regional report, fall 2012

ALL FOR ONE, AND ONE FOR ALLThe New Face of Team-BuildingBy Gregory Schoenfeld

As business owners and employees in every industry are aware, the economic struggles we face throughout the nation remain a difficult challenge. The truths of labor present a confounding equation: labor costs continue to rise, wage

increases and hiring remain muted, and businesses must ask for greater production from their staff to remain competitive. Now more than ever, maintaining a cohesive and motivated workforce is of paramount importance. Thoughtful organizations of every stripe are discovering that, though no amount of innovation can change the stark reality of rising healthcare costs, new and creative twists on an old standard—team-building—can yield significant results.

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Service with a SmileLocal business owners breathe new

life into the staid concept of customer

service with innovative ideas.

The Bottom LinePattern for Progress Releases its

annual Hudson Vallley Housing

Report; $20 investment in solar

technology in Saugerties.

Member Profiles Hurds Family Farm,

Mid Hudson Children’s Museum,

New Paltz Kayak Tours,

Edgewood Consulting

& Services

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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

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Edgewood Consulting & Services conducts a team-building exercise at Vassar College.

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

[ ]A DEGREE...AND AN EDUCATION.

RESOURCECRREOBACHELORSMUSEUMLIBRARY

PARTNERMAINSTAYSERVICEIMPACT

REGIONAL REPORT FALL 2012 3

On the subject of experience, the novelist Paulo Coelho wrote, “People never learn anything by

being told, they have to find out for them-selves.” The opportunity to learn experien-tially about our workplaces, our colleagues and peers, and ourselves strengthens rela-tionships and enables us to work produc-tively to our fullest potential. Since starting as president of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce, I have certainly come to appreciate the value of learning by doing. My most recent lesson on the difference between being told and finding out for myself was the intensively hands-on experience of working closely with our all-volunteer committee to produce the 22nd Annual Taste of New Paltz.

The Taste is the Chamber’s biggest fundraiser of the year, and does so much to remind all of us in the New Paltz region that we are, in fact, the Gateway to the Hudson Valley. It also reminds us of the value of work-ing together to create a beautiful event. Each and every person involved in the Taste—our proud sponsors, our terrific vendors and their staff, our dedicated volunteers, the thousands of attendees from across the Valley and beyond—plays a vital role in its success by lending a unique point of view, a singular voice, a special personality. We are

so grateful for the hard work and commit-ment this community puts into the Taste, and take great pride in providing this annual showcase for the best stuff in the Hudson Valley. We’re already looking forward to get-ting started on the 23rd Annual Taste of New Paltz, Sunday, September 15, 2013.

This issue of Regional Report puts a spot-light on the significance of experience, with features on experiential training and the value of customer service, and four Member Profiles focused on ways to experience the Hudson Valley. We’ll also, as always, present our members’ news of note in our Member Updates section, and in our Membership Matters column we’ll introduce some really fantastic news of our own: a brand new web-site, which will go live on October 1, 2012.

Thank you so much for reading. As always, please do not hesitate to contact me regard-ing any questions, ideas or challenges. We are a resource, so please use us as such. I speak for the entire Chamber staff when I tell you we are genuinely here to serve you.

Sincerely,

Michael Smith, President, New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

We are so grateful for the hard work and commitment this community puts into the Taste of New Paltz

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THuRSdAy, OCTOBER 11

After-Hours Mixer @ Il Gallo Giallo Wine Bar, New PaltzJoin us on a crisp autumn evening to grow your business network, enjoy delicious hors d’oeuvres, and get the chance to check out one of the area’s most buzz-worthy new restaurants. Il Gallo Giallo––Italian for The Yellow Rooster––serves modern Italian cuisine in its downtown New Paltz setting, in the former location of 36 Main.Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: Il Gallo Giallo Wine Bar, 36 Main St., New PaltzCost: Complimentary to Chamber mem-bers; $15 non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

WEdNESdAy, OCTOBER 17

October Business Luncheon @ The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz, featuring Dr. Alan Chartock of WAMC, Northeast Public RadioAs Election Day 2012 looms large, Dr. Alan Chartock––president and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, professor emeritus at the University at Albany, execu-tive publisher and project director of the Legislative Gazette, and host of the weekly “Capitol Connection” series––brings his deep insight and special perspective to bear on the politics of New York State and national races, and the impact of the 2012 election season. Sponsor: Luminary PublishingTime: 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.Place: The Terrace Restaurant, SUNY New Paltz campusCost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners, $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

FRIdAy, OCTOBER 26

Fall Business Card Exchange @ Mike Arteaga’s Express, HighlandWhat better way to kick off your Halloween weekend than with invigorating

networking in one of the region’s premier health and fitness centers? Celebrating its 10th Anniversary, Mike Arteaga’s Express is a vital part of Mike Arteaga’s Health & Fitness Centers’ 35-year history of service to the Hudson Valley, and a trusted resource for people to make regular exer-cise a permanent part of their lives.Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.Place: Mike Arteaga’s Express, 3425 Route 9W, HighlandCost: Complimentary to Chamber mem-bers; $15 non-membersReservations Required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

TuESdAy, NOvEMBER 6

After-Hours Mixer @ ElmRock Inn and Harvest Real Food Catering & Events, Stone RidgeOur annual Election Day mixer! After you cast your ballot, join us to build your business contacts and cultivate your exist-ing relationships while experiencing the world-class hospitality of the recently and gorgeously renovated ElmRock Inn and the fresh, flavorful cuisine of Harvest Real Food Catering & Events. Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: ElmRock Inn and Harvest Real Food Catering & Events, 4496 Route 209, Stone RidgeCost: Complimentary to Chamber mem-bers; $15 non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

WEdNESdAy, NOvEMBER 14

November Business Luncheon @ Ship Lantern Inn, Milton, featur-ing Year End Financial and Tax Planning PanelJoin Marc Schain of Schain and Company, CPA, Tom Weddell of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell LLP, CPAs and Louis Werbalowsky of Genworth Financial for an informative and timely post-election fi-nancial and tax planning panel discussion.Sponsor: Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell, LLP, CPAsTime: 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.Place: Ship Lantern Inn, 1725 Route 9W, Milton

Cost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners, $20 for Chamber members, $25 non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

TuESdAy, dECEMBER 4

After-Hours Mixer @ The 1850 House Inn & Tavern, RosendaleThe newly renovated 1850 House Inn & Tavern, a boutique hotel located along the Rondout Creek, is the perfect setting for our annual Holiday Mixer. You’ll make merry connections and enjoy festive hors d’oeuvres in this historic inn right in the heart of Rosendale.Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: The 1850 House Inn & Tavern, 435 Main St., RosendaleCost: Complimentary to Chamber mem-bers; $15 non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]

WEdNESdAy, dECEMBER 12

2nd Annual December Business Dinner: Champagne and Sparkling Wine Tasting @ Tuthillhouse at the Mill Restaurant & Tavern, GardinerOur special December Business Dinner is a festive chance to eat, drink and be merry with your Chamber peers. Put some sparkle in your holiday spirit and load up on ideas for your New Year’s Eve celebra-tion with a lively tasting of champagne and sparkling wines with expert Tom Edwards of Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits.Sponsor: KIC Chemicals, Inc.Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Place: Tuthillhouse at the Mill Restaurant, 20 Grist Mill Lane, GardinerCost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners, $25 for Chamber members, $30 for non-membersReservations required. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]. Seating is extremely limited for this event and early registration is strongly recommended.

UPCOMING EVENTS

For more information, call the

Foundation at 845-255-0243 or

email [email protected].


7 Recent Chamber Events

8 Upcoming Events

15 Member Updates

25 Member Renewals

28 Membership Matters

CONTENTS

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ALL FOR ONE, ANd ONE FOR ALLThe New Face of Team-BuildingNow more than ever, maintaining a cohesive and motivated workforce

is of paramount importance. Thoughtful organizations of every stripe

are discovering that, though no amount of innovation can change the

stark reality of rising healthcare costs, new and creative twists on an old

standard—team-building—can yield significant results.

SERvICE WITH A SMILEFor Local Businesses, Customer Service Isn’t Just a ConceptFrom the new ventures of recent transplants to time-honored local

establishments, an accommodating energy is the heart that our local

business community thrives upon, and breathes vibrancy into what may

otherwise seem a very staid idea: customer service.

THE BOTTOM LINEPattern for Progress releases its annual Hudson Valley Housing Report;

growth in the statewide labor force ups New York’s unemployment rate;

Ceres Technology announces a $20 million partnership with the U.S.

