Sullivan County Business Edge Winter 2014

W I N T E R

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INSIDE:

‘The Catskills are back!’

President’s Message page 2 Disney Training Grant to aid county workers page 4 S.C. Partnership & Planning host 2nd SEQRA conference page 6 Kutsher’s Slowly Disappearing page 9

Montreign wins casino license

Catskill Distillery getting better with age page 10

This rendering shows the proposed 18-story Montreign Casino Resort in Kiamesha Lake which was selected to receive a casino license.

By Fred Stabbert III

overnor Andrew Cuomo promised it.

NYS Senator John Bonacic guaranteed it. And Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther supported it from day one.

And now, 13 months after New York State residents voted to allow legalized casino gaming, Sullivan County has its wish.

In a much-anticipated announcement by the New York Gaming Facility Board on Wednesday in Albany, Sullivan County finally got the prize they had waited more than 40 years to unwrap.

It was an exciting moment for many Sullivan County residents as the Facility Board announced that Empire Resort/EPR’s Montreign Resort Casino proposal in the Town of Thompson had been selected for a Catskill/Hudson Valley Region casino license.

In November 2013, Governor Cuomo visited Sullivan County the day after the statewide casino resolution passed and said, “The message is simple, this is a huge, huge

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win for the State of New York.

“This is a game changer,” Cuomo said in 2013. “I think it is going to fundamentally change the economy in the Catskills.”

Sen. Bonacic predicted this week that “…You can take it to the bank, that we’ll have at least one resort destination [casino] in Sullivan County.”

And Assemblywoman Gunther, who had attended hearings, wrote letters and attended many meetings supporting a Sullivan County casino, was elated for her district and its residents.

Sullivan County Partnership President and CEO Marc Baez travelled to Albany on Wednesday along with dozens of other casino supporters to witness the announcement in person.

“Beginning in the summer of 2013, we travelled throughout New York State to secure Proposition One’s success,” he said.

“All of our hard work has finally achieved success. The Catskills are back!”

The Facility Board so much agreed, “Mon-

treign had a superior proposal based on the statutory requirements.”

“It was larger and more varied and more interesting than the other proposals and Montreign took advantage of its location in the Catskills Mountains.”

In somewhat of a surprise announcement, the Facility Board also declined to award a second available license in the Catskill Region, stating, “It would be too great a risk” [to Montreign’s success].

That meant that the six possible candidates in Orange County, one in Ulster County and Mohegan Sun in Sullivan County, had struck out.

The Facility Board, which worked for nearly nine months to reach their decision, said Montreign’s substantial experience, local support and plan to use the existing nearby labor force put it at the top of the heap.

Two other licenses were also awarded, one to Rivers Casino and Resort at Mohawk

continued on page 3

New Partnership Chair looking forward to an exciting future in County page 12 Media Solstice wins media award for MMC page 14 New pharmacy filling a need page 16 Sullivan County launches new business assistance program page 18 Honey Hill stays on Honey Hill page 19

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Is this not the basic reason why the practice of Economic Development Economic Development A Moral Imperative for Working Families. exists to begin with? Surely it is. they are quickly scrutinized and challenged To the People: An economic development and struggle to proceed without the due As the decision for the statewide casino colleague of mine was condiligence required to make a reasoned decicontest (maybe poor word choice but it sure fronted by a local group of sion as to the fit for our area. feels that way to me) nears, it should be Unfortunately, those that would benefit the understood that while the Sullivan County CEO/President Marc Baez very diverse religious leaders who organized a meetmost by job opportunities, tax revenues, Economic Development team has worked ing with him to discuss how they could posiand local purchases that would be made by very hard to secure one and possibly two tively impact their respective congregations. proposed projects, have the least opportunity projects in Sullivan County, we have never They are on the front lines dealing with strugto voice their concerns. Working families, held that this achievement would be THE gling families, dwindling congregations and working poor, working middle class, call it answer to Sullivan County’s economic future. the malaise associated with their economically what you will, this very fabric of residents Rather, a critical catalyst to spark redevelopchallenged communities. They view Economic ment in the varied tourist sectors of our econ- and businesses that holds our communities Development as their moral imperative and as together are more often than not simply too omy. Whether that goal is achieved or not, a whole, society’s moral imperative. After busy taking care of their families, households and I do feel like it will be, there remains an much research and deliberation they came and small enterprises to weigh in on the extraordinary amount of work to be done. together and devised a plan to help my colimportant economic development decisions Lack of infrastructure, crumbling roadways, we typically face. And so, too often decisions league in creating actions to foster a business local tax burdens, government mandates, friendly environment, an open mind to all relative to Economic Development are made municipal budget pressures and the list goes on, has perpetually held us back from making by those of us more fortunate, those with pre- proposed projects, and to help effectuate positive political change in their respective comdisposed ideologies and those who fear significant strides toward our economic resurmunities, all with the goal to create better change at the expense of those seeking a gence. So I find it astonishing that too often, opportunities for their people; locally unconchance at a better life for themselves, their when we are presented with certain projects, ventional, yet exhibiting common sense. children and by extension their communities. though not appealing to some on the surface,

