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Think Local. Buy Local. Buy Chamber.

The BOTTOMLINE

Volume 26 No. 3 March 2011

New Chamber President NamedThe Chamber is delighted to announce that Pete Bardunias will assume the position of President/CEO of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County on March 16, 2011. Pete leaves his post as President/CEO of The Greater Mahopac-Carmel Chamber of Commerce in Putnam County, New York to accept this new opportunity. Pete also co-founded the Northern Westchester-Putnam Presidents Council and is a founding member of Hudson Valley Regional Coalition and the NewYork BioHud Valley.

A native of Putnam County and a graduate of Fordham University, Bronx, New York, Pete will be relocating to Southern Saratoga with his wife Eileen and son Jonathan. All of the Chamber Board of Directors and Chamber staff are very excited to welcome Pete on board!

Meet the New President Welcome ReceptionWednesday, March 23rd, 4:00pm - 6:00 pm

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County officeRegistration required—online at www.southernsaratoga.org or by calling 371-7748.

No cost to attend, refreshments will be served.

Bouchey Financial Group, Ltd.

Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.

Celebrating

STRENGTHThe Nuts & Bolts of Business

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga CountyAnnual Awards Dinner & Silent AuctionThursday, March 31, 5:30 pmThe Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs$75 Per Person, $750 Corporate Tables of 8Register online at www.southernsaratoga.org or call 371-7748

Many Thanks to Our Event Sponsors:

Annual Achievement Award Nominationdeadline is Friday, March 4! See page 2. �

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2011

Mark your calendar nowfor these upcoming networking events

2 0 1 1

2nd ThursdayNetworking Mixers

March 10Curtis Lumber

April 14Alpin Haus

May 12Toll Brothers

June 9To Be Announced

July 14Multi-Chamber Cruise

AugustNo Mixer in August

September 15Edison Club

October 13GLOBALFOUNDRIES

November 10Fall Showcase/YMCA

December 8Holiday Mixer-Location TBA

Call The Chamber office at 371-7748for information on Sponsorship

for these and other upcoming events.

2011 Mixer Sponsor

Design & Layout byVelocity Print Solutions

370-1158

UpcomingEvents

Call for Nominations (Cont’d from page 1)

Endurance AwardAll nominees must:

• Have 50 or more employees• Be a member in good standing of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County• Serve the Saratoga County area• Be in existence for 5 years or more• Exhibit the dedication to excellence necessary to achieve long term success

Inspiration AwardAll nominees must:

• Have less than 50 employees• Be a member in good standing of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County• Serve the Saratoga County area• Be in existence for 5 years or more• Inspire and encourage excellence in small business ownership

Entrepreneurial Spirit AwardAll nominees must:

• Be a member in good standing of the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County• Serve the Saratoga County area• Be operating their current business for less than 5 years• Exhibit a talent and passion for their company that results in outstanding

potential for success

Go to www.southernsartoga.org homepage and click on the link to nominate adeserving Chamber member for one of these prestigious awards. Self-Nominationswill NOT be accepted.

Recipients will be chosen by the Chamber membership through online voting.Award winners will be announced at the Annual Awards Dinner on March 31,2011.

Nominations must be submitted by Friday, March 4, 2011.

State of Saratoga County Breakfast – March 17

GIDEON PUTNAM RESORT

Join fellow members of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga Countyand members of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce for a dia-logue with Spencer Hellwig, County Administrator and Tom Wood, Super-visor from the Town of Saratoga and 2011 Chair of the Board ofSupervisors.

Registration begins at 7 AM; Breakfast at 7:30 AM,

and the Program at 8 AM.

Please note that this event is reserved only for members of the Chambers.

Pre-registration is strongly encouraged.

Walk-ins will be charged $20 per person.

Please note our cancellation and payment policy: Registrations andcancellations made after March 10th will not be subject to a refund. Payment will be expected on or before the date of the event and no showswill be invoiced.

The Schenectady based technology firm of Computer Professionals International is pleased to announce the

following staff appointments: Dan Berdar of Clifton Parkjoined the firm as the Professional Services Manager, PatBruns of Rexford joined the firm as a Senior Systems Engineer and David Fribourg of Ballston Spa joined the firm as a Client Business Manager.

