Lessons from a leading CEO Lessons from a leading CEO

You’ve been approved! 

Loans make big difference for women-owned businesses 

Vision quest 

Woman in business overcomes blindness to succeed 

acchamber.org :: techvalley.org 

Chamber 

Announces 

2008 Women 

of Excellence 

Honorees 

Eight to be honored for 

professional achievements, 

community work 

Their journey 

continues 

My Linh Restaurant a family 

affair, far from home 

Two women, 

two sisters, 

thousands 

of gifts 

REGALO co-founders 

make gift-giving 

a total experience 

Lessons from a 

leading CEO 

CMA Consulting, Inc.’s Kay Stafford offers 

solutions of her own 

women & business 

volume 8 issue 6 june 2008

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contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents contents 


june 2008 / volume 8 / issue 6 

8 

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25 

is a monthly publication of albany-colonie regional chamber of commerce 

Our offices are located at One Computer Drive South, Albany, NY 12205. Telephone: 518.431.1400. Fax: 518.431.1410. To reach the Chamber on the World 

Wide Web, go to acchamber.org. Comments about the publication should be directed to John Spadafora at 518.431.1413 or johns@acchamber.org. For 

information about advertising, contact Don McCormick at 518.783.9368 or dmccormick2@nycap.rr.com. Annual subscriptions are available for $335. 

lyntaylor 

publisher 

johnspadafora 

editor 

6 

8 

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16 

17 

19 

33 

4 

21 

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38 

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25 

features 

Their journey continues 

My Linh Restaurant – a family affair, far from home 

Two women, two sisters, thousands of gifts 

REGALO co-founders make gift-giving a total experience 

Chamber Announces 2008 Women of Excellence Honorees 

Eight to be honored for professional achievements, community work 

Key4Women Resource Center opens for business 

Unique setting for women in business to meet, network 

Let them eat cake 

Business at The Cheesecake Factory is sweet, indeed 

Vision quest 


Stewart’s grows, but stays close to customers 

Company marks 20 years as Chamber member 

Sustained excellence 

Meet two former winners who flourished in their careers 

in every issue 

chambercalendar 

communitycircuit 

chatroom 

newmembers 

photoop 

valleyspeak 

Teacher Externship Program Earns High Marks 

Citizens Bank gives $500,000 in support 

Word on the street 

“What career advice would you give to your daughter in the 21st century?” 

christopheriula 

layout & design 

paulquirini 

writer 

newyorkpress 

&graphics 

printing 

ericstraus 

photography 

donmccormick & 

paulasegal – advertising sales 

virtuefilms, intl 

cover photography 

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Business Services Corporation and their representatives, employees and agents are held harmless from any claim, demand, liability or action 

on account of or in any way arising out of the client’s advertising, products and services, or its participation in visions. © visions 2008. Chris Iula 

44 

Dr. Jeanne Neff 

President 

The Sage Colleges 

Lessons from 

a leading CEO 

CMA Consulting, Inc.’s 

Kay Stafford offers 

solutions of her own 

22 

Kay Stafford, chief executive officer 

of CMA Consulting, Inc., looks for 

team players to join her software 

development company, and she 

means it quite literally. As CMA 

approaches its 25th anniversary, 

Stafford reminisces on her nearly 

quarter-century at the helm and 

discusses the challenges and 

rewards of being a prominent 

woman in business. 

acchamber.org :: techvalley.org VISIONS 3

To register visit acchamber.org/events.aspx 

june 

Please register and pay by credit card online at acchamber.org/events.aspx Or, make checks payable to the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and mail to: One Computer 

Drive South, Albany, NY 12205. Pre-payment is required. CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE 24 HOURS IN ADVANCE. Walk-ins will be charged an additional $5 fee. All events 

are for Chamber members only. For more information on councils and committees, call 518.431.1400. 

2 16 

tuesday 

3 

Business Referral Group 4 / Noon – 1pm / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany 

Women’s Business Council 

Sponsor: KeyBank / Topic: Meet the Women of Excellence 

Join the Women’s Business Council for one of the most anticipated programs of the year as we introduce the 2008 Women of Excellence award honorees. Hear about 

the turning points in their careers, what inspires them and how community involvement has changed their lives and careers. Audience participation will be encouraged 

in this inspiring panel discussion and great networking opportunities await. 

Time: 11:30am – 1pm / Wolferts Roost Country Club, 120 Van Rensselaer Boulevard, Albany / Cost: $12; Chamber members only 

wednesday 

4 

Member Benefits Breakfast 

Sponsors: Hilton Garden Inn at Albany Medical Center and Residence Inn by Marriott, Saratoga Springs 

Chamber membership entitles you and your employees to a host of benefits. Learn how to optimize your membership and understand the positive effects it can 

have on your business. Members are invited to review the programs and opportunities their Chamber membership offers at this breakfast. Several knowledgeable 

Chamber volunteers and staff will be on hand to answer your questions and offer guidance. 

Time: 7:45 – 9am / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: No charge 

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thursday 

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tuesday 

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Search Engine Optimization –– Get Found Online or Get Left Behind 

Presented by: Darcy Knapp, Network Solutions 

Seventy-one percent of consumers use a search engine to find websites. In order to be discovered by new customers, your site must first be found by search engines! 

Learn the secrets of search engine optimization (SEO), best practice SEO strategies to grow your business, and how to get increased traffic to your website. 

Time: 7:30 – 9am / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: No charge 


Toastmasters Luncheon Club / Noon – 1pm / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany 

Cultural Diversity Business Council and Small Business Council 

Topic: Uniting Diverse Behaviors 

The workplace today is a very diverse place, even if not obviously so. Diversity can rule your workplace… how cohesive or divisive determines your success. This workshop 

identifies the basic concepts to make colleagues and customers feel welcome and valued. Gain a greater awareness of the diversity within your organization and learn 

to create the environment where everyone feels included, respected and appreciated. 

Time: 7:30 – 7:45am networking, 7:45 – 9:15am program / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: $5; Chamber members only 

Business Referral Group 2 / 8 – 9am / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany 

thursday 

12 

thursday 

12 

4 

VISIONS 

Leadership Tech Valley Graduation Class of 2008 

Major Sponsor: M&T Bank 

Please join us in a celebration as we recognize the outstanding individuals of the Leadership Tech Valley Class of 2008. Register at acchamber.org/events.aspx or 

call 518.431.1457 by June 10. 

Time: 5:30 – 8pm / Albany Country Club 300 Wormer Road, Voorheesville, NY 12186 / Cost: $50 per guest 

*Tables are available for purchase upon request 

Seminar: Tip the Scales in Your Favor and Promote a Healthy Workplace 

Presented by: Dr. Mark Nelson/Margaret Van Houten, Take Shape for Life/GetFitMD 

Obesity is the leading cause of cardiovascular disease and the second leading cause of cancer in the United States. All of us, including employees, are impacted 

by this epidemic and its many adverse consequinces. Learn how to achieve optimal health through weight loss, and bring these useful tools back to your workplace 

to help encourage a healthier work environment. 

Time: 7:30 – 9am / Chamber’s office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: No charge 

acchamber.org :: techvalley.org

monday 

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tuesday 

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thursday 

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wednesday 

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Swing and a Miss Golf Tournament 

Sponsor: LinguaLinx 

If you’ve avoided playing in golf tournaments because you’ve never played the game before or felt intimidated because you’re 

not a great golfer, join us for a day of fun at the 2nd Annual Swing and a Miss Golf Tournament. Don’t be the one left behind at 

the office while your co-workers are out having a blast on the links. The Swing and a Miss tournament is for beginners who have 

always wanted to experience playing in a tournament. Have a few laughs, network and maybe even pick up a few tips to improve 

your game. This half-day event consists of a clubhouse luncheon, nine holes of golf, cocktail reception, raffle prizes and dinner buffet. 

We’ve taken the pressure away from the game and encourage you to join us for a day of fun. 

11:30am registration/lunch; 1pm shotgun start; 5pm dinner/program / Van Schaick Island Country Club, 201 

Continental Avenue, Cohoes / Cost: $75; Chamber members only 

Colonie Business Council 

Topic: Colonie Executives Panel Discussion 

What are the advantages of doing business in Colonie? Why do businesses appreciate being located in Colonie? These are just a couple of the questions 

that we will hear answers to at the Colonie Business Council’s June program. Join us as we welcome Colonie area executives Ilene Sykes, CFO, Party 

Warehouse; Jim Harris, Jr., president, Janitronics, Inc.; and Paula Stopera, president and CEO, Capital Communications Federal Credit Union. Our three panelists 

will speak with our attendees about the many ways you can take advantage of doing business in Colonie. 

11:45 am registration; Noon program / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: $10; Chamber members only 

TECHForce Council June Breakfast 

Walt Borisenok of Fortitech, Inc., the world’s leader in the development of custom nutrient premixes for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries, 

is the featured guest speaker. 

7:30 – 9am / The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center, 660 Albany Shaker Road, Albany / Cost: $20 

Solo Entrepreneurs Council 

Topic: Roundtable Discussion 

Join other solo entrepreneurs for an open roundtable discussion that will encourage you to think about what you can do to make your business a success. This 

will be an opportunity to get answers to the questions you have been eager to ask and to share your triumphs with the group to help other solo entrepreneurs. 

7:30 am networking; 8 – 9am program / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: No charge 

20 

thursday 

19 

thursday 

19 

Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council 

Sponsor: CB Richard Ellis / Topic: What Keeps You Up at Night? 

Do you find yourself waking up in the middle of the night because of some work-related problem that you just can’t seem to shake? Know that you are 

not alone, and join us to share your biggest “monster in the closet.” Featuring Susan Arbetter from WMHT Educational Communications as moderator. 

8 am networking; 8:30 – 9:30am program / Location: The Edison Club, 891 Riverview Road, Rexford 

Cost: $5; Registration open to Albany-Colonie and Schenectady Chamber members only 

Marketing Made Easy 

Presented by: Michael Richards, Virtue Films, Intl. 

Join Emmy Award-winning television producer Michael Richards as he shares “Real World” ideas and experiences on marketing everything from local small 

businesses to an NFL football team. Learn to understand marketing concepts, and how to effectively apply them to real-world practice. 

7:30 – 9am / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany / Cost: No charge 

Executive Dialogue / 7:30 – 9am / Chamber office, One Computer Drive South, Albany 

saturday 

21 

thursday 

26 

Video Sponsor 

GenNEXT Gives Back: Community Service Project 

Sponsor: The College of Saint Rose 

This is your chance to give back to the community! People of all generations are welcome to join GenNEXT as they engage in a community service project 

for Northeast Parent & Child Society, a local nonprofit organization. The mission of Northeast Parent & Child is to empower our neighbors to take better 

care of their own poor and troubled children. The project will include basic painting and beautification tasks. 

9am – noon / Northeast Parent & Child Society, 530 Franklin Street, Schenectady / Registration open to Albany-Colonie and Schenectady 

Chamber members only / Registration is limited, register in advance 

Photo by Creative Expressions Photography 

17th Annual Women of Excellence Awards Luncheon 

Sponsors: Academy of the Holy Names, KeyBank, Times Union and Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP 

Video Sponsor: MVP Health Care 

Join us in recognizing eight outstanding local businesswomen at the Women’s Business Council’s 17th annual awards luncheon. The 

deserving Women of Excellence will be honored for their accomplishments in a variety of professions. The program will include video 

presentations highlighting the winners and their achievements. Take part in this special celebration that honors women who are 

making a profound difference in their professions and our business community. 

Time: 11:30 am registration; Noon luncheon and awards / Location: Albany Marriott Hotel, 189 Wolf Road, Albany / Cost: $56 



Linh and Anh Diep pose 

in their restaurant 

Their journey 

continues 

My Linh Restaurant a family 

affair, far from home 

People loved Anh Diep’s cooking so much, she decided 

to open a restaurant. That was 15 years ago, and 

today Diep continues bringing a taste of Vietnam to 

patrons of My Linh Restaurant in Albany. 

She and her daughter, Linh, co-manage the 

restaurant and are grateful for the support they’ve 

received, both at their original site on Madison 

Avenue and their current location on Delaware 

Avenue, where they’ve been for the past eight years. 

“We’ve been privileged, of course, to have the 

opportunity to introduce Today’s the wind Capital turbines Region to 

Vietnamese cuisine,” Linh produces Diep said. as much 

The family fled Vietnam as 3,000 in 1978 kilowatts on boat after the 

fall of Saigon and sought of power refuge in Malaysia before 

they were transferred to Kuala Lumpur. 

A year later, the International Center of the 

Capital Region in Albany sponsored them, assisting 

the parents with job placement and the children with 

school enrollment. The International Center also provided 

them with an adoptive American family to help 

them adjust to life in the United States. 

Mother knows best 

Anh Diep had been a merchant in Vietnam and 

enjoyed cooking. When the family arrived in Albany, 

she prepared delicious meals on the weekends for her 

friends. They loved her meals, offered to pay for them 

and suggested that she open a restaurant. 

She did just that in 1993. 

“My mother had always wanted to open her own 

business, and when we settled here in America, she 

saved up enough money, had an opportunity and put 

in a lot of hard work,” Linh Diep said. 

It was difficult to get started, but after learning 

the ropes and showing a lot of determination, the 

family established a thriving restaurant, and they 

1789 Western Avenue 

(1/2 mile west of Crossgates Mall) 

518-218-7673 

www.abbyroseboutique.com 

6 

VISIONS 


moved to their current location. 

“Now, we’re in a better location with better ambience,” 

Linh Diep said. “There’s more parking, and we’re next to a 

movie theater. We’re one of the few Vietnamese restaurants 

in the area, and we’ve helped people understand the differences 

among Thai, Chinese, Indian and Vietnamese food.” 

Vietnamese food is light, with lots of vegetables, and My 

Linh’s menu offers a variety of poultry, seafood, beef and 

vegetarian meals. Among the restaurant’s signature dishes 

are: crispy crepe filled with chicken, mung beans, bean 

sprouts, mushrooms and onions; one half boneless, pan fried 

duck marinated with lemongrass, garlic and wine; and sliced 

beef sauteed with spicy curry and onions, topped with scallion 

and peanuts. 

The restaurant has about 10 employees, most of whom 

are part time. There’s an outdoor patio available for dining, 

adorned with plants when the weather turns warm. 

Sauces for sale 

Recently, My Linh (pronounced “ME lin”) unveiled a line of 

gourmet sauces –– tuong ngot, Ahn’s bean curd, vegetarian, 

nuoc mam and spicy nuoc mam –– directly from its kitchen. 

The sauces are available for purchase in the restaurant or 

online at www.mylinhtasteofvietnam.com, and they may 

soon be sold in local gourmet stores. 

For Anh and Linh Diep, working together as mother and 

daughter presents a unique dynamic, but one to which 

they’ve grown accustomed. Anh is in charge of the kitchen, 

including the preparation and presentation of the dishes, 

while Linh oversees the dining rooms, bar and all other 

aspects of the business. 

“Sometimes, there are emotional charges, but we have 

our goals, we put our emotions aside and do what’s best for 

the restaurant,” Linh Diep said. “We are very hard-working, 

reliable, trustworthy people.” 

