other Sullivan County businesses or programs have been vital in your success Jeff Bank loan program, both local newspapers, the diligence and expertise of our town boards, building departments and planning boards, and watching people like Gib McKean, the Freda's, David Knudsen and Steve Dubrovsky creatively navigate the many local challenges of succeeding in a distressed community. Every time I see a success like the Dancing Cat, or the Heron, or the River Gallery or the Homestead School, or Nest Property Services, I'm validated and motivated by these niche businesses that are doing it right. investment by many banks, but luckily Catskill Farms was a customer of the one bank that didn’t panic and shut them down. “I needed to continue to sell homes,” Petersheim explained, stating that Jeff Bank could have pulled the rug out from under his business if it wanted to. “It was a real sort of tango, where they didn’t pull the money as long as I kept selling homes. And I was able to keep selling homes because they didn’t pull the money,” Petersheim said. And Petersheim did keep on selling. During the housing crisis, Petersheim described Catskill Farms as a little red engine building two homes here and there while others wasted time at a

Contributed photos

Petersheim’s modern interpretation of the classic “farm house” makes for a very popular understated and unfussy elegance. Along with Jeff Bank’s support, the success of Catskill Farms, is then, no surprise. planning board. Now Catskill Farms’ reach extends into three different counties. Petersheim has lines of credit in Sullivan, Ulster and Dutchess County and his homes are still selling. The relationship with Jeff Bank has benefitted both companies since 2008 and both are enjoying continued growth and success. “One of the interesting things about Jeff Bank and Catskill Farms is that they push us, and we push them,” Petersheim said, “If we weren’t in Dutchess, they wouldn’t be in Dutchess.” “We’ve lent in Ulster for a bit but Dutchess is new for us,” Kinne explained, “We primarily serve Sullivan, Orange, Ulster, Delaware, Wayne and Pike Counties. But we have followed strong customers.” Without Jeff Bank and its small town approach and value in community members, Catskill Farms might not be in existence today. “My relationship with Jeff Bank is a testament to a commitment to fairness, big picture thinking, and betting on the talents and energy of people,” Petersheim said. And it’s a relationship that seems to only have one thing it can continue to do: grow.

Margaret Bruetsch/Democrat

Charles Petersheim looks over house plans at his Catskill Farms office in Eldred.

What do you feel is the single biggest thing you have done to make your business succeed Get myself in so deep I had no choice but to continue to flail forward. Desiring to live up to my word and not let my bankers and employees down. Honestly, like most good ideas, my idea for Catskill Farms was pretty simple and straight-forward - build good looking well designed fully functioning homes. And then I didn't stop working until I achieved what I had originally hoped for for the business - it took a lot of years and a lot of hard lessons and a lot of risk but I got it done. Sullivan County has been a tremendously welcoming place to me and now we give back as frequently as possible as sizeable patrons of NACL, Eldred Library, Sullivan County Homeless, WJFF, local fire halls, and a host of smaller groups.

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

MARCH, 2014

The relationship behind Petersheim’s success By Margaret Bruetsch

Margaret Bruetsch/Democrat

Charles Petersheim, left, with Jeff Bank Vice President George Kinne. Petersheim credited the bank with continuing to extend his company credit despite the economic downturn.

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

MARCH, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

Builder enjoys partnership with Jeff Bank

Contributed photos

Margaret Bruetsch/Democrat

Charles Petersheim looks over house plans at his Catskill Farms office in Eldred.

10E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

MARCH, 2014

Monticello is the sweet spot for DeFilippi’s Bakery expanding to add café, bagel shop D

Story and Photos by Anya Tikka

e Filippi’s Bakery on 346 Broadway, Monticello is undergoing big renovations and an expansion. Co-owner Carmela Foglia explained, “We are very excited. We’re adding a full bagel shop, introducing a whole new bagel line, plus adding a breakfast and lunch café.” Foglia started the store as a restaurant called Casa Maria in 1987; it became a bakery four years later in 1991. “Monticello has always been good to us, supported us,” Foglia explained.“We’re restructuring and reinvesting in Monticello.” She added, “We keep our fingers crossed that the community will support us as they always have. We believe we’ve been getting them a good product, and we’ve always had a great response.” Both Carmela and her now ex-husband Giulio still work in the business. “This has been part of my vision,” she explained, “because my son has expressed an interest

Carmela Foglia, co-owner of De Filippi’s Bakery, shows off the displays full of delicious cakes, pastries and breads.