Kathy Pelham, CEO of United Way of the Greater CapitalRegion, has informed the board of directors of her

intention to retire from United Way at the end of 2011.“Kathy has been a dynamic and well-respected leader in the not-for-profit world both here in the Capital Region and across the state for 18 years and we have been fortunateto benefit from her expertise all these years. While we certainly will miss her daily involvement in the organization,we understand her desire to start a new chapter in her life.Kathy will remain as CEO and will help with the transitionto a new leader of this organization. A national search forher replacement will begin immediately”, said Bob Doyle,Chair of the Board of Directors.

Tina and Jim Marzano have opened their second SnapFitness club in Clifton Park. The club is open 24 hours

per day 7 days a week and is stocked with fabulous latest-technology equipment. There’s lots of great strength, cardioand free weight equipment. They have certified Fitness Professionals who offer personal training to help membersreach their goals as well as classes including spin classes andyoga classes. Snap Fitness offers reasonable membershiprates with no long- term commitment requirements. TheClifton Park club is located at 821 Main Street (technicallyJonesville) and the phone is (518) 670-0050. Please visittheir website at www.snapfitness.com/cliftonparkny and findthem on Facebook at www.facebook.com/snapfitnessADKS.

Saratoga Flag, A Broadway Banner & Graphics Co. LLC,specializing in custom signs, banners & flags made in the

USA, received national certification as a Women’s BusinessEnterprise by the Women Presidents’ Educational Organiza-tion, a regional certifying partner of the Women’s BusinessEnterprise National Council (WBENC). Additionally,Saratoga Flag, received national certification as a MinoritySmall Business Enterprise from the Upstate New York National Minority Supplier Diversity Corporation (UNYNMSDC). To learn more about Saratoga Flag Company, visit www.SaratogaFlag.com.

The Capital District YMCA has promotedKindra McHale to Executive Director of

the Southern Saratoga branch. A graduate ofPenn State University, Kindra has workedwith the Capital District YMCA for morethan nine years. Most recently, Kindra hasserved as the branch’s Associate Executive Director, responsible for membership,

wellness, teen and family, and aquatics programming.

Kindra holds several certifications through the YMCA of theUSA, the American Red Cross, and currently sits on theCapital District YMCA’s Aquatics Safety Task Force. Kindrawill be responsible for managing the Southern Saratogabranch’s operations as well as its Reach Out For Youthscholarship campaign which helps thousands of SouthernSaratoga area children, families and seniors.

Roback, Kumlander & Pehl, CPAs, LLP& Luther Forest Wealth Advisors, LLC

is pleased to announce that Bridget G. Buckley has joined the firm as a member oftheir Accounting & Business Advisory Services team. Bridget is a graduate of SUNY Plattsburgh where she earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Prior tojoining Roback, Kumlander & Pehl Bridget

was employed with NBT Bank.

The CAP COM Cares Foundation will award $2,500scholarships to 15 young adult CAP COM Federal

Credit Union members through age 25 who are either agraduating high school senior or in college studying for anundergraduate degree. To apply, visit www.capcomfcu.organd download the application form. Send the applicationalong with your child’s answer to the posted essay questionin no more than 500 words. Deadline is at 5:00 p.m. onMay 2. For more information call Theresa Petroneat (518) 458-2195 ext. 3553 or e-mail tpetrone@capcomfcu.org.

Dr. Quintin Bullock, President of Schenectady CountyCommunity College, has been invited to participate in

the United States Department of Education Community College Summit later this month at The Community Collegeof Philadelphia. The summit is one of four taking placeacross the country from February through April 2011. It willserve as a meeting of the minds for leaders at communitycolleges, as well as those in business, industry and govern-ment, to share strategies to meet President Barack Obama’s2020 goal of America once again having the highest proportion of college graduates in the world.

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INTHEMMembers embers NNewsews

Kindra McHale

Bridget G.Buckley

The Marvin & Company25th Annual

Business Climate Survey Results

Please turn to page 10 for the full survey results for The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County. This annual survey is compiled by Marvin and the University at Albany School of Business. For more information about the survey, visit www.marvincpa.com.

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(Cont’d)IN

THEMMembersembers NNewsews

The Philly Pretzel Factory in Clifton Park offers a varietyof soft pretzel treats. Some local employers are using this

great tasting, healthy snack option as a way to recognizetheir employees on a monthly or quarterly basis or for asnack during regular meetings. “Our employees love thewarm soft pretzels that are dropped off at our facilities eachmonth. They look forward to having them and Philly Pretzelmakes it easy for us” said the plant manager at Latham International. It is an affordable treat for your office orwarehouse that everyone can enjoy. Call today for pricingand delivery options. (518) 280-9500.

