Sullivan County Business Edge Summer 2015 by Sullivan County Democrat/Catskill-Delaware Publications

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Adelaar project is underway

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You are cordially invited for a ground-breaking ceremony in celebration of the development of the ZLIVING/VERIA NATURE CURE & AYURVEDIC WELLNESS CENTER

Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 11:00 a.m. (the first ever International Day of Yoga) on the banks of Bailey Lake Anawana Lake Road Monticello NY 12701 (Address for GPS: 10 Bailey Lake Rd, Monticello, NY 12701) Refreshments will follow the ceremony.

INSIDE: President’s Message page 2

2nd Annual Mid-summer Mixer page 4 Youth helps spread the wealth page 6 Extending the reach & value of the Partnership page 8 Partnership Board Chair looks at Casino impacts page 10 Noteworthy happenings page 13 Visitor’s Association...busy page 14 Ehrlich’s experience good for Villa Roma page 16 Contributions to FV WMCA camp page 18 Project Manager Paul Roggeman looks over construction plans for the Adelaar Phase 1 development, which will include roads, water and sewer. See pages 10-11 for story.

CCE’s new roof page 19

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Education, Training and Continued Advancement an Economic Development Priority To the People: With summer finally deciding to show up to the party, I could not help but anecdotally notice the increased construction activity taking place, particularly in the Thompson area. It seems there are more excavators tearing down blighted buildings for future projects than we have seen in recent years. This is not a surprise, as inquiries at the Partnership office have gone up dramatically in the hospitality sector and related projects that began last year are moving along steadily (re: Veria’s Z-Living and Lost Lake Resort projects). As we wait for the official licensing of the Montreign Casino project, construction activity is moving along on the remainder of the EPR Properties site with roads and infrastructure being built at this very moment. Meanwhile, economic development stakeholders have been busy putting together the framework for a Catskills Hospitality Workforce Alliance. The

Alliance, consisting of The Partnership, Workforce Development, SUNY Sullivan, BOCES, CCE, School District representatives, SCIDA, SCVA, and SC Chamber, is in the process of developing certifications, career pathways and specialty trainings delivered through a (soon to be created) Hospitality Institute, Hotel Tech and Management Degree Courses at SCCC, OSHA Trainings at BOCES and other educational opportunities. All are geared to better prepare unemployed and underemployed applicants in our labor shed area for anticipated job opportunities. The Visitors Association, Chamber of Commerce and SCCC hosted representatives from the Disney Institute for a full day of hospitality training with plans for future training events as well. The Disney Institute is internationally renowned for its organizational trainings focused on leadership, culture, service, branding and innovation. These and future efforts

JUNE, 2015

are critical, as we once again grow our hospitality sector. Ultimately, the delivery of an exceptional customer experience is what will mark our future success in this most important sector. This is important to all businesses President/CEO Marc Baez engaging with customers directly. Hence hotels, retail sites, healthcare facilities and virtually all private and public services professionals can benefit from these offerings and help put Sullivan County once again, top of mind for those seeking to get away in upstate New York. On June 24 the Sullivan United Team will host Pattern for Progress at a breakfast seminar at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill. Pattern will address over 100 business and municipal officials as it reviews and educates attendees on the current and future trends that can prepare them for anticipated development issues in the years to come. Along with the SEQRA conference held this past January, this event and others forthcoming are dedicated to the advancement of Sullivan County businesses

and municipal leaders in their specific areas. This will lead to better communication about the varying elements that affect our economic development stakeholders in Sullivan County. Finally, the Sullivan United team will be hosting its second mid-summer informational mixer at the Adelaar site on July 15 at 5:30 pm. The event is geared to provide additional access to the Partnership, Visitors Association, Chamber and IDA to familiarize attendees with the agencies, their administrative representatives and the programmatic work each entity conducts. An update on the Adelaar/ Montreign project progress will be made as well as access to our elected representatives that helped make the project possible. It will be an extraordinary opportunity to ask questions, network and be educated on the progress of the most impactful project in the region. Look to updates regarding all of our activities on our various media platforms… and enjoy the summer! Sincerely,

Marc Baez President & CEO 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 Visitors Association 100 Sullivan Ave. • Ferndale, NY 12734 845-747-4449 • Fax 845-747-4468 www.scva.net

P.O.Box 308, Callicoon, NY, 12723 l845-887-5200

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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 Designer Rosalie Mycka Advertising Representatives Cecile Lamy, Barbara Matos Special Sections Coordinator Susan Panella Advertising Coordinator Sandy Schraeder Production Associates Tracy Swendsen, Ruth Huggler, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin Business Manager Sue Owens Distribution Bill Holmes

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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Disney S Training a big hit

everal county-wide organizations recently sponsored an 8-hour course on Disneyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Approach to Quality Service. The course is designed to teach customer service representatives how to better serve their clientele and make their business more productive and profitable. Two Disney employees

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spoke to the 150 in attendance about how to treat customers in a helpful and friendly manner and how to individually serve the customerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs. The Sullivan County Visitors Assn., Sullivan County Chamber and SUNY Sullivan sponsored the event at Seelig Theatre in Loch Sheldrake.

