Business Watch

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

J UNE/JULY 2 013

A COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS PERSPECTIVE

HELPING ORANGE BUSINESS COPE

ORANGE PULSE

Buy Orange. Build Orange.

Give Orange. Advocate Orange.

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties

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BUSINESS INSIDER Healthcare Reform Primer For Business Owners

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Healthcare Reform & Value Based Care

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Savoring Success

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Tax Notes for QBSC Stock

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Remain Competitive Without Losing Sleep

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GROW /EXPAND Making it in OC

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Awards & Recognition

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Affordable Care Act: The Beginning is Near. Plan Now!

New Chamber Members

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By Lev Ginsburg

Notable People

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The January 1, 2014 implementation date for many of the business provisions of the Affordable Care Act is just around the corner. Employers who are not preparing now are going to find themselves far behind, and with limited options, when the full brunt of the ACA kicks in. There are some steps you can take now to start making strategic decisions regarding health insurance choices that will make the transition easier.

TREND/ INNOVATE

The law does not treat all businesses the same way. Large employers are subject to the employer mandate (play or pay) and will have to insure all full-time employees. Small employers will be able

Using Technology To Impact Your Bottom Line

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Continued on page 9

NETWORK IT Business doesn’t stop for the summer!

Find out what’s cookin’ on page 19.

MAKING IT IN O.C. Sleep-away camp returns to Camp Redwood this summer. Check out this and news from other local businesses on page 10 and 11.

INORANGE EXPO 2013

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Cruise With The Chamber

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Upcoming Events

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Business Watch is now on

Facebook & Twitter

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A Message from the President I’m very happy to see that the word “staycation” now appears in Webster’s.

The idea of vacationing close to home is a great one and it’s gratifying to know that the idea has gained official recognition and acceptance.

Janice Valentino

Director of Marketing and Development Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.

Sharon B. Warantz

President, Jellybean Promotions

Scott Wohl

OFF ICE RS Charlie Milich | Chairman of the Board

Executive Officer of Builders Association of the Hudson Valley

President, The RAL Supply Group, Inc.

Thomas Sullivan | Chair-Elect President/Owner, Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc., Funeral Homes

Ralph Martucci | First Vice Chairman President, Ralph Martucci, Jr.

Michael Turturro | Second Vice Chairman

Manager, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell

Dr. Michelle Koury | Secretary

Chief Operating Officer, Crystal Run Healthcare

Tim Scannell | Treasurer

CFO, Mobile Life Support Services, Inc.

Donna Johnson-Klonsky | Immediate Past Chairman

President, DJ Consulting Services, Inc.

John A. D’Ambrosio, Ed.D. | President Orange County Chamber of Commerce

Nicholas Illobre | At Large

President & CEO, Knapp Quest HR

John McDermott, III | To Rest Is To Rust Member

President, 17K Property Group, L.L.C.

BOAR D OF D IREC TORS Duane Albro Renee Bulla

Vice President, Client Services Momentum Advertising & Design

Susan Crocker

Owner, Holbert’s Catering/ The Back Yard Bistro

Eric Fuentes

Manager, Public Affairs with Orange & Rockland Utilities

COUNSEL TO THE CHAMBER Glen L. Heller, Esq. Partner of Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC.

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERS Dr. Arthur C. Anthonisen Thomas C. DeBenedictus F. Edward Devitt Katharine Fitzgerald Thomas F. Gibney Patricia Gilchrest Stewart P. Glenn, Esq. Robert Heiferman, Esq. Louis Heimbach Woody Levitan Anthony P. Martine Renee McCabe - Lempka Carole S. McDermott Marsh H. Merrill Ralph L. Mills Dr. Kunwar Nagpal Peter Polhamus Dreena Pross Milton Ritter Robert W. Scherreik A. Alan Seidman James Smith William F. Vacca Jill M. Varricchio

What better way to practice the notion of buying locally than spending your time and hard-earned money visiting the incredibly beautiful and historic Hudson Valley? I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: you don’t have to go anywhere else for better shopping, dining, recreation or just plain relaxation.

And it’s not just West Point, Woodbury Commons, Sugar Loaf and Storm King that we have to offer. Or the best river cruises you’ll find anywhere in the world. When was the last time you tubed down the Delaware or strolled along the Newburgh Waterfront? When you get hungry, the selection and variety of eateries around Orange County are incredible. You could eat your way around the county and never have a bad meal.

Moving on from food: Orange County’s wineries are among the world’s best.

We even have America’s oldest, with Brotherhood in Washingtonville. Craft beer more your thing? Stop at the Newburgh Brewing Company located in the City of Newburgh. While you’re there, take in a little history -- Washington’s Headquarters is around the corner. And while you’re in that historical mood, Museum Village in Monroe will take you on an incredible journey back in time.

The Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen is another must-do.

You won’t see anything like this anywhere else in the world.

The county is also home to an incredible array of farms and farmers markets.

And while you’re visiting some of these farms, remember that many of those restaurants I spoke about earlier regularly use the food produced right here in Orange County. It doesn’t get any better than that. I haven’t even touched on so much more that our county has to offer: parks and preserves, antiques and art galleries, entertainment and eagle-watching. And I didn’t even mention motorcycles and mountains, bike trails and back-packing…….you get the idea.

Edison Guzman

We are so fortunate to live in such an extraordinary area. Let’s never take it for granted. Let’s also remember the enormous impact that Orange County tourism, agriculture and all the related businesses have on our economy and our quality of life. You would have to go a long way to find anything better.

Richard Heslin

Have a wonderful summer!

Kenya Gipson

Account Executive, Clear Channel Media & Entertainment President, A&E Advertising and Web Design General Manager, Stewart International Airport

Johann Huleatt

Outreach Director, Community Products, L.L.C.

Father Kevin Mackin

John A. D’Ambrosio, Ed.D. President

President, Mount Saint Mary College

Eric Maldonado

Director of Business Development & Operations Verizon Wireless Zone

Marcel Martino President, Inspire

Russ Martinson

Partner, Cooley Group

Joann Menendez

Vice President of Marketing Walden Savings Bank

Karen Miller

Communications Manager, Frontier Communications

Karl Najork

Vice President, Collection Bureau of the Hudson Valley

Terry Olivo

Chief Operating Officer, Orange-Ulster BOCES

Dr. William Richards President, SUNY Orange

Kathleen Sileno

President, Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours

Josh Sommers

President, Focus Media, Inc.

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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 | J U N E /J U LY 2 0 13

Healthcare Reform Primer for Business Owners THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

Ok, so you’re a business owner busy running your business.

You’ve probably heard about “Obamacare,” the name given to the healthcare reform bill known as PPACA, the Patient Protection and American Care Act. Details of what to do are hard to come by or are hard to follow because they are written in a combination of legal/political/insurance mumbo jumbo. Here are five things you need to know about this bill, written in English.

Will it affect me as a business owner? Yes, every American will be affected in one way or another because the bill carries a mandate that all Americans must have health insurance either privately or through an employer.

As a business owner, must I provide insurance for my employees?

That depends. If you are an employer with 50 or fewer full-time equivalent (FTE) employees, then, no, you are not required to provide insurance for your employees. If you have more than 50 FTE employees, then the bill requires you to provide coverage or face a penalty for not doing so. Furthermore, the bill has an even higher penalty if you offer coverage, but it’s not “affordable.”

CHAMBER STAFF Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio, President drjohn@orangeny.com

B y G RE G O RY M . H O G A N , CIC, CRM Gregory Hogan is a Certified Risk Manager and Certified Insurance Counselor at the Hutchings Agency in Middletown. He specializes in providing protection to business owners and their assets. He also teaches the EAP “Insuring Your Business” class.

I heard the Federal government is going to provide incentives to certain business owners who buy insurance. What’s that all about?

Employers with 25 or fewer employees and average annual wages of $50,000 or less per employee, are eligible for a tax credit to help offset the cost of providing insurance. The credit could be as much as 50% of the employer’s cost for insurance, 35% for non-profits. Employers must pay at least 50% of the cost for employees and the coverage must be purchased in the SHOP Exchange. The calculation can be complicated and the credit starts to scale back as the number of employees and average wages increase.