Usherwood Office Technology recently completed the acquisition of Burgess Enterprises Ltd., of Plattsburgh,

New York. Burgess Enterprises Ltd. had served Clinton,Essex and Franklin Counties for over 46 years and has represented Canon Copiers in the area for the past 30 years.“This acquisition gives us real economies of scale for theNorth Country by boosting our service presence in the threecounties.” said company CEO Lou Usherwood. Usherwood,headquartered in Syracuse, NY since 1976 has offices in Buffalo, Rochester, Utica, Clifton Park, Potsdam, Bingham-ton, and Plattsburg.

National Grid has awarded an $8,000 grant to the Schenectady Museum to design and install an update

to the existing Fueling the Future exhibit. The updated exhibit will focus on fuel cell technology and is targeted for completion in April . “The Schenectady Museum is ex-cited about the National Grid grant to update our Fuelingthe Future exhibit,” Schenectady Museum Executive Director Kerry Orlyk said. “This grant will allow us to explain fuel cell technology in an interactive, engaging manner and help us fulfill our mission: to inspire a sense of wonder about extraordinary scientific and technologicaldevelopments past, present, and future.”

PriorityOne Networks, a leading provider in Hosted Phone Systems (“Hosted PBX”) and Voice over Internet

Protocol (“VoIP”) announces the latest addition to theirteam, Kaitlin Howard, as Marketing Coordinator. With abackground in graphic design and marketing, Kaitlin will be launching PriorityOne’s unique products and upcomingcommunication solutions. Delivered as a monthly service,this cloud-based business phone solution eliminates the up-front costs of buying a phone system, reduces monthlycommunications costs, and provides 24/7 emergency support. Visit www.priorityonenet.com or call 518-533-4480for more information

The Pilates Studio is pleased to be adding Barre Works toits class schedule beginning March 7 at its studio at

233 Milton Ave in Ballston Spa. Also new on the schedule isa Beginner/Gentle Yoga class and continuation of PreNatalYoga. Other offerings on the schedule include Open LevelYoga,PreNatal Yoga and Beginner/Intermediate Pilates Mat.To register or for information on all the offerings, please visitwww.ThePilatesStudio-bspa.com or call 518-852-1429. The Pilates Studio is a full-equipped studio offering certifiedinstruction in Pilates Mat and Apparatus and Yoga. They also have an on-site massage therapist.

Celebrating 70 years of live harness racing, SaratogaCasino and Raceway will open for the season at 7:05

p.m. on Friday, March 4. With 171 racing dates, the 2011season will run through December 11.Throughout March,races will begin at 7:05 p.m. Fridays, 12:45 p.m. on Sundays and doubleheaders every Saturday at 12:45 p.m.and 7:05 p.m. For the full season schedule, visit www.saratogagaming.com.

Chamber 101Monday, March 14thMake a date to learn about all the benefits

of Your Chamber Membership!

Chamber 101 (New Member Orientation) is scheduledfor Monday, March 14 @ 4:00pm at The Chamber office.This informative review of all the benefits and opportunitiesoffered by the Chamber includes all insurance information,committee involvement, sponsorship opportunities andmuch more!

The orientation is open to all members and is free ofcharge. Refreshments will be served. Please call the Chamber to register at 371-7748.

ImportantNotice

Although The Chamber remains at our current location,please send all correspondence to our

office mailing address at:

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County15 Park Avenue Suite 7Clifton Park, NY 12065

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This unique program consists of seven seminars on topics ranging from writing a business plan to monitoringcash flow, preparing budgets, and increasing profitability.The seminars have been developed with the input of bothstate and local business experts and will be presented by various professionals. StartUpSmart will end with a specialgraduation ceremony for the participants. In addition, eachparticipant will have the opportunity to receive individualbusiness counseling at no cost from the Small Business Development Center at the University at Albany’s School of Business or SCORE.

Seminar Schedule: April 7 Business PlanningApril 14 Legal Issues and the Small Business

Panel DiscussionApril 21 Cash Flow, Budgets and ProfitabilityApril 28 Planning for Marketing SuccessMay 5 Developing Your Product, Service, BrandMay 12 Web Marketing and Social MediaMay 19 “Inspiration Panel” and Graduation CeremonyLocation: The Chamber Executive Education Center,

Clifton ParkTime: 7:30 am- 9:00 am

Investment: $99 per person for the complete seriesRegister: www.southernsaratoga.org or

call 371-7748 for further informationSponsored by

Spring Shopping Plans?