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Fred Stabbert | Democrat

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2nd Annual Mid-Summer Mixer to be held I

n response to last year’s successful Sullivan United event held at the Monticello Motor Club, the Sullivan United Economic Development team, made up of The Partnership for Economic Development, The Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency, The Sullivan County Visitors Association, and Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, have decided to make the event an annual occurrence. “Due to the overwhelming turnout on a rain soaked Tuesday night last year, the team felt there was definitively an appetite for this type of an

event annually.” said Marc Baez, CEO of the Partnership. The event was created last year to put each agency in one venue, educate busi-

Attending last year’s Mid-Summer Mixer at the Monticello Motor Club were, front row, from the left: Legislator Ira Steingart and Chamber President Cathy Paty. Second row, from the left are Partnership President and CEO Marc Baez, IDA Vice President Jen Flad, Visitors Association President and CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood and New York State Senator John Bonacic.

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nesses on the various services and programs each is responsible for, and to answer any questions businesses or municipal officials may have relative to their respective areas of expertise. “The concept of working together, while not new, is critical to the success we are now having and we look forward to continuing this strategy well into the future,” said Steve White, CEO of the Sullivan County IDA. As part of an overall strategy to highlight new and unique projects built recently or currently under development, the team will be moving the venue each year. This year the event will be held at the Monster Golf Course located in the heart of the Adelaar development. “This is tremendous economic development effort that not only showcases our team but also the exiting new projects underway in the Sullivan County Catskills,” said Roberta ByronLockwood, President of the Visitors Association. The event has also become a target for elected officials to network with constituents and to communicate the variety issues they have been working on throughout their

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respective legislative sessions. The strategy to pool resources and come together more strategically was implemented during last year’s competition for a Casino license, when a coordinated front was presented at hearings in Albany and Poughkeepsie. The team has kept the momentum going, focusing on challenges like, workforce, destination marketing, infrastructure and a host of other activities such as this one. “This is a crucial time for Sullivan County. There are many significant and impactful developments in the works and imminent in our future. The Sullivan County Chamber is proud to be part of an active, strategic and unified economic development team.” said Chamber CEO Cathy Paty. Look for more information and sponsorship opportunities in the coming weeks.

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Spreading the wealth around R

ock Hill’s Jack Drapkin knows how tough it is to find a summer job in Sullivan County. At 18, he’s already spent several summers relegated to a copy machine or filing cabinet. Not this year. In fact, he’s gainfully employed helping other college-age locals find the same. “This internship is the best I’ve ever had,” he confirmed earlier this month, just a few weeks into his paid role as organizer of the Sullivan United Summer Employment Program. Run from the Bridgeville headquarters of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, the program unites 18-22-year-old job-seekers with summer employment opportunities

throughout the county. “We’ve been hearing for years that our kids are leaving the area – once they get their degree, they’re outta here,” Partnership President Marc Baez said. “This establishes a relationship with a young individual and a Sullivan County employer. “It keeps our ‘intellectual property,’ if you will, in Sullivan County.” Indeed, the idea sprang from Jack’s mind, which he shared off the cuff with his dad, Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress President Jonathan Drapkin. “He took it more seriously than I meant it,” Jack admitted. But that casually-imagined thought led directly to the Partnership, which

Jack Drapkin (foreground) has found a berth at the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development hooking up college-aged locals with summer employment opportunities, under the guidance of Partnership President Marc Baez (background).

Story and Photo by Dan Hust

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One local young adult’s idea turns into jobs for his peers

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he’s still got 14 people looking for a job that dovetails with their college major or interests, so a challenge remains, especially since this program – jointly funded by the Partnership, Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Association – ends the first week of July. Jack relishes it. “This is great for me going forward,” he said of the opportunity. “It does much more for me as a person, not just with my resumé. Now that I’ve done this, I have confidence from the experience.” It’s a confidence he can take with him to his other internship this summer (with the downstate Rockland Boulders baseball team), then into his sophomore year as a business major at Northeastern University, and ultimately towards his future career goals as a professional sports manager or agent. And there’s always next year. “We’re hoping to do this on an annual basis,” confirmed Baez. Jack isn’t ruling out a return, should he be available summer 2016. “This is a first step for this program,” he explained. “... I want to get more jobs for more kids.” Jack welcomes calls at 845-794-1110 or emails at jackdrapkin@gmail.com.