What is a SHOP Exchange? A SHOP (Small Business Health Options Program) Exchange is a place for businesses to compare plans and buy coverage, especially if you qualify for a tax credit as outlined above. Insurance companies will be making plans available both inside and outside of the SHOP Exchange. If the same plan is available in and out of the exchange, the premiums will be the same. Plans that are available outside of the exchange may have special coverage/features than those in the exchange.

Brokers/Navigators: what’s the difference? Navigators can work only with plans that are in the SHOP Exchange; brokers can work with plans that are both in and out of the SHOP Exchange. Navigators will be compensated by the SHOP; brokers will be compensated by the insurance companies and compensation is the same for plans both inside and outside of the exchange. Both will go through training for SHOP operational procedures, but only brokers will actually be licensed to sell and consult on insurance.

Navigators are simply to present information. Any one person cannot be both a navigator and a broker.

Ellen Daley, Vice President, Communications ellend@orangeny.com Bill Fioravanti, Vice President, Membership billf@orangeny.com Rudy Hoke, Vice President, Administration rudyh@orangeny.com Carol Smith, Vice President, Government carols@orangeny.com Roseann Bouzakis, Director of Events roseannb@orangeny.com Cheryl Cohen Director of Membership Investment cherylc@orangeny.com Karen Hartley Sawyer Manager of Community Partnerships karens@orangeny.com Wendy Melick Information Technology Specialist wendym@orangeny.com Patricia Mugnano, Administrative Assistant patm@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

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BUSINESS INSIDER

Healthcare Reform and Value Based Care: Crystal Run Healthcare The Affordable Care Act (ACA) signed into law by President Barack Obama in March of 2010 and later upheld by the Supreme Court in June of 2012 has been a catalyst for wholesale changes in the way healthcare is delivered and paid for in our country. Whether one agrees or not with the Affordable Care Act, the one thing that is clear in all of this is that healthcare delivery is changing and the new focus is on improved clinical quality for better health outcomes across populations of patients, improved efficiency, and an enhanced patient experience (known as the “triple aim”).

B Y M I C H E L L E K O URY Dr. Michelle Koury is Chief Operating Officer for Crystal Run Healthcare, one of two Diamond Corporate Partners of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Dr. Koury is also an officer of the Chamber’s Board of Directors.

Crystal Run Healthcare is a valued corporate partner

Indoor Air Quality Testing • Air Duct Cleaning Fire and Water Restoration • Bucket Truck Service Mold Remediation • Carpet Cleaning • Construction Services Call for FREE estimates 845-343-6443 280 Dolson Ave., Middletown, NY 10940

Value Based Care (VBC) focuses on doing what is necessary to improve clinical quality for better health outcomes, enhance the patient experience and reduce inefficient healthcare delivery. An Accountable Care Organization (ACO) is a legal structure designed to execute a healthcare delivery strategy which achieves the goals of the triple aim by delivering value-based care. As innovators in healthcare reform, Crystal Run Healthcare has been at the leading edge of healthcare transformation in our local communities and has also been recognized nationally for our efforts. In addition to being one of the first 27 healthcare entities in the country to participate in the Medicare Shared Savings Program as described in the ACA, Crystal Run Healthcare was accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Level II ACO, the first and only accredited ACO in New York State and among the first six nationally to be accredited. In February of 2013, Crystal Run was once again recognized by the NCQA as a Level III Patient-Centered Medical Home recognizing Crystal Run’s successful use of information systems to promote clinical quality and improve patient outcomes.

So what does this all mean for you, as a patient?

Crystal Run’s patient-centered approach to care allows patients to be active participants in their care along with their primary care physician. With prevention always being the

best medicine, our electronic health records enhance our primary care providers’ ability to track recommended screenings for you such as mammograms, colonoscopies and immunizations. Same day access with all of our primary care providers allows you to be seen for more urgent conditions, with Urgent Care available evenings and weekends. This degree of access to care avoids unnecessary visits to emergency rooms for non-emergent conditions, a prominent driver of increased health care costs.

But what about patients who are not so healthy and have chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure or certain cancers? For these individuals, our medical home teams, led by a primary care physician, along with a care manager (typically a nurse) specifically assigned to you, will coordinate the entirety of your care among specialist physicians, schedule diagnostic studies, arrange home services, and even coordinate post-hospitalization care, should it become necessary. Crystal Run has the ability, through wireless telemonitoring devices, to monitor certain conditions from home, thus reducing the inconvenience of multiple office visits to monitor you and decrease the likelihood of recurrent hospitalization.

What about you, the employer? Crystal Run Healthcare, like other progressive healthcare organizations across the country, believe that by implementing these innovative patient care strategies, we can provide high quality care more efficiently, thus reducing the total cost of care across the healthcare continuum. Employers can potentially benefit from contracting directly with progressive healthcare organizations like Crystal Run to obtain coverage for employees at lower premiums. Employees subsequently benefit with improved health outcomes and improved work productivity, without sacrificing coverage. Thus, all the tenets of the triple aim can be met: better quality of care and improved patient experience, all at lower cost.

Einstein defines insanity as “doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.” If healthcare providers continue to provide uncoordinated, wasteful care, then overall population health will not improve, patients will continue to experience a fragmented system leaving them dissatisfied and without access to needed care, and cost burdens will continue to rise and further imperil an already tenuous economy. We at Crystal Run Healthcare are doing things differently, and our patients are experiencing better results.

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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 | J U N E /J U LY 2 0 13

Orange Pulse

Slice Ad

Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties

ONLY $50 per issue!

Kaplan Family Hospice Residence This year, Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. proudly celebrates 25 years of caring, comfort and compassionate end of life care so that patients may live as fully and comfortably as possible. Hospice care is offered in the home, nursing home, group home, assisted living facility, adult home and hospital or at the Kaplan Family Hospice Residence that opened in 2006.

Hospice serves all terminal illness or disease with a prognosis of six months or less and all age groups. Care is focused on meeting the patient’s and family’s physical, social and spiritual needs by offering a team approach.

The range of services hospice care offers includes doctors, RNs, LPNs, Hospice aides, social workers and spiritual care advisors. Medications, medical equipment, supplies, and adult and child grieving support along with volunteer assistance, if requested, rounds out the list of all services that hospice provides. Hospice of Orange & Sullivan became a Medicare-certified program in 1988 with Sullivan County services starting in 1993, under the direction of Daniel M. Grady, who still holds the position of President and CEO. “Throughout our 25 years of service,” says Grady, “our proudest achievements are the responses we get from Daniel M. Grady Hospice families.” He adds, “The gratitude the families share with our staff and volunteers makes us all feel we are the ones who are blessed. Each and every year our largest group of supporters is hospice families, their friends and loved ones.”

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

845.754.2356

www.orangecountybusinesswatch.com

“EVERY BUSINESS HAS A STORY...

WE CAN HELP YOU TELL YOURS.“

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Hospice care has been shown to greatly improve the quality of care for patients and their families near the end of life and has demonstrated lower costs to Medicare when patients access the hospice benefit sooner rather than much later. In 2012, five percent of the most seriously ill Americans accounted for more than 50 percent of health care spending, with most of the costs incurred during the last year of life However a recent study by Mt. Sinai Medical School Professors (Amy S. Kelly, Partha Deb, Qingling Du, Melissa D. Aldridge Carlson and R. Sean Morrison) found tht patients on Hospice saved taxpayers (Medicare) some $6,400,000 for every 1,000 patients on the program for just 30 days.

For information call 845-561-6111 or visit www.hospiceoforange.com.

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T ha n k s to 2 0 1 3 C o r po r at e P a r t n e r s

BUSINESS INSIDER

Our generous Partners this year are: D I A M O N D Partners :

Alteva Crystal Run Healthcare P latinum Partners :

Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGiovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs G old Partners :

Advance Testing Company AJ Ross Creative Media All Access Dental Bonura Hospitality Group Community Products, LLC Depew Energy DocuWare Elant, Inc. Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC M&T Bank

Time Savor Gourmet is located at 78 Balmville Road in Newburgh. Reach Stacey at 914-720-5844 or stacey@staceyhawkins.com.

