regional report, spring 2013

SPRING 2013

257 MAIN ST. NEW PALTZ, NY 12561 P 845 255 0243 F 845 255 5189 E [email protected] WWW.NEWPALTZCHAMBER.ORG

A QUARTERLY BUSINESS NEWS MAGAZINE OF THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

REGIONAL

REPORT

Luminary Publishing’s Editorial Director Brian K. Mahoney with intern-turned-Assistant Editor Jennifer Gutman.

ON-THE-JOBLEARNINGInternships Connect Businesses with Best and BrightestBy Gregory Schoenfeld

How about the following for a confounding equation? First, start with a struggling national economy and job market battling to reinvent and reinvigorate itself. Add in higher education costs so prohibitive that students across the nation face a

frightening catch-22—where, in order to contend successfully in a highly competitive job market, they have to trade on a tuition mortgage they may not know how to repay. The result is an unprecedented modern-era challenge, with a vast population vying for fulfilling work, and a nation of businesses seeking to staff the right employees. Fortunately, there are progressive solutions—for those with the foresight to implement them—which are garnering positive returns, and cause for much-needed optimism.

Continued on p. 14

Heart-Shaped BusinessIn New Paltz, the pursuit of profit

is consistently tempered by a

commitment to community.

The Bottom LineState employees earning a salary

greater than $100,000 grows; IBM

and New York State partner on

schools; Hudson River bridge traffic

dropped in 2012.

Member Profiles Colonial Flower Shop,

Natural Eyecare,

WDST Radio,

Jamaica Choice Restaurant.

12

20

24

IN THIS ISSUE

One of the most well-regarded public colleges in the nation, New Paltz offers nearly 100 undergraduate degrees, 50 masters degrees, 2 post master’s degree programs and one joint doctoral program. Through its mission of education and civic engagement, New Paltz stands out as an active contributor to the schools, businesses, non-profit organizations and economic vitality of the region and serves as a vibrant intellectual and creative public forum for Hudson Valley residents.

S TAT E U N I V E R S I T Y O F N E W YO R K

www.newpaltz.edu • 845-257-7869

[ ]A Degree...and an education.

resourceCRREObachelorsmusEumlibrary

partnermainstayserviceimpact

REGIONAL REPORT SPRING 2013 3

As we continue into 2013, I continue to think more and more about what economic development

means to our region, and our Chamber’s role in making this community a bulwark of economic stability and sustainable growth. As members of this regional community, it isn’t difficult to look around us and see how uniquely vibrant the business environment is here in the Hudson Valley; our rich history, diverse cultural and recreational opportuni-ties and profound commitment to the Think Local principle go a great distance toward helping our region attract and retain a highly qualified workforce, and creating an ideal atmosphere for entrepreneurship.

This issue of Regional Report explores the relationship between our region’s edu-cational institutions, their students, and our business community. As pointed out in a recent feature in The Wall Street Journal, the colleges and universities in New Paltz and the surrounding region are a major economic and cultural force in the area, drawing students from around the country. Our colleges and universities are worth the trip, too. SUNY New Paltz was ranked #7 among public colleges and #32 overall, and Marist College ranked #8 overall in the northern region in US News and World Report Best Colleges 2013. The SUNY New Paltz School of Business recently became an accredited member of the Association to Advance Collegiate School of Business (ASCSB), the highest achievement for an educational institution that awards busi-ness degrees.

An educated workforce is an enormous part of improving the quality of life in the Hudson Valley. The Chamber’s charitable arm, the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz, awards scholar-ships each year to students who have made an impact on their community, school or workplace. Last year, the Foundation also launched the Joyce Minard Scholarship in tribute to our retired president’s tireless work to provide our region’s business people, key employees, job seekers and students with op-portunities to learn new skills and integrate into the local employment and entrepre-neurial climate. Applications for the 2013 General Scholarship and the 2013 Joyce Minard Scholarship are now available in the Foundation section of the Chamber’s website, www.newpaltzchamber.org. We hope you’ll be able to join us as we award our 2013 Scholarships at the Chamber’s June Business Luncheon on Wednesday, June 19 at the Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz Campus.

Sincerely,

Michael Smith, President, New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

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ADVANCE TESTING COMPANY, INC.

3348 Route 208Campbell Hall, NY 10916845-496-1600Fax: 845-496-1398sales@advancetesting.comwww.advancetesting.comContact: James Smith Jr.Construction

BOB DIETZ & SONS, INC.

474 Springtown RoadNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-0086Fax: [email protected]: Tony Dietz Construction

BRIDGE CREEK CAFÉ

10 Main StreetSuite 327New Paltz, NY 12561845-255-4205greatfood@bridgecreekcatering.comwww.bridgecreekcafeandcatering.comContact: Phil Leger Restaurants

D & D WALTKE

12 Waltke LnWallkill, NY 12589845-895-3333Contact: Daniel J. Waltke Home Improvement

FRANK IOANNA ELECTRICAL,

PLUMBING & HEATING

15 Angel RdNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-5376Fax: 845-255-5376Contact: Frank Ioanna Contractors - Electrical

LAW OFFICES OF ROBERT F. RICH, JR.

175 Main StSuite 2New Paltz, NY 12561845-255-7424Fax: [email protected]: Robert Rich Jr.Attorneys – Trial Practice

MARIST COLLEGE

3399 North RoadPoughkeepsie, NY 12601845-575-3000Fax: 845-575-3337www.marist.eduContact: Dennis Murray Educational Institutions

MEMORIAL UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

PO Box 577 (1928 route 44/55)Modena, NY [email protected]: Barbara Terpening Community Service Organizations

OPENPRO BOSS & NORTH AMERICAN CREDIT CARD ASSOCIATION

3 Goring PlaceWappingers Falls, NY [email protected]: Megan Harris CPAConsultant – Small Business

OREAD ENERGY SERVICES

PO Box 1193New Paltz, NY 12561845-202-1161eric.hayes@oreadenergy.comwww.oreadenergy.comContact: Eric Hayes Energy Consultants

PEOPLE’S UNITED BANK

271 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561845-256-3802Fax: [email protected]: Mario Riccardi Banks

POTENTIAL UNLIMITED PRODUCTIONS, INC.

33 Basin RoadWest Hurley, NY 12491845-853-8888Fax: 845-853-8888bwurtz@potentialunlimited.orgwww.potentialunlimited.orgContact: Barbara Wurtz Developmental Disabilities

RUSSO’S ITALIAN DELI

164 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-1485Fax: [email protected]: Debbie Russo Grocers

SHEA O’BRIEN’S

127 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-5273www.sheaobriens.comContact: Kevin Murtaugh Restaurants

WELLS FARGO ADVISORS, LLC

336 Plaza RoadKingston, NY 12401845-340-7430matthew.mulpeter@wfadvisors.comwww.wellsfargo.comContact: Matthew Mulpeter Financial Planning/Investments

WELLS FARGO BANK

235 Fair StreetKingston, NY 12401845-255-6602mark.f.davis@wellsfargo.comwww.wellsfargo.comContact: Mark Davis Banks

WELLS FARGO BANK

29 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561845-225-6602mark.f.davis@wellsfargo.comwww.wellsfargo.comContact: Mark Davis Banks

WELLS FARGO HOME MORTGAGE

291 Wall StreetKingston, NY 12401845-334-2600vincent.aurigemma@wellsfargo.comwww.wellsfargo.comContact: Vincent Aurigemma Mortgage Bank

New Members as of 3/8/2013

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS


9 Recent Chamber Events

10 Upcoming Events

15 Member Updates

26 Member Renewals

30 Membership Matters

CONTENTS

1

12

22

23

ON-THE-JOB LEARNINGINTERNSHIPS CONNECT BUSINESSES WITH BEST AND BRIGHTESTBusinesses and students walk a two-way street: Entrepreneurs and

managers are constantly on the lookout for the young talent that be the

next wave of hirees, college students need real-workd experience not

only to fill out their resumes, but also to decide if their career path is the

right one. We talk with students and business owners about the virtuous

symbiosis of the intern/business relationship.

HEART-SHAPED BUSINESSNew Paltz, Beyond the Profit MarginWhile maintaining a viable and vigorous economy is a fundamental priority,

the pursuit of profit is consistently tempered by a commitment to community

in the New Paltz area. Local business owners tell us why.