Although they are women in business, they don’t view 

themselves that way. 

“For us, we try to think of ourselves as business people, 

and gender is secondary,” Linh Diep said. “We’ve been determined 

to turn our dreams into reality, and success can be 

achieved when opportunity meets preparation.” 

Those dreams were made possible when they came to 

this country, and they’re proud to be pursuing the American 

Dream right here in Albany. 

“What makes America so successful are people who work 

very hard,” Linh Diep said. “That’s a big part of Vietnamese 

culture, too.” 

My Linh recently unveiled a line of 

gourmet sauces 



Two women, two sisters, 

thousands of gifts 

REGALO co-founders make gift-giving a total experience 

Ellie Kittle-Ingalsbe and Kathy Lanni are more than 

just two women in business. 

They’re also sisters, and they’ve built REGALO A 

Gift Experience into a successful business specializing 

in corporate gifts, crystal awards and promotional 

items, working with clients in the Capital 

Region, throughout the Northeast and around the 

world. 

It all began in 1990, when New Woman magazine 

issued a call for entries for business ideas. 

Kittle-Ingalsbe and Lanni jumped at the chance to 

submit theirs. 

“We always had small businesses as kids,” Lanni 

said. “It was a dream of ours to have a business 

together as adults, so we submitted our idea for a 

company that would offer gift consultations and 

assist businesses with gift buying.” 

Their idea was selected, and after receiving seed 

money to start their business, REGALO –– the word 

means “gift” in Italian –– was born. 

“In September of 1990, we went to City Hall, we 

each kicked in $15, received our doing business certificate, 

and that was it,” Lanni said. “We had sheer 

determination and excitement to make things go.” 

Decision time 

At the time, both women were working in other 

full-time positions –– Kittle-Ingalsbe in marketing, 

Lanni in nursing –– but their immediate success with 

REGALO made them realize that their new venture 

would require more than just a part-time commitment. 

“It became pretty apparent after our first holiday 

season that if we were going to make this 

grow, one of us would have to work at it full time,” 

Lanni said. 

Kittle-Ingalsbe did just that, leaving her marketing 

job in the spring of 1991 to devote her working 

hours to REGALO. Lanni continued to work as a 

nurse and spent two days a week at REGALO before 

joining the new business full time in the fall of 1992. 

REGALO’s ever-expanding range of project 

work includes: meeting and conference gifts, corporate 

holidays, years of service and employee 

longevity programs, incentive and recognition 

programs, donor and volunteer recognition, various 

VIP and client gifts and promotions/marketing/trade 

shows. 

In addition, each REGALO gift is delivered gift 

packaged, gift wrapped, with hand-tied ribbons 

and a gift enclosure card. 

The company not only has a presence in Albany 

but in New York City and Boston, as well. “We definitely 

plan to keep growing,” Kittle-Ingalsbe said. 

Perfect timing 

Lanni noted that REGALO seemed to emerge at an 

ideal time, when businesses were starting to think 

outside the box in terms of designing, planning and 

implementing corporate gift programs. 

“When we got into the business, a corporate 

gift line was really unheard of,” she said. “It was a 

great time to start this type of business because so 

many corporations were just starting to jump on 

the bandwagon. We knew we could get clients, and 

those clients were very generous to us and referred 

us to new clients from the very beginning.” 

REGALO has helped raise the bar in terms of the 

quality of gifts that corporations give to their 

employees, especially when it comes to its custom 

designed and crafted crystal awards, for which 

REGALO is perhaps best known. 

As its Web site states, “crystal is a cherished art 

form. No other medium enjoys world-wide respect 

for its symbolism, grace and beauty. Crystal sends a 

message like no other.” 

Secrets of their success 

Being sisters, Lanni and Kittle-Ingalsbe agreed not 

to let business get in the way of their relationship as 

siblings, or as friends. After 18 years as business 

partners, they’re pleased with the results, from 

both a personal and a professional standpoint. 

Their advice for women in business is simple, yet 

profound. 

“Owning your own business is hard work,” 

Lanni said. “What we thought it would be and it’s 

turned out to be are totally different. It requires a 

lot of thinking, planning and strategizing. Follow 

your gut instincts, your woman’s intuition.” 

“Surround yourself with trusted advisors, people 

who are smarter than you,” Kittle-Ingalsbe 

added. “And learn how to read your financial statements.” 

 

Ellie Kittle-Ingalsbe and Kathy Lanni 

Full color caricatures 

in just 

at your next 

COMPANY EVENT 

WWW.BENASART.COM 

JEANNE@BENASART.COM 

WINNER OF THE CHAMBER’S SBC MICROENTERPRISE AWARD 

8 

VISIONS 


Congratulations 

Eileen Bagnoli! 

Pioneer Bank congratulates 

Eileen Bagnoli on being 

chosen a "Woman of 

Excellence" for her 

Distinguished Career. 

Eileen began her career at 

Pioneer in 1972 as a Teller. 

From there she embarked 

on a series of progressively 

advanced management 

positions. Today she 

assumes the responsibility 

for the day to day operation 

of the entire organization as 

the Executive Vice 

President/Chief Operating 

Officer. Her dedication and 

commitment are a true 

asset to Pioneer!


2008 

Women of 

Excellence 

Honorees 

Eight to be honored for 

professional achievements, 

community work 

Eight women who have found success in their professional 

careers and given back to others through community 

service will join the prestigious ranks of the 

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce’s 

“Women of Excellence” at a luncheon in June. 

The honorees will be recognized at the Chamber’s 

Women’s Business Council’s 17th Annual Women of 

Excellence Awards Luncheon, to be held Thursday, 

June 26 at the Albany Marriott Hotel beginning at 

11:30 a.m. 

Tickets for the event are $56; corporate tables 

are also available. Invitations were mailed out in 

May; registration may also be done online at acchamber.org/events.aspx. 

“The Women’s Business Council is proud to recognize 

these eight outstanding women for their contributions 

to the business community,” said Heather 

Ford, WBC chair. “Their achievements set the standard 

for excellence among women in business and remind 

us of what can be attained through passion and commitment.” 

“This year’s winners truly exemplify the spirit of 

the Women of Excellence Awards, demonstrating progression 

in their careers, involvement in their communities 

and accomplishments in their personal and professional 

lives that set them apart from their peers,” 

said Chamber President Lyn Taylor. 

The event’s major sponsors are Academy of the 

Holy Names, KeyBank, Times Union and Whiteman, 

Osterman and Hanna LLP. The program will include 

videos, sponsored by MVP Health Care, highlighting 

the honorees. 

The 2008 Women of Excellence 

Emerging Professional 

Rachel A. Zimolka 

Senior Business 

Development Executive 

Sunmark Federal 

Credit Union 

Rachel Zimolka has led Sunmark Federal Credit 

Union’s business development initiative since 

September 2001. In this role, she is responsible for 

recruiting, developing and managing the credit 

union’s relationships with 345 employer groups that 

extend Sunmark’s services to their employees. Her 

responsibilities include external public relations and 

communications with these firms, as well as planning 

and coordination of special events tailored to their 

needs. 

In 2002, Zimolka was selected by the executive 

management staff at Sunmark for the Outstanding 

Member Service Award, and was named by the Credit 

Union Journal as a recipient of the 2005 CU Journal 

Best Practices Award in Business Development. Most 

recently, Zimolka was selected by the Capital District 

Business Review as a 2007 “40 Under Forty” honoree. 

Zimolka’s dedication and commitment to the communities 

in which she has lived and worked is evident 

through her active participation and involvement in 

numerous community events and professional service 

organizations. Her passion for helping others led her 

to develop and coordinate the credit union’s financial 

literacy program, which helps low- to moderateincome 

families improve their well-being through 

financial education. Currently, Zimolka is an active 

member of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of 

Commerce and co-chair of the GenNEXT Council. 

“I’m extremely honored to be recognized by the 

Albany-Colonie Chamber of Commerce for my professional 

accomplishments and contributions to the community. 

This award is a direct reflection of the generous 

support that I’ve been afforded by my employer, 

my family and my friends. I’m truly fortunate to be 

surrounded by such supportive individuals who continue 

to demonstrate faith in me, and who give me 

the confidence to take risks and create opportunities 

for myself. I’m sincerely humbled and in awe that I 

have been selected to receive this prestigious award as 

the 2008 Emerging Professional.” 

Excellence in Sales or Marketing 

Sandra V. Nardoci 

Associate Broker/ 

Relocation Specialist 

Prudential Manor Homes 

Sandra Nardoci is an associate broker and relocation 

specialist with Prudential Manor Homes. A realtor 

since March 1991, she is a member of the New York 

State GRI Chapter of NYS Association of Realtors, Inc., 

the National Association of Realtors and the Greater 

Capital Association of Realtors. 

She is involved with numerous community service 

organizations, including Living Resources, Big 

Brothers Big Sisters of the Capital Region and the 

Greater Capital Association of Realtors board of directors. 

Nardoci is president-elect of the Greater Capital 

Association of Realtors and previously served as secretary/treasurer. 

She is also a director for the New York 

State Association of Realtors. 

Among the awards she has received are the Big 

Brothers and Big Sisters of the Capital Region 

Community Spirit Award and the Prudential Manor 

Homes Community Service Award, both in 2007, and 

the Prudential CARES Volunteer Grant Golden Star 

Award in 2004. She has been named to the New York 

State and National Association of Realtors Honor 

Society in 2001 and 2004-07, the Greater Capital 

Association of Realtors Educational Scholarship in 

2005 and was Greater Capital Association Realtor of 

the Year in 2004. 

“I’m really honored that I’ll be sitting beside such 

wonderful women as part of this distinguished group. 

I didn’t even know that I was nominated. For me, it’s 

such a great honor to be recognized with them.” 

Excellence in the Professions 

Katharine Briar-Lawson 

Dean of the School of 

Social Welfare 

University at Albany 

For more than 30 years, Katharine Briar-Lawson has 

been a leader in child welfare, social welfare, and 

social work education, advocating for vulnerable and 

oppressed persons and those who serve them. 

Since moving to Albany in 2000, Briar-Lawson has 

been influential in improving university-community 

relationships, establishing innovative social service collaborations 

in the Capital Region and strengthening 

relations among the University at Albany, state and 

local government and the public and non-profit sectors. 

At the same time, she is a national leader in social 

work education, child welfare and aging. 

Briar-Lawson serves as president of the National 

Association of Deans and Directors of Social Work 

(NADD), a signal honor among almost 200 schools of 

social work in the United States. Briar-Lawson helped 

to foster important national initiatives including 

workforce development for child welfare, aging populations, 

and funding from a charitable foundation 

for a leadership academy for deans. 

Over the past 15 years, she spearheaded university-community 

partnerships and family and interprofessional 

collaboration in more than 40 states. She 

recently helped to co-host the CWLA (Child Welfare 

League of America) Symposium on Community 

Building and Child Welfare. In addition, she is a frequent 

consultant abroad, traveling to the 

Netherlands, Peru, South Africa and South Korea. 

“I’m so honored, given the great people who’ve 

been selected in the past. Every year, the Women of 

Excellence Awards ceremony is such a spectacular 

event, and this award speaks to the strength of the 

region and the depth of collaboration in the area. It’s 

an affirmation of all the partnerships that exist and 

shows that we’re a nationally significant design lab 

that often drives public policy.” 

Excellence in Business 

Missy Shorey 

President/Chief 

Executive Officer 

Shorey Public Relations 

Missy Shorey is president and chief executive officer of 

Shorey Public Relations. The Saratoga Springs-based 

company is a results-focused, technology-centric communications 

agency dedicated to unsurpassed service, 

deep intellect, high energy and remarkable creativity. 

Prior to leading Shorey Public Relations, Shorey 

was a senior vice president at Hill & Knowlton Public 

Relations, where she led the marketing communications 

practice catering to Fortune 500 companies, 

leading municipal governments and cultural institu- 

10 

VISIONS 


tions. Additionally, she served the U.S. Department of 

State, where she led historically significant international 

marketing and advertising campaigns for multiple 

Foreign Service exams featuring former Secretary 

Colin Powell. 

Previously, Shorey led the day-to-day operations of 

the Technology Practice as a vice president at Ogilvy 

Public Relations Worldwide. She was personally 

responsible for $4.5 million in revenue via public relations 

and advertising efforts. Shorey also has extensive 

public sector experience with Congressional campaigns 

and the U.S. Senate, where she served as a 

communications advisor to the Senate Republican 

Conference. In this role she helped craft daily messaging 

and provided technical instruction to 55 Senate 

Republican press offices. 

“This is one of the greatest honors a person can 

achieve in the Capital Region, and I feel absolutely 

privileged to have been chosen. It speaks highly of not 

just one person, but our entire team. The fact that we 

are located in Saratoga Springs shows that the Capital 

Region spreads far and wide.” 

Excellence in Management 

(1–99 employees) 

Stacy Fitch 

General Manager 

The Paradies Shops 

Albany International 

Airport 

Stacy Fitch is general manager of The Paradies Shops 

at Albany International Airport, where she manages 

30 employees in four separate and distinct shops 

throughout the airport that provide convenience 

items, books, newspapers and exciting trend-setting 

merchandise. 

Fitch views training and development of staff 

members as a priority for a successful business. Under 

her direction, Paradies’ staff members act as “Albany 

Ambassadors” by interacting directly with passengers 

and offering brief but useful information regarding 

the Capital Region’s history, opportunities and events. 

Fitch has won several awards, including Manager 

of the Year for the Paradies Shop, Inc., Best Customer 

Service, Best Profitability, Best Overall Human 

Resources and Best Presentation. In Albany, Paradies 

has extended its range of employee benefits to 

include a mentoring program that provides assistance 

to staff members in the form of guidance and counseling 

at critical times in their careers. 

Thanks to Fitch, Paradies is also involved in the 

local community and regularly provides gifts and volunteer 

services to Ronald McDonald House, the 

American Heart Association, Latimer Education 

Program, Carver Community Center, The Evangeline 

Booth Miracle Home, Salvation Army Citadel Corps 

and Girls Inc. She is also involved in the Women’s 

Business Council membership committee and was a 

mentor for GenNEXT. 

“I was so excited and thrilled to be selected for this 

Women of Excellence Award. So many women have 

been recognized by the Chamber over the years, and 

to join them in receiving this honor is something I didn’t 

expect.” 


(100–200 employees) 

Paula Stopera 

President/Chief 

Executive Officer 

Capital Communications 

Federal Credit Union 

Paula Stopera joined Capital Communications Federal 

Credit Union in 1980 and was promoted through the 

organization to her current position of president/CEO 

in 2004. She also holds the position of treasurer on the 

Capital Communications board of directors and serves 

on the board of managers of CAP COM Financial 

Services, LLC (a subsidiary of Capital Communications 

FCU). 

With a passion for assisting those in need, by partnering 

with community organizations, Stopera was 

instrumental in creating The Capital Communications 

Cares Foundation, whose purpose is to nurture the 

community by supporting community health and 

wellness, financial literacy and education, children 

and underprivileged families. This is accomplished all 

through the heartfelt generosity of the staff, volunteers 

and members of the credit union. 