Sullivan County will be experiencing new interest, new growth and overall change in the near future. There will be challenges, and we must prepare for those, but we too must embrace that change, complete our due diligence in order to make decisions with more reason than emotion, encourage new investment, prepare our sites for prudent development, and take bold steps to encourage Economic Development in our communities.

In this season of thanks, forgiveness, giving and celebrating of a new year, think about Economic Development as a moral imperative to provide better opportunities to all of the residents in Sullivan County in the future. Be not so quick to judge but understand the varied complexities of new developments at hand. After all, creating opportunities for our working families will benefit us all in the long run. Happy Holidays.

Sincerely,

Marc Baez President, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

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Harbor, Schenectady and the other to Lago Resort and Casino in the Finger Lakes Region town of Tyre, Senaca County.

Combined, the three projects are estimated to generate $1.3 billion in capital investment and generate 3,600 full-time

jobs once complete in two years time.

Once operational and based on blended tax rates, the facilities anticipate generating $212.4 million annually for education statewide on top of existing state aid. In addition, each eligible region and host county/municipality will receive between $8 million and $10.3 million annually.

BUSINESS EDGE

Attention all parents and employers!

STEVE VEGLIANTE | SPECIAL TO THE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Partnership President and CEO Marc Baez, center, waits to walk into Meeting Room 5 of the Empire State Plaza in Albany to hear the Casino announcement on Wednesday. The NYS Gaming Commission will now commence comprehensive background reviews on the three winning applications before issuing the commercial casino license.

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

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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DECEMBER, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

Sullivan County Organizations are Being Awarded Grant for Disney Training

och Sheldrake, NY: With the approval of a commercial casino license to Montreign, two of Sullivan County’s major employer organizations, the Sullivan County Visitors Association and the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, have been awarded a State University of New York Community College Workforce Development Grant that will bring Disney Institute training to the county.

The grant, which was coordinated by and will be administered by SUNY Sullivan, totals $52,459, and will be used to support the reemergence of Sullivan County as a tourist destination by underwriting a well-known and transformational professional development program through the Disney Institute of Orlando, Florida.

The objective of the program is to bring the highest level of customer service excellence to Sullivan County’s

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tourism, hospitality and retail industries, and to the numerous employees who support these industries, and will provide a “re-branding� of Sullivan County by enhancing the knowledge, skills and abilities of the associations’ members.

On Wednesday, the New York State Gaming Facility Location Board announced that Montreign Resort Casino, the casino planned at the Concord site, will be awarded a Casino Gaming License.

According to the state, these facilities are designed to boost tourism and economic development in communities across the region. Empire Resorts plans to employ more than 1,200 people at its new casino.

The Disney Institute utilizes an engagement model to ensure successful professional development, which focuses on understanding and prioritizing an organization’s needs; adapting

and applying Disney’s best practices; reorienting and “up-skilling� the team; and operationalizing and sustaining these best practices for ongoing success.

The grant provides for employees of the Chamber and the Visitors Association to attend training at the Disney Institute in Florida, as well as for the Disney Institute to travel to Sullivan County to provide training for up to 150 Sullivan County business owners, managers and staff members, which is targeted for this spring. “The Chamber, the Visitors Association and SUNY Sullivan all support the Think Positive Sullivan campaign, a campaign responsible for triggering a recognition that our collective attitude is one that we can shape together,� said Dr. Karin Hilgersom, President of SUNY Sullivan. “The Disney Training will magnify the positive results of Think Positive Sullivan.

