NewslineApril 2016

We are the leading voice of business in the region providing advocacy, resources and solutions for our members

To better serve you, you can call (518) 725-0641 to reach either of the two Chamber offices.

Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort delivered his State of the County address February 26 to a crowd of over 100 people at the Winner’s Circle in Fonda. Ossenfort described his goals for 2016, some of which include develop-ing shovel-ready sites, marketing the region, and extending broadband service. For more information about Montgomery County visit the website www.co.montgomery.ny.us.

Amsterdam Mayor Mike Villa delivered a

State of the City ad-dress March 11 at the Amsterdam Municipal

Golf Course Club-house. He updated

business owners, pol-iticians and residents on what he’s done in office thusfar, as well as provided a look at the future of the city.

The address featured a luncheon prepared by Muni Clubhouse,

and the event was sponsored by River

Ridge Living Center,

2 North Main Street, Gloversville • (518) 725-0641 • 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam

The Chamber thanks Hill & Markes for hosting its March Breakfast Buzz at the com-pany’s facility at 1997 State Highway 5S on Friday the 18th. Hill & Markes gave tours of the company and there was some great conversation that took place between the businesses and Chamber staff in attendance. The next Breakfast Buzz event will take place on Friday, April 22 at the Gloversville Senior Center, 53 Church Street. Details are inside this newsletter.

A very successful Meet the Artists Reception for “The Unconscious Mind,” an exhibit of artwork by Ful-ton-Montgomery Community Students and Alumni, was held on March 16. The show was curated by FM student Maria Licciardi, who is pictured at left with her mom Teri Davis, and was on display in the Chamber’s Gloversville Art Gallery through the month of March.

Phil Schuyler,teacher at HFM

Boces and owner of Premier Media Associates gave

an informative presentation to Chamber mem-bers on Friday,

March 25, entitled “Leveraging the

Power of Video.”

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OfficersChair of the BoardBrennen Parker, Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Chair ElectPaul Connelie, Benjamin Moore & Co., Inc.

Immediate Past ChairTerri Easterly, Coldwell Banker - Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc.First Vice ChairAmy Karas, Ruby & QuiriTreasurerJim Landrio, Holiday Inn, Johnstown-Gloversville

DirectorsMichael J. BowkerNBT Bank

Vic GiulianelliSt. Mary’s Healthcare

Juanita HandyCrum Creek CSA

Scott HohenforstEmpire Chemical Sales, Inc.

Laurence KellyNathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

John ManciniBeacon Insurance Agency Group, Inc.

Diana MarshallGloversville Sewing CenterKevin McClaryThe Recorder

Lana RuggieroRuggiero Realty, LLC

Jeanne SoSarah Jane Sanford Adult Home

Dr. Dustin SwangerFulton-Montgomery Community College

Don WicksellKingsboro Lumber Co.

Denis WilsonFulmont CommunityAction Agency

Samuel ZimmermanMohawk Valley Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

StaffMark Kilmer, President / CEO

Casey CroucherMarketing Specialist

Becky DutcherFinancial Administrator & Office Manager

Gina DaBiere-GibbsTourism Director

Kelly MontanyeFulton County Tourism Assistant

Alex RuggeriDirector of Membership

Tara RyczekMontgomery County Tourism Associate

Terry SwierzowskiVice President, Communications and Member Services

Nicole WalrathBusiness and Education PartnershipCoordinator

Printed by:

Underwritten by:

Message byMark Kilmer,

President / CEO

On Tuesday, March 8, members of the Cham-ber’s Governmental Affairs Committee traveled to Albany to join representatives from other chambers of commerce from across the state to participate in “Small Business Day at the Capitol.” This is an annual event held during the legislative session where chambers, in collaboration with the National Federation of Independent Businesses and the Business Council of New York State, work in a unified effort on behalf of businesses to meet with elected officials to express concern for, support of, or opposition to pending legislation contained in the governor’s budget or before the legislators for 2016. Several hundred individuals representing a wide variety of businesses took part in the event. Leading up to Small Business Day, the Governmental Affairs Committee has several discussions to determine what are the major issues affecting our businesses on which we want to focus. Then on Small business Day, we come together with businesses who share legislators with us and meet with these legislators to talk about these issues. This year, it was apparent that everyone in attendance that day had the same major concern - Governor Cuomo’s proposed minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. This proposal and the resulting damage that it will cause to businesses is striking terror into the hearts of all businesses - large and small, for profit and not-for-profit alike. During the meetings with legislators, business owners and representatives clear-ly stated how this proposal would affect them and their employees to the legislators and their aides. What was concerning to me was that despite many of the legislators agreeing with us on this issue, few seemed willing to provide any push-back to the Governor’s pro-posal. This proposal will devastate businesses, with many perhaps being forced to close up shop, let employees go and invest in labor-saving technology which will become financially appealing. While other businesses that have the ability to will simply move out of the state. All of this could result in an economic bust, particularly in Upstate NY. I wonder if thought has been given to the impact on the tourism industry with regards to the proposed minimum wage and how tourism will suffer? The Governor has made significant efforts to promote New York State and its tourism as a destination. How will this affect places like Lake Placid, Lake George, Niagara Falls, our own region and others reliant on seasonal tourism and the dollars needed for sustainability? Will they no longer be able to afford the part-time help often comprised of high school and college students hoping to help fund their education? What will happen to them? Will the prices for entry into tourism venues become so high that potential visitors will be driven across state lines where prices are lower? And what will this do to the local restaurants and gas stations in these areas, that not only provide jobs, but also badly-needed tax revenues for their communities? And think about the positive “Pride of New York” initiatives like Brew Central and CNY Fresh promoted by the Governor, which focuses on buying New York-grown produce and products. These promotions may come to an end when stores can no longer afford to purchase local produce and will have to go back to buying from California, Florida and Mexico, possibly forcing many small farms out of business. The idea of such a drastic wage increase has come about without thought to the many negative ramifications. I know the Governor may be doing this with good intentions, and he often cites a study detailing the minimum wage increase’s positive effect on the economy, which I have read, but I have also read many more studies that indicate the destrictive results on businesses, jobs, and eventually the economy. I have never met an employer who is not passionate about his or her employees, and does not recognize the value they bring to the business - everyone understands the need to grow and sustain a strong middle class. Great employees are the best investment any business can make, and every business owner understands that. However, this drastic increase is unaffordable, destructive, and needs to be better thought out. Despite all of its good intentions, when there are no jobs to be found, the minimum wage unfortunately becomes zero. To contact your state rep:• 111th State Assembly District — Angelo Santabarbara Legislative Office Building Room 654Albany, NY 12248, (518) 455-5197

• 118th State Assembly District — Marc ButlerLegislative Office Building Room 525Albany, NY 12248, (518)455-5393

• 49th State Senatorial District — Hugh FarleyLegislative Office Building Room 711Albany, NY 12247, (518) 455-2181

• 46th State Senatorial District — George Amedore, Jr.Legislative Office Building Room 802Albany, NY 12247, (518) 455-2350

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In New York State it is important for minority and/or women-owned small businesses to be certified as MWBE’s (Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises) because it provides a lot of potential opportunities for them. MWBE certification is administered by Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development. The mission of DMWBD is to promote “equality of economic opportunities for MWBEs and to eliminate barriers to their participation in State contracts.”

• How does MWBE certification benefit business?A MWBE certification can provide access to contractual opportunities with cor-porations and government agencies that need to meet annual goals for MWBE participation. Having a MWBE certification insures procurement agencies that your claim to be a true minority and/or woman-owned business is legitimate, and once a business is deemed a legitimate MWBE it’s listed in the Public Di-rectory of Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises. This can help attract new business and networking opportunities.

• So, what are the qualifications to be certified as a MBE or WBE?MBE: is a for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the Unit-ed States or its trust territories, which is owned, operated and controlled by minority group members. “Minority group members” are United States citizens who are Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American. Ownership by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by such individuals or, in the case of a publicly-owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more such individuals. Further, the management and daily operations are controlled by those minority group members.

WBE: All prospective members must provide clear and documented evidence that at least 51% or more is women-owned, managed, and controlled. The busi-ness must be open for at least on year and the business owner must be a female U.S. citizen or legal resident alien who directs management, policies, money and operational matters without financial reliance on a firm that is not owned by a woman.

