NNY Business December 2015

B

Y usIness // FIF TH annual // emerging leaders issue

DECEMBER 2015 Volume 6 No. 1

nnybizmag.com

20 Under 40:

Young leaders shape the region

$2.95

/nnybusiness @NNYBusinessMag

// Northern New York’s Premier Business Monthly //

20UNDER40

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Below, from left, Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner, Nicholas F. Gardner, D.D.S.; Andrea Montgomery, St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging; Jeffery L. ‘Jeff’ Cole, WWNY-TV 7 /WNYF Fox 28; Bridget Fetterly, Carthage Savings & Loan Association; Erin E. Hunter, North Country Family Health Center. Cover, from left, Jared Thisse, BCA Architects & Engineers; Dr. Jill Laureano-Surber, Family Medicine of Northern New York; Max. M. DelSignore, Northern New York Community Foundation; Morgan O. Bocciolatt,Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center; Kevin L. Richardson, North Country Farms.

2 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

20UNDER40 Below, from left, Caryn L. White, Credo Community Center; Rodger H. Voss, Fort Drum Forestry Program; Jennifer S. Loonan, Time Warner Cable Media; Brian Peck, New York State Assembly; Donna M. Smith, Village of Lowville & BOCES.

December 2015 | NNY Business

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20UNDER40

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Below, from left, Sarah J. Bullock, Village of Carthage; Dr. Thomas McCue IV, McCue Dental; Lenore E. VanderZee, SUNY Canton; Jeffrey L. Ginger, Watertown High School; Nathan Lashomb, Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce.

4 | NNY Business | December 2015

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8 | NNY Business | December 2015

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December 2015 | NNY Business

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Inside DECember 2015 19

44

42 |

COVER |

20 20 UNDER 40 NNY Business presents 20 Northern New York emerging leaders under the age of 40.

22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41

Morgan O. Bocciolatt Sarah J. Bullock Jeffery L. ‘Jeff’ Cole Max M. DelSignore Bridget Fetterly Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner Jeffrey L. Ginger Erin E. Hunter Nathan Lashomb Dr. Jill Laureano-Surber Jennifer S. Loonan Dr. Thomas McCue IV Andrea Montgomery Brian Peck Kevin L. RIchardson Donna M. Smith Jared Thisse Lenore VanderZee Rodger H. Voss Caryn L. White

|

SMALL BUSINESS STARTUP |

|

FEATURES |

|

19 focused on freshness Robideau’s Mahogany Ridge Bar & Grill is an affordable, rustic destination in S. Colton. |

42 AN ORGANIC enterprise Homestead Heritage Cheese begins production at a longtime LaFargeville dairy farm.

44 PASSION TURNS PROFIT An Alexandria Bay man hones his craft of taxidermy that his grandfather taught him at age 12. |

REAL ESTATE |

49 Q3 HOME SALES MIXED Jefferson home prices drop, climb in St. Lawrence, Lewis.

REAL ESTATE |

51 TOP TRANSACTIONS Top 10 property sales in Oct. in Jefferson and St. Lawrence counties totalled $10.61m.

BUSINESS SCENE |

62 NETWORKING, NNY STYLE From Jefferson to Lewis counties, businessmen and women connect for success. |

BUSINESS HISTORY |

66 GOING BELOW GROUND A vast network of caves were once used commercially. |

ONLINE |

DAILY UPDATES, DATA Daily business news and data online at nnybizmag.com.

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 11

C o n tr i b u t o r s

BusIness www.nnybizmag.com

Chairman of the Board John B. Johnson Jr.

Lance Evans is executive officer for the JeffersonLewis and St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors.

He offers a primer on common language used in the real estate industry. (p. 48)

Paul Luck is a principal with the Succession Partners in Clayton and Syracuse. He writes about how there is no better thime than now to draft a plan for your business. (p. 53)

Bob Gorman is president and CEO of United Way of Northern New York. He talks with local nonprofits about the state’s planned increase in its minimum wage. (p. 52)

Editor & Publisher John B. Johnson

Co-Publisher

Harold B. Johnson II

Magazine Editor

Kenneth J. Eysaman

Magazine Associate Karee M. Magee

Photography

Justin Sorensen, Amanda Morrison Jason Hunter, Stephen Swofford Brooke Rouse is the executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce.

She writes about the importance of shopping local during the holiday season. (p. 54)

Jay Matteson is the agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Corp. He writes about the how a $15 minimum wage will impact agriculture. (p. 56)

Bill Murray is an executive with CITEC Business Solutions, Canton. He and CITEC executive Reg Carter write about what it means to lead versus manage. (p. 55)

Director of Advertising Michelle Bowers

Magazine Advertising Sales

Beth Hornbarger, Justin Sullivan, Mike Hanson, Laurie Denesha, Barb Loomis, Jim Homa, Katie Nelson, Cindy Aucter

Advertising Graphics

Brian Mitchell, Rick Gaskin, Heather O’Driscoll, Scott Smith, Todd Soules

Circulation Director Mary Sawyer

Joleene Moody is a freelance writer who lives in Pulaski with her husband and daughter. In Entrepreneur’s Edge, she writes about pursuing your passions without looking back. (p.59)

Jennifer McCluskey is an advisor for the state Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. She explains Start-UP NY and what local host colleges are looking for. (p. 58)

Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran.

She shares some tips to maintain digital security during the attack-prone holiday season. (p. 57)

MARKETPLACE AAK Electric ............................. 68 BCA Architects & Engineers .... 72 Blue Seal Feeds ........................ 69 Body Pros Collision & Service Center ...................... 70 Bonnie Castle Resort ............... 68 Carthage Federal Savings & Loan Association ................. 14 Caskinette’s Ford ..................... 62 Cheney Tire .............................. 55 Children’s Home of Jefferson County ................. 13 Clayton Chamber of Commerce ............................ 9 Clayton Dental Office ............. 69 Coleman’s Corner ................... 69 Community Bank Wealth Management .......................... 46 CREG Systems Corp. ............... 14 D.L. Calarco Funeral Home .... 58 Dr. Guitar Music ....................... 69 Empire State Development ....... 7 Fairground Inn .......................... 69 Foy Agency Insurance ............ 71

Friends of the Nature Center .... 54 Fuccillo Auto Group ................ 71 Fuller Insurance ....................... 71 Garlock’s Design Center ........ 49 Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce .......................... 47 GWNC Chamber of Commerce ............................... 10 HD Goodale Co. ...................... 71 High Tower Advisors ................ 48 Hospice of Jefferson County .... 67 Immaculate Heart Central Schools ........................ 67 Little Caesar’s Pizza ................. 69 McCue Dental .......................... 45 Northern New York Community Foundation ......................... 43, 47 Northwestern Mutual ............... 14 Nortz & Virkler Ford .................. 71 Quality Production ..................... 8 RBC Wealth Management ...... 51 Samaritan Medical Center ..... 13 Sea Comm Federal Credit Union ............................. 53

12 | NNY Business | December 2015

Shred Con ................................ 57 Slack Chemical ....................... 56 T.F. Wright & Sons Granite Foundry ....................... 41 Tunes 92.5 & 104.5 ................... 63 The Learning Institute at Turning Stone ....................... 45 United Healthcare Medicare Solutions .................. 71 Upstate Golisano Children’s Hospital ..................... 5 Volunteer Transportation Center ....................................... 52 Waite Motorsports .................... 65 Waite Toyota ............................ 64 Walldroff Farm Equipment ...... 70 Watertown Daily Times ............ 50 Watertown Savings Bank .......... 6 Watertown Spring & Alignment ............................. 71 WWNY-TV7 / WNYF Fox 28 ...... 15 WWTI TV 50 ................................ 18 Ziebart Tidycar ......................... 71

NNY Business (ISSN 2159-6115), is published monthly by Northern New York Newspaper Corp., 260 Washington St., Watertown, NY 13601, a Johnson Newspaper Corp. company. © 2010-2015. All material submitted to NNY Business becomes property of Northern New York Newspaper Corp., publishers of the Watertown Daily Times, and will not be returned.

Subscription Rates 12 issues are $15 a year and 24 issues are $25 for two years.

Call 315-782-1000 to subscribe.

Submissions Send all editorial correspondence to keysaman@wdt.net Advertising For advertising rates and information in Jefferson and Lewis counties, email mbowers@wdt.net, or call 315-661-2345 In St. Lawrence County, e-mail blabrake@ogd.com, or call 315-661-2507 Printed with pride in U.S.A. at Vanguard Printing LLC, Ithaca, N.Y., a Forest Stewardship Certified facility.

Please recycle this magazine.

| interview |

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Editor’s note: 20 Questions will return in next month’s issue.

To read past 20 Questions with north country business leaders, visit us online, NNYBIZMAG.COM

ABOUT THE COVER

B

|

Y usIness

DECEMBER 2015 Volume 6 No. 1

// FIF TH annual // emergIng leaders Issue

nnybizmag.com

20 Under 40:

Young leaders shape the region |

COLUMNS

52 53 54 55 |

|

nonprofits today strategic planning Commerce corner executive insights

DEPARTMENTS

14 15 16 19 47

56 57 58 58

AGRI-BUSINESS BUSINESS TECH BYTES SMALL BUSINESS SUCCESS entrepreneur’s edge

|

EDITOR’S NOTE PEOPLE ON THE MOVE ECONOMIC SNAPSHOT SMALL BIZ STARTUP BUSINESS BRIEFCASE

$2.95

/nnybusiness @NNYBusinessMag

// NortherN New York’s Premier BusiNess moNthlY //

50 60 62 66 68

real estate roundup CALENDAR BUSINESS SCENE BUSINESS HISTORY NEXT MONTH

For our 5th annual 20 Under 40 issue, photographers Justin Sorensen, Jason Hunter, Stephen Swofford and Amanda Morrison collaborated to shoot full-length portraits of this year’s honorees, which appear on the covers and with class profiles beginning on page 22.

Visit nnybizmag.com for a video question and answer with our honorees.

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 13

W

E D I T O R ’ S NO T E

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Follow financial principles, not fads or trends.

Create your financial plan with a Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Advisor. Together, we’ll design a disciplined and balanced approach to protecting, accumulating, and managing your wealth, so you can take advantage of life’s opportunities. Who’ s helping you build your financial future?

e are excited and proud to present NNY Business magazine’s 20 Under 40 class of 2015 this month.

During the

past four months, nominations for selection to this year’s class steadily flowed into our offices totalling nearly 80 nominations of 60 people, which made decision day for our seven-member seKen Eysaman lection committee a very challenging. I must say a heartfelt thank you to our committee members who spent more than a week reviewing nomination packets.

In October, staff from NNY Magazines, the Watertown Daily Times and St. Lawrence and Lewis counties, along with committee member Michelle Capone from the Development Authority of the North Country, reviewed a list of highly qualified young professionals with the task of cutting the number to 20 from 60. It was no easier a task than when we began this program in 2011. In the five years since, we have honored 103 young professionals who live and work in the north country.

I urge you to flip to page 18 to begin reading the 20 profiles of top talent right here in Northern New York. It is an impressive class.

Here are a few statistics about our 2015 Class of 20 Under 40: Average age: 36.25 Median age: 37

Youngest: 25 Oldest: 39 Youngest business owner: 37 Number younger than 30: 1 Number of small business owners: 5 Number of women: 10 Number of men: 10 Number of nonprofit leaders: 6 Number of department directors: 7 Mid-level manager or supervisor: 20 Vice president or higher: 7 North country natives: 15 Number in Jefferson County: 13 Number in Lewis County: 4 Number in St. Lawrence County: 3 Highest level of education: Doctor of medicine and master’s degree Average level of education: bachelor’s degree Number with post-graduate degrees: 11 The numbers alone tell an impressive story, especially given that 15 of those who are profiled are north country natives who have — by choice — remained in Northern New York or have returned to the region to live, work, raise their children and contribute to making our communities a better place for others.

I hope you enjoy reading about this year’s group of talented emerging leaders this month. If you come across anyone we missed, let me know at keysaman@wdt.net. It’s never too early to start thinking of future leaders who deserve recognition. Nominations for next year’s class open in September.

Yours in business,

Brian Wilcox CLU®, ChFC®, CLTC, RICP®, CASL® CLF Wealth Management Advisor (315) 782-7094 brian-wilcox.com

05-3054 © 2015 Northwestern Mutual is the marketing name for The Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company, Milwaukee, WI (NM) (life and disability insurance, annuities) and its subsidiaries.

Northwestern Mutual Investment Services, LLC (NMIS) (securities), a subsidiary of NM, broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, and member of FINRA and SIPC. Brian Wilcox, Insurance Agent(s) of NM. Brian Wilcox, Registered Representative(s) of NMIS. Brian Wilcox, Representative(s) of Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Company®, (NMWMC) Milwaukee, WI, (investment management, trust services, and fee-based planning) subsidiary of NM, limited purpose federal savings bank. Representative(s) may also be an Investment Advisor Representative(s) of NMIS. NCAA® is a trademark of the National Collegiate Athletic Association.

14 | NNY Business | December 2015

PEOPLE On thE mOve

Firm adds new counsel

Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall recently announced that James A. Burrows recently joined the firm.

Mr. Burrows was born in LaFargeville. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Cornell University in 1985.

He then graduated from Albany Law School in 1989.

Burrows He is admitted to practice in New York and Connecticut. He is a member of the Jefferson County Bar Association and in the past served as treasurer, vice president and president.

Mr. Burrows began employment with Bond, Schoeneck & King in Syracuse shortly before being admitted to the New York and Connecticut Bars. His employment continued with that firm in its Watertown office. More recently, he was a partner with Slye & Burrows, Watertown.

He is a member of Conboy, McKay, Bachman & Kendall’s litigation practice group, Watertown.

20UNDER40

December 2015 | NNY Business

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Average per-gallon milk price paid to N.Y. dairy farmers October 2015 $1.56 September 2015 $1.60 October 2014 $2.28

31.6%

Source: NYS Department of Agriculture

411,282 in October 2015 354,674 in September 2015 443,479 in October 2014

Average NNY price for gallon of regular unleaded gas

Source: T.I. Bridge Authority, Ogdensburg Bridge & Port Authority, Seaway International Bridge Corp.

October 2015 $2.29 September 2015 $2.40 October 2014 $3.44

U.S.-Canadian dollar exchange rate (Canadian dollars per U.S. dollar)

33.4%

31.4%

17.0

Source: Federal Reserve Bank of N.Y.

Average NNY price for gallon of residential propane

Nonagriculture jobs in the Jefferson-Lewis-St. Lawrence counties area, not including military positions

October 2015 $2.33 September 2015 $2.30 October 2014 $3.02

91,700 in October 2015 92,400 in September 2015 92,400 in October 2014

23.0%

0.7%

Source: NYS Energy Research and Development Authority

Source: NYS Department of Labor

Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors single-family home sales

St. Lawrence Board of Realtors single-family home sales

141, median price $115,000 in October 2015 102, median price $136,000 in September 2015 146, median price $140,750 in October 2014

58, median price $93,500 in October 2015 65, median price $119,000 in September 2015 79, median price $72,000 in October 2014

26.6% Sales

18.3%

26.6%

Price

29.9%

Sales

Price

Source: St. Lawrence Board of Realtors Inc.

Source: Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors Inc.

NNY unemployment rates

5.5

4.9 September 2015

October 2014

4.8

United States

October 2015

5.7 October 2014

4.8 September 2015

4.5

6.1

New York State

October 2015

September 2015

5.3 October 2015

5.6

Lewis County

6.4 October 2014

5.9 September 2015

5.6

St. Lawrence County

October 2015

6.4

5.8 September 2015

October 2014

5.7

Jefferson County

October 2015

ECON SNAPSHOT

October 2015 $2.45 September 2015 $2.51 October 2014 $3.57

6.6%

$1.31 on Oct. 30, 2015 $1.34 on Sept. 30, 2015 $1.12 on Oct. 30, 2014

Average NNY price for gallon of home heating oil

16 | NNY Business | December 2015

(Percent gains and losses are over 12 months)

Vehicles crossing the Thousand Islands, OgdensburgPrescott and Seaway International (Massena) bridges

October 2014

NNY

Economic indicators

Source: U.S. Department of Labor and New York State Department of Labor (Not seasonally adjusted. Latest available data reported.)

Note: Due to updates in some “Econ. Snapshot� categories, numbers may differ from previously published prior month and year figures.

Economic indicators New automobiles (cars and trucks) registered in Jefferson County Cars 492 in October 2015 457 in September 2015 499 in October 2014

1.4%

Trucks 135 in October 2015 141 in September 2015 127 in October 2014

NNY

9.4%

Source: Jefferson County Clerk’s Office

Passengers at Watertown International Airport

Open welfare cases in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties

2,763 inbound and outbound in October 2015 3,205 inbound and outbound in September 2015 3,305 inbound and outbound in October 2014

2,288 in October 2015 2,282 in September 2015 2,340 in October 2014

16.4%

DBAs

Source: Social Service Depts. of Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties

DBA (doing business under an assumed name) certificates filed at the Jefferson County Clerk’s office July 28 to Aug. 28, 2015. For a complete list of DBAs filed in past months, visit www.nnybizmag.com.

Nov. 30: Computech Home, 611 Coffeen St., Watertown, Joshua L. Durant, 611 Coffeen St., Watertown

Evans Mills, Michael L. Pruitt Jr., 15063 North Melin Loop, Evans Mills.

n Candela Lux Candle Company, 22636 County Route 144, Black River, Sarah E. Dusharm, 22636 County Route 144, Black River

Nov. 13: Melanie B. Photography, 26809 Anabel Ave., Evans Mills, Melanie Bougie, 26809 Anabel Ave., Evans Mills.

Nov. 24: PJ Cellular, 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop West, Watertown, NY, Parviz Jafarov, 14833 Aspen Lane, Apt. D, Watertown. n The Sweeter Things in Life, 659 Bronson St., Watertown, Katrina Kapustay, 659 Bronson St., Watertown. n Paranzino Pet Care, 26207 Number 6 Road, Redwood, Lindsey Tyler Paranzino, 26207 Number 6 Road, Redwood.

Nov. 23: A. White & Sons General Contracting, 30321 County Route 4, Cape Vincent, Taniesha Soluri, 30321 County Route 4, Cape Vincent. n Smoothie King, 21738 State Route 180, Dexter, Dan Benjamin Sampson II, 21738 State Route 180, Dexter. n Soap Cellar, 526 West Mullin St., Watertown, Jeanine M. Slate, 526 West Mullin St. Watertown. n Olde Farmhouse Primitives, 117 Reeves St., Glen Park, Robin Lynn Croft, 117 Reeves St., Watertown.

n David Johannessen, 25431 Route 37, Watertown, David William Johannessen, 25431 Route 37, Watertown.

Nov. 12: Jadas Run, 32138 County Route 18, Theresa, Ginger Willo Miner, 32138 County Route 18, Theresa. n PMS Express Co., 23803 Pheasant Run, Watertown, Heather Lyn Spezzano, 23803, Pheasant Run, Watertown. n United Country New York Real Estate & Auctions, 816 Coffeen St., Watertown, David S. Gerni, 451 West 4th St., Fulton.

Nov. 9: Affordable Snow Removal, 1103 Gill St., Watertown, Michael Ladue, 320 South Indiana Ave., Watertown. n O’Connor’s Auto Repair and Towing, 31181 U.S. Route 11, Philadelphia, Cory Michael, O’Connor, 24485 County Route 53, Watertown.

Nov. 6: D’s Plowing, 1214 Bronson St., Watertown, Dana James Deskowitz, 1214 Bronson St. Watertown.

n White Cedar Property Management, 65 Walton St., Alexandria Bay, Kurt Freitag, 65 Walton St., Alexandria Bay.

Nov. 5: New Generation Contracting, 109 Main St., Antwerp, Robert Daniel Mosher, 109 Main St., Antwerp, Gregory William Corey, 9 Madison Ave., Apt. 2, Antwerp.

Nov. 19: Underground Ink, 141 J. B. Wise Place, Watertown, Brian Joel Babcock, 21201 Weaver Road, Watertown.

n Crafty Crawford, 744 Lansing St., Watertown, Alicia Ann Crawford, 744 Lansing St., Watertown.

Nov. 18: LRB Plumbing & Heating, 34521 County Route 28, Philadelphia, Gordon Ross Burnham, 34521 County Route 28, Philadelphia.

n Shutter’s Drywall & Plaster, 104 A., Purcell Drive, Clayton, Denise A. Shutter, 104 A., Purcell Drive, Clayton.

n Primitive Beauty Bar, 21 Franklin St., West Carthage, Nicole R. Burto, 21 Franklin St., West Carthage.

Nov. 17: Do Right Heating and Air Conditioning, 30367 County Route 179, Chaumont, Martin L. English, P.O. Box 383, Brownville.

Nov. 16: Frankie Bean Crafts, 145 Bellew Ave., Watertown, Sarah N. Fritz, 145 Bellew Ave., Watertown. n Iron Will Boxing and Fitness, 15063 North Merlin Loop,

Nov. 4: Violeta USA., 21182 Salmon Run Mall Loop West, Watertown, Ricardo J. Gutierrez, 120 ½ Keyes Ave. No. 3, Watertown, Violeta USA, 120 ½ Keyes Ave. No. 3, Watertown. n Happy Sailors Daycare, 8145 County Route 125, Chaumont, Elizabeth Christine Sharlow, 8145 County Route 125, Chaumont.

Nov. 2: Advanced Tailor, 1063 Arsenal St., C., Watertown, Susan Zhao, 25358-3 Virginia Smith Drive, Calcium.

transactions

Source: Jefferson County Board of Legislators

2.2%

December 2015 | NNY Business

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18 | NNY Business | December 2015

Sma ll Bu s in ess s ta rt u p

“I feel like I’m

a salmon snob.

That salmon is amazing.