This quote by Walt Disney epitomizes what the Disney Training strives for: ‘Whatever you do, do it well. Do it so well that when people see you do it they will want to come back and see you do it again and they will want to bring others and show them how well you do what you do.’�

The Disney Institute Training has successfully rebranded several organizations across the United States, including the Haagen-Dazs Corporation, the Barclay’s Center in Brooklyn, the Massachusetts General Medical Group, and Miami International Airport, and has been used by a number of international organizations as well.

For more information about how businesses can participate in the training, contact the Sullivan County Visitors Association at 845-747-4449 or the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce at 845-791-4200.

Building a Stronger Sullivan County, One Partnership at a Time.

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DECEMBER, 2014

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

SC Partnership and SC Planning to host 2nd Annual SEQRA Conference

Jack Nasca: Jack is the Director of the Division of Environmental Permits & Pollution Prevention at the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) in Albany.

hear a select group of keynote presenters representing law, environmental analysts, the NYSDEC, planning and the development community. “The goal is to continue to educate and inform our local professionals from throughout our region to foster consistency and predictability when it comes to the approvals process,� said Marc Baez, President and CEO of the Sullivan County Partnership. Baez believes this effort should be undertaken to address questions from both the development and review side of

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ith the anticipated development thought to be forthcoming as a result of current and future large tourist destination projects, those who facilitate and review Economic Development projects will be gathered once again to learn about the key topics and changes affecting the approvals process for a wide range of projects.

Engineers, attorneys, municipal officials, inspectors and developers are expected to crowd the ballroom at the Sullivan in Rock Hill in mid January to

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

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SEQRA Streamlining Book is one of the hardcopy deliverables given to attendees.

Last year’s event was a resounding success, attneded by nearly 200 people. board, zoning board of appeals, or works in land use and development should attend.”

the table thereby simplifying and hopefully approving projects more efficiently. It seems many agree, as over 200 attendees spent the better of 4.5 hours listening to the presentations earlier this year, and secured not

only the access to this presentation but continuing education credits, as well as a bound copy of the materials.

Presenter and current Partnership Board Chairman, Jacob Billig, of Billig Loughlin & Bear commented, “We

expect a strong turnout as we had earlier this year. Attendees are receiving great value in the way the program is structured, the Q&A, and the hardcopy deliverables from the event.

Anyone who serves on a planning

The 2nd Annual SEQRA Conference will be held at the Sullivan in Rock Hill, on January 14 from 5:00 to 9:30, with January 21st as a backup date if weather is an issue. Heavy attendance is expected once again so early response to invitations is suggested.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

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Kutsher’s slowly disappearing Demolition work slowly continues at the former Kutsher’s Country Club near Monticello. While larger buildings like this remain, their windows and interior furnishings do not – and soon, even the structures themselves will be completely razed to make room for the Veria Lifestyle health spa resort.

DAN HUST | DEMOCRAT

LEFT: Though covered in dirt from work on adjacent buildings, the old tennis courts’ fate is uncertain, as they conceivably could be incorporated into the new complex. In the meantime, Kutsher Road is usually open, allowing the curious to drive by and watch as the historic Borscht Belt hotel is disassembled.

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

Contributed Photo

The Catskill Distillery has been earning many accolades of late for its fine whiskeys and bourbon. The company also partners with Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown to use its mash in one of its whiskeys.

A multi-faceted business “The Dancing Cat was started purely to support the distillery and offer a place for local musicians to perform and a great place to enjoy local food,” Stacy Cohen said.

This winter, Dancing Cat will move its offerings to the cozy Catskill Distillery – unveiling the new

“Catstills Cafe,” a play on the work being done backstage.

“We are opening the Catstills Cafe while the Dancing Cat takes a catnap for the winter,” Cohen said. “It will offer an upscale pub menu with gourmet sandwiches and more.

“And it operate almost every day,” she said.

