New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

OUR BRIGHT GREEN FUTUREExpanding Options for Sustainable Energy Improvements

By Gregory Schoenfeld

There is a special kind of symbiosis achieved when the ideal and practical are one and the same. There is no realm in which more encouraging progress toward that balance is being made than in the field of sustainable energy. More and more, energy-efficient

upgrades and ecologically sound alternative energy choices are making their way into the global consciousness, both on a residential and a commercial basis. With energy costs exploding and a challenging economy, it is not only “green-leaning” idealists who are implementing fundamental changes in how their homes and businesses operate. All that’s required is a practical look at cutting and managing cost, and the environmental benefits simply come right along for the ride. Alternative energy manufacturers, state and federal governments, and public utility companies are offering a vast spectrum of purchasing rebates, tax rebates, and low-cost financing options that can further help inspire consumers to take the plunge into a sustainable future.

Continued on p. 12

Shelter from the StormBusinesses and community

organizations have played a

crucial role in the recovery pro-

cess from the recent onslaught

of hurricanes in the region.

The Bottom LinePatent system overhaul; New

York revolt against federal

health care overhaul; DEC to

release fracking report.

Member Profiles Bridge Creek Catering,

David Clouser and Associates,

Excel Auto Glass,

Creek Locks Bed & Breakfast

10

20

24

IN THIS ISSUE

FALL 2011

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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REGIONAL REPORT FALL 2011 3

Anyone who knows me knows that the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce has been a second

family to me. Over the last 30-plus years, through great times and hard times, as I worked to encourage and comfort our members along with our board of direc-tors and staff, those same members, board and staff have been a beautiful source of encouragement and comfort for me as well. Because of this, it was with mixed emotions that I recently announced my planned retirement.

The good times I have had and the hard fights I have fought here have made every moment of my time with the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce a joy and a blessing. When Dr. Eliot Hughes asked me to join the staff of the Chamber in 1979 I had no idea that I was accepting an invitation to change my life forever, but I truly had found my calling. During my time in the early-1990s with Ulster County BOCES and, later, devel-oping a leadership program for Ulster and Dutchess Counties through the New York State Empire Development Agency, I dearly missed my work with the Chamber, making my decision to return to the Chamber as president in 1998 an absolutely uncompli-cated no-brainer.

My retirement will become effective on December 31, 2011, although I have agreed to

stay on as Director of Special Projects in order to help ensure the smoothest possible leader-ship transition. Now that I have announced my retirement, the search for a new president can begin. Chris Drouin, our board chair, was quoted in the Chamber’s press statement as saying, “This is a very challenging time in the economic history of the region and the state, and strong leadership of the New Paltz Regional Chamber is critical.” I completely agree. The board of directors has my total support throughout the search and transition process. The most important thing to all of us is the preservation of the Chamber’s vision and service to its members.

I will always cherish my time with this Chamber and the chance it gave me to de-vote my life to making the greater Hudson Valley a better place to live, work, play, wor-ship, and do business. Although my involve-ment is changing as I enter this new chapter of my life, I am so proud to be able to remain a part of the Chamber as it evolves, grows, and finds its new place in this new century.

Best,

Joyce M. Minard, President

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Letter from JOYCE MINARD

The good times I have had and the hard fights I have fought here have made every moment of my time with the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce a joy and a blessing.

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THuRSdAy, OCTOBER 13

After-Hours Mixer @ Water Street Market, New PaltzBuild your connections and enjoy the gorgeous colors of fall at our October After-Hours Mixer! Water Street Market is a unique Hudson Valley experience, a hip and vibrant European-inspired community of boutiques, stores, galleries, and restaurants, set on the banks of the Wallkill and packed with distinctive antiques, artisan choco-lates, hand crafted jewelry, and so much more, all within a setting of outside patios, gardens, and a central courtyard that invites you to hang out and relax.Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: Water Street Market, 10 Main Street, New PaltzCost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members

WEdNESdAy, OCTOBER 19

“Market Your Business to Weekend and Summer Homeowners” Business Luncheon @ Toad Holly Pub, Tillson, featuring Deborah Barrows of WAMC Northeast Public RadioSince the 19th Century, the Hudson Valley’s breathtaking scenic beauty and proximity has made it a natural home-away-from-home for folks who need to get away from New York City for a little (or a lot) of rest and relaxation. A lot has changed since the days of the Vanderbilts and Rockefellers, but our region remains a pre-mier destination for second home ownership. Join Deborah Barrows of WAMC Northeast Public Radio as she presents the best ways to market your business to the Hudson Valley’s weekend and summer homeowners.Sponsor: Hudson Valley Federal Credit UnionTime: 12:00 noon – 1:30 p.m.Place: Toad Holly Pub, 713 Route 32 North, TillsonCost: Complimentary to NPRCoC Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members

FRIdAy, OCTOBER 28

Fall Business Card Exchange @ Always There, KingstonGet spooky with some early morning network-ing at our fall business card exchange, just three days before Halloween! Always There puts 40 years of compassionate, skilled, not-for-profit services on the side of helping families live healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives. Always There offers services to all ages from basic personal care—like bathing, grooming, and dressing—to skilled nursing care and therapies, along with on-site adult day programs.Time: 7:30 - 9:00 a.m.Place: Always There, 918 Ulster Avenue, KingstonCost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members

THuRSdAy, NOvEMBER 3

Team Trivia Night @ Main Street Bistro, New PaltzJoin us as the Foundation hosts its first trivia night! Teams of 2 to 4 persons will compete to win $200 in prizes while enjoying complimenta-ry snacks and non-alcoholic beverages (cash bar available), courtesy of Main Street Bistro. Come find out if you have what it takes!Sponsor: Regional Chamber of Commerce FoundationTime: 6:00p.m.Place: Main Street Bistro, 59 Main St., New PaltzEntry Fee: $15 per person (teams of 2 or 4)Reservations required. Call Teresa Thompson at 845-532-4300 or email [email protected]

TuESdAy, NOvEMBER 8

After-Hours Mixer Cast your ballot for growing your business net-work at our Election Day mixer!Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: TBA.,Cost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members

WEdNESdAy, NOvEMBER 16

“Tax Tips” Business Luncheon @ Ship Lantern Inn, Milton, featuring Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni, and Weddell LLP, CPAsEach year there are plenty of tax moves you can make to help reduce what you owe to the IRS.

Don’t let tax season roll around again without learning how to make filing your taxes easier with these tips and tricks, including deduc-tions you may not have known you could claim. Get expert advice from the folks at Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni, and Weddell LLP, CPAs at this informative luncheon.Sponsor: Law Offices of James YastionTime: 12:00 noon - 1:30 p.m.Place: Ship Lantern Inn, 1725 Route 9W, MiltonCost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners; $20 for Chamber members; $15 non-members

TuESdAy, dECEMBER 6

After-Hours Mixer @ Historic Huguenot Street, New PaltzThis festive mixer will help you make connections and celebrate the holiday season in the beautifully decorated Lefevre House, the restored Georgian home of Ezekiel Elting, now cared for by the LeFevre Family Association. Historic Huguenot Street is dedicated to its mission to collect, pre-serve, and share an inspiring story of an American community as it evolved from the 17th century to the present day.Time: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.Place: Historic Huguenot Street, New PaltzCost: Complimentary to Chamber members; $15 non-members

WEdNESdAy, dECEMBER 14

“Spirit of the Season” Business Dinner @ Tuthillhouse at the Mill Restaurant, Gardiner, featuring Tom Edwards of Fox and Hound Wine & Spirts and Ralph Erenzo of Tuthilltown SpiritsOur special December Business Dinner is a festive chance to eat, drink, and be merry with your Chamber peers. Get into the “Spirit of the Season” with pairing advice from expert Tom Edwards of Fox and Hound Wine & Spirits and fascinating facts from Ralph Erenzo of Tuthillhouse Sprits, which distills vodkas from apples grown at orchards less than five miles away and whiskeys using grain harvested by farmers less than 10 miles away.Sponsor: KIC Chemicals, Inc.Time: 6:00 - 9:00 p.m.Place: Tuthillhouse at the Mill Restaurant, 20 Gristmill Lane, GardinerCost: Complimentary to Corporate Partners, $20 for Chamber members; $25 non-members

UPCOMING EVENTS

Reservations required for all events. Call 845-255-0243 or email [email protected]


4 Upcoming Events

7 Recent Chamber Events

15 Member Updates

25 Member Renewals

28 Membership Matters

CONTENTS

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28

SHELTER FROM THE STORMIn the Wake of Disaster, Community Character Shines ThroughThere is no true way of telling the extent of strain and hardship placed upon

local residents, their homes, their families, and their businesses by the recent

hurricanes. Nor is there any way of quantifying the amazing outpouring of

support by businesses and the community.