Stopera was the 2001 recipient of the Credit Union 

Executive Society (CUES) Operations Professional of 

the Year award and served on its advisory council. She 

has served on the board of the Capital District YMCA 

since 2005 and is a member of its executive committee. 

In addition, she is a member of the New York 

State CEO Council, event chair for the Whitney Young 

Foundation’s Annual Dinner Committee, and is a 

trustee for the New York State Credit Union League’s 

Legislative and Political Action Committee. 

“I’m so excited that there is an award recognizing 

women for their accomplishments. Over the years I’ve 

learned that numbers don’t grow your business, people 

grow your business, and this award is such an 

honor for me, personally, and for our organization.” 


(200+ employees) 

Anne C. LaRoche 

Manager of Technology 

& Information Systems 

KAPL Inc. 

Anne LaRoche is manager of the Technology & 

Information Systems section of KAPL, Inc., a wholly 

owned Lockheed Martin company headquartered in 

Niskayuna. KAPL, Inc. operates the Knolls Atomic 

Power Laboratory (KAPL) under contract to the U.S. 

Department of Energy and U.S. Navy. 

In her current position, LaRoche is the site information 

officer, responsible for all information technology 

at KAPL. Her organization supports desktop and 

super computing, enterprise and advanced engineering 

applications development, computer center operations, 

information management and distribution 

and thermal hydraulic and structural engineering 

methods design. Network support reaches naval bases 

and shipyards across the coasts and around the world. 

LaRoche was appointed to her current position in 

2004. 

Prior to her current position, LaRoche was manager 

of the Test Operations Section at KAPL, with 

responsibility for large scale industrial testing taking 

place in the Laboratory facilities on site. This included 

materials testing, thermal hydraulic testing, and the 

chemistry laboratories. 

“I am very honored to be selected for the Women 

of Excellence Award in Management. During more 

than 20 years as a manager, I have come to realize 

that you can help people shape their careers and ultimately 

increase their overall job satisfaction. As a 

manager, it is really up to you to support, energize, 

mentor and encourage people to reach their full 

potential. Receiving this award is a humbling experience 

for me. Most of the skills that I have as a manager, 

I acquired by observing some terrific role models 

throughout my life. My recognition is their recognition.” 

Distinguished Career 

Eileen C. Bagnoli 

Executive Vice 

President/Secretary 

Pioneer Bank 

Eileen Bagnoli is executive vice president/secretary of 

Pioneer Bank in Troy, where she has worked since 

February 1972. 

She was promoted to her current position in 2003 

and has risen through the ranks over the years, holding 

such positions as teller, head teller, assistant 

branch manager, branch manager, assistant treasurer, 

assistant vice president/savings, branch coordinator, 

marketing, human resources, pension services, 

vice president/administration and senior vice president/secretary. 

Bagnoli has several professional and community 

affiliations. She is board chair for the Commission on 

Economic Opportunity of the Capital District and has 

been a board member since 2006. She was president 

of the board of Helping Hands School in Clifton Park, 

a non-profit school for special needs children, from 

2002-06 and has been a board member since 1988. 

Bagnoli is also past board treasurer of the 

Salvation Army of Troy, past president of the group III 

officers’ forum for the Community Bankers 

Association of New York State, and past president of 

the Albany chapter of the National Association of 

Bank Women. 

“I was a little overwhelmed to be chosen. Looking 

back on my career, I don’t think about all the things 

I’ve done, because time goes by really quickly. I’ve 

enjoyed the banking and management aspects of my 

career, but one of the things I’ve enjoyed most about 

Pioneer Bank is being involved in the community. I’m 

so pleased, and a bit overwhelmed, to have been 

selected as one of the 2008 Women of Excellence. I am 

very anxious to have the opportunity to interact with 

the other women who are being recognized this year 

and to learn from their life and career experiences. It 

is an honor, to say the least.” 


small business council 

Rules to 

survive and 

thrive in any 

economy 

Jim Harrison, CCFC 

Owner, Business Capital 

Connections 

Chair, Small Business Council 

The past six months, news of the U.S. economy has been 

gloomy. Yet one of my clients has more than doubled 

sales and staff. Here are the rules she follows. 

We specialize in fine yarns, 

needles, notions and more… to meet 

your knitting and crocheting needs. 

BeauKnits Ltd. 

182 Remsen Street 

Cohoes, NY 12047 

Beauknitsltd.com / 518-238-1465 

Worry about your customers. Customers are more 

important to your success than the economy. What are 

they thinking? Saying? Doing? Their answers drive your 

business. Find innovative, reliable ways to satisfy their 

needs. 

Exploit opportunities. Big companies live and die on 

growth. When they falter, fill the gaps they leave behind 

with quality products and service that generate income 

and profit. After all, who inherited the earth from whom, 

the dinosaurs or the mammals? 

Don’t look to the government for help. Most politicians 

have never dealt with accounts payable, government 

forms or regulations. They may talk the talk, but 

have they walked the walk? 

Do what you do best. Outsource all non-core activities. 

Focus exclusively on marketing, selling and delivering 

your products and services. Build revenues. When you’re 

big enough, then start thinking about pulling activities 

back in-house. 

Work smarter. Document the procedures that make 

your business efficient. Reduce the amount of effort you 

spend on repetitive activities and put it to better use 

building your business. 

Trust yourself. Your business is a bet on yourself. Listen 

to everybody. Review the facts. Then trust your instincts. 

The Small Business Council is the 

Workshop Council 

Mission: To give you the tools and information to help you 

improve how you market, run and protect your business 

June 10 / Time: 7:30 – 9:15am 

Location: Chamber office, large conference room 

Contact: Erika Giordano 518.431.1439 

or erikag@acchamber.org 

Register early. Seating is limited 

12 

VISIONS 


solo entrepreneurs council 

Advice for 

aspiring 

women 

Dr. Thomas J. Denham, 

MCDP 

Managing Partner 

& Career Counselor 

Careers In Transition LLC 

Solo Entrepreneurs 

Council Chair 

As a career counselor, I would estimate more than twothirds 

of my clients are women. In my observation, many 

of them seem tired of trading time for dollars and 

instead seek creativity, flexibility, decision-making and 

meaning in their work. 

For those women who are called by the spirit of 

entrepreneurship, I suggest the following: 

Find your focus. Engage in careful self-assessment and 

inventory your skills, values and interests. Zero in on the 

passions that will lead you to possible entrepreneurship 

options. 

Explore your options. With what you have discovered 

from self-assessment, prioritize your three business 

options: ideal, realistic and safe. 

Set short- and long-term goals: What are your goals? 

Commit to writing three to five S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, 

Measurable, Action-Oriented, Realistic and Time- 

Sensitive) goals. 

Read and research. During your downtime, stay current 

by reading relevant books on entrepreneurship. It could 

be as simple as Googling “How Women Start Businesses.” 

Invest your time before you invest your money. Research 

various niches carefully. 

Take a course. The Chamber offers an excellent 

Entrepreneurial Assistance Program course. From it, you 

will develop new skills and knowledge that will be directly 

applicable to your start-up. 

Networking beats Notworking. Tap into the networks of 

your family, friends and other professionals for advice 

and to develop relationships that will make it a successful 

launch. 

Implement your business plan. A clear purpose and direction 

derive from an organized business plan. Once you 

start, be sure to review it periodically, revise it as necessary 

and recommit to it frequently. Form your dream 

team of advisors that will help you implement your plans 

and keep you motivated and accountable. Plan your 

work and work your plan. 

Starting a business that you are passionate about 

requires preparation and sacrifice, but it is entirely possible 

with the right tools, perseverance, and guidance. 

Everyone is invited to our next meeting on 

Wednesday, June 18 from 7:30 – 9 am at the Chamber 

Office. 

Our gourmet confections are the perfect gift for Teachers, Mother's Day, Weddings, Baby Showers, Open 

Houses, Fundraisers, Housewarming, Picnics, Father’s Day, Graduations, Baptisms, Corporate Events or any 

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Key4Women Resource Center opens 

Unique setting for women in business to meet, network 

Women business owners now have a place where 

they can come to meet with their peers, network 

with potential contacts and find resources to help 

their businesses succeed. 

The Key4Women Resource Center, located in 

the KeyBank branch on Wolf Road in Colonie, 

opened April 2 with a ribbon-cutting and a check 

presentation to St. Patrick’s Child Care Partnership 

Program. 

The center was designed based on input from 

the Chamber’s Women’s Business Council and 

offers women a comfortable, convenient location 

to conduct business. 

“KeyBank has embraced the Key4Women 

concept, and we want to engage our clients and 

prospective clients by making sure we’re adding 

value to their banking experience,” according to 

Karen Zalewski-Wildzunas, KeyBank’s senior vice 

president. 

The center offers numerous benefits, including: 

:: financial advice and strategies for business 

growth from relationship managers dedicated 

to women business owners 

:: community bulletin board 

Networking opportunities for women abound at 

the Key4 Women Resource Center 

HLY475038Generic_GEGR_Ad.qxd:Layout 1 copy 4/11/08 9:45 AM Page 1 

photo courtesy of Creative Expressions Photography 

the eyes have it 

14 

VISIONS 

Eyedentity Eyewear L.L.C. is by 

far the hippest, trendiest optical 

shop in the Capital District. 

Owned and operated by two 

women, sisters Marie Coluccio 

and Loretta Ackerman, having 

60 years' combined experience 

in the optical industry. 

1315 Central Avenue • Albany, NY 12205 

518.459.2638 

Explore all the reasons why the 

Academy of the Holy Names 

may be the best choice for your 

daughter’s future. 

• Pre-K through grade 12 

• Early childhood education 

program 

• College preparatory education 

• Individual and small group 

learning 

• Eleven interscholastic sports 

• Faith and character formation 

• Community service and 

leadership 

• Science research program 

For more information or to arrange a personal campus visit call AHN Director of 

Admissions Michelle Lavigne at 518.438.7895 or email her at mlavigne@ahns.org 

1073 New Scotland Road • Albany, NY 12208 

www.ahns.org 


:: library of publications and periodicals focused on 

business success 

:: conference room access for business meetings, by 

appointment 

The center also hosts unique networking and education 

events, including seminars on such relevant 

topics as becoming a certified woman-owned business, 

purchasing a home, even dealing with a traffic 

ticket. 

Not only are women starting businesses faster 

than any other segment of the population, but “statistically, 

90 percent of business decisions in the home 

are made by women,” Zalewski-Wildzunas pointed 

out. 

From a practical standpoint, the resource center 

makes sense because of its location, Zalewski- 

Wildzunas said. 

“Everybody knows Wolf Road, and wherever you 

live or work in the Capital Region, it’s centrally located,” 

she said. “Many women in business work from 

home, and they don’t have space to conduct meetings, 

so the conference room, in particular, is ideal.” 

Women take a more philosophical approach to 

business, Zalewski-Wildzunas noted, and the 

Key4Women Resource Center provides like-minded 

individuals with a setting to exchange ideas. 

“We’re ponderers, we’re much more loyal,” she 

said. “Women are deep thinkers, and we must understand 

everything we’re pursuing before we commit. 

Women want to have it all –– the family, the business. 

We’re open to telling someone about a great experience 

we had, and we’re always willing to help other 

women.” 


The Cheescake 

Factory will mark 

two years in the 

Capital Region 

this August 

Let them eat cake 

Business at The Cheesecake Factory is sweet, indeed 

If you go to The Cheesecake Factory, be sure to 

bring your appetite. 

Not that it will matter much. 

“Eighty-five percent of our guests take leftovers 

home with them for another meal,” 

according to Howard Gordon, senior vice president 

of The Cheesecake Factory. “There’s something 

for everybody here, and nobody ever has 

to worry about finding something to eat.” 

The California-based franchise opened its 

Capital Region location in Colonie Center in 

August 2006, and there was considerable buzz 

surrounding The Cheesecake Factory’s grand 

opening. 

That buzz has translated into booming business, 

as the restaurant has thrived in its Colonie 

Center location, with guests still willing to wait 

an hour or longer for a table on some nights. 

“For us, it’s about creating a guest experience, 

and our guests are our best word-ofmouth 

advertisers,” Gordon said. 

Why here? 

There were several reasons why The 

Cheesecake Factory chose Colonie Center as a 

location, among them because they had an 

opportunity to be an anchor for an expanded, 

newly renovated mall. 

“We’re really at a crossroads being in the 

Capital Region,” Gordon said. “We wanted to 

open a restaurant in upstate New York, we knew 

a lot of people came to shop at Colonie Center, 

and we wanted to open a location that was easily 

visible and very accessible to the community.” 

The guest experience is one that’s both architectural 

and culinary. 

The exterior design is an extravagant sight to 

behold, and once you enter the restaurant, 

you’re walking on French limestone floors, surrounded 

by decorative columns and hand-painted 

fabrics, basking in contemporary lighting and 

ensconced in cherry wood. 

But the lavish decor is only the beginning. 

The 18-page menu features more than 200 

selections –– appetizers, pizza, pasta, seafood, 

steaks, salads and sandwiches, to name a few. Its 

specialty dishes include Cajun Jambalaya Pasta, 

The Factory Burger, Chicken Madeira and Miso 

Salmon. 

“Every dish is made to order,” Gordon said. 

“From kids to grandparents and all ages in 

between, we take care of every dietary preference.” 

And, of course, there’s the desserts — 50, to 

be exact, including 40 cheesecakes, such as 

White Chocolate Raspberry Truffle Cheesecake, 

Godiva Chocolate Cheesecake and a new 30th 

anniversary cheesecake this year to mark the 

milestone. 

There’s also late night dining, a full bar, 

Sunday brunch and curbside take-out service, 

featuring its entire menu. 

New York state of mind 

The opening of the Albany location was 

bookended by openings in Buffalo and 

Rochester; other New York locations include 

Huntington, Lake Grove, Pittsford, West Nyack, 

Westbury and White Plains. 

Although the company has no immediate 

plans to expand in New York state, there 

undoubtedly will be more locations opening 

soon. “We just opened our 140th location, in 

California,” Gordon said. “In 2007, we opened 

21 new restaurants, but we had 1,500 proposed 

sites.” 

Wherever and whenever The Cheesecake 

Factory opens next, it’s sure to generate publicity 

and build on its growing popularity. 

“One of the great things about The 

Cheesecake Factory is people know about us 

throughout the country, and they’ve had the 

opportunity to eat in our restaurants in different 

areas,” Gordon said. “It’s nice to feel welcomed 

wherever we go.” 

16 

VISIONS 



Vision quest 


It wouldn’t be a stretch to describe Satauna 

Howery as a modern-day pathfinder. 

Her path has led her from California, to 

Alaska, to Seattle and, ultimately, the Capital 

Region, where she currently owns two businesses. 

Howery, who has been blind since birth, 

empowers her clients through Blindsight 20/20, a 

consulting service for the visually impaired, but 

she strikes a different chord through MajorKey 

Entertainment, a musical enterprise for social 

events. Whatever she’s doing, she’s proud to help 

others see life in a unique way. 

