NewslineNovember 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. The Sunflower Shoppe, 37 West Main Street in Johnstown, officially opened its doors with a ribbon cutting by the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, Wednesday, October 5. The Sunflower Shoppe’s tagline is: Women helping women with their career clothing needs. The project is sponsored by the local nonprofit, The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association (ECSHA). “We have a huge selection of amazing women’s career clothing in a variety of sizes that have been donated to us,” stated Volunteer Coordinator, Sandy Fiesinger. “Our goal is to provide free interview clothing for women who are entering the workforce from a variety of local programs, and then to offer them a 75% discount off of our inventory to help them build their work wardrobes.” The Shoppe, which is staffed by volunteers, is open from 1-4 each Wednesday, as well as 6-8 PM on the last Wednesday of the month. Shoppers are en-couraged to stop or donate clothing by during these times. “In addition to our mission of helping women transition into the workforce, we invite all women to come and shop for career clothes. All proceeds from our regular sales support our mission,” observed volunteer Bonnie Valachovic. “Serving women’s current needs is one of the objectives of The Elizabeth Cady Stanton Hometown Association,” reported Jennifer Gardella, ECSHA Chair. “Elizabeth wouldn’t want us just sitting around dusting off artifacts. She was a women of action, who reached out and lifted up the women around her. That’s what we’re trying to do with The Sunflower Shoppe.” ECSHA also sponsors the Eliz-abeth Cady Stanton Walking and Phone Tour, in addition to their annual Equality Day Garden Party, which honored the Reverend Bonnie Orth in 2016. For more information on The Shoppe and the ECSHA, visit their website at www.ecstantonhometown.org, or follow them on Facebook or Twitter.

The Chamber helped to celebrate the Grand Opening of the new train-ing center for Run By Dogs, 3832 State Highway 30, Amsterdam. Run By Dogs’ new facility features a full suite of dog training services, dog sledding excursions, boarding and educational programs. Owner/trainer/musher Kate Walrath has years of experience growing a sled dog team, working as a veterinary and dog daycare assistant, and has built a deep and intuitive understanding of dog behavior. Her approach to dog training focuses not only on creating rehearsed behaviors but also addresses the dog’s state of mind. She specializes in nervous, insecure, and/or aggressive dogs that need extensive education. For dogs that are boarded at Run By Dogs, the training center is monitored 24/7 for safety, security and peace of mind. For more information visit Run By Dogs online at www.runbydogs.com or on Facebook or call (518) 925-4860. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting event, from left are the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri, Run By Dogs friends Roger Rhodes, trainer Michelle Rhodes with Star and Elmonzo, Run By Dogs owner Kate Walrath, her husband Dylan Walrath, friends Gary Van Slyke, Doug and Marjory Vrooman, Chamber Ambassador JeanMarie Reinke (Fulton-Mont-gomery Community College) and the Chamber’s Casey Croucher.

FMYPN hosted a fall meet-up networking event at Lanzi’s on the Lake on September 28. Pictured in the front row left to right is Bonnie VanPatten an Arbonne Independent Consultant, Kelly Hart of First Choice Financial Feder-al Credit Union, FMYPN committee chair Sam Zimmerman, the Chamber’s Nicole Walrath and Kelly Montanye and FMYPN committee member Anne Boles. Pictured in the back row left to right is Michael LaMastra of HFM PTECH, FMYPN committee members Brian Nellis and Greg Young, Andrew Roth of Hear for you and FMYPN committee member Brian Barnett.

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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

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 / CEOof the Chamber of Commerce

Advocating for the best interests of our members is a primary component of the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce’s mission. Over the next several months, the Chamber’s Governmental Affairs Committee will be going into high gear to monitor and keep ahead of legis-lation coming from Albany that can have serious effects on your business and its ability to survive and flourish. Unfortunately, New York State has had a history of creating bur-densome regulations, as well as the imposition of outrageously higher taxes that have hindered businesses’ ability to grow. Businesses have failed or left the state, costing thousands of jobs. As a consequence, peo-ple continue to flee our state looking for greener pastures and brighter futures. Last year, the NY State Legislature passed a budget that includ-ed an unprecedented minimum wage increase, as well as a paid family leave plan that will impose a tremendous burden on all New York State employers. As usual, rather than taking an opportunity to put forward com-mon sense initiatives to reduce taxes, and improve the regulatory envi-ronment, our state continued to take steps backward when it comes to improving New York’s business climate. This cannot go on. New York must move to build an improved and inviting business climate which will lead to a better economy for all.The Chamber will continue to fight for our members’ best interests by do-ing everything possible to improve the economic vitality of our region, as well as upstate and all of New York. If you have any concerns regarding proposed regulations or any issues that will negatively impact your business, please contact me personally. Together, we can make a difference.n

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HEALTH INSURANCE FOR 2017 Health Insurance Open Enrollment season is upon us. For those who don’t know what that is, Open Enrollment is the period of time each year when you are permitted to stop, change or start a health insurance plan. For your Chamber and our Health Insurance Partner, BOUCHEY & CLARKE, that time of year typi-cally takes place from November 1 through November 30. So NOW is the time to research and choose a new health plan for you, your family, or your employees. Representatives from Bouchey & Clarke and health insurance carrier representatives will be available in our Chamber offices on Election Day to talk to you directly about their offerings: TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 8,9am-12pm in the Gloversville office and 1pm-4pm in the Amsterdam office. Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. offers a number of 2017 Chamber Health Plan options. Through Bouchey & Clarke Chamber Members have access to health plans offered by Capital District Physicians Health Plan, MVP Health Care, and BlueShield of Northeastern New York. You can find grids for plan bene-fits and pricing on our website http://www.fultonmontgomeryny.org/pages/Health-Insurance

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO:• If you are a current health insurance customer with Bouchey & Clarke:+ Look for a letter you will receive from Bouchey & Clarke via US mail that will contain instructions, and plan grids and pricing. + COME TO THE OPEN ENROLLMENT sessions with Bouchey & Clarke repre-sentatives to ask any questions you may have

• If you are looking for new health insurance for you or your employees:+ Check out the plans and pricing on our website (URL above)+ COME TO THE OPEN ENROLLMENT sessions with Bouchey & Clarke rep-resentatives to let them help you find the plan that is best for you, your family or your employees

• If you want to change your health insurance plan:+ Check out the plans and pricing on our website (URL above)+ COME TO THE OPEN ENROLLMENT sessions with Bouchey & Clarke repre-sentatives to let them help

