MARCH 2014
St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast March 17 Chamber event has a new name for 2014 It’s not just for the honorary Irish anymore. For more than four decades, the Chamber named an “Honorary” Irishperson of the Year at its March breakfast, but that all changed last year when Sister Mary Feehan, who is Irish, won the honor on behalf of the Benedictine Sisters. Chamber President Ward Todd said the breakfast, now in its 45th year, is now the “Peter B. Mathews St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast” and those of Irish heritage will be considered for the honor. “Each year we will be selecting a deserving Honorary Irishperson or Irishperson of the Year,” Todd said. “Sister Mary Feehan, last year’s winner, is obviously Irish … and there will be more.” The breakfast, sponsored by The Reis Group, is scheduled for 7:30-9 a.m. at the Garden Plaza Hotel in Kingston. It’s one of the city’s most anticipated events each year and is the Chamber’s most popular and wellattended breakfast and a reminder that spring is just around the corner. The St. Joseph’s School Chorus and Sing-
ing Strings, along with the Kingston Lions Club Roar’n Pride Band and the Kingston AOH Pipes and Drums will provide entertainment. All attendees will receive a green carnation courtesy of J&A Roofing. Of course, the highlight of the morning is clearly the surprise naming of the “Irishperson or Honorary Irishperson of the Year.” Last year, Feehan said she went to the breakfast in complete confidence that she would not be chosen because she is Irish. Todd made an exception last year to thank and honor Feehan and the Benedictine Sisters, who led Benedictine Hospital for 112 years. “It was a complete and total surprise,” Feehan said, looking back. “It was only midway through the announcement that I thought I heard my name and I was just in total shock because I knew it had to be a non-Irish person. “As the morning went on, I just kind of got the message of sensitivity that the Chamber had to the year it was for us Benedictine CONTINUED ON PAGE 7
MARCH BREAKFAST Monday, March 17 7:30-9:00 AM GARDEN PLAZA HOTEL (Formerly Holiday Inn) 503 Washington Ave. Kingston
Sister Mary Feehan, representing the Benedictine Sisters, was honored as “Irishperson of the Year” at the 2013 St. Patrick’s Day breakfast.
PETER B. MATHEWS ST. PATRICK’S DAY BREAKFAST
MARCH BREAKFAST SPONSORED BY THE REIS GROUP INSURANCE AGENCY The Reis Group Insurance Agency is proud to celebrate nearly 50 years in the Hudson Valley in 2014 and well over twenty years of sponsoring the Chamber’s Honorary Irishperson of the Year breakfast. Since 1966, The Reis Group has provided personal and trusted insurance solutions for the individuals, families and businesses of the Hudson Valley and beyond. Built on a strong reputation of exceptional customer service, our employee-owned agency takes pride in providing real insurance solutions that meet
the needs of each and every client. Our employees are your neighbors – taking pride in protecting and promoting the communities we serve. More than agents, we are “advocates” for the families and businesses that make our region great. In 2009 The Reis Group expanded into the Capitol District and is currently licensed to write insurance in 38 states. At The Reis Group, we do more than offer you insurance; we offer you the peace-of-mind that comes with personalized solutions.
That is insurance worth having. Visit us online at www.reisinsurance.com.
FEATURED THIS MONTH: Chamber’s Sustaining Members Member Profiles: The Corporate Image, Deising’s Bakery, Woodstock Harley-Davidson
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID KINGSTON, NY 12401 PERMIT #39
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
(845) 338-5100 Fax (845) 338-0968 www.UlsterChamber.org
[email protected] 214 Fair Street • Kingston, NY 12401 BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS CHAIR .......................................................................................... Terry M. Parisian Hudson Valley Mall PRESIDENT ....................................................................................... Ward D. Todd Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Upcoming Chamber Events March 17
Annual Peter B. Mathews St Patrick’s Day Breakfast 7:30 - 9:00 am Garden Plaza Hotel 503 Washington Ave., Kingston, NY Sponsor:
CHAIR ELECT ..................................................................................... Larry Begnal LT Begnal Motor Co. VICE CHAIR ....................................................................................... Donald Verity Pamal Broadcasting WBPM/WGHQ SECRETARY ........................................................................... MaryRose Warcholak Ulster Savings Bank TREASURER ........................................................................................ Scott Jordan Rondout Savings Bank IMMEDIATE PAST CHAIR ...................................................... Francis P. Flynn, CPA Francis P. Flynn, CPA, PC Timothy Allred ................................................................ The Williams Lake Project Jacquelyn Appeldorn ....................................................... Mohonk Mountain House Joseph Beichert ............................................................... Timely Signs of Kingston J. Michael Bruhn, Jr., Esq ................................................................ Attorney at Law Joe Charmello ................................................................... Brad’s Barns & Gazebos Jeremy Ellenbogen ............................................................. Ellenbogen Group, Inc. David Lundquist Cecilia Savona Madden ................................................... Savona’s Trattoria & Pizza Su Marcy ..................................................................... United Way of Ulster County Christopher Marx ........................................ SUNY Ulster-Business Resource Center Mark Mulpeter ........................................................... Central Hudson Gas & Electric John F. Murphy ....................................................................... Murphy Realty Group Sylvia Murphy ..................................................................................... Health Quest Kevin Quilty .................................... Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley Greg Riley ....................................... MassMutual Westchester-Hudson Valley Office Harris L. Safier .......................................... Westwood Metes & Bounds Realty, Ltd. STAFF Ward D. Todd ............................................................................................. President Robert Hirsch ................................... Dir. of Business Services and Communication Fran DePetrillo-Savoca ................................................................ Dir. of Membership Valerie Walsh .................................................................................... Office Manager Robert Mitchell ....................................................................... Chamber News Editor Carol Ricken .................................................................................... Project Manager