THE BOTTOM LINELegislation and News Affecting Your Business The Public Employees Federation union president urges members to accept

the state’s five-year contract proposal; Precision Flow Technologies receives a

Federal grant, then cuts workforce; US patent system receives overhaul.

PASSING THE TORCHCelebrating the Career of Joyce MinardJoyce Minard joinined the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1979.

Among Joyce’s many accomplishments since that time have been her work

with the Ulster County Farm Bureau, Ulster County BOCES, the Ulster County

Workforce Investment Board, on which she currently sits, and the Ulster County

Tourism Board, of which she is currently chair. Joyce will be stepping down as

Chamber president at the end of year, a position she has held since 1998.

MEMBER PROFILESThe Power of TwoThe New Paltz area is home to many couple-owned businesses. Running a

company along with your significant other means offering your clients and

customers the best of both worlds, and the unique ownership environment it

creates can be a blueprint for success. Regional Report checks in with Bridge

Creek Catering, david Clouser and Associates, Excel Auto Glass, and Creek

Locks Bed & Breakfast.

OuR BRIGHT GREEN FuTuRE Sustainable Energy Improvements With energy costs exploding and a challenging economy, it is not only “green-leaning” idealists who are implementing fundamental changes in how their homes and businesses operate, energy-wise.

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BOARd OFFICERS

CHAIR Chris Drouin Beyond Wealth Management1ST VICE CHAIR Frank Curcio Bank of America2ND VICE CHAIR Craig Shankles PDQ Printing and GraphicsSECRETARY Constance Harkin Ulster Savings

TREASURER Mindi Haynes Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAsBOARD LIAISON Walter Marquez Water Street MarketLEGAL COUNSEL James Yastion Esq.PAST CHAIR Ernie VanDeMark Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

BOARd OF dIRECTORS

Tom Edwards Fox & Hound Wine and SpiritsRichard Heyl de Ortiz Historic Huguenot StreetKay Hoiby Free Fall Express/dba: Blue Sky RanchGlen F. Kubista Glen F. Kubista & AssociatesWade Lott Clear Channel Radio of the Hudson ValleyDr. David Ness Performance Sports and WellnessGlenn Sutherland Catskill Hudson BankPatrick Turner Little Pond ConsultingSusan VanDeBogart St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital Center for Rehabilitation

EMERITuS MEMBERS

Robert Leduc Mohonk Mountain HouseRick Lewis Riverside BankOfc. Scott Schaffrick New Paltz Police DepartmentSusan VanVoorhis M&T Bank

REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOuNdATION AT NEW PALTZ BOARd OF dIRECTORS

CHAIR Kathy Ferrusi Hudson Valley Federal Credit UnionVICE-CHAIR Sally Cross SUNY New Paltz FoundationSECRETARY Teresa Thompson Main Street BistroTREASURER Sue VanVoorhis M&T BankBOARD MEMBER Joanne FredenbergBOARD MEMBER Cathy Sifre

CHAMBER STAFF

Joyce Minard PresidentChristine Crawfis Director of Marketing & CommunicationsJanet Nurre Communications & Programs Administrator

2011 CORPORATE PARTNERS

LEADING PARTNER

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance GroupSUPPORTING PARTNERS

Health Alliance of the Hudson ValleyHealth QuestHudson Valley Federal Credit UnionKIC Chemicals Inc.Law Offices of James Yastion, PLLCM&T BankUlster Savings

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs

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.

@2011 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.


RECENT CHAMBER EVENTS

1 James Yastion of New Paltz, John Halpin of New York, NY, Philip Posner of Wallkill, Alfre-do and Lorenzo Mazzuca of New Paltz, and Rob Sobel of New Paltz lead the pack at the start of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce 2nd Annual New Paltz Challenge Father’s day Family 5K. 2 Joyce Minard with Craig Shankles of PdQ Business Printers at the August After-Hours Mixer, held at A Tavola Trattoria, New Paltz. 3 Friends, fam-ily, and Chamber board and staff members celebrate with Lindsay and Bruce Stevens as they cut the ribbon at Stevens Realty Group. 4 Susan VanDeBogart (right) and Taste volunteer (left) at the 2011 Taste of New Paltz 5 Foundation Board Member Cathy Sifre; Foundation Board Member Teresa Thompson of Main Street Bistro; Founda-tion Vice Chair Sally Cross of SuNy New Paltz Foundation; 2011 Special Merit Award winner Brittany Alessi and her mother Dar-lene Alessi of SuNy New Paltz; 2011 Schol-arship winner Sarah Armour of Mountain Laurel Waldorf School and her mother Polly Armour; Saswati Choudhury of Hudson valley Federal Credit union and Santanu Choudhury, parents of 2011 Scholarship win-ner Suvadip Choudhury; Joyce Minard; and Chamber Chair Ernie VanDeMark of Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp.

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Adagio Guest House62 Cedar Hill RoadHigh Falls, NY 12440845-687-2419Celia [email protected]/1dreamhouse.html Bed & Breakfast

Berkshire Farm Center & Services for youthP.O. Box 6183Kingston, NY 12561845-568-7660Lisa [email protected] and Family Services

domenick Lopane Jr. Landscaping LLC700 McGhee Hill RoadMillerton, NY 12546845-518-0632Domenick LopaneLandscape Services

Gardiner LibraryContact: Nell Boucher133 Farmers TurnpikeGardiner, NY [email protected] www.gardinerlibrary.org Libraries

Hudson valley Carpet Cleaning5 Lent DriveNew Paltz, NY 12561505-699-0196David [email protected] Cleaning, Cleaning

Hudson valley Contractors, Inc.3 Mares TrailNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-2350Susan [email protected]

Jamaica Choice Caribbean Cuisine271 Main StreetNew Paltz, NY 12561845-255-2900Dalmain [email protected] Restaurants

Joey’s & Call-A-Cab2032 Route 9WMilton, NY 12547845-795-4068Steve YoungrenTaxi Service

New Paltz dog Training4 Luna DriveNew Paltz, NY 12561845-399-3400Charles [email protected] Services

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Shadow Lawn Ny, LLC2233 Lucas TurnpikeHigh Falls, NY 12440845-687-2302Daniel [email protected] Planning/Facilities

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There is no way to quantify the total amount of damage done by the recent storms that tore through

our region. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has estimated over $1 billion in total loss, possibly more. Some estimates show $82 million in lost agricultural revenues for the more than 550 farms in Ulster County alone. Regardless of the estimates, or the numbers that might populate daily news reports, there is no true way of telling the extent of strain and hardship placed upon local residents, their homes, their families, and their businesses—or how long it will genuinely take to set things back to normal. It is certainly a challenge to try and find the positive aspect in the midst of such barely fathomable difficulty. However, there is one thing that is certainly evident, and is to be celebrated: The character of the New Paltz community, and that of the Mid-Hudson Valley beyond. The giving personality that

defines our region remains in full force in support of neighbors, colleagues, family, and friends, as we move toward full resolution.

