Made in the U.S.A. Inside: Northeastern New York Nova Bus Perrywinkle’S / Kneucraft Nomad Airstream Pre-Tech Point Positive Suny Plattsburgh

December 2015

MADE IN THE U.S.A. INSIDE: NORTHEASTERN NEW YORK NOVA BUS PERRYWINKLE’S / KNEUCRAFT NOMAD AIRSTREAM PRE-TECH POINT POSITIVE SUNY PLATTSBURGH

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 1 Published by The Northeast Group 2 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 ADVERTISE CONTENTS WITH US! GETNOTICED FEATURES COLUMNS 6 20 TODAY Nova Bus INSIGHT 10 38 Perrywinkle’s / Kneucraft CHAMBERWISE 16 Nomad Airstream 22 ProCat 320 26 Happy Pre-Tech 30 Holidays Point Positive from the 32 Northeast The Impact of Buy America on Clinton County Group 34 SUNY

CONTACT AARON PATTERSON AT THE NORTHEAST GROUP TO RESERVE YOUR SPACE. Phone: 518.324.5135 Mobile: 518.534.0539 [email protected] A Northeast Publication©2015 All Rights Reserved Vol. 26, No. 12, December 2015

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 3 Publisher’s View

here was a time when this area of New York State was known for three things: Plattsburgh Air Force Base, SUNY Plattsburgh and dairy farming. TThere was some manufacturing — Imperial Wallcoverings which closed in the late 1990s, Diamond International (now PACTIV) and Georgia Pacific (celebrating more than 50 years in Plattsburgh). Today much has changed. While SUNY Plattsburgh is still a critical part of our economy, manufacturers such as Nova Bus, Bombardier Transit, Mold-rite, and others have taken center stage and there are rumors of exciting announce- ments to come. In this issue of Strictly Business entitled “Made in Northeastern New York” we offer you a look at Nova Bus as it moves into a new construction phase, but also smaller companies that are making products to meet the needs of local, regional, national, and international buyers. You may have seen shiny silver Airstream travel trailers on the road, but a visit to Nomad Airstream’s plant located on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base will show you the amazing new uses for these American classics that partners Steve Clement and Guillaume Langevin have devised. If you think catamarans are just for pleasure boating, the people at ProCat in Rouses Point will share the history of this ancient craft with you and show you how valuable the catamaran is as a work boat throughout the world today. Pre-Tech Precision in Mineville may be one of the best kept secrets in our region. Working with its sis- ter facility in Williston, Vermont the company is producing high-tech state of the art parts for industries world-wide and offering good jobs for people in that area. And while most of the companies we have featured in this issue of SB are connected to manufacturing, we also wanted to offer you a look at two companies that are making a different kind of product. Perrywinkle’s & Kneucraft, jewelers extraordinare, are making beautiful original designer pieces that reflect their creativity and appreciation for the beauty of our region. And don’t miss this month’s Insight feature, an interview with Fred Smith, the interim president of Clinton Community College. His enthusiasm, drive and stamina will amaze you and his candor will make you laugh. In many areas of the country, manufacturing is a thing of the past. But not here in Northeastern New York. Instead of seeing those kinds of jobs disappear, we’ve seen them grow. We are an area that makes things, all kinds of things and that’s good for business. As we celebrate this holiday season may I offer the best wishes of all of us at The Northeast Group to you and yours for health, happiness and prosperity in 2016.

Herb Carpenter, Publisher

Are you an experienced writer with an interest in local business? Strictly Business is looking for new talent to join our team of writers. Please send a brief bio and writing sample to [email protected].

4 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 PUBLISHER Herbert O. Carpenter

MANAGING EDITOR Mary Carpenter

PRESIDENT/CEO Mike Carpenter

VICE PRESIDENT/CFO Betsy Vicencio

ADVISORY BOARD David Coryer

ADVERTISING Aaron Dean Patterson Phone: (518) 324-5135 Cell: (518) 534-0539 Fax: (518) 563-3320 [email protected]

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR Betsy Vicencio

PUBLICATION DESIGNER Jodi Brunner

GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Nancy Florentine Kimberly Smith

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christine Andola Check out our Karen Bouvier updated website! Julie Canepa Garry Douglas Michelle St. Onge NEW! William Owens “Design Your Own” Feature SUBSCRIPTION RATES 12 issues are $22.95 per year within U.S. and $27.95 (U.S.) within Canada. Telephone: (518) 563-8214 loremans.com Fax: (518) 563-3320

COVER PHOTO 46 Brinkerhoff St., Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Ty Kretser (518) 566-7519 1599 Rt 9S, Keeseville, NY 12944 (518) 834-9205 Strictly Business is published monthly by The Northeast Group 12 Nepco Way, Plattsburgh, NY 12903.

Many Engravable and Photo Gifts to choose from! Stop by today!

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 5 COVER STORY

1968 1987 1993 1995 Volvo Buses was created General Motors sold its bus MCI separated its tran- as an independent division division, including the Nova sit buses from its highway within the Volvo Group plant in Canada, to Motor coach business to create Coach International (MCI) Nova Bus which produces transit buses Volvo bought Prevost

6 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 NOVA BUS NOVA BUS: BUSES FOUR WAYS

By Christine Andola Photos by Ty Kretser

iagara Frontier Transportation Authority just received its first compressed natural gas (CNG) bus to run in the city of Buffalo, a first for Buffalo and for Plattsburgh. That was the first CNG bus to roll off the line at the Nova Bus manufacturing facility on Banker Road. NNova Bus, a subsidiary of Volvo Bus North America, supplies transit authorities across the country with buses powered by diesel engines, diesel-electric hybrid engines and now compressed natural gas. The company is even starting to make a full electric bus for the international market. “The Volvo Group has strong environmental core values, but most transit authorities are looking for the most reliable and economical solution to their transportation needs,” explained Jason Martin, plant manager at Nova, when asked about the reason for the diversification of engine types. Nova recently produced its first all electric bus which is being tested in Montreal. In addition to metro buses for some of the largest cities in the U.S. including New York City, another Volvo subsidiary, Prevost, produces commuter buses at the Nova facility. These are designed for longer routes and equipped with large luggage compartments underneath the coach. All of the buses run through one assembly line at Nova with each station on the line building to the individual specs of that vehicle. Then, they move to a separate finishing area based on the type of bus, finally being test driven around the streets of Plattsburgh. “With 21 work stations and eight finishing stations, we have 30 buses going at once,” explained Martin. “We were producing two completed buses a day back in September. In October we went to three, and by January we will be producing four.”

2002 2004 2009 2015 Nova Bus closed plants in Volvo Bus bought out Nova Bus opened its plant Nova Bus doubled its New Mexico and New York Nova Bus in Plattsburgh, NY production output in but maintained operations Plattsburgh in Canada

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 7 Lake Champlain Roofing Lake“Where Champlain quality Roofing starts at the top.” “Where quality starts at the top.” 7631 Rt 9 Plattsburgh, NY 1 2901

Ph: 518-562-9956 LakeFax: 518-561-1246 Champlain Roofing, LLC

Custom StandingCustom Standing Seam fabricated on-site • 28Seam color options fabricated on-site • 35 year warranty New• roofing 28 color option options • 35 year warranty New roofing option www.lakechamplainroofing.net Commercial,P: 518-562-9956 Residential, Industrial. [email protected] ChamplainF: 518-561-1246 Roofing, LLC www.lakechamplainroofing.net P: 518-562-9956 [email protected] F: 518-561-1246 Commercial, Residential,Call us today for ALL your roofing needs!! and Industrial

7631 Route 9 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 [email protected] www.lakechamplainroofing.net 518-562-9956 [email protected]

www.hegcpa.com THE PREMIER ACCOUNTING FIRM IN NORTHERN NEW YORK Free Book: Strategies 2 Grow Your Business Profits 10 Secrets All Business Owners Should Know 1-844-HEG-CPAs CALL FOR A FREE SECOND OPINION & INITIAL CONSULTATION: Crestview Plaza Jason Martin, Plant Manager 239 Tom Miller Road 2000 Saranac Avenue 31 Elm Street 280 Main Street 1 Main Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Lake Placid, NY 12946 Malone, NY 12953 Massena, NY 13662 Canton, NY 13667 “The Volvo Group has strong 518-562-5567 518-523-2581 518-483-1630 315-764-1781 315-386-2925 environmental core values, but most transit authorities are looking for the most reliable and economical 24/7 solution to their transportation Agency Online... needs,” explained Jason Martin, In person, on the phone and now online 24/7! plant manager at Nova, when asked about the reason for the We are always there for you! diversification of engine types in their products.

