OC Business Watch by Niki Jones Agency, Inc.

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

OCT/NOV 2014

A COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

HELPING ORANGE ENERGIZE

ORANGE PULSE

Buy Orange. Build Orange. Give Orange. Revitalize Orange.

Small Business Saturday

Page 5

BUSINESS INSIDER

It didn’t take new Chamber President Lynn Allen Cione long to get in the swing of things, as she joined Chamber Board members and staff on the floor at the Dance with the Chamber Stars event at Villa Venezia in Middletown. From left: Edison and Aida Guzman (Edison is a Board member), Chamber Communications VP Ellen Daley, Board member Bill Sivillo, Chamber Director of Events Andrea Baer and Lynn.

Board Welcomes Nine New Members

2014 Chamber Award Winners Announced

Don’t Write Off Those Bad Debts

PCI Standards: Is Your Organization in Compliance?

Jolly Trolly Holiday Shopping

GROW /EXPAND Making it in OC

Awards & Recognition

Notable People

B y L y n n A ll e n C i o n e

New Chamber Members

It is my honor and my privilege to be your new President of the Orange County Chamber. Thank you to the Board and the staff of the Chamber who have been so welcoming and supportive. And thank you to you, the members, for taking the time out of your busy schedules to share your thoughts, ideas and goals with me; and some of the best coffee I’ve ever had (more on that in the next issue!)

TREND/ INNOVATE

What’s New At The Orange County Chamber? Lots, Including Me!

Continued on page 19

NETWORK IT So many great events are planned for October and November, we weren’t able to fit them all in! Check what’s on page 22, and visit the Calendar at www.orangeny.com for more.

MAKING IT IN O.C. Celebrate your next special occasion at Fuji Japanese Steakhouse and Sushi Bar at the Galleria at Crystal Run in Middletown. Read all about Fuji and a host of other remarkable local businesses on pages 12 and 13.

Five Quick Tips for Better Business Blogging

INORANGE Events Calendar

Committee Meetings

Business Watch is now on

Facebook & Twitter

PERMIT NO. 335

Newburgh, NY 12550

PAID

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

Board Welcomes Nine New Members CHAMBER COUNSEL Glen L. Heller, Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS OFF ICE RS Tom Sullivan | Chairman of the Board

Dr. Arthur C. Anthonisen Thomas C. DeBenedictus

President/Owner, Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc., Funeral Homes

F. Edward Devitt

Ralph Martucci | Chair-Elect

Thomas F. Gibney

Katharine Fitzgerald

President, Martucci Finance & Mgmt. Solutions

Mike Turturro | First Vice Chairman

Partner, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs

Josh Sommers | Second Vice Chairman

President, Focus Media, Inc.

Maj. Kathleen Sileno | Secretary Chief of Staff, 105th Airlift Wing

Charlie Milich | Treasurer/Immediate Past Chairman

Patricia Gilchrest Stewart P. Glenn Robert Heiferman Louis Heimbach Donna Johnson-Klonsky

“These individuals have a tremendous amount of experience in their respective industries and organizations and they will bring new enthusiasm and energy to the Chamber’s Board of Directors,” said President Lynn Allen Cione. “Each of them has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the business community and to the Chamber, and I’m really looking forward to working with them.”

Anthony Martine Carole S. McDermott Marsh H. Merrill

William Sivillo | At Large

Ralph L. Mills

Sharon B. Warantz | At Large

Bob Brisman (West Point Tours), Tony Costa (Empire State Bank), Bob Defelice (Fox Radio), Frank Giordano, III (Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC), Lisa Gubernick (M&T Bank), Melissa McCoy (Elant, Inc.), Deborah Patterson (Orange & Rockland Utilities), Greg Schloemer (DocuWare) and Antonio Vinciguerra (TD Bank).

Woody Levitan

President, The RAL Supply Group, Inc.

President, Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours

Nine prominent local individuals, representing a diverse cross-section of the business community, have been elected to the Orange County Chamber Board of Directors. They are:

Dr. Kunwar Nagpal Peter Polhamus

President, Jellybean Promotions

John J. McDermott, III, | To Rest Is To Rust Member President, 17K Property Group

Dreena Pross Milton Ritter Robert W. Scherreik

Lynn Allen Cione | President

Orange County Chamber of Commerce

A. Alan Seidman James P. Smith, Jr. William F. Vacca

BOAR D OF D IREC TORS Peter Berman

Jill M. Varricchio

CEO, The Ruby Group

Bob Brisman

Owner, West Point Tours

Renee Bulla

Vice President, Client Services Momentum Advertising and Design

Tony Costa

Chairman, Empire State Bank

Bob Defelice

General Manager, Fox Radio

Frank Giordano, III

Partner, Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC

Lisa Gubernick

Business Banking Team Leader, M&T Bank

Edison Guzman

President, A&E Advertising and Web Design

Let US help your business so you can enjoy the sweet rewards.

Paul Halayko

President, Newburgh Brewing Company

Ed Harrison

General Manager, Stewart International Airport

Johann Huleatt

Outreach Director, Community Products, LLC

Running your own business usually means that you’ve got a lot on your plate - some of which are things you’d rather not deal with. At Ulster Savings Bank, we can help lighten the load. From taxes and payroll to lending, investments and more, we’ve got you covered.

Eric Maldonado

Partner,Verizon Wireless Zone

Marcel Martino President, Inspire

Melissa McCoy

Vice President, Elant, Inc.

Joann Menendez

Vice President of Marketing Walden Savings Bank

Linda Muller

President & CEO, Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center

Deborah Patterson

Economic Development Director, Orange & Rockland Utilities

Visit us online at www.BusinessIsSweet.com or call (866) 440-0391.

Dr. William Richards President, SUNY Orange

Greg Schloemer

President, DocuWare

banking • loans • investments • tax & payroll • insurance

Jean Sexton

Branch Manager, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Investment, Tax, Payroll and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc.,and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.

Antonio Vinciguerra Vice President, TD Bank

Scott Wohl

Executive Officer, Builders Association of the Hudson Valley

MEMBER FDIC

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

BUSINESS INSIDER THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

2014 Chamber Award Winners Announced The votes are in and below is a list of the winners of this year’s Chamber awards:

• DocuWare – Large Business of the Year

CHAMBER STAFF

• Pattycake Playhouse – Medium Business of the Year

Lynn Allen Cione, President lynnc@orangeny.com

• Lewis Sign Company, LLC – Small Business of the Year • Volum8Creative, Inc. – Start-up Business of the Year • Hudson Valley Cancer Resource Center – Not-for-Profit Enterprise of the Year • Paradise Energy Solutions – Green Business of the Year • Nancy Wolff (Nancy Wolff, Independent Legal Shield Associate) – Volunteer of the Year (general membership)

• Nick Illobre (Knapp Consultants) – Volunteer of the Year (Board of Directors) • Ralph & Debbie Martucci – President’s Award • ND Pro Media – Commitment to Community • Nick Illobre (Knapp Consultants) – Legacy Award These remarkable individuals will be honored at the Chamber’s Annual Meeting and Awards Reception on Thursday, October 23 at Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor. The event is sponsored by First Niagara and Occupations System of Care. The October 23 reception will begin with hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar at 5:30 p.m., followed by dessert, the program and presentation of awards from 7:00 - 8:00 p.m. Advance reservations, at $45 per person, are required for the reception. More information is available by calling Andrea Baer at 845457-9700 or visiting www.orangeny.com A commemorative journal will be published in conjunction with the event. Anyone interested in placing an ad in the journal should contact Andrea at 845-457-9700 or andreab@orangeny.com.