THE BOTTOM LINEState employees earning a salary greater than $100,000 grows; IBM and

New York State partner on schools; Hudson River bridge traffic dropped in

2012; Native American casinos in New York experience dip in revenues.

EVENTS SPOTLIGHTThe First Annual Pot-o-Gold Business Showcase on April 12 at the Holiday Inn in Kingston; Ulster County Executive addresses the New Paltz Business

Community at the Terrace Restaurant on the SUNY New Paltz campus on

April 17; The Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz

holds its annual Scholarship Award Presentation on June 19.

MEMBER PROFILES A Celebration of the Senses!

Regional Report checks in with Colonial Flower Shop, Natural

Eyecare, WDST Radio, and Jamaica Choice Restaurant.

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BOARD OFFICERS

CHAIR Chris Drouin Beyond Wealth Management1ST VICE CHAIR Frank Curcio Bank of America/Merrill Lynch2ND VICE CHAIR Mindi Haynes Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAsSECRETARY Constance Harkin Ulster Savings TREASURER Kay Hoiby Free Fall Express, dba Blue Sky RanchLEGAL COUNSEL James Yastion Law Offices of James Yastion, PLLCPAST CHAIR Ernie VanDeMark Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Tom Edwards Fox & Hound Wine and SpiritsBarry Henck Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp.Glen F. Kubista Glen F. Kubista & AssociatesWalter Marquez Water Street MarketDr. David Ness Performance Sports and WellnessCraig Shankles PDQ Business PrintersGlenn Sutherland Catskill Hudson BankSusan VanDeBogart St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital Center for RehabilitationSue Van Voorhis M&T Bank

EMERITUS MEMBERS

Robert Leduc Mohonk Mountain HouseRick Lewis Riverside Bank

REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOUNDATION

AT NEW PALTZ BOARD OF DIRECTORS

CHAIR Sue Van Voorhis M&T BankSECRETARY Theresa Thompson Main Street BistroTREASURER Michael A. Smith New Paltz Regional Chamber of CommercePAST CHAIR Kathy Ferrusi Hudson Valley Federal Credit UnionBOARD MEMBER Marsha Jones New York Life BOARD MEMBER Joyce MinardBOARD MEMBER Cathy SifreBOARD MEMBER Ernie VanDeMark Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

CHAMBER STAFFMichael A. Smith PresidentPeter Ingellis Director of MembershipJanet Nurre Director of Communications & Marketing Joan Geiwat Administrative AssistantMaria Pianelli Marketing Intern

2013 CORPORATE PARTNERSLEADING PARTNER

Complete Benefit Solutions (COBESO)ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.Ulster SavingsSUPPORTING PARTNERSEmpire State BankHealthAlliance of the Hudson ValleyHealth QuestHudson Valley Federal Credit UnionKIC ChemicalsLaw Offices of James Yastion, PLLCLuminary PublishingUlster SavingsVanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs

750 PROJECT FOUNDING MEMBERSWater Street MarketC2G Environmental ConsultantsCatskill Hudson BankEmpire State BankJackson Lewis LLCLuminary PublishingMohonk Mountain HouseRocking Horse RanchShip Lantern InnToshiba Business SolutionsWin Morrison Realty

FRIENDS OF THE PROJECT

Jeffrey LeaseKathy FerrusiTheCommunityGuide.net/First Connections

THE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE IS A DISTINGUISHED MEMBER OF:

American Chamber of Commerce Executives (ACCE) Chamber Alliance of New York State (CANYS) Mid-Hudson Pattern for Progress Southern Ulster Alliance

Hudson Valley Regional Coalition (One Valley—One Voice)

WHO WE ARE

The New Paltz Regional Chamber, organized in 1900, is an active and trusted voice in the regional business and residential community that forges strong relationships between businesses and residents and promotes growth, prosperity, a sense of local pride, and a high quality of life in the Hudson Valley region.

The Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz aids and augments the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce’s current slate of successful educational programs. The Foundation envisions a comprehensive program of educational activities and scholarships, all geared toward educating and supporting the community.

NPRCoC BOARD AND STAFF

Regional Report is published quarterly by the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Information in this publication was carefully compiled to ensure maximum accuracy. However, the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce cannot guarantee the correctness of all information provided herein. Readers noting inaccurate information should contact the Chamber with corrections and updates.

@2012 New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without the written permission is strictly prohibited. Publishing services provided by Luminary Publishing. www.luminarypublishing.com.

Fox and Hound Wine & SpiritsMcGillicuddy’s Restaurant and Tap HousePDQ Business PrintersShip Lantern InnUlster SavingsApple Hill FarmHurds Family FarmMinard FarmsTantillo’s Farm MarketWright’s Farm


RECENT CHAMBER EVENTS

1

4 5

2

3

61 The staff of The Cheese Plate, New Paltz take a quick photo op before serving delicious desert to attend-

ees of the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz Progressive Dinner. 2 Progressive dinner attendees Dawn and Michael Hein of Gordon Fire Equipment and Doug Thompson of Main Street

Bistro enjoy appetizers at A Tavola Trattoria, New Paltz. 3 Craig Shankles of PDQ Business Printers, Brian Keenan of McGillicuddy’s Restaurant and Tap House, NPRCoC President Michael A. Smith, NPRCoC Board Chair Chris Drouin of Beyond Wealth Management, and NPRCoC Board 1st Vice Chair Frank Curcio of Bank of America/Merrill Lynch. Keenan accepted a certificate of appreciation as host of the January After-Hours

Mixer. 4 Kennneth Adams, president and CEO of Empire State Development and commissioner of the New York State Department of Economic Development, presented economic development impacts of Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address at the Chamber’s January Business Luncheon, sponsored by Complete

Benefit Solutions. 5 Marsha Jones of New York Life, Tina Walz and Sue VanVoorhis of M&T Bank and Ernie VanDeMark of Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. at the Progressive dinner, just before entrees were

served at Il Gallo Giallo, New Paltz. 6 Rocco Pucino of Ulster Savings, and John Peterman and Joe Moriello of New Paltz Rotary Club at the Chamber’s January After-Hours Mixer, held at McGillicuddy’s Restaurant and Tap House, New Paltz.


THURSDAY, APRIL 11

After Hours Mixer @ Shea O’Brien’s, New PaltzJoin us at Shea O’Brien’s for our monthly After Hours Mixer! One of New Paltz’s new-est restaurants, Shea O’Brien’s will be having a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 5 p.m. just before the mixer begins. Join us for a memorable night of networking in this hub of Irish flavor and Celtic style.Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Ribbon cutting ceremony at 5 p.m.Place: Shea O’Brien’s, 127 Main Street, New Paltz.Cost: Free for Chamber members, $15 for non-members.Reservations required.

FRIDAY, APRIL 12

1st Annual Pot-O-Gold Business Showcase @ Holiday Inn at KingstonWe are proud to introduce a brand new Business-to-Business marketing event: The Pot-O-Gold Business Showcase. Taking place a month after the Chamber’s Pot-O-Gold Raffle Drawing, this new event will be a rainbow of B2B marketing, new connections, and education about local products and services, including seminars and break-out sessions. Time: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Place: Holiday Inn at Kingston, 503 Washington Avenue, Kingston.Cost: Free admission.Booth space still available! Member: $300; Non-member: $400 (non-member fees include $100 credit toward NPRCoC annual membership investment).R eg i strati on re qui re d . C a l l th e Chamber at 845-255-0243 to request a vendor application or to learn more about this exciting new event!

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17

April Business Luncheon @ the Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz, featuring Ulster County Executive Michael P. HeinJoin us as Michael Hein presents an over-view of his economic development initia-tives, including the Catskill Mountain Rail Trail Project—aiming to link Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir, tying in to the O&W and Wallkill Valley Rail Trails, and ultimately connect to the Walkway over

the Hudson—and the S.T.R.I.V.E. Project to relocate Kingston’s SUNY Ulster satel-lite campus in order to improve access to higher education for high school students and adult learners.Time: 12 noon-1:30 p.m.Place: The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz campus.Cost: Complimentar y to Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members. Reservations required.