Each minority or woman owner upon whom certification is based, cannot have a personal net worth exceeding $3.5 Million after allowable deductions. Allowable deductions under the law include:-Primary residence, or the mortgage for that residence-Ownership interest in the applicant firm.-Up to $500 thousand of any qualified retirement savings plan.

• How to apply?You can visit: https://ny.newnycontracts.com/FrontEnd/StartCertification.as-p?TN=ny&XID=885 where you will create an account and start the application process. If you do not know which application to fill out there is a guide at http://esd.ny.gov/MWBE/Certification.html.

• In order to apply applicants must have the following documents:-Current federal and state taxes, including all schedules, statements and amendments.

-A Personal Net Worth Affidavit signed, notarized and dated. Applicants can determine their net worth through a worksheet found at http://esd.ny.gov/MWBE/Qualifications.html.

For business owners who are already certified MWBE’s and are looking for an opportunity to network, the Empire State Development’s Division of Minority and Women’s Business Development is hosting the NYS Region-al MWBE Opportunities EXPO series . These events provide the opportunity to meet procurement officers and technical assistance providers, and feature workshops and panel discussions delivering important information on how to do business with New York State and the NYS MWBE Certification Program.

The dates of the EXPOs are:• Thursday, April 14, at Herkimer College, 100 Reservoir Road Herkimer• Wednesday, April 27, Binghamton University’s Innovative Technologies

Complex, 85 Murray Hill Rd., Vestal• Thursday, May 12, The University at Buffalo’s Educational Opportunity

Center, 555 Ellicott Street, Buffalo• Tuesday, June 28, Stony Brook University, Charles B. Wang Center, 400

Circle Road, Stony BrookBusinesses can register for the event at: http://www.esd.ny.gov/mwbe.html.

For questions with MWBE certification please call the Certification Hotline at (212) 803-2414. For program and eligibility questions please email MWBEcertification@esd.ny.gov. Or if you’d like the Chamber to help steer you in the right direction please call (518) 725-0641.n

Now Is The Time to Become Certified as a Minority/Women-Owned Business!

Chamber Breakfast with New YorkState Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli

The Chamber will be holding a breakfast with Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on April 29. DiNapoli will hold a regional dis-cussion, and is looking forward to meeting with businesses and community leaders from Fulton and Montgomery counties. He will give an update on the regional and state econo-my, how the pension fund invests in New York State job growth, the state budget, fiscal stress monitoring system, infrastructure work and more. The event will take place at 8 a.m. at the Holiday Inn, 308 N. Comrie Avenue, Johnstown. Tickets are $20 for Chamber members and $25 for future members. To reserve your spot, please call the Chamber at (518) 725-0641 or email ter-ry2@fultonmontgomeryny.org. n

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Small Business Training Courses Offered to Members

The Fulton County Center for Regional Growth has developed a twelve-hour Small Business Training course that’s part of its Microenterprise Training Program. The training program is part of the application process for the CD-BG’s Microenterprise Grant Program which is being administered by the CRG . In order to apply for the grants, businesses must attend a series of four three-hour Small Business Training courses developed by the CRG and facilitated by the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. With the Microenterprise Grant Program, small businesses can re-ceive grants of up to $25,000 to assist with startup or expansion costs which will create jobs in the region. The cost for the four-class module is $100 with individual sessions at $25 each. Any business can attend the training course at the same cost.The module will provide the necessary education tools for small businesses by taking a thorough and comprehensive examination of small business from formation through growth development and maturity, with the emphasis on be-coming profitable and sustainable. This training program is designed for startup business ventures as well as existing small operating businesses and will pro-vide attendees with the basic building blocks for starting and sustaining their individual business ventures. All classes will be held from 6pm-9pm at the Chamber’s Gloversville office located at 2 N. Main Street.The class schedule is as follows:• Tuesday, April 12 - Business BasicsThis training module will provide the start-up business owner and/or existing business owner with business basics. The key areas covered in this session will be legal issues and employee issues that a business owner needs to know to be successful. This session will include: How to determine what type of business structure is good for my business, such as, Sole Proprietorship, (-Corporation, Subchapter S Corporation of various forms of Limited Liability Company’s, or Partnerships; employee issues, including hiring do’s and don’ts, state and fed-eral regulations regarding hiring and employee training needs and costs.• Tuesday, April 19 – Recordkeeping, Accounting, Taxes and FinancingThis training session will provide the participant with an overview of neces-sary business recordkeeping. Additionally this session teaches how to report business activity for taxes, financing, or to evaluate certain business bench-marks. Regarding taxes, the session will cover estimated state and federal tax payments, payroll tax, and the importance of keeping good records in order to determine tax payments, report business tax events, and the professional tax resources that are available to startup and existing businesses. Types of financ-ing will be covered including how to determine what type of financing is best for a specific company and the impact financing has on the overall business structure, profitability and business sustainability.• Tuesday, April 26 - Marketing and AdvertisingThis session is structured to assist businesses in determining what type of mar-keting and advertising is best for the business to provide a positive business impact. It will include marketing and advertising strategies and the potential costs of each and how to evaluate their effectiveness. This session will touch on many types of marketing and advertising, including E-Commerce and social networks.• Tuesday, May 3 – Developing the Business PlanAlthough this learning session is intended to be the capstone session, it can still be attended as a standalone session. Here the attendees will learn how to develop a Business Plan incorporating the previous three sessions. The attendees will work on a step-by-step model taught by business leaders and professionals to create an effective Business Plan. The session will teach par-ticipants how to write effectively about their business, what information the plan should include, and how the plan presents their business to potential lenders and investors. This session will include business plans of successful business and business plan models used by some of your state and federal agencies.Anyone interested in attending the courses is required to RSVP to Terry Swi-erzowski at terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org or call (518) 725-0641. For more information on the classes please contact Terry. For questions specific to the grant program please contact Ron Peters of the Fulton County Center for Re-

It’s time to think about shopping locally this summer, Moms, Dads and Grads

& participating in the Chamber Checks Program The Fulton Montgomery Chamber’s CHAMBER CHECKS program is truly a SHOP LOCAL program — it encourages people to purchase these gift checks to be used at participating Chamber member businesses. For only $25, YOUR business can be included on the list of participating redeemers which is included with each Chamber Check. The program has been in existence for about 8 years, and in that time the Chamber has sold well over $500,000 worth of these gift checks with ALL that money staying in our region, at our business-es.• HOW IT WORKS: Chamber Checks are gift checks issued by the Cham-

ber. Anyone can purchase Chamber Checks in any denomination at the Chamber offices at 2 N. Main Street, Gloversville or 1166 Riverfront Cen-ter, Amsterdam. Chamber Checks can also be purchased at Ruby & Quiri, 307 N. Comrie Avenue, Johnstown (www.randq.com) or at Patriot Federal Bank branches in Johnstown, Amsterdam or Canajoharie (www.patriotfed-eralbank.com). When a Chamber Check is presented at your business, you honor it as cash, endorse it and deposit it in your business account. It’s as easy as ACCEPT, ENDORSE, DEPOSIT! As a redeeming merchant, you can decide how you provide “change” for the Chamber Check if nec-essary, in cash or in store credit.

• DETAILS: All Chamber Checks are numbered and we encourage that they be used within one year from the date of issue. They are primarily issued in $5, $10, $20, $25 and $50, but can be issued in any denomination.

• PROGRAM PROMOTION FOR 2016/2017: Chamber Checks and partici-pating businesses will be promoted in the Chamber newsletter, and in local media outlets through publicity and advertising of the program. Updated lists can be found on the Chamber website, www.fultonmontgomeryny.org. We will provide window clings/posters for every redeeming merchant to hang in windows.

• WHY THEY’RE SO POPULAR: Chamber Checks allow the recipient to choose where and what they would like for a gift — from auto repairs to clothing, travel plans to groceries, and so much more. No gift is more flex-ible, but more importantly, CHAMBER CHECKS KEEP SHOPPING DOL-LARS IN OUR LOCAL ECONOMY.

• FEES: There is a $25 fee for your business to accept Chamber Checks and you must be a member-in-good-standing (investment dues must be up-to-date). If your Chamber membership expires, your business is re-moved from the participation list and you can no longer accept or honor Chamber Checks.

• HOW TO PARTICIPATE: To join over 100 participating businesses in the success of the Chamber Checks program, call the Chamber at (518) 724-0641 to request an application. Complete the agreement and mail or fax to either Chamber office. The program is available only to Chamber member businesses.