Savoring Success

Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. Niki Jones Agency, Inc. Orange & Rockland Utilities Orange Regional Medical Center SB Merchant Services Stewart Airport/ The PANYNJ Walden Savings Bank

Specifically, Stacey was looking for help with financing connections, developing a business strategy for growth and effective planning of implementation. She knew that assistance with her marketing plan and sales force development would have a positive impact on her business in the short and long term.

M edia Partners :

Clear Channel Media & Entertainment Cumulus Radio of the Hudson Valley Fox Radio Group Rock City Media Thunder 102 Watermark Communications

Joseph E Profaci Sr Financial Advisor .

297 South Plank Road Newburgh, NY 12550 845-566-7379

www.edwardjones.com

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Owner of Time Savor Solutions and EAP graduate, Stacey Hawkins educates people on how to make good food, fast. She also manufactures ready-made ingredients that people can use to eat healthy and have great tasting food. Stacey enrolled in the EAP program to create a business plan worthy of funding and expanding her business. She has many great ideas for her business, as well as hefty goals. She is also looking for financing to fund the growth of her company.

When EAP Program Manager Cynthia Marsh-Croll recently reached out to Stacey for an update on her business, she described a significant increase in sales due to the business plan that was developed during her EAP class. In fact, she is creating a multi-level business and in in the process of going from 0 to 75 associates. As Stacey moved forward with her business plan, she was able to self-fund her expansion. This gave her the option of soliciting private funding and making options possible for future growth. The EAP program helped her make a smart business decision on how to fund expansion. Watch for Time Savor Solutions to become a household name.

In Stacey’s own words, "EAP provided me with the confirmation I needed that my plan was on track and my business was ready to move to the next level. At the beginning of the class, I had questions and was unsure of my direction.

After I completed the program, I had concrete answers and a fortified plan for moving forward, confidently and successfully. Edison Guzman (EAP instructor) was instrumental in providing the advice, encouragement and most importantly the network and resources I needed to make it all happen.

“I highly recommend the EAP program for anyone looking to start a new business or to enhance their current business. It is, by far, a value well worth its weight in business gold."

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Tax Notes For QBSC Stock Qualified Small Business Corporations (QSBCs) are a special category of corporation, the stock of which can potentially qualify for three different gain exclusion breaks. The hot news is that QSBC shares issued between now and December 31, 2013 are eligible for a 100 percent federal gain exclusion break if you hold shares for more than five years before selling. Here are the basics about tax-favored QSBC stock, which is covered under Internal Revenue Code Section 1202.

General 50 Percent Gain Exclusion Rule

Under the general gain exclusion rule, QSBC shareholders (other than C corporations) are potentially eligible to exclude from taxation up to 50 percent of their gains on sale of QSBC stock.

Special 75 Percent Gain Exclusion Rule

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 increased the gain exclusion percentage from the longstanding 50 percent to 75 percent.

However, the 75 percent exclusion rate only applies to sales of QSBC shares that were issued between February 18, 2009 and September 27, 2010.

Extra-Special 100 Percent Gain Exclusion Rule

Legislation enacted in 2010 and 2013 created an unbeatable 100 percent gain exclusion deal for sales of QSBC shares issued between September 28, 2010 and December 31, 2013. The 100 percent gain exclusion translates into a 0 percent federal income tax rate on gains when QSBC shares are sold down the road.

Holding Period Requirement

The gain exclusion breaks are only allowed for QSBC stock that you've held for more than five years.

Discussing Governor’s Agenda NYS Secretary of State Cesar Perales (left) recently came to the Orange County Chamber Business Center to speak to members and others about Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s Start-up NY proposal and economic development agenda. Pictured with him are Carol Smith (center, left), Chamber Vice President of Government, Aimee Vargas, from Empire State Development, and Sen. John Bonacic.

Summary

The special 75 percent gain exclusion deal is potentially available for QSBC shares issued between February 18, 2009 and September 27, 2010. Due to the more-than-five-year holding period requirement, the earliest possible date to cash in on the 75 percent gain exclusion is February 18, 2014.

The extra-special 100 percent gain exclusion is potentially available for QSBC shares issued between September 28, 2010 and December 31, 2013. Due to the more-than-five-year holding period requirement, the earliest possible date to cash in on the 100 percent gain exclusion is September 28, 2015. For QSBC shares that have not yet been issued, the 100 percent gain exclusion deal will only be available for sales that occur sometime in 2018 at the earliest.

The gain exclusion percentage is scheduled to drop back to 50 percent for shares issued after 2013 -- unless Congress acts to extend it. Therefore, a December 31, 2013 share issuance deadline applies if you want to take advantage of the 100 percent exclusion deal.

This article covers federal tax law. There may be different rules in your state. Consult with your tax adviser about your situation.

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Remain Competitive Without Losing Sleep You’ve owned a business for many years now.

You know your market and your competitors.

Yet, despite your best efforts, your bottom line is shrinking and you can’t help but worry. Sound familiar?

How can you remain competitive during difficult economic times? I have yet to understand why the first thing small business owners cut in their budget is marketing expenses.

“I need to increase sales, so I am going to cut on my marketing,” they rationalize. Does this make any sense? Of course not, but it seems to be the only line item, in the long list of operating costs due each month over which some feel they have some control.

Unfortunately, this isn’t the best long-term strategy to keep your business growing or even afloat.

If you absolutely need to cut part of your marketing budget, make sure you have an alternative strategy. What can you do to replace your marketing exposure? You will have to create a marketing calendar and dedicate a certain amount of time each day or each week to accomplish certain tasks.

do to thank your unpaid sales force? You can send a thank you note, accompanied with a gift certificate or a discount coupon for their next purchase to your store, for example. Think of ways that would be meaningful to your current clients given your trade, and make sure you let your clients know of your program so they are encouraged to make referrals.

• Do you contact your customers for promotions? By sending periodic email newsletters or post cards announcing special campaigns, you are reminding them of your existence. Sending a postcard with a dedicated discount or promotion for occasions, such as your clients’ birthdays or anniversaries, is also a quick and effective way to show your clients that you care about them. Make them feel special.

Don’t let your marketing be the sacrificial lamb or your business will suffer. You can brainstorm ideas with your business advisor and create a strategy that makes sense given your budget and time constraints, your trade, and your customers. Whatever you do, do something!

You don’t have the time? Start your day earlier or end it later. If you can’t invest money, you then need to make your investment in time.

Think About Your Existing Customers Which is more expensive: maintaining an existing customer or finding a new one?

Studies have shown that, on a per customer basis, the cost for acquiring a customer may be five to ten times that of customer retention. Here are some tips: • Do follow-ups: Contact your customers, either by phone, email or mail and do a quick customer satisfaction survey. Was the work done to their satisfaction? Did the product perform as per their expectations?

You are sending the message that you are dedicated to providing the best service or product to your customers and care enough to improve it.

• Do you have a customer retention program? There are many ways to encourage your current customers to continue doing business with you, such as a customer rewards program many retailers now use.

• Customer referral program: Word-ofmouth promotion is a great way to get new clients, and encouraging your existing clients to do so is vital. Upon converting a referral into a paying customer, what do you 8

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Myriam Bouchard is a certified business adviser for the Mid-Hudson Small Business Development Center.

The SBDC offers no-cost, one-toone business counseling to new and existing businesses. For more information, call 339-0025, email sbdc@sunyulster.edu or go to midhudson.nyssbdc.org.

Affordable Care Act: The Beginning Is Near. Plan Now! C O N T INUE D F R O M P A G E 1 to purchase insurance through traditional channels or New York’s SHOP Exchange. Even smaller businesses can take advantage of premium credits and sole proprietors will now have to purchase from the individual market rather than the small group market.

A large employer is defined as having 50 or more full-timeequivalent employees as of 2013 and a small employer is one with fewer than 50 employees as of 2013 -- not 2014.

You can calculate your headcount this way:

L EV G INS B UR G Lev Ginsburg is Director of Government Affairs for The Business Council of New York State.