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embraced Jack’s concept, seeing it as a key part of the strategy to retain and nurture local talent. Jack is material proof of the concept, as his efforts have already landed seven area college students jobs in Sullivan County. Some of them are the typical summer mowing and landscaping jobs, but several are aligned with the employees’ specific fields of interest and/or college majors. One hiree, for example, is in an accounting job related to the coming casino, while another landed an engineering position. In fact, Jack is eagerly seeking out more engineers-to-be, as he has several spots open with local employers. The challenge, of course, is matching an employee’s interests with an employer’s offerings. And coordinating both requires Jack to meld his social media skills with in-person networking. “Reaching the students and the employers are two completely different things,” he acknowledged. The Partnership’s Twitter account has been effective in gathering info from prospective employees, but Jack has had to undertake a good deal of coldcalling to find out what employers want. Though 11 employers have openings,

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Chris Lockwood extends reach & value of Partnership Story and Photo by Dan Hust

ast year’s internship has turned into this year’s job opportunity for Liberty resident Christopher Lockwood. Chris is the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development’s Marketing Outreach Coordinator. If you’re a former member of the Partnership or a local real estate salesperson, you may have heard – or be hearing – from Chris, as he’s developing both the membership roster and the available commercial real estate section of the Partnership’s website. “For a business to expand or start up, they’re looking for new locations,” he explains. “The original

Christopher Lockwood is the Partnership’s Marketing Outreach Coordinator.

website had just eight [available locations].” With the region poised to rise again as a tourism destination, Chris and his Partnership colleagues see a lot of potential in both identifying developable properties and wooing back former members. “I’m interested in being part of the resurgence of Sullivan County,” says the Le Moyne College alumnus, having earned a bachelor’s in marketing and analytics there. “I like networking and connecting with companies,” he adds, intent on gaining his master’s degree, as well. “It’s an interesting field.” Chris can be reached at 845-7941110 or lockwocl@lemoyne.edu.

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As ground breaks, excitement builds for new projects “W

e couldn’t lose [a building season], we couldn’t stop,” Tim Lies, EPR Properties Project Manager, said, regarding the nearly $40 million of construction work that is commencing at the site of the future Montreign Casino. EPR is working on installing roadways, and water and sewer utilities so that when the official casino gaming license is finally issued, Montreign can begin work on their $1 billion project without delay. “This place is going to look a lot different in a year,” Project Manager Paul Roggeman said Tuesday afternoon from Adelaar’s “war room” at the Concord Monster Clubhouse. “We are busy on Phase 1 of the infrastructure project,” Roggeman said. “We are building a traffic circle at exit 106 off the quickway which will lead to an entry road. “The entry road will weave its way 8,000 feet thorough EPR’s property to join up with Joyland Road. It will be a

boulevard with islands in the middle and treelined all the way,” Roggeman, who is excited about the beauty of the area, said. Roggeman describes trees along the road which will stand out as visitors make their way to the long-awaited casino when it is finished. He said the one-year buildout on the roads, water and sewer will definitely put the Montreign project ahead of schedule. Lies said the plans call for asphalt to be laid down in the fall.

“It was a long time coming and it is very exciting,” Lies said. “This will change people’s perception of the Catskills.

In addition to the casino a waterpark and entertainment village will be built on the property. “It just tremendous, the progress is

The Montreign Casino will be just one facet (albeit a star attraction) of the billion-dollar Adelaar resort.