Photovoltaic Consortium.

EvENT SPOTLIGHT: CHARTOCK TALKS SHOPAlan Chartock, president and CEO of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, will

bring his fierce and iconoclastic intelligence to New Paltz on October 17,

speaking at the Chamber Business Luncheon to be held at SuNy New Paltz’s Terrace Restaurant.

MEMBER PROFILES Just Do It!

Regional Report checks in with local

entrepreneurs who are celebrating

the vitality of the region in their

businesses: Hurds Family Farm,

New Paltz Kayaking Tours, Mid-

Hudson Children’s Museum, and

Edgewood Consulting & Services.

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innovation, and to deliver solutions that fully prepare you to meet the challenges unique to your business.

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BOARd OFFICERSCHAIR 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, Inc.LEGAL COUNSEL James Yastion Law Offices of James Yastion, PLLCPAST CHAIR Ernie VanDeMark Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

BOARd OF dIRECTORSTom Edwards Fox & Hound Wine and SpiritsLydia Fitzgerald Charmed Places Planning and LocationsMichael Frayler Austin Ryan OptikaRichard Heyl de Ortiz Court Appointed Special Advocates for ChildrenBarry 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 MEMBERSRobert Leduc Mohonk Mountain HouseRick Lewis Riverside BankSusan VanVoorhis M&T Bank

REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOuNdATION AT NEW PALTZ BOARd OF dIRECTORSCHAIR Sue Van Voorhis M&T BankSECRETARY Theresa Thompson Main Street BistroTREASURER Michael A. Smith New Paltz Regional Chamber of CommerceBOARD 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 PresidentNancy Dodge Director of MembershipJanet Nurre Director of Marketing & CommunicationsJoan Geiwat Administrative Assistant

Joyce Minard Director of Special Projects

2012 CORPORATE PARTNERSLEADING PARTNER Complete Benefit Solutions (COBESO)ASSOCIATE PARTNERSCentral Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.Ulster SavingsSUPPORTING PARTNERSEmpire State BankHealthAlliance of the Hudson ValleyHealth QuestHudson Valley Federal Credit UnionKIC ChemicalsLaw Offices of James Yastion, PLLCLuminary PublishingM&T BankUlster SavingsVanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs

750 PROJECT FOuNdING MEMBERSWater Street MarketC2G Environmental ConsultantsCatskill Hudson BankEmpire State BankJackson Lewis LLPLuminary PublishingMohonk Mountain HouseRocking Horse RanchWin Morrison RealtyFox & Hound Wine and SpiritsMcGillicuddy’s Restaurant & Tap HousePDQ Business PrintersUlster Savings BankHurds Family FarmApple Hill FarmWright’s FarmMinard FarmsTantillo’s Farm Market

FRIENDS OF THE PROJECT

Kathy Ferrusi

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.

INNOVATION VS. TRADITIONOLD MEETS NEW IN A CHANGING MARKETBy Gregory Schoenfeld

It’s an old saw of business practice that you must consistently adapt in order to stay current—and remain successful. Advancements in an almost unlimited range of technology are available, but increasing your technological arsenal is

one part of the evolution of a business. While consumers are more tech-savvy than ever, able to access information anywhere, at any time, depending too heavily on the mechanization that technology can provide leaves consumers yearning for that one-to-one, “old-fashioned” kind of attention. Creating an effective blend of old and new requires a thoughtful inventiveness, and many Mid-Hudson Valley businesses are prospering by meeting that challenge.

Continued on p. 12

More Than Just HindsightBusiness owners tell us the

advice they wish they had re-

ceived when they were starting

out and what they wish they

knew then that they know now.

The Bottom LineNew York’s aging infrastructure;

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

management shuffle; economic

recovery may be losing steam.

Member Profiles PDQ Business Printers,

Associated Abbey Carpet and

Floor, Main Street Bistro

Alfandre Architecture, PC.

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MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY

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CONNECT . COMMUNICATE . COLLABORATE

NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TO GO, PLEASEGreat take-out food in the region

A GOOD WALK SPOILED Golfing in the Hudson Valley

36 HOURS IN NEW PALTZ Where to eat, stay, shop, and play

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REGIONALCHAMBERCOMMERCE NEW PALTZ REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.newpaltzchamber.org

A SEASONAL GUIDE TO THE MID-HUDSON VALLEY


RECENT CHAMBER EVENTS

1 Satisfied attendees show off their tickets as they decide what to taste next at the 22nd Annual Taste of New Paltz. 2 Rino Mazzella of Rino’s Pizza pulls a fresh, hot

pie out of his wood-fired pizza oven, ready for hungry tasters at the 22nd Annual Taste of New Paltz. 3 Christine Hall of Bodymind Massage Therapy, Helen Gutfruend,

and Mandy Orcutt of Bodymind Massage Therapy at the Chamber’s August After-Hours Mixer I, held at Toad Holly Pub, Tillson. Gutfruend recently moved on from

Bodymind Massage Therapy to pursue a career in art education. 4 Sue VanVoorhis of M&T Bank and Donna Bruschi of New Baby New Paltz at the Chamber’s August

After-Hours Mixer II, held at Gadaleto’s Seafood, New Paltz. 5 Back row (left to right: Foundation Board Member Ernie VanDeMark of Central Hudson Gas and Electric

Corp.; Foundation Board Chair Sue VanVoorhis of M&T Bank; Foundation Board Member Marsha Jones of New york Life; NPRCoC President Michael Smith; NPRCoC

Board Chair Chris Drouin of Beyond Wealth Management; Past-Foundation Board Chair Kathy Ferrusi of Hudson valley Federal Credit union; Foundation Board

Members Teresa Thompson of Main Street Bistro and Cathy Sifre; and retired Foundation Board Member Sally Cross of SuNy New Paltz. Front row (left to right): 2012

Foundation Special Merit Award winner John Paul Heyl de Ortiz; 2012 Foundation Joyce Minard Scholarship winner Jessica Ridgeway; 2012 Foundation Joyce Minard

Special Merit Award winner Kathryn Owens; 2012 Foundation Scholarship winner Kristin Branche. 6 Chef Mark Suszczynski and Kim Weeks of ElmRock Inn B&B and

Harvest Real Food at ElmRock Inn, Stone Ridge, at their grand opening ribbon cutting. 7 Darrin Sigfried, owner of Il Gallo Giallo Wine Bar, New Paltz, is joined by his

staff, friends, family, and Chamber board and staff members as he cuts the ribbon celebrating his grand opening.

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Amy Mosbacher2 Woodland Drive, New Paltz, NY 12561845-594-7807Amy Mosbacheramymosbacher@gmail.comwww.massagehudsonvalley.comMassage

Costas & Tate Insurance, Inc.15 Plattelkill Avenue, New Paltz, NY 12561845-256-8866 Fax: 845-704-1354Bonnie [email protected] Services

Empire State Bank, NA275 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561845-561-0003 Fax: 845-451-7878Anthony P. [email protected]

For Paws of ulster CountyPO Box 1074, New Paltz, NY 12561Danielle [email protected] Recreation

Genesis Restaurant401 Main Street, New Paltz, NY12561845-255-5075John Gramatikoswww.GenesisRestaurantDiner.comRestaurants

Holiday Inn at Kingston503 Washington Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401845-338-0400 Fax: 845-340-1908Debra [email protected]/Resorts, Conference Facility

Il Gallo Giallo Wine Bar36 Main Street, New Paltz, NY 12561845-255-3636Darrin SiegfriedIlgallogiallo@gmail.comwww.ilgallogiallowinebar.comRestaurants, Wine and Spirits

Joyful Moments Child Care85 South Street, Highland, NY 12528845-883-9069Eboni [email protected] Care/Preschool

Law Office of Jonathan E. KoscheiP.O. Box 319, Wallkill, NY 12589845-895-3030 Fax: 845-895-8440Robin [email protected] - General Practice

Mass MutualWade [email protected] Planning/Investments

Mastercraft Industries777 South Street, Newburgh, NY 12550845-565-8850 Fax: 845-565-9392Howard Goldberghoward.goldberg@mastercraftusa.commastercraftusa.comManufacturers, Equipment Rental

New Baby New Paltz15 Plattekill Avenue, New Paltz, NY 12561845-750-4402 Fax: 845-419-2384Donna [email protected] Support

New york State Solor Farm, Inc.871 State Route 208, Gardiner, NY 12525646-784-4401Esther [email protected] Energy Services