The best way to begin explaining how local organizations and businesses have risen to the challenge is to begin with one for whom relief is a full-time job: the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross, hard at work on assisting every last resident who needs it, even at the very moment you might be reading this article. Red Cross Executive Director Darryl Lafferty tells an inspiring story of help and hope, in which the business community’s contribu-tions play an equally important role as the national corporations that help stock the Red Cross’s warehouses. “Local businesses had a huge role to play,” Lafferty explains enthusiastically, “and, quite honestly, the community has been especially humble about what they’ve offered. No one is giving to get the credit—they’re giving because

that’s what they do, and it’s been incredible.” The stories of giving are endless—any one of them indicative of the kind of community that sustains its own. For instance: Dr. Alan Chartock, President and CEO of WAMC Northeast Public Radio, organized a September telethon in which $26,000 was collected in the first hour alone. Lafferty is quick to point out that, though major gifts—like the $50,000 recently donated to the Red Cross efforts by M&T Bank, or the efforts of the MHV Federal Credit Union, who has turned each and every one of its locations into a donations collection center— are im-mensely helpful, every volunteer effort has been equally valuable, each according to its means. “It takes an army to do what we’ve done,” exclaims Lafferty, “and everyone’s contribution is essential.”

New Paltz’s Water Street Market is the proving ground for a prime example of the kind of effort the business community is

BEYOND BUSINESS

SHELTER FROM THE STORMIn the Wake of disaster, the Community Character Shines ThroughBy Gregory Schoenfeld

Storefront of In Good Taste, donators of wine for New Paltz Flood Aid event.


putting forth. Always a site for events that celebrate and inspire the community, a special committee has formed at Water Street Market, to plan events that will benefit what’s being called “Flood Aid.” “At Water Street, we’re going to do as much as we can to help our community,” says Walter Marquez of New Paltz Antiques Barn, and manager of the Water Street Market. “That giving is so important.” Two separate events are planned. On Sunday, October 2, from 4-9 p.m., the Kick Off Potluck Event will mark the beginning of the inaugural New Paltz Local Food Week to follow. Suggested donations of $20 will go to the Flood Aid fund. Raffle tick-ets will also be available for a host of prizes donated by New Paltz businesses.

On Sunday, October 16, an all-day ben-efit concert will be held in Hasbrouck Park, featuring Seth Davis, The Sweet C l e m e n t i n e s , R a t b o y, T h e B u b b a Band, Snowbear, and The Love Taps. A range of ticket choices is available: Individual seats are $20, with $15 student tickets and $40 group family packages available. Special VIP packages will also be offered; among the things offered will be meals donated by A Tavola, and beer and wine provided by In Good Taste and The Gilded Otter. Those choices and several others will also be avail-able a la carte to all visitors of the concert. Water Street Market Events Coordinator Theresa Fall explains that all proceeds will be equally distributed: one third to New Paltz farms affected by the storms, one third to New Paltz families still in need, and one third to local first responders, who played such an important role in the relief efforts. “It’s really great to see the community all pull together,” says Fall. “In one way or another, we all know someone that’s been affected.”

“It takes an army to do what we’ve done, and everyone’s contribution is essential.”—Darryl Lafferty, Executive Director, Mid-Hudson valley Chapter of the American Red Cross

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The spectrum of possible improvements that can benefit both the bottom line of your business and the Earth’s integrity are ever-widening, with modern progressive technol-ogy in the field constantly moving forward. Choices like photovoltaic solar technology—the use of solar cells to create electricity—are becoming increasingly applicable and efficient. Other options, like solar thermal (solar heating and cooling technology), and geothermal heating and cooling (which uses the natural energy from subterranean water sources for power), represent a plethora of “green” alternatives. And there is plenty of good-old green money available to make it happen. The past decade has seen long green strides in New York State, primarily via the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (www.nyserda.org). Millions of dollars in state funds are available for smart investors. Case in point: NYSERDA will subsidize up to 40% of a photovoltaic solar system installation for businesses and nonprofit organizations, with still more fund-ing available through rebates provided by the manufacturers themselves. Still more savings are available federally through incentives like

the Business Energy Investment Tax Credit. Solar Thermal water heating and photo-voltaic solar power systems (wind energy improvements, as well) as are eligible for a 30% break, with 10% available for geother-mal. Until 2008, there had been caps on the credit availability, but most of those spending limits have since been removed. A complete list of applicable programs and credits can be found online at www.dsireusa.org.

SAvING IS COMMON SENSEOften, though, fiscally sound environmental stimulus options don’t require an engineer-ing degree to understand; simple common sense is all that is required to make the

difference. A prime example is Central Hudson’s widely successful Energy-Efficient Commercial Lighting program, which has been operating at a consistent peak since its inception in November of 2010. Barry Henck, Marketing Specialist with Central Hudson’s Energy Efficiency team, explains that the program, which first offers an initial free audit and assessment, covers a full 60% of comprehensive lighting system upgrades. Wasteful lighting systems, like those using common T12 fluorescent fixtures (look up at the flickering lighting bank above your head for an example) are replaced with new, thin-ner T8 and T5 models. “They are much more energy efficient, and provide more, higher-

Fiscally sound environmental stimulus options don’t require an engineering degree to understand; simple common sense is all that is required to make the difference.

Our Bright Green Future continued from front cover


quality light,” says Henck. “For example, in many case, two T8s can replace four T12s, and you are looking at an average 20% to 30% cost savings yearly.” Central Hudson employs a direct installer which also handles the audit; and, to boot, it will remove and recycle your old lights for free. Not enough to be convinced yet? Add to that an option to finance the remaining 40% of the costs—at 0% for 14 months—and consumers are look-ing at a cost-effective, environmentally sound overhaul with absolutely no initial cost. Every kind of non-residential operation is eligible for the program: from offices to restaurants, manufacturers to schools and nonprofits. The only question for businesses should be how quickly they place the call to get started in this first-come, first-served program.

How successful has the program been? James P. Laurito, President of Central Hudson, explained in a recent press release, which announced an additional $3.5 million worth of funding that Central Hudson has received to continue the program: “Since the Commercial Lighting Program was first offered in November 2010 more than 1,490 commercial and governmental projects have been completed, realizing in total an esti-mated annual savings of more than 34 million kilowatt hours in electrical usage, or enough energy to power 4,300 homes for one year. Participating small commercial customers have realized an average savings of 23 percent on their electric bills, and mid-size custom-ers an average of 11 percent.” Together, these savings will reduce electric bills in total by an estimated $3.25 million per year, and avoid 17,000 tons of greenhouse gas emissions into the environment.” Local businesses of every stripe and size have availed themselves of the program. For example, Ulster Savings Bank recently completed an upgrade of the entire lighting system at its corporate headquarters in Kingston.

SuSTAINABLE SuNy Another local institution that has taken advantage of Central Hudson’s offering is The State University of New York at New Paltz; yet, for the college, and for its Director of Facilities, Operations, and Maintenance Brian Pine, lighting upgrades are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg in the college’s “green” endeavors.