We’ve tried to incorporate fresh as much as possible to bring it up to a different level. ” — Terrie S. Woodward, restaurant manager JASON HUNTER | NNY BUSINESS

BUSINESS

Robideau’s Mahogany Ridge Bar & Grill Dressed up with vintage family photos and Adirondack decor, Robideau’s Mahogany Ridge Bar & Grill, 3927 Route 56, promises to be a rustic and affordable destination in north country dining focused on environmentally friendly food, according to its operators.

Terrie S. Woodward, who is running the business with her soon-to-be husband, Bill F. Reed, said Wednesday that owners Kirk and Jeanne Robideau have brought in Brian Hewes, a 12-year veteran chef, to create a “dining experience,” as well as a menu for the more conservative dining crowd.

“He’s really trying to take it up a notch,” she said. “We’ve tried to incorporate fresh as much as possible to bring it up to a different level.”

The menu, which features several seafood dishes such as broiled sea scallops, also includes a variety of burgers, steaks and pasta options. Entrees and pasta dishes range in price from about $11 to $19. There is also a bar menu with crab cakes, poutine and a

signature burger called the Mahogany Ridge, which incorporates ground bacon.

Ms. Woodward put special emphasis on the dinner menu’s inclusion of Atlantic salmon, which she said is farm-raised in an environmentally responsible manner, and was researched extensively before being chosen.

“I feel like I’m a salmon snob,” she joked.

“That salmon is amazing.”

According to Mr. Reed, the restaurant’s Adirondack-themed decor was chosen because Mr. Robideau wanted to highlight a love of hunting and family, and to create an atmosphere with a more regional feel.

“He’s a big hunter and he enjoys the outdoors, so he wanted to go with an outdoor theme,” Mr. Reed said.

That theme is repeated throughout the dining room with several Adirondack items displayed on the walls, from vintage snowshoes to fishing baskets to Robideau family pictures, one of which features Kirk’s father standing with a bear draped over the hood of a car after a hunting trip.

Mark S. Robideau, the restaurant’s bartender and Mr. Robideau’s brother, said to get it ready for the public, the restaurant’s

floors and kitchen were entirely redone, the walls were repainted and a new covered deck was constructed off the side of the building, which eventually will have tables for dining and drinking. He said the establishment’s bar top, as well as the deck’s roof, will also be improved.

Along with locals, Ms. Woodward said, Robideau’s plans to appeal to snowmobilers, hunters and other outdoor enthusiasts.

The business also will target broom ball and soccer players, who regularly use facilities directly behind the restaurant.

Ms. Woodward said she and Mr. Reed got involved in the venture because she feels there is a call once again for a restaurant to come back to town, and because they liked the hometown feel it had.

“When Kirk and Jeannie approached us it seemed like a perfect fit,” she said. “This helps put South Colton back on the map.”

Robideau’s opened Oct. 23, replacing long-standing restaurant Mike’s South of the Rock Inn, which closed in September. It employs six people, who work as servers and bartenders and in the kitchen.

— Alan Rizzo

WHERE 3917 State Route 56, South Colton | OPENED October 2015 | WEB Facebook.com/robideaumahoganyridge

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 19

5th annual

20UNDER40 Northern New York’s

emerging leaders A development director, a news anchor, an assistant principal, an operations and IT supervisor, an advertising account executive, a financial director, health care professionals, a chief of staff and business owner, a village mayor, a civil engineer, an installation forester, a company president and a few directors.

Our fifth annual 20 Under 40 class was the most competitive field yet, and these individuals represent a snapshot of Northern New York’s most accomplished, dedicated and involved young professionals, across three Northern New York counties and across a wide range of nonprofits, businesses.

All of these young men and women are involved in some shape or form in their community, whether by serving on an organization’s board, creating an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, hosting a

20 | NNY Business | December 2015

polar bear dip, or something as simple as helping to coaching a community basketball team or participating a charity 5K run/walk.

All of these leaders, who are between the ages of 25 and 39, were chosen not only by the editors and staff of NNY Business magazine, but by virtue of glowing recommendations from their peers and employers. And not only do these emerging leaders, who embody the prized north country values of compassion, hard work and selflessness, make time in hectic schedules to volunteer in the community, they give their very best in challenging career fields each and every day, all out of an effort to make the place they have chosen to stay in and call home the very best place it can be.

NNY Business recognizes these 20 men and women along with their companies at a special luncheon at Watertown’s Hilton Garden Inn.

Morgan O. Bocciolatt

Sarah J. Bullock

Jeffery L. Cole

Max M. DelSignore

Bridget Fetterly

Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner

Jeffrey L. Ginger

Erin E. Hunter

Nathan Lashomb

Dr. Jill Laureano-Surber

Jennifer S. Loonan

Dr. Thomas McCue IV

Andrea Montgomery

Brian Peck

Kevin L. Richardson

Donna M. Smith

Jared Thisse

Lenore VanderZee

Rodger H. Voss

Caryn L. White

Class of 2015 December 2015 | NNY Business

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Morgan O. Bocciolatt, 25

Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at SMC

W

hen she headed off to college in the fall of 2008, Chaumont native Morgan Bocciolatt had no intention of returning to work in her small town after she finished her studies. In truth, she was not even planning on staying in New York.

“I thought for sure that I would be across the country in California,” she said. “I thought I would be going away and that the only way to do big things was to go to a big city.”

However, when Ms. Bocciolatt graduated early from Ithaca College, she was just 20 and with the urge to move far away from home diminished, she returned to Chaumont to begin a job search.

“I think at that point I was still willing to go anywhere, but I wasn’t looking for jobs outside of the area because I was comfortable,” she said. “I’m really glad I made that decision because it has obviously worked for me. I’ve been able to build a lot of relationships and grow the relationships that I already had.”

At 25, Ms. Bocciolatt is the youngest professional in this year’s NNY Business 20 Under 40 class. She works as the development manager for Children’s Miracle Network of Northern New York at Samaritan Medical Center, Watertown.

In this position, she is responsible for sponsor and donor relations, fundraising and raising awareness for the agency’s mission of helping north country children. She also works directly with the families and departments at the hospital that benefit from the Children’s Miracle Network.

“I love working for Samaritan,” Ms. Bocciolatt said. “I love being a part of a big organization in our community that has a lot of impact and I think one of my favorite parts is being able to bring the community together.”

Ms. Bocciolatt said she has always been passionate about helping local children. She said her parents made sure she was able to participate in a variety of activities growing up, but she recognized that many children did not have the same opportunities.

“When I was old enough, I wanted to give back,” she said.

As a candidate in the 2010 Miss Thousand Islands pageant, Ms. Bocciolatt’s platform was “In the Spotlight: Promoting the Performing Arts Among Youth.” When she was crowned, she used her leadership position to organize fundraisers and help local sick and injured children.

The pageant was also where she met her good friend and mentor, Shelby I. Cohen, who is currently co-executive director of Miss TI. “I have a lot of people who I would consider role models,” Ms.

Bocciolatt said. “But Shelby has really been a mentor for me. She was actually the one who told me about my job; the one who pushed me to apply for it. I’m so glad that she did.”

Ms. Bocciolatt said fundraising is not always an easy job, especially when the economy struggles and other nonprofits with worthy causes are also competing for funding. However, she relies on her skills, her family and the passion she has for her work to get the job done.

“I really believe in just educating the community and raising awareness about who we are and what we do,” she said. “I tell our story every chance I get. It all stems back to passion, and that is what motivates me.”

Throughout her life, Ms. Bocciolatt has relied on a one-word piece of advice from her mother, Julie. She said it was the same advice that Shirley Temple’s mother gave to her on the day of her first television audition — “Sparkle.”

“That’s been instilled by both of my parents, specifically my mom,” she said. “Anytime I had a recital, a play or whatever it was, my mom always told me to sparkle. It has kind of become my motto, my trademark, because what it really meant to me was to be myself and show the world who I am.”

“It’s important to be true to yourself and do your very best no matter what,” Ms. Bocciolatt said. “That’s been the advice that I follow for everything.”

— Eli Anderson

The Morgan o. bocciolatt File Hometown: Chaumont Professional position: CMN hospitals development manager Family: Parents, Mike and Julie Bocciolatt; brother, Skyler, 21 Education: Lyme Central School; bachelor’s in communication management and design, Ithaca College, 2011 Community involvement: Board member, Miss Thousand Islands Pageant; member, Emerge Professionals (formerly the Jaycees), involved with the Lyme Community Foundation, Chaumont Last book read: “Just Don’t Fall,” by Josh Sundquist

22 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Sarah J. Bullock, 37 Village of Carthage

F

amily and community are important aspects of Sarah J. Bullock’s life.

The Village of Carthage community development director said when she began the job in May, she knew she would stay in the north country, noting Lewis County has become her home.

The variety of her work and the challenges of finding solutions, keeps her motivated.

“Every day it’s something different and there’s always the next big project to tackle,” Mrs. Bullock said. The people she works with also motivate her.

“I’m so impressed with the community,” she said. “The people

who volunteer to help better the community and have a

high level of talent poured into that involvement.”

Her role as a commun ity developer inspires her to be more involved in her community.

“Knowing what goes into planning gives you a deeper understanding,” she said. “Every day at work I realize the value of being involved in the community. There is a lot of value if you are able to do it.”

It has been her family who have shaped who she is.

It is her 3-yearold daughter Julia who gets her out of bed in the morning — “sometimes earlier than I’m ready for,” the first-time mother admits.

It is her husband Michael who gives her the best advice.

“He’s my go to guy — he understands me more than anyone,” Mrs. Bullock said.

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Her older brother was her mentor while she was growing up.

“He was the only brother who went to college and he lectured me on the importance of picking the right college,” she said noting her brother, William Curley, is now a very successful agriculture economist in the dairy industry.

Her mother gave the best advice, which she has followed.

“My mom recognized I had high standards for myself and others,” Mrs. Bullock said. “She told me it’s not fair to hold others to the same standards I hold myself.”

She said she has passed this advice on to others.

In addition, she said her mother had married young and was a stay-at-home mom raising a large family.

“Mom said a girl should not immediately leave her parents’ house and go to her husband’s,” Mrs. Bullock said. “I married at 29. I lived alone after college, built a career and built myself.”

She said this is advice she would pass on to her daughter.

Mrs. Bullock said people she works with would be surprised to learn she grew up on a dairy farm, she is one of nine children — the only girl — and showed cows through 4-H. “When I tell people I’m from Pennsylvania they think I’m from a city. I never thought I would end up in a rural community but I can’t wait for my daughter to get older so she can join 4-H and show cows,” she said. “I am the second to last child. My mom’s nickname for me was ‘Drill Sergeant.’”

Throughout her journey in life, she has learned to stand up to that nickname more.

“I was introverted through high school and college – very quiet and meek. I didn’t voice any strong opinions,” she admitted.

“Over the course of the last 15 years, I have developed stronger opinions and am not afraid to voice them. But have learned to do so diplomatically. I am now more outspoken and am not afraid to ask questions and speak the truth.”

Probably because she likes herself, it was hard to imagine trading places with another for a day – maybe a teacher at Handin-Hand cuddling babies all day but then there would be the not-so-pleasant task of changing diapers. She also mused about being a political commenter arguing with politicians all day. But in the end she would want to be a professional athlete – a runner.

“I would love a day where I do nothing but work out. I know to some that sounds ridiculous, but I just never have the time to work out as much as I want to. Actually, that is what made me think of it yesterday – I didn’t get my run in!” Mrs. Bullock said.

She wishes someone would start a soup restaurant like the Souper Bowl in Amherst, Mass.

“I would want to go there every day to eat it,” she said.

— Elaine Avallone

The Sarah J. bullock File Hometown: Turin; originally Montrose, Pa. Professional position: Community development director Family: Husband, Michael R.; daughter, Julia M., 3 Education: Bachelor’s in environmental science, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, Pa., master’s in public administration, Marist College, Poughkeepsie Community involvement: Board member, Carthage Industrial Development Corporation; president, Board of Directors for Hand-in-Hand Early Childhood Center, Lowville; lector and catechist, St. Mary’s Church, Constableville Last book read: “Bears in the Night” by Stan and Jan Berenstain; “And the Good News Is …: Lessons and Advice from the Bright Side” by Dana Perino

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Jeffery L. ‘Jeff’ Cole, 38

WWNY-TV 7 / WNYF Fox 28

L

ocal news anchor Jeff Cole has known ever since he was a young man that he wanted to be the bearer of good things to come.

“When I worked at a country club as a kid, I watched a man get a hole in one,” he said. “Everyone told me not to say anything until we got back to the clubhouse. But I couldn’t keep my mouth shut. I ran back to tell anyone who would listen. There is a certain excitement that happens when I can tell people something I feel is important to them.”

True to his desire, Mr. Cole went on to study communications at SUNY Plattsburgh and is now a seasoned news anchor at WWNY Channel 7 in Watertown. In this, his roots as a West Carthage native have served him. For the past 15 years he has grown as a journalist, moving from a field reporter to an anchor.

Because he is a north country native, he harbors certain knowledge other reporters from outside the area don’t possess, and has forged long-time relationships in local communities.

“I know the people and the histories of the towns and can get answers for our viewers,” he said. “This may be a small television market compared to other cities, but I think people here deserve the same kind of professional journalism that we see in bigger markets. Being from this area allows me to deliver that.”

Mr. Cole is the ideal example of how success for young people is possible in even the smallest of cities, which is crucial to recognize as graduates begin to explore careers they believe are “bigger and better” outside the north country.

“We have to show an interest in our young people,” he said.

“We have to listen to them and understand their eagerness to learn and to lead. We also have to have an enticing environment to give them reason to stay. If we have an economy with high taxes, that can be tough for someone just starting out. They will look elsewhere if this is the case.”

The news anchor’s greatest mentors are his grandfathers.

Both have given him advice in terms of how to look at life and how to treat people, he said. One piece of advice Mr. Cole remembers is what his grandfather, Robert Place, shared many years ago while they were together at the family-owned sawmill in Carthage. Mr. Cole was learning how different products were made when the young boy asked his grandfather how he knew what he knew about creating products at the mill. His grandfather replied, “You can’t expect someone to do some-

thing for you if you can’t do it for yourself.”

It was life advice that would stick with him in more ways than one. The very place he stood with his grandfather all those years ago is now a place that offers shelter for several low-income families. Mr. Cole has long wanted to develop the land where the family mill once stood. He couldn’t expect someone else to fulfill his vision, so he decided to heed his grandfather’s advice and do it himself.

“Back in 2007 when I was president of Habitat for Humanity, I thought, ‘wouldn’t it be great to use the property that used to be in my family to build homes,” he said. “Now it’s finally happening. We call it Braman’s Block. It’s a family name. To do something like this for Habitat for Humanity in my hometown is pretty phenomenal.”

Those that don’t know Mr. Cole might be surprised to learn he loves to cook. He loves his private time, too, despite his high engage ment at community events. If you’re brave enough to dive into icy waters, you may have seen the newsman behind the microphone at the Alexandria Bay Polar Bear Dip. He also hosts other area events, he said, and enjoys every minute of it.

Mr. Cole is proud of where he comes from, yet if he were to trade places with someone for a day, it would be a PGA Golfer, “so I could feel what it’s like to drive a ball 300 yards.” ­— Joleene Moody

The JeffERY L. ‘Jeff’ COle File Hometown: West Carthage Professional position: News anchor Family: Parents, Donn and Pam Cole Education: Bachelor’s in communication and mass media, SUNY Plattsburgh Community involvement: Past president and Braman’s Block visionary, Thousand Islands Habitat for Humanity; past board member, Victims Assistant Center of Jefferson County; board member, Hospice Foundation; chairman, Investment Committee; event host, Saint Lawrence NYSARC; event host, Alexandria Bay Polar Bear Dip Last book read: “Fat Chance” by Dr. Robert Lustig

24 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Max M. DelSignore, 32 NNY Community Foundation

T

he untimely death of his best friend led Max M. DelSignore, the assistant director of the Northern New York Community Foundation, into a career path focused on helping others.

“It was one of those turning points in my life,” said Mr. DelSignore. “The experience made me realize the importance of giving to something greater than yourself.”

His friend, the late Garrett W. Loomis, Sackets Harbor, died in 2010 at the age of 26 from injuries he sustained while fighting a silo fire in the Town of Hounsfield. Both men had graduated from Sackets Harbor Central School in 2001.

At the time of his death, Mr. Loomis was working as a professional firefighter at Fort Drum, and a volunteer firefighter and assistant fire chief for the Sackets Harbor Volunteer Fire Department.

Mr. DelSignore, 32, is part of a group of family and friends of the late Mr. Loomis who helped organize the Garrett W. Loomis Foundation, which raises money each year to support two funds administered by the NNY Community Foundation.

“This has been

a way to

carry on

his legacy,”

he said.

Money raised for the Garrett W. Loomis Firefighters Fund is used to sponsor free safety seminars and training. These programs address agricultural or general fire-related emergencies

for fire departments throughout

Jefferson, Lewis

and St. Lawrence counties.

“His family does

not want this to happen to anyone else,” he said.

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The Assistant Fire Chief Garrett W. Loomis Memorial Scholarship Fund is also supported by the foundation. The fund awards scholarships annually to a graduating senior from Sackets Harbor Central School.

“This has been a way to carry on his legacy,” Mr. DelSignore said.

In 2013, the Northern New York Community Foundation hired Mr. DelSignore as its coordinator of donor services, a newly created position. He was later appointed the agency’s assistant director.

“Max has all the qualities that position him well for leadership both now and in the future,” wrote Rande S. Richardson, NNY Community Foundation director, in his nomination form. “He takes his north country roots very much to heart and it shows in the way he conducts himself, both professionally and personally.”

Mr. Richardson also noted: “In everything Max does at the community foundation, there is a passion and inner drive and desire to accomplish something greater than himself.”

“He realizes and appreciates the importance of legacy, both for members of the community, but also for him and his family,” Mr. Richardson wrote.

It was his parents, Martin A. and Sharon DelSignore, who “taught me what it means to be selfless and modest, appreciate what you have, and set a good example,” said Mr. DelSignore.

Along with his parents and his aunt, Mr. DelSignore and his wife, Sara, have been involved in fund-raising efforts for the Trisomy 21 Foundation of Northern New York. The nonprofit organization raises money to help expand educational and healthcare opportunities for both children and adults with Down syndrome.

Mr. DelSignore helped to develop a new program within the community foundation called Leadership, Engagement, Access and Direction. The program is designed for young professionals to become more engaged in their community.

“We’re trying to be more inclusive in preparing for the next generation of potential donors,” Mr. DelSignore said.

Members of the LEAD program have been meeting to determine “how we can work together to make the north country a better place, and what we can do to make an impact on the community,” he said.

Mr. DelSignore has helped to manage the community foundation’s Youth Philanthropy Council at Watertown High School, which includes students who make grant recommendations to the foundation’s board of directors.

“Legacy can start at any age, you don’t have to be older to think about what you can do for the community,” Mr. DelSignore said.

Before joining the NNY Community Foundation, Mr. DelSignore was an associate director of annual giving at St. Lawrence University. He also worked for several years as sportswriter and sports copy editor for the Watertown Daily Times, and still does freelance writing for SLAM Magazine, which covers basketball.

— Norah Machia

The Max M. Delsignore File Hometown: Hounsfield Professional position: Assistant director Family: Wife, Sara Bulger DelSignore; first baby due in January, a daughter Education: Bachelor’s in broadcasting and communications, SUNY Oswego; master’s in higher education and student affairs administration, State University of New York College at Buffalo Community involvement: Garrett W. Loomis Foundation; Trisomy 21 Foundation of Northern New York Last book read: “Leading from the Heart: Successful Strategies for Basketball, Business & Life” by Mike Krzyzewski

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Bridget Fetterly, 34 Carthage Savings & Loan Association

A

fter graduating from Carthage High School, Bridget Fetterly, 34, had no intention of staying in Carthage, let alone the north country.

To do so, she enlisted in the army and eventually found herself traveling the world as a member of Charlie Co., 2-43 out of Fort Bliss, Texas, working as a Patriot missile launcher. In 2003 she served six months in Iraq and returned home safely. Once her four-year enlistment was up, however, she knew where she was headed.

“I wanted to travel, I wanted to travel a lot,” Ms. Fetterly said.

“In four years of travel and the places I traveled to made me realize what I was really missing.”

So in 2008 after moving around a few more times, Ms. Fetterly finally settled back in her hometown to make a life for herself among the family and friends with whom she grew up.

“There’s nothing quite like home and this small town community does so much for each other, we’re here for each other,” Ms. Fetterly said. “The army was great and my unit was really tight, but you step outside of that unit and you’re kind of displaced, like you’re still not at home, you still don’t have that comfort zone but I’ve never seen anywhere that takes care of its own like Carthage.”

Now as a civilian, Ms. Fetterly has made a name for herself as assistant vice president of operations at Carthage Savings and Loan Association, where she handles the behind-the-scenes operations of the bank and its information technology team. To pull it all off, Ms. Fetterly blends post-enlistment schooling with army-tried crisis management.

“The Fast Train teaching taught me about PCs and hardware building, stuff like that, but the ability to take a crisis and turn it into a learning experience, definitely military training,” Ms. Fetterly said.

To get where she is today, Ms. Fetterly has called upon a host of people to help keep her going in a constructive, positive and civic-minded direction from her parents as a young girl, to her boss at the bank.

“Honestly, I’ve had a ton of mentors,” Ms. Fetterly said. “My parents throughout my life have always been my mentors.

They’ve always told me to make good choices. Business-wise, I was lucky enough to have Patty Turpin. She’s gotten me to where I am today as far as the operations job at Carthage Savings.”

Among this gallery of Ms. Fetterly’s mentors is a group of individuals at the local Lion’s Club who showed her the importance of community involvement, which is now a core part of her daily

life. Now an active member, Ms. Fetterly considers fellow Lions like Diana Clement, Bruce Hazen and Dawn Lelakowski as big players in her commitment to community service.

