general membership meeting brings a positive progress report...creating and preserving estates...

WW ith Sullivan County on the cusp of Spring and thescent of baseball season hovering in the air, it is

comforting to note that the Sullivan County Partnershipfor Economic Development has positive news to sharewith its members and the public at large. On Thursday,March 1, more than 60 members attended the quarterlymeeting of the Sullivan County Partnership for EconomicDevelopment at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill,New York.

A perfect setting for a March kick-off networking event,participants were treated to a long list of prospectiveprojects and news regarding the development andexpansion projects amongst investment members. ThePartnership also proudly reported that they lead the packin bragging rights regarding largejumps in membership numbers(something uncommon to mostpublic and private organiza-tions during this economy).

“We are proud toannounce that our Directorof Marketing, MicheleKlugman Resnick, hasbeen instrumental in get-ting the word out aboutthe benefits of joiningthe Partnership,” relayedAllan Scott,

President/CEO of the Partnership. “Since joining ourteam, Michele has brought in more than 50 new mem-bers (this is in just a matter of less than eight months).”

Added Klugman Resnick, “Membership is the best wayto financially support the Partnership. But, while duesare crucial to support operating funds, personal involve-ment with Partnership activities and programs is muchmore important to the welfare of our organization. Yourvoice is what gives us our credibility, stature, and influ-ence in the community.”

Central to and featured in this meeting was Scott’sinformational report with up-to-date details surroundingseveral new and on-going projects in Sullivan County.Scott cautioned members by stating, “Quite often whenwe begin to talk about projects that are planned to takeplace in our County, we then tend to take it to the bankwithout understanding that at times, projects take 6months or more to take root and then, at times, we justdo not get traction depending on the economy and othercircumstances. So, I ask for you to keep an open mindas I read this report to you knowing full well that, attimes, some projects just do not pan out even in thebest scenario. Economic development is a very com-petitive animal.”

PROJECTED DEVELOPMENT AND/OR EXPANSION PROJECTS

• Dunbar Towers - Purchased by a large NYC-basedinvestment company (not tax-exempt); mixed use planof time shares coupled with hospitality rooms and con-dos. Currently the Partnership is working with the Vil-lage of Monticello on permits to move forward. SCP ismonitoring the project. Dunbar Towers recently joinedas a member of the Partnership.

• Shelbourne Plastics - Will be up and running at100% by this summer. Plans are to hire 20 full-timers followed by another 30 for a total of 50 new jobs.

• Aaron’s Rentals - Partnership is working with theVillage of Monticello to finalize details of a 7,000 squarefoot building just off Route 42 in Monticello. 6 jobs to becreated and sales revenue. More: TBA

• The Camp Professionals - Steadily moving forwardin the Town of Mamakating. Culinary camp and yearround instructional center; a $1 million investment. Prop-erty has not been on tax roles but will be put on taxroles upon completion. Environmental Benefit: an adap-tive reuse of an existing facility that was on its last legs.

S P R I N G 2 0 1 2

Michele Klugman Resnick, Marketing Director of the SullivanCounty Partnership for Economic Development addressedmeeting attendees.

POSITIVE REPORT continued on page 6

General Membership Meeting Brings A Positive Progress Report Story and photos by L. G. Rubinstein

L. Rubinstein & Co., P.R.

2 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012

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To the People:

The Sullivan County Partnership, our members, and funding partners

have come together to make the Partnership a leading voice in the County and

region for successful economic and community development.

Partnership efforts have directly resulted in the creation of thousands of

jobs over the years of our existence and we continue to develop and administer

programs that create wealth-building jobs and significant property tax ratables.

This year alone, we were instrumental in saving 50 jobs at Frontier Insurance in

Rock Hill, in addition to creating other jobs in the county.

The Partnership's efforts ensure that we have an attractive business

climate, healthy relationships with elected officials, knowledge of incentives,

financing and grants, and efficient networking and deal-making opportunities.

Membership is the best way to financially support the Partnership, but

while membership dues are crucial to support operating funds, personal

involvement with Partnership activities and programs is much more important

to the overall welfare of the Partnership. Your voice is what gives the Partnership

its credibility, stature, and influence in the community.