In addition to doubling its production capac- 24/7 ity, Nova plans to build a showroom adjacent to its existing facility. When customers come to the Plattsburgh facility to take delivery of their vehicles, they inspect the final product and initiate any final transactions. Then, the 24/7 24/7 buses are driven to their location. The new / 24 7 showroom will house final delivery products. 24/7 Martin explained that the delivery miles are not a concern for transit authorities. “Customers are more concerned with reli- ability than miles. These vehicles are meant to run for up to 15 years, and the customers know they may rebuild the engine once or twice in that time period.” 1-800-562-0228 Many of the transit authorities do the www.agencyins.net rebuilds themselves, but Nova provides them with training for that purpose. “Our buses Plattsburgh . Keeseville . Saranac Lake . Ticonderoga . Rouses Point

8 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 have some advantages over the competitors’. They all include a full Nova, and New York City, the largest transit authority in the U.S., stainless steel structure and composite floor to resist corrosion from as important factors. He also mentioned the existing transportation weather and road conditions,” added Martin who is relatively new industry in the Plattsburgh area, making it easier to coordinate the to Nova Bus although he is a manufacturing veteran. Sixteen years support services Nova needs. of his career was spent with an international agricultural equipment The local workforce is another advantage Martin sees. “I’ve worked manufacturer. Throughout his tenure there, Martin moved through in five locations around the world, and this is one of the best work five different facilities around the world. forces I’ve seen.” We see commitment, dedication, hard work, and Most recently, Martin moved his family from Burlington, Iowa to good attitude. Employees are cooperative and engaged. When we take the position with Nova Bus in Plattsburgh. “Most of the plants have people with these traits, we can invest in the skills training where I’ve worked were in small municipalities, so my family is very necessary. We can teach them to build a bus.” comfortable here in Plattsburgh,” he explained. “We like the access to Nova Bus the lake and mountains and the proximity to larger places for travel.” 260, Banker Road Plattsburgh, NY 12901 The location of Nova Bus in Plattsburgh is convenient and comfort- 518 566-6682 able, as well. Martin cites proximity to Montreal, the birthplace of www.novabus.com

What if Support the one place that never stops asking “what if?” Donate today at mountainlake.org

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 9 FEATURE

OF THE JewelsNORTH COUNTRY Diamonds and precious metals are not among the natural resources of this region and therefore this may seem an unlikely story in Strictly Business’s Made in Northern New York issue. However our entrepreneurial spirit runs deep as evidenced by two jewelry stores who have developed their own unique niche in the area.

by Christine Andola Photos by Ty Kretser

erry Sporn started selling jewelry in New York City to pay his college tuition and opened his first jewelry store in Saratoga Springs in the early 1980s. Today Sporn hasP 20 stores and 550 employees throughout the Northeast and Quebec. After selling national brand jewelry made all over the world, Sporn was inspired to create his own line designed and produced right here in the North Country. The inspiration for the Devotion line came out of a desire to create an affordable American luxury brand. “Well over 99% of diamond jewelry in the world is produced in Thailand or India,” explained Sporn, who holds four patents for the diamond cuts he developed and uses in Devotion pieces. “Diamonds are judged by four criteria: cut, clarity, color, and carat,” explained Alicia Blanchard, manager of Perrywinkle’s Plattsburgh store. The cuts create the flat surfaces and angles that refract the light and create the sparkle. “Normal diamonds have 58 facets, Devotion diamonds have more,” continued Blanchard. All of the diamonds for the Devotion line are hand-selected by Perry. “About 99% of the diamonds in the world do not meet our Devotion standards,” clarified Sporn. The diamonds Perry Sporn that make the cut are brought back to the North Country to Perrywinkle’s exclusive diamond cutting facility.

10 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 PERRYWINKLE’S / KNEUCRAFT

Devotion rings are handcrafted in 18 karat gold or platinum. “Each design is made to order with the diamonds the customer selects from our inventory,” explained Blanchard. “Most people don’t know that Perrywinkle’s has always made custom jewelry,” noted Blanchard. “Customers come into the store and work with one of our designers to create the look they want. Once they approve the sketch, a wax mockup is created and then the final product is created,” Blanchard explained. “Custom is a great way to get what you want and stay within your budget.” The jeweler in Perrywinkle’s Plattsburgh store has over 30 years experience in the industry. Perrywinkle’s brought Neva Peat to Plattsburgh eight years ago. Now she is right at home both at Perrywinkle’s and in Plattsburgh. “I wasn’t sure what to expect, but this area reminds me strongly of my home in Colorado,” Peat observed. “And Perrywinkle’s has the professionalism and the vision that inspires an artist like me.” Peat has a passion for jewelry design and customer service. “There is simply no feeling quite like sharing the joy of a young couple just starting out together by designing their wedding set, or commem- orating a life’s memory by combining family stones and personal NORTH COUNTRY stories into a new piece of wearable art,” explained Peat. Custom designed jewelry is not the cost-prohibitive gift it once was Shawn and Kim Kneussle Blanchard explained. “Our custom pieces start at about $1,000. When ustom design is also a common theme at custom designing a piece of jewelry we can adjust the amount and another North Country jewelry store. Shawn types of metals and stones to fit within a customer’s budget. Custom Kneussle designs custom pieces that reflect offers a lot of flexibility.” C the spirit of the region and are big sellers in and outside our area. “A customer from this area brought some of our jewelry on a visit out west. The unique- ness of the design got some attention and now we are doing custom work for people in Colorado, Montana, California, and Florida,” explained Kneussle. After 20 years in the jewelry industry, Kneussle opened his own business, Kneucraft Fine Jewelry, with his wife Kim in 2005. Since its beginning Kneucraft has grown into a 3,000 square foot facility with four full time jewelers and a full time wax carver. One of Kneucraft’s focuses is on the non- profit and charity world where custom design is essential. Kneussle has designed a number of exclusive pieces for fundraisers for school and athletic associations, as well as disease- focused non-profits and even private clubs.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 11 Do You Need A Contractor? You Deserve Professional Service and Quality Work From Honest People

6 Years • 282 Local Customers Served • All Types of Residential Construction Currently Employing 14 Professionals • No Money Down • Fully Insured Bill & Eric Jost, Owners B & E Development, LLC 518-570-6703 www.bedevelopment.biz

With usus,, banking is mobilmobilee

Kneussle attributes the popularity of his design work to affordability. “The ability to do everything locally helps keep our costs down and drives our local business. It is comforting for customers to know that we can do all of their repair work without We’ve got your mobile needs covered. sending their jewelry out.”

Mobile Check Deposit “We are finding that we have a great niche Take a picture of your check with your mobile phone or tablet to deposit it into your account as jewelry designers,” stated Kneussle. “I was approached at a local event by a man who shot an elk and wondered what we could Bank-To-Bank Transfers create with the antlers.” Kneucraft designs Easily transfer money between your Champlain National Bank all sorts of decorative items from pendants accounts and your accounts at other US financial institutions. to knife handles. Call or visit your local branch for details and to sign up. “I thrive on oddball ideas that are out there and we create them,” Kneussle stated. He attributes the popularity of his design work to affordability. “The ability to do everything Champlain locally helps keep our costs down and drives Download our FREE App for your our local business. It is comforting for cus- iPhone, iPad or Android phone today! National Bank tomers to know that we can do all of their Data and message rates may apply. www.champlainbank.com repair work without sending their jewelry

12 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 Add Value! save Money! Auto rust protection

Gift Certificates Auto MeChAniC on Duty RANDAvailable HILL LAWNS,• Brakes •INC. Oil Changes Commercial & Residential Property• Exhaust Management • Front End • Hydroseeding • Tree/Stump Removal • Retaining Walls/Paver • Rolled Sod Installation • Shrub Installation/Trimming Sidewalks • Lawn Fertilizing • Fall Raking/Clean-ups Remote• Parking Lot Sweeping Car • Scott Professional Products • Property Maintenance • Landscaping Automotive Detailing Starters Snow Removal: Commercial/Residential, Sanding/Salting

17 DurkeeCALL FOR Street, DowntownGlenn R. Burdo Plattsburgh27 YEARS 518-563-8566 518-561-8230ESTIMATE! NYS Certified Lawn Care/Pesticide Applicatorwww.BigAppleAudio.netOF SERVICE! Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • Sat. 8am-12noon (Across from City Parking Lot)

Add Value! save Money! Auto rust protection

Gift Certificates Auto MeChAniC on Duty Available • Brakes • Oil Changes • Exhaust • Front End Remote Car

AutomotiveAutomotive Detailing Detailing Starters 17 Durkee Street 518-561-8230 17 Durkee Street, Downtownwww.BigAppleAudio.net Plattsburgh Downtown Plattsburgh 518-561-8230 Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • www.BigAppleAudio.netSat. 8am-12noon (Across from City Parking Lot) Mon.-Fri. 8am-5pm • Sat. 8am-12noon (Across from City Parking Lot)

Special Occasion Dresses

Bridal Gowns Bringing you the latest Lauratrends’ ands styles.too!

