May 2016

---

Newsline May 2016

We are the leading voice of business in the region providing advocacy, resources and solutions for our members

To better serve you, you can call (518) 725-0641 to reach either of the two Chamber offices.

The Spring Job Fair on April 20th, hosted by the Chamber, FMCC and FMS Workforce Solutions, was very successful with roughly 300 job seekers who were able to visit with 71 employers and agencies in the FMCC gym. For more job information please visit www.fmsworkforcesolutions.org. For more info about the college, visit fmcc.suny.edu.

The Chamber’s Young Professionals Network hosted a pop-up event at Project 29 Pub & Filling Station on March 30. This was FMYPN’s largest turnout for a pop-up event to date. If you’re interested in attending or hosting a popup event contact Nicole Walrath at (518) 725-0641 or email her at nicolew@ fultonmontgomeryny.org.

The April 6th Business After Hours at River Ridge Living Center in Amsterdam brought in several business owners, local politicans and Chamber members for an evening of conversation, food and connection-making. For more information For more information about River Ridge, visit them online at riverridgelc.com or on Facebook.

FMYPN hosted an art show entitled “Connections” in the Gloversville Chamber office throughout the month of April, with a reception on April 14. The following artists displayed their work in the show: Brian Benton, Susy Easterly, Laura Kulpa, Maria Licciardi, Tammy Merendo and the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri. David Brooks of the Schoharie Crossing State Historic Site, left, and the Chamber’s Gina DaBierre-Gibbs, right, attended a presentation for the 2016 Community Arts Grants Recipients hosted by Saratoga Arts in late March. To read more about the grants visit the tourism pages in Newsline.

Jay Holland and Elizabeth Centi from the NYS Restaurant Association, provided a presentation on the Minimum Wage for our Chamber member restaurants on April 25. For more information about the organization, www.nysra.org.

2 North Main Street, Gloversville

•

(518) 725-0641

•

1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam

2

Message by Mark Kilmer, President / CEO

Officers

Chair of the Board Brennen Parker, Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Chair Elect Paul Connelie, Benjamin Moore & Co., Inc. Immediate Past Chair Terri Easterly, Coldwell Banker - Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc. First Vice Chair Amy Karas, Ruby & Quiri Treasurer Jim Landrio, Holiday Inn, Johnstown-Gloversville

Directors Michael J. Bowker

Lana Ruggiero

Vic Giulianelli

Jeanne So

Juanita Handy

Dr. Dustin Swanger

NBT Bank

St. Mary’s Healthcare Crum Creek CSA

Scott Hohenforst

Empire Chemical Sales, Inc.

Laurence Kelly

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

Ruggiero Realty, LLC Sarah Jane Sanford Adult Home Fulton-Montgomery Community College

Don Wicksell

Kingsboro Lumber Co.

Denis Wilson

John Mancini

Fulmont Community Action Agency

Diana Marshall

Samuel Zimmerman

Beacon Insurance Agency Group, Inc. Gloversville Sewing Center

Kevin McClary The Recorder

Mohawk Valley Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

The most contentious and divisive budget session the state of New York has experienced in recent history just ended earlier this month. This session was all about dealing with the minimum wage increase and other issues. What also happened was that a great deal of other truly important business went untouched. But one thing that has not differed from past years is our lawmakers’ reluctance to address the issue of ethics reform or take the courageous steps to do away with the unfair and archaic process, commonly known as the “Three Men in a Room.” With over 20 state legislators having been convicted of various felonies over the past 14 years, one might think everyone would think it’s time to embrace some sort of ethics reform. Do the math: there are 213 individuals serving as state legislators, this number of convictions represents 10 percent of the total. In a little over a decade 10 percent of our legislators have engaged in some sort of illegal activity. Why do they do it? I would guess for self-gain, there is opportunity, it’s easy, I imagine they feel a sense of immunity, and quite simply, because they can. In all fairness, despite the fact that this activity occurs too often and does dominate the headlines, by and large, the majority of our elected officials are honest and dedicated public servants who do the best they can to represent their constituency and the state as a whole. The few who do grab at opportunities to enrich themselves and/or their family and friends give Albany the appearance of being a nest of corruption, and that has not gone unnoticed nationally. Frankly, I, as a citizen of the State of New York, I am ashamed of this image, as I’m sure are so many others are. With this negative perception of Albany, and politics being what it is, you would think that both the Senate and the Assembly would unite in an aggressive effort to push for ethics legislation. Unfortunately, that does not seem to happen. In January, just after the convictions of Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos and Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, the two most powerful political leaders in the state, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced a comprehensive ethics reform package, none of which was acted upon by the April 1 passage of the state budget. Since then, the Governor has stated that ethics reform will be the major focus before the legislature adjourns in June. The people of New York State deserve honest and open government, one that serves in the best interests of all citizens, not just a privileged few and their friends. Only then can the state begin to regain the trust and faith of its people, and only with that revived trust can it begin to renew itself as the empire state. As I said, the Governor said that the focus will be on ethics reform. We’ll stay tuned to see if that happens. n

Staff

Mark Kilmer, President / CEO Casey Croucher

Marketing Specialist

Becky Dutcher

Financial Administrator

Gina DaBiere-Gibbs

Alex Ruggeri

Director of Membership

Tara Ryczek

Montgomery County Tourism Associate

Terry Swierzowski

Tourism Director

Vice President, Communications and Member Services

Kelly Montanye

Nicole Walrath

Fulton County Tourism Assistant

Printed by: Underwritten by:

Business and Education Partnership Coordinator

An advertising opportunity sponsored by the Chamber located in two display cases on the outside of the building at the Visitors Center in Vails Mills, 3687 State Highway Rt. 30, Broadalbin. This a very important feature of the Center that sees 10-20,000 visitors annually. Only Chamber members will be given this opportunity to display their place of business. See insert for more information. Call Casey at (518) 725-0641 ext. 1008 or email [email protected] for more information.

3

MEMBER BENEFITS VIA THE CHAMBER WEBSITE Take Advantage of These Free Ways to Promote Your Business The benefits of Chamber membership take on many forms, from advocacy efforts to networking opportunities to shop local initiatives. While the importance level of these benefits can differ depending on the business, one benefit that should be used and valued by all Chamber members is the around-the-clock, direct access you have to your membership listing through the “Member Login” portion of the Chamber website, www.fultonmontgomeryny.org. Login and Password are the “Key” to Promoting Your Business! Chamber members are provided with a username and password that gains them access to the backend of their listing, allowing them to edit their web description, hours of operation, to add company representatives as well as submit job postings, hot deals, add to the events calendar or offer member-to-member discounts. If you do not have your username and password please call the Chamber at (518) 725-0641 and staff will help you, this piece of information is the key to your membership… use it! Once you have your information, accessing your membership is easy; simply go to www.fultonmontgomeryny.org and click on “Member Login” in the upper right hand corner, this link will then prompt you to put in your username and password and once entered will bring you to a home/welcome page with options to look through company information, our business directory and event calendar. Many members will find that the most beneficial portion of this will be the ability to submit to job postings, hot deals, the member event calendar and member-to-member discounts. All of these services are FREE and what an amazing way to get your information out there. Simply click on the appropriate button, go to “Add…” and you will get walked through all of the necessary steps. You can then hit “Submit for Approval” and your listing will be viewed by Chamber staff who will approve it before it goes onto the website.

