Bottom Line - January 2016

JANUARY 2016

BottomLine

Dutchess county Regional chambeR of commeRce

2016

The

GALA February 6 Page 5

Chamber breakfast, annual meeting looks ahead to 2016 and more. He will also introduce new initiatives and areas of focus for the coming year designed to bring the Briccetti business community and Hudson Valley at large even closer together.

Following the state of the Chamber will be a keynote presentation from The Business Council

breakfast, the Nonprofit Committee will host a c o mp l i m e n tary workshop for nonprofits sponsored by Pokalsky D&D Mailing Services and Thrivent Financial.

For more information, see page 3.

The Chazen Companies proudly sponsor the January Contact Breakfast.

The Chamber invites all members to attend our Annual Meeting/January Contact Breakfast of New York State’s President and CEO Heather Briccetti and the Vice President of Government Affairs Kenneth Pokalsky.

Immediately following the

The Chazen Companies provides engineering, land surveying, planning, environmental and safety services, and landscape architecture and construction services

Ring in New Year at first official networking event

T

he first official networking event of 2016, the January Business After Hours, will be held Wednesday, January 27 from 5-7 p.m. at Shadows on the Hudson, 176 Rinaldi Boulevard, Poughkeepsie. As always, complimentary hors d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available.

There is no charge to attend Busi-

ness After Hours, however pre-registration is requested. To RSVP, visit dcrcoc.org or call (845) 454-1700 ext.

1000. Quint Investments and Insurance and Sedore & Company, CPAs proudly sponsor this event.

Quint Investments and Insurance is an independent boutique registered investment advisory firm and insurance agency. Wayne R.

Business After Hours sponsored by

Quint, CFP and his team provide comprehensive financial planning, portfolio management, and insurance services to businesses, families and individuals. To learn more, visit quintii.com Sedore & Company CPAs believes customer service is more than just a catchphrase. It forms the core of their business and is the driving force for finding new and reliable accounting and consulting solutions for their clients. With offices in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill, and Port Jervis, Sedore is a full-

Firmbach & Firmbach Certified Public Accountants

service CPA firm providing accounting and consulting services to businesses, nonprofit organizations, municipalities and individuals in Dutchess, Orange, Ulster, Putnam, Westchester and Rockland counties. With more than 30 years of experience, they provide customers with reliable strategies and solutions to achieve their goals.

To learn more call (845) 485-5510 in Poughkeepsie, (845) 897-1040 in Fishkill, or visit them online at sedoreco.com.

Contact Breakfast sponsored by

to clients throughout the Northeast and beyond with offices in the Hudson Valley, Capital District and North Country.

Nonprofit members from Stringendo Orchestra School of the Hudson Valley will also be in attendance. Tickets cost $25 for Chamber members with advance purchase or are $30 at the door.

Nonmembers can attend for $35.

To reserve your seat, call (845) 4541700, ext. 1000 or visit dcrcoc.org.

Message From The Chair ........................... 2 Message From The Chamber President ........... 4 Upcoming Events & Ribbon Cuttings .............. 8 Member News ........................................ 9 Workforce news .....................................14 Foundation news ...................................15

A Fam ily Account ing pract ice Our family has been serving the Hudson Valley’s Accounting needs for the last 50 years.

Call and ask for Karl or Rudy 845-454-5440 w w w . F i r m b a c h C P A s . c o m

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F

ollowing a successful inaugural year as Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s President and CEO, Frank Castella, Jr. will deliver a brief State of the Chamber address at the January Contact Breakfast on Wednesday, January 20 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel. The event will also serve as the Chamber’s annual meeting.

Castella will reflect on accomplishments from 2015, including an overview of his first year with the Chamber, the success of The Chamber Foundation’s fundraising campaign, the transition of the Youth One Stop program to the Foundation

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JANUARY 2016

Officers John Davies, Chair ..................................................................Riverside Bank Rita McPeck, 1st Vice Chair..............................................................KeyBank Jeffrey Senft, 2nd Vice Chair ......................S & O Construction Services, Inc. Jennifer Dunn, Treasurer ...State Farm Insurance - The Jen Dunn Agency, Inc. David Ping, Secretary .................................................................Health Quest Joe Bonura, Jr., Past Chair .....................................Bonura Hospitality Group Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel ...... Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond LLP Directors David Bova.....................................................Millbrook Vineyards & Winery Jan Dewey .....................................................................Poughkeepsie Journal Ron Flaherty ........................................................TEG Federal Credit Union Bill Francis ....................................................Fortress Financial Advisory LLC Freddimir Garcia ...................................................................... Marist College Lauren Gillett............................................................ The Chazen Companies Paul Hochenberg.............................................. MidHudson Regional Hospital William Lessner ............................................................Adams Fairacre Farms James Letterio Jr. ...................................................Sedore & Company, CPAs Patrick Moore...................................................... Antalek & Moore Insurance Michael Mullaney............................................. Hudson Cadillac Buick GMC Scott Pawenski .............................................................................EmbroidMe Stewart Petrovits.................................................Blacktop Maintenance Corp.

Vincent Ricotta ........................................ Mercedes-Benz of Wappingers Falls Mary Schoonmaker .......................................................................... TD Bank Mike Spinelli..........................................................................The Brake Shop Denise Doring VanBuren .................. Central Hudson Gas and Electric Corp.

Jennifer Van Tuyl............................................................ Cuddy & Feder, LLP Mary Kay Vrba....................................................................Dutchess Tourism Tina Walz................................................................................... M & T Bank Tom Weddell................ Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Eben Yager .............................................................. Hudson Valley Renegades Associate Board Members Daniel Lepore........................................................................ LCS Companies Jennifer Pawenski ...................................................... The Chazen Companies Chamber Staff Frank Castella, Jr. ................................................................ President & CEO Audra B. Gerty.............................................Executive Vice President & CFO Rich Kleban .................................................... Senior Vice President & COO Pamela J. Balga................................................. Director of Member Relations Loren Hoffman .......................... Communications & Marketing Coordinator Elena McPhee ........................................................... Director of Membership Josely Millington ............................................................ Assistant to the CFO Carrie Nealy ....................................................... Director of Member Services Chelsea Schwarze .......................................... Community Relations Specialist Angela Signor ..........................................................Director of Media Design Carmela Spreer ......................................................... Vice President of Events Workforce Development Center Staff Louise McLoughlin ....................... Vice President of Workforce Development Stephanie Seymour .................................... Director of Workforce Operations Maryann McKenzie ............................................... Director of Youth Services Elizabeth Kwant ................................................ Supervisor of Adult Programs Jesse Crisalli ................................................................ Director of Work Now Diane DeDominicis .................................... Director of Employment Services Margaret S. Inge..................................................Workforce Training Director Andre Richards...................................... Director of Youth Education Services Karen Williams..................................................................Work Now Mentor Career Action Center Staff Katrina Gobins.............................................Director of Career Action Center Kadiyah Lodge ..............................Assistant Director of Career Action Center The Chamber Foundation Staff Nicholas Shannon .............................................................. Executive Director Nancy DeWitt...................................................................................Associate Youth One Stop Staff Jessica Vitolano.................................................. Youth One Stop Coordinator Rosemary Grabowska ..........................Youth One Stop Assistant Coordinator Rachel Bassett .................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager Dylan Miyoshi ................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager Ashley Wright..................................................Youth One Stop Case Manager

The Bottom Line is a monthly publication of : The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce One Civic Center Plaza • Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 845-454-1700 • Fax: 845-454-1702 The Bottom Line • Volume 33 • Number 1 Annual Chamber membership includes a 1-year subscription to The Bottom Line POSTMASTER: Send address changes to: Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce, One Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 Online at www.dcrcoc.org, developed by Design Intervention Studio

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New Chair: Use Chamber resources

F

irst, let me introduce myself—I am John Davies, the President & CEO of Riverside Bank—a Division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company. I am honored to serve as the 2016 Chair of the Board of Directors of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce.