Tuxedos out,” said Kneussle, proud of the equipment Bridesmaids Dresses and skill they have assembled at Kneucraft. His team includes some experienced talent and some “homegrown” bench jewelers Prom Dresses Kneucraft sent to school to learn gold-smith- ing, master stone setting and hand engraving. Accessories Despite a small labor pool in the region for this skilled industry, Kneucraft manages to be fully staffed. “We have a great team,” he 494 State Route 3 explained. “At any given time we have 20-30 Plattsburgh, NY custom pieces in production. We don’t really have a down time, but fourth quarter is by (518) 563-8897 far our busiest time,” he remarked. “We do www.lauras-bridal.com one third of our business in the last two and [email protected] a half weeks of the year.” Mon-Wed 10-6 • Thu-Fri 10-7 Sat 10-5 • Sun 11-3

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 13 Both Kneussle and Blanchard recognize Knowledge, professionalism, recent changes in the jewelry market. What and continued training make us used to be considered a market for those the most qualified real estate with large disposable incomes has opened specialists in the North Country. up to everyone. National brands like Pandora Trust us for all of your commercial are featuring lines of less expensive jewelry, real estate needs. encouraging small, multiple and repeat pur- chases. Jewelry stores are seeing a whole new group of customers coming through the door. Through custom jewelry lines, Kneucraft and Perrywinkle’s are catering to this new kind of jewelry buyer, as well as passing on some local flare through their designs — jewelry designed and produced right here in the North Country. Perrywinkle’s Fine Jewelry 75 Smithfield Boulevard 35,000 SF light manufacturing/distribution/warehouse on 4.5 +/- Acres. Plattsburgh, New York 12901 (518) 562-2328 Conveniently located near I-87 & Plattsburgh International Airport. www.perrywinkles.com Features 480v 3-phase electric, 2 loading docks, sprinkler system, natural gas heat. Kneucraft Fine Jewelry & Design 672 Route 3 For More Info Call Neil Fesette 518.726.0149 Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 561-1176 Call Us For All Of Your Real Estate Needs www.kneucraft.com

OFFICE • INDUSTRIAL • RETAIL • MULTIFAMILY DEVELOPMENT • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT

176 US Oval | Plattsburgh, NY 12903 | 324.4500 | FesetteCommercial.com

We can’t help you shrink your waist line in 2016…. Available Available Available 6,400 SF 67,500 SF 5,000 SF Plattsburgh, NY Plattsburgh, NY Plattsburgh, NY

But we can help you expand your business! CDC is the North Country’s Exclusive Commercial and Industrial Real Estate Group www.cdcrealestate.com Licensed NYS Broker 800-545-8125

14 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 圀漀爀欀眀椀琀栀漀甀爀搀攀猀椀最渀攀爀猀琀漀挀爀攀愀琀攀愀挀甀猀琀漀洀椀稀攀搀瀀椀攀挀攀愀渀搀琀甀爀渀礀漀甀爀搀爀攀愀洀猀椀渀琀漀爀攀愀氀椀琀礀⸀

䌀愀氀氀琀漀刀攀猀攀爀瘀攀愀渀䄀瀀瀀漀椀渀琀洀攀渀琀吀漀搀愀礀℀

㜀㔀匀䴀䤀吀䠀䘀䤀䔀䰀䐀䈀伀唀䰀䔀嘀䄀刀䐀簀倀䰀䄀吀吀匀䈀唀刀䜀䠀Ⰰ 一夀簀㔀㄀㠀⸀㔀㘀㈀⸀㈀㌀㈀㠀簀倀䔀刀刀夀圀䤀一䬀䰀䔀匀⸀䌀伀䴀

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 15 FEATURE NOMAD

Guillaume Langevin, Ed Marin and Steven Clement by Julie Canepa Photos by Ty Kretser

instein has been quoted as saying, “In the middle of difficulty, lies opportunity.” The owners of Nomad Airstream, a full service Airstream travel trailer customization and service company based in Plattsburgh, NY, can relate. The story of Nomad president Steven EClement and CEO Guillaume Langevin is one of small serendipities, enormous challenges and more recently, seemingly endless possibilities. From a chance meeting that brought the owners together in Montreal to a brief foray into running an Airstream dealership, the company is settling into a comfortable groove of doing what it does best, producing customized Airstream trailers for commercial and specialty use in its 35,000 square foot facility on Nomad Drive on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base and sending them off into every corner of the world.

16 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 NOMAD AIRSTREAM

Becoming Nomad People and the place Co-founders Clement and Langevin make a rather unlikely pair of busi- Customers come to Nomad with the desire to turn an already amazing ness partners: Clement’s energy and enthusiasm is a polar opposite to work of craftsmanship into an even bigger dream, whether for personal Langevin’s calm, pragmatic demeanor, but it works. Both are natives or commercial use. Nomad’s job is to take Airstream vehicles which of Montreal. Clement brought his childhood love of the Airstream, an are recognized feats of engineering and design and modify them to iconic symbol of luxury road travel, adventure and world class crafts- their customers’ specifications without ever compromising the integ- manship, and his experience in retail with Copenhagen-based luxury rity of the original brand. “We have an amazing staff,” said Clement. designer Carli Gry (now known as IC Group). Langevin took a circu- “We are a team, a group of passionate individuals linked together. Our itous route to entrepreneurship, starting university in pre-med, segueing employees always go above and beyond what is expected.” Without to Hotel Management, and later acquiring a degree in Business. After a prompting, employees covered a desk in Nomad’s front lobby with the Marketing internship at Cirque du Soleil, Langevin was hired to work signature riveted aluminum, echoing the exterior of the “silver bul- in Cirque’s Montreal headquarters, in a cubicle on a floor with over 700 lets” undergoing transformation in the warehouse. other employees. From there, he moved to a smaller marketing firm. With an endless stream of inquiries and more work coming in, The two men joined forces in 2009, with a plan to purchase Airstream management has a strong incentive to give its hardworking employ- trailers, renovate, customize, and rent them out for corporate events in ees top priority. Nomad’s crew recently completed a project with Montreal. A life threatening medical emergency with Clement almost an intense deadline and employees were noticeably worn out from prevented the partners from continuing their plans. When he regained being on their feet all day. Clement called a local esthetician, who his health the men went on to purchase the Plattsburgh-based com- came in at a moment’s notice and took care of each individual with pany, GSM Vehicles that had been renovating and repairing a small personalized hand and foot massages. “It makes the team closer. It fleet of trailers. They moved the business from its original Florida says, ‘We respect you.’” said Clement. The refrigerator is routinely Street location on the former Plattsburgh Air Force Base to its cur- stocked with healthy foods that the staff can help themselves to dur- rent residence in 2011. ing lunches and breaks. “When you eat healthy you perform better,” said Clement. Staff and management share a large dining table for meals, a practice Clement retained from his days at Carly Gry, where the CEO and shop employees shared the same table.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 17 The Custom Fleet From Dream to Design Nomad’s group of A-list clients includes MGM Resorts International, Growth in the Transforming a unique piece of Americana specifically The Mirage in Las Vegas. With a continual need to knock food truck into a custom dream on wheels is the stuff of the socks off its clientele, The Mirage plans to replace the former industry is a reality show reveals. Plans are in the works for Cirque du Soleil-owned, Beatles-themed Revolution Lounge with clear niche. Now a possible cable TV series depicting Nomad’s a new concept restaurant called The Still. Dark wood and tufted restaurateurs process from initial client meeting and quote leather banquettes recalling the classic whiskey bar will replace the can follow the to the finished product. With a cast of char- psychedelic, fuchsia-lit interior of Revolution and one of Nomad’s crowd, rather acters in the ranks worthy of a reality show, Airstreams, custom modified into a food trailer, will hold center than investing including the owners, the show, if realized, stage inside the 9,000 square foot lounge. Set to open in March of in a brick will be highly entertaining. 2016, the installation of the food truck will take a well choreographed and mortar Ed Marin, a consultant with a background effort, including the removal of walls and massive chandeliers inside establishment. in engineering and the aerospace industry is the casino. Tapas and other fare will be served from the Airstream, keeping the entrepreneurs’ feet on the ground. which will not be road worthy, but anchored in place for stability. “We began with a business plan that recog- The company recently transformed a vintage 1969 Airstream nizes that people retain Airstreams at a very Tradewind, named Planet Caravan, expanding it to a thirty foot food high rate, and seventy percent of the original trailer, complete with griddle, salad bar, plate warmer, heat lamps, vehicles are still on the road. We want to be refrigeration, and outlet plugs that are 50 Hz, the frequency of elec- clear on where we fit in,” said Marin. trical current in Europe and the Middle East, where many of their Growth in the food truck industry is a clear clients reside. The mobile restaurant they have created stands up to niche. Now restaurateurs can follow the crowd, the California Retail Food Code, the highest standard in mobile food rather than investing in a brick and mortar facility regulations in the U.S. Customized in Plattsburgh with inte- establishment. Specialty projects for corpo- rior steel components fabricated in the North Country, it is headed rate branding are also growing. Many may via ship to Manama, the modern capital of the Persian Gulf island have seen the #campaigncamper, a tricked out nation, Bahrain. Airstream travelling the country, bearing the The explosion of wealth from banking and other industries in that CNN and Facebook logos. AT&T ordered a region, combined with a lust for Americana of any sort makes the customized Airstream to be used as an office custom Airstreams that Nomad can supply a hot property. Word at this year’s South by Southwest music festi- of mouth about the company’s work has spread in the region, and val in Austin, TX. It was there that Clement Nomad now has contracts with customers in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, met “Stefani”, who went gaga over the AT&T Abu Dhabi in the UAE and Qatar. Airstream. Clement and Stefani took a selfie in the unit, with Clement only later realizing he had just made an Airstream fan of Lady Gaga.

18 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 With each project highly customized, Marin hopes to find ways to standardize certain ele- ments of the construction process; however cutting off one whole side of the vehicle to create a door where none existed before does pose unique engineering challenges. It is necessary to do a detailed analysis of the frame design on many projects. Despite major struc- tural changes, the integrity of the vehicle must remain roadworthy and able to maintain a dynamic load. A mobile hair salon contract posed the problem of how to distribute the extra load of six hundred gallons of water for the shampoo station. Clement maintains a constant optimism. “Anytime there is a problem, there is always a solution.” Successfully implemented, the client now wants two more. Although many of the projects seem high tech, employees need to have conventional trade skills like plumbing and woodwork- ing to make them happen. The employees are part of a team and Nomad’s owners hope is to develop the staff to leadership positions. The staff vets new personnel, with everyone not just pulling their weight, but going above and beyond at all times. Cutting corners is not an option. Marin will assist with the growing pains inherent in a company that does not currently have to fight for business, keeping a watchful eye on over- head and adding a second shift if necessary, rather than more space and equipment. “We will take on personnel to meet the demand.” Staff has doubled in recent weeks. Nomad’s new Creative Director, Andrea Knoll, will work to create a cohesive brand and image for the business going forward. Clement’s fondness for the vehicles is evident. “Every Airstream has a story.” He spends his summers living in an Airstream on the lake and continually pinches himself in disbelief that business is flooding through Nomad’s doors. As its reputation for quality work and service grows, customers are calling from all over the world and each one will be treated like family. “We literally roll out the red carpet when someone comes to pick up their vehicle,” said Clement. The business is fun, exciting and changing and at Nomad Airstream, the adventure is just beginning. Nomad Airstream 167 Nomad Drive Plattsburgh, NY 12901 (518) 324-6225 www.nomadairstream.com

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 19 INSIGHT

Name: Fred Smith Current Position: Interim President, Clinton Community College Hometown: Evans Mills, New York Education: B.S. in Accounting from SUNY Albany; M.B.A. from Syracuse University Civic involvement: Honorary Rotarian, Board of Directors service to various organizations including Lake Forest and the Plattsburgh Old Base Memorial Chapel

Fred Smith personifies the adage, “The reward for good work is more work.” Smith currently serves as the interim president of Clinton Community College. Sitting in his office on the hill is a bit of déjà vu for him. It was 1989 when he was first asked to join CCC to fill a one-year vacancy as Academic Dean. At that time he was 23 years into a satisfying career teaching accounting at SUNY Cobleskill, but he welcomed the new challenge. Smith went on to fill a variety of executive positions at Clinton, including Vice President for Academic Affairs.

In 1994 Smith retired from higher education and became the Director of the Alice T. Miner museum in Chazy. “That was a whole new wonderful world. It fed my interests in colonial revival and antique collecting,” he pas- sionately recalled. In 2006, Smith retired once Fred again. “You have to understand, I’ve retired four times,” Smith said with a chuckle. Twice more during his retirement, he received and accepted invitations to fill temporary vacan- cies in higher education leadership. Smith Smith held the interim presidency at North Country by Michelle St. Onge Community College for two years and, most Photos by Ty Kretser recently, returned to CCC where he is today.

20 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015

SB: How did you discover your love for teaching? SB: What qualities do you believe are necessary for success? FS: I was first introduced to college teaching at Syracuse University as a graduate assistant. At a large university many classes are not FS: First you have to understand that what I construe as success taught by faculty, they are taught by graduate students. In my second isn’t necessarily what anyone else thinks. To be successful you’ve semester I taught a section of elementary accounting to undergrad- got to be committed. You have to be honest with yourself and oth- uates. I wasn’t so thrilled with graduate school, but I loved teaching. ers about what it is that you are looking for, how are you going It almost took over my life. When I graduated I wrestled with want- to get it and what are you going to give to it. Don’t be afraid of ing to make lots of money and become a CPA or teach. At that time, failure. You can’t be afraid of failure if you want to be successful. community colleges were popping up all over so there were plenty of SB: Have you failed? teaching jobs to be had. I ended up taking a job at SUNY Cobleskill. FS: Oh, sure. I have failed in personal relationships, I have failed SB: What inspired you as a teacher? at times in how I treat others. I have failed in aspects of every job FS: One of the things I loved about teaching accounting was the chal- I’ve ever had. I tend to spend a lot of time analyzing what I do. I lenge. I would have students say to me, ‘I’m not going to be good in think it is really important professionally. If you think you are the accounting because I’m not good at math.’ I loved the challenge of end-all, be-all, I’ve got a surprise for you. You are probably going saying to that student , ‘I’m going to push you and you are going to to face failure with a capital F. I am quite capable of being humble succeed.’ I always prided myself on the success of my students and even under the façade of self-confidence. I wasn’t one to give away grades. Here at the college I often tell people that we are doing a very Good teaching is like a theater performance and it takes a lot out of good job, but we can do better. You’ll never do better if you don’t you. I don’t know that I could teach a full load at this time in my life. look at and analyze how you did something. Is that failure? No. It requires a unique kind of energy that can be very draining. You That recognition that you can do better is very, very important. don’t walk into a classroom thinking, ‘Oh, I’m tired today; we’ll see SB: If you could have dinner and spend an evening with how it goes.’ You’d better be ready to be ‘on’ from the minute you any well-known person, living or dead, who would you walk in. Good administrators should teach from time to time, too. choose and why? During my administrative career at Cobleskill, I usually taught one class each academic semester. I think that’s good policy. If you want FS: Eleanor Roosevelt. The reason why is partly because I did have to be a good administrator, you’d better be in touch with what is hap- dinner with her as a college student when she came to speak to pening in your classrooms. us at Albany State. I regret that at the time I didn’t appreciate the wonderful opportunity that I had. I don’t even remember what we SB: How do you approach your work as interim president? talked about. It’s like having a chance for a wonderful romance FS: I don’t believe in an ‘open door’ policy. I’m not opposed to seeing that I just let go. I’ve learned a lot about her in the interim, and people in my office, but I know you have to get out and about in order I’d like to have my second chance. to know what’s really going on. You have to get out and talk with peo- SB: How do you want to be remembered? ple. That’s what I really believe in. FS: If I died tomorrow, I would die knowing that I had done my SB: What is it like being the president of a college? best at whatever the professional endeavor was. Am I perfect? No, FS: One of the things I learned quickly when I went to North Country I wouldn’t say that. There are a lot of things I know, and there are Community College is that being a college president is a different a lot of things I don’t know. I will be only as good as the people world. I think everyone should be a president for a month. I notice I surround myself with. In my mind, that is so critical in what- that now when I walk down the halls people speak to me. I’ve come ever you are doing. I have given it my all, and I recognize my to realize that people are often responding to the position and not strengths and weaknesses. I don’t have an ego; that is not who I the person. Many people call me President Smith, but I’m really Fred. am. I am just doing a job. The position puts you in another category of sorts. You get invited to When I talk about the shortcomings of my life, I can tell you that events not as yourself, but as the president of the college. There is an I don’t have the healthiest balance. I often work late, and many identity of “the president” without any regard for the person, Fred people ask me why I put in such long hours. It is because I answer Smith. When people say, ‘I hear good things about you,’ you aren’t first to myself. I drive myself. I always have. sure if they mean you, the person or you, the position. You lose a certain amount of that when you become the president. I never would have understood this if I hadn’t been in the position.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 21 FEATURE

