Adirondack Chamber Blog

Summer Camp for Children with Life-Threatening Illnesses

2011-05-04T12:05:00.000-07:00

Approaching its’ 19th summer, The Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY is seeking individuals, organizations and businesses to sponsor a camper's week at summer camp. If you're not familiar with The Double H Ranch... they provide specialized programs and year-round support for children and their families, who are dealing with life-threatening illnesses. Something most of us cannot even begin to fathom. The children participate in camp experiences that are memorable, exciting, fun, empowering, physically safe and medically sound.

Says one camper, “There’s a totally different feeling as you pull onto Hidden Valley and go down the winding road toward camp. There’s a difference in the air. I wish there was more than one week”.

All programs at The Double H Ranch are FREE of charge to these young campers and their families. The Summer Residential Camp program hosts 900 campers, seventy percent who hail from New York State. Because of a medical diagnosis, these children are unable to attend other summer camps so this is truly an opportunity of a lifetime.

Says one mom, ”As a mom it’s awesome to have such a safe place for our kids to go. I can honestly say without Double H, my kids would have never experienced all the great joys of summer camp.”

This year, the Association of Hole in the Walls Camps, the organization Paul Newman set in place to continue his legacy and support his growing international family of camps, has presented the Double H with a new Challenge to raise $60,000 from people who sponsor a camper for the very first time, in return for a $20,000 grant.

Receive your Double H courage bracelet by taking a first step and sponsoring a child for his morning at camp ($125) or lead the way as a TrailGuide ($1,800) by sponsoring a child for her week at camp. In return, you will have the opportunity to spend time at camp and experience first-hand the impact of your gift. It’s a path you choose ― one morning, one week or anywhere in between. Your sponsorship gives a child new-found confidence and pride in sharing accomplishments with their peers and fosters a sense of belonging that will last a lifetime.

For more information on sponsoring a Double H camper, call 518-696-5921 or go to www.doublehranch.org.

Business of the Year Award Nominations

2011-05-04T06:48:00.000-07:00

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce will be presenting awards to deserving member businesses for their achievements in business, economic and quality of life contributions to our area.

Know one? (we know you do!) We are now accepting nominations for:

Large Business of the Year - Recognition of established business of 51 or more employees.

Professional Business of the Year - Recognition of established professional business (accountants, attorneys, architects, doctors, etc.) of 2-50 employees

Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year - Recognition of established business of 2-50 employees

Rookie Business of the Year - Recognition of business in existence for 3 years or less and shows great promise for continued success. 2-50 employees

Independent Business of the Year - Recognition of individually owned and operated business with no employees who is not supported or backed by a corporation or franchise.

Please CLICK HERE to complete the nomination form by Friday, May 13th. Award winners will be announced at the Business of the Year Awards Breakfast on June 22, 2011 at Fort William Henry. We appreciate your nomination.

Join the Fun!

2011-04-28T18:02:00.000-07:00

Some say Chambers are "all business"... but not here! We believe you should work hard and play hard. So today, we did just that. We worked hard all day, sent the rain away and then had huge fun at the best place to have fun... aptly named, The Fun Spot.

The proof is in the pics.
Oh... and the video!

Laser tag, mini golf, go-karts and plenty-o-friendly-competition to go around (eh ehm, the green team beat the red team in laser tag... just for the record).

Wanna join the fun? Check out our website and let the games begin!

Facelift for us... Free Gift for you!

2011-04-28T08:07:00.000-07:00

The Chamber had a facelift and we're feeling good... a technology facelift, that is. Stored Technology Solutions, Inc. -- or as we like to call them now that we're feelin' tech savvy... "StoredTech" -- came alongside the Chamber and completely upgraded our computers, network and email system.

"Securing a reputable, reliable technology firm to handle our sensitive IT needs was one of my top priorities," noted Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Peter Aust. "Stored Technology offers enterprise-level technology solutions and has excelled at meeting our needs."

And now? ...StoredTech is offering a free gift to all ARCC members. While supplies last, StoredTech is offering all Chamber members a free 1 Gig USB Memory Stick, which is preloaded with a network evaluation tool to allow companies to assess the health of their own computer networks. In addition, any interested ARCC member can receive a free 30-day trial of StoredTech's Managed Services client. Chamber members and future chamber members can obtain their free Memory Stick and additional information about the StoredTech offer at the Chamber offices, located at 136 Glen Street, Suite 3 in downtown Glens Falls (on the 2nd floor in the same building that houses Congressman Gibson's office).

Congressman Gibson Visits ARCC

2011-04-20T15:22:00.000-07:00

Just expressed our sincere thanks to U.S. Representative Chris Gibson for carving 90 minutes out of a very busy schedule to meet with 15 area business leaders in our Chamber conference room this afternoon. (pictured at right: Congressman Gibson greets Andy Cruikshank, CEO at Fort Hudson Health System, David Caruso, VP at Stewart's Shops, George Ferone, Executive Director at Tribune Media Services, David Kruczlnicki, President & CEO at Glens Falls Hospital)

The dialogue was not only robust, but personal and insightful. Gas prices and energy in general, health care, broadband, jobs, economy – both locally and nationally – ignited the conversation. Congressman Gibson's view on the recent repeal of the health care reform bill suggests that unless a sound replacement bill can be crafted, congress most likely won’t move forward. His perspective regarding the energy crisis is that we need to generate more energy here in NYS and in the country. Also, the reference to his “Irish Luck” on the proposal for researching alternative energy - including nuclear - added a comic moment to the discussion.

Take an inside look at some of what Congressman Gibson shared...

Our business community was well represented…thanks again, Congressman!

Peter L. Aust, IOM
President & CEO, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

If a Tree Falls in the Woods...

2011-04-14T09:44:00.000-07:00

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC), like Finch Paper, appreciates the simple things - quality, value and humor. This morning's monthly Board of Directors meeting at Tribune Media Services was void of none.

ARCC Board Member and Finch Paper's Vice President & Chief Financial Officer John Kvocka brought Finch Paper's Vice President and Senior Forester Roger Dziengeleski (pronounced "Jingle ES key") to share about sustainable forestry.

To set the stage, the group enjoyed Finch’s fastest papermaking video, "From the forest floor to your computer".

A few interesting takeaways:
* Very few paper mills still manage forests today -- and Finch Paper is one of them.
* There is more than one-and-a-half times more wood standing in the forest each year than the year prior, even with all the usage from mills. (note: this includes all trees measuring 5" in diameter and larger)
* Finch utilizes 750,000 tons of wood each year.
* 80% of the wood Finch uses comes from New York State (the rest from Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Canada).
* Regional competition pans out like this: the Pacific Northwest has the most volume per acre. The Southeast grows trees the fastest. The Northeast has the most trees.

To learn about how sustainably managed forests help mitigate climate change, read Roger's "Finch in the Forest" blog. Among other things, he will tell you, "As a concerned citizen, I recognize that global warming is one of the most pressing questions facing our society today. As a professional forester, I take heart in knowing that forests are an important part of the answer."

Thank you, Roger and John for the very informative presentation.

Hyde’s Rembrandt on loan to Louvre

2011-04-14T08:51:00.000-07:00

The Hyde Collection's prized Christ with Folded Arms by Rembrandt van Rijn is taking a tour around the globe, chaperoned of course. The Hyde masterwork will be on display in the Louvre in Paris beginning April 18, 2011 as part of a landmark exhibition titled, Rembrandt and the Face of Jesus.

When the exhibition closes at the Louvre, it travels to the Philadelphia Museum of Art where it will be shown from August through October 2011 and then to the Detroit Institute of Arts for exhibition beginning in February 2012.

According to David F. Setford, the Hyde’s executive director, “It is seldom that the Museum considers lending this impressive masterwork, but the exhibition being organized by the Louvre offers previously unparalleled opportunities for comparisons with related works from leading museums around the world.” Setford also noted the exhibition curators specifically requested Christ with Folded Arms because it is “the key image of Christ in Rembrandt’s late work” that “reflects how his idea of Christ had evolved” in a fully realized work.

During the absence of the Rembrandt work, The Hyde will exhibit a painting by the Flemish master Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) entitled Hygeia, Goddess of Health (1615), lent to The Hyde by the Detroit Institute of Arts. For the duration of the traveling exhibition, Hygeia, Goddess of Health will be on view in the Library of Hyde House where it will allow visitors to compare it with the Museum’s own smaller Rubens Portrait of a Warrior, that also hangs in that room.

It's Electric!

2011-04-14T08:20:00.000-07:00

Earth Day is approaching... People are spring cleaning in full force... You can't sell your broken electronics or air conditioners at a garage sale... For these, and many other reasons, you're encouraged to participate in the 9th Annual Electronics Recycling Day.

This year’s Electronics Recycling Day 2011 will be held from 7am-1pm on Saturday, April 23rd, at Taft Furniture in Colonie, NY.

NewsChannel 13 spearheads this successful annual collection effort of unwanted electronic equipment for recycling in honor of Earth Day. Last year 2,300 cars lined up to drop off used TV’s, computers, cell phones, VCR’s and various other electronic equipment. Destined for the landfills, over 270 tons of equipment was recovered and recycled instead. Additionally, hundreds of air conditioners were collected and the Freon was reclaimed on-site, further protecting the environment from this potential hazard.

We invite you to be a part of this special project and associate your business with a great environmental cause. Let's Get Green together!

Make a Run For It

2011-04-08T12:36:00.000-07:00

You've heard about the science fiction movie, Paul -- and sure, it looks clever and funny. But we want to introduce you to another Paul, a Paul who is making a real difference in our local community.

Meet Paul Wersten.

Paul's beautiful son, Ryan Wersten lived for only six months after being diagnosed with Malignant Infantile Osteopetrosis (MIOP). This disease is fatal and children with MIOP are afflicted with fractured bones, blindness and deafness. At this time, the cure for MIOP is to attempt a very risky bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant, both of which are nearly as life-threatening as the disease itself.

Most of us aren't familiar with this disease, but Paul has taken his personal tragedy and formed The Ryan Wersten MIOP Foundation, in memory of his son, to help educate the public and provide research, compassion and support for families who have a child with MIOP.

Recent graduate of Leadership Adirondack, Vice President of Corporate Banking at the Glens Falls National Bank, and overall good guy... Paul has announced that the 5th Annual Ryan’s Run will be held Saturday morning, May 14th at Saratoga State Park.

Join the cause. In fact, make a run for it.

Concrete Success

2011-04-08T11:00:00.000-07:00

Yesterday morning I had the pleasure of enjoying eggs, bacon and great conversation with Stuart Guinther, Plant Manager at Lehigh Northeast Cement Company. Between the chatter about the upcoming golf season and kids, Stuart shared the fantastic news that his plant has reengaged all of the workforce that had been idled just a short time ago.

In addition, with the recent orders and alignments of sister cement plants in the Northeast, the Glens Falls Lehigh facility will have enough work to remain at full capacity through the end of 2011. Outstanding news for Stuart and his team.

Upticks in housing starts and other commercial projects have Stuart and the Chamber looking forward to Lehigh's future. Chamber member wins like this are what keep us jazzed here at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and we can't wait to see what's next. Till then, enjoy the beautiful weekend.

Peter L. Aust, IOM
President & CEO, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce

Blooms from the Heart Campaign

2011-04-06T18:39:00.000-07:00

Each spring, two holidays arrive that provide us with an opportunity to remember and pay tribute to those who helped mold and shape the "who" we are today. This year, Mother’s Day falls on May 8th and Father’s Day on June 19th.

To recognize the molders and shapers of so many in our community, The Fort Hudson Foundation has created the annual “Blooms from the Heart” Campaign. For every $25 donation made to the Fort Hudson Foundation between now and June 6th, a fresh floral arrangement from Parkside Florist will be presented to a Fort Hudson resident.

Can you think of a better way to brighten a senior's day? We can't.

To participate in "Blooms from the Heart", call The Fort Hudson Foundation at 518-747-2811. For a look inside the heart and mind of Fort Hudson's leadership, read the editorial from Sunday's Post Star, written by CEO Andy Cruikshank,

2011-04-06T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to help North Country Coffee Café welcome Marta Townsend to their team. Formerly of Baker's Dream, Marta brings an extensive baking background and will be adding new baked goods such as scones and cakes to the menu.

If you have yet to visit the North Country (...the café, that is), we can assure you it's like walking into your own living room. You can expect a genuine greeting, freshly prepared food and a vibe you'll become addicted to.

And when you talk, they listen! Based on customer requests (and let's face it, the popular addition of Marta), North Country Coffee Café has extended its hours and will now be open 7:00am-7:00pm on Thursday and Friday. They are also open 7:00am-4:00pm Monday through Wednesday and 8:00am-1:00pm Saturdays.

Don't want to miss a thing? Follow them on Twitter.

It's Good Business

2011-04-06T06:02:00.000-07:00

You've long heard the Chamber say it's good business to do business with Chamber members. Our 1,000 member strong Chamber represents in excess of 23,000 people predominantly in Washington, Warren and North Saratoga Counties.

Bill Richmond, senior project manager at Behan Communications aptly notes in today's Buzz, "Doing good often translates into a business doing well, as its reputation and referrals (particularly in the age of social media) can be invaluable. Following ethical standards benefits the employees and the clients, and therefore a company’s bottom line."

ARCC members fall quickly into this category. The Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center is hosting the region’s first-ever “Ethics in Business” awards. Which Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce member business will you nominate?

2011-04-05T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to welcome two new staff members, Donna Smaldone, director of marketing and communications and Carrie Sullivan, director of finance and administration.

“Both Donna and Carrie bring a wealth of chamber experience and were hired to help advance ARCC’s mission to serve our members and the community,” remarked ARCC President and CEO Peter Aust. “After an active and thorough search, I am confident we’ve hired the best of the best in experience, professionalism and integrity. The board and staff are delighted to welcome Donna and Carrie to the team.”

With 25 years’ experience in public relations and marketing, Smaldone leads the Chamber's broad-based communications efforts to ensure the business community's interests are represented and understood. Most recently with readMedia, Inc. in Albany, New York, Smaldone’s prior work experience includes the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and the Downtown Norfolk Council and Downtown Norfolk Business Improvement District (BID) in Norfolk, Virginia. An active community volunteer, Smaldone currently serves as treasurer for the Board of Directors, Warren County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and on the music team at Christ Church United Methodist, Glens Falls.

Sullivan brings more than 30 years’ experience in administration and business finance. She directs the Chamber’s financials and is responsible for day to day office management, including serving as the president’s assistant. Sullivan comes to ARCC from the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County in Clifton Park, New York where she held the same title. Prior work experience includes owning her own financial management business and serving as a consultant for the Greater Wasilla Chamber of Commerce in Wasilla, Alaska. Sullivan volunteers as an advocate for the newly formed not-for-profit, I Am I Can.

Top Honors for Hudson River Community Credit Union

2011-04-04T07:17:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) for being recognized as a 5-Star Superior Credit Union by BauerFinancial, Inc. for its 65th consecutive quarter.

It's not just anyone that earns this highest 5-star rating. BauerFinancial, the nations bank and credit union rating firm awarded their 5-Star Superior Rating to HRCCU for excelling in areas of capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability. The fact that HRCCU has earned this recognition for 65 consecutive quarters puts the credit union in an elite group of Exceptional Performance Credit Unions, joining institutions that have consistently earned this highest rating for a minimum of 10 years without interruption.

“Many consumers don’t realize that a credit union has members, not just depositors. Due to specific membership restrictions, there is a unique bond between a credit union and its members”, explains Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “Because of this built-in relationship, credit unions, like HRCCU, have a step up in knowing how to serve each member individually."

By earning this esteemed rating for strength and stability, HRCCU CEO Susan Commanda and the entire HRCCU team are continuing their steadfast commitment to their members and this community.

State of the Counties

2011-03-31T17:17:00.000-07:00

You know you're in good hands when a politician notes, "You want your elected officials to take some risks and not make decisions simply to protect their own jobs". Queensbury Town Supervisor Dan Stec said exactly that as he kicked off the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce's first ever "State of the Counties" breakfast this morning at The Glen at Hiland Meadows. The room was packed with elected officials, area business owners and execs, media and concerned citizens.

Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Stec spoke first and addressed several key issues, including:
* Americade made an agreement with DEC to continue to use state facilities. Keeping this iconic festival in our community is a huge coup.
* Discussions are progressing nicely with Iowa Pacific Holdings to provide tourist train service. County Attorney/Administrator Paul Dusek expects the contract to be presented for approval in the coming days. The Public Works Committee is expected to vote on April 7th and the full Board of Supervisors at its regular meeting on April 15th.
* The Gaslight Village demolition project is moving forward nicely and ties in with the environmental goals for Lake George. There has also been positive discussion about utilizing the land for festivals in the future.
* The biggest issue right now is clearly the budget. A great website to gain more details and information is NYSAC, whose mission is to represent, educate and advocate for the 62 counties of New York State and the thousands of elected and appointed county officials who serve the public. There is a huge cause and effect with what the state budget looks like and the county's budget looks like.

Washington County Board of Supervisors Chair John Rymph spoke next, along with his respective County Administrator Kevin Hughes to share some of the initiatives, successes and challenges they are facing in 2011 and their vision for the future, including:
* There is a need for better infrastructure and government entities need to focus dollars on things like social services, police protection, infrastructure... thing the government is supposed to do... things businesses cannot accomplish on their own.
* One of our biggest concerns is what we're going to do about energy. John Rymph joked that Washington County has big plans for a nuclear facility, smartly clarifying the news media got that wrong when they suggested they were indeed considering such a facility.
* 76% of the County's budget = pure mandated items. The infrastructure of government has to change as there is a need for fewer layers of government. Kevin Hughes noted if that's what a Tax Cap does, then it's worth it... but if it's just death by a thousand cuts, it's not sustainable and therefore not worth it.

Pictured above, L-to-R are Washington County Board of Supervisors Chair John Rymph, Warren County Board of Supervisors Chair Dan Stec, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Peter Aust, and Washington County Administrator Kevin Hughes. For more pics from the breakfast, please visit the ARCC Facebook Page.

Hyde launches new website with interactive components

2011-03-24T15:49:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection announced today the debut of its new website, aimed at broadening the Museum’s connection with cyber-visitors of all ages and interests.

In addition to the new format, which features monthly event and activity highlights, as well as Hyde News on the homepage, www.hydecollection.orgnow presents excerpts from the Museum’s new orientation video, along with podcasts featuring personal views of works from The Hyde’s permanent collection.

“We want to engage our web visitors and also make it as easy as possible for them to explore the Museum and its offerings online,” said Setford. “Having highlights with full credit lines showcases our wonderful collection, and the addition of audio descriptions of key works, described by our volunteer docents, brings greater depth to our online presentation.”

Other site features include a Museum blog and a search function for major works from the permanent collection. In addition to connections via Facebook, the new site also offers social networking through Twitter and video via YouTube.

“This new site was part of a larger “Engaging Communities” project funded through a major grant by IMLS (The Institute for Museum and Library Services). In addition to making the website more interactive and broadening the learning opportunities on line, the grant also allowed us to produce additions to the Museum offerings such as the self-guided audio tours, educational Family Kits for use with young children, and the orientation film introduced in January of this year,” said Setford.
The new site was designed by Spiral Design Studio, LLC.

Saratoga Web Firm Offers 15% Savings on New Sites to 15 New Clients During April

2011-03-24T15:47:00.000-07:00

Interactive Media Consulting, Web Developer for Crandall Public Library and
Glens Falls Family YMCA, Celebrates 15th Anniversary in Business

(Saratoga Springs, NY) - Interactive Media Consulting, LLC, a Saratoga
Springs website development firm, is celebrating its 15th anniversary in
business by offering 15% savings to the first 15 businesses or non-profits
that sign up for its Quick Site product during the month of April. The
Quick Sites, which are normally priced at $1,000 including site development
and the first year of hosting, will be offered for $850.

