A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 06 | JUNE 2020 FROM THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RENSCONNECT WHERE BUSINESS + COMMUNITY CONVERGE

RESPONSE, RECOVERY & REOPENING ASK A BOARD MEMBER: A Conversation with SPHP’s Dr. James Reed Crisis Communications Chamber President Kate Manley recently connected with James K. Reed, MD, president and CEO of Jaime Watson is the St. Peter’s Health Partners (SPHP), to take a look at how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the Director of Corporate regional healthcare organization. SPHP is a leader in delivering innovative health care to our communities Communications for and is Rensselaer County’s largest employer. the Capital District Transportation Kate: As a doctor and administrator on the front lines of the Covid-19 pandemic, Authority (CDTA). She how have our health care facilities and professionals handled this crisis? is responsible for the organization’s internal Dr. Reed: As we continue to battle the COVID-19 virus in the Capital Region, it and external communications, including is a time of understandable uncertainty and concern for health care providers media relations, public relations, community throughout our region. However, one thing of which I am absolutely certain is engagement and special events. how the colleagues of St. Peter’s Health Partners have risen to the occasion. Their kindness, their caring and their strength in the face of adversity never ceases to Q ›› What are CDTA’s communications and amaze me. Their dedication to the mission of St. Peter’s, to be a compassionate public relations strategies during COVID-19? and transforming healing presence within our communities — especially in these A ›› Our mission from the beginning has been challenging times — is an inspiration. to effectively communicate externally, to the communities we serve and to the media, and Kate: Can you give us a perspective of where the situation stands now within the healthcare community? internally, to more than 650 employees. All of Dr. Reed: The emergence of the novel coronavirus in the Capital Region, starting in March, saw health care our communication protocol comes down to organizations throughout the area working together to slow the growth of the virus in our communities. delivering a consistent message with complete We accomplished this through the suspension of elective surgical procedures and by encouraging patients transparency in a proactive manner. In that to connect with providers through telehealth during those first few weeks. The positive impact of those way, our communications practices haven’t actions, coupled with social distancing in the community, had a profound impact on the virus’ spread and changed — we are relying on the best practices we’ve seen a steady reduction in COVID-19 cases in the Capital Region. While COVID-19 will certainly be with we have always followed. However, given the us for some time, I see St. Peter’s and its health care professionals emerging from this pandemic stronger eye-opening events of the past few months, and more engaged than ever before in caring for our communities. it’s certain that COVID-19 is like nothing we’ve ever dealt with before and has required us Kate: Are health care facilities preparing for a post-COVID scenario yet? If so, how? to break new ground in every way, including communications. Dr. Reed: The signs are encouraging that our community is beginning the slow process and start to recover from the devastating effects of the coronavirus. St. Peter’s Health Partners has developed a thoughtful, Q ›› How have these strategies evolved during phased approach to bring select critical services and elective surgeries back online at St. Peter’s Hospital the past few months? and Samaritan Hospital. Safety remains paramount for us and we are committed to providing the safe, A ›› Everything has been dialed up to 10 in quality care we know our patients and communities need. Enhanced safety measures at our facilities order to limit the spread of the virus and include: continued screening and temperature checks for anyone entering any our facilities; COVID-Free keep people safe. As an essential business Zones to separate patients confirmed to have COVID-19 from others; CDC standards for deep cleaning with and a state authority, CDTA follows state increased frequency and special attention to surfaces that are frequently touched, like doorknobs and flat guidelines for health and safety measures. surfaces; and continued visitor restrictions. Communicating these measures to employees and the public is key to keeping people safe, so that they know what to expect and Chamber President Kate Manley is talking with some of the key leaders in our how to do their part. We use every form business community about response, recovery and reopening in the wake of of communication available to get our COVID-19. This is the first in a series of conversations published for the benefit information out and we continue to re- of our members. For more information, check out all of our COVID-19 resources evaluate and adapt to what each day brings at renscochamber.com/coronavirus-resource-guide. because each day the crisis changes and evolves. We are always asking ourselves, “What more can we do?”

CEO APPOINTMENT NEW HEAD OF SCHOOL Q ›› What are best practices for effective communications in time of crisis? Mohawk Hudson Humane Soc. Woodland Hill Montessori A ›› COVID-19 has forever changed the landscape. The best communication practices The Mohawk Hudson Humane Woodland Hill Montessori we are implementing during this crisis will Society appointed Ashley School named Michelle not go away when it is over - they are here to Jeffrey Bouck to the position Edwards as the new head of stay and will become the new standard. The of chief executive officer.She school, effective July 1. She most important practice is to do what is right previously served as CEO for served as assistant head of and in the best interests of customers and Girls. Inc. and led several school for the past four years employees. Strive to get the most accurate other regional nonprofits in and played a critical role in information possible and continue to update executive capacities. VISIT establishing a toddler program your audience in a timely way. Always practice mohawkhumane.org in 2012. VISIT woodlandhill.org transparency. Continue to tell your story, the story of your business or organization. Whenever you can, generate positive communications to keep people connected. The Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce is a business, civic and economic development alliance that strives to enhance the economic vitality of Rensselaer County and the neighboring Gateway communities of Cohoes, Green Island, Waterford and Watervliet. The For instance, 2020 is CDTA’s 50th anniversary, Chamber seeks to improve the quality of life within the community for both residents and businesses. which is great news. Even though our plans to “RENSCONNECT” is published monthly. Submissions considered for publication are based upon content and space availability. celebrate this milestone are on hold for now, Kate Manley, President CDTA’s long-standing commitment to serve 90 Fourth Street, Suite 200, Troy, NY 12180 Rensselaer County the community informs all of our practices, Phone: 518.274.7020 | Web: renscochamber.com @RenscoChamber Regional Chamber @RenscoChamber of Commerce including during times of crisis. We are all Editor: Doreen M. Ercolano going to come out of this better, stronger and Rensselaer County @renscochamber Co-Editor: Tom Engle @RenscoChamber @renscoChamber more engagedRegional Chamber with one another than ever Design: Spiral Design Studio, LLC of Commerce before. Member Member News

Milestones SERVPRO of North Rensselaer STRIDE Adaptive 40+ Years and South Sports is holding Washington a virtual event for Tri City Rentals/ Counties is people with and Massry Realty Partners offering Chamber without disabilities members to run, walk or disinfecting, 30+ Years roll their way sanitizing and toward fitness and heavy cleaning EnergyNext, Inc. health while social services at Wainschaf Associates, Inc. distancing. An empowering response to COVID-19, discounted prices Duncan & Cahill, Inc. participants can choose a “Competitive 5k” or a to get businesses ready to reopen in a safe and healthy Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis “Casual Run, Walk ‘n Roll” registration. The event, manner. SERVPRO performs necessary bioremediation Engineering & Surveying, DPC which ends June 20, raises funds for STRIDE and The services in accordance with CDC recommendations Food Pantries for the Capital District. VISIT stride.org including usage of labeled hospital-grade disinfectants that are also EPA-registered. SERVPRO’s ULV Fogger coats 20 Years GTM Payroll Services is offering a free engagement high-touch surfaces and helps lower the risk of spreading platform, Mojo Employee Engagement, to help BBL Construction Services, LLC viral pathogens in commercial buildings, warehouses, businesses keep their workforce connected during the businesses and residential areas. Call 518.677.3444. VISIT COVID-19 shutdown. The platform helps employers servpronorthrensselaersouthwashingtoncounties.com energize company culture, increase efficiency and 10 Years compliance, attract and retain top talent, manage growth and reward innovation. Its gamification County Waste & Recycling Integra HR, LLC initiated a Give Back & elements award points to employees for sharing Service, Inc. Impact Campaign, in conjunction with the Chamber and Capital Region Cares, knowledge, helping co-workers, providing feedback to raise awareness and donations and giving encouragement to others. 5 Years for direct support professionals, VISIT gtm.com direct care workers and food pantry Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. employees. The campaign aims to Scott Film Realty was Sandler Training raise funds and collect donations for selected for the 2020 Best of Berkshire Farm Center, Center for Economic Opportunity Saratoga Springs Award in (CEO) Food Pantry, Evergreen Commons, St. Catherine’s the category of real estate Center for Children, Vanderheyden and Unity House of Troy, agents by the Saratoga Springs Inc. Donations will be collected on Wednesday, June 24, from Award Program. The program 5 to 7 p.m. at the Defreestville Fire Department, 350 North recognizes companies that Rensselaer County Greenbush Road in Defreestville. VISIT integra-hr.com achieve exceptional marketing Responds to success while enhancing COVID-19 with INOC Data Centers completed the first phase of a multi- the positive image of small 100G transport upgrade, uniquely positioning the company business through customer Collaboration Efforts to offer 10G circuits to clients who need more dedicated and community service. capacity. As the demands that surround COVID grow VISIT scottfilm.com Community leaders have every day and more people work from home, stream their formed a pandemic response interactions and learn online, INOC has seen a tremendous Community Resource Federal Credit Union partnered committee to collaborate on increase in client demand for bandwidth, pushing the need with local restaurants to recognize community COVID-19 related initiatives for larger and more diverse capacities. VISIT inoc.net heroes on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic. throughout Rensselaer County. Gift cards and discount vouchers were donated to With a three-step approach, 75 staff members of the Colonie Police Department AWCplus recently donated the committee looks to and 20 staff members of the North Greenbush Police lunches from Alexis Diner to the understand the impact the Department. Additionally, $500 was donated to the staff at Van Rensselaer Manor coronavirus has played in the Capital Region Boys and Girls Club to help feed Rehabilitation and Nursing to business community, address children in local communities. thank them for their essential related needs and support the VISIT communityresourcefcu.com safe reopening of businesses. work during the pandemic. The committee also supports AWCplus is providing businesses longer-term initiatives to bring with sanitation cleanings prior Seasonal Bounty vibrancy back to downtowns to reopenings. Founded more and main streets throughout than 40 years ago, this local, the county. second-generation family business specializes in window cleaning, aerial services and customized maintenance. VISIT awcplus.com “As we prepare for the recovery of Rensselaer County, the Chamber’s role E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP announced Benjamin F. representing the needs of Neidl joined the firm as of counsel. His practice focuses on our business community is commercial litigation and appeals, zoning and municipal law integral,” said Kate Manley, and representation of licensed and regulated entities. He Chamber president. “In also provides regulatory advice and counsel to businesses order to fully restore our of all sizes in the financial services, health and human local economy, a strategic, services, hospitality and other sectors. He has practiced for calculated and inclusive plan nearly twenty years in national law firms in New York City is essential, with input from and Albany. VISIT joneshacker.com each of our communities The Troy Waterfront Farmers Market launched a about their unique challenges.” CAP COM Federal Credit Union donated $15,000 to St. TWFM Online Market, an online ordering system Peter’s Health Partners to purchase personal protective featuring items from more than 50 vendors. The The committee is working to equipment for the hospital’s frontline workers. The funding system allows customers to place orders online for support small businesses and was redirected from an annual luncheon hosted by the in-person pick up at various locations in the greater communities by collaborating credit union’s financial services arm that was cancelled due Rensselaer County community. VISIT troymarket.org with economic development to COVID-19. Previously, CAP COM presented a large gift of agencies, local funding protective masks to the hospital. VISIT capcomfcu.org sources, municipalities and local business leaders in order to best respond to the post-COVID needs of our C H E C K O U R W E B S I T E F O R I N F O R M A T I O N O N E V E N T S & F R E E W E B I N A R S communities. » 120th Annual Dinner {with a twist} & Business Expo Virtual Celebration throughout the month of July! Learn how your business can get involved by contacting Rachael Murray at [email protected] » Annual Golf Classic | Monday, 08/17/20

Register for Events: renscochamber.com/events

JUNE 2020 | 02 | renscochamber.com CHAMBER MEMBER spotlight Throughout the COVID-19 crisis, Daryl Lockrow and the Canon Solutions America team in Albany have been doing what they do best: supporting the needs of their customers by providing technology solutions and support for changing business Canon Solutions environments. “From the first day, we’ve stayed America, Inc. focused on accommodating our customers,” said 18 Corporate Woods Blvd. Lockrow, a manager of sales. “Some of them are Albany, NY 12211 deemed essential and have their doors open. Others have shifted to working remotely. Our solutions and Canon anticipated the need for remote work access, delivering desktop ph: 518.465.2226 support are needed to help keep them up and running devices to customers and their staff who were working at home and csa.canon.com during this crisis.” providing technology support to keep them connected. The company also ramped up security software solutions to meet the new challenges of Canon Solutions works with companies of all sizes working during the pandemic. “When it comes to research and development, to improve sustainability, increase efficiency and control costs through digital and Canon is always thinking ahead and finding new ways to bring efficiency traditional printing, document management solutions, security and cybersecurity to businesses,” said Lockrow. “Since the pandemic, we miss the face-to- systems, and managed and professional services. The company developed a corporate face interaction wtih our customers at their businesses and fostering strategy in the early days of COVID that has allowed technicians to service customers relationships with them. But we are finding new ways to get them the tools safely, with clear communication of guidelines for employees and clients. they need to succeed and to keep their businesses going.”

2020 BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER BENEFIT JOHN MILLET, Board Chair* Welcome to Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. EDWIN C. ANKER IV, AIA* The Chamber is proud to be a Grow with Google partner! This new collaboration opens up a world of business Phinney Design Group and technology opportunities for our members, including free access to resources, expert support, digital skills and valuable connections with more than 5,000 Grow with Google partner organizations. Leverage your Chamber JERILEE BEAUDOIN* The Arc of Renssselaer County membership and explore these resources at renscochamber.com/develop-chamber/grow-google. SCARLET CLEMENT-BUFFOLINE Small Businesses Start Ups St. Peter’s Health Partners TAMI COLE Use Google Primer, a mobile Get your business on Google Search and Maps. Documentation Strategies, Inc. A free business profile helps your business application that offers start ups mini- stand out on Google Search and Maps. You can marketing lessons on topics such BETTY DIMARIA* Wojeski & Company CPAs, P.C. attract and engage customers with business as search engine marketing, media information, special offers, company news, coverage, content marketing, mobile KATHARINE K. DORAN, CPA* customer reviews and the opportunity to create a free website. site design, programmatic buying, Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C. Plus, you can see your followers, invite their messaging and explore search advertising and more. STEVEN FLENORY insights to track customer trends. WB Games New York

SAM GRECO III Greco Construction, Inc.

MIKE HAMEL HMA Contracting Corporation

MEGHAN KEENHOLTS, ESQ.* News from The Leadership Institute E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy

DAVID KRUPSKI NBT Bank Congratulations to the Class of 2020 REGINA S. LAGATTA Hudson Valley Community College REBECCA ATWELL Capital District YMCA, Troy Branch CHRISTOPHER MCKENNA ALICIA BUCHAN UHY, LLC CAP COM Federal Credit Union Alumni ANTHONY CERONE Hoosick Valley Contractors, Inc. News NOELLE GILCHRIST Capital Bank CHRISTINE NEALON AMANDA GOYER Diocese of Albany Catholic Schools TRIP & RCHR STEPHANIE HADCOCK CDPHP Joslyn McArdle CHRISTOPHER NOLIN* IAN HENDERSON Duncan & Cahill, Inc. ‘13, special events Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute coordinator for the PATRICIA HUGHES Mosaic Associates Architects Regional Food Bank GAIL HUGHES-MOREY Mohawk Hudson Humane Society DENISE M. PADULA* of Northeastern New PETER KEIGLEY KeyBank, NA Alchar Printing York, was appointed LAUREN MARCHESE Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute E. PATRICE PERKINS to Joy US Foundation, ANGELA O’NEAL Hudson Valley Community College Startup Grind Albany Inc.’s board of NATALIE ORCUTT Albany Leadership Charter High School for Girls directors. She is CARLEEN PALLANTE The Sage Colleges RATNA RANDIVE serving as the director NICOLE PETERSON The Arts Center of the Capital Region The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. of communications, WESLEY PRICE HANYS DANIEL SAUER overseeing a new ADAM ROSS Ross Valve Mfg. Co., Inc. CDPHP branding and web MARISSA SALZONE GreyCastle Security redesign. Joslyn was NIYATI SHETTY Spring Line Design Architecture & Engineering JEFFREY SIMONS also selected to be an ROBERT SHEVY National Grid East Greenbush Central School District “Elevate Ambassador” CHRISTINE SUTHERLAND Rifenburg Construction JOHN TANNER III for the National JESSICA TROWBRIDGE Capital Roots Spectrum Reach Coalition for Cancer ANASTASIA VASILAKOS Pioneer Bank Survivorship. VISIT TAMMY WEINMAN Troy Rehabilitation & Improvement Program, Inc. PAUL VON SCHENK, CIC, CSRM* regionalfoodbank.net ELIZABETH WHELAN Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. Amsure DANIELLE WISSENBACH Unity House of Troy, Inc. JAIME WATSON JESSICA ZIPKIN SEFCU Submit your alumni Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) news to Tom Engle at SCOTT WILEY tengle@renscochamber. Applications for the Class of 2021 will be accepted through Wednesday, Hoosick Valley Contractors, Inc. com June 10 at 5 p.m. Learn more and submit online at renscochamber.com/ leadership-institute or call 518.274.7020. BRIAN WILLIAMS Rensselaer County Employment & Resource Center

renscochamber.com | 03 | J U N E 2 0 2 0 WORKFORCE & WE Advance ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT A QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