JOIN THE CHAMBER CHECKS LIST The last day to join the Chamber Checks list the 2016 summer and fall seasons is April 20. New participants will not be added to the list until Cham-ber Checks fee is paid in full and Chamber Checks application is signed and returned to the Chamber office. The deadline for the 2016 holiday season will be October 26. For more information please contact the Chamber’s Becky Dutcher at (518) 72500641 or email beckyd@fultonmontgomeryny.org. n

Our Partner in Chamber Checks:

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Introducing the New Members of the Chamber’s Board of DirectorsDenis Wilson

Juanita Handy

Denis Wilson is the Executive Director/CEO of Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc., a posi-tion he has held for the past 20 years. Fulmont is a human services agency which serves Fulton, Mont-gomery and surrounding counties, providing the fol-lowing services: Head Start, Universal Pre-K, WIC, Weatherization, Wheels for Work, Fulton County Se-nior Transportation, and Community Services, which consists of food pantries, tax preparation, rental and utility payment assistance and other assistance for families working towards achieving self-sufficiency. In 1970, Denis Wilson began his career at the

former Coleco Industries in the Distribution Department. He left Coleco and joined Buanno Transportation in an administrative capacity, then later re-joined Coleco to continue working in their Distribution Department, ultimately achiev-ing the position of District Manager. In that role, he was responsible for the operation of Coleco’s quarter million square foot Distribution Center in Am-sterdam. After a total of 14 years with Coleco, Denis began a relationship with Fulton-Montgomery Community College as a Business Industrial Consultant. Denis worked with FMCC for 10 years providing consulting and training ser-vices to local businesses. Denis holds a Certificate in Management Development from Rens-selaer Polytechnic Institute, a Certificate in General Management from the American Management Association, and a Certificate in the Essentials of Community Action Agency Management from the National Association of

Community Action Agencies. He has also received certification in numerous non-profit management subjects, including New York Tax Exempt Organization Regulations and Federal Fiscal Regulations. He has conducted non-profit Board of Directors training on many oc-casions at national and state conferences, as well as for new members of Ful-mont’s Board of Directors.As a member of the NYS Community Action Association Board of Directors since 1997, Denis has served as Treasurer and Secretary, and he currently holds the position of Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee. He has been a member of the NYS Department of State, Division of Community Services CSBG Advisory Council since 2008, currently serving as 1st Vice Chairman. Denis has served as the Chair of the both the Fulton County and Montgomery County Local Emergency Food and Shelter Boards since 1998. He has also been the Chair of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Coalition of Fulton and Montgomery Counties since 2002. He is a current member (and past president) of the Amsterdam Rotary and a member of their Board of Directors. Additionally, he is Chairman of the Town of Johnstown Zoning Board of Appeals (ZBA). Previously, Denis served on the Board of Directors for both the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce. Denis was born in Gloversville and currently resides in the Town of Johnstown with his wife Susan (Ambrosino). They have two sons: Joseph, who is the Regional Head of Human Resources for Asia-Pacific at Electronic Arts (EA), resides in Shanghai with his wife Jessica, and Denis, Jr., who is Edi-tor-in-Chief at North American Publishing Company (NAPCO), lives in Philadel-phia with his fiancé Bo Choi. n

Juanita originally came from West Edmeston, NY. Upon graduation from Leonardsville Central School, she attended SUNY at Morrisville, receiv-ing an AAS degree in Food Service. While at Morrisville she met and fell in love with her roommate’s brother, Keith Handy. They married in August 1969. After the wedding, Juanita went to work as the Assistant Manager/Assistant Dietitian in the kitchen at Little Falls Hospital. Keith worked with his father in a joint venture on the farm that has been in the family since 1792. After the birth of their first son, Juanita made the career decision to be a stay-at-home mom and help her husband. In quick succession, they had four more children. Juanita dedicated herself to raising their family and milking cows while the men did field work. During this time they enlarged Handy Hills Farm by combining two herds, building a free stall barn and milking parlor. For a short period, Juanita worked at H&H Fuel and Feed, pumping gas and selling small animal feed. In 1986, they sold the herd and started a marketing agency. Juanita did advertising for Handy Hill Agri-Products until they sold it in 2001. As Keith put it, he retired back to farming. During this time Juanita and Keith became Youth Leaders at Her-

kimer Pentecostal Church, a position they held for ten years. After the children were grown, they ‘acquired’ another daughter, an older teen in need of a home. Once they were all up and out on their own, Juanita went to work for the St. Johnsville Advantage After School Program where she was the Family Support Specialist for five years. While the children were in high school, Juanita joined the St. Johnsville Chamber of Com-merce as a means of becoming involved in bettering her local community. She served as president of the St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce from 2013-2015. It was through the Chamber that she became involved with the Fulton/Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce. n

The Fulton Montgomery Young Professionals Network, a committee of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, serves as a catalyst to connect, develop, and empower young professionals by offering networking, professional development, and civic engagement opportunities throughout the region. The group is inclusive of businesspeople of all ages, but targets young professionals in their 20s to 40s. Find more information about the group at www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/pages/chamber-committeesgroups Since the group’s beginning in September of 2015, some of its most popular programming is the monthly FMYPN “Pop-Up” Networking events. These events are promoted much differently than other Chamber Com-mittee events. The Chamber and FMYPN promote the date/time in advance, but only provide photo clues as to location on its social media networks. The location is then revealed during the week of the event. The events have enjoyed regular attendance of between 30-50 people who truly come together to network and connect. The Chamber is offering Chamber member businesses an opportunity to sponsor these Pop-Up events for an investment of $100 per event. For the investment, the business will be promoted through the Chamber newsletter, Newsline, through the Chamber and FMYPN’s social media outlets before, during and after the event, have an opportunity to have promotional materials/brochures/cards for the sponsoring business at the Pop-Up Event, and be able to address

the attendees at the event. This is a GREAT way to reach this critical market for your business. Months available for sponsorship: April and May / September through December Please contact Nicole Walrath (nicolew@fultonmontgomeryny.org) or Terry Swierzowski (terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org) at the-Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce for details or to secure a month for YOUR Pop-Up event! – (518) 725-0641.n

Sponsor a Pop-Up Event!

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Fort Plain Animal HospitalRobert Chen, D.V.M. & Kimberly Weaver, D.V.M.

• Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture• Small animal medicine and surgery• Evening and weekend appointments available

13 River Street • Fort Plain, NY 13339518 993-3332 • www.fortplainvet.com

email: fpah@frontiernet.net

Greenscapes Landscaping, Inc.

Glen Henry, President

Residential & CommercialLawns & Landscapes

PARADISE POINT RD.MAYFIELD, NY 12117

518 661-5055 Fax: 518 661-6998

Health InsuranceNews

by Matt Clarkeof Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.

Understanding your Health Plan’s Network We are seeing and hearing more and more about Provider Networks and how they are impacting the cost of our health care and insurance coverage. Knowing how your health insurance plan is set up and which doctors, labs, imag-ing and hospitals participate within your plan can be the difference between very low and extremely high health care bills. Whether a provider is In-Network or Out-of-Network is not always obvious, even when you review the Summary of Benefits and Coverage mandated now by the Affordable Care Act. There is nothing more frustrating than thinking you are covered for healthcare services, then finding out after the fact, that a provider does not participate and you receive a significant bill from that provider. Going to an out-of-network provider will give you more choices, but an in-network provider is almost always less expensive and easier. The payment for covered services is sent directly to the network provider, which results in less work for you. If you decide to go Out-of-Network voluntarily, there are several resourc-es that can help you make the best financial decisions, such as www.fairhealthcon-sumer.org. This nonprofit is dedicated to helping consumers receive and estimate health care cost information. If possible, do your research on local providers that are covered by your insurance before any care is needed. Calling the physician directly and double-checking with your insurance carrier is the best way to ensure that the provider is in-network. If you are receiving surgery, make sure to ask if the service is completely in-network. Often, things such as anesthesia are not covered even though the primary physician is in-net-work. Some other things to understand about your plan. Regardless of whether you are covered by an HMO, EPO, PPO or Point of Service plan, you are covered for emergencies by any provider. Be aware, however, that once you are deemed to be stable enough to travel back to your network. Staying in-network not only means less money out of your pocket—it’s easier. If you have questions about your health plan, the network of providers that are covered, or how to determine whether your plan covers providers that are Out-of-Network. Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. is a full service brokerage and han-dles group health coverage for groups from 2-1000 lives. We are proud to serve as the health plan administrator and broker for the Fulton Montgomery Chamber. You can call us at (518) 720-8888 or visit our website at www.bouchey.com. n

Junior Achievement Program Needs Volunteers in Schools in Our Region

Junior Achievement (JA) is Northeastern New York’s largest or-ganization dedicated to educating students about issues relating to work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through the use of expe-riential, hands-on programs. In partnership with the business and education communities, and through the support of community volunteers, JA brings the real world to students, opening their minds to their potential. Last year, JA reached just over 1200 students in 56 classrooms in Fulton/Montgom-ery counties. So far this year, JA has partnered community volunteers in 63 classrooms in Fulton/Montgomery counties, which will bring JA to more than 1300 students. Clearly, the demand for JA reflects the programs’ relevance to work readiness, financial literacy and career development in the schools, and provides a pathway for effective school-to-business partnerships toward these important goals.