 

Ellen Daley, Vice President, Communications ellend@orangeny.com Andrea Baer, Director of Events andreab@orangeny.com Cheryl Cohen Director of Membership Investment cherylc@orangeny.com Wendy Melick Information Technology Specialist wendym@orangeny.com Valerie Gross Membership Services Coordinator valerieg@orangeny.com Arlean Veve Receptionist arleanv@orangeny.com Publication of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2013 The Orange County Chamber Business Watch is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in the Orange County Chamber Business Watch and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. The Orange County Chamber Business Watch reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.

Publisher Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 845.856.1266 • info@nikijones.com 39 Front Street • Port Jervis, New York 12771

     

   

     

Editor Ellen Daley 845.457.9700 • ellend@orangeny.com 30 Scott’s Corners Drive Montgomery, NY 12549 Advertising Sales Olga Zernhelt 845.754.2356 • businesswatch@nikijones.com 39 Front Street • Port Jervis, New York 12771 OCCC Logo Design AJ Ross Creative Media

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

Ribbon Cutting Cutting the ribbon for the grand opening of the Animal Clinic at Tower Drive in Middletown is Clinic owner Sharalyn Ezzo. Joining Dr. Ezzo are her parents, John and Mary Ezzo, her husband, Bob, and clinic employees. More information is available by calling (845) 695-1323.

Shouldn’t your money work as hard as you do?

Let’s talk business. Earn more – and spend less – on your everyday business banking at HVFCU. 845.463.3011

hvfcu.org

We see business banking differently. HVFCU148_Deposit_10.25x6.35_4C_BusinessWatch.indd 1

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

9/19/14 1:11 PM

Orange Pulse

Celebrating 90 Years!

Small Business Saturday It’s A Big Deal BY regina mCgrade

In 2010, a nationwide shop local initiative called Small Business Saturday was developed by American Express. The mission: Encourage people everywhere to shop LOCALLY with small businesses for just one weekend: Black Friday and Small Business Saturday. This annual weekend is the Gold Medal Championship retail opportunity for Mom and Pops and other independent LOCAL retailers. A business does not have to accept American Express to participate. In 2013, The Encore, Inc. Consign For A Cause Shop, a not-for-profit community Consignment Shop to benefit The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center, collaborated with the Cornwall Business community and the Orange County Chamber in promoting local shopping and giving that weekend. The store saw a 300% increase in weekend sales. We also took advantage of the Chamber’s website coupon feature. Riding that wave, we took a dive into the deep end, and “popped” up a second store, the Encore Home Store, initially just for that weekend as a trial. We sold 75% of the inventory, breathed new life into a long-empty store front, paid forward generous community donations, educated the community about our services, provided quality merchandise from local households at bargain prices to our friends and neighbors. And. The Encore Home Store is still operating. Small Business Saturday falls on November 29 this year, and collaborative merchant marketing is underway. As a golden opportunity to steward customer loyalty, we showed customers our appreciation with a free gift with purchase and a coupon valid for holiday shopping through December. According to KISSmetrics, “Businesses with 40% repeat customers have generated nearly 50 more revenue than similar businesses with only 10% repeat customers.” The Encore Consign For A Cause, Inc. retail fundraising initiative, as with many small businesses, faces limited resource challenges and are grateful for all the free marketing support. Small Business Saturday is extremely user-friendly, a quick on-line search and resources galore are available offering free marketing coaching and kits for downloading materials, Facebook posts, social media tips, coupons etc. SnapRetail has professionally designed social posts and accompanying messages to help you spread the shop small message. Visit their Resource Center at swww.napretail.com/ resource-center to download the free social posts for your store. A message such as, “For every $1 spent at a local business, 45 cents is reinvested locally,” goes a long way. Small Business Saturday allowed us to share our own mission of making our communities a healthier place. We believe that charity starts at home. Many, many families donate their fine things to us. For nearly 900 consigners, the income generated by recycling through consignment has been real-time financial support. In the three years we have been open, the Encore stores have paid back nearly $100,000 into our community in consignor payouts. Donating locally and shopping locally has also enabled outreach and education about access to the quality affordable medical and dental services offered by The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. It’s all good. Regina McGrade is Director of Development for The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center. She can be reached at 845-220-3152 or rmcgrade@ghvfhc.org. More information is available at www.ghvfhc.org and www.consign4acause.org.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

BUSINESS INSIDER Don’t Write Off Those Bad Debts By Christopher Mangan Are you a small business dealing with customers who constantly pay late and/or make you wait for your money? There are a variety of reasons why some clients string you along for payment. These people can be trained to pay. How many clients owe you money right now? And what about those you have to chase every month? Chasing people for money can be exhausting. It’s an unnecessary hassle that can be eliminated. You can create a habit of payment in all of your customers and get paid faster. The way you present your operation from the first meeting with a customer and throughout the business relationship -- which includes billing and collecting payments -- greatly determines your rate of success. Proven billing and collection methods do exist. These techniques are based on studies that demonstrate how to overcome payment problems and help businesses experience greater cash flow. While there is no “one size fits all” approach to this process, there are many fundamental laws that remain unchanged. For example, the longer an account remains unpaid, the less chance you have of getting paid. Percentage of collectability

decreases 30 days past due and becomes even more uncollectable at 60 and 90 days and so on. There are also laws that force customers to pay. The techniques you use to pursue your money and communicate that payment is “due now” are vital. This is the 21st century and you need 21st century methods to get paid. Furthermore, you don’t have to worry about losing clients when your approach is respectable, but persistent. Good customers will respect great billing and difficult customers cannot escape the responsibility to pay. Many business owners wait far too long to get professional help for their collection problems. These business owners cannot seem to get out of their own way and often become stifled and complacent. Don’t keep guessing why your customers don’t pay. Look internally and find the reason. This scenario is so common that millions of dollars are lost each year. According to studies, over $25 billion gets referred to collection agencies every year and more gets written off as bad debt. How much of that money was yours? Why do so many business owners refuse to solve these collection issues? If you can’t resolve these issues on your own, consider calling in a professional.

Business Lending A ny time and on your terms.