In December, last year, Riverside Bank and Salisbury Bank and Trust merged. We now offer the added convenience of an expanded branch network and additional online services. Throughout the years, I have worked closely with business owners to help them achieve their financial goals and I

MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR:

John Davies

hope to bring this skill to the table as Chair.

Riverside Bank has been a member of the Chamber since its inception in 1988 and I can say with confidence that the staff and I have benefited greatly from the Chamber’s networking events we’ve attended. Chamber President and

CEO Frank Castella, Jr. and the rest of the Chamber staff are a wonderful resource and I encourage you to take advantage of their expertise to promote your business.

I am looking forward to helping to continue the mission of the Chamber, to support local businesses and hope to see you all at the multitude of events throughout the year.

Finally, I want to thank Joe Bonura, Jr., our outgoing chair, for doing a tremendous job the past year. The level of dedication and energy we all saw during his tenure were inspiring, and I hope to rise to the standard he set.

Small Business Partner of the Month

Hand & Stone Massage and Facial Spa

1895 South Road, Poughkeepsie • 845-859-0068 • handandstonepoughkeepsie.com

Hand and Stone Massage and Facial Spa provides professional spa experiences at affordable prices seven days a week. Guests entering their spa will be enveloped in soothing sounds and aromas while the journey to relaxation and restoration awaits.

Call today to schedule an appointment! The Chamber’s Small Business Partner of the Month offers small businesses with 12 employees or fewer direct advertising to members and the community through print, electronic and radio media. If you are interested in this program, contact Carrie at (845) 454-1700, ext. 1012.

JANUARY 2016

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

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Nonprofit Committee to introduce Board Matching service

I

n partnership with the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, the Dyson Foundation and the New York Council of Nonprofits, the Nonprofit Committee of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is pleased to introduce an exciting new initiative designed to strengthen area nonprofits and provide community members with meaningful Board service education and opportunities. “Bridges to Board Service:

Making our community stronger through exceptional nonprofit board service�–a two part initiative–will be introduced following the January Contact Breakfast at the Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel at 9 a.m. on January 20.

The seminar will introduce the program and solicit ideas on what would help make our local nonprofit organizations and their boards function at the highest level. All Chamber members are welcome and are encouraged to get involved in this initiative.

Nonprofit Seminar sponsored by

Strengthening our nonprofits strengthens our community.

This seminar is sponsored by D&D Mailing and Thrivent Financial. Please call 845-454-1700, ext.

1000 or visit dcrcoc.org to register.

Bridges to Board Service offers

a board matching service through BoardnetUSA.org to help interested board members find nonprofit board opportunities that fit their interests and talents and helps nonprofits find interested board members who meet their skill

needs. In addition, high-quality educational programs will be offered throughout the year around the county on the fundamentals of board service as well as more indepth modules on governance, finance, fundraising, and more. The educational programs are intended to enhance the proficiency of experienced board members and provide those new to board service the information and skills to be effective in their new roles. The first program, “Board 101,� will be in March 2016.

Health experts offer tips for New Year, New You at seminar

Business Education Seminar sponsored by

the Health & Wellness Club Steering Committee is kicking off the New Year with the first of its seminars and activities on Thursday, January 21 from 7:30-9 a.m. at the Chamber’s Poughkeepsie office.

Local experts will cover the topics of hearing wellness, spinal health/ ergonomics in the office, and best

This session will be followed practices to maintain your physical health all while keeping your busi- by an opportunity for questions ness on track for success. Discover and answers with the speakers. new ways to be healthy and terrific in 2016!

Speakers will be Haim Keren, of Zounds Hearing of Dutchess; Dr. Bill Linacre, of Linacre Chiropractic; and David Greene, of Topical Biomedics.

Stenger, Roberts, Davis, and Diamond proudly sponsor the Business Education Committee’s 2016 seminar series.

Glimpsing the future: cars are getting smarter

Q

ualcomm is known for the microchips they produce for the smartphones we know and love, however they are working with the auto industry to break new ground in the future for smart cars. Qualcomm is working with automotive engineers in Detroit to change the way we experience our lives on the road.

More and more vehicles are advertising a host of safety features to alert drivers of other vehicles in their blind spots, the possibility of a crash from tailgating, or even assistance with parallel parking or backing up with cameras. The next generation of safety could come via your vehicle sending out messages to other vehicles wirelessly to transfer information about speed,

heading and approaching pedestrians. There is even testing going on for a system that will send an alert to a distracted pedestrian on their smart phone when a vehicle is approaching them about the potential for collision. Drivers are also alerted with this system and, if they fail to respond appropriately, the car will initiate a full, hard stop.

And if you don’t use fuel, but electricity to power your vehicle, there are advances coming your way, as well. Things like bi-directional charging, which gives the ability to charge your vehicle by pulling from the grid, or the ability to push power out to the grid. Qualcomm’s Halo device would allow you to charge your car wirelessly; simply have the

Halo device in your garage or in your driveway and park your car over top of it. Initiate the charging from a menu inside the vehicle, or, at some point, it could even be turned on via a smart phone app in case you forget to plug it in.

Looking even further ahead, Qualcomm plans to continue to work with automotive engineers to develop fully-automated vehicles that would allow programming in a destination and the driver could sit back and enjoy the ride.

This article was provided by Jaime Butler, business development specialist at Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. For more information about IES, visit www.ies-ny. com or call (845) 226-9983.

Reservations are required. Please call (845) 454-1700, ext. 1000. This event is complementary to attend.

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JANUARY 2016

Message from the

Chamber President Frank Castella Jr.

Thank you for a great year; here’s to an exciting 2016

A

s the ball drops on 2015 and the New Year begins, I can’t help but reflect back on my first year as your President and CEO. It has been a privilege and pleasure to serve, and I cannot wait for this coming year and all the wonderful things we have planned.

From celebrating a revamped Think Local First marketing campaign to rolling out new ways for our members to market and promote themselves, this year promises to be exciting! Stay tuned for more information on all that and more at the January Contact Breakfast.

2015 has also been a year of changes, from new staff members in membership, communications, and management, to trying new things at our events. There was a seamless transition in my roll as President & CEO and that would not have been possible without everyone’s help.

I have a passion for this Chamber, its members and mission; we are all part of a winning team of business owners and organizations who, together, can do great things. As always, we are your advocates and moving into 2016, we will remain strong, working with elected officials on behalf of you, the business community.

I’d like to thank the Board of Directors, the staff, and especially you, the members, for your continued support and faith in me as a leader. I hope you all have a safe, happy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to the coming year, and I hope to see you all along the way!

Sincerely,

Frank M. Castella Jr. President & CEO

“EVERY BUSINESS HAS A STORY...