Member-to-member discount information can be submitted in the same way as the event calendar, job postings and hot deals. Enter your username and password and click on “Member-to-Member Discounts”. Once submitted these discounts can be accessed on the Chamber website by clicking on our Business Directory, there will then be a link at the top of the directory titled “Member-to-Member Deals.” Starting in July’s Newsline the Chamber will now be offering quarterly insertions of our member-to-member discounts in the form of coupons. These coupons will be inserted in our newsletter, and will be sent to Chamber members in Monday’s Chamber Connections email blast. The discounts can also be accessed on our website. Some examples of member-to-member discounts for different businesses: • 25% discount on Income Tax Prep • Application Fees Waived/Discounts of Yearly membership for Golf Clubs • Free Delivery or Discounts on Furniture/Mattress set up • 20% off Tech Services • 20% off cases of liquor/wine • Or anything you can think of Member-to-Member discount coupon flyers will be inserted into the July, October, January and April issues of Newsline. The discount offered must be valid for the entire quarter of that year, with quarters running January-March, April-June, July-September and October-December.

Coupon Example: Your Business Logo Here

Member Event Calendar: While our Member Event Calendar is used by many members already, there is always room for growth and improvement and we strive to have it serve as a companion piece to our tourism efforts to let people know what there is to do in our area with anything on it from nightlife and entertainment to informational classes, support groups, special sales and promotions. And remember, this calendar is email blasted out to our entire membership every Friday! Don’t forget to use it and look for it. On your Chamber member homepage (once you have logged in to your information on our website) to submit an event simply hit the ‘EVENTS’ button which will take you to an easy to fill out form. Job Postings and Hot Deals: We are always surprised to see that more members do not use their free job postings and hot deals on our website. These are free and unlimited services that allow our members a cost-effective way to find the appropriate person for a job or advertise their next special. While these listings can be viewed at any time on our website, starting June 1st we will now be posting them weekly to our Facebook page, which is always a great way to reach the public. As a reminder: HOT DEALS – highlight any special offers that Chamber member businesses are presenting to the public. For instance, there might be a Hot Deal from a bed-and-breakfast lodging member who offers a mid-week special rate; a special clearance sale for a business that is consolidating locations and looking to slash inventory; or a candle sale at a gift store. ANYONE can access and take advantage of HOT DEALS – simply click on the HOT DEAL link when accessing the Business Directory on our website. JOB POSTINGS – Chamber members can add, edit, and delete job openings at their businesses on our website that can be accessed by ANYONE visiting the site. Job Postings can be accessed at the large Job Postings button on the home page of the site. Visitors can search jobs by keyword or category. Help us make these listings worthwhile and informative!

Company Name..............(518) 555-5555 clip & save

valid for FMRCC members only



Member-To-Member Discount Program Reinvented for 2016: Member-to-member discounts is an amazing program that helps our member businesses support one another and help everyone thrive in our region. Simply put, Member-to-Member Discounts are discounts offered to members by members – any Chamber member can offer a discount and any Chamber member and their employees can access these discounts.

20% off of your service

10% discount of purchase of $50 or more

Company ABC

Company Name & Address.............(518) 555-5555 clip & save

valid for FMRCC members only

Please take advantage of these GREAT, FREE ways to grow your business and take advantage of the investment you have already made in your business through the Chamber. Please don’t hesitate to call or email us with questions; request us to come to YOUR business to show you how to use these great benefits, or see us at any event through 2016 to let us show you how simple the process is. Staff Contacts for These Great Programs: • • •

Alex Ruggeri, Director of Membership, [email protected] Casey Croucher, Marketing Specialist, [email protected] Terry Swierzowski, Vice President, Communications/Member Services, [email protected]. n

4

FM Job Fair Deemed Successful The 2016 Job Fair, held at Fulton-Montgomery Community College and hosted by FMCC, FMS Workforce Solutions and the Chamber was held on Wednesday, April 20, and welcomed over 300 job seekers who were able to visit with 71 employers and agencies. Many of these businesses accepted applications and some even were able to interview on the spot! Thank you to the following Chamber members who participated: • ADI Acorn Development, Inc. • Alpin Haus • Amsterdam Printing • Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation, Inc. • Brown Transportation, Inc. • Capstone Center for Rehabilitation and Nursing • Catholic Charities Fulton and Montgomery Counties • Community Health Center • DHL Supply Chain • Electro-metrics Corp. • Euphrates, Inc. • FMS Workforce Solutions Center • Fulmont Community Action Agency • Fulton-Montgomery Community College • Helmont Mills, Inc. • Hill & Markes • Home Health Care Partners • Home Helpers & Direct Link of Amsterdam • Robert J. Hoy Agency, Inc. • James Chevrolet of Johnstown LLC • Keymark Corporation/Kasson & Keller • Leader-Herald • Lexington • Liberty • Mental Health Association of Fulton and Montgomery Counties • Palatine Nursing Home • River Ridge Living Center • Simply the Best Homecare • St. Johnsville Rehabilitation and Nursing Center • St. Mary’s Healthcare • Stewart’s Shops • Time Warner Cable • Wal-Mart Distribution

Annual Chamber Softball Game June 2nd

Chamber board and staff will play together against Chamber members in a softball game at Shuttleworth Park, 65 Crescent Ave., Amsterdam, on Thursday, June 2nd. The game will be followed by an Amsterdam Mohawks game during their opening week of the season. Anyone who plays in the softball game — Chamber members and their family members who attend and/or play — will get free admission and a free dinner of a hot dog, hamburger or chicken nuggets with french fries and a soft drink. Chamber members will get free admission with the coupon they bring in from the newsletter or email. June 2nd is also Thirsty Thursday at Shuttleworth Park, so there will be drink specials happening that evening. Come join the fun and play ball! To sign up for a team please call Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641.n

Stars, Stripes and Chamber Music May 29th Gloversville BID with support from the Chamber and Gloversville Community Music will be hosting a benefit concert for a newly approved funded chamber music series in downtown Gloversville! To kick off fundraising, there will be a benefit concert featuring classical chamber music and local folk music on Sunday, May 29th at 3pm at the Chamber Rotunda Gallery, 2 North Main Street, Gloversville. Tickets are $15 per person, pre-sale only sold at the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, the Chamber and Gloversville Community Music. Performances to include: • Penny Jar, • Bill Ackerbauer, • GCM Horn Ensemble featuring alumni of the program • An all-star wind octet including: - Ann Bottisti, flute - Kelly Lockwood, oboe - Alexander Kollias & Stephanie Ng, clarinets - Allison Nicotera & Mason Adams, bassoons - Joshua Thompson & Katherine Dickey, horns For more information contact Terry Swierzowski at the Chamber at [email protected] or call (518) 725-0641, or visit the event page on Facebook. n

5

Chamber Checks — Welcome New Businesses to the List! We have a GREAT Chamber Checks list for the summer and fall seasons (see below) which includes a number of NEW reddeming merhcants in Fulton and Montgomery counties including: Main Attraction Barber and Beauty, Amsterdam / McSweeney’s Irish Pub at the Greystone, Gloversville / Project 29 Pub and Filling Station, Broadalbin / Pro-Vapors Electronic Cigarettes, Vails Mills / Revenge Tattoo Parlour, Amsterdam / River’s Edge, Amsterdam / Studio Herbage, Johnstown / Fresh Basil, Amsterdam / Hummingbird Hills Winery, Fultonville / Kingsboro Golf Club, Gloversville. This list will be valid until November. Remember to shop local this summer with Chamber Checks! n n 518 GRILLE n 4X HEAVEN & KROWN RUST PREVENTION n AAA NORTHWAY TRAVEL CENTER n A-Z INDOOR COMFORT SYSTEMS n ADIRONDACK COUNTRY STORE n ADIRONDACK EXPRESS LUBE n ADIRONDACK HARLEY-DAVIDSON, INC. n ALPIN HAUS n THE BRA BOUTIQUE n BLACK BEAR WINE AND SPIRITS n BOURBON STREET WINE & LIQUOR WAREHOUSE n BOWMAN’S MARKET n BROWN’S FORD n CASTIGLIONE GEM JEWELERS n RUSSELL CATALANO, LICENSED MASSAGE THERAPIST n COLONIAL LITTLE THEATRE, INC. n COMPUTER DOCTOR n DEMI’S WINES AND LIQUORS n GARY DISANTO-ROSE, D.M.D. n EAGLE EXTERIORS. LLC n EMVI CHOCOLATES n ENCORE KIDS n EVOLUTION RECYCLING n FOWNES FACTORY STORE n FOX RUN GOLF CLUB n FRESH BASIL n FUEL-N-FOOD, INC. n THE GEEK PANTOLOGY n GEVA ACCOUNTING FIRM, LLC n GLOVE CITY REALTY, INC. n GLOVE CITIES VETERINARY HOSPITAL, P.C. n THE GLOVE PERFORMING ARTS CENTER n GLOVERSVILLE HOUSE OF PIZZA n GLOVERSVILLE SEWING CENTER, INC. n HAROLD’S RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE n HARVEY’S HOME, GARDEN & PET CENTER / AGWAY / HOME HEATING HEADQUARTERS n HOLIDAY INN JOHNSTOWN - GLOVERSVILLE n HOLLAND MEADOWS GOLF COURSE n HOMETOWN MARKET n HUMMINGBIRD HILLS WINERY n italyMONDO!, L.L.C. n J FINE JEWELRY n JUNE’S GIFT BOUTIQUE n K-2 LIQUOR