With better weather around the corner, remember to consult The Chamber Directory for all your upcoming needs for goods andservices such as Building Materials/Hardware/Lumber, Cleaning Services, Landscape Lawn & Garden, Office Furniture, Pools/Spas and so much more! Visit The Chamber’s homepage atwww.southernsaratoga.org and click on the Business Directory tab for a complete categorized list of all chamber members including website links!

Ribbon Cuttings

Cutting the ribbon at Seton Health’s new Clifton Park Pediatric Center are (from left): Dan Glaser, Chamber Ambassador, Fr. Patrick Frawley, COO, Fidelis Care, Linda Dickie, Hudson River Community Credit Union, Dr. Melinda Mantello, Clifton Park Pediatric Center, Mark Lane, President & CEO Fidelis Care, Scott St. George,Interim President & CEO, Seton Health, Sam Beyer, 5 yearold patient, Annina Rabbitt, Practice Director Clifton ParkPediatric Center and Denise Romeo, Chamber Vice Presidentof Membership Development. The new office is located at963 Route 146 in Clifton Park, just one mile down the roadfrom its former site at 1 Tallow Wood Drive. The new centeris nearly twice the size of the former site and features six,child-friendly exam rooms, two separate waiting areas forsick and well patients, and increased parking availability. Thenew location will provide greater access to care for pediatricpatients. The office hours have also expanded to Mondaythrough Thursday from 8:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visitwww.setonhealth.org or call the center at 518-688-0295.

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A new Chamber benefit for members withbusinesses in Clifton Park, Halfmoon,

Stillwater, Mechanicville and Waterford!

REDUCE YOUR ENERGY

COSTS THROUGH GROUP

PURCHASING!The Energy Alliance is a member benefit program

sponsored by your Chamber of Commerce and several more throughout New York. Participating inthe Energy Alliance allows you to benefit from thepurchasing power of a large group and to cut yourelectricity and natural gas costs.

Your energy consultants at EnergyNext, Inc. ofSaratoga Springs will be glad to answer your questions. Call them at 518-580-9244 or visitwww.southernsaratoga.org to download a Participation Authorization form for the program.

Business is Blooming

Southern Saratoga County YMCAThursday, May 5, 2011

4pm – 7pm

Would you like to reach new customers thisSpring to promote your goods and services?

If the answer is yes, make sure you’re part of the Chamber’s Spring Business Showcase!

Join us on Cinco de Mayo for the Business is Blooming Spring Fiesta Showcase! We will transform the gym at the SouthernSaratoga YMCA into a brightly colored and festive business districtfeaturing over 70 local businesses from a variety of industries including your favorite restaurants, financial institutions, healthcare, education, b2b and more!

300+ attendees are expected and will include business ownersand professionals, families, and fitness enthusiasts!

Sponsorships and exhibit space are still available but registertoday to save your spot and this exciting spring event!

Open new doors with potential clients and customers includingfellow Chamber members, seniors, families, and health & fitness enthusiasts. Perfect for businesses focused on the spring and summer seasons!

Increase Your Visibility with a Sponsorship Level:• larger booth space & prime booth placement

at the showcase• Your company name/logo in all pre and post

promotional materials

Standard booth rate: $180 for Chamber members. Contact Loretta Rigney at loretta@southernsaratoga.org or

371-7748 today to reserve your spot or to secure a sponsorship.

Gold Sponsors 2011 Spring Golf ClassicMonday, June 13th

Mark you calendar now to be part of this premierChamber event being held at the beautiful Saratoga SpaGolf Course in Saratoga Springs!

Would you like your business to receive great visibility at the annual golf classic? Secure a sponsor-ship (levels begin at just $150) or donate a raffle prize! Contact Loretta Rigney at 371-7748 or by email atLoretta@southernsaratoga.org for more information.

New Members Allure Salon Full Service Salon Ms. Kristine Wright 1675 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 371-7200 Home Mortgage Network Financial Services Ms. Joanne Russell 930 Albany Shaker Road Latham, NY 12110 Phone: (518) 783-6600 Email: bmcmorris@ mortgagesbetter.com Website: Www.homemortgagenetworkllc.com LifeSong, Inc. Non Profit Mr. Philip Catchpole 16 Dyer Drive Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 406-5157 Email: pcatchpole@lifesonginc.org Website: Www.lifesonginc.org

LT’s Grill Restaurant Mr. LJ Goldstock 2305 Nott Street Niskayuna, NY 12309 Phone: (518) 374-7455 Email: goldlj@aol.com Website: www.ltsgrill.com Shift Course Consulting & Coaching LLC Consulting Services Ms. Bonnie Stofer 7 Liberty Drive Ballston Spa, NY 12020 Phone: (518) 506-4150 Email: bstofer@nycap.rr.com Tech Valley Communications Telephone/Telecommunications Mr. Jeff Mirel 87 State Street Albany, NY 12207 Phone: (518) 598-0900 Email: info@techvalleycom.com

Please Pull Out and Place in the Chamber Membership Directory and Resource Guide

CHAMBER WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS February 2011

It’s Good To Do Business With Members!