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in March 2016, health insurance benefits cost small businesses (with less than 50 employees) an extra $1.61 for every hour worked by an employee. Multiply that by a 40-hour work week, and you’re talking almost $65 a week, $260 a month or over $3,000 a year, per employee. Health insurance for you, your family, or your employees, is a cost-ly proposition, but a necessary one. Let our health insurance partner, BOUCHEY & CLARKE, find the right insurance plan for your needs, and your budget. The value of having Bouchey & Clarke work with us, and for YOU, our member businesses, is that they can HELP YOU FIGURE IT ALL OUT. THEY ARE HERE TO HELP YOU! Please take advantage of this partnership and COME TO THE OPEN ENROLLMENT sessions on November 8 – before or after you vote, of course! If you can’t make the Open Enrollment sessions on November 8, please know that you can visit Tim Salls, Gary Brooker or Floyd Douglas at the Chamber’s Amsterdam office most weekdays from 10am – 2pm, but please call before you drop by at (518) 272-0024. You can also call Mary Anne Murphy at the Troy office Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm at (518) 720-8888 ext. 31 or emailmmurphy@bouchey.com. You can also visit their website at www.bouchey.com to find out great information year-round about health insurance and business.n

Thank you to all those that participated in our Reap the Rewards Mem-bership Drive. This drive was led by our amazing Ambassador Committee who organized teams and helped to make this drive a successful one. Thank you to Team Ruggiero Realty members Lana Ruggiero, Amy Kara and Sam Zimmerman; Team River Ridge Living Center members Michele Harder, Anne Boles and Jenny Rulison-Fisch; Team NBT Bank members Patty Laux, John Prividera, Deanna Campione and Lorraine Sargalis; Team RicMar Design & Print Shop members Krissy Gillmore, Sheila Wiley and JeanMarie Reinke; Team Rockwood Environ-mental Solutions members Carol Williams, Terry Swierzowksi and Anna Ilnicki; and Team Bouchey & Clarke Benefits members Lisa Rice and Tim Salls. Drive results including prize winners (top team and overall seller) and of course new members will be announced at our November 10th Business After Hours at the Eccentric Club. Look for results and new members in our December Newsline.n

M E M B E R S H I P D R I V E 2 0 1 6

the

In October the Chamber held a traveling Business After Hours in Downtown Am-sterdam. The evening started at The Geek Pantology located at 46 East Main Street, guests made a pit stop at Main Attraction Barber & Beauty (6 East Main Street,) made their way to Revenge Tattoo Parlour (6 East Main Street,) and then ended their night at Sharp Shooters (35 East Main Street.) For more information about the Chamber’s Business After Hours events, please contact Alex Ruggeri

at (518) 725-0641 or membership@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

BUSINESS HOURSAFTER

Chamber staff and members network in The Geek Pantology.

Lillian Johnson, a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner, puts her name in a basket raffle at Main Attraction Barber & Beauty.

Chamber members and staff check out the art work at Revenge Tattoo Parlour.

Chamber members and staff ended their evening at Sharp Shooters for some de-licious chicken wings and refreshments.

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Greenscapes Landscaping, Inc.

Glen Henry, President

Residential & CommercialLawns & Landscapes

PARADISE POINT RD.MAYFIELD, NY 12117

518 661-5055 Fax: 518 661-6998

SHOP LOCAL – YOUR CHAMBER REALLY MEANS IT

Here are some ways we can help you and your business this holiday season….and all year round…

to encourage people to #ShopLocalSMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY - #SmallBizSat #ShopSmall #ShopLocal

The Story of Small Business Saturday The first-ever Small Business Saturday was launched in 2010. It en-couraged people across the country to support small, local businesses. In 2011, the United States Senate passed a resolution of support for Small Business Sat-urday. 2012 saw every state in the union, championing the cause – governors, mayors and even President Obama. The day continued to grow, and in 2013 1,450+ Neighborhood Champions, including your Chamber, signed up to rally their communities. Two years ago, an estimated $14.3 billion was spent at small, independent businesses on the day. Last year, shoppers supported their neigh-borhood businesses like never before, continuing to embrace the day as a holiday shopping tradition – in fact, it is estimated that 95 million people went out to shop small businesses that day.

LET’S DRIVE THOSE PEOPLE TO YOUR BUSINESS THIS YEAR! How can we help?

Are you doing something to celebrate Small Business Saturday? Con-tact Terry Swierzowski or Casey Croucher by email to let them know – we will post it on our Facebook page to help promote you. On Twitter? We’ll post it there, too. Instagram? We will include it in our promotions. Staff members can come out and take photos of you to enhance the posts. There will be a special SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY email on November 18 to all of the Chamber’s email list that will also list your efforts and hyperlink to your social media accounts and/or your website for more information.

CHAMBER CHECKS - #FMChamberChecks The deadline for this holiday season’s Chamber Checks redeemer list was November 4. But, you are all more than business owners, manag-ers, employees – YOU’RE ALL ALSO SHOPPERS! So, shop like you mean it and KEEP IT LOCAL with Chamber Checks – gift checks that are redeemable at over 100 Chamber member businesses! See the merchant list on our website, www.fultonmontgom-eryny.org.

Buying gifts for your employees? CHOOSE CHAMBER CHECKS! There is a CORPORATE ORDER FORM enclosed in this newsletter for your con-venience. It will also be emailed in Chamber Connections for the next few weeks. But, you don’t need an order form to place your order – call us and we will get an order ready for you – even deliver it if need be! Contact Becky at the Chamber to place your order today beckyd@fultonmontgomeryny.org or call (518) 725-0641.You can also purchase Chamber Checks at the following locations through the holiday season:

RUBY & QUIRI, 307 N. Comrie Avenue, Johnstown, randq.comPATRIOT FEDERAL BANK – patriotfederalbank.com – YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE TO GET OUT OF YOUR CAR – Purchase them at the drive-thru at each location:Canajoharie – 211 Erie Boulevard | Amsterdam – 4781 State Highway 30 | John-stown – 311 N. Comrie Ave.CHAMBER OFFICES – 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam | 2 N. Main Street, Gloversville.

GIFT FINDERS – Chamber Staff will find you the gift that you need right here at our region’s businesses! #FMGiftFinders

We have the best businesses on the planet – and we are sure you can find ANYTHING you need for the holidays right here in Fulton and Montgomery Counties and at our members in the outlying areas. If you are in need of a certain gift and can’t think of where to find it, give our always reliable Chamber staffers a call/email. We will do our very best to track down that “must have” item for anyone on your list. If you stump us and we can’t find the gift item that you want, you will get a $25 Chamber Check. So let us help you find the perfect gift, LOCALLY, for that special some-

one. The Chamber GIFT FINDERS are available for this purpose from MONDAY, NOVEMBER 21 through FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30. Please check the Chamber website for days that we may be closed (Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc.). Here is a blog posting on the Small Business Administration website with 33 quick, and good, ideas to help market your business during the holidays:https://www.sba.gov/blogs/33-creative-ideas-small-business-holiday-marketing If you’ve forgotten our contact info, here it is:Phone: (518) 725-0641.Email addresses: use info@fultonmontgomeryny.org or check this issue’s mast-head on page 2 for individual staff member email addresses.