O’Connor davies, LLP60 East 42nd Street, 36th Floor, New York, NY 10165212-286-2600 Fax: 212-286-4080Thomas [email protected]

Royal King Cleaners12 New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz, NY 12561845-255-0460 Fax 845-255-0066Donna [email protected] Service

Runaway Woman Productions136 N. Chestnut Street, Apt. 22ANew Paltz, NY, 12561845-489-8038Lorna [email protected]/Marketing

Skytop Construction180 Mckinstry Road, Gardiner, NY 12525845-401-3720Stephen O’Herronskytopconstruction@gmail.comwww.skytopconstruction.comConstruction

Susan dahlinger Creativity CoachHighland, NY 12528Coaching - Professional & Life

Swedesign, Inc.23 Butterville Road, New Paltz, NY 12561845-590-3799 Fax: 845-255-0923Johan [email protected]

Tommy Top Coat36 Woodcrest LaneMilton845-337-9947Thomas [email protected] - Home Improvement

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CLIENT RELATIONS

SERVICE WITH A SMILEFor Local Businesses, Customer Service Isn’t Just a Concept

By Greg Schoenfeld

In every forum imaginable—from tourism websites, to a table at the Main Street Bistro—there is an ongoing conversation

about the indefinable appeal that makes the New Paltz region so unique. Certainly, that quality lives in the area’s rich history, in the one-of-a-kind vistas of Sam’s Point, and in the rows of Rondout Valley sweet corn. Yet the area’s draw, its invitation, is not simply static; it is alive and perpetual, growing each time a resident smiles welcomingly to a first-time visitor on North Front Street. From the new ventures of recent transplants to time-honored local establishments, that energy is the heart that our local business community thrives upon, and breathes vibrancy into what may otherwise seem a very staid idea: customer service.

NORTHERN HOSPITALITyFor Bluestone Cottage Bed and Breakfast owner Heidi Racioppo, that special invitation is not only the root of her business plan, it is the draw that convinced her that the Hudson Valley would be her true home back in 1971. Racioppo has transformed the magical High Falls house where she once raised her own family into a safe haven for the larger family she calls her customers. Touting the slogan of “Your home away from home in the Hudson Valley,” she delivers just that; her exceptional service stems from the golden rule rather than the bottom line. “It all comes from my own desire to have a great place to sleep and relax,” says Racioppo. I’ve been away from home a lot in my life, and all I ever wanted to do was come back to the comfortable place that I had created. When there’s no place like home, you’ve got to be the next best thing.” From finding out the details of their lives to preparing specialty breakfasts, Racioppo gives her visitors the kind of custom-tailored attention that keeps them coming back: she

estimates that 60 to 70 percent of her busi-ness are repeat guests, each returning as a friend as much as a client. To Racioppo, the satisfaction she engenders is its own reward. “It’s not about the money,” she explains. “You may not make a fortune, but you can make a fortune in friendships.”

Even in situations where superior atten-tiveness might not normally be expected, the region is full of pleasant surprises—and there is no more telling example than Highland’s FirstCare Walk-In Medical Center. Owner and Medical Director Dr. Steven Weinman has been dispensing his unparalleled brand

of care since 2008, after opening his facility with a mind toward breaking new ground within the medical care industry. “We wanted to have something that was unique,” says Weinman, “something that really hadn’t been done. Unfortunately, customer service and medicine have been mutually exclusive terms.” Searching for the proper model, Weinman found it in nothing less than the precepts of New York’s acclaimed Ritz Carlton hotel. “Their motto is ‘Ladies and gentlemen serving ladies and gentlemen.’ That’s us, that’s what we’re about.” From mindful, positive front desk attention to the audio-visual systems that grace each ex-amination room, Weinman’s inspiration to go above and beyond industry-standard service came from more than just anticipated profit margin. “I knew we would do well—we could have just offered standard service. Though expenses are high to run a doctors office, it’s worth it to create a positive environment.” At last count, FirstCare’s customer approval rating was at 99.5 percent.

We want people to know that fine art can be fun— it doesn’t need to be intimidating.—Donna Manger-Weil, Owner, dM Weil Gallery

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Donna Manger-Weil of dM Weil Gallery


THE NEW ANd THE OLdOne of the areas newest businesses is Donna Manger-Weil’s New Paltz-based DM Weil Gallery, where she offers her unique brand of abstract art as well as her singular approach to customer service. She has already become a well-established part of the business community, offering a warm-hearted vibe that is indicative of the area, but not necessarily common to art galler-ies. It’s all part of Weil’s uncharacteristic approach toward making art accessible. “We want people to know that fine art can be fun—it doesn’t need to be intimidating. We want them to get the same joy out of the art that I get from painting it.” Going the extra mile includes everything from offering a mug of cappuccino, a glass of wine, or a fresh local bakery treat to an invitation to potential customers—and their children—to visit Weil’s studio. Weil and Gallery Manager Ken Aspin will even travel to buyers’ homes to ensure that they are truly satisfied with their “new addition to the family.” “Customer service has always been paramount with us,” says Aspin, “and Donna loves to see spaces where the art will live.” In their first year in business, DM Weil has already risen to the top of Trip Advisor’s list for destinations in the New Paltz area.

Finally, when a customer sees the sign that simply states, “We are here to pro-vide you with the highest level of safety and quality service, with clear and hon-est communication,” they know they’ve come to the right place: Scott Cullen’s Jenkinstown Motors. The beloved local institution that Cullen has built over the last 35 years has been based solely upon that very simple ethic, and the proof of its success is evidenced by his customers’ longstanding loyalty. After serving genera-tions of local clients, Cullen’s philosophy of honest, responsible, and timely work is a blueprint for successful customer service, and makes his business an integral part in lives of the community. “What I like about this industry is working with clients, and watching their families grow,” says Cullen. “I like being that piece in the community. That’s not Sears or Wal-Mart—it’s people taking care of people. That’s part of being a community business.”

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THE TEAM’S THE THINGThough certain forms of team-building programs and exercises have long been an accessory to businesses, the application of the concept has come a great distance from just a weekend barbecue. Various avenues towards creating trust and comfort in the workplace help instill a sense of ownership, which trans-lates into greater efficiency and effectiveness. “You need to create a common language and culture,” explains Edgewood Consulting & Services owner Ekaterini Vlamis, “and that happens with greater communication.” For Vlamis, one of this issue’s featured business owners, instilling that mutual reliance and co-operation is her stock-in-trade. She has worked with groups of all kinds—from corporations to church groups, from nonprofits to a youth program at Mohonk Preserve—employing a background in experiential education, and utilizing training that implements physical problem-solving challenges to achieve results. Though she also works on-site, Vlamis—a licensed hiking guide and certified wilder-ness first responder—ideally likes to use the outdoors as her classroom, finding that the change of setting gets the best results. “Getting people out of the office, getting to really know their colleagues, makes them more likely to be trusting,” says Vlamis. “I ask everyone to participate fully, physically and emotion-ally, and get ready for success.” That success comes in the form of greater confidence and mutual respect, which equals that valuable productivity. “With the costs of hiring today,” Vlamis asserts, “it’s cost effective to create that collaborative environment.”

Kathleen McQuaid Packard, owner of Greenville’s KathodeRay Media, couldn’t agree more. Packard credits a healthy inter-active environment as an essential element in building her business successfully amidst challenging economic times. “I usually try not to even use the term ‘employee’,” says Packard. “I like to use ‘team member’ instead.” The method behind KathodeRay’s effective-ness, in fact, lies in its team-based format: She has created dedicated teams within the company, each with a carefully appointed team leader. For Packard, cultivating positive

working relationships isn’t just an ideal, it’s of make-or-break importance. Team leaders are personality-matched with clients, and then free to make independent decisions about how best to manage them. “I know they’re people I can rely upon,” explains Packard, “and they know they have my full backing on their decisions for that account. I wouldn’t hand that off if I didn’t have the confidence in that team.” This mutu-ally reliant environment frees Packard to focus on other aspects of the business, and every-body benefits. “I wouldn’t be able to grow the business if I had to be involved in every single decision,” Packard says. “By trusting my team leaders and team members, it makes it possible for this business to grow and to thrive.”

For Packard, the process of maintaining the proper atmosphere is an all-encompassing one, beginning with carefully selecting each new employee and then placing them within a team that works best. Though high unemploy-ment rates seem to make it a “buyer’s market” for employers, Packard puts a high premium on the satisfaction level of her personnel. “It’s dif-ficult to find the right team members, and we want them to stay, and be happy here,” she says. “Hiring is expensive, and it causes stress for ev-eryone else—so to me a mis-hire is very costly.” From weekly information-sharing meetings, to a yearly trip to nearby Zoom Flume amuse-ment park, what Packard works hard to create is something that goes above and beyond just the bottom line. “Many friendships develop here, and that means to me that they enjoy where they work,” Packard concludes. “To me, that’s the best measure of success.”

