October 2016


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Newsline October 2016

We are the leading voice of business in the region providing advocacy, resources and solutions for our members

To better serve you, you can call (518) 725-0641 to reach either of the two Chamber offices. The Chamber held a ribbon-cutting event to help announce a change in management and operations at Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine (Auriesville Shrine) and its Visitor Center which are now under the purview of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Shrine. The Shrine, located at 136 Shrine Road in Auriesville is holding its first annual Martyrs Feast Dinner on Saturday, October 15 at 5pm. The dinner will take place in the Visitor Center following the 4pm Novena Mass celebrated by Most Reverend Bishop Edward Scharfenberger of the Albany Catholic Diocese in the Shrine’s Coliseum. Preceding the Mass there will be a talk by John DeJak, on the life and spiritual teaching of the Servant of God, Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J. The evening will include live auction items, an awards ceremony, and a keynote address by Bishop Scharfenberger. Advance purchase tickets only are available for $50 per person. To purchase tickets, please call Julie Baaki at (518)630-9922, email [email protected], or stop by the Shrine Visitor Center. You can find out more about the Shrine on the Auriesville Shrine Facebook page, or the website auriesvilleshrine.com. Pictured are members of the staffs of the Shrine and the Chamber, friends of the Shrine, and members of the Shrine Development Committee. Bishop Scharfenberger is holding the scissors in the photo. The Chamber helped Patriot Federal Bank celebrate its 10th Anniversary with a ribbon-cutting event at the bank’s Johnstown location. Patriot Federal Bank is celebrating a decade of service to Fulton and Montgomery Counties and offers a variety of savings and checking products as well as commercial, residential and consumer lending. They provide for the unique needs of the region’s marketplace with time-tested service and values as well as emerging technologies. Watch for new enhancements to the bank’s online presence and mobile products coming soon. Visit the bank’s website at www.patriotfederalbank.com for more information or to view their Anniversary Specials, or call any of the branches for details: Johnstown (518) 762-7700, Amsterdam (518) 843-5841 and Canajoharie (518) 6734400. Pictured, from left, are the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri, Patriot Federal Bank’s Anne Cooper, Emily Antos, Neil Thomas, Kim Roberts, Nancy Nigro, Devyn Crocetta, Gloria Pickering (with scissors), the Chamber’s Mark Kilmer and Board Chair Brennen Parker (Rose & Kiernan), the bank’s Amy Murray, Toni Chest, Carl Marucci, Steve Jones, and the Chamber’s Becky Dutcher.

The Chamber held a ribbon-cutting event on September 8 to welcome to Chamber membership Walk-In Closets, a high-end women’s consignment boutique at 4803 State Highway 30, in the Kem Plaza in Amsterdam. The store features women’s clothing in sizes from 0-3X and accessories – jewelry, shoes/boots, hats, scarves, handbags, wallets, etc. – maternity clothing, scrubs, formal wear, party dresses, jeans and so much more. From consigners, they are currently looking for fall fashions, and will be accepting winter clothing in October. They are particularly in need of plus-size clothing. Store hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 10am-6pm; consignments are accepted Tuesday through Thursday only. For more information, visit the store’s Facebook page, website www.thewalkinclosets.com or call (518) 212-5764. Pictured, from left, are the Chamber’s Casey Croucher, Mark Kilmer, store owners Patrick and Tracy Tucker, and the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri.

The Chamber recently celebrated new Chamber member PCM Communications with a ribbon-cutting event with owners Derrek and Melanie Pombrio in front of their truck at the Chamber’s Gloversville office. Derrek Pombrio has been providing first-rate telephone and networking systems in this region for a number of years. PCM Communications offers telephone system installation and repair, telephony-related services, paging installation and repair, voice and data wiring, and related consulting services. PCM Communications “We’ll Hook You Up.” Pictured, from left, are the Chamber’s Kelly Montanye, Derrek Pombrio, Melanie Pombrio, the Chamber’s Casey Croucher and Alex Ruggeri. Contact Derrek at (518) 921-2585 or by email at Derrek@ pcmtele.com. Find out more about PCM Communications online at www.pcmtele.com, on Facebook or LinkedIn.

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Message by Mark Kilmer, President / CEO of the Chamber of Commerce

Officers

Chair of the Board Brennen Parker, Rose & Kiernan, Inc. Chair Elect Paul Connelie, Benjamin Moore & Co., Inc. Immediate Past Chair Terri Easterly, Coldwell Banker - Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc. First Vice Chair Amy Karas, Ruby & Quiri Treasurer Jim Landrio, Holiday Inn, Johnstown-Gloversville

Directors

But now on to the work ahead of us.