"For fifteen years, my employees and I have built this business by serving
hundreds of local and regional organizations, both large and small. Our 15th
anniversary Quick Site special is a chance to reach out to businesses and
non-profits that may not be online yet with a great product that is fast,
flexible, and affordable," noted IMC owner Beth Moeller.

Quick Sites that IMC has launched recently include: Hungry Spot Cafe, Pfeil
Hardware, Energy Alliance New York, Saratoga Springs Rotary Education
Foundation, and The Stagg Group. A Quick Site provides a client with the
ability to maintain the site independently, using the popular WordPress
platform.

Established in 1996, Interactive Media Consulting provides website
development and hosting services, as well as general Internet training
services. IMC serves a variety of commercial clients in the greater Capital
District, including Saratoga Economic Development Corporation; Luther Forest
Technology Campus; Adirondack Region Medical Home Pilot project; Anderson
Instrument Company; The Scott Varley Group; and Sloppy Kisses Pet Boutique.

In the local area, IMC is known for its web development work for non-profit
organizations and community events, including the newly renovated Crandall
Public Library in Glens Falls, Glens Falls Family YMCA, Opera Saratoga,
Universal Preservation Hall, Home Made Theater, SaratogaArtsFest, and the
Children's Museum at Saratoga. In the past 15 years, IMC has donated over
$150,000 in services to 20 non-profit organizations needing site
development, maintenance, and hosting. Further information about the firm's
clients and services can be found at www.imediaconsult.com.

Wish You Had a Crystal Ball? Small Business Planning is not magic!

2011-03-24T15:44:00.000-07:00

Learn the basics to get more control. No prerequisites – start ups and existing business welcome. Get realistic forecasts for your business plan. Call 743-2238 to register -> Hurry class begins next week!

New!
Budgets and Forecasts for Small Business

Small businesses often fail due to lack of financial planning and cash. This course targets those individuals whose businesses are struggling, those who plan to start a business, as well as those interested in financial planning. Have you ever wondered where your money goes, and how you can control your cash? This course will provide a basic understanding of budgets, cash flow and forecasting. Small business owners need to harness their resources through financial planning. Budgets are the foundation of every financial plan, whether you need a loan, or just to see how you are doing now and 12 months down the line. The course will highlight different ways to formulate budgets, focus on cash flow and cash projections as well as overall forecasting and strategic plans. This class has no prerequisites, but some knowledge of Excel will be helpful.

Tiziana Rota, No. 20074, Tuition: $49.00
2 sessions
SUNY Adirondack Wilton Center
Wednesdays, Mar. 30 & Apr. 6
6-9pm

Craft Fair Being Held in Conjunction with the 2nd Annual Adirondack Adventure Festival on May 7 & 8

2011-03-24T15:42:00.000-07:00

The Gore Mountain Regional Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a Craft Fair to be held in conjunction with the 2nd Annual Adirondack Adventure Festival on May 7 & 8, 2011 in North Creek, NY. The 54th Annual White Water Derby will also be held that weekend in North River.

Vendors participating in the Craft Fair can take advantage of the many visitors coming to the area for the Festival and the White Water Derby. The Craft Fair will be located within the North Creek Train Station property – which is the central location for all the Festival events registrations, vendors, family activities, educational displays, exhibits and demonstrations. The Festival includes live music, bike tours, hiking, kayak demonstrations, fly-fishing demonstrations, the Adirondack Museum Natural Helpers Program, an exhibit by the Warren County Fish Hatchery (includes trout release at the end of the day on Saturday) and free rafting rides. All visitors entering or passing by North Creek will be directed to the Train Station location which will create a constant flow of traffic for the Craft Fair vendors.

Craft Fair vendor applications are available from the Gore Mountain Region Chamber of Commerce Office. Contact the Chamber Office at 251-2612 or info@gorechamber.com to request an application. You can also download an application and view a complete schedule of events at www.adirondackadventurefestival.com . The cost for both days, May 7 and May 8, is $50 for an 8ft. x 8ft. indoor space or a 10ft. x 10ft. outdoor space.

Arrow Financial Corporation Recognized by KBW for Superior Performance

2011-03-15T18:16:00.000-07:00

KBW (Keefe, Bruyette & Woods), a leading authority on the banking industry has named Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) as one of 40 banking institutions in the country to its 2010 Bank Honor Roll based on its ten year track record. The recognition comes after analysis of more than 400 publicly traded banks with at least $500 million in total assets. KBW indicated, in order to be eligible for inclusion on this year’s KBW Bank Honor Roll the following conditions must be satisfied:

1. No annual loss reported in net income per-share before extraordinary items over the past 10 years.
2. 2010 annual reported net income per-share before extraordinary items equal to or greater than peak net income per-share over the past 10 years.
3. Consecutive increases in net income per-share before extraordinary items since 2009.

Further, Banks named to KBW’s Bank Honor Roll have better than industry performance ratios and growth rates when compared to the publicly traded bank universe with total assets over $500 million which includes nearly 400 companies listed on NYSE and NASDAQ exchanges. For the five-year period between 2005 and 2010, the KBW Bank Honor Roll members significantly outperformed the banking industry and the market.

Thomas L. Hoy, Chairman, President and C.E.O. of Arrow Financial Corporation indicated, “We are extremely pleased to receive this recognition from this widely recognized and well regarded banking industry authority. This confirms our long-term business model which is built on the fundamentals of good asset quality, a strong capital, knowledge of our market and providing quality customer service through our banks and their subsidiaries.”

Women & Conservation: A History at the Adirondack Museum

2011-03-15T18:11:00.000-07:00

Blue Mountain Lake, N.Y. Learn, laugh, grow - and stay warm! Join the Adirondack Museum at Blue Mountain Lake, New York as the 2011 Cabin Fever Sunday series continues.

March 2011 marks the centennial celebration of International Women's Day. Although women have long been dedicated and progressive history makers, their actions were slow to receive international attention.

Join Museum Educator Jessica Rubin on Sunday, March 27, 2011 to learn more through a discussion of the role of women and female-centered organizations in the early conservation movement.

Rubin will offer a presentation entitled "Women and the Conservation Movement" as part of the museum's popular Cabin Fever Sunday series. Held in the Auditorium, the program will begin promptly at 1:30 p.m.

Cabin Fever Sundays are offered at no charge to museum members or children of elementary school age and younger. The fee for non-members is $5.00. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, please call the Education Department at (518) 352-7311, ext. 128 or visit the museum's web site at www.adirondackmuseum.org.

The Museum Store and Visitor Center will be open from noon to 4 p.m.

The pivotal roles played by women in the early conservation movement are excellent examples of historic female activism. Groups such as the National Federation of Women's Clubs and individuals like journalist Kate Field and botanist Lucy Bishop Millington will be highlighted in the presentation to illustrate the unique ways women interacted with and advocated for the American wilderness at a time when most were confined to the "private sphere."

Rubin will show that women were instrumental in the creation of state and federal conservation legislation and protections long before they had the right to vote. From the Adirondacks to California women were outspoken players in the national conservation crusade.

3rd Annual ‘Snowshoe Hike for Hospice’ Held Record Turnout!

2011-03-10T13:34:00.001-08:00

Queensbury— High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care had a record number of snowshoe enthusiasts attend their 3rd Annual Hike for Hospice.

On February 26 nearly forty outdoor enthusiasts attended the event and helped raise funds for neighbors and friends who are faced with life-limiting illness. “Having Froggy 107 here definitely improved our turnout,” says Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator for High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care. “Jackie Donovan, Kate Sullivan and ‘Froggy’ himself joined us on a gorgeous Adirondack morning as we welcomed our supporters” Sunday adds. Adirondack Broadcasting’s Froggy 107 team handed out prizes and Phantoms hockey tickets to several participants. “We had 10 participants return from last year’s event—they had so much fun!” says Sunday.

This event has grown in popularity over the last few years, from just a hand-full of supporters to whole families. Up Yonda provides a wonderful guided tour with an amazing view of the lake as the highlight. “We are grateful to Matt Sprow and the other educators with Up Yonda who assist us with this event each year,” Sunday concluded.

Hyde’s executive director to present still life talk

2011-03-10T13:32:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection announces that on Thursday, March 17, 2011, the Museum will hold a lecture on still life by David F. Setford, the Museum’s executive director.

Titled Fish, Fowl, and Flowers: 20th Century Still Life from the Norton Museum, the talk will be held in conjunction with the current exhibition at Hyde - Objects of Wonder: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum of Art.

The exhibition brings together fifty-one works of painting, watercolor, collage, sculpture, and ceramics as well as glass pieces and textiles, spanning four centuries. The show features such famous artists as Gustave Courbet, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Edward Steichen, Robert Mapplethorpe, and Andy Warhol. Setford, who was chief curator at the Norton throughout the 1990s, brings his specific expertise to this presentation as he was responsible for major shows at the Norton which featured 20th century artists, including Picasso, Man Ray, Dufy, and Bellows.

Setford’s lecture will highlight the different way that 20th century artists used still life as a way to grapple with the new styles of the century and will be held in The Hyde’s Froehlich Auditorium at 6 pm.

The lecture is free and open to the public. Suggested non-member donation to view the exhibition, which will be open to visitors until the start of the lecture, is $8. Seating is limited and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Those wishing to make reservations area asked to call 518-792-1761 ext. 17.

Grammy Winner Paula Cole to play Wood Theater May 18th

2011-03-07T15:51:00.000-08:00

GLENS FALLS, NY February 18, 2011. Applause Factory presents Grammy winner Paula Cole at the Charles R. Wood Theater on May 18th at 8:00pm. Tickets are on sale Thursday February 24, at 12:00pm. Tickets are $48 (Including all service fees) and can be purchased at www.woodtheater.org or by calling 518-874-0800.

Paula Cole's fifth album Ithaca, is a welcome return by one of pop’s most compelling vocalists, who has enthralled audiences with her soaring, agile soprano. Born the daughter of musicians, Cole studied jazz singing and improvisation at Boston’s Berklee College of Music before attracting rapt attention as a featured vocalist on Peter Gabriel’s 1993-1994 Secret World Live tour. Cole released her debut album, Harbinger, in 1994, followed by 1996’s self-produced This Fire, which spawned the two smash hits “Where Have All The Cowboys Gone?” and “I Don’t Want to Wait.” In 1997, Cole was nominated for seven Grammy Awards, including “Producer of the Year” and “Album of the Year,” and took home the award for “Best New Artist.” In 1999, Cole released her third album, Amen, then decided to take some time off following the birth of her daughter Sky in 2001.

Singer and songwriter Paula Cole uses Ithaca to take listeners on an intensely emotional, yet uplifting journey through divorce (“The Hard Way,” “P.R.E.N.U.P”) and the struggle to recover one’s identity (“Elegy,” “Waiting on a Miracle”) before allowing herself to revel in the healing, redemptive power of new love ("Violet Eyes,” “Come On Inside,” "Sex", "2 Lifetimes"). Along the way, she acknowledges being torn between work and her child (“Somethin’ I’ve Gotta Say”), and ultimately celebrates having music to get her through it all (“Music In Me”).

“My albums are Polaroid snapshots of my life,” says Cole, whose last album, Courage, was released in 2007. “The writing is the hard part because my process is highly personal and autobiographical. One of my biggest musical heroes is John Lennon because he was so brutally honest. I love the songs he wrote after he left The Beatles. They are so outrageous in their courage. This new album is just me processing things.”

Hyde after Dark networking event set for March 3

2011-02-25T17:26:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection announces that the first Hyde after Dark event of 2011 will be held at the Museum on Thursday, March 3 from 5:30 to 8 pm.

The Hyde after Dark program, which brings approximately 100 individuals to The Hyde on each occasion, was designed to make it as convenient as possible for potential visitors to come directly after work and socialize with friends while enjoying the art on display.

March’s Hyde after Dark showcases Objects of Wonder & Delight: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum of Art – the Museum’s current exhibition which includes works by such artists as Matisse, Chagall, O’Keeffe, and Mapplethorpe.

The evening will feature live music by Mark Rabin, light appetizers, beer, wine, and access to the exhibition.

Davidson Brothers Brewery and Restaurant is the Event Partner and this Hyde after Dark is being held in association with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Young Professionals Organization and the Saratoga County chamber of Commerce Young Professional Network.

Tickets for Hyde after Dark are $12 for members and $15 general admission. Those interested can save $2 per ticket by purchasing at least one day in advance of the event at the Museum Store or by phone via credit card. Admission to the exhibition during Hyde after Dark is included in the ticket price.

Contact the Museum at 518-792-1761, ext. 46 for additional information, to add your name to the Hyde after Dark electronic invitation list, or to purchase advance tickets. Individuals purchasing a new Museum membership at Hyde after Dark are admitted to that evening’s event free of charge.

Hyde to exhibit new acquisitions

2011-02-25T17:09:00.000-08:00

The Hyde Collection announces the opening on March 8 of its newest exhibition – What’s New? Acquisitions from 2008 to 2010.

The exhibition, which will be on display through May 29, features approximately twenty-four works of art acquired by The Hyde Collection between 2008 and 2010. During this period, the Museum accessioned an unprecedented ninety-six objects into its permanent collection through bequests, gifts, and purchases from a variety of donors and sources.

What’s New? highlights a selection of these recent additions, many of which introduce artists who have not been represented in the collection to date. The exhibition also emphasizes the variety of media in which these artists worked. Featured are such works as the monumental etching, The Gate Of Venice from 1888, by the American artist Thomas Moran (1837-1926) and a stunning Pond Lily Lamp from the Tiffany Studios, dating to the early-twentieth century. Also on display are a luminous watercolor by the American modernist Arthur Dove (1880-1946) from 1934-35 and an early engraving by the German Renaissance master Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528).

The works will be on view in the Hoopes Gallery and in the Education Wing of the Museum. The exhibition is curated by Erin Coe, chief curator, and Jayne Stokes, associate curator of The Hyde Collection.

Up Yonda Farms to Host 3rd Annual Snowshoe Benefit for High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.

2011-02-13T16:17:00.000-08:00

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION HELPS MAKE TAX TIME EASY

2011-02-13T16:11:00.000-08:00

February 11, 2011 (Corinth, NY): For tax year 2010, Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) is helping make taxes easy for its members by offering TurboTax Online at a discounted price via its website www.hrccu.org and Virtual Branch online banking service. Members can download the free 1040EZ edition of Turbo Tax or for an additional fee choose from the Deluxe, Premier or Home and Business versions. The site also features tax calculators, tips, online support and how-to videos.

“By offering TurboTax Online, we provide a valuable benefit to our members at tax time,” said Susan Commanda, CEO. “We want to make sure members have an easy, fast and accurate way to get their maximum refund possible at tax time and TurboTax does that.”

TurboTax 2010 easily and accurately guides taxpayers step-by-step through their tax return and makes sure they get every deduction and credit they are entitled to so they get their biggest refund possible.

This year, TurboTax automatically transfers more essential tax information into tax returns for greater ease and accuracy. Customized guidance, recommendations and answers give members the confidence that their taxes are done right.

Usherwood opens 7th NYS office in Plattsburgh

2011-02-13T16:08:00.000-08:00

February 6, 2011 - On January 3, 2011, Usherwood Office Technology completed the acquisition of Burgess Enterprises Ltd., of Plattsburgh, New York. Burgess Enterprises Ltd. had served Clinton, Essex and Franklin Counties for over 46 years and has represented Canon Copiers in the area for the past 30 years.

"This acquisition gives us real economies of scale for the North Country by boosting our service presence in the three counties," said company CEO Lou Usherwood.

As part of the acquisition, Usherwood Office Technology has retained all Burgess employees and is proud to count Clinton County, Adirondack Medical Center, Paul Smith's College, Saranac Lake Central School District and the Awkwesasne Casino as some of its newest customers!

iPAD Applications for Business - Tech II Business Service's March Free Lunch and Learn Session

2011-02-07T17:33:00.000-08:00

Tech II Business Service's March Free Lunch and Learn Session. Come and enjoy a complimentary lunch!

Topic: iPAD Applications for Business

Join us for this fast paced and entertaining free Lunch and learn. Robert Braathe of the Apple consultant network will show and discuss iPad real world applications This presentation will discuss the iPad and demonstrate how you can use the iPad for your business and beyond. Applications and uses for remote connection to Windows, presentations, and fields such as law, medical, and real estate will be explored and discussed. Demos of Apps and additional resources will also be shared.

Who: Robert Braathe of the Apple consultant network
Where: Tech II Business Services, 4289 Route 50, Saratoga Springs.
When: Tuesday, March 15th
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm

If you would like to attend contact Chris Waggoner at (518) 587-1565 or email cwaggoner@tech-ii.com

Singer/Songwriters Jeffrey Gaines and Amy Speace to play Universal Preservation Hall

2011-02-07T17:28:00.000-08:00

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – February 1, 2011 Jeffrey Gaines and Amy Speace will play live on June 1, 2011 at 8:00pm at Universal Preservation Hall located at 25 Washington Street in Saratoga Springs. Tickets are $25 and can be purchased at www.universalpreservationhall.org or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Tickets also available at Saratoga Guitar locations at 8 Caroline Street or 60 West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. This concert is presented by Applause Factory and Universal Preservation Hall.

Since Jeffrey Gaines' self-titled debut was released, this expressive and dynamic singer, guitarist, and songwriter has been heralded for his soul-searching confessional lyrics and his powerful live performances. His accolades include Emmy nominations, POLLSTAR’S best live solo artist, and world-wide theatre, club and arena tours.

ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE heralds Gaines as "an ethereal soul, insistent, impassioned, full of self-knowledge. He is the voice of a new generation."

Joining Jeffrey Gaines in this intimate acoustic evening is Amy Speace. Just a moment's exposure to Amy Speace's intimate yet powerful voice and timeless arrangements, and her roster position on Judy Collins's Wildflower Records makes perfect sense. Born in Baltimore, recently relocated from NYC to Nashville, Speace initially had her sights set on a career as an actress/playwright. She moved to NYC after college, studied acting and toured with The National Shakespeare Company before a $50 pawnshop guitar, a break-up with a rock musician boyfriend and an armful of Dylan and Joni Mitchell records changed her direction. Discovering a natural affinity for the guitar and songwriting, she incorporated her poetic lyrics into a musical style that melds country folk with roots rock Americana and quickly became a mainstay of the downtown NYC acoustic music scene.

HRCCU Promotes Harrold and Petteys

2011-02-07T17:17:00.000-08:00

PETTEYS PROMOTED TO FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFICER
AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

January 19, 2011 (Corinth, NY): Missy Petteys has been promoted to Financial Services Officer (FSO) at Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Call Center. In her new position as Financial Services Officer (FSO), Missy assists members and potential members with phone inquiries, account transactions and the consumer loan process. Petteys has been employed at Hudson River Community Credit Union for the past 15 years and prior to her promotion held various positions including Head Teller and Senior Financial Services Representative.

Missy is a graduate of Corinth Central High School. She is a Notary Public and has received advanced certification training in the administration of IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts).

HARROLD PROMOTED TO LEAD TELLER
AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

January 27, 2011 (Cohoes, NY): Mary Harrold has been promoted to Lead Teller at Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Cohoes Branch. In her new position as Lead Teller, Mary assists credit union members with their fi nancial transactions and product information requests and provides support to the Teller Supervisor in the management of the credit union’s frontline operations. Prior to her promotion, Mary held the position of Member Service Representative.

Before moving to Troy, NY with her family in 2008, Mary was employed as the Office Manager at Audiology Consultants of Cortland, NY and as a Department Secretary at Rochester Institute of Technology in Rochester, NY.