Reservations & advance payment required. March 20
Membership Mixer Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa 5:00 - 7:00 pm 1195 Arrowhead Road, Ellenville, NY Sponsor:
March 26
Business Card Exchange 9:00 am Courtyard by Marriott 500 Frank Sottile Blvd., Kingston, NY Sponsor:
April 22 The official publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce is a special advertising supplement to the Daily Freeman 79 Hurley Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 – A 21st Century Media publication
Chamber Breakfast Dr. Donald Katt Pres. SUNY Ulster
Robert O’Leary, General Manager Ira Fusfeld, Publisher Emeritus Tina St. Clair, Advertising Director Jon Powers, Creative Services Manager
7:30- 9:00 am Garden Plaza Hotel 503 Washington Ave. Kingston, NY
ChamberNews
To advertise, please call (845) 331-5000 • To subscribe, please call (888) 699-7699
Sponsor:
ChamberNews Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement
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Turning stress into success Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa to host March Mixer Running a business can be stressful and if you’re looking for some help managing that stress, you might want to check out the Chamber’s next Business-After-Hours Mixer at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa in Ellenville. Boasting 232 well-appointed rooms and suites, Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa is a four season destination where individualized attention transcends the meeting/catering, wellness and spa experience. Plus, guests can enjoy the duality of hiking and golfing just steps away from a multi-faceted conference facility bursting with cosmopolitan touches and graceful décor; amid some of Upstate New York’s most striking countryside. Whatever your purpose for visiting, Honor’s Haven and its team of industry professionals is standing at the ready to provide you with a wide range of professional and recreational opportunities. According to Sandra Nichols, Director of the Spa at Honor’s Haven Resort, “Relieving stress is a necessary component of life. We not only crave it, but need it; if we expect to preserve our emotional balance at work and at home.” The Spa at Honor’s Haven offers both locals and neighboring communities fitness memberships and Zumba classes as well as a host of natural and restorative treatments including facials, skin care, massage and body work; alleviating the stress and tension of everyday life.
In keeping with the resort’s mission to provide guests with a rejuvenating experience, Honor’s Haven is pleased to announce the grand opening of the EarthMind Wellness Center; a center for holistic living and health. “In a society where hyper-connectedness is the norm, it’s easy to become overwhelmed” says Nick Bach, an instructor at the EarthMind Wellness Center. “Luckily, there are a lot of simple techniques that people can use to refocus and reground themselves. We call this being mindful, and through mindful living we can create balance in our lives, even in a techcentric world; resulting in an individual’s ability to effectively and efficiently run a business.” The wellness center offers both retreats and workshops in conjunction with the hotel that focus on the mind and body; teaching individuals how to manage their stress and promote clarity of mind. Aside from assisting business owners and employees with the pressures of work, Honor’s Haven is also looking to reduce to the amount of stress experienced while planning special events like weddings and sweet 16 celebrations. “We are very excited to announce the introduction of our NEW Lake Side Bridal Tent and Lake Isle Ceremony Site”, says Julian Lee, General Manager at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa. “The tent is able to accommodate up to 220 guests and the Ceremony
MARCH MIXER Wednesday, March 20 5-7 PM Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa Ellenville The Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa in Ellenville. Site, set with white garden chairs, is accessible by a charming foot bridge, immersing guests in the infinite beauty of the surrounding lake and mountains. This addition provides brides and grooms with an authentic outdoor wedding venue, replete with personalized service and elegant country appeal.” The mixer, scheduled for March 20th from 5-7pm will be held at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa; 1195 Arrowhead Road in Ellenville and promises to deliver a variety of mouthwatering fare. The staff and management at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa are excited that they have been provided with the opportunity to host this mixer and to have Ulster County’s business leaders on the grounds. “We want to emphasize that we are trying to add
to the landscape of wellness, special event venues and spa services within the Hudson Valley”, says Bach. “We hope to not only contribute to the local economy in the Hudson Valley and Ellenville area, but to promote healthier and happier lifestyles in the process.” For more information about the EarthMind Wellness Center, the Spa at Honor’s Haven Resort or the abundant catering and business options available at Honor’s Haven Resort & Spa call (845) 210-1600 or visit them on the web at www.honorshaven.com. Chamber mixers are a great way to network and promote your business. Be sure to print plenty of business cards. This free networking event is open Chamber Members and prospective members. Reservations are a must and can be made by call-
ing the Chamber office at (845) 338-5100 or by reg-
istering online at www. ulsterchamber.org.
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
‘My business is strictly for business’ Photography from The Corporate Image Photographer Michael Gold has taken pictures of some of the most famous people in the world and for some of the most prestigious magazines in the world. However, it might never have happened without the 1969 Woodstock festival. Gold, owner of The Corporate Image photo studio in New Paltz, was working as a “grunt” in the photo business in New York City that year. He says his “big break” came when a friend rented property adjacent to the Woodstock festival site and offered Gold a soda concession. “My brother and I did it together,” Gold recalls. “We sold almost 1,700 cases in two and a half days and had to stop when we couldn’t get supplied because of the chaos. “It gave me enough money to sustain my effort to show a portfolio to magazines.” Gold soon landed photo assignments with National Lampoon and the New York Times Magazine, where he became a regular. Others followed, including Opera News, Fortune, Esquire, Harper’s, Redbook, Time and many more. For a complete list, go to www. mgphotoman and click on his resume. I became a newspaper, magazine and advertising photographer in New York,” Gold said. “I was shooting for the New York Times Magazine before I was 30. “It was the greatest privilege working for those publications and such an
honor to have been chosen and trusted.” His first assignment at Opera News was the legendary operatic soprano Beverly Sills. “I was shaking like a leaf,” Gold said. That fear didn’t last long because Gold would go on to photograph some of the most recognizable people on the planet from several different fields, including everyone from Hillary Clinton to Mickey Mantle. The impressive list can also be found at www.mgphotoman.com.. Gold would later buy a second home in Ulster County and today has a studio at 1 Jacob Lane in New Paltz. Gold said what makes his business unique is he is one of the few corporate photographers around. “My business is strictly for business,” he said. “Other than headshots. My studio is geared for corporate and business photography, as well as corporate events.” Gold has photographed galas, conventions, trade shows and conferences for such firms as Mobil, BMW, Leather Goods, Siemens and many others. “My specialty and my love, besides headshots, is business photography,” he said. “I find it the most difficult, the most challenging, the most creative and I thrive on that kind of work. Where other people may be fearful, I love to jump in. I feel that I can do a phenomenal job for companies.” Gold said he has photo-
MEMBER PROFILE “I will not let anything get out of my studio until I feel it’s superlative, and it really has to be superlative.” –Michael Gold graphed weddings and bar mitzvahs, but “it’s not the kind of direction I want my studio to go in.” “I’m not going to say no to people,” he said, “but I love the challenge of corporate and business photography.” Gold said another unique part of his business is the absolute guarantee he offers customers. “I unconditionally guarantee my work, no matter what I do,” he said. “I don’t know anybody else who does that.” Gold, a former painting major at Boston University, would spend every spare hour in the museums studying art. “My entire viewpoint is not necessarily photo-
graphic, but more artistic as far as the history of art,” he said. “Once you’re in that milieu, it becomes part of your sensibility.” While the economic downturn has hurt many businesses, Gold said he is “busier than ever.” Herzog’s, Ulster Savings Bank, Rondout Savings Bank, HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley, SUNY Paltz and SUNY Ulster are just some of his local clients. “I have weathered the storm easily,” Gold said. “I think people who are using me know that there is absolutely no compromise in the quality of my work for them. I will not let anything get out of my studio until I feel it’s superlative, and it really has to be superlative. “I spend endless hours … editing and making sure that a client gets the best of what I shot. I really hope I am a standard-bearer for the highest standards of photographic excellence.” Gold said the Chamber is a “superb” organization and has helped him promote his business. “The Chamber is wonderful for networking and very supportive,” he said. “[Chamber President] Ward Todd and his staff just could not be more helpful to me and welcoming to me as well. They make you feel like you’re part of a family. I love the Chamber.” The Corporate Image, 1 Jacob Lane in New Paltz, N.Y., can be reached at (845) 255-5255 or mgphotoman.com.
Michael Gold – The Corporate Image
ChamberNews Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement
The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
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Chamber members mark milestones Some have been 60-year supporters Paul Beichert, the president of Timely Signs in Kingston, is 40 years old and was reminded of another milestone at the Chamber’s January breakfast. “We’ve been a Chamber member for about as long as I’ve been alive,” he said. “I guess that’s a pretty significant accomplishment.” The Chamber recognized several “Sustaining Members”—those who have been members for 25 years or more—who are marking significant anniversaries in 2014. “We would not be in existence were it not for members who stayed with us, year after year, supporting our mission of improving the economy of our region and our concept of Buy Local and Shop Local,” said Chamber President Ward Todd. Three businesses, each of them recognized for 60 years of membership this year were Kingston Overhead Door, Rose and Kiernan, Inc. and the Ulster County Board of Realtors. Those businesses who have been Chamber members for 40 years in 2014 include Anaconda Sports, Coffee Systems of the Hudson Valley, Gateway Community Industries, The Reis Group, Timely Signs, Wiltwyck Golf Club and the YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County. Hitting the 30-year mark in 2014 are Cornell Cooperative Extension of Ulster County, Custom Dental Lab Inc. and ServiceMaster of Kingston. The 25-year members for 2014 are Jackson Lew-
“We would not be in existence were it not for members who stayed with us, year after year, supporting our mission of improving the economy of our region...” – Ward Todd
Representatives of the Ulster County Board of Realtors, including Board President Harris Safier (2nd from left).
is P.C., Kingston Housing Authority, Kingston Physical Therapy & Sports Rehabilitation, Mental Health Association of Ulster County, Miller/Howard Investments, Inc. and Pardee’s Agency Inc. Members of the Ulster County Board of Realtors, which joined the Chamber on Feb. 1, 1954, took up an entire table at the January breakfast. Harris Safier, the board’s current president, said the group’s mission is to keep property rights alive and vital and also to be involved in the community. “The Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce has been the
business organization for decades,” he said. Safier said Dorothy Pismopulos, the board’s former CEO, was always supportive of the Chamber during her long career. “I think realtors feel that by keeping the economy of their communities vital and strong and growing, that they’re supporting property rights,” Safier said. “That’s what we’re about is to try to keep the American Dream alive of home ownership. In order for people to buy homes, their community has to be healthy and so that’s the reason that the Ulster County Board of Realtors has been a [Chamber] supporter and
will continue to be. “The Chamber is one organization that’s working pretty consistently to try to help businesses to thrive and grow and to invite new businesses to Ulster County, where they can make connections and networks with other business leaders.” Bill Green, the general manager of Wiltwyck Golf Club, which joined the Chamber on Aug. 1, 1974, agreed. “The Chamber is a great organization,” he said. “Certainly, their work in maintaining and sustaining small businesses in the area helped us over the years.” For example, IBM’s
departure from Kingston was “catastrophic,” but the Chamber helped hold things together, Green said. “The fact that the small businesses in the community were able to continue and thrive, that certainly helped us maintain our business,” he said. “We’re grateful to the Chamber for all the work that they do in the community. Beichert said Timely Signs, like many businesses, doesn’t always have time to mark milestones. They are too busy meeting customer needs and moving on to the next project. The January breakfast was a nice reminder about the business his father,
Ozzie, started. Timely Signs joined the Chamber on Sept. 1, 1974. “That particular event was kind of a eye-opener for me,” he said. “I hadn’t realized we had been Chamber members for that long. Sometimes you have your head down and you’re going about your business and the years go by. It feels like we’ve always been a member of the Chamber.” Beichert said he also enjoys the Chamber’s popular mixers, where he can network with other business leaders who perhaps he hasn’t seen in a while. “It does bring a lot of the local businesses together in a relaxed setting that you might not otherwise get to speak with these people,” he said. “I’m always happy to see other business owners like myself, second- and third-generation family members who have kind of continued what their family members started. It’s kind of nice. It makes for a more closely-knit business community.”
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
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ChamberNews Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement
The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
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St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast just around the corner CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1
Sisters with the transition from a Catholic hospital to a hospital for the community that was nondenominational. “It was a way of recognizing the entire community. It was just a very sensitive thing the Chamber did and I’m very grateful for it.” Feehan said the transition from the Benedictine Sisters to HealthAlliance of the Hudson Valley is going “exceptionally well.” She said HealthAlliance “could not have been more sensitive to the whole process and us as individuals.” Feehan said the official transfer last year was a memorable moment. “I’ll always remember that morning and the silence in the room and the impact it had on everybody, not just us Sisters. It was tangible,” she said. “It was quite a poignant moment for everybody. They felt for us and we felt for them. “Since then, I can only rate everybody a 10 as far as their sensitivity to us and their graciousness to us.” Feehan said the community has also helped her celebrate her honor. Weeks and even months after the breakfast, people would see her in public and remark on her being the Irishperson of the Year. “I would smile and say, ‘Yeah, I guess I am!’ It was an honor that I received for all of us (Benedictine Sisters)
and that’s still how I hold it and with great gratitude to the Chamber,” Feehan said. Feehan said she plans to attend this year’s breakfast. “Oh yes,” she said. “I have to see who this next person is. They always pick some interesting community person and I’ve found that most of the times they have great senses of humor about the whole thing and carry themselves off very well.” Does she have any advice for those attending? “I think everyone going in should be prepared to accept that award,” she said. “Everyone.” Todd has said the winner must be in attendance and he doesn’t make the announcement until the end of the program. Todd has also dropped hints in the past about the qualities he looks for in a potential winner: “I look for a Chamber member in good standing who has been active in our region; not just successful in business or the not-for-profit community, but someone who has given back and continues to give back to our community, in any number of ways,” he said. Advance registration is a must and payment for this breakfast must be made at the time of reservation. It will sell out fast, so get your reservation in today. The cost is $18 per person for Chamber members and $30 for nonmembers. For more information, call the Chamber office at (845)
338-5100. Reservations can be made and paid online by going to www.ulsterchamber.org. For those who miss the breakfast, watch for photos on the Chamber’s website and Facebook page shortly after the event. Chamber breakfast programs are a great way to network with other local business leaders and stay on top of current events. Pre-registration and advance payment is required. For more information or to register, call the Chamber at (845) 338-5100 or go online at www.ulsterchamber.org.
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Deising’s is a Kingston mainstay There’s nothing like a hand-whipped cupcake from Deising’s Bakery. Then again, there’s nothing like a fresh loaf of bread or custard-filled birthday cake from the king of all bakeries in the MidHudson Valley. In fact, anything made at the award-winning eatery at 111 North Front St. in Kingston just tastes exquisite and reflects the owners’ philosophy of culinary excellence. Online reviews say it all: “Deising’s Bakery is really a standout”; “the bakery rocks any time of day”; “Hands down, the best breakfast place in Kingston”; “They make the most amazing cakes, and everything just looks huge.” Such compliments bring pride to Eric Deising, who, along with his brother, Norman, and sister, Kirsten Wright, run a tight and well-organized ship. “People saying positive things keeps us going,” he said. “They love the staff. They love the service. They love the quality. They love the pricing. That’s what’s made us successful. Our philosophy has always been to be great and to keep the prices reasonable.” It’s a business frameof-mind that has been passed down to the Deising children from their parents, Uwe and Ingrid, who founded the bakery in 1965. The couple, from Hamburg, Germany, had married and settled in Long Island, and, as newlyweds, saw an ad for Ketterer’s Bakery on the corner of Broadway and Cornell Street in the New York
Bakery, restaurant draw rave reviews MEMBER PROFILE “They love the staff. They love the service. They love the quality. They love the pricing. That’s what’s made us successful.” –Eric Deising
Times. They drove up to Kingston and bought the building, and in the years that followed, worked hard to build it into the celebrated spot it is today. In less than 15 years, the Deisings had outgrown the Midtown location and relocated to a former tire store on North Front Street. They also still maintain the original location at 584 Broadway. Thus began a new chap-
ter in the family business as it expanded, creating the area’s first “Euro” café, buying new equipment and changing the name to Deising’s Bakery and Pastry Shop. “As teenagers, we grew up in the business and worked here,” Deising said. “We also worked elsewhere to learn other things besides what we know here to bring that back to the business and keep it modern. I think we’ve done that.” No doubt, that mission has been accomplished. In addition to keeping tabs on industry trends, the siblings and their staff have changed with the times, learning new techniques while maintaining that traditional bakery appeal. “You don’t find much of these (old-fashioned bakeries) anymore,” Deising said. “You find more specialty shops, where someone is going to sell just bagels or just donuts or just cupcakes, and we do all of that here. That’s our niche, and that helps us to continue to be successful,” he said. If success is measured by awards, Deising’s indeed hit the jackpot in 1984, winning the coveted “Best Retail Bakery” in America. Recognition again came in 2005 just as the bakery was celebrating its 40th anniversary, earning accolades as the spot for the “Best Breakfast in the Hudson Valley.” In between, Uwe and Ingrid retired and passed the business into the capable hands of their adult children. More expansions and updates happened along
Inside Deising’s Bakery on North Front Street in Kingston
the way as the family purchased a former bar in the adjacent building in Uptown in 1982—the year the site was remodeled and converted into a full-service restaurant and kitchen. Today, the restaurant, which serves breakfast and lunch seven days a week, almost is as popular as the bakery itself. “The restaurant complements the bakery and the bakery complements the restaurant,” Deising noted. They also purchased an adjacent Laundromat and converted that to two catering halls, allowing Deisings to offer on-premises catering for business or social meetings. The overall emphasis in food production has always been quality ingredients and dedication to freshness, he added. Customers won’t find
any week-old pastries or even day-old breads on the shelves like at supermarkets, Deising said. “Those are baked, massproduced and sold two or
three days after they’ve been made as opposed to where we have fresh-bread baked every day. “All (our) products are CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
FREE Informational Meeting TROPICAL COSTA RICA TRIP NOVEMBER 13 - 21, 2014 ONLY $2,149* (Double occup.) *Price includes $100 discount if booked before May 2, 2014
April 8, 2014 5:00 pm Courtyard By Marriott, 500 Frank Sottile Blvd., Kingston, NY For reservations contact the Chamber (845) 338-5100 or www.UlsterChamber.org
ChamberNews Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement
The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
See the Catskills on a Harley
MEMBER PROFILE
Rent from Woodstock Harley-Davidson “I feel like I want to bring the world here to ride a motorcycle,” says Bill Nugent, the owner of Woodstock Harley-Davidson. Ulster County already boasts a $450-million-ayear tourism industry, but Nugent says there are “unrealized tourism” opportunities out there and that’s why he opened a rental department at his dealership last year. “Our plan is to rent out bikes for the Catskill Region and try to bring tourism into the Catskills,” Nugent said. “It’s a beautiful place, maybe one of the most major places in the Southern Tier of New York to ride a motorcycle.” Nugent said he started out with seven rentals and hopes to increase that to 10. “I want to try to use the Chamber to bridge relationships with other businesses that can benefit from the influx of people that I’m hopefully trying to bring into the area,” Nugent said. “It’s my opinion that the Catskill Mountain region is woefully underutilized as an exciting place in the motorcycle world to come and enjoy. “You’d be surprised at how many people are kind of shocked when they hear me go on about how beautiful the Catskills are.” Someone who saw the majesty of the Catskills first-hand this year was Matt Levatich, the president and COO of HarleyDavidson Motor Co. Levatich and several other Harley-Davidson officials were at Nugent’s dealership on Aug. 25 before departing for Milwaukee as part of the “110th Anniversary Ride.” Nugent
was part of the group. Nugent, who displays an infectious enthusiasm for what he does, said the Hudson Valley boasts a large “power sports industry” and is replete with motorcycle dealers and others selling ATVs, campers and trailers. “Our dealership is very unique because we are more than riding motorcycles,” Nugent says. “This is pretty much a lifestyle. We don’t have customers; we have enthusiasts. “Once you get into the ‘Harley World,’ you’re kind of drawn into a circle. It’s almost like a band of brothers and sisters.” Harley riders acknowledge each other on the road no matter what state or
country, Nugent says. “We offer lifestyle here at our dealership,” Nugent says. “Almost everyone in the dealership rides a motorcycle. We enjoy being on the bikes. It’s kind of central to our world. We’re all kind of like circulating around bikes.” The dealership also offers a large motor clothes department, where Harley aficionados can find T-shirts, leather jackets, boots and other riding accessories. “Anything you need to wear, we have a very large department for that,” Nugent said. The dealership also boasts departments for parts and service. CONTINUED ON PAGE 11
“This is pretty much a lifestyle. We don’t have customers; we have enthusiasts” –Bill Nugent
Bill Nugent of Woodstock Harley-Davidson
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Investment, Tax, Payroll and Insurance products and services available through Ulster Insurance Services, Inc., and Ulster Financial Group, Inc., subsidiaries of Ulster Savings Bank, are NOT FDIC INSURED.
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
WELCOME THESE NEW MEMBERS ANDERSON CENTER FOR AUTISM 4885 Route 9 Staatsburg, NY 12580 www.andersoncenterforautism.org Phone (845) 889-9224 RonDeena Ross, Development Manager Category: non-profit organizations
Anderson Center is an organization that fosters independence and self-advocacy for children and adults with Autism.
BLAIR COLLECTIBLES PO Box 655 Pine Hill, NY 12465 Phone (845) 254-4717 William A. & Ruth Blair, Owners Categories: collectibles; antiques dealers Over 40 years buying and selling coins & currency, old toys & marbles, postcards, political items, jewelry & watches, early photos.
THE COUNCIL OF INDUSTRY 6 Albany Post Road, Desmond Campus Newburgh, NY 12550 www.councilofindustry.org Phone (845) 565-1355 Harold King, Executive Vice President Categories: business associations; non-profit organizations
The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer’s association for the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community.
THE FITNESS CONNECTION 592 Ulster Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 www.fit-connection.com Phone (845) 481-3044 Rosanne Kaznowski, Lauryn Kaznowski - CoOwners Category: fitness/health clubs
Personal Training and group fitness classes. Airbrush spray tanning is also available.