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Pine has led a charge toward a sustain-able, progressively efficient school that has spanned years. When he came to SUNY New Paltz in May of 2006, the former Director of Buildings and Grounds at Sullivan Community College was already fiercely invested in pursuing energy-efficient up-grades. During his tenure at Sullivan, the school installed one of the largest geother-mal fields for public energy use in the coun-try at that time. Implementing geothermal on the SUNY New Paltz grounds is just one of the many changes that Pine continues to look forward to. “I’d love to see geothermal come here,” says Pine. “But it’s a process. You need to research the situation carefully.” While that careful study and implementa-tion continues to take place, Pine and SUNY New Paltz have set to work on achieving results. Since his arrival in 2006, despite sky-rocketing energy costs, increased student population, and grounds improvements, the school has maintained a “flatline” of energy use: the BTU-per-square-foot ratio has either remained stable or been reduced. At the new Athletic Wellness Center com-plex, in addition to the $180,000 of lighting upgrades, SUNY New Paltz implemented a $300,000 NYSERDA grant to install a pho-tovoltaic solar electric system.

A great deal of research, in fact, goes into the efforts of Pine and his team, illustrating another common-sense rule that applies to sustainable energy retrofitting: Be sure you’re making the correct choices from the start. Careful study and planning is the backbone of Pine’s efforts. For example, the school installed a campus-wide metering system to look at real-time energy use—gas, when applicable, plus electric and water—allowing Pine to trend, study, and find anomalies of buildings that aren’t performing at peak efficiency, and find immediate solutions. “Bottom line, you’re saving operating costs—and it builds on itself,” Pine explains. “That money can go back into the infrastructure, which keeps those savings improvements coming.” It’s a process that bears immense value for Pine, and SUNY New Paltz. “We’ve been successful—nearing half a million dol-lars in rebates and grants that go directly into sound green improvements for the college. We’re just trying to be good managers of what we have here, and it’s working.”

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NEW PALTZ ROTARy CLuB ELECTS NEW SECRETARy

Irene Berner, CFP®, of Berner Financial Services, has been elected Secretary of the New Paltz Rotary Club. A Rotarian since 1999, Irene is also Chair of the Speaker Committee. Rotary International is a worldwide service organiza-tion comprised of business, professional, and community leaders providing humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. The Club meets every Thursday at 12:15 for lunch at 36 Main Restaurant and Wine Bar. Berner Financial Services, established in 1996, is a locally based financial planning firm offer-ing Financial Planning and Professional Asset Management. For more information on Berner Financial Services or the New Paltz Rotary Club, call 845-256-1950.

uLSTER SAvINGS AWARdS SCHOLARSHIPS TO TEACHERS ANd STudENTS

The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation awarded $40,000 to 15 area students and 15 educators at its Scholarship and Learning Initiatives for Educators (L.I.F.E.) Grant Awards Reception held at Wiltwyck Golf Club, Kingston. The foundation scholarships were awarded to recognize outstanding academic and personal achievement by community-minded students; the L.I.F.E. grant program assists Ulster County teachers with funding for purchases or programs outside of their regular budget. For more information, call (845) 338-6322, ext. 3245.

SuNy NEW PALTZ ALuM dAvId GASPARRI PROMOTEd TO IN-CHARGE ACCOuNTANT

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni, and Weddell LLP, CPAs announces the promotion of David Gasparri of Wappingers Falls to In-Charge Accountant. David, a SUNY New Paltz graduate, joined the firm in 2009 and works in the Wappingers Falls office in the Client Service Department. David is an active member of his community. Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP have offices in Newburgh, Tarrytown, and Wappingers Falls. They provide accounting, auditing, tax and business consulting services to clients in the greater Hudson Valley, as well as in other areas of New York State and New Jersey. For more information, visit www.vddw.com.

ACCREdITATION By AASM FOR SLC’S CENTER FOR SLEEP MEdICINE

St. Luke’s Cornwall’s Center for Sleep Medicine has been granted accreditation by the American Academy for Sleep Medicine (AASM), acknowledg-ing facilities across the nation that provide only the highest quality of care. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (845) 458-4899 or visit www.stlukescornwallhospital.org.

PATRICK dONOvAN NAMEd BuSINESS SERvICES LOAN OFFICER AT HvFCu

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) announced that Patrick Donovan has been named Business Services Loan Officer. Patrick has more than 23 years of experience in the financial services industry, holds several professional licenses, and is a notary public. HVFCU is a community-chartered credit union providing personal financial services to more than 244,000 members. HVFCU offers savings and loan programs to people who live, work, worship, volunteer, or attend school in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, and Putnam counties. For more information, visit hvfcu.org.

MCGILLICuddy’S LAuNCHES NEW WEBSITE

McGillicuddy’s Restaurant has launched a new website. Check out www.CuddysNY.com to look at the menu, upcoming events, book a party, or even apply for a job. Register to win $25 gift certificate, raffled exclusively to a registered member every month. Registered members also receive coupons and special promotions via e-mail. Check out catering menu options online and e-mail [email protected] to learn more. McGillicuddy’s Restaurant is located at 84 Main Street, New Paltz. Call (845) 256-9289 to learn more.

ART OPENING AT LABELLA PIZZA BISTRO

In June, LaBella Pizza Bistro hosted its most successful art opening ever: Fran Sutherland’s Scene @ Seventy. This was not only an art show but also a celebration of Fran’s 70th birthday, and the birthday bash was fun for everyone involved. This show was followed by Jillian Mari Photography’s World Illuminations. The exhibition Journey to iXnay, featuring mixed media prints by Dana Flavin, will run through November 11. For more information about art at LaBella Pizza Bistro, visit www.labellapizzabistro.com, call 845-255-2633, or visit in person at 194 Main Street, New Paltz.

NEW PALTZ: MOST SuNy APPLICATIONS

SUNY New Paltz welcomed 1,195 first-year students and 685 transfer students, for a total of 1,880 new students. For the 21st consecutive year, New Paltz had the most applications for admission (16,894) among SUNY’s comprehen-sive colleges. Graduate enrollments for fall 2011 increased over fall 2010, reversing a several-year decline. Dr. Donald P. Christian was appointed eighth president of SUNY New Paltz after serving as interim president since July 2010. Cheryl B. Torsney was appointed interim provost and vice president for academic affairs while the college conducts a national search for a new provost.

CRAIG THOMAS PEST CONTROL GETS THE GOLd

Craig Thomas Pest Control, Inc. has been named one of the “Top 25 Companies to Watch” by Pest Control Technology magazine, which high-lights companies that put good ideas to work. Craig Thomas Pest Control’s rapid growth earned a special spot on the list. Craig Thomas Pest Control has also been awarded a Gold membership in the US Environmental Protection Agency’s Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program (PESP). This recognition is reserved for PESP members who have demonstrated a commitment to reduce the risks of pesticide and are willing to adopt innovative, alternative pest control practices. For more information, call 1-800-255-6777 or visit callcraig.com.

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


HvFCu OFFERS LOWER TuITION

FOR MARIST STudENTS

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) has joined forces with Marist College. As part of the Credit Union’s HVFCU@Work program, the college offers a 20% discount on tuition for select graduate and adult under-graduate programs to HVFCU@Work partici-pants, which offers benefits for business owners and employees, including financial education seminars, on-site membership enrollment, and free insurance quotes. For more information, call 845-463-3011, visit hvfcu.org, or come in to any HVFCU branch.

WvLT HONORS NAdINE LEMMON

The Wallkill Valley Land Trust (WVLT) held its annual Conservation Award Ceremony at Rock and Rye Tavern, New Paltz, honor-ing Nadine Lemmon for her work in smart growth and environmental preservation. Nadine has served on the Boards of the WVLT and the Gardiner Association for Responsible Development (GARD); has worked to pass and implement “smart growth” zoning legislation as a member of the Gardiner Town Board; oversees conservation, preservation, and develop-ment as Gardiner representative to the Ulster County Planning Board; and serves the Tri-State Transportation Campaign to advance sustain-able transportation policies. For more informa-tion about the WVLT, call 845-255-2761 or visit www.WallkillValleyLT.org.