WE CAN HELP YOU TELL YOURS.” – Tom Martinelli

Print•Online•Social Media 3.

www.MartinelliCustomPublishing.com • 845.462.1209

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Learn about the Chamber at lunch

B

ecoming a member of the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is just the beginning. Once you’re a part of the organization, a whole world of business education, political advocacy opportunities, networking and marketing services are at your fingertips.

The best place to start is by attending the New Member Luncheon on Thursday, January 14 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Chamber’s boardroom in Poughkeepsie. Lunch will be provided

by Bottomless Belly Deli at this

New Member Lunch Sponsored by:

complimentary event.

Attendees will meet the Chamber staff and learn how the departments of membership, events, operations, communications, The Chamber Foundation and Workforce Development Center operate for the benefit of members. Information about all of our services will be provided

and this is a great opportunity to ask questions.

To RSVP, visit dcrcoc.org or call (845) 454-1700, ext. 1000.

Please, only one representative per company.

Freedom Financial Solutions and The Culinary Institute of America proudly sponsor the January New Member Luncheon.

Maloney, Gibson spoke at legislative breakfast The Chamber’s Legislative Action committee hosted a breakfast panel discussion featuring Congressmen Chris Gibson and Sean Patrick Maloney in November sponsored and hosted by MidHudson Regional Hospital and also sponsored by Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, and Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond. The committee hosts these breakfasts as an opportunity for the Chamber and Foundation Boards of Directors, members of the Legislative Action Committee, business leaders and elected officials to meet and share their views on public matters. The breakfasts serve as a chance to engage in worthwhile conversation on current affairs and legislation affecting the business climate, as well as discussing alternatives and strategies to move the county forward.

A Special Thank You To Our 2016 Corporate Sponsors LEADERS:

PARTNERS: Bonura Hospitality Group • DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota Hudson Valley Audio Visual • Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. • LCS Companies • M&T Bank Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies, Inc. • Rose & Kiernan, Inc. SUPPORTERS: D’Arcangelo & Co., LLP • EmbroidMe • Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union • Hudson Valley Renegades Marshall & Sterling Insurance • N&S Supply • Orange County Trust Company Poughkeepsie Galleria • Riverside Bank – A Division of Salisbury Bank Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP • TEG Federal Credit Union Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home • Tompkins Mahopac Bank • Ulster Savings Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP, CPAs COMMUNITY PARTNERS: Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP • Meyer Contracting • Rhinebeck Bank Wallkill Valley Federal Savings & Loan MEDIA PARTNERS: Fox Radio • HVNN.com • iHeartMedia • Media 276 • Poughkeepsie Journal Radio Woodstock 100.1 • Townsquare Media As of 12/18/15

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

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JANUARY 2016

Winter Wonderland GALA The Community Spirit Award is given annually to an individual who visibly embraces the community in order to make it a better place to live and work. Chip Simon and Karen Hansen Simon both exemplify this model. Simon currently serves on The Chamber Foundation Board and Hansen Simon is a past Chamber Board Chair as well as having served twice on the Board of Directors. Both are involved in the community at large and never hesitate to volunteer their time and efforts to a cause.

The Next Generation awards are conferred upon businesses that have survived the test of time and been passed successfully from generation to generation. Jocelyn Zimmer Klastow of Zimmer Brothers Jewelers represents the fifth generation of the companyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s founding family, which has been in business since 1893. Jennifer Davies of Davies Hardware is also one of a long line of Davies who have owned and operated the Town of Poughkeepsie hardware store, which has been in business since 1888.

The Chamber will present its first Industry Impact Award to IBM. The award is designed to recognize a business or organization that has had a significant effect not only on its industry, but also on the Hudson Valley as a whole. IBM has been a major player in the manufacturing industry in the Hudson Valley and the world. From a humble begin-

ning more than 100 years ago, IBM currently employs thousands locally and has rolled out groundbreaking technology, all while maintaining a strong grassroots presence within the community.

Attendees of The Winter Wonderland Gala will be mesmerized by twinkling lights and frost-kissed dĂŠcor while dining on a sumptuous menu of delicacies.

Guests will stay warm dancing the night away to the crooning sounds of a live band and will have the opportunity to win an array of prizes.

For ticketing information, visit www. dcrcoc.org/gala or call (845) 454-1700, ext.

1000.

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Platinum Sponsor Gold Sponsors

The Grandview

Hudson Valley Audio Visual

Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. Ulster Savings Gift Sponsor KeyBank Valet Sponsor MidHudson Regional Hospital Snowflake Sponsor IBM Cocktail Reception Sponsor Riverside Bank - A Division of Salisbury Bank and Trust Company

Silver Sponsors Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Arcangelo & Co., CPAs DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP Jackson Lewis M&T Bank Marshall & Sterling Insurance N&S Supply Sedore & Company CPAs Orange County Trust Company TEG Federal Credit Union Tompkins Mahopac Bank

Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc.

Centerpiece Sponsors Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Rose & Kiernan, Inc. S & O Construction Services, Inc. Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP

Dessert Sponsor LCS Companies

Award Sponsor Deâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Jewelers

Band Sponsors Advance Testing

Sponsors as of 12/18/15

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eservations are now being accepted for the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2016 Winter Wonderland Gala at 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 6 at The Grandview in Poughkeepsie, where several local businesses and individuals will be honored for their outstanding contributions to the community.

The Chamber will honor Cosimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant Group with the Good Neighbor Award; Chip Simon and Karen Hansen Simon with the Community Spirit Award; Jocelyn Zimmer Klastow of Zimmer Brothers Jewelers and Jennifer Davies of Davies Hardware with Next Generation Awards; and, new this year, the Industry Impact Award will be given to IBM. The Good Neighbor award is bestowed annually to a local business that demonstrates great corporate citizenship through volunteerism and support of the community and our nonprofit partners. Cosimoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Restaurant Groupâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;made up of brothers Carlo and Nick Citera and cousin Nicolas DiBrizziâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;has been a longtime supporter of the Chamber and The Chamber Foundation, as well as many other local nonprofit organizations. They also founded the Cosimo DiBrizzi Memorial Scholarship Fund through The Chamber Foundation, which is awarded annually to a high school student seeking an education in the culinary arts.

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JANUARY 2016

Shop features consignments, rentals

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT “I have been a plus size woman for most of my life,” said Curvy Consignments Plus president and owner, Cathy Meyer. “I have spent…money on clothing, accessories, and dressy outfits and have accumulated several closets full of items that are either too big, too small, didn’t match like I thought they would… or have never been worn because they just didn’t fit right!”

Thus, Curvy Consignments Plus was born to bring together

a local community of passionate, confident, beautiful women who both consign and are looking for quality items at affordable prices.

Curvy Consignments Plus, located at 1177 Route 9 in Wappingers Falls, offers a range of colorful, fashionable and unique new and nearly-new clothing sizes Large through 5X or 14 to 34 as well as shoes sizes 7.5 and up, bags and accessories.

Another feature is Curvy Closet, which includes gowns and other special occasion outfits to either rent or purchase.

“The Chamber’s Gala is coming up and I encourage everyone to rent their gown. The great thing is you can have it for three days, return it and we’ll have it cleaned, so that’s another thing off your busy to-do list. It works for other parties and special events, too,” Meyer said.

Rentals are available from one day to the whole week and dry cleaning is provided. Additionally, Curvy Consignments carries a limited supply of plus-size wed-

ding gowns and accessories for your special day.