n KINGSBORO GOLF CLUB n KINGSBORO LUMBER CO., INC. n LAKESIDE TAVERN & MARINA n LANZI’S ON THE LAKE, INC. n LAPLAND LAKE NORDIC VACATION CENTER n THE LEADER-HERALD n LEE PUBLICATIONS, INC. n LIVINGSTON’S FURNITURE & MATTRESS, INC. n LOHSE FLORIST & GREENHOUSES n MAIN ATTRACTION BARBER AND BEAUTY, n MAIN MOTORCAR CHRYSLER DODGE JEEP RAM n MCDONALD’S - GLOVERSVILLE n MCDONALD’S - JOHNSTOWN n MCSWEENEY’S IRISH PUB AT THE GREYSTONE n MICROTEL INN & SUITES n MIDTOWN DISCOUNT BEVERAGE n MOHAWK HARVEST COOPERATIVE MARKET, INC. n MYSTERIES ON MAIN STREET n NEW PROCESS CLEANERS n NICOLINO’S RESTAURANT AND WINE BAR n NOBLE ACE HARWARE n NORTHVILLE LIQUOR STORE n OUTDOOR MOTOR SPORTS n PALMATEER’S TOP NOTCH TAVERN n PALMER PHARMACY n PARTNER’S PUB n PAUL NIGRA CENTER FOR CREATIVE ARTS AND TRANSITIONS n PATTI’S GREENHOUSES n PEACEFUL VALLEY MAPL FARMS n PECK’S FLOWERS n PLAZA’S ITALIAN BISTRO n POWERHOUSE MOTOR SPORTS n PRICE CHOPPER SUPERMARKETS - GLOVERSVILLE n PRICE CHOPPER SUPERMARKETS - JOHNSTOWN n PRICE CHOPPER SUPERMARKETS - PALATINE BRIDGE n PROJECT 29 PUB AND FILLING STATION n PRO VAPORS ELECTRONIC CIGARETTES n RAILSIDE CAFÉ n REVENGE TATTOO PARLOUR n RICMAR DESIGN & PRINT SHOP n RIVER’S EDGE n RUBY & QUIRI, INC. n SAM’S SEAFOOD STEAHOUSE

Fort Plain Animal Hospital Robert Chen, D.V.M. & Kimberly Weaver, D.V.M.

• Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture • Small animal medicine and surgery • Evening and weekend appointments available 13 River Street • Fort Plain, NY 13339 518 993-3332 • www.fortplainvet.com email: [email protected]

n SAWYER’S CORNER STORE n SCHOOL HOUSE POOLS, INC. n SCOTT AND MARGE’S HOME COOKING n SENIOR CITIZENS SERVICE CENTER OF GLOVERSVILLE AND FULTON COUNTY n SHORTY’S SOUTHSIDE n SPINNER PRODUCTIONS DJ & KARAOKE SERVICES n SPIRITS OF THE ADIRONDACKS n SPORT ISLAND PUB n STEET TOYOTA, JOHNSTOWN-GLOVERSVILLE n THE STOCKYARD PUBLIC HOUSE n STUDIO HERBAGE n SW SKIN CARE & COSMETICS, INC. n SWANY AMERICA CORP. n THE TABLE AT FORT PLAIN n THOMAS’ HALLMARK n TOM’S FAMILY PHARMACY, INC. n TOP OF THE HILL GRILL n TRAVERS DINER RESTAURANT n VERSATILE WOOD FABRICATION n VINCE’S PIZZA & PASTA n VINTAGE CAFE` n WALMART-AMSTERDAM n WALMART-GLOVERSVILLE n WHISK ME AWAY n WINE AND ROSES

Chamber Welcomes First Tattoo Shop The Chamber would like to welcome its first tattoo shop member, Revenge Tattoo Parlour, 2 E. Main St., Amsterdam. Revenge is known for high-quality, clean tattoos by professional tattoo artists. All art is handdrawn and painted on site - no tracing. There’s also an in-house art gallery at the parlour. Consultations are available. For more information about Revenge please call (518) 921-2090 or visit www.revengetattoo.com or their Facebook page.n

Greenscapes

Landscaping, Inc.

Glen Henry, President Residential & Commercial Lawns & Landscapes PARADISE POINT RD. MAYFIELD, NY 12117

518 661-5055 Fax: 518 661-6998

6

Health Insurance News by Matt Clarke of Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.

Helpful Tips on How to Play Business Golf As the weather starts to finally warm around upstate NY, you know golf season is right around the corner. With golf season come many opportunities to network and entertain clients with the many fundraising golf events in our area. Charity and community golf events are a great way to meet new prospects and showcase your business. Golf is also a great way to get out away from your desk for some physical and mental exercise. I thought this would be a good time to pass along some helpful tips on how to play business golf:

6. Try to arrive early and make sure everything is set up prop erly. a. Does the proshop have a bagboy that you can tip to get your client’s clubs from their trunk? b. Is there a range you can have some practice balls ready? 7.

Keep your cool – Golf can be very frustrating and losing your temper is like showing your hand in poker.

8.

Try not to linger too long after the round – if you use the time effectively, you won’t need to hang around the bar all night. You and your client may have a family to go home to.

9. Enjoy the day – the sooner you relax and enjoy, the better shots you will hit. The author has assisted with many fund-raising golf events all around the Capital Region. Matt is a former NCAA Division III National Champion, as well as the NY State Mid-Amateur Champion. He and his team at Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. can also find many ways to make the dollars you spend on health insurance more efficient and help to ensure that your employees appreciate the benefits you provide. As the health insurance partner to the Fulton Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, they work with groups of all size. He can be reached at (518) 720-8888 or by email at [email protected]. n

Chamber Hosting Micropolis Gallery’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration Juried Exhibition

1. a. b. c. d. e. f.

Know the etiquette basics of the game. Try to move along and not hold everyone up – if you are having a bad hole, politely pick up your ball and start again on the next hole. Don’t talk (or sell) while your client is preparing to play. Don’t step in another player’s line on the putting greens. Watch their ball until it stops – they will be pleased if you can find some of their stray shots! Basic knowledge of the rules is helpful. Try hard not to give unsolicited advice, whether you are more knowl edgeable about golf or not.

2.

Prepare like you are going to have a four hour meeting – don’t just think of it as time out of the office and hit a few golf balls the week end prior – strategize on how to best use this valuable time.

3.

Are you using this as a closing opportunity, or a way to better get to know your client?

4.