But, please don’t forget to SHOP LOCAL! n

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CHAMBER PRESENTS 2016 WEEKEND-LONG BIG BUCK CONTEST AND WILD GAME DINNER

The Chamber will host a 2016 weekend-long Big Buck Contest and Wild Game Dinner, Saturday November 19 and Sunday November 20, with all activities taking place at Loopie’s Pub, 410 Mohawk Drive, Tribes Hill, NY. The contest takes place during the opening weekend of southern zone deer season (rifle/shotgun/crossbow). For the event, the Chamber is partnering with Tom Georgia, Brent Phetteplace and a host of volunteers to help promote the great hunting resources and related businesses in our region. “Fulton and Montgomery Counties have some of the best year-round hunting and fishing opportunities in New York State,” said Event Chairman Tom Georgia. “Partnering with the Chamber offers access to the many great business-es that support our outdoor resources.” Weigh ins, lunch and dinner will all take place at Loopie’s Pub, 410 Mohawk Drive, Tribes Hill. Participants are invited to enjoy a free luncheon each day from 11am-3pm at Loopie’s Pub. The contest’s Wild Game dinner will also take place at Loopie’s Pub for participants on Sunday, November 20 at 6:30pm. Keynote speaker will be NY State Senator George Amedore. Prizes will be awarded at the dinner and raffles will take place at that time. Paid participants will also be entered into a drawing for six guns and hunting-related table prizes. There will be cash prizes totaling $1200 including for Heaviest Buck; Heavi-est Doe; Most Points (1 inch or more); Largest Outside Spread; Tallest Spike Horn; and Closest Deer (buck or doe) to 125 lbs. without going over. Entry fee is $25 for adults 16 and over, and $20 for youth ages 14 and 15. Entry forms can be found on the Chamber website at www.fultonmontgomeryny.org (under the News and Events tab) at the Chamber’s offices in Gloversville (2 N. Main Street) and in Amsterdam (1166 Riverfront Center), and at the following Chamber member businesses:• Frank’s Gun Shop, 3549 State Highway 30, Gloversville• Fuel-N-Food, 3006 State Highway 30, Gloversville• Jim’s Bait Shop, 118 Ext. Second Avenue, Mayfield• Loopie’s Pub, 410 Mohawk Drive, Tribes Hill• Pine Tree Rifle Club, 419 Johnson Avenue, Gloversville• Runnings, 233 Fifth Avenue Ext., Gloversville• Brown’s Collision & Coachworks, 4409 State Highway 30, Amsterdam

Frank’s Gun Shop is the main event sponsor (10-point sponsor). Other sponsors include Runnings (Gloversville), Judith-Ann Realty (Tribes Hill), NYS Senator George Amedore, Mohawk Valley Firewood (Tribes Hill), Brown’s Ford/Collision & Coachworks (Amsterdam), Kingsboro Lumber (Gloversville) and Loopie’s Pub (Tribes Hill). For more information about the contest or sponsor-ship opportunities, contact Tom Georgia at trgeorgia@frontiernet.net or call (518) 258-9448, or Terry Swierzowski at the Chamber at (518) 725-0641 or terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org.n

FULTON COUNTY POSI+IVE BRAND INTRODUCES NEW MASCOT

Fulton County’s government recently announced the unveiling of its new mascot for the Fulton County NY Posi+ive Campaign. “Plus” features a bright, two-toned orange body, wide energized eyes, hiking boots and two thumbs up. The mascot was designed to bring attention to the county’s many positive attributes and to local events taking place around the region. County Administrative Officer Jon Stead stated, “Over the last few months, we’ve been highlighting the great quality of life here in Fulton County. Our area has beautiful landscapes, exceptional outdoor recreation and safe communities. PLUS and his positive ‘thumbs up’ message will help us publicize why it’s a great place to live and do business.” Right now, the mascot is a life-sized standee that can attend ground-breakings, grand-openings, school events and more in the coming months. Briana Chittenden, Legislative Aide in the Board of Supervisors Office, said PLUS will be travelling around the county to make appearances.“PLUS will bring his positive attitude, as well as some give-aways, so watch for additional news about his appearances in the news and on Facebook,” she said, For more information on PLUS and the Fulton County Posi+ive Cam-paign, please contact Jon Stead at (518) 736-5540.n

Staff at Klippel’s Kozy Korner Deli & Cafe in Northville take a photo with PLUS.Photo by Briana Chittenden.

Jim Dempsey of Studio Herbage (left) takes a photo with PLUS and Jon Stead, Fulton County Administrative Officer. Photo by Briana Chittenden.

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Health InsuranceNews

by Matt Clarkeof Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.

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

518.720.8888Offices in Historic Downtown Troy, Saratoga Springs & Amsterdam

www.bouchey.com

Health Insurance Open Enrollment

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage begins in November for coverage to begin as soon as January 1, 2017. Plans and pricing should be

available in the coming weeks.

BOUCHEY & CLARKE BENEFITS, INC. will take time to meet with YOU face to face to help get you the best coverage for you and/or your employees

to fit your health care needs AND your budget.

Meet with them for FREE Tuesday, November 8 9am-12pm in the Chamber’s Gloversville

office (2 North Main Street) or the Chamber’s Amsterdam office in Riverfront Center (1166 Riverfront Center) from 1-4pm.

Overtime and the FMLA Leave Entitlement

The complexity of administering leave under the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) should not be underestimated. This can be particularly true when calculating leave entitlement and usage for an employee who is using FMLA on an intermittent or reduced schedule basis. Most HR professionals know that, in general, the FMLA provides eli-gible employees with up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave during any 12-month period. When an employee requires a block of time off, the 12-week leave entitlement is fairly straightforward. However, for an employee that regularly works overtime hours and re-quires FMLA leave on an intermittent basis, the calculation of the employee’s leave entitlement and usage can become more complicated. An employee’s actual workweek should be used as the basis for de-termining an employee’s FMLA leave entitlement. For example, as stated in the FMLA regulations, if an employee who would otherwise work 40 hours a week takes off eight hours, the employee would use one-fifth of a week of FMLA leave. Similarly, if a full-time employee who would otherwise work eight-hour days works four-hour days under a reduced leave schedule, the employee would use one-half week of FMLA leave. If an employee would normally be required to work overtime, but is un-able to do so because of an FMLA-qualifying reason, the hours that the employee would have been required to work may be counted against the employee’s FMLA entitlement. This is true only if the overtime hours are mandatory. An employer may not reduce an employee’s FMLA leave entitlement for voluntaryovertime hours that the employee was unable to work due to an FMLA-qualifyingreason. In addition, an employer will want to be sure that the mandatory over-time hours are included in the employee’s initial FMLA leave entitlement calcula-tion. The ruling in Hernandez v. Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations LLC high-lights this point. In the case, Bridgestone was found to be liable forFMLA interference when it deducted missed overtime hours from an employee’s leave entitlement (ultimately resulting in the employee’s termination), but did not include the hours in the employee’s overall leave allotment.