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST

2011-02-07T17:03:00.000-08:00

SUNDAY MORNING BREAKFAST
held the second Sunday of every month
at the Moreau Community Center

(February 13th, March 13th, April 10th, May 8th,
June 12th, July 10th, August 14th, September 11th,
October 9th, November 13th, December 11th)

Hosted by the Moreau Community Center Board of Directors
at the Moreau Community Center

8:30AM-11:30AM

Pancakes or Eggs with two sides:
Bacon, Sausage, Hash Browns, Toast,
(Beverages Included)

Only $5.00

Extra Choices Available
“The Big Moreau”:
Pancakes and Eggs, and all four sides only $8.00

AREA CREDIT UNIONS RAISE $8,172 FOR KIDS AT REGIONAL HOSPITALS

2011-02-07T16:55:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY (February 3, 2011): Thanks to the generosity of members from three regional credit unions, the 2010 Credit Union Care for Kids Campaign raised $8,172 to benefit pediatric programs at four area hospitals: Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Care, Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital (Schenectady) and Seton Health/St. Mary’s Hospital (Troy). Credit Union Care for Kids is a statewide community involvement program of the Credit Union Association of New York, Inc. (CUANY) and its goal is to raise money for children’s hospitals and pediatric units throughout New York State. The campaign is in keeping with the credit union movement’s philosophy of “people helping people.” The donations to the healthcare organizations will help support the following pediatric services:
• Glens Falls Hospital funds will be used to purchase DVD players, a Nintendo® Wii™ and Nintendo® Wii™ games for the children to enjoy while in the hospital.
• Saratoga Care’s proceeds will be used toward pediatric care at the hospital’s free clinic scheduled to open in 2013.
• Sunnyview Rehabilitation Hospital’s support will be used to purchase a pediatric AED (automated external defi brillator) at the hospital’s Schenectady office.
• Seton Health/St. Mary’s Hospital’s donation will be used for Seton Health’s newly relocated Clifton Park Pediatric Center. The Center will purchase educational toys and activities for the waiting rooms that will engage children and their parents in thoughtful and hands on play.

Credit unions from the Southern Chapter of the Adirondack District of the CUANY, Inc. who raised funds for the 2010 campaign include: Hudson River Community Credit Union; Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union; and TCT Federal Credit Union. Fundraising was conducted throughout the year and included selling stuffed animals, candy bars, mugs, hats, raffle drawings, holiday CDs, lobby coin drops and business donations.

Since the program began in 1998, credit unions from the Southern Chapter have donated a total of $118,498 to benefi t area pediatric programs.

New Exhibit at The Hyde Collection

2011-02-02T16:01:00.000-08:00

On January 29, The Hyde Collection opened its latest exhibition - Objects of Wonder and Delight: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum of Art.

The show brings together fifty-one works of art from the collection of the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. The subject matter is still life and the exhibition at The Hyde comprises works in a variety of media including painting, watercolor, collage, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and textiles.

Spanning four centuries, from the Ming dynasty of China to the early twenty-first century, this remarkable array of images and objects includes all of the major sub-genres of still life such as tabletop arrangements, flowers, and fruits and vegetables. Arranged thematically, the exhibition illustrates both the diversity and the longevity of the still-life tradition in China, Europe, and the United States.

The exhibition, which runs through April 21, 2011, features some of the most famous artists in Western art history, such as Marc Chagall, Gustave Courbet, William Harnett, Robert Mapplethorpe, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Yinka Shonibare, and Andy Warhol.

Arrow Financial Corporation to Acquire Upstate Agency, Inc.

2011-02-02T15:59:00.000-08:00

Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® - AROW): Thomas L. Hoy, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Arrow Financial Corporation (“Arrow”) announced today that Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Arrow’s lead banking subsidiary, has acquired Upstate Agency, Inc., a property and casualty insurance agency headquartered in Chestertown, New York with seven offices located in Northern New York. Upstate Agency will operate as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Glens Falls National Bank.

Upstate Agency is a full service property and casualty insurance agency owned and operated by Mark J. Carpenter. Mr. Carpenter will continue to manage the agency which offers personal and commercial lines of property and casualty insurance. Mr. Hoy stated, “We are very pleased to have Mr. Carpenter and the professionals of Upstate Agency join Arrow and the Glens Falls National Bank team.” This transaction will complement Arrow’s other property and casualty insurance operation, Loomis & LaPann, Inc., as well as its health insurance agency, Capital Financial Group, both of which are located in the Glens Falls Area. Mr. Hoy added, “We are confident the acquisition will benefit our customers and our company. Upstate’s offices across the North Country will provide additional convenience and new opportunities in our existing banking communities.”

Mr. Carpenter indicated, “We are extremely pleased to have the opportunity to join forces with Arrow, Glens Falls National Bank and their other insurance operations. This affiliation will allow us to add to the services we provide."

Arrow Financial Corporation is a multi-bank holding company headquartered in Glens Falls, New York with 35 banking locations in northeastern New York. Arrow Financial Corporation is the parent company of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company. Other subsidiaries include North Country Investment Advisors, Inc., Capital Financial Group, Inc., and Loomis and LaPann, Inc.

PARTNERS WITH TD BANK TO SUPPORT HIGH PEAKS HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE INITIATIVES

2011-02-01T17:33:00.000-08:00

February 1, 2011 - Queensbury, NY - High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care recently announced a partnership with TD Bank through its Affinity Program.

TD Bank's Affinity Program helps nonprofit organizations raise money by receiving an annual cash contribution from TD Bank, based upon the average deposit balance held by the organization's participating members.

Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator for High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care stated, "High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care is committed to our community. This exciting new fundraising opportunity will allow us to further our reach and provide the highest level of end-of-life care to more individuals and families within our service area of Warren, Essex and portions of St. Lawrence, Franklin and Hamilton counties. Please contact Marcella Towers at 623-2991 or marcella.towers@tdbanknorth.com to link your account to the Affinity Program."

Rotary Club of Glens Falls To Award High School Scholarships for 2011

2011-01-28T20:27:00.000-08:00

Rotarians know that many of our local high school students selflessly provide community service to local organizations and causes. To salute those students, several years ago the Rotary Club of Glens Falls created a scholarship program for graduating seniors from Glens Falls and Queensbury High Schools.

This year $5,000 of scholarship assistance will be available to qualified, deserving graduating seniors, in an amount up to $2,500 per student. The awards may be given to students from one or both schools.

Eligibility for the scholarships requires outstanding community service and at least a minimum of a B grade average, which must be verified in writing by the student’s guidance counselor. The scholarship awards are designed to recognize students who have gone “above and beyond” to serve their community, just as the Rotary motto requires, "Service above Self." Family members—i.e., children and grandchildren—of Glens Falls Rotarians are not eligible.

The deadline for submitting applications to the Glens Falls Rotary for the is drawing near. Completed applications must be postmarked no later than March 1, 2011 and received by the Glens Falls Rotary Club by 5pm on March 15, 2011. Rotary applications are available through the high school Guidance Department, or they may be downloaded from the Glens Falls Rotary Club website at www.glensfallsrotary.org. All semi-final applicants will be asked to meet with a review committee of Rotary Club members prior to the final selection. Winners will be announced in May.

Rotary First 5K Charity Race to Benefit Open Door

2011-01-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

On April 9, 2011, the Glens Falls Rotary will host its first annual 5K race/walk to benefit the Open Door Mission. The race, which will be named The Rotary 5K will start and end at the SUNY Adirondack campus on Bay Road in Queensbury. SUNY Adirondack is also one of the primary sponsors of the race.

The club intends to make this an annual fundraising event to help support local agencies who may need additional financial support to carry out their work in the community. Each year the Glens Falls club donates thousands of dollars to charitable organizations who may need financial help. "We think we can do more to help and we certainly are seeing the increased need in the past few years," said David Bogue, Public Relations Director for the club. "The 5k Race will be the first time we have organized an event like this but we have quite a few experienced runners in our club who also have managed other race events. With the help of SUNY Adirondack we think we can establish an exciting and healthy event for the community that will benefit a lot of people."

The club chose the Open Door Mission in Glens Falls as its first local organization to be the recipient of the proceeds from the race. Said President Kevin O'Brien, "We are acutely aware of the needs of all the organizations in our community, but we felt strongly that Open Door really needed some additional support with all they have been through recently. They serve thousands of people each year who have fallen on hard times, reaching out and serving the needs of the homeless and unfortunate of our community. They are working hard to help those marginalized citizens who have nowhere else to go.”

The Rotary 5K, which has been accredited by USA Track and Field, will begin and end at the SUNY Adirondack campus. Race Director Jim Goodspeed emphasized that, "It's a relatively flat course winding past the Glen at Hiland Meadows, down Meadowbrook Road to Cronin Road and back up Bay Road to end again at SUNY. It's a great course with great views and is especially accommodating to runners and walkers of all abilities. We think this can become a very special event in April each year that will attract lots of people from our community and well beyond." Check-in begins at 8AM and the race begins at 10:00 am with awards and entertainment to follow.

For more information or to register on line or by mail, go to www.glensfallsrotary.org or active.com. Applications may be dropped off at the Glens Falls YMCA on 600 Glen Street or the downtown LARAC office at 7 Lapham Place. The entry fee for the race is $20.00. The club is also seeking individual and corporate sponsors to participate in the event.

IMAGINE DONATING THE MAGIC OF SNOW― BY SPONSORING A DOUBLE H WINTER SPORTS ENTHUSIAST―

2011-01-28T20:21:00.000-08:00

Lake Luzerne, NY – January 25, 2011 – 200 children and 120 volunteer instructors are marking their calendars and counting down to their days on the slopes this 14th season of the Double H Ranch Adaptive Winter Sports Program. Continue the magic on the Double H slopes this winter season by sharing your love of snow with a Double H winter sports enthusiast dealing with a life-threatening illness. Winter student sponsorships range from $50 for a day to $600 for a season.

Says one mom, “I never thought my son, who cannot walk, would ever be able to ski. When I saw the huge smile on his face, I knew we were in the right place, and there was nowhere else on earth we would rather be.” Says one instructor, “Double H is a magical place that fosters children’s abilities and strengths to learn and be creative, to explore and be adventurous, and most of all laugh and have fun!” Says one sponsor, “I was brought up by parents who were big on skiing, and I’ve instilled a passion for the sport in my own family. To be able to share our love of skiing with others who might not otherwise experience its challenges and thrills, makes us feel good.”

The Double H Ranch hosts the only privatized Adaptive Winter Sports Program in the northeast, solely available to children and families with special needs, not open to the public and free-of-charge. The season consists of five family sleepover weekends and a total of ten regular ski days, two alumni ski days and two night skiing events. The diagnoses served in the winter program are various neuromuscular diagnoses such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida and muscular dystrophy (nearly half the children served in the winter), cancer (including leukemia), sickle cell anemia and hemophilia, HIV/AIDS, autism spectrum, mitochondrial and other rare diseases. More than half of the students come from Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

For more information about sponsoring a winter sports enthusiast, call Linda Smith, Development, 518-696-5921, ext 238 or donate online at www.doublehranch.org

Adirondack HOGs Makes Donation to High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care

2011-01-27T16:23:00.000-08:00

Nadine Szewczyk, Senior Road Captain with the Adirondack Harley Owners Group (HOGs), presented the annual donation to Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator with HPH&PC. "All of us at High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care; the staff, board, volunteers and our patients and families are so very appreciative of your ongoing support. Your continued advocacy helps us further our mission of providing dignity, comfort and peace at the end of life. We couldn't do it without you," says Sunday.

In addition, High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care is asking for the community's support in partnering for their Annual Motorcycle Rally. For the past 17 years, the Saranac Lake office has hosted a rally and pig roast with live music. In recognition of the organization's 25th anniversary year, the event is being re-vamped. Volunteers are sought to help organize this exciting new endeavor. Please call your local office for more info, Saranac Lake, 891-0606, Queensbury, 743-1672 or Port Henry 546-9850.

Arrow Financial Corporation Declares Cash Dividend

2011-01-27T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Board of Directors of Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) on January 26, 2011 declared a quarterly cash dividend of $.25 per share payable March 15, 2011 to shareholders of record March 3, 2011. This represents an increase of 3% over the cash dividend paid in the first quarter of 2010, as a result of the September 29, 2010 3% stock dividend.

O*BRIEN INSURANCE INCLUDED IN IIABA’S BEST PRACTICES STUDY

2011-01-21T13:58:00.001-08:00

GLENS FALLS, NY, JANUARY 10, 2011 – O*Brien Insurance is part of an elite group of independent insurance agencies around the United States participating in the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA or the Big “I”) “Best Practices” Study Group.

Each year since 1993, IIABA and Reagan Consulting, an Atlanta-based management consulting firm, join forces to study the country’s leading agencies in six revenue categories. The agencies comprising the study groups are selected every third year through a comprehensive nomination and qualifying process and awarded a “Best Practices Agency” designation. The selected “Best Practices” agencies retain their status during the three-year cycle by submitting extensive financial and operational data for review each year.

“We are most grateful to be chosen for this award,” says John O*Brien, president and Chief Concerned Officer. “It is only possible because of our great staff and loyal clients.”

More than 1,200 independent agencies throughout the U.S. were nominated to take part in the annual study, but only 224 agencies qualified for the honor. To be chosen, the agency had to be among the 35-40 top-performing agencies in one of six revenue categories. The agency was nominated by either an IIABA affiliated state association or an insurance company and qualified based on its operational excellence.

The Best Practices Study was initiated by IIABA in 1993 as the foundation for efforts to improve agency performance. The annual survey and study of leading independent insurance agencies documents the business practices of the “best” agencies and urges others to adopt similar practices.

For further information, please contact John or Kevin O*Brien of O*Brien Insurance at (518) 793-5173.

Patagonia store coming to Ridge St. Coffee space in downtown GF

2011-01-21T13:19:00.000-08:00

Article published in the Chronicle, January 20, 2011
By Gordon Woodworth
Chronicle News Editor

An outdoor clothing store featuring the Patagonia line will occupy the highly visible first-floor of the Barton building facing the roundabout at the corner of Ridge and Warren Streets in downtown Glens Falls.

Matt and Nancy (Bunker) Fuller of Queensbury have a memorandum of understanding for a three-year lease with Barton and aim to open in late April.

“The main line will be Patagonia,” said Mr. Fuller, a partner in the Glens Falls law firm FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth and a 1992 Fort Edward High School graduate.

“We will have men’s, women’s and children’s clothing. We will be outdoor-oriented, and carry some backpacks and maybe some snowshoes.

“We will have fleece jackets and hats, pants and shirts, and we’re working on a line of boots. We’ll have some outdoor stuff, but we’re not going to compete with Dick’s.”

Mrs. Fuller, a speech therapist at Shenendehowa school and a 1991 Warrensburg High School graduate, said the “broader lifestyle line of Patagonia clothing is not offered regionally. Trying to find Patagonia around here is not easy. It will be unique to have them here in Glens Falls. They don’t even have one in Saratoga.”

The Fullers are avid hikers, skiers and snowshoers.

Barton: ‘More retail good for everyone’

Rich Jenks, Barton Group Chief Financial Officer, said, “Having more retail is good for everyone in Glens Falls. It’s good for Barton, it’s good for the Chocolate Mill [which had eyed this space], and it’s good for all of the businesses downtown. We’re excited to have Matt and Nancy here.

“We need more reasons for people to come downtown, and more shopping opportunities does that. We think it’s a great fit.”

Mrs. Fuller said storefront, last occupied by Ridge Street Coffee Co., “looked very similar to the Patagonia stores we’ve been to in New York City. It seemed to be a good fit.

“It’s a fantastic space, and the brick interior will showcase the clothing well. It has great window frontage, and with all of the new restaurants and shops downtown and all of the positive energy, it seemed like the right time.”

Mr. Fuller said, “It is the space in downtown Glens Falls.”

He said the store will be named Fountain Square Outfitters. “We have some books on Glens Falls history and just started brainstorming ideas, and with Fountain Square being right outside and Scoville’s reviving the fountain, it was natural as soon as we came up with it.”

As for the emphasis on Patagonia, he said, “What drew us to the line is we could only get it online.” He said the Lake George Kayak Company in Bolton has some Patagonia merchandise, as does the Mountain Goat in Manchester, Vermont.

‘Environmentally-friendly renovations’

Barton hired The Honey-Do Man of Glens Falls to renovate the 1,600-squarefoot first floor. Mr. Jenks said, “We didn’t renovate the space when we bought the building because the coffee shop was here.”

He said there will be Forest Stewardship Council “green” hardwood floors, keeping with the building’s LEED Platinum Certification for energy efficiency and use of recycled materials.

Mr. Fuller said Patagonia is an environmentally conscious company, and their store will have a recycle bin where customers can bring in worn-out clothing for Patagonia to recycle.

Mr. Jenks said that ever since the coffee shop closed in March, “our goal has been to find the highest and best use for this space. We were looking for something good for Barton and something good for Glens Falls, and it really had to meet both criteria.”

Chocolate Mill proposal withdrawn
Barton had been talking with Chocolate Mill owner Frank Vollkommer on possibly converting the space into a business networking and meeting area.

Mr. Jenks termed it “quite an interesting idea, and a way to promote Glens Falls, but the broader business community didn’t embrace it as much as we thought it would.”

When the Fullers approached Barton with their idea, Mr. Jenks suggested they first talk to Mr. Vollkommer. “We had given Frank our word that we would move ahead with his idea,” Mr. Jenks said.

Mr. Vollkommer, contacted for comment, said, “The new proposal is very exciting and just what Glens Falls needs, so we took our proposal off the table to allow them to move forward. This is probably a better use of that space.”

Mr. Fuller said the basement will be used for storage, but will be partially lighted by opaque windows laid into the floor along the Warren Street side of the room.

He said they are talking to Outdoor Research, Smart Wool and Ibex about carrying some of their products in the store, “and we’ll have our own line of clothing, starting with shirts, that will be designed by an artist friend of mine.”

The Fullers also hope to feature outdoor products made in the Adirondack region.

Mrs. Fuller said she will work in the store on weekends and during the summer. She said they will be hiring two or three people to staff the store.

Mr. Fuller said they are working with Mike Murray from Adirondack Trust bank for financing. Mr. Fuller is the attorney for the Greater Glens Falls Local Development Corporation (LDC). He said that if he and his wife seek funding from the LDC, he would recuse himself to prevent a conflict of interest.

Still life exhibition opens at The Hyde; Norton chief curator to speak

2011-01-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – On January 29, The Hyde Collection opens its latest exhibition - Objects of Wonder and Delight: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum of Art.

The show brings together fifty-one works of art from the collection of the Norton Museum of Art in West Palm Beach, Florida. The subject matter is still life and the exhibition at The Hyde comprises works in a variety of media including painting, watercolor, collage, sculpture, ceramics, glass, and textiles.

Spanning four centuries, from the Ming dynasty of China to the early twenty-first century, this remarkable array of images and objects includes all of the major sub-genres of still life such as tabletop arrangements, flowers, and fruits and vegetables. Arranged thematically, the exhibition illustrates both the diversity and the longevity of the still-life tradition in China, Europe, and the United States.

The exhibition, which runs through April 21, 2011, features some of the most famous artists in Western art history, such as Marc Chagall, Gustave Courbet, William Harnett, Robert Mapplethorpe, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Georgia O’Keeffe, Yinka Shonibare, and Andy Warhol.

At 2:30 pm on January 29, Dr. Roger Ward, chief curator of the Norton Museum of Art and organizer of the exhibition, Objects of Wonder and Delight, will provide a lively presentation entitled Birds Pecking at Grapes and Other Shiny Objects: Four Centuries of Still Life from the Norton Museum. The talk will be a fast-paced account of the evolution of still-life painting in Europe and America, from Antiquity to the present, and how the diverse collection for which he is responsible has been deployed to create this exhibition.

Exhibition organized by the Norton Museum of Art, West Palm Beach, Florida.

Editor’s Note: Images available upon request.

EPA RRP Lead Training Class January 27, 2011

2011-01-14T19:21:00.000-08:00

Under the new EPA Lead, Renovation, Repair & Painting (RRP) Rule, contractors, renovators, remodelers, painters, maintenance workers and others performing renovation, repair and painting projects that disturb painted surfaces in homes, apartments, child care facilities and schools build before 1978 must be certified. Also, firms must have at least one “Certified Renovator” assigned to jobs where leadbased paint is disturbed.