Thomas Pest Services Home Maintenance Ms. Sarah Thomas 5 McIntosh Lane Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 373-2847 Email: sthomas@518gotpests.com Website: Www.518gotpests.com Dean Taylor- ReMax Park Place Real Estate Sales Mr. Dean Taylor 1795 Route 9 Clifton Park, NY 12065 Phone: (518) 383-8300 Email: Deant@seeahome.com Website: www.remax.com

The Albany Devils and the chambers of the Capital Region are teaming up to bring you the first ever Albany Devils Chamber Mixer at 4 PM ON TUESDAY, MARCH 29 at the Times Union Center.

• $18 tickets for Chamber Members/ $23 tickets for Non-Chamber Members • Gates open at 4 PM. • Event will include hors doevours, raffle prizes and a guest speaker! • Each business that buys a ticket will get their Business name on our LED Scoreboard! Scoreboard! • A portion of the proceeds will go to the WOUNDED WARRIOR PROJECT. • Ticket is good for both the Chamber Mixer and the ALBANY DEVILS GAME AGAINST THE ADIRONACK PHANTOMS AT 7 PM.

RESERVE YOUR SPOT TODAY! YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!Albany Devils| Times Union Center | 51 S. Pearl St. | Albany, New York 12207

A UNIQUE AND ENTERTAINING EXPERIENCE!TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 2011

CASHCHECKCREDIT

VISA MASTERCARDDISCOVERAMEX

NUMBER OF TICKETS: ________ X $18.00

NUMBER OF TICKETS: ________ X $23.00

TOTAL PRICE: ________ GROUP SIZE: ________

CREDIT CARD EXP: _____ /_____

Chamber/Business Name:

CONTACT KEVIN BURDICK AT (518) 433-8457 OR VIA E-MAIL AT KBURDICK@THEALBANYDEVILS.COM WITH QUESTIONS.

ATTENDING CHAMBERS INCLUDE:

Contact Name

Address

City

Phone Email Address

State Zip

Apt #

Networking

You’re Invited

What: Networking, and a brief seminar presentation

for HR Professionals

Date: March 15th

, 2011

Time: 8:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Place: Schenectady County Community College

Networking and Continental Breakfast

beginning at 8:15 a.m. Please RSVP by March 9th

To make a free reservation please contact:

Maria Kotary 381-1423 kotarymc@sunysccc.edu

Michael Henderson 381-1431 hendermb@sunysccc.edu

Schenectady County Community College Office of

Workforce Development is hosting an opportunity for

Human Resources professionals to network with their

peers and to discuss current HR issues. Your willingness

to share your insights will promote a thoughtful discussion

of topics of interest to professional colleagues and peers.

The Goal of the session is to crystallize the key issues

facing industry human resource professionals and

corporate management.

The Brief Seminar Presentation

Alan Krieger, President of Krieger Solutions, LLC, will

deliver a brief seminar presentation for HR professionals

that covers how to handle difficult and challenging people

with reduced stress by using a variety of proven conflict

management techniques.

Ongoing training and development is essential for

optimum performance and to maximize the potential of

your workforce. Our new Management Certificate

Program will help your managers move forward on the

path of success. The program will help them to develop a

higher degree of competence and confidence in the

management field. Program participants develop the skills

and the ability to take their performance to the next level

of achieving organized, efficient and consistent results.

Customized Training

SCCC offers professional development, employee

training, continuing education, and skill development for

businesses, employees, and industry professionals. The

Office of Workforce Development at SCCC can design

programs that will meet your company’s needs. We work

with large and small businesses, and professional

organizations to meet a wide range of business needs and

interests.

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March Brown Bag SeminarMotivation in Action- Tips & Tricks That Work

Are you curious about what it takes to stay motivated?Would you like to know the secret to motivating your staff?What if you could find a way to stay “jazzed” in spite ofeconomic downturns and other challenges? Explore themyths and realities of motivation. Along the way, each par-ticipant’s unique motivation “map” and keys to sustainingmotivation will be uncovered. Participants will walk awaywith a specific plan to keep themselves motivated long afterthe workshop has ended.