Article is reprinted from Connect, a publication of The Business Council.

For more information on The Business Council, visit www.bcnys.org.

• Count Full-Time Employees: Figure out the number of full-time employees who work an average of 30 hours per week in a calendar month. This includes seasonal employees.

Habitat Newburgh Volunteers!

Celeste Bloomer and Esther McGowen were among the volunteers helping out as Habitat Newburgh broke ground on their 5th Women Build house at 36 East Parmenter Street. The groundbreaking ceremony was held as a part of National Women Build Week, sponsored by Lowes, an event observed

by Habitat affiliates across the country that seeks to encourage more women to get involved in the construction of Habitat homes. Women ages 16 and older are invited to volunteer with Habitat Newburgh at any time. Visit www.habitatnewburgh.org for more information.

• Count Part-Time Employee Hours: Then take all of your part-time employees. Add all of the numbers of hours worked by non-full-time employees (including seasonal employees) and divide by 120. This will get you an additional number of full-time equivalents.

Scan the QR Code to view our ‘Every Step Of The Way’ Lending Video Now!

• Add Full-Time Employees and FTEs: Add the number of full-time employees and full-time equivalents calculated in the first two steps for each of the 12 months in the preceding calendar year.

• Add the monthly totals and divide by 12. If the average exceeds 50 full-time equivalents, determine whether the seasonal employee exception applies.

As an employer, you are also going to have to know what to report and how to do it. W-2 reporting requirements for employers that have filed at least 250 W-2s for the previous tax year has already begun. While the ACA requires employers to provide notice to employees explaining the state’s Health Exchange, delays in the development of the exchange have led HHS to delay the implementation of this requirement indefinitely. For now, you should ensure that you have procedures in place to capture and retain employee data and be able to organize it into a reportable format.

The ACA is complex but at this point inevitable. Employers do not have a choice about whether to comply, but embracing the challenges early on means you are likely to be the most successful in the transition.

Frederick H. Mills Assistant Vice President 845.421.1077

Robert E. Ambrose Vice President 845.220.8387

Greg Roe Assistant Vice President 845.522.0561

TERM LOANS ❖ LINES OF CREDIT ❖ REAL ESTATE LOANS ❖ BUILDER/L AND DEVELOPMENT LOANS ❖ SBA LOANS

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845.457.7700 www.superheroesforyourbusiness.com

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Making it in OC J O H N J . L E A S E R E A LT O R S , Newburgh John J. Lease Realtors Commercial Division has sold the office building located at 34 North Plank Road in the Town of Newburgh.

The building will be the new home of Edward Jones Financial Services and is an expansion of their current location on Route 52 in Newburgh. Also, Lease has sold the former 84 Lumber facility in the Town of Newburgh just off the intersection of I-84 and Route 17K. 845-565-2800, ext. 118 john3@johnjleaserealtors.com www.johnjleaserealtors.com R E S T O R AT I V E M A N AG E M E N T C O R P. , N e w b u r g h , Middletown, Port Jervis Restorative Management Corp. is an outpatient substance abuse treatment center with locations in Newburgh, Middletown and Port Jervis.

845-3421-5941 / jspitz@RMCnet.cc www.restorativemanagement.com

A L L S TAT E U S E D AU T O PA R T S & S C R A P M E TA L , N e w W i n d s o r All years and models. Car, truck and van parts, engine/transmissions, doors, fenders, mirrors and more. Top dollar paid for your scrap metal: aluminum, brass, copper, batteries, radiators, steel, etc. New recycling facility now open. Offering free pickup of your car; cash paid on the spot.

845-522-8206 allstateusedautoparts@yahoo.com www.allstateusedautoparts.com COMFORCARE SENIOR SERVICE S, Monroe Provides compassionate, reliable caregiving 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call today for more information on the services we offer and to schedule a no-obligation assessment of your loved one’s needs.

845-595-1750 / orangeny@comforcare.com www.orangeny.comforcare.com N AT U R E O F PA R A D I S E G A R D E N D E S I G N , C e n t r a l Va l l e y We can create the garden of your dreams.

BECOME A MEMBER!

Certified horticulturist does a comprehensive site analysis to discover what plants will thrive in your space. Eco-friendly approach, including native plant suggestions and pest management. 100% satisfaction guaranteed.

Free consultations.

845-325-3404 / jennifersadera@gmail.com www.natureofparadisegardendesign.com S U P E R I O R S U R FAC I N G S YS T E M S , LT D . , M i d d l e t o w n , B l o o m i n g b u r g Full-service asphalt pavement contractor serving Orange, Rockland, Westchester,

SUBMIT YOUR

Dutchess and Sullivan counties and beyond.

Strictly commercial paving and sealcoating,

APPLICATION

pavement restoration and repairs,

ONLINE

Also specialize in application of sports

specializing in large commercial properties. surfacing and color coatings.

w w w . o r a n g e n y . com

845-733-5507 / sssltd@frontiernet.net www.superior-surfacing.com

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SAFE HARBORS OF THE HUDSON VA L L E Y, N e w b u r g h Huguenot Street Farm will be offering weekly CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) distribution at the Safe Harbors/Ritz Theater location at 115 Broadway in Newburgh.

This is local, naturally grown produce from a farm 22 miles away. Distributions will be on Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. beginning June 6 and running through late October.

845-784-1109 / bcox@safe-harbors.org www.safe-harbors.org T I M E S AVO R S O L U T I O N S , N e w b u r g h Local professional chef and internet personality Stacey Hawkins is planning a nationwide expansion of her direct sales party plan company. The company offers healthy, delicious culinary techniques, recipes, and ingredients via their direct sales consultants and their company website.

800-524-0868 / Info@StaceyHawkins.com www.staceyhawkins.com CAMP RE DWOOD, Newburgh After introducing Friday overnights with day trips last year, Sleep-Away Camp returns this summer. Info and application forms available online. In addition to other attractions, the Challenge Course is back.

845-564-1180 / info@campredwood.net www.campredwood.net/forms AC C U R AT E C O N S T R U C T I O N SERVICE S, Newburgh A residential remodeling company with 30 years’ experience. They’ll design your new kitchen, bathroom or addition and make it a dream come true. Many references and a five-year workmanship warranty. They treat customers like family.

845-566-4025 / accuservs@yahoo.com www.accuservs.com J U D E L S O N , G I O R DA N O & S I E G E L , C PA , P C , M i d d l e t o w n Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC, has joined Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress as a member. Pattern for Progress is a not-forprofit policy and planning organization that promotes regional, balanced and sustainable solutions to enhance the growth and vitality of the Hudson Valley. JGS has also become a member of the Upstate Venture Association of New York State, which advances venture capital and private equity investments throughout upstate New York.

845-692-9500 / jgscpa@warwick.net www.jgspc.com

T H E N E W B U R G H M I N I S T RY, Newburgh For 30 years, The Newburgh Ministry has worked to house the homeless, clothe the naked, bring food to the hungry, and try to set free those imprisoned by their addictions.

“For part of a lifetime, Newburgh Ministry has worked for those made poor. Celebrate with us!”

845-561-0070 admin@newburghministry.org www.newburghministry.org HUDSON DESIGN ARCHITECTURE & C O N S T R U C T I O N M A N AG E M E N T, P. L . L . C . , G a r r i s o n Hudson Design has launched a new website.

Check it out and let them know what you think.

845-424-4810 jcopeland@hudsondesign.pro www.hudsondesign.pro H U D S O N VA L L E Y F E D E R A L C R E D I T U N I O N , H u d s o n Va l l e y Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) has opened a new branch in Carmel, at Stoneleigh Avenue and Terrace Drive near Route 6, replacing HVFCU’s former one at 1995 Route 6 in Carmel, which is now closed.

845-463-3011 / morrl@hvfcu.org www.hvfcu.org AC C O U N T I N G L I N K T E C H N O L O G I E S , Middletown ALT has launched a new website. The new and improved redesign is eye catching and easier to navigate.

845-567-4376 / inquiries@altny.net www.altny.us

and brake controls, and any accessories needed in automotive vehicles to help them gain the mobility needed to live the life they want to live.