Curvy Consignments also helps local businesses grow.

Through its Curvy Connections program, entrepreneurs are invited to rent a display case in the boutique on a monthly basis. Monthly rentals include an evening event to showcase the products and services to the customers as well as social media promotion.

“Let’s celebrate our curves with style and passion!” Meyer said.

To learn more, call (845) 2189300, visit curvyconplus.com or stop by the boutique.

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

Meet, network with young professionals

The Hudson Valley Young Professionals will host its first Overtime After Hours networking event of 2016 from 5-7 p.m. on Tuesday, January 5 at Chateau Beacon, located at 37 Lamplight Street in Beacon.

Sponsored by the Hudson Valley Renegades, the event will feature complimentary hors d’ouevres and a cash bar.

Join the Hudson Valley Young Professionals for an evening of networking and camaraderie. There is no cost to attend and the event is open to HVYP members, Sponsored by guests and prospective non-members.

If you’re interested in getting more involved with the group, this is a terrific event to attend.

Questions? E-mail hvyp@dcrcoc.org.

To RSVP, call (845) 454-1700, ext. 1000.

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- Joe, Lightning Express

• We also offer bookkeeping and insurance services

Call Kelly at (866) 440-0391 ext. 3232 or (845) 339-5744 www.ulstersavings.com

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Kelly Maroney, USB Sales Executive and Joe Fitzpatrick, Owner of Lightning Express

DCRCOC Member 1 Year

5 Years

Architects

Clark Patterson Lee Attorneys & Legal Services

Thomas, Drohan, Waxman, Petigrow & Mayle, LLP Opticians

Accountants & Bookkeeping Services

O’Connor Davies, LLP

Churches & Synagogues

Kimisis Greek Orthodox Church Education

Dutchess School of Driving, Inc.

Pearle Vision

Heating Oil & Gas Companies

Restaurants

Joe Cristiano’s Pizza – Hyde Park & Poughkeepsie

JANUARY 2016

Anniversaries

Payment Processing

EVO Merchant Services Radio Stations

Fox Oldies 98.9 FM (WGNY-FM) | Fox

15 Years 20 Years

John N. Lucas & Son

Cedar Tree Day Care

T

Employment Agencies & Services

New York State ACCES/VR

Hospitals

MidHudson Regional Hospital

75 Years Radio Stations

iHeartMedia

* Membership renewals received November 16 - December 15, 2015

Day/Child Care Services

2016 Forty Under 40 nominees sought Bestowed annually to forty people under the age of 40 who have shown a strong commitment to the Hudson Valley, the Shaker Awards identify and honor the next generation of leaders in our area.

Nominating Guidelines: You may nominate more than one person. You may nominate yourself.

Nominees must be between 18 and 39 years of age before April 2016.

25 Years

Prior Forty Under 40 nominees who have not been honored can be re-submitted for consideration. A panel of judges made up entirely of previous Forty Under 40 Award recipients will determine the 2016 honorees.

The Forty Under 40 Shaker Awards celebration is scheduled for Thursday, April 28, 2016.

7

65 Years

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T H A N K YO U F O R YO U R S U P P O R T !

he Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for the 2016 Forty Under 40 Shaker Awards, an honor presented annually to laudable people under the age of 40 making the Hudson Valley a better place to live and work. Complete details and an online nomination form are available by visiting dcrcoc. org/40under40. All nominations must be received by January 22 and winners will be notified in late winter.

Poughkeepsie Day School

Information Technology Services

Bottini Fuel Corp

Locksmith & Safe Services

Schools - Private

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“Securing the Hudson Valley”

3.

8

JANUARY 2016 Thursday, January 14

EVENTS

UPCOMING

Tuesday, January 5

HVYP Overtime Networking

5 - 7 p.m.

Chateau Beacon 37 Lamplight St., Beacon Hudson Valley Young Professionals Overtime After Hours networking event featuring free hors d’ouevres and a cash bar. To RSVP, call 845-4541700 ext. 1000.

Sponsored by Hudson Valley Renegades

SPREAD THE WORD

POST YOUR EVENTS TO OUR

COMMUNITY CALENDAR

DCRCOC.ORG

New Member Lunch 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Chamber Conference Room 1 Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor Poughkeepsie

Meet the Chamber staff along with other new members while enjoying lunch catered by Bottomless Belly Deli. Only one representative per company can attend.

Sponsored by The Culinary Institute of America and Freedom Financial Solutions

Wednesday, January 20

Contact Breakfast 7:30 - 9 a.m.

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel 40 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie

Monthly contact breakfast. The Board of Directors will be recognized.

The Breakfast will feature a brief State of the Chamber update and a keynote presentation from Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., President and CEO, and Kenneth J. Pokalsky, Vice President of Government Affairs, of The Business Council of New York State. The Chamber Ambassadors partner with our Workforce Development Center for the food drive. Your donations are greatly appreciated. Networking begins at 7:15 a.m.

Sponsored by The Chazen Companies

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG Wednesday, January 20

Nonprofit Seminar: Bridges to Board Service 9 - 10:30 a.m.

Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel 40 Civic Center Plaza Poughkeepsie

“Bridges to Board Service: Making our community stronger through exceptional nonprofit board service,” is an exciting collaboration between the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, the Chamber’s Nonprofit Committee, Dyson Foundation and New York Council of Nonprofits. The program will introduce the Committee’s plans and solicit ideas on what would help make nonprofit organizations and their boards function at the highest level.

The goal is to offer a board matching service through BoardnetUSA.org to help interested board members find nonprofit board opportunities that fit their talents and interests and help nonprofits find interested board members that meet their skill needs.

In addition, educational programs will be held throughout the year on the basics of board service as well as more in-depth moduals on governance, finance, fundraising, etc.

The first program, Board 101, will be starting in March.

Sponsored by D&D Mailing and Thrivent Financial

Thursday, January 21

Business Education Seminar

7:30 - 9 a.m.

Chamber Conference Room 1 Civic Center Plaza, 4th Floor Poughkeepsie

Monthly Business Education Committee Seminar presenting New Year New You, with the Health & Wellness Steering Committee.

Featuring presentations by Haim Keren, Zounds Hearing Dutchess; Dr. Bill Linacre, Linacre Chiropractic; and David Greene, Topical Biomedics.

Sponsored by: Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond

Monday, January 25

WLA NetGiving Reception

5 - 7 p.m.

Cafe Maya 2776 West Main St. Wappingers Falls

Reception focuses on offering ideas, suggestions, resources and/ or connections to fellow attendees.

After a brief general networking session as participants wait for guests to arrive, attendees will gather into small groups. Each person will take a turn sharing a general or specific challenge they face or goal they would like to achieve. Then they will receive advice and suggestions from the group.

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attendees will form small groups and everyone will take turns sharing general or specific challenges and goals they would like to achieve. The group will offer advice and potential solutions.

The event offers participants the satisfaction of helping their colleagues achieve their goals while also benefitting from guidance they’ve received.

It is a timed and structured event, so participants are asked to arrive by 5:30 p.m. and plan on staying until 7 p.m.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available. There is no charge to attend. Please call 845454-1700, ext. 1000 or visit dcrcoc. org to register.

TO ADVERTISE IN THE BOTTOM LINE, PLEASE CONTACT LESLIE COLBURN AT THE POUGHKEEPSIE JOURNAL 845-451-4566

Wednesday, January 27

Business After Hours 5 - 7 p.m.