In addition to the Dancing Cat and Catskill Distillery, Monte Sachs and Cohen also opened the Stray Cat Gallery, across Route 17B from their two businesses.

“It was the inspiration of Paul Stark, an awesome woodcarver,” Cohen said. “It is designed to give local artists who don’t have a studio a home.”

And while the return on investment is not exactly earthshaking, Cohen feels strongly about supporting artists, herself an accomplished musician and singer.

DECEMBER, 2014

Inn in Hawley, Pa. and FlatIron Room and Whiskey Park in Manhattan.

“We recently signed up with the leading distributor in the country,” Cohen said. “In the beginning we could self distribute…”

But with the demands of running the multi-dimensional Distillery, marketing took a back seat to product quality.

Sachs and Cohen are confident that with exceptional products on the shelves, the new distributor will open markets never before dreamed of.

Sachs added, “It takes time to be recognized. Big distributors look for a full line of products and dependability of supply.

“This organized network of distribution will help us in our development and our line growth,” he said. “It will take us to new markets.”

To meet that demand the Distillery recently built a barrel house, where their whiskeys are aged for two years.

With an enormous outlay of money to buy new barrels and the necessary ingredients to make their whiskey, Cohen said cash flow is one of the company’s biggest challenges as they wait for their spirits to age.

And to distinguish itself further from the countless distilleries now popping up across the country, Sachs recently used buckwheat – a member of the rhubarb family – to make his whiskey.

“Buckwheat [spirits] cannot legally be called whiskey because whiskey must be made from grain,” Cohen said. “It’s a whiskey which is not a whiskey – but it’s very good.”

The distillery has also partnered with Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown to use their Hennepin Beer mash to put through their stills.

“We will distill a single malt, limited edition whiskey with their mash,” Cohen said. “This is soon to be a partner project.”

A licensed New York State Farm Distillery, Catskill prides itself in using mostly NYS products and with their license they can also sell products to the public.

In fact, Catskill has even become a learning ground for future distilleries, hosting two Cornell University seminars each year on the technical properties of distilling, taught

by Sachs.

“You need a passion to do what we do,” Cohen said.

“And we did it right.”

Catskill Distillery.

Getting better with age

By Fred Stabbert III s Catskill Distillery gets ready to turn the calendar on its fourth year in business, their story of hard work, risk and reward is certainly one worth telling.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Stacy Cohen, who founded the Route 17B business along with her husband, Monte Sachs. “It was a huge amount of work and planning but we did it right… it’s all about a great product.”

And with master distiller Monte Sachs, DVM, at the controls, Catskill Distillery has gone far beyond the early days of Peace Vodka and the “white spirits.”

Today Catskill Distillery is making a full line of whiskey and bourbon, earning acclaim from New York City newspapers along the way.

A

Recently, the Village Voice named the distillery the “Best Local Distillery in New York City.”

“That’s a big deal,” Cohen said. “It shows our relationship building between New York City and the Catskills.”

Another feather in their cap came when their new bourbon made the New York Times’ Top 10 List, being judged against bourbons from across the country.

That acclaim has led to greater visibility.

And with greater visibility comes the challenge of greater demand and how to satisfy that need.

“We have been able to distribute our products to some very well-known places,” Sachs said. “Such as the Mohonk Mountain House in Ulster County, Settler’s

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

BUSINESS EDGE

11E

Help along the way Monte Sachs and Stacy Cohen have utilized several business-friendly groups to help start their business and keep it running efficiently.

The Sullivan County IDA (Industrial Development Agency) received a grant which enabled the IDA to buy the stills which Catskill Distillery now leases from them to run their business.

“Without the IDA we could not have done this project,” Cohen said. “I can’t tell you enough how great they are, how professional.”

Catskill Distillery also received a small, low-interest loan from the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development through its revolving loan fund.

“Workforce Development has also been business friendly and very professional,” Cohen said.

Workforce helps to find people who need work and after Sachs and Cohen hire them, the salary is shared for the first six months.

“That affords us the opportunity to train people into an occupation,” she said. “We just hired a young man – who is a veteran – and he is learning the craft distilling business.

“Since we opened we have created between 15-20 jobs,” she said.