The JA volunteer commitment is 10-15 hours total, to lead 5-7 classroom activities with the support of the teacher. The programs come in kit form with lesson plans and all materials for the activities, which are fun and engaging for the students. Volunteers receive training (1.75 hours) and can schedule flexibly with their teacher partner. Volunteers share their personal experienc-es and expertise with the students, which helps the students learn about busi-nesses and careers in their home communities. Following are schools where volunteers are needed as soon as possible:

High Schools (8 classes):• Broadalbin Perth HS – 1 class JA Personal Finance• Gloversville HS – 1 class JA Personal Finance, 1 class JA Be Entrepre-

neurial• HFM BOCES PTech (Johnstown) – JA Be Entrepreneurial• Oppenheim-Ephrata-St. Johnsville HS – 1-4 classes probably JA Per-

sonal Finance or JA Career Success

Elementary Schools:Amsterdam CSD (7 classes)-• William Barkley Microsociety School – 5 classes Grades 1-4• Raphael McNulty Academy – 2 JA Ourselves (K)Broadalbin Perth CSD (1 class)-• The Learning Community – Grade 2

To find out more about the program, or to sign up, contact:Cathy M. Eliseo, Education DirectorJunior Achievement of Northeastern New York, Inc.8 Stanley Circle, Latham NY 12110Email: celiseo@janeny.org / phone: (518) 783-4336 Ext. 214 / fax: (518) 783-4346 / www.janeny.org. n

BreakfastBuzz

The

When: Friday, April 22nd 7:30-9amWhere: Gloversville Senior Center, 53 Church St., Gloversville

FREE! Light breakfast will be servedRSVP to Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641, or

terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org

A Restaurateurs’ Guide to Surviving the Minnimum Wage IncreaseWhen: Monday, April 25, 10 am

Where: Chamber’s Gloversville Office; 2 N. Main St.FREE Presentation by Jay Holland, Governmental Affairs Coordi-

nator for the NYS Restaurant AssociationRSVP to Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641, or

terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org

Hosted By:

7Chamber Member News

Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market Announces They Are Now Carrying New, Local YogurtFrom Drumlin Creamery in St. Johnsville

The Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market (Co-op) announced in March that it is now selling Sheep’s Milk Greek Yogurt produced by Mohawk Drumlin Creamery located in St. Johnsville, NY. Mohawk Drumlin Creamery sources its milk from farmers in Glen, NY. The yogurt comes in three flavors and two sizes – plain, honey-vanilla and maple in 15 oz. and 7.25 oz. The honey used in the honey-vanilla flavor is from bees that forage on the Drumlin Creamery farm and maple syrup is sourced from local producers. Mohawk Drumlin’s dairy shepherds feed their ewes their own GMO-free hay in winter and GMO-free grain during milking. Mohawk Drumlin’s Sheep’s Milk Yogurt is richer in vitamins A, Folic Acid, B12, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, copper and manganese than cow’s milk yogurt. It has a higher proportion of short- and medium-chain fatty acids that are more easily broken down and can reduce serum and plaque cho-lesterol levels. Sheep’s milk protein structures are more easily digested than cow’s milk which is often the cause of digestive intolerance of dairy, and this is why many people who cannot drink cow’s milk can consume this Sheep’s Milk Yogurt. Sheep’s milk has up to twice the milk solids of goat or cow milk making the thick rich Greek yogurt consistency with no added gelatin, starch or milk solids, and without having to drain off any whey. There is no sugar added to this yogurt, and there are only three grams of sugar in the plain and six grams in the honey and maple---all naturally occurring sugars and 19 grams of protein. Mohawk Drumlin’s Sheep’s Milk Greek Yogurt is a healthful and delicious substitute for sour cream or crème fraiche in your favorite recipes, can be a won-derful topping in place of whipped cream for desserts. For more information about Mohawk Drumlin Creamery visit their website at mohawkdrumlin.com or on Facebook: Mohawk Drumlin Creamery. For more information about Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market visit mohawkharvest.org or on Facebook. n

Pasta and Wine-Tasting Fundraiser at Northville’s St. Francis Parish Hall on April 2

The Sacandaga Task Force for Senior Living is hosting its 2nd Annual Pasta and Wine Tasting Party to benefit the STFSL “Keep Our Bus Rolling” fund on April 2nd. The tasting party will be held at the St. Francis Parish Hall, Bridge Street, Northville from 5 to 8 p.m. Restaurants serving pasta include: The Alpine Grille, The Inn at the Bridge, Klippel’s Deli, Shelby’s Diner, Timeless Tavern, Vic’s Tavern, The May-field Grill and Placid Pines. Desserts will be provided by Mernin’s Pie Shop and other area bakers. Don Hoffman, an acoustic musician who is well-known in the local music scene, will be performing. Advance reservations are $20 and tickets at the door will be $25. All proceeds will be used by STFSL to underwrite the ever-increasing expenses of the Sacandaga Task Force bus. The bus is used to provide transportation for seniors from Sacandaga communities to educational, cultural and social events. “Over the past five years our second-hand bus has provided innumerable excur-sions to area seniors who no longer drive out of their neighborhoods or who don’t drive at all,” said STFSL President Jim Conkling. STFSL Board Members will be selling advance tickets. In addition, those wishing to make reservations for $20 tickets should call STFSL at 752-8737 (a local number) and leave your name and the reason for your call. Tickets purchased at the door will be $25.n

Call us today for Employee Benefits and Health CareSolutions that benefit you & your employees.

518.720.8888Offices in Historic Downtown Troy, Saratoga Springs & Amsterdam

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Ribbon Cutting at Amsterdam Free Library

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The Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cut-ting event at the Amsterdam Free Library, 28 Church Street on Friday, 3/25. The event celebrated the completion and installation of the stylized copper and brass door front, designed by Bill Bush and John Miller. The concept of the door front came about because of the Library’s Capital Campaign, which started in early 2015 to address the necessity for a new roof. The 113-year old building is also in need of additional items, such as new windows. More information about the Campaign and how to donate can be found on www.amsterdamlibrary.com. As well, the event drew attention to the May 17 vote in support of the Amster-dam Free Library and Fort Hunter Free Library on a new way for financial sup-port -- Proposition #2. For more information about the proposition, please visit savethelibraries.info. Pictured in the photo are Library Director Nicole Hemsley (with scissors), Library Board of Trustees President John Naple, Assembly-man Angelo Santabarbara, Amsterdam Mayor Mike Villa, Historic Amsterdam League President Jerry Snyder, members of the Library Board of Trustees and Library Staff, door front designers Bill Bush and John Miller, Chamber staff, Chamber Ambassadors and Chamber Board members. n

8 Chamber Member News

• Water Jet • CNC Milling/Turning• Sheet Metal Fabrication • Welding

Send Inquiries to rfq@emilhq.com518 762-2600

231 Enterprise Rd. • Johnstown, NY 12095

Townsend Leather Applies for Foreign-Trade Zone Status

Townsend Leather has been working closely with the Fulton County Center for Regional Growth and the Capital District Region Planning Commission in order to apply for Foreign-Trade Zone status in Johnstown, NY. The FTZ application has been approved locally and is currently under review with the Foreign-Trade Zones board in Washington for final approval. The Fulton County Center for Regional Growth was instrumental in identifying a program that would be beneficial for a local business. The col-laboration between the three organizations is a prime example of how public and private entities can work together. “Fulton County Center for Regional Growth was happy to have worked in collaboration with the Capital District Regional Planning Commission and Townsend Leather,” says Ron Peters, President of CRG. For over 45 years, Townsend Leather has been located on Townsend Avenue in Johnstown, NY. It has over 140 employees that special-ize in creating high-quality leathers for aviation, hospitality, residential, yacht-ing and other specialty-end uses. The family owned business manages the manufacturing process from start to finish, from the initial consultation through design and pattern making, cutting and finishing, to final delivery of the prod-uct at their facility in upstate New York. Townsend’s products are sold and marketed all over the world. Its core customers are high wealth individuals from Fortune 500 companies, celebrities, or Heads of States. Townsend is truly proud to continue on with the heritage of leather making in Fulton County. It is a Third Generation leather manufacturer that prides itself in having a large employment base in the area. Townsend has been recognized as a top employer not only in local counties but from the Capital District as well. It has been ranked as a top workplace by the Times Union and the Albany Business review for the last couple of years. “Townsend Leather is excited for the opportunity to become a For-eign-Trade Zone,” says Tim Beckett, Senior Vice President for Townsend Leather. “The FTZ allows us to control costs on our raw material. These sav-ings will help offset the rising costs of health insurance, minimum wage in-creases and NYS taxes so we can continue to invest back into our people,” adds Beckett. “We are excited to have Townsend as part of the Capital Region Foreign-Trade Zone,” said Sean Maguire, Director of Economic Development for the Capital District Regional Planning Commission. The Commission is the region’s Foreign-Trade Zone grantee and administers the program. “As a well-established local manufacturer, Townsend represents the type of busi-ness that we’re interested in having in the program. We expect that an FTZ designation will open new opportunities for Townsend right here at home.”

About the Capital Region Foreign-Trade Zone and the Capital District Regional Planning Commission:

The Capital Region Foreign-Trade Zone was established in 1985 and current-ly serves 10 counties in the Capital Region. Its goal is to stimulate interna-tional trade and create jobs and investment in the United States rather than abroad by providing certain benefits such as duty deferral or duty elimination on materials and merchandise. As the FTZ grantee, the Capital District Re-gional Planning Commission (CDRPC) is a regional planning and resource center serving the upstate New York counties of Albany, Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady since 1967. CDRPC also works with surrounding counties to support regional initiatives like the FTZ program.

About Townsend Leather:

Townsend Leather is a third-generation, U.S.-based family business and man-ufacturer of upholstery hides and decorative leathers, supplying the A & D Res-idential, Hospitality, Home Furnishings, Corporate, Business, and Commercial Aviation, Motorcoach, and Yachting markets internationally. The company prides itself on pushing the boundaries of what is possible from the perspectives of color, texture, pattern and cutting-edge design and technological opportunities.

For more information on the Fulton Country Center for Regional Growth please visit www.fccrg.com or call (518) 725-7700. For more information on Townsend Leather please visit www.townsendleather.com or call (518) 762-5566.n

Karen Wheeler of Coldwell Banker Receives Award

Karen Wheeler, Licensed Associ-ate Real Estate Broker with Coldwell Banker Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc. has been awarded the Resort and Second-Home Property Specialist (RSPS) Certification. The RSPS Certification is a nationally-recognized certification award-ed by the National Association of REAL-TORS® to real estate professionals who wish to demonstrate and promote – to consumers and their peers alike – their expertise in the resort and second home specialty. Karen Wheeler joins more than 1,600 real estate professionals who have earned the RSPS certification. REALTORS® who receive the RSPS certification have successfully completed the Resort & Sec-ond-Home Markets Course along with three webinars in the field of resort and second home real estate. Karen now joins other real estate professionals who specialize in buying, selling, or managing second homes in a resort, recreational, and/or vacation destination and proper-ties for investment, development, or retirement. “The RSPS certification program offers one of the most powerful net-working opportunities,” said David Biechele, 2013 chair of the NAR’s Resort and Second Home Real Estate Committee and an RSPS. “You will connect with agents across the country and share your local knowledge to attain referrals. In the process you will educate yourself above your competitors by attaining insight of other second home and resort areas in the United States and abroad. You can connect through the many social media sites or in person at the Resort and Second Home Networking Reception.” REALTORS or consumers interested in learning more about the pro-gram may log on to www.Realtor.org/Resort or contact NAR Resort Specialties at 800/874-6500, Ext. 8268.n

9Chamber Member News

Nathan Littauer Hospital Designated Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care

Former Police Chief VanDeusen Helms Security at Littauer

Nathan Littauer Hospital is proud to welcome Donald W. VanDeusen III as the hospital’s new Supervisor of Se-curity and Emergency Management. Van-Deusen is well known in the community for his 26 years as a Gloversville Police officer and more recently as the Glovers-ville Police Chief. “Littauer is thrilled to have a professional with Don’s law enforcement experience working directly on our cam-pus,” said NLH Vice President of Com-munity Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. “His integrity and vast knowledge in the field is an asset to Nathan Littauer.” VanDeusen has smoothly tran-sitioned into his new role. “I have met a lot of good people which makes the manage-ment transition from a municipality to health care much easier,” said VanDeu-sen. VanDeusen’s responsibilities include hospital security, and emer-gency management at Littauer and all nine primary & specialty cares centers. For more NLH inofrmation call 725-8621 or visit www.nlh.org.n

In an effort to help prospective parents find hospitals that deliver quality maternity care, Excellus BlueCross BlueShield announced that Na-than Littauer Hospital has been designated as one of the first hospitals to receive the Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation, a new designation under the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program. Nearly four million babies are born in the U.S. annually, making childbirth the most common cause of hospitalization. This new Blue Distinc-tion Centers for Maternity Care program evaluates hospitals on several qual-ity measures, including the percentage of newborns that fall into the catego-ry of early elective delivery, an ongoing concern in the medical community. Compared with babies born 39 weeks or later, early term infants face higher risks of infant death and respiratory ailments such as respiratory distress syn-drome, pneumonia, and respiratory failure, among other conditions. These babies also have a higher rate of admission to Neonatal Intensive Care Units. In addition, hospitals that receive a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care designation agreed to meet requirements that align with principles that support evidence-based practices of care, as well as having initiated programs to promote successful breastfeeding, as described in the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative by Baby-Friendly USA or the Mother-Friendly Hospital program by the Coalition for Improving Maternity Services (CIMS)

through its “Ten Steps of Mother-Friendly Care.” The program also evaluates hospitals on overall patient satisfaction, including a willingness to recommend the hospital to others. Blue Distinction Centers for Maternity Care, an expansion of the national Blue Distinction® Specialty Care program, are hospitals recognized for delivering quality specialty care safely and effectively, based on objective measures developed with input from the medical community. “I am so proud of our team,” said Maureen Mosher, Littauer Manag-er of Maternal Child Health. “Being one of the first hospitals designated as a Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care is a distinction we have achieved through our heartfelt dedication to our patients and community.” Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) companies across the nation have recognized more than 280 hospitals as Blue Distinction Centers for Ma-ternity Care. Hospitals recognized for these designations were assessed using a combination of publicly available quality information and cost measures de-rived from BCBS companies’ medical claims. Since 2006, the Blue Distinction Specialty Care program has helped patients find quality providers for their specialty care needs in the areas of bariatric surgery, cardiac care, complex and rare cancers, knee and hip re-placements, spine surgery and transplants. Research shows that compared to other facilities, those designated as Blue Distinction Centers demonstrate better quality and improved outcomes for patients. For more information about the program, visit www.bcbs.com/blue-distinction.n

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Announces 2015 Employee of the Year Award

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home announces Paula Zemken, Office Coordinator Women’s Health as the 2015 Goodwill Employee of the Year. Zem-ken was nominated by her peers for this top honor for going above and beyond to help others every day. She has been a Lit-tauer employee since 2003. Littauer President and CEO Lau-rence Kelly made the announcement at a hospital-wide celebration praising Zemken stating, “She is an example of the best of the best.” “I am very surprised and very, very honored” said Zemken. Littauer has over 1000 employees and Paula Zemken was nominat-ed by her peers for this top honor. She has a special way with our patients and our providers,” said Goodwill Committee Chairperson Brenda Hammons. “From helping to bring new life into this world, to promoting healthy lifestyles, Paula is someone we count on to get things done,” Hammons added. In a blind format, the Goodwill Committee narrowed the scope to three finalists. First runner up honors went to Michelle Beckley, a Registered Nurse in Littauer’s Special Care Center and second runner up to Occupational Health Coordinator, Deb Perham. Zemken received along with her honor Flowers, a cake, gift certifi-cate, check, and the coveted year-long prime parking spot, and a plaque on Littauer’s Wall of Fame. For more NLH inofrmation call 725-8621 or visit www.nlh.org.n

10 Chamber Member News

Center for Employer ServicesYour Workforce Partner!

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(518) 424-9370

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Elmer J. Washburn, CPA Larry J. Sheeler, CPA James A. Del Savio, CPAAmy M. Pedrick, CPAJohn P. Sawitzki, CPA Michael W. Rossi, CPA Trisha L. Rogers-Byrns, CPA

GLOVERSVILLE97 North Main St., P.O. Box 1219

Gloversville, NY 12078Phone 518.725.7127 Fax 518.725.7835

SARATOGA SPRINGS60 Railroad Place, Suite 302

Saratoga Springs, NY 12866Phone 518.587.5111 Fax 518.587.0029

The Paul Nigra Arts Center Announced Collaboration with Internationally Acclaimed Artist Barney Bellinger

The Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and Transitions, located in Gloversville, NY, and operated by The Lexington Foundation, are collaborating with internationally acclaimed artist Barney Bellinger of Sampson Bog Studio. Bellinger is a renowned painter and rustic furniture maker who builds sculptures and mixed media pieces out of industrial objects blended with rustic materials and natural resources. Bellinger and his wife, Susan, work together in the studio to conceptualize and create highly sought-after masterworks. Bellinger is currently utilizing space at the Nigra Arts Center to expand his workshop. In doing so, he is able to share his talent with both art students and the young adults who attend Transitions. Transitions is a supportive apprenticeship program for young men and women with autism and other learning differences who want to attend college and/or prepare for a career. It is co-located with the Nigra Arts Center, so recent-ly it was able to arrange for 12 of its Apprentices to take a series of classes with Bellinger, where they will not only learn about his creative process, but also see it in action. The Apprentices will get hands-on experience as they use the objects and tools Bellinger employs in his technique. The classes will continue through-out the spring and eventually culminate in the development of the Apprentices’ own unique vision for an art piece. Bellinger also plans to lead a series of workshops open to artists and patrons of the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts who are interested in learning more about his process and the development of a completed piece. For more information about Barney Bellinger and Sampson Bog Studio, visit www.face-book.com/BarneyBellinger. For more information about the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, visit www.pncreativeartscenter.org. n

Barney Bellinger recently gave Transitions Apprentices a tour of his stu-dio at the Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts and taught them the ancient and delicate process of applying gold leaf to works of art.

Fulton County Center for Regional Growth Relocates to Fulton Street, Gloversville

The Fulton County Center for Regional Growth is pleased to an-nounce the relocation of its office to 34 West Fulton Street, Gloversville. This building was previously occupied by OHM Laboratories and has been vacant for approximately three years. CRG will occupy a small suite of offices on the first floor of the building in the west corner. They plan to create a downtown business incu-bator center in the building for small or start-up businesses, as well as other types of tenants. “We are very excited about this move,” said Ronald Peters, President and CEO of FCCRG. “This is a great building in the heart of down-town Gloversville and is an ideal location, not only for our office, but for other small businesses. We look forward to using this space as a springboard for growth in Gloversville’s downtown business district.” CRG has created 5 move-in ready office suites on the first floor of the building adjacent to their office. These office spaces range from a single office to a two room suite and are equipped with office furniture and internet connections. Tenants in the building can utilize a 12-16 person conference room and an eat-in kitchen. Small businesses have the flexibility to contract with CRG for various services, including telephone and reception services for an additional fee. This allows a start-up business the latitude that they need to establish quality office space at an affordable price. The rest of the building is being evaluated for the best use in each space. “There is definite potential here for a start-up manufacturing busi-ness,” Mr. Peters said. “The basement of the building has an area that was once used as a USDA approved clean room. We would love to find a tenant that could use that type of space again. It would be perfect for food grade or another comparable use. There is a loading dock on the first floor, a freight elevator in the building, and a large warehouse area on the second floor that has a refrigeration unit. The possibilities are endless.” CRG plans to host an open house once they are settled into the building. Currently, they have a move-in date of April 1, 2016.n

USDA Rural DevelopmentHousing Program Workshop

Congressman Paul Tonko and the USDA (United States Depart-ment of Agriculture) Rural Development are offering a Housing Program workshop on Thursday, April 7, at the Lynch Literacy Academy in Amster-dam, 6 to 8 PM. The USDA Rural Development program provides loans and loan guarantees to help low and moderate income persons purchase or build safe, affordable housing. USDA also offers fixed 1% interest rate loans for qualifying very low income homeowners to make repairs, improvements and/or accessibility modifications to their homes. Grants are also available to very low income homeowners who are at least 62 years of age and cannot repay a loan. Who should attend this workshop? Low- to moderate-income indi-viduals or families interested in purchasing a home, very-low-income home-owners in need of repair assistance or accessibility modifications, realtors, lenders, housing advocates and community leaders. There is no charge for this workshop. Please call Congressman Tonko’s Amster-dam Office to register, 518-843-3400. For more information on the USDA visit www.rd.usda.gov/NY. n

11Chamber Member News

Are you interested in working with students who will embrace the essential business skills and who will be trained educated employees for the future?

Well, PTECH is the new future! PTECH is a techno-logically based early college high school that allows

students to gain real-world, project based experienc-es through partnering businesses in your community.

We are currently looking for mentors who will be willing to communicate online with students weekly. Interested in becoming a partnering

business? Contact Nicole Walrath at (518) 725-0641 or nicolew@fultonmontgomeryny.org for more information.

SVAN Presents The Lustre Kings with Special Guest Cindy Cashdollar

On Saturday, April 9th, the Sacandaga Valley Arts Net-work will be bringing you an eve-ning of great food and great music at the St. Francis Church Hall, 501 Bridge St., Northville. The Lustre Kings will be returning to the area to bring us a toe-tapping good time with their old time rock’n’roll, and, joining the show will be re-nown guitarist, Cindy Cashdollar! The Lustre Kings, the fantastic rock combo from Albany, will be joined by Cindy’s amazing Dobro, lap steel, and steel guitar playing, which is well known throughout the country. SVAN is extremely excited to be able to bring this amazing combination of talent to our area! The St. Francis Church will be providing a full chili dinner prior to the show. Dinner will begin at 5pm, and the show starts at 6pm. We look forward to having you there! The show will be $12 per person / $10 for SVAN members, and the full chili dinner will be $8 per person. Reservations are required for the dinner, please call (518) 863-8047 for reservations.n

Landis Arboretum, 174 Lape Road in Esperance is awake with the sights and sounds of spring. The trails are now open, visit and bring a picnic to eavesdrop on the sounds of spring around the fields and ponds. They are open from dawn to dusk, and with the exception of during plant sales and the Forest 5K in August, they welcome your well-behaved, leashed dogs (please use the Pet Waste Stations to keep the grounds attractive for other visitors). The 2016 Landis Arboretum calendar is now available online at www.landisarboretum.org where you can also subscribe to their email newsletter. Fol-low them on Facebook and Twitter or call 875-6935. n

Landis Arboretum Open for Season

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“The OnlyChange is Our Name” 363 North Comrie Ave.Johnstown, NY 12095

518.762.98854781 State Highway 30Amsterdam, NY 12010

518.212.2503www.coldwellbankerams.com

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12 Chamber Member News

Snapshot of our New Members

Sacandaga Triathlon Club372 Seven Hills RoadNorthville, NY 12134

(518) 774-4707www.sacandagatriclub.com

FacebookPosiGen

Julius Realty, L.L.C.