FRIDAY, APRIL 26

April Business Card Exchange @ Russo’s Italian Deli, New PaltzDrop by Russo’s Italian Deli to swap infor-mation and network at our April Business Card Exchange! Russo’s Italian Deli is a family owned and operated delicatessen lo-cated in the heart of New Paltz and inspired by the food and culture of Italy.Time: 7:30 a.m.-9 a.m.Place: Russo’s Italian Deli, 164 Main Street, New Paltz.Cost: Free for Chamber members, $15 for non-members.Reservations required.

SATURDAY, APRIL 27

17th Annual New Paltz Clean Sweep Clean Sweep is a great way to help make your community sparkle by giving it a fresh spring cleaning. The event kicks off with a continental breakfast for all volunteers, after which volunteers don gloves, grab trash bags and sally forth to tidy up the parks, sidewalks and streets of New Paltz.Time: 8:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.Place: St. Joseph’s Parish Hall , 34 S. Chestnut Street, New Paltz.Pre-registration strongly recommended for groups.

TUESDAY, MAY 7

May After Hours Mixer @ Aroma Thyme Bistro, EllenvilleSpend your evening at Ellenville’s Aroma Thyme Bistro mingling with Chamber members and non-members alike at our May After-Hours Mixer. Aroma Thyme Bistro is a certified green eatery that raises the bar for healthy gourmet dining in an intimate environment. Time: 5:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m.

Place: Aroma Thyme Bistro, 165 Canal Street, EllenvilleCost: Free for Chamber members, $15 for non-members.Reservations required.

WEDNESDAY, MAY 15

Business Luncheon @ Gilded Otter Brewing Company, New Paltz, featuring Michael Treanor, CEO of Nevele Resort owner Claremont Partners, Ltd.What are the potential economic impacts of the proposed Nevele Resort, Casino and Spa in Ellenville? Join Michael Treanor, CEO of resort owner Claremont Partners, Ltd. for a frank discussion of the likelihood of legal-ized non-Indian gaming in New York State, and what the proposed 452-room hotel and 3.5 million-square-foot casino would mean for the Hudson Valley’s economic health.Place: Gilded Otter Brewing Company, 3 Main Street, New Paltz Time: 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.Cost: Complimentar y to Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members.Reservations required.

TUESDAY, JUNE 4

New Member Reception @ Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits, New Paltz Regional Chamber of CommerceNew members meet NPRCoC board and staff and gain insight into the benefits of Chamber membership at this informal, invitation-only after-hours reception.Place: Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits, 20 New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz.Time: 5:30-7:00 p.m.Cost: Free. Invitation only.Reservations required. To request an invitation, please call the Chamber at 845-255-0243.

TUESDAY, JUNE 11

After-Hours Mixer @ A Tavola Trattoria, New Paltz Regional Chamber of CommerceJoin us for a June evening at one of down-town New Paltz’s best eateries, where you’ll grow your business network and enjoy A Tavola Trattoria’s warm country villa atmosphere, exquisite food an genuine hospitality.Place: A Tavola Trattoria, 46 Main Street,

UPCOMING EVENTS


For more information, call the

Foundation at 845-255-0243 or

email [email protected].

New Paltz.Time: 5:30-7:30 p.m.Cost: Complimentary to Chamber mem-bers; $15 non-members.Reservations required.

SUNDAY, JUNE 16

4th Annual New Paltz Challenge Father’s Day Half Marathon & Family 5KContinue or begin a Father’s Day tradi-tion! Both the Half Marathon and Family 5K will begin at the corner of Main St. and Huguenot Street, New Paltz and will trace a loop north on the Wallkill Valley Rail Trail to Rosendale and south again to finish at The Gilded Otter. This chip-timed race features water stops, mile markers, post-race refreshments and age-group awards, as well as medals for all Half Marathon Finishers.Time: Registration begins at 6:00 a.m. Half Marathon start: 7:30 a.m. 5K start: 8:00 a.m.Cost: Early bird fee (until April 15, 2013): $40 for Half Marathon; $20 for 5K. Regular fee (until June 1, 2013): $45 for Half Marathon, $25 for 5K. Race month fee (after June 1, 2013): $50 for Half Marathon; $30 for 5KOnline registration available at www.active.com. Paper registration forms available for download at www.newpaltzchamber.org, or call 845-255-0243 to request a registration form by mail.

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19

Business Luncheon and 2013 Foundation Scholarship Award Presentation @ The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz, featur-ing SUNY New Paltz President, Dr. Don ChristianJoin the 2013 Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz scholarship award winners, including the winner of the 2nd Annual Joyce Minard Scholarship, at one of our favorite lun-cheons of the year. This year’s featured speaker is Dr. Don Christian, president of SUNY New Paltz.Place: The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz campusTime: 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.Cost: Complimentar y to Corporate Parnters; $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members.Reservations required.

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THE GREAT GIVE BACK

HEART-SHAPED BUSINESSNew Paltz, Beyond The Profit Margin

By Gregory Schoenfeld

There is a unique balance to New Paltz that is difficult to duplicate, regardless of where one might look

in the country: while maintaining a viable and vigorous economy is a fundamental priority, the pursuit of profit is consistently tempered by a commitment to community. The result is a harmonious and restorative melding of practicality and spirit that serves to drive the region forward, while keeping it grounded in its heritage. What is preserved is not only the area’s beauty and the pervasive, underlying sense that we are all part of one large, supportive neighborhood—but the appeal that sensibility provides, ensuring that the New Paltz region remains both a captivating destination and a dynamic place to live.

OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCES As any resident or visitor can attest to, the Mid-Hudson Valley ’s singular ap-

peal is rooted, first and foremost, in the breathtaking quality and variety of its open space. Maintaining that signature natural bounty has come as a result of generations of consistent, collective effort, spanning from school fund drives to multimillion

dollar land preservation deals. For over two decades, the Wallkill Valley Land Trust has been at the forefront of that move-ment. “This area is rich with opportunities,” says Christine DeBoer, WVLT Executive Director since 2009, “which is what makes it so unique. Agriculture, open space, rec-reation, scenic views, and a rich history are all preserved here, and it is why people want to come here.”

Founded in 1987, the WVLT is respon-sible for the preservation of over 1600 acres of spectacular Wallkill Valley land. Often working in partnership with other dedicated affiliates—such as preservation powerhouse the Open Space Institute—DeBoer and the WVLT Board of Directors maintain not only the integrity of the land, but the vibrance of the economy as well. In 2009, the WVLT joined forces with OSI’s land acquisition af-filiate, the Open Space Conservancy, to add 11.5 additional miles of what was the Walkill

“We wanted to create an environment

that would act as an outdoor

community gathering place,

somewhere where all ages are welcome.”—Teresa Fall, Community Coordinator,

Water Street Market

“Bik

es th

at H

eal” in

actio

n.


Valley Railroad bed—effectively joining the celebrated Walkill Valley Rail Trail from New Paltz to Rosendale. Thanks to the support of Congressman Maurice Hinchey and an unprecedented fundraising drive, they followed with the renovation the historic Rosendale Trestle, soon to be opened to the public—contributing to the realization of a continuous Rail Trail, spanning from the Walkway Over the Hudson to Kingston, that will serve as a premiere destination for nature enthusiasts. “If this land was developed, we would lose its beauty, the habitats, the valuable soils, the farmland,” DeBoer explains, “but, tied into all of this is the economics of the small towns that are spread throughout the areas we serve. Visitors come to enjoy the wine trail, the local foods, to hike or bike or climb, all the while surrounded by this beautiful open space.”

As DeBoer and the WVLT tend to land that is the heart of this region, the Regional Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz turns its attention to the region’s other most precious resource: the potential of its student population. Fresh energy and new ideas are the building blocks of what grows both the community and the economy, and the Foundation “aids and augments the NPRCoC’s current slate of successful educational programs, and envisions a comprehensive program of educational activities and scholarships, all geared toward educating and support-ing the community.” Working in lock-step with the expansive community mission of the NPRCoC, the non-profit organization grants scholarships that provide opportu-nities for everyone from graduating high school seniors to adult professionals who are committed to furthering their educa-tion. This year, the Foundation will proudly award the second annual new Joyce Minard Scholarship; the honored former NPRCoC President, for whom the scholarship is named, epitomizes the blend of community dedication and business savvy. “We’re com-mitted to reinvesting in the community,” explains Foundation Chair Sue Van Voorhis. “We’re hoping we’re making a difference for the students and the award recipients—and it also inspires them to reciprocate in their time and continue to give back.”

