May - Albany Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce

“We Are…Not-For-Profit ExchangeTech Valley!”Walt Robb sang Tech Valley’s praisesduring the Chamber’s 111th AnnualDinner on March 10, even leading theaudience in a cheer for Tech Valley.A former General Electric seniorexecutive and current president of VantageManagement, Inc., Robb received theChamber’s Envoy Salute award for hisvision, leadership and impact on theeconomic vitality of the region.He encouraged us to take pride inTech Valley and promote the Tech Valleybrand whenever and wherever possible.He encouraged businesses to recommitto actively using the Tech Valley logoon stationery, business cards, brochures,websites and the like. “We need to advocateand build on the momentum,” Robbexclaimed.Numerous companies andorganizations have downloaded the TechValley logo since the Annual Dinner.One of the more creativeapplications has been at XOS inEast Greenbush. It had Tech Valleytemporary tattoos made. DavidGibson, XOS’ president, and thecompany’s board of directors,proudly displayed them in the topphoto. Pictured from left to rightare: Don Pelersi, Berry Beumer,David Gibson, Walt Robb, NickAbdo and Jay Burdett.Even Tech Valley’s youngestresidents are getting in on the act,as Gibson’s twins, Kadence andAustin, are sporting the new TechValley tattoos!The Tech Valley logo is availablethrough the Chamber’s website atacchamber.org/Events/AnnualDinner.aspx.Let’s show pride in our region and allthat we have accomplished and all that weto offer.And remember, “We Are…TechValley!” •Community Hospicesets sights on June WalkNearly 4,000 Capital Region families willturn to The Community Hospice to helpcare for a seriously ill loved one this year.One of the key ways that family, friendsand colleagues give back is by formingteams to participate in the annual Walkfor Hospice.This year’s 10th Anniversary Walk forHospice will be Saturday, June 18, at theUniversity at Albany. On-site registrationbegins at 9am at the Dutch Quad athleticfields. The Walk begins at 10:30am,followed by an After-Walk Fest with lunchprovided by Dinosaur Bar-B-Que andmusic by The Refrigerators.This year’s ambitious goal is$200,000, up significantly from the record$156,000 raised last year. The need isparticularly great this year, however,because of looming cuts in Medicare. TheCommunity Hospice depends on two keysources of revenue: contributions fromthe public and Medicare. Medicare cutsaffecting The Community Hospice areanticipated to add up to more than onehalfmillion dollars this year and nearly $1million next year.That’s why the 2011 Walk is soimportant, so that funding will continue tobe available for The Community Hospiceto provide care in people’s own homes,in nursing homes and in local hospitals.Contributions also support Hospice’s highlyregarded grief and bereavement programsavailable at no charge to everyone in thecommunity, including special programs forkids and teens.For more information on participating inthe walk, call 518.285.8166, or register onlineby visiting www.communityhospice.org. •May 2011 | VISIONS | 13