There are many reasons to become a member and to keep up your

membership. Members receive up-to-date information on new projects,

business expansion and future market opportunities. Members have financial

procurement assistance and loan assistance available to them. We have recently

formed two strategic alliances for technical assistance and business plan analy-

sis. We have partnered with Sullivan County SCORE and the Small Business

Development Center to offer free business plans and advice for start up, existing

and expanding businesses. Members have access to

local and regional demographic and economic

studies. Most importantly, members receive

referrals to new and expanding businesses. We

continually recommend our members for

consideration. Members can market their business

directly to our other businesses via Partnership

advertising and events, and have the opportunity

to attend informational forums about key business

topics as well as benefit from networking opportunities with top decision

makers. The Partnership also provides access to other important economic

development organizations, both local and regional, to provide a complete

service to our membership.

The Partnership is hosting quarterly membership meetings throughout

the county. It is an opportunity to network, hear informative guest speakers, and

to keep abreast of economic development in the county. We sincerely hope you

will join us. For those who are members, thank you for your continued support.

The Partnership will continue to strive to make businesses in Sullivan County

flourish. We are 100 percent dedicated to our economy and will do whatever it

takes to make ours strong, viable, competitive, and enduring.

Sincerely,

Allan Scott

CEO/President, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

198 Bridgeville Road ●Monticello, NY 12701845-794-1110 ● Fax 845-794-2324

845-791-4200to find the current location of our mobile office visit [email protected]

One Cablevision CenterFerndale, NY 12734

845-295-2603 ● Fax 845-295-2604

Published by Catskill Delaware Publications, Inc.

Publisher: Fred Stabbert IIIAdvertising Director: Liz Tucker

Advertising Representative: Katie Peake, Celcilia LamyAdvertising Coordinator: Jen Rosado

Designer: Rosalie MyckaProduction Associates: Sue Conklin, Tracy Swendsen,

Ron Colden, Elizabeth FinneganBusiness Manager: Sue Owens

Business Department: Diane Hess, Carol Wootan, Jasmine RiveraDistribution: Herb Hall

P.O.Box 308, Callicoon, NY, 12723 ● 845-887-5200

Sullivan County Visitor’s Association 100 Sullivan Avenue., Suite 2

PO Box 248, Ferndale, NY 12734845-747-4449 or 800-882-2287

Fax 845-747-4468

CEO/President Allan Scott

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 3

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G lenn B. Sutherland is a Board member and currentlyserves as Vice Chair of the Sullivan County

Partnership for Economic Development. Mr. Sutherland isPresident and Chief Executive Officer of Catskill HudsonBank and its parent, Catskill Hudson Bancorp, Inc.

Catskill Hudson Bank, “Your Community Bank” with assetsof approximately $350 million, is currently headquartered inthe community of Kingston, New York, and provides bank-ing services from the Catskill Mountains to the Hudson Riverthrough twelve banking offices in Orange, Sullivan, andUlster Counties. The Bank was organized and opened inDecember 1993 as the Community Bank of Sullivan County.During the past seven years, it has expanded from its threebanking offices with $73 million in assets. The Bank willcontinue its expansion into Orange, Ulster, and Dutchesscounties.

Mr. Sutherland joined the Bank in January 2005, havingserved as President and CEO of Ellenville National Bankprior to its acquisition by Provident Bank. Previously, hewas Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer atFirst National Bank of Rhinebeck until its merger withFishkill National Bank.

Mr. Sutherland is a CPA, CFA and a native and current resi-dent of Kingston, New York. After graduating from RiderUniversity, he began his career in Kingston as an accountantwith Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. and later operated hisown CPA practice with his wife under the name of

Sutherland & Lowe.Mr. Sutherland is currently a board member of the follow-

ing organizations: Hudson Valley Economic DevelopmentCorporation, New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce,The Bardavon, Ulster Community College Foundation,Independent Bankers Association of New York State, and heis a member of the Education Committee of the New YorkBankers Association.

Mr. Sutherland was formerly Board member and Treasurerof the Ulster County Development Corporation; Chair of the“Ulster Tomorrow” economic development project; and cur-rently serves on the Economic Advisory Council to the UlsterCounty Executive.

