THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

A COMMUNITY AND BUSINESS PERSPECTIVEFEB/MAR 2014

NETWORK IT MAKING IT IN O.C.Tuxedo Ridge Ski Center has been creating great family memories for more than 50 years. Read all about this and a host of other local businesses on pages 12 and 13.

Keep warm this winter by taking advantage of the many networking, educational and social opportunities available throughout the business community. See all the details on page 22.

BUSINESS INSIDER

GROW /EXPAND

TREND/ INNOVATE

INORANGE

Safety is #1 Business 3

Professional Liability Insurance in 90 Seconds 4

Three Significant Phases of Business 6

EAP Success Story 7

Orange Advantage Participating Merchants 8

Making it in OC 12

Awards & Recognition 14

Notable People 14

New Chamber Members 16

Harness the Growing Power of Twitter 21

Start The New Year Off With Free Workshop! 18

Events Calendar 22

Buy Orange. Build Orange. Give Orange. Educate Orange.

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID Newburgh, NY

12550 PERMIT NO. 335

Continued on page 11

HELPING ORANGE FIND JOBSORANGEPULSENewburgh Ministry Page 5

Business Watch is now on

Facebook & Twitter

Chamber interns Ethan Weber (SUNY Orange, Bucknell University) and Margaret Treacy (Mount Saint Mary College) networked at a recent Chamber event with Nick Illobre (second from left), Knapp Consultants and a member of the Chamber’s Board of Directors, and Derrik Wynkoop, President of Walden Savings Bank. Margaret recently left the Chamber to become Director of Marketing for a local business. Ethan is continuing his job search.

Opportunities – and Careers – Begin at the ChamberBy Ethan WEBEr

In a famous quote from the film “Network,” Howard Beale declares, “I’m as mad as hell, and I’m not going to take this anymore!”

Three months after graduation, after having applied for positions, interviewed and sent out countless cover letters and résumés to no avail, I decided that, like Beale, I wasn’t “going to take this anymore.”

Rather than shouting it from a window as Beale suggested, I spoke with Donald Green, Assistant Director of Career and Internship Services at SUNY Orange, about finding an internship or volunteer position—anything to end the repetition of sitting at home sending emails. He picked up the phone and placed a call to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, and an interview was scheduled.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 20142

John A. D’Ambrosio, Ed.D., President

A Message from the President

OFFICERSTom Sullivan | Chairman of the Board President/Owner, Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc., Funeral Homes

Ralph Martucci | Chair-Elect President, Ralph Martucci, Jr.

Mike Turturro | First Vice Chairman Manager, Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs

Nicholas Illobre | Second Vice Chairman Knapp Consultants

Dr. Michelle Koury | Secretary Chief Operating Officer, Crystal Run Healthcare

Charlie Milich | Immediate Past Chairman / Treasurer President, The RAL Supply Group, Inc.

Maj. Kathleen Sileno | Chairperson’s Designee 105th Airlift Wing

William Sivillo | At Large President, Captain’s Club Cruises & Tours

Sharon B. Warantz | At Large President, Jellybean Promotions

John J. McDermott, III | To Rest Is To Rust Member President, 17K Property Group

Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio | President Orange County Chamber of Commerce

BOARD OF DIRECTORSPeter Berman CEO, The Ruby Group

Renee Bulla Vice President, Client Services Momentum Advertising and Design

David Cuthbert President & CEO, Alteva

Eric Fuentes Manager, Public Affairs Orange & Rockland Utilities

Kenya Gipson Account Executive Clear Channel Media & Entertainment

Edison Guzman President, A&E Advertising and Web Design

Paul Halayko President, Newburgh Brewing Company

Richard Heslin General Manager, Stewart International Airport

Johann Huleatt Outreach Director, Community Products, LLC

Rev. Kevin Mackin President, Mount Saint Mary College

Eric Maldonado Partner Verizon Wireless Zone

Marcel Martino President, Inspire

Russ Martinson Partner, Cooley Group

Joann Menendez Vice President of Marketing Walden Savings Bank

Linda Muller President & CEO, Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center

Karl Najork Vice President, Credit Bureau of the Hudson Valley

Dr. William Richards President, SUNY Orange

Jean Sexton Branch Manager, Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Josh Sommers President, Focus Media, Inc.

Janice Valentino Director of Marketing & Development Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc.

Scott Wohl Executive Officer, Builders Association of the Hudson Valley

CHAMBER COUNSELGlen L. Heller, Esq. Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC.

EMERITUS BOARD MEMBERSDr. Arthur C. AnthonisenThomas C. DeBenedictusF. Edward DevittKatharine FitzgeraldThomas F. GibneyPatricia GilchrestStewart P. GlennRobert HeifermanLouis HeimbachDonna Johnson-KlonskyWoody LevitanAnthony MartineCarole S. McDermottMarsh H. MerrillRalph L. MillsDr. Kunwar NagpalPeter PolhamusDreena ProssMilton RitterRobert W. ScherreikA. Alan SeidmanJames P. Smith, Jr.William F. VaccaJill M. Varricchio

I recently wrote the following letter to our New York State Senators and Assembly Representatives, as well as to new Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus:

It has become painfully obvious that a judicial solution to the MTA payroll tax situation is not possible. It is my firm belief, then, that a legislative solution is needed as soon as possible to deal with this unfair burden on the business community.

As President of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, I’m asking you and our other elected leaders to develop and propose legislation that will, at the very least, make the payroll tax equitable across all of New York State. As I’ve repeatedly said, if the MTA is so important to the state, then the tax should be spread throughout New York, from Buffalo to Montauk to Plattsburgh if it can’t be eliminated all together.

If there is any way I can be of assistance in helping to craft the appropriate proposal, please don’t hesitate to ask. Thank you for this and for all you do for Orange County and New York State.

This message was reinforced at our annual NYS Legislative Briefing in January when we reiterated to our representatives in person how important it is to continue the fight against what Sen. John Bonacic aptly calls “taxation without transportation.”

I hope all our members will join us in this ongoing crusade. Get in touch with your legislators and let them know how you feel. Contact the Chamber office (845-457-9700 or carols@orangeny.com) if you need help in reaching your legislators – or to discuss any other legislative concern you may have.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 3

CHAMBER STAFF

Dr. John A. D’Ambrosio, President drjohn@orangeny.com

Ellen Daley, Vice President, Communications ellend@orangeny.com

Bill Fioravanti, Vice President, Membership billf@orangeny.com

Carol Smith, Vice President, Government carols@orangeny.com

Andrea Baer, Director of Events andreab@orangeny.com

Cheryl Cohen Director of Membership Investment cherylc@orangeny.com

Allison Wynkoop Director of Administration allisonw@orangeny.com

Karen Hartley Sawyer Manager of Community Partnerships karens@orangeny.com

Cynthia Marsh-Croll Manager, Entrepreneurial Assistance Program

Wendy Melick Information Technology Specialist wendym@orangeny.com

Valerie Gross Membership Services Coordinator valerieg@orangeny.com

Terry Smallin Membership Investment Representative terrys@orangeny.com

Publication of the Orange County Chamber of Commerce © Copyright 2013 The Orange County Chamber Business Watch is not responsible for typographical errors, mistakes or misprints. All advertising, including photographs are the property of Niki Jones Agency, Inc and not that of the advertiser. The advertiser has purchased rights of reproduction in the Orange County Chamber Business Watch and does not have the right to reproduce ads in any other place or publication without written permission from the publisher. The Orange County Chamber Business Watch reserves the rights to exercise its discretion in the selection of advertisement.

Publisher Niki Jones Agency, Inc. 845.856.1266 • info@nikijones.com 39 Front Street • Port Jervis, New York 12771

Editor Ellen Daley 845.457.9700 • ellend@orangeny.com 30 Scott’s Corners Drive Montgomery, NY 12549

Advertising Sales Olga Zernhelt 845.754.2356 • businesswatch@nikijones.com 39 Front Street • Port Jervis, New York 12771

OCCC Logo Design AJ Ross Creative Media

THE ORANGE COUNTY CHAMBER

www.edwardjones.com

Joseph E Profaci SrFinancial Advisor

.

297 South Plank RoadNewburgh, NY 12550845-566-7379

MARCH IS BRAIN INjuRY AWARENESS MONTH

Did you know that every 18.5 seconds, a person sustains a brain injury? It occurs through trauma, and/or illness such as a stroke. Brain injury does not discriminate by age, gender or ethnicity. It truly can, and does, happen in proverbial blink of an eye. A brain injury is not a single event; the impact can result in effects that may last weeks, months, years, or a lifetime. No one thinks it will happen to them. Do you know the precautions to take to protect yourself and your loved ones?

ENvIRONMENTAL SAFETY TIPS FOR HOME OR BuSINESS

• Remove tripping hazards such as small area rugs and loose electrical cords

• Keep stairs clear

• Watch width of railing/banisters - make sure it is not easy for young children to move through them

• Avoid top-heavy furniture that could fall forward

• Use protective padding for hard corners like coffee tables and countertops

• Prevent slippery floors and use window guards

• Use a step stool with a grab-bar to reach objects on high shelves

MOTOR vEHICLE SAFETY

• Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle

• For adults and children over 12, airbags/lap-shoulder belts offer the most effective safety protection

• Infants and children under 12 and should always be in the back seat, using a seatbelt

Safety is No. 1 BusinessBy Dr. Lois tannEnBaum

PEdESTRIANS

• If walking after dark wear bright, reflective clothing

• Do not wear headphones when crossing streets

• Teach/remind children to look left, right, then left again before crossing the street

OuTdOOR SAFETY

• Safety is not just for children; wear a helmet when bicycle and/or motor cycle riding

• Understand, obey, and teach children safety rules of the road/caution when in traffic

• Protect your brain during any/all recreational sports including skiing and skating

KNOW THE SIGNS OF CONCuSSION

• Balance problems; dizziness; blurred vision; confusion; headache/pressure; nausea/vomiting; poor memory; disorientation; slow verbal responses

For assessment, cognitive remedial services or additional information on brain injury or developmental disabilities, contact Dr. Lois Tannenbaum, President of L.I.F.E. Source Learning, Inc. at (845) 564-5433 or DrLois@lifesourcelearning.com. Dr. Lois is also President of the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS).