“It’s really great to show someone a path that 

they didn’t know was there, or that they didn’t 

know how to navigate,” she said. 

Adept and adaptive 

Born in Southern California, Howery moved to 

Alaska when she was 18. A year later, she relocated 

to Seattle where she worked for a company 

that sold adaptive technology to the visually 

impaired; when the company underwent a 

merger, she became an independent contractor. 

She first got the idea for Blindsight 20/20 in 

1993 and went from selling adaptive technology 

to training/consulting for the visually impaired 

and motivational speaking. 

If, for example, a company hires an employee 

who is blind, Howery trains the individual to help 

them perform the functions and responsibilities 

of their job. 

In her work, Howery uses a device made by 

Humanware called mPower, which she compares 

to a court reporting machine and describes as 

being “between a Palm Pilot and a laptop.” The 

device has eight Braille keys, a Braille display and 

thumb keys that are used to move around the 

screen. 

The MPower runs Microsoft CE and has a 

word processor, calendar and address book. A 

flash card allows her to connect to a wireless network, 

and there’s a USB port, infrared port, 

modem and microphone/headset adaptors. 

There’s even GPS software that tells her both 

vehicular and pedestrian routes to destinations. 

It can function as a terminal by connecting to 

a computer, in which case the Braille display 

becomes a monitor, or it can function as an independent 

unit. 

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“I can ‘see’ everything, as if I’m working on an 

actual computer,” she said. 

Through her motivational speaking, Howery 

also educates businesspeople and students on living 

with blindness and does her best to advocate 

on behalf of the blind. 

The right note 

Howery puts her musical talent to work through 

her other business, MajorKey Entertainment, 

which she started last year. 

A classically trained pianist who’s been playing 

since she was 2, Howery appeared on the television 

show “That’s Incredible!” at the age of 7. 

These days, she sings and plays piano/keyboard 

at weddings, receptions and corporate events, 

among other “engagements.” 

“One of the most unique gigs I did was on 

Valentine’s Day, when a man wanted me to serenade 

his girlfriend right before he proposed to 

her,” she said. “I sang for about 10 minutes, and 

she was all teary-eyed afterward.” 

From a musical perspective, Howery loves living 

in the Capital Region because of its proximity 

to New York City and Boston; on a local scale, 

her recent move to Clifton Park will keep her 

between Albany and Saratoga Springs — and 

enable her to expand her home recording studio. 

Her immediate family includes her husband, 

Tom, her 10-year-old daughter, Keyra, and her 

guide dog, Tenille, about whom she jokes, “I’m 

the Captain, she’s Tenille.” 

Upon arriving in Albany in 2005, Howery 

enrolled in the music industry program at The 

College of Saint Rose, having previously earned 

an associate’s degree out of state. 

At Saint Rose, she has expanded her musical 

horizons, learning about performance, technology, 

contracts, content management and other 

aspects of the music business. 

Howery earned her bachelor’s degree last 

month and is grateful to her professors and fellow 

students for their support. 

“I’ve definitely gotten a certain amount of 

networking from being in school, and I’m so glad 

that I’ve earned my degree,” she said. 

In addition to her two businesses, Howery 

works in Internet radio, podcasts and descriptive 

video, which she likens to closed-captioning. 

With descriptive video, scripts are written and 

narrated to describe what’s happening in television 

programs when there are pauses in the dialogue, 

so that visually-impaired people can follow 

the action on screen. 

Introspective 

Although some may see her blindness as a disadvantage, 

Howery takes an insightful approach to 

her situation. 

“My businesses did not happen overnight. 

With any business, you start small, get bigger, 

turn a small profit and then make more profits,” 

she said. “Whether I’m doing consulting, motivational 

speaking or playing music, I try to inspire 

and contribute positively to people’s lives.” 

And she isn’t offended by the term “blind” 

because, quite simply, it’s the truth. 

“When you talk about the ‘visually impaired,’ 

that encompasses a lot. I can’t see anything. I’m 

blind,” she said. “But I have trust and faith in 

myself, so even though technology may change, 

I am resourceful enough to learn new skills. And 

some skills, like listening and communicating 

effectively, never go away.” 

Although Howery is a woman in business, 

most people overlook her gender and see her as 

a blind person first. Looking back, perhaps that’s 

why many people encouraged her to pursue 

music as a career over the years. 

“When you’re blind, music is a field that people 

expect you to get into, like Stevie Wonder or 

Ray Charles,” she said. “There was some resistance 

on my part, at first, but I’ve come to terms 

with that and now I love what I do.” 

Howery assessed the current business climate 

for women as ripe for opportunity. 

“It’s still difficult for women in business to be 

taken as seriously as their male counterparts, but 

our nation is changing,” she said. “We have an 

African-American and a woman as candidates 

for the presidency. Women can come up with 

nontraditional approaches in the workplace, and 

I think we bring a lot of creative problem-solving 

skills to the table.” 

Howery uses a Humanware mPower, 

which is essentially her laptop computer 

18 

VISIONS 


member anniversary 

Stewart’s 

grows, but 

stays close 

to customers 

Stewart’s Shops Corp. has been a member of the 

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce 

for 20 years this month. However, the company’s 

history dates back to 1921, when Percy and Charles 

Dake began making Dake’s Delicious Ice Cream at 

the farm on Daketown Road in Greenfield. 

It wasn’t until 1945, however, that the 

Stewart’s name came into its own, when the Dakes 

purchased a dairy, ice cream freezer, hardening 

room and shop from Donald Stewart of Ballston 

Spa. 

Their purchase of this plant coincided with the 

discharge of Charles Dake’s son from the Army. 

The young veteran, intrigued by the ice cream 

plant, decided to start production and sell ice 

cream in the shop located on busy Route 50, in 

Ballston Spa. 

And so the first Stewart’s Shop was born. 

Today, more than 80 years later, there are over 

300 Stewart’s Shops in upstate New York and 

Vermont. 

Despite being a large company, Stewart’s 

thinks of itself as a bunch of small shops and 

departments, each having a small business feel. 

This comfortable, friendly atmosphere allows 

employees to get to know their customers and 

embodies the company’s slogan, “Closer to You,” 

in more ways than one. 

“We value our Albany-Colonie Chamber membership, 

as well as our memberships in all area 

chambers, as a way of being connected to the 

community,” said Gary Dake, the company’s president. 

“Stewart’s Shops are committed to serving 

the needs of all the communities in which our 

shops are located.” 

Other Chamber members celebrating 

anniversaries in June include… 

20 years 

Times Union Center 

15 years 

AMRI, Inc. 

Apex Sewer & Drain Cleaning Service, Inc. 

Family Danz Heating & Air Conditioning, Inc. 

Hart Alarm Systems, Inc. 

Slosek’s Music & Amusement Company 

The Business Council of NYS, Inc. 

The Guardian 

Albany County Republican Committee 

10 years 

New Covenant Christian Fellowship 

Spiak’s Audio Visual Shop 

Pyramid Brokerage Company, Inc. 

Albany Kripalu Yoga Center 

Coldwell Banker Prime Properties, Inc. 


women’s business council 

Teamwork, 

in basketball 

and business 

Heather G. Ford 

Vice President 

KeyBank 

2008 WBC Chair 

While writing this column, I realized that nearly 

half of the year has passed and I began reflecting 

on my experiences year-to-date as Chair of the 

Women’s Business Council. It has been a pleasure 

to be at the helm with the support and commitment 

of the team of professional women that 

volunteers its time on the WBC Steering 

Committee. 

My “team” each has a team of its own with 

various committee members, and many are very 

busy working on programming for the WBC 

monthly programs; procuring the monthly publication 

of The Buzz; actively engaging new members 

to the WBC; ensuring that the WBC gets 

powerful media coverage; and working on our 

three signature events, Women of Excellence, the 

Summer Social and Symposium on Excellence. 

Someone once described the volunteer work 

performed by these teams as “another career,” 

and they were not far off the mark. 

“Building a Team” will be the program headline 

for the WBC’s July meeting, and we are honored 

to have Gina Castelli, Siena College 

women’s head basketball coach, as our speaker. 

Castelli has coached Siena women’s basketball 

for more than 18 years and will share her experiences 

with motivating her team through the 

highs and lows of a sports season. Additionally, 

Castelli will share personal stories about her own 

career, including the effects of Title IX. 

The parallels between sports teams and 

teams in the business world are striking. Without 

the power of successful teamwork, the likelihood 

of obtaining successful results diminishes 

substantially, regardless of whether you are on a 

basketball court or in an office setting. 

Please join the WBC on Tuesday, July 1 at 7:30 

am at Wolferts Roost Country Club for a much 

anticipated conversation correlating the importance 

of teamwork in athletics to the business 

world. 

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Linux, but we’re obsessed with using our knowledge and experience to create the 

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our customer service. To find out what a well developed website can 

mean for your business, call 518.392.5505. 

Web Development • Web Hosting • Application Development 

honest.expert.driven 

Tollfree: 866.576.4687 (5points) 

www.5points.net • info@5points.net 

Albany, NY • East Chatham, NY 

20 

VISIONS 


circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit circuit 

june 

1 

2 

8 

10 

17 

20 

26 

30 

june may 

visit acchamber.org/events.aspx for a complete listing. 

event sponsor location contact 

Kidney Walk 

2008 Golf Invitational 

2008 Infiniti G35 

Car Raffle Drawing 

Annual Celebration of 

Philanthropy Luncheon 

Partners In Education 

Recognition Luncheon 

Dancing Under the Stars with 

Alex Torres & Orchestra. 

MRI Lecture with 

Dr. Walter Robb 

Inaugural Pro-Am Golf 

Tournament 

National Kidney Foundation 

of Northeast NY 

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health 

Services programs and services 

Northeast Parent 

& Child Society 

Community Foundation for the 

Capital Region 


Schenectady Museum 

& Suits-Bueche Planetarium 



The Affinity Group, LLC 

Corning Preserve 

Albany, NY 

The Country Club of Troy 

Troy, NY 

Lia Infiniti of Latham 

Latham, NY 

Wolferts Roost Country Club 

Albany, NY 

Wolferts Roost Country Club 

Albany, NY 





Saratoga National Golf Course 

Saratoga Springs, NY 

Carol LaFleur 

518.458.9697 

Takara Wiles 

518.465.4771 ext. 241 

Julie Card 

518.579.3504 

Elisabeth Guglin 

518.446.9638 

Colleen Ward 

518.438.7895 

Cydne Robinson 

518.382.7890 

Susan Whitaker 

518.382.7890 

Sari O’Connor 

518.579.3501 

Visit the Paradies Shops at Albany International Airport 

Albany International Airport Salutes 

Paradies Shops General Manager 

Stacy Fitch (center), winner of an 

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of 

Commerce “Women of Excellence” 

award.Visit the Paradies Shops at 

Albany International Airport 

Capital News • Capital Gifts • Capital Book Sellers 



Kay Stafford has been at the helm of CMA 

Consulting, Inc. for nearly 25 years 

Lessons from 

a leading CEO 

CMA Consulting, Inc.’s Kay Stafford 

offers solutions of her own 

Kay Stafford, chief executive officer of CMA 

Consulting, Inc., looks for team players to join her 

software development company, and she means it 

quite literally. 

“When I review people’s resumes, I check to see if 

they’ve played team sports. I’d say 95 percent of the 

time, those are the types of people who are team 

players in the workplace, and they know how to 

work well with others and accomplish goals,” she 

said. 

As CMA approaches its 25th anniversary, Stafford 

reminisced on her nearly quarter-century at the helm 

and discussed the challenges and rewards of being a 

prominent woman in business. 

The early years 

CMA has emerged 

as a full-service 

technology business 

CMA began in 1984 as a consulting business, hiring 

individuals with specific skill sets to modify or 

build new applications for clients in both the public 

and private sector. 

The hardest part early on was learning how the 

government operates, in terms of requests for proposals 

(RFPs). 

“Being a small company, we’d receive an RFP and 

have to respond to it and find people who met those 

skill sets,” Stafford said. “In the process of hiring individuals, 

we had to turn it from an expense into a revenue 

generator.” 

CMA has evolved over the years from being simply 

a consulting company to becoming a full-service 

information technology business, working with 

clients to develop applications and design hardware 

and software to meet their needs. 

The company provides solutions for its customers 

through numerous business divisions, including: business 

solutions, consulting services and training, data 

warehouse solutions, human resources information 

systems, IT infrastructure and security solutions, science 

and engineering solutions, supply chain solutions, 

and WIC and public health solutions. 

One of its areas of expertise is the Oracle 

Authorized Education Center (OAEC) Program, 

through which CMA delivers certified training with 

instructors and prepares clients for increased productivity 

and certification in the Oracle suite of products. 

CMA has developed a modular system for the 

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, 

Infants and Children (WIC), making it compatible and 

easy to deploy with each state’s policy and management 

practices. 

Data warehousing has become very popular, 

Stafford pointed out, and CMA works with clients to 

implement large-scale, multiterabyte data warehouses 

integrating data, images and media content into a 

single repository. 

In addition, CMA has developed CMA Traffic 

Solutions with Sensys AB, a Swedish company and 

one of CMA’s strategic partners. It includes hardware, 

a camera and sensor technology to record the license 

plate numbers of motorists who run red lights, plus 

the software for information and data management 

so that these motorists may be ticketed for their 

infractions. 

Do a lot of research, and really 

understand the market you’re 

entering. Build a team with 

people who have the 

right expertise. 

“ 

” 

Near and far 

There are approximately 86 employees at CMA’s corporate 

headquarters in Latham, where the company 

relocated to a 15,000 square-foot facility in 

November 2004. Altogether, there are 410 employees 

total throughout the company, which also has offices 

in New York City, Washington DC, Texas and Arizona. 

To commemorate CMA’s 25th anniversary, the 

company will welcome all of its employees, both local 

and those out of the area, to its annual holiday party 

this year. 

On a smaller scale, CMA has a staff picnic every 

Friday as a way to socialize and foster that family 

atmosphere within the organization. 

Stafford, whose late husband is former New York 

State Sen. Ron Stafford, has numerous family members 

working at CMA; her son George is in 

Washington DC, stepsons Damian and Parker work in 

New York City and Latham, respectively, and several 

cousins, nieces and nephews also count themselves 

among CMA’s staff. 

“There’s definitely a sense of security having so 

many family members working here, and I learned 

very early on how to maximize their varied talents,” 

Stafford said. “Then again, everybody here is like 

family.” 

Stafford felt that sense of security and family support 

on a very personal note in recent years, as she 

underwent cancer treatment. “I worked every day of 

the week, except the days when I was having treatment,” 

she said. “I looked forward to getting up, 

coming in to work and having a smile on my face.” 

Thankfully, her cancer has been in remission for three 

years this September. 

How times have changed 

The company experienced 40 percent growth last 

year and is targeting Florida and California for con- 

22 

VISIONS 


Stephen Zizzi, 

CMA’s vice 

president of 

engineering and 

chief software 

architect; Kay 

Stafford; and 

Elizabeth Fitz, 

director of 

operations and 

marketing, flank 

the CMA Traffic 

Solutions device 

The servers have 

a room of their 

own 

tinued expansion, Stafford noted. One area for 

potential growth is the health care field, as CMA 

builds applications and adds components for this 

industry. 

Looking back on the early years of CMA, 

Stafford said the first 10 years in business were difficult, 

but as New York state began to facilitate 

access to state contracting projects for women 

owned businesses, CMA’s opportunities increased. 

“We have grown because of partnering and the 

talent base we have here,” she said. “We’ve partnered 

with our competitors locally because it’s cost 

effective, and now we can prime these larger contracts.” 

The business world has changed since CMA 

began, not only from a technological perspective 

but also from a woman’s perspective, and that’s a 

good thing, according to Stafford. 

“Women are involved more and they’re respected 

more in business,” she said. “Men were viewed as 

the leaders, but that’s changed considerably, even 

among elected officials. That mentality no longer 

exists.” 

As a mother herself, Stafford has made it a priority 

to create a work environment that’s conducive to 

family life. CMA’s chief financial officer, for example, 

is out on maternity leave but continues to work 

from home. 

“I’ve raised children, and I know how important 

it is for working parents to be with their families as 

much as possible,” she said. “There’s a lot of flexibility 

here, and people appreciate being able to spend 

time with their children. I’ve found that people are 

more dedicated and loyal to the company when 

they know that they can work around their family’s 

schedule.” 

Her advice to women going into business is to 

prepare for uncertainty, and to stay positive, no matter 

what the circumstances. 

“Do a lot of research, and really understand the 

market you’re entering,” she said. “Build a team 

with people who have the right expertise. This business 

is a rollercoaster sometimes. You can’t let the 

bad times get you down because you have to be a 

cheerleader and motivate your staff. If we bid on a 

project and we don’t get it, it’s important that they 

hear it’s OK, and that it comes from the top. ‘That’s 

yesterday, tomorrow’s a new day,’ I tell them.” 

Communication is 

Everything. 

Your Message, 

Our Commitment. 

Baker Public Relations ! 761 Madison Avenue ! Albany, NY 12208 

Office: 518.426.4099 ! Fax: 518.426.0040 

www.BakerPublicRelations.com 


valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak valleyspeak val- 

june 

techvalley.org 

Teacher Externship program earns high marks 

Citizens Bank gives $500,000 in support 

James Gaspo 

Executive Vice President 

Citizens Bank 

School’s out for the summer, but not for more than 

20 middle- and high-school teachers who will gain 

hands-on work experience in technology focused 

companies throughout the region through the 

Tech Valley Teacher Externship Program. 

Now in its fourth year, the program exposes 

teachers to advancements in their field of study, 

provides tangible examples to bring back to the 

classroom and grants valuable insight into the 

demands of the modern workplace and the skills 

necessary for present and future tech innovators. 

The program was developed by the Albany- 

Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce three 

years ago, and was expanded throughout Tech 

Valley last summer with the help of the New York 

State Senate and the Tech Valley Chamber 

Coalition. 

Citizens Bank considers education such an 

essential component of the Tech Valley initiative 

and the Capital Region economy that it has contributed 

$500,000 to the Advancing Tech Valley 

campaign, to support education initiatives like the 

Teacher Externship Program. 

“Clearly, in this area, Tech Valley is at the forefront, 

so we wanted to find a way to not only promote 

Tech Valley, but help develop a ready and 

able workforce that could drive the Tech Valley initiative 

for decades to come,” said James Gaspo, 

executive vice president of Citizens Bank. “We 

want communities to be vibrant, and we want residents 

to assume leadership roles in the community. 

In some small way, through our dollars, time and 

talent, we feel we’re making a difference in the 

quality of life in the community.” 

Steady growth 

The Teacher Externship Program has grown significantly 

since its inception in 2005, when nine teachers 

participated. 

Each teacher spends six to eight weeks with a business 

in Tech Valley, earns a competitive salary of $20 

per hour, for a full-time working schedule, and 

receives professional credit. 

Ruth Russell, a Questar III New Visions scientific 

research and world health teacher, highly recommends 

the program after having participated last 

summer. 

“It provides teachers with the opportunity to 

work in state-of-the-art scientific laboratories, using 

emerging technologies and real-world research 

efforts,” she said. “These types of programs are 

absolutely critical to science education because while 

science educators are taught how to teach, they are 

not usually trained as scientists.” 

Russell worked in the molecular biology laboratory, 

one of four core labs of the Center for Functional 

Genomics, located in the Gen*NY*Sis Center for 

Excellence in Cancer Genomics in Rensselaer. She 

assisted the lab with its DNA sequencing projects and 

is now better able to explain and teach multiple technological 

skills that college-level biology students and 

future scientific researchers need. 

“Opportunities such as those provided by the 

Teacher Externship Program reinforce the concept ‘we 

learn science by doing science.’ Teachers will be better 

able to offer classroom experiences that will bridge 

the gap between lecture and scientific discovery, 

while helping students appreciate the extraordinarily 

fast pace of scientific and technological change,” she 

said. 

Praise all around 

Gaspo has heard similar feedback from educators he 

has met through the Teacher Externship Program. 

“It’s much easier for them to teach children about 

the importance of algebra, geometry, trigonometry, 

chemistry, biology and physics, and how these theories 

actually get applied in the outside world,” he said. 

“These are skills that students will be able to leverage 

for the rest of their professional careers. It bridges the 

gap between academic theory and the real-life, forprofit 

world.” 

There’s also an intangible benefit for teachers 

who complete externships. 

“It helps stimulate and motivate our educators 

who help mold our future leaders, and hopefully that 

flows down to the students,” Gaspo said. “We view 

that as a long-term investment in Tech Valley and a 

way for us to give back to the communities we do 

business in.” 

The Teacher Externship Program should be emulated 

throughout the state for its lasting benefits in 

classrooms and communities, Gaspo pointed out. 

“We feel like we’re contributing not only to the 

long-term viability of the community, but also the 

transformation of the community, and rarely do you 

get the opportunity to do that. We need not only new 

teaching concepts, but we need to grow the businesses 

we already have and help attract new ones,” he 

said. 

China 

an adventure of a lifetime 

$ 

1699 

only 

per person (double occupancy). Non-members 

will be charged an additional $100 fee 

Price includes: Round trip international airfare, 

4 & 5 star hotel accommodations, three 

meals each day, fluent English-speaking tour 

guides and much more. 

November 2008 

Join the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, business leaders and friends 

for a 9-day all inclusive trip to experience the wonders of China. For information call 

518.431.1457 or visit acchamber.org and click on China 2008. 

24 

VISIONS 


Word on 

the street 

What advice would you give to your 

daughter as she pursues a career in 

the 21st century? 

Lisa Marie Carris Ilyadis 

Owner 

LMI Services 

Be tactful, be organized. Always present 

yourself in a professional manner. 

Be polite and courteous. Never burn 

your bridges. If an opportunity comes 

along, take advantage of it. Don’t be 

afraid, because you’ll regret it later. 

Chris Foster 

Account Manager 

CGI Technologies 

and Solutions, Inc. 

Use education as your springboard and 

maintain faith as your foundation. 

Have the courage to stick to your guns 

and treat all with respect, especially 

yourself. Regardless of when you apply 

these principles , it will allow you to 

sleep well at night. 

Joseph Galli 

Independent Affiliate 

Commercial Property Consultants 

Do the best you can, and learn as much 

technology as possible. Establish a set 

of personal values, no matter what you 

do –– that’s the most important thing 

to take into the business world. 

Darcy Knapp 

Director of Business 

Development Strategic Accounts 

Network Solutions 

Learn how to communicate. With so 

much text and instant messaging these 

days, today’s youths need to learn how 

to read and write well. It’s going to be 

hard to communicate with CEOs in 

their 50s and 60s if they don’t. Know 

what you’re going to college for 

before you go. 

Christine Perlee 

Business Development Officer 

Berkshire Bank 

Do well in school. Extracurricular activities 

are just as important as school work. 

Be flexible, learn how to prioritize work 

and delegate responsibility. Volunteer as 

much as possible, get involved in the 

community and network. 


You’ve been approved! 

Loans make big difference for women-owned businesses 

As president/CEO of Instant Assistant, LLC, Roz Harris 

provides virtual assistant (VA) services to businesses 

outsourcing secretarial and administrative tasks. 

Thanks to the Chamber, Harris received some assistance 

of her own –– in the form of a $10,000 loan 

through the Minority and Women Revolving Loan 

Trust Fund Program last December. 

“The loan allowed me to upgrade my equipment 

immediately and to update my Web site, and it definitely 

helped, in terms of being able to advertise my 

business,” she said. 

The Minority and Women Revolving Loan Trust 

Fund Program, one of seven micro loan programs 

administered by the Chamber, is available to minorityand 

women-owned businesses located in Albany, 

Rensselaer, Saratoga and Schenectady counties. 

The program was created by New York state in 

1995 and is administered through Empire State 

Development for the purpose of making low-cost 

financial assistance available to women- and minorityowned 

businesses that are unable to access traditional 

financial services. The Chamber does all the marketing 

for the loan program. 

“These loans are designed to help women- and 

minority-owned businesses get started and, more 

specifically, to grow their business,” according to Kevin 

Catalano, the Chamber’s loan officer. 

For capital and assets 

Loans can be used for working capital and the purchase 

of fixed assets, including real estate; however, 

they cannot be used to pay delinquent taxes or refinance 

existing debt, including credit cards. Borrowers 

also must show a reasonable prospect of repayment. 

“We will work with start-up businesses, but we 

require them to attend the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial 

Assistance Program (EAP) training first,” Catalano said. 

Harris participated in EAP and maintained relationships 

with those she met through the program. “I 

would estimate 90 percent of my business comes from 

networking through the Chamber,” she said. 

There are currently 11 loans outstanding, for a 

total of $140,519, Catalano said. Loans and lines of 

credit from $1,000-$25,000 are available to qualified 

applicants, with terms up to five years. 

Empire State Development recently awarded the 

Chamber an interest rate subsidy to lower the rates on 

all of its loans to women- and minority-owned businesses. 

The typical rate is the Wall Street prime rate 

plus 2 percent fixed for the term of the loan. 

With her loan, Harris was able to purchase new 

computers with more modern capabilities, and she 

even plans to launch an online travel agency, along the 

lines of Expedia or Orbitz. “I can’t say enough about 

how important it was to receive a loan from the 

Chamber, and I would encourage any microenterprise 

to explore this opportunity,” she said. 

But wait, there’s more 

In addition to the Minority and Women Revolving 

Loan Trust Fund Program, the Chamber has a Minorityand 

Women-Owned Business Enterprise Fund, a joint 

effort with the New York State Department of 

Transportation. 

Funds are designed to provide access to working 

capital or equipment purchases for women- or minority-owned 

businesses in Albany, Schenectady and 

Rensselaer counties that have secured DOT contracts 

but are unable to obtain traditional bank financing for 

working capital. 

“It’s really about them coming to us with a plan to 

grow their business,” Catalano said. In 2008, the 

Chamber has approved $50,000 in enterprise fund 

loan applications. 

For more information on loans available to 

women-owned businesses, please visit the Chamber’s 

Web site, www.acchamber.org and click on the “Loan 

Programs” link. 

“ 

PIONEER 

KNOWS OUR 

BUSINESS 

” 

"Pioneer knows that people are the key to any service 

business, so like us, building solid relationships with their 

customers is a priority". 

Bill Lia, Jr., President, Gold’s Gym 

518-274-4800 • www.pioneersb.com • 15 Capital Region business centers 

26 

VISIONS 


chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroom chatroo 

on the move 

Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys, Inc.: Maureen Lundberg, coowner 

Albany Medical Center: Sharon Samuels, M.D., assistant professor 

of surgery 

Berkshire Bank: Karl Meehan, Glenville branch manager; Justin 

Priddle, Delmar branch manager 

Business Council of New York State Inc.: Michael Moran, director 

of communications 

CapitalCare Medical Group: Mary Gamble, director of billing 

and contract administration 

Capital Communications Federal Credit Union: Tiia Alkinburgh, 

Clifton Park branch manager; Barbara Borter, North Greenbush 

branch manager; Danielle Carusone, Latham branch manager; 

Rebecca Crocco, contact center manager 

Capital District Physicians Health Plan: John Bennett Jr. M.D., 

president and chief executive officer 

Capital Financial Planning: David Freed, senior vice president, 

financial advisor 

Colonie Youth Center: Joyce Timmons, human resources director 

Community Foundation for the Capital Region: Karen Bilowith, 

senior director of philanthropic services 

Deily, Mooney and Glastetter, LLP: Scott Dillon, associate attorney 

Einhorn Yaffee Prescott, Architecture & Engineering, PC: 

Amanda Austin, marketing; Bruce Molino, designer; Dede 

Nash, specifications writer 

First New York Federal Credit Union: Michelle Barson, membership 

development officer; Paula O’Shea, Albany branch manager 

Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mestiti: Franklin Abrams and 

Caroline Ahn, associate attorneys; Kellie Fredericks, patent 

agent 

The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group Inc.: Holly Harmony 

Krohel, executive partner; Rick Nevins, materials and production 

specialist; Starr Williams, Being Known Associate 

Key Investment Services: Gary Arzberger, financial advisor 

MLB Construction Services, LLC: Brian Akley, vice president for 

business development 

Mountain Media: Taunia Kipp, chief operating officer 

New York State Credit Union League: Allison Doney, community 

development coordinator, earned accreditation as a Credit 

Union Development Educator (CUDE) 

Northeast Career Planning: Keith Rayner, offsite contract coordinator; 

Linda Strohl, manager of compliance and incident 

review 

Plug Power: Andy Marsh, CEO 

The Sage Colleges: Dan Lundquist, interim vice president for 

marketing and enrollment management through June 2009 

Senior Whole Health of NY: Emmanuel Clayton, sales and marketing 

representative 

Turner Construction Company: Jeremy Hills, field engineer 

University at Albany: Don Siegel, dean of the School of 

Business, effective July 1 

kudos 

acchamber.org 

Academy of the Holy Names: Phoebe Cole, a senior at the 

Academy of the Holy Names Upper School received a Second 

Place Grand Prize Award at the 18th Annual Capital Region 

Science and Engineering Fair at RPI. Catherine Hegeman, ’92, 

was awarded the 2008 Distinguished Junior Trailblazer (age 40 

and under) Award by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY. Lisa 

Cardish Lebowitz, ’68, joined the Peace Corps as an “older volunteer” 

and was placed in Zugdidi, Georgia, part of the former 

March 

june 

Soviet Union. 

The Acupuncture Office: Judy Kodela, L. AC, recently held a 

grand opening at 15- B Century Hill Drive, Latham. 

Albany College of Pharmacy: Carlos Feleder, M.D., Ph.D., assistant 

professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 

has been awarded a three-year research grant totaling 

$231,000 from the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Feleder, 

with the assistance of ACP students, will study the effects of the 

spleen in managing fever. 

Capital Communications Federal Credit Union: Opened the 

doors of its newest branch, located at 219 Ontario St. in 

Cohoes, on April 28. 

Capital Financial Planning: Celebrated its fifth anniversary on 

May 5 with a Cinco de Mayo client appreciation gathering at its 

6 Tower Place, Albany location. The Albany investment and 

financial services firm has nearly quintupled its business since its 

2003 inception. From its Albany headquarters, the organization 

oversees nearly 70 financial professionals in eight states. 

Capital Region BOCES Career & Technical School: Andy Swab of 

Glenville, a senior in the New Visions: Law & Government program 

of BOCES, and at Scotia-Glenville High School, has won 

Syracuse University’s $20,000 Maxwell Citizenship Scholarship. 

Competing against more than 100 students from across the 

country, Swab’s first-prize-winning entry was a public policy 

proposal he wrote about installing solar panels on his high 

school’s roof. 

College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering: The City School 

District of Albany (CSDA) and the College of Nanoscale Science 

and Engineering (CNSE) of the University at Albany built on the 

success of their pioneering “NanoHigh” program by partnering 

to present the first-ever Capital Region NanoEducation Summit 

on April 23 at CNSE’s Albany NanoTech Complex. The program 

was designed to increase educators’ awareness about prepar- 


ing K-12 students for science literacy. 

The College of Saint Rose: Honored John Nigro, president of Nigro Cos.; 

Sister Rose Regina Smith, a Saint Rose staff member; and Daniel Hogarty 

Jr. at its Community of Excellence luncheon May 15 at Wolferts Roost 

Country Club in Albany. 

Empire State College Foundation: Presented Eric Ball with the Susan H. 

Turben Excellence in Scholarship Award during a recent collegewide 

conference. Also presented Kelly Hermann with the Empire State 

College Foundation Award for Excellence in Professional Service. 

Judi Clements Training & Development: For the second year in a row, 

Judi Clements Training & Development in Clifton Park was selected by 

the Chamber of Wyoming County, NY to kick off its annual Leadership 

Institute by presenting her one-day program, “The Leader Within You.” 

Mountain Media: Earned level 1 Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data 

Security Standards (DSS) certification, making it one of only a handful 

of hosted shopping cart solutions and payment gateway providers in 

the country to achieve such distinguished status. Level 1 compliant 

processes and products allow them to provide online merchants with 

safe and secure eCommerce solutions. 

Pyramid Brokerage Company: Merged with Cervone/Scandanavian Real 

Estate Advisors of Poughkeepsie. Joining Pyramid Brokerage as sales 

agents are Christian Johannessen, Alexander Cervone owners and brokers; 

David Park, broker; and Jeanne Labarge, licensed sales associate. 

Security Supply Corp.: Formed a strategic alliance with Kohler, the 

worldwide leader in kitchen and bath products. This alliance allows 

Kohler to extend its Kohler Premiere Showrooms in two upstate New 

York markets it currently doesn’t serve; Poughkeepsie and Albany. With 

this commitment, Security Supply becomes a “full-line” Kohler distributor 

both residentially and commercially. 

Times Union: Announced circulation gains for the fourth six-month 

reporting period in a row. According to the latest Audit Bureau of 

Circulation (ABC) reports, Sunday circulation grew +.08 percent to 

141,064 and Saturday grew +11.24 percent to 78,535. The Sunday home 

delivery number increased +2.57 percent and Saturday increased +5 percent. 

These numbers reflect year-over-year circulation growth for the 

six-month period ending March 31, 2008. 

USS Slater/Destroyer Escort Historical Museum: Received a $10,300 

grant from the Wright Family Foundation for the restoration of the 

ship’s forward heads and passageways. The ship is open to the public 

though November and is moored on the Hudson River in downtown 

Albany. 

Verizon: Awarded $10,000 to the Colonie Youth Center School Age 

Child Care Book Nook program to promote reading for recreation to 

youngsters. 

Window Wear Etc.: Terry Kral, founder, was awarded top honors at the 

Window Fashions Envision Design and Ingenuity Workroom 

Competition. Kral received first prize in the Specialty Window Category 

for a treatment featured in a Capital Region home. 

WMHT: The Radio-Television News Directors Association chose local 

public television station WMHT’s public affairs program New York Now 

as the regional recipient of the Edward R. Murrow Award. New York 

Now was chosen in the News Documentary category for its segment 

entitled, “Let the NYRA Bidding Begin.” The show is hosted by Susan 

Arbetter and produced by Matt Ryan. 

more 

Albany College of Pharmacy: Geno Germano, a Wyeth Pharmaceuticals 

executive, gave the commencement address at Albany College of 

Pharmacy’s 128th graduation ceremony May 11 

Albany Community Action Partnership: Hosted a “Community 

Appreciation Block Party” on May 29 adjacent to the Sheridan 

Elementary School in Albany. The event honored the Albany County 

community for its support and network in assisting low-income individuals 

and families to acquire useful skills and knowledge, gain access to 

new opportunities and achieve economic self-sufficiency. 

Albany Medical Center: Children learned about health care during the 

12th annual “Teddy Bear Hospital Day,” hosted by Albany Medical 

College students May 3 in Choices Café. Children brought their teddy 

bears to the event for a check-up and to learn about basic medical procedures 

by participating in hands-on activities. 

Albany Public Library: Held two auctions May 7 and 14 to give the public 

a chance to bid on some great bargains, encourage the reuse of 

material, and support the library plans. The Pine Hills and John A. Howe 

Branch Libraries have closed until the spring of 2009 for renovation and 

expansion as part of APL’s Branch Improvement Plan. Also, the library 

offered free digital photography classes in May. 

the 

World is your 

RunwaY 

Polo Ralph Lauren Factory Store 

Tommy Hilfiger 

Brooks Brothers Factory Store 

Ann Taylor Factory Store 

Bath & Body Works Outlet 

J.Crew Factory Store 

Gymboree ® Outlet 

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28 

VISIONS 


not-for-profit exchange 

Golf Classic to Benefit 

National Kidney Foundation 

The National Kidney Foundation is dedicated to 

preventing kidney and urinary tract disease, 

improving the health and well-being of affected 

individuals and their families, and increasing the 

availability of all organs for transplantation. 

More than 26 million people are at increased 

risk for developing kidney disease, and most 

don’t even know it. Chronic kidney disease is one 

of the costliest illnesses in the United States today. 

Welcome to these new 

Chamber members 

that joined between April 5 and May 4, 2008 

ABC Lease Accounting Ltd. 

Financing Consultants 

abode home and garden design 

Interior Designers 

Albany Metal Fabrication Holdings, Inc. 

Sheet Metal Fabricators 

Apex Management Systems, Inc. 

Business Management Services 

Kim Benson – New York Life Insurance 

Employee Benefits Consultants 

Best Buy 

Retail Store 

Brickroad Productions 

Entertainment 

The Capital Region Medical Research 

Foundation 

Foundations-Health & Community 

CGI Communications, Inc. 

Marketing Programs & Services 

Commercial Property Consultants 

Taxes-Consultants & Representatives 

Commonwealth Financial Network 

Financial Services 

before 

Delmar Place 

Assisted Living 

Paul Donlon 

Business Consultants 

E. Stewart Jones Law Firm, PLLC 

Lawyers 

Ehrlich Pest Control 

Pest Control Services 

Geek Squad 

Computers-Software & Services 

La Serre Restaurant 

Restaurants 

Lawson Products, Inc. 

Maintenance/Repair/OperationSupply 

Loadspring Solutions Inc. 

Computers-Software & Services 

M2 Communications 

Writers-Freelance 

Maddalone & Associates, Inc. 

Property Management 

Maddalone Construction 

Construction Companies 

Maddalone Realty 

Real Estate 

after 

The National Kidney Foundation Golf Classic is 

the nation’s premier amateur golf event for charity. 

The two top teams from each tournament are 

invited to play in the National Championship, 

conducted at the famed Pebble Beach Golf Links. 

The local event will be held at the prestigious 

Saratoga National Golf Club on Sept. 15. 

For more information, please contact Carol 

Lafleur at 518.458.9697 or carol@nkfneny.org. 

Mountain Media 

E-Commerce 

The Nurse Connection Staffing, Inc. 

Employment Agencies 

Red Thread Confections, LLC 

Specialty Foods 

Regal Cinemas Colonie Center Stadium 13 

Theatres 

S. P. Vogel Agency, Inc. 

Insurance 

Strategic Pension Services, LLC 

Retirement Planning Services 

Sukhothai Restaurant 

Restaurants 

The Law Office of Marco F. G. Tomakin 

Attorneys 

Vincy’s Printing 

Printers 

Wade Tours & Travel 

Buses-Charter & Rental 

Wallant Architects 

Architects 

Your Choice Vending 

Vending Machines 

Taking care of the 

things that clutter 

your life, so you have 

time for what 

matters. 

518.320.7370 

American Marketing Association-NY Capital Region Chapter: Presented 

speakers Mary Coleman, the Times Union’s marketing research manager, 

and Kathy Blass Weiss, executive vice president and research director 

for Blass Communications. Coleman and Weiss led a breakfast roundtable 

program titled “How do the smartest marketers use demographics?” 

on May 22 at Professor Java’s in Albany. 

Bartel Communications, Inc.: Pauline Bartel presented the seminar 

“Subtle Sell Marketing: Strategies That Drive Customers To Buy” at the 

13th Annual Workplace Learning and Development Conference sponsored 

by the Hudson Mohawk Chapter of the American Society for 

Training and Development in Albany. 

Capital Communications Federal Credit Union: Children who came to 

work with their parents on April 16 helped the credit union’s Capital 

Communications Cares Foundation assemble care packages for troops 

overseas. Local National Guard Members in Latham’s 3rd battalion 

142nd Aviation Regiment were there to lend a hand. 

Capital District Physicians’ Health Plan, Inc.: Has entered into an agreement 

with Nathan Littauer Hospital for all commercial lines of business. 

Careers In Transition LLC: Tom Denham, managing partner and career 

counselor, recently was one of the featured speakers for the 2008 

Preparing for the Professoriate Conference at the University at Albany. 

He was also honored by the University of Albany with the Alliance for 

Graduate Education & the Professoriate Service Award. 

Children’s Museum of Science & Technology: Offered “My Parent & 

Me” classes providing parents and children ages 2-3 and 4-5 the opportunity 

to discover the wonders of science in an exciting and stimulating 

environment. All programs included arts and crafts and a pre-school 

educational program. 

College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering: A host of top executives 

representing the world’s leading nanotechnology companies and 

organizations spoke on the topic of Open Innovation during the second 

annual Convergence of International Research and Commercialization 

in Albany, or CIRCA ’08, May 19-21. The event was presented by AeA, 

the nation’s largest high-tech trade association, and the College of 

Nanoscale Science and Engineering of the University at Albany. 

Downtown Albany BID: Partnering with Albany Center Gallery (ACG) 

on 1st Friday, which offers art experiences within the district from 11am 

– 2 pm, in an effort to expand the awareness and impact of 1st Friday 

for downtown’s tens of thousands of weekday employees. During the 

new monthly event, art locations including ACG and the Albany 

Heritage Area Visitors Center combine with shows from regional artists 

in unoccupied storefronts to provide downtown workers with an “art 

trail” to experience during their lunch breaks. 

Empire State College: Will begin offering a bachelor of science in nursing 

degree program beginning in fall 2008. The new program seeks to 

address the growing nursing shortage in the state and across the 

nation. 

Fidelis Care: Representatives were at the Price Chopper supermarket at 

40 Delaware Ave. in Albany on April 29 as part of the National Cover 

the Uninsured Week. 

Maria College: Held its annual White Tea Ceremony on May 18, honoring 

senior nursing graduates in a candlelight ceremony. Each graduate 

received a rose and candle signifying their commitment to the nursing 

profession, took the Florence Nightingale Oath, and was presented 

with a pin from the College. 

MVP Health Care: Committed $200,000 to Albany Medical Center to 

support a unique program that offers medical students the opportunity 

to partner with community organizations and physicians in helping 

to address the unmet health care needs of the underserved. Project 

MedSCOPE (Medical Student Community Outreach for Prevention & 

Education) serves to improve the health and well-being of residents in 

the Albany community. The program introduces medical students and 

physician faculty members to the challenges facing the underserved and 

gives them the necessary tools to provide health care to those in greatest 

need at various clinics and shelters in the neighborhoods surrounding 

Albany Medical Center. 

New York State Museum: In partnership with the New York State 

Biodiversity Research Institute presented weekly lectures in May focusing 

on the effect of non-native organisms on the environment and 

economy of New York State. The free lectures were held in conjunction 

with the Invaders exhibition, which will be at the Museum through 

March 15, 2009. 

Phillips Lytle, LLP: Richard Honen, partner-in-charge of the Albany 

office, participated in the “Invention to Venture” workshop on April 18 

at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. The daylong seminar featured workshops 

in technology entrepreneurship. 


Professional Image Management: Juanita Ecker, hired to conduct “The 

Art of Business Dining” session for the Albany County Convention 

Visitors Bureau 

Profitable Speech: Owner Dale Klein was interviewed on the internet 

radio show, “Think Big Radio,” as the featured guest on April 15. Klein 

spoke about ways to improve day-to-day communication in business 

and the impact of technology on communication skills. 

Siena College: The Sister Thea Bowman Center for Women at Siena 

College and The Women’s Alliance of Merrill Lynch hosted LUNAFEST, a 

festival of short films organized by Cliff Bar, the makers of Lunabars, on 

May 9. The event and screening honored Elaine Houston of WNYT 

News Channel 13. 

Siena College: Offered a series of full-day workshops for non-managerial 

women in the workforce, aimed to build skills crucial to professional 

development and their motivation to grow and succeed within their 

organization. The international program, called US Springboard 

Women’s Development Program, was brought to the Capital Region by 

Suzanne Marshall of Marsell Associates, partnering with Siena College. 

University at Albany: Unveiled a new branding initiative, with the 

theme “The World Within Reach.” It is the school’s first branding initiative 

since it was founded in 1844. That theme now appears on the 

school’s Web site, www.albany.edu, and will also appear on university 

publications and outreach materials. 

datebook 

Albany Aqua Ducks & Trolleys, Inc.: As Albany gears up for the 400th 

anniversary celebration of Henry Hudson’s arrival in the Capital City in 

1609, Peter Hess, Albany Rural Cemetery president, will lead a June 1 

cemetery tour that focuses on some of the first Dutch settlers including 

the Van Rensselaers, Schuylers, Bleeckers and Anneke Jans. On June 22, 

historian Mark Bodnar will lead a “Civil War Tour of Albany Rural,” 

including visits to the graves of the six Civil War Medal of Honor recipients 

and the two Confederate soldiers who are buried in the cemetery. 

For the complete schedule and reservations, call 518.462.3825 or visit 

www.albanyaquaducks.com. 

Our continuous goal is a commitment to our clients and 

our employee candidates to provide qualified personnel 

at an affordable rate without sacrificing quality. We are 

able to accomplish this in an efficient, professional and 

productive manner that will allow for a lasting relationship 

between Fusco Personnel, our client companies and our 

employee candidates. 