845-361-1244 / pamelasue53@hotmail.com www.newlifemod.com M E A D S E A L C OAT I N G & PA R K I N G LOT MAINTE NANCE , Middletown Variety of services -- commercial, residential, industrial – including asphalt paving, sealcoating, patchwork and repairs, catch basin installation and repairs, crack fill, milling, grading and more. Honest, reliable service, regardless of size. Projects are done on time and on budget.

845-344-2354 / meadsealcoating@hvc.rr.com www.meadsealcoating.com

B B G & G A DV E R T I S I N G & P R , I N C .

Campbell Hall Now located at 3020 Route 207, Suite 101, Campbell Hall. New phone (below) and new fax (845-615-9149).

845-615-9084 / junebisel@bbggadv.com www.bbggadv.com

A1 N O N O N S E N S E PEST CONTROL , INC. Fully licensed, insured and family-run.

Offering the most current technology in eliminating and controlling pests. Providing a broad array of preventative service plans based on your needs.

845-476-8523 / a1nonsense@gmail.com www.a1nonsensepestcontrol.com M E S S C O B U I L D I N G S U P P LY & H O M E C E N T E R , Wa l d e n We sell to the builder, contractor and homeowner: lumber, decking, drywall, windows, doors, roofing, hardware, ceiling panels, insulation, siding and metal framing.

We also deliver.

845-883-4444 / sales@messcosupply.com www.facebook.com/messco

“Get the Money Your Company is Owed with Our Debt Collection Services!”

Working Hard for You Our company specializes in the collection of credit union and medical debts with an emphasis on being courteous and using innovative techniques. It is our objective to become your collection partner by providing you with a stress free way of collecting your outstanding receivables in a timely fashion, with the respect and treatment necessary in handling such delicate matters.

40+ Years of Experience Washingtonville, NY 845.913.7223

Mon.-Sat. 8am-8pm

www.aspcollections.com

A S PA R K L I N G V I E W, Wa r w i c k Window cleaning, glass scratch removal, roof cleaning, gutter cleaning and pressure washing. We can clean all commercial and residential windows, restore hard water stained windows and shower doors.

Specializing in mid-rise commercial building to store front glass and all size homes.

845-988-5535 asparklingview@optonline.net www.asparklingview.com N ew L ife Van , Auto and T ruck M odification , P i n e B u s h Supports the physically challenged community, helping those who want to establish a safe, independent means of mobility. Dedicated to meeting the unique needs of our customers by installing and repairing wheelchair lifts, hand

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Awards

&

r e cog n i t i o n

Access Physical Therapy & Wellness was recently named one of the Best Companies to Work For in New York by the state Society for Human Resource Management and Best Companies. This is the second time that Access Physical Therapy & Wellness has received this recognition. Access is among the top 30 companies in its category of small/medium companies with 15 to 249 employees.

Associates. Also, Edward Jones has broken into the FORTUNE 500, as published by FORTUNE magazine, debuting on this year's list at No. 491, with more than $5 billion in revenue for 2012. In addition, firm was recently named the No. 1 large company on the "Best Companies to Work for in New York" ranking, according to Joseph E. Profaci, Sr., a local Financial Advisor in Newburgh. For more information, call 845-566-7379

The Jane Unhjem Memorial Scholarship Fund has been established with the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan to create a lasting legacy and to honor Jane Unhjem, an educator, wife, mother and community leader who passed away on August 19, 2012 from injuries sustained in a plane crash. To make a contribution to fund, visit www. cfoc-ny.org, call 845-769-9393 or e-mail karen@cfoc-ny.org.

Saint Luke’s Cornwall Hospital has received a $5,000 Breast Cancer Education Grant from the American Society of Breast Surgeons Foundation. The grant will be used for development of a community awareness and outreach program focused on early detection and risk identification for breast cancer and to increase community awareness surrounding, risk and availability of free screenings. For information, visit www.stlukescornwallhospital.org.

Seven faculty members at Mount Saint Mary College have earned promotions: Tracey J. Niemotko, Professor of Acounting; Jenifer Lee-Gonyea, Associate Professor of Criminology; Glenn Reynolds, Associate Professor of History; Jeanne Roth, Associate Professor of Nursing; Marie Therese Sulit, Associate Professor of English; Ann Corcoran; Assistant Professor of Nursing; and Ann-Marie Uebbin, Assistant Professor of Nursing.

Peter Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group, was inducted into the Inaugural Leadership Orange Hall of Fame. Berman has over 12 years of experience in the construction, development and inspection industries, and is a thirdgeneration builder and project manager. He was nominated by the 2008 Leadership Orange Class as their representative for the Hall of Fame.

Homewood Suites Newburgh, an upscale, residential-style, 125-suite hotel located at Stewart Airport, has been named a recipient of the 2013 Connie Pride Hotel Award of Merit. Recipients of the Connie Pride Award, named after Conrad Hilton, are considered the most prestigious group of award winners within the Hilton organization. For more information, visit www.homewoodsuites.com.

The Board of Directors of Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, Inc. recently elected former New York State Appellate Judge and longtime Hospice supporter Anthony T. Kane to serve as Chairman of the Hospice Board. Other officers elected include Hon. Jeffrey G. Berry as Vice-Chairman, Susan Najork as Secretary, Glen L. Heller as Secretary and Ronald Barton as Immediate Past Chair. For more information, call 845-561-6143, ext. 324 or visit www.hospiceoforange.com.

The Orange County Industrial Development Agency recently awarded $45,000 to the Orange County Arts Council for the development of a new county-wide Film Office. The new film office will work to present Orange County as a film-friendly location in order to attract new and larger television and film projects. For more information, contact Dawn Ansbro at 845-469-9168 or visit www.orangecountynyfilm.org.

Barnum Financial Group, an office of MetLife, has been named MetLife’s 2012 Firm of the Year. The company, headquartered in Shelton, CT, was also awarded the company’s highest management honor, the 2012 Individual Distribution Firm of the Year. Also, the Middletown, Elmsford and Brewster offices of MetLife recently merged into Barnum Financial Group. As a result, Barnum will have over 288 financial services representatives serving clients. For more information, call 888-712-2310 or visit www.barnumfinancialgroup.com.

For the fifth 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 recent study by J.D. Power and

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CDPHP has once again received a financial strength rating of “A+” or “Excellent” from Weiss Ratings, the nation’s leading independent provider of ratings and analyses of financial services companies, mutual funds, and stocks. CDPHP has been ranked seventh on the Best Companies to Work For in New York list. Also, for the fifth consecutive year, CDPHP was chosen by the Best Companies Group, in conjunction with New York State Society for Human Resource Management, as one the state’s top large employers Walden Savings Bank recently celebrated 40 years of providing banking products and services to the Washingtonville community. Kim Zwart is Business Services Manager at the Washingtonville branch, located at 131 East Main Street. For more information, visit www. waldensavingsbank.com.

Occupations System of Care recently welcomed four new board members to the Occupations, Inc., Family Empowerment Council, Inc., and New Dynamics Corporation Board of Directors: Jay (John) Anthony, Vincent L. DeLucia, Col. Charles Faro, and Marcia A. Jacoabowitz.

The Occupations System of Care Board of Directors represents Occupations, Inc. They share a mission to help people with diverse needs, to live in a safe environment where they have hope, and the opportunity to grow and achieve through informed choices.

Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, President of L.I.F.E. Source Learning, Inc., has been elected President of the Board of Directors of the Brain Injury Association of NYS. Dr. Tannenbaum has also been appointed to the Down Syndrome Association of the Hudson Valley Executive Board, and serves as the lead trainer presenting workshops across a wide range of topics related to cognitive function, mood regulation, and interpersonal relationships. Most recently, Dr. Tannenbaum was awarded a school district contract as an Independent Educational Consultant to provide training for faculty and staff in diversified teaching techniques for all ability students. Call 845-564-5433 to arrange for services or training.