POWER TO THE PEOPLEFrom small business to large, companies are finding that developing a sense of ownership

and interactivity amongst employees is a mechanism for prosperity. John Maserjian, Central Hudson Gas & Electric’s Director of Media Relations, reports that team build-ing is a cardinal element in the organization’s success. “We try and cultivate team building wherever we can,” says Maserjian, who makes clear that creating a more complete environ-ment results in not only a more pleasant workplace, but a far more economical one. Maserjian proudly points to the organization-wide Bridge to Excellence program in which employees submit ideas for improving its processes through an internal website, then form teams that study and implement those improvements. “It can range from streamlin-ing a paper process to looking at how we dispatch crews during emergencies,” describes Maserjian, “and it’s an invaluable experience for the people on these teams—getting to know others, better understanding how other parts of the company operate.” And the best news is that it helps customers’ bottom line, as well. According to Maserjian, since the project began two-and-a-half years ago, there has been $8.7 million in labor time and direct expense savings, much of that getting passed on to the customer.

Another path to interactive progress, says Maserjian, comes through giving back to the community. “Volunteerism is big here. It’s a key part of our culture,” he explains. Employees create teams to participate in fundraising, and it gets us working together, socializing, and supporting the community through a variety of activities.” Annually, Central Hudson groups participate in charity events like the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in Kingston, and the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life in Saugerties. Finally, company-wide family

ALL FOR ONE, AND ONE FOR ALL continued from front cover

Karma Road

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“We treat guests with great respect and honor, they in turn return the sentiment, and that feels good for everyone.” —Jennifer Branitz, Co-owner, Karma Road

activities, culminating with the yearly party with employees and their children, helps to make a balanced environment. “It reminds us we’re all in this together,” says Maserjian.

A HEALTHy APPROACHApproaches to building a positive workplace emanate from every angle, and apply in every business setting. As Dietician and Nutritional Counselor Vicki Koenig points out, working to design a workplace where proper nutri-tion and wellness is the rule rather than the exception can only serve to make a more successful staff. “When you’re healthy, you’re more productive and happier,” Koenig simply states. “Obviously, there is a serious health problem in this country. When there is a work environment where the team is striving to be healthier, it can have quite a positive result.” Koenig’s philosophy meshes perfectly with that of Karma Road, the Village of New Paltz vegetarian restaurant that has become an established town favorite. Owners Seth and Jennifer Branitz describe their business as “an empowering gathering place and a springboard for self-improvement,” and that spirit extends to their employees as well as their customers. According to Seth Branitz, a healthy, trusting, and cooperative staff means a smoother, happier work environment. “We offer an open forum for expressing inspiration and grievances alike so that everyone is em-powered and safe,” Branitz explains; and, as any customer will tell you, the appeal that creates is as healthful as the food they serve. “We treat guests with great respect and honor,” Branitz continues. “They in turn return the sentiment, and that feels good for everyone. This practice of being the best we can be and taking very good care of everyone brings fulfillment to our staff and to the rest of our community.”

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IRENE BERNER COMPLETES TEAM IN TRAINING EvENT

Irene Berner, CFP of Berner Financial Services completed her third Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training event by hiking into the Grand Canyon. She has raised a total of $14,644 toward finding a cure for blood cancers. Irene hiked the nine-mile Hermit’s Rest Trail in honor of Ilona Kirshenblat, an inspirational 85-year-old woman who has battled leukemia for 21 years. “I feel fortunate for the opportunity to visit an incredible place, meet wonderful people, and have a memorable experience while raising money for a worthy cause.” Berner Financial Services, a New Paltz-based firm offering Financial Planning and Professional Asset Management. Call 845-256-1950 for further information.

AREA HOSPITALS FORM HudSON HEALTH PARTNERS, LLC

CEOs from three Hudson Valley health systems, rep-resenting five area hospitals, including St. Francis Hospital, Poughkeepsie and St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital, announced the formation of Hudson Health Partners, LLC. Collectively the HVHS hos-pitals represent three counties, and 988,000 people residing in the region, and will focus on quality initiatives and best practices; clinical collaborations; physician and hospital services; employee health; and enhanced efficiency. Each hospital will remain independent and continue to be responsible for its own assets, operations, and liabilities and will continue to operate under the direction and control of their respective governing boards. For more infor-mation, visit www.hudsonhealthpartnersllc.com.

SuNy NEW PALTZ RANKEd 7TH IN THE NORTHEAST

SUNY New Paltz ranked 7th among best public regional universities in the Northeast with both bachelor’s and master’s degree programs accord-ing to U.S. News & World Report’s annual college rankings. New Paltz rose in four critical categories used in the rankings—average first-year student retention rates, six-year graduation rates, percent-age of first-year students from the top quarter of their high school class, and average alumni giving rate. For the 23rd consecutive year, SUNY New Paltz has led all SUNY university colleges in total applications received, total freshmen applications and total transfer applications. For more informa-tion, visit www.newpaltz.edu.

BOB TAyLOR RECEIvES WALLKILL vALLEy LANd TRuST CONSERvATION AWARd

The Wallkill Valley Land Trust will present its annual Conservation Award to President Bob

Taylor, celebrating his 15th year in office and the organization’s own 25th anniversary as a force for the preservation of open space in southern Ulster County. Taylor will receive the Award at a gala dinner on Saturday, October 14, from 5-8 pm at Apple Greens Golf Course in the Town of Lloyd. For further information contact the WVLT office by phone (845-255-2761) or online at www.WallkillValleyLT.org.

uNISON ART CENTER PRESENTS THE vANAvER CARAvAN

Unison Art Center presents The Vanaver Caravan in a Woody Guthrie Music & Dance Centennial on Saturday, November 3 at Parker Theater, SUNY New Paltz. Nora Guthrie, Woody Guthrie’s daughter, commissioned The Vanaver Caravan to choreograph “Pastures of Plenty,” a dance tribute to the great musical legacy of her fa-ther. Hitch a ride across the landscape of America with the Vanaver Caravan’s cast of musicians and dancers in honor one of America’s greatest folk heroes. For tickets or more information, visit www.unisonarts.org or call 845-255-1559.

THE AuTISM SOCIETy TEAMS uP WITH AMC THEATRES

The Autism Society has teamed up with AMC Theatres to bring families affected by autism and other disabilities a monthly opportunity to enjoy favorite films in a safe and accepting environment with the “Sensory Friendly Films” program. For this unique audience, the movie auditoriums will have their lights brought up and the sound turned down, families will be able to bring in their own gluten-free, casein-free snacks, and no previews or advertisements will be shown before the movie. Upcoming films include Frankenweenie, Wreck-It Ralph, and Rise of the Guardians. For more information, visit www.autism-society.org/get-involved/events/sensory-friendly-films.

BERKSHIRE FARM CENTER & SERvICES FOR yOuTH LAuNCHES E-NEWSLETTER

Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth has a new e-newsletter with updates on the latest happenings in communities statewide as well as on their residential campus. Signing up is simple and safe. Berkshire Farm Center & Services for Youth is one of New York State’s leading nonprofit child welfare agencies and has a dis-tinguished history of working with children and families for 125 years. Each day, Berkshire serves more than 3,000 children throughout New York State. For more information or to sign up for the newsletter, visit www.berkshirefarm.org.

HuFFINGTON POST RAvES ABOuT dIAMONd MILLS

Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern was the subject of a rave review by award-winning travel writer Irene S. Levine in the Huffington Post’s blog this past July. Ms. Levine described the service as “warm, friendly and unpretentious,” and the guest rooms as “spa-cious, light and contemporary in décor … comfort-ably appointed.” Of the region, she said, “Diamond Mills is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore Saugerties and the surrounding region, which offers abundant activities year-round—in-cluding hiking, bicycling, rock-climbing and skiing.” For more information about Diamond Mills Hotel & Tavern, visit www.diamondmillshotel.com.

dM WEIL GALLERy #1 ON TRIP AdvISOR

DM Weil Gallery continues to hold the Trip Advisor #1 ranking in Attractions in New Paltz. DM Weil Gallery is perhaps the largest privately owned modern art gallery in the entire Hudson Valley region of New York. The gallery, located at 208 Bruynswick Road, New Paltz, is open weekends and by appointment. For more information and hours, visit www.dmweil.com or call 845-255-3336.