amazing and the enthusiasm is great,” Sullivan County Visitors Assn. President and CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood said. “The excitement is really starting to build and all the trade groups are thrilled to hear about it. Sullivan is busy Montreign is owned and operated by Empire Resorts, Inc. and is located in the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County’s busiest town. The resort is proposed to create approximately 3,100 construction jobs during its buildout over the next two years and the gaming facility, named Adelaar, is proposed to add about 2,200 jobs to the workforce, making it Sullivan County’s largest employer. Montreign will be fully-operational within two years after the granting of a casino license by the state, which is expected to come sometime this summer. Montreign’s partner, EPR Properties, has already begun $40 million in infrastructure work. Once the gaming license is granted, hundreds of millions of dollars in additional construction is expect-

fter decades of the decline of our economy, we have finally realized the goal of casino gaming. Despite a series of very difficult setbacks over the years, the dream of casino gaming in the Catskills never died. Many local residents, elected officials, business leaders and union officials joined together and continued the fight. As Alan Gerry said recently we need to recognize and thank the ones who "kept the lights on". Montreign is part of the 1.3 billion dollar Adelaar project in the Town of Thompson. The master plan for the project calls for a casino hotel. In addition a water park hotel, a shopping/entertainment village, a revamped Monster Golf Course, and a boutique hotel. This level of investment is unprecedented in our county. We thank them for their long term commitment. The Montreign/Adelaar Project has created a buzz not only in the county, but in the Northeast Region. We have new individuals looking to investment capital in our county as well as some that recently have been moving projects

along steadily. Well under construction or approved are Lost Lake NY, Z-Living by Veria Lifestyle Management, Serenity Gardens and other small flag hotels now working their way through the Jacob Billig approval process due to this extraordinary achievement. Now the question is what comes next after the casino? Actually the better question is what comes next to go with the Montreign/Adelaar? If one looks to the Poconos in Pennsylvania, there are several regional casinos. However, there is not much more. They are designed to attract day trip gamblers. Market saturation of the gaming business has reduced the facilities to not much more than day attractions and the patrons do not venture

outside of the facility. Our goal should be sustainable long term economic growth. The formula for this should be to work with and leverage the Montreign/Adelaar Project. Their efforts will allow us to attract other development projects and create new jobs in our area. The model under which they were approved for licensure is one we need to capitalize on. That is that we are a full service tourist destination that has recaptured its momentum, albeit in a new way. That because of the award we can accelerate many other projects in hospitality, retail, healthcare and additional sectors that will work to truly diversify our portfolio. As Chairman for the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, I have been discussing with our Board members the development of a new strategic plan, including the development of shovel ready sites for both commercial retail and work force housing. We will look at overdue challenges like a county wide infrastructure plan. Upgrade our data capacity so that we can be ready to answer the myriad questions new

investors ask when exploring a new area. We will seek to help our outlying towns so that can derive opportunities from anticipated activity and focus on help our existing businesses expand when ready. There are efforts in the county regarding work force development which is critical to our economy. The Partnership has teamed up with Workforce Development. This joint effort has already begun to establish the framework for a Catskills Hospitality Workforce Alliance which will help our local workforce be prepared for the many hospitality oriented jobs that will come. Our Planning department has vowed to increase our grant procurement activities and in concert with our IDA is well underway to doing just that. Sullivan County Community College is another cog in this wheel and should be supported as a driver of economic development. We commend and support their Board and President for their initiative to expand the College with the Healthy World Institute. In addition, as part of the Catskills Hospitality Workforce Alliance SUNY Sullivan will once again

ed to occur. Groundbreaking for Z Living / Veria An official groundbreaking on the Z Living / Veria Nature Cure and Ayurvedic Wellness Center is happening this Sunday, June 21 at 11 a.m. on the banks of Bailey Lake, near Monticello. The project, which was originally set for the former site of the famed Kutsher’s Country Club, has been moved on the 1,300 acre property to Bailey Lake, a pristine setting off Anawana Lake Rd. The 260,000 square foot, 125-room health resort is expected to be open in approximately a year. As both projects move forward through the building phase, Sullivan County’s many agencies are working together to help set up training for new employees so they can be ready to enter the workforce.

Project Manager Paul Roggeman reviews plans for the installing of roadways, water and sewer utilities.

Work like this clean-up of an old building along Route 42N in Monticello is going on throughout the Town of Thompson as company’s prepare for the next business boom. has become a hub for career pathways in hotel technology, hotel management and a whole host of hospitality focused career opportunities soon to come to our county. We have a new sense of purpose as

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Story and Photo by Fred Stabbert III

Climbing the next Catskill Mountain: Casino Gaming is just the start in Sullivan County A

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JUNE, 2015

our residents, business leaders, union leaders, and elected officials are working together to take the greatest advantage of this opportunity. Construction activity has certainly increased this year and our planning boards are busy with growing