At a recent KeyBank ribbon cutting ceremony at its new Hudson Valley/ Metro NY District headquarters office in Tarrytown, KeyBank officials presented a $15,000 check to regional branches of the United Way to support the “Participate to Graduate” initiative. “Participate to Graduate” is a regional partnership of the United Ways of Dutchess/Orange, Rockland, Ulster and Westchester/Putnam Counties intended to improve the educational outcomes of local at-risk youth through participation in after school and leadership development programs.

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Hudson Valley Home Source, L.L.C., located in Goshen, has been awarded the 2012 Builders Association of the Hudson Valley Pinnacle Award for Best Modular Home in the Hudson Valley for a Custom Modular Home built overlooking the Delaware River in Narrowsburg. For information, visit www.hvhomesource.com.

Mount Saint Mary College has received specialized accreditation for its business programs through the International Assembly for Collegiate Business Education. The business programs in the following degrees are accredited by the IACBE: master of business administration; bachelor of science in accounting/master of business administration (5-year); bachelor of science in accounting; bachelor of science in business management with concentrations in finance or marketing. Visit www.msmc.edu.

The International Academy of the Visual Arts recently presented the 2013 Communicator Award of Distinction to DesignWorks NY for the logo the firm designed for Capacity Business Consulting. With thousands of entries received from across the US and around the world, the Communicator Awards is the largest and most competitive awards program honoring the creative excellence for communications professionals. For information on DesignWorks, contact Kelley Briggs at 914-260-6981 or visit www.designworksny.com. For information on Capacity Business Consulting, call Eric Egeland at 845-764-9484 or visit www.CapacityBusinessConsulting.com.

Wellness Home Care is celebrating 30 years of touching people's lives.

Owned and operated by nurses since 1983, Wellness Home Care has a team of carefully screened aides and nurses who have an intimate and personal understanding of the challenges associated with caring for a loved one at home. For information, visit www.wellnesshomecare.com or call 845-294-8364.

Full House For Membership Breakfast It was a full house at West Hills Country Club in Middletown for the June Membership Breakfast featuring speaker Anne Saile, President and CEO of The Saile Group. “Strategic Networking for Business Success” was the topic of Ms. Saile’s presentation, which was part of the Chamber’s celebration of Women in Business Month. WIB Month was sponsored by M&T Bank.

A project that will deliver a more extensive range of cloud-based technologies to students in SUNY Orange’s networking and cyber security programs has been selected to receive $20,000 as part of the State University of New York’s 2013 Innovative Instruction Technology Grants program. The project will allow students in the networking and cyber security programs to utilize new, cutting-edge technologies that will help prepare them for real-world employment. Visit www.sunyorange. edu for more information.

Dance with the Chamber Stars returns At exciting new venue!

Villa Venezia, the totally renovated catering hall (formerly the Brookside Manor) at 2257 Goshen Turnpike in Middletown will be the exciting venue for the fourth annual “Dance with the Chamber Stars” on Friday evening, October 4 starting at 7:00 p.m. (or 6:00 p.m. for those who want a free dance lesson). Once again, the incredible dancers from Mas Salsa Que Tu Dance Company will perform a breathtaking production number during the evening, and Rene Campos of DMU Entertainment will provide all kinds of terrific dance music. The Galleria at Crystal Run is the Title Sponsor and a variety of other very affordable sponsorships are available. Contact Karen Hartley Sawyer (845-457-9700 or karens@orangeny.com) for sponsor information.

Women in Business Seminar

For $35 (in advance, $40 at the door), guests will enjoy an evening of great music and dancing, as well as Villa Venezia’s extraordinary food, beer, wine, soda, dessert and coffee, raffles and prizes. Dust off your dancing shoes and make your reservation now! Space is limited, so reserve by visiting www.orangeny.com or calling Roseann at 845-457-9700.

Another special Women in Business Month event was a seminar on “Developing Your Own Financial Success: Essential Strategies for Women,” presented by Laura Medigovich, Vice President of the M&T Investment Group, in the Chamber’s Larkin Room.

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GROW/ EXPAND NEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

WELCOME

3 B E vents (845) 863-0757 - Newburgh, NY www.3bevents.biz

B uttonintel (845) 662-2053 - Montgomery, NY www.buttonintel.com

A ble H ome I nspections (516) 860-4603 - New Hampton, NY

C omforcare H ome C are S ervices (845) 595-1751 - Monroe, NY www.orangeny.comforcare.com

A duro M arketing (845) 863-4362 - New Windsor, NY www.aduro-marketing.com A d z imple - A d N avigator (845) 476-8680 - New Windsor, NY A llie C at B outi q ue (845) 563-0102 - Newburgh, NY A llstate U sed A uto Parts & S crap M etal (845) 522-8206 - New Windsor, NY www.allstateusedautoparts.com A mosoon , I nc .

(631) 482-2448 - Warwick, NY B ar R ag z (845) 981-7020 - Pine Island, NY www.gazregan.com B ehavioral H ealth S ervices of the H udson Valle y (845) 569-2900 - Newburgh, NY www.bhshv.com B oomhower E lectric , L . L . C .

(914) 466-8012 - Middletown, NY www.boomhowerelectric.com

C ondon and S ons L awncare (914) 443-6419 - Slate Hill, NY www.condonandsons.tshared.com C onnected C ontractors . com , I nc .

(845) 988-6244 - New Windsor, NY www.connectedcontractors.com C upcakes U R Way (845) 692-1917 - New Hampton, NY www.jmpartycakes.com D ominican S isters Family H ealth S ervice (914) 941-1710 - Ossining, NY www.dsfhs.org D r . E nergy S aver of the H udson Valle y (845) 361-1150 - Bullville, NY www.drenergysaverhv.com

G reat C lips (845) 245-4626 - Newburgh, NY G reen M ountain E nergy (914) 220-8388 - White Plains, NY www.greenmountain.com G rill & C hill D air y Queen (201) 961-3631 - Pine Island, NY H ighland R ehabilitation and N ursing C enter (845) 342-1033 - Middletown, NY H udson R iver V entures (845) 514-2561 - Kingston, NY www.hudsonriverventures.com H udson Valle y C osmetic S urger y & S kin C enter (845) 220-2100 - New Windsor, NY www.howardfeldmanmd.com H uslinger Family Farm I ce C ream (845) 692-6787 - Middletown, NY J ames M . L awless (845) 534-8001 - Cornwall on Hudson, NY

G enesis H ome I nnovations (845) 565-1755 - Wallkill, NY www.genesiscontractorsinc.com

J err y ' s Painting and P owerwashing (845) 562-7420 - New Windsor, NY

G M E lectric (845) 549-0099 - New Windsor, NY

J ointa L ime C ompan y (518) 664-9855 - Wilton, NY www.dacollins.com K ent B en z iger , E s q .

(845) 541-2723 – Newburgh, NY K ristine R ingler C onsulting (612) 616-7031 - Highland Falls, NY L ink 2 C hange (845) 853-0542 - Kingston, NY www.link2change.org M aureen ' s D eli & C atering (845) 562-6637 - Newburgh, NY M ead S ealcoating & Parking L ot M aintenance , I nc .

(845) 344-2354 - Middletown, NY www.meadsealcoating.com M essco B uilding S upply (845) 883-4444 - Walden, NY M innewaska L odge (845) 255-1110 - Gardiner, NY www.minnewaskalodge.com M ountain P ine , L . L . C .

(845) 987-4695 - Monroe, NY http://www.mountainpinellc.com

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M urph y ' s Painting (845) 361-4000 - Bullville, NY N ature of Paradise G arden D esign (845) 928-7464 - Central Valley, NY N ew L ife Van , A uto & T ruck M odification (845) 361-1244 - Pine Bush, NY www.newlifemod.com O ly mpic E lectric of T he H udson Valle y, L . L . C .

(845) 895-4063 - Wallkill, NY www.olympicelectricservices.com Palacio D B A Valeria' s (845) 294-8474 - Goshen, NY www.palaciocatering.com Panarelli R ealt y (845) 651-1776 - Goshen, NY www.panarellirealty.com

R esidential H ome F unding C orp.

(845) 496-0836 - Washingtonville, NY http://facebook.com/goodmortgageadvicetoday R estorative M anagement C orp.