The Boat of the FUTURE: PROCAT 320

22 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 PROCAT 320

Story and Photos by Karen Bouvier

roCat U.S., owned by Magguy Thibodeau and Americans may be familiar with the popular pleasure Michel Pachiaudo, has begun to produce the boat, the Hobie Cat, introduced in the 1950s. While the ProCat 320, a catamaran work boat that is more catamaran was not previously known for speed, in 1967 P than a redesign of a classic vessel. It is a fiber- Rodney March of England designed the Tornado catama- glass symbol of how perfectly applied vision can spur ran for the Olympics and literally blew the competition an innovative business, stimulate economic growth in a out of the water. Re-designed in 2000, the Tornado con- North Country village and provide a valuable working tinues to win races in the America’s Cup. tool for those involved in fishing, education, government, With this pedigree it is understandable why Pachiaudo, and as a logistic solution in remote places in the world. boat builder, manufacturing consultant and forward “Many places do not have roads,” said Pachiaudo from thinker chose the catamaran as the basis for the ProCat his manufacturing plant in Rouses Point. “Travel by water 320. By constructing it from fiberglass (the first manu- is more practical and efficient. We want to increase the facturer in the U.S. to do so) rather than aluminum, the use of boats for the transportation of goods and services. ProCat 320 is not subject to electrolysis corrosion. In Since the ProCat 320 only needs 18 inches of water, it can addition, Pachiaudo added unique rounded tips (bulbs) go in shallow ports, rivers, almost anywhere.” to each hull, giving the vessel 30% more fuel efficiency, Coming from the Tamil word kattumaram, which means a deck awning and two 300 horsepower outboard (or “logs tied together”, catamarans originated about 2,500 stern drive) motors. His 32’x15’x10’ workboat with 328 years ago in South India and Polynesia (think outrigger square feet of deck space is suitable for a myriad of oper- canoe). Simply put, a catamaran is a twin-hulled vessel ations around the world: Coast Guard operations, bridge with a deck built on top of a wide beam. A catamaran’s construction support, fishing, windmill and buoy main- longevity and flexibility are due not only to its shallow tenance, firefighting pump and rescue, as an on-water draught, but its stability in rough waters and bad weather, research laboratory, commuting, logistical solutions, and as well as its fuel efficiency (the twin hulls cut, rather than delivery of medical personnel to hard-to-reach areas. push, the water). Powered by sails and the wind, and later, “The original design is British, but we incorporated the by outboard motors, catamarans were consistently and naval engineering modifications for commercial boating successfully used throughout the world as ferries and work in North America,” explained Pachiaudo, as he showed boats. Today, the U.S. Navy uses them for military cargo this writer the ProCat 320 prototype. “Our boat is com- transport, they work as survey ships in China, Indonesia pletely customizable and is outfitted to order. A client and India, and Norway uses them to ferry people among may request any kind of accessories.” the most populated of its 50,000 islands.

Duey Hampton, Keith Gadway, Mario Contreras, David Gooley, Scott Cayea, Stephen Patrick—Plant Manager, CJ McKethan

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 23 A native of Brazil, Pachiaudo built his first boat at 17, and owned and managed a fishing fleet We’re in business to help your business. for over a decade. After accepting a consultant position from Mercedes Benz to manage its manufacturing assembly lines, Pachiaudo immigrated to Canada 27 years ago. Fast forward nearly three decades. Pachiaudo was ready to retire from a rewarding career • Assembly and wanting to start a business that embod- • Packaging ied his passion of building a boat of his own • Sorting / Sealing design that incorporated his values (envi- • Labeling / Tagging ronmentally and community conscious and a sustainable economic opportunity). He per- • Pick and Pack fected his catamaran work boat design, then • Collating and Mailings enlisted his wife’s partnership. “It wasn’t hard • Janitorial Services to convince her to join me in this new exciting phase of our life,” confirmed Pachiaudo. Champlain Valley “She is passionate about boats and evolution.” Industries His wife, business partner, co-visionary, and president of ProCat U.S., Magguy Thibodeau, 9 Industrial Boulevard is a successful stock broker and financial Plattsburgh, New York advisor in Montreal. Her vision and attention Turning subcontracting to the human element in business, as well as Tel: 518-563-0037 opportunities into jobs for Clinton her financial and administrative skills, round Sheryl Esposito, Production Coordinator out their collective skill set for ProCat U.S. [email protected] County developmentally disabled Kathleen Stygles, Director adults Thibodeau and Pachiaudo began to write a [email protected] business plan in June 2014. “Karen Stehlin at the Small Business Development Center helped us develop it and counseled us on how to negotiate with an investor. Donna Fessette at One Work Force connected us to our fore- man, Steve Patrick who is my right arm and has been with me since the beginning. Bill Ferguson from Empire State Development and Sue Matton from the North Country Chamber of Commerce were also instru- mental in helping us get this business going.” Thus prepared, Pachiaudo pitched his business plan to Point Positive, a group of angel investors in Saranac Lake in December 2014, and with their financial support, started ProCat U.S. After he found manufacturing and office space at 5 Lincoln Boulevard in Rouses Point and with Thibodeau over- seeing the operations and sales, Pachaiudo, Patrick, and a team of six workers began construction of a full-scale model in April of this year. He will bring the finished boat to the New Orleans World Work Boat show in December and Maine Fisherman’s Forum in March 2016. After that, the ProCat 320 will tour the Eastern seacoast for 60 days. As con- signment orders come in, the work crew will be expanded to 50, 27 for the assembly line and, under full production, produce a completed boat each week.

24 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 “This is a very exportable product,” explained Pachiaudo, “and the ProCat plant’s Rouses Point location, with its connection to the St. Lawrence and Hudson rivers, makes it a perfect boat building hub. We are hoping the success of ProCat will encourage other boat-related businesses to open here. Good business brings more business and the need for skilled workers.” As the ProCat 320 moved toward completion, Pachiaudo discussed his vision for someday building a totally “green” catamaran. As he held up a flap of golden woven fabric, he explained, “This fabric is a natural cellulose- based product from Bangladesh. It is made of jute (a long, strong vegetable fiber made of course threads) and coated with a resin made Spring, Summer & Fall Services from soy and pineapples. It is flexible, water- ~ Spring & Fall Cleanups proof and very strong. Using jute would help ~ Lawn Mowing the economy of Bangladesh as well as create ~ Landscaping (Design, Maintain & Install) a truly biodegradable boat. We have to be PO Box 1791, Plattsburgh, NY 12901 518-563-1458 ~ Pavers & Patios (Design, Maintain & Install) flexible with our idea. The potential for this ~ Commercial - Residential & many more! is infinite,” he emphasized. Winter Services Contact us today to get your FREE ESTIMATE! ProCat US Inc. ~ Snow Plowing 5 Lincoln Boulevard ~ Snow Removal Rouses Point, NY 12979 (518) 297-2102 ~ Salting & Sanding Services (318) 264-6818 ~ Commercial - Residential

PERSONAL INSURANCE BUSINESS INSURANCE LIFE & EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Plattsburgh Whitehall Massena 518.561.7000 518.499.0444 315.769.2404

Northern Insuring Agency, Inc. Plattsburgh Whitehall Massena www.northerninsuring.com • 800.807.6542 518.561.7000 518.499.0444 315.769.2404

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 25 FEATURE NOT JUST NUTS AND BOLTS PRE-TECH PRECISION By Julie Canepa Photos by Ty Kretser

or over a hundred years, the tiny ham- let of Mineville, New York played a vital Frole in industry that reverberated outside its immediate region. Ore was discovered there in the early 1800s, and first the Witherbee- Sherman Company and later Republic Steel ran the mine there until it closed in 1971. Railroad and Lake Champlain barge routes were established and the town of Moriah, of which Mineville is a part, was integral to the iron industry. Ore from Mineville, Moriah and Lyon Mountain was used to build the most widely- recognized suspension bridges in the United States including the George Washington, Golden Gate and the earlier hybrid suspension Brooklyn Bridge. While it may maintain a much lower profile, Pre-Tech Precision Machining supplies custom components of critical use within the aerospace, defense, biomedical, and computer/electronic industries from Mineville, putting the region on Jim Kahler the map once again.