Did You Know?

Employer fines for noncompliance with Form I-9 paperwork require-ments have increased significantly. Effective Aug. 1, 2016, fines for Form I-9 paperwork violations, employment of unauthorized workers and unfair immigra-tion-related employment practices have nearly doubled. Prior to Aug. 1, the fine for a first offense Form I-9 paperwork violation ranged from $110 to $1,100 per violation. A first offense Form I-9 paperwork vio-lation will now cost employers $216 to $2,156 per violation. Employers may want to consider a Form I-9 audit in the near future.

IRS ACA Penalty Assessments are Forthcoming Applicable large employers (ALEs) should keep an eye out for letters from the IRS assessing pay or play penalties for the 2015calendar year. Many employers have already received notifications from the Health Insurance Exchanges notifying them of employees who received subsidized coverage through the Exchange. Unlike the letters that are forthcoming from the IRS, the Exchange notifications were not assessing penalties or notifying employers of their potential liability for penalties. In addition, the letters from the IRS are targeted only to ALEs, and only to those that the IRS has determined may be liable for pay or play penal-ties. The Exchange notifications went to any employer (ALE or non-ALE) that employed an individual who received subsidized Exchange coverage. ALEs may want to consider the process by which they will handle any forthcoming letters from the IRS notifying them of their potential liability for pen-alties. For example, consider the specific point person or department that these letters should be directed to, and the process for determining whether the ALE should appeal the penalty liability notification.n

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Fulton-Montgom-ery Community College (FMCC), supported by the Fulton Montgomery Young Professionals Net-work (FMYPN) of the Ful-ton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce, is

issuing a call for speakers for TEDxFMCC on Wednesday, January 25, 2017, 6pm at Raiders Cove on the FMCC Campus, 2805 State Highway 67, John-stown, NY. This is the inaugural TEDxFMCC event and will feature talks on Innovation in Education; Innovation in Healthcare; and Innovation in Community Development. Launched in 2009, TEDx is program of locally organized events that bring the community together to share a TED-like experience. Some of the best talks from TEDx events have gone on to be featured on TED.com and garnered millions of views from audiences across the globe. The TEDxFMCC Committee is looking for speakers for the event and the follow-ing specifications for the talks include the following:• Focus on innovations in the areas identified and your experiences with such innovations• Be interesting and thought provoking• Strive to inform and change perceptions of what may be possible now and in the future• May provoke argument or action within the community• Be no longer than 15 minutes in duration• Time will be provided for the audience to discuss talks between each speaker, but speakers will not be permitted to take questions• Presentations should not be PowerPoint or media driven (for exam-ples of TEDx Talks, please visit http://tedxtalks.ted.com)• Talks will be recorded and uploaded to the TED.org website and be-come the property of TED. Anyone interested in presenting a talk at the January 25, 2017 TEDx-FMCC event should go to the following link to complete an application and sub-mit a two-minute video for review: http://tinyurl.com/gwaojyl The TEDxFMCC Committee will review all applications and select the final speakers. Tickets for the event will be available online through EventBrite starting on November 1. Visit the TEDxFMCC website at https://www.ted.com/tedx/events/20689, or the TEDxFMCC Facebook page, http://facebook.com/tedxfmcc for more information.

Chamber contacts for this event are Terry Swierzowski, terrys@fultonmontgom-eryny.org, and Nicole Walrath, nicolew@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

About TEDx, x = independently organized eventIn the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TED Talks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized. (Subject to certain rules and regulations.)

About TEDTED is a nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading, usually in the form of short, powerful talks (18 minutes or fewer) delivered by today’s leading thinkers and doers. Many of these talks are given at TED’s annual conference in Vancouver, British Columbia, and made available, free, on TED.com. TED speakers have included Bill Gates, Jane Goodall, Elizabeth Gilbert, Sir Richard Branson, Monica Lewinsky, Philippe Starck, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala,Sal Khan and Daniel Kahneman.

TED’s open and free initiatives for spreading ideas include TED.com, where new TED Talk videos are posted daily; the Open Translation Project, which provides subtitles and interactive transcripts as well as translations from thousands of volunteers worldwide; the educational initiative TED-Ed; the an-nual million-dollar TED Prize, which funds exceptional individuals with a “wish,” or idea, to create change in the world; TEDx, which provides licenses to thou-sands of individuals and groups who host local, self-organized TED-style events around the world; and the TED Fellows program, which selects innovators from around the globe to amplify the impact of their remarkable projects and activi-ties.n

New Montgomery County Public Safety Facility Unveiled

The Chamber helped celebrate the completion of the new Montgomery County Public Safety Facility in Fultonville that houses the departments of Emergency Management, Probation, Public Defender and Mental Health. This new wing is adjacent to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. The grand opening has creat-ed one public safety facility, with offices that routinely work together being located near one another. This was the first phase in the county’s multi-year building use plan, with the goal of operating more efficiently, providing better services and moving critical county offices out of the floodplain. The building is 10,715 square feet and officially broke ground on October 15 of last year. The new facility was dedicated to Lucille Sitterly who began working for the county in 1969, as a Case-worker in the Department of Social Services. She shifted to probation in 1989, became a Probation Supervisor, in 1995, and was named Probation Director in 2004. At the event were Department Heads and staff, and speeches by Matt Ossenfort, County Executive, US Congressman Paul Tonko, NY State Senator George Amedore who secured $15K in state grants to help outfit the Emergency Operations Center with equipment, Jeff Smith, Montgomery County Emergency Management Director and Kevin Wisely, the Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services and Director of the NYS Office of Emergency Management. n

SAVE THE DATE!Celebration & Cocktail Party 2017

WHEN: Friday, JANUARY 20, 5:30PM

WHERE: 308 Prime at the Holiday Inn

Johnstown-Gloversville, 308 N. Comrie Ave.

PRICE: $75 PER PERSON

CALL FOR SPEAKERS FOR TEDxFMCC EVENTEvent Scheduled for January 25, 2017 on the FMCC Campus

8 Chamber Member News

35th Annual Soroptimist Craft Fair Scheduled for November 20

Decorating with Native Greenery Nothing says the holidays like the look and smell of gorgeous green-ery styled into wreaths and swags. If you’ve always wanted to learn the se-crets of creating holiday decorations using native greenery, join Landis Ar-boretum on Saturday, November 26 9am-12pm for a make-and-take adven-ture. Registration fee includes green-ery, ribbon and decorations; bring any additional decorative elements you’d like to place in your creations. This will be Landis Arboretum’s last event of 2016, so join in on the fun!