Dr. Lois tannEnBaum

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 20144

BUSINESS INSIDER

Switching Banks…it’s easier than you may think.

Every business wants a bank that is there with the support it needs. Whether it’s a business loan, a line of credit, or just the right checking account - you want a bank that understands the big picture and knows how to help.

That’s Orange County Trust Company. And if we’re not already your bank, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to switch, and to connect with us whenever you need us.

We’ve been earning people’s trust since 1892. Let us earn yours. Call or stop by today and fi nd out how easy it is to switch to Orange County Trust.

Middletown • Montgomery • Vails Gate • Chester • Goshen • Newburgh • Fishkill845-341-5000 orangecountytrust.com

Member FDIC

Scan or Text to receive our quarterly newsletter. Use your mobile device to scan the QR code, or text OCTC to 22828 to get started.*Message and data rates may apply.

“Orange County Trust really came through for me.”

ARE YOu uNKNOWINGLY PuTTING YOuRSELF ANd YOuR BuSINESS AT RISK?

A photographer is sued for $3,000 for improper use of a photo. An event planner books a venue for the wrong date and is sued for $25,000. An HR consultant is sued $50,000 for an incomplete employee handbook. A management consultant is sued $100,000 for negligence in instituting a turnaround plan for a company. The common thread of all these lawsuits? Not one of them was covered by a General Liability (GL) policy, the most common type of liability coverage purchased by a business.

First, a bit of explanation. A GL policy, or, as I like to call it, lawsuit insurance, is designed to protect a business in the event it causes an injury to a person or damage to someone else’s property. As an old insurance instructor once put it to me, there must be a snap, crackle or pop for the GL policy to provide coverage. For example, a customer slips and falls in a store or a faulty product causes a fire and burns a building down.

The claims I opened this article with fall into categories such as breach of contract,

Professional Liability Insurance in 90 Seconds

By GrEG hoGan

Gregory Hogan is a Certified Risk Manager and Certified Insurance Counselor at the Hutchings Agency in Middletown. He specializes in providing protection to business owners and their assets. He also teaches the EAP “Insuring Your Business” class.

negligence or dereliction of duty, and are all specifically excluded from a GL policy. These types of claims are commonly known as economic claims and they are excluded precisely because no one is physically injured or property damaged. This is where a Professional Liability, alternatively known as Errors and Omissions (E&O), policy comes in.

How can that be, you ask yourself. Isn’t Professional Liability insurance just for “traditional” professionals like attorneys, accountants, doctors and engineers? Why would a photographer, event planner or management consultant carry it? How does a business owner know that they even may need E&O insurance?

Professional liability policies were once

reserved for just the traditional professions

like medicine, law, accounting and engineering.

However, as claims increased for other service

industries, carriers responded to this need with

coverage forms.

Professional liability policies usually will cover

you for a “Wrongful Act.” While definitions

vary from policy to policy, a Wrongful Act

is generally defined as any actual or alleged

error, omission, or negligent act committed

in the rendering of “Professional Services.”

Professional Services are defined as services

in your stated profession (listed on the policy

application) that your perform for a fee. To

put it simply, if you charge a fee for advice

or perform a service for a fee, you may be a

candidate for a professional liability policy.

One of the biggest benefits of carrying a

professional liability policy is the defense

coverage. Even if you’ve done nothing wrong, or

someone is suing you to retaliate, the policy will

respond to provide defense coverage and make

the claim go away. Many times, the defense is

the biggest component of the cost of a claim.

Many people right here in the Hudson Valley

have unknowingly put themselves, and their

personal assets, at risk, due to professional

claims being excluded from a regular liability

policy. Don’t be left unprotected. Look at your

policy and understand your coverage. When a

claim happens, it’s too late to get coverage.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 5

oranGE PuLsE Newburgh Ministry

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ONLY $50 per issue!

BY ETHAN WEBER

George Reilly was attending mass at St. Joseph’s Church in New Windsor one Sunday when Sister Mary O’Neill and Sister Norma Carney spoke from the pulpit, asking for volunteers for the Newburgh Ministry, the not-for-profit that provides for Newburgh’s low-income families and individuals, as well as its homeless population. That was seven years ago. He has been there ever since, doing “a little of everything” as he puts it. It is that dedication to doing and giving that keeps the Ministry running.

In 2013, the Ministry celebrated 30 years of charity and service. From its conception in 1983, the Ministry has offered numerous services ranging from the basics like bathrooms, showers, safety and rest, to providing transportation for job interviews and operating an on-site walk-in clinic. While continuing its original purpose as an escape from rain, cold and violence, as well as a source of counsel, the Ministry has, in recent years, expanded its mission to include Winterhaven, a 19-bed overnight shelter for the homeless, now open year round from 9:00 p.m.-9:00 a.m.. The numerous services offered by the Ministry are a testament to its passion for transformation.

Speaking on the Ministry’s early history, Sister O’Neill said, “They said, ‘Oh, they’ll be gone.’ But we’ve been here 30 years.”

The humble Ministry comes from even humbler beginnings in a Broadway storefront rented by nuns. Over coffee, they heard the stories of people overlooked by a flawed social system. This ability to view problems in a larger social context made the Ministry a refuge, not only from horrid conditions, but from judgment as well. A pot of coffee remains a tradition in the Ministry’s hospitality area.

Soon, the Ministry grew and began operating a thrift store where clothing and household goods could—and still can—be purchased, usually for 25 cents, 50 cents, or a dollar apiece. Services such as GED courses and a Play and Learn Center for children were offered. In 1988, the Newburgh Ministry was officially incorporated. Today, the Ministry, located at 9 Johnston Street, is supported by grants and sponsored by religious congregations. Grants, however, are only enough to allow the Ministry to scrape by. It continues operating mainly through charity and what the nuns feel is the grace of God.

The walk-in clinic, started in September of 2013, provides services to those with no insurance. Nurses and a board-certified doctor provide the care. Many of the nurses come from Mount Saint Mary College’s nursing department, which has established an internship with the clinic. Volunteers from MSMC’s Campus Ministry are also regularly present at the Ministry. “The kids have been absolutely outstanding,” said Executive Director Colin Jarvis of the students.

The Ministry also houses a women’s craft center in which community women handcraft traditional jewelry that is sold locally. “We’re hoping that within another year or two, that activity morphs into a financial incubator for the women,” said Jarvis.

Jarvis is especially excited about a Saturday program called Project Jumpstart in which area children come to the Ministry to be taught skills that will help them in the classroom.

A HOME

The Ministry is much more than a shelter and a provider of services. It is a community made up of people, not statistics. “It’s a place that they feel safe, that they trust,” Jarvis said. People come to the Ministry not only for food, medicine, and shelter but for its network of support as well. “I’ve written love letters for people who couldn’t write,” said O’Neill. Mari Ann Sanders has been coming to the Ministry for all 30 years of its existence. “I come here to get away from it all in the street,” she said, describing the staff as “God’s workers.”

THE PHILOSOPHY

“Transformation” is a word heard often at the Ministry. It describes the staff’s goal for the City of Newburgh, but it also holds much deeper meaning. Carney explained, “It’s not just transformation of the people that come here. It’s transformation of the caregivers as well…and transformation of the systems that keep people in poverty.” Ultimately, those at the Ministry hope for a day when their services will no longer be a necessity. “Pray they won’t need us,” said Sister Carney.

The Newburgh Ministry can be reached at (845) 561-0070. Visit http://newburghministry.org for more information.

Ethan Weber is a graduate of SUNY Orange and Bucknell University, with a bachelor’s degree in creative writing. He is currently an intern at the Orange County Chamber of Commerce.

Newburgh Ministry now...

...and then.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 20146

BUSINESS INSIDER

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Businesses are comparable to people in many

ways. They start small, some grow faster than

others, many exist on a plateau within limited

geographic boundaries. Both celebrate significant

milestones and likely face good and bad surprises

along the way. And, all need to foresee money

requirements prior to expected events plus

arrange for the unexpected.

Three important business junctures are start-up

stage, the decision to add the first employee and

expansion phase. The majority of entrepreneurs

are cognizant that a new business requires

a certain amount of money to start. Most

underestimate the full amount, but at least their

thinking is in the right direction.

If the business moves along nicely, a self-

employed (me/myself/and I) entity must take a

leap of faith and add an employee. Often this is

when the owner is maxed out and desperate for

relief. The mere thought of hiring is scary. No time

to screen any one, no idea of payroll forms and

process, taxes, insurances, no personnel manual,

no procedures manual and that is the easy part.

There are services to fill some of these voids. But

the worst of it, since everything is in the owner’s

Three Significant Phases of Business

By CharLEnE maurEr FinErty

Charlene Maurer Finerty, Plans and Profits, LLC, writes, edits and teaches custom business plans. See www.PlansAndProfits.com. Check her 6 ½ hour Do-It-Yourself Business Plan class on DVD at www.BusinessPlanWritingClass.com. Contact Charlene at finerty@aol.com or 845-34.1515 between 9:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

head, he/she needs to stop, turn off the world and

train or orient the new hire. This phase is likely to

suppress income at the very time costs increase.

However, one of the more prevalent times for a

business to run out of money is when sales are

zooming and the business is growing. This is

dangerous because tight money is least expected

and stakes are usually higher than during start-

up. It likely occurs when the entrepreneur starts

to relax, feels happy, even bragging. The owner’s

shoulders finally feel lighter because employees

are shouldering responsibilities; have built

relationships with each other, vendors and clients.