Enjoy all the Benefits of Membership in the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce. Call Membership Director Fran DePetrillo-Savoca at (845) 338-5100
GEN TECH ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES INC. P. O. Box 136 Stone Ridge, NY 12484 www.thewaterplace.org Phone (845) 687-0420 Joan DeGrazia, Office Manager Category: water conditioning
All types of water testing - residential and commercial. Water treatment for all kinds of water problems.
NAOMI GRAPHICS 170 MacDaniel Rd. Bearsville, NY 12409 www.naomigraphics.com Phone (845) 679-0360 Naomi Schmidt, Owner Categories: graphic design; web site development
Design for print and web. Working with small businesses, from branding, marketing materials, advertising to web and creating custom e-mails. Naomi Graphics also designs CD/DVD material as well as books and much more.
GOLDEN HILL NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER 99 Golden Hill Drive Kingston, NY 12401 www.ghnrc.com Phone (845) 340-3872 Jacqueline Sylvia/Cookie Travis, Primary Contacts Category: nursing homes/senior residences
Golden Hill Nursing & Rehabilitation Center is a 280 bed skilled facility that serves long-term and shortterm residents.
LAW OFFICE OF TANYA L. DAVIS P. O. Box 121 Boiceville, NY 12412 www.tanyadavislaw.com Phone (845) 657-4204 Tanya L. Davis, Owner Categories: attorneys; legal services
Real Estate, Elder Law (including wills and other advanced directives, Medicaid planning, probate administration, etc.) and Special Education Law
MICHAEL DEWAN APPRAISAL & ASSOCIATES 138 East Market Street Rhinebeck, NY 12572 www.michaeldewanappraisal.com Phone (845) 758-5090 Michael DeWan, MAI, Member, Founder Categories: real estate - appraisals
Real Estate Appraisal and Valuation practice, principally focused upon commercial property, with clients based mainly in the Mid-Hudson Valley and the Catskills.
NAN TEPPER DESIGN 309 Hillside Avenue Hurley, NY 12443 nantepperdesign.com Phone (845) 417-6112 Ms. Nan Tepper, Owner Categories: web site development; graphic design
Nan Tepper Design creates websites, specializes in Word Press, and offers graphic design services.
WILTWYCK WEB DESIGN 39 Church Street Bloomington, NY 12411 www.wiltwyck.com Phone (845) 332-4982 Pete Perry, Owner Categories: web site development; marketing
Wiltwyck Web Design is a small company that builds an Internet presence for other small companies and non-profits. We do this by creating professionally designed websites, that are search engine friendly, and integrated into a social media marketing plan.
WOMEN’S HEALTH AND FITNESS FOUNDATION 360 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 Phone (845) 338-7140 Mary Beth Rogers, Primary Contact Category: health & wellness
Our goals are simple, straightforward and crucial to healthier living and a more balanced lifestyle for women and their families: Focusing on the importance of women taking time for themselves, emphasizing prevention and education, getting fit for life, eating healthy and loving it. Being proactive about health, learning to accept, enjoy and move our bodies. Honoring the needs of mind, body and spirit.
WOMEN’S WOODSTOCK CYCLING GRAND PRIX (WWCGP 2014) 223 Smith Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 Phone (845) 612-1672 Martin E. Bruhn, Founding Partner Category: sporting events
A women’s-only bicycle race(s) highlighting women’s athleticism, bicycling and the greatness of Ulster County
ChamberNews Wednesday, March 5, 2014 • Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement
The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
These Members Have Renewed A Razor’s Edge Barbershop & Salon, Inc. Alfandre Architecture, PC American Cancer Society Atlantic Business Products/Mid-Hudson Copy Broadway Photo Booth Brooks and Brooks Land Surveyors Catskill Animal Sanctuary CDPHP Cedar Winds Farm Christiana Construction Thomas F. Cingel, DDS Clarke/Thompson Advertising & Design Close Out New York, Inc. Culligan Water Company DeForest Group, Inc. Extra Space Storage - #408 Globaltransol LLC Hello Dolly Real Estate Herzog’s True Value Home Center Hudson Valley Resort & Spa Johnson’s Signs and Tees Kingston Library
Kingston Plaza LTC Financial Partners Dermot McGuigan MVP Health Care Northeast Window Covering Inc. Julie Provenzano Court Reporting Service Quality Inn and Suites Rondout Savings Bank Saugerties Outfitters Inc. Sportsman’s Alamo Cantina, Ltd. Super 8 Kingston-NY Thomas F. Lindgren, CPA, PC Time Warner Cable Town of Ulster Ulster County Clerk Usheco, Inc. The Valley Group Valuation Consultants, Inc. Vaz-Co Reclaiming Service YMCA of Kingston and Ulster County
Deising’s Bakery Continued from Page 8