Donations for Baskets of Hope, to benefit Domestic Violence Rape Crisis Services

of Saratoga County, (DVRC) will be gratefully accepted at this event.

Presenter: Barbara Wisnom Executive and Business Coach, Organizational Development Consultant,Trainer and Facilitator with thethirdzone.

When: Wednesday, 3/16 at 12 NoonWhere: Chamber Executive Education Center

Cost: General Admission: $15 Chamber members: No cost

Register: By 3/15 at www.southernsaratoga.org or call 371-7748—Seating is limited!Refreshments will be served,

bring your own lunch if desired.

2011 Women In Business/Backpacks of Hope

Sponsor

Streamline Your Work Day: Outlook and Windows

Tips and Tricks SeminarLearn favorite tips and tricks for streamlining your

work day using Outlook and Windows. You'll whizthrough your day knowing:

• How to leave your fingers on the keypad ratherthan using the mouse

• How using your Outlook calendar really is betterthan paper

• How to manage your overloaded inbox • How to effectively organize your

Outlook contacts

Presented by: Jeff Cohn, President of Sage Computer Associates, Inc.

Date: Wednesday, 3/16

Time: 7:45 am to 9:30 am

Location: The Chamber Executive Education Center

Cost: $20 General Admission, $10 Chamber Members, register atwww.southernsaratoga.org

Breakfast courtesy of

Sponsorships are currently available for the Chamber’s monthly seminar series.

Contact Loretta Rigney at 371-7748 or by email at loretta@southernsaratoga.org for more information

or to secure your company as the 2011 Monthly Educational Seminar Sponsor!

Baskets of HopeBaskets of Hope is The Women in Business Committee’s (WIB) ongoing project to benefit Domestic Violence and Rape Crisis Services of Saratoga County (DVRC). This worthy program provides essential personal care items to women and their children who are currently seeking refuge at the shelter. The committee is actively seeking donations for Baskets of Hope and is in need of all personal care items including hair care products, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap, etc. New Beginnings Baskets include any new household items such as kitchen tools, towels, washcloths, etc and children’s school supplies/backpacks for the annual Backpacks of Hope assembly in August. Donations may be dropped off at The Chamber office during regular business hours. If you have questions, please call Liz at 371-7748 or email her atliz@southernsaratoga.org.

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ChamberTip

Don’t be Scammed by Fake IRS Communications The IRS receives thousands of reports each year from taxpayers who receive suspicious emails, phone calls,faxes or notices claiming to be from the Internal Revenue Service. Many of these scams fraudulently use theInternal Revenue Service name or logo as a lure to make the communication more authentic and enticing.The goal of these scams - known as phishing - is to trick you into revealing personal and financial informa-tion. For further information on protecting yourself or to report phishing, visit www.IRS.gov.

ChamberTip Courtesy of: Roback, Kumlander & Pehl CPA’s LLP

Congratulations to Keith VanVeghten

The Chamber warmly thanks our former intern Keith VanVeghten for six months of dedicated service at The Chamber of SouthernSaratoga County and congratulates him on his new position as Information Specialist at The Chamber of Schenectady County!

March Second ThursdayNetworking Mixer

Thursday, March 10

Exciting door prize giveaways at this special mixer!

Make sure you don’t miss this (almost) Springtime Networking Mixer at Curtis Lumber on Route 67 in Ballston Spa on Thursday, March 10 from5:30pm – 7:30pm.

In addition to the quality networking and delicious food catered by Bentley’s Tavern including Rustic SausageRigatoni, Guiness Chili, Boneless Wings and Homemade Bruschetta, great door prizes will be up for grabs for all the members on hand at the mixer!

Guests can drop a business card at registration to be entered to spin the prize wheel to win fantastic giveaways including: Curtis Lumber gift cards worth; $50, $100 and$200, a two night stay at the beautiful Hyatt PlaceSaratoga/Malta and Subway Sub Platter Gift Certificates!

Register now at www.southernsaratoga.org or call 371-7748

2011 2nd Thursday Networking Mixer Sponsor:

New Southern Saratoga County MagazineExciting Opportunities for Chamber Members

The Chamber has partnered with The Gazette to produce three issues of a brand new, full color magazine tohighlight Southern Saratoga County. We are working withthe local towns and business associations to provide storyleads, events, and photos for each issue. 10,000 copies willbe inserted into The Gazette and distributed within theSaratoga County zone and an additional 5,000 copies will be placed in high traffic areas throughout Southern Saratoga County.