Michael J. Bowker

Lana Ruggiero

Vic Giulianelli

Jeanne So

Juanita Handy

Dr. Dustin Swanger

NBT Bank

St. Mary’s Healthcare Crum Creek CSA

Scott Hohenforst

Empire Chemical Sales, Inc.

Laurence Kelly

Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home

Ruggiero Realty, LLC Sarah Jane Sanford Adult Home Fulton-Montgomery Community College

Don Wicksell

Kingsboro Lumber Co.

Denis Wilson

John Mancini

Fulmont Community Action Agency

Diana Marshall

Samuel Zimmerman

Beacon Insurance Agency Group, Inc. Gloversville Sewing Center

Kevin McClary The Recorder

Mohawk Valley Group at Morgan Stanley Wealth Management

Staff

Mark Kilmer, President / CEO Casey Croucher

Alex Ruggeri

Becky Dutcher

Tara Ryczek

Marketing Specialist Financial Administrator

Gina DaBiere-Gibbs

Director of Membership

Montgomery County Tourism Associate

Terry Swierzowski

Tourism Director

Vice President, Communications and Member Services

Kelly Montanye

Nicole Walrath

Fulton County Tourism Assistant

Printed by: Underwritten by:

Autumn is now upon us and your Chamber kicks into high gear to accommodate the needs and responsibilities that come with the new season. First of all, our golf tournament was held just a couple of weeks ago. Dubbed, The Tryon Cup (a play on the Ryder Cup), despite some threats on the weather side, the rain held off, the tournament was a success and all the players had a great time! The Chamber wants to thank Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course and the Golf Commission for allowing us to hold our tournament on such a great course, and to Laura Elmendorf and the great staff at the Muni Clubhouse for hosting our food before, during, and after the tournament. For more information about the golf tournament, or any of our Chamber events, contact Terry Swierzowski at the Chamber at [email protected].

Business and Education Partnership Coordinator

The Chamber’s Membership Drive, “Reap the Rewards,” will have its kickoff on Wednesday, October 12. Any current member can participate even if not on a Membership Drive team by proving a referral of a business that becomes a member of the Chamber during that time. For every new member that tells us that you referred that business, or for any member you bring in, you can receive $50 off of your future membership dues. Provide two, get $100 off and so on, right up to the cost of your full membership. This offer is valid during the duration of the Drive, October 12 through October 26, and all referrals must be paid in full by the end of the drive for you to get a discount. For more information contact Alex Ruggeri, Director of Membership, at (518) 725-0641 or via email at [email protected]. Partnering with HFM BOCES and FMCC, the Chamber will be hosting 1200 8th graders at our 3rd Career Exploration Day, to be held October 27 on the campus of Fulton-Montgomery Community College. This great event offers businesses the opportunity to meet with hundreds of students from the Hamilton, Fulton, and Montgomery Counties school district to talk about their businesses and expose the students to the opportunities they present for careers, while at the same time instilling a sense of pride to young people who may not be aware that such great businesses with their employment potential exist locally. This is just one of the many ways the Chamber is working its mission to provide for the workforce of the future. If your business would have interest in participating in Career day, you can contact Kelly Montanye, the Chamber’s Strategic Partnership Coordinator at the Chamber by calling or emailing [email protected]. Our Tourism Department kicks into “Autumn Gear,” focusing on promoting the many wonderful fall events taking place throughout the region. The “crisp” season brings thousands of travelers from all parts of New York state and the Northeast, hungry for our pumpkins, apples or cider and doughnuts…or to visit a winery or craft fair…or just to take a refreshing trip to experience the great history, terrific scenery and vividly colorful leaves, and then visit one of the many fine restaurants we have to offer. You can check out the great list of events in our area, as well as the leaf color conditions by visiting our tourism websites, www.44lakes. com and www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com. Our Governmental Affairs Committee kicks into high gear in preparation for New York State’s upcoming legislative session. This is now the time to prepare our legislative agenda for 2017. Your Chamber works with other chambers of commerce across the state, as well as the Business Council of New York State to track issues and upcoming legislation that is relevant to the success of our member businesses. Our advocacy efforts are not limited to state issues, we advocate for our members from the federal level right on down to our county and municipal governments. If you have a regulatory issue, or know of upcoming legislation that will have an effect, good or bad, on your business or industry, contact me directly at (518) 725-0641 or via email at president@ fultonmontgomeryny.org. These are only a few of the ways that the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce strives yearlong to work for the benefit of our members and the regional economy as the leading voice of business in the region providing advocacy, resources and solutions for our members.n

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Winners Announced for 2016 FM Chamber Golf Classic – The Tryon Cup The 2016 Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce Golf Classic took place on Friday, September 23, 2016 at Amsterdam Municipal Golf Course. Over 100 golfers, dinner attendees, and volunteers from Chamber member businesses throughout the region took the opportunity to participate in this year’s event. The tournament was formatted in a Ryder Cup style with match play and fielded a Grey Team and Blue Team, where golfers played in a two-person scramble. The Grey Team won the Tryon Cup 9 to 7. First place twosome on the Grey Team that took home the Tryon Cup was DJ Ioele and Mike Suchy with a score of 67. The other Grey Team golfers were: Tim Salls, John Salls, Vito Greco, Tom Greco, Susy Easterly, Anna Ilnicki, Neil Thomas, Art Wadsworth, Andy Heck, Chris Carmichael, Fred Quist, Andy Rubilotta, Sam Zimmerman, John Hendricks, Ken Swain, Andy Trainor, Michele Harder, Michael Frasier, Matt Hallenbeck, Steve Smead, Jerry Kristie, Mike Lazarou, Diana Hilton, David Yager, Jack McDonald, Joe Emanuele, Roger DeRocker, Phil Wadsworth, John Roth and Paul LaMond. Other tournament winners were as follows: • 1st Place Overall Twosome: Geoff Dylong and Kevin McClary (65) • 2nd Place Overall: DJ Ioele and Mike Suchy (67) • 3rd Place Overall: Brennen Parker and Gary Leva (70)

• 4th Place Overall: Fred Quist and Andy Rubilotta (70) (tie breaker was on hole #1) • Men’s Longest Drive: Geoff Dylong • Women’s Longest Drive: Anna Ilnicki • Men’s Closest to the Pin: Ron Limoncelli, 5’6” Skins: • Geoff Dylong/Kevin McClary – Birdie #2 • Ron DeRocker/Kevin DeRocker – Birdie #7 • Fred Quist/Andy Rubilotta – Birdie #8 • Jamie Marotta/Joe Ostrander – Birdie #9 • Roger DeRocker/Phil Wadsworth – Birdie #18 Major sponsors of the tournament were Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home (Apparel Sponsor); St. Mary’s Healthcare (Dinner Sponsor); Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc. (Breakfast/Registration Sponsor); Beacon Insurance Agency Group/Ruby & Quiri (Happy Hour Sponsor); Ricmar Design & Print Shop (Margarita Hole Sponsor); Alpin Haus (Craft Beer Hole Sponsor); First Choice Financial Federal Credit Union (Beverage Cart Sponsor). In addition, the following Chamber member businesses sponsored tee signs on the course: Ruggiero Realty, Coldwell Banker-Arlene M. Sitterly, Inc., River Ridge Living Center, Assemblyman Marc Butler, Reality Check/Catholic Charities of Fulton and Montgomery Counties, FM Chamber Board of Directors, First National Bank of Scotia, and Encore Kids. For information on the tournament please contact the Chamber at (518) 725-0641; terrys@fultonmontgomeryny. org.n

Thank You Sponsors:

The winning Grey Team with their Tryon Cup trophy. First place twosome on the Grey Team, Second Place overall DJ Ioele (left) and Mike Suchy (right).

John Salls (left) and Tim Salls (right) of the Grey Team. First Place Overall Twosome Kevin McClary (left) and Geoff Dylong (right) of The Recorder.