To Ms. Fetterly, the key to having young professionals return or stay in the north country is to get them involved with the community at an early age in order to show them what smalltown communities are all about.

“I think the reason I even cared or knew anything about community service was that when I was in middle school and high school the teachers started to have programs for us,” Ms. Fetterly said. “Like 12 Honors, half the class was about learning to give back to your community.”

In order to achieve this early community involvement, Ms. Fetterly volunteers her time with the Leo’s Club, a youth division of the Lion’s Club. Through this program, she relays to local youth the importance of getting involved in the community.

“It’s 100 percent about showing them what they can do for a community as a youth and giving them leadership skills so they can go out in the world and be the best they can be and hopefully come back to us or whatever community they’re in and give back,” Ms. Fetterly said. “So, strengthening them so that they can come back to our community and strengthen as a whole and it’s a ton of fun.” To other young professionals, Ms. Fetterly’s advice is simple.

“As long as you work hard and you do yourbest, then you’re going to grow and you’re going to get the opportunity to grow,” Ms. Fetterly said.

— Zachary Sweeney

The Bridget fetterly File Hometown: Carthage Professional position: Assistant vice president of operations Family: Parents, Richard and Cheryl Fetterly; sister, Brandy Fetterly Education: Carthage High School, associate degree in criminal justice, Jefferson Community College, Tech Certificate from Fast Train Community involvement: Carthage Leos advisor, Carthage Lions Club; board member, Carthage Free Library; Deferiet Planning Committee Last book read: “The Lust Garden” by Billy Jo Lie

26 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Dr. Nicholas F. Gardner, 39 Nicholas F. Gardner, D.D.S.

I

nstead of “goodbye” or “see ya later,” Nicholas F. Gardner ends his email messages with the phrase, “smile big.”

“That’s kind of my signature sign off,” the 39-year-old dentist explained. “I was about 12 when I decided to be a dentist.

I never pictured being a dentist anywhere else but here.”

These days, Dr. Gardner has plenty to smile about.

Over the past decade, he’s built a successful dentistry practice, Nicholas F. Gardner DDS at 119 E. Main St., Gouverneur.

Since opening in September 2005, his practice has grown to more than 1,500 regular patients and he employs about 12 staff members, including six full-time hygienists.

It doesn’t take long to recognize the relaxed atmosphere Dr.

Gardner strives to create for his

patients. Framed movie posters decorate the waiting room and upbeat music plays on the radio.

He is proud of the state-of-the art equipment available at

his office, but he’s more eager

to talk about his commitment to learning as much as he can about his profession.

He often travels to trainingconferences and is eager to share his expertise with other dental students and professionals.

“I devote my time to learning and teaching,” Dr. Gardner said.

“Gathering in a learning environment with other dentists helps motivate me.”

He and his wife, Jennifer L., are also busy on the home front.

The couple is raising four young children, three sons and a daughter.

They’ve both

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taken active roles in their community. Dr. Gardner serves as trustee and vice chairman of the Gouverneur Hospital Board of Trustees and coaches youth sports.

Without hesitating, Dr. Gardner said the region’s people and its natural beauty inspired him to return to the north country to open his dental practice.

“The people in the north country are genuine, trusting and friendly,” Dr. Gardner said. “I understand how the people here think.”

He enjoys outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, camping, target shooting, photography and cutting firewood.

Living in other parts of the country helped him develop an appreciation for the region’s vast amount of fresh water.

“Where I live in Rossie, there are easily eight or 10 lakes within 10 miles,” he said.

After growing up in the town of Rossie, he even embraces the long, cold winters that others complain about.

Through his professional and volunteer work, Dr. Gardner demonstrates his commitment to the region and its future.

Gale Ferguson, owner of Ferguson Print, said Dr. Gardner played an integral role in the successful effort to save Gouverneur Hospital from closing. He described him as a “fine example,” of the type of person needed to lead the next generation of north country residents.

“I am very pleased that he chose to return to Gouverneur, revitalized one of our downtown buildings and has grown a vibrant dental practice with continuing investments in state of the art equipment,” Mr. Ferguson said.

Dr. Gardner credits his father, Charles A. Gardner, for being his mentor, “in all matters of the world” and he credits his friend, Dwayne McQueer, for mentoring him in “all matters of the wind.” His wife gets credit for offering him the best advice.

He also credits four dentists for mentoring him, including Sam Pominville in Lowville, Drew Cobb in Washington, D.C., Pete Jensen in Albuquerque, N.M., and Roy Holexa in Phoenix, Ariz.

Attending the Dawson Academy was instrumental at shaping his future.

“Following the advice and the skills I learned at the Dawson Academy as a dentist and a person have made my life a far better version than the one I was living,” Dr. Gardner said.

— Susan Mende

The Dr. nicholas f. gardner File Hometown: Rossie Professional position: Owner, sole dentist, Nicholas F. Gardner D.D.S. Family: Wife, Jennifer; children, Kennon, 11, Nolan, 10, Jensen, 4, Vivian, 2; parents, Charles A. and Linda A. Education: Hammond Central School; Bachelor’s in biology, LeMoyne College, 1998; Doctor of Dental Surgery, University of North Carolina, 2004; general practice residency, University of Rochester, 2005. Dawson Academy for Advanced Education, April 2013; Academy of General Practice Orthodontics, 2015 Community involvement: Trustee and vice chairman, Gouverneur Hospital Board of Trustees; active member, Catholic Communities of Morristown, Hammond and Rossie; coach, youth baseball and basketball in Hammond Last book read: “The Omnivore’s Dilemma,” by Michael Pollan; “Flow,” by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi; “How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere,” by Larry King

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Jeffrey L. Ginger, 36

Watertown High School

J

effery L. Ginger loves new experiences and challenges, which is what made transitioning from his role as a teacher to an administrator at Watertown High School so easy.

“It wasn’t difficult to change because I was ready for a change,” Mr. Ginger said. “There’s not a day I’ve questioned the decision.”

Mr. Ginger started his teaching career in 2002 as a seventh grade social studies teacher at Case Middle School for six months. He then moved to Watertown High School, his alma mater, to teach U.S. history.

Watertown is Mr. Ginger’s hometown but he has not been here his whole life.

He attended SUNY Geneseo for undergraduate studies and started working on a master’s degree in American studies at SUNY Oswego.

Then in 2004, being still young and always looking for new experiences, Mr. Ginger left the country for London with his girlfriend, who is now his wife.

He finished his master’s in American studies in London at King’s College in 2005. He came back in September of that year to teach again where it all began.

“I acquired a whole wealth of unique personal and learning experiences I could bring back to the students here,” Mr. Ginger said. “I think that is important because not a lot of students here get the opportunity for world traveling.”

After several years of service as an accomplished teacher, swimming coach and student council advisor, Mr. Ginger took on the challenge of being an administrative intern and was later promoted to an assistant principal post at Watertown High School in 2013.

“In many ways I am still a teacher. I am here to support teachers and help students learn,” he said. “I strive to think like a teacher. That is central to how I handle my position.”

He said he jumped right into his new position with little difficulty.

“Some of the ease in transitioning has to do with my personality. I like new experiences and challenges,” Mr. Ginger said. “I think it is important to be a lifelong learner.”

Students will see Mr. Ginger in the hallways with a smile on his face almost every day as they transition between classes.

“I say ‘hello’ to students. And every positive interaction helps to make a great learning and working environment,” Mr. Ginger said.

He said being visual is one part of how he works to make the school run smoothly.

“Students do not want to break the rules,” Mr. Ginger said.

“My philosophy is if communication is clear and rules and my decisions are consistent then students are more likely to behave.”

In his first year as assistant principal, Mr. Ginger and the administrative team made big changes in how the high school is run including a new cell phone policy which allows students to use them in certain parts of the building, to teach responsible use.

Mr. Ginger now lives with his wife of nine years, Brenna, who teaches 11th grade English in Watertown, and their three children, Emerson, 7, and Clara and Adele, who are two-year old twins, in an old farm house in Adams Center.

The farm house, which is certainly livable but needs a lot of work, said Mr. Ginger, is a new challenge for him.

“I’m a closet handyman. I never used to be a handy man, but I learned how to do some things over the last few years,” Mr. Ginger said. “People would be surprised I love plumbing.”

Aside from his role as an assistant principal Mr. Ginger is also active in the larger Northern New York community through his work on the Herring College Trust Board, which provides the Herring College Memorial Scholarship to Northern New York students.

Mr. Ginger said he has a few new challenges left in his future, including his hope to one day be a building principal.

“I take on new challenges as they come. I really like my current job,” Mr. Ginger said.

“Right now I’m focused mostly on trying to raise my children right. That’s my current challenge.”

— Richard Moody

The jeffrey l. ginger File Hometown: Watertown Professional position: Assistant principal, Watertown High School Family: Wife, Brenna R.; son, Emerson, 5; twin daughters, Clara and Adele, 2 Education: Bachelor’s in history, SUNY Geneseo, 2001; master’s in American studies, King’s College, London, 2005 Community involvement: Herring College Trust Board Last book read: “The Sun Also Rises” by Ernest Hemingway

28 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Erin E. Hunter, 34 North Country Family Health Center

I

f you had never met her, you might just assume Erin E. Hunter is a “numbers person.”

The Watertown woman earned both a bachelor’s in accounting and a Master of Business Administration in accounting from SUNY Oswego.

She is a certified public accountant who was employed for nine years at New York Air Brake. Just two months ago, she left her position as tax manager to take the job of finance director at the nonprofit North Country Family Health Center.

But Mrs. Hunter, 34, will be the first person to say her line of work is not all about the numbers. The “biggest myth is that there’s no place for emotion in business,” she said. “While rational,

financially sound decisions are necessary, I feel the best

decisions are made when

there is a component of

empathy and understanding

of the impact of those decisions,” Mrs. Hunter said.

“Personal connections with colleagues, other businesses and patients can only help to build stronger relationships, which are critical to succeed in business today.”

After working through a financial crisis last year, the former North Country Children’s Clinic streamlined its operations and redefined management responsibilities to establish itself as the North Country Family Health Center. The center is a federally-qualified health care services provider to people of all ages and income levels.

“I’ve only been at the North Country Family Health Center for two months, so every day is exciting and challenging,” said Mrs. Hunter.

“Our organization has such an honorable mission to improve the health and wellness of individuals in our community by providing high quality, affordable, patient-centered and integrated health services.”

Now the center is working with Samaritan Health Systems

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on a proposal to transfer ownership of the hospital’s six community health clinics throughout Jefferson County. Samaritan had helped to sustain the clinic’s operation during its financial recovery.

“I’m very excited to be a part of this team and can’t wait to help the organization continue its success,” Mrs. Hunter said.

The career change from the for-profit to the nonprofit world of accounting was a step in the right direction for herself and her family, Mrs. Hunter said. She is married to Nathan P. Hunter, CFO at the Northern Credit Union, and they have two children, Natalie, 5, and Brandon, 3.

“Unfortunately, time spent with family is what has been sacrificed most throughout my career,” she said. “The accounting profession brings many long hours and tight deadlines, which often makes it hard to juggle everything as a working mother.”

But “my husband is extremely supportive, and both of our families are amazing and always willing to help out when work commitments take precedent,” she said.

Mrs. Hunter also credits her former boss, Paul Morgan, retired president of New York Air Brake, for serving as a mentor in her professional accounting career. But it was her parents, Ken and Gail Fitzpatrick, who gave her the best advice about life and work.

“My parents always said that hard work, determination and perseverance are keys to success in any aspect of your life,” she said.

“They emphasized that I might not always have the right answers, and everything might not always go according to plan, but as long as I refuse to give up, things tend to always work themselves out.”

A native of Baldwinsville, Mrs. Hunter met her husband while they were both attending SUNY Oswego. She was also a roommate at SUNY Oswego with Erika F. Flint, the former director of the Watertown Urban Mission who recently joined the staff of the North Country Initiative.

“My husband is originally from the north country and we decided after college that this area would be a great place to start our family and eventually raise our kids,” Mrs. Hunter said. “This area is fantastic for people who are motivated and eager to take advantage of everything the north country has to offer.”

Mrs. Hunter has been involved with the North Country Community Cup, Christmas projects for the Watertown Urban Mission, and is a contributor to the United Way of Northern New York, according to her former colleagues at New York Air Brake who nominated her for the award. She also helped the New Day Children’s Center obtain a grant for playground equipment.

One thing that her colleagues may be surprised to learn about her?

“I’m a big Syracuse University sports fan,” she said. “I’m very excited for the SU Men’s Basketball season to get underway.”

— Norah Machia

The erin e. hunter File Hometown: Baldwinsville Professional position: Finance director Family: Husband, Nathan; children, Natalie, 5, and Brandon, 3 Education: Bachelor’s in accounting, summa cum laude, SUNY Oswego, 2003; Master of Business Administration in accounting, SUNY Oswego, 2004 Community involvement: Member, New York State Society of CPAs, Syracuse Chapter Last book read: “Little Blue Truck” by Alice Schertle (her son’s book, which they have memorized together)

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NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Nathan Lashomb, 37 Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce

N

athan Lashomb is a man of focus.

As a professional photographer and owner of Forevermore Studio Photography in Massena, Mr. Lashomb focuses on bringing out the best in clients during photography sessions. And as executive director of the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce, a position he’s held since mid-June, he focuses on bringing out the best in Massena to attract tourists — and potential businesses — to the north country.

“When I photograph people, I show the best parts of them and boost confidence and reduce insecurities. As a chamber director, I am able to share my experience of success and failures to help other businesses succeed in their endeavors,” Mr. Lashomb said.

In addition to his role as business owner and head of the chamber, Mr. Lashomb finds time in his schedule to focus on other endeavors, some in the quest to move Massena forward.

He is a founding member of the Massena Visionaries, a group of professionals who want to create a bright economic future for the Massena community.

He is also a board member for the Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce and vice president for the Massena Arts and Theater Association, a non-profit group that’s working to revitalize and reopen the former Schine Theater in downtown Massena. The theater, located in the center of the downtown corridor, closed in 1991, just one month shy of its 60th anniversary.

Mr. Lashomb also serves as a committee member for Cub Scout Pack 31 in Massena. In addition, he is a committee member for a new initiative established by Mayor Timmy J. Currier called the Moving Massena Community Forward Coalition. Mr. Currier has said the coalition, which was announced following Alcoa’s decision to close its Massena East smelter and idle its Massena West smelter, would shape a vision for the town’s future using the expertise of residents like Mr. Lashomb and other volunteers.

He said a chance to make a difference is what keeps him active in the community.

“A sense of accomplishment and knowing what I do will help our community for the better,” Mr. Lashomb said.

That’s what gets him out of bed each morning, he said.

“Without sounding too cliché, (it’s) the chance to make a mark on this world to do something good,” Mr. Lashomb said. “They always say first impression is everything. I say lasting impression is forever.”

With his focus in so many different directions, Mr. Lashomb said

being successful is a matter of taking it one step at a time.

“Multi-tasking doesn’t exist. Focus on one task and master that,” he said.

Being successful also takes time, he said.

“Spare time left with nothing to do is idle time and ‘ain’t nobody got time for that,’” Mr. Lashomb said. But, he added, “I have learned that if the journey is hard, then it’s totally worth it.”

It takes a collective effort to make things happen, something he’s learned along the way, according to Mr. Lashomb.

“I don’t really know it all. It’s a collective group of people. You can’t take all knowledge from one. That makes you a direct copy,” he said.

Those people are also who he turns to when he’s seeking advice.

“There isn’t just one person that I rely on. (It’s) my close friends and family,” Mr. Lashomb said.

He said he wants to be a part of moving the north country forward. But it will take a special focus.

“Stay relevant and more forward thinking. Our youth can have some of the best wisdom and honestly, we need to embrace that,” he said.

Or, to quote St. Louis wedding photographer Sal Cinotta, whom Mr. Lashomb said offered him the best advice, “Innovate or die.”

It’s important not only for the community, for his family, which Mr. Lashomb said he wants to see grow up in an area that he loves and embraces.

“I wanted to raise my children here and have that comfort of home that you won’t find in other areas,” he said.

— Bob Beckstead

The NATHAN Lashomb File Hometown: Massena Professional position: Executive director, Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce; professional photographer and owner, Forevermore Studio Photography Family: Wife, Tori Lashomb; children, Brenden Flanagan, 15, Rilee Flanagan, 13, Kali Lashomb, 12, and Kaleb Lashomb, 8 Education: Massena Central High School; SUNY Potsdam Community involvement: Founding member, Massena Visionaries; committee member, Pack 31 Cub Scout Troop; board member, Greater Massena Chamber of Commerce; vice president, Massena Arts and Theater Association; committee member, Moving Massena Forward Community Coalition Last book read: “Rework” by Jason Friend and David Heinemeier Hansson

30 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Dr. Jill Laureano-Surber, 38 Family Medicine of Northern New York

D

r. Jill Laureano-Surber didn’t start her professional life as a family physician. After college she made her way to California where she sold real estate websites as an executive sales manager. Yet the California dream didn’t thrill her. Her true dream was to start a career in medicine, but she admits debilitating beliefs stopped her from going into it.

“I tried to talk myself out of it for many years, which is why I started a little late,” she said. “I used to think I couldn’t have a family and be a doctor, yet here I am with four children. It’s clear to me now we can do whatever we want once we decide we really want it.”

Her decision to continue her education in medicine came with the help of many mentors over the years, most especially

her former boss in San Diego, Ronda

Anderson. Ms. Anderson started

several different companies of her own and was able to provide guidance for Dr. Laureano-Surber both personally and professionally.

“She passed away recently, but her advice will always stay with me. She was a special lady,” she said.

With four young children each younger than 6, the good doctor stays on her toes. And while her passion for her patients is the reason she gets out of bed everyday, her two-year old is usually the loudest part of it.

“Simon wakes me by yelling from his bedroom,” she said with a laugh. “But when it’s not my children it’s most definitely my patients. I think about them when I go to sleep at night and again when I wake up.”

Her patients inspire her.

Her children inspire her.

And her staff inspires her.

For Dr. Laureano-Surber, her inspired work doesn’t feel like work at all.

“I don’t consider myself as having a job,” she said. “I take care of people for a living, but it doesn’t feel like work and that makes it exciting.”

Dr. Laureano-Surber is very

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involved in fundraising for the community. Her efforts include raising money for the Heart Walk, the Run for Alex, and the Mike Cerroni Memorial 5k. In her Heart Walk participation, she encouraged her patients and staff to get involved. Being involved in community was something she and her husband wanted when they decided to move to the north country from California.

Upon finishing her residency at Samaritan Medical Center, it became clear to her that the north country was more than just a series of small towns, it was a goldmine, filled with opportunity for the next generation.

We talked about how we could make a difference and set an example for young people that they can indeed be successful in a small town,” she said. “We want to be a part of what happens here in the next 10 to 20 years.”

That involvement includes becoming a voice for millennials.

“We need to reach out to high school kids that are ready to make decisions about college and let them know they matter and we want them here,” she said. “There are professional options that weren’t here before. We need to make them aware of those options.”

As a mother of four, a physician for dozens, and a wife and community leader, Dr. Laureano-Surber had to give up certain things to make her family practice work.

“I sacrifice time with my children,” she said. “If I could trade places with someone for a day, it would be my nanny, just so I could spend more time with them.”

Despite her sacrifices she recognizes her gains, which include her family practice and being back in the north country where family is instrumental in helping her raise her children.

“It sounds cliché, but there is much truth to the old phrase, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” she said.

At the end of the day, Dr. Laureano-Surber knows she can count on the one thing that has made her aware of making the right decisions, balancing her life and giving herself to the people of the north country; her inner guidance.

“I’ve learned that I have a very good intuition and when I don’t follow it, I’ve not regretted it.”

— Joleene Moody

The dr. jill laureano-Surber File Hometown: Carthage Professional position: Family Practice Physician / owner Family: Husband, Anthony; children, Julian, 6, Annika, 3, Simon, 2, and Thea, 13 months; mother, Julie; puppy, Augie, 8-weeks Education: Doctor of osteopathic medicine, University of New England; bachelor’s in theology, Boston College Community involvement: Heart Walk; Run for Alex; Mike Cerroni Memorial 5k; Sackett’s Harbor 18.12 Half Marathon; Aids Walk Last book read: “I Love You Stinky Face” by Lisa McCourt

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Jennifer S. Loonan, 36

Time Warner Cable Media

J

ennifer S. Loonan said her “type-A” personality has come in handy during her career in the marketing field.

Ms. Loonan, an advertising account executive since 2009 for Time Warner Cable Media in Watertown, said her job involves much more than signing up clients for advertising campaigns. The 36-year-old said she has always strived to develop meaningful relationships with her clients, getting to know them on a personal level.

As an undergraduate studying marketing at Rochester Institute of Technology’s Saunders College of Business, she said, one of her professors helped teach her the art of developing professional relationships. The professor, Philip R. Tyler, gave her advice she has deployed throughout her career as a marketing professional.

“He literally taught people how to properly shake hands and how to actually develop a true relationship. And I think that’s been instrumental in my personal and professional life,” Ms. Loonan said, adding that she believes clients appreciate her sincere approach. “I just think it’s about truly caring — it’s a genuineness.”

Ms. Loonan, who typically works with about 50 clients each month at Time Warner Cable Media, said that forging strong relationships with clients has been her recipe for success. By topping $1 million in annual advertising sales, she has been a member of the company’s “million dollar billing club” for multiple years.

She said the most satisfying part of her job is seeing her clients’ advertising campaigns translate into an uptick in business. She works with a mix of small businesses and large corporations across the north country.

“We pay attention to the numbers for local business owners and help them understand what they mean,” she said. “I enjoy working with them to grow their business.”

Based on her career experience, Ms. Loonan said she would advise young professionals in the area “go to other places and experience new things” before deciding to plant their roots in the north country.