Said Sutherland,“While banking has been through difficultperiods in the past, the current protracted world-wide eco-nomic decline has been extremely difficult. While the econ-omy will improve, there will be a new norm. The future ofbanking will be totally influenced by technology which willalso create a new norm. In the economic developmentfield, we will need to replace those businesses that cannotsucceed and assist those that are here to survive and suc-ceed.”

When not immersed in banking and/or economic develop-ment, Mr. Sutherland and his wife, Cynthia Lowe, enjoy trav-eling beyond the U.S. borders to places such as Egypt,Israel, and Jordan.

Spotlight on Board Member Glenn Sutherland

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CNIE-111496Holiday Mountain recently received a $62,000 NYSEG

grant to repair and replace electric infrastructure and

equipment that was damaged or destroyed by severe

flooding following Hurricane Irene. Pictured left to right

during a check presentation ceremony: Allan Scott (CEO/

President of the Sullivan County Partnership); Guy Owen

(NYSEG representative); Michele Klugman Resnick

(Director of Marketing for the Sullivan County

Partnership); Craig Passante (Owner/Holiday Mountain);

Jim Salmon (East Region Manager of Outreach and

Development for NYSEG), and Fred Stabbart III (Board

President of the Sullivan County Partnership).

Photo by L.G. Rubinstein


• ASB Greenworld - Has secured building permit andhas begun site work for a 28,000 square foot facility inBethel, NY. Recruitment efforts for a facilities managerand core employees have begun - training begins in theValdosta, Georgia facility. The plant will produce plantingsoils and substrates utilizing all natural ingredients for saleto national distributors. 12 new jobs; $12 million invest-ment. Environmental Benefit: This company will be work-ing with municipalities to import select debris from stormsurges, tree trimming etc. as part of their materials inflow.The company has made a highly dedicated effort to utilizelocal contractors.

• Project Vision out of Alberta, Canada - Partnershipofficials met with representatives of an Alberta, CA-basedcompany - a firm that manufactures windows and curtainwalls for high rise facilities in major northwest cities witha proprietary film system which creates a very efficientenvironmental barrier with uniform or values from 5-8times more efficient than existing products. Windows arefor commercial use and have been installed in every envi-ronment. The company seeks to build 30,000 square feetto start with an expansion to 100,000 sq. ft. and a mini-mum of 50 manufacturing jobs. Possibilities exist to part-ner with existing Partnership member, Neversink Glass,which is highly rated and does similar work in the NYCMetro area. Environmental Benefit: the company is devel-oping a way to incorporate photovoltaic film in its designsince the assembly process is similar in an effort to offer

glass curtain walls that are not only efficient, but alsoenergy producing as well.

• Three Phase Power Extension Projects - NYSEG -Shelbourne Plastics, ASB Greenworld, and Brey’s Eggs(Bethel, NY) are all recipients of a three-phase powerextension all of which represents a more than $440,000reinvestment via construction and expansion projects.

• Formaggio Cheese Business Expansion Project -Partnership officials met with the company several timesto begin exploring the possibility of utilizing Sullivan dairyin an expanded cheese production process. ThePartnership has been working with HVEDC and both theTowns of Fallsburg and Thompson on some very compli-cated issues that must be resolved before the project canmove forward. This has the potential of having extraordi-nary benefits to the local dairy farming community. 20additional jobs to be created. Environmental Benefit:reduction in transportation costs, stable local demand,farm fresh product, and local branding opportunities.

• Apollo Mall Property - The Partnership has beenassisting Chancellor Livingston with a variety of marketingrelated and targeted demographic data as part of the tech-nical assistance work. The work has helped garner interestfrom a variety of prospects that they hope will locate tothis site. Environmental benefit: Chancellor has been con-tacted by Carbon Harvest to explore possible energy-sav-ings and other synergies.