Shadows On The Hudson 176 Rinaldi Boulevard Poughkeepsie

The Chamber’s monthly networking event featuring complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

Sponsored by Quint Investments and Insurance and Sedore & Company, CPAs

Saturday, February 6

Winter Wonderland Gala 5:30 - 11 p.m.

The Grandview 176 Rinaldi Boulevard Poughkeepsie

The Chamber’s Annual Gala.

Featuring a Winter Wonderland theme and presentations of the Community Spirit Award, Industry Impact Award, Next Generation Award and Good Neighbor Award.

Black tie attire, please.

Complete details, sponsors page 5.

Visit dcrcoc.org/gala for more info!

Friday, January 8

Women’s NetGiving event set at Café Maya he next Women’s Leadership Alliance NetGiving reception will be held 5:307:30 p.m. on Monday, January 25 at Café Maya, 2776 West Main Street in Wappingers Falls.

After a brief general networking session while participants wait for the other guests to arrive,

This is a timed and structured event. Please arrive by 5:30 p.m. and plan on staying until 7 p.m.

Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cash bar available. No charge to attend.

Advance Auto Parts

4 p.m.

3999 Albany Post Road Hyde Park

UPCOMING

RIBBON CUTTINGS Tuesday, January 5

All-Star Family Dentistry 4 p.m.

2 Jay Lane Hopewell Junction

Join us to celebrate All-Star Family Dentistry’s one year anniversary.

Refreshments will be provided.

Join us to celebrate the grand opening. Refreshments will be provided.

Wednesday, January 13

Community Services Programs, Inc.

12 p.m.

Meadow Ridge II Community Room 134 Matteawan Road, Beacon

Join us to celebrate the 40th anniversary, along with a special announcement, Community Services’ upcoming project. Refreshments will be provided.

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

JANUARY 2016

MEMBER NEWS – Powered by Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc.

Ulster Savings awards grant to Northern Dutchess

MEMBER NEWSLINE United Way and Adams ‘Live United’ with art

Adams Fairacre Farms’ Newburgh store will feature the work of an emerging Hudson Valley artist each month on a rotating basis in an exhibition space located just inside the store’s front entrance. This year, all sales will equally benefit the artist and United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region.

“I strongly value what the arts offer to the community and how much more enjoyable an area is when you feel the influence of local artists. This was the inspiration behind my request to the Adams family to donate monthly exhibition space to Hudson Valley artists in the Adams Fairacre Farms Newburgh store,” said Nursery Manager Tim Bellamy.

“We are so grateful that Adams Fairacre Farms has designated United Way of the Dutchess-Orange Region as the charity recipient for the artwork sales this year,” noted Jeannie Montano, President & CEO of United Way. Bellamy stressed that artists need not be well known to apply for an exhibition.

For additional information about United Way programs and initiatives, go to uwdor.org. For more information about Adams Fairacre Farms, go to adamsfarms. com and to be a featured artist, contact Bellamy at TBellamy@adamsfarms.com.

The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation awarded a $10,000 grant to the Northern Dutchess Hospital Foundation in support of its Medical Pavilion capital campaign.

The Pavilion, an 86,000 squarefoot attachment to the hospital, will be a state-of-the-art medical/ surgical facility offering new operating rooms, a new patient wing and physician offices. This project will enhance the hospital’s ability to provide superior, patientcentered and modernized medical care to individuals and families throughout Northern Dutchess County and beyond.

For more information about the Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation, please call MaryRose Warcholak at (845) 338-6322, ext. 3626.

New attorney joins Sholes & Miller in Poughkeepsie

The law firm of Sholes & Miller announced Jason C. Scott has joined the practice as an attorney focusing on health care, commercial litigation and criminal matters.

A 2008 graduate of Pace Law School where he received his Juris Doctorate, Scott was a member of the Board as a Senior Associate for the Pace Environmental Law Review. After earning his Bachelor’s degree from SUNY Cortland, Scott went on to receive Master’s degrees from both SUNY New Paltz and Harvard University.

Scott’s litigation practice includes shareholder derivative suits, class actions, cases involving unfair and deceptive trade practices, breaches of contract, disputes involving restrictive covenants, and LLC member disputes. Admitted to practice law in New York, Connecticut, and the District of Columbia, Scott is also a member of the New York State Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Asso-

ciation, and the Harvard Alumni Association.

For more information, visit sholesmiller.com or call (845) 4545909.

Hospital’s home health services a Top 100 Agency

MidHudson Regional Hospital is proud to announce that its Certified Home Health Services has been named one of the Top 100 agencies in the nation by HomeCare Elite, which annually recognizes the best home healthcare providers in the country.

The HomeCare Elite identifies the top 25 percent of agencies and highlights the top 100 and top 500 agencies overall. Winners are ranked by an analysis of publicly available performance measures. In order to be considered, an agency must be Medicare-certified and have data for at least one outcome in Home Health Compare. Out of 9,718 agencies considered, 2,431 are elite.

The Certified Home Health Services team provides a smooth transition from a hospital or subacute rehabilitation facility to home care and are focused on ensuring patient safety, communicating best practices and delivering instruction about medication, in addition to providing care.

For more information, visit MidHudsonRegional.org.

Dutchess Tourism wins two excellence awards

The New York State Tourism Industry Association has recognized leaders in New York State’s tourism industry who have achieved a high level of excellence and accomplishment at the 2015 Tourism Excellence Awards. The winning individuals or organizations are selected on the basis of demonstrated commitment, lead-

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ership, and accomplishment in travel and tourism.

Dutchess Tourism President and CEO MaryKay Vrba was recognized in the Excellence in Tourism Marketing in a County category for the Distinctly Dutchess Marketing Program and Deputy Director Lydia Higginson was recognized in the Visitor Service category for the Distinctly Dutchess Tourism Training.

Herb Clark, Chair of the Board for the New York State Tourism Industry Association acknowledged the winning programs stating, “Tourism is a major economic development tool across New York State, excellence in marketing and visitor services are rightfully honored for the attention that they draw to our state as a great place to visit – work – and live.”

Winners were honored at a dinner held in October at The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown.

Integrated Enterprise Solutions, Inc. announced an executive staff member recently completed training with one of their technology partners and received an advanced certification-training certificate.

For more information, call (845) 226-9983.

Four homes repaired on Rebuilding Day

Mary Kay Vrba honored

by The Arc of Dutchess

Rebuilding Together Dutchess County held its Rebuilding Day on Saturday, October 24, as part of the Rebuilding Day Program. The nonprofit completed repairs for four local homeowners, increasing the total number of homeowners served through the program this year to 15.

Major renovations of all four homes included roofing, drywall, gutter, flooring, plumbing and electrical repairs, and installation of windows, doors, grab bars, handrails, and smoke detectors. The estimated market value of the repairs completed was over $100,000, an average of $25,000 per project.

Anthony Storzieri, a 78 year old disabled Korean War Veteran who lives in his Poughkeepsie home with his disabled son was in need of gutter repairs, electri-

cal upgrades, plumbing repairs, weatherization, and the elimination of tripping hazards. Unfortunately, due to his disability and limited income, he was often faced with the difficult decision between medical care and critical home repairs. The volunteer team was able to complete those necessary repairs for the elderly homeowner.

To volunteer, make a donation or learn more about Rebuilding Together Dutchess County, visit www.RTDutchess.org.