Contributed photo

Master Distiller Monte Sachs checks on one of his stills while the fermenting process is happening. Sachs started out with “white spirits” like the ever-popular Peace Vodka and now does a full line of whiskeys and bourbon.

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

Contributed Photo

The Catskill Distillery has been earning many accolades of late for its fine whiskeys and bourbon. The company also partners with Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown to use its mash in one of its whiskeys.

A multi-faceted business “The Dancing Cat was started purely to support the distillery and offer a place for local musicians to perform and a great place to enjoy local food,” Stacy Cohen said.

This winter, Dancing Cat will move its offerings to the cozy Catskill Distillery – unveiling the new

“Catstills Cafe,” a play on the work being done backstage.

“We are opening the Catstills Cafe while the Dancing Cat takes a catnap for the winter,” Cohen said. “It will offer an upscale pub menu with gourmet sandwiches and more.

“And it operate almost every day,” she said.

In addition to the Dancing Cat and Catskill Distillery, Monte Sachs and Cohen also opened the Stray Cat Gallery, across Route 17B from their two businesses.

“It was the inspiration of Paul Stark, an awesome woodcarver,” Cohen said. “It is designed to give local artists who don’t have a studio a home.”

And while the return on investment is not exactly earthshaking, Cohen feels strongly about supporting artists, herself an accomplished musician and singer.

DECEMBER, 2014

Inn in Hawley, Pa. and FlatIron Room and Whiskey Park in Manhattan.

“We recently signed up with the leading distributor in the country,” Cohen said. “In the beginning we could self distribute…”

But with the demands of running the multi-dimensional Distillery, marketing took a back seat to product quality.

Sachs and Cohen are confident that with exceptional products on the shelves, the new distributor will open markets never before dreamed of.

Sachs added, “It takes time to be recognized. Big distributors look for a full line of products and dependability of supply.

“This organized network of distribution will help us in our development and our line growth,” he said. “It will take us to new markets.”

To meet that demand the Distillery recently built a barrel house, where their whiskeys are aged for two years.

With an enormous outlay of money to buy new barrels and the necessary ingredients to make their whiskey, Cohen said cash flow is one of the company’s biggest challenges as they wait for their spirits to age.

And to distinguish itself further from the countless distilleries now popping up across the country, Sachs recently used buckwheat – a member of the rhubarb family – to make his whiskey.

“Buckwheat [spirits] cannot legally be called whiskey because whiskey must be made from grain,” Cohen said. “It’s a whiskey which is not a whiskey – but it’s very good.”

The distillery has also partnered with Ommegang Brewery in Cooperstown to use their Hennepin Beer mash to put through their stills.

“We will distill a single malt, limited edition whiskey with their mash,” Cohen said. “This is soon to be a partner project.”

A licensed New York State Farm Distillery, Catskill prides itself in using mostly NYS products and with their license they can also sell products to the public.

In fact, Catskill has even become a learning ground for future distilleries, hosting two Cornell University seminars each year on the technical properties of distilling, taught

by Sachs.

“You need a passion to do what we do,” Cohen said.

“And we did it right.”

Catskill Distillery.

Getting better with age

By Fred Stabbert III s Catskill Distillery gets ready to turn the calendar on its fourth year in business, their story of hard work, risk and reward is certainly one worth telling.

“We’ve come a long way,” said Stacy Cohen, who founded the Route 17B business along with her husband, Monte Sachs. “It was a huge amount of work and planning but we did it right… it’s all about a great product.”

And with master distiller Monte Sachs, DVM, at the controls, Catskill Distillery has gone far beyond the early days of Peace Vodka and the “white spirits.”

Today Catskill Distillery is making a full line of whiskey and bourbon, earning acclaim from New York City newspapers along the way.

A

Recently, the Village Voice named the distillery the “Best Local Distillery in New York City.”

“That’s a big deal,” Cohen said. “It shows our relationship building between New York City and the Catskills.”

Another feather in their cap came when their new bourbon made the New York Times’ Top 10 List, being judged against bourbons from across the country.

That acclaim has led to greater visibility.

And with greater visibility comes the challenge of greater demand and how to satisfy that need.