• We Ship Express - The Partnership has assisted WE

Ship It in finding a suitable location for their expansionproject. The company has moved to Wurtsboro after com-pletion of upgrades to the 34,500 square foot facility. Thecompany distributes a variety of ‘club membership’ typeconsumer products throughout the U.S. They have grownfrom 12,000 square foot facility which was formerly locatedin Bloomingburg. The company employs 8 and has landedadditional contracts which will require expansion in thenear future. Space is available at the new location.Environmental Benefit: Adaptive reuse of an existing facility.

• Consolidation Project - Firm looking to consolidatetwo operations/distribution centers in Thompson, which ishalfway between their two current and aging facilities.This firm has located a site that may be suitable and isconducting due diligence at this time though still search-ing for sites between Exit 104 and 107: 65,000 square ft;high paying union-scale jobs.

• CBRE - Space needed to house a small snack distribu-tion facility. Buildings in Bloomingburg, Monticello, andLiberty were presented.

REINVESTMENT IN THE ECONOMYThere seems to be a growing trend; a good one at that

with regard to local businesses small and large, who areable and willing to expand their businesses both in sizeand scope. This not only points to the fact that our econ-omy is slowly turning around but the fact that local peo-ple are reinvesting in Sullivan County is a good indicatorthat it is in our diversity that we excel. Marketing to and

attraction of businesses from outside of the area on aninternational and national level is key but even moreworthwhile and synergistic is adding the layer of alreadyestablished businesses reinvesting in the economy. It willtake the internal entrepreneurial spirit coupled withstrong, new external elements to really make legs on justabout any economy within the state of New York.

Less know with regard to the Partnership’s work is thatof the behind-the-scene assistance the Partnership givesmember businesses in the retention and preservation ofjobs. Just recently, in fact, Frontier Insurance Companynearly closed its doors permanently. The Partnershipworked with local and state officials to stop the closure of the remaining elements of Frontier saving 50 jobs inSullivan County. The jobs are safe for another 18 monthswhile the interested parties work out possible details forpermanency and a potential expansion that would add anadditional 50 jobs. This is the good work that the publicrarely reads about.

In addition to project updates that took place at thisquarterly meeting, Marketing Director Michele KlugmanResnick introduced guest speaker, Thom Kleiner,Commissioner’s Hudson Valley Region Representative forthe New York State Department of Labor. During his pres-entation, he presented a summary report of the EconomicDevelopment Council’s Regional Board which includesSullivan County (amongst ten other regions) competingfor a piece of the pie as applicants for grant money topartake in transformative projects for the Mid-HudsonValley Region.

“Every region did a great job with plans and finding

projects to meet very strict guidelines. Unfortunately,Hudson Valley did not take home the gold this year,” stated Kleiner. The Mid-Hudson Valley Region consists ofseven counties: Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Rockland,Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester. $100 million in grantfunding did, however, roll out into Long Island, WesternNew York, North Country and the Finger Lakes Region.

Kleiner’s detailed power point presentation can beviewed directly on-line at: www.labor.ny.gov.

The Partnership welcomes new members and invites newand prospective members and guests to attend the nextquarterly meeting in June. For more information, contactthe Partnership at 845.794.1110.


POSITIVE REPORTcontinued from front page

ABOVE LEFT: (bottom left to right)Larry Wolinsky, Board Member(Jacobowitz & Gubits) and Board Member Lew Klugman (KlugmanAssociates). (top left to right): Gerald Skoda (Board Member) with WalterGarigliano (Garigliano Law/Sullivan County IDA).

LEFT: Bruce Reynolds of Shelbourne Plastics with Senior VP of JeffBank's George Kinne (Partnership Board Treasurer).

ABOVE: Board Member Susan Diamond (SullivanARC) with Jeff Bank VPJohn Veleber and L.G. Rubinstein of L. Rubinstein & Co., P.R.

RIGHT: Allan Scott, President and CEO of the Partnership, gives projectoverview

FAR LEFT: Various members and guests listen to the presentationat Bernie’s in Rock Hill, NY.

ABOVE: Keynote speaker Thom Kleiner of New York StateDepartment of Labor presents to Partnership members.

LEFT: A Spring welcome for all member guests.

BELOW: Charlene Finnerty from partners in Safety/SCORE.