ELLENvILLE REGIONAL HOSPITAL AddS PATIENT MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE

Ellenville Regional Hospital announced that physicians, nurses, and all clinical staff have begun using new software that gives them quick access to information they need to enhance care for patients in the Ellenville community. Ellenville Regional Hospital purchased the software from Healthcare Management Systems Inc. (HMS) of Nashville, TN, and is also using HMS’ financial system to operate more efficiently and enhance the patient experience, such as making registration easier. For more information, visit www.ellenvilleregional.org or call 845-647-6400.

HOW TO SuBMIT Submit items of general public interest; no commercial sales announcements, 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.

MEMBER UPDATES


PANdORA’S BOTTLE PuBLISHEd By FLINT MINE PRESS

The e-book version of Pandora’s Bottle by Hudson Valley native Joanne Sydney Lessner and published by Flint Mine Press is now available through Amazon.com, BN.com and the iTunes store, as well as continuing in print in trade paperback. Flint Mine Press is a small publishing group which en-deavors to publish works that foster an understand-ing of the history and culture of New York State, with a concentration on the Hudson Valley region. Flint Mine Press also publishes Hudson Valley Wine, the first magazine celebrating the nation’s oldest wine-producing region. For more information, visit www.flintminepress.com.

WRIGHT NATuRALS TEAMS uP WITH FOR PAWS OF uLSTER COuNTy

For Paws of Ulster County teamed up with Wright Naturals, a local handmade all-natural products company located in Tillson, to pres-ent their 1st Annual 5k Run/Walk on Sunday, September 29 at the Field of Dreams, Libertyville Rd., New Paltz. The event benefited For Paws of Ulster County, a 501c3 non-profit organization working to establish a dog park in Ulster County in the town of New Paltz. A New Paltz Town Board meeting held on March 22 approved a two-acre parcel of land at the current Field of Dreams loca-tion to be designated for the dog park. For more information, visit www.forpawspark.com.

HEALTHALLIANCE EMPLOyEES JOIN CERTIFIEd LANGuAGE INTERPRETER PROGRAM

HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley is pleased to announce that employees Elva Arroyo-Schlecht, Freddy Carrasquillo, Felix Castro, Jeanne Eckles, Maricela Estrada, Jenny Jarrette, Dulce Lopez, Rosie McLaughlin, and Claudia Quintanilla have joined its Certified Language Interpreter program. A recent study found that medical encounters with inter-preters who received professional training reduced interpretation errors by about half, compared to those with no training. 9.7% and 11.7% of Ulster and Dutchess County residents, respectively, are not native English speakers according to the 2010 U.S. Census. For more information, call (845) 334-3170.

vddW LAuNCHES MOBILE APP

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni and Weddell, LLP, CPAs is pleased to launch its new mobile app. The app will allow users to email the partners directly with an appointment request, access Google maps and get driving directions to any of VDDW’s offices, access their website, their facebook page, subscribe to their newsletter, locate important links to the IRS website, access the IRS Calendar access, watch videos, leave a testimonial, use one touch call direct feature and much more. For more information, visit www.vddw.com.

CENTRAL HudSON REPORTS AT SEPTEMBER “POWER BREAKFAST”

Investments of $660 million in the region’s energy infrastructure, $20 million worth of customer ben-efits related to a pending merger with the largest utility in Canada, and the latest updates on Smart Grid technologies were among the many energy-related topics discussed at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation’s annual “Power Breakfast” held in September on the Newburgh waterfront. To view photographs of the Power Breakfast event and learn more about the latest in energy news, visit Central Hudson’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CentralHudson.

KRAuSE’S CHOCOLATES OPENS NEW PALTZ LOCATION

Krause’s Chocolates proudly opened its new location at 2 Church Street, New Paltz in April, 2012. The New Paltz store is right off Main Street, across from Barner Books, and is open Thursday through Monday from 12:00 noon until 7:00 p.m. Krause’s offers more than 44 varieties of unique, hand-dipped chocolates, several flavors of creamy homemade fudge and melt-in-your-mouth peanut brittle as well as chocolate novel-ties, custom molded items and seasonal treats. For more information, call 845-255-1272 or visit www.krauseschocolates.com.

FREE WIRELESS INTERNET AddEd AT LABELLA PIZZA BISTRO

LaBella Pizza Bistro is proud to announce that its dining room now features free wireless internet. LaBella customers can now sit in a comfortable atmosphere, enjoy great food, and surf the web––great for students, working professionals or simply anyone who wishes to check their email. For more information, visit www.labellapizzabistro.com, call 845-255-2633 or stop in at 194 Main St., New Paltz.

STEvEN TuRK ANd PAuL S. HOFFNER APPOINTEd TO RIvERSIdE BANK BOARd OF dIRECTORS

Riverside Bank announced the appointment of Steven Turk and Paul S. Hoffner to its Board of Directors. Mr. Turk is President and CEO of Rocking Horse Ranch and Splash Down Beach Water Park, and sits on the Dutchess County Tourism Council, the Ulster County Tourism Advisory Board, Vassar Hospital Foundation Board, and the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley Advisory Board. Mr. Hoffner is President of John Herbert Company. Riverside Bank also announced the appointment of Charles M. Andola as Chairman of the Board of Directors. Mr. Andola is COO of United Apple Sales, Inc., has been a board member since March of 1990, and is one of the Bank’s Founders. He replaces Chairman Ira Effron. For more informa-tion, visit www.riversidebankhv.com.

RuSSEL WRIGHT ExHIBIT AT THE dORSKy MuSEuM

The Samuel Dorsky Museum of Art at SUNY New Paltz presents the exhibition Russel Wright: The Nature of Design through December 16, 2012. The exhibition explores the work and philosophy of renowned industrial designer Russel Wright, whose former home in the Hudson Valley—Manitoga—is now a national historic landmark, and focuses on the relationship of humankind with the natural world. A special component of the exhibition—Man and Nature in the Hudson Valley, organized by Kerry Dean Carso, PhD—provides a historical context for Russel Wright’s designs and his interest in natural forms. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu/museum.

10TH ANNIvERSARy OF MIKE ARTEAGA’S ExPRESS IN HIGHLANd

Mark Arteaga’s Express was pleased to celebrate its 10th Anniversary in Highland on September 10, 2012 with an open house and party catered by The Would Restaurant, featuring a ribbon cutting by the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce, joined by Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Mike Arteaga’s Express is a trusted resource for health and fitness information, and a comfortable environment for people to make regular exercise a permanent part of their lives. For more information, call 845-691-6161, visit www.mikearteaga.com, or stop in at Mike Arteaga’s Express, 3425 Route 9W, Highland.

CdPHP OFFERS MEMBERS ACCESS TO AFTER-HOuRS HOTLINE

CDPHP offers its members access to a new after-hours hotline providing emotional support and crisis de-escalation for those in need. CONTACT Lifeline, a program of Family & Children’s Service of the Capital Region (FCSCR), connects CDPHP members with a local mental health professional who will offer a safe and supportive listening environment. The hotline is available from 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. weekdays, as well as weekends and holidays and can be reached via the CDPHP Behavioral Health line at 888-320-9584 (a message will prompt callers to select option “1”) or via the crisis line directly at 855-293-0785. For more information, visit www.cdphp.com.

uLSTER-GREENE ARC dONATES COMPuTERS TO COMPuTERS4NEEdy

Ulster-Greene ARC has 100 computers scheduled for replacement that are working but are not current per specifications. Computers4Needy will find new homes for these PCs so that they can continue to be used until the end of their life and provide access to information for individuals who otherwise would not be able to afford a computer. Computers4Needy will gratefully accept donations of any PC or Mac computer under 4 years old in working condition. Call 845 687-9505 or visit www.computers4needy.org to learn more.


Choices you make at the approaching close of the 2012 tax year can make a difference

come April. Plan ahead at the New Paltz Chamber of Commerce’s November Business Luncheon, which will feature a general financial discussion panel focusing on end of year tax planning. The panel will consist of Marc Schain of Schain & Company CPA in New Paltz, Tom Weddell of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni, and Weddell, LLP, CPAs in Newburgh, and Louis Werbalowsky of Genworth Financial.

CPA and investment advisor Marc Schain will discuss tax and investment planning through the use of various investment vehicles and re-tirement accounts. “Most effective tax planning strategies take place during the year rather than waiting until after the year is over,” he says. “The difference of paying an expense on December 31 or January 1 can have a significant influence on your tax liability.”

Louis Werbalowsky, a lifetime resident of the Mid-Hudson Valley, became a long-term care specialist because his parents needed extended home and facility care. He works with several accountants, elder law attorneys, and financial planners to help clients keep their estates, family, and quality of life protected. “You can’t predict, but you can prepare,” he says. “Tax planning is a very important area when considering Long Term Care Insurance.”

The luncheon, sponsored by Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni, and Weddell, LLP, CPAs, will be held on November 14 from noon to 1:30pm at the Ship Lantern Inn in Milton. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required, and are taken on a first come, first served basis. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail [email protected].

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INNOVATION VS. TRADITIONOLD MEETS NEW IN A CHANGING MARKETBy Gregory Schoenfeld

It’s an old saw of business practice that you must consistently adapt in order to stay current—and remain successful. Advancements in an almost unlimited range of technology are available, but increasing your technological arsenal is

one part of the evolution of a business. While consumers are more tech-savvy than ever, able to access information anywhere, at any time, depending too heavily on the mechanization that technology can provide leaves consumers yearning for that one-to-one, “old-fashioned” kind of attention. Creating an effective blend of old and new requires a thoughtful inventiveness, and many Mid-Hudson Valley businesses are prospering by meeting that challenge.

Continued on p. 12

More Than Just HindsightBusiness owners tell us the

advice they wish they had re-

ceived when they were starting

out and what they wish they

knew then that they know now.

The Bottom LineNew York’s aging infrastructure;

Belleayre Mountain Ski Center

management shuffl e; economic

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Member Profi les PDQ Business Printers,

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IN THIS ISSUE

SPRING 2012

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


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September 16, 2012


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T-shirt Sponsor:





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A Hudson Valley festival of food and fun.

September 16, 201211am – 5pm

ADMISSION:

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ULSTER COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS, NEW PALTZ.


O F F I C I A L P R O G R A M B O O K


September 16, 2012


11 am - 5 pm

T-shirt Sponsor:





Gold Sponsor:





Main Stage Sponsor:

epHuds

SSA H


September 16, 2012


11 am - 5 pm

T-shirt Sponsor:





Gold Sponsor:





Main Stage Sponsor:

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SSA H


September 16, 2012


11 am - 5 pm

T-shirt Sponsor:





Gold Sponsor:





Main Stage Sponsor:

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SSA H


September 16, 2012


11 am - 5 pm

T-shirt Sponsor:





Gold Sponsor:





Main Stage Sponsor:

epHuds

SSA H


September 16, 2012


11 am - 5 pm

T-shirt Sponsor:





Gold Sponsor:





Main Stage Sponsor:

epHuds

SSA H

TO GO, PLEASEGreat take-out food in the region

A GOOD WALK SPOILED Golfing in the Hudson Valley

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LEGISLATION ANd NEWS THAT AFFECTS yOuR BuSINESSCompiled by Gregory Schoenfeld

THE BOTTOM LINE

THE RIvER GETS ITS duE

From New York City to the Adirondacks, the Hudson River has been designated as a federally recognized National Water Trail. U.S. Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar named the Hudson as the most recent addition to the National Water Trails System, a federal program intended to rejuvenate outdoor recreation along waterways throughout the nation, while also serving to protect and restore them. The stretch known as the Hudson Valley Greenway Water Trail, a 256-mile length from Lake Champlain to Manhattan, will benefit from increased national visibility and greater potential for stewardship and sustainability assistance, as well as greater cooperation from the National Parks Service, who administers the Water Trail System. “This new federal designation further underscores the greatness of the Hudson River Valley Greenway Water Trail and will make it more prominent on a national level, which will further enhance the region’s reputation and encourage increased tourism and economic activity,” said Congressman Maurice Hinchey.

NuMBERS CAN BE dECEIvING

Though recent private sector job tallies show promising results, the New York State Department of Labor reports increasing confidence in the job market may have nega-tively augmented unemployment numbers. An August 17 release from the State shows a 346,900 increase in private sector jobs since November 2009, representing a full recovery of jobs lost during the recession; by comparison, the nationwide average over that same time period is only 44%. According to Bohdan M. Wynnyk, Deputy Director of the Division of Research and Statistics, the last year saw an increase of 100,000 in the state’s labor force, due to a 21.6% drop in the number of “discouraged workers”—those who do not seek employment because they do not believe they will find it. “Growth in our statewide labor force in recent months has contributed to a higher state jobless rate, as more New Yorkers have confidence in the job market,” said Wynnyk. Statewide un-employment numbers have gone from 8.2% in July 2011 to 9.1% in July 2012. The total private sector job count now stands at more than 7.3 million in New York.

PATTERN FOR PROGRESS RELEASES

ANNuAL HOuSING REPORT

Pattern for Progress released its annual housing report in late September, and found that the region’s housing market is “stuck in neutral.” While home prices are up almost 10% on the national level from July 2011 to July 2012, Hudson Valley home prices have declined in all counties except Ulster and Columbia. Prices are down in Dutchess by almost 3%, Orange County dipped 1.8%, and Sullivan 4.2%, Home prices a re up 7.6% in Ulster County. The Pattern report identified an unmet demand for services from local housing agencies, a lack of federal and state funding, and insufficient affordable rental units as the region’s most pressing issues.

Joseph Czajka, a community development analyst for Pattern, said the transaction volume

of sales in the area has stagnated since 2008. The number of mortgages in foreclosure has also increased in the past year, rising by an average of 1.6 percent in nine counties, with the highest bump being 2.8 percent in Sullivan. However, small decreases in the percentage of 90-day delinquent mortgages are a hopeful sign. “Foreclosure is a two- to three-year process in the state of New York. This backlog has now hit the books and that’s why we’re seeing these drastic increases,” Czajka told MidHudsonNews.com. Pattern for Progress is a Newburgh-based not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy, and research organization whose mission is to promote regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley.

GREENING THE LOCAL JOB MARKET

Governor Andrew M. Cuomo recently an-nounced a $20 million investment part-nership between Saugerties-based Ceres Technology, a nanotechnology producer, and the U.S. Photovoltaic Consortium (PVMC). Ceres, which manufactures equipment for the photovoltaic solar and semiconductor industries, will become one of the PVMC first official suppliers—resulting in over 250 new green energy jobs over the next five years, the company projects. The anticipated, locally sourced jobs will include research and devel-opment as well as facilities and manufactur-ing positions. The PVMC, headquartered at SUNY Albany’s College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, is a $400 million consortium for cooperative research and development committed to championing the increase of next-generation photovoltaic solar systems. “By making critical investments in the grow-ing nanotech sector, New York has made the Capital Region and Hudson Valley the place to be for manufacturers of nanotechnology,” said Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy. Ceres has also been awarded $764,000 in Excelsior Tax Credits by Empire State Development in order to support the success of the partnership.


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Alan Chartock, president and chief executive officer of WAMC/Northeast Public Radio, has been

running the station for over 30 years. He hosts the weekly “Capitol Connection” series which features interviews with New York State politicians as well as “The Media Project,” a weekly discussion between professional journalists about contemporary media issues. Chartock is also the executive publisher and director for the Legislative Gazette, a weekly, student-run newspaper covering New York State government. He is professor emeritus of political science and communications at SUNY Albany where he has won numerous awards for excellence in teaching, and is also the recipient of two honorary doctorates, one for public service and one of humane letters. His syndicated column on politics appears in newspapers throughout New York State, and his column, I Publius, runs in the Berkshire Eagle newspaper each Saturday. Chartock will give a talk on October 17 at SUNY New Paltz’s Terrace Restaurant. Regional Report reached out to him for details.

What will you talk about at the October Business Luncheon? We’ll be talking about the election for presi-dent, the election for Congress, and the various districts surrounding New Paltz. What I like to do is find out what everyone has on their mind and ask questions. If I know the answer, I’ll give it, and if I don’t know the answer, I’ll still give it. My style is to overview why things are going to happen or they’re not going to happen. Right now, I’d say Obama wins the election—he’s

several points ahead. But there are other fac-tors in this country that concern me—one of them is racism. There are many other things that could intervene within an election, and we’ve seen some very disturbing things in this country over the last couple of years.

I don’t give speeches. I don’t sit down and write a beginning, middle, and end. I often let my tangled mind lead me to see what’s inter-esting. I look at people’s faces, I take questions, in some cases I get people angry. And I don’t ever like to do that, but I do. So for me to tell you now what I’d be talking about specifically is just something I couldn’t do because, as I often say to people when I’m asked what I prepared, “Well anyone can prepare.”