997 Central Avenue, Suite 1Albany, NY 12205

(518) 545-7190www.posigen.com

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134 East Montgomery StreetJohnstown, NY 12095

(518) 762-8883

Kingsboro Golf Club

301 North Kingsboro AvenueGloversville, NY 12078

(518) 725-4653www.kingsborogolfclub.com

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Town of Mohawk

2-4 Park StreetFonda, NY 12068(518) 853-3031

www.townofmohawkny.com

C.T. Male Associates has been honored with a “Gold” award from the American Coun-cil of Engineering Companies of New York in category of “Survey-ing and Mapping Technology” for the “Empire State Plaza Grand Staircase Rehabilitation High Definition 3D Laser Scan” project at the New York State Museum and Archives in Albany, NY. Winners were honored at the 49th Annual Engineering Excellence Awards Gala, which took place at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on March 19. This event is co-sponsored by the ACEC New York Scholarship Fund, and in conjunction with the Gala, the scholarship program awarded more than $50,000 to NYS engineering students. n

C.T. Male Wins American Council of Engineering Companies New York Gold Award

C.T. Male Associates Engineering, Surveying, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, D.P.C. (C.T. Male) has hired Ryan Berry as Land-scape Architect II in the Land Services Division. In this position, Mr. Berry will work with a multidisciplinary team of landscape architects, architects, civil, electrical and structural engineers, surveyors, designers, GIS specialists and project managers to produce quality designs for our clients. Projects will in-clude Commercial, Institutional, planned urban and mixed use site planning; multi-use trail systems; and, park and recreational planning and develop-ment. Mr. Berry earned a Bachelors of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Massachusetts. He previously worked for Elan Planning, Design & Landscape Architecture, PLLC and the LA Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering, P.C. in Saratoga Springs, NY. He is a Licensed Landscape Architect in the State of New York. Edward Garrigan, President of C.T. Male said, “We are excited to have Ryan join our organization. His experience and expertise in Landscape Architecture enhances the firm’s capabilities and service to our Clients.” Founded in 1910, C.T. Male is a full-service consulting firm offering Architecture and Building Systems Engineering, Civil Engineering, Energy Services, Environmental Services, Survey, Landscape Architectures and Site Planning. The firm’s headquarters is located in Latham, NY with branch offices in Glens Falls, Highland, Johnstown, Red Hook and Syracuse, New York. For more information visit www.ctmale.com or call (518) 786-7400.n

C.T. Male Hires Landscape Architect

News From C.T. Male

Mike Nettleton (right) and Mike Mosher (left).

13Montgomery County Tourism News

By Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourismtourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org

Schoharie Crossing Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is planning for the 2016 Canal Days

to be held on Saturday, July 9 and Sunday, July 10 around the Visitor Center in Fort Hunter. This annual event is a fun mix of games, food, music, education, rec-reation, a car show and more. The event attracts visitors from all over the region to the site and community. The historic site is seeking participants from community organizations, local crafters, vendors and groups that may wish to be a part of this terrific event. The historic site features acres of space available for the festival and activities. Free parking will be available. Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site is dedicated to the preservation and interpretation of the Erie Canal as one of the 19th Century’s greatest commercial and engineering projects. The Visitor Center exhibits trace the history of the Erie Canal and its impact on the growth of New York State and the nation. Within the site’s boundaries are many structures dating from the three eras of the canal’s de-velopment. At the eastern end of the site, Putman’s Lock Stand houses an exhibit on Erie Canal stores. The site’s largest structure is the remains of the Schoharie Aqueduct, which carried the water of the Enlarged Erie Canal over the Schoharie Creek. The grounds are open dawn until dusk throughout the year and the Visitor Center reopens for the season on May 1st. In preparation for the season’s opening, Canal Clean Sweep at Schoharie Crossing will take place on April 23 from 8am-12pm. Join the Friends of Schoha-rie Crossing in this annual spring clean-up. All along New York State’s canal cor-ridor, volunteers will be sprucing up the grounds, landscapes, parks and canalway to get ready for the great season ahead. For more information or to volunteer, please contact Janice at the site (518) 829-7516 or SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov. n

Spring Fling

The City of Amsterdam Recreation Department presents The Recorder 2016 Spring Fling on Saturday, May 14 from 10am to 4pm on Main Street. This annual event celebrating a season of new beginnings, sunshine, and warm weather is a fam-ily-friendly festival. Activities include a karaoke contest, car show, food and craft ven-dors, children’s activities, and so much more. Skeeter Creek will perform from 1-3pm. New this year to the Spring Fling activities, the Amsterdam Marching Rams will be holding their first 5K Color Run/2.5K Walk - The Rhythm Run at Shuttleworth Park at 9am on Saturday, May 14. This is a fundraiser for the marching band and will be so much fun. Sign up early, the first 100 signed up will get a t-shirt; color is available for purchase day of the run/walk. Registration is $15 pre-race, $20 race day. Visit the Rhythm Run 5K with the Amsterdam Marching Rams Facebook page for course pre-view and more information. For more information about Spring Fling please contact Samantha Bonnano at (518)841-4369 and visit www.amsterdamrecreation.com. n

The Village of Ames Museum The Village of Ames Museum is opening on Saturday, April 9 at 9am to 3pm. It will be open one Saturday a month and by appointment by calling (518)673-5820. The dates for the year are as follows: May 7, June 4, July 9, August 20, September 17(Summer’s End Event), October 15, No-vember 5. The annual village Christmas tree lighting will be on December 7 at 6:30-7pm. The Ames Museum is located at 611 Latimer Hill Road, Ames. For more information please contact Dennis Malcolm at (518)673-5820 and visit Amesmuseum.weebly.com. n

14 Fulton County Tourism News

Visitors Center Extended Hours

The Vail Mills Visitors Center, located at the corner of State Routes 29 and 30, will begin extended hours on Sunday, May 1. The Visitor Center will be open Friday-Mon-day weekly until the summer hours take effect the week of May 22 and remain open daily until Columbus Day. Our wonderful Visitors Center staff members Bill VanVoast and Eunie Davis will continue as Ambassadors to Fulton County. In addition, Kelly Montanye and I will also staff the popular tourism information center. Updated brochures are always welcome to stock the Center. n

Summer Brochure Exchange Bring your brochures, flyers, menus, and promotional items to the Fulton County Visitor Center in Vail Mills on Friday, May 13 any time between 10am and 4pm to distribute your tourism-relat-ed business information and collect Fulton and Montgomery Coun-ty travel guides, maps, magazines, etc. to have at your business throughout the summer. You will be able to meet Visitor Center staff and discuss your business first hand. For further information please call (518)725-0641 or email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. n

Tourism Goody Bags The Tourism Department is preparing for the upcoming summer season. Each year we coordinate goody bags for visitors to our region. This is a FREE opportunity for our Chamber members. You provide us with 500 tourism-related brochures, flyers, discount coupons, and/or promotional items. We stuff and deliver the bags prior to Memorial Day weekend to campgrounds, bed and break-fasts, hotels and motels, real estate agents, and any business who wants to receive them. Please keep in mind the brochures need to be delivered to the Gloversville Chamber office by Friday, May 6. You must reserve space in the goody bags to participate; call (518)725-0641 or email tourism@fultonmontgomeryny.org. We encourage non-tourism businesses who would like to be included in the goody bags to supply promotional items with your contact information on them that visitors to our region could use during their stay such as:

SunscreenLip balmHand sanitizerKey chainsPens

NotepadsBottle openers

Can coziesGolf tees and accessories

Water bottles

Johnson Jog

The 5th Annual Johnson Jog 5K Run/Walk, organized by the Friends of Johnson Hall, is scheduled for Saturday, May 14. The Johnson Jog strives to increase visitors to Johnson Hall State Historic Site, provide a fun family activity, and raise money for pro-grams and improvements at the historic site. The race route will take participants through Johnstown where re-enactors, dressed in period costume, are stationed to cheer you on. The race will begin with an authentic “blast from the past”. Registration forms are avail-able at www.friendsofjohnsonhall.org. n

5K Triple Crown Again this year, three local groups are joining forces to raise money, promote their causes and increase tourism in Fulton County with the 5K Triple Crown presented by St. Mary’s Healthcare. Three 5K races will be held on three different days resulting in one male and female grand champion. There will also be cash prizes and medals awarded and other prize drawings for those who enter the 5K Triple Crown. Glove Cities Rotary will host the Run for the Roses 5K on Saturday, May 7 at Partner’s Pub, Johnstown. Mountain Valley Hospice will host the second 5K run on Preakness Weekend, Sunday May 22 at the FMCC Campus, Johnstown. This will be followed by their annual walk which will begin at 1pm (visit www.mvhcares.org for more details and registration information). Lexington will host their annual 5K race on the day of the Belmont, Saturday, June 11 at the Center at Lexington, Johnstown. All Triple Crown entries are automatically entered to win great prizes, including: gift certificates, runner’s gear, day trips, activities, and more. A free shirt and goody bag to all registered before April 22. Online registration for all three or single race registration for any is available at www.5ktriplecrown.racewire.com. n

22nd Annual $10,000 “Bet on Fulton County” Raffle

This annual fund-raising event for the Fulton County Tour-ism Department has a NEW date and a NEW format! Tick-ets will go on sale on Monday, April 18 for this fundraiser bene-fiting Fulton County Tourism. $100 tick-ets can be purchased at the Gloversville

Chamber office and at the Holiday Inn and Partner’s Pub both in Johnstown. The drawing date is Friday, July 8 at a poolside party at the Holiday Inn. Watch for more details about the new format. Cash prizes awarded include the potential to win $10,000. n

Fulton County Tourism News 15

AnniversariesMemberThe following businesses realize the value of their Chamber investment and have renewed their membership in the month of March. Please note these members

and the year they joined! Thank you to all our renewing members.