Facts by the numbers:
* 35 million homes have lead paint
* 8.4 renovation events happen each year
* 235,000 firms will need RRP Certification
* $32,500 per day for violation of the rule, enforceable by any individual, not just Federal, State or local government employees

What Does the RRP Rule Require?
* Individual Certification at least one RRP Certified Renovator is required at each job site. Certification involves taking a 1-day class from an EPA-accredited Training Provider.
* Firm Certification in addition to individual certification, each firm, agency, or non-profit must also become RRP Certified. To do so, firms or entities must submit an application and pay EPA a fee of $300 which is good for 5 years.
* After April 22, 2010, ONLY EPA RRP Certified firms may work in target housing or child-occupied facilities where lead based paint will be affected by the work they perform.
* Use Lead-Safe Work Practices – The RRP rule requires that “Lead-Safe Work Practices” be used when disturbing 6 sq. ft. or more per room or 20 sq. ft. outside.

Catamount Consulting is offering an RRP Lead Course on January 27, 2011 at the Fort William Henry Resort in Lake George from 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. The cost for training is $250/person including breakfast and lunch.

Upon successful completion of this one day course, you will receive a Certification of Completion stating that you are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the requirements of EPA Lead Safety RRP rule.

Please contact Heidi at Catamount Consulting, (518) 623-2352, with any questions or for further information. Or visit our website, www.catamountconsultingllc.com.

I Am I Can Formed to Help Young Girls

2011-01-11T13:46:00.000-08:00

Photographs (taken by Heritage Photography) of the launch event at Saratoga National Golf Club on November 9, 2010.

Avon Scherff, President of Scherff Insurance Agency in Clifton Park, believes it’s important for young girls to know someone is listening, cares, and wants to see them succeed. This desire has led her to form I Am I Can, an organization aimed at mentoring girls in grades 9-12. I Am I Can's mission is to, “Encourage young women to discover their dreams, to believe their future holds endless possibilities and empower them to make it happen."

On November 9, 2010, the organization had a very successful launch event at the Saratoga National Golf Course. Approximately 70 people took the opportunity to talk informally with Ms. Scherff and the board, as well as enjoy light hors d’oeuvres and participate in the silent auction. The night raised money and awareness, both paramount to I Am I Can’s plans to help girls in the community thrive for years to come.

A signature pendant has been created to represent I Am I Can and portions of its sales will benefit the organization. The pendant, priced at $30, was designed to be wearable by both teenagers and women alike. It will be on sale shortly on the organization’s website, www.iamicanachieve.org.

I Am I Can is off to a strong start, but can still use help. One board member is still needed, as well as mentors and community directors. Mentors and advocates would be connected one-on-one with a young girl, meeting, sharing activities, and most importantly, helping the girls to establish and accomplish goals. Community directors would represent a specific community, and aim to promote the organization and its mission, as well as develop their own team and seek to locate girls and build up the program in that community. Ms. Scherff says, “It’s amazing how many women have had to overcome challenges,” to get where they are today. It is these women who have the insight and experience to help foster growth in the girls who will be our community leaders of tomorrow. These women, who have overcome obstacles to find success in their lives and careers, are the women I Am I Can would like to become mentors and work with the younger generation.

If you believe in empowering young girls in this community to find confidence and locate the assistance necessary to achieve their goals, contact I Am I Can at (518) 688-3010 ext. 102 to learn more about student participation and opportunities to volunteer.

CURVES SOUTH GLENS FALLS OPEN HOUSE TO LAUNCH CURVES CIRCUIT WITH ZUMBA® FITNESS Saturday, January 15th, 10:00a.m.-noon

2011-01-06T13:16:00.000-08:00

SOUTH GLENS FALLS, NY -- 01/05/11 -- Some are calling it the perfect workout, and it's being powered by Curves® International, the global leader in women's fitness, and Zumba®, the global dance-fitness experts. The two companies have helped millions of people worldwide lose weight and get in shape. Now they're partnering on a unique workout that combines the best of both worlds.

It's called Curves® Circuit with Zumba® Fitness and it's the only 30-minute class that mixes the moves of Zumba with the proven strength training of Curves for one wildly effective workout. “We are launching the Curves Circuit with Zumba at our Open House on Saturday, January 15th from 10:00am until noon in the Midtown Shopping Center in South Glens Falls,” said Sue Lipscomb, co-owner of Curves South Glens Falls.

"Women are invited to come see this fun twist on the traditional Curves workout," said Anne Porreca, co-owner of Curves South Glens Falls. "It combines the proven strength training of Curves, which can burn up to 500 calories in just 30 minutes, with fun, high-energy Zumba moves.”

All ages, fitness levels and dance abilities can participate in and benefit from Curves Circuit with Zumba Fitness classes. During the 30-minute class, participants workout on each Curves strength machine for one minute -- twice as long as during a traditional Curves workout -- alternating upper, lower and core muscles. Then, the music cues the participant to change stations on the circuit, and she moves to an area between machines to do Zumba moves for one minute, which tone and sculpt the body while burning fat. A certified Zumba instructor teaches Zumba moves from the center of the circuit.

Curves South Glens Falls is located in the Midtown Shopping Center in South Glens Falls. For more information call 745-1494.

High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care receives gracious gift from Hudson Headwaters staff member

2011-01-04T17:21:00.000-08:00

Queensbury—High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. has received a very generous donation from Alison Williams, MHSA, Administrative Services Director of Hudson Headwaters Health Network, in honor of her co-workers.

“Alison’s gift highlights the admiration and collaboration that exists between our agencies, as well as her commitment to her own staff, and we are extremely grateful,” says Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator with High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care in Queensbury. “Alison also recognizes Debbie Bardin, her supervisor: George Purdue and her counter-part at HHHN-Donna Gorton the Director of Nursing.”

The following are the dedicated staff of HHHN, recognized by Alison;
Durna Caldwell, Office Manager—Queensbury
Susan Gill, Office Manager—Chester-Horicon
Jennifer Baker, Office Manager—Fort Edward—Kingsbury
Beth Williams, Office Manager—Broad Street, Glens Falls
Carol Johnson, Office Coordinator—Indian Lake
Laurel Dixon, Office Manager—Moreau Family Health
Candy King, Office Manager—Moriah
Barb Galusha, Office Manager—North Creek & Schroon Lake
Melissa Frasier, Office Manager—Ticonderoga
Deb Lawson, Office Manager—Warrensburg
Michelle Aubin, Office Manager—Warrensburg Dental Office
Lisa Lapointe, Referral Specialist
Jennifer Morehouse, Document Specialist
Amanda Johnson, Document Specialist
Marjorie Rosen, Document Specialist
Rita McCarthy, Document Specialist
Kyle Anderson, Document Specialist

Hyde announces new board members

2011-01-04T17:16:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection has announced the recent appointment of four new members to its 2011 board of trustees – Mark Behan, Peter Hoffman, Phil McIntire, and Karl Seitz.

Mark Behan founded Behan Communications in 1988 after a career as a reporter and media executive with several news organizations. Behan Communications, with offices in Albany and Glens Falls, provides strategic communications, media relations and marketing services to leading businesses and not-for-profit organizations in New York and the Northeast. Behan serves on the boards of Adirondack Health Services, Inc., the Economic Development Corp. of Warren County, the Glens Falls Foundation, the E. Leo Spain Foundation and Kelly’s Angels Inc. He is a graduate of Colgate University and has completed executive development programs at the Harvard Business School and the Harvard Law School.

Peter Hoffman, principal of Glen Street Associates, has been involved in all aspects of real estate, including construction, leasing, and property management, for more than 40 years. He and his wife Suzanne have restored and modernized several downtown buildings into professional office space for such tenants as NBT Bank and Behan Communications. Glen Street Associates also owns, leases, and manages residential rental units. Through his company, Hoffman is currently expanding the firm’s apartment inventory in South Glens Falls and is working on future projects in Hudson Falls.

Phil McIntire returns to The Hyde board, having achieved Emeritus Trustee status for his previous service as a trustee at the Museum. He served on The Hyde board from 1999-2007, and was chairman from 2001-2003, during the Hyde House restoration and the Education Wing addition. He has also served as The Hyde’s legal counsel. McIntire is a partner at Bartlett Pontiff Stewart and Rhode PC in Glens Falls. His wife Rita is also a long-standing volunteer at the Hyde.

Karl Seitz has been a portfolio composition and management advisor for twenty-six years and earned a designation as a Certified Investment Management Analyst (CIMA) from the Wharton business school. He holds a BA in Economics from Franklin and Marshall College. Before joining Wells Fargo Advisors, Karl was a First Vice President at Merrill Lynch for twenty-three years. He lives in Slingerlands, New York with his wife Kim and their four children and is active in supporting community activities. Seitz currently serves as Chairman of the Pastoral Council at the Parish of Mater Christi in Albany, NY.

BST Makes $4,000 Contribution to The St. Anne Foundation

2011-01-04T17:12:00.000-08:00

BST, an Albany-based financial and management consulting firm, is pleased to announce it has made a $4,000 contribution to The St. Anne Foundation in Albany. The contribution was made through the BST Foundation.

The St. Anne Foundation supports St. Anne Institute, a not for profit organization dedicated to improving the emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of children and families throughout New York State.

BST has found special meaning in helping organizations involved with children, and has decades of experience serving the not-for-profit community. Initially, the Foundation’s primary function will be to facilitate BST’s larger contributions to charitable and not-for-profit organizations, and other donations to the business community. In the future, the Firm hopes to expand the use of funds through the Foundation to include funding for educational purposes, and possibly a BST Scholarship.

WILLIAMS PROMOTED TO SENIOR FINANCIAL SERVICES OFFICER AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

2011-01-04T17:08:00.000-08:00

January 4, 2011 (Hudson Falls, NY): Erika Williams has been promoted to Senior Financial Services Officer (FSO) at Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Hudson Falls Branch. In her new position as Senior FSO, Erika opens new consumer and business accounts, grants loans to members and member businesses and manages the platform staff in their day to day operations.

Since joining the staff of HRCCU in 2006, Williams has held the positions of Assistant Branch Manager and Financial Services Officer. During her tenure at the credit union, Erika has received advanced certification training in the administration of IRAs (Individual Retirement Accounts) and Business Loans. Most recently, Erika was chosen out of 72 staff members employed by the credit union, to receive the 2010 HRCCU President’s Award for Excellence. Prior to joining the staff of HRCCU, Erika held the positions of Assistant Branch Manager and Branch Manager at Bank of America.

GOLDEN CORRAL RESTAURANT OPENING WILL BRING NEW JOBS & FAMILY-FRIENDLY DINING TO QUEENSBURY, NY

2010-12-22T14:23:00.000-08:00

(SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY)—Golden Corral Buffet & Grill proudly announces the opening of its newest restaurant, located at 75 Quaker Road in Queensbury, NY, on Thursday, December 30th, at 11:00 a.m.

The Queensbury, NY Golden Corral building will boast over 10,000 square feet & will seat over 350 guests. It will supply more than 100 new jobs to the area, which will include a mixture of full-time and part-time employees—including management, wait staff, line servers, and kitchen staff.

Along with traditional buffet favorites such as pot roast, chicken breast, macaroni & cheese and steamed vegetables… the new Warren County Golden Corral will also showcase “exhibition food preparation.” This will not only be unlike any buffet seen in NY before, but unlike any ‘Golden Corral’ ever seen in the state… showcasing the new premium brand Golden Corral “Pavilion Style” buffet. The staple of ‘grilled-to-order’ Sirloin steak will continue its place on the dinner buffet in addition to the new Asian-inspired dishes that will be served at ‘The Wok’ buffet station, fresh seafood & crispy golden shrimp in the ‘Lighthouse’ buffet, authentic Mexican selections in the ‘Hacienda’ bar, and home-style Italian meals in the ‘Piazza’ buffet. In addition to the hot buffet items, the restaurant will feature a fresh-market ‘Greenhouse Select’ salad bar, where guests may build their own custom salads from dozens of ingredients. Rounding out the buffet offering, a variety of dessert dishes, cakes, pies and homemade breads… all baked fresh, in-house daily, and served at the Brass Bell Bakery.

Besides its lunch and dinner buffets (which will feature more than 140 hot and cold food items), the Queensbury, NY Golden Corral will also serve a Sunrise Breakfast Buffet on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 7:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. The Sunrise Breakfast Buffet will feature morning favorites including Belgian Waffles, buttermilk pancakes, hashbrowns, fresh baked cinnamon buns, sausage, bacon and farm-fresh, made-to-order omelets!

Hours of operation for the new Queensbury, NY Golden Corral will be:
• Monday – Thursday, 11:00a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• Friday - Sunday, 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.

As a complement to its every day family dining offering, the restaurant will also have banquet facilities that will be available free of charge for groups and organizations in the area.

The Queensbury, NY Golden Corral is family owned by local restaurateurs Niral & Arjun Patel of Jagdamba III, Inc. [pronounced jug-dom-bah]. Regarding the restaurants new opening, Patel says: “We are happy to bring the Golden Corral brand to the ‘North Country’ community and we look forward to treating our friends and neighbors to a wide variety of top quality, home-style foods. So, for a great, family-friendly meal at a budget-friendly price, we invite you stop by and experience your new Golden Corral Buffet today. We’ll treat you like family… guaranteed.” More information can be found on the local website [www.GoldenCorralNY.com] or by calling the restaurant directly [518-636-3300].

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION: WHERE MEMBERS COME FIRST

2010-12-22T14:10:00.000-08:00

December 20, 2010 (Corinth, NY): BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s bank and credit union rating firm, proudly recognizes Hudson River Community Credit Union as one of the strongest credit unions in the nation. Having earned BauerFinancial’s highest 5-Star rating for strength and stability, Hudson River Community Credit Union has once again proven to its membership and beyond that it is one of the strongest financial institutions in the country. To earn Bauer’s 5-Star Superior rating, Hudson River Community Credit Union must excel in areas of capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability to name just a few. The fact that Hudson River Community Credit Union has done so for 64 consecutive quarters puts it on an even higher plane. Credit Unions that have earned the highest 5-Star rating for ten consecutive years have earned the title of “Exceptional Performance Credit Union”.

“The staff and management of Hudson River Community Credit Union should be very proud to work for such a strong credit union,” notes Karen L. Dorway, president of the research firm. “Often the general public does not know the financial strengths or weaknesses of their financial institution. BauerFinancial’s ratings help
to assure members and the rest of the community that they are dealing with a strong financial institution that will be able to fulfill their banking needs for years to come.”

BST Makes $5,000 Contribution to The Foundation of St. Catherine’s Center for Children

2010-12-22T14:09:00.000-08:00

ALBANY, N.Y. – December 20, 2010 – BST, an Albany-based financial and management consulting firm, is pleased to announce it has made a $5,000 contribution to The Foundation of St. Catherine’s Center for Children in Albany. The contribution was made through the BST Foundation. BST is a multi-disciplinary financial and management consulting firm headquartered in Albany and anchored by the accounting firm Bollam, Sheedy, Torani & Co. LLP, CPAs.

The Foundation of St. Catherine’s Center for Children is committed to raising funds to support programs for children who are abused, neglected, homeless and/or mentally ill as a result of their early childhood traumas.

BST has found special meaning in helping organizations involved with children, and has decades of experience serving the not-for-profit community. Initially, the Foundation’s primary function will be to facilitate BST’s larger contributions to charitable and not-for-profit organizations, and other donations to the business community. In the future, the Firm hopes to expand the use of funds through the Foundation to include funding for educational purposes, and possibly a BST Scholarship.

Blues Brothers tribute band tops the bill at Adirondack Theatre Festival’s 17th Winter Benefit

2010-12-14T17:34:00.000-08:00

ONCE IN A BLUE MOON on Friday, January 14, 2011
Hosted by Honorary Chairs Mark and Sara Mannix, the evening includes the area’s most unique silent and live auctions plus food and beverages by some of the area’s most popular establishments.

Glens Falls -- Adirondack Theatre Festival celebrates the start of its 17th year on Friday, January 14, 2010 with its winter benefit at the Charles R. Wood Theater in downtown Glens Falls (207 Glen Street). This annual event raises valuable funds for our area’s premiere professional, nonprofit summer theatre. Tickets range from $65 - $170 and can be purchased online at www.ATFestival.org, over the phone at 518.874.0800 or in person at the Wood Theater box office, Wednesday – Friday from 12noon – 5pm. For the past three years ATF’s winter benefit has played to sold-out crowds, establishing it as the social event of the winter season. A month and a half before the event, over 100 tickets have already been sold.

The 2011 theme is Once in a Blue Moon. ATF’s benefit is well known for its creative decorations and treats which completely transform the Wood Theater for one big party each year. This year the benefit committee invites the audience to join in the fun by dressing in blue. The blue theme will permeate the evening all the way up to and including the entertainment by Hats & Shades, NYC’s #1 Blues Brothers tribute band playing the songs made famous by John Belushi and Dan Ackroyd on Saturday Night Live and in the 1980 movie.

Silent and Live Auctions
Highlights of the evening are ATF’s unique silent and live auctions. Assembled by a volunteer committee of more than thirty-five ATF supporters, the silent auction, open from 7:00 – 8:30 pm, puts merchandise, gift certificates and collectibles up for bid – more than 150 items in total.

Once the silent auction closes, auctioneer Martin Seelye will take to the stage offering up for bid a collection of items sure to entice. The live auction includes 4 tickets to a Red Sox vs. Yankees Game at Fenway Park, four tickets to any Broadway show of your choice and a dinner for you and your friends by Michelin starred Chef Suvir Saran at his Washington County farm, American Masala.

One of the most unique items up for bid this year is the creation of an original song composed specifically for the winning bidder by Kellen Blair and Joe Kinosian, the songwriting team that created Murder for Two: A Killer Musical. The show, which premiered at ATF last summer, just completed a critically acclaimed run in San Francisco and is headed to Chicago next summer. A complete list of items will be posted on ATF’s website a week before the event.

Behind the scenes sneak peek
During its 16 year history ATF has established itself a one of our region’s top cultural attractions. Shows originating at ATF have gone on to receive productions in NYC, across the country and internationally. To celebrate this important legacy, Pepe Productions will screen its new video highlighting ATF’s contributions to our community and beyond. Looking towards the future, Producing Artistic Director Mark Fleischer will unveil the line-up for the theatre’s anticipated 17th summer season.

Food & Beverage
While at the event those in attendance will be treated to food from Gourmet Café, beer from Davidson Brothers, wines from Adirondack Wine Merchants and desserts from Café Sarah of North Creek and Prima Gourmet Marketplace & Eatery of Glens Falls.

Sponsors
ATF’s 17th Winter Benefit is sponsored by The Chronicle, 100.3 The Point, Trampoline Design, Davidson Brothers, JMZ Architects, Adirondack Wine Merchants and Lake George RV Park.

New Store Celebrates Region as a Destination

2010-12-13T15:40:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, New York Nine : authentic goods, located at 166 Glen Street between Tyrer Gallery and The Chocolate Mill, celebrates Glens Falls and the Adirondacks. The shop is thematically outfitted to honor all the area has offered through the years. The name, "Nine," is actually a nod to the historic route that ran through small towns as the only way to vacation spots in the North Country.

Locally designed and produced apparel, vintage travel posters of favorite destinations, paper goods, jewelry and crafts by regional artisans, as well as specialty items with a nostalgic twist will contribute to the shop's focus on the area.

Nine is the result of a partnership between two established downtown Glens Falls businesses, the Davidson Brothers Brewing and Trampoline Design. The two have worked together to successfully rebrand the Brewpub NORI Award Best Logo Design, June, 2008, website listed as one of 45 best by Creativefan.com, October 2010).

"Trampoline has had great success creating merchandise for sale in markets like Alta, Utah and Yakima, Washington," explained Derek Slayton, a principal at Trampoline and partner at Nine.