HEATING & A/C Heating Oil Diesel Kerosene Burner Service

14362

From Creative Concept To Printed Piece

An Amazing Selection of Unique Gifts And Sweet Shop U.S.A. Handmade Truffles Can Be Customized for Any Occasion • Yankee Candles • Greeting Cards • Mylar Balloons • DaVinci Jewelry • Handbags • New Arrivals • Wild Berry Incense • Gund Stuffed Animals • Beauty and Health Supplies • NYS Lottery Agent • Count on Us for All Your Prescription Needs • 90-Day Supply of Selected Generics for $11.99

15776

524 Broadway, Monticello, NY • 794-2345

STEI-116934

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

15535

Serving Sullivan County

Flyers Creative Design Booklets Typesetting Menus Promotional Packages Post Cards Marketing Services Tickets Catalogs Forms Presentation Folders Invitations Financial Reports Bindery Stationery Die Cutting Newsletters Imprinted Sportswear Business Cards Folding Brochures Embossing Specialty Items You name it, we provide it . . . from Business Cards to Four Color & Beyond—with High Quality, Fast Turnaround, Competitive Prices & Professional Service. 16854

Serving all of Sullivan County Monticello 791-8900 www.blackbear fuel.com

Creating meaningful employment by partnering with local businesses.

STEINGART ASSOCIATES, INC. 18404

• • • •

16448

PLUMBING

5211 MAIN STREET SO. FALLSBURG, NEW YORK 12779 PHONE: 845-434-4321 FAX: 845-436-8609 steingart@catskill.net

11E

THE LAW OFFICES OF

in the business. We all work here. We’re doing this for the kids.” The couple also has another son, Vincenzo. In a true Italian family tradition, Foglia’s parents started a bakery in Middletown in 1971, and in 1987 Carmela, Giulio, and brother Angelo started in the present location. Angelo is opening another shop in Middletown, while Carmela, Giulio and son Felice continue in Monticello. Foglia apologized for the appearance of the shop during the renovations. She described what it’s going to be like: “What’s now the whole back wall in the shop area will be removed; behind it will be the café, and to the left the full bagel store. It will be beautiful.” When asked why she thought the bakery has been so successful, Foglio replied, “We’re a small business, we have a tight budget, and we always try to do the best we can.” Most of De Filippi’s clientele is from Monticello, but some people come from Port Jervis, Wurtsboro and all over Sullivan County. De Filippi’s also does a full wholesale business all throughout the county, and into Pennsylvania, Middletown, and Ellenville.

Outside the bakery.

Walter Garigliano & Barbara A. Garigliano 449 Broadway • P.O. Drawer 1069 Monticello, NY 12701 15534

845/796-1010 Fax 845/796-1040

The Sullivan County Child Care Council, Inc. is here to solve all of your child care problems. Visit us on the web: www.scchildcare.com or call us at: (845) 292-7166 or (877) 292-7190

13955

Attention all parents and employers!

HEATING & A/C • • • •

Heating Oil Diesel Kerosene Burner Service

Serving all of Sullivan County Monticello 791-8900 www.blackbear fuel.com

Creating meaningful employment by partnering with local businesses. 16448

PLUMBING

14362

From Creative Concept To Printed Piece

An Amazing Selection of Unique Gifts And Sweet Shop U.S.A. Handmade Truffles Can Be Customized for Any Occasion

• Yankee Candles • Greeting Cards • Mylar Balloons • DaVinci Jewelry • Handbags • New Arrivals • Wild Berry Incense • Gund Stuffed Animals • Beauty and Health Supplies • NYS Lottery Agent • Count on Us for All Your Prescription Needs • 90-Day Supply of Selected Generics for $11.99

524 Broadway, Monticello, NY • 794-2345

STEI-116934

FREE LOCAL DELIVERY

15535

Serving Sullivan County

15776

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

STEINGART ASSOCIATES, INC.

5211 MAIN STREET SO. FALLSBURG, NEW YORK 12779 PHONE: 845-434-4321 FAX: 845-436-8609 steingart@catskill.net

12E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

Delaware Valley Job Corps improves national standing; increases local outreach

Story and photos by Fred Stabbert III he Delaware Valley Job Corps Center in Callicoon celebrated its 35th Anniversary in a big way, marking big improvements in its nationwide ranking as well as expanding its outreach to Sullivan County businesses and organizations. Last year, Delaware Valley ranked 123rd out of 125 Job Corps nationwide. However, through a combined team effort of students and staff, the DVJCC has improved to 25th in the country as of the end of May. “Our goal was to be in the top 40 and I’m very proud of our accomplishment,” Center Director Peter LaFleur said last Tuesday during the center’s quarterly

DVJCC Deputy Center Director John English talks at last week’s Community Relations Council meeting. He discussed student improvement.