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the Membership Drive October 12! Join the Chamber, Reap the Rewards. “REAP the REWARDS” by joining the Fulton Montgomery Regional Chamber of Commerce! Our Membership Drive will be held from October 12th – October 26th and led by our amazing Ambassador Committee. By organizing teams in the hopes of coming out on top and winning some amazing prizes, these Ambassadors will be out and about in our business community, stressing why every business in our region should take the time to become part of an organization who will work to better their business and our business community has a whole. Any business who has ever considered joining the Chamber shouldn’t let this opportunity pass them by. We have an amazing list of added incentives, giving even more reasons to JOIN NOW rather than later. For every new member that joins between October 12th – 26th we will be offering a FREE insert into our monthly newsletter, a FREE Chamber Check listing, chances to win a FREE Sponsorship Packet and chances to win 2 FREE Tickets to our Annual Dinner. In addition, these new members will be given the opportunity to take advantage of numerous advertising discounts with local media outlets. Each new member will receive: 50% OFF any advertising schedule and entered to win a FREE $500 advertising package from WENT; $100 OFF newspaper advertising from McClary Media (publishers of the Recorder & Fulton County Express); 10% OFF billboard space from Lamar Outdoor Advertising; and 25% OFF advertising from Lee Publications (publishers of The Pennysaver and other magazines.) These great discounts make it easy for any business to get the exposure they need while making a positive and cost-effective decision for their business. Drive updates including new members and team progress will be available on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. How can you get involved? Participation is welcome from any member in the Chamber on any scale. Do you have interest in jumping right in and joining a team? Contact Alex Ruggeri at (518) 725-0641 or [email protected] to discuss expectations and see what is available. For members that don’t want to be on a team but have would love to encourage those they know and do business with to join, you have a wonderful incentive to do so. For every referring member your business brings to the Chamber between Oct 12th – 26th, you will receive $50 OFF your future membership dues (up to the cost of your membership). Put your mind to it and you could get your next year of membership completely FREE! Contact the Chamber at (518) 7250641 today and see how you can help make this membership drive a successful one while inspiring other businesses to “REAP the REWARDS” of Chamber membership.n

CHAMBER CHECKS FOR THE 2016 HOLIDAY SEASON Deadline Fast Approaching! Our highly successful SHOP LOCAL PROGRAM, Chamber Checks are gift checks that are redeemable at dozens of Chamber member businesses, keeping tax dollars right in our region…and, as you may guess, the holiday season is our biggest Chamber Checks selling season. Friday, November 4 is the LAST DAY to sign up to be a redeeming merchant in the CHAMBER CHECKS program to be included on the list that will be available throughout the holiday season! • •

Did you just sign up in April for Chamber Checks? You are good to go – no need to do anything – you’re already on the list and will be for the holiday season through April 2017! Did you renew your Chamber Checks participation in July? You, too are good to go until July 2017.

Want more information? Want to sign up? Please call Becky Dutcher at the Chamber at (518) 725-0641 or email her at [email protected]. Thank you to PATRIOT FEDERAL BANK for partnering with us in the Chamber Checks program. n The Chamber Music at the Chamber concert series started off with a bang on September 17 and continues on Saturday, November 26 at 3pm with Cello Voce, and all take place in the Chamber’s Rotunda Art Gallery in its Gloversville office. This concert is taking place on Small Business Saturday; the series is a collaboration between the Chamber, the Gloversville Business Improvement District and Gloversville Community Music. The goal is to bring Chamber music to downtown Gloversville and enhance the arts programming already taking place in that downtown. Tickets are $20 per person and are available at the Chamber’s Gloversville office or the Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 30 N. Main Street, Gloversville. The remaining concerts in the 2016-2017 series: Saturday, November 26, 3pm Cello Voce Saturday, March 11, 3pm French 75, Dixieland Jazz Quartet Sunday, May 7, 3pm A Festival of Winds, Works by Beethoven, Ginastera and D’Indy For more information, follow the series “Chamber Music at the Chamber” on Facebook on the event page, and also using the #ChamberatChamber hashtag on Facebook and on Instagram.n

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518 661-5055 Fax: 518 661-6998

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Chamber Ribbon Cuttings & Events Elected officials, state officials, Fonda Fair representatives, Montgomery County and Chamber officials, and guests helped celebrate the opening of the 175th Fonda Fair with a ribbon-cutting event in late August. Jake Sammons (holding scissors), who served the Fonda Fair Board of Directors for over 50 years with his late wife, Shirley, were honored at the event. Fair officials unveiled plans to honor the couple with park on the grounds entitled “Memory Lane.” The Fonda Fairgrounds offers a number of events year-round at the facilities, and even offers camping and venue rentals. For more information about the Fonda Fair and Fairgrounds, visit online on Facebook and at www.fondafair. com. Photo Credit: Bill Trojan, The Leader-Herald. T h e Chamber held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the official opening of the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Pedestrian Bridge at the end of August. Pictured left to right are:the Chamber’s Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Danielle Whelly (Montgomery County Business Development Center), Kelly Quist-Demars (Congressman Tonko Rep.), Samantha Bonanno (Amsterdam Rec. Department), Robert Purtell (Montgomery County Legislature), Montgomery County Executive Matthew Ossenfort, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara, Paul Gavry (Amsterdam Waterfront Foundation), Congressman Paul Tonko, Chad Majewski (Amsterdam City Council), Paul Ochal (Amsterdam City Council), Bill Finch (NYS Thruway Authroity), Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul, Amsterdam Mayor Michael Villa, Ed Russo (Amsterdam City Council), Brian Stratton (NYS Canal Corporation), and Chamber President Mark Kilmer. The bridge open now until winter, go enjoy it this fall. Visit the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Facebook page for more information.

HFM Prevention Council brought awareness to Addiction Recovery Month during the month of September in the Chamber’s Rotunda Art Gallery with a display of artwork of many different mediums. The Council hosted a great Meet the Artists Reception on Thursday, September 8.

The Chamber recently held a ribbon-cutting at the Eccentric Club, 109 N. Main Street, Gloversville to help celebrate the completed renovation of the club’s distinctive portico on the front of the historic building. The Eccentric Club raised the money for repairs from the proceeds of the club’s Annual Wild Game Dinner. The club replaced the steps and other masonry, the extensive metal work, and modified the previous glass roof with weather-resistant plexiglas. The Eccentric Club is a private club that is available on a rental basis for private parties, receptions, business entertaining, and more. For more information about booking an event, or about joining the club please contact Jeff Graves at (518) 725-1413 or email eccentric@frontiernet. net. To find out more about the Eccentric Club visit www.eccentricclub.com. Pictured, from left, are the Chamber’s Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Eccentric Club Board Members Bob Gorka and Kevin McClary, Club President Bob Phillips, Club Board Member Pat Beck, Club Past President Kathy Marshall, Club Manager Jeff Graves and the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri. The Chamber helped our region’s new AgPTECH school celebrate its grand opening in early September with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. Pictured are students, school faculty, elected officials, Chamber officials, and guests. AgPTECH, the Hamilton-Fulton-Montgomery Agriculture Pathways in Technology Early College High School, is a new model for high school education that includes college-level, credit-bearing coursework in the curriculum and allows students to choose their own “pathways” to high-skill jobs. Ag-PTECH seeks to redefine secondary education with a curriculum that centers on project-based learning that will focus on skills in nine career clusters - agricultural business, agricultural science, agricultural engineering technology focused on power machinery, biological technology, sustainable crop production, animal industry, culinary arts, environmental studies and fisheries and wildlife technologies. The new school launched Sept. 7 in the former D. H. Robbins Elementary school in St. Johnsville with 50 ninth-grade students from the HFM component school districts. For more information visit the AgPTECH Facebook page or http://www.hfmboces. org/AGPTECH.htm The Chamber helped the HFM Prevention Council celebrate the Grand Opening of Creative Connections Clubhouse, at 303 East Main Street in Amsterdam. Creative Connections Clubhouse is a haven for adolescents 12-17 years of age and young adults 1821 years of age who have, or are at risk of, developing a substance use disorder. It is operated through a grant received by the HFM Prevention Council from the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse (OASAS). This is one of seven clubhouses throughout New York State. Pictured at the ribbon-cutting are, from left, the Chamber’s Alex Ruggeri, Brittany Kolbe (Senator Amedore rep), Kelly Quist-Demars (Congressman Tonko rep), Valerie Gioeli (Assemblyman Santabarbara rep), Creative Connections’ TJ Czeski, John Sumpter and Ann Rhodes, OASAS Commissioner Arlene Gonzalez-Sanchez, Amsterdam Deputy Mayor James Martuscello, Montgomery County Executive Matt Ossenfort, and the Chamber’s Gina DaBiere-Gibbs. Find out more about Creative Connections Clubhouse on their Facebook page, or call (518) 212-5905.

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Health Insurance News by Matt Clarke of Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc.

fore, regardless of ALE status, be aware that these notices may arrive. Receipt of a Section 1411 Certification is not a pay or play penalty assessment against the employer. The IRS will independently determine whether an ALE is liable for any pay or play penalties. Therefore, regardless of ALE status, be aware that these notices may arrive. Receipt of a Section 1411 Certification is not a pay or play penalty assess-

Employee Leave: Clarifying STD, FMLA, and ADA

The FMLA and Absence Notification: Is Your Policy Being Followed?