The “ah hah moment” has arrived. Has it really?

Is it time to celebrate? All these sales. Wow! Let’s

buy a …. You fill in the blank, new house, car,

truck, boat, take a trip. Maybe sneak some home

expenses into the business accounts payable.

Don’t even think about it.

It is terrific to reach a stage when the owner

feels confident enough to take a long weekend,

trade in the rattletrap car – but splurge, even

cheat? Not so fast.

Depending on the business, and a lot of “depend”

relates to whether there are inventory and

accounts receivable, as both act as giant sponges

soaking up money that would otherwise be in

the checkbook. However those trapped dollars

sitting on a shelf, riding around in the service

van or sitting in the accounts receivable file are

unavailable to pay utility bills, payroll, taxes, the

owner, etc. Without preplanned financing, the vice

tightens in sync with the speed of growth and

percent of profit margins.

Please, compare actual income and expenses

to cash flow forecast on a monthly basis. Based

on results, habitually tweak and extend cash

flow forecasts for the next 12 to 24 months. It

is amazing what foresight can be gleaned from

this practice.

HOSPICE

845-561-6111 Hospiceoforange.com

A Plan for Living

800 Stony Brook Court, Newburgh, NY 12550

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 7

In 2011, I started an online writing project that

had a lot of potential, but I was really unsure

what my goals were and how to reach them. When

I enrolled in EAP, I had a LOT of questions and

I wanted to ask them all. Talent and excitement

were a great start, but there were a lot of details

that needed to be ironed out.

EAP gave me all the pieces to look objectively

at what I wanted to do and realize it. Cynthia

(Marsh-Croll, EAPO Manager and instructor)

helped me shape my numbers realistically, and

the additional help I got in SCORE meetings

helped bring everything into alignment. I then

had all the pieces to put together and awesome,

attainable business plan and year one was a

total success!

HappyHudsonValley.com has become a reliable

source of enjoyment online for a lot of people.

Most of them I have never even met, but

nonetheless, the project is reaching them. Major

success came in February 2013 when I was able to

re-launch the site on a brand new platform with

a user interface that allows anyone to sign in and

post their own news and events.

It’s creating a really incredible compilation

of work. Contributors from SUNY New Paltz

and the Culinary Institute of America are the

icing on the cake for me. We even have a car

sponsorship from Morehead Honda. We keep

gaining momentum and even though the project

is growing, it never feels like work.

There is something so magical about bringing

the thing you love to do to the forefront of your

life and subsequently making it work on paper.

Sharing this news and information service in the

Hudson Valley is the single most important thing I

have ever done.

The progress of this project gives me so much joy,

seeing what our community is capable of and

accomplishing day in and out is a great source of

my own happiness.

Now we are at a stage where we are sharing

the concept with other communities that could

benefit from good news and happy headlines.

I really couldn't have done any of this without

the Chamber. I got a 101 in business on a budget

that even a blog-writer could afford, and it has

given me the tools to expand in every direction.

I love networking at the Chamber, and use

it as home-base for what's happening in my

community. It's a great group of people who will

drop everything to help you succeed. And they

have been instrumental in helping me get this

project off the ground.

EAP Success Story: HappyHudsonValley.com

By stEFaniE PEarL

A Newburgh native, Stefanie Pearl is an entrepreneur, writer, philosopher and volunteers locally with Safe Harbors of the Hudson, Jewish Federation of Greater Orange County, Kidz for Causes and Newburgh Professional and Business Association. She resides in New Windsor and can be reached at stefanie.pearl226@gmail.com.

Where Will You Be On April 12?

If you’re like thousands of others, you’ll be at the Galleria at Crystal Run

in Middletown. Not only because it’s the Saturday of Palm Sunday weekend and

traditionally one of the busiest shopping days at the Galleria, but also because the Chamber

will be hosting its 16th annual Buy Local Showcase that day.

From 10:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., dozens of Chamber small businesses will be

displaying and demonstrating their products and services on the lower level of the Galleria.

Stop by and learn why it’s a good idea to support our local businesses.

Sponsorships – which mean prime location at or near center court – are available and only $450 each. Placement is first come,

first served, so contact Karen as soon as possible to reserve your sponsorship – 845-

457-9700 or karens@orangeny.com.

Vendor tables are available as well – at a very affordable at $225 before March 1 and $250 after that date. Contact Andrea at 845-457-9700 or andreab@orangeny.com.

See you at the Galleria on April 12 to be part of one of the region’s premier buy

local events.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 20148

AIRPORT & RELATED SERVICESINdEPENdENT HELICOPTERS 1032 1st Street, Building 118 New Windsor, NY 12553 845-549-3755 www.independenthelicopters.com

APPLIANCESMICHAEL’S APPLIANCE SALES & SERvICE 585 East Main Street Middletown, NY 10940 845-342-0369 www.michaelsappliance.com

SOHN’S APPLIANCE CENTER 23-27 Main Street Walden, NY 12586 845-778-7124 www.sohnsappliancecenter.com

ART & ANTIqUESdOC’S FINE WOOdCRAFTS 13 Schoolhouse Lane Wallkill, NY 12589 845-566-9021 www.docsfinewoodcrafts.com

AUTOMOTIVEWASHINGTONvILLE AuTO PARTS, INC. 3 East Main Street Washingtonville, NY 10992 845-496-7807

vAILS GATE AuTO BOdY SHOP & uSEd CARS 130 Route 300 Vails Gate, NY 12584 845-562-3472 www.vailsgateautobody.com

BUSINESS SERVICESAdZIMPLE OF THE HudSON vALLEY 4 Crotty Lane New Windsor, NY 12553 845-343-0091

FIRTHCLIFFE TECHNOLOGIES, INC. 198 Willow Avenue Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-9800 www.firthcliffetechnologies.com

NEWBuRGH ENvELOPE 1720 Route 300 Newburgh, NY 12550 845-566-4211 www.newburghenvelope.biz

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS

CLASSES & INSTRUCTIONAPPLE A dAY 17 River Street, Suite 10 Warwick, NY 10990 845-986-4416 www.appleadayusa.org

dANCE dESIGN SCHOOL 291 Main Street, Suite 3 Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-9671 www.dancedesignschool.com

INdEPENdENT HELICOPTERS 1032 1st Street, Building 118 New Windsor, NY 12553 845-549-3755 www.independenthelicopters.com

NEW YORK SCHOOL OF MuSIC 42 Orchard Street Walden, NY 12586 845-778-7594 www.nyschoolofmusiconline.com

CLOTHING & SHOESFRANK’S CuSTOM SHOE FITTING, INC. 741 Route 211 East Middletown, NY 10941 845-692-9225 www.shoe-fitter.com

COMMERCIAL CARPET CLEANINGHudSON vALLEY dKI 2713 NYS Route 17 New Hampton, NY 10958

COMPUTER SERVICE & REPAIRFIRTHCLIFFE TECHNOLOGIES INC. 198 Willow Avenue Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-9800 www.FirthcliffeTechnologies.com

DRY CLEANING & ALTERATIONSART’S dRIvE IN CLEANERS OF MIddLETOWN 447 Route 17M Middletown, NY 10940 845-343-6455 www.artscleaners.com

BROAdWAY TAILORS 281 Broadway Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-1656 www.broadwaytailors.com

TAILORLANd 21 Route 17K Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-1992 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS NEW WINdSOR 115 Temple Hill Road New Windsor, NY 12553 845-565-5130 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS CORNWALL 291 Main Street Cornwall, New York 12518 845-534-9000 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS MARLBORO 119 Route 9W Marlboro, NY 12542 845-236-3100 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS MIddLETOWN 731 Route 211 E, #105 Middletown, NY 10941 845-692-0067 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS MONROE 371 Route 17M Monroe, NY 10950 845-782-2224 www.vgcleaners.com

vAILS GATE CLEANERS WOOdBuRY 547 Route 32 Highland Mills, NY 10930 845-928-9021 www.vgcleaners.com

ELECTRONICSvERIZON WIRELESS ZONE – MONTGOMERY (Shoprite Plaza) 125 Hawkins Drive Montgomery, NY 12549 845-784-1515

vERIZON WIRELESS ZONE – NEWBuRGH (next to PriceChopper) 39 North Plank Road Newburgh, NY 12550 845-784-1612

vERIZON WIRELESS ZONE – NEW WINdSOR (next to UPS) 367 Windsor Highway, Suite 300 New Windsor, NY 12553 845-926-5636

FLORISTFOTI FLOWERS AT YuESS GARdENS 406 Third Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-0795 fotiflowers@verizon.net

MERRITT FLORIST 275 Main Street Cornwall, New York 12518 845-534-2551 www.merrittflorist.com

FOOD & BEVERAGEANNARELLA’S ON THE GREEN 18 Ridge Road Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-8562 www.Annarellas18.com

EAT THIS! BAKERY 63 Clinton Street Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-7788 www.eatthisbakery.com

FRANCESCO’S PIZZERIA & RESTAuRANT 201 Ward Street Montgomery, NY 12549 845-427-7770

LOuGHRAN’S IRISH PuB 10 Schoolhouse Road Salisbury Mills, NY 12577 www.loughransirishpub.com 845-496-3615

NEWBuRGH BREWING COMPANY, INC. 88 South Colden Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-569-2337 www.newburghbrewing.com

OLdE ERIE BREW PuB 7 West Main Street Middletown, NY 10940 845-344-3743 www.eriegrille.com

WARd’S BRIdGE INN 135 Ward Street Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-1300 www.wardsbridgeinn.com

GOLF COURSESTHE CLuB AT STORM KING, INC. 18 Ridge Road Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-8562 www.stormkinggolf.com