GRASSROOTS GIVINGThe Village of New Paltz is defined by that delicate combination of commercial appeal and community legacy, nowhere more so than at Water Street Market. The quaint gathering of shops by the Walkill River’s banks is truly the antithesis of the modern shopping mall—and its impact goes far beyond sales, says Community Coordinator Teresa Fall. “We wanted to create an envi-ronment that would act as an outdoor com-munity gathering place, somewhere where all ages are welcome,” she enthusiastically explains. “We also strive for our events to be focused around sustainability, whether it be films on the environment or supporting lo-cal music or the arts.” Fall and Water Street never cease to live up to that goal, pursuing a course that combines entertainment with community responsibility. From the im-mense success of 2011’s Flood Aid event, which garnered almost $17,000 in relief for local farmers devastated by Hurricane Irene—to the celebration of local flavor that is the annual Chili Challenge, which in 2012 raised $2,000 for St. Joseph’s food pantry while feeding 1,000 happy visitors, Water Street is deeply entrenched in the community’s well-being. It’s all in a day’s work for Fall, a New Paltz native. This com-munity is very special to me,” she says, “and to be a part of such a beloved and giving environment is very fulfilling.”

The Water Street Market will soon enjoy another boon that attests to that community effort: a covered bicycle station, where bikes to borrow are available free of charge (another is planned outside Village Pizza, on North Chestnut Street). New Paltz’s PDQ Business Printing owner and NPRCoC board member, Craig Shankles, has been instrumental in a number of ef-forts to promotes and improve New Paltz, and his “Bikes That Heal” program does more than just that: working in conjunction with the New Paltz Pedestrian and Bicycle Committee, the organization gives 100 percent of all donations to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—while trying to “green” the streets of New Paltz by providing bikes to ride as an alternative to automobiles. “New Paltz has been very good to me,” says Shankles. “This is my home, and I try and give back in any way I can.”

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Luminary Publishing’s Editorial Director Brian K. Mahoney with intern-turned-Assistant Editor Jennifer Gutman.

ON-THE-JOBLEARNINGInternships Connect Businesses with Best and BrightestBy Gregory Schoenfeld

How about the following for a confounding equation? First, start with a struggling national economy and job market battling to reinvent and reinvigorate itself. Add in higher education costs so prohibitive that students across the nation face a

frightening catch-22—where, in order to contend successfully in a highly competitive job market, they have to trade on a tuition mortgage they may not know how to repay. The result is an unprecedented modern-era challenge, with a vast population vying for fulfilling work, and a nation of businesses seeking to staff the right employees. Fortunately, there are progressive solutions—for those with the foresight to implement them—which are garnering positive returns, and cause for much-needed optimism.

Continued on p. 14

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In a recent Nevada state address, US Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid suggested broader internship programs be imple-mented, in order to further involve both stu-dents and teachers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields of study. At colleges and universities around the country, programs are beginning to of-fer bargain incentives to students, including compensation packages for students who enroll in internship programs. As President Obama continues to address steps toward creating a new skilled and motivated work-force, it is becoming apparent that internship is an integral factor in that process.

MUTUAL BENEFITSRegional schools, like Marist College, SUNY New Paltz, and SUNY Ulster are well-versed in the benefits of internship, each boasting successful and expanding programs. Local businesses at every level are, increasingly, availing themselves of a constantly replen-ishing crop of fresh, motivated prospective employees, with results that are benefiting owners, students, and the community at large. “Generally, it’s a good experience for everybody,” proffers Rick Alfandre, Principal of New Paltz’s Alfandre Architecture, who has been hosting interns in conjunction with programs including SUNY Ulster’s since the inception of his business. “My purpose is to try to give back a little bit—and they’re getting something on their resume, getting exposure, and confidence for the future. From time to time to time, you find someone worth nur-turing that may come back some day.” It isn’t just idle speculation on Alfandre’s part; Joe Buglino, one of his current employees, started as an intern for Alfandre in 1996. After es-tablishing an essential mutual trust, Buglino was motivated by his mentor to complete his degree in architecture, knowing there was a job waiting for him upon his return.

For Luminary Publishing Editorial Director Brian K. Mahoney, the company’s 12-year-old internship program has pro-vided not only an exceptional return on investment, but a valuable opportunity for self-reflection as well. “As the internship

administrator, it forces me to explain what we do in minute detail in order to pass on that intelligence to the students,” says Mahoney. “This in turn, makes me question my assumptions and step out of my own well-worn processes. As any teacher will tell you, it’s not just the student that does the learning.” In addition to enjoying the regular infusion of fresh perspective their interns supply, Luminary helps to foster a continual positive-feedback loop with the program at SUNY New Paltz—the alma mater of several staff members, including Mahoney. “SUNY has been a great source of smart, motivated students,” he says. “We’ve been lucky to hire a few of our former interns after they’ve graduated.”

One such Luminary success story, Luminary Publishing Assistant Editor Jennifer Gutman, can attest first-hand to the applicable advantages of interning. “Besides being able to gain experience and tap into resources within a specific field, you also have the rare opportunity to test the waters of a job that you may not be sure is the right fit for you,” Gutman explains. “The transition from the classroom into the work field can be jarring, and internships act as a buffer between those two often different worlds where you’re able to hone your skills and develop confidence in a professional setting.” While the opportunity has certainly paid dividends for both employee and employer, it also serves another purpose: real inspiration for students to both discover and reinvest

themselves in the local business scene. That kind of motivator goes hand-in-hand with the mission of the NPRCoC itself, which has become a new participant in the SUNY New Paltz internship program. “By introducing students to the business community through internships and other experiential work op-portunities,” says Chamber Communications Director Janet Nurre, “We not only contrib-ute to their educational development—a reward in itself !—but we also play an active role in encouraging them to stay here in the Valley after graduation as qualified members of the regional workforce.”

THE RIGHT FITSuccesses such as these certainly are wel-come news to Beth King, SUNY New Paltz’s Internship Coordinator, yet should come as no great surprise: since becoming involved with the program in 2005, King has seen participation rise steadily each year. With matching enthusiasm coming from local business each year, she sees it as a multi-tiered cooperative effort. “Its a symbiotic relationship,” says King. “We don’t exist with-out employers—but it’s a two-way street. It’s equally important that our students help grow and expand those businesses.” There is seemingly no limit to the breadth of the internship program’s potential, she goes on to say—with over 100 majors at SUNY New Paltz, there are ideal matches to be found for every kind of emerging local business. The school’s career fair, held each semester,

ON-THE-JOB LEARNING continued from front cover

SUNY New Paltz Career Fair


which hosts upwards of 50 companies and organizations, guarantees that there are no shortage of ideal destinations for students.

One of the true appeals of internship, King explains, is that its success does not require that a perfect match every single time; the hands-on experience is its own reward. “I tell students that, good or bad, the internship does its job,” King says. “Even if this isn’t the field you want to go into, it has served its purpose: either shaped your direction, or reaffirmed that path.” Linda Farina, SUNY Ulster’s Fieldwork Coordinator, concurs with that sentiment. “Everyone has a pas-sion that they wake up for every day,” Farina exclaims, “and we help them find what that is, and then do it.”

UNIVERSALLY APPLICABLEFor Farina, that passion lies in exactly the work she does; were she a member of her own program, any educated assessment would say that she had been perfectly placed. After 25 years of building SUNY Ulster’s internship curriculum, she remains excited about the unique significance that such a program has in a community college setting, where stu-dents’ ages range from 17 to 65. The program has grown holistically to include over 450 po-tential worksites, offering everything from Art Therapy to Radiology to Criminal Justice. And if the right fit doesn’t yet exist for a student’s needs, Farina will find it. The result is one with a decidedly close-knit, true community sensi-bility. “I have successful former students who are now taking on new students as interns,” Farina attests. “It’s beautiful.”