My Time Meeting with Walden Savings Bank My Business

Meeting with Walden Savings Bank

My Business

My Time

AMAdd

Invitees

Add Notes, Attchments, or URL PM

Robert E. Ambrose

Vice President 845.457.7700 x360 Cell: 845.220.8387 bob.ambrose@waldensavingsbank.com

Greg Roe

Assistant Vice President 845.457.7700 x362 Cell: 845.522.0561 greg.roe@waldensavingsbank.com

William F. Vacca

Vice President 845.457.7700 x367 Cell: 845.661.2524 william.vacca@waldensavingsbank.com

At Walden Savings Bank, we’ve been earning our customer’s trust and banking on their terms for more than 140 years. We’ll come to you today and tell you about the business banking and lending products your business may need.

8 4 5 . 4 57.770 0 | w a l d e n s a v i n g s b a n k . c o m

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

Christopher Mangan is President of CJM Billing Solutions. He can be reached at (845) 496-0772 or cjmbilling@optimum.net. For more information, visit www.cjmbillingsolutions.net

PCI Standards: Is Your Organization in Compliance? B y T h o ma s D e M a y o The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (“PCI-DSS”) is a worldwide information security standard defined by the Payment Card Industry Security Standards Council. The standard was created to help prevent credit card fraud through increased controls around credit card data and its exposure to compromise. When we think about credit card security, for most, Target comes to mind. Target, a huge commercial operation, was recently the fraud victim of one of the biggest credit card breaches in history. Nonprofit organizations can also be obligated to meet PCI-DSS compliance, and just like Target, can be subject to large financial penalties if not in compliance. PCI-DSS applies to all businesses that store, process, or transfer cardholder information from any card branded with the logo of one of the card brands (e.g., MasterCard, Visa, Discover, etc.). If you accept credit card payments in any form, you are responsible for meeting all the compliance requirements. This is a contractual agreement that was entered into when your merchant account was established to accept and process credit cards. Select states have made all or parts of PCIDSS compliance law. While your organization is not likely nearly as large as Target, that does not mean your

operations cannot be a target for fraudsters. Nonprofits often rely heavily on credit card payments when receiving contributions. Various channels for campaigns, including call centers, online web sites, face-to-face marketing and traditional printed mail, may include a component for giving by way of credit card payment. In some nonprofits, such as schools or museums, credit card payments are accepted in a store, cafeteria, or restaurant for some types of online sales. Unfortunately, the nonprofit sector is not immune to cyber security issues, including hacking and loss of sensitive data, such as credit card details, through both online and offline exploitation. Non-compliance with PCI-DSS has its consequences. In general, organizations suffering a breach and found not to be PCI-DSS compliant may be subject to:

• Financial losses • Reputation and brand damage • Exposure to legal risks resulting from

violating the privacy of cardholders (State Privacy Laws)

• Loss of business opportunities as a result of lack of trust

• Impact of downtime resulting from attacks.

Thomas DeMayo is Director, IT Audit and Consulting, at O’Connor Davies, LLP. He can be reached at tdemayo@odpkf.com or 212-867-8000.

The ultimate penalty is losing the ability to accept and process credit cards. Unfortunately, this has happened to a number of nonprofits. If you store, process and/or transmit credit card information, PCI-DSS compliance is not an option. What you must do to obtain compliance will depend on a number of factors, such as how many credit card transactions you process per year and the specifics of how the transactions are processed. Many nonprofits are not aware of their compliance obligations or are incorrectly advised of their compliance status by their IT departments.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

THINK

STEWART

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT YOUR HUDSON VALLEY AIRPORT

Stewart International welcomes Allegiant Air to our family of airlines with new service to St. Petersburg, FL. Stewart International offers many non-stop and connection destinations via Delta, JetBlue, US Airways, and, now, Allegiant Air. For special promotions and packages, visit Allegiant.com. Learn more at www.panynj.gov/stewart 8

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

ge 51)

BUSINESS OWNERS,

join the thousands of customers who have reduced their energy use, gotten millions of dollars in rebates and incentives, and helped the environment.

1-877-852-5678 oru.com/GreenTeam

O&R Blue (Pantone 548)

100% Black

O&R Gray (Cool Gray 11)

MAKE ENERGY EFFICIENCY

A WAY OF LIFE BUSINESS OWNERS, START SAVING TODAY. T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

04895_OR_10p25x12p875_m1a.indd

SHOPPING LOCALLY IS THE NAME OF THE GAME

Board the Jolly Trolly for a Holiday Shopping Tour to Warwick and Goshen Relax at the Brotherhood Winery for an End-of-Day Treat Do your holiday shopping right here in the Hudson Valley: specifically in Warwick and Goshen on Saturday, November 22. The OC Chamber, in cooperation with the Warwick Valley and Goshen chambers, is hosting a bus trip from the Chamber Business Center in Montgomery to Warwick and Goshen, capping the day with a visit to the Brotherhood Winery in Washingtonville. We’ll meet at the Chamber in Montgomery, enjoy a continental breakfast and board the bus (provided by Rolling V) around 9:00 a.m. First stop is Warwick, where we’ll be met by our friends from the Warwick Chamber and the Warwick Merchants Guild who will hand out goody bags complete with coupons from select Warwick merchants. The town will be decorated for the holidays and that sight alone will be worth the trip. Around 12:30, the Jolly Trolly will leave for Goshen, where everyone can select from among dozens of great Goshen eateries for

lunch. If time permits, folks can tour a couple of the village’s remarkable historic attractions. We’ll leave Goshen at 3:30, and head to the Brotherhood Winery, for a wine tasting. The plan is to leave Brotherhood around 5:00 p.m. for the trip back to Montgomery. All this is for just $25 per person and includes

the breakfast at the Chamber and the tasting at the winery. Space is limited, so don’t delay. Reservation deadline is November 14. Call Andrea now at 845-457-9700 or email andreab@orangeny.com. Payment is required in advance.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 22

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

PETS ALIVE , Middletown

Making it in OC BLUSTEIN, SHAPIRO, RICH & BARONE , L L P, G o s h e n & W a r w i c k BSR&B’s team of lawyers, many of whom have decades of experience, represent clients in litigation, business law, wealth preservation, municipal law, and real estate transactions. Most recently, BSR&B has seen tremendous growth in its municipal law practice, thanks to the addition of attorney William A. Frank. 845-291-0011 / bsr@mid-hudsonlaw.com www.mid-hudsonlaw.com O F C GY M , Middletown “Train different” in the UFC Gym, the only training facility of its kind, inspired by the world’s undisputed leader in mixed martial arts. UFC Gym is the ultimate experience and provides the ultimate in fitness training for individuals of all ages and fitness levels. 845-635-0447 / matt.hanlon@ufcgym.com www.ufcgym.com/middletown H U D S O N VA L L E Y S H R E D , I N C . , Hopewell Junction “Think local first” is the impetus behind HV Shred, Inc., a NYS licensed, locally-owned and operated

on-site shredding service. For optimal security, all shredding is done on site, and all clients receive a certificate of destruction.

ths

A M E R I C A N H E A R T A S S O C I AT I O N , Poughkeepsie

845-705-7279 / Judith@hvshred.com www.hvshred.com

“Go Fresh,” the American Heart Association’s newest cookbook, provides 250 healthy, easy recipes. The cookbook is available at Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and wherever books are sold.