What are your thoughts on the elec-tion coverage?We saw something very interesting in these last conventions—we saw the conventions minimized. In the old days, we’d see the whole convention. We don’t see that anymore—only the key speeches. Almost no one is watching because it’s all preordained. I remember 1956 in Buck’s Rock Camp in New Milford, CT. I was sitting with my counselor listening to the Democratic convention on the radio to see if a young senator would be nominated on the vice presidential ticket—his name was John Kennedy, and he didn’t make it. I sat there trans-fixed by this because real decisions were being made. That doesn’t happen in political conven-tions anymore. It’s all pre-scripted. Much of the media is owned. Like Fox, which is anything but news. It’s mediated news—they have values and they let you know about them.

How does this year’s election com-pare to past years? In some past elections, we knew who was going to win way into it. One candidate was out in front. That’s not true in this election. It’s very close between Romney and Obama. This will be influenced heavily by what happens in the debates. I think Romney will lose in the debates. He’s not a good debater, he’s not a good speaker—Obama is. Which is why we hear that Romney is taking huge amounts of time off to prepare for the debates.

Also, we’ve got a very weak economy, and that’s very much on people’s minds. So that makes it a bit of a crapshoot. Because there are so many people who don’t have jobs, the real question is which of these candidates is more likely to help the economy. Romney says he wants to give tax breaks to people who are wealthier and we’ll have trickle down econom-ics. Obama is more a person who believes that government can solve problems. I happen to agree with him. The CCC [Civilian Conservation Corps] under Roosevelt, you start to employ people, put them back to work, build bridges, you rebuild the infrastructure. That’s something I think Romney doesn’t want to do.

EVENT SPOTLIGHT

CHARTOCK TALKS SHOPWAMC CEO to Speak at October Business LuncheonBy Jennifer Gutman

October Business Luncheon

October 17 from 12pm to 1:30pm. The cost is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for nonmembers. Reservations are required. This event is likely to sell out, and reservations are taken on a first come, first served basis. Call 845-255-0243 or e-mail [email protected].


MEMBER PROFILES Just Do It! By Gregory Schoenfeld

For all the people that have come from afar to adopt New Paltz as their fiercely

beloved second home, the region’s biggest fans are often those who were simply lucky enough to grow up here. In fact, there’s no place New Paltz Kayaking Tours owner Craig Chapman would rather be. “I love New Paltz,” proclaims Chapman, putting the depth of his sentiment as succinctly as possible, “Let me repeat that: I love New Paltz. This town makes me happy.”

According to Chapman, his father—owner of New Paltz’s Hudson Valley Water Resources, Inc.—inspired him to join the ranks of New Paltz business owners. In form-ing his own business plan, Chapman was certain of one thing: it had to incorporate the local outdoor scene that has been such an integral part of his life. After careful consider-ation and a stint as a tour guide for Historic Huguenot Street, he found his solution

right on the Village’s banks. “The Walkill River is what makes New Paltz what it is,” says Chapman, “just as much as the ‘Gunks or Mohonk.” Chapman launched his plan—and his boats—from New Paltz’ Sojourner Truth Park this past May, certain that he had found a true “win-win” situation. “I kept thinking to myself even if no one comes out to rent a boat,” Chapman jokes, “at very least I’ll be down by the river every weekend.”

As opposed to whitewater tours that ap-peal only to thrill-seekers, Chapman offers the river’s tranquility as a central selling point—something anyone can enjoy. “The trip down the Wallkill River gives tour-ists and locals alike a chance to go have a peaceful, calm, and beautiful trip,” Chapman explains, recalling an 85-year-old couple that were some of this summer’s most satisfied customers. Looking forward, the New Paltz native plans to add a more challenging tour

running from Gardiner to New Paltz, and special weekday tours at some his other favorite sites, like Highland’s Chodikee Lake, are also in the works.

For Chapman, this is just another chance for showing and sharing his appreciation for the area. “One of my biggest things is giving back,” says the man who runs New Paltz’s youth basketball program. “Being a part of this whole community is right where I’m at, and what I am trying to do.”

Hurds Family FarmMEMBER PROFILE

HuRdS FAMILy FARM

Physical address: 2187 State

Route 32, Modena, NY, 12548

Mailing address: P.O. Box 403

Clintondale, NY 12515

(845) 883-7825

Phil, Susan, and Charles Hurd

www.hurdsfamilyfarm.com

THE dRAW OF THE MId-HudSON vALLEy REGION has always been the diverse beauty

of its landscape: the breathtaking rise of the Shawangunk Ridge, the rush of the rivers

and streams, the invitingly lush fields of plenty. Yet the most special part of that appeal is

the invitation to not just admire, but to get involved. NPRCoC members offer countless ways

to enjoy and experience—and autumn is the perfect time to get out and take it all in!


For all the people that have come from afar to adopt New Paltz as their fiercely

beloved second home, the region’s biggest fans are often those who were simply lucky enough to grow up here. In fact, there’s no place New Paltz Kayaking Tours owner Craig Chapman would rather be. “I love New Paltz,” proclaims Chapman, putting the depth of his sentiment as succinctly as pos-sible, “Let me repeat that: I love New Paltz. This town makes me happy.”

According to Chapman, his father—owner of New Paltz’s Hudson Valley Water Resources, Inc.—inspired him to join the ranks of New Paltz business owners. In forming his own business plan, Chapman was certain of one thing: it had to incorpo-rate the local outdoor scene that has been such an integral part of his life. After careful consideration and a stint as a tour guide for Historic Huguenot Street, he found his

solution right on the Village’s banks. “The Walkill River is what makes New Paltz what it is,” says Chapman, “just as much as the ‘Gunks or Mohonk.” Chapman launched his plan—and his boats—from New Paltz’ Sojourner Truth Park this past May, certain that he had found a true “win-win” situa-tion. “I kept thinking to myself even if no one comes out to rent a boat,” Chapman jokes, “at very least I’ll be down by the river every weekend.”

As opposed to whitewater tours that appeal only to thrill-seekers, Chapman offers the river’s tranquility as a central selling point—something anyone can en-joy. “The trip down the Wallkill River gives tourists and locals alike a chance to go have a peaceful, calm, and beautiful trip,” Chapman explains, recalling an 85-year-old couple that were some of this sum-mer’s most satisfied customers. Looking

forward, the New Paltz native plans to add a more challenging tour running from Gardiner to New Paltz, and special week-day tours at some his other favorite sites, like Highland’s Chodikee Lake, are also in the works.

For Chapman, this is just another chance for showing and sharing his appreciation for the area. “One of my biggest things is giving back,” says the man who runs New Paltz’s youth basketball program. “Being a part of this whole community is right where I’m at, and what I am trying to do.”

New Paltz KayaKiNg toursMEMBER PROFILE

NEW PALTZ KAyAKING TOuRS

Sojourner Truth Park, Plains Road

New Paltz, NY 12561

(845) 594-6353

Craig Chapman

[email protected]

Ph

oto

by

Lau

ren

Th

om

as


MEMBER RENEWALS

THANK yOu!

adagio guest House

adventure-Junction.com

alfandre architecture, PC

american Heart association

angelynn F. Pinto, Psy-d, llC

arrow Promotions

artco’s Copy Hut

Bank of america

Beek’s auto

Birchez associates

Bright Beginnings of New Paltz

Brookside Farm

the Bywater Bistro

C2g environmental Consultants, llC

Center for theraputic massage

Charmed Places

Coldwell Banker, geraldine Buck

Colluci shand realty

Colonial Flower shop

Copeland Funeral Home

the Culinarians’ Home Foundation, inc.

david Clouser & associates

deep-six underwater systems

domenick lopane Jr. landscaping

enchanted toys

essence medi-spa

excel auto glass

Flint mine Press

george tukel

glenn & Breheney PllC

groovy Blueberry

Hampton inn - Kingston

Hans auto service

Healthalliance

Hoover architecture, PllC

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit union

Hudson Valley abstract

Hudson Valley water resources

Hugaren llC

As any parent or teacher will tell you, the way to truly instill learning in

children is through interactive experience. The embodiment of that approach in the Hudson Valley is Poughkeepsie’s Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum: in fact, it’s right in the museum’s vision statement: “to be an extraordinary educational beacon in the Hudson River Valley where discovery leads to lifelong learning for all.” What started in 1989 as a grassroots effort by a handful of volunteers is now a celebrated regional institution, one where hands-on learning is the rule.