4 Executive Park Drive, Suite B, Albany, NY 12203 • 518-869-6100 ph • 518-869-5357 fx 

www.fuscopersonnel.net 

Customized 

Sales and 

Management 

Seminars 

Integrated Management & Sales 

Consulting assists businesses in 

growing revenues and developing 

effective sales and management 

leaders through consulting and 

training. 

30 

VISIONS 


COL-8172-A01B AD1 SUMMER 5/13/08 2:58 PM Page 1 

Capital District Farmers Market in Menands: The Farmers 

Market will hold is Strawberry Festival on June 21. Get freshly 

picked strawberries, sample strawberry shortcake and pick up 

some free strawberry recipes. For more information, call the 

market office at 518.465.1023. 

Colonie Youth Center: 14th Annual Golf Classic, in memory of 

David A. Tate, to benefit Colonie Youth Center, June 23 at 

Wolferts Roost Country Club. For more information, contact 

Barbara Boodram at 518.438.9596 or email 

bboodram@colonieyouthcenter.org. 

Hudson-Mohawk Chapter of the American Society for 

Training and Development: George Kansas, managing and 

founding member of Leadership Motivation, LLC, will discuss 

Emotional Archaeology and how the process of “digging and 

sweeping” in his own life, led him to discover the five secret 

factors for successful living after he faced a potentially lifethreatening 

disease on June 13 at the Albany Marriott. 

Registration and breakfast buffet from 8 – 8:45 am, followed 

by the program from 9 – 11 am. For more information, contact 

Nancy Reilly at 518.861.6324 or info@hudsonmohawkastd.org. 

New York State Museum: The annual Best of SUNY Student 

Art Exhibition returns to the New York State Museum through 

Sept. 1, showcasing the work of SUNY’s top student artists 

from across the state. The sixth annual exhibition contains art 

works from 24 SUNY campuses. It is a juried show featuring 

more than 60 works of art selected from more than 200 artistic 

pieces submitted to the SUNY student art exhibition at the 

State University Plaza this past academic year. 

To get your information into Chatroom, e-mail Paul Quirini at 

membernews@acchamber.org or fax him at 518.431.1410. The 

deadline for the August issue is June 15; for the September 

issue, the deadline is July 15. 

OPEN ENROLLMENT DEADLINE – June 6, 2008 

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THE CHEESECAKE FACTORY | P.F. CHANG’S CHINA BISTRO + MORE THAN 100 STORES 

for health 

insurance woes. 

Health care choices for you and your 

employees are available through the 

Chamber’s health insurance programs, and 

May-June is an open enrollment period. 

For more information, visit us on the 

Web at acchamber.org/HealthInsurance 

Program/OpenEnrollment.aspx or 

contact the Chamber’s health insurance 

department at 518.431.1419. 

FILL IN THE BLANK WITH A COLONIE CENTER GIFT CARD. 

WOLF ROAD & CENTRAL AVENUE, NORTHWAY EXIT 2E | 518.459.9020 

MALL HOURS: MON - SAT 10AM - 9:30PM SUN 11AM - 6PM | SHOPATCOLONIECENTER.COM 

ALL PAPERWORK MUST BE SUBMITTED BY June 6, 2008 FOR AN EFFECTIVE DATE OF July 1, 

2008. Member firms applying for coverage with a new carrier must provide documentation: NYS-45-ATT or 

Schedule C for sole proprietors. Insurance offered through the Business Services Corporation, a solely owned 

subsidiary of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce. 


love sam 

Shop at 

Borders, 

Support 

Love SAM 

Support the GE presents Love SAM program by 

shopping at Borders during “Benefit Days” on 

June 6 and 7. Participants will redeem coupons at 

Borders locations in Colonie, Saratoga Springs, 

Guilderland, Clifton Park, Plattsburgh and 

Wappingers Falls on those days, and 10 percent of 

the proceeds will be contributed to Love SAM. For 

more information, contact Karen Fox at 

518.431.1435 or karenf@acchamber.org. 

GE presents Love SAM (Science and Math) is an 

educational initiative led by GE, the New York 

State Senate and the Tech Valley Chamber 

Coalition, designed to inspire the next generation 

of tech innovators. The program nurtures a love 

of science and math in elementary students at 

schools throughout Tech Valley, through a wide 

range of engaging, hands-on activities and the 

involvement of the business community. 

We are proud of our 

Woman of Excellence, 

Anne LaRoche, and all of the other 

honorees. Congratulations on this 

prestigious award. Thank you for 

your contributions across the 

Capital Region. 

in partnership with the 

New York State Senate 

32 

VISIONS 



Sustained 

excellence 

Meet two former Women 

of Excellence flourishing in 

their careers 

Marilyn Pendergast 

CPA 

Excellence in the Professions, 

1997 

THEN: Shareholder, Urbach, 

Kahn & Werlin PC, Certified 

Public Accountants, Albany 

NOW: Managing director, 

UHY Advisors NY, Inc., Albany 

During the 11 years since receiving a Woman of 

Excellence Award, Pendergast has continued her 

work in the accounting profession. 

In 2000, Urbach, Kahn & Werlin merged with five 

other accounting firms across the country and is now 

part of UHY Advisors, the 12th largest provider of 

accounting services in the United States. Its international 

association, UHY International has also grown 

and is active in 66 countries throughout the world. 

Pendergast continues to provide audit services to 

clients in a variety of industries, in particular the higher 

education and government sector. She also works 

with public companies to assist them in developing 

internal controls to comply with Sarbanes-Oxley Act 

requirements. 

In 2006, she received the Sempier Award for the 

International Federation of Accountants (IFAC) in 

recognition of contributions to the international 

accounting profession. She was chair of the Ethics 

Committee of IFAC for six years and oversaw the 

development of a strong code of ethics and independence 

requirements that are now being implemented 

worldwide. 

“Receiving the Woman of Excellence award was a 

very significant event for me, both personally and 

professionally. As an ‘early-entry’ woman in the 

accounting profession in the late 1960s, I was fortunate 

to work with Eli Werlin, Howard Kahn and 

Sidney Urbach, all of whom were ahead of their 

times in providing opportunities for women in the 

profession and, for me, the award was also a tribute 

to them. 

“My parents (now 92 and 90) and my daughter 

also were able to be there when I accepted the 

award, and without their support, none of the things 

I have accomplished so far would have been possible. 

“I think the awards are important to the women 

today in our community who manage to perform a 

constant balancing act between professional and 

personal commitments, not only as recognition but 

also as incentive to young women who are just 

beginning their careers.” 

Judy Genshaft 


(Public), 1999 

THEN: Provost and Vice 

President for Academic 

Affairs, University at Albany 

NOW: President/Chief 

Executive Officer, University 

of South Florida 

Since July 200, Genshaft has been president and 

chief executive officer of the University of South 

Florida. In this role, she is responsible for the management 

of all units of USF, which has a $1.8 billion 

operating budget that includes more than $310 million 

in sponsored research funding. 

The USF system serves a metropolitan region of 

more than 3.9 million people and is one of the 

nation’s largest and most comprehensive research 

universities. USF has more than 45,000 students on 

four campuses, including a major academic medical 

center. 

The university offers 219 degree programs at 

the undergraduate, graduate, specialist and doctoral 

levels, including the doctor of medicine. In addition, 

the university has an annual economic impact 

of more than $3.2 billion on the Tampa Bay region. 

During her tenure at USF, Genshaft led a success- 


ful effort to secure funding for its first Florida 

Center of Excellence, receiving top ranking of all 

proposals, with $8 million awarded to create the 

Biomolecular Identification and Targeted 

Therapeutics Center (BITT). 

She coordinated USF’s effort to secure a $20 million 

partnership between USF’s College of Marine 

Science and Ocean Technology and Stanford 

Research Institute International. 

Under Genshaft’s leadership, USF became the 

first university in Florida and the first major public 

research university in the southeastern U.S. to 

establish a Confucius Institute, which is a partnership 

between the Chinese government and educational 

institutions around the world, with approximately 

210 branches in 64 nations. 

In addition, she facilitated USF’s successful effort 

to move to a BCS affiliated athletic conference, the 

Big East Conference, and achieved NCAA Division I- 

A status for USF’s four-year old football program. 

“Respected accomplishments such as the 

Woman of Excellence award validates one’s actions 

and leaves a positive impression on past, current 

and future colleagues. I truly believe that it aided in 

my selection as president at the University of South 

Florida, as it provided validation of my work and 

accomplishments at the University at Albany and 

Ohio State University.” 

Grow 

Is your 

business 

expanding, 

adding 

employees, 

purchasing 

equipment? 

The Albany-Colonie Chamber 

provides loans to growing companies 

in (or relocating to) Albany County. 

For more information contact 

Kevin Catalano at 

518.431.1423. 

Albany County Business 

Development Corporation 

as administrator of the 

Al Tech Trust Fund 

Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce as agent for the Albany County Business Development Corporation 

performs the loan administration and management function for the Al Tech Trust Fund 

34 

VISIONS 


2008 chamber champions 

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce would like to thank the following businesses for their 

continued support by recognizing them as Chamber Champions. Through dues and sponsorships, each of 

these businesses contributed a total of $5,000 or more to the Chamber last year. 

titanium $50,000+ 

Joseph Richardson 

Regional Lender, NY Region 

Berkshire Bank 

platinum $25,000 – $49,999 

Jeff Stone 

President 

KeyBank 

William Flaherty 

Regional Executive 

National Grid 

Andrew C. Rose, Esq. 

Partner 

Nixon Peabody LLP 

gold $10,000 – $24,999 

James J. Barba 

CEO & President 

Albany Medical Center 

Dr. Thomas D’Ambra 

Chairman & CEO 

AMRI 

Jennifer MacPhee 

Market President 

Bank of America 

Alphonso O’Neil-White 

President & CEO 

Blue Shield of Northeastern NY 

George McNamee 

Director 

Broadpoint Capital 

Carolyn Jones 

Publisher 

The Business Review 

William Cromie 

President & CEO 

CDPHP 

Ray Rettig 

President 

Cotton Hill Studios, Inc. 

Tom Amell 

Eastern NY Regional President 

First Niagara Bank 

Jan A. Smith 

Manager, Community Affairs 

GE Energy 

Peter Clemente 

Senior VP & District Executive 

HSBC Bank USA, N.A. 

David L. McDonald 

CFO, KAPL Inc., A Lockheed 

Martin Company 

Michael T. Keegan 

President 

M & T Bank 

Rob Johanson 

Founder & COO 

Mid Hudson Media 

David W. Oliker 

President/CEO 

MVP Health Care 

Jeffrey M. Levy 

Regional President 

NBT Bank, N.A. 

Patrick MacKrell 

President 

NYBDC 

Michael J. Hickey 

President 

Pitney Bowes Software 

Dr. Shirley Ann Jackson 

President 

RPI 

Bruce Beaudette 

President/CEO, Sunmark 

Federal Credit Union 

Mark E. Aldam 

Publisher & CEO 

Times Union 

Neil L. Levine, Esq. 

Partner, Whiteman, 

Osterman & Hanna, LLP 


silver $5,000 – $9,999 

Sr. Constance Casey 

President and CEO 


Todd Reichelt 

General Manager 

Albany Marriott Hotel 

David Stackrow 

Board Chair 

CDTA 

Alan Krafchin 


Center for Disability Services 

Raymond J. Kinley Jr. 

CEO, Clough, Harbour 

& Associates LLP 

Paul Scoville 

Principal In Charge 

CS Arch, P.C. 

Gordon S. Robbie, CPA 

Managing Director 

The DR Group 

Ken Desmond 

Vice President 

The Desmond Hotel 

Ethel Graber 

Vice President, Sales 

Empire Blue Cross 

Mark Campito 

CEO 

Marktech Optoelectronics 

Dr. James Reed 


Northeast Health 

Richard Honen 

Partner In Charge 

Phillips Lytle LLP 

John M. Scarchilli 


Pioneer Bank 

Jim Baldwin 

District Superintendent 

Questar III 

John Murray 


Rose and Kiernan, Inc. 

Dr. R. Mark Sullivan 

President 

The College of Saint Rose 

Father Kevin Mullen 

President 

Siena College 

Michele Mehler 

Vice President of Operations 

State Farm 

Dr. Donald Zingale 

President 

SUNY Cobleskill 

George M. Philip 

Interim President 

University at Albany 

Dick Kotlow 

Executive Director & CEO 

UHY Advisors NY 

Dave Lamendola 

Director 

Verizon 

36 

VISIONS 


“The company to call 

for all your staffing needs” 

518-869-6780 

www.Sargent-Blais.com 

220 Washington Ave. Ext. • Albany, NY 12203 

Secretarial 

Reception 

Accounting 

Bookkeeping 

Clerical 

Data Entry 

Administrative 

Claims Processing 

Customer Service 

techforce 

The document 

management 

paradox 

Terry Bender CDIA+ 

Tiger Business 

Solutions, LLC 

Documents, whether paper or digital, constitute the fastest-growing 

component of most organizations’ information assets. U.S. 

businesses create more new content each year than all the materials 

currently contained in the Library of Congress. 

If you realize the importance of managing those assets better, 

you will need to invest in an Enterprise Content Management 

(ECM) solution. Traditional ECM installations involve the selection 

and procurement of generalized content management software, 

configuration, customization, hardware, installation and training. 

If you are not prepared for that undertaking, an alternative to 

installed software is emerging. Software delivered on-demand, 

also known as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), is growing at approximately 

25 percent per year, compared to installed software, 

which remains relatively stagnant at 6 percent growth per year. 

While many promising new technologies vie for the attention 

of IT leaders and CIO’s, only a few of these innovations actually 

end up improving top-line performance or bottom-line productivity. 

A recent survey of U.S. IT executives by McKinsey & Co. found 

that only two new technologies were viewed as highly promising 

tools for obtaining real business benefits, one being SaaS. 

What is SaaS, or on-demand software? At its most basic level, 

on-demand software refers to an application comprised of a single, 

integrated code base, delivered as a service to multiple customers 

simultaneously and securely via the Web. Additional 

capacity, users, add-on components or features can be ordered 

and fulfilled instantly as the customer demands, and without the 

technical or licensing barriers common to installed software. 

Configurations or customization are applied to the shared 

code base at the account level, which means that frequent 

updates can be made to the software, while keeping customer 

preferences and configurations intact. 

Enterprise Content Management (ECM) is especially suited to 

SaaS because of the generally challenging nature of deploying an 

ECM system, which usually requires dedicated hardware, multiple 

applications from different vendors and quite a bit of integration. 

Alternatively, the on-demand service provider can spread the cost 

of architecting and integrating the full solution across multiple 

customers. 

If you are considering an ECM investment, independent of 

features and functionality considerations, how should you decide 

between independent software vendors or on-demand options? 

Here are five test questions that can help you evaluate when ondemand 

is right for you: 

Reach Test – Do you need to collaborate with others inside and 

outside your company? Do you work with people in multiple 

locations, including mobile workers, partners and suppliers 

around the world? Do you change or add new team members 

frequently? 