WINdING HILLS GOLF CLuB 1847 State Route 17K Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-3187 www.windinghillsgc.com

HARDWARETOOL FACTORY OuTLET 2522 Route 17M Goshen, NY 10924 845-294-7900 www.toolfactoryoutlet.com

HEALTH & BEAUTYEuROPEAN WAx CENTER 215 Larkin Drive Monroe, NY 10950 845-395-0500 www.waxcenter.com

HAIR dESIGN BY dANIELLE 2885 Route 17K Bullville, NY 10915 www.hairdesignbydanielle.com 845-361-5010

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MASSAGE ENvY SPA 215 Larkin Drive Monroe, NY 10950 845-782-3689 www.massageenvyspa.com

HOME IMPROVEMENTA1 NO NONSENSE PEST CONTROL P.O. Box 45 Newburgh, NY 12551 845-476-8523

HudSON vALLEY KITCHEN dESIGN 2713 Route 17M New Hampton, NY 10958 845-294-8242 www.HudsonValleyKitchens.com

LIBERTY ENvIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2629 Route 302 Middletown, NY 10940 845-361-9200 www.teamlem.com

NORTHERN WINdOWS SIdING, ROOFING & INSuLATION 2537 Route 17M Goshen, NY 10924 845-294-4444 www.northernwindows.com

ROCK ‘N MuLCH TREE FARM 1793 Route 300 Newburgh, NY 12550 845-564-4172

TAYLOR RECYCLING FACILITY 350 Neelytown Road Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-4021 www.taylor-recycling.com

HOME REPAIRLIBERTY ENvIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2629 Route 302 Middletown, NY 10940 845-361-9200 www.teamlem.com

NORTHERN WINdOWS SIdING, ROOFING & INSuLATION 2537 Route 17M Goshen, NY 10924 845-294-4444 www.northernwindows.com

INDUSTRIAL & UTILITIESdEPEW ENERGY CO. 5182 Route 9W Newburgh, NY 12550 845-568-0072 www.depewoil.com

JEWELRYFORT KNOx GOLd BuYERS & jEWELERS 165 Route 32 Central Valley, NY 10917 845-928-4653 www.fkjewelers.com

jEWELS OF THE EAST P.O. Box 570 Chester, NY 10918 845-849-4895

SONOdA SILvER & STYLE 2 Church Street Harriman NY 10926 914-714-3264 www.sonodasilver.com

MARKETING, ADVERTISING & PRHudSON vALLEY PuBLIC RELATIONS 24 Merritt Avenue Millbrook, NY 12545 845-702-6226 www.hudsonvalleypublicrelations.com

NIKI jONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front Street Port Jervis, NY 12771 845-856-1266 www.nikijones.com

MEDICAL & DENTALCOMMuNITY WELLNESS & CHIROPRACTIC 16 Quaker Avenue Cornwall, NY 12518 845-534-9331 www.communitywellnessandchiropractic.com

FLANAGAN CHIROPRACTIC 70 Oak Street Walden, New York 12586 845-778-4420 www.drflanaganchiropractic.com

HOLST CHIROPRACTIC OFFICE 450 East Main Street Middletown, NY 10940 845-344-0444 www.HolstChiropractic.com

SKONBERG FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC 3 Pierces Road Newburgh, New York 12550 845-561-6800 www.SkonbergFamilyChiropractic.com

SMILEWORKS OF THE HudSON vALLEY 275 North Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-2494 www.smileworkspc.com

PROFESSIONAL SERVICESdESIGN BY SuE 128 Liberty Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-2704 www.designbysue.com

HudSON vALLEY LEAdS ExCHANGE c/o Sue Young, 128 Liberty Street Newburgh, NY 12550 845-561-2704 www.hvle.org

NIKI jONES AGENCY, INC. 39 Front Street Port Jervis, NY 12771 845-856-1266 www.nikijones.com

REAL ESTATE SERVICESjOHN OLIvERO, LICENSEd REAL ESTATE BROKER 215 Greenwich Avenue Goshen, NY 120924 914-760-0045 www.johnolivero.com

SEPTIC SYSTEMSAMERICAN SEPTIC / TRuLY GREEN SEPTIC 140 St. Elmo Road Wallkill, New York 12589 845-895-2501 www.TrulyGreenSeptic Services.com

TOURS & SIGHTSEEINGINdEPENdENT HELICOPTERS 1032 1st Street, Building 118 New Windsor, NY 12553 845-549-3755 www.independenthelicopters.com

WASTE REMOVAL & RECYCLINGTAYLOR RECYCLING FACILITY 350 Neelytown Road Montgomery, NY 12549 845-457-4021 www.taylor-recycling.com

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STEWARTINTERNATIONAL AIRPORTYOUR HUDSON VALLEY AIRPORTTH

INK

Stewart International welcomes Allegiant Air to our family

of airlines with new service to St. Petersburg, FL. Stewart

International offers many non-stop and connection destinations

via Delta, JetBlue, US Airways, and, now, Allegiant Air.

For special promotions and packages, visit Allegiant.com.

Learn more at www.panynj.gov/stewart

SWF OrangeCtyChamberDirectory-A:Layout 1 11/20/13 2:00 PM Page 2

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A day after the interview I was volunteering at the Chamber’s annual Business EXPO and networking with a plethora of local businesspeople, and for the past four months, the Chamber has provided me with valuable work experience while allowing me to build my portfolio by writing articles such as this.

Once at the Chamber, I realized that I was one of a group of students and recent graduates benefiting from a Chamber internship. It turns out that for years, the Chamber has been working with SUNY Orange and Mount Saint Mary College to provide students and graduates with valuable experience and networking opportunities and continues to draw upon these schools as sources of diligent workers.

To date, the Chamber has made use of 10 interns/volunteers—two from Mount Saint Mary College and eight from SUNY Orange. These include current students and recent graduates, and their majors, which include Accounting, Business, Communications, Engineering, English, and IT, span academia. Since there is no limit on the length of the internships, some interns may stay for a semester while others may stay for more than a year.

“The official duration is a semester, but we keep them as long as they wish to stay, even after graduation,” said Carol Smith, Vice-President for Government at the Chamber.

As for how interns are compensated, this depends on the school. MSMC provides its students with both academic credit and a salary while SUNY Orange’s policy is best described by Green: “We’re in an ‘all of the above’ situation in our office: we provide opportunities for paid internships, for unpaid internships for college credit, and even for paid internships for college credit,” he said.

This arrangement is in keeping with the purpose of SUNY Orange’s Office of Career and Internship Services, which provides career advising/counseling, job market information, professional development and work readiness training, experiential education, and employment services to students, alumni, and community members.

While the Orange County Chamber offers no official internship, it does have a long history of collaborating with the two schools. MSMC sent its first intern to the Chamber in 2005. Smith is happy for the help that has been sent her way.

“We don’t have anything in writing but we have been working together for years,” she said.

“This is one of those collaborations that evolved and grew naturally, and it’s turned into a wonderful win/win,” said Green. “And it looks like not only will it become an official joint program, but it will expand significantly as well. Needless to say, this experiment has been a huge success, so what began with a single volunteer has now evolved to the point where we now have three

Opportunities - and Careers - Begin at the ChamberContinuED From PaGE 1

or so volunteers over there all the time. As one volunteer gets hired and/or graduates and moves on, we then fill that slot with another.”

As can be seen on the front page of this publication, the Chamber’s mantra is “Buy Orange. Build Orange. Give Orange.” Obviously, “Educate Orange” falls right in line with these goals. Educating and employing locally benefits both students/graduates and the county.

Green explained, “One of the outcomes here is that you can end up with some really stellar job candidates, who otherwise would have ended up moving out of the area, finding employment with local businesses. And again, everybody wins.”

Everybody wins, but they win differently. Interns benefit from countless networking opportunities while employers can find new talent that has been proven in the workplace.

Kathleen O’Keefe, Associate Director of Mount Saint Mary College’s Career Center, described how she has seen students benefit from the Chamber’s Young Professionals group.

“The [Young Professionals] attended our annual employment fair last spring and spoke to students about the benefits of engaging with the local Chamber,” she explained. “They also came to campus in the fall and spoke of how networking helped them move along in their own careers. They demonstrated how to network effectively and offered great tips and advice.”

O’Keefe is also quick to point out the benefits Chamber internships have for employers. Again,

By Ethan WEBEr

Ethan Weber is a graduate of SUNY Orange and Bucknell University, with a bachelor’s

degree in creative writing. He is currently an intern at the Orange

County Chamber of Commerce.

networking is key. “Employers gain access to a pool of qualified, motivated employees; can observe potential long-term employees under actual working conditions; solve short-term employment needs; improve community relations and visibility; and lower recruitment and training costs,” she said.

Clearly, the Chamber, students, graduates, employers and schools all benefit from these internships. Said Green, “We see this as the first steps in significantly strengthening the connection between the employer community and our students, and between the classroom and the world of work.”