Location: The Farm House; 174 Lape Road, EsperanceInstructor(s): Donna Vincent, Floral designer and long-time Arboretum memberMembers: $25/person; non-members: $35/person n

It’s Time for “CHRISTMAS IN NOVEMBER” Holiday Home Tours

Get into the holiday spirit on Saturday, November 19 when the St. Mary’s Healthcare Auxiliary hosts their 10th Annual “Christmas in November Holiday Home Tour”, a traveling tour of six Amsterdam area homes, each beautifully decorated for the holiday season. Homes are on display from 10am to 4pm and include the following locations: The Colamari-no Home on Bieniek Drive; the Delarm Home on Grant Avenue; The Flint Home on Guy Park Ave-nue; The Greco Home on Pershing Road; the San Home on Sylvia Lane; and the Spagnola Home on Van Dyke Avenue. Throughout the day or at the end of your tour, join us at the St. Mary’s Carondelet Pavilion Auditorium at 380 Guy Park Ave for complimentary desserts, shopping at the Auxiliary Boutique and with local

vendors, and the chance to win a basket of your choice! Those touring all six homes will be eligible for a very special drawing. Tickets, including tour maps, are on sale in Amsterdam at St. Mary’s Healthcare Gift Shops (Hospital campus and Memorial campus), Bloomfield’s Florist, Damiano’s Gifts & Flowers, June’s Cards & Gifts, and White Cottage Gar-dens. Tickets are available in Gloversville at J. Fine Jewelry and in Johnstown at Mulberry Tree Gift Shop. Tickets are also available the day of the tour at the homes and at the Carondelet Pavilion Auditorium. Tickets are $15.00 in advance, $20.00 the day of the event and $8.00 for children under 12. Proceeds from the tour will assist the Auxiliary in meeting its capital campaign pledge to St. Mary’s Healthcare. For more information on the event, please contact Colleen Medwid, St. Mary’s Director of Volunteers at 841-7136.n

Sandy Scott and Kathy Smith, Auxilians & Homes Hosts

9Chamber Member News

You Belong Here!Great Rates...2 Great Locations

Main Office: 355 Hales Mills Rd., Gloversville • 725-3191Branch Office: Inside the Gloversville Wal-Mart Supercenter • 725-4413

www.fcfinancialcu.orgBecome a member today!

“The OnlyChange is Our Name”

St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center residents and staff welcomed Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara on 9/21/16. Assemblyman Santabarbara toured the facility and spent time meeting with residents and staff. Residents pre-sented the assemblyman with a check from the Resident Council for the Autism Society of Albany, New York. Assemblyman Santabarbara thanked the Resident Council for their generous support of such an important cause. n

Assemblyman Santabarbara Visits St. Johnsville Rehab & Nursing Center

Frontier Communications Named a Recipient of NY State Broadband Program Office Awards

at the New NY Broadband Winners Conference & Awards Ceremony

Frontier Receives Approximately $3.3 Million in Phase 1 to Connect Unserved and Underserved Areas

Frontier Communica-tions [NASDAQ: FTR] was among the named broadband project award recipients this week at the New NY Broadband Winners Conference and Awards Ceremony in Albany. Frontier was announced as a grant winner for the company’s work to ex-pand broadband access across the state.

Frontier, a leading provider of commercial and residential broadband, voice, data, TV, cyber-security and networking services, was awarded a total of six different grants covering four regions of New York. Approximately 3,318 households and businesses in the counties of Chenango, Fulton, Hamilton, Tio-ga and Warren will be impacted by Frontier’s broadband projects. Specific cen-sus blocks in these counties represent “unserved areas” with broadband speeds under 25 MBPS; and “underserved areas” currently with speeds less than 100 MBPS. Frontier will be deploying fiber-to-the-home and will deliver speeds as fast as 100 MBPS to the impacted areas. The New York State Grant Assistance totals 80 percent of the required network build-out funding, or approximately $3.3 million. Frontier will also invest approximately $835,000 of its own capital to com-plete the projects. “We are very pleased to receive the New York State grants that will help us make broadband available even in the most rural areas and deliver speeds en-joyed in densely populated metro areas,” said Elena Kilpatrick, Senior Vice Pres-ident and General Manager of Frontier Communications’ New York operations. “These New York State Broadband Program Office Awards are great examples of public/private partnerships bringing together expertise, resources and leadership focused on the betterment of local communities. This is true collaboration that delivers outstanding benefits for everyone involved, especially local residents and businesses.” “Expanding access to broadband is critical to ensuring our region can compete in a 21st Century economy,” said Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (R-NY-21). “Broadband access touches everything from commerce to healthcare to education, and this award will play an important role in the delivery of this vital service to our families and businesses. I congratulate Frontier Communications on this award and commend Governor Cuomo for making access to broadband a priority.” “Seeing Hamilton County’s decade long crusade for broadband coming to fruition through our partnership with Frontier Communications and Governor Cuomo is extraordinary!” observed William G. Farber, Chairman of the Hamilton County Board of Supervisors. “Broadband is no longer a luxury; it is the critical infrastructure necessary for success. The people of Hamilton County share in the excitement of this award, as we will be the benefactors for years to come. On their behalf, I offer my thanks to Frontier Communications and Governor Cuomo.” For highlights of Fronteir’s projects and for more information visit www.frontier.com.n

NOAH Free Meal Program Presents an Evening of Wine, Beer & Chocolate!

Join in on the fun November 4 from 7-9pm at St. Patrick’s Lodge, 22 South Perry Street, Johnstown, for a good cause! There will be: Fine Chocolates & Hors d’oeuvres, Wine & Craft Beer Tastings, Musical Entertainment and a Bas-ket Raffle. Tickets are $30 per person. The proceeds from An Evening of Wine, Beer & Chocolate will benefit NOAH Community Free Meal Program in Fulton County. NOAH is an all-volunteer organization serving free meals every Sunday. All are welcome. For information, please call 518.762.9210 or visit www.stjohns-johnstown.org.n

10 Chamber Member News

Sponsorship Opportunities forFulton County Center for Regional Growth’s

2016 Networking Event: “Business Beginnings”

We are excited to announce our plan to host a networking event, to be held on Thursday, November 17, 2016 at The Holiday Inn, 308 North Comrie Avenue, Johnstown. The event will begin at 6:00 p.m. This is CRG’s main fundraising event and we hope you will join us in sponsoring a fun filled evening. In addition to networking, we will have plenty of appetizers and food stations. We will be recognizing the achievements of partic-ipating new businesses that have been in operation 5 years or less. AND we will be giving out several awards to thank those who have assisted Fulton County’s economic development efforts. With the help of our sponsors, last year’s event was a great success. We had 29 participating businesses showcased and upwards of 150 attendees. We would love to duplicate that success! Please consider assisting us by spon-soring this event at one of the following sponsorship levels:

• Community Development Sponsor: $750 Includes four free event passes (if non-member), recognition at the event, corporate banner displayed at event (supplied by sponsor)• Corporate Development Sponsor: $500 Includes two free event passes (if non-member), recognition at the event.• New Business Sponsor $200 Includes recognition at the event

** We appreciate your support! **To confirm your sponsorship contact Becky Hatcher at CRG at 762-8700, ext 102or email at beckyh@fccrg.org. To participate in this year’s “Business Beginnings” Networking Event please call 518-725-7700 or visit : http://www.fccrg.org/about-us/business-begin-nings-networking-event/ to register. Admission is FREE for CRG Members $10 for non-members. RSVP is required for all attendees.n

Montgomery County Office for Aging’s Veterans Dinner Scheduled for November 4

Montgomery County Office for Aging is hosting its annual Veterans Dinner on November 4, 4-6pm at the Canajoharie Moose, 159 Erie Boule-vard. Dinner includes: stuffed chicken, sour cream and chive mashed po-tatoes, vegetable blend, roll, dessert and beverage. You can eat-in or take-out! Tickets are: $9 presale, $10 at door and $5 for all veterans. Presale purchases are not necessary but are strongly encouraged since meals are limited and last year the Office for Aging sold out. For more information call (518) 843-2300.n

“The Art of New York” Annual Juried Art Show at Arkell Museum – 2016

The Art of New York, a juried exhibit of artwork by artists living in New York State will open on Friday, November 4th at the Arkell Museum and Canajo-harie Library, celebrating its twentieth year of presenting regional artists. This an-nual juried show features 42 contemporary abstract and representational works in oil, acrylic, pastel, photography, mixed media and sculpture. Juror J. Bruce Schwabach, Associate Professor Emeritus of Herkimer Community College, selected the pieces from among 128 entered from artists across the state. The show, sponsored by Blick Art Materials and Golden Artist Colors, Inc. is free, with an admission charge for the museum. Hours are Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 10 am – 5 pm, 10 am – 7:30 pm on Wednesdays, Saturday and Sunday noon – 5 pm through January 4th, 2017 at 2 Erie Blvd., Canajoharie. For more information call 518-673-2314.n

Jim Flosdorf, Troy, NY; Demolition 2, photograph, 20” x 23”

Rosemary Krupka, Syracuse, NY; The Ungilded Truth, digital art, 10” x 8”

Chamber Member News 11

Littauer Offers New Breast Imaging With 3D Tomosynthesis

Nathan Littauer Hospital is announcing the introduction of SenoClaire*, GE’s new breast tomosynthesis solution designed with a three-dimensional im-aging technology. SenoClaire technology uses a low-dose short X-ray sweep around the positioned breast with nine exposures acquired with a “step-and-shoot” method, removing the potential motion from the tube helping to reduce blur and increase image sharpness. “This new technology enables us to make a more confident diagnosis,” said Littauer Chief of Radiology, Dr. John Mastrangelo. “In addition, this technol-ogy will reduce the stress and number of times women need to come back with false positive results from exams.” A key challenge when performing screening mammography is to keep the radiation levels as low as possible. With GE’s SenoClaire, there is no increase in dose from a 2D standard mammogram to a 3D view, which means there is no increased radiation to patients during a SenoClaire breast exam. “I expect 3D breast screening technology will significantly help our clini-cians discover breast cancer sooner,” adds Littauer Senior Mammographer Tam-my Gerdes. “It’s important our patients receive the best quality images with the lowest dosage of radiation. Hopefully there will be some added comfort knowing there are nine images in one short swipe of time.” “With the FDA’s approval of SenoClaire, we build on our breast care continuum which offers physicians and patients a complete suite of solutions -- from screening and diagnosis through treatment and monitoring,” said Catherine Tabaka, Chief Marketing Officer, GE Healthcare, Detection and Guidance Solu-tions. “SenoClaire not only offers patients a new solution to help clinicians better detect breast cancer, but does so with low dose radiation and high image quality. This new generation technology, breast tomosynthesis, together with innova-tive solutions like contrast enhanced spectral mammography, automated whole breast ultrasound, and molecular breast imaging will equip healthcare providers with a comprehensive set of tools that will help their patients across the entire breast care continuum.” 3D breast tomosynthesis is available at Littauer’s main campus in Glov-ersville with expanded hours including evenings and Saturdays. Dr. John Mas-trangelo will host a presentation in the Littauer Hospital auditorium Oct.. 20 from 6 to 7 p.m. He will explain the new technology and answer any questions. You may reserve a place by calling HealthLink Littauer at 736-1120.n

Littauer Names ACE Award Winner David Lee, a Registered Nurse in the Nathan Littauer Hospital recov-ery room was recently recognized as a Littauer ACE Award recipient. ACE or “Awards Celebrating Employees” is a special recognition for Littauer employees who have gone above and beyond their responsibilities to demonstrate the orga-nization’s mission of caring. It is presented by the hospital’s Rewards and Recog-nition Committee. Lee in his off time observed a woman fall and hit her head. He took it upon himself to drive the woman home and then brought her husband back to retrieve the family vehicle. He strongly advised the woman be brought to the emergency room for an evaluation. Lee came to the Littauer Emergency Care Center (ECC) to alert the staff what had happen, should the woman arrive. While he was there the woman came for treatment. Littauer ECC Assistant Manager, Tina Bagley explained: “As the woman wheeled through the doors and came into the depart-ment she saw David and immediately opened her arms to embrace him. What a wonderful sight it was. Especially after I spoke to David and learned the whole story.” Nathan Littauer Hospital recognizes David Lee as an example of Lit-tauer’s excellence and dedication to the community. n

OB/GYN Manish Shah, MD, Joins Nathan Littauer Hospital

Dr. Man-ish Shah, an obste-trician and gynecol-ogist has joined the Women’s Healthcare team at Nathan Lit-tauer Hospital. With privileges already activated at Littauer, Dr. Shah has estab-lished an excellent rapport with new pa-tients, his fellow pro-viders and staff. “Littauer is proud to announce the addition of OB/GYN, Dr. Manish Shah, to our staff of women’s health providers,” states Littauer Vice Presi-dent, Primary/Spe-cialty Care Services Patrice McMahon. “Dr. Shah’s insight and medical experi-ence with women’s healthcare not only compliments Littau-er’s values but he

also enhances them.” Dr. Shah completed residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Summa Health System, Akron, OH, with High Risk Pregnancy fellowship training in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Inova Fairfax Hospital, Falls Church, VA. His experience includes an academic appointment as Assistant Clinical Pro-fessor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, in Washington, DC. “I am happy to become a part of Nathan Littauer Hospital and working where providers know their patients by their first name,” said Dr. Shah. “I would like my patients to know I treat my patients exactly the way I would want to be treated.” Dr. Shah has relocated with his family to Fulton County, where they plan on being active members in the community. He will be seeing patients out of Littauer’s Perth Primary & Specialty Center, and the Gloversville Primary & Specialty Care Center. To schedule an appointment, please call (518) 883-8634 for Perth or (518) 773-5729 for Gloversville.n