This is a great time to have some logoed giveaways – towels, golf balls, divot toolThink of what makes sense from a marketing stand point (they might just lose all the golf balls you give them and a coozie they can pack in their bag will be remembered the next time they play.)

5. a. b. c. d.

Use this as an opportunity to measure your client: Do they like to keep score? Do you give them mulligans and concede putts? Do they not like to play by USGA rules? Do they drink on the course? Should you?

The Chamber is thrilled to be hosting in its Gloversville Rotunda Gallery the Micropolis Gallery’s Fifth Anniversary Celebration Juried Exhibition through the end of June. The Show is entitled, “ART – FOOD FOR THE SOUL.” The show will be celebrating the fifth anniversary of the founding of the Micropolis Cooperative with fine art, live music and refreshments at the OPENING RECEPTION, Friday, May 6 5pm-7pm. Artwork was juried by Doretta Miller, Professor of Art, Skidmore College. The show will be on exhibit both in the Chamber Gallery as well as the Micropolis Gallery, housed inside the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 30 N. Main Street, Gloversville. Artists are from not only our region, but from the Hudson Valley to the Syracuse region. Prizes for the show are sponsored by Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home, Downtown Gloversville Business Improvement District and Micropolis Gallery. For more information visit www.micropolisgallery.com or on Facebook. The Micropolis Gallery is open 7 days a week, 7am-7pm Monday through Friday, Saturday 8am-5pm and Sunday 9am-4pm. The Chamber Gallery is open during office hours 8am-5pm. Please stop by and help celebrate Micropolis’ Anniversary and enjoy some amazing artwork. Please contact Terry at the Chamber if you have any questions or need further information. n

Center for Employer Services Your Workforce Partner! Elmer J. Washburn, CPA Larry J. Sheeler, CPA James A. Del Savio, CPA Amy M. Pedrick, CPA John P. Sawitzki, CPA Michael W. Rossi, CPA Trisha L. Rogers-Byrns, CPA

GLOVERSVILLE 97 North Main St., P.O. Box 1219 Gloversville, NY 12078 Phone 518.725.7127 Fax 518.725.7835

Customized Programs to Meet Your Staff Training Needs.

SARATOGA SPRINGS 60 Railroad Place, Suite 302 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Phone 518.587.5111 Fax 518.587.0029

(518) 424-9370 fmcc.edu

7

Chamber Member News 2016 Sir William Johnson Good Scout Award Event to Honor Terri Easterly, Shelly Yerdon and Judy Phetteplace This year, Twin Rivers Council, Sir William Johnson District is honoring Terri Easterly and Shelly Yerdon, Licensed Real Estate Brokers/ Owners of Coldwell Banker, and Judy Phetteplace, Licensed Real Estate Broker/Owner of Judith-Ann Realty, Inc. at an event in their honor, for their leadership and support in this area. The event is Thursday, May 19, 2016, at the Eccentric Club in Gloversville. The reception begins at 5:30 p.m., with the program at 6:30 p.m. This event is one of the major fundraisers for the Boy Scouts. They sincerely hope that you will help make this year’s reception a great success. They also hope that you will fill out the enclosed flyer and return the lower portion at your earliest convenience. Your support will help to continue our local scouting program which will produce the leaders of tomorrow. All funds raised through this event will benefit the Sir William Johnson District of the Twin Rivers Council, Boy Scouts of America. The district serves Fulton and Montgomery Counties and supports nearly 700 young people. A registration form is enclosed in this newsletter, please fill it out and mail it to the Twin Rivers Council ~ Boy Scouts of America, 253 Washington Ave. Ext. ,Albany, NY 12205. You can also visit www.trcscouting.org/ invest to register online.n

May at Landis Arboretum April showers bring May flowers, so there should be lots of blooms at Landis this month, and not just at the plant sale! Come on out and enjoy spring with us. We are open from dawn to dusk, and with the exception of during plant sales and the Forest 5K in August, we welcome your well-behaved, leashed dogs (please use the Pet Waste Stations to keep the grounds attractive for other visitors). For the full schedule of events visit www.landisarboretum.org. • May 6 & 7, Friday & Saturday, 9:00 PM Public Star Party; Members and non-members: free. Donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted. • May 8, Sunday, 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Spring into Greens; Members: $5/person, $15/family; non-members: $15/ person, $25/family. • May 11 - 13, Wednesday - Friday, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM Preparing for the Spring Plant Sale; Volunteers needed and welcomed! • May 13, Friday, 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Pick of the Pots (POPS) Members Only Plant Sale Preview Party Members: free • May 14 & 15, Saturday & Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Landis Signature Spring Plant, Book, and Bake Sale; Members and non-members: free. Donations to the Arboretum gratefully accepted. • May 20, Friday, 7:00 PM Live at Landis: The 2016 Full Moon Music Series presents Three Quarter North; Members and non-members: $10; kids 12 and under FREE! • May 21, Saturday, 10:00 AM - Noon; Garden Installation at Landis! Members and non-members: this is a FREE All-Ages activity. No registration required. • May 28, Saturday, 6:00 AM - 9:00 AM Early Morning Bird Walk Members: $5/person, $15/family; non-members: $15/person, $25/family.

Fulton County’s Center for Regional Growth and the City of Gloversville Come to Agreement Fulton County Center for Regional Growth and the City of Gloversville are pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement regarding the future of the Gloversville Urban Development Action Grant funds. This agreement, which was signed on April 12, 2016 during the Gloversville Common Council meeting, put an end to the lawsuits which the City filed against Fulton County Economic Development Corporation and established a business loan fund for use in the City of Gloversville. The new loan pool will be called the Gloversville Loan Fund and it will be overseen by a 7 member committee. Three of those members will be appointed by the Gloversville Common Council, one by the Gloversville Mayor, and three by Fulton County CRG. This group will review and approve all applications for funding. The day-to-day operations of the loan pool will be provided by the staff of CRG, under the oversight of the Committee. Gloversville Mayor, Dayton King, said “The City of Gloversville is looking forward to our new partnership with CRG. We appreciate every opportunity to put the past behind us as we keep moving forward for the betterment of our community.” “This is a major milestone for economic development in the City of Gloversville,” adds Ronald Peters, President and CEO of Fulton County Center for Regional Growth. “This contract will allow our office to facilitate loan funding to Gloversville businesses, as we have been able to do for Johnstown businesses and to other areas in Fulton County. We will be able to assist in economic growth in the city to a greater degree with these funds. “Additionally, a good working relationship between CRG and the City of Gloversville is vital. This is a major step toward the partnership that should exist between our two organizations. CRG and the City of Gloversville are forging ahead toward a better future in Fulton County, and we cannot achieve complete success without working as a team.” To contact the Fulton County CRG please call 518.725.7700, or visit www.fccrg.org.n

Montgomery County Office for Aging, Inc.’s 17th Annual Award Dinner The Montgomery County Office for the Aging will honor Dr. Govind Rao with the Father Joseph F. Girzone Crystal Pillar of the Community Award, and Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondele associate Regina Cassetta, RN, with the Diane G. Snell Humanitarian Award. The dinner will be Wednesday, June 1, 2016 at the Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia. Cocktail hour will start at 6 p.m., the dinner and award ceremony will begin at 7 p.m. Jason Gough, Meteorologist from News Channel 13 WNYT will emcee the event. Please call the Montgomery County Offic For the Aging at 843-2300, for an invitation. RSVP’s are due by May 20. n

Call us today for Employee Benefits and Health Care Solutions that benefit you & your employees.