A TAvOLA PROMOTES LOCAL

INGREdIENTS

A Tavola Trattoria held its first annual Harvest Dinner in September, celebrating the harvest with a four-course tasting dinner using exclu-sively local farms and ingredients. This new annual tradition truly celebrated the bounty of the Hudson Valley at harvest time. For more information about A Tavola Trattoria, visit atavolany.com or call 845-255-1426.

NySNA AWARdS MARGARET

ARMENTO-MCdOWELL NuRSE

AdMINISTRATOR OF THE yEAR

Margaret Armento-McDowell of Bermac Home Aides has been named Nurse Administrator of the Year by the New York State Nurse’s Association (NYSNA), receiving the award at the Association’s annual convention in Niagara Falls. Margaret has worked in community and public health nursing in Ulster County for over

40 years and is currently President of District #11/NYSNA. Margaret graduated from Bellevue Schools of Nursing and holds an undergradu-ate degree in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary College, a graduate degree in Health Services Administration from Russell Sage, and a gradu-ate degree in Nursing from SUNY New Paltz. For more information about Bermac Home Aides, visit bermachomeaides.com.

NEW WORK AT MARK GRuBER GALLERy

Mark Gruber Gallery presents the show “Eric Angeloch, Marlene Wiedenbaum: New Work,” which is the epitome of the paradox of two dissimilar spirits that complement each other completely. Through October 17. For more information, visit www.markgrubergallery.com, call 845-255-1241 or stop in at the Mark Gruber Gallery, New Paltz Plaza, New Paltz.

HARvEST MOON WALK ON RAIL TRAIL

The Hudson Valley Rail Trail Association hosted its Annual Harvest MoonWalk on the Hudson Valley Rail Trail in conjunction with the Hudson Valley Ramble. The Harvest MoonWalk is a unique annual event that features a nighttime walk on the trail and includes a bonfire and a storyteller. The MoonWalk began at the Hudson Valley Rail Trail Depot, maintained by the Highland Rotary Club. For more information, call 845-691-2066.

HISTORIC HuGuENOT STREET CO-PROduCES HISTORICAL FILM

Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) and Friends went to Rosendale in July with a special showing of The Princess of Montpensier at the Rosendale Theatre. HHS co-produced the show with the Rosendale Theatre Collective and offered a short introduction before the film describing its relevance to New Paltz and the history of the Hudson Valley. For more information about Historic Huguenot Street, visit www.huguenotstreet.org or call 845-255-1660.

HARCOuRT WILdLIFE SANCTuARy PRESRvEd IN PERPETuITy

The Open Space Institute (OSI), Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) and the Thomas and Corinne Nyquist Foundation announced the preservation in perpetuity of the Harcourt Wildlife Sanctuary, a popular 56-acre nature pre-serve located on Huguenot Street in New Paltz.

The Sanctuary contains the “oxbow,” a complex of ponds and wetlands; has over 1,300 feet of frontage on the Wallkill River; and adjoins the Jewett and Khosla farms, both protected by OSI and Wallkill Valley Land Trust in the “Two Farms” campaign in 2007. The Sanctuary also adjoins the Gardens for Nutrition, a community-supported public gardening area.

ALWAyS THERE MAKING A dIFFERENCE AWARdS

On Saturday, September 24, The Lazy Swan Golf & Country Club Village hosted Always There’s 4th Annual An Evening in Tuscany. Attendees enjoyed a great evening of wine, mu-sic, theater, silent auction, and dinner. 100% of the proceeds will support Always There’s Adult Day Programs. The 2011 Always There Making a Difference Awards acknowledging people and organizations that have demonstrated excel-lence, volunteerism, or exceptional dedication to optimizing the health of those residing in their own homes were awarded to HITS, Inc.; Lyle Schuler of MAC Fitness; and 10-year-old Robert Joseph Bendelius. For more information, visit www.alwaystherehomecare.org or call 845-339-6683.

REd CROSS RELIEF EFFORT FOR IRENE

As of September 2, 2011, the American Red Cross of Northeastern New York (ARCNENY) deployed 255 staff to the Tropical Storm Irene relief effort, establishing four spontaneous fast-track volunteer training courses that trained 123 people. ARCNENY served more than 5,000 meals and sheltered hundreds of people in more than 30 shelters throughout the region. It dis-patched in 13 disaster assessment teams. Visit www.redcrossneny.org to learn more, including how to give to the relief effort.

ABC’S dAN KLuGER COMES TO

THE HudSON vALLEy

In July, the folks from Serious Eats road-tripped with chef Dan Kluger of ABC Kitchen, ( James Beard Award for Best New Restaurant), to the Hudson Valley to meet some of the farmers that supply his ingredients, including Tantillo’s Farm Market and Tuthilltown Spirits, then headed back to ABC Kitchen to enjoy a dinner that included the produce picked up that day. For more information about Tantillo’s Farm Market, visit www.tantillosfarm.com. For more information about Tuthilltown Spirits, visit www.tuthilltown.com.


NOAM CHOMSKy ANd ANTHONy ARNOvE AT SuNy NEW PALTZ

SUNY New Paltz will honor the life’s work and legacy of American historian, activist, and playwright Howard Zinn with presenta-tions by noted author and philosopher Noam Chomsky and filmmaker and editor Anthony Arnove on December 4 in Lecture Center 100. Presentations by Chomsky and Arnove will consider Zinn’s leading role in promoting peace and social justice in the contemporary world, and will be followed by a question and answer session. For more information, visit www.newpaltz.edu or call 845-257-3245.

NEW LAB AT SLCH

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital (SLCH) recently held a ribbon cutting for its new Laboratory. The Lab, located on the main level of SLCH’s Newburgh campus, was redesigned to increase productivity and reduce wait times for patients.

AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION STAFF CHANGES

The American Heart Association recently an-nounced changes in the structure of its Hudson-Fairfield Region. Pam Tarquinio has become the Executive Director of the Westchester/Fairfield/Putnam Counties Region, and will manage the staff, boards, and events for that region. Tonya Addy is the new Executive Director of the Hudson Valley Region, and will manage the staff, boards, and events for what were formerly the Dutchess/Ulster and Tri-County regions.

PHILLIES BRIdGE FARM PROJECT’S “MEAL IN THE FIELd”

On July 30th, Phillies Bridge Farm Project hosted its inaugural “Meal In The Field,” four courses of locally-sourced food prepared by five local chefs and served in one of the Farm Project’s working fields. Dishes were prepared by Michael Bernardo (Cafe Mio), Agnes Devereux (The Village Tearoom), Phil Leger (Bridge Creek Catering), Seth and Jennifer Branitz (Karma Road), and Lagusta Yearwood (Lagusta’s Luscious). For more information, call 845-256-9108 or visit www.philliesbridge.org.

WINGATE NuRSING ASSISTANTS PROMOTEd

A celebratory breakfast was held at Wingate at Beacon for six Certified Nursing Assistants who were promoted to Advanced Certified Nursing Assistant: Anne Cooper, Anna Simpson, Deleen Hammond, LaKeisha McCann, Ada Belardo, and Sara El Bida. The graduates represent Wingate

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EXPANSION CAMPAIGN FOR SHAdOWLANd THEATRE

Shadowland Theatre recently announced plans for the “Light the Way” capital campaign. In addition to a 70% box office increase on near-capacity attendance and the new heating and air-conditioning systems that have been installed, and the gift of a 5,300-square-foot building to Shadowland has sparked a fund-raising campaign, allowing for a second stage, expanded programs and educational opportuni-ties, and helping to complete housing recently donated by Provident Bank. Shadowland’s board of directors has pledged $325,000 toward the $1 million dollar goal. For more information or to donate, call 845-210-1061 or 845-888-4224, or visit shadowlandtheatre.org.