"The retail aspect of the Davidson Brothers business was something that we wanted to grow and was easy for us to shift just a few doors down," shared Rick Davidson, founder of Davidson with his brother John Davidson, and partner at Nine. "By making this move we are able to o er more than ever before."

"As our distribution expands into Albany and Rensselaer counties, our roots become even more central to the Davidson Brothers story," adds John Davidson. "Everyone we talk to is interested in Glens Falls—Downtown or out of town, they want to know more."

"Building a retail store with the advantage of an established brand like Davidson Brothers gave us momentum and direction. There are also relationships with other Trampoline clients like West Mountain and brands like LYK, which provide great material. Our own agency was founded on the belief that Glens Falls and the outlying communities had every bit as much charm, potential and worthiness as other destinations. To use our skills to promote the place we live and work is just fun, ideally that will be an infectious thing," said Amanda Magee, an owner at both Trampoline and Nine.

The store intends to share similar hours with downtown businesses and restaurants to continue to strengthen Glens Falls as a destination for shopping, dining and entertainment. A website is in the works and the o cial open date is in Friday, December 10th, at 5pm. Also slated to occur in December is the move of Trampoline Design from its current location at 196 Glen Street to occupy the space above Nine's retail location.

The transformation of the Nine retail space as well as a peek at some of the merchandise is viewable at the Nine Authentic Goods Facebook page.

FOR TENTH CONSECUTIVE YEAR, ADIRONDACK TRUST NAMED TOP SMALLCOMMUNITY BANK LENDER IN THE CAPITAL REGION

2010-12-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

Saratoga Springs, New York...The Adirondack Trust Company announced that it was named the top Small Community Bank Lender in the Capital Region for the tenth consecutive year.

SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki recently announced that in the category for Small Community Bank Lenders The Adirondack Trust Company was the most active lender in the Capital Region for fiscal year 2010. For the tenth straight year, The Adirondack Trust Company outperformed all other small community lenders with the highest dollar amount of 7(a) approvals. The Adirondack Trust Company approved 25 loans worth $1.7 million to Capital Region startup and existing small businesses.

Commenting on this performance, Charles V. Wait, President and CEO of the Company noted: “We are extremely grateful not only by the recognition from the SBA but also from those customers that chose our company to work with on their SBA Loan. Since our founding in 1901 we have worked with small businesses that provide the foundation for our local economy. We are dedicated to serving these businesses with SBA Loans and other bank services so they can effectively manage and grow their business.”

“Strong relationships with our lending partners are essential in providing small business owners with increased access to the capital. After the Recovery Act increased guarantees and eliminated fees in our flagship loan programs, our lending partners were able to help small businesses do what they do best- grow and create jobs. We look forward to building on this success with continued Recovery Act enhancements and new increased loan limits signed into law under the Small Business Jobs Act,” praised SBA Syracuse District Director Bernard J. Paprocki.

The SBA Capital District Region covers the following counties: Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Essex, Greene, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren, and Washington.

Up Yonda Farms to Host 3rd Annual Snowshoe Benefit for High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.

2010-12-13T15:31:00.000-08:00

Queensbury— Here is your chance to get out of the house and support a worthy cause, all while enjoying the beautiful scenery and a relaxing morning of snowshoeing! Come snowshoeing with us at Up Yonda Farms on Saturday, February 26th, 2011 at 9am to benefit High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc.

“Snowshoeing is a great way for families to be active, get outdoors and have some fun,” says Sunday Conine, Development Coordinator for High Peaks Hospice. “This event will raise funds to support the patients and families of our area, as well as the compassionate care our nurses, social workers, chaplain and staff provide to the members of our community who are faced with a life-limiting illness. We encourage individuals, families, supporters and anyone interested in taking part in a morning of snowshoeing, join us!,” adds Sunday. Snowshoes are available for adults and kids, and pre-registration is required to reserve them. The cost is $15/pp, $25/couple and $30/family (up to 5), and parking is $4 per car. Please call Sunday at 743-1672 x. 117 or email her at sundayconine@highpeakshospice.com to pre-register or for more information. Pre-registration forms may be downloaded at www.highpeakshospice.com.

High Peaks Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. provides a holistic approach to end-of-life care. Our team of professionals include nurses (RNs and LPNs), social workers, home health aides, a hospice physician, trained volunteers, chaplains, nutrition counselors and therapists.

Hospice is appropriate for any individual, no matter their age, who has been diagnosed with any life limiting illness. Services are covered by the Medicare Hospice benefit as well as private insurance. Contact with hospice should be made as soon after terminal diagnosis as possible. Families who are unsure if their loved one would qualify for hospice services should contact High Peaks Hospice directly for answers to their questions.

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION OFFERS ONLINE DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE

2010-12-13T15:25:00.000-08:00

December 10, 2010 (Glens Falls, NY): Hudson River Community Credit Union is now offering an online defensive driving course. Members and non-members may register for the online class at www.hrccu.org for only $25.00 with a credit card (VISA®, MasterCard, American Exress, Discover). A portion of the registration fee will be donated to HRCCU’s Annual Credit Union Care for Kids Campaign to benefit area hospital pediatric programs.

Successful completion of this 6 hour course fulfills the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) approved Point and Insurance Reduction Program qualifications which provides a 10% reduction for three years of the motorist’s liability, no-fault and collision insurance premiums. If the motorist has a traffic ticket, it could mean point reductions on their driving record.

There is no final exam and you will receive a certificate of completion by the American Safety Council to present to your insurance provider. The council will also contact New York DMV to have the course entered on any participants’ driving records and it will automatically reduce up to four active points. HRCCU GR8 2B Young Members ages 16 to 25 who are a part of the First Time Auto Loan Buyers Program will receive a complimentary online defensive driving course voucher.

Bay Street Bead Works, Total Entertainment & Adirondack Wedding & Events Center Join Downtown Glens Falls Businesses

2010-12-13T15:21:00.000-08:00

GLENS FALLS, NY - This November Bay Street Bead Works and Adirondack Wedding Center opened their new locations at 206 Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls. Both businesses are looking forward to bringing more excitement to the already-in-progress revival of the area's central downtown location.

Bay Street Bead Works comes to the downtown area with three and a half years of experience. Not only do they bring their customers the best quality and prices in beads and jewelry-making supplies, Bay Street Bead Works also offers handcrafted and ready to wear sterling silver jewelry.

Bay Street Bead Works hopes to increase foot traffic while expanding their beads and supplies selection in their new, larger retail space.

The Adirondack Wedding & Event Center joins Glens Falls' Downtown as the region's leading wedding and event planning service. Powered by the membership of the area's highest quality vendors including banquet halls, cakes, photography, formal wear, jewelry, transportation, floral, gifts, lodging and more! The center offers FREE event planning and discounted prices with all members in the association as well as a bridal/event resource center available to browse.

Total Entertainment, an AWA founding member, brings to the table over 15 years of wedding and event entertainment services including disc jockey services, decorations and rentals, live musicians and vocalists and video services. Voted best of the region 2010 in the Post Star, Total Entertainment hosts over 100 weddings and 400 events each year.

Join the Adirondack Wedding Center, Total Entertainment and Bay Street Bead Works on Friday, December 17, 2010 at 4:30pm for their joint Ribbon Cutting Ceremony with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. Food and a cash bar will be provided by Dunham's Bay Resort, an AWC member, and music, mixing and tours will be available as well as shopping at Bay Street Bead Works.

Hyde announces new hours, admission pricing

2010-12-13T15:19:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection announces that, beginning January 2, 2011, the Museum is changing the hours it is open to the public. The streamlined schedule will be Tuesdays through Fridays 11 am to 4 pm and weekends noon to 5 pm.

According to Executive Director David F. Setford, the change in hours will have little effect on regular visitors as a review of attendance statistics showed that the 10 – 11 am and 4 – 5 pm hours had significantly less traffic than mid-day.

“We began looking at reducing our hours as a potential way to save resources and the numbers showed that by selecting the first and last hour of the day, we could conserve and still meet the needs of our visitors,” said Setford. “We will still accommodate earlier arrivals for bus tours and school groups as needed, and will stay open for specific programming like our Wednesday ARTfull Afternoons drop-in program for school children which will run from 2 – 4:30 pm.”

In addition, the Museum has raised its suggested donation from $5 to $8 for non-members.

Like all arts organizations, the economic climate has caused us to reconsider admissions pricing. While admission to our historic Hyde House is still by donation, we hope that visitors will help support the Museum with a larger donation for their visits this coming year,” said Setford.

The Museum will continue to be closed to the public on Mondays and national holidays. The hours for The Hyde’s administrative offices will remain Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.

PETTEYS PROMOTED TO AVP OF DEPOSIT OPERATIONS AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

2010-12-13T15:06:00.000-08:00

December 8, 2010 (Corinth, NY): Pamela Petteys was recently promoted to AVP of Deposit Operations at Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU). In this capacity, she is responsible for member deposit services, payment processing including loss functions and VISA® Card program. Petteys will also serve as back up to the VP of Operations.

Pam began her career at HRCCU 28 years ago as a teller and shortly there after was promoated to Head Teller, Share Draft/ACH Administrator and then Director of Deposit Operations in the credit union’s Corinth office. In this supervisory capacity, ATM’s, VISA® products and electronic transactions are some of what she oversees.

Pam is a 1981 graduate of Corinth Central High School. She volunteers on the Hadley Luzerne Central School Audit Committee and as Secretary on the Lake Luzerne Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. She also serves as a member on the Lake Luzerne Grievance Board. She lives in Lake Luzerne with her husband, Barry, daughter, son-in-law and granddaughter.

GILBERT PROMOTED TO HEAD TELLER AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

2010-12-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

December 9, 2010 (Corinth, NY): Jennifer Gilbert was recently promoted to Head Teller at Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU). In this capacity, she is responsible for managing the day-to-day member service activities and frontline staff.

Gilbert formerly served as Assistant Head Teller in the credit union’s 312 Palmer Ave, Corinth, NY office and has been employed with HRCCU since 2006. In this capacity, she was responsible for counter work, closing & opening the credit union and other day to day items.

Gilbert graduated from Hadley-Luzerne Central High School in 2001 with honors including a sequence in Business. From December 2005 to September 2006, she was employed at Raritan Bay Federal Credit Union where she served as VISA® Coordinator/Collections Assistant/Loan Processor. Prior to that time, she worked at Affinity Federal Credit Union as a Member Service Representative. Jennifer, her husband Joshua, and their two dogs live in Lake Luzerne, New York.

Adirondack Winery’s FREE Holiday Wine Tasting & Shopping Bash

2010-12-02T12:45:00.000-08:00

Adirondack Winery will host a free Holiday Wine Tasting & Shopping Bash on Saturday, December 11th, from 11:30 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. It will also run from 11:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 12th.

Stop by Adirondack Winery’s Tasting Room, 285 Canada Street, Lake George, to enjoy free tastes of Adirondack Winery wines and samples of Stonewall Kitchen fine foods, Grafton Village Cheddar Cheese and handmade chocolates while you shop the store’s unique selection of wine-related gifts.

For more information, please contact the winery at 518-668-WINE or www.AdirondackWinery.com.

HAYES PROMOTED TO INFORMATION SYSTEMS SUPPORT SPECIALIST AT HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION

2010-11-30T19:00:00.000-08:00

November 30, 2010 (Corinth, NY): Vicki Hayes was recently promoted to Information Systems Support Specialist for Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU). In this capacity, she is responsible for providing support and training to credit union personnel in the use of office automation products, personal computers, online application systems, user-based peripherals and troubleshooting.

Hayes formerly served as a Teller Supervisor in the credit union’s 312 Palmer Ave, Corinth, NY office and has been employed with HRCCU since 2001. In this capacity, she managed the day to day member service activities and six employees. Since employed at HRCCU, she earned an IRA Certification and also served as a Teller in the Corinth branch.

Hayes graduated from Hadley-Luzerne Central High School in 1986. From February 2000 to December 2001, she was employed at Evergreen Bank where she served as a Teller Trainer. Prior to that time, she worked in food services at Hadley-Luzerne Central School and the Waterhouse Restaurant in Lake Luzerne. For 21 years she has sold AVON products and attained the prestigious President’s Club status for the past five years for excellence in retail sales.

Since 1990, Hayes has been an active member of the Hadley-Luzerne Lioness Club, and for 17 years, has been a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Lake Luzerne. She enjoys camping, kayaking, snowmobiling, baking, cooking, playing Wii and spending time with her granddaughter. Hayes, her husband Mike, and their family live in Lake Luzerne, New York.

I Am I Can Has Successful Launch Event

2010-11-26T13:19:00.000-08:00

Girls Scouts of Northeastern New York: Recognizing Outstanding Women in the Community

2010-11-17T13:14:00.000-08:00

The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York is accepting nominations for its 2011 Women of Distinction – What Did You Do Today....to Make a Difference? awards to be presented on May 19, 2011 at the Saratoga National Golf Club. The event will recognize women from the Saratoga, Southern Hamilton, Warren, Washington or Fulton county area who are role models for girls and other women; and have made a difference in their communities. It is not a requirement that the person being nominated is currently or has been a member of the Girl Scouts.

This year’s awards will recognize women for a variety of accomplishments from career and personal achievements to outstanding community service; and dedication to family and the people around them.

Nominee (Choose one category):

Distinguished Trailblazer
This category honors a woman who has a proven track record of reaching ambitious or unconventional goals demonstrated by upward career mobility, steady growth and leadership skills. She is willing to take risks, inspires and motivates others. She has “broken glass ceilings,” overcome and excelled under extreme challenges and demonstrated perseverance.

Distinguished Lifetime Achievement
This category honors a woman who has inspired others throughout her life. She has always demonstrated steady growth and exhibited the qualities that others admire. She is a risk taker in a non-traditional way to achieve an unconventional or ambitious goal. She is persistent in her efforts; remains focused, and accept challenges with confidence.

Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow (age 17-21)
This award will be presented to a young woman who is/was a Girl Scout and has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and has contributed to her school and community. She has spearheaded a project or program to improve quality of life.

Distinguished Personal Achievement
This award honors a woman who lives her life in such a way to serve others, both through her career and through her volunteer activities. She is a leader and an inspiration to others in all aspects of her life. She is willing to take risks and pursue activities that she believes in. It is by her example that others are motivated to take action.

Distinguished Community Leader
This award will be given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding contributions over a period of time to her community. She is a role model, community leader, mentor, or has broken new ground. She is an agent for change who has made a measurable difference to those around her.

All nominations are due by Monday, January 10th. To request a nomination form, contact Debbie Erck at Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York at 518.348.1413 extension 402, or email Debbie at, derck@gsneny.org. Nomination forms are also available for download at http://www.gsneny.org/.

CONTACT
Debbie Erck, Events Coordinator
518.348.1413 extension 402
derck@gsneny.org
http://www.gsneny.org/

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES OPENING OF ECO-FRIENDLY BRANCH!

2010-11-17T12:54:00.000-08:00

L – R front:Gary Grady, Supervisory Committee, HRCCU; Jim Church, Director of District Relations, Senator Roy McDonald’s Office; Jerri Strong, Albany Office Interiors; Dave Sadowsky, Architect, P.C.; Frank Alessandri, CEO, F.H. Alexander; Kathleen Jimino, County Executive, Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce; Susan Commanda, CEO, HRCCU; Mayor Harry Tutunjian, City of Troy; Stuart Field, Board President, HRCCU; Margaret Rabida, Director, HRCCU; Margaret Foote, Director, HRCCU; and Thomas Uncher, Director, HRCCU.

Troy, NY, November 16, 2010 – A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception for Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) new “green” branch was held at the site at 40 Leversee Road, Troy, on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. Among the participants that attended the ribbon cutting were the Mayor of Troy, Harry Tutunjian, Economic Development Director, Christopher Vic, and Director of District Relations for Senator Roy McDonald, Jim Church.

The 1,620 square foot branch is an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly design by Architect Dave Sadowsky, RA, LEED, AP, and features solar collectors to produce on site electricity, special roof shingles to act as a “heat island effect,” LED lighting, water saving fixtures as well as extensive use of salvaged materials and recycled products to build and furnish the branch. F.H. Alexander, Ballston Lake, NY, was contracted to build the office.

“We are extremely excited to open this new branch to better serve our members and improve the environment in the communities we serve,” says Susan Commanda, HRCCU CEO. “By using less energy and water, we’ll reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment for residents resulting in a better quality of life.”

“I am proud to be part of this green initiative,” says Dave Sadowsky, architect for the project. “Hudson River Community Credit Unin’s new Troy branch is one of the first financial institutions in NYS on track to receive a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certification.” LEED® is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

The grand opening showcased the energy-efficient facility and services that the new branch will bring to the community. In addition, visitors to the new branch can enjoy a complimentary coffee or beverage in an eco-friendly environment! The facility features two drive thru lanes, a 24/7 drive thru ATM with depository and convenient parking.

As part of the Troy branch grand opening celebration, HRCCU will be conducting a Matching Gift Program to benefit the Unity House of Troy. From November 10 thru December 31, 2010, HRCCU will match donations received at the new branch up to $2,500 to benefit this community organization which is committed to serving and empowering people in need.

For more information about HRCCU’s grand opening, please visit our website at www.hrccu.org or call 518-654-9028.

Adirondack Winery of Lake George now fully operational in new facility

2010-11-11T11:53:00.000-08:00

Top: Mike and Sasha Pardy, owners of Adirondack Winery
Middle: The original set up in 2008
Bottom: New equipment at the Big Bay facility

The Adirondack Winery of Lake George is pleased to announce that it is now fully operational at its new 4,000 square foot facility on Big Bay Road in Glens Falls. Now about half way into their third year of operation, owners Mike and Sasha Pardy knew it was time to expand last year after their wines continued to sell out and their tiny wine-making space could not properly support increased production. The semi-automatic bottling and corking equipment and new stainless steel tanks have the capacity to produce up to 10,000 cases of wine per year.

At 285 Canada Street in Lake George, the winery’s original location will remain its hub for wine tastings and purchasing wine and gift items. Additionally, renovations will be completed this winter at the store; by February, customers can expect to find a much larger, brand new, u-shaped bar that will allow the winery to accommodate its large summer crowds, as well as host larger groups. By 2011, the winery expects to employ seven full-time and eight part-time employees, which is more than double its original staff.

The winery, which opened on April 17, 2008, has found great success and is a welcome addition to the typically tourist and family-centered offerings of Lake George. Visitors come from all over the United States, as evidenced by a map on the tasting room wall “pinpointing” the hometowns of customers, to taste Adirondack Winery’s 35+ varietals of wine. The Pardys landed on the idea of opening this business when they fell in love with a small winery while living in Longwood, Florida. The wine-making couple splits the duties of the business according to their strengths, with Mike handling the wine making, legal, and financial aspects and Sasha taking care of the retail and marketing side.

Adirondack Winery has been awarded 25 medals for seventeen of its wines. These awards are especially impressive considering they were earned exclusively from international competitions, including the most recent, the World Value Wine Challenge. One aspect of their business the Pardys are particularly proud of is that despite their small size, they are able to offer value for their customers, with wine prices ranging from $13.50 to $25.00.

In a visit to the Adirondack Winery, you can taste and purchase the wine and browse and shop cheese, fine foods, chocolate and unique gift items. Wine tastings cost only $5.00 and include samples of seven wines and a souvenir wine glass. All of Adirondack Winery’s wine labels feature gorgeous photography of local landscapes and landmarks, which add to their appeal as a gift. If you are unable make it to the store, you can explore and make purchases online at www.adirondackwinery.com, and can now find the wines at several local wine/liquor stores and restaurants.

The winery plans to remain open on weekends during the remodel of the store in January and will reopen with regular store hours in February. Adirondack Winery can be reached at (518) 668-WINE.