518.720.8888

Offices in Historic Downtown Troy, Saratoga Springs & Amsterdam www.bouchey.com

Chamber Member News

8

Hill & Markes Inc. Makes Donation to Regional Food Bank

Big Medicine to Play Task Force Benefit Concert in Northville

Hill & Markes Inc., a family owned, wholesale distribution company out of Amsterdam, on April 12, 2016, complied with their ongoing effort to be a good corporate steward by donating 24 pallets of product to the Regional Food Bank of the Capital District. The pallet included products such as: cups, ice cream, office paper, snacks, cleaning chemicals, toilet tissue and so much more. This donation filled a 53-foot trailer. The company is passionate about giving back to the community that it has been part of as they celebrate 110 years in business. The company began in 1906 selling in Amsterdam and Broadalbin, New York with a horse and buggy. Now the company has 40 trucks that deliver food service products, industrial packaging, janitorial supplies and office supplies to the state of New York and parts of Vermont. Jason Packer the 3rd generation family member remarked, ”As a family, we all take great pride when we have the opportunity to assist great local organizations such as the Regional Food Bank in doing their critical good work.” To learn more about Hill & Markes Inc. visit hillnmarkes.com.n

Big Medicine will be playing a benefit concert on Saturday, May 14 at 7:00pm at Northville Central School, Bridge St., Northville. Big Medicine, a popular R&B/ folk-rock band from Saratoga Springs, will share its wonderfully rich talent in support of the Sacandaga Task Force for Senior Living’s Northville senior housing project. Big Medicine features Jeff Walton on guitar, harmonica, and vocals, Becky Walton on vocals, Tim Wechgelaer on violin, mandolin, and guitar, Rick Bolton on lead guitar, Pat Perkinson on Bass, and Mike Lomaestro on drums. You can check out more about Big Medicine on their website, www.bigmedicinesaratoga.com. A pre-concert reception will be held at the Inn at the Bridge, located at 641 Bridge St., prior to the concert. The reception will be held from 5:00pm to 6:30pm. Tickets for the reception, which include the concert, are available at $40 per person, $35 if purchased before May 1 (limit 100 people). Tickets for the concert, only, will be $10 in advance, $12 at the door. For ticket purchases and other information, call the STFSL at (518)752-8737, or visit the website at www.stfsl.org. This concert is underwritten by St. Mary’s Healthcare Amsterdam. Technical support provided by the Sacandaga Valley Arts Network. n

2016 St. Johnsville Springfest, Presented by St. Johnsville Chamber of Commerce Scheduled for May 27-30

From left to right: Andy Trautma, warehouse employee; Megan Kucel, Marketing Assistant/Graphic Designer; and Steve Gibson, warehouse employee. Andy Trautma, warehouse employee, uses a forklift to load donated items onto a truck.

All four days will include: village and town-wide garage sales, vendors/crafters and bounce houses on Main Street across from the American Legion. Friday, May 27: • Jail ‘n Bail, 9 a.m. Police Department • Bake Sale, 10 a.m. till sold out at NBT Bank, Main Street • Hot Dog for $1 and soda for $0.50, Little M, Main Street, Friday & Saturday • Chicken BBQ Dinner, 4-7 p.m. at the American Legion, $9/meal or $6 for half chicken Saturday, May 28: • Ribbon Cuttings at new local businesses, 9 am-noon • Block Party with live DJ from Bug Country, 6 pm-8 pm at the St. Johs- ville Rehab & Nursing Center Sunday, May 29: • A day to enjoy the Village of St. Johnsville and all it has to offer while appreciating our fine local restaurants. Monday May 30: • Memorial Day Parade 9:30 a.m., Main Street. For more information contact SJCC President Kevin Enea at [email protected]

• Water Jet • CNC Milling/Turning • Sheet Metal Fabrication • Welding Send Inquiries to [email protected] 518 762-2600 231 Enterprise Rd. • Johnstown, NY 12095

9

Chamber Member News Laurie Bargstedt Honored by NYACCE

HFM BOCES Adult Education Coordinator wins Lawrence S. Levin Professional Award

The New York Association for Continuing/Community Education on Wednesday, Apr. 20, honored Laurie Bargstedt, HFM BOCES Coordinator of Adult Literacy & Corrections Education, with the Lawrence S. Levin Professional Award at its 65th Annual NYACCE Conference in Albany. The award recognizes significant contributions to both adult continuing/community education and the association. In her nomination of Bargstedt for the award, HFM BOCES social worker Lynn Trudeau highlighted her dedication and 25year history as an adult educator in HFM BOCES, the Greater Johnstown School District and with the Private Industry Council. “Her efforts have brought new educational opportunities to the area’s communities and correctional facilities,” Trudeau wrote, highlighting Bargstedt’s tireless involvement in state and national initiatives to improve adult education programming. As a teacher, she was inducted into the New York State Academy for Teaching and Learning for the creation and presentation of exemplary learning experiences for adults. Bargstedt served as the New York State Delegate to the National Forum of Adult Literacy, sponsored by the US Department of Education’s Office for Vocational and Adult Education. “Working with a team of full and part time educators, Laurie has developed programs including skill development; high school equivalency preparation; English as a Second Language; citizenship preparation; civics, digital, health and financial literacy; college transition and more,” Trudeau wrote in her nomination.

Bargstedt served for many years on the HFM BOCES Technology Committee, using it as a platform to raise awareness of adult education in the community and the correctional facilities and the need to implement technology in the classroom. Under Bargstedt’s direction, HFM’s Literacy Zones in Amsterdam and Gloversville host several community organizations to raise community awareness and increase student opportunity. The Mexican Consulate on Wheels formed a partnership through the Literacy Zones to bring consular services to the region. “Laurie trained to provide support to immigrant students through the Bureau of Immigration Appeals and provides guidance to navigate the immigration system in her personal time,” Trudeau wrote. “Each year, Laurie and her staff provide a Thanksgiving feast to the English Language Learners in the program. She volunteers her time as a TASC examiner, allowing funds to support other costs associated with the administration of the exam. In doing so, test takers have greater opportunities to take the exams without having to travel long distances.” Bargstedt earned her bachelor’s degree in Adult & Community Education from Empire State College, and a Master’s degree and Certificate of Advanced Study in Educational Administration and Policy Studies from SUNY Albany. Through the Leadership Excellence Academy, she became a Certified Manager in Program Improvement. “In my opinion, she is an example of true leadership in the adult education field. Through her efforts, many students have been recognized as Outstanding Adult Learners in New York State. She has supported me personally, and professionally has given me the tools that I have needed to meet program goals and student outcomes,” Trudeau said. For more information about HFM BOCES, visit the website at www.hfmboces.org n

SUNY Chancellor Award Recipients Includes 2 FMCC Students SUNY’s Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have received recognition for student excellence. It is the highest honor bestowed upon a student by the University. This year, 248 students from 64 campuses received this award including Fulton-Montgomery Community College students Winnie Blackwood and Taiwo Ekundayo. Winnie Blackwood, a native of Johnstown, NY, is a Communication and Broadcast Media major. Blackwood became involved in communication and broadcast media by delving into work on the college newspaper, The Gateway. She was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa-Alpha Alpha Upsilon and is a recipient of the Hadley “Stretch” DePuy Scholarship and the Fulmont Association of College Educators Scholarship. Taiwo Ekundayo, a native of Lagos, Nigeria, is a Radiologic Technology major. Ekundayo came to study at FM in the Spring 2012 semester as an adult International student from Nigeria. He had previously earned his baccalaureate degree from his home country and wanted to pursue higher education in the healthcare field. He has been very involved on campus by participating in clubs and committees. Ekundayo was inducted into Phi Theta Kappa-Alpha Alpha Upsilon and is a recipient of the Fulmont College Association of College Educators Scholarship in May 2014. “This award is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to stand-out SUNY students whose achievements reflect their own impressive hard work as well as the support of their families and friends, and SUNY’s world-class faculty and staff,” said Chancellor Zimpher. “The 248 students we honor with this year’s award have excelled academically, become role models on campus, and established themselves as leaders in the community. Congratulations to all of the students re-

“The O nly Cha is Our nge Name”

You Belong Here!

