February - Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce

albany-colonie regional chamber of commerce feb. ’10Eye on theFutureTime Warner Cable educatesfuture generations whileintroducing advanced technologyOne moment in timeMemories of 1980 Winter OlympicGames remain vivid, 30 years later

contentsa publication of theAlbany-Colonie RegionalChamber of Commerce6 | One momentin timeOn the coverChamber ChairmanJ. Kenneth DesmondThe Desmond Hotel& Conference CenterChair-ElectAlan J. KrafchinCenter for Disability ServicesPresident and CEOMark N. Eagan, CCE518.431.1424marke@acchamber.orgVisions EditorPaul J. Quirini518.431.1451paulq@acchamber.org16 | Eye onthe futureVisions Layout and DesignChristopher J. Iulachrisi@acchamber.org518.431.1415Visions AdvertisingDon McCormick & Paula Segal518.783-9368dmccormick2@nycap.rr.com6 | One momentin timeMemories of 1980 WinterOlympic Games remain vivid,30 years later8 | An adventureof a lifetimeChamber’s third China trip tofeature visit to World Expo2010 in Shanghaifeatures feb. ’1021 | On thewaterfrontPort of Coeymans MarineTerminal is rollin’ on the river24 | Great minds,high honorsChamber to present Dr. AlainE. Kaloyeros, Nehme Frangiewith awards on March 10 at110th Annual Dinnerevent spotlight4 | State of the Cityfeaturing CohoesMayor John T.McDonald IIIJoin us as Mayor McDonalddelivers the “state of the city”address for the City of Cohoesfor the 11th year, at VanSchaick Island Country Club.Chamber Mission: Be a catalyst for growth and prosperityfor our members and the Capital Region by providingleadership, advocacy and services.18 | All in the familyLearn important tips forfamily-business successand succession planningChamber Office:One Computer Drive SouthAlbany, NY 12205-1631518.431.1400 | acchamber.org | techvalley.orgin every issueAlbany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the BusinessServices Corporation and their representatives, employees andagents are held harmless from any claim, demand, liability oraction on account of or in any way arising out of the client’s advertising,products and services, or its participation in Visions. ©Visions 2010.For more information on advertising inVisions, view the 2010 Media Kit atacchamber.org/visions.aspx4 | Chambercalendar of events14 | Five courseconversation25 | New Chamberinvestors28 | Memberhappenings31 | On the scene32 | OpinionJeffrey SperberPresidentHuck Finn Companieschris iulaFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 1

Chamber Board of DirectorsOfficersChairman ofthe BoardJ. Kenneth Desmond*The Desmond Hotel &Conference CenterChair-ElectAlan J. Krafchin*Center for DisabilityServicesPresident and CEOMark N. Eagan*Albany-ColonieRegional Chamber ofCommerceDirectorsCandace AdamsGrossjohannNYS Department of HealthWalé F. AdeosunRensselaer PolytechnicInstituteThomas L. AmellFirst Niagara BankMarri K. Aviza*Rumors Day Spaand Hair SalonJames J. BarbaAlbany Medical CenterJohn D. BennettCapital District Physicians’Health PlanKenneth L. BlassBlass Communications, LLCSonny Bonacio*Bonacio Construction, IncMark J. BreslinTurner ConstructionCompanyJames W. ColeBST Advisors, LLCDiane Conroy-LaCivitaHarmony House MarketplaceJaney DygertBechtel Marine PropulsionCorporationRobert GaitoSolutionSetElaine Hannay GruenerHannay Reels, Inc.Richard E. HonenPhillips Lytle, LLPImmediatePast ChairMichael T. Keegan*M&T BankChair, FinanceTimothy F. Pierce*Stulmaker Kohn &RichardsonSecretaryI. Norman Massry*Tri City RentalsLegal CounselKara Conway Love*Law Office of KaraConway LoveStephen R. JanackCollege of NanoscaleScience and EngineeringRichard G. Kotlow*UHY Advisors NY, LLPWilliam Lia, Jr.*Lia Auto Group Inc. /Gold’s GymPhilip MorrisProctorsAnn C. MoynihanDocument Strategies, IncKevin J. Mullen, OFMSiena CollegeKevin O’Connor*Tech Valley CommunicationsRyan O’DonnellBullEx Digital SafetyThomas QuickGE EnergyMel QuinlanOberlander GroupAndrew C. RoseNixon Peabody, LLPKay Stafford*CMA Consulting, IncJeffrey D. StoneKeyBankMichele L. VennardAlbany County Convention&Visitors BureauMarcia J. WhiteSaratoga PerformingArts CenterAs you read this issue of Visions, you’llnotice that we’ve made several changes toits look and feel.The content and layout of the articlesthemselves is, hopefully, more reader-friendly,making for a more engaging, welcoming read.We will continue to profile Chambermembers in our articles, but we’re aiming tobroaden our perspectives in 2010.Instead of devoting entire issues toprimarily to one theme, each issue now willcontain articles based on several differenttopics, such as family-owned businesses,long-time Chamber members, customerservice and workplace culture.It’s our hope that this approach will include a wider variety of our membershipand not limit any one issue to a particular field, industry or area of expertise.In this issue, for example, we profile Time Warner Cable and its new “Connect aMillion Minds” initiative, aimed at inspiring more students — especially young girls — topursue studies in science, technology, engineering and math.As you’ll see, Time Warner Cable — a Chamber member for more than 35 years— does more than just provide digital cable, Internet and phone services to TechValley; the company is shaping young minds and making a difference in the lives oftomorrow’s scientists, researchers and engineers.Did you know that the newest port in the Capital Region was once the home of theoldest brick manufacturer in New York state, a company that produced tens of millionsof bricks annually, beginning in the late 1880s?Today, the Port of Coeymans Marine Terminal is a thriving, modern port,thanks to Eli Weiss and Carver Laraway. Read their story, and learn how twobusiness partners and trusted friends have transformed this location 10 milessouth of Albany on the upper Hudson River into a successful, modern-day commercialventure.Family-owned businesses have a unique dynamic, to say the least. Just ask DaveSands, who has started several family-owned businesses himself, including DorsetPartners LLC.He and his son, Jeff, specialize in assisting family-owned companies and preparingthem for the transition of leadership from one generation to the next. See what advicethey have for family-owned business owners when it comes to strategic planning,succession planning and maintaining the balance between work and family.We hope you enjoy reading Visions. I’d welcome any comments or suggestions atmarke@acchamber.org.=Mark N. Eagan, CCEPresident and CEOAlbany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerecepresident’s perspective*Denotes Executive Committee memberFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 3

chamber calendar of eventsPlease register and pay by credit card online atacchamber.org/events.aspx or, make checks payable tothe Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce and mailto: One Computer Drive South, Albany, NY 12205. Pre-paymentis required. CANCELLATIONS MUST BE MADE 48 HOURS INADVANCE. Walk-ins will be charged an additional $5 fee. Allevents are for Chamber members only. For more informationon councils and committees, call 518.431.1400.Tues2I-87 Exit 6 Project – Updates andInformation You Need to KnowPresented by: Colonie Business CouncilCorporate sponsor:Dan Moore, project engineer for the New York StateDepartment of Transportation, will discuss the significanttraffic impacts for 2010 when three of the seven lanes onthe bridge over Exit 6 of I-87 in Latham are closedbetween March and October. He will present what is goingto happen, what motorists should expect and suggestionsfor navigating the area, as well as how to obtain informationon current traffic conditions. This is a timely presentationfor businesses, employees and the thousands of travelerswho drive this route daily.7:30am networking; 8 – 9am programChamber office / Cost: $5Chamber members onlyWed3Maximize YourMembership BreakfastCorporate sponsor:februaryTues9Business Success Seminar:Smart GrowthPresented by: Small Business CouncilCorporate sponsor:In keeping with this year’s theme of Smart Growth, join theSmall Business Council as we present a panel discussionon self-evaluations/audits for your small business technologyneeds. This interactive panel will help you determine if youand your hardware, software, phones, computers, Web siteand other technologies are meeting your needs and gettingthe job done. Jeff Cohn of Sage Computer Associates andAnne Marie Lanesey of Greane Tree Technology Groupwill provide their expertise for this session. Michael Howardof At Your Service will moderate.7:30am networking; 8 – 9am programChamber office / Cost: $5Chamber members onlyThurs11State of the City featuring CohoesMayor John T. McDonald IIIPresented by: The Business Council of CohoesCorporate sponsor:Join us as Cohoes Mayor John McDonald delivers the“state of the city” address for the City of Cohoes for the 11thyear. Mayor McDonald will discuss the successes that thecity has enjoyed, the challenges it faces and new initiativesthat will be pursued in the coming year. The mayor willalso include thoughts about the impact of actions at thestate and federal level and how they impact communitiessuch as Cohoes and other local governments. Attendeeswill have an opportunity to ask Mayor McDonald questions.7:45 – 9am / Van Schaick Island Country Club201 Continental Avenue, Cohoes / Cost: $10Chamber members onlyThurs11Investing in Volunteers forSuccessful ReturnsPresented by: Tech Valley NonprofitBusiness CouncilCorporate sponsor:This program is designed to help attendees learn how toeffectively recruit, manage, train and retain volunteers bylearning how other nonprofits utilize technology, craftmanagement and training programs, efficiently managevolunteers and recognize them as a valuable part of theorganization. Panelists from local nonprofits will share bestpractices, success stories and the importance of volunteeringnot only for the organization, but for the volunteers as well.7:30 – 9am / NYS Nurses Association11 Cornell Road, Latham / Cost: $15; Albany-Colonieand Schenectady County Chamber members onlyThurs11Tues16Night atthe MuseumPresented by: GenNEXT Council: Tech ValleyYoung ProfessionalsCorporate sponsor:Young professionals shouldn’t miss this chance to attend this privateevent at the NYS Museum, when its new exhibit, “Seeing Ourselves:Masterpieces of American Photography from George Eastman HouseCollege,” will be unveiled one day early exclusively for GenNEXTmembers. Following the preview, there will be a cocktail and horsd'oeuvres reception and time for networking in the Elk pond.5:30 – 7:30pm / New York State Museum / Cost: $15Log On, Link In and Let SocialMedia Work for YouPresented by: Women’s Business CouncilCorporate sponsor:Chamber membership entitles you and your employeesto a host of benefits. Learn how to optimize your membershipand understand the positive effects it can have on ourbusiness.7:45 – 9am / Chamber office / Cost: No charge;Chamber members onlyThis program will include valuable information on how toutilize social media, such as Facebook and LinkedIn, tohelp promote you and your business. Learn why it is soimportant to take advantage of these media outlets andhow to use them effectively and professionally to helpbrand your business.11:30am – 1pm / Wolferts Roost CC120 Van Rensselaer Blvd., AlbanyCost: $20; Chamber members onlyOne Computer Drive South, Albany, NY 12205 / p: 518.431.1400. f: 518.431.14024| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

marchThurs18We Would Like You to SayA Few WordsPresented by: The LunchtimeToastmasters’ ClubThe Lunchtime Toastmasters’ Club is offering an ElevatorSpeech Development Workshop. In a fun, relaxed andsupportive atmosphere, we will help you develop your“elevator speech.” During the workshop, we will give tipsabout what to include and what to leave out of yourspeech, guidance on delivery, and advice about how tocontrol your nerves.8:30am check-in and breakfast;9am program / Chamber officeCost: $5 Chamber members, $10 Non-membersMon22Workers’ Compensationand Your BusinessNeil Gilberg, advocate for business at the NYSWorkers’ Compensation Board, will explain what hisoffice can provide businesses, as well as explain yourresponsibilities as they pertain to workers’ compensationand disability insurance. Gilberg is the primary liaisonbetween the state’s business community and Workers’Compensation Board.7:45am check-in and networking;8am program / Chamber officeCost: No charge; Open to the publicTues23Rise and Shine –– Speed NetworkingBusiness to Business ExchangeHost: Holiday Inn Express & SuitesGrab some coffee and get ready to network. During thisunique, fast-paced Business-to-Business Exchange, you’llstart your day with the opportunity to make 20 or moresolid contacts, while having fun as you establish connectionswith your fellow Chamber members. Don’t blink, orelse you just might miss one of the numerous networkingsessions that await you.7:30 check-in and breakfast; 8am programHoliday Inn Express & Suites, 400 Old Loudon Road,Latham / Cost: $10, Chamber members onlyWed3Clarity Within Diversity: EmbraceCross-Cultural CommunicationsPresented by: The Chamber’s DiversityAdvisory GroupIn this brief train-the-trainer course, Kat Koppett andRenu Ramakrishnan will explore tips and techniques toenhance learning, understanding and retention in diverseenvironments.7:45 – 8am networking, 8 - 10am programChamber office / Cost: $15Open to non-membersTues9Business Success Seminar:Protecting Yourself –– A Legal andInsurance PanelPresented by: Small Business CouncilCorporate sponsor:Join us for a panel discussion on protecting theintellectual property of your business (logos, jingles,products and methods) through patent, trademark, copyright,trade dress and trade secret. The panel will alsodiscuss protecting your business through the correcttypes of insurance and how to protect and successfullyprocess your insurance claim and avoid getting involvedin litigation with your insurance company. Panelistsinclude: Lori Anne Harris from HMS Agency, Maxine L.Barasch, Esq. of Maxine Barasch & Associates, PLLCand Ed Tobin, Jr., Esq. of Maynard, O’Connor, Smith &Catalinotto, LLP.7:30am networking, 8am programChamber office / Cost: $5Chamber members onlyWed10The Chamber’s 110thAnnual DinnerMajor sponsor:The Chamber’s Annual Dinner is the region’s premierebusiness event, attended by more than 1,000 Tech Valleybusiness executives and civic leaders. This promises tobe an evening you will not want to miss, featuringunmatched networking opportunities and an outstandingprogram. Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, professor, senior vicepresident and CEO of the College of NanoscaleScience and Engineering of the University at Albany,will receive the Envoy Salute. Nehme Frangie, vicepresident of partnerships and operations at VicariousVisions, Inc., will receive the Arthur R. KapnerSpirit of the Chamber Award.5:30pm cocktail reception & networking;7 – 9pm dinner & programEmpire State Plaza Convention Center, AlbanyCost: $160, Individual Ticket; Patron Table, $2,495;Underwriter Table, $2,995; Open to the publicWed17How toFind FundingSolo Entrepreneurs’ ForumRoundtable DiscussionCorporate sponsor:Join other solo entrepreneurs for an open roundtablediscussion with our invited expert, “Loan Ranger,” PaulStewart from the Capital District Community LoanFund, who will discuss funding options for starting andexpanding your business.7:30am networking, 8am programChamber office / Cost: No charge;Chamber members onlyFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 5

OnemomentintimeMemories of 1980 WinterOlympic Games remainvivid, 30 years laterThe impact of the Olympics is felt everyday in Lake Placid through its tourismThe year was 1980. The highlights includedEric Heiden’s five gold medals in speed skatingand the “Miracle on Ice,” when the U.S. men’shockey team upset the powerful Soviet Unionen route to winning the gold medal.The event, of course, was the 1980Winter Olympic Games, and the site wasLake Placid, a small mountain village of just afew thousand year-round residents.As the 30th anniversary of those historicWinter Olympics approaches –– and the2010 Winter Olympics begin in Vancouver injust a few days –– Visions spoke with severalindividuals with ties to those 1980 Olympicsabout the significance of the event, its lastingcultural and economic impact and the possibilityof Lake Placid hosting the Games again.Golden ageTed Blazer, president and CEO of theOlympic Regional Development Authority(ORDA), was completing an internship inLake Placid during the 1980 Olympics,studying the future use of the Olympicfacilities. He remembers the event quitefondly.“Main Street was closed to traffic, andthere was a carnival atmosphere,” he said.“The venues were beautifully put together,and it was competition in the truest sense ofthe word.”It’s estimated that the 1980 WinterOlympic Games drew nearly 625,000 visitorsto Lake Placid. Blazer has remained in theregion ever since.The creation of ORDA in 1982 proved tobe a fortuitous development for Lake Placidand its preservation of the Olympic spirit,Blazer noted. Previously, Whiteface Mountainand Mount Van Hoevenberg were owned byNew York state, while the speed skating oval,Olympic Center and ski jumps were ownedby the town of North Elba.“New York state created ORDA to managethe debt, maintain and improve thesefacilities on a long-term basis and add to theeconomic stimulation of the region,” he said.“Because of that, we’ve kept intact the feel of6| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

the venues, and we’ve been able to attractnational and international competition over theyears.”Gore Mountain was added to the mix in1984, and the economic impact of the Olympicfacilities collectively is $374 million a year. “Weoperate these facilities for public utilization,administer competition and bring people intothe region for concerts, shows, activities, festivalsand events,” Blazer said. “We own the OlympicTraining Center and we rent it to the UnitedStates Olympic Committee, bringing athleteshere to train and support our stores, hotels, gasstations and restaurants.”Thirty years have passed since Lake Placidlast hosted the Winter Olympic Games; thevillage also served as the host city in 1932.With the 2010 Vancouver Games on the horizon,there’s talk of Lake Placid –– and the surroundingregion –– hosting the OlympicGames again someday.“It’s something we always like to thinkabout,” Blazer said. “Lately, the Olympic Gameswinter Olympic host communities that has fullymaintained and continued to operate all of thesports venues and made major investments withupdating and replacing them without anotherOlympic games to drive that decision. LakePlacid remains the winter sports capital of theworld, and that’s where the impact of the 1980Olympics comes, 30 years later.”There’s a very real possibility of Lake Placidhosting future Winter Olympic Games, but thescope of the selection process and the logistics ofthe event itself are far different than they were in1980.“The Olympic Games have exploded furtherin size, and you see them increasingly hosted bylarger communities, like Vancouver, at muchhigher costs with advanced facility demands,”Douglas said. “The impact would reach outregionally even more so than it did in 1980 interms of where people would be housed andwhere events would take place. If Lake Placidwere to host the Olympics again, it couldinclude Plattsburgh, Burlington, VT, the CapitalCreating ORDA was “a great decision on thestate’s part to maintain the facilities so that wecould continue to host world-class events,” Riellysaid. “What we found, as far as the economicimpact, was not necessarily an increase in thenumber of hotel rooms, but almost across theboard, there’s been an upgrade in lodging facilities,increases in average daily room rates and aretooling of the local infrastructure.”Wherever and whenever the Winter OlympicGames take place, the site of the 1980 and 1932events traditionally garners its fair share of mediacoverage, according to Rielly.“Every Olympic Games, Lake Placid receivesattention from the national and internationalmedia, and having hosted two Olympic Games,we receive increased attention,” she said.The 1980 Games came at the perfect timefor Lake Placid and the nation, according to JonLundin, ORDA’s public relations coordinator.“Lake Placid was a quiet, sleepy little town inthe Adirondacks. It was still living off the legacyof the 1932 Games, but it was beginning to loseWe have the staff, volunteers and community to be able to pull off these events in a stylethat’s the best in world. If the United States Olympic Committee wants to look to the futureand consider a bid, we’d like to figure out how we can do that regionally.have gotten larger than they were in 1980.We’ve put ourselves in a position to be consideredfor many reasons; our facilities are in greatshape, we host international world competitions,such as world class luge, bobsled, skiing andskating. We have the staff, volunteers and communityto be able to pull off these events in astyle that’s the best in the world. If the UnitedStates Olympic Committee (USOC) wants tolook to the future and consider a bid, we’d liketo figure out how we can do that regionally. Ithink Albany is even in the equation, in terms ofhosting certain Olympic events.”Spirit lives onGarry Douglas, president of the PlattsburghNorth Country Chamber of Commerce, saidthat despite the three decades that have elapsedsince the 1980 Winter Olympic Games, hebelieves the Olympic spirit remains alive andwell in the pristine Adirondack village.“Lake Placid is one of the great success stories,”he said. “It is one of the limited number ofRegion and possibly even Montreal. There areno two former Olympic communities closer toeach other than Lake Placid and Montreal. TheInternational Olympic Committee (IOC)doesn’t do bi-national bids, but there could bethe argument that what’s more in the Olympicspirit than a sense of internationality. In thefuture, that could be the flavor of an Olympicbid by Lake Placid.”Reliving the magicKimberly Rielly, director of communications forthe Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau,attended the 1980 Winter Olympic Games as ayoung girl.“I grew up in Westport, on Lake Champlain,and I remember very well the torch goingthrough our town,” she said. “I went to one dayof speed skating, and there are many residentshere in Lake Placid who remember the incredibleexcitement and the spirit. A lot of peoplecame here for the Olympics and ended up makingit their home.”a little of that Olympic lore,” he said. “Whenthe 1980 Games came around, it created a buzzand an excitement, and nobody could haveanticipated what those Games would mean toLake Placid. In 1980, we had tough economictimes, the Iran hostage crisis and rising gasprices. The nation needed something to feelgood about and nobody could have imaginedthat the things that took place here in 1980would continue to be stories today.”Those memories of the “Miracle on Ice” andEric Heiden remain alive, but Lake Placid isn’tresting on its laurels as a two-time Olympic hostcity.“The impact of the 1980 games is felt everyday, through tourism and our economy,” Lundinsaid. “People come to Lake Placid and relive andrevisit that moment. Through ORDA, we continueto bring world class competitions. Thelegacy and momentum of the Games continuesbecause of the quality of that event and theinternational events that continue to come hereto Lake Placid.”=February 2010 | VISIONS | 7

Anadventureof alifetimeChamber’s third China trip to feature visit to World Expo 2010 in ShanghaiWhether you made the trip yourself or you’ve heard fromthose who did, China is the adventure of a lifetime. For thethird time in as many years, the Albany-Colonie RegionalChamber of Commerce is making it available yet again –– thistime featuring a visit toWorld Expo 2010 inShanghai.Based upon the overwhelmingresponse to its previoustrips in November2008 and March 2009, theChamber will offer anothernine-day, all inclusive trip toChina in October 2010.The price of $1,999 (nonmemberswill be charged anadditional $100 fee) includesbus transportation to andfrom Albany to JFKInternational Airport, roundtripinternational airfare,four- and five-star hotelaccommodations, all in-countrytransportation, threemeals each day and fluentEnglish-speaking tour guides.The trip will take travelersYu GardenTian An Men Squarethrough some of China’s ancient cities, such as Beijing,Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou.Highlights of the trip include a visit to the Great Wall ofChina, the Forbidden City and Tian An Men Square. Travelerswill also visit the Yu Garden and see The Bund, home to the“Wall Street of the East.”Also, an optional side trip to Xi’an will feature sightseeingat the Big Wild Geese Pagoda, evening entertainment of TangStyle Dancing, a bus trip tothe Terra-Cotta Warriors atthe Tomb of the FirstEmperor of the Qin Dynastyand a visit to the HuaqingHot Spring Park and BanpoMuseum, a preserved pre-historicalcavemen site. Theadditional fee is $450 perperson.Two departure dates areplanned: October 21 and 22.This trip includes a visit to theWorld Expo 2010 in Shanghaion Day 8. By dedicating a5.28-square-kilometer area atthe core of the city to exhibitions,events and forums onthe Expo theme, “Better City,Better Life,” Shanghai hopesto build a powerful and lastingpilot example of sustainableand harmonious urban livingthrough World Expo 2010.“We are excited and proud to offer our members and areatravelers the opportunity to explore China and visit the WorldExpo 2010 in Shanghai,” said Mark Eagan, president & CEO8| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

The Great Wall at MutianyuFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 9

Mei Jiawu, Tea culture villageChamber China Adventure Testimonialsof the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber.An informational session is being heldThursday, March 4 from 5:30 – 6:30pmat the Chamber. The full itinerary anddetailed information about the trip canbe found by visiting the Chamber WebThe Bund, ShanghaiDragon Boat on West Lake in Hungzhousite at www.acchamber.org and clickingon China 2010. Space is limited;reservations can be made by calling518.431.1436.The Chamber is sponsoring this tripin cooperation with Citslinc International,Inc., a company with nearly 30 years ofexperience in the China tour business.=Just wanted to be among the first to tell youhow absolutely fabulous the trip was to China.It was truly a study in contrasts – the ancientand the strikingly (within the last 15 years)new. But… nothing could have topped this. Ona boat in the middle of West Lake, one of themost romantic locations in Southern China, ourdaughter Stephanie became affianced in frontof 50 “new friends” from two of the Chamberbuses. I don't think there was a dry eye on theboat, and the tour guides serenaded the newlyengaged couple with a beautiful love song inChinese. “West" truly met “East.”— Kristen FrederickBoth of our tour guides – Marco in Beijing andLaura in Shanghai – were wonderful and veryaccommodating. The rooms were wonderful,especially the five-star Sheraton in Shanghai.We were able to see so many places and shopfor some beautiful handcrafted items. It wasdefinitely worth much, much more than whatwe paid. — Kathlene ThielIt was absolutely fabulous, stunning, overwhelming,incredible, awesome, and none ofthese words do it justice. China itself isbeyond belief – I really don’t know how toexplain the enormity of the experience.— Donna Lamkin FaddegonPeople ask: ‘How did you like China?’ and I tryto conjure words vivid enough to describe howvast, ancient and variegated; how unfamiliar;and how compelling a world it is. As I unpackmy impressions along with my marketplacetreasures, I am newly astonished by the MingDynasty section of The Great Wall and TheForbidden City in Beijing; the China Sea inShanghai; Hangzhou tea plantation; andSuzhou Lingering Garden. And astonished, too,that I was there. Each memory evokes arenewed, exotic experience that is rooted inhistory, understood in real time and soaringinto forever. — Helen Susan EdelmanThe Chamber trip to China was an amazingadventure of many dimensions. It introducedus to the architecture, arts, commerce andtraditions of the Chinese, from before theMing Dynasty to the 21st century. We wereimpressed by the care given to the logistics ofthis trip so that it was worry-free and fulfillingfor the participants. We would highly recommendthis trip to anyone who wants to experiencea country that is quite different to ourown and has become one of our major globalcompetitors. Xie xie [thank you].— Nancy and Karl Johnson10| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

word on the streetWhat’s themost interestingdestination you’vevisited, for businessor pleasure?Rex WangLead ConsultantBlue Slate SolutionsOff all the places I’vevisited, New Zealand isthe most interesting destination.If you’ve ever seen“The Lord of the Rings”movies, you will know why people fall in lovewith New Zealand. My month-long trip to NewZealand took place in May 2000. My favoriteparts of the trips were visiting all the differentvineyards, cave tubing, sea kayaking, swimmingwith wild dolphins, and visiting two glaciers. Thebest way to visit would be to ride a bicycle. Butto rent a car or to buy a used car on Sunday’sauction are also options for visitors.Karen Fulcher-ScholzDirector of EngineeringPitney Bowes BusinessInsightThe most interestingdestination I have visitedis the Panama Canal. Itransited the canal ona small ship cruise in April 2009. From anengineering viewpoint, it is truly a marvel,especially considering the climate of the regionand technology available at the time it wasbuilt. The design has stood the test of time.As I learned more about the canal through myvisit and by reading about how and why it wasbuilt, I also came to appreciate the economic,political and social ramifications, as well.The Panama Canal has changed the worldwe know today. =February 2010 | VISIONS | 11

executive instituteExecutive Instituteremains vital in itsnineteenth yearA “behind-the-scenes” explorationThe Chamber’s Fall Executive Institute toured the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering’s Albany NanoTechComplex on November 10. Pictured, Alan Krafchin of the Center for Disability Services, William Lia Jr. of Lia AutoGroup, Brian Borden of NBT Bank and Chamber President Mark Eagan listen to CNSE Assistant Vice President forModule Engineering Christopher Borst outside a state-of-the-art 300mm wafer cleanroom.Executive Institute broadens participants’ working knowledge of the area in a short period of time byproviding an overview of the Capital Region’s economic and civic structure, its resources and leadership.It connects senior level executives that are new to their position or new to the community.NBT Bank was once again the corporate sponsor of Executive Institute, as the programengaged a new class for Fall 2009.The Fall class enjoyed a robust program. The opening session at Saratoga PerformingArts Center (SPAC) was complete with cocktails, dinner and conversation with Marcia White,president and CEO.Next, the group had the opportunity to meet Rex Smith, editor, at the Times Union edito-rial meeting and share in the newspaper’srich history with George Hearst, publisherand CEO.The evening at Siena College offered awonderful opportunity to meet with Rev. KevinMullen, president, and see the school’snewest acquisition of 33 Fiddlers Lane.The FBI presentation was riveting as JohnPikus, special agent in charge, addressed thegroup; in addition, participants heard fromMario Pecoraro, president of AllianceWorldwide Investigative Group, LLC.Albany Medical Center hosted the groupwith a warm welcome from James Barba,president, and Albany Mayor Jerry Jennings.An often unseen facility operated by NewYork Independent System Operators washosted by its senior staff. The class completedExecutive Institute with an amazing andinformative presentation by Dr. AlainKaloyeros, senior vice president and CEO ofthe College of Nanoscale Science andEngineering of the University at Albany.The Spring Session of Executive Institutewill begin its 20th year in April 2010 andshould prove to be an exciting opportunityto meet many of the region’s distinguishedbusiness leaders. Registration is open andfills quickly.To register, please contact Laura Cassidy,vice president of member services atlaurac@acchamber.org or 518.431.1411.=DEFINEYOURSELFRise and Shine –– Speed NetworkingBusiness to Business Exchange7:30am Holiday Inn Express & Suites400 Old Loudon Road, Latham / Cost: $10Register at acchamber.org/events.aspx12| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

usiness councilCohoes has come a long wayBusiness Council of Cohoes enhances city’s business climateThe city of Cohoes goes by various nicknames, from“the Spindle City” to “a Community That Cares,”but whatever you call it, there’s no question thatthis former mill town has evolved into a thrivinglocation for modern-day businesses.This renaissance is due, in large part, to theefforts of government officials and businesses workingtogether with the Business Council of Cohoes(BCC), which hosts meetings on topics of concern tocompanies doing business in the city of Cohoes.“What I’ve seen over the past three-and-a-halfyears has been tremendous,” said Diane Conroy-LaCivita, BCC chair and partner in Harmony HouseMarketplace on historic Remsen Street, a businessshe co-founded in 2006. “There used to be littletraffic on Remsen Street, but there’s beentremendous turnaround. It’s become an eclectic mixof businesses.”Membership in the BCC is largely composed ofbusinesses in Cohoes, but is open to all Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber members interested inenhancing the city.Among the BCC’s signature events are: the Spiritof Cohoes Award ceremony and the State of the Cityaddress with Mayor John McDonald in February; theSwing and a Miss Golf Tournament for beginninggolfers in June; and breakfast with Assembly MajorityLeader Ronald Canestrari in August.Committed to Chamber and CohoesConroy-LaCivita is a 1999 graduate of theChamber’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program(EAP) and the Capital Leadership Program, nowknown as Leadership Tech Valley.One of the primary reasons why she choseCohoes as the location for her business wasbecause of Mayor John McDonald. “He’s very proactiveand involved,” she said. “When we purchasedour buildings, he emailed or called us every week.He was tremendous, in terms of outreach.”That was in the spring of 2006, when she andher co-partner, Jane LaCivita Clemente, cleaned outthree historic structures totaling more than 12,000Each year, the Business Council of Cohoeshosts a number of events including breakfastwith Assembly Majority Leader Ron Canestrari,and the Swing and a Miss Golf Tournament forbeginning golfers.square feet.Today, Harmony House Marketplace includes theWine Seller, which specializes exclusively in New Yorkstate wines, and the Bake Shop, which features deliciousbaked goods, breads, homemade soups, sandwiches,garlic olives, bleu cheese spread and NewYork State products. A third venue, 188 RemsenStreet, includes cheese makers, studio space andshared gallery space for four resident artists, and atapas bar, which is slated to open soon.Fruits of laborConroy-LaCivita approached Mayor McDonald aboutstarting a farmers’ market in 2006, and the successof this event has helped support area farmers whileincreasing visitors to Cohoes.“People come to Cohoes with the intent of buyinglocal produce,” she said. “We have seen a sense ofcommunity grow out of that market. People comeevery Friday, there’s live music, and they’re seeingwhat else is going on downtown.“The BCC is very involved in what’s happeningin Cohoes. This year, our meetings will rotate amongvarious businesses in the city, including SpendwoodSchool of Dance & Gymnastics LLC, OberlanderGroup and Miron’s for Floors. We learn what’sgoing on in local government, the school district andwith new businesses. There’s as much collaborationas possible, and that’s been a true win-win foreveryone involved.”For more information on the Business Council ofCohoes, please contact Jennifer Sims atjennifers@acchamber.org or 518.431.1418.=February 2010 | VISIONS | 13

The interior dining room at the CaféA Main Street view of Café CapriccioDowntowndelicacies,ItalianinspirationPictured l-r: JimRua, daughter Anita,and son and currentchef, FrancoFive Course Conversation with Jim Rua, owner, Café CapriccioPaella Valenciana, oneof Jim Rua’s specialtiesGive us a brief history of Café Capriccio:Café Capriccio was established in 1982 on Grand Street in downtown Albany. The neighborhood, athriving residential and commercial center in the first half of the 20th century, was home to Albany’srobust Italian and Jewish populations. There were once many fine restaurants in the area, especiallyItalian restaurants. Lombardo’s, for example, located on lower Madison Avenue, dates from the early1900s and remains one of Albany’s best known downtown establishments.I had lived in the neighborhood since the late 1970s and previously operated a restaurant there,Casa Verde, on the corner of Madison Avenue and Philip Street. Casa Verde opened in 1976 and waspopular for about four years until I decided in 1980 that restaurant life was not the right choice forme. Soon, I regretted the decision.Two years later, I came to my senses after seeing an old bar on Grand Street, two steps below thesidewalk, begging for a renaissance. It had been a local pub and pizzeria named Lo Presti’s whosefaded interior looked like an old hunting lodge with knotty pine on the walls and tile on the floor.The place felt like home to me. Neighborhood conditions at that time Café Capriccio opened weretentative, but I felt comfortable downtown and was not tempted to seek a location uptown or in asuburban environment.Locating downtown was also in keeping with my intention to create an intimate trattoria (or café)setting, similar to those I had enjoyed as a young adult visiting Italy and Spain. Along with memorablecuisine, I was equally impressed by the warmth and intimacy found in small restaurantsthroughout Europe. My objective with Café Capriccio was, and remains, to re-create an environmentand menu like those I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy in Europe, particularly in small towns andout-of-the-way-places.For the past dozen years, we have organized group travel to Italy in part so that we may sharethe Italian cultural and restaurant experience and also to stay current on developments that may be14| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

incorporated into the Café Capriccio experience.Whenever possible, my family has traveled with ourgroups. Franco Rua, 27, head chef at Café Capriccio,has traveled to Italy many times and is well preparedto continue the Café’s culinary traditions for anothergeneration.How would you describe yourrestaurant’s cuisine?Since its inception, Café Capriccio has featuredregional Italian cuisine, with occasional offerings fromSpain and Provence. The menu changes several timeseach year, reflecting seasonal variations and the chefs’inspirations.What are some of your signature dishes?Signature dishes include: Greens & BeansPassannante, Eggplant with Four Cheeses, Pasta withSquid in Ink Sauce, and a variety of risotto preparationthat change throughout the year.Our menu always includes selections from NorthItalian cuisine, such as pasta with Wild Boar(Cinghiale), Ossobuco di Vitello, Steak Florentine andother delectations from around the country, includingSicily, Puglia and Napoli. The regional variations areas much a signature of Café Capriccio cuisine as areindividual dishes. At this time, we also offer a wonderfulpork loin cooked over wood and then finishedwith a classic Spanish Romesco sauce –– our currenttribute to the great cuisine of Spain.What are your hours of operation?Café Capriccio is open every night for dinner from5:30pm. Reservations can be made at 518.465.0439.What do you find most challenging aboutbeing an independent restaurant ownerin the region? What is most rewarding?The restaurant business is challenging, whether independentlyoperated or part of a corporate group. Myfamily and I have chosen to create a business thatreflects our interests and experiences and is true to theculinary and cultural traditions we admire. We believethat if we are able to maintain the high standards wehave established for ourselves our business will succeed.Although we feel the pressure of weak economicconditions and increased competition from chainestablishments with vast marketing budgets, CaféCapriccio is in its 28th year of operation and we hopeto continue into the future. Our greatest satisfaction isthat we have endured for almost three decades followingour “bliss,” and we are proud that Café Capricciois again Metroland’s Best Restaurant (2009) and wasvoted “Best Eatery of the Past 30 Years” in Metroland’s30th anniversary issue.=February 2010 | VISIONS | 15

Eye on theFutureTime Warner Cable educatesfuture generations whileintroducing advanced technologyAmong the more than 1,000employees working at Time WarnerCable in Albany are (pictured l-r):Jonathan Worobey, DouglasJackson, Joan Marshall, JohnQuigley and Lavinia SmithTime Warner Cable is more than just a provider of digital cable, Internet and phone services.The company recently launched its new “Connect a Million Minds” initiative, an educational and awarenessprogram designed to bolster students’ interest in the areas of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).Locally, Time Warner Cable is partnering with Girls Inc. to excite and interest students in science and mathactivities available throughout the community, through such STEM-related programs as::: Tech Valley Girls, providing girls with engaging, hands-on activities integrating science and math:: Tech Valley Girls Summit, an event supporting the advancement of girls and women in technology-related careers:: Operation SMART, encouraging girls in Science, Math and Relevant Technology by giving them basicknowledge of math and science processes“Technology and innovation are key components of Time Warner Cable’s ability to connect millions of peopleto entertainment and information every day,” said John Quigley, Time Warner Cable’s regional vice president ofoperations. “Our new initiative seeks to create a powerful link between the strength of our company and the talentsof our employees. We’re constantly looking for smart people to work at Time Warner Cable, and we hope this‘Connect a Million Minds’ initiative will pay dividends down the road. These girls will remember what they’vestudied and will want to come to work here someday. We think it’s going to impact our work force in the future.”Jim Gordon, Time Warner Cable’s regional vice president of communications, agrees that the partnership withTime Warner Cable can be a mutually beneficial endeavor for everyone involved.“We’re a technology company, and if we can infuse that kind of interest among young girls, we’re hiring thosekinds of people interested in those areas of science, technology, engineering and math,” he said. “We are fully open16| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

Time Warner Cable expects its “Connect aMillion Minds” initiative will pay dividendsfor young girls today — and in the futureThrough “Connect a Million Minds”Time Warner Cable hopes to increaseexposure for Girls Inc. and its missionabout that, and we have great jobs here.“Girls Inc. is an ideal fit for ‘Connect aMillion Minds’ because we have technicians,both men and women, and the jobs are morecomplex today than they ever were before. Wecan have some fun getting energized with thisand showing people firsthand that they can bepassionate about these areas. Those are the kindsof things we think we’ll be able to do with GirlsInc., and I think it’s a win-win for all of us.”Through its multi-year, multi-faceted initiative,Time Warner Cable also hopes to increaseexposure for Girls Inc. itself and its mission toinspire all girls to be strong, smart and bold.“This is a unique opportunity to work withthem through cross channel promotions, wherebywe can publicize their community service eventsand get their message out through our productsand services,” Quigley said. “We’re also lookingfor other organizations to do similar programswith, because there are many good organizationsin the Capital Region.”For example, the company sponsors the TimeWarner Cup, a series between the Albany RiverRats and the Adirondack Phantoms of theAmerican Hockey League, working with the winningteam to give $5,000 to the charitable organizationof its choice.The power of youSpeaking shortly before the holidays, Quigleypraised the numerous sales representatives, customerservice agents and technicians working forthe company.“I’m happy to join the 1,019 employees hereat Time Warner Cable in Albany,” he said, havingarrived at the company last September. “Iknow there are that many because I just wrote1,019 Christmas cards to them.“Time Warner Cable is a really uniqueplace in that we’re locally focused. The companyis differentiated by the people who are here.This division routinely performs the best of allthe company’s markets. It’s a great place towork, and the employees feel that way, too.We focus on taking care of the employees, andthe employees will take care of the customers.It’s a simple way to do business, but from thetop down, this is the way the organization isrun.”The company prides itself on timely customerservice and aims to please all of its subscribers.“When you call for service to yourhome, we try and be there within two hours,”Quigley said.“It’s unique within Time Warner Cable, andwe’re consistently trying to improve on that.It’s all about customer service and the employeesknow that.”Time Warner Cable, an Albany-ColonieRegional Chamber member for more than 35years, currently has 100 high-definition (HD)channels and 7,000 titles on demand.“Customers realize there’s a large library thatTime Warner Cable has for a reasonable price,and they love the convenience of viewing theseprograms,” Quigley said.Its three core services are cable, Internetand phone; the company also offers a homesecurity product that’s growing in popularityamong customers. “We’re trying to make thatthe fourth core product and sell that across allsales channels,” Quigley said.Time Warner Cable Business Class is yetanother example of how the company continuesto diversify its product offerings, accordingto Quigley.“There’s a tremendous amount of focus,not just on residential service, but expandinginto the commercial space,” he said. “Peoplethink of a cable company as being what youprovide to your home, but we have a lot ofservices we can provide to businesses across theCapital Region, as well.”Thanks to the sports channel TWC3,Time Warner Cable broadcast more than 200high school sporting events in 2009, withplans to increase that number in 2010.“We hear from customers all the time thatcontinued on page 30We’re a technology company, and if we can infuse that kind of interest among young girls, we’rehiring those kinds of people interested in those areas of science, technology, engineering andmath. We are fully open about that, and we have great jobs here.February 2010 | VISIONS | 17

“My son, Jeff, and I have beeninvolved in family-owned businesses forall of our working lives,” Sands said.“I’m a serial entrepreneur; I can’t getaway from family-owned businesses.There’s no magic to what we do. Somany of the businesses with whom wework can genuinely be helped if theystep back, perform a critical analysis oftheir business and catch problems beforethey become unmanageable.”Allin thefamilyLearn important tips for family-businesssuccess and succession planningDave Sands knows how to make a family-owned business succeed, and he understandsthe importance of succession planning in a family-owned company.After all, he has started several family-owned businesses himself, includingDorset Partners LLC, a Dorset, VT-based company that specializes in turningaround struggling, family-owned companies and preparing them for the transitionof leadership from one generation to the next.Plan accordinglySands recommends that every businessadopt a formal strategic and operationalplan that’s shared with everybody whoneeds to see it.“Typically in family businesses, thestrategic plan is whatever is discussedover the dinner table,” Sands said.“While it’s assumed that since everybodyhas the same last name, theyunderstand each other, but it’s notalways the case. Getting a formal planwritten is critical for the success of thebusiness, and it applies more to a family-ownedbusiness because of the dinnertable scenario.”Planning should not be confusedwith tactics, Sands pointed out.“Planning” is the decision process as towhere to go, while “tactics” are the stepsnecessary to get there, he said.Family-owned businesses tend to fallin love with their companies and theirproducts more so than businesses thataren’t family-owned, which can be apositive and a negative, Sands pointedout.“The good part is they have morepassion for their business,” he said. “Thebad part is they think their widget is thebest widget ever made, and they forgetbasic things like managing cash flow.They’re too concerned with making thebest widget on the planet. People whofall in love with their product or theircompany tend not to fall in love withthe general, mundane business aspects ofrunning a business.”Considering the unique dynamic of afamily-owned business, it’s a good ideato have an outsider board, whether it’s aboard of directors or a board of advisors.“Probably the best way to stay out oftrouble is to take the pre-emptive18| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

approach with a board of advisors,”Sands said. “Very few have one in place,but it’s so easy to do. If the business isfacing a problem and the family merelybounces ideas off one another, you keepgoing in a circle, rather than bring infresh ideas from the outside. I’ve alwayshad outside boards, and I’ve served onoutside boards; they see things that thefamily members themselves just don’tsee.”Sands tends to favor a board of advisorsbecause they don’t have the fiduciaryresponsibility of a board of directors,and they’re freer to express theiropinion.“You should bring in a group ofthree or four people to be your advisors,preferably people who are not on yourpayroll,” he said. “You don’t necessarilywant your attorney, accountant orThe future is nowIn terms of succession planning, it’snever too soon to begin the process,Sands pointed out.“You should start succession planningtwo weeks before you die,” he said.“If you know when you’re going to die,it’s easy; if you don’t know when you’regoing to die, then you should start itnow.”A succession plan should be one ofthe tactics used in the implementationof the strategic plan. The criteria of asuccessful succession plan are identifyingthe people who are best suited tocarrying out the strategic plan and capableof leading the company in the developmentof future strategic plans. Theboard of directors or advisors should bean integral partner in the developmentof these succession tactics.Sands recommends that familyownedbusinesses utilize insuranceagents to ensure that there’s enoughmoney to buy out the stock of theowner or another shareholder upon anuntimely death.“Any money you put into a cashinsurance plan is protected from creditors,”he said. “Even though everyoneplans on not getting into financial problems,the economic downturn of thepast year has proven that there arethings beyond all of our control thatcan force us into bankruptcy or otherAny money you put into a cash insurance plan is protected from creditors. Eventhough everyone plans on not getting into financial problems, the economicdownturn of the past year has proven that there are things beyond all of ourcontrol that can force us into bankruptcy or other serious problems.banker; you want businesspeople whoknow and respect you, with whom thefeelings are mutual, and who aren’tafraid to tell you what you might notwant to hear.”Timing of transfersA typical succession plan has two elements,which should be considered separately::: The transfer of power, whereby controlover the business’s operation istransferred to those best suited toexercising it:: The transfer of assets, whereby thewealth concentrated in the business istransferred to designated family members,who may be a different or largergroup than the person or persons whowill be assuming power.Transition of the control of a familybusiness can take place over a period ofmonths or even years, depending on theneeds and wishes of the family membersand the business itself.As the successor gains confidenceand credibility in day-to-day operationsand dealings with outsiders, the foundercan back away into an advisory role. Ifthe founder encounters difficulty in“letting go” of the business entirely, thesuccessor must be prepared to be reassuringand supportive and ensure sometype of ongoing role for the founder sothat he or she feels included.If the successor resists, it may onlycause the founder to become more rigidand the successor to become more frustrated.Transitions are stressful timesand must be dealt with on an objectivebasis by the successor at all times.A transition plan or timetable shouldbe roughed out initially to assure continuityof management, and should bereevaluated periodically to see if goalsare being achieved. The transfer ofpower can be seamless and subtle ifgood communications and careful planningare practiced by all parties to thetransition.serious problems. Wouldn’t it be nice tohave some money put aside that thecreditors and courts can’t touch? A cashinsurance plan also provides that insurancevalue to protect the company inthe event of an untimely death of one ofits members.”Although leadership from a CEOand input from a board of directors oradvisors are important, your customersshould play a significant role in determiningyour company’s direction,according to Sands.“Unless you are or have identified atrue visionary within your company,you should be listening to your customersmore than your executives,” hesaid. “Social networking Web sites canbe a valuable tool to find out what consumerslike and dislike about yourproducts or services, yourself and yourcompetitors. As a president/CEO, don’tFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 19

delegate consumer contact. Get out intothe field at least once a month for a fullday and talk to the ultimate consumer toreceive unfiltered and unbiased data.”Test yourselfDorset Partners LLC will soon have atool on its Web site called a BusinessLitmus Test, which is a questionnaire forfamily-owned business to perform a selfanalysis.Businesses that don’t want tocall in an outsider or consultant, and arewilling to be honest with themselves, cantake this test, see how healthy their businessis and make a more informed decisionon creating an outside board orbringing in a consultant.In addition to his business, Sands alsoparticipates in family business forumsrun by various universities. “Theseforums take a more intellectual approachto the problems, opportunities andunique aspects of family business. Theinterplay and interchange of ideas amongpeople in similar situations are reallyvaluable for a family business to be successful.”As the owner of a family-owned businessand an advisor to such companies,Sands has a unique perspective on whythey fail or succeed.“The biggest challenge is figuring outhow to work with your family,” he said.“As my wife says, ‘You can be presidentialat the office, but not at home.’ It’s a24/7 job, and the biggest stress producerI’ve seen is business owners trying to separatework from family. I advise them toincorporate family in their work, be therefor ballet practice and football games,and work when they don’t have familycommitments.“The biggest reward is to look at yourfamily and smile over a holiday dinnerand appreciate that you have a successfulbusiness and you’ve figured out how towork together. I wouldn’t want to dobusiness with anybody more than withmy own family.”=Planning aheadIn addition to information available onwww.dorsetpartners.com, the Web site forDorset Partners LLC, other resources forfamily business succession planning include:Business Owner’s Toolkit,www.toolkit.com/small_business_guideAll Business, www.allbusiness.com/buyingexiting-businesses/exiting-a-businessFamily Business Institute,www.familybusinessinstitute.comAbout.com,http://sbinformation.about.com/od/buyingorselling/a/succession.htm20| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

On thewaterfrontPort of Coeymans Marine Terminal is rollin’ on the riverThe Port of Coeymans has been transformedfrom a former brick manufacturer into athriving, modern portThe newest port in the Capital Region is located on the former site ofthe oldest brick manufacturer in New York state –– and its co-owners aretwo entrepreneurs who enjoy a father-son relationship.The Port of Coeymans Marine Terminal is situated on the upperHudson River, 10 miles south of Albany and within minutes of Exit23 of the New York State Thruway. Prior to its restructuring andreclamation as a port in recent years, the property was the home ofPowell & Minnock brick company, later known as P&M Brick LLC,which produced tens of millions of bricks annually from the late1880s until its closing in 2001.Then, along came Eli Weiss and Carver Laraway, two business partnersand trusted friends who saw an opportunity to transform the deterioratinglocation into a thriving, modern port.“When this opportunity came along, it got us to thinking that wecould open a port under private ownership and operate it as a business,as well as provide services for shipping companies,” Weiss said.They closed on the property in March 2002. With their sharedvision in place, the business partners spent the next five years cleaning upthe property, waiting for permits to be issued and restoring buildings onthe property, including an old horse barn that now serves as the port’soffice building.“We fixed up the horse barn and turned it into a green office building,with high foam insulation and radiant heat,” Laraway said.During the summer of 2007, they rebuilt the docks; through the falland into the winter of early 2008, they dredged the river to a depth of32 feet and created an inlet channel measuring 300 feet in length with15 feet of depth.Heavy workloadToday, the port offers extensive services and products to meet the variousneeds of its growing clientele; nearly 12 companies operate out of theport, including LaFarge, Megrant, Unistress, Fort Miller Co. Inc., R.K.Freedman & Son Inc. and Apalachee.“It’s good for the community,” Laraway said. “We’ve got peopleworking again, and it’s our goal to make this a great industrial site.”There are currently several barges transporting products of all sizesfrom the port to New York City, including stone for shoring at theBrooklyn Bridge Park Project, precast concrete slabs for the NassauExpressway and prefabricated bridges, including the Willis AvenueBridge and the 145th Street Bridge, located in front of the new YankeeStadium.“These bridges are being built here in Coeymans with upstate laborbefore being put on a barge, shipped down the river and put in place,”Laraway said.Recently, a salt ship arrived at the Port of Coeymans from Italy; theship remained in port for three days while its contents were off-loadedinto an indoor storage facility and bagged for shipment to retail stores.“We’ve had ships come in from Canada, Chile, Venezuela, Turkey,China and Egypt. We even have scrap iron sent down from GreenIsland,” Laraway said. “We off-load product for three cement manufacturersin the region –– LaFarge, St. Lawrence Cement and Lehigh ––store their product here and deliver it. We have all different types ofproducts come into the port, and we have about 50 trucks that deliver,point-to-point.”Planet fitnessLaraway and Weiss are committed to recycling, with a processing facilityon site that crushes glass and converts it into sand for sand blasting,paint filler and road control. “It’s clean, environmentally friendly, andsaves on landfill costs,” Laraway said.“The highways are crowded with trucks creating pollution, andthere’s growing apprehension about letting trucks come into New YorkCity,” Weiss said. “You can put 100 truckloads of material on one barge.That’s quite a significant change, and you can eliminate a lot of pollution.The cost of shipping by water is tremendously lower than shippingby truck, and it makes roads and bridges safer and less crowded.” =February 2010 | VISIONS | 21

not-for-profit exchangeSupportpeoplelivingwith MSMultiple Sclerosis (MS) is the numberone disabler of young adults in the UnitedStates. Symptoms range from mild numbnessin the limbs to severe paralysis.The National MS Society is a drivingforce of MS research, supporting andstimulating world-class research into waysto prevent, better treat and cure thisunpredictable disease of the brain andspinal cord.The National Multiple SclerosisSociety-Upstate New York Chapter isnationally recognized as a leader in providingcomprehensive service programs for13,000 people with multiple sclerosis andtheir families in 50 counties acrossupstate New York.Programs and services provided by thechapter include: solution focused counseling,educational programs, independent livingprograms, self-help and supportgroups, family recreational activities andwellness programs.The MS Walk is the signature eventof the National MS Society. The UpstateNew York Chapter will hold walks inAlbany, at The Crossing of Colonie, andin Saratoga Springs, at Saratoga RaceCourse, in May 2010. Walkers fromacross the Capital Region will jointogether in support of people living withMS for a day of fun, inspiration and hope.To find out more about the MS Walk,visit www.msupstateny.org. To volunteer,please contact Kelly Davey at518.464.0960.=Don’t let the vision endYou wouldn’t be where you are without a strong vision. Yet there are timeswhen the vision can be obscured by the challenges of a growing business.At Pryba, Tobin & Company, P.C., we can help eliminate the obstaclesto your business potential with:• Team Management Accounting• Tax Planning & Compliance• Auditing Services• Estate Planning Services• Personal FinancialPlanning Services40 British American BoulevardLatham, New York 12110518.783.3100Fax: 518.783.310222| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

Staci GrandyBusiness Development ManagerLinium StaffingAmbassador of the yearBusiness Development Manager Linium StaffingThe Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber ofCommerce would like to recognize and saluteStaci Grandy, business development manager,Linium Staffing, as the Ambassador of the Yearfor 2009.The Chamber and the members of the TheAmbassadors are a volunteer group of professionalswho interact with fellow Chamber membersto provide information and answer questionsabout the Chamber and serve as an additionalresource and communication linkbetween the Chamber and its members.For more information about theAmbassadors Committee, contact Jennifer Sims,senior membership relations associate, at518.431.1418 or jennifers@acchamber.org.=did you know…RetirementservicesIs your 401(k) plan as cost effective and timeefficient as it could be? Do your employeeshave access to a local Certified FinancialPlanner? Are you offering the most competitiveinvestment choices available?ADP provides world-class record keepingand retirement services for companies of anysize. Through your Albany-Colonie RegionalChamber membership, your company canreceive a 10 percent discount on annual recordkeeping fees along with a takeover of your currentplan at no cost whatsoever. You and youremployees will benefit from an outstandinginvestment offering as well as the services of alocal Certified Financial Planner and his teamfor education and guidance at no additionalcost.To compare your current plan to the ADPplatform, contact Andy Bullock at518.462.8364 or JenniferSims 518.431.1418.=Do yourpeople needphotography?cbresciaphoto@hotmail.com 518/436-3446 www.colleenbresciaphoto.comFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 23

Great minds,high honorsChamber to present Dr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, Nehme Frangiewith awards on March 10 at 110th Annual DinnerDr. Alain E. Kaloyeros, professor, senior vicepresident and CEO of the College ofNanoscale Science and Engineering of theUniversity at Albany, and Nehme Frangie,vice president of partnerships and operationsat Vicarious Visions, Inc., will receive theAlbany-Colonie Regional Chamber ofCommerce’s highest honors at its 110thAnnual Dinner on Wednesday, March 10 atthe Empire State Plaza Convention Center inAlbany.Dr. Kaloyeros will receive the EnvoySalute, which recognizes an individual whosevision, leadership and contributions havemade a positive and significant impact on theeconomic vitality of the region.Frangie will be presented the Arthur R.Kapner Spirit of the Chamber Award, whichis bestowed upon an individual whose dedicatedservice and efforts have brought credit tothe Chamber and enhanced the Chamber’sstanding in the community. The Spirit of theChamber Award is named in honor of ArthurR. Kapner, who died in June 2004 after fivedecades of volunteer service to the organization,including a stint as president of theChamber’s board of directors.“We are truly honored to recognize Dr.Kaloyeros and Nehme Frangie for their outstandingefforts toward serving, understandingand enhancing our community,” said KenDesmond, vice president of The DesmondHotel & Conference Center and 2010 chairof the Chamber’s board of directors. “Both ofthese individuals exemplify unparalleled leadershipand unwavering commitment. We aregrateful that they have chosen to share theirtime, talent and knowledge here in the CapitalRegion, and to further the development of theChamber and Tech Valley.”Each year, more than 1,000 members ofthe region’s business community attend theAnnual Dinner, a black tie affair that beingswith a 5:30pm cocktail reception and is followedby a brief program and dinner at 7pm.Online registration for the Chamber’s110th Annual Dinner is now open on theChamber’s Web site, www.acchamber.org.Envoy SaluteDr. Alain E.KaloyerosProfessor,Senior VicePresident and CEOThe College ofNanoscaleScience andEngineering of theUniversity atAlbany(NanoCollege)Dr. Alain Kaloyeros received his Ph.D. inexperimental condensed matter physics fromthe University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaignin 1987. He has authored and co-authoredmore than 150 articles and contributed toeight books on topics pertaining to the scienceand technology of nanoelectronics and nanooptoelectronicsultrathin film materials, atomiclayer vapor phase deposition processes, andnanoscale xray, electron, and photon-basedcharacterization and metrology. He has graduated32 Ph.D.s and more than 50 Masters.Dr. Kaloyeros, who also serves as vice presidentand special advisor to the president forUniversity-wide Economic Innovation andOutreach at UAlbany, has been activelyinvolved in the development and implementationof New York’s high-tech strategy tobecome a global leader in the nanotechnologydriveneconomy of the 21st century.A critical cornerstone of New York’s hightechnology strategy is the establishment of theNanoCollege as a truly global resource forresearch and development (R&D), technologydeployment, education and commercializationfor the international nanoelectronics industry.“The NanoCollege has generated morethan $5 billion in public and private investmentsdue, in large part, to the tireless effortand global vision of Dr. Kaloyeros,” Desmondsaid. “Under his leadership, the NanoCollegehas grown to become an international centerfor nanotechnology education and innovation,and the institution has elevated the CapitalRegion, Tech Valley and New York State, as awhole, in terms of pioneering scientificresearch.”The NanoCollege’s unparalleled AlbanyNanoTech Complex houses major R&D centersinvolving corporate giants that include:IBM, AMD, GlobalFoundries, Toshiba,Tokyo Electron, Applied Materials, ASML,International SEMATECH, NovellusSystems, and Vistec Lithography, amongmany others. The megaplex consists of morethan 800,000 square feet of state-of-the-artfacilities, including 80,000 square feet of Class1 capable cleanrooms that house the only300mm wafer integrated R&D line in theacademic world. More than 2,500 corporateand university researchers and scientists currentlywork on site at the complex.“On behalf of the faculty, students, staffand partners of the College of NanoscaleScience and Engineering of the University atAlbany, I am both honored and humbled toaccept the Envoy Salute, especially as theAlbany-Colonie Regional Chamber, under theleadership of President and CEO MarkEagan, continues its longstanding reputationas a leading voice for business throughoutTech Valley,” Dr. Kaloyeros said. “TheChamber truly epitomizes the unique partnershipbetween leaders in government, technology,business and academia that has enabled theworld’s premier location for nanotechnologyeducation, innovation and economic investmentand growth, and showcases the pioneeringvision of New York’s elected officials, asembodied by Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver24| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

and Governor David Paterson, and thesteadfast support of its business community.”Previous recipients of the Envoy Saluteinclude: The Golub Family (2009),William Kennedy (2008), Jack Aernecke(2007), Joseph L. Bruno (2006), Carl E.Touhey (2005), Richard C. Liebich(2004), Dr. Karen R. Hitchcock (2003),Wallace Altes (2002), Alan Goldberg(2001), Dr. Roland Schmitt (1999), JohnEgan (1998), Joseph Bulmer/LouisVaccaro (1997), Fred Field (1996), Mattand Phoebe Bender (1995), ThomasWhalen (1994) and Donald McKay(1993).Arthur R.Kapner Spiritof theChamberAwardNehme FrangieVice President ofPartnerships &OperationsVicarious Visions,Inc.Nehme Frangie spearheads businessdevelopment, operations and partnershipsfor Vicarious Visions, an ActivisionBlizzard company, located in Menands.For the past 10 years, he has helpedtransition what was started as a small studiofounded at a college incubator into athriving company with more than 200employees. The company has become aninternationally recognized video gamedeveloper, producing hit titles based ontop entertainment brands such as GuitarHero, Spider-Man and Tony Hawk.Frangie is actively involved in theTech Valley community as a volunteerand mentor. He served as the keynotespeaker at the graduation of the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber’sEntrepreneurial Assistance Program forthe past two classes, and for the past severalyears was a mentor for theGenNEXT Council, a joint initiative ofthe Albany-Colonie Regional Chamberand the Chamber of SchenectadyCounty.He has hosted GenNEXT, ExecutiveInstitute, Leadership Tech Valley andTeacher Externship events and is on theplanning committee for the Hop Scotchand Slide fundraiser for Seton Health, aswell as other charity events at whichVicarious Visions regularly donates gamebundles to auction.“Nehme’s personal involvement isan incredible asset to our Chamber,”said Mark Eagan, president and CEOof the Albany-Colonie RegionalChamber. “His career with VicariousVisions has taken him around theworld, yet he has maintained an extraordinarilystrong commitment to theCapital Region, in general, and theChamber, in particular, helping othersbecome successful and mentoring othersto show appreciation to those whohelped him along his career path.”Before beginning his career in thevideo game industry in the mid-1990s,Frangie owned a jewelry business that hestarted when he was 23. He holds apatent for a diamond measuring devicehe invented and brought to market.Frangie earned his bachelor’s degree inBusiness Management & Economicsfrom Empire State College and an associate’sdegree in Marketing from HudsonValley Community College.“I am deeply honored to be recognizedby the Albany-Colonie RegionalChamber with such a meaningfulaward,” Frangie said. “Through theChamber, I have been able to meetinsightful and creative people and connectwith other members to learn moreabout ways we can all give back to thecommunity.”Previous recipients of the Spirit ofthe Chamber Award include: JohnMurray (2009), Robert Wakeman(2008), Jan Smith (2007), Linda Hill(2006), Karl Johnson (2005), RichardKotlow (2004), James Howe (2003),Kevin McCoy (2001), Ken Colloton(1999), Dean Rueckert (1998), PamelaSawchuk Brown (1997), William Clay(1996), Gary Smith (1995), MikeHickey (1994), Larry Miller (1993)and Charlotte Buchanan (1992).The Chamber thanks NBT Bank,the major sponsor of the AnnualDinner, and Working Pictures Inc.,the video sponsor. Corporate sponsorshipopportunities are available. Formore information, contact CarissaRosato, events and program manager,at 518.431.1438 or carissar@acchamber.org.=View the entire list of ChamberMembers at acchamber.orgnew membersNew Chamberinvestors…Chamber members are encouragedto do business with each other. Pleaseadd these companies to your list ofprospective customers and suppliersA Calculated SolutionBookkeeping ServicesBaker Public Relations, Inc.Public Relations Counselorsblue.0, Smart Marketing forProfessionalsMarketing ConsultantsBob’s Diner – WatervlietRestaurantsBryans & Gramuglia CPAsCertified Public AccountantsCamp OnawayCampsCapital District BeginningEarly Intervention Provider-Preschool Special EducationCapital Valley Sports &Entertainment, Inc., Alb. LegendsBasketball, ProfessionalCarissa CeremoniesReverends & MinistersCeltic ToursTravel Agencies & BureausCenter for EmploymentOpportunitiesNonprofit, EmploymentClickbasics Internet MarketingInternet Marketing ServicesCSX TransportationTransportation CompaniesDanker FloristFlorists, RetailDave’s Glass, Inc.Glass, Auto, Plate, WindowJoe Yoga, Inc.Health & Wellness ProgramsJoseph Roche Accounting & TaxServicesTax Return PreparationKalos K’Agathon, Inc.Marketing & InvestmentKay Bond EnterprisesMusic Arrangers &ComposersLoving LabelsMarketing ConsultantsMary Elizabeth McCaffreyTitle Companies & AgentsMishka Luft Papercut ArtArtistsDavid Mitola, DDS, LLCDentistsNetwork Experts of New YorkInformation TechnologyConsultantThe Pike Company, Inc.Contractors, GeneralPinnacle Recruiting and HRSolutionsRecruitingPort of Coeymans MarineTerminalPortsProfessional Women’s NetworkNonprofitScisci ArtArtistsStone & Youngberg, LLCInvestment ManagersTele-ClientTelephone On-Hold AudioServicesTravel Health 101, LLCTravel Industry HealthcareConsultantJoan M. Zinter CPO, OTR/LConsultantsFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 25

How doI love thee?As Valentine’s Day nears, gift ideas aboundValentine’s Day is just around the corner, and ifyou’re looking for the perfect way to say “I loveyou” to that special someone in your life, floristsand jewelers are the perfect place to find whatyou need.Frank Gallo, Jr., owner of Frank Gallo &Son Florist, said that Valentine’s Day is one ofthe six major flower-buying holidays over thecourse of the year; the others include Easter,Secretaries’ Day, Mothers’ Day, Thanksgivingand Christmas.“Although Valentine’s Day might generatemore sales than some of the other peak periods,our cost of goods is generally higher duringFebruary,” Gallo said. “Buying smart andstaffing properly are keys to having a profitableValentine’s Day.”Frank Gallo & Son Florist generally hasabout 1,000-1,200 deliveries on Valentine’sDay, using 40 to 50 delivery vehicles, but thisyear will be different.“Valentine’s Day falls on a Sunday, so manydeliveries will be scheduled on Friday, February12, as many customers want a delivery to theoffice,” Gallo said. “From a delivery standpoint,this is easier because it spreads the deliveries outover a three-day period, thus reducing the numberof deliveries on each day.”Online ordering is a growing trend, Gallopointed out. “This way of ordering flowers hasgreat appeal for the consumer for a number ofreasons, including the ease and convenience,special discount offers that might not be offeredin the store and the ability to see what they areordering,” he said. “By seeing what they’reordering, our customers get educated aboutflowers and see the different types of flowers weoffer. In most cases, flowers can be delivered thesame day that they order them.”Surprisingly, a large segment of the consumerbase doesn’t think of flowers as a giftoption; in fact, studies have shown that only 30percent of consumers purchase flowers.“There is a great potential for growth in ourbusiness,” Gallo said. “When we advertise, wenot only look for repeat customers, we also tryto capture or attract new customers.”Aside from the economic windfall associatedwith Valentine’s Day, the holiday has specialmeaning for Gallo.“Some people buy flowers just once or twicea year, and Valentine’s Day is one of those occasions,”he said. “This is a great opportunity toshow the consumer not only the high qualityproduct we offer, but also that flowers, in general,are a great gift choice.”Bling, blingFrom a jeweler’s perspective, diamonds seem tobe a shopper’s best friend, according to Billie JoNewman, director of marketing and communicationsfor Frank Adams Jewelers.“Typically, we sell diamond jewelry atValentine’s Day –– diamond stud earrings, pendantsand a few engagement rings,” she said.“When it’s not diamond jewelry, quite often ourcustomers are looking to add to their collectionof pieces by designers David Yurman andRobert Lee Morris in the $150-$1,500 pricerange. Watches and cuff links are popular giftchoices for men at Valentine’s Day.”Newman has noticed two distinct trends forValentine’s Day in recent years.“One is fun, fashionable, designer sterlingsilver jewelry by David Yurman, Robert LeeMorris and Ippolita. These designer brands representpieces featured in all the major fashionmagazines, and they are recognizable, affordableand wearable jewelry choices,” she said. “Theother trend is consumers who want true, longlasting value in the jewelry they purchase. Thesepurchasers don’t shy away from buying highkarat gold, exclusive Swiss timepieces, or fancycolored diamonds. They want to buy jewelryitems that are destined to become family heirlooms.”Hearts, diamond hearts and diamond loveknots are the most popular items for Valentine’sDay, according to Jeff Weiss, CEO of TheGlennpeter Diamond Centre.The trend is mostly white gold instead ofyellow gold for Valentine’s Day, which is thethird best for business, behind only Christmasand Mother’s Day.“Valentine’s Day is about love, and that’sspecial anytime,” Weiss said.Jewelers typically see an increase in businessaround Valentine’s Day, but the customersaren’t your typical jewelry shoppers, Newmanpointed out.“As a jeweler during a holiday celebratinglove, we obviously see an upturn in business,”she said. “Valentine’s Day differs from our normalshopping pattern in that normally we havea large amount of women self-purchase. AtValentine’s Day, the roles are reversed a bit,which is a fun change of pace.”Marty Finkle, president of Harold FinkleYour Jeweler, Inc., sees all types of jewelry sellfor Valentine’s Day, from small gifts to engagementrings.“It’s as important a day for our business asMother’s Day,” Finkle said. “What’s specialabout Valentine’s Day is that it is tailor-made forour type of gift. Jewelry is romantic and personal,and that is exactly what we do.=26| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

MemberAnniversariesChamber members with milestoneanniversaries in February include…20 yearsThe Salvation Army, Inc.Allen W. Potts, Construction15 yearsCapital Computer Services, Inc.Hans Funeral HomeKevin Keithley, Inc.New York Health Plan Association10 yearsMr. Sandman USAPacheco Ross Associates Architects, PCThe Terrace at Beverwyck5 yearsOranix Solutions, Inc.Dove & Hudson Old BooksNew York Legal Publishing CorporationGrant PavingAlbany Marriott HotelFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 27

member happeningsOn the moveCapitol Hill Management Services: Angelina Berghela,account executive and media advisor; Charles Assini, bookkeeperCommunity Resource Federal Credit Union: Terry Langlois,chief financial officerConley Associates: Joanne Kildoyle, marketing associateCredit Union Association of New York (CUANY): William J.Mellin, president/CEO, was elected first vice chairman of theAmerican Association of Credit Union Leagues (AACUL) executiveboardEd Lewi Associates: Caitlin Merrill, public relations specialistErdman Anthony: Ray Darling, Jr., PE, associate; LindaStancliffe, RLA, senior associateExecutive Service Corps of the Tri-Cities (ESCOT): JohnDeffigos, Raymond Schimmer and Bill Wolff, advisory committeemembersFingerPaint Marketing, Inc.: Colin Lewis, front-end webdeveloper and designerHiscock & Barclay, LLP: Melissa Zambri, partner, has beenappointed chair of the Committee on Fraud, Abuse andCompliance for the New York State Bar Association’s HealthLaw Section.Living Resources: Frank Costa, program manager; DawnBartholomew, Stephanie Carpenter and Katrina Kona, residentialhabilitation managers; Eric Northup, Lorna Nugent,Kyle Popalis, Vivian Quinn, Wanda Ruiz, Stephanie Sanders,George Seaton, Jacquaya Stewart, Jason Vivian and EileenWigley, team leaders; Erin Caywood, habilitation specialist;Rachel Martino, life enrichment manager; Sharon Davis, registerednurse; Chakoya Clayton, Jaimie Clow, Brett Corson,Robert Dunlap, Kamil Hoke, Miranda Leary, Tee Mahoney,Colleen Neun, Melissa Palombo, Nicole Rodriguez, NicholeRieffannacht and Jessica White, resident instructors; AmberGriffin, La’Keisha Hinton, Krystle Kane, Patrick Murray andChristine Wing, day community opportunities specialists;Valerie Morell and Hannah Ross, Medicaid service coordinators;Kristin Healy, arts center day habilitation coordinator;Nathaniel Chisom, cook and resident instructor; HeomwattieMahase, LPN and resident instructor; Roger Mead, maintenanceassistantMohawk & Hudson River Humane Society: Wayne Brown,Jake Dumesnil, John Ebersole, Donna Done, Jeremiah Kahiland Geri Pomerantz, newly elected board membersMountain Media: Ardine Fariello, internet marketing consultant;Kyle Smith, internet marketing specialistNortheastern Association of the Blind at Albany, Inc.:Larry Volk, board chair; Dan Moran, vice chair; RobertaBerkowitz, secretary; Mark McCarthy Harris Beach PLLC,treasurerNortheast Parent & Child Society: John Henley, presidentand chief executive officerSiena College: Laura Menty, marketing and ticket managerTully Rinckey PLLC: Michael Viscosi, associateUnited Way of the Greater Capital Region: Robert Doyle,chair of the board of directors; Stephen D’Amico and AngelaDixon, board members at largeWeichert Realtors: Linda Mazzariello, residential sales specialistKudosAlbany Medical Center: On December 16, Nick’s Fight to beHealed Foundation, Inc. presented a gift of $25,000 to representativesfrom the Melodies Center for Childhood Cancerand Blood Disorders toward an endowment to support theunit’s child life specialist fund. Nick’s Fight to be HealedFoundation, Inc. is named after Nick Cammarata, who passedaway in 2008 at the age of 13, just months after being diagnosedwith acute lymphoblastic leukemia.Animal House: Chiloe Hunt, proprietor, was honored at theNew England Pet Grooming Professionals Fall Festival inWarick, RI. Hunt won a first place trophy and $100 in thesporting division with “Blue,“ a springer spaniel, and in thepoodle division with “Cookie” a mini-poodle. Hunt placed secondin the mixed/miscellaneous category, earning a trophyand $75 prize grooming “Jack”, a labradoodle owned by Markand Michelle Billings. She also won Best All Around Groomerin her division, with a prize of $125.BST: Michael Raymond, partner, was a recent guest lecturerat Albany Law School. He spoke to third-year law students takingthe “Introductory Accounting, Finance and Auditing forLawyers” class.Burke & Casserly, P.C.: Walter Burke, chair of the AmericanBar Association’s Elder Law Committee, conducted a webinarwith Charlie Sabatino, chair of the American Bar Association’sCommission on Law & Aging, on December 3 for elder lawattorneys in private practice. The webinar included 130 attorneysfrom 37 different states.Capital Communications Federal Credit Union: JeffreyKleintop, senior vice president and chief market strategist forLPL Financial, provided an economic update to credit unionmembers. Kleintop spoke at a luncheon for Emerald CircleClients of CAP COM Financial Services, a subsidiary of CapitalCommunications Federal Credit Union.Capital Repertory Theatre: Partnered with AlbanyBroadcasting on the “Dinner and a Show – Give a Dinner, Seea Show” promotion, a food drive to benefit the Regional FoodBank of Northeastern New York. The promotion ran fromDecember 1-20, through the run of My Fair Lady. With everyfood item or cash donation brought to Capital Rep, the donorreceived $5 off a ticket to a My Fair Lady performance.Careers In Transition LLC: Dr. Thomas Denham, careercounselor, recently appeared on WVKR-Poughkeepsie discussing“Resumes and Cover Letters.” He continues to speakmonthly on Northeast Public Radio’s The Career Forum. Inaddition, he recently presented Career Strategies Seminars atthe Bethlehem Public Library.Center for Economic Growth (CEG): Todd Little, Taconic’sCEO and president, will chair Bioconnex, a region-widebiotechnology partnership of private companies, higher educationinstitutions and CEG.College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering of theUniversity at Albany (NanoCollege): Held a ribbon-cuttingceremony on December 14 in conjunction with EinhornYaffee Prescott (EYP) Architecture and Engineering PC ofAlbany to welcome the EYP/energy group to theNanoCollege’s Albany NanoTech Complex, part of a $3.5 millioninitiative that includes the opening of an AlternativeEnergy Test Farm and the development of a joint educationaland workforce training program to prepare the professionalswho will design and operate the high-tech buildings of the21st century.Colonie Senior Service Centers: Has received funding tomake support services available to older drivers as well asprovide information and assistance to help identify andaddress at-risk behaviors by older drivers in Albany County.The funding was awarded through the New York StateGovernor’s Traffic Safety Committee, which coordinates trafficsafety activities in the state.Community Resource Federal Credit Union: DeanaHarrington, member services manager, recently received theAccredited ACH Professional Certification offered throughWestern Payments Alliance in San Francisco, CA. The certificationprogram affirms professional competence of ACH paymentsand the Electronic Payments Association’s procedures.Credit Union Association of New York (CUANY): In conjunctionwith Sunmark Federal Credit Union, CUANY recentlypresented $2,000 to the Children’s Hospital at AlbanyMedical Center. The donation represents proceeds accumulatedby the organizations as part of the Association’s “CreditUnions Care for Kids” 2009 campaign.Creighton Manning Engineering: Won an internationalInnovation in Roads award for design of Route 85Slingerlands Bypass in the Town of Bethlehem. The 2009 BeInspired Award was presented at the Infrastructure BestPractices Symposium and Awards dinner held in Charlotte, NCto honor outstanding achievements in infrastructure.Crisafulli Brothers Plumbing and Heating: Andrea Crisafulli-Russo, president, was presented with KeyBank’s Key4WomenAchieve Award on December 1 during the Second AnnualAward Reception at Key Plaza in downtown Albany.The Doane Stuart School: A unique community service projectwith Albany Medical Center’s Goldberg Center will involveapproximately 15 students in making art — paintings, photographs,sculpture — specifically designed to meet cognitiveand emotional needs of the Center’s Alzheimer patients. Asthe first step in the project, students visited the Center onDecember 4 and met with Director Elizabeth Boivin-Smith.The project will continue in the coming months.Downtown Albany Business Improvement District:Announced the winners of the Fall 2009 Restaurant Weeksurvey contest. First place of $500 in gift certificates wasawarded to Susan Kochan; second place of $300 in gift certificateswas awarded to Kris Aliperti; third place of $200 ingift certificates was awarded to Paula Skalwold.Excel Engineering P.C.: Has merged with Plumb EngineeringP.C. to form Plumb Excel Group Engineering P.C. Both firms,founded in the early 1990s, specialize in mechanical, electrical,and plumbing (MEP) engineering designs for large buildingsand campuses.Falvey Real Estate Group: Has launched its new Web site,www.falveygroup.com. The refined design and expanded functionsinclude an advanced IDX search, enabling the viewerwith an easy-to-navigate way to execute their residential orcommercial searches online.Fidelis Care: More than 8,000 needy families across NewYork state, including more than 1,225 in the NortheasternNew York region, had a hearty Thanksgiving meal this year,thanks to Fidelis Care. The Catholic-sponsored health planprovided more than $120,000 in coupons for free Butterballturkeys and sponsored other charity drives and events thatwill help brighten the holiday season for those most in need.Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti, PC: Partners JeffRothenberg, Nicholas Mesiti, Susan Farley, David Miranda andBrett Hutton were named as “New York Super Lawyers” byLaw & Politics and the publishers of Hudson Valley magazine.Rothenberg and Mesiti were named in the field of intellectualproperty law; Farley, Miranda and Hutton were named in thefield of intellectual property litigation.IntelliSites: The web designer has launched Burst Marketing,in partnership with print management and design firmimPress Printing & Graphics, Inc. and Steve Banis, a Fortune500 marketing professional.The Kaleel Jamison Consulting Group, Inc.: Judith Katz,executive vice president, was honored by the OrganizationDevelopment Network with its annual Larry Porter Award duringits annual conference on October 20 in Seattle, WA. Theaward recognizes Katz for her more than 30 years of writingand researching issues related to the organization developmentfield.28| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