Speed Test – Do you need a solution now or in 3-12 months? 

Cash Flow Test – Do you want to limit your upfront budget and 

continued on page 41 


photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op photo op 

“Is America ready for a female or 

African-American president?” 

That was the topic of a lively panel discussion on April 

9 at The Linda-WAMC’s Performing Arts Studio in 

Albany and later re-aired on WAMC. Panelists included 

(pictured l-r): Helen Desfosses, associate professor, 

public administration and policy, University at Albany; 

Alan Chartock, WAMC chairman and executive director, 

who served as moderator; Dan Bazile, spokesman 

for Assembly Minority Leader James Tedisco; and 

Corey Ellis, member of the City of Albany’s Common 

Council Ward 3. The discussion was sponsored by 

Manpower and hosted by the Chamber’s Cultural 

Diversity Business Council. 

Tully Rinckey opens new office 

Tully Rinckey PLLC officially opened the doors of its 

new law office with a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony 

on April 17. Pictured left to right: Robert Becker, Town 

of Colonie board member; Assemblyman Bob Reilly; 

Michael Breslin, Albany County Executive; Greg 

Rinckey, Tully Rinckey managing partner; Mathew 

Tully, founding partner; and Tracey Brooks, 

Congressional candidate. 

Taste of Colonie was delicious 

june 

More than 125 participants experienced a “Taste of Colonie” on April 23 at several 

restaurants along Wolf Road, including the Albany Marriott Hotel, Real Seafood, 205 

on Wolf, Fuddruckers and Buca di Beppo. Hosted by the Colonie Business Council, 

the event offered not only the finest offerings of local restaurants and hotels, but 

also networking opportunities and prize giveaways. High Peaks Resort sponsored 

this event. 

38 VISIONS 


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Mary Stokes Financial Planning 

292 Washington Av. Ext. Suite 106 

P.O. Box 38011 Albany, NY 12203 

518.690.0518 

Securities offered through Securities America, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, Mary Stokes, Registered 

Representative. Advisory services offered through Securities America Advisors, Inc., an SEC 

Registered Investment Advisory Firm, Mary Stokes, Investment Advisor Representative. Mary 

Stokes Financial Planning and Securities America are unaffiliated. Date of First Use: 4/2008 

Steve Preston, 

Senior Sales Manager, 

High Peaks Resort 


Talkin’ about generations 

The GenNext Council presented ”Generational Connectedness: Four Generational Views,” a 

panel discussion on April 22 at the Holiday Inn in Schenectady. Attendees learned what 

Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X and Millennials think about ethics, job expectations, 

money, technology, career development, communication and voting. Panelists included (pictured 

l–r): Joe Richardson, director of economic development, Berkshire Bank; Jeff Sperry, managing 

partner, CB Richard Ellis; Diana Martin, manager, Strategic and Educational Outreach, College of 

Nanoscale Science and Engineering; Brian Tromans, marketing coordinator, AIDS Council of 

Northeastern New York. Sponsored by Northwestern Mutual Financial Network. 

Are you a small 

business owner? 

Starting a business? 

Have legal questions? 

Call us. 

The Small Business Legal Network offers 

FREE, private legal consultations on: 

• how to establish a business 

• trademarks 

• copyrights 

• permits & zoning 

• purchase contracts & more 

Volunteers come in all ages 

“Attracting and Motivating Volunteers Across 

the Generations” was the topic of the Tech 

Valley Nonprofit Business Council’s panel discussion 

on April 17 at talian-American 

Community Center in Albany. Facilitated by Karl 

Johnson, Senior Vice President and Chief Retail 

Officer for Pioneer Bank, the discussion helped 

attendees address the motivations and needs of 

their volunteers who range from youth, working 

professionals and retirees. Pictured left to right: 

Meaghan Fortier, student volunteer, American 

Cancer Society; Steve Kozlowski, volunteer, AIDS 

Council of Northeastern New York; and Robert 

Ludwig, volunteer, United Way of the Greater 

Capital Region. Sponsored by Pioneer Bank. 

Logos looks good 

LogosPrint.com celebrated the grand 

opening of its new facility with a 

ribbon-cutting ceremony at its new office 

on Walker Way in Colonie on April 9. 

Craig Hall, president 

www.legalproject.org 

6 Executive Park Drive, Albany, NY 12203 

(518) 435-1770 

or gcannistraro@legalproject.org 

Cosponsored with The Community Loan Fund 

The 

Acupuncture 

Office 

• Acupuncture 

• Medical Qigong 

• Chinese Herbs 

• Classes & Workshops: 

Qigong / Tai Chi / Ba Gua, 

Neigong / Meditation 

• Microcurrent-Light Therapy- 

Vibrational Beauty Therapy 

Cutting-edge technology in facial 

rejuvenation, using Microcurrent- 

Light therapy. No needles. No pain. 

No recovery time. Relaxing! 

Voices carry at WBC event 

The Women’s Business Council hosted a “Voices in Government” program on May 6 at Wolferts 

Roost Country Club in Albany. Audience members posed questions directly to a panel of government 

experts, including (pictured l-r): Hon. Paula Mahan, Town of Colonie supervisor; Hon. Michael 

Breslin, Albany County Executive; and Helen Desfosses, associate professor, public administration 

and policy, University at Albany. Moderated by Kara Conway Love. Sponsored by The DR Group. 

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40 

VISIONS 


techforce continued from page 37 

It’s that time… 

tee time, 

that is. 

link cash outlays to benefits received? 

Darwin Test – Is it critical that your software application 

evolve as your needs change and new technologies 

emerge? 

80/20 Test – Can you accomplish your goals with 

an 80 percent solution, one that provides all the 

key functionality that you need, but maybe not 

every bell and whistle that you desire? 

Enterprise Content Management, either as a 

stand-alone application or as part of a broader 

ECM initiative, is a powerful technology that 

enables an organization to control and leverage 

its information assets. 

TECHForce Update 

The TECHForce Council hosted our third Executive 

Roundtable Forum in March with Jeff Killeen, 

chairman and CEO of GLOBALSPEC. The session 

was extremely well received and included informal 

insights and lessons learned from this 

TechValley superstar. Stay tuned for future events 

or check us out at acchamber.org. 

Join your fellow 

Chamber 

members for our 

26th annual Golf Day, 

which features a scramble 

format, lots of prizes and 

plenty of fun. Cocktail 

reception, dinner & program. 

July 14 

Albany Country Club 

Cost: $199 

To register visit 

acchamber.org/events.aspx 


member benefit 

Background 

checks 

Are you performing due diligence 

on your new hires? 

The Chamber has partnered with Alliance Worldwide 

Investigative Group LLC to provide the most up-to-date 

and accurate investigative reports and background 

checks available in the industry to Chamber members. 

All members have an exclusive opportunity to receive 

15 percent off their background screening and drug testing 

needs. Find out how to protect your company from 

employee theft, falsified employment applications and 

resumes, negligent hiring lawsuits, substance abuse problems 

and workplace violence. 

For more information, contact Alliance Worldwide 

Investigative Group LLC at 800.579.2911 or contact 

Jennifer Sims, senior membership relations associate, at 

518.431.1418 or jennifers@acchamber.org. 

There’s something 

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42 

VISIONS 


tech valley nonprofit business council 

New day 

dawns for 

TVNBC 

E. Kristen Frederick 

President/CEO 

The Community Foundation 

for the Greater Capital Region 

Tech Valley Nonprofit Business 

Council Chair 

“There is nothing new under the sun,” it is written in 

the book of Ecclesiastes. While that feeling may be 

true for some, the Tech Valley Nonprofit Business 

Council begs to differ. 

As the brainchild of two regional chambers of 

commerce (Albany-Colonie and Schenectady County) 

there are no other such nonprofit councils, to our 

knowledge, in the U.S. As such, each program we 

hold, each committee action that supports our mission 

is truly inventing the wheel for others who will come 

along and pattern themselves after us in some other 

community. 

For three years we’ve provided educational programs 

to help the nonprofit sector think and act in 

synch with the business sector. But this spring, as a 

result of feedback from a record number of attendees 

at our programs and overall growth in council members, 

we noticed that we had outgrown our training 

wheels and needed to redesign the bike. 

The new vision, mission and objectives will help us 

focus both internally and externally. They will include 

creating a committee to help us plan peer-to-peer 

gatherings, and combining some of our efforts with 

other nonprofits, hopefully generating needed 

research about our own sector and how it relates to 

the Tech Valley economy. Lastly, while we will continue 

to provide programs, we will look to partner with 

larger Chamber businesses and even other councils, to 

increase the overall visibility and impact of the nonprofit 

sector within the region at large. Instead of asking 

what businesses can do for us, we will turn that 

around and seek to answer, “What can we do for businesses?” 

So, yes, there is something new under the sun, and 

it keeps on getting bigger and better. Lofty intents, 

however, require warm bodies and people to aspire to 

leadership. Many of us stood up to be counted when 

the TVNBC was created. Now, as it expands, we need 

the next generation of committed nonprofit leaders 

to take us into 2009 and beyond. Who knows where 

they will take us, but it will certainly be somewhere 

new under the sun. 


opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion opinion 

Dr. Jeanne Neff :: President :: The Sage Colleges 

Sage wisdom from 

a retiring college president 

Since announcing my retirement, I’ve had an 

opportunity to reflect on the past 13 years as a 

time of change and progress for the Capital 

Region, as well as for The Sage Colleges. 

When I arrived in 1995, many of the other 

new chief executives of colleges, businesses and 

health care organizations, in addition to the new 

mayors of Troy and Albany, were individuals who 

had come of age during the idealistic 1960s and 

1970s. Perhaps that is the reason, more often than 

not, that we have been collaborators rather than 

territorial competitors. Conversations among us 

soon led to the creation of a Business-Higher 

Education Roundtable, a group that developed a 

shared vision for the region’s economic and cultural 

development, and an understanding of the 

importance of higher education to both. 

This region’s colleges and universities play a 

variety of roles. The University at Albany and 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, for example, 

offer a rich research environment for cuttingedge 

technology development. Community colleges, 

such as Hudson Valley Community College 

and Schenectady County Community College, 

provide direct workforce training. Meanwhile, 

Sage and other colleges produce students who 

can fill key positions in high-tech firms, nurture 

and initiate start-up companies and provide a 

sophisticated, well-trained and well-educated 

workforce. We also educate the teachers, 

lawyers, health care professionals, artists and 

designers, government workers and service 

providers who make up the larger fabric of a 

vibrant community. 

Of course, higher education is about students 

first and foremost, and together we serve more 

than 80,000 of them each year. Some come from 

outside the region or state and bring with them 

substantial spending power. Local students find a 

broad and affordable range of educational 

options without leaving home. Traditional undergraduates 

connect with area businesses through 

internships, which are often the source of postgraduation 

employment. Adult learners, such as 

those in “Sage After Work” or our Graduate 

School, find that educational advancement leads 

to professional advancement, raising the educational 

level of the regional workforce. 

Colleges and universities are also major 

employers, major purchasers of local goods and 

services, and major investors in community development, 

as we constantly upgrade and improve 

facilities. We are often engaged in neighborhood 

development, as with Sage’s successful homeowner 

incentive program in Troy, Union College’s 

investments in the area around its campus, and 

the University Heights project in Albany, where 

Sage, Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Law 

School and Albany Medical Center together 

developed 31 acres of contiguous property as a 

medical/academic/scientific “commons.” 

In some cases, higher education can nurture 

new, developing industries. The INVEST incubator 

on the Russell Sage campus is the only 

nanoscience incubator of its kind in the area, 

renting laboratory space to second-stage companies 

that have moved from the embryonic phase 

to a stable operating premise and are poised for 

new growth. With INVEST’s current occupant, 

Evident Technologies, Sage is enjoying a vibrant 

partnership among faculty, scientists and students, 

who can begin as interns and emerge as 

employees. 

To attract the talented faculty, administrators 

and staff needed to deliver a high-quality educational 

product –– and, of course, enroll students 

–– colleges and universities rely on the Capital 

Region’s overall quality of life. Residents here 

enjoy the community spirit and cohesiveness of a 

small hometown while having access to the cultural, 

historical and educational benefits that are 

the hallmarks of major metropolitan areas. And 

colleges themselves are a major source of that cultural 

richness. At Sage, the award-winning 

Opalka Gallery in Albany and the New York State 

Theatre Institute on the Troy campus are only a 

tiny part of the large number of exhibit and performance 

venues where “gown” and “town” 

come together. 

With its four seasons and close proximity to 

New York City, Boston, the Berkshires and 

Adirondacks, the Capital Region is increasingly 

attractive to upwardly mobile professionals, 

entrepreneurs, and young “boomerangers” 

returning home after sampling the larger world. 

The past 10 years of cross-sector community planning 

efforts, including Historic Troy 2020, 

Capitalize Albany and the Metroplex Authority in 

Schenectady, are beginning to bear visible fruit in 

new residential and commercial development. 

To create more economic opportunities, 

however, the region as a whole needs to capitalize 

on the growing sense of energy and enthusiasm 

and focus more effort on planning that 

june 

crosses entrenched boundaries. Regional solutions 

are needed for lifestyle issues like poor 

land use planning and suburban sprawl, the lack 

of efficient public transportation among our 

cities, or the inequities among school systems, 

that make us less attractive than other regions 

where technology is a central theme. 

Waterfront development alone cries out for a 

regional approach, especially as plans go forward 

for the celebration of the Hudson- 

Champlain Quadricentennial in 2009. 

Higher education can help to address these 

issues. One recent example is the “Discover Tech 

Valley, Rediscover Home” initiative sponsored by 

the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of 

Commerce and the Chamber of Schenectady 

County, in partnership with the region’s colleges 

and universities. This demonstrates the kind of 

collaboration that nurtures regionalization. Some 

years ago, the Business-Higher Education 

Roundtable discussed bringing together the three 

city planning groups mentioned above, to share 

information and look for collaborative possibilities. 

That meeting never occurred and the 

Roundtable itself fell by the wayside as leadership 

transitions occurred. Perhaps the area’s Chambers 

of Commerce that have been leading the way in 

their own collaboration will be the catalysts for 

renewed efforts. 

As I reflect on the progress of the Capital 

Region and note that recent awarding of $10 million 

in state funding for the Upper Hudson River 

Research Center in Troy –– a collaborative project 

with Rensselaer and the Beacon Institute for 

Rivers and Estuaries that will be the first of its kind 

in the nation –– I see a bright future. The region 

will thrive as long as it has leaders with a strong 

work ethic, creativity, integrity and courage, who 

are willing to roll up their sleeves and work as 

long and as hard as it takes to accomplish shared 

goals. My husband, Ed, and I will soon relocate to 

our home in western Maryland, but we plan to 

return often and look forward to celebrating the 

continued growth of Tech Valley. 

An interim president will be named for The 

Sage Colleges while the search for a long-term 

successor takes place. Jeanne Neff will assist Sage’s 

Advancement office with ongoing fundraising 

initiatives though the end of 2008. She also 

expects to be active as a consultant in higher education 

and to pursue several writing projects. 

44 

VISIONS 


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