The Gazette is offering Chamber members discountedadvertising rates and we encourage you to submit storyideas, community events, and photos. The deadline for the first issue is March 14th for a May 1 publication date.For information on advertising and rates please contact Kelly Murray, Assistant Advertising Manager at 395-3027 or by email at kmurray@dailygazette.net.

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Southern Saratoga County Maps

Available at The Chamber Office & Online

All new Southern SaratogaCounty Maps are available complimentary at the Chamber office. Drop in anytime to pick up yourcopy! Or visit the homepage ofsouthernsaratoga.org and clickon the Visit Saratoga County taband drop down to SouthernSaratoga County Map to use ourinteractive online map includinglocations of our valued chambermember map advertisers!

Chamber Member of the Month

The Chamber loves to highlight our members and putthem “front and center”. Take advantage of this new opportunity to market your products and services to fellow members and the Southern Saratoga County community.

Chamber Member of the Month Standard Package includes:

• Customized display in the Chamber lobby highlighting your company’s products and services during the month of your choice (based on availability)

• PDF “insert” in the Bottom Line online newsletterand printed version during your month ($175 value-you provide PDF and insert)

• One ChamberTip email broadcast sponsorship during your month ($75 value)

• Recognition of your Member of the Month statuson the Chamber’s homepage

• Facebook Fan page, and Linkedin group includinga hyperlink to your site.

Investment: $500

Chamber Member of the Month Premier Package includes in addition to the standard package:

• Electronic Chamber membership mailing list ($250 value)

• Two complimentary tickets to the 2nd Thursdaynetworking mixer held during your month.

• Company logo on the Chamber's homepage with a hyperlink to your website.

Investment: $750

For more details or to reserve the month of your choice(based on availability) please contact Loretta @ 371-7748 or loretta@southernsartoga.org

Are you Linkedin to The Chamber Yet?

Linkedin.com is one of the leading professional socialnetworking sites and provides you with an exciting new wayto connect, communicate, and do business with your fellowChamber members!What is Linkedin?

Like other social networking sites such as Facebook and My Space, Linkedin is made up of profiles that includeimportant information about you and your company. Think of it as an extensive, electronic business card. Youconnect your profile (pass your electronic business card) toclients, colleagues, and fellow Chamber members who arealso using Linkedin to build your personal network. You can also join groups of LinkedIn users who are interested in a certain industry or topic. How to make Linkedin work for you:

Just as you might ask a Chamber staff member to introduce you to someone you’d like to meet at a mixer, you can ask a Linkedin contact to “introduce” you to someone they have on their network. You can also connectand communicate with fellow Chamber members by joiningthe Chamber’s Linkedin group. It’s like a 24/7 online networking mixer with members sharing resources andbuilding relationships. Using Linkedin for media relations:

You should always know what local reporters are covering your specific industry. Search for those reporterson LinkedIn and see if they are users. Ask to add them toyour network. Some reporters will use Linkedin to postwhat stories they are currently working on. You may findthat you can provide them with valuable resources, opinions,and information and establish yourself as a local expert with the media!

Visit www.linkedin.com for more information

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25TH ANNUAL BUSINESS CLIMATE SURVEY

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County 1. In 2010, our overall business:

47.6 a) Increased

31.0 b) Remained stable

21.4 c) Decreased

2. We estimate gross sales in 2011 will be:

61.0 a) Under $1 million

17.0 b) $1 million to $3 million

0.0 c) $3 million to $5 million

22.0 d) Over $5 million

3. In 2011, we believe our business will:

46.3 a) Increase

46.4 b) Remain stable

7.3 c) Decrease

4. Our ending 2010 full-time equivalent employment was:

1,553

5. We expect our employment level in 2011 to:

26.8 a) Increase

73.2 b) Remain stable

0.0 c) Decrease

6. If an increase, number of:

35 a) Full-time

45 b) Part-time

7. Please rank your major concerns as you enter 2011:

Number in Order of Importance (1=most important -

10=least)

8 a) Finding qualified employees

1 b) Health care costs

6 c) Workers’ compensation

3 d) National economy

1 e) Taxes

4 f) Government regulations

10 g) Transportation

7 h) Energy pricing 5 i) State budget

9 j) Security issues

8. Our primary business is:

4.8 a) Manufacturing 11.9 g) Finance/Banking

19.0 b) Service Industry 9.5 h) Real Estate

0.0 c) Wholesale 0.0 i) Tourism

7.1 d) Retail 31.0 j) Professional Services 2.4 e) Technology 11.9 k) Other

2.4 f) Construction/engineering

9. How would you characterize the Capital Region’s

economy?