Investment Advisors Creating and Preserving Wealth Philip Coombe III, CFP® Catherine Bender, CFP® Lynn McDonald

Office locations: 548 Broadway Monticello, NY 12701 Call for appointment

Phone (845) 647-4800 • (800) 4 COOMBE www.coombebender.com Email: pcoombe@coombefinancial.com

11232

15133

Main Office: P.O. Box 333 / 6872 Route 209 Wawarsing, NY 12489

JUNE, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

13E

This artist’s rendering shows the EPR/Concord Resort proposed layout in Kiamesha Lake.

14049

Kristt Company featuring Kyocera TASKalfa & Ecosys color

845-794-6639 Ask for Les or Gene Shantel Darby, president of the Student Government Assn., addresses the Community Relations Council as Center Director Peter LaFleur listens.

Community Relations Council meeting. “And as far as graduate placement, we are 12th in the country.” This marked improvement is an important step for DVJCC, which just last year was on a targeted list of Job Corps Centers which may be closed due to federal budget constraints. Now, with its dramatic improvement in student success, LaFleur said he was hopeful his center was not only off the list but also in line for significant federal funding to address a variety of facility rehabilitation needs. “The Dept. of Labor, which administers the Job Corps program, is very happy with us,” LaFleur reported. The DVJCC has approximately 315 students enrolled in its nine trade programs as well as 135 staff. Its annual budget is $10 million. “We have been actively reaching out to the community and would love to enroll local students who are in need of focus and help in finishing their high school careers and learning a trade,” LaFleur said. Individualized tours can be set up by calling 845-887-9062. “We would welcome local students and

I feel Job Corps has a tremendous amount to offer and will provide a great opportunity for students 16-24 years old to find a career path,” LaFleur said. Currently DVJCC has 5 students at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts on paid internships in the VIP Culinary department. They have also placed a paid intern at Cafe Devine in Callicoon, who “also earns tips.” The Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center in Callicoon has also slated 2 students for internships this summer. And volunteer work is also at the top of DVJCC’s list. Students and staff are currently helping St. James Episcopal Church in Callicoon with their Renaissance Project. The center is also a big supporter of the Delaware Youth Center in Callicoon and has recently helped the Village of Hancock remodel its town hall. The DVJCC is in the process of getting its programs accredited by AdvancED, an international association for college and high school accreditation. This will “certify the quality of our training,” LaFleur said.

892 State Route 17B, P.O. Box190 Mongaup Valley, NY 12762 Phone: 845-796-1800 ext. 321 Fax: 845-796-1826

www.cooperarias.com

133 Route 304 Bardonia, NY 10954 Phone: 845-623-0300 Fax: 845-623-0350

Accounting & Auditing Corporate, Partnership, & LLC Taxation Individual Planning & Taxation Estates & Trusts • Financial Statements Business Valuations Governments, Schools & Not-For-Profits Management Advisory Services Computer Consulting QuickBooks Pro Advisors 13328

14E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

ND Pro Media adds accolades

Story By Margaret Bruetsch

‘Silver Telly’ for televised advertising excellence

Pro Media Inc. of Monticello was recently awarded a Silver Telly Award for its 60-second commercial, “Summertime Fun,” for Fairview Lake YMCA camps in Livingston, NJ. “It’s actually very exciting news for our company,” Matt Dorcas, co-owner and COO of ND Pro Media Inc. said. “The Silver Telly is the highest award you can get, less than 10 percent get the Silver Telly internationally.”

A judging panel made up of 500 industry professionals who have won the Silver Telly Award decide the Telly award winners and judge them based on a merit system instead of competition between pieces. While less than 10 percent of the worldwide submissions win the Silver Telly about 25 percent win the Bronze Telly. Out of the 12,000 entries this year ND Pro Media Inc. not only won the Silver Telly Award but also won a sec-

ond Bronze Telly Award this year for another piece “Turning Challenges Into Opportunities.” Last year ND Pro Media had won its first Bronze Telly for the 30-second commercial “Girlfriends” for the Orange County Trust Company. The company is still waiting to hear the results regarding their other three submissions. ND Pro Media Inc. just celebrated its second anniversary and is going into its third year in business. They still plan on submitting work for next year’s Telly Awards. “Any time we have exceptional work we like to submit,” Dorcas explained, “It’s very satisfying to know our work is recognized. It’s good for the business and for our customers.” Co-owner and CEO Nuby DeLeon explained that the company hopes to expand its reach now that they’ve won such a prestigious award and are ready to join the “big boys” in business. “The thing that sets us apart is our ability to tell stories through video and make that human connection,” DeLeon said. ND Pro Media Inc. offers photography, design, video, film and HD Internet services. For more information visit www.ndpromedia.com For more information on the Telly Awards visit www.tellyawards.com. Contributed Photo

A screen capture from ND Pro Media’s Silver Telly winning “Summertime Fun,” commercial created for the Fairview Lake YMCA camps in Livingston, NJ.