Family-owned and founded in 1979 by Bob and PatsyGrey, Grey’s Woodworks has a long standing reputationof creating a line of handcrafted sheds, gazebos, garages,and other outdoor accessories second to none.

The following is an interview with current owners Bethand Bob Mickelson:

Q: How did the company get started?

A: (Beth) In 1979, my dad starting with a pine sidingcompany for a condo development and around that time,someone asked him to build them a shed. He built two;sold one and put the other one up for sale. One thingled to another and here we are today in 2012 keepingthe tradition growing.

Q: Can you give us more details about the history ofGrey’s Woodworks and how it has grown over the years?

A: I (Beth) started in the business in 1986 and Bob, in1987. My dad actually fixed us up while I worked for mydad part-time. I like to say that I do all the administrativework and secretarial work but, my husband claims that Iam the real boss around here. But, seriously - we eachhave our strengths. I work with bookkeeping, sales,scheduling, advertising, the front office, and participatein customer meetings.

Bob is the official President of the company and hearranges crews, checks on crews, does the on-site super-vision, and sales both in office and on the road.

Q: Do you participate in Home Shows?

A: Yes, we do. We do around 2 to 3 shows per year.Our business extends throughout four counties - Ulster,Sullivan, Dutchess, and Orange so we don’t have asmuch time to focus on shows but they are a great wayto get the word out about our products and services.

Q: The bulk of your work is in the shed business?

A: We offer a wide variety of products from sheds togarages to storage sheds which can also be used to safe-ly house pets as well as non-living materials. We alsooffer an extensive line of sizes and styles of sheds fromColonial and Gambrel to Salt Box and Cabana. All avail-able for viewing on-line (www.greyswoodworks.com).Our sheds take on a whole new meaning when you lookbeyond their role as storage container. You can use ashed for your outdoor pool as a cabana and storagefacility; as a safe haven for your pet; a perfect place forthe outdoorsmen in your family, as a ‘man cave’ or ashed can easily be converted into a playhouse for your

children to enjoy throughout the years.

Q: Were you both born and raised here?

A: Yes, both of us were born and raised in Grahamsvilleand attended Tri-Valley High School. We knew eachother back then, but we were not close friends. We havethree sons, Ryan (20), who attends the University ofVermont and studies mechanical engineering; Joe (17),who works with us part time when he is not in school,and our maintenance man, Jon (14).

Q: What sets you apart from other like companies?

A:: Unlike other companies, we take care of some ofthe biggest headaches for homeowners and secondhomeowners by handling the paperwork involved in permits, plans, drafting, building permits etc. Weekendersdon’t have the time nor are the offices open to themduring the weekend to get the paperwork in so we savethem time and stress.

In addition, we do all the site work for our shed andgarage business. We even pour the concrete needed onwhich to build garages and sheds.

Additionally we are very proud of the timeframes weoffer in comparison to other competitors. The custom-built product is created in our workshops off site andthen, we transport it piece by piece to the location. Inother words, from soup to nuts, we take care of theentire process.

Q: Tell us about some other unique ways in whichgarages or storage sheds have been utilized.

A: We’ve seen people create home offices out of them;recently, we built a barber shop out of one of them.Some people utilize the garage for additional income sothat upstairs, rental apartments exist. Other folks usethem for entertaining. It’s nice to see that sheds andgarages have taken on a whole new meaning in this culture and economy.

Q: What got you involved in the Sullivan CountyPartnership?

A: Our friend, Steve Drobysh, who was the formerCEO/President of the Partnership, got us involved fromthe very beginning. At that time, Steve was the bankerinvolved in assisting us in buying this business from ourfolks.

Q: What are you passionate about?

A: Family and our business. We love meeting new people and expanding our business and working hand inhand with new and continual customers. Our priority hasalways been our boys and as they get older, we have atiny bit of free time to ourselves but we are lucky in thatour hobby has become our job. The saying “Do whatyou love. Love what you do.” rings true here. We arealso quite blessed with awesome employees who are justlike family to us.

Q: How many people do you employ?

A: Ten employees and some seasonal employees in thewinter as well.

Q: How have you weathered the economy?