Great Rates...2 Great Locations Main Office: 355 Hales Mills Rd., Gloversville • 725-3191 Branch Office: Inside the Gloversville Wal-Mart Supercenter • 725-4413 www.fcfinancialcu.org Become a member today!

ceiving the 2016 Chancellor’s Award for Excellence.” “I congratulate Winnie and Taiwo on receiving this prestigious recognition; I’m very proud of their accomplishments,” said College President Dr. Dustin Swanger. The Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence acknowledges students who have best demonstrated, and been recognized for, the integration of academic excellence with other aspects of their lives, which may include leadership, campus involvement, community service, creative or performing arts, athletics, and career achievement. Blackwood and Ekundayo were presented their awards during the Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence Ceremony at the Empire State Plaza Convention Center on April 5. For more information about FM President Dr. Swanger (left) with FMCC and its programs, visit fmcc. Chancellor Award recipients Taiwo suny.edu, on Facebook, and on Ekundayo and Winnie Blackwood. Twitter. n

Your Real Estate Professionals 363 North Comrie Ave. Johnstown, NY 12095 518.762.9885

4781 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY 12010 518.212.2503 www.coldwellbankerams.com

Chamber Member News Liberty Appoints New Board Member

10

WENT Wins New York State Broadcasters Association Award Gloversville Radio Station WENT has again been honored by the New York State Broadcasters Association. The Association presented WENT its award for “Best Editorial” in its 50th annual statewide competition. The editorial was written and presented on air by Jack Scott, president and general manager. In the editorial, Scott listed the names and offices of former New York State legislators who have been charged and/or convicted of crimes since 2010. The list includes former Senate Majority Leader Dean Skelos, and former Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver, among many others. In addition, Scott pointed out scandals involving former Governors Eliot Spitzer and David Paterson, and former Comptroller Alan Hevesi. Scott suggested that state senate and assembly members who boast of their own honesty yet do nothing yet do nothing to bring about ethics reform also share the guilt for the “Albany cesspool.” Scott closed by saying the public gets the “government we deserve.” WENT has won over 70 awards from broadcast organizations including the New York State Broadcasters Association, Associated Press and the Radio and Television News Directors Association for newscasts, spot news, continuing news coverage, editorials, game broadcasts and sportscasts. WENT remains the only locally-owned, live, locally-programmed radio station in the Capital Region. The station has been owned since 1986 by Whitney Radio Broadcasting, Inc., and serves communities in Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Herkimer, Schoharie, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. For more information visit www.am1340went.com.n

Gloversville Senior Center Offers Meeting Space Do you need a nice place to hold a celebration, party, family gathering, meeting or event? Then why not have it at the Gloversville Senior Center? The center seats 128 people comfortably and is available to accommodate your needs. The center offers a full catering service or you can bring your own food if that is what you wish. Either way the center can assist in making your event a success. For further details contact the office at 518-725-0923 or feel free to stop by the office located at 53 Church St. any time Monday - Friday 8:00 am- 1:00 pm, and Saturdays 8:00 am- 12:00 pm. Happy Planning! n

Donna M. Canestraro has been appointed to the Liberty Board as its newest member. Currently, Canestraro works as Program Director for the Center of Technology in Government at the University at Albany and has been serving on Liberty’s Foundation Board for the past year. Canestraro and her family have a long and rich history with Liberty with Canestraro’s father, Vincent Sollecito, serving on the Liberty board and the family’s support of the Sollecito Scholarship fund. The fund, which is administered through Liberty, was founded in 1968 by Vincent and Rosalyn Sollecito in memory of their son, Christopher. Christopher, who was born with Down syndrome, died at the age of 2 1/2. The family set-up the fund in order to assist students interested in pursuing a degree in special education or other fields serving people with disabilities. The scholarship, started in 1968, has awarded thousands of dollars to students studying human services, special education, and related fields since its inception. The intent of scholarship was to assist students from Montgomery County who planned a career working with people who have disabilities, but also to ensure the special education and disabilities field has qualified job applicants entering the workforce. “I am thrilled and honored to take an active role with such a wonderful organization and serve on the Liberty Board,” said Canestraro. “Liberty’s contributions to the community are an integral part of helping individuals with disabilities to achieve a quality of life each person values. I am honored to follow in my parents’ footsteps and give my all to such a worthy organization.” Donna has experience in the fields of education and training, marketing, management, and customer service. Prior to joining CTG, she was the Program Manager with the Professional Development Program at the University at Albany’s Nelson A. Rockefeller College. For more information about Liberty visit libertyarc.org or call (518)8425080. n

AAA Now Offering Discounted Memberships AAA Northway can offer your employees AAA memberships at a discount. First year annual memberships starting at just $50 (regularly $76). AAA offers peace of mind, safety and security. Call Cheryl Simpson at AAA Northway in Amsterdam at 684-0064 or email [email protected] to find out how AAA can assist you and your employees. n

Are you interested in working with students who will embrace the essential business skills and who will be trained educated employees for the future? Well, PTECH is the new future! PTECH is a technologically based early college high school that allows students to gain real-world, project based experiences through partnering businesses in your community. We are currently looking for mentors who will be willing to communicate online with students weekly. Interested in becoming a partnering business? Contact Nicole Walrath at (518) 725-0641 or [email protected] for more information.

Chamber Member News Northville Enhances its Online Presence Jon Spaeth, the Mayor of the Village of Northville, announced today the launch of the village’s new, mobile-friendly website, www.villageofnorthville.com. The site was created by Betsy Emery of Emery Designs in Gloversville, with help from Northville’s village clerk, Wendy Reu. Of the new site, Spaeth said, “We are excited about our new website which features new photos and visuals, and an easier way to help residents and visitors alike find great information about the village.” He added, “A great online presence is so important in marketing Northville beyond our borders, as more and more people are exploring, primarily online, their travel options, places to purchase homes, and places in which to do business.” The new site features a variety of content including: • Places at which to stay, eat and shop • Answers to commonly asked questions about the village • Governmental information • Public safety information • Listing of events taking place in and around the village • Photo galleries of events In conjunction with the creation of the new website a new Facebook page, “Visit Northville, NY” has been created to help promote events in the town and village, to connect prospective visitors, residents and others with the various groups and organizations that are tied to Northville and the Town of Northampton, and to provide informational posts about outdoor resources and more. The URL for the Facebook page is www.facebook. com/Northville.Northampton/ For information regarding the Town of Northampton, residents and visitors can visit the town’s up-to-date website, www.townofnorthampton.com, where governmental information, history and reports can be viewed at any time. To get in contact with officials from the village of Northville please call village clerk Wendy Reu at (518) 863-4211. To contact the town of Northampton call (518) 863-4040. Anyone who wishes to submit events to the town and village events calendar can contact Casey Croucher at [email protected] or call (518) 725-0641. For questions regarding the website please call Mayor John Spaeth at (518) 863-4211. n

11

“Deborah Deming, Featured Artist of the SVAN Northville Library Art Gallery” Deborah Deming, the featured artist at the SVAN Northville Library Art Gallery, will exhibit her multi- media art work from April 30 June 29. The gallery, located at 341 South Third St, will host a Meet the Artist reception on Tuesday, May 17 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. The exhibit will be open during library hours: 9-noon Monday and Saturday, 9-8 Tuesday, 9-4 Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Deborah is an artist, educator and a creative visionary! Finding that each has enriched the other, she takes inspiration from her surroundings and world travels. “Memory”, she says, “is the human element of time, ever changing as we use it to navigate through our lives. It is what makes us human. We are the only species that can self reflect. Our memories are all the impressions we take throughout life. I like to explore nature, places, figures and faces and the relationships between inner narratives and what we create in our lives as a result. The concepts begin with these stories.” By examining these concepts Deb begins with a common interest in nature and life stories. She uses photography to document everything. Having traveled extensively and having been completely around the world, she takes her inspiration from her surroundings. She is always struck by the landscape and culture of its people. A large number of Deming’s works are in private collections throughout the United States and abroad. Some of her most recent shows include: “Horsing around with the Arts”, Saratoga Springs, NY. Juried Show 2007. Saratoga Arts Council Arts Show. Juried Shows, 2010-2013. “Art-Food for the Soul”, Micropolis Gallery, Gloversville, NY. Juried Show 2016. “Tying Her Toe Shoe”, a mixed-media batik at the Paul Nigra Center for the Arts Gallery. Mayfield, NY. Mixed Media Painting on display, 2016. To learn more about SVAN visit svanarts.org or visit Sacandaga Valley Arts Network on Facebook. n