In addition to the federal requirements under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), many states, and even many localities and municipalities, have enacted employee leave laws. Due to the various leave requirements, employers may have a hard time understanding how different leaves coordinate with each other and how wage replacement benefits fit into the equation. The purpose of this article is to clarify some of the differences between the federal FMLA, the ADA and short-term disability (STD). Employers must keep in mind that state and/or local leave laws may also need to be considered. STD is not a form of job-protected leave withrights to continued health coverage and job reinstatement. STD is merely a wage replacement benefit that employees may receive when they are unable to work for certain reasons. Eligibility for STD benefits has no bearing on eligibility for FMLA leave. Any shortor long-term disability benefit provided to an employee is separate from an employer’s obligations under the federal FMLA and other state leave laws. An employee who is eligible for STD benefits while on federal FMLA leave does not receive any extra leave benefits. The FMLA, however, is job-protected leave that provides eligible employees with job reinstatement rights and continued health insurance benefits for the duration of FMLA leave (up to 12 weeks in any 12-month period). If an employee on FMLA leave is also receiving STD benefits, it is worth noting that in this situation, neither the employer nor employee can require the substitution of available paid time off. This is because leave under a disability plan, such as STD, is not unpaid leave. Leave must also be considered as a reasonable accommodation under the ADA. Need for leave under the ADA may arise when a disabled employee exhausts job-protected leave (such as under the FMLA), or when he or she is ineligible for such leave. The amount of time that will be considered reasonable will depend on the specific facts and circumstances of the situation. Leave as a reasonable accommodation includes the right to return to the employee’s original position. However, if an employer determines that holding open the job will cause an undue hardship, then it must consider whether there are alternatives that permit the employee to complete the leave and return to work. In addition, group health benefits are not required to be maintained during an employee’s leave under the ADA. Therefore, continuation of these benefits is determined based on plan terms. It may be helpful for employers to think of STD benefits as wages an employee may be eligible for when on leave, but that do not provide for the employee’s leave. The ADA comes in when FMLA is exhausted or unavailable to a disabled employee.

In order to operate efficiently, many employers have established procedures that employees must follow when reporting that they will be absent or late for work. The federal FMLA provides that employees using FMLA leave must adhere to the employer’s established notice and procedural requirements for requesting leave (absent extenuating circumstances). An employee’s failure to do so can result in the FMLA leave being delayed or denied. A FMLA interference case against Tyson Fresh Meats, Inc. highlights how an employer’s actual practices may trump its written policy when enforcing established callin procedures relating to FMLA absences. In the case, an employee was terminated for taking FMLA leave and not calling the supervisor to report the absence as the employer’s policy required; instead, the employee texted his supervisor. Past rulings have upheld terminations where the employee did not follow the employer’s absence reporting procedures. However, in this case, there was a record that the employee communicated via text message with his supervisor regarding being late or absent for work in the past. The case will go to trial. This case highlights how important it is for employers to ensure their policies are being enforced as written by managers and supervisors in the organization.

Did you know? Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), each Exchange is required to send a notice (Section 1411 Certification) to employers regarding any employees who received subsidies to purchase Exchange coverage. These notices will be sent to all employers with employees who received subsidized coverage. This includes employers that are not applicable large employers (ALEs), as well as ALEs that are subject to the ACA’s employer shared responsibility rules. There-

Health Insurance Open Enrollment Open enrollment for health insurance coverage begins in November for coverage to begin as soon as January 1, 2017. Plans and pricing should be available in the coming weeks. BOUCHEY & CLARKE BENEFITS, INC. will take time to meet with YOU face to face to help get you the best coverage for you and/or your employees to fit your health care needs AND your budget. Meet with them for FREE Tuesday, November 8 9am-12pm in the Chamber’s Gloversville office (2 North Main Street) or the Chamber’s Amsterdam office in Riverfront Center (1166 Riverfront Center) from 1-4pm.

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Chamber Member News Littauer Now Offers Dialysis for Hospitalized Patients Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home is now offering in-house dialysis to patients that are hospitalized. Friday, Sept 2, Littauer was approved by the New York State Department of Health to provide inpatient dialysis. Four new dialysis suites have been equipped with the latest technology for dialysis treatment. All pertinent Littauer staff has received training. “This is a huge hurdle to overcome,” said Littauer Vice President Marketing and Community Relations, Cheryl McGrattan. “Local dialysis patients can now seek medical treatment close to home in a familiar setting with people they recognize and trust.” Dr. Soo Lee of American Renal Associates together with his partners Dr. Hani Shahata, and Dr. Ayman Morgan are now working with Littauer, offering the very best of nephrology to Fulton County. “This inpatient service will provide great continuity of care to our patients,” said Dr. Lee. “As I have said before, we are very excited to be working at Littauer.” Littauer recently partnered with American Renal Associates announcing to open a new state-of-the-art dialysis center in Gloversville. The new facility in Fulton County will offer the latest technology for the care and comfort of patients suffering from kidney disease. The center is slated to open in December. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.n

Nephrologist Dr. Ayman Morgan exhibits one of Natha Littauer Hospitals’s newest dialysis systems. Littauer began inpatient dialysis in September.

Nephrologists Dr. Ayman Morgan, left, and Dr. Soo Lee, both of American Renal Associates are now seeing patients at Nathan Littauer Hospital inhpatient dialysis suites.

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Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home Certified to ISO 9001 Quality Management System by DNV GL Nathan Littauer Hospital & Nursing Home has been awarded certification to the ISO 9001 Quality Management System standard by DNV GL. “Littauer is dedicated to providing the safest and most effective healthcare services possible,” says Littauer Director of Performance Improvement, Diane Swartz. “ISO 9001 certification not only reflects that mission, but helps to empower it. The certificate is not just a piece of paper, but the effort required to achieve it fundamentally transforms the way we do business. ISO 9001 is ideally suited to the complex, people-intensive challenges of running a hospital.” ISO 9001:2008 is the most widely-accepted quality management system in use around the world, and is quickly gaining acceptance among US healthcare providers as a foundation for their quality and patient safety programs. “Littauer has worked hard to achieve this certification, and they have done so with unwavering commitment from their top leadership to make their hospital the best it can be,” says Patrick Horine, President of DNV GL - Healthcare. “ISO 9001 certification isn’t just an award or trophy for something you’ve done, its public evidence that you are at the top of your game with an obvious plan in place to make excellence an every day objective.” ISO 9001 brings science to the art of caregiving; it helps to standardize processes around things that are proven to work, by the people doing the work, thus empowering frontline workers while creating an environment of predictability for the entire organization. The ultimate impact of ISO 9001 within hospitals is the reduction or elimination of variation, so that critical work processes are done consistently and the “best ideas” aren’t held by one person or one department, but are ingrained in the organization itself. Businesses that implement an ISO 9001 Quality Management System do so for both the internal and external benefits. Internally it helps staff create clear and consistent processes of patient care, and ensure that progress is constantly being made toward specific quality objectives. Externally, it tells the public, as well as insurers and regulatory agencies, that the hospital is not only talking about quality, but is pursuing it with discipline and transparency. “ISO 9001:2008 is like sheet music for an orchestra; it gets everyone on the same page and helps us achieve our objectives,” says Vice President of Littauer Marketing & Communications, Cheryl McGrattan. For more information, please visit www.nlh.org.n

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Chamber Member News Lexington Recognizes Exemplary Employees

In honor of National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week, Lexington held a ceremony on Wednesday, September 14, to recognize the exemplary work of their own employees. More than 200 employees were nominated by their peers, supervisors and families of people they support in appreciation of exceptional execution of Lexington’s mission to provide the best possible supports to children and adults with disabilities and their families, to be the best possible employer for its employees and to contribute to the Fulton County community. Of the 200 nominees, 13 were chosen to receive special awards acknowledging work that goes above and beyond what is expected of them. Of the direct support staff, who work directly with the people Lexington supports, seven were chosen as Employees of the Year: Laura Beam, Kim Dreusike, Lindsey Lumpkin, Brian Elwood, Stacie Klymkow, Stacy Peck and Marlyn Pinkerton. Of the employees who work in departments that support the direct support staff, Brandi DiGiacomo, receptionist at Johnstown Day Hab, and Terry Sweet of the maintenance department were chosen as Employees of the Year. Of the employees in supervisory and leadership roles, Nicole Milo of the Quality Assurance Department and Jackie Sculco of the Residential Department were chosen as Employees of the Year. Finally, two employees received special Awards of Distinction as Lexington’s Top Employees of the Year. These employees regularly demonstrate extraordinary and sincere commitment and dedication to truly making a difference in the lives of the people they support. Representing the direct support staff, Lisa Palumbo of the Residential Department received an Award of Distinction. Representing Lexington’s leadership team, Penny Ropeter-Webber of the Day Habilitation Department also received an Award of Distinction. Lexington offers congratulations to its nominees and expresses deep appreciation for every one of its employees, not only this week, but every single day of the year. Shaloni Winston, executive director of Lexington, said in a letter to all staff, “Every one of you plays a vital role with making the lives of the people we support very special. You work so hard, so unselfishly, and with such determination, to help the people we support experience something positive, to not only give them moments of joy, but truly lifetimes of meaningful achievement and relationships.” Winston continued, “From all our parents and families, a heartfelt thank you to everyone, from our most senior staff to our staff in training. Thank you for being part of Lexington’s family.” In addition to the employee appreciation ceremony, Lexington also took a moment to recognize an outstanding accomplishment by an individual it supports. Evelyn Morales was nominated for the NYSID William B. Joslin Outstanding Performance award in recognition of her work at Encore Kids, an upscale children’s consignment shop, and the Mobile Work Crew, which provides cleaning services to local businesses. Evelyn is part of this year’s Class of 2016 Outstanding performers, who all exemplify the spirit and purpose of NYSID’s Joslin Awards Program, which celebrates exceptional job performance and personal growth by individuals with disabilities employed on Preferred Source contracts. At the ceremony, Evelyn was presented a certificate and a check for $500 by NYSID’s Sara Erickson. She will join the other 2016 Outstanding Performers to be recognized at NYSID’s Annual Meeting on Wednesday, September 21. Lexington congratulates Evelyn on her accomplishments and looks forward to watching her build her job skills and independence even further! For more information on Lexington, please visit www.lexingtoncenter.org.n