(845) 561-5783 - Newburgh, NY www.restorativemanagement.com R ing H omestead C amp, I nc .

(845) 361-3842 - Middletown, NY www.ringhomesteadcamp.com R ose & K iernan , I nc .

(845) 338-6694 - Kingston, NY www.rkinsurance.com S abila C orp.

(845) 981-7128 - Pine Island, NY www.sabilaaloe.com S andy K ay P roductions , I nc .

(845) 987-2818 - Nyack, NY www.wallyswayfilm.com

S tuart H . K otkin , C . P. A .

(845) 928-9090 - Central Valley, NY S unshine H ome C are (845) 825-3759 - Nanuet, NY www.sunshinecares.com T. J . E . C leaning S ervice (845) 566-4240 - Newburgh, NY www.tjecleaning.net T he D H F G roup (973) 513-2534 - Campbell Hall, NY www.thedhfgroup.com T ime S avor S olutions (914) 720-5844 – Newburgh, NY U niversal T ele C onnections , I nc .

(845) 434-4442 - Monticello, NY www.universaltci.com Van E tten Paving (845) 534-2434 - Cornwall, NY www.ravanettenpaving.com

P lanet W ings (845) 343-8000 – Newburgh, NY

S oho B ar & G rill (845) 692-7577 - Middletown, NY www.sohobarandgrillny.com

V incen z o D esigns B outi q ue (845) 524-4447 - Pine Bush, NY www.vincenzodesignsinc.com

P recious A ngels D ay C are (845) 306-1806 - Montgomery, NY www.preciousangelsdaycare1.com

S PA R K S !

(845) 313-2853 - Middletown, NY www.sparksalive.com

W est P oint G olf C ourse (845) 938-2435 - West Point, NY www.westpointmwr.com/golf

P remier P ools & S pas (845) 610-5226 - Chester, NY www.ppas.com

S R V T echnologies , L . L . C .

(845) 725-7696 - Chester, NY www.srvtechnologies.com

W rite O n P oint (845) 258-6777 - Warwick, NY www.writeonpointseo.com

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NOTABLE PEOPLE St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital 845-561-4400 www.stlukescornwallhospital.org St. Luke’s Cornwall CEO Allan E. Atzrott has been appointed Vice Chair of the Greater New York Hospital Association. Dr. Michael Doyle has been named Physician Liaison for Care Management at SLCH. Susan Najork was recently honored with the hospital’s Robert J. Rizzuto Volunteer Appreciation Award.

The Chazen Companies 845-486-1481 www.chazencompanies.com Ed Larkin, Project Engineer for The Chazen Companies, a leading provider of engineering, land surveying, environmental, planning and landscape architecture services, has been named to the The Business Review Albany 40 Under 40 Class of 2013. Also, The Chazen Companies has added five new Principals and Associates. The new Principals are Lauren Gillett, PHR, Chris Round, AICP, and Russell Urban-Mead, CPG. The new Associates are Eric Johnson, P.E. and Sean Doty, P.E. Antoinette M. Caruso & Kara J. Cavallo 845-778-2121 / www.jacobowitz.com Jacobowitz & Gubits announces that Antoinette M. Caruso, an Associate with the firm’s litigation team, has been admitted to the New York State Bar. Kara J. Cavallo has been sworn in as director and corresponding secretary of the Women's Bar Association of Orange & Sullivan Counties.

Julie Barr & Greg Crispell 845-463-3011 / www. hvfcu.org Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Carmel and Brewster Branch Manager Julie Barr will serve on the Brewster Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. Accounting Manager Greg Crispell has been promoted to HVFCU Controller.

Celebrating 50 years of service, HVFCU is a full service, not-for-profit financial cooperative for individuals and businesses.

Jeff Bank 845-482-4000 / www.jeffbank.com Bertha Donohue, Stacey Kuhn and Diane McGrath have been named Assistant Vice Presidents at Jeff Bank. Jeff Bank, an independently owned community bank with 12 branches, is celebrating 100 years of community banking.

Suzanne Forni 845-651-3800 / www.rubygrp.com Suzanne Forni, Business Development Manager of The Ruby Group, recently participated as a member of a panel of judges to select the winners of the Community Builders & Remodelers Association of New Jersey’s Awards of Excellence.

Aleta Symon & Shannon Mannese 845-567-9000 / www.vddw.com Aleta Symon, CPA with Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, has been elected to sit on the Board of Directors of The Chamber Foundation for the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce. VDDW Senior Accountant Shannon Mannese has passed all four parts of the CPA exam.

16

ORMC Raises Funds for March of Dimes Staff members from Orange Regional Medical Center’s Rowley Family Birthing Center raised nearly $5,000 by walking, hosting bakes and raffling themed baskets for the March of Dimes’ March for Babies.

ORMC recently celebrated the first birthday of its Level II Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Full-time neonatologists, affiliated with Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital at Westchester Medical Center, stand ready to care for babies that require advanced medical care. For more information, visit www.ormc.org/NICU.

Marjorie Rovereto 845-778-2171 www.hometownbankhv.com Hometown Bank of the Hudson Valley President Marjorie S. Rovereto began serving as Chief Executive Officer at the start of 2013 following the retirement of CEO Thomas F. Gibney at the end of last year. Rovereto was named President in August 2012. Prior to joining Hometown Bank, she was President and CEO of Ulster Savings Bank.

Diane M. LeFever & Cheryl S. Plant 845-338-6322 / www.ulstersavings.com Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Ulster Savings Bank, has welcomed back Diane M. LeFever as an Insurance Account Executive at the bank’s Kingston headquarters. LeFever worked with Ulster Insurance Services from 1997-2009. Cheryl S. Plant, Account Manager, has received certification as a Certified Wellness Program Manager from the Chapman Institute.

Linda Hanel-Sautter 845-342-1091 www.monhagenvethospital.com Monhagen Veterinary Hospital and Animal Clinic at Tower Drive announce their new Associate Veterinarian Linda Hanel-Sautter, DVM. Dr. Hanel-Sautter has been practicing veterinary medicine for the past four years on Long Island.

Mindy Ross 845-344-6222 / www.sunyorange.edu In honor of SUNY Orange Campus Vice President Mindy Ross’ personal and professional commitment to the arts, the campus’ former CenterArts Gallery inside Kaplan Hall has been renamed the Mindy Ross Gallery. Ross is retiring this summer after serving as an educator and administrator at SUNY Orange for the past 31 years.

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Rachel Bertoni 845-469-0993 / www.bertonigallery.com The Orange County Land Trust has chosen one of Rachel Bertoni’s award-winning pendant designs for their 20-year anniversary benefit.

The 18K gold pendant with blue diamonds and a beautiful, unique boulder opal was designed by renowned Sugar Loaf jeweler Bertoni.

Ana M. Tranchina 845-457-7700 www.waldensavingsbank.com Ava M. Tranchini is Walden Savings Bank’s newest member of the bank’s team of mortgage originators. Tranchina has more than two decades of diverse industry experience.

Martin Ruef 845-796-3100 / www.the-sullivan.com Martin Ruef has been named Executive Chef of Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant and catering services at The Sullivan. Ruef has more than 25 years of culinary experience.

Austin DuBois 845-291-0011 / www.mid-hudsonlaw.com Orange County Executive Edward Diana recently announced the appointment of Austin DuBois, an estate planning and elder law attorney with Blustein, Shapiro, Rich & Barone, to the Orange County Department of Mental Health’s Community Services Board.

Suzanne C. Norsby-Ovenshire 845-744-2095 www.real-estate-solution.com Suzanne C. Norsby-Ovenshire has joined Real Estate Solutions, R.J. Smith Realty in Pine Bush as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

TREND/ INNOVATE

Using Technology to

Impact Your Bottom Line

EXPO 2013

Mankind has been a master at utilizing the technology available to us since we picked up the first crudely-made spearhead.

Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor Thursday, September 12 10:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

We've come a very long way from the days of rubbing two sticks together to get fire, but there is a constant: those who understand technology, or at least how to properly implement it, reap the rewards while others go hungry.

