Orange County Chamber December Viewpoint by Orange County Chamber of Commerce

December 2011 T h e O f f i c i a l P u b l i c a t i o n o f t h e O r a n g e Co u n t y C h a m b e r o f Co m m e r c e

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce leads the way in creating and supporting an environment in which business will succeed and the quality of life is enhanced.

CHAMBER SEEKS INPUT TO ...

‘Promote the Economic Viability of Orange County’ Do you have any good ideas on how government could be streamlined in order to help out local businesses?

Share your thoughts If so, the Chamber’s Government Initiatives and Education Committee wants you to come to a meeting on Wednesday, December 7 when the committee plans to identify successful local government initiatives that are specifically aimed at streamlining the approval process, reducing energy consumption/costs and improving the business climate. The meeting will begin at 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber Business Center in Montgomery and refreshments will be provided. Terry Olivo, Chief Operating Officer of Orange-Ulster BOCES, will be on hand to discuss the 2% tax cap. The practical solutions that are identified during this discussion will then be shared with all Orange County officials to spread the word that cooperation is achievable and profitable for the public and private sectors alike. Current members of the Government Initiatives Committee include local elected officials, business and non-profit leaders, but anyone with input as noted above is encouraged to attend the meeting on December 7.

Priorities established The legislative agenda developed by the Government Initiatives and Education Committee for 2012 includes the following: Continued Advocacy at the State Level ● Strongly voice opposition to the MTA mobility (payroll) tax ● Support mandate relief in New York State ● Support reform of the State Environmental Quality Review (SEQR) process

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Support of the 105th Air National Guard at Stewart has always been one of the regional priorities for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Orange County Initiatives ● Encourage the cooperation of municipal and local governments to become more efficient and cost effective: • Partner with other organizations to educate municipal boards • Oppose any new taxes or fees for businesses ● Support small business growth and retention: • Lower energy costs • Promote tax relief ● Partner with educational agencies: • Maximize efficiencies and cost effectiveness • Ensure that education matches work place needs ● Address workforce development issues including:

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• Child care • Affordable workforce housing • Transportation Regional Initiatives ● Stewart International Airport • Support the Port Authority’s efforts to grow the airport • Support the 105th Air National Guard Base ● Support the Governor’s Mid-Hudson Regional Economic Development Council in its mission of economic development for our area. ● Provide input as appropriate for major infrastructure projects: • Impact of conversion of Route 17 to I86

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and adding additional lanes • Tappan Zee Bridge The Chamber’s Government Initiatives and Education Committee generally meets on the first Wednesday of the month at 8:00 a.m. at the Chamber Business Center in Montgomery. As mentioned above, the next meeting, on December 7, will be dedicated to identifying government initiatives whose purposes are to make it easier and more profitable to do business in Orange County. For more information on any government-related issue, contact Carol Smith, Vice President of Government Initiatives and Special Projects, at 845-457-9700 or carols@orangeny.com.

w w w . o r a n g e n y . c o m

this Issue President’s Message

3 Member Spotlight

New Members

4 Anniversaries

Member Events

5 Health Notes

Did You Know?

6, 7 Education Notes

Calendar

8 Member Renewals

Reservation Form

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

Thanks to 2011 Corporate Partners

Depew Energy fuels your business or residence 30 Scott’s Corners Drive • Montgomery, NY 12549 email: info@orangeny.com • http://www.orangeny.com 457-9700 Fax 457-8799 OFFICERS Charlie Milch, Chairman The RAL Supply Group, Inc. Tom Sullivan, Chair-Elect Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc., Funeral Homes James Taylor, Vice-Chairman Taylor Biomass Energy, L.L.C. Michael Turturro, Vice-Chairman Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell Ron Barton, Secretary Barton Birks Chevrolet Cadillac Ralph Martucci, Treasurer WVT Communications Donna Johnson, Immediate Past Chairman DJ Consulting Services, Inc. Dr. John A. D'Ambrosio, President Orange County Chamber of Commerce John J. McDermott, III 17K Property Group Mary Ann Butler Mary Ann Butler Enterprises Michael Bonura Anthony’s Pier 9 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Duane Albro USA Datanet Susan Crocker Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro Eric Fuentes Orange & Rockland Utilities Kenya Gipson Clear Channel Communications Edison Guzman A&E Advertising and Web Design Johann Huleatt Bruderhof Church Ciommunities Nick Illobre KnappQuest HR, Inc. Dr. Michelle Koury Crystal Run Healthcare Rev. Kevin Mackin Mt. St. Mary College Russ Martinson Cooley Group Karen Miller Frontier Communications Lisa Montanaro LM Organizing Solutions, L.C. Karl Najork Credit Bureau of the Hudson Valley Dr. William Richards Orange County Community College Tim Scannell Mobile Life Support Services Capt. Kathleen Sileno 105th Air National Guard Bill Sivillo Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours Josh Sommers Focus Media, Inc. Janice Valentino Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties Sharon Warantz Jellybean Promotions Scott Wohl Builders Association of the Hudson Valley CHAMBER COUNSEL Glen L. Heller Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, P.L.L.C.

EMERITUS Dr. Arthur C. Anthonisen Hudson Valley Trade Association Thomas C. DeBenedictus Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell F. Edward Devitt Winding Hills Golf Club Katharine Fitzgerald Retired Thomas F. Gibney Hometown Bank of the Hudson Valley Patricia Gilchrest Retired Stewart P. Glenn Glenn & Breheney, P.L..L.C. Robert Heiferman Jackson, Lewis, L.L.P. Louis Heimbach Sterling Forest, L.L.C. Woody Levitan Levitan, Yegidis & Associates, L.L.P. Anthony Martine Immaculate Designs Carole S. McDermott Meals on Wheels of Greater Newburgh Marsh H. Merrill Charles B. Merrill Office Equipment & Supplies Ralph L. Mills Abbott & Mills Dr. Kunwar Nagpal Nagpal DentaL Associates Peter Polhamus Newburgh Molded Products Dreena Pross Emblem Health Milton Ritter Milton Ritter Insurance Robert W. Scherreik McBride Corporate Real Estate A. Alan Seidman Construction Contractors Association James P. Smith, Jr. Advance Testing Company, Inc. William F. Vacca Provident Bank Jill Varricchio Concept Promotions, Inc. Staff Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio President Daniel Rea O’Brien Senior Vice President, Membership Development & Services Carol Smith Vice President of Government Initiatives & Special Projects Ellen Daley Vice President of Communications Rudy Hoke Vice President of Finance & Facilities Cheryl Cohen Director of Membership Investment Roseann Bouzakis Director of Events Karen Sawyer Manager of Community Partnerships Wendy Melick Information Technology Specialist Christine Colon Administrative Assistant

By Paul Depew At Depew Energy, we pride ourselves on being a family-owned and operated business. In 1998, after being in the landscaping business for more than 15 years, Depew Oil was born with one truck and service van. Brothers Paul and David Depew worked 24 hours a day to gain the trust and confidence of their customers. They provided fuel oil and repair services at great prices and quality work. Their customer list grew quickly to include the Defense Department, New York State, Orange County, local hospitals and thousands of other loyal customers. In 2009, Depew Oil started providing propane to our customers. At that time, we changed our name to Depew Energy Company. Our competition did not want us in the propane business. They were afraid we would make the local propane industry prices a lot lower, like we did with the fuel oil industry. Well, they were right about that. Today, we have grown to over 20 trucks and 30 employees with the help of our family and friends. If your business or family needs fuel oil, diesel fuel or propane delivery or any type of repair service or installations, we would be honored to serve you. This is the time of year to make sure that your heating system, business or residential, is operating at peak efficiency. Your heating unit works hard all year, especially in the winter months, but is it working as hard as it could be? The older your unit, the more likely it needs to be serviced annually to ensure you are not throwing your money out the window. A well maintained heating system helps cut

Our generous Partners this year are:

your energy bill by up to 10% and extends the lifespan of this expensive equipment. We conduct a thorough system evaluation with every system tune-up we perform. Details of this service include: ● Thoroughly brush and vacuum the heating unit, flue pipe, chimney base. ● Check and replace oil filter cartridge and gaskets (if equipped), replace pump strainer (if equipped) and gaskets. ● Replace nozzle, brush drawer assembly, properly adjust electrodes and check electrode porcelains. ● Inspect and clean air tube and combustion head. ● Test transformer/igniter, clean cad cell and properly align. ● Check and lubricate burner motor (if applicable), clean burner housing, air inlets and fan, check burner coupling for cracks and wear. ● Inspect circulators and zone valves (lubricate if applicable), check control settings, check expansion/compression tank for proper system pressure. ● Perform a complete electronic efficiency test adjusting for peak operation. At Depew Oil we are dedicated to serving you, our customers, with the best fuels and services available anywhere. We take pride in delivering the safest, most economical and efficient type of heating fuel there is. Please call 568-0072 or visit us at www.depewoil.com. Our office is located at 5182 Route 9W in Newburgh. (Depew Energy is one of the Orange County Chamber’s Gold Corporate Partners. Paul Depew is Vice President/Owner of Depew Energy. )

Platinum Partners: Crystal Run Healthcare USA Datanet, A WVT Communications Company Gold Partners: A & E Advertising and Web Design Advance Testing Company Barton, Birks Chevrolet, Cadillac Depew Energy Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC Elant, Inc. Entrepreneurial Assistance Program Focus Media, Inc. Key Bank Local 17 - Laborers-Employers Cooperation & Education Trust Marshall & Sterling Insurance Mobile Life Support Services, Inc. Orange & Rockland Utilities SB Credit Card Services Steingart Associates Stewart International Airport/The PANYNJ Taylor Biomass Energy, L.L.C. TD Bank Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell Walden Savings Bank Media Partners: Clear Channel of the Hudson Valley Cumulus Radio of the Hudson Valley Fox Radio Group – WGNY-AM/WGNY-FM/WJGK-FM/ WDLC-AM/WTSX -FM Times Herald-Record Time Warner Cable WSUL 98.3/95.7 - WVOS .95.9/105.7 Watermark Communications

Designed, printed and distributed by the Times Herald-Record PO Box 2046, 40 Mulberry Street, Middletown, NY 10940. 845-341-1100 Fax 845-346-3045. For advertising information call 346-3252. The editorial content of The Business Viewpoint is written in its entirety by the Chamber of Commerce of Orange County. The views expressed are not necessarily those of the Times Herald-Record.

Publisher: Joe Vanderhoof Logo Design: AJ Ross Creative Media Editor: Ellen Daley Production and Design: Times Herald-Record Advertising Representative: Mary Ann Butler

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Chamber Senior Vice President to receive Leadership award Daniel Rea O’Brien, the Chamber’s Senior Vice President for Membership Development and Services, has been selected to receive the Leadership Orange Partnership Award. The award is given to an individual who “through their ideas, actions and accomplishments has had a direct and positive impact on the quality of life in Orange County” and who “demonstrates leadership skills by bringing various segments of the community together.” In addition to numerous community activities, Dan is credited with being one of the major forces behind creation of Leadership Orange. He has served as the organization’s President, Vice President and on many committees. After more than 20 years with the Orange County Chamber, Dan

is retiring at the end of December. The award will be presented at the 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Orange County Partnership on Tuesday, December 6 at Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor. Tickets are $130 per person and reservations can be made by contacting the Partnership at 294-2323 or visiting www.ocpartnership.org. Previous winners of the Leadership Orange Award, which has been presented since 1994, include: Dr. Bill Richards, President of SUNY Orange; Alan Seidman, Executive Director of the Construction Contractors Association; and Barbara Sampson, former Executive Director of the Sarah Wells Girl Scout Council (now Girl Scouts Heart of the Hudson).

Cutting the ribbon of the American Cancer Society’s new Hudson Valley Regional office in New Windsor are from left: Lillian Jones, American Cancer Society’s Regional Vice President, Hudson Valley Region; John Manna, Board President, American Cancer Society Regional Board of Advisors; and Jeanne Walsh, ACS Executive Vice President, Upstate New York. The new office at 121 Executive Drive now house all ACS staff from Orange, Rockland, Dutchess, Ulster, Sullivan and Putnam counties.

Commercial lighting seminar set Representatives from Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. and Orange & Rockland Utilities will join forces to present a seminar on how businesses can save money on upgrading their lighting facilities on Friday, December 2 from 8:00-9:00 a.m. at the Orange County Chamber Business Center

in Montgomery. The free seminar will outline Central Hudson’s “How Brilliant is That?” program and O&R’s “Lighten Up.” To make a reservation, call 457-9700, email roseannb@orangeny.com or visit www. orangeny.com.

President’s Message

Holidays = buying locally I’m fairly certain that no one is tired of hearing me say: “When you shop and when you dine and even when you shop on line, think local first.” I preach this philosophy all year long, but it is never more important than at this time of year. With the holidays approaching, most of us will be shopping and spending more money than we do at any other time of year. So, when we do, let’s make sure to think local first. Nobody has to be reminded of how much our economy benefits when we patronize local businesses. Understanding the advantages of buying locally is a no-brainer. Beyond the fact that buying locally is good for the economy, it also supports local service organizations and non-profit agencies because hundreds of businesses are involved with these organizations. Local businessmen and women devote enormous amounts of time and energy to human service and nonprofit causes. If their businesses weren’t viable, this would not be possible. And don’t forget to give locally, build locally and fly locally (Stewart Airport) as well. The job of a chamber of commerce is to

promote its members. Chamber members supporting other chamber members is what our organizations are all about. But at the very least, buy locally whenever you can. And when you’re doing your holiday shopping, do it right here in the Hudson Valley. Last but not least, I wish everyone a safe, healthy and happy holiday season and all the best in the year to come. John A. D’Ambrosio, Ed.D. President

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

New Members Acclesia Ministries of Newburgh, Inc. Steve Ruelke P.O. Box 1621 Newburgh, NY 12551 (845) 562-7920 Religious Organizations

Fort Knox Gold Buyers & Jewelers Steve Rinaldo 165 Route 32 Central Valley, NY 10917 (845) 928-4653 Jewelers

Charlie Brown’s Steakhouse Barry Frommer 505 Schutt Road Middletown, NY 10940 (845) 342-0601 Restaurants

Freedom Road Bible Church Richard Bruschi 850 Route 52 Walden, NY 12548 (845) 778-4290 Religious Organizations

Classic Woodworks and Restoration Richard Marchione 25 Bushville Road Westtown, NY 10998 (845) 978-0035 Woodworking

Greater Hudson Valley Family Health CenterEncore Regina C. McGrade 2570 Route 9W North Cornwall, NY 12518 (845) 458-8313 Consignment

Community Communications Daivd J. Rein 4 Crotty Lane, Suite 100-18 New Windsor, NY 12553 (845) 401-6400 Audio/Visual Equipment

Hobby Lobby Stores, Inc. Kari Andrews 400 Route 211 East Middletown, NY 10940 (845) 343-7884 Retailers/Malls/Shopping Centers

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Kathy Ferrusi 30 Hawkins Drive Montgomery, NY 12549 (845) 463-3011 Hudson Valley Psychological Association Rebecca Rooney 172 South Street Middletown, NY 12603 (845) 452-0274 Human Service Organizations Loma’s Sidestreet Saloon Loma Yehl 8 Schneider Avenue Highland Falls, NY 10928 (845) 527-0485 Restaurants Matty Roxx Matt Krass 18 Spring Street Haverstraw, NY 10927 (917) 830-7699 Musical Instruments/Instructors/Repair/Management

Steffy Law, P.C. Joseph B. Steffy 1662 Route 300, Suite 123 Newburgh, NY 12550 (800) 865-8550 Attorneys The Castle Fun Center Susan Berntsen 109 Brookside Avenue Chester, NY 10918 (845) 469-2116 Entertainment The Pastoral Counseling Center, Inc. Judi Santopietro 2139 Route 17K Montgomery, NY 12549 (845) 361-2777 Human Service Organizations The Solar Energy Consortium Carl Meyer 434 Old Neighborhood Road Kingston, NY 12401 (845) 336-0100 Manufacturers

Millpond Barber Shop Donna Watson 62 Millpond Parkway Monroe, NY 10950 (845) 782-2283 Beauty Services/Barbers

Thrivent Finanical Seth Rivers 400 Grand Street Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 206-8845 Financial Services/Investment Management

Platinum Office Suites Angelo Petito 1108 Kings Highway Chester, NY 10918 (845) 469-2944 Real Estate - Sales/Rentals

Verizon Wireless Zone of Montgomery Eric Maldonado 125 Hawkins Drive Montgomery, NY 12549 (845) 784-1515 Telecommunications

Snack Rite Vending Matthew Moran 49 East Main Street Walden, NY 12586 (845) 778-2428 Vending Machines/Operators

Verizon Wireless Zone of Newburgh Eric Maldonado 39 North Plank Road Newburgh, NY 12550 (845) 784-1612 Telecommunications

Soundsational DJ Entertainment Steven Vittoria 157 Highland Avenue Marlboro, NY 12542 (845) 236-3824 Entertainment

Wavecom Solutions Mark Yasika 10 Amy Road Washingtonville, NY 10992 (808) 791-3089 Telecommunications

2012 Directory advertising available Ad space is still available in the 2012 Membership Directory and Buyer’s Guide, the local “Who’s Who in Business.” Promote your business in this publication which goes to all 1,700

Chamber members and is used in the ongoing economic development of Orange County and region. Contact Karen Sawyer at 457-9700 or karens@orangeny.com for information or to reserve your ad.

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Health Insurance note

The Ruby Group, a Goshenbased development, consulting and construction-management company, recently broke ground on Vista Woods at Blooming Grove, a 17-lot development in the Town of Blooming Grove. The Ruby Group also announced a second development, Vista Woods at Shawangunk, a 20-lot development in the Town of Shawangunk. Pictured at Vista Woods at Blooming Grove are, from left: Peter Berman, CEO of The Ruby Group; Howie Berman, Principal of The Ruby Group; Frank Fornario, Supervisor of the Town of Blooming Grove; Scott Wohl, Executive Officer of the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley; and Daniel Rea O’Brien, Senior Vice President, Membership Development and Services of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

Open enrollment is currently being offered for the Chamber’s health insurance program. Open enrollment is the opportunity to change your current health insurance program or add employees to one of the following programs: CDPHP and MVP (high deductible plans are now available). Other programs for groups of two or more are available through: Aetna, CDPHP, Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield, Emblem Health, MVP and Oxford. Programs for sole proprietors include plan options through: CDPHP and MVP. Vision and Dental plans are also available. For more information and/or applications, contact Christine Florio at 725-7390 or cflorio@orangebenefits.com before December 3. Open Enrollment is being offered from December 1-27 for OBP’s association health insurance programs. Note that these programs under Open Enrollment will be for a January 1, 2012 effective date.

Member Events Looking for the perfect place to plan your holiday party? Call Quinnz Pinz and ask about packages that include two hours of bowling and food, or plan something different in Brendyn’s Sportsbar and add bowling to you package. They host holiday parties, baby showers, bachelorette parties, corporate events, mixers, team-building and more. They will also customize your menu. Bands appear on Fridays at 8:30 p.m. and Karaoke Saturday nights at 8:30. Call Lori at 343-8121. On Saturday, December 3 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Safe Harbors of the Hudson will hold the fourth annual “Bells on Broadway” arts and crafts show and children’s holiday festival in the Ritz Theater Lobby and The Green Room in the City of Newburgh. The cost for vendors is $50 and includes a 10’ x 10’ space. Applications and guidelines for potential vendors are available for download at www.safe-harbors.org or by contacting June Henley at 562-6940, ext. 110 or jhenley@ safe-harbors.org. The Wireless Zone of Newburgh and New Windsor will hold the Grand Opening Celebration for its new Montgomery location at 125 Hawkins Drive in the Shoprite Mall on Saturday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. Join them for the Ribbon Cutting with the Orange County Chamber, live WRRV remote broadcast, prizes, giveaways

and refreshments. For more information, visit www.orangecountyzone.com or stop in any of their three locations: 367 Windsor Highway, New Windsor (next to UPS); 39 North Plank Road, Newburgh (next to Price Chopper); 125 Hawkins Drive, Montgomery. The Town of Crawford is hosting a “Toys for Tots” Pasta Dinner Event on Friday, December 9 from 4:00-7:30 p.m. at the Crawford Town Hall Building, 121 Route 302, Pine Bush. Dinner is free with the donation of a new, unwrapped toy, or, guests can donate at the door: $7 for adults and $3 for children 12 and under. Santa will be there to give out candy canes and the US Marines will be on hand as well. To RSVP or to donate, call Domanie Ragni at 744-8230. Douglas Winslow Cooper, Ph.D., will speak about his new book, Ting and I: A Memoir of Love, Courage, and Devotion, at a book signing at the Josephine-Louise Public Library at 5 Scofield Street, Walden, from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 15. Profits from book purchases will be donated to the library. Catlin Gardens will hold a Holiday Gala on Friday, December 16 beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Terrace Room. Cocktails will be available until 8:00 p.m. and dinner will begin at 8:15. The Jon Bates Band featuring Debbie Major will perform. Tickets are $79 per person. A hotel stay can be added for $99. To reserve, call 355-3555 or visit www.catlingardens.com.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

Did You Know? Michelle Reiner, Robert Wilson and Megan Mastowski have joined Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell as Junior Accountants in the Client Service Department. Reiner is in the Wappingers Falls office; Wilson and Mastowski are in the Newburgh office. Lauren Arneth has joined the firm as a Junior Accountant in the Tax Department in the Newburgh office. Daniel Zica has joined the firm as a Supervisor in the Newburgh office. Denise Granton has joined Empire State Bank as Assistant Vice President and Branch Manager of the New Paltz office. Prior to joining Empire State, Granton was with JP Morgan Chase Bank. McNeilly Wood Products, Inc., at 120 Neelytown Road in Campbell Hall, has announced the purchase and site plan approval for a 32-acre parcel adjacent to its existing 10-acre Campbell Hall facility. Expanded pallet recycling, new pallet and mulch production are planned. Visit www.mcneillywoodproducts.com for more information. Results from the J.D. Power and Associates 2011 Home Buyer/Seller Study, recognize RE/MAX for providing the highest overall consumer satisfaction for both home buyers and home sellers. In last year’s study, two different companies ranked the highest in each category, but this year home buyers and sellers both rated RE/MAX the highest. Robert Pitkofsky, an attorney representing small/ medium-sized businesses, not-for-profit organizations and individuals, recently spoke to notfor-profit executive directors and board members through the Cornell Cooperative Extension Rockland. He discussed a wide variety of insurance and risk management legal concerns, including vendor relationship management through effective contract negotiation, some common pitfalls to avoid when dealing with contracts, and how to prepare your organization in the event of a disaster. Anyone interested in having Pitkofsky speak about a myriad of legal-related topics should visit http://www.pitkofskylaw.com/ for more information. The Internet site writeyourbookwithme.com has been established by Douglas Winslow Cooper, Ph.D., freelance writer, to enable potential book authors to get help getting started on writing a book of their own, for family, friends, associates, customers, neighbors, and the wider world. Dr. Cooper recently published Ting and I: A Memoir of Love, Courage, and Devotion, available at amazon.com, bn.com, and tingandi.com in paperback or Ebook formats. Dr. Cooper has published over 100 technical articles, as well as many less serious works. Initial consultations are free. Call 778-4204 for information. The Middletown Café of Panera Bread® recently supported Willow Hill Farm’s 13th Annual Fall Classic Horse Show to benefit Equine Rescue, Inc. by providing refreshments and raffle prizes. For the past 14 years, Panera Bread has helped many charitable organizations through Operation

Dough-Nation®, a program that allows Panera Bread and its customers to aid local charities. The Richard P. O’Beirne Memorial Foundation has been established as a component charitable fund of the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan by family and friends. O’Beirne, best known as executive director of the Construction Contractors Association of the Hudson Valley, was a businessman and philanthropist who left a local legacy. Through the O’Beirne Foundation, grants will be awarded to non-profit organizations that advance humanitarian need and economic growth in the Hudson Valley. Also, the Kidz4Causes Fund has been established within the foundation as a donor advised fund. Kidz4Causes is a group of high school and college students who find ways to give back by fundraising for various charitable causes. For more information, contact the Community Foundation at 769-9393. Julia Goings-Perrot, a member of Tarshis, Catania, Liberth, Mahon & Milligram, is a co-chair for the fall conference of the New York State Bar Association’s Health Law Section. The Health Law Section is NYSBA’s youngest and fastest growing section offering its members the opportunity to advance public consideration of important issues. The conference is a two-day event being hosted at The Yale Club in New York City. John McCarey, Director of Orange County’s Real Property Tax Service Office, was recently installed as President of the New York State Association of County Directors of Real Property Tax Services. Previously he had served as the association’s first Vice President. American Mobile Glass has a weekly “special board” just like your local deli (e.g., special inshop chip repair on windshield for $40)! Stop by 126 Sprague Avenue, Middletown, and check it out. Call 381-1581 for more information. WAMC Northeast Public Radio recently raised $1 million from its members in less than 10 days. The Hudson Valley’s own Natalie Merchant announced a benefit concert for WAMC, and singer James Taylor called the station during the fund drive to issue a “$5,000 dollar challenge.” In addition, the station was featured in a recent Wall Street Journal article. The Orange County Arts Council recently presented its Annual Art Awards at the Harness Racing Museum and Hall of Fame in Goshen. The event honored individuals and organizations that made outstanding contributions to the arts in Orange County. Recipients included individual artists, art patrons, volunteers, nonprofit cultural organizations and corporate patrons. AJ Ross Creative Media recently completed the new Orange County Tourism website, www.OrangeTourism.org. The site was also expanded so that in addition to tourism informa-

tion, it also contains new sections like Fascinating Facts, Maps & Charts, Photo Galleries and a video. The new site also ties into Orange County Tourism’s Facebook App, also created by AJ Ross. To learn more about AJ Ross Creative Media, visit www.ajross.com, call 800723-4644 or email info@ajross.com. Lori M. Rothman has joined Quinnz Pinz and Brendyn’s Sportbar& Grille as Event and Entertainment Manager. Mrs. Rothman was previously employed at Monticello Casino & Raceway. For more information, call 343-8121. The Independent Community Bankers of America, Empire State Bank and Ulster Savings Bank remind consumers that now is the perfect time to join the “go local” movement by banking locally with a local community bank. To find your local community bank, visit www.icba.org/locate. Community Communications is the newest client at the Orange County Business Accelerator. Community Communications CEO David Rein said that he learned about the Accelerator at the Orange County Chamber’s September EXPO. OCBA, located at 4 Crotty Lane in New Windsor at Stewart Airport, is a business incubator program launched by the Orange County Industrial Development Agency (IDA). Phillip E. Goldstein, Managing Partner at Goldstein Lieberman & Company, L.L.C., announces that the firm has been ranked the 18th largest CPA firm in the State of New Jersey, according to a survey conducted by NJ Biz, and the largest CPA firm in the Hudson Valley. NJBIZ is New Jersey’s only weekly business journal. GLC recently made a third donation to Breast Cancer Options as part of the company’s Cares Program. The check presentation was held at the Goshen office of Congresswoman Nan Hayworth. In recognition of September’s Hunger Awareness Month, the partners and staff of personal injury law firm Finkelstein and Partners, L.L.P. participated in the third annual Hudson Valley Food Frenzy. The Food Frenzy is a friendly competition among area businesses to raise food and monetary donations for the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. F&P collected a total of 2,095 pounds of food. Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union (HVFCU) has opened its newest branch in the Town of Montgomery, at 30 Hawkins Drive, just north of the intersection of Route 84 and Route 208 at exit five. This is the credit union’s fourth branch office in Orange County. HVFCU is a full service, notfor-profit financial cooperative, offering more than 248,000 members real estate and consumer loans, a wide variety of saving and transactional accounts, investment services, estate planning, trust services and business services. Property and casualty insurance is available through the Insurance Agency of the Hudson Valley, an affiliate of HVFCU. Young Leaders United is now accepting applications for membership. This exclusive group helps support the work of United Way Serving

Dutchess and Orange Counties through community service, outreach and volunteerism. Applications will be accepted through December 14. Young Leaders membership is open to individuals who live or work in Dutchess or Orange counties between the age s of 18 and 40 years. Learn more about Young Leaders United membership and download the application form at www.unitedwaydutchess.org. The Thayer Leader Development Group was ranked number 50 in the category of Large Consulting Groups in Warren Bennis’ Leadership 500. The Leadership 500 is an annual ranking of the best individuals, teams and organizations in leadership development practices and employee motivation-productivity. TLDG also published an article “Lead the Army Way,” which was included in the October 2011 issue of “Leadership Excellence.” For more information on TLDG and its custom-designed programs, contact Mimi Garcia, Learning Coordinator at 446-4731, ext. 7969. For the second consecutive year, Orange County has earned a spot on the 100 Best Communities for Young People list.” This national recognition comes from America’s Promise Alliance and “is testament to the hard work and commitment our county has to doing what is right and necessary to help our young people achieve their potential,” said County Executive Ed Diana. The annual competition recognizes communities across the country that focus on reducing high school dropout rates and providing service and support to their youth. Orange County native Dan Kahn, of Richmor Aviation, is President of Jet Charter Now, an international luxury jet charter broker with access to over 4,000 high-performance jets around the world headquartered at Stewart International Airport. Richmor Aviation, which has operated its own fleet of luxury aircraft since 1967, launched Jet Charter Now to meet the growing demand for corporate and private-individual luxury jet travel. For more information contact Jet Charter Now toll free at 855-5675387 ( JETS), www.jetcharternow.com. Donovan Media Strategies, your Search Optimization and Online Content Marketing experts, are pleased to be working with: The Council of Industry of Southeastern New York, Gurian Tax and Business Services, and Jeff Wilkinson R.A. Donovan is also assisting the Greater Newburgh YMCA and will be expanding with offices in Beacon by year’s end. Millpond Barbershop at 62 Millpond Parkway in Monroe is now open on Mondays, open two late nights and has daily early hours. Hours are: Monday, 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday, 7:45 a.m.-5:45 p.m.; Thursday and Friday, 7:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m.; Saturday, 6:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Millpond Barbershop accepts cash and checks only. Call 782-2283. Did You Know? • Continued on page 7

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Did You Know? • Continued from page 6 Access Physical Therapy & Wellness’s office in Milford, PA is now open and taking patients. The new office will be treating patients Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Dr. Innocent Rwakonda, having practiced in the Milford area for over 15 years, will supervise the practice. For more information on the Milford office or other physical/ occupational therapy topics, visit www. AccessPTW.com or contact Stephen Albanese at 457-5555 or salbanese@accessptw.com. The three Hudson Valley REALTOR® groups created one of the largest REALTOR® associations in the nation, with a membership of close to 10,000, when members of the Orange County Association of Realtors, Rockland County Board of Realtors and Westchester Putnam Association of Realtors voted in favor of the merger that will create the new Hudson Gateway Association of REALTORS® (HGAR) on January 1, 2012. Lawrence Whyte Jr joined Sedore Hudson Valley C.P.A.s as an intern in February and became a full time staff accountant in June. Sedore, a full-service accounting firm, providing general accounting, tax, audit, valuation, planning and consulting services, has offices in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Port Jervis. For more information, call 485-5510 or visit www. sedoreco.com. In celebration of the busy holiday season, First Class Daycare and Learning Center, Inc. is offering one week of free child care to all area residents. Contact Valarie at 651-5200 or firstclassdclc@ hotmail.com to learn more about their programs for children six weeks through five years of age (new enrollment only). Attorney Paul L. Marks has been busy attending seminars recently on a host of issues ranging from foreclosures to creditor and debtor law in bankruptcy proceedings. He has also been enjoying the benefits of Chamber membership. Marks is running a special through December 31 of 10% off of the fees for any legal service he offers, including collections, foreclosure defense, family law, estates and wills, and real estate. Call 457-1003.

Participating in a recent NYS Legislative Forum hosted by the Chamber’s Minority and Women Business Committee are (from left) Assemblywoman Aileen Gunther and Senator Bill Larkin. Also pictured are Edison Guzman and Kenya Gipson, Co-Chairs of the committee. Sen. David Carlucci also participated. The forum, sponsored by the Orange County Women’s Leadership Fund, covered topics including streamlining the certification process for minority and women-owned businesses and how the state can better aid the growth of this segment of the business community. Participants in the forum had the opportunity to discuss their concerns with the political leaders and to submit challenges to the MWBC task force formed to deal with these challenges.

Legislative update set for January 10 Make plans now to attend our annual New York State Legislators Briefing Breakfast, which will be held on Tuesday, January 10 at Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor, beginning at 7:27 a.m. The sponsor will be Southwinds

Retirement Home. Invited speakers include: Senators John Bonacic, David Carlucci and Bill Larkin, and Assembly Representatives Nancy Calhoun, Aileen Gunther, Tom Kirwan and Annie Rabbitt.

Reservations for the breakfast can be made by calling the Chamber at 457-9700 or online at www.orangeny.com. They are $25 for members in advance, $30 at the door and $50 for non-members.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

CHAMBER EVENTS/ DECEMBER - JANUARY 2011 S U N D AY

M O N D AY

T U E S D AY

W E D N E S D AY

T H U R S D AY 1 DECEMBER

F R I D AY 2

8:30 am Minority and Women Business Committee (Montgomery Room)

8:00 am Small Business Committee (Montgomery Room)

7:27 am Membership Breakfast (Kuhl’s Highland House, Middletown)

8:00 am Ambassadors (Glen Arden, Harriman)

JANUARY

8:00 am 8:00 am Small Business Committee Government Initiatives & Education Committee (Montgomery Room) (Larkin Room)

7:27 am Membership Breakfast (Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor) 12:00 pm Small Business Webinar

28 8:00 am PR/Marketing Committee (Montgomery Room)

3 Holiday, office closed

24 Holiday, office closed

Holiday, office closed

5:30 pm Young Professionals Mixer (River Grill, Newburgh)

11:00 am Dave Cocks Memorial Blood Drive (Larkin Room)

9:00 am EAP Workshop (Larkin Room)

8:00 am Young Professionals Leadership Council (Montgomery Room)

5:30 pm Dan O’Brien Retirement Party (Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor)

8:00 am Consultants Seminar (Larkin Room)

8:00 am Commercial Lighting Seminar (Larkin Room)

8:00 am Government Initiatives Forum (Larkin Room)

12:00 pm Small Business Webinar

7:45 am Consultant’s Committee (Larkin Room)

S AT U R D AY

8:30 am Minority & Women Business Committee (Montgomery Room)

7:45 am Consultants Committee (Larkin Room)

14 8:00 am Young Professionals Leadership Council (Montgomery Room)

5:30 pm Mixer

24 31

Holiday, office closed

22 29

23 30

8:00 am PR/Marketing Committee (Montgomery Room)

8:00 am Ambassadors (Homewood Suites, New Windsor)

5:30 pm Annual Gala (Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor)

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

reservationform

What is a mobile app?

Upcoming Orange County Chamber of Commerce Events # attending

December Seminar 2 8:00-9:00 a.m. Topic: “Commercial Lighting Programs” Hosts: Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. and Orange & Rockland Utilities

Free

December Webinar 6 12:00 p.m. Topic: “How to Use Webinars to Promote Your Business” Presenter: Edison Guzman, A&E Advertising & Web Design

Free

December Consultants Seminar 13 8:00-10.00 a.m. Larkin Room, Chamber Business Center, Montgomery Topic: “Mobile Apps ... Your Business’ Future” Speaker: Edison Guzman, A&E Advertising & Web Design

$15 per person

December Dan O’Brien Retirement Party 14 5:00-8:00 p.m. Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor

$25 per person

December Membership Breakfast 15 7:27-9:00 a.m. Kuhl’s Highland House, Middletown Speaker: Howard Permut, President, MetroNorth Railroad Sponsor: Occupations, Inc.

$25 members in advance

December Young Professionals Mixer 16 5:30-7:30 p.m. River Grill, Newburgh

Admission: non-perishable food item to be donated to Food Bank of Hudson Valley

$30 members at the door $50 non-members

December David T. Cocks Memorial Blood Drive 19 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. Larkin Room, Chamber Business Center, Montgomery Sponsor: Holbert’s Catering/Back Yard Bistro December Holidays - office closed 23 & 26 Make reservations online at www.orangeny.com, call (457-9700), fax (457-8799) or mail (with check if appropriate) to: The Orange County Chamber of Commerce, 30 Scott’s Corners Drive, Montgomery, NY 12549 or e-mail roseannb@orangeny.com.

FAX OR OR MAIL MAIL TODAY TODAY! FAX C O M P A N Y N A M E ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ C O M P A N Y R E P R E S E N TA T I V E ( S ) _____________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Mastercard/Visa/American Express available for advance reservations Reservations made, but not honored, will be billed.

Find out how to use apps to generate leads, enhance customer retention and increase sales at the Tuesday, December 13 Consultants Seminar, which will be presented by Edison Guzman (A&E Advertising and Web Design). “Mobile Apps… Your Business’ Future” will be held from 8:00-10:00 a.m. in the Larkin Room at the Chamber Business Center in Montgomery. Topics that will be covered include: explanation of a mobile app and how to use it to grow your business; discovering the top mobile apps you can use to make your business life easier; and learning how to create an app for your company. The Orange County Chamber has a new mobile app, so this will be a great session for members to attend. Participants should bring a smart phone with them. Reserve by calling 457-9700, e-mailing roseannb@orangeny. com or visiting www.orangeny.com. Admission is $15 per person.

We want your blood Every 2.5 seconds, someone needs blood. So please plan to be on hand on Monday, December 19 from 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m. at the Orange County Chamber Business Center, 30 Scott’s Corners Drive, Montgomery to donate blood. The David T. Cocks Memorial Blood Drive is named after our late friend and Board member Dave Cocks, who was first on line to donate at last year’s drive. Once again, the drive is sponsored by Holbert’s Catering and BackYard Bistro in Montgomery. Any healthy individual age 17 through 75, weighing at least 110 pounds, can donate blood. To make an appointment to donate, visit www.communitybloodservices.org or call 845-2202030. Walk-ins are welcome, but appointments are advised. All blood types are needed, especially 0- and 0+. All donors will receive complimentary cholesterol and glucose screenings, as well as delicious goodies from Holbert’s Catering. In addition, everyone will be entered in a drawing for dinner for two at BackYard Bistro or a catered dinner from Holbert’s.

Discover the value of webinars On Tuesday, December 6 at 12:00 noon, the Chamber’s Small Business Committee will host a webinar on “How to Use Webinars to Promote Your Business.” The webinar will be presented by Edison Guzman (A & E Advertising and Web Design) and is offered to members free of charge. Visit www. OrangeNY.com and register in the events section. Access to the webinar will be sent directly to you. All you need is a computer with speakers and Internet access in order to attend the webinar from the comfort of your own home or office.

Join us for ‘A Night under the Stars’ Anthony’s Pier 9 in New Windsor will be the place to be on Saturday, January 28 when the Chamber presents the annual gala: “A Night under the Stars.” The festivities will begin with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres from 5:30-7:00 p.m. Dinner and dancing to Soundsational DJ Entertainment will follow until 11:30 p.m. Pier 9’s legendary Viennese Table will offer an incredible selection of sweet treats beginning at 10:00 p.m. Once again this year, a silent auction will feature dozens of great items up for bid. Host Sponsors are Crystal Run Healthcare and USA Datanet, A WVT Communications Company. Black tie is optional. Lou Bedinotti Photography will be on hand to take photos of couples, and Broadway Tailors (5611656) is offering its usual 10% discount on formal wear rentals. Reservations are $175 per person and can be made by contacting Roseann at 457-9700 or roseannb@orangeny.com.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

Member Spotlight NEWBURGH BREWING COMPANY Newburgh Newburgh Brewing Company is a new craft brewery coming to the City of Newburgh! Led by Brewmaster Chris Basso, we expect to be brewing in December of this year. A tasting room for the public to visit and enjoy an “indoor beer garden” atmosphere will follow early next year. Our main offerings will be “sessionable” beers – lower in alcohol content, but still full of flavor. Our “Brewed With Heart” slogan refers both to our passion for making great beer and our love of Newburgh. Well-crafted locally brewed beer in the heart of Newburgh is just a few months away! For information, visit www.newburghbrewing.com. 211 WINES & LIQUORS Middletown The best kept secret in Middletown is 211 Wine & Liquors, a family owned and operated liquor store. Owners John and Kathy D’Antuono pride themselves on having a clean and brightly lit store and providing customer service that is second to none, as well as competitive pricing. They can order wedding or other party favors of wine and liquor. Located in the Wallkill Plaza next to Big Lots, they are open Monday-Saturday, 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. and Sunday 12:00-6:00 p.m. On Mondays, they pay your sales tax! They offer a military uniformed personnel discount on Tuesdays! Wednesdays are AARP discount day! Call 3444744. Like them on Facebook. CLASSIC WOODWORKS AND RESTORATION Westtown Restoring older homes and bringing a classic touch to newer homes. We design and install custom cabinets and countertops. With a wide selection of wood species, edge treatments and other design options, you’ll be the envy of your friends and family. Classic designs of handmade rails, banisters and stairs to suit new and older homes. Call 978-0035 or visit www.classicwoodworksandrestoration.com.

STORY BOOK FARM ART SCHOOL Walden The best holiday gift you can give is the joy of creating art. Experience the joy of creating art in quaint country setting. Our stone art studio offers a peaceful setting where students enjoy their experience while developing skills to their greatest potential. Give a child or adult the gift of exploring their creativity through art. An award winning artist is the teacher with over 27 years of experience. Call 778-2304 or visit www. Storybookfarmartschool.com. SNACK RITE VENDING Walden Snack Rite Vending has been providing quality beverage, snack, coffee and ice cream vending machine services to the educational, corporate and healthcare markets in the metropolitan area for the last 15 years. We have built our reputation and business on our dedication to our clients and customers. Because of our ability to deliver on our commitments to service excellence, we strongly believe that we can provide the best possible vending machine program for your location. We look forward to the opportunity of working with you to present the highest quality, contemporary vending service program that you and your employees expect. Call 778 2428 or visit www.snackritevending.com. FIRST CLASS DAYCARE CENTER, INC. Florida A beautiful, modern daycare center, we are family owned and operated and licensed and insured by New York State. We care for children six weeks to five years old. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 7:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. year round. All staff is well-trained including CPR and first aid. A MAT-trained teacher is always onsite. Flat rate tuition includes two nutritious snacks and drinks a day. Children at First Class Daycare are introduced to a balanced program of interaction with friends in both teacherdirected and child-directed experiences. Our programs have been developed by seasoned educators and school psychologists to ensure an

environment that supports positive child development. Call 651-5200. CASTLE FUN CENTER Chester The Castle Fun Center continues to expand! The newest additions, scheduled to open in December, include Ballocity, Bumper Cars, Mini Bowling, Adult Lounge Area and Event Room. This is adding to the existing Roller Skating Rink, Lazer Tag, Free Fall, Laser Maze, Rock Wall, Go Karts, Mini Golf, Batting Cages and Jesters Restaurant & Pub. Also, scheduled to open Spring of 2012 is the new Castle Event Grounds. Birthday parties and groups will continue to grow at The Castle along with corporate and social special events, picnics, family reunions, sweet 16s, school events and parties. For more information on any of the new or existing activities, visit www.thecastlefuncenter.com MILLPOND BARBERSHOP Monroe We are located at 62 Millpond Parkway, Monroe. We cater to all the lads from young boys getting their first haircut all the way up to the good old boys in need of some grooming. Walk-in service. We will have you in and out looking good and feeling great. Our services range from a regular haircut to many different styles and cuts. Art design, beard trim and straight edge razor shave. The Millpond Barbershop offers daily discounts to kids 12 years and under and senior men. We sell Pinaud products and gift certificates (makes great stocking stuffers!). Call 782-2283. M.J.F. CONSTRUCTION Pine Bush M.J.F. Construction is a small company that will take on jobs that bigger companies can’t afford to do. The jobs are just too small for them. Home improvement is our specialty. We do interior as well as exterior work. We do what the customer wants and make sure they are happy or we keep trying. Call (914) 850-5417 for information. ACCESS PHYSICAL THERAPY & WELLNESS Hudson Valley The Access Physical Therapy & Wellness offices took part in a holiday food drive, collect-

ing non-perishable items for those in need. The collected items were donated to food banks and soup kitchens in each office’s community. For more information on community events Access Physical Therapy & Wellness participates in, please contact one of our conveniently located offices: Goshen (615-2222), Monroe (7823200), Montgomery (457-5555), Port Jervis (858-9999), Wallkill (895-1115) and Milford, PA (570-296-3333) Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Saturday from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Appointments within 24 hours are guaranteed. Visit www.AccessPTW.com. WIRELESS ZONE OF NEWBURGH AND NEW WINDSOR Orange County Wireless Zone of Newburgh and New Windsor, a premium authorized Verizon retailer, announces the opening of its newest location in Montgomery at 125 Hawkins Drive in the Shoprite Mall (former Blockbuster location). We offer the latest in Verizon Wireless, phones, technology and accessories in a beautiful interactive environment. Locally owned and operated by William Sestrom, Wireless Zone is the exclusive cellular provider for the Orange County Chamber of Commerce. Wireless Zone has also added a mobile retail unit to help service businesses and do onsite activations. Look for the black and green Wireless Zone HHR traveling around Orange County. Visit www.orangecountyzone.com for more information. JUDELSON, GIORDANO & SIEGEL, P.C. Middletown In just one month, we’ll welcome 2012 and officially put another year in the books. Come January 1, Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, C.P.A., P.C., begin our “busier” season. We’re offering our tax preparation checklist for individual tax returns which will help you gather the necessary records needed to efficiently prepare and process your tax returns. For a copy, stop by 633 Route 211 East, Middletown. Call 692-9500 or visit our Facebook page. Also, if you have any questions about possible end-of-the-year deductions, call and we will be happy to assist you in deciding what may be the best options for you and/or your business

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Mix it up with Young Professionals… and help fight hunger The Orange County Young Professionals will host their annual holiday mixer to help the hungry on Friday, December 16 at the River Grill on the Newburgh waterfront. Everyone, young, old or in between, is invited! Admission to the mixer, which will be held from 5:30-7:30 p.m., will be non-perishable food items which will be donated to the Food Bank of the Hudson Valley. As always, the mixer will feature delicious hors d’oeuvres, a cash bar and the best networking in the Hudson Valley. Reservations, while not required, are appreciated and should be made by calling 457-9700 or visiting www.orangeny.com.

anniversaries Congratulations to the following Chamber members who are celebrating special anniversaries this month: 20 Years Fran’s Hallmark Shop RE/MAX Benchmark Realty Group 15 Years Calvary Assembly of God Courtyard by Marriott Stewart/ Newburgh Cumulus Broadcasting Here’s Help Staffing & Recruiting Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh recently received a donation of $25,000 from M&T Bank for its 50th house, named in honor of Habitat’s first Executive Director, Deirdre Glenn. Pictured in front of the house at 65 Courtney Avenue, Newburgh, is Mike Keegan, Regional President of M&T Bank, and Cathy Collins, Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Newburgh.

10 Years First Baptist Church - Port Jervis Newburgh Ventures Corp. Staff Development Associates

5 Years Aegis Design, Joseph L. Fucci, Architect Meghan Stalter Cosimo’s Brickoven Restaurant & Bar Culligan Water Conditioning of Hudson Valley The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center - Dental Kiwanis Club of Newburgh, N.Y. Inc. MetLife Office Depot #2637 Orange Pediatric Associates, P.C. SUNY Empire State College

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

Chamber honors member businesses

ore than 275 people turned out at the beautiful Falkirk Golf Club on October 26 to honor the winners of the Chamber’s 2011 Business of the Year Awards.

Orange County Trust Company, which has been operating since 1892, received the Large Business Award. Focus Media, Inc., one of the fastest growing advertising/ public relations agencies in the Hudson Valley, was the recipient of the Medium Size Business Award. Family-owned and operated Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro was presented with the 2011 Small Business Award. Innate Chiropractic, opened by Dr. Erik Brower just over a year ago, received the Start-up Business of the Year Award. SUNY Orange, which has established itself as a national leader in sustainability on college campuses, received the award for Green Business of the Year and Independent Living, which has enhanced the lives of people with disabilities for a quarter century, was named the Notfor-Profit Enterprise of the Year. Orange County Trust was recognized for “their uncompromising banking principles and deep commitment to our community.” Focus Media was honored for its “meteoric growth as well as its commitment to enhancing the quality of life in the community it serves.” Owned by the daughter and sonin-law of the business’ founders, Holbert’s Catering was recognized as one of the region’s premier caterers and for “their selfless involvement in our community.” Innate Chiropractic’s per week client list has grown to 150 in one short year and Dr. Brower still finds time to volunteer. In addition to their environmental stewardship, SUNY Orange was honored as a key participant in the Chamber’s new sustainability certification program. Independent Living was recognized for the enormous contributions it has made to improving the quality of life for people of all ages with disabilities.

The Focus Media, Inc. team, led by President Josh Sommers (far right), accepts the Medium Size Business of the Year Award from Chamber President John D’Ambrosio.

Dr. Erik Brower smiles as his Office Manager Dana Bright joins him at the podium to accept the 2011 Start-up Business of the Year Award for Innate Chiropractic.

Doug Hovey, Executive Director of Independent Living, Inc., says a few words after receiving the 2011 Not-for-Profit Enterprise of the Year Award.

Orange County Trust Company President Terry Saturno accepts the Large Business of the Year Award from Chamber Chairman Charlie Milich.

Chairman Charlie Milich presents the Small Business of the Year Award to Susan and Gerry Crocker, husband and wife owners of Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro.

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Special awards presented In addition to the six business awards (see accompanying article), the Orange County Chamber also presented a number of special awards at its Annual Meeting and Awards Reception. They were: • Volunteer of the Year (Board of Directors): Josh Sommers, Focus Media, Inc. • Volunteer of the Year (General Membership): Bill Sivillo, Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours • Commitment to Community Award: Hearthstone Contracting, Inc. • President’s Award: Orange Regional Medical Center • Legacy Award (posthumously): Dave Cocks Josh Sommers was selected as Board Member of the Year by a vote of the Board of Directors. Bill Sivillo was chosen as Volunteer of the Year “in recognition of his selfless commitment to enhancing Chamber programs, particularly those in support of small businesses…” Hearthstone Contracting was honored for their “extraordinary commitment to a needy local family through its involvement with Extreme Makeover: Home Edition…” and for their “remarkably generous donations of time and resources.” Orange Regional Medical Center was recognized for “the construction of the first new hospital in New York State in more than 20 years…” The Legacy Award was presented to Mrs. Janice Cocks, “in recognition of the late Dave Cocks’ extraordinary service to the Chamber and the community, with deep gratitude for his donations of time and talent, and for leav-

Welcome to … GOLLYWOOD! By Douglas Winslow Cooper We’ve all heard of Hollywood. Film aficionados recognize “Bollywood” as the Bombay-centered Indian film capital. (Never mind that “Bombay” is now “Mumbai,” and “Bollywood” should, perhaps, be “Mollywood.”) From a recent Chamber-hosted meeting, chaired by David Patrick Wilson of WillyGilly Productions of Goshen (david@willygilly.com), I coined the name “Gollywood” for the film production hotspot that Goshen and its environs in Orange County might become.

Film possibilities in Orange Special awards presented to Josh Sommers, above left, ...

Bill Sivillo, left, and ...

A dozen of us soaked up an hour-long presentation by Wilson about the artistic and financial possibilities of an expanded film industry in Orange County, a locale both scenic and easily accessible from “The City.” You know what city I am referring to. We learned that the box office take from movies in the US is $10 billion annually, growing at an average of 10% per year. US films are in great demand here and abroad, one of the few industries giving the US a positive balance of trade with the rest of the world. New York State has recognized the industry’s potential economic advantages, having set aside billions of dollars to support film-making in

Local investors are needed to help finance moviemaking in the county for us to participate in the special tax treatments offered by state and federal governments. the state. Why not have the lion’s share of that money go to Orange County? Wilson indicated that local investors are needed to help finance movie-making in the county for us to participate in the special tax treatments offered by state and federal governments. The tax incentives are impressive, but too complex for me to try to present here. Ask your CPA, if you are a “high net-worth individual,” which, sad to say, I am not. One way to qualify for these enticing tax breaks is to use a “certified sound stage,” such as Orange County’s Umbra of Newburgh. Their marketing director, Mark Gamma (markgamma@verizon. net), explained to the group that substantial investment and expertise had enabled them to achieve certification.

Other revenue streams Wilson’s talk drove home several points: (1) Movie making is big

business. Not only can the films make a profit, but there are numerous ways to derive other revenue streams from them, such as product placement, where --- for a fee --- your commercial item could be shown in use. (2) DVDs, iPhones, iPads, etc. are all possible channels for content distribution. (3) Then there are jobs, employment opportunities that are so essential to a healthy economy; Wilson’s movie Collar, to hit the screens in January, made for just under $1 million, employed 147 people for six months. Wilson has a halfdozen more movie possibilities in his pipeline. (4) “Content is king.” If you have a good story, you have a valuable asset. I was delighted to hear that, as I have sent them a copy of my memoir, Ting and I, for possible use as the basis of a film. If they accept it, I may don dark glasses and go, not Hollywood, but Gollywood. (Douglas Winslow Cooper, Ph.D., is a freelance writer, retired environmental scientist and, as a new Chamber member, provides occasional reflections on his first year with the Chamber. He is the author of Ting and I: A Memoir of Love, Courage and Devotion, published by Outskirts Press (Parker, CO), available in paperback and ebook formats through outskirtspress.com, bn.com, or amazon.com or his web site. His e-mail address is douglas@tingandi.com.)

Special thanks to our Journal advertisers We are grateful to the following members who helped honor this year’s award recipients, as well as the memory of the late Dave Cocks, by supporting our Annual Meeting and Awards Reception Journal:

Empire State Bank

Mount Saint Mary College

Focus Media, Inc.

Orange County Government

Galleria at Crystal Run

Orange County Trust Co.

Goldstein, Karlewicz & Goldstein, L.L.P., C.P.A.s

Orange Regional Medical Center

Hearthstone Contracting

Rider, Weiner & Frankel, P.C.

Holbert’s Catering/BackYard Bistro

Riverside Bank

Bon Secours Charity Health System

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union

Sen. William Larkin

Boys & Girls Club of Town of Wallkill and Pine Bush

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union Independent Living, Inc.

Collection Bureau/Hudson Valley

Inspire, Inc.

Community Products

Jeff Bank

Crystal Run Healthcare

M&M Auto Group

Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, P.L.L.C.

Masterwork Home

Armistead Mechanical, Inc.

Orange Regional Medical Center President Scott Batulis. Presentations were made by Chamber Chairman Charlie Milich.

ing all with a legacy of generosity and friendship that will never be equaled.” The event journal was dedicated to Dave.

Eastern Alloys, Inc.

Media Solstice Marketing & Public Relations

RAL Supply Group

Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes Tectonic Engineering & Surveying Consultants P.C. United Way of Dutchess and Orange USA Datanet, A WVT Communications Company Walden Savings Bank

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011

Health notes Orange Regional Medical Center’s Counseling Services has relocated to 110 Crystal Run Road in Middletown. The new location will enable the center to better serve its growing number of patients in a comfortable, private setting. In other ORMC news, Dr. Carlos Rueda has been appointed Director of Behavioral Health Services and will oversee all functions of Orange Regional Counseling Services as well as Orange Regional’s Inpatient Behavioral Health Unit located at its main campus, 707 East Main Street in Middletown. ORMC employees and staff of the Dunkelman Diabetes Center walked, sponsored teams and raised money for a cure as part of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation’s Walk to Cure Diabetes.

com. For more information call 2948364. The Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center recently hosted a free planning workshop for parents of children with Special Needs. Access Physical Therapy & Wellness employees walked to raise awareness and support all of those affected by breast cancer, raising nearly $600. The walk was hosted by the American Cancer Society at Woodbury Common Premium Outlets. Elant at Goshen has partnered with Dr. Eric L. Martin of Catskill

Orange Orthopaedics, to enhance Elant’s orthopedic care services. Elant offers seven locations, as well as in-home and day treatment programs, throughout the region. Joanne DiCesare, Certified Health Coach, supports the recommendation of eating 7-13 servings of fruits and vegetables daily for optimal health and disease prevention. Juice Plus+ is an all-natural, whole food based nutritional product made by juicing a wide variety of fresh fruits and vegetables, then concentrating the juices into a proprietary, low-temperature process. For more information about Juice Plus+ or for a com-

plimentary health evaluation, contact Joanne DiCesare at 569-9355 or visit www.jdcjuiceplus.com and www. holistic-healthcoach.com. CDPHP and TrendShift® announced an agreement to provide the Data Directed Health & Risk Trend Advance Funding mechanism to employers, businesses, school districts, unions and municipalities to achieve immediate and long-term cost reduction for group medical plans. This product provides large and small employers finance options to budget for three years of consistent health care premiums, which can help organizations stabilize unpredictable health

care budgets. For more information, visit www.cdphp.com. The upcoming cold months bring many excuses for cutting back on exercise and activity in general. Access Physical Therapy & Wellness reminds that activity is as important as ever in the winter months. If you would like more information on an ache or pain you may be suffering from, or would like information on indoor exercises, contact one of our convenient locations: Goshen (615-2222), Monroe (782-3200), Montgomery (457-5555), Port Jervis (858-9999), Wallkill (895-1115) and Milford, PA (570-296-3333). Visit www.AccessPTW.com.

St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital has named Kevin D. White, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Newburgh, to its Board of Trustees. In other SLCH news, Cletis Earle, who served as served as Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Privacy Officer for Brooklyn Queens Health Care, is the hospital’s new Chief Information Officer. The hospital recently unveiled the SANE Program at the Cornwall campus. St. Luke’s Cornwall Auxiliary has partnered with the Orange County District Attorney’s office and the Orange County Mental Health Association, Rape Crisis Services to bring the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) Program to St. Luke’s Cornwall Hospital. The examination room is at SLCH’s Cornwall campus and is the first program of its kind in eastern Orange County. Ben Holland, Associate from the Food and Nutrition Department, was named the SLCH Star of the Month for October. The Greater Hudson Valley Health System (GHVHS), comprised of Catskill Regional Medical Center and Orange Regional Medical Center, is pleased to announce that Jeffrey Lieto, MBA, has been named Chief Physician Strategy Officer. Joanne Ritter-Teitel, PhD, RN, CEA-BC, has been appointed Chief Nursing Officer. Wellness Home Care joined home care and home health providers across the state and country in November to mark National Home Care Month. Wellness Home Care, working to raise awareness of the services they provide as a cost-effective solution to help improve delivery of home care to the community, launched a new website, www.wellnesshomecare.

At their recent all-staff meeting, Walden Savings Bank Directors, Executive Team and Support Staff show their support by wearing red to pay tribute to Past President/CEO David Cocks and making a donation to the American Heart Association. Dave was also a member of the Chamber’s Executive Committee and Chair-Elect until his untimely passing in June.

December 2011 The Business Viewpoint

Member Renewals

Loughran’s Restaurant/Lounge

Primavera Design & Illustration

Louis J. Gizzarelli, C.P.A., P.C.

Primerica Dovetta Beamon

M & R Energy Resources Corp.

Raymond/Raymond Associates

Goliath Properties, L.L.C.

Manheim New York

Ring Homestead Camp, Inc.

418 Realty

Cascarino’s Brick Oven Pizzeria & Ristorante & Italian Style Deli

Goshen Animal Hospital

Castaways

Mark O’Keefe Contracting

Ron DeGroodt Paving, Inc.

Accounting Link Technologies, L.L.C.

Guardian Self Storage

Royal T Title Agency, Inc.

Ace Self Storage

Catlin Gardens

MDS HVAC R, Inc.

Heather’s Childs Place, Ltd.

Central Valley Real Estate, Inc.

Medline Industries, Inc.

SB Direct, Inc.

Action Plus Project Management, Inc.

Chelsea Modular Homes Building Systems, L.L.C.

Merle Norman Cosmetic Studio and Day Spa of New Windsor

SB Merchant Services

Adelino A. Guerra, C.P.A.

Hilton Garden Inn Newburgh/ Stewart Airport Holiday Inn

Croll Productive Synergy

MHR International, L.L.C.

Hudson Valley Design

Senior Whole Health

DigiDr.com

Hudson Valley Planning & Preservation

SoulSystem Orchestras

Aspire 4 Life, Inc., Counseling and Coaching Services

Curves (Middletown)

Mid Hudson Neon Signs, L.L.C. Mid Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Spear Printing Company, Inc.

Associated Building Services/ Advance Concrete

Do It Best Corp.

Interact Marketing

DP Sales Pro

Sportsplex

ATM Ready, L.L.C.

Durasol Systems, Inc.

International Services of Orange County

Milestone Pediatric Occupational Therapy, P.C.

AVC Hearing Aid Center, Inc.

DuVall Construction, Inc.

It’s On TV, L.L.C.

Montgomery Dental, P.L.L.C

Avon, Independent Sales/Leadership

Jackson Lewis, L.L.P.

Multimedia Service Center

Basement Systems of New York

Ellen Barrett, Better Homes & Gardens Rand Realty

Jellybean Promotions

New Windsor Ambulance

BBE Designs

EM Communications

JK Development Corp.

Beautiful People

Empire State Bank

John E. Knipp, M.D.

New York Business Development Corp.

Bethlehem Art Gallery

Enviro Clean

Kahn, Hoffman & Hochman, L.L.P.

Newburgh Mall

Beyond Rubies, Ltd.

Fantastic Cuts Family Hair Design

Knack, Pavloff & Company, L.L.P.

NLG Engineering

Bishop Dunn Memorial School

Florida Union Free School District

Law Offices of Charles T. Bazydlo

Otterkill Animal Hospital

C P M Service

Foamco

Law Offices of Steven A. Kimmel

Outdoors of Chester

C. Willumsen Magill and Associates

Foti Flowers at Yuess Gardens

LDR Group Sales, Inc.

Parse3

Canadian Tree Service, Inc.

Gail Ronk

Learning Land Daycare

Paunovic & Paunovic, D.D.S., L.L.P.

Canus Major Services, Inc.

Gillette Creamery

Literacy Orange

Pine Bush Equipment Co., Inc.

Carmela’s Pizzeria & Restaurant

Goldinson Corp.

Little Pond Consulting, L.L.C.

Polich Tallix, L.L.C.

266 North Plank Company, Inc.

Advent Valuation Advisors, L.L.C. American Heart Association

Education notes Mount Saint Mary College offers more than 400 internship and co-op experiences which open doors to varied job opportunities for students in Long Island, New York City, the Hudson Valley, the Capital Region and beyond. Ranked a Top-Tier Regional University (North) by U.S. News & World Report, Mount Saint Mary offers 47 undergraduate programs preparing students for careers in health professions, business, education, social services, communica-

tion/media, and more. Visit www. msmc.edu for more information. Erica Cruz, a New Windsor resident who graduated from Monticello High School in 2005, has been elected to serve as the 201112 student representative to the SUNY Orange Board of Trustees. As Student Trustee, Cruz carries the messages of SUNY Orange’s more than 7,000 students to the Board and represents the student body and the college.

More ‘Extreme Makeover’ donors Lewis Sign Co. is another Chamber member that contributed to the recent filming of “Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.” Lewis Sign was inadvertently omitted from the recent thank you lists that appeared in the Viewpoint.

MJF Construction

Security Plus

Spiro & Spiro, Inc. St. Anthony Community Hospital Tango Under the Tent The Pet Barber, Mobile Grooming Spa Thomas E. Griffith Realtors, Inc. Tracking Systems, Inc. United Check Cashing Verizon Wireless Vince DiGiacomo Home Improvement Vincent J. Cestaro & Son Wholesale Food Equipment, Inc. Youngsville Custom Kitchens

Hudson Valley Parent Magazine raised $384 for the Children’s Grieving Center of Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties at the Chamber’s 2011 EXPO. Said publisher Terrie Goldstein, “We thank all the generous visitors to our booth who donated and who took part in our ‘Power of the Purse’ game. We gave away over $16,000 worth of magazine and web promotion that day. What a great turnout… good job Orange County Chamber!” Hudson Valley Parent’s Felice Feinberg (left) presents the donations to Janice Valentino, Marketing and Development Director for Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties and a member of the Orange County Chamber’s Board of Directors at the HV Parent Magazine booth.

The Orange County Chamber of Commerce December 2011