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Making it in OCCOLONIAL VOLUNTARY BE NE FITS , Wappingers Fal ls Products are offered through the workplace to employees and their families. Services include individual benefits education, advanced, yet simple-to-use enrollment technology and quality personal service. Products are underwritten by The Paul Revere Life Insurance Company and include disability, life and supplemental accident and health insurance policies. 845-418-6944 MeganZ.Harris@coloniallife.com www.coloniallife.com

DISPUTE RE SOLUTION CE NTE R/FAMILY & D IVORCE ME DIATION CE NTE R , Goshen Thinking about separation or divorce? Learn about your options. Get help to navigate and get through this process, fairly and affordably. Call for a free half-hour consultation. Offices in Orange, Putnam, Sullivan and Ulster counties. 845-294-8082 / susanh@drcservices.org www.drcservices.org

G M E LEC TRIC , Por t Jer v is Licensed and insured, residential and commercial contractors. Serving all of Orange County. 845-742-5495 / gmjr1482@yahoo.com www.gmelectric.com

SCOT T KE NDRICK , ME RRILL LUNCH G LOBAL WE ALTH MANAG E ME NT, Middletown Concentrating on the financial needs and concerns of individuals and businesses; specializing in estate planning services, estate settlement, trusts, retirement planning, education planning, asset and survivor protection, asset consolidation, innovative liability planning, and much more. 800-559-4720 / scott_kendrick@ml.com / www.fa.ml.com/TheCollesanokendrickFinancialGroup

TEC TONIC E NG INE E RING & SURVEYING CONSULTANTS, P.C . , Mountainv i l le ENR top 500 firm. Multi-disciplined engineering firm established in 1986 employing a staff of over 500 professionals. Local experience and knowledge. 845-534-5959 TJCritelli@tectonicengineering.com www.tectonicengineering.com

OPE R ATIONSINC , Nor walk , C T OperationsInc has acquired NY-based HR outsourcing provider, KnappQuest HR. OperationsInc will maintain all operations and support to KnappQuest HR clients, most of whom are located in Orange, Dutchess and Westchester counties in NY, and Fairfield and Litchfield

Counties in CT. 203-322-0538 info@OperationsInc.com www.OperationsInc.com

PAT T YCAKE PL AYHOUSE , Newburgh, New Windsor, Cast le Point Owns and operates three early childhood learning centers, providing quality care for children eight weeks to five years old. State-of the-art security systems, highly qualified teachers and SMART board technology. 845-562-6322 / 845-765-2375 / 845-245-4959 / lrnlinks@aol.com / www.pattycakeplayhouse.com

REVOLUSUN , Nyack Go solar with RevoluSun. Offering the best products with unmatched installation. 4,000+ installers behind the RevoluSun name. Great customer service, with clear communication throughout every step of the installation process and beyond. 845-358-0811 / Nicholas.grisanti@revolusun.com www.NewYork.revolusun.com

UL S TE R SAVINGS BANK , Newburgh The newest branch of Ulster Savings Bank has opened at 1229 Route 300, Suite #2 in the Town of Newburgh. Ulster Savings employs over 300 people in 15 full-service branches in Ulster, Dutchess, Orange and Greene counties. 866-440-0391 / phickey@ulstersavings.com www.ulstersavings.com

LEWIS S IG N CO. , LLC , S late Hi l l This is their 90th year in a business founded by their grandfather. Build electronic message center signs and signs with LED lighting; wrap vehicles in digital graphics; service and repair signs, scoreboards, flag poles, parking lot lights. 845-355-2651 / chris@lewissigns.com www.lewissigns.com

SABAT AG E CONSULTING , INC . , H ighland Mi l ls Full service computer consulting company that supports small to medium sized businesses. Services include network and PC repair (Windows, Apple & Linux); email hosting; cloud and local back-ups; mobile technology; protection (Malware & virus); proactive maintenance. 845-475-8468 / tammy@sabatage.com www.sabatage.com

VILL A POSITANO, Monroe Full service restaurant and bar, offering quality homemade Italian cooking and gourmet pizza. Take-out, catering and delivery available. Located at 475 Route 17M in Monroe. 845-395-0786 villapositano@optonline.net www.villapositano.net

HUDSON SOL AR , Rhinebeck Family owned and operated business with 10+ years’ experience in the solar industry. Serving the Capitol district, southern Vermont and western Massachusetts. Have installed more than 1,000 residential, commercial, agricultural, municipal and non-profit solar electric systems. 866-452-7652 / maddy@hudsonsolar.com www.hudsonsolar.com

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thanks to 2014 CorPoratE PartnErs Our generous Partners this year are:

D IAM ON D PAR TN E RS:

Crystal Run Healthcare

SB Merchant Services

Alteva

PL ATINU M PAR TN E RS:

Drake, Loeb, Heller, Kennedy, Gogerty, Gaba & Rodd, PLLC

Greater Hudson Valley Family Health Center

Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell, LLP, CPAs

Walden Savings Bank

GOLD PAR TN E RS:

Advance Testing Company

AJ Ross Creative Media

Bonura Hospitality Group

Community Products, LLC

DocuWare

Elant

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program

Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union

Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC

M&T Bank

Myles Financial Services

Niki Jones Agency, Inc.

Occupations, Inc.

Orange & Rockland Utilities

Orange Regional Medical Center

Stewart Airport/ The PANYNJ

M E D IA PAR TN E RS:

Clear Channel Media & Entertainment

Fox Radio Group

Neversink Media Group

Thunder 102

Town Square Media

Watermark Communications

ARKE L MOTORS, INC . , New Windsor One-stop truck dealership; parts, service, sales, lease and rent trucks; locally owned for 50 years; dedication to customers is number one priority. 845-562-0532 louvanleeuwenjr@arkelmotors.com www.arkelmotors.com

JOHN J . LE A SE RE ALTORS, Newburgh Has sold the 10,000 SF commercial building at 299 Washington Street and Robinson Avenue in Newburgh (formerly J.D. Parella Electric). New owner is United Air Conditioning, Refrigeration, Plumbing and Heating owned by Richard Fracasse and founded in the 1960s. United is expanding their operations from 15 to 20 employees. 845-565-2800 www.johnjleaserealtors.com

SPARKS!ALIVE , Middletown Maria Blon is in Haiti offering energy healing and interviewing people for two books: “What SPARKS Your Passion?” and a children’s book yet to be titled. She will also visit the Cadet House, which was built through the Jean Elie project. The Chamber and Times Herald-Record helped raise awareness and funds for the project. 845-313-2853 maria@sparksalive.com www.sparksalive.com

CAPACIT Y BUSINE SS CONSULTING , Hudson Val ley Has been hired to complete a Cost Benefit Analysis on the proposed $90 million renovation of Kutchers Resort in the Town of Thompson, Sullivan County. The renovation is for the proposed Veria Lifestyle Management Center, a 265-room health resort focusing on holistic treatment and healing based on Eastern natural medicine philosophies. 845-764-9484 info@CapacityConsultingInc.com www.CapacityBusinessConsulting.com

SULLIVAN REG E NCY, Mont icel lo Luxury residential condominiums located in the beautiful Catskills. Provides maintenance-free lifestyle with first-class amenities including indoor/outdoor pool, fitness center and more. Located near entertainment venues such as Bethel Woods, Monticello Casino and Raceway and many more. 914- 490-3433 sales@sullivanregency.com www.sullivanregency.com

SHE N YUN PROMOTIONS INTE RNATIONAL , Cuddeback vi l le Shen Yun takes audiences on a journey through 5,000 years of Chinese culture. Features the world’s foremost classically trained dancers, orchestra blending East and West, and dazzling, animated backdrops. Shen Yun Promotions provides complimentary seminars and presentations on Chinese culture, as presented by Shen Yun. 845-421-8544 mela.wu@sy-pi.org www.sy-pi.org

DEWIT INSUR ANCE AG E NCY, INC . , Cornwal l Many national and regional insurance companies to quote through; excellent service; staff is made up of your neighbors. 845-534-2000 / mcannelli@dewitinsurance.com www.dewitinsurance.com

CORNE RS TONE SE RVICE S, INC . , New Pal tz Data management and list management experts. All-in-one service: graphic design, data sourcing or management, printing and mailing services. Only firm in NYS where all staff are certified in USPS Mail Design Professional Training. All mailing and database projects are done on time, under budget and uneventfully. 845-255-5722 / info@crst.net / www.crst.net

INTE R AC T MARKETING , New Windsor Provides online marketing services and helps companies track the return on marketing campaigns more closely using search engine marketing, social media marketing, online reputation management and web development services. Serving regional and national clients. 845-567-7703 / joe@interactmarketing.com / www.interactmarketing.com

NE XUS HE ALTH RE SOURCE S, Middletown Connects health care providers, patients and services ensuring coordinated, quality healthcare for patients transitioning from hospital to home. Works directly with hospitals, medical practices, skilled nursing facilities and community-based providers. Goals are greater cost-effectiveness and higher quality healthcare. 845-648-3057 / jwalz@nexushealthresources.com / www.nexushealthresources.com

TUXE DO RIDG E SKI CE NTE R , Ster l ing Forest / Tuxedo For over 50 years, has been creating family memories as the Hudson Valley’s premiere ski facility; for skiers of any ability or interest; featuring downhill skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, summer events and more. Located minutes off I-87. 845-351-1122 / trgroupsales1@gmail.com / www.tuxedoridge.com

SCOTCHTOWN CHIROPR AC TIC , Middletown First class health care for the entire family. Pain relief, rehabilitative care, weight loss management, massage therapy and nutritional counseling. Accepts most major insurance plans. Early mornings, evenings and Saturdays. 845-692-3224 / wtonyes@gmail.com / www.healyourpain.com

HUDSON VALLEY FE DE R AL CRE DIT UNION , Rhinebeck Hudson Valley Federal Credit Union recently broke ground on its newest location at 6740 Route 9 in Rhinebeck. Among the staff already named for the new branch are Branch Manager Deborah Kerr, Business Lending Officer Bob Babirad, Business Development Officer Charles Walwyn, and Mortgage Lending Officer Michelle Rizzi.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 201414

With the support of a generous gift from Walden Savings Bank, SuNY Orange will conduct

a yearlong “Global Initiative: Africa” program that will foster exploration of the call 845-341-

4983 or visit www.sunyorange.edu/gi.