At SUNY Ulster’s Business Resource Center in Kingston, where the average age for continuing education participants is 45, benefits for Ulster County business are even more far-reaching. Associate Dean of Continuing and Professional Education Christopher Marx, describes a range of pro-grams that help develop professional skills, while also maximizing training potential for a range of emerging industries—working with innovative businesses like Highland’s Prism Solar Techologies to create a pros-perous reciprocity between companies and employees. “What we try to do is provide resources to local businesses that allow them to expand and evolve,” says Marx, “because they’re the ones that create the jobs.”

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ONLINE OPTIONS AT AUSTINRYANOPTIKA.COM

As of December 2012, Austin Ryan Optika, in the New Paltz Plaza, began offering natural eye care products to their customers through their website. Additionally, customers can now order their contact lens online. The opto-metric-optical boutique offers its patients all price ranges of quality eyewear and contacts as well as thorough eye examinations. For more information, call 845-255-6780 or visit www.austinryanoptika.com.

PSYCHOLOGICALLY HEALTHY COMMUNITY AWARDS

Two New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce members, Always There Adult Day Care and Community Partnership for a Safer New Paltz, were nominated the Hudson Valley Psychological Association 2013 Psychologically Healthy Community Awards. The Awards Ceremony and Reception will take place on Saturday, June 8th at the FDR Presidential Library’s Henry A. Wallace Center. Show your support with a congratulatory ad (download Sponsorship Form at www.hvpa.org). For tickets and infor-mation, contact Dr. Rivera at 845-532-1575 or [email protected].

ROBYN WILLIAMS NAMED BRANCH MANAGER AT HVFCU BRANCH IN WAPPINGERS FALLS

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) recently announced that Robyn Williams has joined their team as Branch Manager of the Hollowbrook Branch in Wappingers Falls, where she will oversee all day-to-day activities at the branch and work with commercial accounts in the surround-ing area. Williams brings more than 20 years of financial experience with local banks, including her most recent position as a Vice President/Branch Manager for Rhinebeck Bank. She holds a Bachelors of Business Administration from SUNY New Paltz an MBA from Mount Saint Mary College. For

more information about HVFCU, call 845-463-3011 or visit www.hvfcu.org.BOTANICA OFFERS COUPLES MASSAGE

Botanica Massage and Wellness, located in New Paltz, has just introduced its new couples massage. Participants will receive individually customized thera-peutic massages in the same room at the same time with two therapists. $150 on-line gift certificates are also available for the treatment. For more information, visit www.botanicamassageandwellness.com.

SUNY NEW PALTZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS EARNS INITIAL AACSB ACCREDITATION

The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) International has announced that the SUNY New Paltz has earned initial accreditation for its School of Business. Fewer than five percent of the world’s business programs have earned AACSB Accreditation, the hallmark of ex-cellence in business education, achieved by a process of internal review, evaluation, and adjustment that can take several years to complete. All accredited schools must go through a peer review process every five years to maintain accreditation. The SUNY New Paltz School of Business offers BS degrees in accounting, finance, general business, international business, market-ing, and management, Master in Business Administration (MBA) and an MBA in public accountancy. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu.

DURANT’S ANNOUNCES 2013 INFLATABLES

Durant’s Party Rentals, based in New Windsor, has just announced its new inflatables for 2013, including the 70’ Backyard Funhouse Obstacle Course, Princess Dollhouse, 2 Lane Run ‘N’ Slide, and Deluxe Gladiator Joust/Boxing Ring. Visit www.durantsparty.com for images and additional products or call 845-391-8700 for further information.

THOMAS SPERZEL PROMOTED TO ExECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER OF EMPIRE STATE BANK

Empire State Bank is pleased to an-nounce the promotion of Thomas Sperzel to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Bank. Sperzel holds a Master of Business Administration and is a Certified Public Accountant. He has been Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of ES Bancshares, Inc. and its wholly owned sub-sidiary, Empire State Bank since June 30, 2009. For more information, visit www.esbna.com.

INNOVATION AWARDS GIVEN AT CENTRAL HUDSON

Eleven employees at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation were recognized as part of the Innovation Awards program for creating and implementing ideas that provide customer benefits by improving service, reducing costs and/or helping the environment: Director of Meter Services Brett Arteta and Meter Foreman Mark Bailey; Substation Foreman George Dudar; Natural Gas Mechanic Welder Harold VanEtten; Systems Specialist Project Leader Raymond A’Brial, Engineer Neal Moriarty and Senior Engineer Donald Vandenbroek; Section Leader Engineer David Merte; Director of Customer Accounting Lisa Cerone and Systems Specialist Project Leader Suzette Mazurowski; and Environmental Specialist Karen Lo. For more information, visit www.centralhudson.com.

MEMBER UPDATES

HOW TO SUBMIT Submit items of general public inter-est; no commercial sales announce-ments, rates, prices, etc.

Items must be received no later than the 15th of November, February, May, and August to meet the quarterly deadline for the upcoming issue.

The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce reserves the right to edit all material.

E-mail or fax your information, including company name, address, phone number, contact name, and your news brief (100-word maximum) to the Chamber office at [email protected] or 845-255-5189.


ADULT CLASS ANNOUNCED AT FIGHTING SPIRIT KARATE STUDIO

Fighting Spirit Karate Studio, located in New Paltz’s Cherry Hill Plaza, has just announced a second adult class. The class, which started in February, will be held Thursdays at 6:30p.m. and is led by Sensei Terry. For more information call 845-926-5009 or visit www.fightingspiritstudio.com.

HELENA BAILLIE PLAYS UNISON ART CENTER ON MAY 12

Unison Art Center will present Helena Baillie, violinist and violist, as part of its Second Sunday Salon Series on Sunday, May 12 at 2:00 p.m. London-born Helena Baillie is emerging as an artist of exceptional com-municative depth and a rare ease on both violin and viola. She has performed through-out Europe and the United States, where her performances are regularly broadcast on Performance Today for American Public Radio. For tickets or more information, visit www.unisonarts.org or call 845-255-1559.

FOR PAWS OF ULSTER BENEFIT DINNER AT GADALETO’S

In December 2012, For Paws of Ulster, Inc. held its fundraiser, Our Dine for a Dog Park II, at Gadaleto’s seafood restaurant. Ten percent of all menu items ordered were donated to the dog park fund, totaling up to $211. Gadaleto’s then matched the profits, raising the total amount of funds raised to $422. For Paws of Ulster yearns to create a safe place for dogs to interact off-leash and can be reached at www.forpawspark.com.

ACUPUNCTURIST JOHANNA HERGET OPENS SECOND LOCATION

Johanna Herget M.S., L.Ac., a licensed acupuncturist and diplomate of Oriental medicine, now has two locations. In addition to her New Paltz location, Herget’s new office is located in Poughkeepsie at 32 Raymond Avenue. For more information, call 917-803-2403 or visit www.johannaherget.com.

SHEA O’BRIEN’S HOST CYSTIC FIBROSIS FUNDRAISER

On Thursday, February 21, New Paltz’s Shea O’Brien’s held a special “Irish Night Out” to support the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The event was held from 7-10 and featured Irish music, food, drink, specials, and raffles. For more information, visit www.sheaobriens.com or call 845-255-5273.

WOODSTOCK FARM ANIMAL SANCTUARY OPENS TOURS FOR THE SEASON

Saturday, April 6th will mark the beginning of the Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary’s visiting season. Guided tours will be offered every hour on the half-hour, weather-permit-ting. Additionally, on April 27th, Woodstock Farm Animal Sanctuary director Jenny Brown will be a keynote speaker at the Baltimore VegFest. For more information, visit woodstocksanctuary.org.

ULSTER SAVINGS AWARDS GRANT TO TSEC

The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation awarded a $2,500 grant to The Solar Energy Consortium (TSEC) in support of their “Green Machine: Mobile Renewable Energy Classroom” program, providing children in grades K - 12 with an education on renewable energy, energy efficiency and sustainability. Local educators will be provided with pre-made renewable energy lesson plans and the materi-als to perform hands-on demonstrations. For more information about the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation, please call MaryRose Warcholak at (845) 338-6322, ext. 3626.