TIME TO REOPEN & REBUILD MEET OUR INVESTORS:

Local Business Leaders to Advise New York State Visionary New York State created KeyBank helps the New York Forward Re- “The members of the clients and Opening Advisory Board communities in anticipation of phased New York Forward thrive through regional reopenings of Reopening advisory informed choices made to the highest businesses and public ethical standards for the benefit of board will help guide shareholders, customers, employees places. The board is tasked and communities. KeyBank Foundation with guiding the state’s this process and invests in education and the workforce decisions on reopening ensure businesses are to build thriving localities. With its strategies amid the Community Development Lending COVID-19 virus. With more following the necessary and Investment business, Key makes construction affordable and attractive than 100 members from guidelines to preserve to developers, stimulating local across the state, the board economies. visit key.com includes seven participants public health as we from the Capital District, four of whom are Chamber members (see below). work towards a new Rifenburg is one of The advisory board, chaired by former secretaries to the governor Steve Cohen normal.” upstate New York’s and Bill Mulrow, is comprised of business, community, academic and civic oldest and largest leaders from industries and organizations across the state who will bring their family-owned individual and collective expertise to the ongoing challenge of reopening the Governor Andrew Cuomo construction firms. Specializing state for business. VISIT forward.ny.gov in earth moving and restoration of all kinds, Rifenburg APPOINTED TO GOVERNOR’S BOARD makes quick work of landfill expansions and closures, site work, highway and bridge expansion and utility Four Chamber Members Represent Capital Region installations. Since 1958, Rifenburg satisfies customers with dedication to projects, an emphasis on safety and the Heather C. Briccetti, The Honorable ability to take on big challenges while Esq. is the president Shirley Ann getting the job done on time and on and chief executive Jackson is the budget. visit rifenburg.com officer of The 18th president Business Council of Rensselaer of New York State, Polytechnic Champion Inc. The council Institute. A is the primary, theoretical statewide association physicist, Dr. advocating for New Jackson has had York’s business a distinguished community. She has career in senior a long history of leadership dynamic leadership positions in and working for economic growth, good jobs and strong academia, government, industry and research, communities across New York. As a visionary for the including as the first African-American woman state’s economy, she is a leading voice for business in to lead a top-ranked research university. She is corporate governance, tax policy, labor, manufacturing, a proponent of leveraging higher education and campaign finance reform and education, among other science-based solutions to the reopen New York LOOKING FOR A SMART issues. VISIT bcnys.org initiative. VISIT rpi.edu INVESTMENT?

With the Chamber’s WE Advance program you can invest in the success of our regional business community. M. Beatrice Grause, Crickett Thomas- In conjunction with the Rensselaer RN, JD is president O’Dell is the County Industrial Development Agency regional director and the Center for Economic Growth, of the Healthcare we serve as a catalyst for businesses Association of New of the Capital starting up, expanding, or looking to York State (HANYS), Region Workforce make a profitable move. beginning her tenure Development in 2016. HANYS is the Institute (WDI), an Our high-impact marketing attracts organization that regional, national and international statewide voice of attention to our county’s dynamic New York’s hospitals promotes initiatives quality of life and thriving business and health systems, to stimulate environment. Join the Chamber in this advocating to help economic growth economic and workforce advancement hospitals, health and workforce initiative. visit renscochamber.com/ workforce-economic-advancement systems, nursing development. homes, home care Collaborating agencies, clinics and with businesses, other providers to unions, educational fufill their missions. She formerly served as president institutions and and chief executive officer of the Vermont Association other entities, WDI uses specialized grants to develop of Hospitals and Health Systems for 14 years. In that programs and create solutions that address workforce position, she successfully led Vermont hospitals through challenges. She brings her deep professional expertise a variety of reform initiatives, including the state’s to the advisory board. VISIT wdiny.org single-payer debate. VISIT hanys.org

CONTACT: President Kate Manley Check out the Chamber’s online Coronavirus Resource Guide for the latest [email protected] Straight from information for you, your business, and your employees. We’ve compiled a ph: 518.274.7020 wealth of resources to help guide you through the Coronavirus pandemic “WE Advance” is published quarterly. the Experts and into the reopening and rebuilding of our state and local economies. With Submissions considered for credible resources directly from the experts, we keep the materials updated publication based upon content and so you can filter out the noise and find what you need.VISIT renscochamber.com/coronavirus-resource-guide space availability.

renscochamber.com/workforce-economic-advancement | JUNE 2020