Thanks to a State University of New York workforce development grant that allowed Satin

Fine Foods to provide its workforce with specific training programming provided by SuNY

Orange’s Continuing and Professional Education Department, Satin Fine Foods recently

received its Global Food Safety Initiative certification. Three SUNY Orange students were

accepted into the highly competitive Conferences on Undergraduate Women in Physics

programs held recently at Penn State and Stony Brook universities

Frontier Communications has been named a “Top 100” 2014 Military Friendly Employer®

by Victory Media, publisher of G.I. Jobs and Military Spouse. More than 11 percent

of Frontier employees are military veterans and reservists. Locally, Frontier employees

participated in Operation Write Home, creating cards and writing letters to deployed troops.

Frontier’s team also produced a “Wall of Heroes” Veterans Day tribute at the company’s

various southern Hudson Valley offices.

Fran Schafer, RN, Chief Operating Officer of Wellness Home Care since 1999, has been

honored by the New York State Health Care Providers Association with the Founders’ Spirit

Award. The award “honors individuals that follow in the footsteps of those that founded HCP.”

Foam & Wash Car Wash, Mobil Mart, Oil Change Plus and Laundromat recently wrapped up

their annual fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, raising a total of $30,000,

surpassing their goal of $22,000. Owned and operated by Baright Enterprises, Foam &

Wash operates 12 locations in Dutchess and Orange counties.

jacobowitz & Gubits recently donated $1,240 or the equivalent of 4,950 pounds of food

to the 2013 Hudson Valley Food Bank Food Frenzy. J&G is one of many local businesses

and organizations that participated in the annual fight against hunger, which brought in

the equivalent of 9,711 pounds of food to stock the Food Bank of the Hudson valley’s

warehouse, which serves Orange, Ulster, Dutchess, Rockland, Sullivan and Putnam

&aWarDs GROW/ EXPAND

CONTINUED

NOTABLE PEOPLESTACEY BOGDANSKI, STEVEN ENGELS & REBECCA HASBROUCK 845-567-9000 / WWW.VDDW.COM Stacey Bogdanski, CPA, has joined the accounting firm of Vanacore, DeBenedictus, DiGovanni & Weddell as a Senior Accountant in the Middletown office. Steven Engels, CPA, has joined VDDW as a Senior Accountant in the Audit Department in Newburgh. Rebecca J. Hasbrouck, CPA, recently received the SUNY New Paltz Alumni of the Year Award. Rebecca has been with the firm for 11 years.

ANITA ADLE, FRANK SALVATORE & SCOTT KENDRICK 845-333-1000 / WWW.ORMC.ORG Anita Adler, Director of Nursing Informatics and Decision Support at Orange Regional Medical Center, has been selected as an item writer, or test question writer, for the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Informatics Nursing exam. Frank Salvatore, ORMC’s Director of Respiratory Services, Sleep Medicine, and the Wound Healing Center, was recently installed as the 2014 President-elect of the American Association of Respiratory Care. Scott Kendrick, Associate Resident Director of Merrill Lynch in Middletown, has been appointed to ORMC’s Board of Trustees.

LISA KELLY, BONNIE WRIGHT & ANDREA CHAFOULEAS 845-294-3342 / WWW.ADVERTISINGANDPR.COM The Hudson Highlands Nature Museum has appointed Focus Media Key Account Director Lisa Kelly to its Board of Directors. Bonnie Wright is Focus’ new Director of Business Development. Andrea Chafouleas is a new Associate Account Executive. Focus Media is an award-winning, full-service public relations and marketing firm specializing in market research, branding, design, collateral development, TV and radio production, media planning and placement.

JOHN JEFFREYS & ANN M. MARROTT 845-338-6322 / WWW.ULSTERSAVINGS.COM John Jeffreys, Healthcare Reform Specialist with Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., a subsidiary of Ulster Savings Bank, recently earned the Chartered Healthcare Consultant™ professional designation from The American College, the nation's largest non-profit educational institution devoted to financial services. He has also earned the Registered Health Underwriter® professional designation. Ann M. Marrott was recently elected Chairwoman of the bank’s Board of Trustees.

rECoGnition

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 15

counties. Finkelstein & Partners placed second in the Food Frenzy initiative, collecting the

equivalent of 4,328 pounds of goods, just 622 pounds behind the first place team.

jeff Bank recently celebrated its 100th anniversary with a Gift Match Program to benefit four

non-profit organizations selected by Jeff Bank employees: American Cancer Society, Sullivan

County SPCA, Boys and Girls Club and Hospice of Orange and Sullivan. A combined total

of $9,050 from donors and Jeff Bank was contributed to the four organizations.

The Ulster Savings Charitable Foundation of ulster Savings Bank recently awarded a

$8,500 grant to the Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter of the American Red Cross in support of

their disaster preparedness efforts in Ulster and Dutchess counties. The Foundation also

awarded a $5,000 grant to the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in support of their 2013-2014

Arts-in-Education Program and a $9,500 grant to the Ulster Literacy Association.

Hudson valley Federal Credit union was recently named the Best Financial Institution for

Nationwide Access by NerdWallet.com. The website, which provides consumers answers to

money questions ranging from banking and insurance, to health care, investments, education,

housing and more, reviewed 100 of the nation’s largest financial institutions to determine their

“Best in Banking 2013” list.

Hudson Heritage Federal Credit union recently donated $15,000 to Orange Regional

Medical Center, helping to establish a much-needed inpatient room in the hospital’s Pediatric

Department. To make a donation to ORMC Foundation, visit www.ormc.org/foundation. To

learn more about Hudson Heritage Federal Credit Union, visit www.hhfcu.org.

judelson, Giordano & Siegel, CPA, PC joined with the Mid-Hudson Chapter of the New

York State Society of CPAs’ Young CPA Committee in their annual drive to collect toy

donations for the Toys for Tots campaign. The JGS team also collected coats, food and

monetary donations to give back to the community over the holiday season.

Former Mental Health Association in Orange County employee Michael Bassett recently

completed the Ironman Mont Tremblant competition and donated his winnings of more than

$2,000 to the MHA The Ironman event consists of a 2.4-mile swim, 112-mile bicycle ride and

a 26.2-mile run.

CdPHP® was once again selected as one of the “Best Companies to Work for in New York.”

This is the sixth consecutive year that CDPHP has been chosen by the Best Companies

Group, in conjunction with New York State Society for Human Resource Management.

CONTINUED

NOTABLE PEOPLERICK ZOLZER, DOMINIC COSTANTINO & BREVEN ZIMMERMAN 845-838-0094 / WWW.HVRENEGADES.COM Hudson Valley Renegades PA Announcer and Director of Special Events Rick Zolzer has been promoted to Vice President of the Renegades organization. Also, Dominic Costantino has been named Director of Ticket Sales and Breven Zimmerman will serve as Merchandise Coordinator and Food and Beverage Assistant.

LAUREN NELSON WILLIAM A. FRANK 845-291-0011 WWW.MID-HUDSONLAW.COM The Goshen law firm of Blustein, Shapiro, Rich & Barone, LLP recently welcomed Lauren Nelson, who will focus her practice on general litigation as an associate under BSR&B Partner Gardiner Barone. William A. Frank, a seasoned attorney, has also joined the firm to spearhead the formal expansion of the Municipal Law Department.

ROSINA CURTI 845-512-4011 / WWW.KEY.COM Rosina Curti has been named manager of Key Bank’s Martine Avenue branch in White Plains.

MEME HANLEY 845-469-0951, x14 / WWW.OCLT.ORG Meme Hanley recently joined the staff of Orange County Land Trust as Director of Development. She will be responsible for all aspects of fundraising to support the operations and land protection programs at the non-profit Land Trust.

ROB UNGER, DOMENICK T. DELROSSO & JASON GIORDANO 845-692-9500 / WWW.JGSPC.COM Judelson, Giordano & Siegel, a full-service accounting and business consulting firm for more than 80 years, recently named Rob Unger and Domenick T. DelRosso as partners. The firm also announced that Jason Giordano will succeed Frank Giordano, Jr. as the firm’s Managing Partner.

WINNIE GRECO, PETER GREGORY & SELENA HUNG 855-587-2886 WWW.VALLEYFRESHDIRECT.COM Valley Fresh Direct representatives Winnie Greco, President and Founder, Peter Gregory, Director of U.S. Operations, and Selena Hung, Legal Counsel, recently attended the ASEAN China Import-Export Commodities Exposition held in Bangkok, Thailand. More than 5,000 people attend the Commodities Expo.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 201416

WELCOMENEW CHAMBER MEMBERS

GROW/ EXPAND

CONTINUED

NOTABLE PEOPLEJOHN & MARILYN D’AMBROSIO 845-561-6111 WWW.HOSPICEOFORANGE.COM Hospice of Orange & Sullivan Counties, Inc. will honor Dr. John and Marilyn D’Ambrosio for their outstanding dedication to Hospice at their spring gala “Bees and Blossoms” on Saturday, March 29. Dr. D’Ambrosio is President of the OC Chamber. John and Marilyn own Doc’s FineWoodcrafts.

CHRISTINE WISE-VAZqUEZ 845-360-1200 / WWW.ELANT.ORG. Christine Wise-Vazquez, Elant’s Vice President of Placement Management and Marketing Development, has been elected President of the Empire State Association of Assisted Living, the only association that exclusively represents the state’s assisted living industry. Wise-Vazquez is the first woman to preside over the organization.

KIRSTIE SANFORD & JESSICA MCMAHON 845-485-5510 / WWW.SEDORECO.COM Kirstie Sanford and Jessica McMahon have joined Sedore and Company as staff accountants. Sedore is a full-service accounting firm, providing general accounting, tax, audit, valuation, planning and consulting services, with offices in Poughkeepsie, Fishkill and Port Jervis.

ELIZABETH ROWLEY, MAGGIE SMITH & WAYNE MARTIN 845-769-9393 / WWW.CFOC-NY.ORG Elizabeth Rowley recently joined the Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan as Director of Development. Maggie Smith, President and CEO of First Federal Savings of Middletown, and Wayne Martin, a Partner with Goldstein, Karlewicz & Golstein, have been named to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. The Community Foundation is a public charity that was created to help individuals, organizations, and businesses establish charitable endowment funds to benefit their community.