By Jacob Billig Chairman, The Partnership for Economic Development

new projects facing them each month. The Hudson Valley is experiencing new economic growth it has not experienced in some time. From the expansion of the NYC metro area with one of the largest projects in the United States at this time, the replacement of the Tappan Zee bridge, healthcare facilities growing at an unprecedented pace in Orange and Dutchess Counties, the 3D printing hub evolving at New Paltz, and the development of casino gaming here in Sullivan County. The reality is that Sullivan County is competing for those businesses that will look to settle in the area because of the casino. We are also competing with our surrounding counties to attract the worker population that will look to move to the area to work at Montreign/Adelaar. We must also work hard to support those businesses that survived the hard years and support their efforts to grow, such as Bethel Woods, Monticello Motor Club, The Center for Discovery, New Hope Community, and small businesses like CES, Schmidt’s Wholesale, A. Harris

Alport, the Misner Agency, Robert Green Chevrolet and M&M Ford and many others that are located in our community who “kept the lights on.” Lastly, we also need to improve our infrastructure. We need the State to support our efforts in improving our roads, developing our municipal water and sewer resources. In order to attract new businesses, we need to have infrastructure in place. With the CFA process underway we are exploring ways to enhance infrastructure in our development corridor by encouraging and working with towns to seek funding in this critical area. Our local elected officials have done such a great job to help land Montreign/Adelaar, and we need take the next steps to rebuild our downtowns and main streets. The State must also be our partner in this in order to build a sustainable lasting economy. The next hill is before us, it is up to us as a county to climb it together.

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As ground breaks, excitement builds for new projects “W

“It was a long time coming and it is very exciting,” Lies said. “This will change people’s perception of the Catskills.

In addition to the casino a waterpark and entertainment village will be built on the property. “It just tremendous, the progress is

The Montreign Casino will be just one facet (albeit a star attraction) of the billion-dollar Adelaar resort.

Project Manager Paul Roggeman reviews plans for the installing of roadways, water and sewer utilities.

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Story and Photo by Fred Stabbert III

Climbing the next Catskill Mountain: Casino Gaming is just the start in Sullivan County A

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By Jacob Billig Chairman, The Partnership for Economic Development

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N O T E W O R T H Y

Pattern event envisions Sullivan County’s future

ROCK HILL — Hudson Valley Pattern For Progress will present an informational session entitled Sullivan County: A Journey Toward A Brighter Future on June 24 at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill. The event is geared toward businesses, municipalities, and not-for-profit corporations operating in the county today, but is open to all.The informational session will take place on Wednesday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m. until 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 for Partnership members and $20 for nonmembers; breakfast is included. The presentation will look at the county’s new economic reality in the coming years. Attendees will learn how to best position their businesses to make the most of the opportunities and challenges ahead. Presenters will outline variables affecting local and regional economies, and discuss market dynamics from pre-2008 through key indicators in anticipation of new developments. The event is supported by Sullivan

County’s Economic Development Team: the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, the Sullivan County Visitors Association, and the County of Sullivan Industrial Development Agency. Sponsorship opportunities are available at four different levels, $250 up to $1500, and commitments must be received no later than June 16. To sponsor this event, receive more information, or make a reservation, contact Jennifer Clayton at 794-1110, or via email to jenn@scpartnership.com.

Hospitals receive gift of $1 million from donor MIDDLETOWN — An anonymous donor has given $1 million to two member hospitals of the Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS). The two gracious gifts of $500,000 were received by Orange Regional Medical Center and Catskill Regional Medical Center. ORMC will use the gift to support funding for an expansion project which includes building a new Medical Office Building and a Cancer

Center. CRMC had already begun a fundraising effort to enhance and upgrade inpatient facilities throughout the hospital. The donors were grateful patients at both hospitals and had made contributions thanking the hospitals’ doctors and nurses for their care and compassion over the years. The donors asked that no naming opportunities or recognition be provided. “What a wonderful way to express their gratitude and tell our hospital system family that they are doing a terrific job,” said Scott Batulis, CEO of Greater Hudson Valley Health System. “We were so happy that our current expansion and enhancement efforts at both hospitals pleased these donors. They really want us to succeed and we are very grateful for their generosity and confidence.” Both hospitals, along with Grover M. Hermann Hospital in Callicoon, are members of the GHVHS. All three hospitals are not for profit organizations and rely on charitable giving to expand and enhance their programs and services. At CRMC, the donation will help support a capital campaign that will fund renovations in many areas of the hospital. The renovations span from gener-

al cosmetic enhancements (such as new paint, floor covering, ceilings and lighting) to heavy renovation and structural improvements. Over the coming years, Catskill Regional plans to modernize all inpatient and making 82 percent of the private rooms for added comfort, privacy and infection control. Recent renovations, new furniture, equipment and artwork at CRMC have been well received by employees, physicians and the community. At ORMC, the donation will help the hospital in its quest to relocate many outpatient services currently provided at other off-campus locations into new buildings on the existing 73-acre hospital campus in Middletown. Plans include building a 153,000 square foot, five-story Medical Office Building and a 26,000 square-foot, single-story Cancer Center; both new buildings will be connected to the main hospital. A capital fundraising campaign will begin this fall to support the expansion. Estimated completion of the construction is anticipated to be the fall of 2016. For more information about charitable giving, call ORMC at 333-2333 and CRMC at 794-3300 ext. 2104. Visit www.crmcny.org or www.ormc.org.

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Visitors Association busy, busy, busy T

he Sullivan County Visitors Association (SCVA) has had an extremely busy 2015 so far, attending or cooperatively participating in over 25 travel and trade shows. Working to promote our tourism industry, the latest trade show was IPW where over 70 countries and 6,200 international and domestic buyers and media gathered in Orlando to meet with domestic providers of travel. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Working with the I Love NY team, we were able to bring the assets of the Sullivan Catskills directly into the hands of these tour operators, travel agents and travel writers from around the World. SCVA has already received requests from a travel writer in New Zealand, who is including us in a story and a travel agency working in the UK,â&#x20AC;? SCVA President and CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood said.

The 2015 Travel Guide has been distributed to key travel information centers on I-87 and I-81. Individual request from our print marketing campaign is already 33 percent more than last year at this date. The majority of requests are from potential visitors in the Northeast but we have received request from as far away as California and Canada. Working with cooperative partners, SCVA is running a digital board at 1500 Broadway in NYC through July 5th. The billboard has spiked our mobile website statistics, 83 percent in May above the previous month. Millions of people are exposed to the Sullivan Catskills and its cooperative partners. SCVA is once again sponsoring a â&#x20AC;&#x153;Picture Yourselfâ&#x20AC;? campaign on the website and Facebook.

Sullivan County Visitors Assn. President and CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood talks with tour operators, travel agents and media during a recent travel show in Orlando. The campaign this summer develops a connection to 2015 advertising campaign â&#x20AC;&#x153;Selfie in the Catskills.â&#x20AC;? The appeal to a younger generation, 23-35 year olds, discovering the Sullivan Catskills is evident in our analytics for 2015 showing this age groupâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s usage on

our site is increasing. The success of our Fall and Winter campaign drove traffic to the site and Facebook. Our Facebook fans today number over 9,200. These fans as well as a dedicated subscriber e-blast list of 10,000 receive weekly updates of all the events

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happening for that week. The Eagle Express, a combined effort by dedicated people along the Delaware River in the hamlet towns of Pond Eddy, Barryville, Narrowsburg and Callicoon, Rolling V and SCVA, are launching a pilot bus service starting at the end of June through July on weekends. It departs from Penn Station area and stops along the corridor from Pond

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Eddy to Callicoon on Fridays. It will be returning to NYC on Sundays. As new development is on the horizon, SCVA is working with those developers to blend our existing assets with their projects. SCVA is working to develop an expanded photo and video library to use in future promotions. Busy, yes, but not stopping the continued promotion of our Sullivan Catskills.

The Sullivan County Catskills is running a digital board at 1500 Broadway in NYC through July 5.

BUSINESS EDGE

15E

Eagle Express begins service June 26 The Upper Delaware Scenic Byway, Inc. welcomes a convenient new bus service to transport folks to and from Manhattan with a choice of stops at four of the charming communities associated with the New York State Route 97 byway. The “Upper Delaware River Valley Eagle Express” will have its debut on June 26 & 28, and continue for three more weekends on July 3 & 5, July 10 & 12 and July 17 & 19 on a trial run. The venture was initiated by a group of local tourism promoters spearheaded by Narrowsburg Chamber of Commerce President Jane Luchsinger and fueled by the results of an online survey over the winter which showed overwhelming support among respondents. Big V Enterprises, a division of Rolling V Bus Corp., agreed to provide the 21-passenger coach bus service. The Sullivan County Visitors Association quickly jumped on board to coordinate the survey, publicity, and on-line reservations through its website at www.scva.net/eagleexpress.