SUNY NEW PALTZ SCHOOL OF BUSINESS OFFERS FREE TAx HELP

Certified student volunteers from the SUNY New Paltz School of Business will offer free tax help to individuals with a gross income below $50,000. Campus walk-in hours will be held until April 15 on Mondays: 2-8 p.m.; Tuesdays: 2-8 p.m.; Wednesdays: 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursdays: 12-6 p.m.; Fridays: 6-8 p.m. in van den Berg Hall, Room 206. Please bring proof of ID, Social Security Cards, all infor-mational statements such as W-2s & 1099s, last year’s tax return, and your bank routing and account numbers for direct deposit. For more information, call 845-257-SUNY or visit www.newpaltz.edu/schoolofbusiness.

VASSAR BROTHERS RECOGNIZED FOR ExCEPTIONAL PERFORMANCE IN PATIENT SAFETY

Northeast Business Group on Health (NEBGH) recently recognized Vassar Brothers Medical Center with the Exceptional Performance in Patient Safety and Quality Leapfrog Award for its outstanding efforts in improving hospital care and patient safety.

This is the second time Vassar Brothers Medical Center has been honored with an award from NEBGH. Vassar Brothers Medical Center is a 365 bed facility that has been serving the Hudson Valley since 1887, with established centers of excellence in cardiac services, cancer care and women and children’s health services. For more informa-tion, visit www.health-quest.org.

HEALTHALLIANCE’S BENEDICTINE HOSPITAL AWARDED KLOCK KINGSTON FOUNDATION GRANT

The Klock Kingston Foundation recently awarded the Benedictine Health Foundation a grant of $20,000 to support the cancer pro-grams and services offered by HealthAlliance Hospital at their Mary’s Avenue Campus in Kingston, formerly Benedictine Hospital. The grant will fund the cancer center’s future needs including the purchase of state-of-the art technology, patient programs offered at the Oncology Support House, and the Rosemary D. Gruner Memorial Cancer Fund, which provides financial assistance to cancer patients in need while receiving treatment. For more information, call 845-338-2500 or visit www.hahv.org.

SLCH HOSTS KARAOKE AND COCKTAILS AT TORCHES ON THE HUDSON ON APRIL 25

Join St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital’s (SLCH) CEO and President, as well as physicians and community leaders, as they sing along at the annual Karaoke and Cocktails hosted by the SLCH Auxiliary. Karaoke and Cocktails will be held at Torches on the Hudson, Newburgh on April 25 at 6:00 p.m. To purchase a ticket, please call (845) 568-2152. To view photos of the event or for more information on the SLCH Auxiliary, visit stlukescornwallhospital.org/auxiliary.php.

TRESS OLAY IS NOW TRESSOL-Mí

When salon owner Enelcy Sifre changed the name from Tress Olay to Tressol-mí, she searched for a name that captured the essence of the former name and still had “me” in it. In today’s day and age, large corporations have the ability to claim ownership over names and small businesses often have to search for a new one that clients can respond to. These moments can also serve as an opportunity to rethink the old and emerge with something even more exciting than before. Tressol-mí


has everything for your beauty needs from makeup lessons to a new hairstyle, from wax-ing to weddings. For more information or an appointment, call 845-255-1575. Make your new look say, “That’s so mí!”

IL GALLO GIALLO WINE BAR’S DARRIN SIEGFRIED OFFERS TRAINING FOR WINE CAPTAINS

Darrin Siegfried, owner of Il Gallo Giallo Wine Bar, 63 Main Street, New Paltz. offers training for wine captains. A former chef, he began his formal training in wine at New York’s Windows on the World and has trained over 1,800 wine captains, many holding prestigious positions in the nation’s finest restaurants. Darrin serves as President of the Sommelier Society of America and wrote the curriculum for their Wine Captains Class. In 1995 Darrin was selected as a US team member for the Concours Mondial de les Sommelieres, the “Olympics” for Sommeliers. For more information, call 845-255-3636.

CENTRAL HUDSON WARNS OF PHONE SCAM

C entral Hud son Gas & Ele ctric Corporation continues to work with law enforcement and cyber-security experts to determine the extent of a computer inci-dent potentially involving a portion of its customer files, and is finalizing details of complimentary credit-monitoring services for potentially impacted customers. Central Hudson also warned of reports that scam artists posing as Central Hudson representa-tives have attempted to contact customers to solicit personal and credit card information by telephone. Central Hudson is not making these outbound calls. Anyone receiving one should consider it suspect. If in doubt, call 845-452-2700 or 1-800-527-2714.

“WIT” STAGED BY MOHONK MOUNTAIN STAGE COMPANY

HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley will present “Wit,” a play by Margaret Edson, performed by Mohonk Mountain Stage Company on Saturday, May 4 at McKenna Theatre, SUNY New Paltz campus. This event will raise funds for the Linda Young Ovarian Cancer Support Program. The evening begins with a reception at 6:30 p.m. The performance at 7:30 p.m. and will be followed by a post-play “talk back.” Tickets are available online at wit-lyoc.eventbrite.com or, for more information, call 845-339-2071.

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LEGISLATION AND NEWS THAT AFFECT YOUR BUSINESSCompiled by Gregory Schoenfeld

THE BOTTOM LINE

ONE-UPPING THE GOVERNOR

A recent review of New York State records revealed a 13 percent in-crease, from 2011 to 2012, in the number of state employees earning a salary of more than $100,000. Records also showed that the number of employees earning more that $200,000 rose even more sharply: an increase of 37 percent, from 689 to 944 workers. In fact, almost 1,500 employees made more than Governor Andrew M. Cuomo’s 2012 salary of $179,000. These surprising numbers come on the heels of state-wide employment and pay-raise freezes by Governor Cuomo; state officials explain that many of the highest wage-earners are beyond the governor’s direct influence. Union officials clarified, however, that the average union worker in state government earns about $40,000 a year. “Unfortunately, the public has a lot of misconceptions about high-priced public employees because of a lot of highly visible political patronage in the upper echelons,” said Stephen Madarasz, spokesman for the Civil Service Employees Association. The department with the highest percentage of over-100k earners was the New York State Police, accounting for approximately 14 percent, or 3,800 officers.

THE NEW SCHOOL

The IBM corporation has partnered with New York State to open 10 new schools, statewide, that will combine high school, vocational school, and two-year college programs. The six-year, tuition-free schools will be focused on preparing for careers that draw upon sci-ence, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) training, and students will graduate with Associate Degree. The Mid-Hudson region, comprised of seven counties including Ulster, Dutchess, and Orange,

will be the site of one of the schools–though, according to Grace Suh, Education Manager for IBM’s Corporate Citizenship program, the specific sites have yet to be determined. Suh explains that each school will have a corporate affiliate which will help shape curriculum to enhance desired job skills in their particular field. “Linking our secondary and higher education institutions to the economic devel-opment of the region is a logical connection that will greatly improve our work force and help students find jobs directly out of college,” said Governor Andrew Cuomo of the planned program. Development of these schools will begin as soon as next year.

TO CROSS, OR NOT TO CROSS

The New York State Bridge Authority reported that traffic across the five Hudson River bridges under it’s jurisdiction—the Kingston-Rhinecliff, the Newburgh-Beacon, the Rip Van Winkle, the Mid-Hudson, and the Bear Mountain Bridge—saw a dropoff in traffic in 2012 over the previous year. However, though the average traffic dropped by approximately one-half percent, revenues rose more than 44 percent as a result of toll hikes imposed last year. The largest decrease in traffic was found on the Kingston-Rhinecliff bridge, with a yearly decrease of 0.6 percent—a trend that seems to be continu-ing, with almost a full two percent drop this past January. Bridge Authority representatives speculate that a still-faltering economy and consistently inflated gas prices are the cause for the decreases. Still, with a total projected increase in 2012 of $1.8 million above expected revenues, Bridge Authority Executive Director Joseph Ruggiero said that, all in all, the agency is doing well.

THE CARDS DON’T LIE

As the New York State government continues to dicuss whether to expand casino gambling sites statewide, a recent report shows that existing Indian casinos, for the third consecutive year, experienced a precipitous drop in revenue in 2011. The Casino City’s Indian Gaming Industry Report said that, while revenue at Indian casinos actually grew three percent nationwide in the same year—totaling almost $27 billion—New York’s eight gambling sites gross decreased from $946 million to $921 million, a 2.6 percent drop. The report cited increased competition between the casinos and the state’s nine racetracks that now feature video-lottery terminals. The “racinos,” conversely, saw a revenue growth of 16 percent in 2011, up to a total of $1.2 billion. Gov. Andrew Cuomo has proposed to legalize up to seven privately owned casinos; Wawarsing’s Nevele Resort, currently in the process of being reopened, is planning to petition for one of the proposed new gambling licenses if they become available.