J O H N J . L E A S E R E A LT O R S , Newburgh

845- 905-2122 / kristin.judd@heart.org www.heart.org/nutrition

John J. Lease Realtors has sold the 9,000 SF retail/ warehouse located at 42 Windsor Highway in New Windsor. The purchaser is Tom Hazard of T.H. Remodeling & Renovation, Inc.

A D VA N C E D R E C O V E R Y, I N C . , Port Jervis

845- 565-2800 / john2@johnjleaserealtors.com www.johnjleaserealtors.com MIDDLETOWN MEDICAL , Middletown Middletown Medical has opened a walk-in x-ray service in its Chester Center that is available seven days a week. Individuals need not be a current Middletown Medical patient. All that is required is a prescription from any provider. 845- 469-2692 melissa.wolff@middletownmedical.com www.middletownmedical.com

2,000 SF Retail Opportunities

E FRE o

tt Ren ed lifi Qua nt Tena

Middletown Commons located in Middletown, New York at RTE 17M/Dolson Avenue & Abe Isseks Drive

Recycles all electronics equipment, including computers and IT-related equipment. Offers physical data destruction of hard drives. Pays top dollar, competitive pricing on all types of scrap metal such as copper, brass, aluminum, etc. 845-858-8809 / mrea2@advancedrecovery.com www.advancedrecovery.com T I M E WA R N E R C A B L E , Middletown All of Time Warner’s cable technicians around the country have been deployed with technology that allows them to receive AMBER Alerts when they are in the area of an active alert, and training to contact law enforcement if they see the abducted child. 518-640-8569 / Rory.Whelan@twcable.com www.twc.com

The Mount recently unveiled the Kaplan Family Library and Learning Center, located in the college’s newly-renovated Dominican Center. 845-561-0800 / matthew.frey@msmc.edu www.msmc.edu

AVAILABLE SPACES: Three 2,000 SF inline spaces which can be combined up to 6,000 SF & two proposed Pad Sites up to 6,000 SF each

CONTACT FOR INFO: JORDAN KORRIS

PROPERTY FEATURES:

• • •

Leasing Representative for Levin Management

908.226.5262

•

Licensed Real Estate Broker

845-237-2335 / jen@petsalive.org www.petsalive.org

M OU NT SAI NT MARY COLLEG E , Newburgh

n 6 Mo

jkorris@levinmgt.com LEVINMGT.com

Announces they will be seeking out new partnerships in Puerto Rico in order to better serve the island's abandoned, neglected, abused and mistreated dog population. Pets Alive will close their Puerto Rico facility in order to begin seeking partnerships with existing rescues.

Short- and long-term leases available, ideal for both retail and office use. Local marketplace comprises some of the most recognizable names in retail today, including ShopRite, Family Dollar, Rite Aid, National Wholesale Liquidators, AutoZone and McDonald’s, among others. Daily traffic count on Route 17M/Dolson Avenue exceeds 39,300 vehicles per day with entrance/exit to I-84 about one mile from property. Situated in the heart of a growing residential community, 38,240 people reside within a three-mile radius. Join a unique tenant mix that already includes Children’s Corner Learning Center and ACS Commercial Solutions.

J O H N S . B U R K E C AT H O L I C HIGH SCHOOL, Goshen A new digital learning system, called “Enlighten,” debuted at the start of the school year. Burke students are now equipped with Apple iPad Airs, which allow them access to the state-of-the-art learning program, their textbooks, and more. 845-294-5481 / robertleePR@gmail.com www.burkecatholic.org T H E R U B Y G R O U P, Goshen Two regional development projects deemed as high priority by Gov. Cuomo’s Regional Council initiative -- the Middletown Community Health Center’s

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

Pathway to Health project and the Equilibrium Brewery -- are partnered with local development firm, The Ruby Group. 845- 651-3800 / pete@rubycs.com www.rubygrp.com F U J I J A PA N E S E S T E A K H O U S E & SUSHI BAR, Middletown Conveniently located in the Galleria at Crystal Run. Lunch specials from 11:00 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Celebrate special occasions at Fuji; party packages available. 845-692-88881 / fujimiddletown@gmail.com www.fujisteakhouseny.com/hibachi/ ORANGE COUNT Y ARBORETUM, INC., Montgomery Located in the Thomas Bull Memorial Park; 35 acres of rolling former pasturelands and wooded areas are an environmental resource and garden whose primary purpose is the display of tree collections. Guided tours available. 845-561-3454 / dw13454@earthlink.net www.orangecountyarboretum.org THE ENTREPRENEUR’S SOURCE , Eastchester Business-to-business coaching. Focusing on small to mid-size companies, improving all areas of their organization. Franchise coaching; assisting people in opportunities to purchase a franchise based on a system successfully used for more than 30 years. 914-364-0509 / mciavolino@esourcecoach.com www.theEsource.com/mciavolino NADOK A LUXU RY CLE AN E RS , N ewburgh

iPad Winner Time Warner Cable Business Class donated an iPad as a prize for an attendee at TechXpo at EXPO. The lucky winner was Miriam Yeoman, from Rock & Mulch Tree Farm/Brewer Lawn & Garden (center). Also pictured (from left) are: Alisa Hecht, Sheila Patrick, Jacob Tesman, Kenneth Gildersleeve and Eric Blumenau, all from Time Warner Business Class. DocuWare also donated an iPad for the raffle.

Specialized cleaning: general offices, medical and healthcare facilities, day care and fitness centers. Special services: floor stripping and waxing; carpet cleaning; hardwood floor sanding; screening and repolishing. Member: National Wood Flooring Association. 718-415-7824 / nadoka.lc@gmail.com Facebook: Nadoka Luxury Cleaners C ATA N I A , M A H O N , M I L L I G R A M & RIDER , PLLC, Fishkill The law firm of Catania, Mahon, Milligram & Rider, PLLC announces that construction on the firm’s newest additional office in Dutchess County, located at Village Shoppes, 703 Route 9 in Fishkill, is nearing completion. 845-565-1100 / sfrinton@gmail.com www.cmmrlegal.com B I G VA L U E W I N E S & S P I R I T S , Va i l s G a t e Stocks more than 4,000 wines and spirits from around the world. Carries an extensive selection of wines in the “$10 and Under” section. Pricing is aggressive due to their purchasing power and savings are passed along to customers. Great customer service. 845-562-9445 / bvwineandliquor@yahoo.com www.bvwineandliquor.com

Clegg Bros is a Family owned and operated business with over 55 years of experience. We install and Service high quality garage doors and electric garage door openers for Commercial and Residential customers throughout the Hudson Valley. We have knowledgeable Sales, Installation and Service Teams. We offer emergency service to our customers.