“We have been able to distribute our products to some very well-known places,” Sachs said. “Such as the Mohonk Mountain House in Ulster County, Settler’s

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

BUSINESS EDGE

11E

Help along the way Monte Sachs and Stacy Cohen have utilized several business-friendly groups to help start their business and keep it running efficiently.

The Sullivan County IDA (Industrial Development Agency) received a grant which enabled the IDA to buy the stills which Catskill Distillery now leases from them to run their business.

“Without the IDA we could not have done this project,” Cohen said. “I can’t tell you enough how great they are, how professional.”

Catskill Distillery also received a small, low-interest loan from the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development through its revolving loan fund.

“Workforce Development has also been business friendly and very professional,” Cohen said.

Workforce helps to find people who need work and after Sachs and Cohen hire them, the salary is shared for the first six months.

“That affords us the opportunity to train people into an occupation,” she said. “We just hired a young man – who is a veteran – and he is learning the craft distilling business.

“Since we opened we have created between 15-20 jobs,” she said.

Contributed photo

Master Distiller Monte Sachs checks on one of his stills while the fermenting process is happening. Sachs started out with “white spirits” like the ever-popular Peace Vodka and now does a full line of whiskeys and bourbon.

12E

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

Sullivan County Partnership Board Chair Jacob Billig gave an overview of the Partnership’s 2015 goals during the group’s annual meeting.

DECEMBER, 2014

New Partnership Chair looking forward to an exciting future for Sullivan County

By Fr ed Stabbert lll

’m very excited about taking the reins as chairman,� Monticello attorney Jacob Billig said about his recent election as Chairman of the Board of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development.

A Sullivan County native with deep roots in the county, Billig certainly remem-

‘I

bers the area during its heyday, when Broadway, Monticello was a hubbub of activity and the resorts attracted hundreds of thousands of people to the Catskills every year. “Our county is poised for some real big positive economic growth,� Billig said, just days before the New York Gaming Facility Location Board was to announce the locations for the four casino gaming licenses

in New York. “In addition to the casinos we have many businesses making a significant investment in our area, including Monticello Motor Club, Veria at Kutsher’s, Lost Lake in Forestburgh, Apollo Mall rejuvenation in Monticello and Bethel Woods’ continuing expansion plans.�

Billig said he was very encouraged by the recent efforts to bring casinos to Sullivan County. “It was not only a conscientious effort but a very organized one to bring business to the county,� he said. “Along with the Town of Thompson, our County Legislature played a big role, realizing the opportunities casinos provides to small business. This is also true of the Partnership, Visitor Association and Chamber who all worked seamlessly together toward one goal. We need the private and public sector to continue these kind of focused joint efforts.�

And while Billig is able to cite many of the large projects moving forward in Sullivan County, he believes large capital

investments are what keeps small business vibrant. “Bringing development dollars into the community gives incentive for small business people to invest,� he said. “The best way to help small business is to support large capital investment.�

And with the help of the Sullivan County Partnership, several small businesses are appearing on Sullivan County’s main streets.

In Callicoon: Riverside Remedies Pharmacy In Livingston Manor: Brandenburg Bakery In Roscoe: Prohibition Distillery In Monticello: Garcia Supermarket “I commend him for opening a small business on Broadway�

Billig and his partners recently purchased the former NYSEG building on Broadway, Monticello and invested several hundred thousand dollars to renovate it for their two law offices. “We did that because we are Sullivan County people and wanted to grow our business here,� he said.

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DECEMBER, 2014

Sectors doing well Billig sees several leaders in Sullivan County’s economic revival, including healthcare, tourism and the brewing/distilling sector.

“The Center for Discovery is Sullivan County’s largest employer and on the cutting edge of the areas they serve.

“They are a world-class organization

13E

which is providing opportunities for the Town of Fallsburg and will drive the economy of Hurleyville in a very positive way,” he said. “They are cutting edge in science and technology and have a tremendous reputation worldwide.”

The Monticello Motor Club continues to serve as a real economic growth engine, Billig said, as it brings its members into the county, driving a lot of business to local establishments.

“Another industry adding to our historic agriculture base is distilling and brewing,” he said. “The award-winning entities have made a tremendous impact in a short period of time and added another stop for tourists.”