12 Chamber Member News

Snapshotof our New Members

VanPatten Home Improvements LLC

Gloversville, NY(518) 866-1389

Mountain Ridge Adventure

300 Weatherwax Rd.Glenville, NY

(518) 227-1058www.mountainridgeadventure.com

Facebook

20 Main StreetFultonville, NY(518) 922-6250

Van Horne Properties

Gloversville, NY(518) 866-4446

www.bonnievanpatten.arbonne.comFacebook

Bonnie VanPatten - Arbonne Independent

ConsultantWhite Cottage Gardens

194 Guy Park AvenueAmsterdam, NY(518) 843-1060

www.whitecottagegardens.com

Run By Dogs3832 State Highway 30

Amsterdam, NY(518) 925-4860

www.runbydogs.comFacebook

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

13Montgomery County Tourism News

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

Tuesday Talks Series

Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site will conduct its second annual Tuesday Talk series to recognize New York State History Month this November. Each week a speaker will talk about a topic on regional or New York State history. All presentations are free of charge and will begin at 6:30 PM in the Enders House at Schoharie Cross-ing, 129 Schoharie Street, Fort Hunter. Refreshments will be provided and donations are always appreciated. The schedule is as follows:

• November 1: “Montgomery County’s Clara Barton” presented by Montgomery County Historian Kelly Yacobucci Farquhar • November 8: “Election Day: The Battle of Fort Anne” presented by Hudson Valley Community College Professor Matthew Zembo • November 15: “Road Food in Early America: What Travelers Ate Before Fast Food” presented by Sara Evenson • November 22: “Fur Merchants on the 18th Century Mohawk Frontier” presented by Nolan Cool

• November 29: “How a River Shaped History; the Unique Role of the Schoharie Creek in the Settlement of Upstate New York” presented by Schoharie County Historian Ted Shuart November was designated as New York State History Month by the New York State Legislature in 1997. “The purpose of this month shall be to celebrate the history of New York State and recognize the contributions of the state and local historians.” New York State History Month represents an opportunity for historians, cultural institutions, and the public to assert the vital importance of preserving and learning about our state’s history. For information about this event and more, please call the Schoharie Crossing Visitor Center at (518) 829-7516, email SchoharieCrossing@parks.ny.gov, or visit our Facebook page at Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site.n

Walter Elwood Museum The Walter Elwood Museum in Amsterdam is hosting a Veteran’s Day Fall Camp at the Museum (100 Church Street in Amsterdam) on Friday, Novem-ber 11 from 9:30am to 12:00pm. Students can choose between a Printmaking class and a Fall Foliage Tree class. The Printmaking course is an introduction to the basics of printmaking. Printmaking is one of the most historically significant and prolific forms of art, and with the right instruction, anyone can learn to create multiple images from the same block, carving or stencil. This class will focus on the relief (carved block) process. Students will create a block based on an original drawing and will create a full edition of matching prints from that matrix. The result will be a series of images that are similar but never identical-because the beauty of printmaking is that, even though all prints come from the same matrix, there are countless vari-ables in the process that ensure every image is a unique expression of the artist’s craft. The Fall Foliage Tree class focuses on a quaint tree surrounded by the vibrant colors of fall foliage. We will guide students as they use Legos and paints to transform each canvas into a peaceful tribute to autumn. Registration is $10.00 per child and includes all supplies needed. Scholarships are available through the Dr. Rao Charitable Foundation upon re-quest. Parents are welcome to stay with any child at no extra charge and are encouraged with children under age 5. To register or for more information, call the Walter Elwood Museum at (518) 843-5151 or email director@walterelwoodmuse-um.org. n

Taste of the Mohawk ValleyFarmers Market

The Taste of the Mohawk Valley Farmer’s Market is a seasonal indoor market featuring local products such as meats, cheeses, eggs, maple products, baked goods, and much more. Upcoming markets will be held on November 19 and December 17 from 10am-2pm at Alpin Haus RV Center, 1863 State Highway 5S in Amsterdam. Enjoy holiday shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas. For more information contact Julicia Godbout at (518) 853-4015 x 111 and visit the Taste of the Mohawk Valley Farmer’s Market Facebook page.n

14 Fulton County Tourism News

Trouble at the Trobicabana

The Sacandaga Musical Theater and Sacandaga Valley Arts Network (SVAN) present: Trouble at the Tropicabana!, a murder mystery dinner theater. Take a walk down memory lane with Lucy, Ricky, Fred, and Ethel. Come on down to Ricky’s world famous Tropicabana Club for an evening of drinks, live music, and...murder?! Movie mogul heiress Celia B. De Milo wants to make Ricky her next big studio star - but is Celia who she claims to be? Will Lucy and Ethel ruin Ricky’s big chance with another one of their harebrained schemes to get into show business? What’s the notorious gangster Mr. Big doing at Ricky’s club? Will Fred be able to help his pal get out of this mess? And what’s up with Rosita, Ricky’s cousin? By the end of the night, someone will be dead - and it’s up to you to figure out who the murderer is! Tickets are $30 per person and include dinner and show; cash bar available. Reservations are required. Performances are at the Johnstown Moose, 109 S. Comrie Avenue on November 5 (call (518) 420-9591 by November 2 to reserve tickets), the Alpine at 920-93 State Highway 30 in Northville on November 6 (call (518) 684-0314 by November 2 to reserve tickets), and Harold’s Restaurant, 176 W. Fulton Street, in Gloversville on November 12 (call (518) 775-9881 by November 9 to reserve tickets). Performances on November 5 and 12 begin at 7pm and on November 6 at 4pm.n

The Glove Performing Arts Center has planned its first Holiday Market Place on Saturday, November 12 from 9am to 5pm and Sunday, November 13 from 10am to 4pm. Browse an assortment of crafters and vendors and enjoy holiday shopping. Refreshments will be available from Mendetta’s at the Glove, 42 North Main Street in Gloversville. Admission is free. Call Richard Samrov for more information at (518) 773-8255 ext. 21. n

Holiday Market Place

The 35th Annual Soroptimist Craft Fair will take place on Sunday, No-vember 20 from 10am-4pm at the Gloversville Middle School, 234 Lincoln Street, Gloversville. Over 100 professional crafters will be on hand for the event. The proceeds benefit Soroptimist International of Fulton County’s Scholarships and Programs for women, girls, and the community. The admission is $2 with children 12 and under free. A bake sale and food concession will be available. For more information please contact Sandra Peters at (518) 725-8861.n