Call us: (845) 561-8465

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

GROW/ EXPAND

NOTABLE PEOPLE David Jolly & Thomas Fitzgerald 845-294-5124 www.catholiccharitiesoc.org David Jolly of Newburgh and Thomas Fitzgerald of Warwick have been appointed to the Board of Directors of Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County.

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell 845-567-9000 www.vddw.com Staff announcements: Eileen Schneider has been promoted to a Supervisor in the Tax Department in Newburgh. Malinda Haynes has been promoted to a manager in the Accounting Services Department in Wappingers Falls. Robert Wilson has been promoted to an In-Charge Accountant in the Client Service Department in Newburgh. Kurtis Nordahl, a Junior Accountant in the Client Service Department in Newburgh, has received certification as a Certified Public Accountant. Rebecca Jacobini recently joined VDDW as a Junior Accountant in the Audit Department.

DeborahAnn Carroll 845-333-1000 www.ormc.org DeborahAnn Carroll, Director of Outpatient Diagnostic Imaging at Orange Regional Medical Center, has obtained her certification from the Radiology Administration Certification Commission and the Association for Medical Imaging Management as a Certified Radiology Administrator.

Awards recognition WesTrans, a family-operated business located at 4250 Route 94 in Goshen, is celebrating 25 years of “doing it right.” WesTrans is a full-service truck and heavy equipment repair business, offering 24-hour roadside assistance, as well as on-site repair. The company’s mission remains to provide quality service while meeting the needs of each customer. Our Lady of Mount Carmel School received a $1,000 grant as a result of the “Kids Bowl Free” sponsorship program hosted by Quinnz Pinz in Middletown over the summer. Quinnz Pinz has sponsored a Kids Bowl Free program during the summer for the past four years. The program allows children under the age of 15 to bowl free from May through September. Visit www.quinnzpinz.com for more information. The Orange Regional Medical Center Foundation’s annual Golf Classic raised $200,000 to benefit ORMC’s new Pediatric Center. The event took place at the Wallkill Golf Course and West Hills Country Club. ORMC has been re-accredited by the CEO Roundtable On Cancer with the CEO Cancer Gold Standard™. Jeff Bank provided Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. with a $2,500 sponsorship check for the recent Hospice Forestburgh 5K fundraiser. Jeff Bank employees also donated $1,250 to the Sullivan County SPCA. For the sixth time in as many studies conducted, Edward Jones financial advisors rate the firm “Highest in Employee Advisor Satisfaction among Financial Investment Firms,” according to a newly released study by J.D. Power and Associates. Edward Jones financial advisors gave the highest satisfaction ratings in all of the study categories, with a score of 904 out of 1,000, compared to the industry average of 721. The Powelton Club in Newburgh raised over $9,000 this year as a result of members and guests participating in the annual “Play for P.I.N.K.” charity event that donates 100% of the proceeds raised to breast cancer research. The club has raised $50,000 in donations over 13 years. YWCA Orange County was recently honored with an Association Excellence Award at YWCA USA’s annual Women of Distinction awards gala for its work in support of the nonprofit agency’s mission to empower women and eliminate racism. Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union has been re-accredited as a CEO Cancer Gold Standard™ employer for 2014 by the CEO Roundtable on Cancer. HVFCU first achieved the CEO Cancer Gold Standard accreditation in 2012. HVFCU has also once again been named a Fit Friendly Workplace by the American Heart Association.

Harry L. Little 845-361-4541 www.kcepc.com Harry L. Little, a licensed Professional Engineer, has joined KC Engineering and Land Surveying, P.C., as Senior Environmental Engineer. The firm has served both public and private clients throughout the Hudson Valley since 1983.

CONTINUED

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital has been recognized as one of the top hospitals in New York State, the Hudson Valley and the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh Metro Area by U.S. News & World Report. SLCH was the only hospital in the Poughkeepsie-Newburgh-Middletown area to be named one of the publication’s 2014 Best Hospitals. Also, SLCH recently celebrated the 17th anniversary of its Elaine Kaplan Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Catholic Charities Community Services of Orange County netted $27,000 at the organization’s recent 8th annual golf outing held at West Hills Country Club in Middletown. The Captain’s Table, Route 17M in Monroe, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. The familyowned and operated restaurant has grown from a roadside rest stop to a full-service restaurant. The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan has awarded over $177,000 in scholarships and awards to 89 students in 25 school districts throughout the region. The Community Foundation is in its 15th year of charitable leadership and philanthropy. Orange AHRC has been awarded the four-year Person-Centered Excellence Accreditation from CQL - The Council on Quality and Leadership. This award confirms that the organization shares CQL’s vision for person-centered solutions to improve the quality of life for people receiving supports and services. Orange County Land Trust was recently awarded accreditation by the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. Accredited land trusts are authorized to display a seal indicating to the public that they meet national standards for excellence. Seely & Durland and The Selective Insurance Group Foundation have joined forces to support the positive efforts of Occupations, Inc. through a $1,000 grant. The grant represents a $500 donation from Seely & Durland, matched by a $500 grant from The Selective Insurance Group Foundation. The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center is one of seven Community Health Centers in New York State to receive the 2014 Health Center Patient Centered Medical Home Facility Improvement Grant Award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Health Resources and Services Administration. The Chazen Companies, a leading provider of engineering, land surveying, environmental and safety consulting, planning, and landscape architecture services, has been recognized as a Gold level Fit-Friendly Worksite for 2014, after being recognized for the first time in 2013. Theresa M. Butler, CEO of Middletown Community Health Center, Inc., was among a select group of individuals named to the Inaugural Healthcare & Life Sciences 50 list at an awards reception held recently in New York City. The award was presented by “Irish America Magazine” and recognizes the excellence, performance and extraordinary contributions of Irish American leaders in the healthcare and life sciences field.

NOTABLE PEOPLE The Chazen Companies 845-454-3980 www.chazencompanies.com George Turner has been hired as a Landscape Architect/Project Manager in The Chazen Companies’ Capital District office. Professional Engineer Michael Baron has joined Chazen as a Project Manager/Project Structural Engineer in the Capital District office. Melissa Wasson is a new Assistant Project Engineer for Chazen, also in the Capital District office.

Melissa McCoy & Janet Giannetta 845-360-1200 www.elant.org Elant Inc., a comprehensive health care system that serves the needs of more than 3,500 individuals throughout the region, has named Melissa McCoy as Vice President of the Elant Foundation and Community Relations. Janet Giannetta has been appointed Vice President of Human Resources.

Larry Wolinsky, John Cappello & Andrea Dumais 845-778-2121 / www.jacobowitz.com Three attorneys with the Walden-based firm of Jacobowitz & Gubits have been appointed to regional and statewide non-profit organizations: Larry Wolinsky, Metropolitan Transportation Authority Reinvention Commission; John Cappello, Regional Economic Community Action Program; and Andrea Dumais, Women’s Bar Association of the State of New York.