A: We take special care to pay attention to the needs ofour customers and make a stressful process easier forthem. In an economy where all businesses are having tobecome creative, we continue to do what has worked allalong. Being authentic is important. Hearing our cus-tomer’s life stories and relating to that on a very humanlevel is key.

We aren't just in the business of building sheds. We arein the business of adding quality to the lives of the peo-ple with whom we work. It’s nice that we can brag thatwe’ve been around longer than Home Depot.

Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for SullivanCounty with regard to business and our future?

A: We have high hopes and always have had highhopes for our county. We love it here and we are notgoing anywhere. With the continued reinvestment intoour main streets, we hope that the tide will turn and ourchildren will come back here to work after college.

Q: What’s the best part of your job?

A: The quality and pride that every one of our stafftakes in their work. We have a very high level of work-manship here because we see the product from rawmaterial through the actual finished product and get tosee and experience the reactions of our customers. Wetake that with us. It’s a good thing when you know thatpeople are willing to travel from Rockland and OrangeCounty just to come and see what we do. It’s a worth-while drive for sure.

For more info about Grey’s Woodworks, log on to:www.greyswoodworks.com or call 845.985.7006.

Veteran Member ProfileBETH & BOB MICKELSON

Owners of Grey’s Woodworks

Story by L. G. Rubinstein L Rubinstein & Co., P.R


By Cathy Paty,Vice President Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce

The Sullivan County Chamber of Com-

merce is holding their 5th Annual

“Casino Royale” Fundraiser on Saturday,

April 21st at the Villa Roma Resort & Con-

ference Center in Callicoon, NY. The Black

Tie event will take place from 7:30 pm-

11:30 pm. Tickets are $75 and include light

fare, cash bar, $50,000 in “Chamber Chips”

and entertainment. Limited amount of tick-

ets available and advanced purchase is rec-

ommended. Proper attire is mandatory.

Attendees will have a chance to play, for

fun, a wide variety of casino games - Black

Jack, Texas Hold’em, Roulette, and Craps -

with a chance to win thousands of dollars

in real prizes. Prizes awarded for best

James Bond and Bond Girl look-alikes.

Tickets and Table sponsorships are avail-

able but are going fast.

To reserve your spot, contact the Cham-

ber office at 845-791-4200.

All attendees will have a chance to win

great prizes, including (but not limited to) a

Season Lawn Pass to Bethel Woods Center

for the Performing Arts!

Media Sponsors: Thunder 102.1,

WSUL/WVOS. Entertainment and table

games provided by The Spencer Daniels

Agency.

For more information, log onto the

Chamber website at www.catskills.com

or join them on Facebook (search:

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce).

SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 9RO

LL-120660

OCTR

-120839

Chamber to Hold 5th Annual‘Casino Royale’ A James Bond Themed

Black Tie EventApril 21 at theVilla Roma Resort &Conference Center


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B ack in the 1960s, New York Statedeveloped the concept of Industrial

Development Agencies to attract andenhance economic development withinthe State. At that time, State municipalitieswere authorized to request the creation oflocal Industrial Development Agencies tohelp accomplish their commercial, recre-ational, and industrial development goals.The County of Sullivan IndustrialDevelopment Agency (IDA) was createdby an act of the New York StateLegislature in 1970.

The major activity used by the IDA tohelp accomplish the goals of SullivanCounty is to offer tax breaks (property,sales, and mortgage recording) to eligiblebusiness that are created or expand withinthe County. This is usually done througha Lease Agreement between the IDA andthe business.

Back in 1998, the IDA in SullivanCounty reviewed its policies and decidedthat agriculture was so important in theCounty that it would develop a special taxabatement program specifically for theagricultural industry.

In this benefit program, sales tax abate-ments are provided in connection with alltaxable items purchased in connectionwith the agricultural projects. This maybe of little benefit to production farms thatare statutorily exempt from sales tax, butit can be an important benefit for servicesor suppliers to production farms and tobusinesses processing farm products. Allmortgage tax on loans necessary for agri-cultural industry projects is abated.