Knapek, Gabriele & Bottini, LLP: Has unveiled its Web site,www.kgbcpas.com. The Web site provides knowledge aboutthe firm and the services that are provided, as well asaccounting and financial information.Lawrence & Pearson Associates (LPA): Has released theWinter Edition of Benefits Observer. Benefits Observer isLPA’s quarterly newsletter that provides useful informationabout retirement plans to LPA clients and partners. This editionof Benefits Observer includes important updates andnews about issues impacting retirement plans, as well asinformation from the IRS about cost of living adjustmentsapplicable for tax year 2010.Mountain Media: James Curley, CEO, became a CertifiedProfessional in Landing Page Optimization through intensivetraining from world-renowned, MarketingExperiments.Northeast Career Planning: Named its Menands site TheNorton Center, in honor of William “Bill” Norton, who servedas executive director from 1982-2008 and died on October 8,2009.Palio: Employees loaded up a van with thousands of dollarsworth of gifts for children on December 7 through theSaratoga County Children’s Committee Empty StockingProject. Contributions made by Palio through corporate giving,in lieu of sending gifts to clients, combined with the generosityof Palio employees, has enabled the firm to provide holidaygifts to local children in need for nine years.Pine Hills Family Medicine PLLC: Celebrated its two-yearanniversary on October 8, reaching more than 500 patients.Pioneer Bank: Jennifer Lee has won Pioneer Bank’s HarvestSweepstakes cash prize of $1,000. As part of Pioneer Bank’sfall checking promotion, Pioneer placed Harvest Sweepstakedrawing boxes in all of its 15 branch locations across theregion.Profitable Speech: Owner Dale Klein spoke to Albany MedicalCenter’s Education Department on December 12. Her programwas titled: “Educating the Educator: How to Ensure YourPresentation is Alive and Well.”Siena College: Volleyball senior captain Burgandy McCurtywas named MAAC Offensive Player of the Year by the league’s10 head coaches for a third straight season.Sunmark Federal Credit Union: Has launched a new Web sitefor its membership to easily deliver Sunmark’s service and supportofferings to its members and community business partners.The site provides users with a new user-friendly toolbar toguide them through the site and connects users with a liveoperator who can discuss topics in real-time. To view the newWeb site, visit www.sunmarkfcu.org.Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, P.C.: Steven Egna, directorof business advisory services, is scheduled to be a courseinstructor for the Institute of Business Appraisers. Egna willteach two classes about business valuations in an educationalseminar series in Georgia. Egna is a Certified BusinessAppraiser accredited by the Institute of Business Appraisersand a Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor by the Alliance ofMergers & Acquisitions.Thuillez, Ford, Gold, Butler & Young, LLP: Debra Young, partner,presented on the topic of Impaired Physicians at the NewYork State Bar Association’s CLE “Representing LicensedProfessionals Before the Office of Professional MedicalConduct and the Office of Professional Discipline” onNovember 12.The United Group: Has received LEED® Silver designation bythe US Green Building Council for its most recent commercialproperty, United STEP 1, located at 107 Hermes Road in theNYSERDA sponsored Saratoga Technology + Energy Park®.The United STEP 1 building achieved a 32 point score whichfirmly put it in the Silver category.Tully Rinckey PLLC: The firm hosted Turkey For Vets fromDecember 21-24, providing the first 100 veterans and immediatefamily of those serving abroad with free turkey or hamcoupons to redeemed at Price Choppers.University at Albany: Researcher Melinda Larsen, departmentof biological sciences, was awarded a two-year, $600,000 stimulusgrant through the National Institutes of Health (NIH)Challenge program to examine salivary gland development toprovide insight into the root causes of gland disorders, includingthe inability to produce saliva. For the Salivary GlandProtein Profiling Project, Larsen will collaborate with a team ofscientists at GE’s Global Research Center in Niskayuna, led byMichael Gerdes, a cancer cell biologist in the Center’s biosciencesorganization and adjunct professor at UAlbany’sdepartment of biological sciences.Weichert Realtors: Crystal Coleman has earned a New YorkState associate broker license.World Logistics Group (WLG): Presented a donation of wintercoats and a $2,000 check to the not-for-profit U.S. Committeefor Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI) in Albany. WLG employsmany refugees from Burma, Iraq and Sudan at its Feura Bushdistribution warehouse, primarily to manage Vermont-basedBurton Snowboards. USCRI Albany provides assistance withhousing, basic needs, job placement and cultural integration.DatebookColonie Senior Service Centers: Will hold its 5th AnnualWarmth of Wine will be at the Century House on Thursday,February 25, from 5:30 – 8pm. Not only will you be helpingseniors stay warm this winter, you’ll have a fantastictime doing it. Thanks to the generosity of the CenturyHouse, there will be great hors d’oeuvres and delicious cuisine.Tickets are $50 per person. For more information,contact Danielle Simons at 518.459.2857, ext. 301 or byemail at dsimons@colonieseniors.org. Reservations arerequested by February 19.Excelsior College: Will present its Third Annual Partnersin Lifelong Learning Award to John Cavalier of Loudonville,to honor his lifelong commitment to advancing technologyuse in education, and for his commitment to CapitalRegion business leadership on Tuesday, April 27, from 5-7pm at the New York State Museum. Tickets to the eventand additional information are available by contactingMarcy Stryker at 518.608.8287 or mstryker@excelsior.edu.Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York: Willhold the first Table Hopping Mac & Cheese Bowl to benefitthe organization on Saturday, March 20 at the ItalianAmerican Community Center in Albany. The day will includea raffle, and guests will help choose the Capital Region’sbest Macaroni & Cheese dish. For more information,please contact Caitlyn Krug at 518.786.3691, ext. 232 orcaitlyni@regionalfoodbank.net.To get your information into Member Happenings, emailPaul Quirini at membernews@acchamber.org.=February 2010 | VISIONS | 29

Eye on the futurecontinued from page 17it’s a differentiator in why they stay with us,”Quigley said. “We’re trying to do more and morebecause they tell us they love it. Time WarnerCable used to be market-centric; now we’re reallysharing our programming across the region. Wehave a lot of functions that are now regionalized sowe can share those resources and look for opportunities,and Time Warner Cable Sports is one ofthose opportunities.”As a technology company, Time Warner Cableinfuses an interest in science, technology,engineering and math among studentsTime Warner Cable also partners with CapitalNews 9, the 24-hour local news station, to providea constant stream of news, sports, traffic reports ––and, of course, Weather on the 9s every 10 minutes.“Capital News 9 is very well respected in theCapital Region, and there’s a lot of benefit forsharing our resources with each other,” Quigleysaid. “We do a lot of work with them because it’s ahigh quality station.”Interestingly, Capital News 9 is the program forwhich most customers use the “Start Over” feature,Gordon pointed out.“What’s interesting is that the program is awheel, so if you miss it, you’ll see it again in 40minutes,” he said. “But people ‘Start Over’ thehour more often than other shows. It’s an interestingphenomenon, and people gravitated to it.”Capital News 9 is also expected to expand itsreach into convenience stores closer to you.“In every Stewart’s Shops location, there’sgoing to be a TV with Capital News 9, whichgives Stewart’s a chance to brand specials in theirstores, as well, for a period during the hour. It’s agreat opportunity,” Quigley said.As 2010 continues, Time Warner Cable looksforward to enhancing its cable, Internet and phoneservices for thousands of customers in the region.“From a technology perspective, customerswant more speed, they want to be able to watchTV and video. There are platforms we provide toour customers to differentiate ourselves from a lotof other services,” Quigley said.=30| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

1Albany Mayor JerryJennings; Tom Seymour,Albany DevelopmentCompany, Inc.2Ken Desmond,Chamber board chair;Jeff Stone, KeyBank3Carole Montepare, CapitalDistrict Physicians’ Health Plan564Ann Hughes, TechValley Nonprofit Awardsluncheon emcee andFOX 23 News anchorJohn Nigro, Nigro Companies; Rick Riccio, St. Anne Institute; Philip Morris,Proctors; Joseph Brennan, Albany Community Action Partnership; HarrisOberlander, Trinity Institution – Homer Perkins Center, Inc.BBX Photos by T.R. Laz USA Weddings TVNBC Photos by Colleen Brescia Photography Photo by Colleen Brescia PhotographyPhoto by Colleen Brescia Photography[1] On the heels of his re-election, Albany Mayor Jerry Jenningsaddressed Chamber members during a breakfast onNovember 18. The major sponsor was KeyBank.[2, 3, 4, 5] The Tech Valley Nonprofit Business Council(TVNBC) honored executive and volunteer leadership andexemplary organizations for their positive impact during theTech Valley Nonprofit Business Awards Luncheon on November24. Corporate sponsors were KeyBank and CDPHP; videosponsor was Potratz Partners Advertising.[6, 7] Chamber members enjoyed a holiday tradition onDecember 10 during the Holiday Business-to-BusinessExchange at The Desmond Hotel & Conference Center.Attendees took in the charming colonial atmosphere of thecourtyards and the beautiful ballroom while making businessconnections.[8] For the 21st year in a row, Hugh Johnson, nationallyknown economist, chairman and chief investment officer formoney management firm Johnson Illington Advisors LLC,shared his forecasts for the economy, interest rates andthe domestic equity markets during a Chamber breakfaston December 16. New York Business DevelopmentCorporation and Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, PCwere the corporate sponsors.8Hugh Johnson,Johnson IllingtonAdvisors LLC7on the sceneDanielle Brown, Premiere Transportation Group; Lisa Austin,Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, Inc.; MicheleMcClave, AIDS Council of Northeastern New YorkAlan Baker,CreativeMarketingConcepts; MikeHickey, PitneyBowes BusinessInsightFebruary 2010 | VISIONS | 31

opinionHumongous hope for retail rebound in 2010In our more than 45 years in business, wehave faced a multitude of challenges, but nonehas been more difficult than the recession of2008-09.Fortunately, the Capital Region did not experiencethe magnitude of job losses and economicwoes that we read and heard about daily from thenational media. Although, we would like tobelieve that people have a mind of their own,constant messages of doom and gloom impactedJeffrey SperberPresidentHuck Finn CompaniesFirst, we told all of our suppliers that wewould not accept price increases on any productsfor any reason. Any item in our store at thebeginning of 2008 either remains the same priceor costs less today.Next, we told all of our buyers to negotiateharder than they ever had before. The outcomeexceeded our expectations. Many national retailerswere struggling; as a result, we identifiedopportunity buys at 20-30 percent less than the“If you keep doing whatever it is you are doing,you will keep getting whatever it is you are getting.”As a result, we refuse to sit still. It is ourbusiness philosophy, our passion, and our greatestchallenge to continually provide something newand exciting to our loyal customers.Most recently, we upgraded our website atwww.huckfinnswarehouse.com, with the mostsignificant addition being the Huck Finn E-Club.Anybody can become a member with just a click.E-Club members receive advance notice of specialevents, lower prices on Huck’s selected buys ofthe week, and additional opportunities to saveeven more during events and sales not advertisedto the public.Since we opened Huck Finn Baby in 2005,we have had tremendous success with our babyregistry. Expectant parents can personally selectproducts and create an easily accessible list forfriends and family to purchase requested and necessaryitems. More recently, we added a bridalregistry, enabling couples-to-be to register foreveryday household items.It is our business philosophy, our passion, and our greatest challenge to continually providesomething new and exciting to our loyal customers.most consumers.Were we in the Capital Region suffering fromthe mortgage crisis? Yes, but certainly not to theextent of other geographical regions in the country.Founded or not, we were all surrounded witha fear that spending was a bad thing; ironically, itis quite the opposite.That’s why I am confident that 2010 will be aprosperous year, from a retail perspective.One of the best ways to stimulate the economyis for the public to spend on consumer goodsand products, which creates business developmentand stimulates job growth. Of course, it iscritical to be discriminating in what we buy andhow much we pay. That is where Huck Finn’sWarehouse comes in.We pay very close attention to our customersand we immediately communicatedtheir message to our business partners.already established bargain prices our reputationwas built upon.The next critical strategic business decisioninvolved our greatest asset; we call them the HuckFinn Family. At a time when companies are makingdaily decisions about reducing expenses, werefused to compromise our team.We take pride in the fact that we have noteliminated one staff position in more than twoyears. It is an understatement to say that we havethe best sales associates, customer service representatives,shipping and receiving team, and officestaff in the business. Instead of succumbing to thenegative economic attitude, they all stepped uptheir game to ensure that every customer receivedextra-special attention and were serviced properlywith a positive attitude, big smile, and an exceptionaldemonstration of gratitude.We have a motto at Huck Finn’s Warehouse,After numerous customers expressed an interestin items that were just plain “cheap,” we institutedHuck Finn’s Back Dock, which is openonly on weekends but is always full of as-is,scratch-and-dent, one-of-a-kind merchandise thatis reduced below the original manufacturer’s cost.Our latest addition was the opening ofHuck’s Baby Clothes. We have so many customersshopping the warehouse for baby furniture,toys, and accessories that it seemed a naturalprogression to integrate clothing and shoes forbabies and toddlers.The secret to our business success is that welove what we do and who we do it for. My messageto everyone as it relates to the economy isthat it is in our power to stimulate economicgrowth. Shop, compare and purchase wisely, andwe will create real job growth and a healthyeconomy.=32| acchamber.org | techvalley.org

We’ll be making aBIG DEALout of SMALL BUSINESSBe a part of the effort by nominating a deserving award recipient!at thecorporate sponsorTo obtain a copy of the nomination form, visit acchamber.org/awards.aspxNominations must be received no later than 5pm on Friday, February 12, 2010