Middletown Medical 845-342-4774 www.middletownmedical.com Middletown Medical welcomes the following individuals to the practice: Dr. Jennie Luna, a Board certified physician specializing in endocrinology; Dr. Sharon Valencia, a podiatrist who will be practicing in Middletown Medical’s newest specialty; Dr. Arpine Saribekyan, a Board certified family medicine physician also specializing in palliative care; and Carol Waxman, certified Physician Assistant at the Ellenville location.

Michelle Kehoe 845-744-2095 www.real-estate-solution.com Michelle Kehoe (formerly DeGraaf) has joined Real Estate Solutions as a new sales agent.

CONTINUED

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

WELCOME

GROW/ EXPAND

NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

NOTABLE PEOPLE

B arking B ubbles M obile G rooming S pa ' "J anet ' s B ack " (845) 551-2434 - Middletown, NY

Lisa Kelly 845-294-3342 www.focusmediausa.com Focus Media, Inc. has promoted Lisa Kelly to Vice President of Client Services.

Debbie Bogdanski 845-457-4774 www.uwoc.org General Manager for New York South (Hudson Valley) at Frontier Communications Debbie Bogdanski has been named Chair of the 2014 Campaign for the Common Good of the United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

C aesar ' s (901) 569-3878 - Highland Mills, NY C laudette A ldebot N ew York L ife (845) 563-9310 - New Windsor, NY www.newyorklife.com/latino

Former Highland High School band director Joseph Martellaro has been named the new conductor of the SUNY Orange Symphonic Band.

L eonard B us S ales (518) 450-1926 - Middletown, NY www.leonardbus.com N adoka L uxury C leaners (718) 415-7824 - Newburgh, NY

C reative C onsulting C onsortium (845) 412-5209 - Middletown, NY www.cococreativeny.com

P lanet P i z z a (845) 565-4070 - Newburgh, NY www.planetpizzanewburgh.com

D e B ellis , Van C ott, & A ssociates C PA s , P. C . (845) 294-9727 - Goshen, NY www.dvacpa.com

P restige A uto B ody (845) 610-5800 - Pearl River, NY www.prestigeautobody.net

E ngineers L abor - E mployer C ooperative Springfield, NJ

Joseph Martellaro 845-341-4787 www.sunyorange.edu

H udson Valley C hrysler D odge J eep R am (845) 562-4100 - Newburgh, NY www.hudsonvaleycdjr.com

F inancing Your F reedom , L . L . C . (484) 378-0976 - Coatesville, PA H arness A dvisors (845) 294-3820 - Goshen, NY

R oyal K argo T ransport (845) 673-5907 - Middletown, NY www.royalkargotransport.com Tango P rocessing (914) 799-4222 - Goshen, NY www.tangoprocessing.com T emple S inai (845) 343-1861 - Middletown, NY www.templesinaimiddletown.com

H udson Valley C asino & R esort Saratoga Springs, NY

Catania, Mahon, Milligram & Rider 845-565-1100 www.cmmrlegal.com Catania, Mahon, Milligram & Rider announce that senior partners Joseph A. Catania, Steven I. Milligram and Richard M. Mahon have once again been named as “Super Lawyers.” Also, attorney Shay Humphrey has joined the firm.

Kevin Armistead 201-447-6740 www.armisteadmechanical. com

is at Crystal Run Healthcare. At Crystal Run Healthcare we have some of the best primary care providers that coordinate your care and offer extended hours on evenings and weekends. We offer comprehensive, high quality, and efficient care with same-day primary care appointments, on-site labs and diagnostic imaging, all under one roof. At Crystal Run, we work hard to be the best at keeping you healthy because we’re committed to delivering better care and better results in a compassionate, patient-focused, and convenient setting.

Kevin Armistead, Chief Operating Officer of Armistead Mechanical, Inc., a provider of mechanical construction, engineering and contracting services throughout the NY/NJ area, has been named Treasurer of the Mechanical Contractors Association of New Jersey.

CONTINUED

It’s not just healthcare. It’s Crystal Run Healthcare. CRH_OCBusinessWatch_Oct 2014.indd 1

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

CrystalRunHealthcare.com 9/8/14 2:16 PM

NOTABLE PEOPLE Mark Kalish 845-291-7000 www.ameripriseadvisors.com/ mark.d.kalish Mark Kalish, a Financial Advisor with Ameriprise Financial, attended the 2014 National Conference, held recently in Boston. Only a select number of highperforming Ameriprise financial advisors qualify to attend the conference.

Durija Hadzibrahimi & Jim Szumlaski 845-565-5400 www.stanleymarksllp.com

Panera Donates to Food Bank To celebrate the recent opening of its newest bakery-café in Monroe at 340 Larkin Drive, Panera Bread (Take Home the Bread, LLC franchise owner) hosted a ribbon cutting with local Chamber of Commerce members. In addition, the company presented a $25,000 check to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. Participating in the check presentation were (from left): Paul Ford, Director of Operations, Take Home the Bread, LLC (THTB); Antonetta C. Gutter, Director of Development, Food Bank of the Hudson Valley; Amy Connoughton, General Manager of the Monroe Panera Bread bakery-café; Bob Russell, District Manager (THTB); and Kristin Hairabedian, Marketing Manager (THTB).

Durija Hadzibrahimi was recently hired as a staff accountant at Stanley Marks & Company, LLP, a certified public accounting and consulting firm in Newburgh. Jim Szumlaski has been promoted to manager at Stanley Marks.

Lisa M. Card, Alan R. Bartley & Jessica M. Alesandro 845-561-0550 www.drakeloeb.com Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC has expanded its general practice New Windsor law firm with the addition of three attorneys: Lisa M. Card, Alana R. Bartley and Jessica M. Alesandro.

Gardiner “Tad” Barone, Richard J. Shapiro & Austin F. DuBois 845-291-0011 www.mid-hudsonlaw.com

2014

Holiday Party

Host Yours at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa From intimate gatherings to grand scale events, Honor’s Haven oﬀers a variety of venues that are sure to make your spirits bright!

www.honorshaven.com For More Information or to Book Your Holiday Party Call (845) 210-3114 Take the elevator home with lodging rates starting at just $95* per room, per night.

Blustein, Shapiro, Rich & Barone, LLP Partners Gardiner “Tad” Barone and Richard J. Shapiro have been named 2014 “Super Lawyers” in the fields of business litigation, and estate planning and probate respectively. BSR&B Associate Austin F. DuBois was recognized as a “Rising Star” in the field of elder law.

Lisa-Ann Weisbrod 845-469-0951 www.OCLT.org Lisa-Ann Weisbrod has joined the Orange County Land Trust as Development Director.

* Rate is based on a minimum block of 5-rooms and includes lodging only, in Standard accommodations (single or double occupancy). Upgraded accommodations subject to standard rack rates. All rates are subject to prevailing NYS and local tax as well as an 18% resort fee. Mention promo code [BUSINESS WATCH] and receive a 10% discount on your party! Oﬀer valid thru December 24, 2014.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

SUPPORT ORANGE CO.