Team member completes training certification

The Arc of Dutchess Foundation honored Mary Kay Vrba, President and CEO of Dutchess Tourism with the Martinko “Trailblazer” Award for her leadership and service to the community, at the Celebration of Stars event held at the Millbrook Golf and Tennis Club in October.

The event was held to honor those who volunteer their time, talent and treasures to the community where we live and work.

Vrba has more than 30 years of tourism experience. She works with more than 600 area tourism businesses, and is responsible for marketing Dutchess County as a vacation destination. Vrba is past president of Hudson Valley Tourism.

For more information on The Arc of Dutchess, visit dutchess-arc. org. For more information on tourism, visit DutchessTourism.com.

GO ONLINE TO READ MORE NEWS AND SUBMIT YOUR OWN AT DCRCOC.ORG/MEMBERNEWS

MEMBERSHIP REFERRALS Refer a new member today!

Call Elena at 845-454-1700 x1009 or email elena@dcrcoc.org

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JANUARY 2016

MEMBERS WELCOME NEW ADVERTISING/PRINTING Minuteman Press

1285 Route 9 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (914) 467-0186 Email: chucksrx@gmail.com Contact: Chuck Heinz Full service advertising and printing business.

An SBA preferred lender, KeyBank provides investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment products and services to individuals and companies throughout the Hudson Valley.

For more information visit www.key.com or call Fred Swint, Vice President/SBA Specialist at 845-483-3031.

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

ADVERTISING/PROMOTIONAL ITEMS & SERVICES Sweet Marketing

P.O. Box 491 Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 797-4418 Fax: (845) 809-5903 Email: jenn.sweetdealsny@ gmail.com Web: www.nyautoguide.com Contact: Jennifer Sweet Local magazine, advertising and publication.

CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING

Galletta’s Carpet, Tile and Upholstery Cleaning

P.O. Box 2233 Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 418-3930 Email: Gallettascleaning@gmail.com Web: www.gallettascleaning.com Contact: Peter Galletta Provides services for residential homes, apartments, condos and commercial businesses.

DAY/CHILD CARE SERVICES Wee Play Children’s Center

13 Hook Road Poughkeepsie, NY 12601 (845) 473-7529 Fax: (845) 454-7240 Email: weeplaychildrenscenter@ gmail.com

Web: www.weeplaychildrens center.com Contact: Tamara Kochman Offers a full-day program in spacious classrooms with a wonderful outside play area.

FINANCIAL SERVICES

D’Arcangelo Financial Advisors

510 Haight Avenue Poughkeepsie, NY 12603 (845) 625-2957 Email: KGisolfi@darcangelo.com Web: www.darcangelo financial.com Contact: Kaitlin Gisolfi Investment advisory firm with dedicated expertise in a wide scope of financial planning services.

FOOD INDUSTRY McDonald’s

3001 East Main Street Cortlandt Manor, NY 12567 (914) 739-6605 Fax: (914) 739-6628 Email: McDVivianp@gmail.com Contact: Vivian Marrero Fast food restaurant.

HEALTH & WELLNESS Holistic Healing and Nutrition

2-4 Austin Court Poughkeepsie, NY 12603

(845) 471-6400 Fax: (845) 471-6406 Email: hhanpractitioner@gmail.com Web: www.holistichealing andnutrition.com Contact: Kara Bohack Community of independent wellness practitioners providing Integrative Healthcare.

INSURANCE AGENCIES & BROKERS

New York Property Insurance Underwriting Association

155 Myers Corners Road Suite 200 Wappingers Falls, NY 12590 (212) 208-9897 Fax: (212) 344-9676 Email: daustin@nypiua.com Web: www.nypiua.com Contact: Dane Austin Joint underwriting association created in 1968 under the laws of the state of New York to meet the basic insurance needs of the public.

THEATERS

Clove Creek Dinner Theater

18 Westage Business Center Drive Fishkill, NY 12524 (845) 202-7778 Email: info@ CloveCreekDinnerTheater.com Web: www.clovecreekdinner theater.com Contact: Felicia DiNonno Offers dinner and live stage productions.

CONTRACTORS – SPECIALIZED Bay Horse Gazebo’s & Barns

2 Academy Hill Road Red Hook, NY 12571 NONPROFITS (845) 758-1054 Fax: (845) 758-2060 Make-A-Wish Email: Gerry@bayhorse.com Hudson Valley Web: www.bayhorse.com The Wish House Contact: Gerry Thorpe 832 South Broadway Creates custom built sheds, Tarrytown, NY 10591 barns and garages to match (914) 478-9474 your home. Accessories to Fax: (914) 478-8245 Email: tthorne@hudson.wish.org beautify your life and property.

SEE COMPLETE MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY ONLINE!

SAVE THE DATE

Scenes from ATHENA Reception

Salute to Inter0ational Women’s Day

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RIVER

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DCRCOC WOMEN’S LEADERSHIP

ALLIANCE

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The Chamber Foundation proudly celebrated 10 of Dutchess County’s outstanding leaders and honored Lara Litchfield-Kimber of the Mid-Hudson Children’s Museum with the 2015 ATHENA Award. Kathrine Switzer gave a keynote presentation. A special thank you to all of the generous sponsors, staff and attendees who helped make this event successful.

RNATIO

WINTER WEATHER POLICY:

In the event of inclement weather, visit the Chamber’s website and Facebook page by 6:30 a.m. for updates regarding Chamber events and committee meetings.

The status of afternoon meetings, ribbon cuttings and events will be posted accordingly.

Web: www.hudson.wish.org Contact: Tara Thorne Grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.

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Saturday, March 5, 2016 8:30 a.m.

Walkway Over The Hudson - Poughkeepsie -

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JANUARY 2016

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Chamber chooses responsible recycler for cell phone drive

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inspections, and do not send ewaste to be refined in developing countries. SmartphoneRecycling. com also makes an attempt to ensure all “downstream refining operations meet all applicable environmental regulations.” Rechargeable batteries, such as those found within cellphones,

a circuitous route to being more Green Subcommittee hosts a semisustainable. We are proud to sup- nar once per year. If you are interport the Chamber’s program to re- ested in participating in this comcycle old phones,” said James Kopp, mittee, contact staff liaison Loren co-chair of the Chamber’s Living Hoffman at lhoffman@dcrcoc.org or 845-454-1700 ext. 1020.

Green Subcommittee.

SmartphoneRecycling.com ofThe Chamber Foundation, Inc., fers between 10 cents and $15 per was established to promote educacellphone. They accept all phones, tion and training programs for lono matter the age or model, in all cal youth and professionals with the conditions. The proceeds will ben- goal of enhancing the future of ecoefit The Chamber Foundation’s nomic growth in the Hudson Valley general fund. region. The Foundation’s mission is The Living Green sub-commit- to provide educational opportunitee works to implement greener ties for youth and the workforce, to practices for businesses that choose build and strengthen personal and are also processed according to to reduce their ecological footprint. business capacity, develop leaderEPA guidelines. For more infor- Part of the Business Education ship skills and foster a commitment mation on SmartphoneRecycling. Seminar Committee, the Living to community service. com, visit their website.

“The recycling of old cell phones in an appropriate manner and with a responsible vendor is as important as the act of recyCR Properties Group, LLC cling. E-waste recycling has taken

Submit nominations for 2016 Headliner Awards

Available Positions

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3.

www.darcangelo.com

make this nomination.