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EVENTS SPOTLIGHT

A Winning ShoWcASe

A month after our famous Pot-O-Gold giveaway, the rainbow to success

continues with the NPRCoC’s 1st Annual Pot-O-Gold Business Showcase! On Friday, April 12, from 10am to 5pm, We are proud to introduce this brand new, all-day Business-to-Business event—a one-of-a-kind opportu-nity to network and make new connections, while learning about the wealth of products and services offered by the regional business community. Admission is free, so come out and share, sample, and mix, while getting educated about cutting-edge social media and marketing techniques: the event fea-tures an array of speakers from LinkedIn, DragonSearch Digital Marketing, SUNY New Paltz, and Ulster County Tourism. And, for those businesses that want to display their skills and wares, booth space is still available! Booth costs for are $300 for members, $400 for non-members (non-member fees include $100 credit toward NPRCoC annual member-ship investment). Be a part of our very own Business Expo!

Time: 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.Place: Holiday Inn at Kingston, 503 Washington Avenue, KingstonDate: Friday, April 12, 2013Cost: Free admission.No Registration Required, but call the Chamber at 845-255-0243 to request a vendor application or to learn more about this exciting new event!

executive Luncheon

Join fellow members and other business community colleagues for our very special

April Business Luncheon, this Wednesday, April 17 from 12 noon to 1:30 p.m., as we wel-come Ulster County Executive Michael P. Hein. For anyone with an investment in the success of Ulster County, the Terrace Restaurant at SUNY New Paltz will be the place to be, as Michael Hein outlines his leading initiatives for economic development. Take a break from the workday, meet with friends, and enjoy the fine fare, while learning about a host of promising advancements. Hein will speak on a range of topics, including the Catskill Mountain Rail Trail Project, which seeks to link Kingston to the Ashokan Reservoir, tying in to the O&W and Wallkill Valley Rail Trails, and ultimately connecting to the Walkway over the Hudson, and the S.T.R.I.V.E. Project, intended to relocate Kingston’s SunY ulster satellite campus in order to improve access to higher education for high school students and adult learners. It is an event not to be missed!

Time: 12 noon-1:30 p.m.Place: the Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz campusDate: Wednesday, April 17, 2013Cost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members, $25 for non-members. Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected].

honoring Achievement

One of the proudest events of the year is upon us again, as the Regional

Chamber of Commerce Foundation at New Paltz holds its annual Scholarship Award Presentation and Business Luncheon. Taking place Wednesday, June 19 at the Terrace Restaurant on the SUNY New Paltz campus, from 12:00 noon to 1:30pm, this is the time when the community gives back to some of those who make it shine the brightest. This year’s speaker will be Don Christian, President of SUNY New Paltz. The Foundation aids and augments the NPRCoC’s current slate of successful edu-cational programs, and envisions a compre-hensive program of educational activities and scholarships, all geared toward educating and supporting the community. So come down and honor our scholarship award winners, including the winner of the 2nd Annual Joyce Minard Scholarship, at one of our favorite luncheons of the year.

Place: The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz campusTime: 12:00 noon-1:30 p.m.Date: Wednesday, June 19, 2013Cost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members.Reservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected].

April 12 April 17 June 19


MEMBER PROFILES A Celebration of the Senses! By Gregory Schoenfeld

One of the features that makes the Mid-Hudson Valley such a remarkable

sensory experience—especially in spring-time—is the unparalleled collection of scents offered by the blossoming regional flora. Still, even when the ideal day for a mountain hike doesn’t present itself, that freshness can be found, year-round, at New Paltz’s Colonial Flower Shop. Owners Warren and Patricia Frankfort have been the proud purveyors of scintillating color and fragrance for 34 years, and their special, hometown brand of customer service ensures that they will be arranging bouquets for many years to come.

Yet another example of the inspiring stories that characterize the local business land-scape, the Frankforts were SUNY New Paltz students that made a speculative dream a reality. When Warren’s then-girlfriend Patricia wanted to build upon her florist background

by setting up her own shop, he agreed to lend his newly-minted degree in business to the cause—for the first two years, that is, before going on to graduate school. “We married, built this store, and set up house all within two months of graduating, and took a chance,” Warren explains. “It has been 34 years and I still haven’t gotten away,” he adds with a laugh.

Generations of loyal regional customers are certainly glad they’re here, and it is Colonial’s tireless attention to quality that keeps them coming back. “Certainly why we remain in business is that personal touch—we consider this a really fine restaurant. Our goal is to be that place that you can’t match,” says Warren. “Fast food has it’s place, but you don’t want to take your mother to McDonald’s on her birthday.” For the Frankforts, the delicate impact of a florist’s responsibility is some-thing that drives them each day. “I go to three

funerals a week,” Warren explains, “and it’s a pretty morose place until we get there—and it changes into a real tribute to the person. That’s what we do.”

In the end, it’s the palpable sense of pride and family that defines Colonial’s success—for their work, for their customers, and for their staff. “I am proud that my staff is part of our history,” Warren exclaims. “Recently, Carol Niles retired after 30 years, and Melissa Totman and Jill Reed combine for over 20 years with me. I guess it’s a good place to have a career.”

Colonial Flower ShopMEMBER PROFILE

COLONIAL FLOWER SHOP

20 New Paltz Plaza

New Paltz, NY 12561

845-255-5502

Warren and Patricia Frankfort

www.newpaltzflowers.com

SPRINGTIME IN NEW PALTZ IS NOTHING SHORT of a rejuvenating burst of rebirth, and throughout the

Mid-Hudson Valley, the region awakens with an awesome array of delights for the senses. The New Paltz

Regional business community plays an integral role in that offering, with a diversity of sights, sounds,

scents and tastes that truly match nature’s bounty. Can you feel it?


Anyone describing the region to po-tential newcomers is sure to include

one particular phrase: you’ve got to see it to believe it. For nearly 14 years, the dedicated goal of New Paltz’s Natural Eyecare has been to ensure that their customers can experience the area’s sights as clearly as pos-sible, with a holistic approach that well befits the region’s progressive personality. The web-based business, formed by a partner-ship of longtime friends Dr. Marc Grossman and acupuncturist Michael Edson, offers a cornucopia of integral eyecare options to local residents and beyond. “New Paltz is a very visual area,” says Edson, “with the mountains, the hiking, the beauty of the Catskills. Vision is an essential part of that experience.” Driven by a commitment to health as “a manifestation of balance, both within the body itself and between the body and the external environment,” Grossman and Edson maintain a meticulously up-dated database that promotes a proactive approach to crystal-clear vision.

The business itself, in fact, was something of a holistic creation. Dr. Grossman, who has brought his special brand of Behavioral Optometry to the region for over 30 years, had already authored his third book on vision care by the time Edson arrived in town in 1999. His focus on Chinese medicine and treatment made Edson a natural choice for collabora-

tion, and he enlisted his friend’s help to create a website that stayed on the cutting edge of new developments. The partners have since joined forces on two new books, designer to inform both patients and health practitioners in new approaches to holistic care.

Addressing an integral course of treat-ment has certainly paid sparkling dividends for their customers. While maintaining his own acupuncture practice in New Paltz as well, Edson is excited about the current and potential positive impacts of Natural Eyecare. For example, the team will soon release new “Magic Eye” treatments – vision-building exercises employing 3D images available right on computer screens. “We’re finding that people are able to preserve vi-sion in ways that are not normally seen with Western medicine, which doesn’t emphasize the relationship of the eyes to the body,” explains Edson. “We deal with diet, lifestyle, behavior, and chronic stress—they’re all pieces of the puzzle that we try and help people with.”

natural eyeCareMEMBER PROFILE

NATURAL EYECARE

3 Paradies Lane

New Paltz, NY 12561

845-255-8222

Michael Edson and Mark Grossman

www.naturaleyecare.com

MEMBER RENEWALS

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the Corporate image photo Studio

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From the storied stage of Poughkeepsie’s Bardavon Theater, to Saugerties’ iconic

“Big Pink”—where groundbreaking al-bums by The Band and Bob Dylan were conceived—it can surely be said that the mountains of the Mid-Hudson Valley are always alive with the sound of music. While that variety of memorable music may make it difficult to put one definitive name to the sound of the region, its call letters are widely known: WDST.