IN/ ORANGE

SHOP LOCAL

Ribbon Cutting Joining in the ribbon cutting to celebrate Sabo Industrialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30 years in business are (from left): Dana Romer; Sal Boutureira, IV; Donald Destefano; Tracy Gualtieri; Ray Anderson; Sabo President Sal Boutureira, III: and Joann Boutureira. Several local businesspeople and elected officials attended the open house held as part of the ribbon cutting at Saboâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headquarters. For more info, visit www.saboindustrial.com.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

What’s New At The Orange County Chamber? Lots, Including Me! C ONTINUE D F RO M P A GE 1 The new coat of paint provides a refreshing transformation to my office -- thank you to member Jerry’s Painting and Powerwashing. We’re giving the Chamber itself a new coat of paint as well, thanks to the energy of our committee chairs, our Ambassadors, staff, Board and YOU, our members. So what else is new at the Chamber? We’re:

• Ramping up advocacy efforts. WE ARE YOUR

VOICE to our elected officials at local, county, state and federal levels.

• Expanding event offerings. Look for more

mixers and events around the entire county and in more member businesses.

• Partnering with other organizations on events

and programs, giving you more – and better -networking and educational opportunities.

• Actively participating in Lobbying Days in Albany and DC

• Working with our local chambers as much as possible

• Increasing our outreach to the agricultural sector

• Enhancing access to key decision-makers and business leaders

• Providing access to more resources for you

as members, free of charge, to help grow your business

When I first started at the Chamber, I asked people to give me ideas for a backdrop in a picture, something that was emblematic of Orange County. The suggestions ranged from our Main Streets, the Newburgh waterfront, the Historic Track, Storm King, Stewart Airport, Trophy Point at West Point, the railroad trestle, the Delaware River, the Black Dirt, and on and on. The responses reflected the wonderful diversity that is Orange County. The Orange County Chamber is just as diverse as those responses. No one category of business or business owner is the Chamber. Members of this organization represent all industries, and businesses and organizations of all sizes.

attending, all the new members I’m meeting, and the promise that this “newness” holds. These are exciting times at your Chamber and I’m thrilled to be a part of it. Since starting on September 2, so many people have shared their ideas, their visions and their enthusiasm with me, and as I was quoted in a recent newspaper article, “I’m like a kid in a candy store!” We want to create a culture of innovation here at the Chamber -- a place where you, our members, can easily access our many resources and find the support necessary to be fearless in exploring ways to build and grow your businesses. Risk-taking will be encouraged, as will independent thought, creativity, responsiveness, authenticity and accountability. We will encourage YOU to share your ideas, your thoughts and your opinions.

L y n n A ll e n C i o n e

Networking is so important, but it isn’t about collecting business cards; it’s about forging and growing relationships. As always – and more than ever before – we’ll help you build your networking skills and provide opportunities that are second to none for all businesses, from sole proprietors to large corporations. See the calendar of events on page 22 to see what’s out there. Congratulations to you for being part of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce -- the premier networking organization in the county. Don’t sit back and watch it happen, though. Go to monthly breakfast meetings and mixers. Learn at seminars and workshops. Join a committee. You’ve joined the Chamber. Now join in helping us to do great things for your business – and for this place we call home, Orange County.

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

845.754.2356

www.orangecountybusinesswatch.com

GET THE QUICKBOOKS HELP YOU NEED with Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor Rochelle DeJong

While the economy is still a challenge, I’m encouraged by all the ribbon cuttings I’m

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

Thanks to 2014 Corporate Partners Our generous Partners this year are: D I A M O N D Partners :

Crystal Run Healthcare SB Merchant Services P latinum Partners :

Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs Walden Savings Bank G old Partners :

Advance Testing Company AJ Ross Creative Media Alteva Bonura Hospitality Group Community Products, LLC DocuWare Elant Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC M&T Bank Myles Financial Services Niki Jones Agency, Inc. Occupations System of Care Orange & Rockland Utilities, Inc. Orange County Trust Company Orange Regional Medical Center

A business bAnk for every step in your journey Are slow payments or unexpected needs putting pressure on your cash flow? Our revolving Line of Credit will help you deal with the financial challenges businesses face today. Limited documentation requirements and no annual renewal.

POWER LINE OF CREDIT

Your business doesn’t stay the same. Why would it? You grow. You learn. You move forward. That’s the whole idea. so your bank’s relationship with you should grow too. The right bank for your business is one that understands your changing needs and priorities as you go through your own unique business journey. And that takes a bank with the experience to understand those needs and that is prepared to meet them.

That bank is Orange County Trust Company. We’ve been helping local businesses along their journeys for more than a century, and we’ve earned their trust. Let us show you all the ways we can earn yours.

} Ask us about SBA and other government sponsored loans.

Middletown • Montgomery • Vails Gate • Chester • Goshen • Newburgh • Fishkill 845-341-5000 orangecountytrust.com

Stewart Airport/ The PANYNJ M edia Partners :

Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Fox Radio Group Neversink Media Group Thunder 102 Town Square Media Watermark Communications

HOSPICE A Plan for Living 845-561-6111

Hospiceoforange.com 800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

Member FDIC

TREND/ INNOVATE

Five Quick Tips For Better Business

Blogging

Blogs are powerful tools for showcasing thought, leadership and boosting website traffic. In fact, data from HubSpot, an inbound marketing company, shows that B2B companies who blog, only once or twice per month, generate 70 percent more web leads than those without a blog.

B y D a n i e ll e C y r Danielle Cyr is Vice President of Integrated Marketing for CoCommunications, a full-service marketing and public relations agency with offices in New York and Connecticut. She can be reached at Danielle@cocommunications.com.

While there’s plenty of data available to demonstrate the value of a strategically written, welloptimized business blog, consistently creating high-quality content is a time-intensive process. If you decide a business blog will be a valuable addition to your company’s marketing toolkit, follow these five quick tips for optimizing ROI:

1 2 3 4 5

Be Strategic By outlining goals, objectives, tactics and benchmarks at the onset, your blog can support your overall business strategy. Maintain an editorial calendar that outlines your content plan for the month ahead and be sure that the content strategy is aligned with your company’s overall marketing plan and strategic business goals.

Announcing our new

Middletown Service Support Center 795 Route 17M

● (800) 527-1687 x231

Drive Tra ffic The last thing your business wants is for its blog – a lead generation tool – to be a bestkept secret. Evaluate your overall marketing strategy to identify which existing marketing channels can be used to help drive readership. Further, identify how the thought leadership pieces being posted on your blog can support your sales team. For example, if a prospective client is seeking more information on a new regulation and you recently blogged about the topic, send over a link to the article as an additional touchpoint. It not only showcases your industry expertise and positions you as a thought leader, but demonstrates a strong understanding of your prospective clients’ wants and needs (i.e., their buyer persona).