Burce Parsons is Newest Certified Individual within International Network of Senior-Level Business and Executive Development Affiliates

2010-11-11T11:07:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, NY – Resource Associates Corporation of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Parsons and his firm, Parsons Associates, as one of their newest certified individuals within their International Network of Senior-level Business and Executive Development Affiliates. Conveniently located in Glens Falls, New York, Parsons Associates is well poised to partner with a diverse client base to co-create innovative and sustainable business development solutions.

Parsons Associates’ focus is to partner with individuals and organizations to achieve breakthrough results. These tangible, measureable results include increased sales, profitability, market share, productivity, customer loyalty and employee retention. For more information on Parsons Associates, go to www.parsonsassociates.biz.

Prior to founding Parsons Associates, Bruce Parsons served 25 years in a variety of management and leadership positions in the pulp and paper, power systems, and medical device manufacturing industries. Bruce also served over four years as Combat Engineer Officer, US Army, immediately following graduation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with BS degree in Civil Engineering. Bruce Parsons has lived with his wife and family in Glens Falls, NY for 25 years.

Parsons Associates Utilizes New Tool for Clients

2010-11-11T10:46:00.000-08:00

Glens Falls, New York — Bruce Parsons has completed and received official certification for the administration and interpretation of the Resource Associates Corporation Attribute Index, DISC Index, and Values Index. Bruce Parsons is enhancing the ability of Parsons Associates to service new and existing consulting/coaching clients as these assessment tools provide organizations with a powerful way to maximize their human capital—their people.

To reach optimal performance you must understand WHAT natural talents you possess, WHY you are motivated to use them, and HOW you prefer to use them. The Attribute Index looks at the WHAT portion of the WHAT, WHY, and HOW trilogy. By understanding WHAT natural talents you have, it becomes possible to leverage that knowledge to make better decisions, maximize strengths, minimize weaknesses, and achieve greater success in whatever you do. The Values Index looks at the WHY portion of the trilogy. By understanding WHY you are motivated to do things you are able to better align your environment with what creates the most passion in you. The DISC Index looks at the HOW portion of the trilogy. By understanding HOW you prefer to behave, you are able to better align your environment, select the work that ensures more meaning and success, and produce less stress while doing it.

Parsons Associates is uniquely qualified to help enhance and develop people and business potential that already exist within these organizations—a potential frequently underutilized.

They can be reached at bruce@parsonsassociates.biz or more information can be found at www.parsonsassociates.biz.

Hyde announces February Palm Beach Art Tour

2010-11-09T12:44:00.000-08:00

The Hyde Collection will host a special excursion to south Florida this winter during the area’s renowned fine arts season.

From February 4 - 6, 2011, The Hyde’s Executive Director David F. Setford will serve as tour guide for the trip, which offers travelers accommodations at a landmark hotel in the heart of Palm Beach, tickets to the opening night party of the 15th Annual American International Fine Art Fair, guided tours of the Norton Museum of Art and the Henry M. Flagler Museum, and a VIP packet for, and private tour of, the American International Fine Art Fair.

Setford, who previously served as chief curator at the Norton Museum of Art and director of international fine art fairs in Palm Beach, will provide travelers with an insider’s view of the Palm Beach fine arts scene.

Trip costs are $870 per person (double occupancy) for Hyde and AAA Members; $895 per person (double occupancy) for all others. Price includes two nights’ accommodations, two breakfasts, one group lunch, one group dinner, admissions and tours, transfers, and other fees. Transportation to Palm Beach is not included. Single traveler supplement is $400. For travelers not requiring accommodations, the rate minus hotel and breakfasts is $524 per person. A $100 per person deposit is required to secure reservations and balance of payment is due by December 27, 2010.

To make a reservation, contact the AAA Northway Motorcoach Office by phone at (518) 374-3142, option 1. For further details concerning the trip, contact Dede Potter, membership manager at The Hyde Collection, 518-792-1761, ext. 13, or dpotter@hydecollection.org.

Hyde offers chance to win $10,000 grand prize; Total of $12,000 to be awarded

2010-11-04T09:53:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls, NY – Tickets are now on sale for The Hyde Collection’s “Louis Hyde Whitney $10K Giveaway”, one of the Museum’s largest annual fundraising efforts.

Each year, only 350 tickets for the raffle are sold at $100 each. The special reception and drawing will be held at The Hyde Collection on Friday, December 3, 2010 from 6:30-8PM and pre-event purchase of a raffle ticket entitles the bearer and one guest to attend the drawing. Ticket holders need not be present to win.

The Grand Prize is $10,000. In addition, a second place prize of $1,000 and two third place prizes of $500 each will be awarded during the evening.

According to Hyde Executive Director David F. Setford, “The Hyde holds this annual event to help carry forward Louis Whitney’s legacy of support for The Hyde Collection.”

Scoville Jewelers, sponsor of the fundraiser, is offering a $100 store credit toward a purchase for anyone bringing in a $10k ticket between December 4 and 31, 2010. (Maximum credit is $100 per person.)

All proceeds from ticket sales will support exhibitions and educational programming at the Museum. Those wishing to purchase a ticket may do so at the Museum Store, 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls or by calling 518-792-1761, ext. 23.

Hyde Announces Gallery Talks by Mohawk-Hudson Artists

2010-11-01T18:24:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls, NY – The Hyde Collection announces that it will host gallery talks by four artists currently exhibiting works in the 2010 Artists of the Mohawk-Hudson Region juried exhibition at the Museum. The gallery talks are designed to provide an avenue for exhibiting artists to discuss their work and interact via question and answer sessions with visitors.

From 5:30 – 6:30 pm on Thursday, November 18, 2010, presenting artists will be Naomi Lewis of Albany, NY and John Hampshire of Troy, NY. Lewis, whose exhibition work is titled Wallpaper: Crib Sheet, received her MFA from the University at Albany and her BS in Studio Art from Skidmore College. She has had a series of solo exhibitions in the area and her works have been selected for a number of other juried shows, including Miniprint Finland. She is the Exhibition and Outreach Coordinator for the University at Albany Art Museum.

Hampshire will discuss his work, Labyrinth 229, the winner of the University at Albany Alumni Association’s Dr. Arthur C. Collins ’48 Purchase Award in the current exhibition. Hampshire, an Associate Professor of Studio Art at SUNY Adirondack, earned his MFA at the University at Albany and his BS in Art at Skidmore College. His work has been shown in one- and two-person exhibitions throughout the region.

The second set of gallery talks will be held at The Hyde on Thursday, December 16 from 5:30 – 6:30 pm. Artists speaking that evening are Gina Occhiogrosso of Troy, NY and Katie DeGroot of Fort Edward, NY. Occhiogrosso will discuss her work, Homework (Phase 1), winner of the Maryann Bell Juror’s Award. She holds an MFA from SUNY Buffalo and her BFA from Tyler School of Art in Philadelphia. In addition to national group exhibitions, she has had several one-person shows in the Capital Region.

DeGroot, whose exhibition work titled Hottie won the Marijo Dougherty and Norman Bauman Juror’s Award, attended New York University and earned her BA at Illinois State University. She has been the recipient of three Yaddo residencies and participated in both regional group exhibitions and galleries in New York. She is currently the Director of the Summer Studio Art Program at Skidmore College.

Admission to the gallery talks is by donation. Reservations will be made on a first-come, first-served basis and are suggested since participation is limited to 35 individuals for each evening. For more information or to reserve a spot for either event, contact The Hyde at 518-792-1761 ext. 17 or email cnettleton@hydecollection.org.

2010 Holiday Parade Grand Marshal Announced

2010-11-01T18:08:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, the sponsor of the 31st Annual Holiday Parade to be held in South Glens Falls, has announced that Dante “Dan” Orsini, Honored Marine Veteran and 60-year member and past Commandant of the Marine Corps League, Memorial Detachment No. 2, will be the Grand Marshal for the Holiday Parade.

Dante stated, “I am delighted to be the Grand Marshal for this annual family tradition.” Orsini grew up in South Glens Falls and is dedicated to family, community and country through his affiliations and activities. He played a variety of local sports during the late 1930s while attending South High after graduating from St. Mary’s Academy in Glens Falls. As a part of his duties with the U.S. Marine Corps, he was a member of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s White House Honor Guard where he had an opportunity to meet many notable people such as British Prime Minister Winston Churchill, Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter, Chinese President Chaing Kai Shek, and entertainer Mickey Rooney. Since his separation from active duty, Dante continues his commitment to the community through memberships with the Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, St. Michael’s Church, the Marine Corps League and the American Legion. He is a past South Glens Falls deputy mayor and village board member and is retired from the Scott Paper Company.

Dante has served in numerous roles of each of his affiliations and been recognized through awards and commendations by presidents, legislation, the Navy and Marine Corps Asiatic and Pacific Meritorious Unit, and the South Glens Falls Rotary Club. Earlier this year, Orsini was honored on his 90th birthday by family, friends and the community with a week-end long celebration of his achievements.

Glenn Ellsworth, a Glens Falls National Bank Vice President, South Glens Falls Office Manager and Parade Committee Chairperson stated, “We are excited to have such a wonderful community representative with Dante “Dan” Orsini as the Grand Marshal especially with this year’s Parade Theme - A Child’s Holiday Wish.”

Maintaining the tradition of the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the parade will begin at 1 p.m. on November 21, 2010 and follow the same route as it has in years past along Route 9 through the village of South Glens Falls. The parade will showcase community groups, bands, floats, costumed characters and conclude with a special guest, Santa Claus.

Beneficiaries for this year’s parade are Memorial Detachment No. 2 of the Marine Corps League Toys for Tots and the Tri-County United Way “Live United” Program. These two beneficiary groups will provide donations of new toys and non-perishable food items for local families in the Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga Counties.

Parade participants and spectators are being asked to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate for Toys for Tots and a non-perishable food item for the Tri-County United Way Live United Program. The toys and non-perishable food will be collected in the days prior to the parade at any Glens Falls National Bank Office and Capital Financial Group, Inc. Office, located at 89 Saratoga Avenue and on the day of the parade donations may be made at the South Glens Falls Office of Glens Falls National Bank and along the parade route.

Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company, along with the Village of South Glens Falls, is still accepting applications for floats, marchers, and entertainment for this important community event. Through the years, the parade has attracted over 20,000 spectators annually and has been enjoyed by all ages.

Gail Hamel, of Hamel Resources LLC, is working with Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company as the parade coordinator. For information about the parade or entry, log on to www.hamelresources.com or contact Gail Hamel at 518-824-8383.

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION CELEBRATES OPENING OF ECO-FRIENDLY BRANCH!

2010-11-01T17:53:00.000-07:00

Troy, NY, November 1, 2010 – A ribbon cutting ceremony and reception for Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) new “green” branch will be held at the site at 40 Leversee Road, Troy, on Wednesday, November 10, 2010, at 3:00 p.m. The 1,620 square foot branch is an energy-efficient, environmentally friendly design by Architect Dave Sadowsky, RA, LEED, AP, and features solar collectors to produce on site electricity, special roof shingles to act as a “heat island effect”, LED lighting, water saving fixtures as well as extensive use of salvaged materials and recycled products to build and furnish the branch. F.H. Alexander, Ballston Lake, NY, was contracted to build the office.

“We are extremely excited to open this new branch to better serve our members and improve the environment in the communities we serve,” says Susan Commanda, HRCCU CEO. “By using less energy and water, we’ll reduce our carbon footprint and contribute to a healthier environment for residents resulting in a better quality of life.”

“I am proud to be part of this green initiative,” says Dave Sadowsky, architect for the project. “Hudson River Community Credit Union’s new Troy branch is one of the first financial institutions in NYS on track to receive a LEED® (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) silver certifi cation.” LEED® is the nation’s preeminent program for the design, construction and operation of high performance green buildings.

The grand opening will not only showcase the energy-efficient facility and services that the new branch will bring to the community but will also include special offers and giveaways. In addition, visitors to the new branch can enjoy a complimentary coffee or beverage in an eco-friendly environment! The facility features two drive thru lanes, a 24/7 drive thru ATM with depository and convenient parking.

As part of the Troy branch grand opening celebration, HRCCU will be conducting a Matching Gift Program to benefit the Unity House of Troy. From November 10 thru December 31, 2010, HRCCU will match donations received at the new branch up to $2,500 to benefit this community organization which is committed to serving and empowering people in need.

For more information about HRCCU’s grand opening, please visit our website at www.hrccu.org or call 518-654-9028.

Pizza Jerks Grand Opening in Glens Falls

2010-10-28T18:04:00.000-07:00

Pizza Jerks has announced the grand opening of their newest pizzeria at 175 Broad Street in the Hannaford plaza in Glens Falls next door to Blockbuster. Pizza Jerks offers take-out, delivery, catering services and eat-in dining in their newly remodeled pizzeria. The new Pizza Jerks location will celebrate its grand opening on November 2, 2010. Various events are planned for the grand opening, including a ribbon cutting ceremony between 1-3pm & a live radio broadcast by 100.3 The Point.

Like its sister store in Lake George, the Broad street location features world class pizza hand-tossed with the Rovetto family dough, top quality 100% real mozzarella cheese, 100% Virgin Olive Oil and the family’s own specially spiced tomato sauce. Other highlights of the 175 Broad street location include a great atmosphere updated with a modern design, enhanced pizza offerings, an innovative pasta menu and free WiFi. Pizza Jerks offers many other menu items which include delicious appetizers, fresh salads, cheesy calzones, strombolis, and specialty hot sandwiches…all items made from the freshest ingredients. Pizza Jerks brings something fun and refreshing to the Glens Falls area.

This is the third Pizza Jerks restaurant opened by the Rovetto brothers. Since 1984, they have been manifesting inviting atmospheres and creating quality products for anyone who wants to kick back, chill out and have something truly good to eat. Seasoned by their Sicilian family, they were always taught “to do things right”. To the Rovettos, this means a commitment to their community, a commitment to their employees and a commitment to the quality of their products and service. Their attention to detail has proven successful. Now the family owns and operates eight growing locations in two states! The perfect recipe, they believe, does not lie exclusively in the food, but rather among the entire operation itself. Enforcing the proper use of systems and operations, the Rovetto brothers intend to deliver optimum service for their customers. Their experience, mixed with the highest quality ingredients possible, infused within a relaxing and unique atmosphere, makes for a fine night of dining.

Come celebrate Pizza Jerks grand opening November 2, 2010 at 175 Broad Street in the Hannaford plaza in Glens Falls next door to Blockbuster. Put Pizza Jerks on your speed dial. You’ll be glad you did!

HRCCU Raises Funds for Two Groups

2010-10-26T13:58:00.000-07:00

PHOTO CAPTION: Judy Patrick (left), Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU), presented Loriann Kondracki (right), Junior Achievement with the credit union’s Jeans for Charity donation totaling $305.

Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) recently presented a check for $305 to Junior Achievement as a result of their Jeans for Charity Program for July, August and September. On the first Friday of each month, credit union employees can donate $5 to wear jeans for the day and also accept donations from members visiting the branches for the benefit of a designated charity. HRCCU’s donation to Junior Achievement will be used to supply program materials for children in three elementary classrooms.

Junior Achievement Worldwide is the world’s largest organization dedicated to educating students about workforce readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy through experiential, hands-on programs. Junior Achievement programs help prepare young people for the real world by showing them how to generate wealth and effectively manage it, how to create jobs which make their communities more robust, and how to apply entrepreneurial thinking to the workplace. Students put these lessons into action and learn the value of contributing to their communities.

Additionally, Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Fourth Annual Golf Classic was held in August at Airway Meadows Golf Club, Gansevoort, New York. The event raised $22,836 to benefit youth programs at the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, the Cohoes Community Center and the YMCA of Saratoga - Corinth Branch. Also, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation presented two $1,000 checks at the event to the Glens Falls Area Youth Center and the Cohoes Community Center. In addition, HRCCU announced they will be donating a new computer room to the YMCA of Saratoga - Corinth Branch. HRCCU conducted a check presentation in September, at the Youth Center, 60 Montcalm Street, Glens Falls, NY. Proceeds from the Golf Classic will provide meals for the teens who visit the Youth Center. The Center prepares 250 meals a week totaling 12,000+ meals a year. The Center is the only teen drop-in facility for disadvantaged youth of its kind in the area and is open year round. All programs are offered free of charge.

SUNY EMPIRE STATE COLLEGE AND HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION PARTNER FOR EMPLOYEE EDUCATION

2010-10-22T08:08:00.000-07:00

Finding time to go to college while balancing a full-time job and a busy life isn’t easy, but employees of HRCCU are getting a little help from their employer in overcoming obstacles. Through a partnership between SUNY Empire State College and Hudson River Community Credit Union, credit union staff will be provided access to an educational model designed to fit the schedule of busy working adults. This is the first partnership that has been formed between a credit union and SUNY Empire State College in New York State.
Pictured left to right at a press conference to announce their partnership: Dr. Gerald Lorentz, Dean of SUNY Empire State College Northeast Regional Center; Dorrie Phillips, HRCCU’s AVP of Training and Development; Sue Commanda, HRCCU’s CEO, and Tim Lahey, SUNY ACC Associate Professor of Business.

Queensbury, NY (October 18, 2010): Finding time to go to college while balancing a full-time job and a busy life isn’t easy, but employees of HRCCU are getting a little help from their employer in overcoming obstacles.

Through a partnership between SUNY Empire State College and Hudson River Community Credit Union, credit union staff will be provided access to an educational model designed to fit the schedule of busy working adults. This is the first partnership that has been formed between a credit union and SUNY Empire State College in New York State.

“Education for employees is a critical component of retaining our talent as we grow,” said HRCCU Chief Executive Officer Sue Commanda. “With the complexities of modern life, there is a need for providing flexibility in terms of time and place, which is why our partnership with SUNY Empire State College is a perfect fit.”

“Hudson River Community Credit Union needs specific programs for their employees, which is what we do best,” said Dr. Gerald Lorentz, Dean, Northeast Regional Center of the college. “SUNY Empire State College crafts individual degree programs that meet particular needs and their particular goals. That’s the goal for HRCCU’s employees and that’s the goal for our students, so this is really a win, win.”

Combining options such as online courses, guided independent study and small group studies, affords the credit union’s employees an opportunity to work and learn together. Creating a culture of learning within the workplace is just one of the many supportive directives that Sue Commanda, Hudson River Community Credit Union CEO, has accomplished during her tenure with the organization. Providing an employer-sponsored tuition benefit, in-house training and access to higher education are just a few of the many things that Commanda and her team offer to help employees achieve personal and professional goals. It also can be an effective way to recruit and retain good workers, foster employee job satisfaction and improve the overall success of a business. In addition, HRCCU also utilizes CUNA’s training courses for staff -- some of which may be used for credits towards a college degree.

ARCC Names Peter Aust as President & CEO

2010-10-22T07:55:00.000-07:00

GLENS FALLS — The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has successfully concluded its nationwide search for a new president and CEO right in its own backyard.

Glens Falls native and Queensbury resident Peter L. Aust, president and CEO of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County for the past nine years, will assume leadership of the 1,000-member ARCC on December 6. Mr. Aust previously served as the ARCC’s vice president of membership development from April 2000 to August 2001.

Mr. Aust was chosen from a field of more than 50 candidates from across the country by a search committee made up of regional business leaders.

“We are thrilled to be bringing Peter home to the ARCC,” said Andrew Cruikshank, chairman of the ARCC board of directors and CEO of Fort Hudson Health System, Inc., in Fort Edward. “Not only is he a well-respected chamber executive and effective business advocate, he has a deep familiarity with, and love for, our regional business community and our region in general.”

Mr. Aust said, “The ARCC has an almost 100-year legacy of building a successful business environment and contributing to the region’s great quality of life. I’m both honored and excited to take the helm of this growing and dynamic Chamber, and look forward to helping the region capitalize on the broader economic growth that will be taking place over the next decade.”

During nearly a decade with The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, Mr. Aust has played an active role in the development of the Tech Valley initiative, which was successful in bringing GLOBALFOUNDRIES to the Luther Forest Technology Campus in Malta. He currently serves as vice president of the Tech Valley Chamber Coalition.