Since they began broadcasting in 1980, those four letters has become synonymous with not only the musical past, present, and future of the region, but it’s personal-ity as well. The station known as “Radio Woodstock”—and as “the coolest radio station on the planet” by loyal listeners and industry admirers—offers an unmatched se-lection of music, spanning from cutting-edge back to the 60’s rock-and-roll celebrated at Woodstock’s namesake festival. Yet, accord-ing to owner Gary Chetkof, their mission is to deliver much more than just a radio signal. “People sometimes say we’re the soundtrack to their lives. We’re proud of that, but it goes beyond that,” says Chetkof—who, this March, celebrated his 20th year as both WDST owner, and resident of the area where he has raised three children. “It’s important for us to be there as much as we can, to get

people out to participate, and contribute in any way possible—the HeartWalk, the Gay Pride march, the O Positive Festival. We take that responsibility very seriously.”

Still, at it’s heart, the music is the driving force behind WDST, and a commitment to constant improvement is what allows the station to continue to be the steward of those fantastic sounds. Online digital webcasting capabilities are allowing the Chetkof and his team to send the music and the message much further than their transmitters will allow; and, when it’s time for the faithful to gather, no destination can match the WDST-hosted Mountain Jam festival, this year slated to be bigger and more spectacular than ever. For Chetkof, WDST’s success is a community effort. “Every single person here is passionate about music, and is on this mis-sion that we bring of being special, and being diverse. But we wouldn’t be able to do that without local business owners who support us, and knowing that we have the world’s best listeners. That’s the key.”

wDSt raDioMEMBER PROFILE

WDST/Radio Woodstock

293 Tinker Street

Woodstock, NY 12498

Gary Chetkof

www.radiowoodstock.com


In an area that owes so much of its definitive character to a combination of celebrated

hospitality and a bounty of home-grown agri-cultural delights, it’s no surprise that we enjoy an ever-expanding array of culinary options. On many levels, the true flavor of New Paltz can be found in its diversity—and perhaps the most distinct of those tastes can be found in Main Street’s New Paltz Plaza, at Rose and Dalmain Grant’s Jamaica Choice Restaurant. The fresh and inviting Caribbean change of pace the Grants concoct is now as much at home in the Hudson Valley as it is in the islands, and their growing cadre of loyal customers couldn’t conceive of a local palate (and vocabulary) that didn’t include the callaloo.

After moving to New Paltz with their children more than ten years ago, the Grants decided they had found the ideal place for the business they had long discussed. “We found that there was a need for a different type of cuisine,” Rose Grant explains. “New Paltz has some great restaurants that represent the diverse cultures of our community. But there was one type of food that had never been intro-duced: the taste and flavor of the Caribbean.” Drawing upon her family’s rich background in the restaurant business, Rose was the driving force behind bringing those delectable family recipes to the region. In 2006, they opened

their first business, Caribbean Cuisine, to rave reviews. When lease complications forced them to find a new location, the Grants were determined to remain in town. “New Paltz has always been our one and only choice of places to operate,” says Dalmain Grant, “so we kept faith and waited.” In 2010—to the relief of local jerk chicken devotees—their patience paid off, and Jamaica Choice’s doors opened.

Their new location is as infused with the owners’ renewed sense of purpose as it is with ambrosial aroma, and the Grants have proudly become an integral part of this singular com-munity. They have recently added beer and wine to their menu and are improving the restaurant’s décor to offer an even more authen-tic “Jamaican experience”; still, to the Grants, business goes far beyond dollars and cents. The perennial Taste of New Paltz favorites also play an active role in a wealth of community endeav-ors. “After all,” says Grant, “it’s important that we support our community that supports us.”

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MEMBER PROFILE

JAMAICA CHOICE RESTAURANT

New Paltz Plaza

New Paltz, NY 12561

845-255-2900

Rose and Dalmain Grant

www.jamaican-cuisine.com

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Renewing Members as of March 8.


The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce recently unveiled a new mission and vision statement, re-

flecting our commitment to serving all who live, work, play, worship, and do business in the Hudson Valley community today, tomor-row and beyond. We’re proud to reprint those statements here:

OUR MISSION

The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce exists to create a sustainable environment for our membership to compete and thrive while strengthening civic and community interests for New Paltz and the Hudson Valley region.

OUR VISION

The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce is your go-to resource for business advice and solutions. We build camaraderie within our community and businesses in order to make the region a better place to live and work.

One way the Chamber helps to create a sustainable and thriving environment

for its members is by providing a resource for economic development in our area. We know that our region is made up of historic, vibrant and active communities, compris-ing a diverse range of businesses, residents, educational institutions, and tourism at-tractions. Our communities want sound decision-making and sustainable growth, which means a lot of documentation and review are often required when applying to Planning and/or Zoning Boards.

To that end, we are proud to have played a pivotal role in creating a brand new document designed to help businesses succeed in their applications to our re-gion’s Planning and/or Zoning Boards. The Practical Guide comprises a set of guide-lines based on experience in order to help businesses gain approval for their projects faster and more economically. The Guide was developed in collaboration between Toni Hokanson, director of marketing & training, C2G Environmental; Robert McKenna, retired, former director of plan-ning and development, City of Newburgh;

and our own Michael A. Smith, president, New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. It’s available for download at www.newpaltz-chamber.org. Interested parties are also encouraged to call the Chamber at 845-255-0243 to learn more.

As always, please let us know if there is anything we can do for you or for your busi-ness. Whether you’re looking to send a quick fax or make a quick photocopy, or would like to discuss your company’s development plans in-depth with a member of our staff, we are here for you. Thank you for your continued support and we look forward to serving you far into the future.

let’S MaKe a DiFFerenCe toGether

In this issue, we discuss the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce’s role in economic development in New Paltz

and the surrounding region.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Peter Ingellis New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

Valerie Belton Ulster Savings

Andrew Ciccone Hudson Valley Media

Glen Kubitsa Glen F. Kubitsa & Associates

Susan Lyke Cooper Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Brian MacGregor The Valley Group

John Sorlie Empire State Bank


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OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS, at the highest level of member-ship, play an exclusive and vital role in the important work of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. As a premier member at the Corporate Partner level, they enjoy the advantage of exceptionally valuable benefits, in addition to those included in the standard NPRCoC membership.

Exclusive opportunities to deliver your message to over 30,000 pub-lic event attendees, over 700 active Chamber members, and count-less Hudson Valley residents, including a full 12 months of visibility in every Chamber publication, communication, and event.

Customized personal service from the Chamber’s expert staff, including communications designed exclusively to keep you informed.

We invite you to choose from four elite Corporate Partner membership categories: Principal, Leading, Associates, and Supporting.

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ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.Ulster Savings

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Empire State BankHealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley

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• Soil & Water Remediation • Real Estate Environmental Screening

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• Petroleum Facility Compliance Audits • Drinking Water Testing

• Water, Soil, Air Testing/Monitoring • OSHA Safety Training

C2G Environmental is Hudson Valley’s premier environmental professionals for tank & environmental services.

Call or Click Today 845-255-4900 | WWW.C2G.US G.US

C2G now offers OSHA Safety Training Courses.

Call for more information - 845-255-4900

40 hour HAZWOPER 8 hour HAZWOPER Refresher 10 hour General Construction Safety 8 hour OSHA Refresher

Let us design a training program specific to your training needs with dates that work in your schedule or choose from the following:

257 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561

Local. Involved. Experienced.

It’s All Right Here with US.

Tom McGorry

Sue BenzRosie Giammatteo

Steve Hack

Investment, Tax, Payroll and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc. and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.

If you’re looking to expand your business or need financing, contact US today!

regional report, spring 2013

Documents

regional community

business community

nation of businesses

new york state partner

surrounding region

economic vitality

economic development

issue of regional report