MICHAEL L. FOX 845-778-2121 / WWW.JACOBOWITZ.COM Jacobowitz & Gubits, a law firm providing sophisticated legal representation to individuals and businesses across the Hudson Valley, recently announced that its newest Partner is Michael L. Fox.

AFFORDABLE BACKHOE SE RVICE (845) 497-7421 - Monroe, NY

ARROW PARK LODG E (845) 783-2044 - Monroe, NY www.arrowparkny.com

BEVINTE L (845) 554-0996 - Pine Bush, NY www.bevintel.com

BULLVILLE ANIMAL HOSPITAL , PC (845) 361-3767 - Bullville, NY www.bullvilleanimalhospital.com

CHECK YOURCUS TOM E R .COM (845) 202-9900 - Newburgh, NY www.checkyourcustomer.com

CORNE RS TONE SE RVICE S, INC . (845) 255-5722 - New Paltz, NY www.crst.net

DANCE DE SIG N SCHOOL (845) 534-9671 - Cornwall, NY

DEWIT IN SUR ANCE (845) 534-2000 - Cornwall, NY www.dewitinsurance.com

E SPE R JEWE LE RS (845) 562-2335 - New Windsor, NY

F IRS T CHOICE SE NIOR SE RVICE S (845) 294-9005 - Goshen, NY www.firstchoiceforseniors.com

F IRS T LIG HT HOM E CARE (845) 765-3990 - Montgomery, NY www.hudsonvalley.firstlighthomecare.com

F ISH WIN DOW CLE ANING AT THE Y WCA (845) 425-4240 - New Windsor, NY www.fishwindowcleaning.com/3019

FORG ET M E NOT CUPCAKE S (845) 235-3711 - Milton, NY www.forgetmenotcupcakesny.com

G E M BA SECURIT Y SOLUTION S (845) 418-2866 - Warwick, NY www.gembasecurity.com

G E NOM E DIAG NOS TIC , LLC (917) 417-6767 - Washingtonville, NY www.aiobiotech.com

G IF T BA SKETS G ALORE AN D MORE (845) 863-6580 - Walden, NY

HE NRY G ITNE R PHIL ATE LIS TS , INC . (845) 343-5151 - Middletown, NY www.hgitner.com

HUDSON SOL AR (866) 452-7652 - Albany, NY www.hudsonsolar.com

HUDSON VALLEY HONOR FLIG HT (845) 391-0076 - Walden, NY www.hvhonorflight.com

HUDSON VALLEY SWIM (845) 226-3456 - Hopewell Junction, NY www.hvswim.com

HUMANE SOCIET Y OF BLOOM ING G ROVE , INC . (845) 496-6199 - Washingtonville, NY www.humanesocietybg.com

IHOP - INTE RNATIONAL HOUSE OF PANCAKE S (845) 569-4467 - Newburgh, NY

K ATHLE E N O'BRIE N , LM SW (845) 342-4966 - Middletown, NY www.lgbt-training-associates.com

LIVE-2- CRE ATE PROJEC T (845) 542-2316 - Washingtonville, NY www.live2createproject.org

M E RCURIO NORTON TAROLLI MARSHALL (845) 744-3620 - Pine Bush, NY www.mnt-pc.com

NEWBURG H E NVE LOPE CORP (845) 566-4211 - Newburgh, NY www.newburghenvelope.biz

NE XUS HE ALTH RE SOURCE S (845) 648-3057 - Middletown, NY www.nexushealthresources.com

ORCHARD DRIVE CON SULTING , LLC (860) 550-2207 - Wallkill, NY www.orcharddrivellc.com

PAR ADISE E NE RGY SOLUTION S (845) 663-6278 - Lake Katrine, NY www.paradiseenergysolutions.com

PC PAYROLL (845) 363-8100 - Chester, NY www.pcpayroll.com

R AMAPO WHOLE SALE RS (845) 928-2296 - Monroe, NY www.ramapowholesalers.com

RON COZ ART'S G IF TS & INCE NTIVE S (347) 297-1039 - Chester, NY www.amway.com/roncozart

ROSE MANOUVE LOS (845) 294-7809 - Goshen, NY

SCHWAN FOOD COM PANY (845) 457-5180 - Montgomery, NY www.schwans.com

SHE N YUN PROMOTION S INTE RNATIONAL (845) 421-8544 - Otisville, NY www.sy-pi.org

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 17

NOTABLE PEOPLEADRIA GROSS 845-238-2532 / WWW.MEDICALINSURANCEADVOCACY.COM Adria Gross, founder and president of MedWise Insurance Advocacy and MedWise Billing, Inc. of Monroe, has been named a “Woman of Achievement” by New York’s WCBS Newsradio 880. Nominated by the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, Adria was among five honorees recognized for their leadership, influence, and their dedication to tri-state businesses, the cultural landscape, and their community.

WOOMYUNG CHOE 845-562-1345 / WWW.NEWBURGHSYMPHONY.ORG Woomyung Choe, Music Director and co-founder of the Greater Newburgh Symphony Orchestra, will retire at the end of the symphony’s 20th season in the summer of 2015. Choe has been the orchestra’s Music Director and Conductor from its first concert 19 years ago.

MICHAEL E. CATANIA 845-565-1100 / WWW.CMMRLEGAL.COM Catania, Mahon, Milligram & Rider, PLLC announces that Michael E. Catania has been promoted to Partner with the law firm. His areas of practice include general and commercial litigation, construction litigation, municipal and insurance defense and AIA contract formation.

KARL SCHOEBERL 845-454-3980 WWW.CHAZENCOMPANIES.COM The Chazen Companies, a leading provider of engineering, land surveying, environmental and safety consulting, planning and landscape architecture services, recently hired Karl Schoeberl as its newest Senior Scientist. He was formerly with Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp.

SILPADA S TE RLING S ILVE R JEWE LRY (914) 443-5265 - Bullville, NY www.mysilpada.com/sandra.lucas

SIM PLE G IF TS AN D GOODIE S (845) 568-0050 - Newburgh, NY www.simplegiftsandgood.com

SULLIVAN REG E NCY (914) 490-3433 - Monticello, NY www.sullivanregency.com

THE PRODUC TIVIT Y IN S TITUTE , LLC (845) 228-1301 - Carmel, NY www.prodinst.com

TIM E WARNE R CABLE - RE SIDE NTIAL SE RVICE S (845) 692-6796 - Middletown, NY www.twc.com

TIM E WARNE R CABLE BUSINE S S CL A S S (845) 695-7129 - Middletown, NY www.twcbc.com

TRUE NORTH F INANCIAL SOLUTION S (845) 853-4555 - White Plains, NY

VALLEY FRE SH DIREC T (855) 587-2886 - Warwick, NY www.valleyfreshdirect.com

VILL A POSITANO RE S TAUR ANT - BAR - P IZZE RIA (845) 395-0786 - Monroe, NY www.villapositano.net

WE S TCHE S TE R MODUL AR HOM E S CON S TRUC TION CORP. (845) 787-0400 - Rock Tavern, NY www.westchestermodular.com

Z AFAR PRODUCE , INC . (845) 562-7450 - New Windsor, NY www.zafarproduce.com

SUITES AVAILABLE If you’re ready to move out of your home office into professional Class A

office suite and R&D space with plenty of colleagues and support, visit the Orange County Business Accelerator (OCBA)

New York International Plaza at Stewart Airport | 4 Crotty Lane, Suite 100, New Windsor, N.Y. 12553www.ocaccelerator.com

Contact Brian Gates at bgates@ocaccelerator.com or 845.220.2208

Substantially below-market rates• Mentoring services

• Computer racking included• Access to venture capital, plus micro loan funding

• Access to academic and corporate partners

ENTREPRENEURS

WANTED!

New York State

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 201418

IN/ ORANGE

dON'T MISS OuT ON THE LAuNCH OF CORNELL'S NEW

WORKSITE WORKSHOPS

Cornell Cooperative Extension Orange County announces a new initiative

designed to connect YOUR workplace to the cutting edge research and

resources of Cornell University. Extension educators have developed a wide

range of “60 Minute Workplace Workshops” to address current topics and

issues faced by today’s workforce and leadership teams.

Running for approximately one hour, these sessions are perfect for “lunch

and learn” events or for guest presentations at meetings and retreats.

Topic areas for 2014 will include: Worksite Wellness; Parenting and

Family Life; Health and Nutrition; Food and Gardening; Financial Well-

Being and Youth Development. To help support this tailored educational

programming, fees for the hour talks are $75 each or $60 for three or more.

Many of these topical areas can also be expanded to serve your individual

business training needs.

Several community businesses have identified positive program impacts:

• “The Prepare to Care workshop was a big hit. The employees truly

enjoyed it and found it very informative. I have already received

requests for more resources.”

LORI CHARITABLE, ASST. HUMAN RESOURCE OFFICER, SUNY ORANGE

• “What a great program by Extension! Loved the visual way

the nutrition information was presented as well as the cooking

demonstration. The healthy snack was delicious and I plan to make the

Apple Wrap and Rolls at home for my family”

WORKSITE WELLNESS ATTENDEE, AMSCAN

•“It was helpful to hear others talking about their issues with caregiving

and know that I am not alone. The resources were all excellent”

WORKSHOP ATTENDEE, SUNY ORANGE

CHAMBER TO HOST ‘STRESS MANAGEMENT’ SESSION

The next scheduled “60 Minute Workplace Workshop” will be a FREE event for

all Chamber members and will focus on a perfect topic to launch the new year

- stress management. “The Mind-Body Connection: Managing Stress” will be

held at the Chamber Business Center in Montgomery on Wednesday, March 26

at 8:00 a.m.