It's not a far stretch to imagine that those conditions exist in business today, albeit as less of a life and death issue. Just like our forefathers (and foremothers!), the technologically adept folks will have more and earlier success.

But what does technology mean to businesses in today's world? This article will give you a distinct edge over your competition.

Websites Let's start with a very basic requirement: a webpage that shows the world what your business has to offer. But it's not that simple.

You need quantifiable data that will lead you to more customers or clients. This means you need to know how many visitors you get, what they do when they're on your site and how to improve the experience.

Picture this: your customer looks on the web for a service you provide. Your site comes up and so does your competitor. But you're a very smart cookie: you've taken the time to understand (or your webmaster monitors this for you) the people who go to your site and why.

Sponsors and exhibitors are invited for the biggest & best business trade show in the Hudson Valley. Nearly 200 exhibitors, seminars, new food and beverage area, and much more!

Jim McClinsy is Lead Consultant for MidHudson SEO, based in Middletown. He can be reached at 845-204-3797 or jim@midhudsonseo.com.

supply, your business shows up on the first page of search results.

Sponsors receive two booths in a prime location. If you can’t be a sponsor, plan now to be a vendor.

For information, contact Roseann Bouzakis (845) 457-9700 or roseannb@orangenycom.

Since you're such a smart cookie, let's examine another situation: you provide the same service as your most fierce competitor. But you've embraced technology and your website is on the first page when someone searches.

Not so much with your competition. They flounder helplessly on page 2, which nobody really bothers looking at. There's a huge trust factor involved with that page 1 result, and you have shown your clientele that you're speaking their language.

Conclusion

Search Engine Optimization

We've examined some of the most basic elements of Internet promotion in this article, with a particular focus on fundamental components like an optimized website. The world of technology sure does move fast, and if you're not careful it can pass you by. As a busy business owner, you need someone who understands technology and the role it plays in contributing to your bottom line.

Search Engine Optimization, or SEO, is the practice of making sure that when somebody searches for a product or service that you

Make sure the firm you choose to manage the technological aspects of your business will set you apart from the competition.

You've also taken the time to consider that many of your visitors will access your site via a tablet or smartphone and you've made sure the site looks good regardless of device.

The ultimate result of this is that your competitor's website looks pretty bad in comparison with your own.

M ark your calendar now !

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Sponsor Spotlight The Chamber thanks these members who sponsored the joint mixer with the Dutchess County Regional Chamber of Commerce at Billy Joe’s Ribworks in Newburgh:

Ribbon Cutting Cutting the ribbon to celebrate the grand opening of Ovation Payroll are John Bazzurro (left) and Mike Valentine, surrounded by Chamber Ambassadors, staff members and other friends. More information about Ovation is available at 845-249-8266 or www.ovationpayroll.com.

Think Global.

Leverage Local.

120 years of trust experience

competitive fees

resident investment professionals wide range of investment options

trust and estate advisors

Put the expertise and reputation of Orange County Trust into your portfolio Orange County Trust Company — the local bank that has earned your trust for 120 years — offers a conservative, disciplined trust & investment advisory division where decisions are based on an economic market analysis and thorough understanding of your goals and objectives.

Orange County Trust Company’s Trust and Investment Division has: • The expertise to administer your trust or estate • A wide range of investment options for your short and long-range goals • Expertise in managing charitable foundations and not-for-profit accounts • One of the only resident trust offices in the Hudson Valley

Trusts, securities, and insurance products are not FDIC insured or insured by any Federal Government entity. Not bank guaranteed. Not a deposit. May lose value.

18

Once again, the Chamber’s Small Business Resource Committee will host a summer Cruise on the Hudson. On Tuesday, July 9 from 6:00-9:00 p.m., guests will enjoy a trip on the beautiful Pride of the Hudson.

Refreshments will be provided by Loughran’s Restaurant and the sponsor will be the Galleria at Crystal Run.

Orange County Trust has helped our community for over a century. Our new association with Hudson Valley Investment Advisors (HVIA) expands the investment services you’ve already come to know and trust. HVIA customdesigned investment portfolios fit the goals and risk-tolerance of each individual client. Leverage the advantages of working with a local firm by calling us at (845) 341-5030 or visiting orangecountytrust.com.

Middletown • Montgomery • Vails Gate • Chester • Goshen • Newburgh • Fishkill

Cruise With The Chamber

845-341-5030

orangecountytrust.com

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Reservations are still $45 per person, including a buffet dinner and cash bar, and can be made by calling Roseann at 845-457-9700 or visiting www.orangeny.com. Space is limited and advance payment is required.

UPCOMING EVENTS

JULY EVENTS

9 10 11

S mall B usiness C ruise on the H udson

6:00-9:00 p.m., Pride of the Hudson, Newburgh Landing Sponsor: Galleria at Crystal Run “ M a x imi z e Your M embership ” refresher session

5:00-7:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery M embership B reakfast: “ E conomic D evelopment in O range C ount y ” with O C Partnership ’ s M aureen H alahan and H V E conomic D evelopment C orp. ’ s L arr y G ottlieb

7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Sponsor: Jeff Bank

18 19

AUGUST EVENTS

1 5 6

N ew M ember O rientation

4:00-5:30 p.m., Torches on the Hudson Newburgh Sponsor: Greater Hudson Bank

8

29 31

M embers on M onday L unch

12:00-1:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery J oint M i x er with I nspire

5:30-7:30 p.m., Winding Hills Golf Course, Montgomery

5:00-7:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery “ N eed F unding for Your B usiness ” W ebinar S peaker : N oa S imons , S mall B usiness D evelopment C enter

M embership B reakfast: “ H elping T oday ’ s You T h B ecome T omorrow ’ s L eaders ” with N Y S T rooper S teven N evel

15

“ M a x imi z e Your M embership ” refresher session

4:00-6:00 p.m., M&T Bank, 745 Route 17M, Monroe J oint M i x er with D utchess R egional C hamber

5:00-7:00 p.m., Dutchess Stadium, Fishkill

21

D ance with C hamber S tars C ommittee

8:00 am Montgomery Room

12

26

M embers on M onday L unch

12:00-1:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

C onsultants C ommittee

7:45 am Larkin Room

Young P rofessionals

8:00 am Billy Joe’s Ribworks, Newburgh

25 26

P R / M arketing C ommittee

8:00 am Montgomery Room

A mbassadors

7:45 am

AUGUST COMMITTEE MEETINGS

1 2

Young P rofessionals M i x er

5:30-7:30 p.m., River Grill, Newburgh

G overnment I nitiatives C ommittee with empire state development speaker

8:00 am Larkin Room

“ M a x imi z e Your M embership ” refresher session

7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Sponsor: Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

M i x er

5:30-7:30 p.m., Torches on the Hudson, Newburgh Sponsor: United Healthcare Community Plan

6:00-10:00 p.m., Shadows Marina, Poughkeepsie www.hvmag.com/BurgerBash

10

12:00 p.m., www.OrangeNY.com

“ M a x imi z e Your M embership ” refresher session

4:00-6:00 p.m., M&T Bank, 745 Route 17M, Monroe

H udson Valle y M aga z ine ’ s “ B urger and B eer B ash ”

JULY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

6 7 9 29 30

M inorit y & W omen B usiness C ommittee

8:30 am Montgomery Room C onsultants C ommittee

7:45 am Larkin Room S mall B usiness R esource C ommittee

8:00 am Montgomery Room G overnment I nitiatives C ommittee

8:00 am Larkin Room Young P rofessionals

8:00 am P R / M arketking C ommittee

8:00 am Montgomery Room A mbassadors

7:45 am

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 | J U N E /J U LY 2 0 13

19

Penalty for paying off your commercial loan early?

Not here.

At HVFCU, we know that the sooner you pay off your loan, the better for your business.

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I

hvfcu.org

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Business Checking & Savings • Business Loans & Lines of Credit • Commercial Mortgages • Medical Equipment Financing • SBA Loans Free Internet Banking & Bill Pay • Payroll Services • Merchant Services • Financial Planning & Insurance • Health Savings Accounts

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