The one-way fare is $40. Tickets need to be reserved by the Tuesday prior to travel. The Manhattan departure will be Friday at 4 p.m. from The Local Café located on 33rd Street near 8th Avenue in the Penn Station vicinity. Passengers will have a choice of stops in these Upper Delaware river valley hamlets: Pond Eddy (Town of Lumberland) at The 97 Bar & Grill; Barryville (Town of Highland) at Clancy’s Ice Cream; Narrowsburg (Town of Tusten) at Pete’s Market; or Callicoon (Town of Delaware) at The Western Hotel. The trip to the city on Sunday will depart from Callicoon at 5:00 p.m., Narrowsburg at 5:25 p.m., Barryville at 5:50 p.m., and Pond Eddy at 6:05 p.m. To view maps, photos, request a travelogue brochure, or find out more info, visit www.Upper DelawareScenicByway.org.

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JUNE, 2015

16E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2015

Resort experience puts Ehrlich in good stead Takes over as general manager at Villa Roma Story and Photo by Margaret Bruetsch

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Cliff Ehrlich feels right at home as the new General Manager at the Villa Roma Resort and Hotel in Callicoon. trying to bring in a Mohegan Sun Casino to Sullivan County with the hope of getting two casinos in the county.” Ehrlich became a consultant to Mohegan Sun Casino CEO Mitchell Etess, part of the famed Grossinger family in Liberty, as that Connecticut-based company vied for a casino license. Last year, New York State awarded one of the full casino bids to the Montreign Casino at Adelaar, on the site of the former Concord Hotel. “Although I would have liked two casinos in Sullivan County, I was elated to hear that at least there would be one and our argument was heard that an Orange County casino would prevent a Sullivan County casino from being suc-

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Carlucci, the vice president. “When I got to talking to them I thought ‘Wow. This is quite a place, the Villa Roma,’” Ehrlich explained, “And when they showed me around, I couldn’t believe how many amenities and facilities they had and how familyfriendly they are. It was a real eyeopener to me. I was walking around the hotel before I met with Craig and Paul, and I heard all the guests talking. They seemed so happy to be here. I mean, you come over that mountain and it’s like Shangri-La. It really is. It’s like this place has got it all, and the guests seem so happy.” It was the perfect fit. Ehrlich now presides over a weekly meeting where

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cessful,” said Ehrlich. “I spent my whole career trying to get these large commercial casinos… I have many friends who work for (Montreign developer) Empire Resorts and I can’t wait until the casino, water park, and entertainment village will open.” Ehrlich found himself thinking about his next career move. The solution came during a conversation with Craig Passante of the Villa Roma, who asked Ehrlich what he was doing. The best way to describe how things turned out: serendipity. The conversation led to a visit to the Villa Roma and a conversation not only with Craig Passante, but his father Marty, the founder and owner of the Villa Roma, and Paul

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’ve been here for about 2½ weeks so far,” Cliff Ehrlich explained in his office at the Villa Roma Resort and Conference Center, where he has begun his tenure as general manager. But he’s no stranger to the Sullivan County resort or the hotel business. Ehrlich’s grandparents Phil and May Schweid started The Pines Resort and Hotel in Fallsburg. Their daughter Harriet met his father, Jerry Ehrlich, when he was a bellhop at the resort. Ehrlich not only grew up at The Pines but, after attending University of Colorado at Boulder and receiving a Bachelor’s in Business Management and Marketing, he joined the family business. In 1994, he left to pursue a career in gaming and casinos. That year, Ehrlich and a group of investors got an option to buy Monticello Raceway. When the purchase went through in 1996, Ehrlich became president and general manager at the harness racing track and formed a development group to get commercial gaming into the Catskills area. Success followed when New York State approved slot machines at raceways and the Racino officially opened on June 30, 2004. “I was president of the raceway and later the casino from 1996 to 2013,” Ehrlich said. “I left Monticello Casino and Raceway and I ended up working

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the hotel and casino business together. “If I knew what I know now when I had The Pines, I would have done things differently,” Ehrlich said. “Now I have the opportunity to take some of the concepts I’ve learned over the last 18 years and meld the two cultures.” And the experience of working at the Villa Roma, even for a short time, has already shown all sorts of connections to Ehrlich’s tenure at a traditional Catskill hotel. From meeting a maintenance worker whose grandfather used to work at The Pines to seeing old customers bringing groups to Villa Roma, Ehrlich is constantly seeing connections to not only his early hotel career but also his time in the casino business. And Ehrlich feels he’s in a good place. “At this point and stage in my career, it’s really important that the people I work with and work for are genuine and that they’re sincere,” Ehrlich said. “And they treat people well; that above all is important to me. And the people here are really special. I don’t know if Marty Passante gets his just due, but if people could just come and see what he’s built here at the Villa Roma, I’m sure they would be as impressed as I am.”