Mr. Aust also established an innovative Executive Education Center in collaboration with the State University of New York at Albany to offer continuing educational programming for business leaders; instituted a comprehensive branding initiative that has resulted in significant membership growth and stronger relationships with federal, state and local elected representatives; and developed and executed new programs and events that have resulted in increased member participation, community recognition and a significant increase in non-dues revenue.

In his earlier tenure as Vice President of Membership Development for the ARCC, he was responsible for overall member development, event management and the Chamber’s Government Affairs Council.

Mr. Aust has been involved in leadership positions in various chambers of commerce throughout his career, both as a volunteer and as a board officer. He is a past Chairman of the Chamber Alliance of New York State, and currently chairs that organization’s Health Care Task Force.

He serves on the Board of Regents of the U.S. Chamber’s Institute for Organization Management at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. He is also a member of the Government Affairs Committee of the Business Council of New York State.

An active community volunteer, Mr. Aust has held board and leadership positions with the Prospect Child and Family Center in Queensbury, the Glens Falls Symphony Orchestra, the Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council, the Tri-County United Way, Harrisena Community Church and other not-for-profit organizations. He has been awarded life membership in Kiwanis International, having served in 1998-99 as a distinguished lieutenant governor of the New York District, as well as past president of the Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls.

Mr. Aust received his IOM designation in 2007 from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management at Loyola-Marymount University and is a graduate of the Lowery Institute of Management in Chicago. He and his wife, Noel Granger, live in Queensbury.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce serves more than 1,000 members, predominantly in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga counties. The Chamber is a leading advocate for regional businesses on a wide range of public policy issues and provides its members with a wide variety of business education, development and networking programs, including the Network for Enterprising Women, the Adirondack Young Professionals Organization, and the Washington County Business Show.

For more information on ARCC membership and activities, please call (518) 798-1761.

SUNY Adirondack Launches New Tech Valley Track

2010-10-22T07:47:00.000-07:00

QUEENSBURY & WILTON -- SUNY Adirondack announced the launch of a new education track designed specifically for local residents whose goal is to work for the growing number of companies affiliated with the Tech Valley initiative. The new SUNY Adirondack Tech Valley Track is a set of emphasis areas tied to degrees that focus on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills.

Starting today, SUNY Adirondack will begin accepting applications for students interested in the new Tech Valley Track emphasis program. The first group of enrolled students will begin classes in January, with additional students expected to start in the summer and fall semesters. As more and more tech-based companies enter the region, SUNY Adirondack faculty and staff expect to see an even greater interest in the Tech Valley Track program. “We know that our region is investing heavily in tech industries,” said Nick Paigo, Assistant Professor and Chair of SUNY Adirondack’s technology division. “The Tech Valley Track combines the best of our resources and packages it in a quality and affordable program that can lead to jobs with competitive salaries and solid career paths.”

While conducting research for the new track, SUNY Adirondack representatives identified common entry-level job requirements for companies located throughout the 19-county Tech Valley corridor. Because they prefer to utilize their own in-house technical training programs, many Tech Valley companies don’t expect graduates to show up at their door with expertise in their specialized equipment. However, where they often won’t compromise is the need for solid skills in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as highly valued behavior-based competencies, such as excellent problem solving skills, business ethics, accountability, and an appreciation for the global business environment.

“Tech Valley companies generally embrace the attitude that it’s easier to train new employees the technical skills for their proprietary and custom-built equipment than it is to teach employees overall proficiency in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, as well as people skills and other behavior-based competencies,” said Ronald Heacock, President of SUNY Adirondack. “Those key areas are the backbone of our curriculum at SUNY Adirondack, and our new Tech Valley Track is specifically designed to emphasize these ‘must-have’ skills that employers seek out during the hiring process.”

The Tech Valley Track serves as a broad-based career training program for individuals interested in employment at tech-focused companies. It is designed to complement SUNY Adirondack’s existing portfolio of specialized degree programs, including computer science, computer networking, mechanical technology, and others. The Tech Valley Track also is designed to easily transfer into a bachelor’s degree program at other colleges and universities, including transfer opportunities that exist via the unique partnership between SUNY Adirondack and SUNY’s Empire State College.

Courses for the Tech Valley Track will be offered during the day at SUNY Adirondack’s Queensbury campus and during the evening at the college’s Wilton campus. The program will be offered on both full- and part-time schedules, allowing students to choose an option that best fits their lifestyles. Because the Tech Valley Track is part of an accredited degree program, federal and state financial aid is available for those who qualify.

“We’re excited to offer the new Tech Valley Track to the options available at our Wilton campus,” said Mike Prutsman, Director of SUNY Adirondack’s Wilton Center. “Saratoga County is quickly becoming the heart of the Tech Valley initiative and our new program is another example of how we are aligning our educational curriculum with the local workforce needs.”

The Tech Valley Track will be the anchor of SUNY Adirondack’s recruitment campaign for spring semester. A comprehensive marketing campaign, including ads on radio, cable television, and social networking, all will be used to help spread the word about the new program. Additional information is available at www.sunyacc.edu.

-----

Media Contact:
Mark Parfitt
518-743-2245
parfittm@sunyacc.edu

“BOO TO YOU”: TRICK OR TREATING IN GLENS FALLS

2010-10-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

GLENS FALLS, NY – The City of Glens Falls welcomes everyone to participate in their “Boo to You: Trick of Treat” Halloween event on Friday evening, October 29, 2010 from 5:00pm through 8:30pm. Goody stations and childrens’ activities will be placed throughout downtown Glen Street, Ridge Street, Warren Street and behind the Elm Street parking lot area. From 3:00pm until 10:00pm Glen Street (from Bay Street to Centennial Circle) will be closed for traffic; specifically from Bay Street up to Centennial Circle.

Starting at Police Headquarters at City Hall, 42 Ridge Street, kids can receive a free safety flashlight. Quantities are somewhat limited; first come, first served.

There will be over twelve “booths” spread throughout downtown offering treats (candy, cider, donuts, popcorn, etc.) and childrens’ activities such as bracelet making, Halloween bag decorating, and cookie decorating. Some businesses may opt to give candy out from their own establishments and these will be identified by an official round orange sign. A map will be provided identifying the locations.

Entertainment includes:

• The Country Express Band plays country classics from 5:00pm to 8:30pm.

• Horse & wagon rides will be provided by Newcombe Farms.

• Any children wanting to show off their costume can walk the “Costume Cat Walk” where their image will be projected up onto a huge 33 foot x 16 foot, outdoor movie screen.

• Dancers from the Glens Falls Ballet & Dance Center perform to the ghostly music of “Tubular Bells”. Organized by Carolynn Destratis and choreographed by Josh Meliski, with thanks to Executive Director Carlene Poster. Dances are approximately10 minutes long and will take place at 4:45pm, 6:00pm, & 7:30pm.

• “The Great Pumpkin Jack O’Lantern Exhibition” on display from 6pm-8pm at St. Mary’s-St. Alphonsus Catholic School. Scores of lighted pumpkins – carved and donated by SMSA families – will be on display in the schoolyard from 6:00 – 8:00 pm. Inside the school, SMSA students, staff and faculty will perform in the school’s annual lip-sync show, which this year will be themed “Rock & Roll”. Directed by Youtheather founder and director and SMSA social studies and performing arts teacher Mickey Luce, the lip sync show will run from 6:30pm – 8:00 pm. Instead of charging an admission fee, the school requests non-perishable food and personal hygiene items or monetary donations for the St. Mary’s parish food pantry.

Businesses participating in these activities are: Adirondack Phantoms, Avis Greeting Cards, Best Nails, Black Watch Steakhouse, Croc-A-Gators, Davidson Brothers Brewery & Restaurant, Dog Ate My Homework, Donahue & Higgins, Gourmet Café, Hanneford, Hyde Collection, Kismet, Leland Paper, Liberty Graphics, Milk & Honey, Motivations Fitness Center, NBT Bank, Pepe Productions, Poor Richard’s Antiques, Red Fox Books, Rock Hill Café, Scoville Diamond Jewelers, $ellphone$, Signature Studios, Sterling & Company, Stewart’s Shops, TD Bank, TheAIRapy Lounge, Uncorked, Wholy Crepe, The Wood Theater, and the World Awareness Children’s Museum.

If your business is interested in participating there is still time. Contact either Chris Scoville at 518-793-1442 or Alice Grether at 518-761-3864.
The event is organized by the City of Glens Falls and the Glens Falls Business Improvement District.

Gail Hamel to Speak at YPO Event

2010-10-19T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Organization will meet on Wednesday, November 10th, 5:30 – 7:30 pm. The networking and program event will be held at Saratoga National Golf Club, 458 Union Avenue, Saratoga Springs. The event features speaker Gail Hamel, Hamel Resources, LLC. The cost is $10. This event is co-hosted with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network and is sponsored by SUNY Adirondack Alumni.

Hamel will present: Interacting with the public. Whether it is one on one or in a large crowd – public interaction can be intimidating. Mastering the art of networking, branding a professional image and building relationships is key to professional success. Participants will review how to comfortably introduce themselves, others and their company. They will overcome the challenges of networking and learn tips for those who are shy or introverted as well as getting past the intimidation of networking with “older people.” They will develop and determine the best opportunity to deliver a “30 second infomercial” to articulate the features and benefits of products, services and their company as a whole.

Young Professionals groups provide forums for personal and career development. Participants can improve their networking skills, make contacts among peers from different industries and meet regularly with business leaders in some the area’s popular venues. Attendees must be Chamber members, at the management level of their career, a business owner, or a licensed professional in order to participate in the program.

Appetizers will be provided by Prime at Saratoga National and there will be a cash bar. Reservations are requested. Please register by Monday, November 8th. Contact the Chamber to make your reservations. You can register online, via email or by phone. You can also prepay to attend the event online. For more information about this and other Chamber programs and services, please visit www.adirondackyoungprofessionals.com call 798-1761, or email jmarcantonio@adirondackchamber.org

Mannix Marketing at Free Lunch and Learn offered by Tech II Business Services

2010-10-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

Tech II Business Services is very happy to have Mannix Marketing join us for our first Free Lunch and Learn of the season. Mannix Marketing is nationally recognized in optimizing search engine techniques that drive traffic to your websites and business.

Hear what's new in SEO (search engine optimization) as well as what Internet marketing efforts from the past are still as important today as ever. We'll focus on what helps get traffic to a website (both onsite efforts and offsite efforts), as well as take a glance at Social Media and why online communities like Facebook and YouTube are important businesses.

Our guest speaker will be Brian Mcgrath, SEO Strategist for Mannix Marketing. Brian has experienced many aspects of marketing over the past 13 years, including brand management, copywriting, campaign coordination and internet marketing, where he now helps clients maximize their presence on the internet. Brian earned a BS in Business from SUNY Oswego and his MBA from the University at Albany.

A complimentary lunch will be served.

Contact Chris Waggoner if you would like to attend or call (518) 691-1745.

Who: Mannix Marketing
Where: Tech II Business Services, 4289 Route 50, Saratoga Springs.
When: Tuesday, October 26th
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm

Finch Paper is Finalist for 2 Global Paper Industry Awards

2010-10-11T18:51:00.000-07:00

Samples of promotional items Finch Paper created and distributed to in-house and studio graphic designers as part of its “Finch is in the House” marketing campaign.

GLENS FALLS, N.Y. – Finch Paper LLC has been named an international finalist for two paper industry awards, for its safety program and a creative marketing campaign.

The awards are presented by Pulp & Paper International magazine, the leading trade publication for the global pulp, paper and paperboard industry. Finch is one of five finalists for PPI’s Managing Risk and Safety Award and one of eight finalists for Promotional Campaign of the Year. The winners will be announced in a ceremony in Brussels, Belgium, on November 16.

The company won a 2009 PPI Award for Efficiency Improvements, in recognition of an energy savings program that reduced energy consumption by 4 percent and greenhouse gas emissions by more than 13%.

“The competition for these global awards is intense, and to be a finalist in two categories speaks volumes about the quality of our people and their commitment to building a world-class company,” Finch Paper President and CEO Joseph F. Raccuia said.

“I’m especially proud of our safety accomplishments,” Mr. Raccuia said. “Finch employees are working more safely than ever before. Safety is more than a priority, it’s a way of life — a fundamental foundation of everything we do.”

As a result of a comprehensive safety awareness and action program, Finch has seen its Recordable Incident Rate, the federal government’s measure of job safety performance, decrease by more than two-thirds in the past year, from 3.12 incidents per 200,000 hours worked in 2009 to 1.04 as of Oct. 6. Similarly, the Lost Time Days Away rate, which tracks injuries that result in an employee missing a day of work, is at a historic low of 0.45 as of
Oct. 6, down from 1.34 in 2009.

A Recordable Incident Rate of 1.0 or less and a Lost Time Days Away rate of 0.5 or less are considered world class for safety in the paper industry.

Finch’s mill-wide safety initiatives include formation of a Joint Safety Leadership Team, composed of both salaried and hourly employees, that meets regularly to review and revise safety policies and procedures and raise employee awareness of safety in a team-oriented way. The partnership between union leaders and management has helped create an atmosphere in which safety is emphasized and reinforced throughout the organization.

“The joint effort with the unions and the company working together has really strengthened our safety program,” said Ron Gates, secretary/treasurer of United Steelworkers Local 155, the union that represents 135 papermakers at Finch. “There’s constant awareness and exchange of ideas, and we’re really listening to each other. The union leaders are making sure the people on the floor understand the importance of safety, and I think a big reason is the mutual respect between the company and the unions on this issue.”

The Joint Safety Leadership Team also launched a Safe Choices program that offers tangible rewards for actions and ideas that demonstrate an employee’s commitment to safety, and developed a comprehensive 5-year Safety Plan. Daily safety reports are posted throughout the mill, safety huddles are part of the daily routine in all manufacturing departments, and new employees are assigned mentors who emphasize Finch Paper’s commitment to safety.

“Any injury is too many,” Mr. Raccuia said. “We are building a workplace culture where employees are extremely safety-conscious, where they take accountability for their actions, and where they take immediate action to correct any possible safety hazard. Their efforts are contributing greatly to making Finch Paper the employer of choice in our region.”

In the Promotional Campaign category, Finch is a finalist for its “Finch is in the House” campaign, to educate graphic designers about the many applications of its high-quality, value-priced papers.

In-house and studio designers are asked to provide Finch with samples of their work on Finch Paper and, in return, are provided with the opportunity to win prizes. Contributed samples are then showcased on the “Finch is in the House” designer blog. By encouraging creative professionals to share successful Finch projects with their peers, the company demonstrates how designers are utilizing Finch Paper in various ways.

Finch used multi-faceted marketing, public relations and social media tactics to share campaign news, information, and guidelines with the targeted designer audience. The campaign has resulted in a 50 percent increase in visits to the Finch website, and enabled the company to build a samples library of more than 1,200 pieces, from business cards to college viewbooks. These samples provide Finch with qualitative customer research, as well as providing customers with ideas and inspiration.

“Our creative and sales teams have done an excellent job tapping into the end-user market, and they’ve done it by listening, staying current and tailoring initiatives to the needs of our customers,” Mr. Raccuia said. “Their strategic use of new media, in combination with good, old-fashioned customer service, is helping us speak directly to clients in a way that we never have before.”

“This is the second year we have organized the PPI Awards, and we’re very pleased again with the quality and quantity of the entries,” said Mark Rushton, Editor of PPI magazine and chairman of the jury for the 2010 PPI Awards. “We’ve received more entries from all parts of the globe this year. Making the finalists list is a great achievement for all the companies involved. I look forward to seeing the finalists in Brussels in November.”

For more information about “Finch is in the House” visit http://finchpaper.com/in-the-house/
For more information about the 2010 PPI Awards, visit www.ppiawards.com.

STRAIGHT PROMOTED TO V.P. FINANCIAL SERVICES

2010-10-11T18:30:00.000-07:00

Corinth, NY: Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) has announced the promotion of Cathy Straight to Vice President of Financial Services. She formerly served as the credit union’s Assistant Vice President of Financial Services. In this position, she oversees branch financial services with a platform staff of 21, monitors sales and service goals and insures compliance of all regulations with the primary responsibility of identifying and communicating deposit and loan related compliance requirements.

Straight has been employed at HRCCU for 33 years. She began her financial career at the credit union in 1977 as a teller. During her tenure, she also held several other positions including Collections Officer, Loan Officer, Lending Manager and Assistant Vice President of Lending. Straight completed the Credit Union National Association’s (CUNA) Business Lending Certification Program in 2006 and earned a certification for Credit Analysis for Business Lending in 2007. She is presently participating in the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 2010 Leadership Program in Glens Falls, New York.

Straight is a member of the Adirondack Corvette Club and enjoys walking, reading, swimming, traveling and spending time with her family. She and her companion, Mark Carpenter, reside in South Glens Falls, New York.

FIVE STAR HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION ONE OF THE NATION’S STRONGEST CREDIT UNIONS

2010-09-28T14:03:00.000-07:00

Hudson River Community Credit Union (HRCCU) has once again earned the highest rating for strength and stability from BAUERFINANCIAL, Inc.’s, the nation’s credit union rating firm. Earning Bauer’s coveted 5-Star Superior rating indicates that HRCCU is one of the strongest credit unions in the country, excelling in such areas as capital adequacy, delinquent loan levels and profitability. In, fact, HRCCU has earned this top rating for the past 63 consecutive quarters. Having earned a 5-Star rating for more than ten years running, HRCCU has earned itself the added distinction of being an Excepti onal Performance Credit Union.

“As the number of “problem” financial institutions continues to grow,” comments Karen L. Dorway, President of BauerFinancial, “the fact that Hudson River Community Credit Union cannot just withstand the pressures, but even excel in this environment, indicates its management is doing things right. Bauer’s stringent 5-Star requirements haven’t changed, but the climate defi nitely has and the fact that Hudson River Community Credit Union has earned this prestigious rating sets it well above its peers.”

ROTARY CLUB OF GLENS FALLS PARTNERS WITH SAIL and CRUTCHES 4AFRICA TO HELP PEOPLE IN HAITI

2010-09-28T13:46:00.000-07:00

The Glens Falls Rotary Club, the Southern Adirondack Independent Living Center (SAIL), and Crutches4Africa announced today that they are teaming up to continue the Haitian Relief program that began in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake in January of this year. Glens Falls President Kevin O'Brien has asked all members of his club and the surrounding Rotary Clubs in the Capital District to join in an effort to collect mobility devices that will be sent to aid the thousands of amputees and maimed people in Haiti. "We have been working with the local Rotary Clubs and Pure Water for the World in Haiti for over five years. This program is a continuation of our commitment to the people of Haiti," said O'Brien.

The local club raised over $30,000 for the victims of Haiti earlier this year through a telethon sponsored by Look TV. That money was sent directly to Haiti through Rotary International and was used to provide clean water and medical supplies in the makeshift hospitals that were treating patients under very severe conditions. "In the weeks after the earthquake," O'Brien went on to say, “we were in communication with Rotarians in Haiti and the Dominican Republic and they asked us for money first. While they still need an extraordinary amount of help, we heard there was a particular need for medical supplies like crutches, canes, walkers and wheelchairs, so we decided to try to help. We were approached by Crutches 4 Africa and we also reached out to the SAIL Center and they were eager to work with us."

The SAIL Center 's mission is to assist people with all kinds of disabilities. In particular, they have an equipment loan program for people who might need adaptive or mobility equipment on a short term basis. David Bogue, Director of PR for the Rotary Club and a member of the Board at SAIL says, "The Center is uniquely situated to handle this type of program because we regularly get donations of equipment from residents in the community that is no longer being used. We have a large inventory and some of it will be donated to aid this program." While this program, in partnership with the Rotary, is limited to mobility devices, the SAIL Center does accept donations of any medical adaptive equipment that they can use in their equipment loan program. "We know that there is a lot of unused equipment laying around in basements and garages that could be put to good use by people in need. We are asking people, nursing homes, senior centers, and anyone in the community to open their hearts again and share what they might have, but aren't using, to benefit a child or a parent who has lost their independence due to injuries sustained from the earthquake. As one of our members also observed, this project not only has a direct impact in humanitarian terms, but it also has “green” quality, as these items are kept out of our landfills."