… made every day, put out every day and discarded every day. That is one of our niches that we have, that freshness people are looking for, that all-natural food—not the chemical version of food,” Deising said. Beyond that, the key to the family’s success has been to simply listen to the customer. “Many of our recipes have remained the same since we started, but some have changed with the times. Some areas of food have changed. Cupcakes are huge now. We make tons of cupcakes. Years ago, we didn’t make any cupcakes. We’re always
adapting to the future and we’re going to continue to do that.” For now, the eatery is keeping its patrons warm this winter with its housemade soups and hearty breakfasts. The bakery staff also is about to create those great Irish-themed desserts and Irish soda bread for the upcoming St. Patrick’s holiday. If you don’t see him at the bakery, make sure to look for Eric Deising at a future Business-AfterHours mixer. “I’ve known all of these people growing up in the business community, and I love going to those mixers because I see those people
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ANNIVERSARIES 35 YEARS: Kingston Plaza 20 YEARS: AmeriBag Inc. Henry Al Gleich, CPA, PC Waste Management 15 YEARS: Valuation Consultants, Inc. Walmart 10 YEARS: Birchez Associates, LLC Hudson Landing Medenbach & Eggers SHARP Committee 5 YEARS: Catskill Mountain Catering Hickory Barbeque & Smokehouse
Woodstock Harley-Davidson again, and it’s friendships renewed,” said Deising, a big fan of the Chamber. “Mostly I support the Chamber because they fight for the little guys like me. I do not have the time to deal with our elected officials to tell them my business needs. The Ulster Chamber does that for me. That’s why I support the Chamber, because they speak for me with a louder voice than I ever could.” Deising’s Bakery, 111 N. Front St. and 584 Broadway in Kingston, can be reached at (845) 338-7505 and (845) 3381580 or www.deisings. com.
Continued from Page 9
Woodstock Harley-Davidson has about 20 fulltime employees, but more in the summer. The dealership usually has about 30 new and 20 pre-owned bikes for customers to see. The 2009 economic downturn took its toll on the dealership, but Nugent said he brought a new attitude when he bought the business in May 2012. “I basically said to the staff, ‘Listen, I want you to shed your thoughts of contraction. We are not in contraction mode anymore. We are in expansion mode and that’s the way I want to operate and I want you to project that toward the customers. We are a growing
business,’ ” Nugent said. Nugent bought the business from Jan Dordick. She and her husband started the business in 1975 and it was located on Route 212 in Saugerties and at another location on Route 28 before moving to the current 949 Route 28 in 2000. A former oil trader on the New York Mercantile Exchange, Nugent was looking for commercial real estate in the Kingston area when he saw the property for sale on a website. Nugent scrolled up and found that the business could also be purchased and, learning it was Woodstock HarleyDavidson, he was immediately interested. “I started my six to eight-
month vetting process to get qualified as a buyer,” Nugent said. The 21,000-square-foot facility sits on four acres and Nugent said he is always encouraging his employees to make visual changes around the dealership to keep the customers excited. “The people in the Hudson Valley have received us,” he said. “We’re a growing business, we appreciate their support, and the more we grow, the more we can give back to the community.” Woodstock Harley-Davidson, 949 Route 28 in Kingston, can be reached at (845) 338-2800 or www. woodstockharley.com.
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ChamberNews The Official Publication of the Ulster County Regional Chamber of Commerce
Daily Freeman Advertising Supplement • Wednesday, March 5, 2014
February 26, 2014 Always There 918 Ulster Ave., Town of Ulster Always There in the Town of Ulster was our February Mixer host. New CEO Susan Koppenhaver (C) is surrounded by members of the Always There staff and Board of Directors.
February Mixer Sponsored By
Our Mixer Sponsor, Ulster Federal Credit Union (L-R) Bill Querbes (Chief Operating Officer), Kim Turck (VP Marketing), Cheryl Hobart (Chief Financial Officer), Dennis Pitcock (Director), Lisa Broughton (Branch Manager), Chris Heavey (Branch Manager), Rick Mantey (President/CEO)
(L-R) Darryl Lafferty (American Red Cross), Steven Williams (Sterling National Bank), Robert G. Baum (Win Morrison Realty), Howard Slotnick (Esopus Business Alliance), Jeff Siegel (Spencer Daniels Agency)
(L-R) Jeanne Scharschu (River Radiology, PLLC), John De Forest (Rondout Golf Club/Ivan’s Restaurant), Daniel Gagnon (Daniel D. Gagnon CPA, PC), B. A. Feeney III (Catskill Hudson Bank)
(L-R) Kathy Bruno, Jim Bruno (Town of Saugerties), Taber McNaughton, Salvatore DePoala (Mountain Valley Manor Adult Care Home)
(L-R) Kim Mahoney, Amelia Villa, Maxine Craig (A Razor’s Edge Barbershop & Salon, Inc.