After graduating in 2002 with a Master of Business Administration in marketing management from the Rochester Institute of Technology, Ms. Loonan started her career as a marketing coordinator for Meridian Printing in East Greenwich, R.I. While there, she said she was tasked with developing an in-house marketing department from scratch.

“We developed marketing materials for high-end art books and prints sold by the company,” she said.

After working there for two years, Ms. Loonan decided to pur-

sue a marketing job in California. She interviewed for a handful of jobs, including a marketing position for Mattel Inc. in Hermosa Beach. But after spending three months searching for jobs in the Golden State, she decided to return to the north country to be closer to friends and family.

“I call it my quarter-life crisis,” she said with a laugh. “California was too far away, and it made me realize how important my family and friends are.”

Returning to Watertown, during the summer of 2005 she was hired as a sales associate for Regent Broadcasting on Mullin Street — now Stephens Media Group. And about three years later, she was hired by Pennsylvania-based Intrepid Broadcasting to launch radio station Tunes 92.5 in Watertown.

As the station manager, “I had to hire DJs, decide what the music was going to be, develop a business plan and come up with a name for the station,” she said. “I grew a lot from the experience.”

Ms. Loonan worked for Tunes 92.5 for about two years before joining Time Warner Cable Media, where she said she now works with more than 200 different clients a year.

She said she attributes her work ethic to her parents. Her mother, Dianne H., is a teacher at H.T. Wiley Intermediate School in Watertown, while her father, Richard D., is a mail carrier for the U.S. Postal Service in Watertown.

“They could retire any day if they wanted to, but they’re still working because they love what they do,” she said. “I think my work ethic also comes from doing what I love.”

— Ted Booker

The Jennifer S. loonan File Hometown: Watertown Professional position: Advertising account executive Family: Parents, Richard D. and Dianne H. Loonan; brother, Stephen R.; sister, Barbara E. Loonan Education: Bachelor’s in marketing, Rochester Institute of Technology, 2001; Master of Business Administration in marketing management, RIT, 2002 Community involvement: Secretary, Watertown Sunrise Rotary Club; co-chair, Taste of the Town festival in Watertown; former board member, New York State Zoo at Thompson Park; Class of 2012 graduate, Jefferson Leadership Institute Last book read: “Orange Is the New Black: My Year in a Women’s Prison”

by Piper Kerman

32 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Dr. Thomas McCue IV, 39 McCue Dental

Y

ou typically go to the dentist to improve your smile, but Dr. Thomas McCue IV also makes you smile.

With his infectious laugh, Dr. McCue, 39, who owns a north country dental practice, believes it’s important to make his clients as comfortable as possible, even to make their visits so at ease that they actually have fun, he said.

“I just want to help people,” he said.

That’s why he decided to become a dentist, a job he loves because he changes people’s lives.

Since his practice opened five years ago, McCue Dental has grown from one to four offices and now has 50 employees.

First opening an office in the town of Philadelphia, the practice has grown at a steady rate, with offices in Watertown and Pulaski before adding the Brewerton office this past July.

Even at an early age, Dr. McCue knew he wanted to be a dentist. Growing up in Parish, his father’s doctor friends inspired him — by the time he was 6 — that he should work hard medical career. and pursue a “They told me I was going to be a dentist and that’s what happened,” he said.

Every day, he knows that he’ll make a difference in someone’s life.

It may be giving a patient a better smile. Relieving someone from

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pain is a privilege, he said, or allowing a patient to enjoy food once again after receiving much-needed treatment.

“You have to have an inherent love of what you’re doing,” he said. “You have to love your job.”

He particularly enjoys helping young patients.

“It’s the kids,” he said. “It’s seeing their smiles.”

It’s not a typical dental practice. First of all, his patients call him Dr. Tom. And he describes himself as a big jolly guy.

Everyone coming into the office for treatment is greeted by his two dogs — friendly labradoodles that go into the office with him every day. There’s nothing like seeing a child rubbing their bellies or just rolling around on the floor with one of them, he said. It makes the kids feel at ease, even when they may be facing some difficult dental work.

Calling them family, he credits much of his success to his staff.

They are happy because he makes sure they know they are valued and he knows that he can rely on them, Dr. McCue said.

“I’m the luckiest guy in the world,” he said.

The staff helps him with a program that teaches dental hygiene to kindergartners through sixth-graders at local schools. It’s part of his commitment of giving back to the community, Dr. McCue said.

It’s not the first time that Dr. McCue has been recognized for his success at an early age. Last year, he was named by Incisal Edge, a national dental industry field magazine, to its 40 Under 40 list of up-and-coming dentists across the country. It was a crowning moment, he said.

Before that, Dr. McCue showed his leadership skills in his first year at dental school at the University of Buffalo. He was elected as the president of the dental association for all four years, an accomplishment that has helped him immensely with his practice.

“It was wonderful experience,” he said.

His parents taught him to work hard and make sure he did something with his life that he loved, Dr. McCue said. They also taught him important values to live by: Be polite, say yes, please and thank you.

“Respect means so much,” he said.

They also taught him to be himself.

“I feel comfortable in my own skin,” Dr. McCue said.

Some of his best childhood memories come from the days of his family’s summer home in T.I. Park on Wellesley Island. He got his love for this part of the state from those days, he said. He lives in Parish in a fifth-generation sprawling home that dates back to pre-Civil War. The north country has played such an important role in Dr. McCue’s personal life and career. He would like to see more young people who have gone off to college return and start a career here.

Maybe an organization can be established that can devote all of its efforts on recruiting young professionals back home, he suggested.

“I love it here,” he said.

—Craig Fox

The Dr. Thomas Mccue iv File Hometown: Parish Professional position: Dentist and owner, McCue Dental Family: Single; dogs, Maxwell and Oliver EDUCATION: Doctor of Dental Surgery, Buffalo University School of Dentistry, bachelor’s in biology, Hamilton College; bachelor’s in chemistry, Syracuse University; master’s in education, Oswego University Community involvement: Host, holiday fathering at his home to raise money for charitable organizations, including the Child Advocacy Center of Oswego County, the Second Annual Oswego County Olympiad and Golosano Children’s Hospital Last book read: “Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone” by J.K. Rowling

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Andrea Montgomery, 37 St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging

T

ragedy has a way of altering the way a person views the world. For 37-year-old Andrea Montgomery, St. Lawrence County director of the Office for the Aging, the loss of her parents helped her realize life is not something to be taken for granted.

Mrs. Montgomery said both of her parents passed away by the time she was 29, and having that experience forever changed her.

“In my early 20’s, I had a vision of how my life was supposed to go,” she said. “Life truly is too short and I want to make every day matter.”

Mrs. Montgomery said her father was a strong, compassionate leader and both he and her mother helped shape her into who she is today. “(My father) taught me to think logically about problems and work with others to find solutions. My mother taught me the importance of hard work and never thinking any job is beneath you,” she said. “My father always told me to be kind and to put myself in the other person’s shoes when faced with a challenge. I am a caring, empathetic person because of the example he set in his own life,” Mrs. Montgomery said she landed back in the north country from New York City to take care of her mother in 2003 after her father passed away. Mrs. Montgomery began working for St. Lawrence NYSARC, where she created an arts program for individuals with developmental disabilities.

She found meaningful work at a young age when she came back to the north country said Mrs. Montgomery.

“There is so much opportunity for young people in the north country if you can be creative about what you would like to do and be willing to work hard to achieve your goals,” she said. “I was in a leadership role at NYSARC that would have taken me years to achieve in New York City due to the volume of people and competition for jobs.”

Mrs. Montgomery said local leaders need to show young people the good jobs are available.

“The biggest myth in the north county might be that there aren’t opportunities for young people. I truly believe that we are an ever-growing and flourishing area,” Mrs. Montgomery said.

“I think north country leaders and employers need to be creative and think outside of the box.”

She also said employers need to find a way to incorporate the passions of young job seekers into their jobs and believes that the

best is yet to come in Northern New York.

One of the biggest difficulties as director of the Office for Aging is the amount of time the job requires. Mrs. Montgomery said it is difficult to balance work life and family life, but using time management skills allows her to succeed as a director, mother and wife.

“Sleep is the one area that is probably sacrificed the most,” she quipped.

Mrs. Montgomery said she is motivated by the difference she and her team make in the lives of the elderly in St. Lawrence County on a daily basis. She said her department helps seniors stay safe, healthy and happily in their homes for as long as possible.

“It is what all of us want as we age and I am in the fortunate position to help people do that,” she said.

By involving her children in her various community service activities, Mrs. Montgomery is hoping to instill the desire to help others in them and show them that helping others is something they should want to do.

“I was raised to be aware of my own good fortune and it is innate within me to want to help others. I am a caretaker by nature,” she said.

Mrs. Montgomery also said she was inspired by her brother, Scott, who has been active in various civic organizations for most of his life.

When asked who she would like to change places with for a day, Mrs. Montgomery said she would not want to trade with anyone.

“I love my life and am so grateful for all of the people in it,” she said.

— Jake Newman

The Andrea Montgomery File Hometown: Rensselaer Falls Professional position: Director St. Lawrence County Office for the Aging Family: Husband, Joseph; stepson, Hunter; son, Colin Education: Bachelor’s in sociology and theatre, minor in music, SUNY Plattsburgh Community involvement: Cornell Cooperative Extension’s Youth and Family Advisory Board; Hermon-DeKalb Booster Club; inaugural member, Senator Ritchie’s Upstate Women’s Leadership Council; Team NYSARC Last book read: “A Short Guide to a Long Life” by Dr. David B. Agus

34 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Brian Peck, 38 New York State Assembly

B

eing a leader means serving those who serve.

This is the motto north country native Brian Peck lives by, and he’s molded his entire career around this idea.

Mr. Peck, who has served as chief of staff for state Assemblyman Kenneth D. Blankenbush for the past five years, said the best enjoyment he gets out of life is helping others.

Like many north country natives, Mr. Peck grew up on a farm.

It was here that he acquired his hardworking mentality. As far back as second grade, Mr. Peck would spend 12 to 14 hours a day working on his family’s farm.

Mr. Peck initially envisioned a future teaching elementary students, but that all changed on 9/11. From that point on, he worked his way into the political realm. Mr. Peck said he never would’ve guessed he’d eventually go into politics, but it was his desire to help others that took him there.

With his present job,

Mr. Peck said it’s

exciting how different

every new day is from

the last. He likens it

to chess; new chal lenges and issues are

constantly popping up

on the playing field.

“It’s that type of thought process of where we need to go that really energizes me,” he said. “If I had to sit in my office and do the same thing every single day, for me, it would be depressing. Other people might get excited about that, but it’s just not the way I’m wired.”

Something Mr. Peck has learned about himself through the years is his ability to see problems before they occur, which

can be frustrating for

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him to explain to others. His mind is always a few steps ahead.

“I’m a thinker,” he said, as evidenced by a statue of The Thinker placed at the edge of his desk at work.

But dealing with that frustration is all part of the game. The trick is not only seeing the solutions ahead of time, but mediating them as well. He prides himself on being a skilled negotiator, something he gained while managing a printing business from 2002 to August, 2015. He’s maintained this skill in his current job, which consists of problem solving and being a voice of reason between constituents and all forms of government.

Though politics is his current muse, Mr. Peck has never let go of his initial desire to teach. He plans to pursue teaching opportunities at Jefferson Community College, and wants to renew is EMT certification to teach in the New York Army National Guard.

Mr. Peck is always teaching himself too; he harbors an unquenchable thirst for discovering more about the way things work. It’s not just about learning for learning’s sake, he said. It’s also about being able to communicate with people effectively, which plays an important role in being a mediator.

“Once you can relate, the defenses come down,” he said.

Because he’s always on the job, Mr. Peck said he doesn’t have much time to hike and hunt, two things he loves to do. He joked that his in-laws have a home in the Adirondacks where there is no cell phone reception, and it’s the one true place he can actually take a vacation. But this is a rare occurrence for Mr. Peck.

While working for Sen. Ritchie, he returned over 200 hours of unused vacation time to the state.

“It’s a lifestyle,” he said with a laugh. “I think you have to make those choices to be successful.”

Should Mr. Peck take a vacation, however, he’ll be sure to keep it productive. He recalled a particular vacation in Boliva where he helped build a wall for a school. It all boils down to his motto.

“Even when I do take time off, I like to serve in other capacities,” he said.

Along with his motto, Mr. Peck said it’s also the knowledge gained from failure that drives him. It’s not being afraid to “fail forward,” as he learned from motivational speaker John C. Maxwell.

“When a lot of people said ‘I can’t do it. No, no, no,’ I said yes, because I wasn’t afraid to fail,” Mr. Peck said.

— Brian Molongoski

The Brian Peck File Hometown: Champion Professional position: Chief of Staff, New York State Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, R-Black River Family: Wife, Sarah; sons, Ethan and Luke Education: Jefferson Community College; SUNY Brockport; Summit University, Clarks Summit, Pa. Community involvement: New York Army National Guard; deacon, North Country Fellowship Church Last book read: “HAM Radio License Manuel” by American Radio Relay League

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Kevin L. Richardson, 34 North Country Farms

T

he name of Kevin L. Richardson’s company encompasses much of what has helped shape his mindset as an entrepreneur: North Country Farms.

The Watertown native and SUNY Potsdam graduate is president of the agribusiness that specializes in producing white and whole-wheat flours that are primarily shipped to the New York City market. The company also produces a wide range of products through partnerships with local farms and producers that are sold under the North Country Farms brand, including pancake and muffin mixes, maple syrup, honey and jams and cheese curds.

“I was born and raised in the north country,” Mr. Richardson said. “I think there’s tremendous opportunity in the north country. This is a chance to give back to the community you were raised in and build a business in the area where you were born. I value the north country. I don’t think there’s a better place.”

Mr. Richardson said he views the north country as “one big family” and he wants to ensure that his success is shared by others in the area.

“It inspires me to give back to the north country,” he said. “I want to feel that Kevin Richardson and the businesses I run give back to the community.”

The former shooting guard for the Potsdam Bears’ basketball team said he views his former coach, Bill Mitchell, as one of his mentors, along with his business partners.

“As a college athlete, your coach always has an influence on your life, but he helped mold me into the man I am today,” Mr. Richardson said. “He was able to balance his working and coaching with having a family.”

He also credits his grandfather, Lewie Brown, with instilling an entrepreneurial spirit in him. Mr. Brown ran a hardware store and a home décor business in Adams.

“I saw how he ran his businesses,” Mr. Richardson said. “I watched him take a big risk and also have a good life.”

Mr. Richardson’s grandmother, Dorothy Brown, helped operate the family businesses and offered him advice he has tried to follow.

“Go with your heart,” Mrs. Brown told him.

Mr. Richardson said it is a myth that “being your own boss is fun,” and he concedes that his business success has come with the loss of personal time for himself. However, he has learned that success can require risk and sacrifice and he has used that knowledge to remain motivated.

“When the times get tough, I’m able to overcome it,” he said.

“I keep a level head through the tough times and try to look forward, not look back.”

He relies on his brother, Kurt, for advice on how to deal with adversity.

“He’s just one of the most level-headed guys I know. You can just always talk to my brother easily, because of the way he sees things,” he said.

Mr. Richardson said there is nothing about him that would surprise his coworkers because “they see me every day and we talk.”

“If you’re actively involved in your business, I don’t think there are any surprises,” he said.

Mr. Richardson said he and other business leaders need to do more to encourage young people to become involved in business ventures and help them realize that there are many opportunities for entrepreneurs in the north country.

“We need to be more outspoken about the rewards of taking a risk and the importance of building businesses that can help others,” he said. “Every day’s different in the entrepreneurial life.”

Despite his successes, there is one person with whom Mr. Richardson said he would consider trading places: his young nephew, Aston.

“Just seeing how happy he is with life, and he has no responsibilities,” he said.

One business he does not plan to start, but would like to see someone else start in the area is a water park.

“I wish we had an Enchanted Forest in our back yard,” he said.

— Brian Kelly

The kevin l. richardson File Hometown: Watertown Professional position: President, North Country Farms; incubator manager for the state’s Business Incubator and Innovation Hot Spot Program Family: Single Education: Master’s in education, SUNY Potsdam Community involvement: Member, Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce; donates food products to multiple charitable organizations Last book read: “The Third Plate” by Dan Barbera Perino

36 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Donna M. Smith, 39 Village Lowville & BOCES

D

onna M. Smith learned about hard work and community service at a very young age.

Mrs. Smith, 39, literally grew up in her family’s funeral home, helping to pay bills, set up for viewings and services and perform other needed tasks. As such, she quickly learned how to properly treat people and help them during a difficult and trying time.

It should be no surprise that Mrs. Smith, now a physical therapist with the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services and Lowville’s village mayor, has firmly established herself as a leader and true community servant in her adopted hometown.

“Knowing I’m making a difference keeps me involved and engaged,” she said.

Mrs. Smith said she learned about

community service from her

mother, Ruth Morse, a former

teacher who has long organ ized jacket and food drives

to help those less fortunate.

“She’s always doing things

like that,” Mrs. Smith said.

While both she and her

husband, Kory, grew up in

small towns outside the north country, Mrs. Smith said they both took physical therapy jobs here, then stayed to raise a family because they enjoyed Lowville’s mix of “a little bit of city life and a whole lot of country life.”

Mr. Smith’s father, Robert L. Smith, also has ties to the area, having served as a past principal at Lowville Elementary School.

Before being elected mayor, Mrs. Smith served on numerous committees, including the planning committee of the Lowville Cream Cheese Festival from its inception. For several years, she also owned a book store in downtown Lowville and was heavily involved in revitalizing the Lowville Business Association.

Mrs. Smith said that

experience helped her real ize “how difficult it is to own

a business in a small town”

and has made her more

cognizant of the needs of local

businesses.

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Since becoming mayor, she started an annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and has undertaken extensive beautification efforts. The latter initiative led to some businesses planting additional flowers outside their respective shops, she said.

“I think what I enjoy seeing the most is the trickle-down effects,” Mrs. Smith said.

The fifth-year mayor said she also enjoys having the opportunity to help lead and shape her village.

“I really do not enjoy politics,” she said. “I enjoy my community.”

And knowing she can make a difference, whether with the village or in the lives of her physical therapy students, is what keeps Mrs. Smith going.

“I want to make sure this is the best place in the world for my kids to grow up,” she said.

Also, during times when progress seems to be at a standstill, hearing words of encouragement from people makes a huge difference, Mrs. Smith said.

“It’s almost like God sends these little angels on earth,” she said.

During her time at the village helm, Mrs. Smith said she has made a concerted effort to keep residents informed on current projects. “Just keeping people in the loop is important in any public role,” she said.

One of the main drawbacks to being so involved in the village and community is not always being available for family time, Mrs. Smith said.

However, she said, her husband and children are incredibly supportive, and other village officials have made her job much easier.

“You’re only as successful as the people you surround yourself with,” the Lowville mayor said.

To retain young people, north country leaders “need to show progress” by encouraging development and job creation but should still strive to maintain the country lifestyle that residents enjoy, Mrs. Smith said.

“You just need to be open and research ideas,” she said. “You can’t just shoot them down because they came from someone young.”

Mrs. Smith said she has long been inspired by a quote posted at the Susan B. Anthony House in Rochester stating, “Nothing is impossible.”

That motto has served her well, whether she is leading the village, organizing a new event or planning and saving up for a month-long family trip to Alaska this past summer.

“If you just keep dreaming it and working on it, you can make it happen,” Mrs. Smith said.

— Steve Virkler

The donna m. smith File Hometown: Canton, Pa. Professional position: Lowville village mayor, physical therapist for the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Cooperative Educational Services Family: Husband, Kory; children, Tess, 14, Tate, 12, Taci, 9, and Trey, 8 Education: Bachelor’s in physical therapy, Northeastern University, Boston Community involvement: Committee member, Lowville Cream Cheese Festival, Lowville United Methodist Church Last book read: “The Diary of a Young Girl” by Anne Frank

December 2015 | NNY Business

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NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Jared Thisse, 38

BCA Architects & Engineers

T

here’s a running theme around the projects of civil engineer Jared Thisse, whether its $6 million in sewer system upgrades in Gouverneur, or more than $4 million in wastewater upgrades in Owego.

They may not be sexy, but they serve a key purpose.

“There’s a need for them,” he said.

That approach extends to his work in the community, from board and treasurer positions with multiple groups, to organizing the “Reel Alternative” movie series for the last three years, bringing a mixture of family favorites, foreign films and art house interests to Lewis County.

“If you want to do something around here, nobody’s going to stop you,” Mr. Thisse said.

He made his return to the north country after years working across the country in food and bottling engineering positions, including time with Kraft.

“I was living out of a suitcase for seven years,” he said. “I wanted to put down roots, and I wanted to do it where I had friends and family.”

Mr. Thisse returned to school at Clarkson University, where he studied as an undergrad, and completed a civil engineering degree in 2008, before landing the job at BCA Architects & Engineers, Watertown.

Among his day-to-day responsibilities are working with municipalities on designing and evaluating projects, and pursuing grant funding to help support them.

Mickey G. Lehman, the firm’s executive vice president, said Mr. Thisse’s background helped him view things from a different perspective, making him an asset for what he described as the “unusual projects” that require additional research.

“He’s learned to do things his own way, and as a result those projects that need that different approach or are not the typical projects, he’s very good at it,” he said.

In one instance, Mr. Lehman said Mr. Thisse developed a brand new template for dealings with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, one the firm will use into the future.

“He breaks the mold and follows his own drummer,” Mr. Lehman said.

Down the road, Mr. Thisse said he was excited about the prospect of working on solar projects for municipalities.

Municipal leaders that have worked with Mr. Thisse said he has brought a professional attitude to projects that help move them forward. Ron McDougal, mayor of Gouverneur, said

The jared thisse File Hometown: Glenfield

that projects in the village have a tendency to run into “speed bumps” due to the number of agencies and parties involved.

“He gets across the speed bumps a bit smoother than I do,” McDougal said. “It takes a certain kind of person to do this; it takes more than being an engineer.”

When not at work, Mr. Thisse said his various community group efforts help fill his schedule and keep his connections.

The “Reel Alternative” movie series has been a passion project for Mr. Thisse, who described himself as a big movie fan.

“It sounded like a good idea I could get involved with,” Mr. Thisse said. “It’s something different to do. It’s a different crowd for each movie.”

Among his favorite reactions has been seeing hundreds of kids gather at the Valley Drive-In in Greig for a screening of “The Sandlot,” a movie about a neighborhood baseball game, or the mixed reactions to a presentation of Swedish horror film “Let the Right One In.” Even when things haven’t lined up perfectly, like an unsuccessful 2013 run for Martinsburg’s Town Council, Mr. Thisse said he has been excited by the ability to build relationships around the community.

“It’s amazing how many people want to sit down with you, and talk with you,” he said.

Mr. Thisse said a key for north country business leaders is to expand the region’s visibility for young people, to show them the kind of things that made him want to stay in the area. He pointed out that many Fort Drum personnel end up staying in the area after their military careers are over.

“People who grew up here, they know what’s here,” he said. “New people, once they’re here they really enjoy it.”

— Gordon Block

Professional position: Civil engineer, Bernier, Carr and Associates Family: Parents, Terry and Minette; brothers, Evan, 35, Morgan, 33, and Dylan, 27 Education: B.S. civil engineering, Clarkson University, Potsdam, 1999 Community involvement: Board of directors, United Way of Northern New York; board of directors, Pratt Northern; treasurer, Arts Community of Lewis County; treasurer, Polish-American Citizens Club; graduate, Lewis County Leadership Academy Last book read: “The Martian” by Andy Weir

38 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Lenore VanderZee, 39 SUNY Canton

F

or SUNY Canton’s Lenore E. VanderZee, success is built on family, community and in aiming for what you love, the last of which she works to make possible for all students, regardless of income.

As the institution’s executive director for university relations, Ms. VanderZee, who began as an adjunct professor at SUNY Canton, said she works to further the message that college should be accessible to all who are academically qualified, not just those who can afford it.

“We think a college education is for everybody that wants one,” she said. “It’s not for the wealthy, or for a certain class.”

Ms. VanderZee said in her own journey, the best advice she’s received came from her aunt, Marchiene Rienstra, who told her

if you do what you love, you’ll get

to where you want to be.

She said when her aunt

sought ordination in the

Christian Reform Church

and was turned down, she went

elsewhere, and was ordained

in six other denominations.

“She always did exactly

what she wanted, even when she was told she couldn’t, and that was what inspired me,” Ms. VanderZee said.

She also said her “no nonsense” law school mentor Mary Ellen O’Connell had an impact on her, describing her as an extremely intelligent and thoughtful woman whose writing and commentary on drones and military intervention has been featured in national media such as the New York Times, CNN and NPR. Ms. VanderZee, a mother of two young boys, said she hasn’t had to sacrifice anything to succeed because she has had the support

of her family, friends and

colleagues, both at

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the college and in the community.

“It’s amazing what a strong support network can do to boost a person emotionally, professionally, in every way,” she said.

Evidence of this came recently when she spent time with her son after a hectic period at work, and told him she felt guilty that she had been too busy to see him.

He disagreed, reminding her that she hadn’t been too busy to spend time with him at the park, to play games and to cuddle with him in that moment.

“There’s always going to be issues and crises at home and at work, but they always pass,” she said.

Ms. VanderZee, who came to Canton as a “trailing spouse” in 2012 when her husband found work in SUNY Canton’s Humanities Department, said she has committed to stay in the north country for the long term, because she has met many tireless public servants who have inspired her to get involved.

“When we moved here, it very quickly felt like home,” she said. “My family and I were welcomed into the community in meaningful ways.”

Like many other rural communities in the north country, she said Canton’s main challenges center around keeping the local economy alive, and in drawing visitors to town.

She said she believes competition in a small town is good for the entire community and that bringing in new business won’t lead to the failure of those that already exist.

“I think that more businesses, even of the same type, draw more attention to the community,” she said, hoping for her sake and others that Canton will someday be home to an Indian restaurant, which many people have been asking for. “The more there are, the more traffic everybody gets. It’s not a zero sum game.”

Ms. VanderZee, who sits on several local boards in Canton, also said that for north country leaders to attract and hold onto young professionals, they must make sure residents realize what has been accomplished in their communities over the years, the richness of culture they have, and what potential exists for their local economy to grow.

She said for Canton, the St. Lawrence International Film Festival was an event which promoted that awareness, for both residents and visitors, and elicited many positive reactions from producers, filmmakers and others, who called the community “a lovely place.”

“That’s the way I hope that everyone in Canton can feel about our own community,” she said.

— Alan Rizzo

The Lenore Vanderzee File Hometown: All over; father was a traveling preacher in the Christian Reform Church Professional position: Executive director for university relations Family: Husband, Sean T. O’Brien; sons, Ciaran, 7, and Finn, 5 Education: Bachelor’s in interdisciplinary studies, Calvin College; Juris Doctor, master of laws and master’s in International Relations, Notre Dame Community involvement: Board member, Canton Community Fund; coordinator, Remington Arts Festival; board secretary, St. Lawrence County Arts Council; founding board member, Young Women’s Leadership Institute; secretary, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce; steering committee member, Canton Economic Development Last book read: “Cleopatra: A Life” by Stacy Schiff

December 2015 | NNY Business

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NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Rodger H. Voss, 38

Fort Drum Forestry Program

I

t seems like no two days are ever alike for Rodger H. Voss, who leads Fort Drum’s forestry program, a fact he said keeps him motivated.

His primary work is overseeing the post’s forests, which cover about 60,000 of its 107,000 acres, and the logging efforts that generate more than $100,000 for the post annually.

Beyond that, he is also responsible for some newer programs that are responsible for diverting more than 1,000 tons of post waste products annually from ending up in landfills, improving habitats on post land and coordinating with hunters from several neighboring states that come to hunt on the post’s lands.

“This is one of the best forestry jobs I can imagine,” he said.

Mr. Voss, 38, said he found himself interested in the forestry field thanks to his upbringing, which featured a heavy amount of hunting and fishing.

“I was always outside,” he said.

Initially studying physical therapy in college, Mr. Voss discovered he wasn’t happy, and that he needed to turn over a new leaf.

“I wanted to do something I loved, not something that would make me a lot of money,” he said. “I’m glad I went the direction I did.”

The composting program is a relatively new operation, which was created in conjunction with the Development Authority of the North Country, the Cornell Waste Management Institute and Cornell Cooperative Extension of Jefferson County. Research showed that about 96 percent of food waste at the post’s dining facilities was either compostable or recyclable.

“The amount of food waste and wood waste is astounding,” Mr. Voss said. “I saw it as the biggest bang for our bucks.”

In addition to getting the new life from the unused food, the composting means less trash is heading toward the authority’s landfill, saving money and landfill space. The scraps are used in areas like the post’s timber management program, replacing nutrients stripped during logging.

Another program takes wood waste, such as waste ammunition cases and shipping palettes, and packages them for use as fuel at the on-post ReEnergy biomass plant, generating revenue and preventing the material from going to the landfill. Calling his vantage point with the trees “cradle to grave,” he said he hated to see them wasted.

“It makes me feel good that the wood has come to a better resting place than the landfill,” Mr. Voss said.

The wide-ranging efforts have not gone unnoticed by his superiors. James W. Corriveau, Fort Drum’s director of public works, said that Mr. Voss has taken the post’s forestry work in a

direction that would have never been considered before.

“When you think of forest management, the basics are universal. We’ve been doing that here for generations,” Mr. Corriveau said. “What Rodger’s done here is another level.”

In the case of the composting and wood-waste recycling, Mr. Corriveau said that Mr. Voss’ work has put Fort Drum’s efforts on a scale “like nobody else is doing in the north country.”

“It’s taken us to a level of sustainability we’ve never been at before, and that’s a big thing,” Mr. Corriveau said.

He praised another program launched by Mr. Voss, a treetapping program with the post’s maple trees that he said helps acquaint military families to the north country.

“All they know is Aunt Jemima,” Mr. Corriveau said.

That maple tree tapping idea stemmed from what Mr. Voss called the best advice he’d ever received: Don’t stop trying to better yourself.

The idea had initially been met with support by his superior, but he was told that the timing wasn’t right. About a year later, Mr. Voss said that there were some shifts in opinion that allowed the project to happen.

“It’s proven it’s a great thing we’re doing,” Mr. Voss said.

Asked how he would keep young people in the area, he said that the north country would need to work on developing small businesses and organizations that could help raise its cultural profile.

“Plant those seeds and make it a place they want to live,” he said.

— Gordon Block

The Rodger H. Voss File Hometown: Dansville Professional position: Director, Fort Drum Forestry Program Family: Wife, Jennifer; three children Education: New York State Ranger School, Wanakena; SUNY ESF, Syracuse Community involvement: Dry Hill Ski Patrol member Last book read: “The Compound Effect” by Darren Hardy

40 | NNY Business | December 2015

NORTHern new york’s emerging leaders

Caryn L. White, 38 Credo Community Center

C

aryn White has never been one to back away from something that confuses her. In fact, she said, the most puzzling days are the ones that keep her getting out of bed in the morning.

Fortunately, in her job as clinical director of mental health at Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions, there is ample opportunity for puzzling days.

“Before I leave for work, I believe that I’m probably going to experience something that is going to stump me for the day,” she said. “But I really enjoy the challenge of coming up with solutions when there is a problem. I’m motivated by that.”

Mrs. White, 38, has worked at Credo for about seven years. She moved to the north country in 2000 with her husband, Chad, who was a Fort Drum soldier at the time. When her husband

became a civilian in 2001,

the couple decided the

Watertown area was a

good place to stay and

raise a family.

“Both of us saw this

area as a smaller area

than we grew up in,” she

said. “We enjoyed the small town feel of the north country. It’s been

15 years now that I’ve lived here and I would say that it has felt like home for a majority of that.”

After working for several years at Transitional Living Services, Mrs. White quickly climbed the ladder at Credo, from direct care provider to her current position. She credits her colleagues, bosses and family for her success.

She is also thankful to Credo and the Fort Drum Regional Health

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Planning Organization for assisting her with student loan forgiveness when she was first licensed in social work. She believes this incentive, paired with the charm of the community and its residents are keys to recruiting and retaining young professionals.

“I’ve always felt this community was very welcome and very kind,” she said. “I’ve always had supervisors who were very supportive. That’s really encouraging when you’re young and don’t know quite what you want to do in your career.”

Today, as clinical director, Mrs. White supervises licensed staff, including mental health counselors and marriage and family therapists. She also provides administrative oversight and develops clinical programming while carrying her own caseload as a therapist.

She said she enjoys teaching and supervising her staff; in fact, several colleagues are currently relying on her for guidance as they work to earn their licenses in social work. She also gets satisfaction from helping her patients.

“I like building the relationships with patients and providing treatment and seeing them improve,” Mrs. White said. “It’s a hard job, but it can be rewarding. As a therapist, you’re always learning.”

Naturally, some days on the job are harder than others, she said.

“One of the most challenging parts is to work with someone that is not quite ready to get well,” she said. “You might feel like you’re at a point where you’re ready to help them, but they just aren’t ready. You put in your best effort for everyone, knowing that there are people who you will never know if they reached their goals.”

For Mrs. White, who thrives on finding solutions to everyday problems, instances like this can be tough to overcome. However, she said, her perseverance stems from the unwavering support of her family.

“It requires dedication, and my family is extremely supportive of me,” she said. “My husband is the reason that I am successful. He has said all along that he is supportive of me doing what makes me happy.”

As a Credentialed Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Mrs. White was integral in starting Credo’s Mental Health Clinic in April 2014. She is now leading an initiative to strengthen ties between substance abuse and mental health services in the community.

— ­ Eli Anderson

The caryn l. white File Hometown: Catasauqua, Pa. Professional position: Clinical director of Outpatient Mental Health at Credo Community Center for the Treatment of Addictions Family: Husband, Chad, a mechanic on Fort Drum; daughters, Emmalee, 11, and Kaitlyn, 6 Education: Catasauqua High School; bachelor’s in psychology, East Stroudsburg University, 2000; Master of Social Work, Syracuse University, 2007 Community involvement: Girl Scouts, committee member, Jefferson County SPOA/SPOE, volunteer, Mental Health and Suicide Prevention walks.

Last book read: “The Sherlock Holmes” series, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 41

Agribusiness

An organic endeavor

LaFargeville cheese plant starts production

By Ted Booker

H NNY Business

ealth-conscious consumers sometimes choose to eat organic cheese over the regular variety, and they’re willing to pay more for it because of how it’s made.

Those are the kinds of consumers being targeted by Homestead Heritage Cheese, an arm of certified organic dairy farm Homestead Fields on Eiss Road near the hamlet of LaFargeville. A creamery built on the farm started making cheese curds last month for the business, which is a brainchild of farm owner W. Edward Walldroff and his son-in-law, David W. Van Pelt II. During a tour of the creamery last month at the 130-cow, 700-acre farm, Mr. Walldroff said the launch of the cheesemaking business came after years of careful planning. While the facility is now making only cheese curds, he said, production will be expanded next spring to include cheddar and possibly blue cheese.

Production has started on a small scale at the creamery, where a partial batch of cheese curds is made once a week using a 245-gallon vat and other equipment bought from a company in the Netherlands. But Mr. Van Pelt said he believes the business will expand rapidly as more retailers decide to buy wholesale batches of cheese curds. He said the farm, which became a certified organic operation in 2006, is among a handful across the state that make organic cheese.

“We’d like to soon be in New York City and in a couple of artisan cheese stores in Rochester,” said Mr. Van Pelt, who completed a course in the summer of 2011 at the University of Vermont’s Institute of Artisan Cheese to become a cheesemaker.

The business already has begun to sell organic cheese curds to retailers in the north country, Mr. Walldroff said.

Eight-ounce packages of curds — priced in stores from about $6 to $8 — are sold at

42 | NNY Business | December 2015

JUSTIN SORENSEN | NNY BUSINESS

David W. Van Pelt II holds Homestead Heritage Cheese’s first wheel of cheese, standing at the vat with father-in-law W. Edward Walldroff, the owner of organic dairy farm Homestead Fields, LaFargeville.

the Mustard Seed health food store in Watertown, 1000 Islands River Rat Cheese in Clayton and a bookstore at St. Lawrence University in Canton.

“We want to sell it in college towns where there’s a more health-conscious population,” Mr. Walldroff said, adding that his long-term business plan calls for eventually opening a retail store in a community along the St. Lawrence River.

“We’d like to be able to do it in the next two to five years, and it would be like a health food store.”

Mr. Walldroff, whose family has operated the farm here for five generations,

said the farm has been run for nearly a decade as an organic operation. To receive a national organic certification, milk is made without using any antibiotics or pesticides. Cows are fed only a mixture of grasses and grain grown organically on the farm.

Cheese products made by the farm will complement the organic beef it already sells to area businesses, Mr. Walldroff said. The beef comes from the farm’s cull cattle — those not producing enough milk or getting too old.

“It all starts with the barn on the ground and the breeds of cattle that

Agribusiness are going to produce milk for the best cheese,” Mr. Walldroff said. “We’re producing cheese here that others aren’t going to be able to duplicate, and we’re marrying it to an upscale market as a value-added product.”

Mr. Van Pelt is responsible for making cheese curds each Sunday at the creamery, in the same structure as the milking parlor. The process starts at 6:30 a.m. and typically finishes about 9 p.m., he said, after curds are packaged.

The farm bought the cheesemaking

“

thage Area Hospital for five years before joining the farm about four years ago.

On Sunday, about 150 packages were made from an 87-pound batch of curds, he said. The curds, which are lightly salted, stay fresh for about a week.

Mr. Walldroff said he plans to build a concrete “aging facility” at the farm next spring that will be used to age cheeses.

He said the aging process can last from six months to two years. The climatecontrolled facility will be built by Jason A. Schnauber, a co-owner of the farm who is

engaged to marry Mr. Walldroff’s daughter, Monica T. Mr. Schnauber, a Clayton native, said his construction experience has come in handy on the farm. He helped build the creamery during the past two years. But he said his daily chores vary widely.

“One day I’m a farmer,” he said, “and the next I’m a veterinarian or a builder.

Every day has a different chore.” n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at 661-2371 or tbboker@wdt.net.

We’re producing cheese here that others aren’t going to be able to duplicate, and we’re marrying it to an upscale market as a value-added product.

— W. Edward Walldroff, owner, Homestead Fields organic dairy farm, LaFargeville

equipment last fall, thanks to a $12,000 loan from the Development Authority of the North Country’s value-added agriculture loan fund and a $48,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Business Enterprise Grant program.

Though the stainless steel vat has room to make larger batches of cheese curds, Mr. Van Pelt said, he is now making batches of about 80 to 100 pounds to meet the demand of clients. To start the process, milk is pasteurized by heating it to a temperature of 145 degrees for 30 to 45 minutes.

He said milk then is cooled to below 100 degrees. Live cheese cultures are added to the milk, which begins to thicken as it’s agitated in the vat. The mixture is stirred slowly until it’s thick enough to cut into slices with a curd knife. As part of the process, called “cheddaring,” the semisolid curd is separated from liquid whey that is released from the bottom of the vat.

The whey is fed to cattle.

“Cheesemaking suits my personality and detail-oriented career background,” said Mr. Van Pelt, an accountant at Car-

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 43

F E AT U R E S

Anthony machia | AFM PHOTOGRAPHY FOR NNY BUSINESS

At age 45, Maxwell J. Patterson, owner of Patterson’s Taxidermy, 144 Church St., Alexandria Bay, decided to turn his passion for taxidermy into a full-time business. “My grandfather taught me when I was about 12 years old,” he said.

A mounting success

Taxidermist turns passion into business

By NORAH MACHIA

O NNY Business

n the first day of Canada goose hunting season in New York State, 12-year-old Aurelia Davidson showed up at Patterson’s Taxidermy in Alexandria Bay with a prized catch — the first goose that she ever shot. Coincidentally, it was taken in Goose Bay. The young girl wanted to bring it back to her home in Montana, and the only way to do that was to have it preserved by a taxidermist.

Her parents, Tim and Kelli Davidson, are Alexandria Bay natives and have used have used the services of Patterson’s Taxidermy, 144 Church St.,

44 | NNY Business | December 2015

for many years.

After completing high school, Mr. Davidson joined the Air Force, and the family has been traveling and living in a variety of locations, with their present home located in Montana. But they come back as often as possible to visit family in the north country.

Aurelia recently started hunting with her father after completing a hunter safety education course. She was excited about the prospect of having her goose displayed next to some of her father’s prized catches, including four preserved ducks, a deer head and a largemouth bass.

“I can’t wait to have it hung up on the wall next to my father’s collection,” she said.

Owner Maxwell J. Patterson, 56, is a

third-generation taxidermist. His greatgrandfather, Edward D. Patterson, and his grandfather, Theron O. Patterson, also practiced the craft.

His father, Maxwell I. Patterson, was one of three boys born to Theron Patterson, but none of the sons developed an interest in taxidermy. So the craft skipped a generation, but was picked up by Mr. Patterson, who showed a keen interest as a young child.

“My grandfather taught me when I was about 12 years old,” he said.

Taxidermy is typically described as the traditional method of preserving and mounting the skins and/or horns of an animal for display. It can be done on all vertebrate species of animals, including mammals, birds, fish, reptiles, and

F E AT U R E S even amphibians.

Mr. Patterson’s grandfather taught him the many different aspects of the business, which first required learning about the anatomy of animals, he said.

During the early years of taxidermy, animals were typically stuffed with materials such as straw or cotton. But by the 1970s, the process changed and for the most part, animals were no longer stuffed.

Instead, taxidermists have the skin of the animal preserved or tanned, and then the skin is stretched over a mold, often made of a special type of Styrofoam.

That’s why Mr. Patterson and most other taxidermists will refer to an animal as “mounted” and not “stuffed.”

He orders the Styrofoam figures from a catalog after taking careful measurements of the animal to ensure the skin will fit well when it’s stretched. He can also order other items, such as glass eyes for fish.

But the real antlers from a deer, for example, are usually reattached to the actual mount along with its skin.

Sometimes customers request a “European Mount” style, which involves preserving the actual skull and horns of the animal, and mounting those alone without skin, he said.

Mr. Patterson started a taxidermy business at age 18, but then decided to take a break from it. He worked a variety of jobs for many years, including building, finishing concrete and painting.

At age 45, he decided to turn his passion for taxidermy into a full-time business.

Since that time, Mr. Patterson, now 56, has worked with numerous hunters and fishermen wanting to display their animals.

He has mounted deer, moose, elk, caribou, turkey, bobcat, fox and coyote, along with waterfowl such as ducks and geese.

Mr. Patterson has also mounted numerous fish, including bass, walleye, Northern pike, muskellunge, trout and salmon.

His most interesting animal? A 9-foot grizzly bear caught by a local resident on a hunting expedition in Russia, he said.

Any animals brought into the United States from other countries are first subject to FDA inspection, and then find their way to a taxidermist through a special broker service, he said.

Depending on the size of the animal, Mr. Patterson may tan the hide himself, or

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Please see Taxidermy, page 46

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 45

F E AT U R E S taxidermy, from page 45 have it shipped to a commercial tannery.

He typically uses the Wildlife Gallery, Michigan, which completes the process and then sends the tanned hide back to his Alexandria Bay business. The tanning process involves treating skins of the animals to produce leather, which makes the skins more durable and less likely to decompose.

Prices for taxidermy services vary depending on the type, size and condition of the animal, and how the customer wants to have

46 | NNY Business | December 2015

the animal displayed, Mr. Patterson said.

Game fish can range from $11 to $15 per inch, depending on the mounting.

Game birds such as pheasant, quail or wild turkey range from $200 to $650, also dependent on the mounting.

Waterfowl range between $250 and $350, and game heads, such as deer, caribou, elk, moose, black bear, coyote and fox, can range from $325 to $1,225.

For life-size mounts of animals, the prices range from $200 to $3,200.

Visit Mr. Patterson’s website, patterson-

staxidermy.com, to learn more.

If you are looking for a taxidermist close to your home, there is a listing of New York State taxidermists online at taxidermy.net.

You can click on a map for New York State, and a complete listing will appear, including a range in the north country and the Adirondacks. n Norah Machia is a freelance writer who lives in Watertown. She is a 20-year veteran journalist and former Watertown Daily Times reporter.

Contact her at norahmachia@gmail.com.

BRIEFCASE ECONOMY

St. Lawrence County sales tax revenues down

Sales tax revenues in St. Lawrence County are continuing to decline compared with a year ago.

County Treasurer Kevin M. Felt said thirdquarter collections were down 4.2 percent compared with the same quarter last year.

The county took in $14,099,321 in sales tax revenues from April to June compared with $14,721,037 collected during the same period in 2014, a loss of $621,716.

So far, 2015 sales tax collections are down 3 percent compared with last year, he said.

The county splits its sales tax revenue with towns, villages and the city of Ogdensburg, so those municipalities also will be negatively affected by sales tax decreases.

The decreased value of the Canadian dollar is being blamed for reducing the number of Canadians crossing the border to shop in the north country, which results in sales tax decreases.

The sharp decrease in fuel prices compared with last year also has hurt sales tax revenues.

In response, in the 2016 tentative budget approved Monday by the Finance Committee, sales tax revenues are projected to decrease from $58 million to $55.1 million.

Neighboring Jefferson County also saw a slump in third-quarter sales tax revenues, with receipts decreasing by more than $350,000 compared with the same quarter of 2014.

In September alone, the county saw a 15 percent decrease compared with last September.

AGRIBUSINESS

Grant awarded for meat processing study

Developer Michael E. Lundy has been awarded a $50,000 federal grant to explore building a meat plant that could be the anchor of an agricultural park in Jefferson County — but he hasn’t yet ruled out the controversial spot proposed near Car-Freshner.

U.S. Sens. Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten E. Gillibrand announced last month that the grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Value-Added Producer Grant Program has been awarded to Thousand Island Meats LLC, owned by Mr. Lundy. The West Carthage developer — who will match the grant with a $50,000 private investment — said studies funded by the grant will be done to explore building the U.S. Department of Agriculture-certified facility at two alternative sites within the town of Watertown.

Those two sites, and possibly others, will be explored as an alternative to building the proposed $20.6 million, 42,000-square-foot New York Meat Co. on the combined 9 acres of land owned by Mr. Lundy on lots 10 and 11 at the Jefferson County Corporate Park off

Please see Briefcase, page 48

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 47

b r i efca s e briefcase, from page 47 outer Coffeen Street.

The launch of the grant-funded study comes after Car-Freshner threatened this summer to relocate the 300-plus-employee company if the proposed meat facility was approved. Daniel Samann, general counsel for Car-Freshner, claimed odor from the plant would be detrimental to the testing of fragrances used by the manufacturer of pinetree-shaped air fresheners. The proposed site is next to the FedEx building and about 2,000 feet from Car-Freshner.

Grant-funded research will call for an

in-depth market analysis of the region to gauge the demand for a plant, Mr. Lundy said, along with a detailed analysis of how much it would cost to build the facility and purchase equipment. In the case of alternative sites, infrastructure costs to gain access to utilities will be determined.

The site at the corporate park, by contrast, has access to all of the utilities that would be needed by the plant: water and sewer lines, three-phase power and natural gas. Sitepreparation work at the property already has been done, and its neighborhood-commercial zoning is in keeping with the project.

Mr. Lundy declined to disclose the location

of the two alternative sites being considered in the Watertown area. But he said they’re each more than 40 acres, providing enough room to establish an agricultural park to serve manufacturers in the industry. He has discussed the idea in recent months with officials from the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency.

The original proposal for the three-phase project called for the creation of 57 jobs and more later on. The facility would be expanded to about 62,000 square feet in the second phase and to 110,000 in the third. It would have the capacity to process about 100 cattle a day, along with 200 to 300 smaller animals such as calves, sheep, pigs and goats.

Jay M. Matteson, Jefferson County agricultural coordinator, said he is optimistic that the plant could find a better home in the town of Watertown that would still be close to Interstate 81. He believes an agricultural park would provide a much-needed home for manufacturers in the agriculture industry — which can generate dust and odor — that won’t interfere with corporations and residential communities.

Manufacturing

Air purification system maker adding jobs

HealthWay, a global manufacturer of air purification systems headquartered in the village, will create 15 to 25 jobs after launching a new product line in early 2016, according to the company president.

President Vincent G. “Vinny” Lobdell Jr. said the company, which expects international demand for its products to grow, will begin manufacturing a portable residential air purification system in February at its corporate headquarters on Maple Avenue.

The 15 to 25 jobs — primarily production positions, along with some in sales and management — will be added to the company’s staff of 32 employees at the facility, Mr. Lobdell said. He could not disclose the hourly wage for the positions, which are expected to become available in early 2016. Applicants will be able to apply for jobs on the “careers” section of the company’s website, healthway. com, or in person at the company.

HealthWay manufactures an array of residential, industrial and commercial air purification systems. The company has locations in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand and Canada, Mr. Lobdell said. It collectively has more than 100 employees across its locations.

Mr. Lobdell said the company had considered manufacturing its new air purifier in China, where its other residential units are made. But after weighing the pros and cons, it decided Pulaski would be a better fit for manufacturing the new product.

“Costs have gone up considerably in China,

Please see Briefcase, page 70 48 | NNY Business | December 2015

R E A L E S TAT E

Q3 sales a mixed bag across region

By Ted Booker

Jefferson falls St. Lawrence, Lewis gain

eal estate agents sold fewer homes during the third quarter in Jefferson County than the same period a year ago, while sales climbed in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties.

Lance M. Evans, executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors, said home sales have dropped in the third quarter and year-to-date in Jefferson County, where an influx of new apartment complexes in recent years has contributed to the trend. He added that an increase in property taxes under the 2016 budget approved by the Jefferson County Board of Legislators has also made it less attractive to buy a house in the county.

Earlier this month, county legislators elected to override the state-mandated 2 percent tax cap by approving a 5 percent property tax levy increase.

“Jefferson County continues to increase property taxes, and home sales are falling. Rentals are up in the county too, but property taxes are a factor in buying and keeping a house,” said Mr. Evans, who had urged the Board of Legislators to avoid the increase in property taxes.

Statistics from the Jefferson-Lewis board show third quarter home sales decreased from the same period a year ago in Jefferson County by 46 units, or about 19 percent, from 289 to 243. In Lewis County, sales increased over the same period by 13 units, or 26 percent, from 50 to 63; in St. Lawrence County, sales increased by 21 units, or about 11 percent, from 193 to 214, according to the county’s Board of Realtors.

Mr. Evans predicted that when the year closes, 2015 home sales in Jefferson County will be down from 2014, but they will be up in Lewis and St. Lawrence counties. “In Jefferson County, we tend to see a little more of a rollercoastering than in Jefferson and Lewis counties,” he said.

Compared with the same period last year, Jefferson County homes sales decreased from January through September by 29 units, or about 5 percent, from 604 to 633; sales in Lewis County increased by 15 units, or about 12 percent, from 126 to 141 over the same period, while St. Lawrence County sales increased by 43 units, or about 10 percent, from 422 to 465.

Compared with the third quarter of last

year, the median home price increased in Jefferson County this year over the same period by $3,750, or about 3 percent, from $145,000 to $148,750, Mr. Evans said. The median price increased over the same period in Lewis County by $17,000, or about 14 percent, from $123,000 to $140,000; in St. Lawrence County, it increased by $4,000, or about 5 percent, from $87,000 to $91,000.

Despite the slowdown in home sales this year in Jefferson County, Mr. Evans said, real estate agents remain optimistic about the strength of the market. A recent study by Realtor.com that rated the top 20 U.S. markets based on demand from international homebuyers ranked Watertown 10th. The study, which rated Miami as the top market, was based on three metrics for each market: the number of listing views, international share of overall traffic and share of international traffic relative to U.S. traffic.

Mr. Evans said that Canadians are driving much of the international demand

R NNY Business

for homes in Jefferson County. “They’re buying homes in the Thousand Islands region that are less expensive than in other areas,” he said.

Statewide, home sales increased during the third quarter by 9.1 percent, or 3,034 units, from 33,237 to 36,271, compared with a year ago, according to the New York State Association of Realtors. The third-quarter statewide median sales price increased over the same period by $10,000, or 4.3 percent, from $230,000 to $240,000. Compared with the same period in 2014, the number of homes sold statewide from January through September increased by 5,510, or 7 percent, from 78,576 to 84,086.

The Jefferson-Lewis board has 330 Realtor members and the St. Lawrence board has 173, Mr. Evans said. n TED BOOKER is a Johnson Newspapers staff writer. Contact him at tbooker@wdt.net or 661-2371.

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| 49

R E A L E S TAT E R OUN D U P

A primer on real estate language

L

ike any profession or industry, real estate has terms and jargon that are used by people in the profession. This month, I will define some of the most commonly used terms.

Appraised value: When you are buying or selling a home, an appraiser will tour the home and assign a value according to several factors including similar homes in the neighborhood and condition, size and location of your home. backup offer: This is an offer that’s second (or third or fourth…) to an accepted offer on a home. The idea is that if the deal falls through for some reason, the backup offer can move up in line. closing: Closing takes place once all the contigency requirements have been met. This is when the buyer signs all the necessary documents and takes ownership of the home. comparables: These are homes that compare to the one you are buying or selling. Comparables or “comps” are used to identify a home’s sales price by comparing the home to others that are similar in terms of size, age, location, condition and other factors. contingency: A contingency is sometimes attached to an offer, making said offer dependent on other factors, like the sale of a potential buyer’s existing home, a home inspection or certain environmental tests.

DAYS ON THE MARKET: Also known as DOM, this is the number of the days from when the listing agreement was signed until the purchase offer was accepted by both buyer and seller.

Earnest money or escrow: This is typically paid when making an offer on a property. If your offer is accepted, you

50 | NNY Business | December 2015

enter into escrow and the earnest money becomes part of your down payment.

FSBO: A home that’s being sold “For Sale By Owner” instead of with a real estate agent.

You may hear Lance Evans this pronounced “Fizbo.” These are also called “unrepresented sellers.” median price: The median is the middle number in a series of numbers. It is not the average. For instance, the median of 1,2, and 12 is 2, the middle number, while the average is 5.

PMI: This stands for private mortgage insurance, and is typically required on homes where the buyer has put less than 20 percent down. points: You may be charged points by your lender when processing your loan.

One point equals 1 percent of the loan amount, and so on.

REALTOR: This is a trademarked term and refers to any licensed real estate broker, appraiser, associate broker, or salesperson who belongs to a board or association of Realtors. All Realtors are licensees, but not all licensees are Realtors.

TRID: This stands for Truth-in-Lending Act/Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Integrated Disclosures. These two forms are used by lenders for anyone applying for a mortgage on or after Oct. 3, 2015. I wrote about these in the August issue.

n

n

n

In my October and November columns, I introduced you to the top producers in the St. Lawrence County and the JeffersonLewis boards of Realtors. During the Jefferson-Lewis event, the 2016 Tri-County Chapter of the Womens Council of Realtors officers were installed by State WCR president Theresa Crozier. The chapter will be led by president Janet Handschuh, Heart Homes Real Estate, president-elect Carolyn Gaebel, Exit More Real Estate, vice president of membership Jumana McManus, Hunt Real Estate ERA, secretary Gloria Peluso, Exit More Real Estate, and treasurer Lance Evans, boards of Realtors.

The Jefferson-Lewis event was sponsored by Carthage Federal Savings & Loan, Community Bank, First Niagara, Gouverneur Savings and Loan, Homestead Funding Corporation, JeffersonLewis Board of Realtors, Northern Credit Union and Watertown Savings Bank.

Musical entertainment was provided by Past WCR president Charles Ruggiero. n

n

n

Several of the 2016 Tri-County Chapter of Women’s Council of Realtors officers attended a training session led by New York State WCR president-elect Lisa L’Huillier, Hefferon Real Estate, in Latham Oct. 25 and 26. In addition to local participants Janet Handschuh, Jumana McManus and me, the incoming officers from the State WCR and other seven local chapters participated. n LANCE M. EVANS is the executive officer of the Jefferson-Lewis Board of Realtors and the St. Lawrence County Board of Realtors.

He has lived in the north country since 1985.

Contact him at levans@nnymls.com. His column appears monthly.

R E A L E S TAT E / T O P T R A NS A C T IONS The following property sales were recorded in the Jefferson County Clerk’s Office in the month of October: $837,500: Oct. 14, City of Watertown: 0.412 acres, Fairbanks Street at Factory Street, Austin and Tutton LLC — Series 7, Chattanooga, Tenn., sold to Vama LLC, Northbrook, Ill. $500,000: Oct. 16, Town of Clayton: 0.43 acres, 147 Bartlett Point Road, Richard B. Cantwell and Nina J. Cantwell as trustees for the Cantwell Living Trust, Clayton, sold to Donald L. Metz, Kirkville. $500,000: Oct. 19, Town of Watertown: 1.45 acres, no address listed, Toped Management Services Inc., Alexandria Bay, sold to Zircon Development LLC, Watertown. $500,000: Oct. 27, Village of Sackets Harbor: 0.112 acres, West Main Street, W.J. Elliott Properties LLC, Adams, sold to John G. Kent, Henderson Harbor. $467,500: Oct. 27, Town of Alexandria: 0.9 acres, Westminster Park, Wellesley Island, Ellen L. Finch, Belmont, Calif., sold to Hugh D. Wolcott, Virginia Beach, Va. $412,500: Oct. 16, Town of Pamelia: 4.166 acres, State Route 12 (Bradley Street Road), Marine Storage 5 LLC, Clayton, sold to FMV Associates LLC, East Syracuse.

more or less, Parcel 6) 0.820 of an acre more or less, parcel 7) 68 acres more or less, bounded by Webster and Bay roads, Russ Farm LLC, Lisbon, sold to Bourdeau Bros., Inc., Champlain. $339,500: Oct. 27, Town of DeKalb: Unknown Parcels, unknown acres, bounded

by County Road 20, Christopher B. and Jennifer L. Sharpe, Richville, sold to Adam J. and Erin M. Green, Richville. $335,000: Oct. 22, Town of Gouverneur: 16.17 acres more or less, bounded by Peabody Road, Dale and Sofja Lehmer, Gouverneur, sold to Daniel J. and Kelley M. Litwicki, Winthrop. $285,000: Oct. 9, Town of Fine: 0.75 of an acre more or less, Lot 34 and Lot 35, bounded by State Highway 3, Maria Davis, San Diego, Calif., Rosemary Kress, North Adams, Mass., Elizabeth Sabbagh, Huntersville, N.C., William Kress, Ireland, Nancy Schwalm (co-trustee), and Margaret K. Kress, Bridgewater, N.J., sold to William E. and Lori A. Aman, Webster. $210,000: Oct. 28, Town of DeKalb: Parcel 1) 10 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 19.29 acres more or less, Parcel 3) Unknown acres, bounded by Borland Creek,

Bonnie C. Lavender, Richville, sold to Levi A. and Lavina G. Weaver, Barnsville, Ohio. $200,000: Oct. 16, Village of Waddington: Parcel 1) 0.15 of an acre more or less, Parcel 2) 0.01 of an acre more or less, bounded by St. Lawrence Avenue, Gordon R. and Meghan L. Fetterly, Waddington, sold to Gary L. Mealus, Ogdensburg. $180,000: Oct. 20, Village of Massena: 1.39 acres more or less, bounded by Maple Street, Richard J. Campbell and Deborah E. Farr, Massena, sold to Priti Vijaykumar Mandalaywala, Massena. $180,000: Oct. 2, Town of Sherwood: 1 acre more or less, known as Birch Island, bounded by Rock Point, Thomas J. DeRose, Baden, Pa., sold to Randall E. and Christine M. Burkard, East Amhurst. $170,000: Oct. 14, Town of Parishville: Unknown acres, Lot 5, bounded by St. Regis River, Cory J. and Patricia Varney, Potsdam, sold to Mark R. and Catherine J. Cardinal, Potsdam. $167,000: Oct. 30, Village of Canton: 0.20 of an acre more or less, bounded by Jay Street, Alan Romoda, Colton, sold to Troy and Erin Lassial, Canton.

$400,000: Oct. 9, Town of Alexandria: 1.3 acres, Wellesley Island, Donald D. Amerman and Joan E. Amerman, North Syracuse, sold to Richard B. Sherker, Chalfont, Pa. $400,000: Oct. 29, Town of Orleans: 0.2 acres, Arcadia Park Road, Robert E. Raleigh as trustee of Janet A. Hess Irrevocable Trust, Syracuse, sold to David J. Du Flo and Debra L. Du Flo, Rochester. $344,000: Oct. 28, Town of LeRay: 10.02 acres, County Route 46 (Dutch Settlement Road), Robert E. Henwood and Michele L. Fox, Harker Heights, Texas, sold to Edward William Loudon and Lisa L. Loudon, Calcium. $335,000: Oct. 14, Village of Alexandria Bay: 0.27 acres, Sisson Street, Van’s Motor Marine Inc., Alexandria Bay, sold to C.A.P. Marina Inc., Alexandria Bay. The following property sales were recorded in the St. Lawrence County Clerk’s Office in the month of October:

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$1,500,000: Oct. 1, Town of Hammond: Parcel 1) 3 acres more or less, Parcel 2) 89 acres more or less, Parcel 3) 43 acres more or less, Parcel 4) 102.06 acres more or less, Parcel 5) 56.41 acres

December 2015 | NNY Business

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NON P R O F I T S T O D AY

Local nonprofits react to wage hike

W

hen anyone discusses the north country economy, the usual suspects are Fort Drum, agriculture and tourism. But “nonprofits” should always be part of the conversation.

More than six years ago, the Watertown Daily Times studied the financial impact of nonprofits on the north county and published this: North country public charities have relentlessly grown over the past decade into an $800 million industry … According to the state Department of Labor, nonprofits employed 10,732 people in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties in 2000. Seven years later, the number had increased to 12,205, or by 13.7 percent, far outstripping the overall 4.6 percent growth in employment in all sectors.

With such numbers, the good gets bad and ugly real fast. An economy can’t sustain itself indefinitely if the number of people needing services grows faster than the number of people whose payrolls are being tapped by taxes and donations to pay for those services.

That’s what makes the pending minimum wage increase to $15 an hour a dualedged sword for the region’s nonprofits.

Higher salaries sound good to nonprofits that routinely serve people whose salaries are too low for them to independently pay for food, clothing, housing and utilities.

Our nonprofits could all be more effective helping the working poor if there were fewer poor workers.

Conversely, the minimum wage debate hits close to home for nonprofits too because many of their employees are also being paid less than $15 an hour.

“All not-for-profits need to look at how they could manage to operate while paying a living wage to their employees,” Peter

52 | NNY Business | December 2015

Schmitt, executive director of the Watertown Family YMCA, wrote in an email. “That is a discussion we are currently engaged in. Not sure how it can be done, but we all need to make an effort to do it.”

Making up that Bob Gorman salary increase will be a challenge, according to Melinda Gault, the executive director of the Community Action Planning Council.

“Since about 75 percent of our staff earn between $9 and $13 an hour now, it would significantly impact budgets,” she wrote in an email. “It could cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars by 2018. Our entire wage scale would need to increase — we can’t have supervisors making the same or less than (entry-level employees).”

The wage hike’s impact on the region has not been lost on Assemblywoman Addie Russell. She opposes Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s across-the-board minimum pay increase, which could be more easily absorbed and supported in New York City compared to, say, DeKalb Junction.

Instead, Russell supports a bill to create a tiered minimum wage that would “phase in over several years a minimum wage increase in upstate to $12.60 an hour, not $15 an hour — with future increases tied to inflation,” she wrote in an email.

Howard Ganter, executive director of the Jefferson Rehabilitation Center, is already crunching numbers using the $15-an-hour model.

Ganter has 300 direct support profession-

als who have a base pay of $9.10. His quick math is this: a wage increase of $5.90 an hour, multiplied by 300 employees, multiplied by 40 hours, multiplied by 52 weeks, equals $3.6 million. Then throw on longevity benefits and suddenly JRC will be annually looking for $5 million in new money.

“And that does not count the impact on the other employee groups who would also have to have increases,” he wrote in an email.

That’s why Russell said the state also has to raise reimbursement rates to agencies.

“Reimbursement rates and contracts with agencies that provide services on behalf of the state must be adjusted to provide the resources necessary to implement the wage increase,” she wrote. “Failing to provide the resources necessary to support any universal wage increase would demonstrate a lack of support for a living wage and those served by employees at or near that wage.”

Nonprofits, such as the Watertown Urban Mission, are also worried about other financial factors as well.

“What I am watching more closely is the proposed exempt employee salary threshold almost doubling,” emailed Erika Flint, executive director of the Urban Mission.

“At least the minimum wage would be incremental. We handled the last hike just fine from the $7 to $9 range.”

And so the conundrum goes on. Nonprofits will continue to advocate for a “living wage,” all the while knowing they will have to expand their own revenue streams — including those with the state — in a time of a shrinking economy. Simply put, practicing what you preach is expensive. n ROBERT D. GORMAN is president and CEO of United Way of Northern New York.

Contact him at bgorman@unitedway-nny.org or 788-5631. His column appears every other month in NNY Business.