Engage Your Readers Once you’ve identified how to grow your blog’s readership, it’s time to identify what action you want readers to take after consuming your content – think downloading a whitepaper for additional information, accessing an online toolkit for handy resources and contacting your company for a free consultation. Calls-to-action should appeal to audiences at various stages of the sales funnel and progressively lead towards deeper engagement with your company.

Think V isually Did you know that 75 percent of the neurons in our brains process visual information? Which leads us to the all-important question: how can you make your blog more visual? Whether it is an infographic that synthesizes industry data and trends, an embedded video from a recent speaking engagement or custom images that strengthen your story, visuals are an important tool for helping readers to connect with your content.

A naly ze the A nalytics How do you know which blog content resonates most with your online audiences? By analyzing the analytics. The beauty of blogging is that there is no shortage of great data available to help inform your content strategy moving forward. Pay careful attention to which blog posts garner the most reads, generate quality inbound links and guide the most qualified leads into your sales funnel. With this data in-hand, you are ready to refine, recalibrate and optimize your ROI.

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

UPCOMING EVENTS

OCTOBER EVENTS

M embership B reakfast

Speaker: Alphonso David, NYS Deputy Secretary and Counsel for Civil Rights 7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Sponsor: Walden Savings Bank

5:30-8:00 p.m. Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor Sponsors: First Niagara and Occupations, Inc.

M inority and W omen B usiness L egislative S eminar

8:00-9:30 a.m. Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

“ N ursing H omes : Past, P resent & F uture ”

C ommunity F oundation of O range & S ullivan E state P lanning S eminar & N etworking M ixer

6:00-10:00 p.m., Villa Venezia, Middletown 845-294-7300, ext. 233 or mcircelli@inspire.org

4:30-8:00 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery 845-769-9393 or www.cfoc-ny.org

Literacy Orange Annual Gala 6:00 p.m., Rushmore Estate, Highland Mills 845-341-5460

7 th A nnual J ourney of H ope G ala benefiting the B rain I njury A ssociation of N ew York S tate

P rivate S ector Cyber S ecurity and F raud T raining S eminar

6:30-9:30 p.m., The Union League, New York City www.bianys.org/gala

9:00a.m.-12:00 p.m., Orange County 911 Center, Goshen bmartinez@orangecounty.gov.com

30 THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

845.754.2356

www.orangecountybusinesswatch.com

M ember O rientation

3:30-5:00 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, Middletown

G o R ed for W omen L uncheon

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m., West Hills Country, Club, Middletown Hosted by American Heart Association http://tricountygored.ahaevents.org

M id - H udson Valley S ociety for H R M anagement F ull - day A nnual C onference

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., The Fountains at Wallkill Golf Club, Middletown info@mhvshrm.org

NOVEMBER EVENTS

G reater H udson Valley Family H ealth C enter 15 th A nnual P illars of the C ommunity Awards G ala

6:00 p.m., Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor www.ghvfhc.org/how-to-help/special-events/ or 845-220-3152

12:00-1:30 p.m. Chamber Business Center, Montgomery Sponsor: Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

5:30-8:00 p.m. Soho Bar & Grill, Middletown Sponsor: Microtel Inn & Suites & Cablevision Media Sales

I nspire F oundation S hining S tars C elebration

M embers on M onday L uncheon ; topic : legal

S mall B usiness R esource C ommittee W ebinar : “ C ross M arketing /C ross S elling ” Presenter: Debra Pearlman, Hudson Valley Sales Training, LLC 12:00-1:00 p.m. www.orangeny.com

H allmark

E lectronics R ecycling ( businesses )

E lectronics R ecycling (general public )

M embership B reakfast

7 th A nnual O range C ounty A rt Awards

T rivia N etworking

1:30-3:30 p.m., Orange Regional Medical Center, Middletown Hosted by Nexus Health Resources 845-648-3057

6 th A nnual B eautiful P eople O ut of the Park D inner Dance

6:00-10:00 p.m., Falkirk Estate & Country Club, Central Valley 845-928-8060 or events@falkirkestate.com

G erry ’ s 5 th A nnual G olf O uting to benefit I nheritance of H ope 8:00 a.m.; Winding Hills Golf Course, Montgomery www.stayclassy.org/gm2014

7:00-9:00 a.m., Comfort Inn & Suites, Goshen 845-294-7922, ext. 6303 or sboersema@ ulstersavings.com.

A nnual M eeting & Awards R eception

H udson Valley B eer , W ine , S pirits & C ider S ummit 2 . 0 7:30-a.m.-noon, Marriott Pavilion, Culinary Institute of America, Hyde Park www.hvedcbwscsummit.eventbrite.com

U lster S avings B ank H omebuyer ’ s S eminar

15 18

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 14

6:30-11:00 p.m., Brotherhood Winery, Washingtonville Hosted by Elant Foundation mmccoy@elant.org or 845-360-1410

12:00-5:00 p.m. Chamber Upper Level Parking Lot, Montgomery Sponsor: Advanced Recovery, Inc.

10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Chamber Upper Level Parking Lot, Montgomery Sponsor: Advanced Recovery, Inc.

Speaker: Thomas Bosco, Aviation Director, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey 7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Sponsor: Advance Testing Co., Inc.

5:30 p.m., Umbra Sound Stage, Newburgh 845-469-9168 or www.ocartscouncil.org

O ccupations F oundation , I nc . G ala

5:30 p.m., Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor www.occupations.org or 845-692-4454

M ixer

5:30-7:30 p.m. - Location TBD

UPCOMING MEETINGS OCTOBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS

BECOME A MEMBER! SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION ONLINE www.orangeny.com

P R / M arketing C ommittee 8:00 am - (Montgomery Room)

A mbassadors 8:00 am - (Riverview Inn, Matamoras, PA)

NOVEMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS

S mall B usiness R esource C ommittee 8:00 am - (Montgomery Room)

G overnment I nitiatives C ommittee 8:00 am - (Larkin Room)

M inority & W omen B usiness C ommittee 8:30 am - (Montgomery Room)

C onsultants C ommittee 7:45 am - (Larkin Room)

Young P rofessionals 8:00 am - (Larkin Room)

A mbassadors 8:00 am - (Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym, Middletown)

P R / M arketing C ommittee 8:00 am - (Montgomery Room)

DECEMBER COMMITTEE MEETINGS

S mall B usiness R esource C ommittee 8:00 am - (Montgomery Room)

G overnment I nitiatives C ommittee 8:00 am - (Larkin Room)

M inority & W omen B usiness C ommittee 8:30 am - (Montgomery Room)

C onsultants C ommittee 7:45 am - (Larkin Room)

T H E O R A N G E C O U N T Y C H A M B E R B U S I N E S S W AT C H | o ct o be r / n o v e m be r 2 0 14

WE CAN

HELP YOU!

“Hi I’m Bill Camastro and I can help you!” www.HudsonValleyCDJR.com 200 Auto Park Place Newburgh, NY 12550

(845) 562-4100 NYS DMV#7117976