PRESIdENT ANd BANK CEO dAvId S. MACFARLANd RETIRES

Riverside Bank announced that President and CEO David S. MacFarland, retired on July 1, 2011, though he continues to serve on the Board of Directors. The board unanimously approved the appointment of John M. Davies as his successor and Todd J. Rubino to Executive Vice President and Senior Loan Officer. A 1970 graduate of SUNY Orange, MacFarland spent six years as Executive Vice President of Corporate Banking for Premier National Bank (now M&T Bank) and 31 years with Fleet Bank. For more information about Riverside Bank, visit www.riversidebank.com.

HISTORIC HuGuENOT STREET APPOINTS TRACy dOOLITTLE MCNALLy EXECuTIvE dIRECTOR

Historic Huguenot Street (HHS) announces the appointment of Tracy Doolittle McNally as the new Executive Director. An 11th generation descendant of the Huguenot founders of New Paltz, Tracy has an inherent passion for HHS’s mission. Tracy has been instrumental in the transformation of a number of organizations through strategic analysis, long-range plan-ning, and execution; she holds a BA from St. Lawrence University and an MBA from SUNY New Paltz School of Business. Most recently, she was head of the Greene County Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit www.huguenotstreet.org or call 845-255-1660.

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LEGISLATION ANd NEWS THAT AFFECTS yOuR BuSINESSCompiled by Gregory Schoenfeld

THE BOTTOM LINE

FRACKEd REASONING?As the state looks at the effects of hydraulic fracturing for natural gas, all eyes have been on an Environmental Impact Statement meant to serve as a blueprint for the controversial tech-nique to move forward in New York. But with the release on September 7 of the Department of Environmental Conservation’s latest 1,537-page draft came this news: The agency will release a new document in October that could be even more important as the state inches toward allowing high-volume hydrof-racking. The DEC will move next month to put out a set of proposed enforcement regulations, but it has environmentalists concerned that the state is moving too quickly. As it stands, the document includes guidelines if the agency permits high-volume hydrofracking, but not hard-and-fast rules that must be followed in any circumstance. “We look forward to receiv-ing comments from the public that will help inform the final conditions for high-volume hydraulic fracturing in New York State,” said DEC Commissioner Joseph Martens.

uNION COMPROMISEKen Brynien, president of the state’s sec-ond-largest public-employees union—the Public Employees Federation—defended the five-year contract offer currently before his 56,000 members as the best deal pos-sible under the circumstances.

“The net result is we’re better off signing this contract than we are having no contract,” says Brynien. The state’s largest union, the Civil Service Employees Association, ratified a similar contract last month. Brynien insists the union has in recent years managed to stave off the “massive attacks” sustained by public workers unions in other states. “But now those hits are at our door, and we’ve been trying to deal with them as best we can,” he says. Governor Andrew M. Cuomo has said that workforce savings will be achieved from unions through negotiations or job reduc-tions. CSEA’s members are now protected from those layoffs, while PEF’s protection is contingent on the approval of the deal.

NEW RuLES FOR THE PERFECT MOuSETRAPThe US Senate gave final approval on Thursday to the first major overhaul of the United States patent system in nearly 60 years, voting 89-9 to send the America Invents Act to President Obama. The bill changes the system by altering the Patent and Trademark Office’s fee system and cre-ating a “first-to-file” system, under which patents would be awarded to the first person to file an application. It also creates new systems for challenging patents. The bill will provide the Patent and Trademark Office with the tools to expedite applica-tion processing, drive down the backlog of unexamined patent applications, and issue higher-quality patents that are less likely to be subject to a court challenge. Although bills to reform the patent system have languished for years, the economic downturn provided the impetus needed for action. Many businesses and elected officials support the reform as a tool to spark innovation and stimulate the economy.

A SECONd OPINION ON HEALTHCAREWith 2.6 million uninsured residents, a popular Democratic governor, and tens of millions of federal dollars at stake, New York would seem to be one of the least likely states to join a growing revolt in

the nation’s capitals against facilitating a federal overhaul of health care. But several Republican lawmakers in New York have thus far succeeded in blocking the state from seeking large amounts of federal assistance to put into place a mandatory health insurance exchange—a state-run marketplace where individuals and small businesses can buy insurance. Although Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo proposed creat-ing the insurance exchange, and the State Assembly, with a Democratic majority, ap-proved it, the Republican-controlled Senate refused to take it up before the Legislature adjourned its regular session at the end of June. Republicans in the State Senate have joined a chorus of conservative lawmakers in other states who are spurning millions of dollars in federal assistance rather than enacting legislation required to carry out the health care overhaul, known as the Affordable Care Act. Since the act’s passage, only 13 states have approved legislation to set up exchanges.

MONEy IN, JOBS OuTPrecision Flow Technologies, which last month announced a $1.5 million state grant awarded in 2010 to expand at TechCity, has cut its workforce by about 40 employees after Asian companies delayed orders for its products. CEO Kevin Brady said reduc-tion of his staff through layoffs, attrition, and furloughs leaves Precision Flow with about 230 employees. Brady attributed the job cuts to the Korean television market “falling short of the growth curve” as well as to restrictive economic and monetary policy in China. Precision Flow, which is based in Saugerties and also operates at TechCity in the town of Ulster, makes state-of-the-art process equipment for semicon-ductor, photovoltaic, and LED equipment suppliers. Brady said the delayed orders are expected to be renewed in the first quarter of 2012 and that employees who were laid off on September 1 could return then if they are still available.


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On December 31st of this year, something scarcely imaginable to business owners and com-

munity leaders throughout the region will occur: Joyce Minard, president of the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce, will officially retire from the position she has made so uniquely her own.

Since joining the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce in 1979, Minard has remained a constant force on many levels throughout the community. Among the many accomplishments along the way are her work with the Ulster County Farm Bureau, Ulster County BOCES, the Ulster County Workforce Investment Board, on which she currently sits, and the Ulster County Tourism Board, of which she is cur-rently chair. She has been president of the New Paltz Regional Chamber since 1998.

Perhaps the best way to try to begin to describe the breadth of Minard’s impact and contribution is through the words of those she has served alongside in her tireless efforts. The outpouring of appreciation helps give definition to the career of this true community pillar. Here are just a few of the many heartfelt testimonials:

Michael Hein, Ulster County Executive“Joyce Minard is a powerhouse. From her par-ticipation in the Tourism Advisory Board, the Workforce Investment Board, the Red Carpet Team, Ulster Tomorrow, and many other eco-nomic development activities, she has had a

huge impact on economic development and business in New Paltz, Ulster County, and the Hudson Valley.”

Doug Thompson, Owner, Main Street Bistro, and former NPRCoC Board Chair“She is a great leader, and has always been the first to be there when anything needed to be tackled. She has taught me so much about leadership, and has been a huge influence on my business career. Joyce has been a real mother figure to so many of us.”

March Gallagher, Ulster County Deputy Director of Economic Development “Joyce Minard is my mentor. She is invaluable to me in identifying issues of concern and solutions for small and large businesses. From her roots in agribusiness to Main Street to manufacturing, Joyce understands the issues our businesses face and she has worked to ensure that those of us who work in business-services do our job!”