26 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 PRE-TECH

Founded in Williston, Vermont in 1984 by Rick Dolliver and Ed Once production begins on an order, Pre-Tech puts the part through Paya (who has since retired), Pre-Tech opened its satellite manu- its paces. For example, product may come in with rough edges, hav- facturing facility in the Moriah Business Park in Mineville 17 years ing been forged by an outside company from molds designed by ago to increase capacity. The 22,000 square foot shop produces pre- Pre-Tech. In that case the parts are placed in a rock tumbler until cision components for several high level leaders in the aerospace they are smooth. and biotechnology industries. Production Manager Jim Kahler has Next, the product might be shipped out to another outside service been with Pre-Tech at the Mineville location since its inception in provider to receive a chemical process known as anodizing. These out- 1998. Kahler brought his experience in manufacturing from a fac- side processes can take time; one company that completes this stage tory environment to the team of six original employees. He was is located outside of Springfield, MA. All outside service providers promoted to production manager in 2009 and has seen the location are routinely audited to ensure they are able to meet specifications grow to thirty-two employees. Pre-Tech has made thousands of dif- and monitor defects and delivery data as well as comply with all per- ferent custom components since it opened. “I learn something new tinent accreditation standards. every day,” said Kahler of the challenges inherent in manufacturing high precision parts. When a snowstorm in Boston last winter kept Pre-Tech’s plate supplier closed, the company didn’t skip a beat. It has more than one The Pre-Tech facilities on opposite sides of Lake Champlain are mir- supplier in place for each process, thereby mitigating the risk of line ror images of each other, which gives them the capability to mitigate disruptions. “What we do is only one piece of the puzzle,” said Kahler. their risk and maintain their demanding production schedules in the event of an unforeseen disaster. “Employees from Mineville are Last year, Pre-Tech purchased two state-of-the-art high-speed, thermally- sent to Vermont to cross-train on similar machines and processes stable horizontal machining centers, adding to its already robust arsenal so that there are no hiccups,” said Kahler. He communicates daily of innovative equipment. The Okuma 5000 and 4000 provide thermal with the company’s corporate headquarters in Williston to confirm dynamic compensation. In layman’s terms, they equalize ambient tem- production schedules. peratures so they compensate for the internal temperature of the shop. The contract on the machines provides training, service and mainte- The Process nance, but the machines are also able to self-diagnose. The machine’s In the world of precision manufacturing, patience is a virtue; the computer will shut down operation if a tool is broken or has reached its process is painstaking. Pre-Tech engineers work with a customer’s life use and notify staff by sending a text message, e-mail or even call- initial design, contributing their expertise to facilitate a prototype. ing a designated phone number to inform them of its current position, Upon completion, the part is sent to the customer where it may be eerily reminiscent of “HAL 9000” in the film “2001: A Space Odyssey”. given the thumbs up with instructions to commence production. On The new machines allow a level of mass production that human occasion, the customer may decide the component needs re-engi- machining cannot meet. Components are placed on a horizontal neering and possibly even a full scale return to the drawing board. attachment called a “tombstone”. Initial set-ups can be complicated and in-depth, however, once certified, the job is a snap to set-up going forward due to elaborate fixturing, set-up sheets and program validation procedures.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 27 The tombstone is placed in the programmed machine and using the tools in its arsenal, many of which were created in house, the components are modified accordingly. “The 4000 can add on to a single load, so it is possible to have six tombstones with eight parts on each in the machine. That is sixty-four parts that are machined without an operator ever touching them,” said Kahler. The 4000 can run a full tombstone in two hours and fifteen minutes on its existing product line. The goal is to operate the machines 24/7. Right now they turn on at five a.m. on Monday morning and shut down on Saturday morning. An ultrasonic cleanser removes foreign objects and debris from the threads in the machined parts. The machines are cleaned daily, more often if a different metal is used, as parts will CASELLA OFFERS lose their accuracy if the machines are dirty. Cleaning is done manually, by hand and COMPLETE WASTE & with shop vacs. All metals that run off in the machining process are recycled including RECYCLING SOLUTIONS aluminum, stainless steel, brass, copper, and FOR YOUR HOME, BUSINESS, SCHOOL, OR TOWN exotic steels. The shop fills one dumpster full of metal chips and shavings on average per day. Coolant used in the machining process, • Zero-Sort® Recycling • Containers 2-40 Yards a water soluble oil-based product with the vis- cosity needed to keep the tools lubricated, is • Convenient Curbside Pickup • Trash & Recycling Compactors also drained for recycling and reuse. The employees who work on the Burr Bench • Easy Dumpster Rentals • Online Bill Pay literally remove burrs and any sharp edges that would cut a wire placed in a housing. Parts • Dependable Local Service • Free Business Waste Analysis are then measured for accuracy to specifications with sophisticated tools including gauges measuring air volume, precision rulers and a ruby probe. The ruby tipped probe’s function is to probe certain surfaces of a part to allow the machine to locate itself in varying axes. A Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) runs tolerances, a measure of the permissible limit of variation in the component in relation to its original specifications. The desired tolerance is tight. “Our goal is for a margin where CURBSIDE COMMERCIAL EASY & CONVENIENT TRASH & RECYCLING TRASH & RECYCLING DUMPSTER RENTALS the permissible limit of variation is equal to what you would have if you split a hair on your head thirty times,” said Kahler. That’s close! The ruby tipped probe can also be used for 1-800-CASELLA inspection inside a machine, so that if a part does not meet tolerance it can be rerun before casella.com • fb.com/ZeroSort removing it from the machine. If a measuring device is out of order, Kahler’s team can go “old school”, using more traditional measuring devices including a machine called the shadow, also known as an optical comparator.

28 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 Employing the Community With some skilled manufacturing companies expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of skilled employees in the region, Pre-Tech has been successful in sustaining employ- ment balance. They offer 100% on the job training for the right individual, but coming in with a good skill set from a variety of fields is key. Prior factory work, an ability to read blueprints, a background in construction, and good hand-eye coordination from From the exclusive sponsor of the PrimeLink Great Northern something like crocheting make for a good ShootOut NCAA Division III Hockey Tournament, job candidate at Pre-Tech. “Some of these comes the best voice & data packages for businesses in the area! people can tear apart a four-wheeler and put Get your business moving at the speed of it back together. If you can, I have a job for you,” emphasized Kahler. Hockey-FiberOpticHockey-FiberOptic FastFast > > Many of Pre-Tech’s employees are recent REV IT UP to 10, 30, 50, 100Mbps or MORE. local Moriah Central School graduates. Most employees have a commute that is under 18th Annual PrimeLink Great Northern ShootOut Contact a PrimeLink Sales Representative fifteen minutes. “They never thought they November 27 and 28, 2015 > for a customized price quote to meet your would have the option to retire at a busi- 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm Kreitzberg Arena business’ SPEED NEEDS. ness in the town where they graduated high Norwich school,” said Kahler. With a goal of operating University seven days a week, Kahler hopes he can find more qualified employees from the region. “Unfortunately, industrial arts classes do not offer much in the way of hands-on experience. Anyone skilled in basic machining, 518-324-LINK (5465) > www.primelink1.com drilling, drafting, lathe work, or mechani- [ PRIMELINK AD — 4.95” x 4.95”— Strictly Business, November 2015 ] cal drawing will have a trade they can use 73 Trade Road anywhere in the world.” Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Pre-Tech’s customers demand a 3-5% sav- ings from one year to the next. That is where Tel (518) 561-4321 the company’s Continuous Improvement Fax (518) 561-8462 Plan comes into play. “Can we make it better? Can we reduce the production cost? We work hard to find the highest driver of expense and reduce it,” said Kahler. For instance, a component that used to be made in three parts is now made in one piece. With challenges like that, and new custom projects coming in all the time, job satisfac- tion is high at Pre-Tech. “You feel like you have accomplished something, that you are Lenny’s Shoe and Apparel Flagship Store making a difference. You are making something that is going to be used in everyday life,” Kahler concluded. Pre-Tech Plastics, Inc. Pretech Precision 12 Tom Phelps Lane Mineville NY 12956 (518) 942-5950 Luck Builders, Inc. Your Local Contractor Specializing In Design Build, New Construction, Heavy Concrete & Renovation Projects When Quality and Scheduling Count