12.2 a) Prospering 36.6 c) Stagnant

41.4 b) Recovering 9.8 d) Recessionary

10. How do you expect the Capital Region’s economy to

perform in the next several years?

36.6 a) It will prosper 43.9 b) It will experience little or no growth

19.5 c) It will struggle

11. The increase in technology-based businesses in the

Capital Region has impacted my business:

2.4 a) Significantly 54.8 c) Very little impact

21.4 b) Moderately 21.4 d) No impact at all

12. Have you taken any of the following measures to

protect your business from the downturn in the

economy? Number in Order of Importance (1=most

important - 10=least)

1 a) found new ways to manage cash flow

6 b) made purchases in bulk

3 c) reduced staff

9 d) cut back on business travel

7 e) frozen salaries

8 f) asked employees to pay a greater percentage

of health insurance premiums

10 g) acquired equipment under the Economic

Stimulus Act to accelerate depreciation and

increase tax write offs

3 h) begun doing more tasks electronically to save on paper, printing and postage

5 i) reached out to new markets

2 j) reduced owners income/benefits

11

15 Park Avenue, Suite 7P.O. Box 399Clifton Park, NY 12065(518) 371-7748

Local Knowledge. Global Reach. We are the right

business partner for all your real estate needs

518.452.2700

www.CBRE-AlbanyProperties.com

Log on to www.southernsaratoga.org to register for all events

(800) 468-5500(518) 458-2195

capcomfcu.org

Upcoming Events CalendarMarch10 Thursday

3:45 pm—Board of Directors Meeting—Chamber office5:30 pm—2nd Thursday Networking Mixer—Curtis Lumber, BallstonSpa. General Admission: $20, Chamber Members: $10,

Sponsored by: Capital Bank14 Monday

4:00 pm—Chamber 101-New Member Orientation—Chamber OfficeOpen to all Chamber members, no cost to attend.

16 Wednesday7:30 am-9:30 am—Outlook and Windows Tips and Tricks Seminar—Chamber Executive Education Center. General Admission: $20, Chamber Members: $10 includes continental breakfast courtesy of Via Panera Catering. Your company can sponsor this seminar: Call 371-7748 to find out how.Noon-1:00 pm—Women in Business Brown Bag—“Motivation in action—Tips & Tricks that Work”. Chamber Executive Education Center. General Admission:$15, Chamber members: No cost to attend Sponsored by: Seton Health/St. Mary’s Hospital

17 Thursday7:30 am-9:30 am—“State of Saratoga County Breakfast”. Gideon Putnam Resort. Registered Chamber Members: $10, Walk-ins: $20 includes breakfast. Sponsored by: Momentive Performance Materials

23 Wednesday 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm—President Pete Bardunias Welcome Reception—Chamber office. Open to all members, no cost to attend.

29 Tuesday 4:00 pm—Albany Devils Chamber Night Mixer—Times Union Center. General Admission: $23, Chamber Members: $18. Includes game ticket and hors d’oeuvres

31 Thursday5:30 pm—Annual Awards Dinner—Holiday Inn, Saratoga Springs.General Admission: $100, Chamber Members & Guests: $75, Corporate table of 8: $750 Sponsored by: CDPHP,

GLOBALFOUNDRIES, Times Union,

Seton Health/St. Mary’s Hospital

April6 Wednesday

11:45 am—Business Relationship Building Lunch, Pasta Pane RusticItalian Bistro. General Admission: $45, Chamber Members: $25,M&M Cardholders: $20 Sponsored by: TD

7 Thursday7:30 am—StartUp Smart Entrepreneurial Training Program, Chamber Executive Education Center, 7 weekly sessions through 5/19.$99 for complete series. Sponsored by: Padgett Business Services

13 Wednesday 7:30 am-9:30 am—What Can Pubic Relations Do For You?—Chamber Exec. Ed. Center. General Admission: $20, Chamber Members: $10 includes continental breakfast courtesy of Via Panera Catering

Your company can sponsor this seminar: Call 371-7748 to find out how.

14 Thursday 3:45 pm—Board of Directors Meeting—Chamber office5:30 pm—2nd Thursday Networking Mixer—Alpin Haus, CliftonPark Center. General Admission: $20, Chamber Members: $10,

Sponsored by: Capital Bank

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED