A MONTHLY NEWSLETTER | VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 03 | MARCH 2019 FROM THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RENSCONNECT WHERE BUSINESS + COMMUNITY CONVERGE
ASK A BOARD MEMBER: Now is the time to take advantage of Commercial Loans Real Results The Leadership Institute, the Chamber’s Jerilee Beaudoin is Senior “I have had the honor and transformational, Vice President, Commercial incredible pleasure to skills-based professional Loan Administration at participate on the faculty of development program that incorporates a Pioneer Bank. With 27 years “learning from leaders” approach to successful in the financial services The Leadership Institute, an training. Our award-winning model develops industry, Jerilee provides exceptional program of the participants’ professional and personal skills leadership, oversight and Rensselaer County Regional as they learn from a distinguished faculty of support to ensure world- Chamber of Commerce. the region’s top executives. Starting with an class service for Pioneer’s My experiences alongside overnight retreat, the program builds with monthly customers. She serves as seasoned instructors and sessions on strategic thinking, communication, treasurer of the Chamber’s board of directors and is career-life balance, financial management, a Class of ‘11 graduate of The Leadership Institute. exposure to the fresh and human resources, organizational development inspiring thoughts of the and board development. Our graduates Q ›› What is the current environment for region’s up-and-coming increase their value as leaders within their commercial loans? leaders have enriched my companies and communities, paving the way for A ›› It’s a competitive market, especially in this own understanding in many career advancement and personal success. In region where there are both established financial ways. Developing strong addition, Leadership alumni enjoy exclusive and institutions as well as newcomers to the industry. advantageous networking opportunities. From an economic perspective, the economy is leadership skills requires growing, unemployment is low and the federal Make this YOUR year. Learn more about The taking time to reflect and tax reform impacts are starting to materialize. Leadership Institute and submit an online share experiences with peers All of these factors continue to position Pioneer application at renscochamber.com/leadership- Bank for success in the commercial lending area. and mentors. The Leadership institute. Contact Communications & Web We have the unique ability to make local lending Institute is an effective Strategies Manager Staci O’Neill at 518.687.1243 decisions and respond to customer needs in an and stimulating way to or [email protected] for more expeditious manner. accomplish that.” information. You are invited to a Leadership “Drop-In Day” on Friday, March 22 from 8 a.m. to Q ›› What about loans for small businesses? 4:30 p.m. at the Chamber office, 90 Fourth Street in A ›› Reputable financial institutions work with James K. Troy. Pick up an application, talk with staff and get small business owners to look for the best Reed, MD your questions answered. This year’s application solutions and are committed to doing the right President deadline is Wednesday, May 15 at 5 p.m. thing for the customer. Small business owners & CEO Join us at The Leadership Institute Class of 2019 should look to leverage their professional St. Peter’s Graduation & Dinner on Thursday, April 4, 5:30 p.m. network, including certified public accountants Health at the Franklin Terrace Ballroom, 126 Campbell and attorneys who specialize in commercial Partners Avenue in Troy. Reservations are $50 per person lending. There are also a variety of resources and 15th Year of Leadership Year 15th or purchase a Chairman Circle Table of 10 for $550 economic development centers available to small and receive extra recognition. Register online at businesses, including the New York Business renscochamber.com/events. Development Corporation, Community Loan Fund and UAlbany Small Business Development Center. These programs offer assistance in accessing The Leadership Institute Class of 2020 is sponsored by CDPHP, capital, developing a business plan and providing with media sponsorship provided by Albany Business Review. training and mentoring programs.
Q ›› How do I get started and find help to navigate the process? A ›› The first step is to do your homework. “Spring” into Chamber Opportunities Businesses should know their industry, NETWORKINGPLUS LUNCHEON MEMBER BENEFITS BREAKFAST understand their financial capacity and be realistic by creating a viable business plan. The Get connected, develop leads and build Maximize your Chamber investment by next step is to leverage available resources, relationships at our one-of-a-kind, fast-paced discovering all of the advantages of membership including the Chamber. With professional networking events. A structured format, three for you AND your employees. Designed for connections and expertise, the Chamber can table rotations and ambassador facilitators ensure new and current members, this event will be a key partner in helping businesses navigate attendees experience purposeful networking for give attendees an informative overview and resources and find the right assistance. When success. These events are a fun and effective way the opportunity to network with our Chamber choosing a lending institution, look for one that to focus your networking efforts among fellow business community. Learn all about cost-saving is committed to building a relationship with you Chamber members. Remember to bring plenty of benefits and helpful resources; how the Chamber and understanding your business needs while business cards as all attendees get equal time to markets, develops and connects to promote its offering timely and flexible loan solutions. spread their message during table rotations. Come members; and meet Chamber staff. Register now and get to know your Chamber. prepared to meet your next lead and spend your “RENSCONNECT” is published monthly. Submissions lunchtime making valuable connections! considered for publication are based upon content and Register now at renscochamber.com/events THU space availability. Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; benefits Register now at renscochamber.com/events Kate Manley, President THU MAR overview and networking 8-9 a.m. No cost Check-in & luncheon 11:30 a.m.; networking 90 Fourth Street, Suite 200, Troy, NY 12180 for members; RSVPs requested. Courtyard by Phone: 518.274.7020 | Web: renscochamber.com MAR 12-1:15 p.m. $35 members | $50 walk-in members. 28 Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront, 515 River Franklin Plaza Ballroom, Third Floor, 4 Fourth Editor: Doreen M. Ercolano 21 Street in Troy. Sponsored by: Co-Editor: Staci O’Neill Street in Troy. Sponsored by: Design: Spiral Design Studio, LLC
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ConfiData AWCplus President Lisa Dreyer Boyajian LaMarche Safranko, Document Destruction Despart was named Attorneys at Law was formed by a Rep: Rob Shauger 2018 Allied Member of merger between LaMarche Safranko 11 North Ferry Street the Year for the Capital Law, PLLC and Dreyer Boyajian, LLP. Albany, NY 12207 Region BOMA (Building George E. LaMarche III (right), Class Phone: 315.534.2557 Owners and Managers of ‘09 graduate of The Leadership visit confidata.com Association). The award Institute, was named managing recognizes excellence partner of the new firm. The merger in the industry. Despart brings together the expertise of highly Dig Soft, Inc. serves as a member of respected and experienced attorneys Hydro Excavation/Soft Dig the Rensselaer County across different generations and Construction & Excavation Regional Chamber’s practice areas. VISIT dbls.com Rep: Sarah D. Nitz board of directors. 105 Smith Hill Road (photo l-r: Lisa Despart and BOMA President Sharon Kelley) Hope 7 Community Center is seeking speakers for a Teen Troy, NY 12180 VISIT awcplus.com Tuesday series to briefly discuss their jobs and answer Phone: 518.953.0156 questions from teens. If you are interested in inspiring the visit digsoftinc.com CAP COM Federal Credit Union announced next generation of business professionals, contact Paula Stopera (at left), president and [email protected]. VISIT hopeseven.com CEO, will retire in May and Christopher McKenna, CAP COM’s executive vice Epilepsy Foundation of Marvin and Company, P.C., CPAs, an accounting, auditing, president and chief lending officer, will Northeastern New York taxation and management consulting firm, announced the take the reins as new president and CEO. Non-profit Organization election of Kevin P. O’Leary, CPA as the managing director Retiring from a 39-year career with CAP Rep: Jeannine S. Garab of the firm. He succeeds Kevin J. McCoy, CPA, CFF, who will COM, Stopera oversaw 3 Washington Square continue to advise and service clients as a principal. VISIT more than $1.5 billion Albany, NY 12205 marvincpa.com Phone: 518.456.7501 in growth since becoming president and CEO in 2004. visit epilepsy.com/ Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP launched a new microsite McKenna (at right) has worked in the northeasternnewyork for the firm’s immigration practice group. The site can be financial services and mortgage industry accessed directly or through the immigration page on the since 1990 and with CAP COM for nearly firm’s main website. The microsite has information on the a decade. He has served on the credit immigration practice group’s attorneys and services and JDog Junk Removal and Hauling union’s executive leadership team for the incorporates video, blogs, testimonials, immigration news Junk Removal past eight years. VISIT capcomfcu.org Rep: Scott Galarneau and updates. VISIT woh-immigrationlaw-ny.com 398 Anthony Street Excelsior College was recognized as a Gold-Level School Schenectady, NY 12308 of Distinction by bestcolleges.com, a leading provider of The Chazen Companies’ Phone: 518.944.0901 college resources and research. Excelsior was honored Elizabeth Bartosik and visit jdogempire.com for its development of quality online higher education Johnathan A. Gell (l-r) programs and was one of only 15 schools to qualify. received their Engineer VISIT excelsior.edu in Training designations The Legend Group from the National Financial Advisor Ryan Biggs | Clark Davis Engineering & Surveying, DPC., Council of Examiners Rep: Bonnie Kenna a firm specializing in structural and site engineering and for Engineering and Phone: 518.772.5096 surveying services, welcomed the following staff: Nadya Surveying. Bartosik Levitova, design engineer; Kate Sesselman, marketing works in Chazen’s land development group and Gell is assistant; and Zachary Wietsma, design engineer. part of the firm’s structural engineering group.VISIT chazencompanies.com Melvin Roads American VISIT ryanbiggs.com Legion Post 1231 Restaurant & Banquet Facility Rep: George Basher 200 Columbia Turnpike Rensselaer, NY 12144 EventsCalendar 2019 Phone: 518.462.7006 visit melvinroads1231.org M A R C H A P R I L A L O O K A H E A D TUE Wonder Women Mentoring THU The Leadership Institute » 119th Annual Dinner {with a Luncheon Class of 2019 Graduation twist} & Business Expo New York Life MAR Join top women professionals APR Ceremony & Dinner Celebrate this year’s class and 05/09/19 Financial Planning & Services as they share their experiences 05 and strategies for success. Three 04 network with business professionals. » NetworkingPlus Luncheon Insurance 20-minute roundtables will spark Networking reception 5:30 p.m.; graduation 05/29/19 Rep: Thomas A. Lynch lively and candid conversations about career ceremony 6:30 p.m. $50 per person | $550 per challenges and solutions. 26 Century Hill Drive Chairman Circle Table of 10. Franklin Terrace » Accelerate Business Academy Suite 301 Check-in & luncheon 11:30 a.m.; mentoring Ballroom, 126 Campbell Avenue in Troy. 06/14/19 Latham, NY 12110 conversations 12-1:30 p.m. $35 members | Sponsored by KeyBank, with media sponsorship Phone: 518.220.4277 $50 walk-in members. Pat’s Barn, 100 Defreest by Albany Business Review. » SAVE THE DATE! visit albany.nyloffices.com Drive in Rensselaer. Sponsored by CAP COM FCU. Annual Chamber Golf Classic Ask the Experts | Managing & 08/12/19 NetworkingPlus Luncheon WED Supervising Staff THU Get connected, develop leads and Learn the best practices to manage APR Sponsorship Opportunities Available! Rosewood Rehabilitation and build relationships at our one- and supervise staff, train new MAR Events Coordinator Rachael Murray Nursing Center of-a-kind, fast-paced networking 10 managers, HR responsibilities and [email protected] event. A structured format, three more. Led by Charles F. Seifert, Rehabilitation & Nursing 21 ph: 518.687.1238 Rep: Ashley Gallager table rotations and ambassador dean, School of Business, Siena College. facilitators ensure purposeful and effective Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; 284 Troy Road networking. Rensselaer, NY 12144 presentation 8-9 a.m. $35 members | A D D I T I O N A L I N F O Phone: 518.286.1621 Check-in & luncheon 11:30 a.m.; networking $50 walk-in members. Shaker Pointe 12-1:15 p.m. $35 members | $50 walk-in at Carondelet, One Bell Tower Drive in No-shows will be billed; visit rosewoodrehabilitation.com members. Franklin Plaza Ballroom, Third Watervliet. Sponsored by CDPHP and SEFCU. 24-hour notice is required for all Floor, 4 Fourth Street in Troy. Sponsored by cancellations. Sunmark FCU. College Presidents Panel Questions? SNK Enterprises, Inc. THU Discussion Contact Events Coordinator Excavation & Site Preparation THU Member Benefits Breakfast APR A dynamic discussion with the Rachael Murray at 518.687.1238 Rep: Jason Nitz Maximize your investment by presidents of area colleges and or [email protected]. discovering all of the advantages 348 Bald Mountain Road MAR 18 universities. Discover how these of membership. Designed for new institutions collaborate with Troy, NY 12180 28 and current Chamber members and businesses for mutual success. Voice your Phone: 518.279.1693 their employees. ideas during an interactive Q&A. visit snkenterprisesinc.com Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; benefits Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; panel overview and networking 8-9 a.m. No cost discussion and Q&A 8-9:30 a.m. $35 members for members; RSVPs requested. Courtyard by | $50 walk-in members. Hilton Garden Inn, 235 Marriott Albany Troy/Waterfront, 515 River Hoosick Street in Troy. Sponsored by CAP COM Street in Troy. Sponsored by First New York FCU, Mosaic Associates Architects, Duncan & Register for Events: FCU and Thomas K. Judd & Associates. Cahill and UHY LLP. renscochamber.com/events
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MARCH 2019 | 02 | renscochamber.com WORKFORCE & WE Advance ECONOMIC ADVANCEMENT A QUARTERLY REPORT FROM THE RENSSELAER COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
A CATALYST FOR COMMERCE MEET OUR INVESTORS:
Re-Envisioning the City of Troy’s Waterfront Visionary First Columbia LLC has a recipe for successful urban KeyBank helps renewal: start with jobs, add amenities (such as clients and food and fitness), provide housing stock, season communities thrive through with public recreational spaces and stir. Yield: one informed choices made to the highest thriving downtown with a strong sense of community ethical standards for the benefit of engagement. The company is committed to the shareholders, customers, employees redevelopment of the city’s downtown, particularly and communities. KeyBank Foundation a half-mile stretch along the Hudson River between invests in education and the workforce to build thriving localities. With its the Green Island and Collar City bridges, where Community Development Lending its Courtyard by Marriott proudly presides as a and Investment business, Key makes centerpiece of its initiative (photo, right). Opened construction affordable and attractive in September, the Courtyard represents the city’s to developers, stimulating local first waterfront hotel and is a catalyst for continued economies. visit key.com growth and redevelopment. Rifenburg is one of “This location is the front door to the City of Troy,” upstate New York’s said President and CEO Kevin Bette, whose company oldest and largest is investing $160 million in a multi-phase plan to family-owned construction make The Waterfront District buzz with commerce and connect it to the rest of downtown. Bette began by renovating firms. Specializing and bringing jobs to Hedley Park Place at 433 River Street (photo, below), purchased in 2006 from John Hedley. Now in earth moving home to City Hall, technology businesses and healthcare offices, the building’s first floor will feature the River Street and restoration of all kinds, Rifenburg Market, a premium food hall that will include a Stacks Espresso Bar. In addition, Mazzone Hospitality is opening a makes quick work of landfill expansions rooftop banquet facility on the ninth floor of the building, with space for weddings, special occasions, meetings and and closures, site work, highway and bridge expansion and utility corporate events. The 10,000-square-foot facility offers panoramic views of the river and beyond. installations. Since 1958, Rifenburg Next up is a $15 million parking garage located across River Street from the Hedley building, with 600 spaces on three satisfies customers with dedication to projects, an emphasis on safety and the levels and the potential for first-floor retail space. Also in the works is the redevelopment of the former Fitzgerald Bros’ ability to take on big challenges while Brewing Co. at 495-511 River Street into a fine dining restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating and exceptional cuisine getting the job done on time and on and service. There are plans for a rock-climbing facility at the former St. Peter’s Church on nearby Fifth Avenue, a gym in budget. visit rifenburg.com the Hedley building and more. In addition, First Columbia aims to add a dock and a lighted promenade along its waterfront, connecting it with the city’s anticipated three-mile-long Champion river walk that would provide public recreation and water access. “Our vision is to bring in commerce and re-engage the community so that Troy becomes a place to work in, live in and spend time in,” said Bette. “The mix of projects we’re proposing offers prime office space, retail, entertainment, residential units, parking and a first-class hotel to have a lasting impact by reconnecting the city with its valuable waterfront assets and injecting it with commercial and social activity. All of this will combine to position Troy, once again, as a premier urban destination in the Capital District.” VISIT firstcolumbia.com; thewaterfronttroy.com; and riverstreetmkt.com
REPAIRING TROY’S SEAWALL $24 Million Project is Key to City’s Revitalization The City of Troy’s ongoing seawall stabilization and repair Structural upgrades and improvements include is an essential infrastructure project that seeks to protect dredging and underwater installation of rebar and the shoreline, prevent future flooding of businesses and cement over gaps in the wall. Crews working from LOOKING FOR A SMART residences, safeguard the primary municipal sewer line barges are installing 40-foot-long steel beams as INVESTMENT? and encourage increased commerce and public activity reinforcing bars, set into the riverbed every 10 feet. With the Chamber’s along the waterfront. The 100-year-old seawall holds up Precast concrete panels are set between the beams WE Advance program a 3,500-linear-foot section of the city’s waterfront, from and anchored to the old seawall with rods. About 150 you can invest in the the Hedley District at its northern end to a point near the precast panels will be installed by the time the project success of our regional dock where passengers board the Captain JP for riverboat is scheduled to be completed in December 2019. business community. In conjunction with cruises. Identified as a top priority by New York State The finished project is expected to attract and the Rensselaer County under FEMA's Hazard Mitigation Grant Program, which is Industrial Development Agency and the providing $14 million towards the total cost of $24 million, encourage private investment in the Troy waterfront Center for Economic Growth, we serve the wall is deteriorated from erosion and the impact of and the continued revitalization of the downtown as a catalyst for businesses starting Hurricane Irene in 2011, when the Hudson River flooded area, including the One Monument Square project, up, expanding, or looking to make a profitable move. River Street and battered the Troy docks and marina. The Hudson and Dockside Lofts, Riverfront Park North expansion and upgrades to the Troy docks and marina. Repeated surges, erosion, ice flows and tidal scouring Our high-impact marketing attracts VISIT troyny.gov have all contributed to the need for major repairs. regional, national, and international attention to our county’s dynamic “Waterfront communities, like Troy, know firsthand the quality of life and thriving business devastating impact of severe weather and flooding environment. Join the Chamber in this events and the necessity for new investment in protective economic and workforce advancement initiative. features like our seawall bulkheads,” said Mayor Patrick Madden. “The seawall stabilization project will enhance the resiliency of our shoreline, providing further CONTACT: protection for our sewer infrastructure network and President Kate Manley local businesses located along the Hudson River. With [email protected] the support and assistance of Senator Charles Schumer ph: 518.274.7020
and our federal, state and local partners, we are laying a “WE Advance” is published quarterly. new foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for Submissions considered for our waterfront for the enjoyment of residents, families, publication based upon content and space availability. visitors and local boaters.”
renscochamber.com/workforce-economic-advancement | 03 | MARCH 2019 MESSAGE FROM OUR “GAME ON” FOR BUSINESSES COMMITTEE CHAIR Troy’s Gaming Hub Continues to Grow & Add Jobs WE Advance Investors Building on the momentum of a worldwide industry, Are Stakeholders downtown Troy has attracted a cluster of gaming companies that continue to grow, expand and add jobs to Christopher J. Nolin the local economy. The video game development industry is Director of in the Capital District has grown to 14 studios that employ Community and State Relations, Office of 352 people, making it one of the larger sectors of the local Government and creative economy, according to a 2018 study by the Center Community Relations for Economic Growth, Inc. Industry-leading video gaming at Rensselaer studios call Troy home, including 1st Playable Productions, Polytechnic Institute. He serves on the WB Games New York and Velan Studios. In addition, the Chamber’s Board of Tech Valley Center for Gravity hosts video gaming forums Directors, is Chair of and networking events and nearby Rensselaer Polytechnic the Economic Development and Government Institute offers a highly regarded video game development Affairs Committee and a Class of ‘16 graduate program. It all adds up to a busy hub that is catching the of The Leadership Institute. eye of investors. WE Advance (Workforce & Economic on Third Street is WB Games New York, a relative “The video game development industry is thriving in Advancement) combines the newcomer to Troy. The company works with top talent our region, with a pipeline of graduates from the area’s Chamber’s economic development in the gaming industry to build online competitive and efforts with a committed focus on colleges and universities and locally-based companies, social features for video games, including support for workforce readiness in one powerful like Velan Studios, leveraging that creative pipeline,” said world-class developers such as NetherRealm Studios, initiative. Under the WE Advance Empire State Development (ESD) President Howard Zemsky. Rocksteady, Monolith Productions and WB Montréal. brand, the Chamber: ESD is providing up to $200,000 in a performance-based grant towards a planned expansion at Velan Studios. The Public officials and industry advocates are lobbying ›› connects businesses with the company itself is investing more than $630,000 to create for New York State to establish a digital media people and information they need gaming production tax credit to provide incentives to start up, expand or relocate in the new offices across several buildings on Third Street in to companies to move to places like Troy and to region, including resources for site Troy. When completed, the 7,600-square-foot video game locations, funding and incentives studio will accommodate new equipment and the firm’s hire employees. The credit would strengthen the 40 employees. The number of staff is expected to more attractiveness of the Capital District to investors, level ›› makes municipal connections and than double in the next few years, further bolstering Troy’s the competitive playing field and help the region keep members apprised of timely growing video game development cluster. Also located become nationally known. information ›› coordinates ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings to raise the public profile of businesses DOWNTOWN INVESTMENT ›› provides letters of support for members, opening doors to new The Rosenblum Companies Plan Mixed-Use Space opportunities The developer of The News Apartments plans to transform ›› partners with entities such as a former KeyBank branch location at the corner of Fourth Rensselaer County; Center for and Congress streets in downtown Troy into an $18 million, Economic Growth, Inc.; Alliance for five-story, mixed-use building with 80 apartments (artist a Creative Economy; Troy Cultural rendering at right). The Rosenblum Companies’ new transit- Alliance; Questar III BOCES and others oriented facility will feature ground-floor commercial and ›› promotes workforce development retail space, environmentally friendly building systems and to keep employees’ skills competitive amenities including a roof deck, fitness center, pet spa, in a changing marketplace bicycle storage and 50+ on site parking spaces. Construction ›› provides a platform for CEOs to is expected to start this year. VISIT rosenblumcompanies.com discuss workplace challenges and solutions ›› works with agencies to assess skills LIGHTS, CAMERA, TROY! gaps and identify populations to upscale for workforce reentry, based on the needs of businesses City’s Architecture & Scenery Attract Film Crews ›› connects K-12 schools, colleges and The City of Troy is no stranger universities with businesses to find to professional film crews, ON LOCATION ways to build a strong pipeline of thanks to an abundance of job-ready workers Motherless Brooklyn (2019) intact period buildings, its The Pretenders (2018) ›› fosters career exploration, historic downtown overlooking Who Killed Hazel Drew? (2018) job shadowing and internship the Hudson River, original Off the Rails (2017) opportunities for youth in a wide Tiffany glass windows, The Emperor’s Club (2002) range of industries authentic alleyways and The Time Machine (2002) ›› hosts the annual Future of bridges, industrial sites and The Age of Innocence (1993) Workforce Readiness: Education & more. When production crews Scent of a Woman (1992) Business Partnerships event from the movie Motherless Brooklyn shouted “Action!” a few months ago, they Ironweed (1987) joined a considerable crowd of film industry professionals that have used Troy’s The Bostonians (1984) WE Advance represents the sites as a backdrop. In addition to building its reputation as a destination for power of the location scouts, Troy’s “cameos” in films can lead to increased tourism, as fans Chamber to bring seeks out real-life locations from their favorite