Connie Harkin, Asst. VP Marketing & Communications, Ulster Savings Bank, and current NPRCoC Board member“On behalf of all the board both past and present, it is a pleasure and honor to work with Joyce. Through good times and chal-lenging times she’s shown the leadership that the Chamber needs to be successful. We all look forward to continuing to work with her here—even though she’s stepping down, she won’t be far away.”

Rick Remsnyder, Director of Ulster County Tourism“There’s no one that I know of who is more dedicated to tourism and business in New Paltz and the surrounding area than Joyce Minard. Her influence extends well beyond New Paltz and Ulster County, however. It seems that everyone knows Joyce. And though she is serious about what she does, Joyce has a great sense of humor that makes it a joy to work with her.”

In fact, Minard will be staying on with the Chamber, in her new capacity of Director of Special Projects—so, indeed, she will not be far at all from the organization she holds dear. She will work this year toward a seamless transition to the next president. “I have lots of ideas to pass on to this person—but they’re going to make their own mark, along with the community,” says Minard. “They’ll need the drive, the will, the dedication to keep it mov-ing forward. I am very excited about what will serve our region even further in the future.”

Though Minard is proud of what has been accomplished, she is quick to share the credit with everyone who shares her passion and commitment along the way. “I don’t want to take the credit for something that includes the whole community,” she humbly explains. “I’m just a part of something that involves so many. Each of the members are so special to me—they’re like family. They’re the ones that make me look good, and I’m so thankful.”

No, thank you, Joyce—from all of us.

PASSING THE TORCH

LEADER, TRAILBLAZER, INSPIRATION, AND FRIEND

Celebrating the Career of Joyce Minard


The village of New Paltz was the site of yet another ideal union of love and business

when it brought together Phil and Justine Leger of Bridge Creek Catering. Family friends since their teenage years, as adults they finally discovered what those closest to them seemed to already know: that they were meant for each other. After graduating from the highly celebrated program at the nearby Culinary Institute of America, Justine lived in New Paltz while cooking for caterers and preparing specialty desserts. Phil soon joined her in New Paltz, bringing an ecletic background of his own: He had a business and engineering education to go along with his cooking and catering experience. “Start an engineering business, or catering?,” Justine recalls. “We really wanted to spend our days working together, and catering

seemed like a natural choice.”After starting the business in the basement

of their house 13 years ago, with Justine as chef and Phil as maitre d’ on their first job, their success has grown considerably. Again, it is that special teamwork that helps make their efforts fruitful. “Justine is more of the creative person, with the gift to make great food in almost any ethnic variety,” explains Phil. “I have a good business background and proj-ect management background. So our events are highly organized and we serve incredible food. One last benefit—I really enjoy spend-ing the days with Justine and knowing that we don’t have to wait until we retire to share lots of time together.” The renovated garage on Jenkinstown Road in New Paltz that has been their production kitchen and office for the past seven years is now a constant hive of

activity, where the Legers create the menu for as many as four events at once.

Still, the community in and around New Paltz sustains the Legers as much as they feed it. “I love going to the farm to pick up products and get the latest news from the farmers,” says Justine Leger. The Legers take their role in giv-ing back to the community as a critical part of their business as well. “Everyone should shop local, but as a business owner that spends a lot of money I feel it’s critical to put the money back into the local economy.”

By Gregory Schoenfeld Photos by Michelle Williams

MEMBER PROFILES The Power of Two

Bridge Creek CateringMEMBER PROFILE

IN A COMMuNITy KNOWN for making both residents and visitors feel like family,

it’s no surprise that a number of our finest local businesses are the product of a

real family effort. Running a company along with your significant other means

offering your clients and customers the best of both worlds, and the unique

ownership environment it creates can be a blueprint for success. Here are some

prime examples of how local co-owner couples are making it work. (First rule for

success: turn the business line off when it’s time to sit down to dinner.)

BRIdGE CREEK CATERING30 Jenkinstown RoadNew Paltz, NY 12561(845) 255-9234www.bridgecreekcatering.com


THANK yOu!

alfandre architecture

american Heart association

american Solutions for Business

angelynn F. Pinto, Psy-d, LLC

ann Barber Consulting, inc.

antiques Barn at Water Street Market

apple Bin Farm Market

Baker’s Bed & Breakfast

Beek’s auto

Beyond Wealth Management

Bicycle depot

Birchez associates LLC

Bridge Creek Catering LLC

Bright Beginnings of new Paltz

C2g environmental Consultants

Casa Mia restaurant

Catskill Hudson Bank

CdPHP

Center for international Programs -

SUnY new Paltz

Center for theraputic Massage

Chelsea Modular Homes

Clephas/Burns environmental

Colonial Flower Shop

Copeland Funeral Home

Country Maids Concierge &

Cleaning Service

d.J. abstract

david dippel, Land Surveyor

deep-Six Underwater Systems

diStasi, Morello & Murphy Law PLLC

ellinwood & krasinski, CPas

enchanted toys

Fall Fittings, inc.

FirstCare Walk-in Medical Center

Flint Mine Press

MEMBER RENEWALS

The simplest way to appreciate the Mid-Hudson Valley region is to take a look around at the captivating beauty of the area, and civil engineer David Clouser has been in the business of maintaining and improving the infrastructure of those lands and structures for quite some time now. When he arrived from the Midwest to manage a Newburgh engineering firm over 24 years ago, the region’s singular appeal convinced him to make New Paltz his permanent home. New Paltz also introduced Clouser to his wife of 19 years, Arla.

In 1995, Clouser opened his own firm, with an eye toward operating as a sole practitio-ner. However, opportunities to collaborate with top-quality staff convinced Clouser to abandon his strict downsizing plan, and David Clouser & Associates was born. As the business began to expand, Arla, then a special education social worker, joined the firm as office manager—bringing her own unique talents and balance to the business. “I’ve gained a great appreciation of what Dave does, and the challenges he faces as well,” says Arla. “We are in this together. What I add is a different perspective—I can stand back and

look at the big [non-engineering] picture, or think about the risks in a way that he doesn’t.” And the harmony they have struck has indeed been a key to the firm’s prosperity. “That collaboration has been very valuable to the success and reputation of the business that we enjoy,” David adds.

Yet how is success measured at David Clouser & Associates? Much more than just profit and loss, the integrity of the region and the community is focal to the company’s mission statement. “Our commitment is to help keep our Mid-Hudson region, and particularly New Paltz, the vibrant com-munity it has been for many years,” offers David Clouser. “It’s all about encouraging the option to choose and build the future that best serves our entire community. That will be our final measure of success—and it is indeed possible!”

david CLoUSer and aSSoCiateSMEMBER PROFILE

dAvId CLOuSER & ASSOCIATES

1 Paradies Lane, Suite 200

New Paltz, NY 12561

(845) 256-9600

www.dcaengrs.com


MEMBER RENEWALS

gateway Community industries, inc.

glenn & Breheney PLLC

Hampton inn - kingston

Harvest Café restaurant & Wine Bar

Health alliance

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit

Union nP branch

Hudson valley Magazine

Hungry ghost guest House

Hunter Mountain resort

in Living Color

ingraham Shovel Company

J t Marks trucking, inc.

Janne dooley, LCSW

Jenkins and Lueken orchards

karma road organic Café

katia gushue Fine art Studio

LaBella Pizza Bistro

Lithography By design

Little Pond Consulting LLC

Luminary Publishing

Manpower, inc.