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 29 FEATURE

HELP FROM High Places by Karen Bouvier

ngel investor: Someone who provides financial backing for In April 2014, one such angel group, formed in Saranac Lake calling startups or entrepreneurs. The capital they provide can be itself Point Positive, began investing. According to Melinda Little, a one-time injection of seed money or ongoing support to Executive Director, “Point Positive currently consists of 15-16 mem- Acarry the company through difficult times. Angel investors give bers of high net worth and significant means who have a deep, abiding more favorable terms than other lenders because they are focused interest in helping strengthen the economy in the North Country. We on helping the business succeed rather than reaping a large profit reach out to entrepreneurs, with a creative vision and a strong business from their investment. Often retired entrepreneurs or executives, plan, who show that they are able to create a sustainable, environmen- angel investors may want to keep abreast of current developments tally conscious, regional business that can grow and create local jobs.” in a particular business arena, mentor another generation of entre- Working as a liaison between entrepreneurs and its angel investors preneurs or make use of their experience and networks. Therefore, who decide on an individual basis whether or not to invest in a busi- angel investors can often provide valuable management advice and ness, Point Positive hosts two formal “pitch sessions” each year. To date, important contacts. 24 different business ventures have been pitched and Point Positive has The term “angel” originally came from Broadway theatre where invested in two early-stage and one startup business: Wholeshare, an it was used to describe wealthy patrons who invested in a show on-line distributor of organic and natural food and household goods that would have otherwise shut down. In 1978, William Wetzel, based in Potsdam, New York; ADK Packworks, of Vergennes, Vermont, then a professor at the University of New Hampshire and founder a maker of collapsible baskets and totes based on the iconic Adirondack of its Center for Venture Research, completed a pioneering study basket, and ProCat U.S., a Rouses Point, New York manufacturer of the on how entrepreneurs raised seed capital in the U.S., and began ProCat 320, a catamaran workboat. In addition to the formal pitch ses- using the term “angel” to describe the investors that supported sions, Point Positive evaluates business ventures throughout the year. them. Beginning in the late 1980s, angels started to coalesce Extending its scope beyond investing, Point Positive works to foster an into informal groups with the goal of sharing deal flow and due entrepreneurial ecosystem within the North Country through partner- diligence work and pooling their funds to make larger invest- ships with Clarkson University, North Country Community College, ments. Angel groups tend to be local organizations made up of Paul Smiths, Hamilton and Colgate Colleges, SUNY Plattsburgh, and 10-150 accredited investors. As of 2006, there were over 200 angel other colleges and universities. It partners with other angel investment groups in the United States. groups and supports emerging initiatives such as the Essex Farm Institute.

30 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 POINT POSITIVE

Point Positive grew out of the ABC (Adirondack Business Creators) Initiative undertaken in 2013 under the aegis of the Adirondack Foundation (formerly ACT). ABC’s aim was to create or expand Adirondack businesses for local, national and international markets. In order to help fledging business owners prepare to sell their idea to investors, Point Positive provides a checklist to make sure the idea is a good fit. Considerations such as market size, profit potential, target customer, sales strategies, and distribution systems are addressed as well as how much capital is needed and for how long. By the time the bi-annual pitch session arrives, entrepreneurs are well prepared to present their idea to the angel investors. “I really enjoy getting things started, but I don’t have the fire to start another company myself,” said Little. “In this job, I reach out to entrepreneurs and get to stay involved working with new companies. There’s a lot of mentoring that goes on. I sometimes help prepare companies get ready for their pitch and I try to check on new businesses. Some businesses will also reach out and we welcome them.” Point Positive P.O. Box 1281 Melinda Little, Executive Director (518) 354-0202 Photo by Jack LaDuke Saranac Lake, NY 12983 www.pointpositiveadk.com northcountrycleaners.com Superior Services, Affordable Rates and Quality Assurance for Commercial and Industrial Properties

NYS WBE Certified

10% OFF “The Cleaning Specialists” 1st month with one year contract with Call or email today to schedule your FREE estimate! Route 3 • Plattsburgh & Water Street • Elizabethtown Coupon Code SB10 (518) 324-4622 • [email protected] www.wilsonappliances.com

Lindsay Boulerice Real Estate Salesperson

20 Miller Street Plattsburgh, NY 12901 Office: (518) 562-9999 Cell: (518) 420-2484

We never stop moving.SM “I challenge you to find a better value!”

WHITBECK ASSOCIATES

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 31 FEATURE

THE IMPACT OF BUY AMERICA ON CLINTON COUNTY By William Owens, Photo by Ty Kretser

he presence of Bombardier and Nova Bus are the face of Buy generally require evidence of fifty or more percent of raw materials America in our community. Buy America has many different coming from a NAFTA country that are incorporated into a prod- statutory foundations as well as colloquial meaning. It first came uct as determined by the Customs and Border Protection Division of Tto life in the “Buy America Act” (1933). In 1979, the Trade Agreements Department of Homeland Security. This is an issue about which our Act (TAA) that provided for a system of exemptions became law. local Customs brokers are quite knowledgeable as it impacts whether or not an item being imported is subject to duty. Buy America at the governmental level (federal, state or local) is about the percentage of U.S. content required to meet statutory obligations. During a recent panel at the Conference du Montreal, attended by This concept flows through to NAFTA compliant products as well about 3,800 people, one of my fellow panelists who operates a steel as to products sold to consumers as “Made in America”. manufacturing business mentioned that he had frequently been questioned about opening an American facility of equal size to his Federal legislation enacting “Buy America” provisions can be found Quebec business. He indicated that his response to such questions not only in Defense and Transportation legislation, but many other was that he finds Buy America to be very helpful because once in federal statutes which also require Buy America compliance. In our the United States, he was able to block-out, if you will, competitors region the Buy America requirements are embedded in railroad car not located in the U.S. from any solicitations that had Buy America and bus production because those products are sold to municipalities provisions. This obviously will not work for every potential seller, who receive federal and state funding. Many states and municipalities but it is an interesting insight into the process, and one which all of have also adopted Buy America provisions that are more stringent than us involved in economic development should consider as a poten- federal law which translates to a higher requirement for U.S. content. tial marketing tool. Vendors to Bombardier and Nova Bus come to assist in boosting the The TAA and NAFTA contain provisions that provide for exemp- U.S. content of the end product, so that that product meets the Buy tions which are based upon the “public interest”. A clear example is American provisions of the applicable statute, most often around 50%. the defense industry in which it has been determined that “it would In order to qualify as NAFTA goods to avoid the payment of duty be inconsistent with the public interest to apply the restrictions of yet another standard for U.S. content is imposed. NAFTA rules the Buy American Act with respect to certain supplies, which have

32 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 Caring ~ Friendly ~ Advisors

Over 20 years of ... Loyalty Experience Commitment

PERSONAL & COMMERCIAL INSURANCE

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS, CAFETERIA PLANS & HEALTH INSURANCE

SECURITIES, RETIREMENT THE IMPACT OF BUY AMERICA & FINANCIAL PLANNING ON CLINTON COUNTY Together we can achieve the extraordinary. been determined to be of a military character or involved in programs of mutual interest to the United States and Canada,” thus allowing the sale of certain defense products made in Canada to our military. 686 Bear Swamp Road PO Box 965 If we move to the private sector and look at manufacturers touting their products as American made, what does that really mean? For most products sold to the public, unless they are Peru, NY 12972 automobiles or items made from textiles or wool, there is no law requiring manufacturers Phone: 518-643-7946 and marketers to make a “Made in USA” claim. But if a business chooses to make the claim, Fax: 518-643-8136

the Federal Trade Commission’s Made in USA standard applies which requires that “all or virtually all” the product has been made in America. That is, all significant parts, process- cfainsurance.com ing and labor that go into the product must be of U.S. origin, which is a significantly higher standard than Buy America or NAFTA. Our Canadian neighbors are legitimately concerned about the utilization of Buy America as a protectionist device that adversely impacts their ability to export into the U.S. This is clearly not an unreasonable concern. It’s obvious that the imposition of Buy America has benefited our region. Nonetheless, we need to be sensitive to our largest trading partner Canada. William Owens is a former member of Congress representing the New York 23rd, a strategic Securities offered through advisor at Dentons out of its Washington, DC, office, and a partner in the firm of Stafford, Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member Owens, Piller, Murnane, Kelleher & Trombley, PLLC, in Plattsburgh, New York. Mr. Owens is FINRA/SIPC. CFA Insurance Agency available to consult on US/Canadian trade, as well as to provide legal advice and assistance. and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 33 FEATURE SUNY PLATTSBURGH

PERSONNEL: Twice a year SUNY Plattsburgh invites AN ESSENTIAL BUILDING BLOCK FOR recruiters to campus. Fall semester brings the School of Business & Economics Internship & Career STRONG BUSINESSES Fair; in spring semester By Christine Andola it is the Career Development Center’s Photos by Briana Taft, Student Photographer Career Fair.

t’s impossible to discuss business in the North Country without One institution helping to expand the workforce with quality applicants Ithe topic of workforce development creeping into the conversation. is SUNY Plattsburgh. “The university has been an important part of The economy is recovering, businesses are moving here from other providing qualified graduates for the local workforce since it was estab- regions, start-ups are up, and the manufacturing sector is growing. lished in 1889 as a normal school for the training of teachers,” Keith With all of these exciting developments, the conversation always Tyo, chief of staff to the president of SUNY Plattsburgh, pointed out. turns to the challenges of staffing in this region. As the needs of the community grew and changed, SUNY Plattsburgh’s In true Adirondack style this problem may have a homegrown solu- programs expanded to encompass a wide variety of offerings and it tion. “As the number of companies relocating to the region increases, stepped up its efforts to develop a local workforce to grow with the we are seeing more and more opportunities for the many graduates economy. Through a number of initiatives, the school not only pre- of our region’s community, state and private colleges and universi- pares students for robust careers, but attempts to integrate graduates ties,” stated David Coryer, vice president of ETS. into the community. “We are trying to keep Plattsburgh graduates here, but they need job opportunities,” Tyo explained.