Also in this program, real estate taxes on

the increased value resulting fromimprovements are abated at one-hundredpercent for years one through five withthe abatement decreasing ten percent peryear for years six through fourteen. Thismay be of little benefit to productionfarms that qualify for agricultural valueassessments, but it can be an importantbenefit for services or suppliers to produc-tion farms and to businesses processingfarm products.

Several agriculture related businesses havebeen assisted by the IDA through its vari-ous programs. Fosterdale Equipment in the

Town of Cochecton wasassisted in the expansionproject of their farm equip-ment sales and service facil-ity, and Cochecton Mills,along the Delaware River,was assisted in the modern-

ization of their feed processing facility. Recently the IDA assisted Dancing Cat

Distillery in the Town of Bethel, located onRoute 17B, adjacent to the Bethel WoodsCenter for the Arts.

Dancing Cat renovated a Victorian vin-tage building into a restaurant and con-structed a new micro-distillery that makesvodka and whiskey from local ingredi-ents. The IDA assisted Dancing Cat withtax benefits and also with the purchaseof their distilling equipment.

Additionally, the IDA has several loanprograms that may be of assistance to theagricultural community.

To find out more about how a projectis eligible to take advantage of theCounty of Sullivan IDA’s tax abatementand loan programs, please contactJennifer Brylinski, IDA Executive Director,at 845-295-2603.

For the Public’s Information:

An Overview of Tax Return Preparer Requirements

The following provides an overview of the various categories of individuals who may

legally prepare federal tax returns for compensation:

*Enrolled Agents have passed a three-part, comprehensive IRS exam

covering individual and business returns. They must adhere to ethical

standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three

years. EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which means

they can represent clients for any tax matter.

**RTRPs (Registered Tax Return Preparers) have passed an IRS test establishing

minimal competency. The test covers only individual income tax returns (Form 1040).

They must adhere to ethical standards. They must also complete 15 hours of continuing

education each year. RTRPs have limited practice rights before the IRS, which means

they can represent clients in only certain circumstances. No RTRPs will actually exist

until after the testing and licensing procedure has been implemented. At this juncture,

anyone who is not an EA, Attorney, or CPA is considered an “un-enrolled preparer”.

***CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) and Attorneys have unlimited practice rights

before the IRS.

All paid preparers, including “un-enrolled preparers”, must have a Preparer Tax

Identification Number (PTIN) before preparing returns. Some preparers will have

additional requirements in the future. Enrolled Agents, Attorneys, and Certified

Public Accountants who are active and in good standing with their licensing agency

have no additional requirements other than to renew their PTIN annually. All other

preparers will need to: Renew their PTIN annually, pass a competency test, and take

continuing education courses annually. IRS expects to begin offering the RTRP test in

“approximately” November 2011. Those “un-enrolled preparers” who already have a

PTIN will have until the end of 2013 to take and pass the exam. Once the exam is active

every new applicant will have to pass the RTRP exam before being issued a PTIN. The

continuing education requirement is expected to start in 2012. Log on to www.irs.gov

This important income tax update information provided for you by:

Craig E. Atkins, EA Enrolled Agent Admitted to Practice Before the Internal Revenue Service

845-292-0065 / 845-436-6168 /Toll Free 1-888-436-6168 Licensed by the United States Department of the Treasury

NTPI FELLOW

e-file

ACRA-118453

Agriculture and the County of Sullivan IndustrialDevelopment AgencyBy Jennifer C.S. Brylinski Sullivan Co. IDA Executive Director


Q: In your own words, how would youintroduce your business?A: As owner and operator of PrestigeTowing and Recovery in Harris, New York,what began as a small towing business with my partner, husband, andco-owner, Sean Brooks, has slowly multi-plied into a thriving business.

Q: Tell us more about how you got start-ed in the business and how it transitionedinto the flourishing business that it istoday.A: I am a hairdresser by trade however, inthe past, I worked with a local business thatfocused on car rentals and towing. Ibecame knowledgeable in the business andeducated myself enough that, after a shortstint back in the hair business, my husband,Sean and I began our own business.

Sean took on the role of Manager and I,as Owner and Operator. At first, we beganwith a simple buying and selling ofexported trucks. The next step takenincluded the purchase of a used truck caband chaise as well as a used wreckerbody. For just $3,500, we started our busi-ness with a homemade truck and now,the trucks we use start at $65K. How timeshave changed!