films. Officials from Rensselaer County and the City of Troy agree: film together partners interest in the area has grown since the inception of the 2016 New York State Film Tax Credit program, which offers tax across public credits for qualified expenditures in the state.VISIT tax.ny.gov/pit/credits/film_prod.htm and private sectors to declare the Rensselaer County area and beyond open for business and to secure a RECOGNIZING SUCCESS robust economy that enhances the quality of life for everyone. Call for 2019 Chamber “Good News” Nominees This successful and growing initiative is sustained through Do you know of a business or non-profit success story? Is it you? The Chamber committed investors, businesses is seeking nominees for the 2019 “Good News Rensselaer County” awards. and organizations just like yours, Co-hosted by the Chamber and Rensselaer County, this event celebrates who step forward and join the businesses, nonprofits and community organizations that make a significant effort. Investing in the Chamber’s impact on our area’s economy and quality of life. WE Advance initiative makes you a valued stakeholder in the economic “Good News” awards recognize companies making a name for themselves future of our region. Interested at home, in our region, in New York State and, in some cases, in the global in joining? Contact Chamber marketplace. Recipients are publicly honored in the fall. To nominate a President Kate Manley at kmanley@ candidate, contact Events Coordinator Rachael Murray at renscochamber.com or 518.274.7020. [email protected] or 518.687.1238.
MARCH 2019 | 04 | renscochamber.com/workforce-economic-advancement CHAMBER MEMBER RESERVE YOUR EXPO BOOTH FOR THE th L I {with a twist} & spotlight I The Irish American Heritage Museum is a jewel of a cultural center in the Capital District, committed to THURSDAY, MAY 9,2019 preserving Irish heritage for new generations of Irish and non-Irish Americans. Firmly rooted in its rich history, the non-profit organization brings to life Irish culture and its relevancy in today’s society through public events, education, exhibits, collections, lectures, presentations, genealogy, live performances and more, all related to the Irish-American experience. The museum provides year-round access to the Paul O’Dwyer Library, film screenings, book signings and other special programs. “The Irish experience is not enshrined in a mythical past but relevant to today’s world,” said Executive Director Elizabeth Stack, Ph.D., who formerly taught Irish- American history and was associate director of the Institute of Irish Studies at Fordham University. A native of County Kerry, she emigrated in 2009. “The museum is more than a guardian of Irish history. Our mission is to preserve and tell the story of the contributions of the Irish people and their culture in America, inspiring individuals to examine the importance of their own heritage as part of the American cultural mosaic. We preserve our Irish heritage by inviting the public to experience it as a living culture.” ISIT RENSCOCHAMBER.COM O ITION L IN O M TION The museum was an integral force in requiring instruction in New York State’s public schools about the Irish Famine of 1845-1853. Further, it was the first American museum of its kind to have exhibited at the National Library in Dublin. With St. Patrick’s Day in March, the Irish American Heritage Museum invites MAXIMIZE YOUR MEMBERSHIP the public to celebrate with several exciting events. Saturday, March 9, starting at 10 a.m., is the 1st Annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival, featuring the Chamber Benefits Make it Easy to 7th Annual Soda Bread Competition. The festival includes performances by the Bethlehem School of Traditional Irish Dance, The Three Irish Voices and a Market, Develop & Connect special presentation “Ceol Agus Craic: Music and Fun.” There will also be an Irish Make the most of your Chamber membership with our money-saving craft market featuring handmade items from crafters and artisans. The soda bread competition is open to all amateurs and will be judged in two categories: benefits for you and all of your employees.Discover the full value of your traditional and family recipes. membership in new and impactful ways, including these benefits: Saturday, March 16, at 12 p.m. Make valuable business connections at Chamber events. Visit is the 2nd Annual 5K “Sweat- renscochamber.com/events to see a full line-up of networking and er Run,” a fundraiser for the training opportunities. Contact Events Coordinator Rachael Murray at museum that takes place before [email protected] or 518.687.1238. the start of the Albany St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After the parade, the public is invited The Chamber’s customized sponsorship and marketing opportunities to the museum for a Family Fest fit budgets of all sizes, generate positive brand exposure and increase with special activities for all visibility for your business. Contact Rachael Murray at ages. For race registration and [email protected] or 518.687.1238. the latest news about upcoming events, visit the museum’s Make informed health care choices less stressful for you and your website and Facebook page employees with Chamber health and dental plans, including MVP Health (see below). Care, Blue Shield of Northeastern New York, CDPHP and Guardian. All plans are administered by Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. Visit renscochamber.com/cost-saving-benefits for more information. Irish American Heritage Museum 3 7 0 Broadway | Albany, New York 12207 | | Let the Chamber assist with your ribbon cuttings and groundbreakings. Ph: 518.427.1916 IRISH-US.org facebook.com/IrishMuseum We can help with media outlets, inviting local dignitaries, recommendations and more. Contact Communications and Web Strategies To purchase a Spotlight, contact the Chamber at 518.274.7020 Manager Staci O’Neill at [email protected] or 518.687.1243.
Hold your next meeting in one of the Chamber’s two free conference rooms. Contact Executive Assistant and Office Manager Rachael Lorimer at [email protected] or 518.687.1241 to reserve a date. Alumni News from The Leadership Institute Participate in Member-to-Member Discounts. Attract new customers by offering discounts on products and services and take advantage of savings for your own business or organization. Visit renscochamber- Message from Incoming Chair com/member-benefits to upload your discount directly to our website at no cost. For more information, contact Elizabeth McGarry at When you graduate from The Leadership Institute, the Chamber’s award-winning professional [email protected] or 518.687.1240. development program, you join other distinguished alumni who enjoy exclusive networking, education Submit an upcoming event to our Member Events Calendar. Reach a and training opportunities. The Leadership Institute regional audience and drive visitors directly to your event information. changes lives, professionally and personally, and the Visit renscochamber.com/member-events and complete the form. benefits continue long after graduation. Our alumni — more than 350 of them — use the skills they’ve Post listings to the Chamber’s online Job, Internship & Volunteer Board, learned from our executive-level faculty and the one of our top-visited pages! Visit renscochamber.com/job-board to valuable connections they’ve made to propel their careers to new levels upload information and to find your next employee or volunteer. of accomplishment. Leadership alumni also take primary roles in their communities, making our region a better place to live, work and build a Submit your news and announcements to our website by using the future for ourselves and others. Chamber’s online form. Visit renscochamber.com/news to upload at no As the incoming chair for The Leadership Institute, I’m looking forward cost. Member news items uploaded to the website are also considered to building on the momentum surrounding the program and during its for the Chamber’s weekly e-Newsletter and monthly print newsletter. 15th year. The Chamber received a record number of applications for the current class and we’re working hard to break another record for this Sign up for our free Energy Savings Program. Making one call can help fall’s incoming class. If you are looking for transformational professional you reduce your monthly operating expenses. Visit renscochamber. development for yourself or a member of your team, I encourage you to com/cost-saving-benefits for more information or contact Joanne apply to The Leadership Institute. Foresta at [email protected] or 518.580.9244. Edwin Anker IV, AIA, Class of ‘11 Principal, CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Construction Management Direct Mail Lists are a great resource for companies to use in marketing campaigns. Contact Rachael Lorimer at [email protected] or 518.274.7020. Submit your Leadership Institute alumni news to Communications & Web Strategies Manager Staci O’Neill at [email protected].
renscochamber.com | 05 | M A R C H 2 0 1 9 Member Milestones PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID 55 Years 90 FOURTH STREET, STE. 200 | TROY, N.Y. 12180 ALBANY, NY RENSCOCHAMBER.COM PERMIT NO. 164 Amsure E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy Market. Develop. Connect. Hudson Valley Community College
25 Years
Greco Construction, Inc.