Amsterdam Rotary Variety Show May 6 & 7th Amsterdam Rotary will have its annual Variety Show on May 6th and 7th at 7 p.m. at the Amsterdam High School, 140 Saratoga Avenue. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 at the door and student tickets are $6. Tickets can be purhcased at the St. Mary’s Hospital Gift Shop, Subway or from any Rotarian. This year’s theme is “Laughin’ Woodstock and the Age of Aquarius.” For more information please call (518) 8417479. n

12

Chamber Member News

Snapshot of our New Members Fort Plain Museum

Amsterdam Diner

339 Canal St. Fort Plain, NY (518) 993-2527 www.fortplainmuseum.com

4790 State Highway 30 Amsterdam, NY (518) 212-6057 Facebook

Project 29 Pub & Filling Station

PCM Communications

836 State Highway 29, Broadalbin, NY (518) 883-1168 www.project29pub.com

Johnstown, NY (518) 921-2585 www.pcmtele.com Facebook ~ LinkedIn

Revenge Tattoo Parlour 2 East Main St. Amsterdam, NY (518) 921-2090 www.revengetattoo.com

McSweeney’s Irish Pub at the Greystone

Safety First Training

285 State Highway 30A Gloversville, NY (518) 661-5590 Facebook

776 State Highway 29A Gloversville, NY (518) 774-8257 LinkedIn

Scott & Marge’s Home

Argersinger Office Complex 73 North Main St. Gloversville, NY (518) 332-4912

50 Elmwood Ave. Gloversville, NY (518) 773-8844 Facebook

”Your Friends, Just Around The Corner” Please feel free to call to schedule a tour. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the adult home level of care and the Assisted Living Program.

Montgomery County SPCA

SPCA Road 1007 State Highway 5S Amsterdam, NY Cooking (518) 842-8050

Top Of The Hill Grill 4700 State Highway 29 Johnstown, NY (518) 736-8100

1830 Riverfront Center Amsterdam, NY 12010 518.842.6718 (office) 518.842.8357 (fax) HCP Provides Professional Nursing, Home Health Aide, End-of-Life Care, Companion, and Respite Services Tailored to Meet Your Individual Needs

201 South Melcher Street • Johnstown • 518.762.5488 Established in 1992 www.pineviewcommons.com

Licensed to Serve: Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Hamilton, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties

1.800.342.1426 • www.NewYorkHomeHealthCare.com

13

Montgomery County Tourism News By Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism [email protected]

Mohawk Valley Riverfest Seeks Vendors Amsterdam Farmers Market The Amsterdam Farmers Market returns for its third year on Saturday, May 28 to the Walter Elwood Museum lot at 100 Church Street, Amsterdam. The Amsterdam Farmers Market was established in 2014 to provide farm fresh produce and locally produced products to city residents. The market is open to local food and products, crafts, international foods, bakers, and musicians. Community groups are welcome to reserve a spot at the market for free. For more information call (518) 221-7828 or visit Amsterdam Saturday Farmers/Crafters Market on Facebook.n

Saratoga Arts Grants: Montgomery County Recipients Saratoga Arts recently held a reception for the winners of the 2016 Community Arts Grants Recipients. $104,945 was awarded to thirty four organizations and artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties. The Montgomery County recipients are: • • • • • • • • • •

Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation, Amsterdam, 2016 Riverlink Music Series Friends of Fort Plain in partnership with Park Terrae Elementary School, Fort Plain, Phase 2 Erie Canal in Fort Plain Mural Friends of Schoharie Crossing, Fort Hunter, Not Just For Kids Storytelling Jay Towne, Minutiae Maria Riccio Bryce, Swan Song Mohawk Valley Chorus, Amsterdam, Composition for Clarinet Quartet and Masterclass-Pre miere Concert Montgomery County Historical Society, Fort Johnson, Bright Mohawk Valley: A Concert of Irish Roots Music Music on Mainstreet, Canajoharie, 2016 Music on Mainstreet Series Village of Fort Plain, Fort Plain, Thursdays in the Park Village of St. Johnsville, St. Johnsville, Concerts in the Park-Harold Ford, and the Refrigerators

Visit our event calendar for more information on these and other events happening in Montgomery County, http://www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com/events-calendar/. n

Saturday, August 6 will be the first annual Mohawk Valley Riverfest in Riverlink Park, Amsterdam. This new festival will feature artisans, kids’ zone, beer and wine tastings, crafters, and entertainment. Tumbleweed Highway, a country/rock band, will cap off the night followed by a fireworks display. The Mohawk Valley Riverfest committee is seeking New York State wine and craft brew vendors along with crafters, artisans, and food vendors. Applications are due Monday, May 30. Please email mohawkvalleyriverfest@gmail. com for more information. n

14

Fulton County Tourism News

New Rules for the “Bet on Fulton County” Raffle Tickets are now on sale for this annual fundraising event benefiting Fulton County Tourism initiatives and projects. $100 tickets can be purchased at the Gloversville Chamber office and at the Holiday Inn and Partner’s Pub both in Johnstown. The drawing date is Friday, July 8 at a poolside party at the Holiday Inn. This year’s raffle has more opportunities to win cash prizes throughout the evening and potentially a second chance at winning the $10,000 grand prize. The “Bet on Fulton County” raffle is a Process of Elimination Raffle. All 300 tickets go into the raffle barrel. If there are any unsold tickets, they will remain outside of the raffle barrel. Every ticket is initially drawn from the raffle barrel. Every 25th ticket drawn has the opportunity to choose between a $100 cash prize or to be entered into a second chance drawing. If the second chance drawing is chosen, these tickets will be placed in a separate bin. When the last 5 tickets remain in the primary raffle barrel, one ticket will be drawn from the second chance bin and placed into the primary raffle barrel. This allows the ticket holder another chance for the grand prize of $10,000. Eleven $100 cash prizes could be awarded. If a ticket holder decides to be entered into the second chance raffle, the Fulton County Tourism Department will retain those $100 cash prizes. If one of the 25th ticket holders is not present at the raffle, the ticket holder who is not present will receive the $100 cash prize and forfeit the second chance drawing. The last three tickets will be drawn and awarded as follows: • 3rd Prize - $500 • Grand Prize - The last two ticket holders may negotiate to split first and second prizes (1st Prize of $10,000 + 2nd Prize of $1,000). If the ticket holders decide to split, each ticket receives $5,500. If they decide to “Go for Broke,” both tickets are returned to the raffle barrel and first and second prizes are drawn; second prize will be the first ticket pulled from the raffle barrel. If both final ticket holders are not present and both have specified opposite wishes (split and go for broke), we will try to contact both ticket holders via the phone number provided on the ticket. If both parties cannot be reached, one winner of $10,000 (1st Prize) and one (2nd Prize) winner of $1,000 will be drawn. If only one of the final two ticket holders are at the drawing and the absent ticket holder’s wishes to split or go for broke do not agree with ticket holder at event, an attempt will be made to contact the absent person, via the phone number provided on the ticket, to negotiate. If they are not available, the drawing will be held as advertised (a first prize winner of $10,000 and a second prize winner of $1,000). For more information about the “Bet on Fulton County” raffle please call (518)725-0641 or email [email protected]. n