“It’s place-based education,” explains Sara Capozzoli, director of marketing and com-munity relations. “It’s the concept of teaching about where you are.” The museum’s location on the banks of the Hudson allows them to use the river as a living classroom, offering an unrivalled opportunity for young visitors to connect with the vibrancy of the valley. “It is a huge part of what we do—taking the children out to the river,” says Capozzoli. “They’re ex-periencing it, rather than just explaining. It so different than reading it in a book—it takes learning to a whole other level.” The mu-seum’s range of programs—which includes outreach efforts that take Lead Educator Lisa DiMarzo to classrooms and libraries

from Westchester to Connecticut—all focus on that same approach, instilling awareness through experience. Other museum features that await visitors include a Native American workshop which celebrates the regions original inhabitants, as well as a perpetually updated, interactive art center.

Under the direction of new Executive Director Lara Litchfield-Kimber, the muse-um is making strides to involve an even wider swath of visitors from the region, and beyond; for example, the Metro-North Railroad now offers a “one-day getaway” package that strengthens the appeal to down-state parents. Still, the heart of the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum will always be the re-gion that bears its name. “We see ourselves as a real resource to parents here,” says Capozzoli. “It’s really a continuum of people raising their kids here, and a part of what it is to grow up in the Hudson Valley.”

mid-HudsoN CHildreN’s museum

MEMBER PROFILE

MId-HudSON

CHILdREN’S MuSEuM

75 North Water Street

Poughkeepsie, NY 12601

(845) 471-0589

Sara Capozzoli

www.mhcm.org


MEMBER RENEWALS

Hunter mountain resort

ingraham shovel Co.

inn at orchard Heights

inn at twaalfskill, inc

Jenkins and lueken orchards

Katia gushue Fine art studio

laBella Pizza Bistro

law offices of steinberg,

manpower international inc.

masseo landscaping

mike arteaga’s Health & Fitness Centers

minnewaska lodge

moondance ridge B&B

mountain skills Climbing guides

moxie Cupcakes

New Paltz Child Care Center

Phillies Bridge Farm Project inc.

r. robertson

red Pump studio

roots & wings

sedore & Company

shadow lawn Ny, llC

shadowland theatre

ship lantern inn

sky lake lodge

st. luke’s Cornwall Hospital

sunoco aplus mini market

terri Coonrad Hershkowitz PC

tom’s repair shop

tracy Clark-Cherry, lmt

ulster County tourism

Van Buren gallery

Van Vliet orthodontics

Visit vortex

wCw Kitchens at Cherry Hill

westwood metes & Bounds realty, inc.

wilklow orchards

wine worldwide, inc.

Members who renewed as of September 14.

Another area native who has chosen to ply her unique trade in the great out-

doors of the Mid-Hudson Valley is Ekaterini Vlamis, owner of Edgewood Consulting & Services. The path that has brought Vlamis back to settle in the shadow of the Shawangunk Ridge has been one led by inspiration to share her very special com-bination of community-building skill and love for nature. After teaching in nearby Warwick, Vlamis’ quest took her to the out-door education program at the University of New Hampshire for a Master’s degree in Kinesiology. Now back home, the licensed Hiking Guide and certified Wilderness First Responder offers a plethora of services that help further awareness and communication through outdoor interaction.

Though clients of all kinds are invited to join Vlamis on expertly guided hikes through local wonders like Minnewaska and the Mohonk Preserve, what sets her apart is her approach to experiential education and training. “Of course my hikes share our natu-ral resources, the Shawangunk Ridge, with many who otherwise might not experience it on their own,” explains Vlamis, “but I’m really unique in terms of the services I offer and the fact that I can really customize teambuilding and workshop programs.” Teams of all kinds

have benefited from Vlamis’ programs—she cites a range that spans from church groups, to supermarket managers, to a group of post-graduate students from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

To meet a wide range of needs, Vlamis tailors each program to a particular client’s situation. Whether the goal is team, com-munity, or leadership development, the tools she employs are cooperation and communi-cation in order for groups to work through a series of trust-building and problem-solving exercises. Once the process begins, she acts facilitator while the power of the outdoors and the interplay of personalities take care of the rest; and, according to Vlamis’ clients, the results have been exceptional. “It just works,” explains Vlamis. “It works because you’re doing, and you’re discussing, and you’re plan-ning. You’re taking time to spend time with people, and to get to know them better.”

edgewood CoNsultiNg & serViCes

MEMBER PROFILE

EdGEWOOd

CONSuLTING & SERvICES

P.O. Box 122

New Paltz, NY 12561

(845) 255-7007

Ekaterini Vlamis

www.edgewoodcs.com


The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the launch of our new website, which will

go live on Monday, October 1, 2012. The web address remains the same––www.newpaltz-chamber.org––but that’s about the only thing that remains unchanged. When we go live, users will encounter an entirely redesigned, dynamic web page with new and improved membership listing features, events, news, and much more. The new website is being de-veloped by WebLink International, a company that works with over 1,500 clients across the country and specializes in promoting busi-nesses online by partnering with associations and chambers of commerce.

Our goal with this new website is to dramatically improve how we promote our members and our community online. Our online presence will be easier to use, better optimized for search engines, and designed to meet the needs of both members and the public. With this launch, we expect traffic on our website to dramatically increase, which translates directly to more new business

leads to our members from us. Consumers and businesses alike visit www.newpaltz-chamber.org seeking information and look-ing specifically for businesses like those that comprise our membership. Our new website will be even more member-focused and is designed to deliver more exposure and drive more opportunities to our members’ front door. In addition, our members will now have

the opportunity to take advantage of power-ful new marketing opportunities.

More information coming soon on our new website! We’re so proud to be mak-ing this dramatic and exciting technology change, and look forward to using this new tool to provide improved service which will directly impact our members’ bottom lines. Keep an eye on www.newpaltzchamber.org on Monday, October 1. Please call us at 845-255-0243, email us at [email protected], or contact us through our new website to provide feedback.

let’s maKe a diFFereNCe togetHer

In this issue, we proudly unveil the Chamber’s brand new website, and give you a glimpse of some fantastic new membership features

that are now available.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE

Nancy Dodge New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

Andrew Ciccone Ciccone Advertising PR & Design

Susan Lyke Cooper KeyBank

Darryl Lafferty Mid-Hudson Chapter-American Red Cross

Brian MacGregor The Valley Group

Mike Marinzulich Zulich Financial

Lisa Martinez Mutual of Omaha

Matt Rocket Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

John Sorlie Empire State Bank

Ekaterini Vlamis MS, Edgewood Consulting & Services

Nancy Dodge, Director of Membership


• 24/7 Personal Teller Service• Online Banking & Bill Payer

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Phone | (845) 255-0050 Fax | (845) 255-7845 145 Route 32 North, New Paltz, NY 12561 (GPS: 145 North Chestnut Street)

Lawn & Garden Supplies


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.

2012 CORPORATE PARTNERS

LEADING PARTNER

Complete Benefit Solutions

ASSOCIATE PARTNERS

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.Ulster Savings

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Empire State BankHealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley

Health QuestHudson Valley Federal Credit Union

KIC ChemicalsLaw Offices of James Yastion, PLLC

Luminary PublishingM&T Bank

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs

OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

Understanding what’s

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New Paltz Branch191 Main Street(845) 255-7100www.mtb.com

No two employees are alike.

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc. • Capital District Physicians’ Healthcare Network, Inc. • CDPHP Universal Benefits,® Inc.

Most health insurers point you to pre-packaged or bundled health plans. Hardly a choice. At CDPHP® we offer a variety of health care solutions, including plans to fit your business, customized wellness programs, and cost-management tools. All this plus an extended national network of more than 550,000 providers make CDPHP the right choice for you and your employees.

To learn more, call your broker or CDPHP at 1.800.993.7299.

power.cdphp.com

257 Main Street

New Paltz, NY 12561

BUS INESS

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We’re eager to help local businesses grow and succeed!

Our customizable package of products and services make US a great resource for businessesof any type or size. If you’re looking to expand or need financing, contact Stephen or Susan today!

Stephen Hack, VP - Commercial Lending and Susan Benz, AVP / Commercial Loan Officer visit their client, Emergency One, in Kingston

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

Member FDIC

Locations throughout the Hudson Valley • 866-440-0391, ext. 3420 • www.ulstersavings.com

Commercial Mortgages Lines of Credit Equipment & Vehicle LoansPayroll Services Business Insurance Group Benefits

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