15 Years
Omni Development Company, Inc. CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Construction Management
10 Years WONDER WOMEN MENTORING | MARCH 05 International Electronic Machines Corporation Integrated Technology Group Engage in Empowering Conversations Palace Performing Arts Center Inc. Harness YOUR power within, build Heather C. Briccetti, Esq., President and CEO, The Business Council of New York State professional and personal networks 5 Years and find inspiring mentors at the Scarlet Clement-Buffoline, COO, St. Peter’s Health Partners Chamber’s Wonder Women Mentoring Kay’s Pizza Patricia A. Fusco, President and CEO, Breakfast. Top women professionals Fusco Personnel, Inc. (at right) will share their experiences Carrie Harkin, Private Events Manager, in a series of three 20-minute Brown’s Revolution Hall roundtables, sparking lively and 2019 BOARD OF DIRECTORS Chris Horne, Chief Experience Officer, candid conversations about career CAP COM Federal Credit Union challenges and solutions. Table DENISE M. PADULA, Board Chair* Heidi Knoblauch, Owner Alchar Printing hop as you meet with mentors and Plumb Oyster discover new strategies for success. This event will give you “a-ha!” Ruth Mahoney, Market President and EDWIN C. ANKER IV, AIA moments, new connections and empowering take-away strategies. Regional Retail Leader, KeyBank, NA CSArch Architecture | Engineering | Carolyn J. Stefanco, Ph.D., President, Construction Management Register now at renscochamber.com/events The College of Saint Rose TUE Check-in & luncheon 11:30 a.m.; mentoring KELLI ARNOLD Sarah Trop, Owner, KeyBank, NA MAR conversations 12-1:30 p.m. $35 members | $50 walk-in FunCycled members. Pat's Barn, 100 Defreest Drive in Rensselaer. Sr. Lauren VanDermark, CSJ, Executive Team, JERILEE BEAUDOIN* 05 Sponsored by CAP COM Federal Credit Union. Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, Inc. Pioneer Bank
VICTORIA CAROSELLA BAECKER CDPHP A S K T H E E X P E R T S | A P R I L 1 0 MEET OUR EXPERT SCARLET CLEMENT-BUFFOLINE Charles F. Seifert, Ph.D. St. Peter’s Health Partners Managing & Supervising Staff is dean for the School TAMI COLE Build upon your skill sets and learn the best practices for leading your of Business at Siena Documentation Strategies, Inc. (DocStrats) team including managing, supervising, HR responsibilities, delegating College and a professor of past tasks and more at the Chamber’s Ask the Experts | Managing & management. His teaching and research include LISA DESPART* Supervising Staff. Our guest expert, Siena College’s Charles F. Seifert, AWCPlus leadership effectiveness; will share strategies for enhancing your effectiveness as a leader. We’ll enhancing multisource BETTY DIMARIA discuss crucial skills including communication, conflict resolution, feedback programs, Wojeski & Company CPAs, P.C. critical thinking, time management, problem-solving and other aspects influence strategies, corporate governance and applied statistics. An international presenter, KATHARINE K. DORAN, CPA of practical supervising. You’ll leave ready to bring new life to your he is published in the most highly regarded Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, P.C. management style. journals in the field.
STEVEN FLENORY Register now at renscochamber.com/events WB Games New York WED APR Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; presentation 8-9 a.m. $35 members | MICHAEL E. GINSBERG, ESQ.* $50 walk-in members. Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, One Bell Tower Drive Pattison, Sampson, Ginsberg & Griffin, PLLC 10 in Watervliet. Series is sponsored by CDPHP and SEFCU. CHAD HOTALING Hannaford Supermarkets
DAQUETTA JONES C O L L E G E P R E S I D E N T S P A N E L | A P R I L 1 8 YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc.
REGINA S. LAGATTA Discover How Higher Education Drives Economy Hudson Valley Community College As major employers in the Capital District, colleges JOHN MILLET* and universities have an economic impact that reaches Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. beyond campuses. Discover how these institutions collaborate with businesses for mutual success at the CHRISTOPHER NOLIN* Chamber’s College President’s Panel Discussion. Hear Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute regional leaders discuss their academic communities, KATE OTIS future plans and the impact of higher education as an economic Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. driver. Moderated by Guha Bala (above, right), president of Velan RATNA RANDIVE Ventures, Inc., our panel includes (top row, l-r) Christopher Ames, The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc. Ph.D., The Sage Colleges; Br. F. Edward Coughlin, OFM, Ph.D., Siena College; Hon. Shirley Ann Jackson, S.B., Ph.D., Rensselaer Polytechnic NICOLE STEIN* SEFCU Institute; (bottom row, l-r) Roger A. Ramsammy, Ph.D., Hudson Valley Community College; Havidán Rodríguez, Ph.D., University at Albany; JOHN TANNER III* and Carolyn J. Stefanco, Ph.D., The College of Saint Rose. Bring your Spectrum Reach ideas and questions to this event and join the conversation! PAUL VON SCHENK, CIC, CSRM Amsure THU Register now at renscochamber.com/events Check-in & breakfast 7:30 a.m.; panel discussion and Q&A 8-9:30 a.m. $35 members | $50 walk-in members. Hilton DR. DONNA WATSON APR Garden Inn, 235 Hoosick Street in Troy. Sponsored by CAP COM FCU, Duncan & Cahill, Mosaic Associates Architects and Enlarged City School District of Troy 18 UHY LLP. SCOTT WILEY Hoosick Valley Contractors, Inc.
* Executive committee members.
MARCH 2019 | 06 | renscochamber.com