Saratoga Arts Grants: Fulton County Recipients Saratoga Arts recently held a reception for the winners of the 2016 Community Arts Grants Recipients. $104,945 was awarded to thirty four organizations and artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga Counties. The Fulton County recipients are: • • • • • •

Colonial Little Theater, Johnstown, 2016 Theater Series Glove Performing Arts Center, Gloversville, Monty Python’s Spamalot Gloversville Public Library, Gloversville, Celtic Footprints at Park Terrace Elementary School Johnstown Public Library, Johnstown, Serenading Strings in the Park Lexington Foundation at Paul Nigra Center for Creative Arts, Mayfield, Statewide Juried Art Show Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, Northville, 2016 A Celebration of Music

Visit our event calendar for more information on these and other events happening in Fulton County, http://www.44lakes.com/calendar/. n

15

Member Anniversaries The following businesses realize the value of their Chamber investment and have renewed their membership in the month of April. Please note these members and the year they joined! Thank you to all our renewing members. Less than 5 Years Stephen Miller, General Contractors, Inc............. 2012 Madej Home Improvements................................. 2015 Farmers Insurance Frank Casler Agency............. 2015 Outdoor Motor Sports LLC................................... 2014 3G Surveillance Solutions.................................... 2014 Joanna Olson of CMK & Associates Realty......... 2014 Alzheimer’s Association........................................ 2015 Miller’s Ready Mix Concrete and Block................ 2014 USM Solutions...................................................... 2012 State Farm Insurance, Jenny Rulison-Fisch........ 2015 Flooring Authority, Inc........................................... 2014 5 to 9 Years H &M Equipment Co., Inc..................................... 2011 Lamont Engineers................................................ 2011 L & M TV & Appliances, LLC................................ 2011 Amsterdam Printing.............................................. 2011 Buanno’s Custom Body Shop............................... 2007 Glove City Transportation..................................... 2008 Spinnaker Management & Realty Sales............... 2007 Delaney Crushed Stone Products, Inc................. 2008 Herba’s Acres Tree Farm...................................... 2009 Deborah R. Hermance; D.D.S.............................. 2007 Allan MacVean,CFP............................................. 2007 SW Skin Care & Cosmetics, Inc........................... 2010 Horigan, Horigan & Lombardo.............................. 2008 Pickett Memorial Co............................................. 2010 Skip’s Service Station........................................... 2009 Adirondack Septic Tank, Inc................................. 2009

10 to 19 Years Salvione Insurance Agency Inc............................ 2005 Buhrmaster Energy Group................................... 2000 D.W.L. Brand ....................................................... 1998 Saint John’s Episcopal Church............................. 2005 Euphrates, Inc...................................................... 2002 WBUG - Bug Country........................................... 1998 Schwartz Law Firm............................................... 2005 T.O.P.S. Take Off Pounds Sensibly...................... 2006 Proforma Shrader & Shrader................................ 1997 Shrine of Our Lady of Martyrs.............................. 1998 School House Treasures...................................... 2006 Brownell Lumber Co............................................. 2003 Beech-Nut Nutrition Corporation.......................... 1998 Pavlus Orchards................................................... 2006 Carpe Canem Inc................................................. 2001 City of Amsterdam................................................ 1998 Judith Ann Realty, Inc........................................... 1998 The Salmon Law Firm.......................................... 1998 Town of Glen........................................................ 1998 20 Years and Over Taylor Made Group, Inc........................................ 1977 Adirondack Lakefront Retreat............................... 1991 Dr.’s Mattison & Rojek, O.D.................................. 1994 William Bresonis, D.D.S., P.C............................... 1980 Maynard, O’Connor, Smith & Catalinotto, LLP...... 1988 Electro-Metrics...................................................... 1996 Eagle Mills Cider Company and Family Fun........ 1995 Fulton-Montgomery Community College.............. 1974 WENT-AM 1340................................................... 1987

PRSRT STD US POSTAGE

PAID

AMSTERDAM, NY 12010 PERMIT #21

2 North Main Street, Gloversville, New York 12078 (518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 725-0643 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, New York 12010 (518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 684-0111 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

Member of American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association Business Council of New York State Center For Economic Growth Chamber Alliance of New York State Farmer’s Direct Marketing Association Montgomery County Farm Bureau New York Business Development Corporation Tech Valley Chamber Coalition United States Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Chamber Events! Thursday, May 12 • 5-7:00pm

Business After Hours at Fresh Basil 2 Washington Street, Amsterdam (Riverfront Center)

Come enjoy an evening of great conversation and delicious food while making valuable connections! This event is FREE for Chamber members, $10 for future members. RSVP to Alex Ruggeri at 725-0641 or [email protected].

Wednesday, May 18 • 5:00-6:30pm Speed Networking Night at Kingsboro Golf Club’s Double Eagle Restaurant 301 North Kingsboro Ave., Gloversville

Speed networking has emerged as a quick and easy way to expand your professional contacts in a short amount of time using a structured and fast-paced environment. If you are looking to meet new professionals and make connections that can help build your career, please join us! 5:00 pm - Registration; 5:30 pm - Take a seat and begin making new connections.There will be an open networking time at the end for participants to expand on their conversions. $5 Admission for Chamber Members; $15 for Future Members. Due to the nature of this event, it would be appreciated if only one person per business attends. Exceptions can be made if those wishing to attend are from different departments within a company and each has their own information to share. For questions call Alex Ruggeri, (518) 725-0641.

Wednesday, May 25 • 8-9:30am

Breakfast with Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino Holiday Inn, 308 N Comrie Ave, Johnstown

Newly-elected Fulton County Sheriff Richard Giardino is excited about talking to area businesses, residents, and elected officials about what has happened during his first six months in office, and will give highlights of initiatives and where he wants to take the department into the future. RSVP required; $20 for Chamber members, $25 for future members. RSVP required for planning purposes; contact Terry at the Chamber.

Sunday, May 29 • 3-5:00pm Stars, Stripes and Chamber Music - at the Chamber! Chamber Rotunda Gallery, 2 N. Main Street, Gloversville

Gloversville BID with support from Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and Gloversville Community Music will be hosting a benefit concert for a newly approved funded chamber music series in downtown Gloversville! To kick off fundraising, we will be presenting a benefit concert featuring classical chamber music and local folk music. Tickets will be $15 pre-sale only sold at the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 30 N. Main St., the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce and Gloversville Community Music. For questions call Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641.

Thursday, June 2 • 5-9:00pm Chamber Softball Challenge at Amsterdam Mohawks Shuttleworth Park, 65 Crescent Ave, Amsterdam

Chamber Board & Staff vs The Chamber Members followed by Amsterdam Mohawks game Anyone who PLAYS in the game (Chamber members and their family members who attend and/or play) will get free admission and a free dinner. Chamyer. ber members will get free admission with the coupon they bring from the newsletter/email. It will be Opening Week for the Mohawks, and it’s Thirsty Thursday (drink specials) that night. Contact Terry Swierzowski at (518) 725-0641 to sign up for a team.

Thursday, June 16 • 5-7:00pm, 4:00pm New Member Orientation Business After Hours at CMK and Associates Real Estate 3748 State Highway 30, Vail Mills, Amsterdam

Come enjoy an evening of great conversation and delicious food while making valuable connections! This event is FREE for Chamber members, $10 for future members. The new member orientation is open to new members as well as any members looking to better acquaint themselves with the Chamber, our staff or our events. During Business After Hours Focus-Fulton Montgomery magazine will be unveiled. Please join us for this special event! RSVP to Alex Ruggeri at 725-0641 or [email protected].