Q: Give us the details regarding yourbusiness (especially for those who are notfamiliar with the towing industry.)A: We began with one truck in 1994 andtoday, we have a fleet of 24 ranging fromlight duty trucks that tow passenger carsand small vehicles to heavy duty truckscapable of towing

tractor trailers or handling large auto accidents. We handle a variety of issuesfrom cars and trucks breaking down andneeding towing to recovery of vehiclesfrom large bodies of water. We work intandem with motor clubs, service stations,AAA, and the local and state officials(police and State police).

Q: And you are located in Harris, NewYork?A: Actually, we are located in Harris, NewYork as well as Monticello at the former Marty’s Service Station where wealso have our U-Haul business and weemployee 35 full-time workers. We provide a large range of services includingmechanics and heavy duty repairs. Wemaintain a full body shop and a rental carservice. We also offer low boy service aswell as a general service truck which wesend out to fix a job instead of towing thejob. We serve thousands of customersannually and are clearly a service-drivencompany.

Q: You recently joined the Sullivan Coun-ty Partnership?A: Yes, we did. Michele Klugman Resnickintroduced me to the Partnership as anoth-er avenue to meet other business ownersand to network. So far, it’s been a greatopportunity to inform their membershipabout my business and in turn, learnabout theirs and the opportunities that thePartnership affords its members.

Q: What do you love most about yourbusiness and your work?A: Each day presents new challenges. Iam proud to own a solid business whereevery day is an adventure. We strive to be

reliable and efficient and take pride inworking with our customer base to meettheir needs.Q: Has the difficult and unstable econo-my had any influence on the success ofyour business?A: We have been extraordinarily lucky inthat the economic imbalance has noteffected our success. Unfortunately, ourrepossession business has climbed - thiswas our first sign of a bad economy. It issad to see companies folding and machin-ery having to be sold off, but this is whereour work begins. The cost of fuel willcontinue to be a challenge, however.

Q: What are your hopes for a better busi-ness climate for Sullivan County?A: I’d like to see more do-ers. I considermyself a go-getter; a do-er who digs myheels in and gets the work done thatneeds to get done. I’d like to continue towork with people who really care aboutour community and who are willing toinvest or reinvest in our community. Withteamwork and positive decision-making,we can be assured of a better tomorrow.

For more info about Prestige Towing andRecovery, call Ellie at 845.794.8522.

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New Member ProfileELEANOR DeSIMONE BROOKS

Prestige Towing and Recovery

Story and photo by L. G. Rubinstein L Rubinstein & Co., P.R

Eleanor DeSimone Brooks, Co-Owner PrestigeTowing and RecoveryEleanor DeSimone Brooks, Co-Owner Prestige Towing and Recovery

C O N F I D E N T I A LCatskills

Call 845.887.5200 today


Jeff Bank has been a loyal partner to area businesses since 1913. Today, with the help ofour seasoned commercial bankers, your business receives the kind of quick, reliablefinancial service you need. Because of our long history as a community bank,we have anunderstanding of the local economy unmatched by newer or larger banks.

To start getting the financial support yourbusiness deserves, call 845 /482.4000 andmake an appointment with one of ourbanking professionals – your place or ours.

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Helping local businesses for almost 100 years

“Through three successfulbusiness startups and

four residences, Jeff Bankhas been there for me.”

– Chuck Petersheim Ownerof Ecotech Spray

Foam Inc.,Eldred,NY

FNAT-118745

Let’s Not Risk Our Future!Natural gas drilling may bring some shortterm benefits to our area, but the long termeffects of pollution and pervasiveindustrialization will change the nature ofour community forever. I urge thePartnership to invest its efforts in renewableenergy and sustainable low impactenterprises that preserve our resources andthe quality of life we cherish.We have extraordinary influence. Let’s getthis right, for ourselves and for futuregenerations.Sincerely,Larry FishmanPresidentMajestic Drug Co., Inc.M

AJD-120791

&

general membership meeting brings a positive progress report...creating and preserving estates...

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