TRAILER SALES

& Service

landscapetrailers.com

601 Harris Rd./Ferndale, New York 12734

12605

(845) 292-1467

Open Tues.-Sat. 9am-6pm

13596

Parts • Accessories • Landscape • Car Trailers, Cargo & Dump Trailers. We stock most brakes, tires and wheel bearings, etc. Embroidery & T-Shirt Screen Printing We Fill Propane Tanks

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

15E

The Country Store Of Distinction Since the 1840s

15533

The regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s finest gifts and handmade goods â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from Penny Candy to Amish Furniture, with candles, soaps, lamps, American crafts, Fine Country Preserves and Food, and pickle barrel, too!

Democrat File Photos

Featuring the Regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Largest Year-Round Christmas Shop!

ND Pro Media COO Matt Dorcas poses in the studio, the largest commercial video and photography space in Sullivan County; Nuby DeLeon is the principal photographer for ND Photography, a component of ND Pro Media of which he is the CEO. He recently received the highest award for an entry in the PhotoNorthEast annual convention. It is a regional competition put on by the Professional Photographers of New York State (PPSNYS) and the Professional Photographers Association of New Jersey (PPANJ).

Open 7 Days A Week 10 A.M.-5 P.M. 107 Sullivan St., Wurtsboro, NY â&#x20AC;˘ 845-888-2100 Visit us on Facebook or at canaltowne.com

NEED A LIQUOR LICENSE FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

+HUHÂˇV WR *RRG +HDOWK

15546

Â´Â´6 6HUYLFHV HV Ifor RU Wthe KH ,Integration QWHJU JUDDWWLRQ Dand QG ( PSRZHUUP PS PHQW RofI 3 HRSOH Zwith LWK ' LVDELOLWLHV Âľ â&#x20AC;&#x153;Services Empowerment People Disabilities.â&#x20AC;?

Delaware Liquor License Services 845.798.5857 ~~ Proficient Application Preparation Lynn Killian, Representative

/DQGILHOG $YHQXH Â&#x2021; 0RQWLFHOOR 1< Â&#x2021; -796- Â&#x2021; Z ZZ ZZ Z Z FUYL org

E. DANIELLE JOSE

AUTO â&#x20AC;˘ HOME â&#x20AC;˘ LIFE â&#x20AC;˘ RETIREMENT

JACQUELINE RICCIANI

RICCIANI & JOSE,

ÂŽ

LLP

ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELORS AT LAW 15058

Hours: Mon - Thurs 9am-6pm Fri 8am-5pm â&#x20AC;˘ Sat 9am-1pm Closed Sunday

www.riccianijose.com 17 ST. JOHN STREET MONTICELLO, NEW YORK 12701

(845) 791-7800 FAX (845) 791-5923

18 Thompson Square, Monticello, NY

794-7000

15774

robert.wells.k2on@statefarm.com

Robert Wells Agent

10954

Call

16E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2014

Kirkland Harris Harris Monti & M & Mc Laughlin Inc 242 East Broadway Monticello, NY 12701-8818 Fax: 845-794-7108

845-794-7050

Get the Most for Your Money Service. Value. Trust. We deliver thatâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;and then some. Savings up to 30%* when you place your home, auto and life coverage with us. Benefits like first accident the expert advice of a trusted agent. forgiveness and845-794-7050

16072

Erie Insurance received the highest numerical score in the proprietary J.D. Power and Associates 2013 Insurance Shopping Study . Study based on 16,171 total responses, ranking 24 providers and measuring the opinions of consumers shopping for a new auto insurance policy. Proprietary study results are based on experiences and perceptions of members surveyed January and February 2012. Your experiences may vary. jdpower.com

15044

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Highest in Customer Satisfaction with the Auto Insurance Purchase Experienceâ&#x20AC;?

S944cJDP Not all companies are licensed or operate in all states. Not all products are offered in all states. Go to erieinsurance.com for company licensure and territory information. *Savings vary by state and policyholder.

Building a Stronger Sullivan County, One Partnership at a Time. A Proud Supporter of the Sullivan County Partnership Working W orking T o Together ogeth ogether o with Sullivan Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Countyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s untyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best: Bethel Sunshine Camp t t Combined Energy Services Monticello Motor Club t SUNY Sullivan

3 P V U F B t ( P T I F O / : t t X X X S V C Z H S Q D P N 12748