This workshop will explore the common causes of stress and the impacts on

body, mind, relationships and productivity. Participants will engage in simple and

enjoyable practices to help minimize stress, effectively manage their work lives

and promote balanced living. Because space is limited, reservations should be

made online at www.orangeny.com or by calling the Chamber at 845-457-9700.

For more information regarding “60 Minute Worksite Workshops” or to

schedule a workshop at your worksite, contact Tiffany at tg257@cornell.edu

or 845-344-1234.

Start The New Year Off With A Free Workshop On Managing Stress And Mindful Living

What Can Our

Occupational Medicine Program Do For Your Company?

Call us today! New Chester location!Your partner for the treatment and prevention of workplace injuries.

CALL (845) 342-4774www.mmomp.com

1. Provide for all of your employee health and safety needs -- from pre-employment physicals to acute injury care and rehabilitation.

2. Reduce workers' compensation expenses.

3. Increase employee productivity, morale, health and safety.

4. Properly screen candidates based on their job description, from hourly employees to the executive level.

5. O�er work-site ergonomic assessments for prevention of future injuries and illnesses.

6. O�er full range of on-site services and employee Health and Wellness programs.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 19

Attention Members: Save-The-Date

For our upcoming Membership Drive!

April 8 & 9, 2014

Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

Seeking your help to volunteer during phon-a-thon, donate prizes, recommend referrals or

be involved on committee to ensure this drive is successful for all of us.

ATTENTION: NON-MEMBERS:

If you don’t belong to the Orange County Chamber of Commerce, April 8-9 is the time to join! Watch BusinessWatch and

social media for details on all the benefits for new members!

Ribbon CuttingOwners Elizabeth Colangelo and Magda Reis cut the ribbon to open Smart Dry Cleaners & More at 287 Windsor Highway in New Windsor. Helping with the grand opening are Dan Reis and Maria Mendez. More information is available at 845-563-0110.

Caught in the ActInformation Technology Specialist Wendy Melick, who has been with the Chamber for more than 20 years, recently received the “Caught in the Act” award, which is presented to a Chamber staff member who goes above and beyond in in his or her job.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 201420

We see business banking differently.

Penalty for paying off your commercial loan early?

Business Checking & Savings • Business Loans & Lines of Credit • Commercial Mortgages • Medical Equipment Financing • SBA Loans Free Internet Banking & Bill Pay • Payroll Services • Merchant Services • Financial Planning & Insurance • Health Savings Accounts

Not here.

At HVFCU, we know that the sooner you pay off your loan, the better for your business. 845.463.3011 I hvfcu.org

HVFCU057_Penalty_10.25x6.35_4C.indd 1 4/22/13 3:01 PM

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 21

TREND / INNOVATE

Harness the Growing Power of

TwitterAccording to Twitter, there are 200 million active Twitter users posting an average of 400 million tweets daily. These numbers have increasingly enabled Twitter to promote itself as a brand marketing platform – complete with advertising – for companies of all sizes. It also explains why the Twitter website contains the findings of a Compete study depicting the top reasons why people follow brands on Twitter. Interestingly, three of the four top reasons (discounts and promos – 94%, free stuff – 88%, and updates on upcoming sales – 79%) are primarily related to product prices. Close behind in fifth place at 79% is access to exclusive content.

Twitter has been responsible for a sizeable percentage of the increase in social media use in the past year. With social media usage rising from 67% to 72% this past year and the concurrent growth of numerous social media platforms, the overall growth of Twitter to 18% of all Internet users is significant. (In 2010, it was 8%.) Unlike many social media sites, there is little gender difference on Twitter. Age demographics were also equally divided between 18-29 and 30-64-year-olds with the most rapid increase in usage being in the 30-49 age sub-range.

Before moving on, let’s summarize these numbers:

1. Twitter is still growing and increasingly reaching an audience that transcends age demographics.

2. It is rapidly striving to become a branding platform.

3. Business users are increasingly using it for best pricing announcements and exclusive content.

So, how can Twitter and this information aid your marketing campaign?

Foremost, Twitter can help keep you in front of your audience. By posting quality tweets and retweets, you can keep your followers interested while regularly directing them to your blog, website or event. (A note of warning: keep your total percentage of retweets well below 20% of all your tweets. Not only are retweets less effective than original tweets, but overdoing them often has negative consequences including the loss of both followers and credibility.)

Here’s a simple but highly effective question we ask our clients to consider when tweeting and retweeting: Do your followers care?

Second, since 36% of Twitter users follow 6-20 brands – it’s the largest group and 33% follow 1-5 brands, if you can properly target your campaign directly towards your followers’ needs, why can’t your brand be one of the ones they also follow? Followers are over 33% more likely to visit the website, recommend or purchase those brands they actively follow.

To increase your number of followers, you must also ensure that your company’s communications and policies are both internally and externally consistent. Many campaigns have been undermined by inconsistent postings and content. This is important for any brand management campaign and one that becomes critical when taking into consideration the speed of social media and online communications in which one bad post can elicit an avalanche of negative reactions.

Monitoring conversations concerning your brand and industry including hashtags and keywords will also help define the content and scope of your internal communications and the parameters of your branding strategy.

Finally, engage your audience. Tweets that resonate or are interesting and unique will get the best response. Exclusive access to a video of a new product or even pictures of some of your employees (assuming they are appealing) can be highly effective strategies – and ones that we have used. Remember, the more authentic your voice, the better the engagement.

In summary, the growth and evolution of Twitter has resulted in a platform that can strengthen your brand while generating new followers and business. If relevant, you should seriously consider including it as a part of your marketing strategy.

By BruCE nEWman

Bruce Newman is Vice President at the Productivity Institute, LLC,

a digital marketing company. He specializes in content creation,

social media marketing and webinar creation and promotion.

The creator of The Complete Webinar Training Course, Bruce has helped many companies double and

triple their revenues.

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 201422

UPCOMING EVENTS

MARCH EVENTS

13 ME MBERSHIP BRE AKFAST 7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Topic: “Leadership Orange” Sponsors: Frontier Communications & Cornell Cooperative Extension

YOUNG PROFE SSIONAL S ST. PATRICK’S DAY MIXER 5:30-7:30 p.m., Location TBA

20 INTER AC TIVE NET WORKING 101 WORKSHOP “How to Make Networking Work for You” 8:00-9:30 a.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

E AP WORKSHOP “Increase Cash Flow with QuickBooks” 8:00 a.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

26 CHAMBER/CORNELL COOPER ATIVE E XTENSION WORKSHOP “Balanced Living for Work & Family: Managing Stress” 8:00 a.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

27 ME MBER ORIENTATION 3:30-5:00 p.m. Location: TBA

29 HOSPICE OF OR ANGE AND SULLIVAN SPRING GAL A , “ BEE S & BLOSSOMS” 6:00 p.m., Anthony’s Pier 9, New Windsor 845-561-5362, ext. 366

31 ME MBERS ON MONDAY LUNCHEON 12:00-1:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

FEBRUARY EVENTS

8 MENTAL HE ALTH ASSOCIATION IN OR ANGE COUNT Y SILVER BALL 6:00-11:00 p.m., Villa Venezia, Middletown 845-342-2400, ext. 257

13 ME MBERSHIP BRE AKFAST Speaker: Alphonso David, NYS Deputy Secretary for Civil Rights 7:27-9:00 a.m., West Hills Country Club, Middletown Sponsor: Middletown Medical

17 HOLIDAY – OFFICE CLOSE D

20 YOUNG PROFE SSIONAL S SE MINAR: “CRE ATING YOUR E LEVATOR PITCH ” 5:00-6:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

24 ME MBERS ON MONDAY LUNCHEON 12:00-1:30 p.m., Chamber Business Center, Montgomery

27 MIXER 5:30-7:30 p.m., Camillo’s at the Crossroads, Montgomery

22

MARCH EVENTS CONTINUED

MIXER 5:30-7:30 pm (same location as Member Orientation)

BECOME A MEMBER!

WWW.oranGEny.Com

SUBMIT

YOUR

APPLICATION

ONLINE

Celebrating 90 Years!

4 SMALL BUSINE SS RE SOURCE COMMIT TEE WEBINAR “ INCRE ASE YOUR SALE S WITH MWBE CERTIF ICATION ” 12:00-1:00 p.m. www.orangeny.com

13

Save-The-Date

Tuesday, April 29 • 9 a.m.-7 p.m.The Castle, Chester

Interactive displays, demonstrations, special

attractions and much more!

Sponsors and vendors now being accepted.

Call 845-457-9700

suPPort oranGE Co.

shoPLoCaL

T H E O R A N G E CO U N T Y C H A M B ER BUS I N E S S WATCH | F E B RUARY / M ARCH 2014 23

FEBRUARY COMMITTEE MEETINGS

UPCOMING MEETINGS7

MARCH COMMITTEE MEETINGS

14

18

27

28

CONSULTANTS COMMIT TEE 7:45 am - Larkin Room

YOUNG PROFE SSIONAL S 8:00 am - Larkin Room

ME MBERSHIP DEVELOPMENT COMMIT TEE 8:00 am - Larkin Room

PR/MARKETING COMMIT TEE 8:00 am - Montgomery Room

AMBASSADORS 8:00 am - TBA

7 CONSULTANTS COMMIT TEE 7:45 am - Larkin Room

14 YOUNG PROFE SSIONAL S 8:00 am - Larkin Room

18 ME MBERSHIP SERVICE S COMMIT TEE 8:00 am - Larkin Room

27 PR/MARKETING COMMIT TEE 8:00 am - Montgomery Room

28 AMBASSADORS 8:00 am - TBA

http://www.sbmerchantservices.com