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all the department heads read over a memo filled with diverse requests for birthday parties, weddings and groups just coming to visit. Ehrlich says the Villa Roma staff will do whatever it takes to make the stay special. “Our employees go to the highest degree to make sure that every guest is happy. Whether you're a group of six people or 300 people,” Ehrlich said. And future short-term plans for the Villa are actually focused on helping construction workers who will eventually come to the area to build Adelaar and the Montreign Casino. As for long-term plans, the goal is to really make people understand what the Villa Roma is and how many different ways there are to really experience it. “They have time sharing, and they also have condos, which is totally separate,” Ehrlich explained. “So you can have your own house, or you can take a week in a time share. This place is a jewel of the Catskills that a lot of people need to see and visit. We have the most beautiful venues for weddings and special dinners." Ehrlich is also looking to the future and the opportunity to take concepts he’s learned over the years from both

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18E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2015

Businesses contribute to Frost Valley YMCA camp around the world. Achievement, Relationships, and Belonging are essential dimensions of wellbeing that Frost Valley cultivates through Day Camp programs. Several local businesses have made donations that support financial assistance, including Premier Sponsor Blue Hill Lodge & CafĂŠ of Claryville, which generously gave $5,000 to support local families. This support helps to ensure that all families have access to quality summer care for their children. Local business sponsorships support more than 90 campers with roughly $22,000 in financial assistance. The stately exterior of Frost Valleyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Forstmann Castle which houses activities, dormitories, and more.

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also part of the complex, houses the permanent collection of acclaimed Russian born artist Alexander Kaletski. Visit www.bluehilllodgecafe.com.

Frost Valley YMCA earns Autism Speaks grant CLARYVILLE â&#x20AC;&#x201D; The Frost Valley YMCA will be a recipient of the Autism Speaks Baker Summer Camp Scholarship Program Award. Frost Valley obtained this grant for the benefit of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder whose families would otherwise not be able to attend Day Camp. The funds have been given to families living in Sullivan, Delaware, and Ulster counties for summer 2015. Frost Valley YMCA offers traditional camp

activities such as swimming, boating, hiking, arts & crafts, team-building, rock climbing, science-based outdoor experiences, ropes courses and more. Guided by its mission, Frost Valley believes that all children deserve a camp experience and have historically welcomed children with varying types of physical and developmental disabilities in their summer programs, including children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Visit frostvalley.org or call 985-2291.

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he summer can present a unique challenge for parents: how can we keep children occupied when theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re out of school? Frost Valley YMCA offers several options for parents in our community, such as Day Camp, and thanks to local businesses this option is now more affordable. By providing scholarship dollars for children to come to camp, Frost Valley can offer children a safe environment that ensures a summer filled with productive activities to boost summer learning, encourage growth, and foster healthy friendships. Campers at Frost Valley enjoy swimming in Lake Cole, going on field trips, riding horses, and exposure to a variety of different cultures from

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

JUNE, 2015

19E

CCE unveils new roof onstruction is complete on state of the art foam insulation and new metal roofing at Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County (CCESC)’s Gerald J. Skoda Extension Education Center, which houses dozens of educational programs for farmers, families, and young people. As a result of ongoing capital campaign efforts underway since 2013, supporters have made it possible through monetary donations and inkind services to begin making longterm, sustainable infrastructure improvements. The roof and superinsulation, designed by architect Joseph Hurwitz, enhance the building and will last over 75 years. Local craftsmen from Sullivan County, All County Insulation and Coatings and IRC International Contractors Incorporated, began work in April when the temperatures were still dipping into the 20s.

By the time spring finally broke, and with temperatures in the 90s, the crew of about 20 men worked tirelessly to complete one of the projects that will bring Extension through the next century. Because of their persistence and professionalism, CCESC did not have to suspend services to the public during construction. Other supporters came together to make this effort a reality including Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and community members Phil Coombe Jr., and Jerry Skoda. “It’s just so neat to see how people in Sullivan County get together to make things happen when there’s a need. We went from having a leaking roof in our classes, to having a state of the art insulation and roofing system. When paired with a new HVAC system, it’s going to reduce our energy costs by more than 40 percent! The teamwork that

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went into this project really shows how much the community values the unique educational supports that Cornell Cooperative Extension provides for county residents,” said Colleen Monaghan, CCESC executive director. Tax-deductible gifts can be made

online at www.sullivancce.org. Checks should be made payable to CCESC Capital Fund. Substantial contributions can be pledged and paid out over a number of years. More information can be obtained by calling 292-6180 or emailing sullivan@ cornell.edu.

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