Crutches 4 Africa is a nonprofit organization that supplies used mobility devices (crutches, canes, wheelchairs and walkers) to disabled people in Africa and Haiti. David Talbot, a Rotarian from Colorado, who has developed this unique humanitarian service organization is going to be in the Northeast during September collecting these items from groups that have agreed to help, many of which are Rotary clubs. He has rented a 40ft container and will be driving a truck around to various locations to collect items and talk about his project. David and his wife, Candace are professional photographers/videographers and visited Africa a few years ago to do a documentary. David himself is a polio survivor and he was moved by the hardship he saw in those ravaged by polio and other diseases. The idea to get used mobility devices from the USA to people in Haiti and Africa became their passion and project in 2005. Crutches 4Africa was highlighted in the August issue of Rotarian in its “World Roundup News.” You may also check out the organization’s website <http://www.crutches4africa.org/> to find out more.

Rotary International has many clubs throughout the world and they all work together to provide aid and relief for poorer countries. There are local clubs in Haiti and the Dominican Republic that have set up channels through which Rotarians and the general public may donate money and other forms of aid in the relief effort. Donors often wonder if their largess will be used for its intended purpose. “Rotary is the largest not-for-profit service organization in the world. We in Glens Falls have been working for a number of years in Haiti, with and through our sister clubs, to fight disease by bringing clean water to this region of the world. We have close ties to these wonderful people. We know what Rotarians like David Talbot are doing, and with our ties in the Dominican Republic and Haiti and we have every confidence that the assistance we send will be used for the right purpose and to aid those most in need,” said David Bogue.

The SAIL Center will be the collection point for donations and the public is being urged to donated any unused mobility devices during the week from Monday, September 27th through Friday, October 1st. The Sail Center has two locations in the area. One is located at 71 Glenwood Avenue in Queensbury. Phone: 792-3537. They will be collecting any used crutches, walkers, canes and wheelchairs between the hours of 8am to 4pm. The second collection center is located at Country Club Plaza, 418 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. Phone: 584-8202.
Anyone who would like to donate critically needed funds may do so by sending a check or money order to the Glens Fall Rotary. 100% of the funds donated will be distributed to the Haitian people. There is NO ADMINISTRATION FEE. Please make checks payable to The Glens Falls Rotary Foundation, Inc. Please write "Haiti" on the memo line. All donations must be mailed to Glens Falls Rotary, PO Box 4702, Queensbury, NY 12804.

Parsons Associates ready to partner with clients for innovative and sustainable business development solutions

2010-09-23T19:00:00.000-07:00

Glens Falls, NY––Resource Associates Corporation of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania is pleased to announce the appointment of Bruce Parsons and his firm, Parsons Associates, as one of their newest certified individuals within their International Network of Senior-level Business and Executive Development Affiliates. Conveniently located in Glens Falls, New York, Parsons Associates is well poised to partner with a diverse client base to co-create innovative and sustainable business development solutions.

Parsons Associates’ focus is to partner with individuals and organizations to achieve breakthrough results. These tangible, measureable results include increased sales, profitability, market share, productivity, customer loyalty and employee retention. For more information on Parsons Associates, go to www.parsonsassociates.biz.

Prior to founding Parsons Associates, Bruce Parsons served 25 years in a variety of management and leadership positions in the pulp and paper, power systems, and medical device manufacturing industries. Bruce also served over four years as Combat Engineer Officer, US Army, immediately following graduation from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with BS degree in Civil Engineering. Bruce Parsons has lived with his wife and family in Glens Falls, NY for 25 years.

Max Weinberg Big Band brings Tour to Saratoga Springs, NY on October 15, 2010

2010-09-23T18:50:00.000-07:00

Max Weinberg builds upon his celebrated career with The Max Weinberg Big Band tour that appears in Saratoga Springs, NY on October 15th at 8:00pm at Universal Preservation Hall (25 Washington St). Tickets are $48 and can be purchased by calling (518) 874-0800 or online at http://www.woodtickets.com/. Tickets can also be purchased in person at Saratoga Guitar located at 438 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Max Weinberg Bigband is presented by The Applause Factory and Universal Preservation Hall with the generous support of Palio Communications, The Saratogian, and New York Long Term Care Brokers.

Bruce Springsteen’s long-time E Street Band drummer and Conan O’Brien’s band leader for 17 years leads a bold, swinging 15-piece big band that continues the traditions established by Max’s musical heroes including Frank Sinatra, Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Gene Krupa, Doc Severinsen, and Maynard Ferguson. The band is comprised of a three-piece rhythm section — piano, bass and drums — and a horn section consisting of five saxophones, four trumpets and three trombones. Recent concerts this summer include performances at Count Basie Theater and the Newport Beach Summer Jazz Series.

An intuitive drummer with powerful yet controlled playing, Weinberg showcased his talent with Springsteen and the E Street Band for 36 years. In addition, he has performed with the likes of Paul McCartney, Sting, Tom Jones, Ringo Starr (on Ringo’s drums!), Bob Dylan, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Bono and Levon Helm. He is a past winner of Playboy’s Pop and　Jazz Music Poll as Best Drummer, as well as Rolling Stone Magazine’s Critics Poll as Best Drummer.

Other notable highlights for Weinberg include performing in the East Room of the White House with the Navy Big Band (2006), the Grammy Awards (2003,2005), and the televised Presidential Inaugural Galas (1993, 1996).　 He also served as the music director for Comic Relief starring Robin Williams, Whoopi Goldberg, and Billy Crystal in 1998.

SECOND ANNUAL “AGING WELL FORUM” TO BE HELD AT SUNY ADIRONDACK

2010-09-21T13:40:00.000-07:00

Queensbury, NY – The Glens Falls Home, Inc. will once again provide a day of continuing education for area seniors, their families, and their caregivers on Saturday, November 6, 2010 with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the SUNY Adirondack Scoville Learning Center.

The Aging Well Forum is a collaborative project of The Glens Falls Home, Inc. and SUNY Adirondack Continuing Education. The forum will open with words of welcome from SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Ronald Heacock and Glens Falls Home, Inc. Executive Director Frank Mezzano.

Classes will begin at 9:15 a.m. with a choice of eighteen workshops in six concurrent sessions. Classes will include such subjects as: legal matters, health issues, Medicaid , Medicare, Planning & Investments, alternative medicine, staying in touch (Facebook), staying connected (volunteering, socializing, continuing education), and how to stay safe from scams and fraud. A luncheon for all attendees will follow at noon. At one o’clock an otherwise serious day will end on a high note when attendees will be treated to a speech entitled, “H.A.H.A.”(Healthy Aging – Humorous Aging) given by well-known speaker, Margie Ingram.

Registration packets may be obtained on line at: http://www.glensfallshome.org/ or by calling the Glens Falls Home, Inc. office at 793-1494.

EPA RRP Extension Expires September 30, 2010

2010-09-20T17:37:00.000-07:00

The EPA RRP Extension granted June 18, 2010 expires September 30, 2010. To be in compliance with the EPA Lead Renovator Rule, you must be registered in a course by September 30th and the class must be completed by December 31st.

Any building trades professional who disturbs lead paint while working in a pre-1978 home, school, or daycare, must be Lead-Safe Certified.

Many towns, cities, bid managers, and insurance companies are requiring proof of certification. Don't miss out on work and face heavy fines because you are not Certified.

Upon successful completion of this one day course, you will receive a Certificate of Completion stating that you are trained in lead safe work practices and meet the requirements of EPA Lead Safety RRP rule. The course presents procedures for minimizing lead dust generation and soil contamination during maintenance/renovation/remodeling activities as defined by the US EPA and US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). If these procedures are correctly implemented, the risk of lead exposure to employees, children, residents and families of employees can be minimized.

Instructor Bio:
EverGreen Environmental Health and Safety is an Accredited EPA Training Provider for the new Lead RRP Rule. EverGreen's Principal Instructor, Terese Churchill, MS, CIH, has extensive experience in environmental health and safety. She started her career as an OSHA compliance officer, and held private industry EHS Executive positions for Ben & Jerry's Homemade, Husky Injection Molding, and Ethan Allen Inc. Terese is a VT licensed lead inspector / risk assessor and an accomplished training provider for occupational health and safety courses.

The one day seminar will be held at the Fort William Henry Resort and Conference Center in Lake George on Monday, October 18th 8:00am-4:00pm, with registration starting at 7:30am. The cost is $250.00 per person. Continental breakfast and lunch are included in the price of registration. To register for the event please contact Heidi at (518) 623-2352 or register online at http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=ltoezucab&oeidk=a07e30lugb0719c6bfc

Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company Named on ABA Education Foundation Honor Roll

2010-09-20T17:32:00.000-07:00

The American Banker’s Association (ABA) Education Foundation recently named Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company to its 2010 Education Foundation Honor Roll which recognizes banks across the nation for their part in bringing savings education to more than 640,000 students this year. According to the ABA, “The popular Teach Children to Save Program, started by the Foundation in 1997, is exclusively for bankers and is the only industry-wide, national financial education initiative.”

Glens Falls National’s program began on April 27th, ABA Education Foundation 14th Annual National Teach Children To Save Day and ran through June 15th. The Bank served more than 2,500 children in Kindergarten through Sixth Grade at 15 area school districts. Participating school districts included; Queensbury, Lake George, Warrensburg, North Warren, Bolton, Hartford, Argyle, Hudson Falls, Fort Edward, Fort Ann, Cambridge, Schuylerville, Ticonderoga, Chazy, and BOCES.

The Glens Falls National Bank Teach Children To Save program was made possible by the commitment of the Bank and the dedicated employee volunteers from all areas in the Bank with an interest in making a difference in the lives of children and families in our communities. Age-appropriate lessons, provided by the ABA Education Foundation, were delivered in a friendly and engaging manner.

Melissa LaFiura, Glens Falls National’s Education and Training Manager explained, “The opportunity to help children develop good saving and spending habits was its own reward for Bank employees. Lessons explored the differences between needs and wants, identifying expenses, highlighting ways to reduce spending as well as basic budgeting information. Glens Falls National Bank’s hope is to inspire children to become lifelong savers with the knowledge to save money safely and spend money wisely.”

South Glens Falls Mayor Donohue and Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company Announce Sponsorship and Theme for 2010 Holiday Parade

2010-09-20T17:25:00.000-07:00

South Glens Falls Mayor Keith Donohue, along with President, Chairman and C.E.O., Tom Hoy of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company announced that Glens Falls National Bank will sponsor the 31st Annual 2010 Holiday Parade to be held November 21st in South Glens Falls.

Mayor Donohue stated, “It is our pleasure to have Glens Falls National host the holiday parade once again this year in the Village of South Glens Falls. It has been a tradition in our Village for decades and brings thousands of people of all ages into our great community. Because of the Glens Falls National employees and volunteers this tradition lives on. All of you took this parade to new heights last year and as the Mayor of South Glens Falls I look forward to another great parade on November 21st.”

Glenn Ellsworth, Assistant Vice President and South Glens Falls Office Manager of Glens Falls National Bank will Chair the Bank’s sponsorship. Glenn is from South Glens Falls with a long-time commitment to the community. Glenn stated, “I am honored to spearhead this year’s Holiday Parade and announce the theme as A Child’s Holiday Wish.”

Maintaining the tradition of the Sunday before Thanksgiving, the parade will begin at 1 p.m. on November 21, 2010. It will showcase community groups, bands, floats, costumed characters and conclude with a special guest, Santa Claus.

Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company, along with the Village of South Glens Falls will be accepting applications for bands, floats, marchers, entertainment and sponsorship of participating groups for this important community event. Through the years, the parade has attracted over 20,000 spectators annually and has been enjoyed by all ages.

Gail Hamel, of Hamel Resources LLC, is working with Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Company as the parade coordinator. For information about the parade or entry, contact Gail Hamel at 518-824-8383 or ghamel@hamelresources.com.

HUDSON RIVER COMMUNITY CREDIT UNION GOLF CLASSIC GENERATES $22,836 TO BENEFIT REGIONAL YOUTH PROGRAMS

2010-09-11T08:22:00.000-07:00

GLENS FALLS, NY: Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Fourth Annual Golf Classic was held on Friday, August 13th at Airway Meadows Golf Club, Gansevoort, New York. The event raised $22,836 to benefit youth programs at the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, the Cohoes Community Center and the YMCA of Saratoga - Corinth Branch. Also, Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation presented two $1,000 checks at the event to the Glens Falls Area Youth Center and the Cohoes Community Center. In addition, HRCCU announced they will be donating a new computer room to the YMCA of Saratoga - Corinth Branch.

The funds from this year’s event will be used as follows: To provide meals for the teens who visit the Glens Falls Area Youth Center; for the Cohoes Community Center’s free After School and Weekend Programs for youth ages 7 - 18; and for the YMCA of Saratoga - Corinth Branch’s free summer youth Swimming Program and After School Enrichment Program for grades K-5.

Special thanks to the major sponsors of the Golf Classic: Vanguard - Fine, LLC, Premiere Sponsor; Enterprise Car Sales, Hole-in-One Sponsor; McKinley Griffen Design and Advertising, BBQ Sponsor; 3tarchitects, Fairway Sponsor; Tech II Business Class and B.G. Lenders Service, LLC, Beverage Cart Sponsors; Time Warner Cable Business Class and Lee & Mason Financial
Services, Inc, Golfer Gift Sponsors; Bay Street Abstract Corp., Lunch Sponsor, W.B. Mason Co., Inc., Longest Drive Sponsor; The Post Star, Closest to the Pin Sponsor. Thanks also to the following hole and cart sponsors: Adirondack Ad Specialties, Affinion Group, Batease Excavating, Inc., brassMEDIA, Inc., Bunny & Bill Bitner, Cohoes Community Center, C.R. Bard, Inc.,
Empire Appraisals Network, First Empire Securities, Fiserv CU Solutions, Hamel Resources, LLC, Harland Clark, Manchester Newspapers, McMahon & Coseo, P.C., MoneySaver/PennySaver, Mountain Media, National Income Life, North Country Janitorial, Inc., Overton, Russell, Doerr & Donovan, LLP, Pamal Broadcasting, Regional Radio Group, The Centsables®, The Spotlight Newspaper, TSS Photography, and William Tell Financial Services.

In addition, generous donations and prizes were received from Airway Meadows Golf Club, Allpoint, Arthur White & Son, Inc., True Value Hardware, Bend of the River Golf Club, Biscuits Bakery, Bradford Renaissance Portraits, BVS, Ciro’s Restaurant, Cool Beans, Corinth Wine & Liquor, Domino’s Pizza, East End Eatery, Feigenbaum Cleaners, Fort Orange Press, Fort William Henry, Giavano’s Pizzeria, Gourmet Cafe, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, Holiday Inn, MicroKnowledge, Milk & Honey, Mollie’s Mason Jar, National Income Life, National Kidney Foundation, News Channel 13, Price Chopper, Prima, Raddon Financial, Red Lobster, Marriot Residence Inn, Rock Hill Bakehouse, Rocco’s Pizzeria, Samantha’s Pantry, Saratoga Coffee Service, Stadium Golf Club, Steve’s Place, Subway, Sweet Basil, The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom, The Queensbury Hotel, Uncorked, Valley Cats and Water Safari.

For more information or membership eligibility, contact HRCCU at 518-654-9028 or 1-800-824-0700 or visit HRCCU online at www.hrccu.org.

Supervising Safety from the Front Line – “Hope is not a Solution”

2010-09-11T08:12:00.000-07:00

Mechanicsburg, PA, – On April 26, 2010, the Department of Labor (DOL) announced the new “Plan/Prevent/Protect” strategy in the following way: Employers and others must “find and fix” violations – that is, assure compliance – before a Labor Department investigator arrives in the workplace. Employers and other in the Department’s regulated communities must understand that the burden is on them to obey the law, not on the Labor Department to catch them violating the law. In various ways, employers and other regulated entities will be asked to assemble plans, create processes, and designate people charged with achieving compliance.

The Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) currently requires development and approval of plans for control of specific hazards, but will work on regulations to improve the effectiveness of these existing plans. MSHA will also publish a Request for Information (RFI) about the possible imposition of a new requirement of a comprehensive health and safety management program for all mines. The RFI will solicit information in the areas of management commitment and employee involvement; work site analysis; hazard prevention controls; safety and health training; pre-shift inspection; violations of any mandatory safety or health standards and correction of those which are identified; and program evaluation.

Scott McKenna, Sam Scribe and Ron Witt, of Catamount Consulting LLC New York and Pennsylvania, have collaborated to put together a two day training seminar covering MSHA Supervisor Training. The Supervisor Seminar encompasses prevention of accidents, the role of the supervisor, motivating your team and teambuilding, handling litigation, MSHA compliance, handling MSHA Inspections and creating a positive environment. People in every workplace talk about building the team, working as a team, and “my team”, but few understand how to create the experience of team work or how to develop an effective team. Participants will learn how to build a team that will be proactive in handling accident prevention and MSHA compliance.

The MSHA Supervisor Training Seminar will take place November 2-3, 2010 at Holiday Inn Harrisburg in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. The cost to attend is $550 per person. More information on the seminar can be found at http://www.catamountconsultingllc.com/msha.html or by calling Catamount Consulting at (518) 623-2352.

Saratoga National-Saratoga Center for the Family 5K Cross Country Classic

2010-09-09T16:47:00.000-07:00

The 10th annual Saratoga National Bank – Saratoga Center for the Family 5K Cross Country Classic Run/Walk at Saratoga Spa State Park will be held on Sunday, October 17, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

The 5K Cross Country Classic Course in the Spa State Park is the home championship course of the state and nationally ranked Saratoga Springs Blue Streaks High School Cross Country Team as well as the course for sectional and regional high school and college cross country races. The course is a combination of flat and hilly, open and wooded trails winding through the beautiful and scenic Saratoga Spa State Park. The race also serves as the USA Track & Field Adirondack Association Cross Country Championship Race.

All proceeds will benefit Saratoga Center for the Family, a local not-for-profit organization helping families in crisis and victims of child abuse and neglect. The race and walk registration fee is $20 through October 12th. Thereafter and on the day of the race, the registration will be $25. Please visit our web site at http://www.saratoganational.com/ to register on-line, print a registration form, or for more information.

Get Carducated Video Contest

2010-09-03T11:50:00.000-07:00

To help young adults to become financially saavy, Hudson River Community Credit Union, along with Covera Card Solutions and 67 credit unions throughout the Northeast, are calling for students to submit a short video about responsible debit, credit and ATM card use – including why it’s important, lessons they’ve learned, or any other pertinent angle.

The Get Carducated Video Contest is open to members of participating credit unions between the ages of 16 and 21 who are currently attending college or will be college-bound by October 2012. Videos will be accepted through October 31. All submissions will be uploaded to the Get Carducated YouTube channel for public viewing. Once uploaded, participants can ask their friends, relatives, neighbors, classmates and others to view their video. They can also share it through Facebook, Twitter and other social media outlets.

The three videos with the most views as of Nov. 1, 2010, will win one of the following prizes: Grand prize is a $5,000 college sholarship; Second place is a MacBook and a $500 textbook credit; and Third place is an iPhone and a $250 textbook credit. Plus, the first 25 participants to submit an eligible video will automatically win a $25 iTunes gift card.

Local teens can visit www.getcarducated.com to find out more about the contest and how to enter. The website features an introductory video, a list of participating credit unions, contest details, entry forms, plus a closer look at the contest mascot, Carducator. Contest participants under age 18 are required to provide parent/legal guardian consent on the entry form.