The Partnership “In the first meeting when I took over as chair I recognized the importance of our board,” Billig said. “I’m proud of the intellectual and business capital which comprises the Partnership board and their work is the most important resource we have.

“And, like all past chairmen, I will be relying on them.”

Billig added that President/CEO Marc Baez, along with VP Michele Klugman Resnick and Administrative Assistant Jennifer Clayton are doing remarkable work, including building membership and attracting new business.

21075

Today Billig, Loughlin and Bear LLP and the Law Office of M L Zager occupy the renovated building.

Billig, Loughlin and Bear is a multi-practice law firm working in the Catskills and Hudson Valley. The Law Office of M L Zager is the Hudson Valley’s leading firm specializing solely in collections and accounts receivable management.

“My partner, Joe Loughlin, runs that office. Many firms can obtain judgments for their clients; Zager specializes in asset location to execute on judgments obtained.” Billig said.

“The best thing for small business is big business,” he said. “Big businesses create opportunities and customers for small businesses.

“When we [Sullivan County} were thriving economically, we had many large businesses which supported many small family businesses,” he said. “The Partnership’s efforts are focused on small, medium and large.”

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014D

SC Partnership Investors Monticello Motor Club & Media Solstice share award

16072

Monticello, NY – Sullivan County Partnership investors Monticello Motor Club (MMC) and Media Solstice Marketing & PR were recently honored with a Platinum MarCom Award for MMC’s gatefold brochure promoting the private race track. An international competition, MarCom recognizes outstanding creative achievement by marketing and communication professionals.

Media Solstice developed the brochure on behalf of Monticello Motor Club in 2014 to educate prospective members about North America’s premier motorsports country club and private race track.

“We put our faith in a locally owned Hudson Valley firm and it paid off for us,” said Ari Straus, MMC Partner and CEO. “Our message and branding were both delivered in an engaging way and within budget; we were very pleased with the final product.”

There were over 6,500 entries to MarCom this year from throughout the United States, Canada, and 15 other countries. Only about 17 percent were awarded Platinum awards. Media Solstice also earned two Gold MarCom Awards and three Honorable Mentions for work delivered on behalf of other clients, including the Orange County District Attorney’s Office and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sullivan and Northern Orange Counties. Media Solstice also represents the Sullivan County Partnership, the Sullivan County Visitors Association, and The Chapin Estate.

“We’re so grateful to our clients who have put their trust in our team to deliver their message,” said Jessica Gardner, president of Media Solstice. “It’s a real honor to represent an organization like Monticello Motor Club, recognized nationally as the only one of its kind.”

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15E

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BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014 D

Riverside Remedies offers some great shopping into addition to a wide assortment of healthcare needs and medicines.

New pharmacy filling a need Story and photos

by Fred Stabbert III

While the construction process was going on behind closed doors, Weyer said the interest was overwhelming, as people would stop by to check in on the store’s progress.

Weyer was able to handle most of the construction himself along with a small crew, relying on his extensive carpentry background from 20 years working with his stepdad, Bob Whipple.

In the early 2000s Weyer’s career took a new turn as he went back to school to earn his Funeral Director’s license.

“I’m going to keep my license, for sure, and help the family business out to the best of my ability,” he said.

His brother-in-law, Joe Kenny, is the

owner of Kenny Funeral Homes in Monticello and Wurtsboro.

Jeff and his wife, Jill, live in Monticello with their soon to be fiveyear-old twin sons, Evan and Daniel, and two-and-a-half-year-old daughter, Claire.

Jill is the Sullivan County Deputy Planning Commissioner as well as trustee on the Monticello Village Board.

Work ahead Now that he is open, he realizes it will take some time to “build a base” of customers who rely on Riverside Remedies for their prescriptions and other health needs.

But the new 2,100 square foot store

is much more than just a traditional pharmacy.

It has a little old-fashioned general store mixed in, offering everything from gifts and toys to cards to various housewares.

“I have retail experience from my days working at Bob Whipple’s Ski Shop,” Weyer said. “I’m not afraid to do retail [in addition to the pharmacy].

“The front end is important, certainly in this area,” he said. “I hope to support the need.”

Weyer also believes his location is a plus because “We will be able to save people the journey to another town to pick up their prescriptions.”