Maple Lane apartment rentals

MHv Federal Credit Union

Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum

Mike arteaga’s Health & Fitness Centers

Minnewaska Lodge

Moondance ridge Bed & Breakfast

Mountain Brauhaus restaurant

Mountain Meadows Bed & Breakfast

Mountain Skills Climbing guide

MvP Health Care

new Paltz agway

new Paltz Child Care Center

new Paltz downtown Business

association

There’s nothing like a bit of inclement weather to remind one just how valu-

able the clarity, solidity and functionality of your car’s windshield and windows can be. Since 1993, Scott and Lonna Owens of Excel Auto Glass have been the region’s caretakers. The challenge of opening their own business—they started with one van, with Scott as the sole technician and Lonna handling customer service—was a risk well worth taking, says Lonna Owens. “We start-ed our own auto glass company because of the ability to run it the way we wanted,” Owens explains, “without corporate limita-tions, and to focus on our community.”

Their Lake Katrine-based business has certainly grown, becoming a local institution in their field. The family feel they pass on is essential to their success—helping them to compete positively with larger nationwide corporations. According to Lonna, it is that personal touch that makes the difference. “Our customers are dealing with the owners of the business, and they can clearly see that

we want to make people safe and happy,” she explains.

The ability to focus on the needs of the community that they are a part of is also a key part of the Owens’ focus. “It is very dif-ficult to be without a vehicle for any period of time, and we take that into consideration when scheduling installations and or re-pairs,” says Lonna. “We are able to make decisions based on our individual market, and people can tell the difference.” Owning Excel Auto Glass has helped increase the Owens’ appreciation of where they live, as well. “Owning our own business has allowed us to travel for continuing education,” says Owens, “and when we come back home to the Hudson Valley we realize how blessed we are.”

EXCEL AuTO GLASS CORP.1789 Ulster AvenueLake Katrine, NY 12449(845) 336-0800www.excelautoglass.com

exCeL aUto gLaSSMEMBER PROFILE


MEMBER RENEWALS

P&gs restaurant

Pinegrove ranch and Family resort

Pinnacle Learning Center

Psychological rehabilitation Services

Q. Search, inc.

red Pump Studio

retro Systems

roll Publishing, inc.

rose and kiernan, inc.

ruth’s Beauty

Shadowland theatre

Ship Lantern inn

Sobel orthotics & Shoes

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital

State Farm insurance

Studio one Hair design

terri Coonrad Hershkowitz nP. PC.

the Corporate image Photo Studio

the Culinarian’s Home Foundation inc.

the kempner Corporation

tom’s repair Shop

tress olay

Ulster County tourism

Ultra Seal Corporation

van vliet orthodontics

Walden Savings Bank

Water Street Market

Westchester Medical Center

Westwood Metes & Bounds, inc.

Jan kohn

Westwood Metes & Bounds, inc.,

Sandra reid

Whitecliff vineyard & Winery, LLC

Wilklow orchards

Woodstock/new Paltz art & Craft Fair

Wright’s Farm

Members who renewed as of June 10.

Forty years ago, John and Catherine McCormick joined the ranks of those

who come to the Hudson Valley, fall in love with the area, and never leave. Like so many others, the two ( from Westchester and the Bronx, respectively) met as students at SUNY New Paltz. They married the follow-ing year, settling in as New Paltz residents. Even their subsequent careers as educators in the Wallkill Valley School District are complimentary: Catherine taught reme-dial skills to elementary school students, while John taught AP social studies to high school seniors.

The thing about the McCormicks is that not much has really changed since they started their Creek Locks Bed & Breakfast; it has been this way since each one was a child. “We both come from immigrant fami-lies, where the house was always filled with people,” says Kate with a sentimental smile, “and that’s exactly how we like it.” Their New Paltz home was the place to be for their family and friends—not to mention their children—for 30 years.

After their kids had gone to college, the McCormicks decided to make the long-standing conversation about running a bed and breakfast into a reality. When, in 2004, they found the decaying 1866 home on the banks of the Rondout Creek in Rosendale, they knew they had found what they were looking for. Friends and family saw nothing

but headaches, but John and Catherine saw possibility. John led a troupe of local contrac-tors—including many former students—on a year-long, total renovation project.

The result was the meticulously restored building and grounds that is the Creek Locks B&B today. The singularly homey feel and welcoming environment, however, is purely the result of the McCormicks’ team effort. “We each bring our expertise to the business, and it keeps everything running smoothly,” remarks Catherine. She handles the meal planning and cooking, preparing everything from snacks to made-to-order specialty menus for their guests; John, a master gardener, maintains the grounds and gardens, as well as the finances. They joyfully share the cleaning duties each day. Yet according to John, it is the community itself that takes care of the rest. “The B&B business is the most community-friendly of any business. We make them comfortable, but really, they come up because of the area,” posits McCormick. “We send them every-where, and our business community has been incredible. It’s not a competitive thing, it’s a sharing, helping thing.”

Creek LoCkS Bed & BreakFaStMEMBER PROFILE

CREEK LOCKS BEd & BREAKFAST

1046 Creek Locks Road

Rosendale, NY 12472

(845) 331-5889

www.creeklocksbedandbreakfast.com


Fall is a season of change. Leaves change from green to gold, red and orange. People change out of t-shirts

and into sweaters. Clocks change from Daylight Saving to Standard Time. So it is no surprise that this fall issue of Regional Report brings news of change at the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce. If you’ve read the letter from Joyce Minard at the front of this issue, you already know that our esteemed president plans to retire at the end of this year, after more than 30 years of service to the Chamber. What you might not know, however, is that our member relations associate MaryBeth Boylan, after dedicating the last year to building relationships with and between our members and the greater Hudson Valley community, has taken an opportunity to return to the field of school

social work with the Archdiocese of New York. She will be missed, and we wish her well in her new career.

Because we are completely dedicated to our mission to build and maintain a solid foundation for the promotion of our region’s business, industrial, agricultural, and civic interests, it is absolutely necessary that this Chamber’s culture is not defined by any one face, name or personality; we must define ourselves by the community of our member-ship in order to serve our mission to the best of our ability. The Chamber requires and deserves a strong leader who will speak with the voice of its members. Since Joyce ac-cepted the position of president in 1998, the interests of our members have been fiercely defended throughout the Hudson Valley and New York State. We are proud to continue

for our members’ triumphs and troubles, successes and struggles, backed by decades of history, into the coming century.

According to Winston Churchill, “To im-prove is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” The New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce, as always, continues to strive for perfection.

Let’S Make a diFFerenCe togetHer

In this issue, we address what a change in leadership means to the New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

MEMBERSHIP SuCCESS COMMITTEE

CHAIR Patrick Turner Little Pond ConsultingMatt Rockett Hudson Valley Federal Credit UnionNancy Rafter Arrow PromotionsJohn Sorlie Empire State BankNancy Thomas-Finn Recycle Depot

Member FDICMember FDIC


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.

2011 CORPORATE PARTNERS

LEADING PARTNER

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

ASSOCIATE PARTNER

Brinckerhoff and Neuville Insurance Group

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

Health Alliance of the Hudson ValleyHealth Quest

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

KIC Chemicals, Inc.

Law Offices of James Yastion, PLLC

M&T Bank

Ulster Savings

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs

OUR CORPORATE PARTNERS

• Feed• Fertilizers• Shavings

• Fencing• Pet Food & Supplies• Lawn & Garden Supplies

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

Lawn & Garden SuppliesWARM FRONT WOOD PELLETS ARE IN STOCK!!

257 Main Street

New Paltz, NY 12561

BUS INESS

TOURISM EDUC

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MUN

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NEW PALTZREGIONALCHAMBERCOMMERCE

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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 • www.ulstersavings.com

Call, click or stop by any branch to learn how we’ve helped other local businesses succeed!

One Trusted Source ... Many Business Services

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Readers

Bop to Tottom,Kingston, NY

Columbia Beauty Supply, Kingston, NY

Paws UnlimitedKingston, NY

Brad’s BarnsKingston, NY

New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce

Documents

Transcript of New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce