Friday, December 14, 2007

Demers Tapped for Vice President

CDPHP® ANNOUNCES JOHN DEMERS SELECTED
VICE PRESIDENT, ADVERTISING AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS

CDPHP® today announced the appointment of John Demers to vice president of advertising and public affairs. In this position, Demers will provide oversight for all activities in the communications department including advertising, public relations, and community sponsorships.

“We are so pleased to have John join our team,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “He brings a wealth of knowledge and hands-on corporate communications experience to CDPHP, and his guidance will play an integral part of our leadership team who is committed to keeping members, employers, and providers informed about their health care,” said Cromie.

Demers brings more than 25 years of experience in advertising, graphic arts, and communications. Prior to joining CDPHP, he held several management positions with EmblemHealth, Inc., the merged organization of Group Health, Inc. (GHI) and Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (HIP), including most recently as vice president of corporate communications. He resides with his wife and children in Delmar.

About CDPHP®

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP.

Monday, December 10, 2007

CDPHP Appoints New Director

CDPHP® NAMES GARY GONZALES
DIRECTOR OF PRACTITIONER AND VENDOR CONTRACTING

CDPHP® today announced the appointment of Gary Gonzales as director of practitioner and vendor contracting. In this position, Gonzales will manage all physician and adjunct provider contracting and continue to enhance and develop provider and vendor relationships.

“Gary brings more than 20 years of experience in the health care industry,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “His broad knowledge of health plans coupled with an understanding of contracting, provider relations, and network development will enhance our negotiations with primary care physicians, specialists, and other practitioners,” said Cromie.

Prior to joining CDPHP, Gonzales held several management positions including executive director of contract operations at St. Joseph Health System in Anaheim, Calif., and director of provider services at PacifiCare of California in Cypress, Calif. He also served at other health care organizations including Cigna and Partners Health Plans in Arizona.

Gonzales earned a bachelor of arts degree in American Studies from the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, and a master’s degree in business management from the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif.

About CDPHP®
Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits, Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP at www.cdphp.com .

Friday, November 30, 2007

The Best is Right Here

Glens Falls Firm Earns Award as a Top 25 Best Architecture Firm to Work For in the U.S.



In October, JMZ Architects and Planners, P.C. was honored as one of
ZweigWhite’s 2007 Top 25 Best Architecture Firms to Work For in the U.S. JMZ ranked third in the Small Architecture Firms category and #1 for Best Overall Employee Satisfaction. Results were based on confidential employee surveys submitted directly to ZweigWhite, a Boston-based management consulting firm to the architecture and engineering professions. JMZ was the only architecture firm in New York State to place in the Top 25.

Established in 1977, JMZ is a 20-person higher education planning and architecture firm located in downtown Glens Falls. They provide service to college clients across NY and in VT, PA and MD. Their creativity as designers carries through to their office culture. They maintain a balanced, life-friendly atmosphere where employees are encouraged to grow and expand their talents through professional experience, continuing education and a personalized mentoring program. In addition to the requisite 401(k) plan, profit sharing, and flexible time, the firm offers its employees a steady stream of chocolate and abundance of fun. In past years, they have participated in Bike to Work Day, National Pie Day, Operation Santa Claus and other fun, community-oriented events. This past June, they closed their office for a day and donned life jackets for a white water rafting adventure down the Indian River in the Adirondacks.

For more information, please visit:

www.JMZarchitects.com

www.zweigwhite.com

UHY LLP Global Nod

UHY LLP’s JOHN WOLFGANG
ELECTED CHAIR OF GLOBAL ACCOUNTING FIRM GROUP


Albany native John E. Wolfgang, partner in UHY LLP and a member of its management committee, has been appointed chairman of the global accounting and consulting firm association of UHY International (UHYI). Mr. Wolfgang formally took the helm at the UHYI 2007 Annual Meeting of partners held in Singapore on October 25 and 26, 2007. He was elected to a five-year term.

“The accounting world is going through a time of great change,” Mr. Wolfgang noted. “Convergence of accounting and auditing standards, for example, is not just an issue for huge multinationals. It is also a serious concern for dynamic mid-tier businesses – the natural client constituency for UHYI member firms. Convergence issues affect us all.”

As chairman of UHYI, Wolfgang plans to focus on four main goals:

Continuing the expansion of the global network in the organization’s priority markets;

Strengthening and expanding the individual member firms within their local markets;

Providing enhanced technical guidance and support to member firms;

Building national and international brand awareness for UHYI.


In addition, he added: “We have a golden opportunity over the next few years to create a brand with unique strengths and characteristics, built around a strong focus on the needs of our core clients.”

Richard Kotlow, managing partner of UHY LLP’s Albany office and a board member of UHYI, praised Wolfgang’s accomplishments. “From the beginning, John has been active with UHYI, which started as an initiative of our Albany and New York City offices. He has proven himself a leader on the global stage, especially with our mid-market clients that have complex international needs. He has led our New York practice’s largest international engagements, which have taken him all over the world in the pursuit of assuring quality standards. UHYI will benefit from John’s leadership.”

Mr. Wolfgang was one of the original board members of UHYI when it was formed in 1986. UHYI was formed following the association of UK-based firm Hacker Young (now known as UHY Hacker Young LLP) and U.S. firm, Urbach Kahn & Werlin (now known as UHY LLP). He has been a key player in the subsequent growth of the international association.

A graduate of Siena College, Mr. Wolfgang lives in New York City with his wife Christina. John has three children and two grandchildren.



About UHY LLP and UHY Advisors
UHY LLP is a national licensed CPA firm and operates as the attest firm in an alternative practice structure with UHY Advisors Inc., the 13th largest professional services firm in the United States. Both firms are independent U.S. members of Urbach Hacker Young International Limited, an international association of firms that operate in 60 countries worldwide.

For further information on UHY LLP, please visit www.uhyllp.com

About UHY International

Established in 1986 and based in London, UK, UHY International is an association of independent accounting and consulting firms with offices in major business centres throughout the world. UHY has 188 offices in 64 countries with over 5,500 staff and generated an aggregate income of over US$530 million in 2006. Each member of UHY is a legally separate and independent firm in its own country.

For further information on UHY International please go to www.uhy.com.

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

Buzzing About Murphy

ARCC member, Scott Murphy was featured in yesterday's TU Business Blog post.



Scott Murphy, a managing director of Advantage Capital Partners, a private equity firm that has an office in Glens Falls, has been elected president of the Upstate Venture Association of New York for 2007-08.

Murphy has been involved in investments in 11 upstate companies. He has been on the UVANY board for five years.

Advantage has offices in major U.S. cities in addition to Glens Falls and has raised more than $800 million in institutional private equity money since 1992.


Congratulations Scott.

Friday, November 16, 2007

Sawchuk Brown Associates Adds Staff

SAWCHUK BROWN ASSOCIATES ADDS STAFF

Emily Shover, a recent graduate of Marist College in Poughkeepsie, has joined Sawchuk Brown Associates as an administrative assistant.



For SBA, Shover will provide support to clients and staff, including research, list management, media monitoring, as well as editorial and administrative services.

As a student at Marist College, Shover wrote for the school’s online news publication, Marist News Watch, and was a member of the Fashion Club where she served as a dresser for local fashion shows. She was also a member of Campus Ministry, providing community services to the local community, and is currently a volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Shover graduated from Marist College with a B.A. in communications with a concentration in journalism.

Founded in 1979, Sawchuk Brown Associates is one of Upstate New York's leading independent communications firms specializing in public relations, public affairs and strategic marketing. The firm, which represents more than 65 clients, has received honors from Public Relations Society of America, IABC, American Marketing Association and others. It is the Upstate New York affiliate of global leader GolinHarris International. Visit the Sawchuk Brown website.

New Appointments at TD Banknorth

Michael Murray Named Commercial Loan Portfolio Officer at TD Banknorth in Glens Falls



Michael D. Murray has been promoted to a Commercial Loan Portfolio Officer in the Commercial Lending Department at TD Banknorth in Glens Falls. He will be responsible for developing and maintaining commercial business relationships throughout the Glens Falls region.

Murray joined TD Banknorth in 2004 as a Customer Sales Representative in the Glens Falls branch. He served as a Commercial Credit Analyst prior to his most recent promotion.

A Queensbury resident, Murray is a 1998 graduate of Queensbury High School. He received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the College of Saint Rose in 2003, and an associate’s degree in 2001 from Adirondack Community College. He volunteers as a member of the Junior Achievement Adirondack Region Steering Committee.


Timothy Minahan Named Vice President at TD Banknorth




Timothy P. Minahan has joined TD Banknorth as a vice president in Government Banking in Glens Falls. He will be responsible for managing the relationships of the government banking clients, and acquiring new business throughout the Capital Region, Adirondack Region and Northeastern New York.

Minahan has 22 years of banking experience. Prior to joining TD Banknorth, he was the first vice president at Berkshire Bank, serving as the Director of Sales and Product Development. Before that, he worked at Keybank N.A., as an area retail leader in the Albany (N.Y.) District.

An Alplaus resident, Minahan serves on the board of the Schenectady/ Glenville Empire Zone. He received a bachelor’s degree in finance from Siena College and also holds a marketing degree from Hudson Valley Community College. Minahan is originally from Schenectady, where he graduated from Mont Pleasant High School.

TD Banknorth Inc. is a leading banking and financial services company headquartered in Portland, Maine and a wholly-owned subsidiary of TD Bank Financial Group headquartered in Toronto, Canada. TD Banknorth is one of the 25 largest commercial banking organizations in the United States, with over $40 billion in assets. TD Banknorth's banking subsidiary, TD Banknorth, N.A., operates banking divisions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Vermont. TD Banknorth and TD Banknorth, N.A. also operate subsidiaries and divisions in insurance, wealth management, merchant services, mortgage banking, government banking, private label credit cards, insurance premium financing and other financial services and offers investment products in association with PrimeVest Financial Services, Inc. For more information, visit TD Banknorth.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

AngioDynamics Exec Appointed to Board

AngioDynamics exec appointed board member of medical device trade group
*Originally printed in The Business Review (Albany)
Monday, November 12, 2007


An executive of AngioDynamics Inc. has joined the board of MedTech Association Inc., a Syracuse trade organization.

Harold Mapes, president of operations for the Queensbury medical device manafacturer, is one of two new MedTech board members announced Nov. 12. The other is Martin Brusdeilins, vice president of research and development worldwide for Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics of Rochester.

MedTech, which was founded in 2004, is made up of 87 Upstate New York medical technology manufacturers, research institutions, allied professional services and economic development organizations. Its goal is to attract the funding and expertise to make upstate an internationally recognized center for medical technologies.

Wednesday, November 7, 2007

Girls Scouts Seeking Women of Distinction

Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York seeking Women of Distinction Nominations

Queensbury, NY –Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) is currently seeking nominations for the upcoming “Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction” awards event to be held in Saratoga. The awards will be presented on May 1, 2008, at the Saratoga Hotel & Conference Center and will recognize outstanding women from Northern Saratoga (north of Burnt Hills), Southern Hamilton (south of Indian Lake), Warren, Washington and Fulton Counties. Nominations will be accepted until Nov. 30.

This year’s awards will recognize women for a variety of accomplishments, from career and personal achievements to outstanding community service and dedication to family and peers. An award will also be presented to an outstanding young woman under 21 who has made a significant impact in her community.

The “Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction” award categories include:

Distinguished Trailblazer (age 40 and over)
This category honors a woman who has Defied the Ordinary in her chosen field, “broken glass ceilings,” overcome and excelled under extreme challenges and demonstrated perseverance. She has been in her chosen field for more than 5 years and has demonstrated steady growth, exhibited leadership and fostered development of others.

Distinguished Junior Trailblazer (age 40 and under)This category honors a woman who has a proven track record of reaching ambitious or unconventional goals demonstrated by upward career mobility, steady growth and leadership skills. She is willing to take risks, inspires and motivates others.

Distinguished Personal Achievement (21 and over)This category honors a woman who is a risk taker in the non-traditional way to achieve an unconventional or ambitious goal outside the realm of volunteer activities or career endeavors. She is persistent in her efforts, remains focused and accepts challenges with confidence.

Distinguished Community Leader (age 21 and over)
This award will be given to a woman who has demonstrated outstanding contributions over a period of time to her community. She is a role model, community leader, mentor, or has broken new ground. She is an agent for change who has made a measurable difference to those around her.


Distinguished Leader of Tomorrow
(under age 21)
This award will be presented to a young woman who has demonstrated outstanding leadership ability and has contributed to her school and community. She has spearheaded a project or program to improve quality of life.

Those wishing to nominate someone should complete a nomination form, which can be downloaded at http://www.gsneny.org/events/index.asp or requested by calling GSNENY’s Queensbury Service Center at 792-0947. Forms are also available at the Queensbury Service Center, located at 213 Meadowbrook Road. A 250-word essay stating why the nominee should receive the award should also accompany the completed form. Both documents should be mailed by Nov. 30 to:

Defy the Ordinary – Women of Distinction
Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
Queensbury Service Center
213 Meadowbrook Road
Queensbury, NY 12804

About the Event:

The Defy the Ordinary - Women of Distinction event is hosted by GSNENY in three locations throughout the Council’s 16-county jurisdiction: Lake Placid (Nov. 2, 2007), Saratoga (March 6, 2008) and Scotia (May 1, 2008). The event serves as a fundraiser for Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, with proceeds supporting girl programs, volunteer recruitment and training.

For more information regarding the Defy the Ordinary - Women of Distinction event, or to request a nomination form, please contact Tammy Quackenbush, Events & Community Cultivation Specialist, at 518-489-8110 x 105 or tquackenbush@gsneny.org.

###

About Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York
Girl Scouts “builds girls of courage, confidence and character, who make the world a better place” and has served local girls since 1916. Nearly one of every eight girls between 5-17 years old is a Girl Scout, gaining access to leadership and team building skills, career skills and exploration, and character building with the guidance of caring adult role models. The Council recruits and trains adult volunteers, delivers special programs, provides outdoor education and camping and administers Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York was created from the union of four Girl Scout Councils: Hudson Valley, Mohawk Pathways, Adirondack, and North Country. The newly-created Council serves over 14,500 girls in Albany, Clinton, Columbia, Greene, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Montgomery, Hamilton, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties and a portion of St. Lawrence County.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Building a Bigger Team

Malta-based MLB Construction Services, LLC proudly announces the following appointments:



Stephen P. Bishop of Glens Falls has returned to the MLB project management team as Senior Project Manager after a seven-year stint as Construction Administrator with Crandall Associates. During his five-year tenure with MLB, he successfully delivered several notable projects including The Adirondack Museum Visitors Center in Blue Mountain Lake, the Hyde Medical Center in Malone, New York and the GE Health Care Facility in Schenectady. Steve is an Honors Graduate of the State University in Canton with a degree in construction technology. Mr. Bishop's initial assignments involve pre-construction services on projects for Skidmore College and The Hazelden Foundation.



David Zuccaro


Brian Douglass


Douglass and Zucarro have joined MLB as Project Coordinators. Brian earned his Associate Degree at SUNY Morrisville and Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management at SUNY-ESF in May. He is currently working on the Gloversville High School and River Road Medical Arts Building projects. David was a Dean's List student at Hudson Valley Community College where he earned his Associate Degree in Construction Technology in May as well. His initial project assignment is the Wal*Mart renovation in Albany.

MLB is a comprehensive Construction Services firm specializing in education, retail, and health care facilities. Current projects and clients include the Zankel Music Building at Skidmore College, the renovation and expansion of the Malta Price Chopper, Kingston Hannaford and Albany Wal*Mart Stores, the River Road Medical Arts Building, and expansion of the Morrell Science Building at Siena College.

A Prime US Citizen



Stephanie Vogel has been with Coldwell Banker for more than four years. A resident of Speculator, NY since 2002, Stephanie recently became a US citizen.



She celebrated with her husband and the staff at Peggy Blake's Coldwell Banker Prime Properties office in Queensbury.

Wednesday, October 31, 2007

Greens Falls



STEP IT UP 2007!

Glens Falls “The Building of a Cool City”

Sponsored by:

The City of Glens Falls
Barton Mines
Rock Hill Cafe
Unitarian Church


When: SATURDAY NOV. 3RD, 2007 – ALL DAY

Where: Farmer's Market * City Park * Wood Theater * Aimie's Dinner And A Movie * Rock Hill Cafe

Purpose: To raise public awareness about Global Climate Change.

EVENT SCHEDULE


10:00 am Bike, Walk, Carpool to Farmers Market at South Street Pavilion

Information, displays and entertainment at the Farmers Market along with locally grown and made food and other products. Save energy that would be used transporting imported alternatives. Traveling to the market by foot or bicycle reduces your carbon footprint even further! Entertainment by Bill Campbell. Meet people who use their bikes to commute. Rick’s Bike Shop will show commuter bikes. Local food and snacks, solar oven cooking, biodiesel info-samples. Also, get to know the Toyota Prius hybrid.

11:30 am Entertainment by C.E. Skidmore at City Park (Bay & Maple Streets)

Fun Activities for Children organized by Joy McCoola and National Honors Society

12:00 Noon Rally for the Planet at City Park

Representatives from the Sierra Club will introduce the Cool Cities program. Mayor Roy Akins will sign the U.S. Mayor’s Climate Protection Agreement. Commuter-biker David Legg will describe his positive experiences traveling by bike in Glens Falls. Kirsten Gillibrand’s representative, Lisa Manzi, will describe the Congresswoman’s efforts in regards to climate change. A group photo will be taken to relay to Washington. On the way to the Wood theater, stop out front to see the Natural Gas Honda!


1:00 pm – 5:00 pm Presentations and Exhibitors at Wood Theater (207 Glen Street)

1:00 pm Keynote Speaker, author James Howard Kunstler – The Long Emergency (Surviving the Converging Catastrophes of the 21st Century). Jim Kunstler will also be signing copies of "The Long Emergency" and his other books in the theater lobby following his presentation at the Red Fox Books table.

2:15 pm Barton Mines video presentation on Green Building

2:30 pm Green Builders/NYSERDA Presentation

3:00 pm GroSolar’s Carbon Challenge - How solar energy works in your home

4:00 pm Seth Jacobs - Local Agriculture as Part of the Solution to Global Climate Change


Wood Theater Exhibitors: GroSolar, Green Builders, Glens Falls Electric, Community Energy, Thermal Associates, NYSERDA, Cornell Cooperative Extension/Agricultural Stewardship Association.

5:45 pm Premiere of “The Eleventh Hour” (Leonardo DiCaprio's Directorial Debut)

Aimie's Dinner & A Movie 190 Glen Street (518) 792-8181 Reservations suggested.

7:30 pm “Live N' Local” Premieres at Rock Hill Cafe with FREE Local Bread!

“Live n' Local” will happen every Saturday Night at 7:30 pm. Rock Hill is going to establish a venue for original music and an audience who appreciates it. Local food and local musicians. Three Dimensional Figures, a great local jazz/jam and techno trio will be their first guests. No Cover Charge!

Contacts: Matt Funiciello mattfuniciello@earthlink.net Judy V White jvwhite2004@yahoo.com Ruth Lamb cooperlamb@yahoo.com 761-6125

Monday, October 29, 2007

This Tree is Ripe for Climbing

Tree Paad Family Entertainment Center recently had their Grand Opening with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.



Stop over to see all the fun to be had at TreePaad.

TreePaad Family Entertainment Center
1/4 mile West of Quaker Road

217 Dix Avenue
Glens Falls, NY 12801

TreePaad hours are as follows:
Tuesday - Thursday 10am - 7pm
Friday - Saturday 10am - 10pm
Sunday - 10am - 7pm

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Drive fore Food

Beginning Monday, November 5th, Kingswood Golf Club in Hudson Falls, NY, will hold their Annual Food Pantry Drive.

Each November, Kingswood Golf Club holds its annual food pantry drive in an effort to make everyone’s holiday season a special one. In exchange for 2 non-perishable food items, golfers pay only $20.00 for their greens fee, and may also take a riding cart at no additional charge.

Last year’s food pantry drive was a tremendous success, Kingswood was able to donate thousand of food items to local food pantries in Washington County.

Kingswood would like to thank all of the golfers who participate in this great event, and for supporting our local food pantries.

The annual food pantry drive will last until the snow flies!

For more information contact:

Kingswood Golf Club
111 County Route 41
Hudson Falls, NY 12839
(518)747-8888

Thursday, October 18, 2007

A Hall of Famer in Our Midst



Ishpeming, Michigan
The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame announces its Class of 2007. The inductees represent a very diverse group of snow sport pioneers, athletes and developers, including the first inductees for snowboarding.

Jake and Donna Carpenter, are the first people from snowboarding to be elected to the Hall of Fame. They are the first to enter the Hall of Fame as a couple in recognition of their vision, determination and business savvy that brought snowboarding from the backyard snow banks to resort slopes around the world.

The Burton Snowboard Company was started in 1977 housed out of a Vermont barn. Jake Burton Carpenter would load up his station wagon and drive door-to-door convincing shops to buy his boards. Now, in 2007, the Carpenters are still its sole owners, which has grown into the world’s leading snowboard company, dominating close to 50 percent of the industry’s share.

Everett Kircher was the developer, visionary and executive of Boyne USA Resorts. Starting with just one dollar in 1947, Kircher bought a “useless piece of farmland” in the northern Lower Peninsula of Michigan and started Boyne Mountain Ski Resort. From there he developed state of- the-art snowmaking equipment, the first double and triple chairlifts in the world and a ski resort management model that would create the most successful family-owned ski resort corporation in the United States.

Using his keen business sense, mechanical ingenuity, and tenacious drive Kircher kept on the cutting edge of the ski resort industry. He was never one to follow but rather preferred to set the bar for the competition. “Everett was years ahead of everyone when it came to developing and operating a ski resort,” Stein Eriksen, USSSHF class of 1982, said of Kircher in an interview with
Ski magazine.

Eric Bergoust joined the U.S. Freestyle Ski Team’s aerial squad in 1990 and went on to become a two-time World Champion, three-time U.S. Champion, and four-time Olympian. He holds Olympic Gold from the Nagano Games in 1998, several U.S. aerial’s gold medals, world championship gold and silver medals and numerous other honors.

Bergoust started his interest in aerial skiing after watching a world cup event on ESPN in 1985. With a trampoline in his backyard just outside Missoula, Montana it was not long until he was working on the tricks himself. It is said that he was the first spectator through the event gates at
the 1988 Calgary Olympic Games to watch the aerial events. He retired from the sport in 2006 after the Torino Olympic Games.

Doug Lewis enjoyed a solid career with the U.S. Alpine Ski Team. A two time Olympian, he went to the Sarajevo Olympic Games in 1984 and Calgary Olympic Games in 1988. He won two U.S. National Champion Downhill titles and was considered a fierce competitor. His bronze medal at the Bormio, Italy World Championship race in 1985 was the first won by an American male skier at any World Championships in the downhill event.

After his race career he went on to co-found Eliteam, a summer program aimed at improving conditioning for young ski racers and other athletes through sport psychology, physiology and good nutrition.

Tom Jacobs competed in cross-country and Nordic combined at the Oslo Olympic Games in 1952 and went on to a successful career as coach for Colorado University’s ski team. He served as the Executive Director of the National Ski Association, today the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, in 1956-1957.

After moving back to the East in the 60’s, Jacobs and his wife started Reliable Racing Supply thus founding the first mail order ski race equipment distributor of its kind. The company became an international supplier of cutting-edge race products that raised the level of the racing environment for thousands of competitive skiers and organizations.

Mitch Cubberly
invented the first multi-angle release ski binding, called the Cubco, in the early 1950s. With an education in mechanical engineering, Cubberly created a safer ski experience for thousands of American skiers. Inventions such as the first step-in binding, the first anti-friction binding plate (the Cubco Skidder) and the Cubco ski brake were developed and marketed by his company. He also invented or developed mounting tools, special mounting screws and other ski shop supplies.

Cubberly did all this with a very unselfish attitude. Many products produced by him went unpatented and were made available to the ski industry. The only pieces he co-patented with Gordon Lipe were the Cubco toe and heel binding, and the Skidder.

The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum Class of 2007 was selected by an independent selection committee of ski professionals, historians, and writers chaired by Paul Bousquet and voted on by a national panel.

The official induction of the six members of the class of 2007 will take place at the Snowsports Industries America annual trade show, January 29 to February 2, 2008 in Las Vegas. Kircher and Cubberly will be inducted posthumously. A welcome home event in their honor will be held at the U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame Ishpeming, Michigan in September 2008.

The U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is dedicated to honoring America’s skiing and snowboarding professionals, pioneers and athletes. The museum houses one of the largest collections of skis and snow sport related memorabilia in the United States.

Monday, October 15, 2007

An LAdk Grad Moves Up.


Andrea Deepe has been namded Director of Quality Assurance for Community, Work & Independence



Andrea Deepe has been appointed Director of Quality Assurance for Community, Work, and Independence, Inc., effective immediately, President Stuart I. Rosenblatt, PhD, has announced: “Ms. Deepe has served as Quality Assurance Manager since February, 2005, I am deeply satisfied with her qualifications, capabilities and dedication to her work.”

Previously, Deepe was a QA Specialist, Developmental Instructor and Treatment Assistant since first joining the organization in 2000. She is a recent graduate of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Adirondack program.

She is a graduate of Liberty University in Lynchburg, VA with a BS in Exercise Science.

Deepe, her husband and two children are Granville residents.

Community, Work & Independence, Inc. (CWI) is a private, not-for-profit organization dedicated to advocating for and enhancing the quality of life, independence and community inclusion of individuals with developmental disabilities; physical, psychological, social or economic disadvantages; and traumatic brain injury; learning disabilities; or other special needs.

CWI offers day, employment, residential, home care, family support, transportation, transition, counseling, and clinical services; service coordination; volunteer opportunities; and experiences that promote choice, self-reliance, dignity, meaningful activity and individual achievement.

The organization was established in 1963 and serves approximately 1,200 individuals each month at 27 sites in Warren, Washington, Essex and northern Saratoga counties.

Friday, October 5, 2007

Stop and See the Flores

Saratoga Artist Frankie Flores Donates Original

Popular Saratoga artist Frankie Flores has created an original painting to promote The Hyde Collection's fifth annual A Taste of Art...A Wine and Food Experience. Flores, an ongoing contributor to The Hyde Collection, has generously donated the original painting and two of his giclée prints for the event’s silent auction.




“The painting has added an incredible dimension to A Taste of Art this year. Frankie’s use of rich, vibrant colors has captured the lusciousness of the food and wine that will be served at the event,” commented Cynthia Holbrook, The Hyde’s development associate for special events. “We cannot begin to express how grateful we are for Frankie’s enthusiasm and support, and we look forward to sharing his original with our event guests,” she added.

Frankie Flores is well known for his creative depictions of New Orleans Jazz, and his artwork can be found in many collections internationally. In addition to his New Orleans pieces, he designed the 2003 Saratoga First Night poster and is highly regarded for his paintings portraying horses and racing.

A Taste of Art… will take place on Friday, October 12, 2007 from 6:30 to 9:30PM and will be held on the grounds of The Hyde Collection at 161 Warren Street in Glens Falls. The admittance price of $75 per person will provide participants with a variety of flavors to stimulate the palate as they move from region to region, experiencing wines, beers, and foods from around the world.

To make reservations for A Taste of Art or to request more information, please contact The Hyde Collection at 518-792-1761 or cholbrook@hydecollection.org. All proceeds from the event will benefit the Museum's annual fund, which supports exhibitions, educational programs, and ongoing collections care.

# # #

The Hyde Collection is a historic house and modern art museum complex that combines the heritage of the Adirondack Region with a distinguished permanent collection consisting of works by European old and modern masters and American artists, important decorative arts and antique furnishings. In addition, the Museum provides changing exhibitions in four gallery spaces, lectures, concerts, family activities and school programming as well as a Museum Store. Admission is FREE with voluntary donations accepted. The Hyde Collection is a publicly supported institution located at 161 Warren Street, Glens Falls, New York. Open year-round Tuesday-Saturday 10AM - 5PM, and Sunday 12noon - 5PM., Closed Mondays and national holidays. For information, call 518-792-1761. www.hydecollection.org.

Thursday, October 4, 2007

Sawchuk Brown Associates Heralds a New Hire

KATHLENE THIEL JOINS SAWCHUK BROWN ASSOCIATES AS COO

ALBANY, N.Y. – An expert in business management for improved performance, Kathlene Thiel has joined Sawchuk Brown Associates as chief operating officer.

“Kathy’s impressive leadership ability, strategic planning skills and financial management expertise are the exact skills we need in this stage of development,” said Pamela Sawchuk Brown, president and CEO of Sawchuk Brown Associates. “Throughout her career, she has leveraged the capabilities and people within organizations to improve processes, products, expertise and efficiency.”

Thiel has worked successfully in sales, marketing, program and creative development, personnel management and administration in corporate positions at AT&T, Johnson & Johnson and Procter & Gamble. As an enterprising entrepreneur, she also has founded and/or owned several area businesses including Thiel Consulting, the Knowledge Network Inc. and Driver Training Network.

Thiel earned a B.A. in economics from Union College and a M.B.A. from Union Graduate College. As a graduate student, Thiel was appointed to Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, the highest recognition in business studies.

A committed community volunteer, she has served on numerous boards and committees, including the Mohawk & Hudson Humane Society, the Regional Food Bank of NENY, the Salvation Army, Union College and the Shaker Junior High School PTA.

Founded in 1979, Sawchuk Brown Associates is one of Upstate New York's leading independent communications firms specializing in public relations, public affairs and strategic marketing. The firm, which represents more than 65 clients, has received honors from Public Relations Society of America, IABC, American Marketing Association and others. It is the Upstate New York affiliate of global leader GolinHarris International. www.sawchukbrown.com

Art Harvest

Trampoline Design's newest hire, web designer, Raeanne Wright, recently tried her hand at print design by creating a poster for an event planned for October 13th and 14th in Washington County.



The event, called Art Harvest, is a collaborative art exhibit featuring several different mediums, from photography and fiber art to poetry and concrete sculpture. The setting is quintessential Washington County; a barn studio in Salem, New York on the lovely grounds of Gardenworks Farm.

The event is the brainchild of Jon Katz, better known for his best selling books and readings at places like Red Fox Books, than his photography, Katz wanted to create an opportunity for he and his friends to debut their artwork, each for the first time. Jon will be on hand with his dogs, maybe even his new puppy Lenore, to talk books, photography and life in Washington County. All proceeds from the sale of his photos will go to benefit Friends of Hospice.

Trampoline is in the early stages of beginning work on Jon's next endeavor, a website dedicated to his photography. Stay tuned for more.

For more information on Art Harvest please contact Meg Southerland at Gardenworks Farm (518) 854-3250.

Friday, September 28, 2007

From Wiggles to Wedgies



From Wiggles to Wedgies: The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom Announces Plans for New Rides & Attractions in 2008

The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom today announced plans to add several new major attractions for the 2008 season. Next spring, the park will unveil Wiggles World, a themed children’s area based on The Wiggles, the most popular children’s entertainers in the world, featuring rides, shows and attractions the entire family can enjoy together. At the same time, the park will also debut a thrilling new waterslide, called the Wild Wedgie, in Splashwater Kingdom.

“The Great Escape has historically been a true family theme park, and as our plans for 2008 make clear, we are continuing that tradition,” said Don McCoy, President of The Great Escape Properties. “The addition of Wiggles World and the Wild Wedgie represents our commitment to the diversification of family entertainment at The Great Escape, where we are dedicated to offering excitement and thrills for families and guests of all ages!”

Get Ready to Wiggle at The Great Escape!
At a cost of $3 million, the new children’s area will include specially-themed Wiggles rides, including The Big Red Car and The Big Red Plane rides, as well as a new retail location, The Wiggles Gift Shop, and a restaurant called the Yummy Yummy Café. In addition, The Wiggles themselves –Sam, Murray, Jeff and Anthony – will make an appearance and perform at the park on a to-be-announced date in 2008!

The new Wiggles World themed children’s area will be inhabited by The Wiggles’ cast of supporting characters: Dorothy the Dinosaur, Captain Feathersword, Wags the Dog and Henry the Octopus, who will pose for photos with guests and perform daily in the “Get Ready to Wiggle” show in the all-new Wiggles Theater.

“Wiggles World” is designed to leverage The Wiggles’ vast recognition and status among children ages 2-6. Since 1991, The Wiggles have performed to more than 1 million audience members a year. To date, they have sold more than 22 million DVDs and videos and more than 5 million albums worldwide, and The Wiggles’ successful television show has been broadcast on Disney Channel’s Playhouse Disney since 2002.

Wiggles World will be the theme park’s second themed children’s area, following on the heels of LOONEY TUNES NATIONAL PARK, which was added in 2005.

‘Wild Wedgie’ to Debut in Splashwater Kingdom

The Wild Wedgie, an entertaining waterslide with a whimsical name, will debut at The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom in 2008 to provide thrill seeking guests with an exhilarating water ride!

The new waterslide is expected to generate even more excitement in 2008 than its predecessor, Tornado, did in 2007. The new waterslide will appeal to teens, tweens, and everyone who loves an exciting waterslide experience. Wild Wedgie will complement Tornado, Captain Hook’s Adventure River, Paul Bunyan’s Bucket Brigade, the 500,000 gallon Lumberjack Splash wavepool, and all of the thrilling attractions in Splashwater Kingdom, making for an unforgettable waterpark experience for the whole family.

More information about Wiggles World and the Wild Wedgie waterslide will be released during a construction tour that will be offered to press in spring 2008.

2008 Season Pass: Live the Thrill

Guests can gear up to enjoy Wiggles World and the new Splashwater Kingdom water attraction now by purchasing a 2008 Season Pass to The Great Escape for only $69.99 (plus tax), the lowest price of the season. Season passes are currently available for purchase online at sixflags.com, and are also valid for admission to the theme park now, during Fright Fest 2007.

Stay Where You Play! New Season Pass Packages Available

The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark announces a new Season Pass package combining all the fun and excitement of the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark with season passes to The Great Escape.
The Great Escape season pass package includes a two night stay at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, admission to White Water Bay indoor waterpark during length of stay, and four 2008 season passes to The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom. Prices begin at $165 per person, based on four person occupancy. Offer is based on availability. For details, visit SixFlagsGreatEscapeLodge.com or call 888-708-2684.


Six Flags Inc. is the world’s largest regional theme park company. Founded in 1961, Six Flags celebrated its 45th Anniversary in 2006. It is a publicly-traded corporation (NYSE:SIX) headquartered in New York City.

SIX FLAGS and all related indicia are trademarks of Six Flags Theme Parks Inc. ®, TM and © 2007. © 2007 The Wiggles Pty Ltd. LOONEY TUNES and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and © Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.
(s07)


PRESS CONTACT:
Diane O’Connor
The Great Escape & Splashwater Kingdom
(518) 792-3500
doconnor@sftp.com

Friday, September 21, 2007

C.R. Wood Cancer Center Open House September 20

The C.R. Wood Cancer Center at Glens Falls Hospital has recently completed major renovations to the outpatient areas, including adding a healing spa for acupuncture, massage, and other complementary therapies. The public was invited to an open house celebrating the completed renovations Thursday, September 20 from 6:30 – 8:00 P.M.

The renovations were paid for entirely with private contributions provided by the friends and family of the late Cindy Ginsburg. Mrs. Ginsburg, a Saratoga Springs resident, was a patient in the C.R. Wood Cancer Center and the founder of Cindy’s Retreat, a special program for women with cancer held at Silver Bay twice each year. The retreat inspired other programs including Cindy’s Comfort Camp, a weekend get-away held at the Double “H” Hole in the Woods Ranch for children who are dealing with a close relative’s death or serious illness, and a weekend men’s Retreat held each fall.

The $250,000 renovation includes a beautiful new waiting and relaxation area for patients and families, an indoor waterfall, new artwork, and new furniture in addition to the spa area which will be called “Cindy’s Healing Place.”

“Cindy was such an inspiration to so many people,” commented Pat Spencer-Cisek, Executive Director of Oncology Services. “Her power to help and heal is something we could all feel while she battled the disease that took her life. Now her legacy continues through our retreats, support programs and this beautiful new space here at the Center.”

Stuart Ginsburg, Cindy’s husband and the lead donor for this project, has played an active role in promoting his late wife’s agenda. “It was a simple philosophy really,” he says. “Cindy refused to be defined by her disease, she insisted on living and living well, and she wanted to help as many cancer patients as possible find the way to the same peace.”

Dr. Robert Sponzo is the Director of the C.R. Wood Cancer Center. He was Cindy’s physician, and the two developed a very special friendship. Reminiscing about his relationship for a celebration video that will be shown at the open house, Dr. Sponzo said, “Cindy is the greatest example of someone who would fit cancer therapy into her life rather than cancer therapy becoming her life. She showed us all how to live with her disease rather than succumbing to the disease. I think Cindy would say, ‘I told you it needed to be done. Now I’m glad to see that you¹re following my advice.’ And I think that she would be very happy to know that we¹ve gone the route that we¹ve gone, and that we truly are paying attention to the needs of patients and trying to make their dealing with cancer and their treatment as positive an experience as we can for them.”

The C.R. Wood Cancer Center is the only American College of Surgeons accredited Cancer Center in the North Country and Saratoga Region. It is a comprehensive center that includes a Cancer Prevention and Early Detection program, integrated state-of-the-art out patient medical and radiation oncology, a new inpatient facility that is part of the Northwest Tower, clinical research with more than 40 active trials in progress, and an interdisciplinary team of specialists supporting treatment. The Cancer Center also offers the Uniquely You® Boutique and Salon, which provides free hair care, wig, turban and scarf selection and styling for men and women with cancer and a series of retreats and special programs for patients and families. Learn more about the C.R. Wood Cancer center at http://www.glensfallshospital.org/cancer_treatment.htm. Learn more about Cindy’s Retreat at http://www.glensfallshospital.org/CindysRetreat/cindys-retreat-main.htm.

Friday, September 7, 2007

Uniforms + Ribbons


North Country Uniforms celebrated their grand opening with a very well attended ribbon cutting on the 24th of August.
Customers, fellow business owners, Ward Councilman Bill Kenny and Glens Falls Mayor Roy Akins applauded proprietor Scott Roberts.

'Nuf fun to fill ten saddle bags


The 5 Minute Netowrking at Jake's Round-Up was a rollicking good time, with more than 25 people there to enjoy the lunch and networking. Afterwords more unstructured networking took place on the divine patio.

Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Bittersweet Follow-Up


Christopher Ramsey
August 29, 2002 - August, 8, 2007


Results Of 2007 Benefit Tournament



Airway Meadows Golf Course held its 4th Annual Benefit Tournament on Saturday, August 18th. 74 players came out to play in the 4-player scramble tournament. The event was to benefit the family of Christopher Ramsey, who last winter was diagnosed with stage four high-risk neuroblastoma. He passed away on August 8th from an infection after successfully battling the cancer.
We raised $6261 for the family through the golfers who participated, the selling of hole sponsor signs, a 50/50 raffle and a live auction. We would especially like to thank some of the winning teams who donated their prizes back so they could be included in the auction.

Cash Donations for The Family of Christopher Ramsey: ASAP Container Rentals, Airway Meadows GC Grounds Crew, Airway Meadows Kitchen, Tavern, Bev Cart Staff, Airway Meadows Pro Shop, Golf Staff, All Around Sound, Anonymous, Bottom’s Up Golf League, AMGC, Doc’s Steakhouses, Fire Control Systems, Inc., Fran’s Hallmark Shop, Glens Falls Metal Fabricators, Joan and Jayme Heber, The Legend Group, Brad and Missy Morgan, Pallette Stone, Quaker Bay Roofing Company, Reeds Hydraulics, Shelly Park Adult Community, Steve Rajeski Electric, Stone Bridge Iron & Steel Co., TMG-The McCormick Group

Misc. Cash Donations: Anonymous Golfers

Raffle & Auction Items: Airway Meadows Golf Club, Arbonne International-Marianne Hoosier, Brian Rhodes, PGA Prof., Curt Lohrey, PGA Prof., Fran’s Hallmark, Fitzgerald Bros. – Pepsi Folks, Eagle Crest Golf Club, The Highland Golf Club, Kingswood Golf Club, Mary Kay Cosmetics – Sharon Bianco, Minisceongo Golf Club, Pioneer Hills, Pole Valley Players Club, Queensbury County Club, The Sagamore Golf Course, Saratoga Eagle, Saratoga National Golf Club, Scott’s Flea Market, Top of the World Golf Course, Trevor Wheeler Golf, Trusto Bank, Titleist, Windy Hills Golf Course

Christopher's obituary, as printed in The Post-Star:

HUDSON FALLS * Christopher David Ramsey, 4, of Pearl Street, passed away on Wednesday Aug. 8, 2007, at Boston Children's Hospital in Boston, Mass., surrounded by his loving family. Born Aug. 29, 2002, in Glens Falls, he was the son of Paul R. and Trisha (Kirsch) Ramsey.



Christopher loved baseball, the New York Yankees, motorcycles, his four-wheeler, bowling, and playing with his sister, Payten. He was an honorary firefighter in Hudson Falls. He liked the song, "Footloose" and really enjoyed playing with his cousins Logan and Casey, and most of all he loved to be with his "Pa." His laugh was infectious and his smile just didn't quit. He attended the Lights on Learning Center in Hudson Falls.




Survivors include his loving parents, Paul and Trisha Ramsey of Hudson Falls; his beloved sister, Payten Ramsey of Hudson Falls; his maternal grandparents, Helen and David "Mimi and Papa" Kirsch of Fort Edward; his paternal grandparents, Debra "Grammy" Ramsey of Conway, S.C., Paul "Grandpa" Ramsey of Glens Falls; his maternal great-grandmothers, Marie Weatherwax of Fort Edward and Edith Kirsch of Houston, Texas; his paternal great-grandparents, Robert and Beverly Wheeler of Conway, S.C.; his aunts, Shannon "Auntie" Kirsch of Hudson Falls, Taylor Ramsey of Glens Falls, Theresa Higgins of Glens Falls; his special aunts, "Cinny" and "Luv Luv"; and several other aunts uncles and cousins, and a community that loved him.


Donations in Christopher's memory may be made to the Children's Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 6635, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 or The Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorder Center at Albany Medical Center, Mail Code 24, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208.


Our thoughts are with Christopher's family. Special thanks to Airway Meadows for an exceptional event for an extraordinary boy.

The Picture of Health


CDPHP HONORED WITH BEST DISEASE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM IN UPSTATE NEW YORK

Health Industries Research Companies Recognizes Health Plan For Second Consecutive Year

For the second consecutive year, CDPHP has been recognized as offering the best disease management program in upstate New York by Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC), a national, independent research organization serving the health care industry. CDPHP was the only health plan in the Capital Region to receive this award, with no other health plans north of New York City or east of Buffalo recognized. Less than six percent of the U.S. health plans profiled in this report are honored consecutively.

HIRC’s 7th Annual Report on the Disease Management Industry profiles the leading disease management organizations (DMOs), assesses their growth trends, indicates their current partnerships, provides recommendations for future opportunities, and recognizes best current programs among health plans, employers, and vendors.

“CDPHP firmly believes in the concept of disease management and its benefits to our members,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP. “That is why it is such an honor to be recognized for the second consecutive year by HIRC.”

The report is based on extensive market projections and analysis, surveys and in-depth interviews with health care industry executives. Report highlights include:

Current disease management programs market size by disease state
Disease management market potential
Analysis of payers implementing disease management programs including commercial HMOs, Medicare programs, Medicaid, and employers
Leading DMO Web sites
Disease management partnerships with HMOs
DMO services and offerings
About Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC)
Health Industries Research Companies (HIRC) is an independent, nonpartisan organization that conducts strategic market research on trends in health care, pharmaceutical, and managed care businesses. HIRC’s benchmark studies focus on the marketing needs of pharmaceutical companies, providing market research critical to the development of successful marketing strategies. For more information about HIRC and the company’s reports, visit www.hirc.com .

About CDPHP™

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. In 2006, the CDPHP commercial health plan was ranked fifth in the country, and top ranked in New York state, in a collaborative report, U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans” 2006®. The CDPHP Medicare Advantage program, Medicare Choice, and the Medicaid program, Select Plan, ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the nation.

The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP.

Thursday, August 16, 2007

A Thousand Times, Thank You!



Chef Kevin Bethel and his wife and partner, Patti, prepare to say bon appétit tonight as they head into their 1000th dinner presentation since opening 132 Glen Bistro.




Stop by to celebrate and enjoy the consistently wonderful food offered at this downtown Glens Falls gem!

Tuesday, August 14, 2007

Training Wheels, Giving Through Learning

Theresa Gulotty, David Holle, Chris Mullen

Darlene Kosinski, Pamela Dutcher and Peter O'Brien

On a sunny August afternoon, Sunnyside Par 3 played host to employees from all of the NY regions of TD Banknorth, who were in town to participatee in a team building session. The program was called “Training Wheels” and was facilitated by Hamel Resources, L.L.C.

Hamel Resources has partnered with local agencies that provide services to disabled and disadvantaged youth that also benefit from the team building exercise. After a delicious barbecued lunch under the tent (prepared by Chef Extraordinaire, Miles Nolan), the teams took to the course to further strengthen the team building and communication skills acquired from the Training Wheels program. The day ended with awards and prizes for all participants.

Friday, August 10, 2007

Long in Talent

Patti Pepe, Membership Manager for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, stands with Mary Longley, Sales Representative for the Glens Falls Business Journal, in the ARCC Board Room.



Mary, a membership Committee dynamo, exceeded all expectations and delivered the greatest number of memberships this quarter.

Congratulations Mary, and, more importantly, Thank You!

Your passion and participation enhance the value of membership in the ARCC.

Wednesday, August 8, 2007

Good Will by the Basketful



The Glens Falls Hospital Guild will host its 11th Annual Parade of Baskets on September 9th at Heritage Hall in the Glens Falls Civic Center. Doors open at 12:00 for basket preview with drawings starting at 1:30 p.m. All proceeds benefit the ongoing projects of the Glens Falls Hospital Guild.

During the event, attendees receive 25 tickets with their $10 paid admission for the chance of winning more than 150 “themed’ baskets donated by Glens Falls Hospital volunteers, employees and local businesses and community members. Additional tickets may be purchased at $5 for 25 tickets. Baskets stocked with goodies appealing to all tastes and interests include gardening, pets, gourmet food and fishing. Basket winners must be present to win.

In addition to the baskets, participants can also enter a special raffle. The Guild will raffle a Canon Digital Camera Package. This package includes a Canon Power Shot Digital Camera, Canon photo printer, computer software, photo paper, CDs, camera case, and other items. Tickets are available now for this raffle in the Gift Atrium, located on the first floor of the Northwest Tower and the Volunteer Office located on 2 East. Cost is $5.00 per ticket or three for $10. Raffle participants need not be present to win. The drawing will be held at the Parade of Baskets.

Parade of Basket admission tickets are available in advance in the Glens Falls Hospital Volunteer Office or the Gift Atrium. An admission ticket is required for all children.

For more information about the Parade of Baskets, call the Glens Falls Hospital Volunteer Services office at 926-2780.

The Golden Ticket


Patti Pepe stands with American Chamber of Commerce Executives President Mick Fleming after she was presented a Gold Lifetime Achievement Award from the organization for membership sales.

The gold level award recognizes those sales managers in the US who have sold more than 500 memberships in their chamber careers. Mick Fleming presented this award to Patti at the ACCE Annual Leadership Conference last week in Sacramento, CA., in front of more than 1,000 chamber executives from across the nation. She is now working to achieve the Silver level in recognition of sales exceeding 750 member sales in a career.

Way to go, Patti!

Tuesday, August 7, 2007

If You Build It...

...they can play safely.




BRANNY & Crandall Park Beautification Committee Team Up to Build a Field House of Dreams

The Builders and Remodelers Association of Northern New York (BRANNY) has contributed $1,000 to the Crandall Park Beautification Committee to rebuild the Field House at Crandall Park.



The members of BRANNY have also committed to supplying materials and labor to see the project to fruition. Groundbreaking is scheduled for early fall of 2007 with a spring 2008 completion.


The existing Field House was constructed in 1921 near the pond and served as a warming hut for ice skaters, until it was moved to its current location. An addition was built in 1931. The building, which has fallen into disrepair, is used year round.


Plans for the new Field House include basement space with potential utilization as dressing rooms for performers from the amphitheatre performances, such as the recent GE sponsored concerts. There will also be increased energy efficiency and heightened curb appeal for this edifice along one of the City’s primary corridors.

For more information on BRANNY and this project coontact Patti Pepe at (518) 798-1761

Monday, August 6, 2007

One Memorable Sundae, indeed!



Recently a celebrity came a calling...for ice cream.


Bobby Flay works the scoop.

The Food Network filmed an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay by the pond pavilion at Christ the King Spiritual Life Center.



The weather was gorgeous and the ice cream plentiful as Greenwich, New York prepared to show the rest of the world how sweet life is 'round here.



The Beaver Cross campers enjoyed ice cream sundaes from The Ice Cream Man, a favorite summer stop in Greenwich , NY .



The folks at The Ice Cream Man deserve a hand!
Congratulations and thank you for demonstrating the appeal of our region.

Tuesday, July 31, 2007

Come out swinging for Christopher







Airway Meadows to hold tournament to benefit 5 year old Christopher Ramsey

Christopher Ramsey is a local 5-year old resident. On February 1, 2007, he was diagnosed with stage 4 high risk neuroblastoma. The tumor has metastasized to his bone marrow. Since then he has undergone months of chemotherapy and stem-cell re-implantation. He is currently at the PICU at Boston Children's Hospital.


Airway Meadows Golf Club in Gansevoort will be holding a golf tournament on Saturday, August 18th. It will be a 4-player 18 Hole scramble with a Noon registration followed by a shotgun start. The cost is $70 per player and includes greens fees, cart, prizes, BBQ picnic, draft beer and soda all day. A portion of the registration fees plus all proceeds from raffles, auction and on course competitions and games go directly to Christopher Ramsey. Deadline for entry is Monday, August 13th and the field is limited to 144 players. Golfers should sign-up early to guarantee entry. Contact the Pro Shop at the golf course or call 518-792-4144.

Hole sponsor signs are available at the cost of $50 each with all the proceeds going directly to Christopher.



Kevin Nielsen
Airway Meadows Golf Club
518-792-4144

Thursday, July 26, 2007

Sutton's for Men

Donna Sutton continues the Sutton's Marketplace tradition of excellence with an expansion into another market: Men's Clothing. Birch Creek Outfitters is a new branch of the Sutton's company offering clothing for both men and women, located at the former Smokey Bear BBQ location.

Last Friday the store had a ribbon cutting, on hand for the celebration were Donna Sutton, Gabe Sutton, Pam Worth, and Peter Carusone all from the Sutton's management team, Mark Sidoti, John Crawford and Josh Koons representing the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce Ambassadors as well as fellow ARCC member Michael Borgos and other friends and staff.





Congratulations and continued success!

Wednesday, July 25, 2007

CDPHP Eyes Effeciency with New Appointment

CDPHP ANNOUNCES BETHANY R. SMITH, CPA,
SELECTED AS CORPORATE CONTROLLER



CDPHP today announced the appointment of Bethany R. Smith, CPA, to corporate controller in its finance division. In this position, Smith will provide oversight for all activities in the accounting department, including financial and regulatory reporting and internal controls.

“Bethany has extensive experience in accounting and financial reporting, management, and communications that will provide us the efficiency and effectiveness necessary to continue our strict adherence to low-cost administrative services,” said William J. Cromie, MD, MBA, president and CEO, CDPHP.

Prior to joining CDPHP, Smith was senior manager for PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP, formerly Coopers & Lybrand LLP, a division of PricewaterhouseCoopers International. Her experience includes more than 12 years of public accounting with clients in industries including insurance, financial services, and state and local government.

Smith earned a bachelor of science degree in accounting from the State University of New York College at Plattsburgh and is a certified public accountant in the state of New York. She and her husband, Shawne, reside in Schenectady with their two children.

About CDPHP™

Founded and guided by physicians, CDPHP and its affiliates currently serve members in 29 counties throughout New York state and seven counties in Vermont. In 2006, the CDPHP commercial health plan was ranked fifth in the country, and top ranked in New York state, in a collaborative report, U.S. News & World Report/NCQA “America’s Best Health Plans” 2006®. The CDPHP Medicare Advantage program, Medicare Choice, and the Medicaid program, Select Plan, ranked sixth and seventh, respectively, in the nation.

The four affiliated companies of CDPHP include a family of products: Capital District Physicians' Health Plan, Inc.—HMO, Healthy New York, Medicare Choice, Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and Family Health Plus. CDPHP Universal Benefits Inc.® —PPO, High Deductible PPO, POS, and EPO. Capital District Physicians' Healthcare Network, Inc. —self-insured plans; and APA Partners, Inc. —third party administration (TPA). Visit CDPHP .

Tuesday, July 24, 2007

An Olympian Among Us

Dr. Daniel O'Keefe, President of the Glens Falls Tennis and Swim Club recently personified the words of Norman Vincent Peale:


Live your life and forget your age


as he won the gold medal at the National Senior Olympics of 2007 on the third of this month. Playing in the blistering afternoon heat of Louisville, Kentucky just two days after being admitted to the hospital with acute hypertension, O'Keefe and his partner, Ed Gall, handily won the 85-90 year old bracket of the Doubles Tennis competition.

Recently Dr. O'Keefe was kind enough to share his medal with Todd Shimkus during a tour of the Club.



Bravo Dr. O'Keefe, bravo!

Vision, Ambition & Pragmatism

It's every entrepreneur's fear that one day their business will be obsolete, left behind by advancing technology and surpassed by a rapidly changing world with rapidly changing needs.

But even in the face of a possible high-tech boom just to the south, where Albany's College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering is growing, and Malta's Luther Forest Technology Park is trying to entreat Advanced Micro Devices Inc. to build a new factory, businessmen like Mark Miller remain cautiously optimistic about their futures.

Miller, who owns Americlean in South Glens Falls, believes the potential exists for companies in this area to generate more business for themselves by providing services they already offer to high-tech facilities.

Miller himself is doing this now.

Americlean, a commercial and industrial painting and cleaning company, is working on the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering campus.

And while the work Americlean employees are doing is not exactly high-tech, it is pretty important to the overall function of a high-tech facility.

"Americlean's work is centered at NanoFab 300 North, a 250,000-square-foot building that is part of CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex," CNSE Director of Communications Services Stephen Janack explained in an e-mail. "Americlean is pressure washing vaporizers that are used to pump nitrogen into the facility.

"That work is essential in ensuring that there is a consistent and precise flow of nitrogen, which is regarded as one of the important gases used in the process of development and manufacture of computer nanochips."

While Miller is happy to be doing this work, he's not blind to the fact that Americlean will have some updates to make to its service packages if the company is to branch out and do more with computer chip makers in the future.

Miller is particularly aware of this when it comes to clean room maintenance. Clean rooms are very tightly controlled environments in which everything from temperature to employees' clothing is strictly regimented to protect the computer chips being made.

"There's a huge difference in what we do compared to cleaning clean rooms," Miller said. "We have a little training and research to do."

Still, he sees opportunities for Americlean and other local contractors during the development phase of these high-tech facilities.

"That's where a lot of work is going to be for local contractors -- during new construction," Miller said. "For us, for instance, I don't see our company involved much after a facility's complete, unless it's for something like these vaporizers."

The vaporizers are large, external structures on which ice accumulates due to the nitrogen passing through them, which is very cold, Miller said. His job is to remove that ice build-up.

John Aspland, owner of Adirondack Plastics & Recycling in Argyle, agreed that there will be various opportunities for local firms like his to capitalize on the tech trend. But he stressed that changing in order to grasp those opportunities may be a challenging necessity.

Recognizing this, Aspland has been working hard to learn how the plastics and paper recycling business he runs might need to change or evolve in order to accommodate the material recycling needs of the high-tech sector.

That work, however, has not been so fruitful.

"We haven't even been able to get our foot in the door yet," Aspland said. "But eventually, we'll pull through and get to the right guy."

Aspland is banking on the fact that every company generates some kind of waste, but he is also co nfident because he has had to adjust his business plan before.

When medical device manufacturers Tyco and Mallinckrodt closed years ago, Adirondack Plastics faced a troubling outlook.

Aspland recalled that those companies made up more than half his business.

But he managed to push on and re-invent a now-burgeoning company by adapting.

Todd Shimkus, president and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, agreed that doing research on the computer and nanoscience tech sector is a good idea, especially since the future of local businesses' involvement with high-tech companies is uncertain.

"It's still somewhat unknown, to be honest," Shimkus said. "High-tech companies in Hillsboro are using fewer and fewer local vendors, since they need those vendors that can service all their locations all over the world."

Shimkus was one of about 20 delegates who visited Hillsboro, Ore., this spring to learn how that community has been impacted by explosive growth in the computer chip manufacturing industry.

"But, as Americlean shows, there will be opportunity," Shimkus said. "Mark's instance shows a different side of the situation -- there will be specific plant needs.

"It's kind of like the big box stores. They have enormous, high-quality distribution systems, but when one of their trucks blows its tires out, they're probably going to Warren Tire."

Len Fosbrook, president of the Economic Development Corp. of Warren County, agreed that possibilities exist even though local businesses probably will not be able to provide high-tech companies with the raw materials used to create products or do research.

"The supply chain is a little out of our reach, but there's a wealth of opportunity," he said.

"The obvious thing is construction jobs; that comes first to mind. But the people employed by these industries will also need goods and services, whether it's a restaurant, a laundry or banking."

According to Janack, hundreds of companies provide various kinds of support to just the College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering.

"Americlean is just one of well over 500 local, regional and New York State companies that have provided over $400 million in goods and services at CNSE's Albany NanoTech complex over the past decade," Janack said.

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