Craft Fair

Schine on the Holidays

The Schine Gallery presents Schine on The Holidays ~ 2016, the 3rd Annual Holiday Show, with an opening reception on Thursday, November 17 from 5 to 8pm. This year’s exhibit features a tribute to Teddi Knapp, Chalkware Artist, Jim “Prof” Underwood, Unique Woodcarvings and decorated theme Christmas trees with complementary quilts. The exhibit is open 12 to 3pm on November 19, 20, 26, 27, December 3, 4 and 5 to 7pm on December 2. Donations accepted to benefit the Mayfield Historical Society. Please contact Trina Zimmerman for more information at (518) 725-2044. The Schine Memorial Hall is located at 40 North Main Street (take elevator to the third floor), Gloversville.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 October. Please note these members

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

Less than 5 Years Side by Side Storage, L.L.C ................................2012TLC Grooming. . ..................................................2012Glover Insurance Agency ....................................2014Heritage Meadows Farm Bed & Breakfast ..........2012Main Attraction Barber & Beauty ........................2015Puro Construction Company, Inc.. .......................2012Sharp Shooters Billiards & Sports Pub ................2012Runnings .............................................................2014Taco Bell ..............................................................2014Knox Mansion Historical Foundation, Inc. ...........2015Beacon Insurance Agency Group, Inc. ................2014518 Grille .............................................................2013

5 to 9 YearsR.H. Crown Co., Inc.............................................2008Bowman’s Market ...............................................2008Cotugno Dental Associates .................................2008Tamara L. Dunlap, D.D.S.....................................2007Amsterdam Rotary District 7190..........................2010Vintage Cafe ........................................................2007Prospect Hill Cemetery Association..................... 2011Senator George A. Amedore, Jr...........................2008Russell Catalano, L.M.T ......................................2007Boyd’s Motorworks, Inc. ......................................2007Adirondack Express Lube....................................2008William R. Dorn Construction Inc.........................2008

10 to 19 YearsAccuStaff... ..........................................................2003Boy Scouts of America; Sir William Johnson .......2003Karen Wheeler of Coldwell Banker-Sitterly. .........20064X Heaven & Krown Rust Prevention..................2005AND-Architecture & Design.. ...............................2004MAC Electric, Co. ................................................2006Carole Petrelia of Coldwell Banker-Sitterly.. ........2006Gifford Oil Company, L.L.C. .................................2005Village of Hagaman .............................................2000Montgomery County Business Dev. Center... ......2005Chief’s Repar Lodge, L.L.C.. ...............................2006Jablonski Builders................................................1998Hardies Electric Services Co., Inc. ......................2000Shannon-Rose Design ........................................2004Greenscapes .......................................................2000Northampton Animal Hospital. .............................2001Subway of Amsterdam.........................................2000Purtell Realty, Inc.-Century 21 .............................2005Canajoharie Central School.................................2005Power and Composite Technologies, L.L.C .........1999Hudson River Tractor Comapny, L.L.C ................2000Benchemark Printing ...........................................2006

20 Years and OverFulton Friendship House. ....................................1985Maider and Smith.. ..............................................1988Ship and Copy... ..................................................1993Williamson Optical.. .............................................1985Antonucci Wholesale Produce & Seafood, Inc. ...1988Kasson & Keller, Inc. ...........................................1976Lexington .............................................................1983Murpyh, Niles & Greco, Esqs. .............................1988Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan ...............1995Russo, Walsh & Walsh ........................................1988

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

Upcoming Chamber Events!Tuesday, November 8 • 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm

Bouchey & Clarke’s Health Insurance Open Enrollment Chamber Offices, 2 N. Main St., Gloversville AND 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage begins in November for coverage to begin as soon as January 1, 2017. Plans and pricing should be available in the coming weeks.BOUCHEY & CLARKE BENEFITS, INC. will take time to meet with YOU face to face to help get you the best coverage for you and/or

your employees to fit your health care needs AND your budget. For more information please call (518) 272-0024.

Thursday, November 10 • 5-7:00pmBusiness After Hours at the Eccentric Club

Eccentric Club, 109 North Main St., GloversvilleDon’t miss this traditional kickoff to the holiday season. This popular event is sure to please with beautiful decorations, fantastic food and a crowd for any

professional to use to their advantage. Always one of our biggest Business After Hours of the year, this year’s event will feature even more excitement and opportunities. FREE to Chamber Members, $10 for Future Members. For more information and to register for the event contact Alex at (518) 725-0641

or membership@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Thursday, December 1 • 5-7:00pmBusiness After Hours at Perthshire hosted by Bouchey & Clarke

Perthshire, 112 Perthshire Drive, AmsterdamJoin us for a very SPECIAL Business After Hours, sponsored by Bouchey & Clarke. There will be a New Member Orientation at 4:30pm. The orientation is open to new members as well as any members looking to better acquant themselves with the Chamber, our staff and/or our events. FREE to Chamber

Members, $10 for Future Members. For more information and to register for the event contact Alex at (518) 725-0641 or membership@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Wednesday, December 14 • 5-7:00pmBusiness After Hours at NBT Bank Regional Headquarters in Canajohariee

NBT Bank Regional Headquarters, 20 Mohawk St, CanajoharieCome join NBT Bank and the Chamber for a festive evening of fantastic food, networking, and fun at this annual holiday event. FREE to Chamber mem-

bers, $10 for Future Members. For more information and to register for the event contact Alex at (518) 725-0641 or membership@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Saturday, November 26 • 3:00pmChamber Music at the Chamber!

Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Rotunda Art Gallery, 2 N. Main Street, GloversvilleThis is the second of a four-part concert series features CELLO VOCE, a cello and vocal duo, as part of our Chamber Music at the Chamber series, hosted by the Chamber, Gloversville Community Music and the Gloversville Business Improvement District as part of Small Business Saturday events for down-

town Gloversville and our region. SHOP LOCAL! $20 per person; 50 ticket limit for this concert. For more information or to purchase tickets please contact Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641 or terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org.

Wedneday, November 30 • 6-9:00pmNotary Public Workshop with Victor Bujanow

Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Office, 2 N. Main Street, GloversvilleThis workshop prepares you for the New York State Notary Public test and will provide you with a comprehensive view of the Notary Public office. Con-

fusing laws, concepts, and procedures will be clearly explained and clarified. Examples will be provided to illuminate situations that a Notary Public officer is likely to encounter. Topics include avoiding conflicts of interest, maintaining professional ethics, charging proper fees, handling special situations, when to defer to an attorney, and minimizing legal liability. This workshop is a must for Notary Public candidates to become fully aware of the authority, duties and responsibilities in involved in this office. All materials will be provided including website links to NYS Department of State licensing information, book-

lets and forms. Also featured is an 80-question Practice Exam which attempts to emulate the actual New York State Mandatory exam. $49 for Chamber members, $65 for Non-MembersRegistration must be done through instructor. Contact Terry at the Chamber who will send a registra-

tion form - terrys@fultonmontgomeryny.org