34 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 SUNY PLATTSBURGH

SUNY is one of the largest university systems in the world. New York State Senator Benjamin Feinberg of Plattsburgh introduced the legislation that established the SUNY system. Plattsburgh became part of the SUNY system when it was established in 1948. Number of employers who recruit from SUNY Plattsburgh: 1035. Number of job and internship postings from 2014-15 academic year: 2481.

The Career Development Center (CDC) on campus is where the academic and professional worlds seem to come together. Tyo gave the center’s director, Dr. Julia Overton- Healy high praise for carrying out the CDC’s mission: to empower students toward a meaningful career and life-long professional success. “She is a very caring individual who is deeply committed to providing the necessary resources for our students and working with employers who can benefit from our campus resources,” added Tyo. According to Overton-Healy, the consis- tent expectation from employers in all areas is people who produce great outcomes. In addition to classroom learning, Plattsburgh students gain leadership, team work and communication skills that help them excel outside of the boundaries of the campus and beyond their college education. Experience is another key component to success. The CDC brings opportunities for experience to students through CardinalConnect, its online system. “We work with students to prepare them to com- pete for these experiences by way of resume development, interview skills and on-board- ing preparation,” Overton-Healy explained. In addition to the many services provided for employers by the CDC, SUNY Plattsburgh’s School of Business & Economics (SBE) has its own unique program designed to place students in local businesses and agencies where they gain practical work experience

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 35 HealthHealth InsuranceInsurance ComplianceCompliance WeHealth help employers Insurance stay current Compliance We help employers stay current We help employers stay current

ACA Reporting IRS Section 125 Child Support Order Notice ACA Reporting IRS Section 125 Child Support Order Notice ExchangeACA Reporting Notifications IRCHIPRAS Section WHCRA 125 DOLChild Summary Support Order Plan Description Notice Exchange Notifications CHIPRA WHCRA DOL Summary Plan Description COBRAExchange HIPAA Notifications FMLA SpecialCHIPRA Enrollment WHCRA Rights CreditableDOL Summary Coverage Plan Description Notifications COBRA HIPAA FMLA Special Enrollment Rights Creditable Coverage Notifications COBRA HIPAAWe ManageFMLA YourSpecial Benefits Enrollment So You Rights Can CreditableManage YourCoverage Business Notifications

Employee Benefits 2038 Consulting Saranac Ave nue Brokerage, Lake Placid , NY 12946HR Solutions Compliance P: 518. 203852 3.8100Saranac A W:ve nueburnhambenefitadvisors.com, Lake Placid, NY 12946 P: 518. 203852 Saranac3.8100 A W:venue bur,nhambenefitadvisors.com Lake Placid, NY 12946 P: 518.523.8100 W: burnhambenefitadvisors.com

36 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 NYS Approved Plant R. DESO INC. Septic Tanks - Dry Wells Ready-Mix Concrete Retaining Wall Blocks Dock Anchors Sand, Stone & More R. DESO INC. 298-8411 CHAMPLAIN, NY

Dr. Julia Overton-Healy each semester. Mary Carpenter, Director of Internships & Career Opportunities, works Thomas J. LaBombard, PE with accounting firms, banks, manufactur- Engineering • Planning • Environmental ers, hotels and restaurants, high schools, the Providing full service engineering services to serve our Medical Center, our public television station, local governments, not-for-profits, and a client's facility, environmental, and utility requirements. multitude of service providers to make suc- Visit our website at www.tjlpe.com cessful matches. 1778 Rte 22 Main Street Asked about the SBE’s program Carpenter Keeseville, NY 12944 (next to Stewart's) explained, “There are so many benefits to Phone (518) 834-7729 www.tjlpe.com the working relationships we have developed with the business community. Students see the area in a whole new light when they go off campus and learn about the diversity of businesses. And at the same time employers get to know our students, they develop personal relationships with them. They see them grow and develop; they see their potential and in an increasing number of cases they see a future for them in their businesses. That is a win-win for everyone.” Tyo pointed to the legacy of progress SUNY Plattsburgh has in growing with the community it serves. “While we continue to prepare qualified teachers for public and private schools throughout the North Country and New York State, we also graduate students who are prepared for positions in various other fields. As the needs of businesses across the region change and grow, SUNY Plattsburgh continues to support them with qualified personnel.” “SUNY Plattsburgh produces more than a workforce,” Overton-Healy concluded. “We help prepare young adults for meaningful lives of productivity and community engage- ment. Our students know their academic disciplines and they also know how to be great employees, citizens and neighbors.”

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 37

CHAMBER WISE A NEW YEAR AND AN By Garry Douglas UPDATED AGENDA

ach year, the board and management staff of the North • Reputation for strategy, as in our ability to see or find the best ECountry Chamber engage in a Strategic Planning Retreat, assessing our ways forward. progress over the past year, looking at changing needs and opportuni- • In terms of our plan of work and priorities for 2016, they now ties, and developing refined strategies and a comprehensive business stand as follows: plan for the year ahead. This year’s retreat was held in Lake Placid in November, with our friend and partner Howard Zemsky, presi- 1. HUMAN CAPITAL: Not only meeting our changing and growing dent of Empire State Development, speaking at the opening dinner. need for workforce and skills, but grasping opportunities to use our future successes to attract new talent and residents, thereby “trans- Over the next full day, we had sessions devoted to Government forming” the size and character of our workforce pool. Affairs, looking at key issues in Washington and Albany in 2016; to Workforce Development, with a panel discussion involving sev- 2. QUEBEC-NEW YORK: Continually broadening, deepening, eral of our partners helping to frame some of the priorities we must broadening, deepening. focus on; to the Regional Economic Development Council and 3. GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS: Staying relevant and effective, and its “IMPACT” plan for strategic action and investment over the punching above the North Country’s weight, particularly on regional next five years, and to Small Business, including revitalization of issues and projects. our SCORE chapter and other heightened small business support efforts. For the first time, we were pleased to welcome two repre- 4. PLATTSBURGH INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT: Moving firmly sentatives from each of our fifteen Partner Chambers for part of towards achievement of the “international” dimension of our air- the day’s discussions, something which will be a regular feature in port and towards the ultimate development of aerospace and air the years to come. industrial activity in the Plattsburgh region. In preparing for the great work and opportunities ahead, we paused 5. REGIONALISM: The framework for all else. This must include to recognize what we believe our “core strengths” are so that we will steady and determined implementation of the Regional Economic value these and look for ways to sustain and expand upon them: Development Council’s vision and strategies, and sustaining and building our very special and powerful network of partners both • Regionalism. A core commitment that grew from the lessons of within the region and outside. losing Plattsburgh Air Force Base. With firm commitment to this framework, we foresee a very solid • Our unique model of advocacy, and of relationship building and year of progress and advancement for the North Country business management in Washington and Albany. community and economy in the year just ahead. • Our established commitment to strategic economy building: Vision plus Time and Perseverance. ONWARD and UPWARD We also affirmed our key “power centers” as: in 2016 and BEYOND! • Expertise, as in our expertise in cross border matters. Garry Douglas is the president of the North Country • Connectivity, as in our effective political relationships. Chamber of Commerce

38 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015 Many successful companies call the Greater Go to www.thedevelopcorp.com or call Plattsburgh region home. In fact, Plattsburgh, Paul Grasso, President of The Development NY is ranked the second-best micropolitan Corporation (TDC), to find out what these city for economic potential in North and industry leaders, and perhaps even your South America. competition, already knows - come here and your business can go anywhere.

Source: fDi’s American Cities of the Future 2015/2016. Photo courtesy of Nikhil Hegde.

DECEMBER 2015 STRICTLY BUSINESS | 39 Strictly Business 12 Nepco Way Plattsburgh, NY 12903 NEPCOMAIL CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

Happy Holidays from Glens Falls National Bank

Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company is proud to be part of this growing community. With three offices in the Plattsburgh region and a wide range of financial services, it’s our mission to help families and businesses reach their financial goals.

May you have a safe and enjoyable holiday season!

Invested in Our Community, Committed to You!

Equal Housing Lender gfnational.com Member FDIC

U.S. AVENUE CORNELIA STREET MARGARET STREET 5023 U.S. Avenue 308 Cornelia Street 25 Margaret Street 324-4362 566-6650 561-3101

40 | sbmonthly.com DECEMBER 2015