S T R AT E GI C P L A NNING

The season is now to make a plan

M

aking a list, checking it twice, gonna find out …

Welcome to the holiday season: family gatherings, big meals, shopping, parades, bowl games, shopping, presents, pageants, concerts and Tom & Jerry’s — did I mention shopping? — and so much more to add to the anxiety of life.

For many, this is a time of frenzy, trying to get so much done in such little time.

Stakes are high. Those who are so important to us must not be disappointed. In shopping, we all have an approach: make a list, analyze and compare brand attributes using the best resources available, determine where and when to purchase each item, plot out an efficient, sequential route to each store (shop local) that minimizes time spent in the car and maximizes access to the lowest pricing. Of course, many items on the list were already purchased throughout the year in an orderly fashion, wrapped and stored away. There are only a few presents left to go.

Sound like you and most of the people you know? I hear that there are people who operate this way. Met a few who said they did. Never was able to confirm it.

Most people I know agonize with the what, the where, the how and the when for each who on their list – putting off starting till tomorrow and tomorrow and the next tomorrow. The risk is never finishing the process — or, worse, never starting — until it is too late. Sure, there may or may not be something under the tree for everyone. And, as we have all been told, it’s the thought that counts.

But could this process have had better

outcomes? Could the anxiety level been dialed back?

Then there’s the lurking uneasiness that haunts a good night’s sleep.

I have a friend who remains Paul Luck completely oblivious to the season year after year. He means well, he’s a happy guy; he has many loved ones who are important to him, just not important enough to look to the future and plan.

Ah-ha! So this isn’t a piece on the holiday season. It’s a thinly veiled essay on planning and process. More specifically, business succession planning and process.

You better watch out …

Recently, Massena was rocked by Alcoa’s announcement that almost 500 jobs would be eliminated at the longest continually operating aluminum facility in the world. It was devastating news. Massena’s leaders were surprised by the announcement. Alcoa had been the largest employer in the area. In the early 1970’s, Alcoa employed 3,000-plus, and General Motors another 1,000. Now GM is gone, and with this announcement, Alcoa would be down to 200-plus jobs. New York state stepped in to “save” 600 jobs for three-and-a-half years at a cost of nearly $69 million. Massena is scrambling to attract new employers — and rightly so. But three-plus years is a very short runway.

Any loss of employment is impactful to a region. Watertown and the surrounding region shudder when cutbacks at Fort Drum are mentioned. But there are a number of local, privately held businesses that are significant employers. The loss of any one of those would be felt not just from a direct employment aspect but across the service sector (restaurants, convenience stores, medical providers, retail stores, etc.). Ten direct jobs lost ultimately multiplies to 50 or more throughout the whole economic spectrum.

You better not cry …

Sadly, national statistics show that more than 80 percent of these businesses have no plan in place to ensure continuity at the time of a sale or transition.

So, if you own a business and if you have no formal, written succession plan, I encourage you to at least discuss starting one. Keep it simple, keep it to the point, know your goals and options and do it over time, ask for help, base it on a series of conversations, don’t try to do it all at once. Avoid unforeseen barriers that prevent completion: a snow storm, a disability, a disagreement, a departure (of a key customer, supplier, employee), your death — to name a few. Consider your plan a gift to your loved ones, your employees and your community. Remember, it’s the plan that counts. And the best part: take control of your destiny and your legacy.

Happy holidays! And, Mark, I’ll be in for that bracelet soon. I promise. n Paul Luck is with The Succession Partners in Clayton and Syracuse. Contact him at 778-5257 or PaulLuck@thesuccessionpartners.com.

December 2015 | NNY Business

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COMMERCE CORNER

Give the gifts of local this season

G

ift-giving is a traditional part of the holiday season for many.

Some are overwhelmed by the shopping experience; others plan throughout the year and carefully select each and every item.

In many parts of our rural north country, retail is limited and travel to larger areas or online shopping becomes a necessity.

There are numerous small shops and everyday locations, such as hardware stores, that stock special items during the holidays or offer creative workshops for “do-it-yourself” gift projects. Think about gift certificates, too.

There may be something that someone might want during a different time of year that is not currently relevant or available (think plants in spring time). Services are also a wonderful way to “buy local” and treat your recipient to something meaningful like a massage, landscaping or a painting class. If you have an idea and can’t find a business, utilize your local chambers of commerce — they know the businesses best and can help you find it local.

While you are searching for that unique and special gift, remember that you are also giving a gift to your community and local businesses. By buying local, you are helping others in their business, supporting local employment and their gift-giving opportunities. Sometimes a slightly increased price is just the right price to pay to keep your community thriving. In fact, research shows that for every dollar you spend at a locally owned store, nearly twice as much of the money stays in the

local community, circulating by further purchasing, support for local charities, sports teams and the many causes that small businesses support throughout the year. Even if 10 Brooke Rouse percent of your holiday shopping is shifted to local businesses, it can have a multi-million dollar impact.

Shop small, shop local and feel good this

ness magazine’s 20 Under 40 award, I am excited every year as new leaders are recognized in our region.

As a young leader and entrepreneur, I am often in conversation with the many faces you see on the cover about what we can do to continue building this beautiful area to be as successful as possible.

We talk about what a wonderful place it is to raise a family, the unbelievable warmth of the communities, the endless opportunities to experience culture and the great outdoors, and how opportunities to develop skills and take leadership roles are endless.

We also talk about the challenges ahead and are in conversations with older generations who have experienced peaks and lulls in the economy. We understand the challenges, but what I think is special about our generation is that we are not fearful — we accept these challenges just as that — and immediately seek new opportunities and creative ways to keep our communities moving forward.

As we often say “we are responsible for our future — we will be here, with our families for a long time — we need to be active in creating the future we desire.”

To me that is what this award represents and why we can all be proud to call the north country home, and recognize these recipients each year.

While you are searching for that unique and special gift, remember that you are also giving a gift to your community and local businesses. holiday season when you buy something unique and support your community.

Don’t miss one of the last opportunities to shop from more than 90 vendors under one roof at the Tastes & Talents of the North Country Holiday Show, a craft, food and wine show at the St. Lawrence Centre Mall Arena in Massena on Dec. 11 from noon to 8 p.m. and Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Visit to NorthCountryGuide.com for more information or search St. Lawrence County on your mobile app store and download the new “Visit St. Lawrence County” app. celebrate the next generation As a past recipient of the NNY Busi-

n Brooke Rouse is executive director of the St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Promotion Agent. She is a business owner, holds a master’s degree in tourism and is a former SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center Advisor. Contact her at brouse@ stlawrencecountychamber.org or 386-4000.

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E X E C U T I V E INSIG H T S

Are you a manager, a leader or both?

A

ccording to Stephen Covey, management is a bottom line focus: How can I best accomplish certain things?

Leadership deals with the top line: What are the things I want to accomplish?

To help people understand the differences between the two, Covey describes a group of people cutting their way through a jungle. The workers are busy swinging their machetes and clearing the way.

The managers are behind the workers “sharpening their machetes, writing policy and procedures manuals, holding muscle development programs, bringing in improved technologies and setting up working schedules and compensation programs for the machete wielders.” The managers are focused on getting through the jungle.

The leader in the group is wondering whether they’re moving in the right direction and decides to climb a tree to check.

Once above the fray, the leader discovers his team is moving in the wrong direction and they need to adjust their course.

We like this example because it demonstrates in a way we can all relate to that organizations need both leaders and managers, and that the ideal executive possesses skills in both areas. It’s obviously important to whack away at the jungle using the best tools and techniques available, but it’s equally important to be checking your direction if you don’t want to be lost and eventually consumed by the jungle you’re

committed to conquering.

So as you think about your skills and improving your performance as both a manager and a leader what are some things to Bill Murray consider? Many books have been written defining the attributes of managers and leaders. The few that we’ll mention is not intended to be a complete listing. Our

Leadership is more about visioning, scanning and motivation.

Visioning articulates the hopes and dreams of the organization and is aspirational. The leader reminds the orgaReg Carter nization of what they’re trying to build, and focuses on the organization’s future. Scanning relates to constantly surveying the opportunities and threats a business should always be considering whether it’s a new product or service, a new competitor or a technology that could provide competitive advantage.

Motivation is about capturing “the hearts and minds” of every person in your organization, and is arguably the most significant differentiator in any company.

It is now widely accepted that a business will not survive if it is run by managers or leaders alone. The combination of both is needed to sustain (management) and grow (leadership) any business.

Happy Holidays and all the best in the new year.

Management is about planning, goal setting and defining the actions to achieve, along with measuring progress and making any necessary adjustments. hope is that the examples we share will prompt you to reflect on your skills and personal development opportunities which will improve the overall performance of your organization.

Management is about planning, goal setting and defining the actions to achieve, along with measuring progress and making any necessary adjustments. There is continual emphasis on improving efficiencies, quality and customer service. Essentially, you are working to continually renew and improve what you’re doing — most often in an incremental way. These are all worthy endeavors and an essential part of any business that hopes to sustain itself.

n Reg CartER & Bill Murray are executives with CITEC Business Solutions, a Cantonbased nonprofit economic development consulting organization, with more than 60 years of business and management experience between them. Their column appears quarterly in NNY Business.

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Agri-business

How will $15 wage impact farms?

A

ccording to Dean Norton, president of New York Farm Bureau, “New York farmers are simply unable to afford a $15 minimum wage in this day of national and global competition that already leads to razor-thin margins.

The governor’s proposal will increase costs on farms across New York by $500 million, when our business environment is already suffering. This is not the way to invest in the upstate and rural economy.”

Mr. Norton said this in response to efforts of New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo to mandate a minimum wage increase from $9 per hour, which takes effect in December, to $15 per hour. The New York Farm Bureau has provided data about the impact of a minimum wage increase to $15 per hour. I also reached out to farms and agribusinesses located in or serving Jefferson County.

We’ll read what they said.

Looking at Mr. Norton’s comment about competition in the industry, it is clear that our farms are already at a disadvantage.

Of the top five dairy producing states in the country, California is the only state with a higher minimum wage at $10 per hour. Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Idaho have a minimum wage of $7.25. According to a 2014 Farm Credit East report, nationally, labor accounts for 8.5 percent of total agricultural sales. In New York, labor costs already represent 14.2 percent of agricultural sales. According to the United States Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service, it is estimated that farmers in New York spent $746 million on labor in 2014. During the same year the net cash income for our farms was $2.2 billion. If the minimum wage is increased from $9 to $15 per hour it equals

a half a billion dollar increase in farm labor expense which is 25 percent of net farm income.

New York Farm Bureau also looked at economic impacts on representative farms Jay Matteson across New York.

A dairy farm in the capital region milking 375 cows contributes approximately $2.2 million annually to the local economy. With an increase in minimum wage to $15 per hour, the total wage increase would equal $150,020 for six employees and then the employer payroll tax increase would add another $170,800. They looked at a 2,500 cow dairy farm in northern New York that has a $13 million economic impact on the community. For the 46 employees of the farm the wage increase is $700,800. The employer payroll tax increase is $72,476 bringing the total impact of the minimum wage increase to $773,276. It is important to note that these two dairy farms are unable to increase the price of the milk they sell to gain back the lost revenue. Prices are set nationally. Dairy farms in surrounding states such as Pennsylvania, where minimum wage is $7.25 per hour, will gain a better competitive edge over our farms.

As mentioned earlier, I quickly surveyed several farms and agribusinesses.

The first question I asked was, “Are you in favor of raising the minimum wage to $15 over a three year period?” Every respondent said no. Then I asked why?

One dairy farmer responded that it is

an unrealistic increase and that it will increase their cost of production for every 100 pounds of milk they ship by $1.30.

Keep in mind that the cost of production for many farms in Jefferson County is estimated to be $19 per hundred pounds of milk. It is also important to note that in 2015, and expected in 2016 and 2017, the price farms are paid for 100 pounds of milk shipped will be less than what it costs them to make the milk.

Another farm business that responded to my survey, one that sells products made from the farm, when asked; “How will you generate additional revenue to cover the added salary cost?” indicated they will do nothing in New York. They will consider doing more business out of state, especially in Florida. An agribusiness that responded said this proposed increase is a job killer. The respondent said it will cause them to re-evaluate any new hires and reduce staff in case of any sales decline.

I worry about my own 14-year-old son’s ability to find work as a high school student. Last summer a local farm employed him at $10 per hour to pick vegetables and help with deliveries. My son thoroughly enjoyed the work and working with the owner. It was good physical work and I appreciated his being able to work side by side with the farmer. It was a fantastic experience for my son. I highly doubt the farmer could afford to pay him $15 per hour to do the same thing.

n Jay M. Matteson is agricultural coordinator for the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency. He is a lifelong Northern New York resident who lives in Lorraine. Contact him at coordinator@comefarmwithus.com.

His column appears monthly.

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BUSIN E SS T E C H B Y T E S

Maintain digital security this season

T

he holiday season is the most wonderful time of the year.

The most wonderful time of the year for cyber criminals, that is. ThreatMetrix, a digital identity company, recently released a report predicting a 25 percent increase in cyber attacks during the 2015 holiday season alone. Holiday scams of seasons past have been limited to telephone and direct mail, but cyber criminals will be in overdrive this holiday season trying to scam you and yours.

First and foremost never shop and enter your credit card information using an insecure public Wi-Fi. Limit your online shopping to a secure, trusted connection at your home or business.

Ensure this trusted network includes an active and properly configured firewall on your computers and routers. Have you changed the default administrator password on your router? When was the last time you updated your router’s firmware? Your other devices router firmware updates will not only provide security but functionality enhancements.

When was the last time you thought about your browser? Have you disabled third-party cookies and cleared your existing browser’s cache and history? With your browser acting as your gateway to the cyber world, have you set the flash security features and learned about the benefits of private browsing?

Arguably, you still must get out on the World Wide Web, so you must encrypt and close your network to the outside world by utilizing at least WPA2 protected access and disabling remote administration on your router. For further protec-

tion, not only in this holiday season but all year long, turn off your router when you plan to be away for long periods of time and unplug your computer from your network router and disJill Van Hoesen able Wi-Fi when not in use.

While traveling this holiday season consider using a personal Wi-Fi hotspot.

If you must access your accounts, personal or professional, through public shared networks like hotels and coffee shops, change your passwords immediately after returning to home or work. The latest password guidance from the FBI Computer Safety Tips Newsletter reminds you to not use dictionary-based words, common phrases or the same passwords for different websites or accounts and most importantly change them often.

Home or away, this is the time of year where online scammers will use an assortment of various lures to get unsuspecting online consumers to click on links or open malicious attachments. Cyber criminals are getting better at building copy cat sites and send phishing emails promoting great deals. They are just waiting to sell you that product and take your credit card information. These phishing emails are intended to look like authentic communications from your employer, child’s school, trusted friend or co-worker.

The hacker, in hopes to exploit your sys-

tem, will include a malware infected attachment or a link to a malicious website, so when you open the attachment or click the link you will assist the cyber criminal in infecting your system.

Always beware of sites that have unbelievable discounts. The old adage still applies, if a “special offer” is too good to be true, it usually is. Never click on links in emails or on browser popups boasting deeply discounted offers, I can bet the merchandise will never show up and you have just provided some very beneficial information to a criminal cyber network.

In the 21st century, Internet connectivity is not an option, it is a necessity.

Information. Collaboration. Knowledge.

Communication. Entertainment. Life. All of these require some level of connectivity. Whether in the office or traveling for fun, there are some simple steps you can take to protect your personal identity, professional reputation and product.

Ensure your antivirus is set to scan and update daily, your operating system is patched with the latest security releases and your firewall is active. Think before you click or post on social networking sites and never send personal or professional identifying information in an unencrypted email or over an unsecure public Wi-Fi network. Report suspicious emails and other activity to your information technology department; you are their eyes and ears of the network.

My best wishes to you and yours for hope, health and prosperity in 2015. n Jill Van Hoesen is chief information officer for Johnson Newspapers and a 25-year IT veteran. Contact her at jvanhoesen@wdt.net.

Her column appears monthly.

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S M A L L BUSIN E SS SU C C E SS

Start-Up NY partners with colleges

M

any business clients I see have questions about StartUp NY, what it is, who is eligible and how it works.

Much of the information below, along with further details, can be found at the Start-Up NY website: startup.ny.gov.

Start-Up NY allows businesses to partner with local colleges to better grow the mission of both the college and the business. Colleges are looking for businesses to partner with who have substantial contributions that they can make to the student populations. These include applied learning opportunities, like internships, research, learning and growth of industries that are related to the culture and curriculum of the school.

Start-Up NY businesses must maintain an office space or facility on land owned by the campus, but this does not have to be their only office. Because of this partnership, businesses are allowed to operate free of New York state, not federal, taxes for 10 years. For example, a business owner’s new employees would not have to pay state income tax and equipment could be purchased sales tax-free. This can be particularly useful if a business will be buying a large amount of equipment or inventory to get started. Even more important, Start-Up NY companies would have the resources of their partner colleges accessible to them for helping grow their business.

Start-Up NY aims to encourage businesses, particularly in the fields of technology and manufacturing, to start and relocate in New York to create jobs for residents in the state. Because of this, companies must be either new, expanding or relocating to New York from another state. New York wants these businesses to be creating new jobs.

However, and this is the area where I get the most questions, there are certain industries that are restricted from becoming part of Start-Up NY. Primarily, it should be noted that retail Jennifer McCluskey businesses are not eligible.

Professional firms, such as the offices of doctors, attorneys, accountants, real-estate agents and financial planners also do not qualify for Start-Up NY. Also not eligible are hotels, restaurants and similar hospitality businesses, most businesses providing business administrative or support services or businesses providing utilities or energy service. The business must also have funding in place for their start-up or expansion in order to be brought into the program, although discussion can start before this is finalized.

Some specifics that local colleges are looking for are: n SUNY Canton is targeting research and development businesses focused on manufacturing of alternative/renewable energy systems, safety systems for vehicles, biomedical products, technologies for law enforcement and sports safety/ performance. In addition, SUNY Canton targets firms in construction management technologies, data storage and analytics, agricultural processing and software development. SUNY Canton would also be interested in value-added agricultural businesses such as wineries and breweries.

SUNY Canton’s first Start-UP NY company is Adirondack Operations, which is developing software for construction management. n clarkson university targets hightech focused businesses, including Web development, nanoscience, materials and sustainable technologies or businesses working with natural resources such as produce, farm products and wood production for export. n SUNY potsdam targets computer programming and electronic gaming, clean energy, environmentally sustainable, and music and arts related businesses. n SUNY plattsburgh targets information technology businesses, new media, supply chain management service companies and other businesses that are consistent with the college’s Canadian studies and environmental studies curriculums. n JEFFERSON community college will target manufacturing, value-added agribusinesses, including food, microbreweries, wine making, cider-making, distilleries, maple producers, information and technology firms, software development, bio-medical, 3-D imaging, agri-biotics and defense-related firms related to homeland defense.

If you think your business may qualify for Start-Up NY and you would like to explore the program, you may contact either the Small Business Development Center at either SUNY Canton (315) 386-7312 or JCC in Watertown (315) 782-9262 or your local college’s Start-Up NY representative. n JENNIFER McCLUSKEY is a business advisor with the New York State Small Business Development Center at SUNY Canton. Contact her at mccluskeyj@canton.edu. Her column appears bi-monthly in NNY Business.

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58 | NNY Business | December 2015

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ENTREPRENEUR’S EDGE

Are you a multi-passionate leader?

I

’ve often thought something was wrong with me because all my life I’ve had so many interests in so many things. I wanted to be a singer. An actress. A comedian.

A writer. I wanted to be an incredible speaker and travel the world. I wanted to write books and screenplays and teleplays and stage plays and be a star. I remember standing outside my grandmother’s house watching “Solid Gold” through the living room window when I was 12, my heart aching to be recognized like those dancers. I would watch the show from outside so I could dance like the ladies on TV without anyone seeing me. Which is good, because I am not a dancer.

Anyway, I always thought it was wrong to want so many things. The culture and the voices around me told me I couldn’t want all of those things. I remember one woman telling me I had to pick one thing and just do that and to let the rest of my desires become fluffy dreams or hobbies. Because, as she said, “You can’t do it all or have it all. No one can.”

Lady, wherever you are, you are wrong.

Today being a multi-passionate entrepreneur or serial entrepreneur is all the rage. Today the culture and the voices are changing. It turns out there is nothing wrong with following more than one “calling.” Can you believe that?

You’re allowed to pursue more than one

adventure. You are actually allowed to want more than one thing in life.

I’ve heard Marie Forleo describe herself as a multi-passionate entrepreneur several Joleene Moody times. Today I heard Emilie Wapnick’s Ted Talk use “multipotential-

instead of walk, but I’m curious nonetheless and I hope I always will be.

True to my heart, I have been fulfilling all of the things I’ve always imagined I would. But truth be told, I didn’t really allow it to be okay until this year. I’m not just a professional speaker, I am also a teacher. A coach. A writer and columnist. I am also a published author and produced playwright. Last year I had my first fulllength play produced in Syracuse. This year I wrote a screenplay and am actually going to see how far I can take it. #THATSALOTOFSTUFF

And it’s all good.

From where I stand, I’m starting to see more people in our culture embrace and accept that mulitpotentialite is real. It’s OK to want to thrive.

You don’t have to choose to just be a farmer or a nurse or a lawyer when you are little, and then stay with that one choice forever.

You can choose to be all of them. Or one of them and a writer. Or just a writer, I don’t know. But you know. You know you can be anything and everything. It’s who you are anyway, so you really don’t have to ask anyone if it’s OK to be multi-passionate.

You just are.

And if you are a good dancer, you are a superhero in my eyes.

You don’t have to choose to just be a farmer or a nurse or a lawyer when you are little, and then stay with that one choice forever.

You can choose to be all of them.

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ite” to describe the same thing. Wapnick said our culture teaches us early on to be one thing, to follow one career path.