Nominees for the revamped Green & Lean category will be judged on their accomplishments made during 2015 in areas such as solid waste reduction, recycling, energy conservation or renewable energy usage, as well as process improvement, social consciousness and utilizing resources efficiently and effectively. The nomination must include specific details on how these actions have resulted in the nominee not only becoming a vibrant, sustainable organization, but also having produced positive results for its bottom line that will continue and grow.

For more information on all of the categories and to download the nomination form, visit dcrcoc.org/ committees/headliners-committee.

Submit completed nomination forms to staff liaison Loren Hoffman via fax, 845-454-1702 or email lhoffman@dcrcoc.org.

Members of the community including employees, customers, friends, neighbors or the organizations’ leaders are encouraged to make nominations. Nominations will be accepted through February 22.

Winners will be chosen by a committee of Chamber members and are saluted at the April Contact Breakfast.

Audit & Accounting Employee Benefits

Poughkeepsie 845-473-7774 | Millbrook 845-677-6823

3.

Income Tax Estate Planning

2015 Headliner Award recipients

PK-0000207417

he Headliner Awards Committee of The Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce is accepting nominations for its 2016 Headliner Awards. Recipients will be chosen in categories including Leadership in Business & Community, Outside-the-box Innovator, and Customer Service. Two new categories were announced for the seventh annual awards: Best Place to Work and Green & Lean.

The Best Place to Work awardwinning organization should demonstrate how they value their employees through their daily relationships and not by a statement in their employee handbook or benefits outline. This relationship is built on key criteria including: trusting the employees; treating them with respect; rewarding them with fair wages; communicating with them on a regular and consistent basis; building pride in the workplace, the employee and their job; and making the organization a credible and enjoyable place to work. All of these actions will show how the organization values its employees thus making it the Best Place to Work and a model for other organizations.

An employee of the nominee must

A) Executive Secretary B) Marketing Assistant C) Licensed Sales Agent Phone: (845)485-3100 Email: resumes@crproperties.com

3.

his fall, the Chamber collected old and obsolete cell phones for recycling to benefit The Chamber Foundation.

The recycling effort—sponsored

by Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. and Quality Environmental Solutions & Technologies— collected more than 70 phones, chargers and miscellaneous components at various events and locations in September through November.

SmartphoneRecycling.com has been selected to handle the recycling of the phones. Through its parent company, GRC Wireless, SmartphoneRecycling.com has established a “socially responsible, zero landfill environmental policy.” This means none of the products handled in their facility are sent to a solid-waste landfill, they undergo strict Department of Environmental Protection

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JANUARY 2016

RIBBON CUTTINGS

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

D’Arcangelo & Co.

Rhinebeck Bank/Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess

Congratulations to D’Arcangelo & Co. on celebrating 65 years in business.

The Chamber joined Rhinebeck Bank and Habitat for Humanity of Dutchess County to celebrate the sponsorship of Habitat’s new Financial Management Program H.O.M.E., which will be given through Cornell Cooperative Extension and will benefit new homeowners.

Arbonne International (Cacilia Wyman)

Renaissance Rehabilitation & Nursing Care Center

Congratulations to Cacilia Wyman of Arbonne International on her ribbon cutting celebrating healthy living.

The Chamber joined Renaissance Rehabilitation and Nursing Care Center in Staatsburg for their ribbon cutting to celebrate the grand opening of their new rehabilitation center. Congratulations on a beautiful new facility!

Verizon Wireless at Wireless Icon

National Business Equipment

Congratulations to Verizon Wireless Premium Retailer at Wireless Icon on their grand opening!

Congratulations to National Business Equipment on the Grand Opening of their new Kingston showroom!

JANUARY 2016

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

RIBBON CUTTINGS

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Forte Capital

DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota

Congratulations to Forte Capital on celebrating one year as a Chamber member!

Congratulations to Lee Burns and the whole team at DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota on the Grand Opening of their new 33,000-square-foot facility in the Town of Wappinger.

BetterU Program Kickoff

Legal Services of the Hudson Valley

The Chamber celebrated the BetterU Program kickoff with the American Heart Association at Goldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gym, Lagrange. Best of luck to all of the participants!

Congratulations to Legal Services of the Hudson Valley on the grand opening of their new Poughkeepsie location!

Northwestern Mutual (Alex Tronco)

PulseMD Urgent Care

Congratulations to Alex Tronco and his team at Northwestern Mutual on their new office space in Poughkeepsie!

Congratulations to Pulse-MD Urgent Care on their new location in Wappingers Falls!

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WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT CENTER

JANUARY 2016

Workforce, Youth One Stop participants experience success

The Workforce Development Center and Youth One Stop staff works hard alongside the participants to help them achieve their goals and overcome obstacles.

Here are some examples of recent successes. For more information, call Louise McLoughlin, Vice President of Workforce Development at (845) 454-1700, ext. 1024.

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iana Douglas is a single mother of three. She is now working at the Department of Community and Family Services as a file clerk and at TJ Maxx. Douglas is enrolled in the Responsible Parent Initiative Program.

Her goals are to remain off temporary assistance and be able to support her family.

Kiana Douglas Douglas’ Supervisor at DCFS, Tammy Chenevert, said, “Kiana came in and learned very quickly. She is very conscientious and reliable. I enjoy working with clients from the Workforce Development Center.”

“Working with my mentor at the Chamber helped me obtain job experience,” Douglas said, “Which gave me the opportunity to find two jobs. Being able to support myself and my family, without assistance, feels great.”

Elizabeth Kwant, Douglas’ mentor through the Responsible Parent Initiative, said Douglas has worked hard to find and keep her jobs. “She is continuing to grow and make progress toward achieving her goals. I have been so impressed and encouraged by Kiana’s drive. I know she will succeed and remain self-sufficient.”

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amie McGuiness is a single mother of two.

She works for Super 8 Motel as a housekeeper.

McGuiness is enrolled in the Work Now program and her goals are to maintain her employment so she can move into her own apartment.

“The Work Now Program has helped me in so many ways,” McGuiness said. “I am now working enough hours at my new job to go off of public assistance. They helped me to find affordable daycare, learn effective ways to job search, and balance working Jamie McGuiness with being a mom.”

McGuiness’ supervisor said, “Jamie is a great new addition to our team. She works hard and is very reliable.”

McGuiness’ mentor, Jesse Crisalli has said she is a vigilant worker when it comes to her goals. “Jamie has been communicative, determined and open to the Program and the work she needed to do in order to move herself and her family forward.”

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henille West is a mother of four and has been working at Dunkin’ Donuts for the past 7 months. She is also enrolled in the Work Now program and hopes to someday become a manager at Dunkin’ Donuts.

West said, “I’ve had a positive experience working with the Chamber of Commerce, because they have helped me to find employment.

I am now able to provide for my family.” West also added the Chamber has connected her to resources in the community and helped her build life skills. “I love my job,” West said.

“I like hiring individuals from The Chenille West Chamber of Commerce, because they are reliable,” West’s Supervisor said of the Workforce program. Dunkin Donuts has hired many program participants in the past.

Chenille’s mentor, Karen Williams, said, “ I always tell the participants that if we both do the legwork, they will definitely get hired; and Chenille did the legwork!”