Less than 5 Years Bethany Schuman-McGhee, Attorney at Law......2012Cedar Crest Apartments ......................................2012Family Ear, Nose & Throat Services ....................2012Rock Creek Farm ................................................2012NBT Bank-Fonda .................................................2015Avanti Control Systems, Inc. ...............................2014Hales Mills Country Club, Inc ..............................2013Inn at the Bridge ..................................................2014Revolution Vapor LLC ..........................................2014

5 to 9 YearsJack M. Jakeman Forestry Services, Inc. ............ 2011Pine Tree Rifle Club.............................................2009T&T Storage, Inc .................................................2009Friends of Sanford Stud Farm .............................2007Rockwood Air & Water Technologies. ..................2007DeJong Septic, L.L.C...........................................2008Frank’s Gun Shop, Inc. ........................................2010Sam’s Seafood Steakhouse ................................2010Brian and Anita Hanaburgh .................................2007Empire Chemical Sales, Inc. ...............................2009Taylor Made Custom Products ............................2010First Choice Professional Services, Inc. .............. 2011Sievert’s Sports ................................................... 2011Ward’s Lakefront Retreat. ....................................2007Zanella’s Market Hill Service & Auto Sale ........... 2011

10 to 19 YearsHabitat for Humanity of Fulton County, Inc. .........2003Amsterdam Housing Authority .............................1998American Legion Post 701 .................................1998Glove Cities Veternary Hospital, P.C. ..................2000Bill’s Beverage Company ....................................1998John Daly.............................................................2005Plaza’s Italian Bistro ............................................1999Thomas’ Hallmark ................................................1998Harold’s Restaurant and Lounge .........................1999Home Health Care Partners ................................2003A. Johnson’s Plumbing & Heating, Inc.. ..............1999Dunlap Chiropractic .............................................2006Great Sacandaga Lake Association. ...................1998

20 Years and OverNational Grid........................................................1974Mackenzie and Tallent, Attorneys at Law. ............1991F-M-S Counties Private Industry Council ............1984Fulmont Community Action Agency, Inc. .............1996Bradley H. Paddock, M.D. ...................................1985Kucel Contractors, Inc.. .......................................1989Walrath and Stewart Funeral Home ....................1974Gloversville Economic Development Corp. .........1994Coldwell Banker Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc. ...............1989Frontier ................................................................1974

201 South Melcher Street • Johnstown • 518.762.5488Established in 1992 www.pineviewcommons.com

”Your Friends, Just Around The Corner”Please feel free to call to schedule a tour.

We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the adult home level of care and the Assisted Living Program.

1830 Riverfront CenterAmsterdam, NY 12010

518.842.6718 (office)518.842.8357 (fax)

1.800.342.1426 • www.NewYorkHomeHealthCare.com

HCP Provides Professional Nursing, Home Health Aide,End-of-Life Care, Companion, and Respite Services

Tailored to Meet Your Individual Needs

Licensed to Serve: Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Hamilton, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties

Member ofAmerican Chamber of Commerce Executives Association

Business Council of New York StateCenter For Economic Growth

Chamber Alliance of New York StateFarmer’s Direct Marketing Association

Montgomery County Farm BureauNew York Business Development Corporation

Tech Valley Chamber CoalitionUnited States Chamber of Commerce

2 North Main Street, Gloversville, New York 12078(518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 725-0643

E-mail: info@fultonmontgomeryny.orgWebsite: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, New York 12010(518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 684-0111

E-mail: newsline@fultonmontgomeryny.orgWebsite: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

PRSRT STDUS POSTAGE

PAIDAMSTERDAM, NY 12010

PERMIT #21

Upcoming Chamber Events!

Friday, April 22 • 7:30am-9:00amThe Breakfast Buzz at the Gloversville Senior Center

53 Church Street, Gloversville, NY 12078Come and discuss business issues, or any issue affecting your business. Any Chamber member/employees and/or any business interested in the Chamber

is invited to attend. Free for Chamber members, $5 for future members. Details on flyer. RSVP to Terry 725-0641 or terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Wednesday, April 6 • 5-7:00pm/New Member Orientation starts at 4:30pmBusiness After Hours at River Ridge Living Center

100 Sandy Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010 Come enjoy an evening of great conversation and delicious food while making valuable connections!

This event is FREE for Chamber members, $10 for future members. There will be a wine & whiskey tasting at this event!Also, please join us for Member Orientation at 4:30 pm.

This orientation is open to new members as well as any member looking to better acquaint themselves with the Chamber, our staff or our events.RSVP to Alex Ruggeri at 725-0641 or membership@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Friday, April 29 • 8:00am-9:30amChamber Breakfast with Comptroller Thomas DiNapoliHoliday Inn, 308 N. Comrie Avenue, Johnstown NY 12095

Chamber breakfast with Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli will hold a Regional discussion and is looking forward to meeting with business and community leaders from Fulton and Montgomery Counties. He will give an update on the regional and state economy, how the pension fund invests in New York

State job growth, state budget, fiscal stress monitoring system, infrastructure work, and more. Contact the Chamber at 725-0641 to reserve your ticket for this event! Ticket price: $20.00 for Chamber members, $25.00 for future members.

Saturday, April 23 • 9:00am-12:00pmFulton Montgomery Clean Up Day

Ground Zero Location: Chamber’s Gloversville Office, 2 N. Main StreetHelp clean up our region for the upcoming tourism season, and in celebration of Earth Day! The Chamber will provide colored vests, garbage bags, gloves

and garbage grabbers; you/your group provide the volunteers. Pick an area/road to clean up, or we can provide suggestions. PLEASE register with the Chamber so we can get you your materials. FREE - except for your sweat equity! Register on the flyer in this newsletter.

Wednesday, April 27 • 8:00am-10:00amSeminar: Keeping Your Business Safe in the New Digital World

Chamber’s Gloversville office, 2 N. Main StreetPresenter: Sandeep Shashikant, Senior Manager of Product Development & Marketing at Frontier Secure, a division of Frontier Communications

Shashikant is a telecom professional with more than 15 years of global experience in the US, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. He will cover threats to new businesses in the digital world and why businesses of all sizes need to be concerned and what businesses can do to stay protected. RSVP to Terry.

Thursday, April 14 • 5:30-7:30pmMeet the Artists Reception for FMYPN Art Show “Connections”

The Chamber’s Gloversville Office, 2 N. Main St.There will be four artists showcasing their artwork from April 1-27.

On the 14th there will be a Meet the Artists Reception sponsored by Ehle & Barnett Family Funeral Home.

Monday, April 25 • 10:00amFree Seminar for Regional Restaurants on Minimum Wage Increase

Chamber’s Gloversville Office, 2 N. Main StreetJay Holland of the NYS Restaurant Association will present a free seminar on how to survive the minimum wage increase. More details on event in flyer.

Please RSVP to Terry-725-0641 or terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Wednesday, April 27, 2016

8:00-10:00 a.m. FM Chamber Office - Gloversville 2 N. Main Street Free admission for Chamber members $10 – future members Reservations required – terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org / 518-725-0641

Light refreshments provided

Topic:

‘Keeping Your Business Safe in the New Digital World’

Presenter:

Sandeep Shashikant, Senior Manager of Product Development & Marketing at

Frontier Secure, a division of Frontier Communications Shashikant is a telecom professional with more than 15 years of global experience

in the US, Canada, Europe and the Middle East. He will cover:

- Threats to businesses in the new digital world and why businesses of all sizes need to be concerned. - What can businesses do to stay protected? Small things matter big!

Sandeep Shashikant

EEDDUUCCAATTIIOONNAALL SSEEMMIINNAARR

www.fultonmontgomeryny.org ~ (518) 725-0641