“What do you want to be when you grow up?” moves from cute to cursed as a child grows into an adult. It leaves very creative people in a bind: Do we satiate our appetite for all things and be a multi-passionate entrepreneur? Or do we focus on one standard, one way, and continue to ignore the questions that burn within us? I personally can’t ignore the questions. Or the desires. I just can’t. I’m too curious. It’s gotten me into some trouble because I tend to run

n Joleene moody is a professional keynote speaker, author and freelance writer who lives in Oswego County with her husband and daughter.

Contact her at joleenemoody.com. Her column appears monthly in NNY Business.

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COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

Adams Monday, Dec. 21 n Chamber board of directors meeting, 6 p.m. Community Bank, 26 East Church St. Information: South Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, 232-4215.

Alexandria Bay Wednesday, Dec. 31 n New Year’s Eve Gala Celebration, Riveredge Resort, 17 Holland St. Package includes one, two and three night accommodation, a four course banquet dinner, open bar, champagne toast, live entertainment and a New Year’s Day brunch. Information: 1- (800) 3656987, enjoyus@riveredge.com or riveredge.com.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 n New Year’s Celebration, Bonnie Castle, 31 Holland St. Package includes a four course dinner, midnight champagne toast, party favors and noise makers, live entertainment and a New Year’s Day brunch . A dinner only package is available. Cost: $285 per couple. Information: 482-4511, info@ bonniecastle.com or bonniecastle.com.

Carthage Thursday, Jan. 14 n Chamber Board Meeting, noon to 1 p.m., Community Room, 120 South Mechanic St. Information: Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce, carthagenychamber@gmail.com or 493-3590.

Clayton Thursday, Dec. 17 n Business with a Twist, 5 p.m.

Thousand Islands Museum, 312 James Street. Information: 1000 Islands Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 517 Riverside Drive, 686-3771, info@1000islands-clayton.com or 1000islands-clayton.com/.

Through Thursday, Dec. 31 n 21st Annual Festival of Trees, Thousand Islands Museum, 312 James St. Information: 1000 Islands Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 517 Riverside Drive, 686-3771, info@1000islands-clayton.com or 1000islands-clayton.com.

60 | NNY Business | December 2015

Friday, Jan. 22 n 7 Continents Dinner, 6 to 8 p.m., 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Dr. Menu includes food from various world travel locations. Information: 1000 Islands Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 517 Riverside Drive, 315686-3771, info@1000islands-clayton. com or 1000islands-clayton.com.

Thursday, Feb. 18 to Saturday, Feb. 20 n Fire & Ice Extravaganza, 1000 Islands Harbor Hotel, 200 Riverside Drive. The charity event offers fireworks, music, food and drinks. 2016 charity recipient: Troopers Assisting Troops. Information: 1000 Islands Clayton Area Chamber of Commerce, 517 Riverside Drive, 6863771, info@1000islands-clayton.com or1000islands-clayton.com.

Gouverneur Thursday, Jan. 28 n Chamber Meeting, noon, Lawrence Manor, 214 E Main St. Information: Greater Gouverneur Area Chamber of Commerce, 287-0331 or gouverneurchamber.net.

Ogdensburg Monday, Dec. 14 n Annual Holiday Lighting Contest, Ogdensburg. Chamber members will tour all the entered homes and will pick the winning houses for the categories: The People’s Choice Award, Best Holiday Spirit, Traditional and Religious. Information/ register: Laura Pearson, Ogdensburg Chamber of Commerce, 393-3620.

Old Forge

to 5 p.m., North Central Assembly Church, 7463 Buckley Road. Information: Deb Angarano, dangarano@tsys.com.

Every Wednesday n Small Business Development Center, 4 to 6 p.m., Mulroy Hall, Onondaga Community College, 4585 West Seneca Turnpike. Information: 498-6070 or onondagasbdc.org.

Every Friday n 40 Above: Workers in Transition, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., North Syracuse library, 100 Trolleybarn Lane. Helping job seekers aged 40 and above in search of work. Information: John A. Cruty, 569-3964 or crutij@yahoo.com.

Thursday, Dec. 17 n December CNYIBA Networking Event, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Clark’s Ale House, Ltd., 100 East Washington St. Program offers the opportunity to meet exporters, potential clients, vendors and support organizations.

Free. Information: Center State CEO, 470-1800, CEO@centerstateceo.com or centerstateceo.com.

Friday, Dec. 18 n CNY ATD Orientation, 7:30 to 9 a.m., CXtec, 5404 South Bay Road.

Cost: Free. Information: cynastd.org, 546-2783 or info@cynastd.org.

Tuesday, Jan. 5 n Recognizing Learning Champions, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., Dave & Buster’s, Destiny USA. CNY ATD will celebrate those who develop talent in organizations. Cost: CNY ATD members, $15; nonmembers, $25. Information: cynastd.org, info@cynastd.org or 546-2783.

Friday, Jan. 22 & Saturday, Jan. 23 n 17th Annual Snowmobile Poker Run, held by Inlet Barnstormers Snowmobile Club. Players may pick up a card at any sponsor location. Have each sponsor stamp the back of the card and bring your stamped card to Daikers, 161 Daikers Cir., Old Forge by 5:15 p.m. on Saturday. Information: Fred or Carolyn Trimbach, 369-2444.

Wednesday, Jan. 13 n 2016 Economic Forecast Breakfast, 8 to 9:30 a.m., The Oncenter, 800 South State St. Join Center State CEO members, business leaders and executives for the presentation of the 2016 Economic Forecast. Ticket includes a full, hot breakfast. Cost: member, $40; non-member, $50. Information: Center State CEO, 470-1800, CEO@centerstateceo.com or centerstateceo.com.

Syracuse

Watertown

Every Tuesday n Syracuse Business Connections, 3:30

Monday, Dec. 14 ServSafe Certification, 8 a.m. to

Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@ watertownny.com.

Friday, Jan. 6 n Nomination deadline for The Business of the Year Award. Nomination form available on watertownny.com.

Submit by 4 p.m. on Jan. 6. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Monday, Dec. 14, Thursday, Jan. 14 & Monday, Feb. 8 n Boots 2 Business, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Clark Hall, Mount Belvedere Blvd., Fort Drum. This is a two-day course for soldiers transitioning out of the service and interested in starting a business.

Course offers information on business opportunities in the area, including home-based retail, service industry and online. Participants will learn about researching the potential market and how to find licensing and funding opportunities. Requirement: three-day DOL SFL-TAP briefing. Information/ register: ACAP, 772-3434 or sbdc@ sunyjefferson.edu.

Sunday, Jan. 10 & Monday, Jan. 11 n NNY Bridal Showcase, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St. The north country’s largest and longest running bridal show. Free. Register: http://form. jotform.us/form/51965013038149.

Information: Tunes 92.5, 786-0925.

Wednesday, Dec. 16 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7 p.m., Paddock Arcade, 1 Public Square.

Includes networking, prizes and food.

Register by noon, Tuesday, Dec. 15.

Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Thursday, Jan. 14 n Small Business Development Center’s Entrepreneurial Training Course, 6 to 9 p.m., Extended Learning Center, E-130, Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. Area business professionals offer instruction on businessrelated topics. Course also offered online on Monday, Feb. 1. Cost: $195. Information/ register: Continuing Education, 786-2438.

Monday, Dec 21 n Resume Start to Finish, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., Army Community Service, P-4330 Conway Road, Fort Drum.

Program designed to teach the basics of writing a resume. Registration/Information: 772-9611.

Wednesday, Dec. 31 to Sunday, Feb. 15 n Snowtown USA, daylong events around the city. Planned events include opening reception, skating on the Watertown Municipal Ice Arena, craft fair, softball tournament, character breakfast and closing ceremony with fireworks. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of

Thursday, Jan. 14 n Build Your Own Business, 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., ACS Building, Fort Drum.

Course teaches how to research the potential market, licensing, and funding opportunities. Information/register: ACS, 772-9611.

national/global issues. Cost: members, $10; non-members, $15. Register in advance by Friday, Jan. 22. Register/ Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Friday, Jan. 29 & Saturday, Jan. 30 n Snowtown USA Film Festival, downtown. Event will offer official film selections, a juried competition and family-friendly film workshops in downtown Watertown. Information/ register: info@snowtownfilmfestival. com or snowtownfilmfestival.com.

Saturday, Feb. 6 n 17th Annual North Country Chili Cook-Off, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Dulles State Office Building, 317 Washington St. Cost: adults, $6; children 12 and under, $2; families, $15; discount for military members and family. Benefits Volunteer Transportation Center.

Information: Jennifer Cross-Hodge, Volunteer Transportation Center, jen@volunteertransportation.org or VolunteerTransportationCenter.org.

Thursday, Feb. 11 n 64th Annual Israel A. Shapiro Citizenship Award Dinner, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., Hilton Garden Inn, 1290 Arsenal St. Honoring award recipient Mary Corriveau. Cost: $50 per person; $450 for corporate table of eight.

Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 20 n Business After Hours, 5 to 7p.m., Tunes 92.5, 242 Washington St. Includes networking, prizes and food.

Register by noon, Tuesday Jan. 19.

Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15.

Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 7884400 or chamber@watertownny.com.

Wednesday, Feb. 24 n Business After Hours, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Ramada Inn, 21000 NYS Route 3. Includes networking, prizes and food. Register by noon on Tuesday, Feb. 23. Cost: preregistered members, $10; members, $12; nonmembers, $15. Information: Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce, 788-4400 or chamber@ watertownny.com.

Wednesday, Jan. 27 n 2016 Economic Forecast, 8:30 to 11 a.m., Ramada Inn, 21000 NYS Route 3. Event brings together speakers to share their perspective and insight on a broad scope of local/regional/

 GOT A BUSINESS EVENT or calendar item? Email nnybusiness@wdt.net.

Deadline is the 10th of each month for the following month’s issue. Visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/NNYBusiness or www.nny bizmag.com for events calendar updates.

COMMUNITY / BUSINESS CALENDAR

4 p.m., Extended Learning Center, E-129, Jefferson Community College, 1220 Coffeen St. Workshop teaches knowledge and skills needed to prepare and serve food safely. Test is taken during final 90-minutes of the course. Those who need to retake the exam: register for “exam only” portion.

Instructor: Pope Vickers. Cost: $275.

Information/ register: Continuing Education, 786-2438.

December 2015 | NNY Business

| 61

BUSIN E SS S C E N E St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner at SUNY Potsdam

From left, Michael Gleason, Akwesasne Mohawk Casino Resort, Business of the Year award recipient Michael R. Scriminger, Fourth Coast Entertainment, Canton, and St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce executive director Brooke Rouse.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Customer Service Excellence award recipients Paul and Mike Backus, Mort Backus & Sons, St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce executive director Brooke Rouse, and Jack and Pat Backus, Mort Backus & Sons.

62 | NNY Business | December 2015

Local Producer of the Year award recipients Denise Lamay and husband, Randy, owners, River Myst Winery, Ogdensburg.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Brittany Murtagh, 2 Mama Birds, Canton, Tracy Charleson, Commercial Press, Canton, Nance Arquiett, 2 Mama Birds, Canton. The St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commcerce held its 2015 Annual Dinner on Thursday, Nov. 5, at SUNY Potsdam.

BUSIN E SS S C E N E Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Carthage Area Hospital

From left, the Rev. Jane E. Wagner and Leeann Bennett, The Promised Land Retreat Center, Harrisville.

From left, April Diles and Wendy Eddy, Carthage Area Behavioral Health

Center.

Elaine Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Melissa Strader, Martin’s Point Health Care, Evans Mills, Richard

A. Duvall, Carthage Area Hospital CEO, and Jan Alexander Martin’s Point Health Care, Evans Mills.

Elaine Avallone PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Theresa Hewit, Richard Fields and Irene Harris, Carthage Area Hospital dietary staff. The hospital hosted the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce November Business After Hours on Thursday, Nov. 12. Tug Hill Vineyards, Lowville, and Martin’s Point Health Care, Evans Mills, also sponsored the event.

December 2015 | NNY Business

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BUSIN E SS S C E N E Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Carthage Area Hospital

From left, Quatrell Walker, Kermit Allen and Eric Johnson, Carthage Revolution football team.

From left, Ann Hancock, Lorraine Davis and Yolanda Skvorak, Carthage Area Hospital Auxiliary.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Dr. Fatih Ramazanoglu and Dr. Mulazim Khan. Carthage Area Hospital hosted the Carthage Area Chamber of Commerce November Business After Hours on Thursday, Nov. 12. Tug Hill Vineyards, Lowville, and Martin’s Point Health Care, Evans Mills, also sponsored the event.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Charles M. Capone II, Watertown Savings Bank, Watertown, and Brian Navarra, Lilly Pharmaceuticals. Woolworth Apartments, Watertown, hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce November Business After Hours in the recently restored Woolworth Building on Public Square.

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BUSIN E SS S C E N E GWNC Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at the Woolworth Building

From left, Watertown Mayor-elect Joseph M. Butler Jr., Patrick J. Currier, Aubertine & Currier Architects, Engineers & Land Surveyors, Watertown, and Don Coon, DGM Coon & Company, Watertown.

From left, Steve Smith and James Trapiss, The Paddock Club, Watertown, and Justin Krafft, Krafft Cleaning Service, Watertown.

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

KEN EYSAMAN PHOTOS | NNY BUSINESS

From left, Lisa Familo, Jefferson Community College Foundation, Watertown, Peter Whitmore, Jreck Subs, Watertown, and Karen Freeman, Jefferson Community College president’s office.

From left, Erich Seber, co-owner, Woolworth Building, Watertown, Chase Fuller, Sarah Webster and Antonio Gigliotti, Woolworth Apartments, Watertown. Woolworth Apartments, Watertown, hosted the Greater Watertown-North Country Chamber of Commerce November Business After Hours in the recently restored Woolworth Building on Public Square.

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December 2015 | NNY Business

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BUSIN E SS H IS T O R Y

An underground business

North country’s vast network of caves once used commercially

By LENKA WALLDROFF

T NNY Business

he north country is renowned for its natural beauty and geographical features. Tug Hill, the St. Lawrence River, the shores of Lake Ontario, and the Thousand Islands themselves have been attracting generations of tourists to the area since the 19th century.

Sadly, what is perhaps Northern New York’s most intriguing geographical feature hasn’t been visited by tourists or locals since the 1990s: the underground caves. Watertown and a number of surrounding areas, including Dexter, Limerick, Rodman, Adams, Lyme, and Brownville have been built on top of an immense sheet of limestone. Limestone is a soft type of sedimentary rock so called because it originated as sediment- or in limestone’s particular case, the skeletons of small underwater creatures that have collected over vast amounts of time.

So what does sedimentary rock have to do with caves? Given the soft nature of limestone, it is particularly susceptible to certain compounds like carbon dioxide sometimes contained in water.

These compounds react with limestone’s composition to form carbonic acid, a weak acid that slowly begins to dissolve the rock. In Jefferson County’s case, the mighty waters of the Black River slowly but surely carved away at the limestone over the millennia to form abscesses, or caves.

Caves carved out of limestone typically showcase interesting features like springs, sinkholes, disappearing streams,

66 | NNY Business | December 2015

WATERTOWN DAILY TIMES ARCHIVES

In this 1988 photo, Denny Ellingsworth discusses his decision to live in one of the Black River caves in Watertown. In 2011, a group of spelunkers sought permission to explore and map the caves. The north country’s many caves have been a part of local lore for almost as long as some of its cities have existed.

and enlarged bedrock joints. Limestone also introduces minerals and nutrients to the ground that help with soil fertility — something that generations of area farmers have surely appreciated. Another interesting fact is that limestone caves can exist in areas where there isn’t a surface stream found for hundreds or thousands of acres — a testament to the persistent nature of water. New York is noted for its caves, with the longest networks found around Albany and in Jefferson County.

Simply referred to as the “Watertown Caves,” it was long believed that the first exploration of the local caverns by white settlers was conducted in 1822. However, in 1935, Crandall Phillips, a local judge, discovered the date 1809 inscribed on a cavern wall. Judge Phillips was an

experienced cave explorer noted for his numerous underground excursions.

The noted British naval officer, traveler, and author, Capt. Frederick Marryat wrote about the caves. He published his accounts in a thinly veiled work of fiction in 1842. Numerous visitors to the caves reported labyrinthine passages leading to underground streams, high Gothic chambers, and stalagmites and stalactites. These reports have contributed vastly to our knowledge of these interesting caverns, which have never been professionally or fully mapped.

Two local attempts were made in 1958 and 1970 but the results were incomplete. Last year, members of the Western New York cave explorers group Niagara Frontier Grotto contacted city officials

in Watertown about exploring the Black River cave under the Watertown Veterans Memorial Riverwalk.

The caves have been part of local lore for almost as long as Watertown has been in existence. Legend maintains that somewhere in their tentacle-like depths they hide a cache of gold, artifacts, and other buried treasure. To date, however, the only artifacts discovered in the caverns have been those left by previous parties marking their visit — a glass bottle containing a slip of paper dated June 1, 1911, bearing the visitors’ signatures, for example.

Outside of individual adventures, some of the caves were used for commercial entertainment. The caves located in Glen Park, just down river from Watertown, were included in a small local amusement park that operated there for some years. The park was in many ways similar to Coney Island and included a Ferris wheel, merry-go-rounds, concession stands, midway performances, and even a guided tour of the local cave.

The caves were used for practical purposes as well. The caverns under Watertown’s Newell Street were reportedly used for refrigeration. As the ice in those caves formed around mid-winter and did not melt until September, a local brewery used the caves to store beer. In another instance, one of the Public Square caverns was considered by the City Council for a possible bomb shelter during World War II. At one point, Watertown’s Chamber of Commerce even considered opening the caves to the public, hoping to draw more tourists. While that idea never came to fruition, the caves were used as the venue for nearly 30 wedding ceremonies over the years.

Citing insurance liability, most cave entrances were sealed up during the mid1990s after increasing numbers of people got lost in them or were trapped by falling debris. Though they are no longer open to the public, the caves will certainly live on in local memory and lore. n Lenka P. Walldroff is former curator

of collections for the Jefferson County Historical Museum. She is a former museum specialist and conservator at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Business history is a

monthly feature, often from the archives of the Watertown Daily Times. Visit www.watertowndailytimes.com to access digital archives since 1988, or stop by the Times, 260 Washington St., Watertown to research materials in our library that date back to the 1800s.

COMPASSIONATE PERSONALIZED QUALITY QUALITY CARE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY Hospice of Jefferson County delivers compassionate, personalized, high-quality care. Hospice is committed to comfort, privacy, dignity and control.

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December 2015 | NNY Business

| 67

N E X T M ON T H

I

n our January issue, we examine the business and economic outlook for Northern New York in 2016 with a special focus on the impact of a falling Canadian dollar in the region’s tourism and retail sectors.

Also coming next month: n THE YEAR THAT WAS: We take a look back at some of the businesses, issues and industries that made headlines across Northern New York last year. n MARKING A MILESTONE: Stefano’s Pizzeria in the Village of Carthage celebrated 30 years in business in 2015. We go inside the family restaurant that began small with Sicilian-born founder and owner Stefano Magro baking Italian pies to perfection. We learn their secrets to longevity. n 20 QUESTIONS: An in-depth interview with a north country business leader n PLUS: Small Business Startup, NNY Snapshot, Economically Speaking, Commerce Corner, Nonprofits, Business Tech Bytes, Small Business Success, Real Estate, Agri-Business, Business History and Business Scene. n VISIT US ONLINE at www.nnybizmag.com.

Follow us on Twitter for daily updates at @NNYBusinessMag, like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/nnybusiness, and view eEditions at www.issuu.com/NNYBusiness.

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briefcase, from page 48 but the decision was also about the market.

The market is demanding U.S.-built products,” said Mr. Lobdell, who launched HealthWay in Pulaski about a decade ago with his father, Vincent G. Lobdell Sr., CEO of the company.

Depending on the model, he said, the new residential units will be priced from $799 to $999. He said the unit will be designed to be more efficient than others on the market, with the ability to filter a 1,000-square-foot space about four times per hour.

The new product will join the commercial air purifiers manufactured at the Pulaski facility.

Those units are used by several large clients in the U.S., including Hyatt Hotels Corp., and the corporate headquarters of the BMW Group in Beijing, China. Other notable clients include Harvard University and SUNY Oswego.

Mr. Lobdell said international demand for air purifiers is expected to grow. While the company now does about 15 percent of its business overseas, he said, that figure is expected to climb to roughly 50 percent in five years.

When HealthWay was launched, he said, it specialized only in building products for other companies that sold them under private labels.

But the company has shifted its focus in recent years to manufacturing its own products under the HealthWay brand. About 70 percent of its products now are sold under its own brand, and the remainder are sold under private labels.

Vinny and Vincent Lobdell are known in Pulaski for acquiring the long-closed Kallet Theater in 2011. The theater and events center, which opened in the fall of 2013 after it was rebuilt, hosts an array of live performances and special events.

HEALTH CARE

Samaritan closes on medical office building

Samaritan Medical Center closed Nov. 12 on the $14.4 million purchase of a three-story medical office building at 826 Washington St. The 45,000-square-foot building, which houses an array of medical offices, was bought from owner Rothschild Breuer and Associates, Syracuse, said Krista A. Kittle, Samaritan spokeswoman. The property, adjacent to the hospital’s parking garage, is connected to the hospital and houses numerous medical tenants.

Although the hospital plans to renovate the building, those plans will not impact existing tenants.

The hospital’s request for up to $11 million in tax-exempt bonds toward the acquisition of the building was approved last month by the Jefferson County Civic Facility Development Corp.’s board. Donald C. Alexander, JCIDA CEO, said Samaritan needed bonds to help pay off a short-term loan needed to acquire the building. The sale of the bonds will be handled on behalf of Samaritan by Bond, Schoeneck and King, Syracuse.

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