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rey Faircloth is a Poughkeepsie resident enrolled in High School Equivalency classes through the Youth One Stop Program at the Chamber. His goals are to obtain his HSE and be self-sufficient through full-time employment.

Recently, Faircloth volunteered six hours of community service and, through the SPOKE program, and was given a new mountain bike as a reward.

“I am glad I helped because I was able to get a really nice bike for doing good things.

I will use it to get to and from work and school and other places I need to be,” Trey Faircloth Faircloth said.

SPOKE is a program run by the First Evangelical Lutheran Church in Poughkeepsie. The program helps provide bicycles for individuals who volunteer six hours of community service, or $50. Each bicycle comes with a helmet and a lock and is registered with the City of Poughkeepsie. The program also provides tools and space for self-repair and offers help as needed at the church on the second Wednesday of each month from 3:30-6:30 p.m. and the fourth Saturday from 9 a.m.-noon.

For his community service, Faircloth worked with other Youth One Stop participants to design thank you cards for veterans and passed them out at the veteran recognition day at the Henry A. Wallace Center in Hyde Park.

His case manager, Ashley Wright, said, “I am very proud of his commitment to getting the job done and giving back to the community. I know he will take pride in the bike and take good care of it.”

Sharief Smart

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harief Smart is a Poughkeepsie resident also enrolled in the High School Equivalency class through the Youth One Stop. Smart’s goals are to complete his HSE and possibly get into the performing arts.

“Sharief has recently enrolled in the Youth One Stop and is well on his way to achieving his goals. He applied for and was offered a job, and is now working nights while attending HSE classes during the day. He is a pleasure to work with and is very determined to do what he has to in order to achieve what he wants with his life,” said his case manager, Rachel Bassett.

“One of the most rewarding things about working at YOS is watching the students progress academically and watching them get ready for the (HSE) test and take it,” said Smart’s instructor, Christina Rivas.

Smart is proud of his progress so far and is pleased with the accelerated program of the class, which is taught by instructors from Dutchess Community College. “YOS is an educational and enjoyable experience. They are helping me get my HSE and it easily condenses a high school curriculum into a few months and helps zero in on what you need to learn the most.”

WWW.CHAMBERFDN.ORG JANUARY 2016

THE CHAMBER FOUNDATION, INC.

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New professional mentoring program Pigskins & Pints a fun success

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hink back on your life; can you recall someone who, either personally or professionally, changed everything for you? Someone who took you under his or her wing and offered support, expertise and advice— all toward your future success?

There is, perhaps, nothing more rewarding than making that kind of difference in someone’s life; bestowing valuable skills on one less experienced—helping them create his or her destiny.

The Chamber Foundation is excited to announce the Mentorship Program–an initiative of the Women’s Leadership Alliance since 2009–will move under the auspice of The Chamber Foundation and will be renamed the Career Achievement Program.

The vision of this program is broader and supports more inclusiveness, encouraging engagement of both women and men with a particular sensitivity to veterans who may need support in their transition after military service. The Career Achievement Program will be a sister program to Leadership Dutchess.

The Career Achievement Program is now accepting ap-

undation’s o F r e b m a The Ch

Nicholas Shannon

Executive Director

plicants for both participants and mentors, with an official kick-off planned for May. Once mentors and mentees are matched by the selection committee, they will meet with each other to set goals.

Over the course of the year, they will work at achieving those goals as well as anything that comes up along the way; meetings between mentors and mentees are scheduled at their own convenience. A few group networking events will take place throughout the year as well.

Ideal mentees might have the following needs/interests: • Career or leadership growth • Career change • Solutions to career challenges • Developing untapped potential • Desire to learning from an experienced professional • Focused on professional, technical and communication skills

Annual

Ideal mentors should have the following attributes:

• Demonstrate career expertise in a particular focus area (through résumé submission).

• Be able to commit to the relationship, allocating appropriate time and focus.

• Be comfortable delivering constructive feedback in a manner that helps increase self-awareness and competency, while maintaining self-esteem.

• Have excellent organizational skills, with emphasis on development of goal-oriented action plans.

• Have sincere interest in sharing knowledge and expertise for the benefit of the mentee and not for self-promotion.

Please consider participating or recommending someone you know to learn more about this outstanding program. Former participants report they’ve established valuable business relationships as a result of their experience. They feel more comfortable networking with the business community and, because of this program, are more confident and better prepared to take the next step toward the future.

For more information visit chamberfdn.org.

Thank you to Crys McCuin from The Arc of Dutchess for her contribution to this article. Reach Nicholas Shannon at nick@chamberfdn.org

SAVE THE DATE!

Sunday, February 28 • 1 - 4 PM

The Chamber Foundation, along with New York Giants and Jets fans, converged on Union Tavern in Poughkeepsie for the annual Pigskins & Pints fundraiser. Attendees enjoyed beer, food, raffles, and fun! A special thanks to the sponsors: Mobile Life Support Services, DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota, EmbroidMe, Fortress Financial Advisory, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union, Fox Air, McHoul Funeral Home, Residential Home Funding Corp. and to John Hannah’s Mobile Music Services for keeping the party going!

THE CHAMBER FOUNDATION, INC. BOARD OF DIRECTORS

OFFICERS Tina Walz, Chair. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .M & T Bank Stacey Langenthal, Vice-Chair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bank of Millbrook Anthony Morando, Treasurer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Cuddy & Feder LLP Amy Dittmar, Secretary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

Stephen E. Diamond, Of Counsel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Stenger, Roberts, Davis & Diamond, LLP DIRECTORS Tina Hawkinson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Red Cap Cleaners Maureen Kangas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Poughkeepsie Grand Hotel & Conference Center John E. Mack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Western Connecticut Medical Group Peter Maher. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mid-Hudson Subaru Carmen McGill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dutchess Community College Barbara E. Ostrander. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell LLP Dr. Greer Rychcik . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hyde Park Central School District Charles “Chip” Simon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Taconic Advisors, Inc. Skip Weisman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Weisman Success Resources, Inc. David Wise. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iseman, Cunningham, Riester & Hyde, LLP ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBERS Kristen Huss. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hudson Valley Renegades Ryan Judge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Millbrook Central School District Akeva Morrison . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Youth One Stop Student FOUNDATION STAFF Frank Castella, Jr. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . President Audra Gerty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vice President Nicholas Shannon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Executive Director Nancy DeWitt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Associate YOUTH ONE STOP STAFF Louise McLoughlin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Vice President of Workforce Development Jessica Vitolano . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth One Stop Coordinator Rosemary Grabowska . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth One Stop Assistant Coordinator Rachel Bassett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth One Stop Case Manager Dylan Miyoshi. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth One Stop Case Manager Ashley Wright . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Youth One Stop Case Manager

JANUARY 2016

16

WWW.DCRCOC.ORG

rs vP to dA y!

Winter WonderlandGALA 2016

February 6, 2016  The Grandview

Platinum sponsor:

PresenTed by The duTchess counTy reGional chamber oF commerce

2016 Gala Honorees Next GeNeratioN award: Davies HarDware, inc. aNd Zimmer BrotHers Jewelers • Industry Impact award: iBm communIty spIrIt award: cHip simon & Karen Hansen simon • Good neIGhbor award: cosimo’s restaurant Group Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce One Civic Center Plaza, Poughkeepsie NY 12601

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Permit No. 35 Newburgh, NY 12550

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