And with a dentist, doctor and hospital all located in Callicoon, Weyer said

24446

or nearly a year, Jeff Weyer had been designing, building and finishing his new pharmacy on Main Street, Callicoon.

“It’s a long process to get all the state and federal approvals, for obvious reasons,” Weyer said.

Earlier this month Riverside Remedies’ hosted an official ribbon cutting, where Weyer said, “I want to thank everyone for coming… it’s been a year coming but this is an important part of the community and I’m really excited to be in Callicoon.”

Opening a new store in Callicoon is like a homecoming of sorts for Weyer.

“My roots are here,” he said. “All of my mother’s siblings live around here and my sister recently ‘came home.’

It’s been great to open this type of business in Callicoon.”

F

BUSINESS EDGE

SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

17E

Supervising Pharmacist Gene W. Burns offers help to customers whenever they have a question or need.

Last weekâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was well attended as Jill and Jeff Weyer, fourth and fifth from left, did the honors of welcoming new customers.

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Dr. Maureen Whipple, Weyerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mom, certainly knew the healthcare landscape in the area and has encouraged her son along the way.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

DECEMBER, 2014

New Business Assistance Program Launched

by Sullivan County

he Division of Planning and Environmental Management announces a new Microenterprise Assistance Program (MAP) to assist owners of small businesses in Sullivan County and people looking to start a business here.

The program will provide entrepreneurial training to help small businesses survive and grow, along with low interest loans, subsidies and other forms of support.

The program will target the County’s village and hamlet centers, with a priority given to restaurants and food service businesses that typically find it hard to obtain traditional financing but which are essential components of a thriving downtown.

Fifty percent of all small businesses do not survive past their fifth year, however small businesses are the backbone of Sullivan County’s rural economy.

The new program is aimed at

T

improving this statistic by offering an eight session Entrepreneurial Training Program, covering such topics as small business basics; taxes, permitting and licensing; market research and analysis; preparing a business plan; financing; customer service, and finding and managing employees. Since the program is targeting applications from restaurants and food service entrepreneurs, an additional class will be conducted, specifically geared toward this sector, that will address common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

The training program will be limited to 20 people in order to create an environment where participants can learn from and support each other.

Graduates of the training will be eligible to apply for low interest loans of between $5,000 and $35,000 being made available under the program to new business start-ups or existing enterprises with five or fewer employees.

It is anticipated that approximately 10 loans will be made. Recipients must contribute a minimum of 10% of the total project cost in cash to demonstrate financial commitment. For larger projects, the program will assist participating businesses with seeking and packaging funding from other sources.

The new Microenterprise Assistance Program is made possible with a $200,000 grant from the United States Department of Agriculture Rural

Business Enterprise Grant Program (RBEG). The grant is being administered by the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management in collaboration with the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce, Sullivan County Center for Workforce Development and Sullivan County Industrial Development Agency.

The deadline for applications to the program is Friday, January 2, 2015.

For more information or to request an application, contact the Sullivan County Division of Planning and Environmental Management at (845) 807-0527 or by email at planning@co.sullivan.ny.us.

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DECEMBER, 2014

BUSINESS EDGE

19E

Honey Hill’s staying on Honey Hill DAN HUST | DEMOCRAT

Honey Hill Pottery held its “grand reopening” Saturday, celebrating owner/potter Ellany Gable’s decision to stay in the region. Located on a hillside at 119 Diehl Road in Callicoon (not far from the Villa Roma), Honey Hill Pottery offers dishware, vases, mirrors, tables and artistic works handmade by both Gable and partner Franco LoPinto, who convinced her to not move away after 17 years here. Inside the home they share is artwork by Herb Janow (janowart.com) and jewelry by Tamara D’Antoni, also for sale. Hours are 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday through Sunday, or by appointment. More information can be found by visiting honeyhillpottery.com or calling 845-482-5280.

Present for the ribboncutting were, from the left, County Legislator Cindy Gieger, NYS

Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther, County Treasurer Nancy Buck, LoPinto, D’Antoni, Delaware Town Clerk Tess McBeath, Gable, supporter Sheila Sheppard and Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce representative Carl Santos.

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SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT

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