So you’re saying I have to get experience, before I get experience? - By JeanMarie Reinke The job market is getting increasingly more competitive. Employers are seeking new hires who can demonstrate they have experience and a strong work history. So how does a college student get this experience and demonstrate performance? Isn’t that what entry level jobs are for? How can someone sidestep time spent on a job? The answer for many is securing an internship or “on the job learning”. At FM, there are a number of ways to fast track your career, enter the job market more quickly, and gain meaningful experience. One way FM can help you gain this “hands on learning experience”, is through the innovative Individual Studies Certificate Program: COCAL (Collaborative Career Learning). The Individual Studies program is tailored to a student’s specific career goals. It works by combining classroom study with “on the job learning” and close mentoring by practicing professionals in the workplace. Students make valuable contacts, bolster their resumes, and complete the certificate with the powerful edge that only comes from a “hands on learning” experience. The average Individual Studies student earns 24- 36 credits for their certificate. Sixteen credits are earned through the “on the job learning” experience. In two short semesters, a student will have earned college credits and obtained marketable skills needed for entry to their desired career path. Also appealing to the Individual Studies student is that admittance to the program is on a rolling basis across all semesters. The opportunity to interview for the “on the job learning” component of the program is flexible and can potentially be developed at any time throughout the year. Examples of Individual Studies Certificate career titles include but are not limited to: Accounting Clerk, Administrative Assistant, Human Resource Assistant, Dental Assistant, Phlebotomist and Endoscopy Technician. The Individual Studies program is creative, individualized, and flexible. FM students can also earn valuable experience and set themselves apart, through an Internship. Internships provide students with an opportunity to apply what they’ve learned in their classes to a work environment resulting in valuable, transferable skills for their resumes. An internship can be added into any existing certificate or college degree program. The internship supplements classroom study, with practical application and gives a student a competitive edge in the job market. A student can earn 1-8 college credits as they experience real world scenarios and gain professional confidence. A successful internship can reinforce a career choice, provide specialized training, and make the FM candidate stand out from the competition. Participating businesses use internships to mentor students, identify the best new future hires, and support incoming talent for their industry. An upand-coming intern will be able to demonstrate the ability to be reliable, add value to an organization, and acclimate to a professional work environment as they develop their own professional image. Many employers are saying that internships are emerging as the new “entry level job”. Companies are likely to draw from their internship pool to fill openings, as the students they have mentored are known commodities. To learn more about FM’s Internships and the Individualized Studies Program, contact JeanMarie Reinke, Director of Employer Services and Individualized Learning at 518 736-3622 ext.8931.n

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Chamber Member News The Gloversville Public Library Capital Campaign Announced $2 Million Gift From New York State Senator Hugh Farley

Micropolis Art Gallery’s Call to Artists

Largest Single Gift to the Campaign to Date New York State Senator Hugh T. Farley, representing the 49th Senate District of New York State, announced a $2 million gift to the Gloversville Public Library Capital Campaign. The $2 million is a SAM grant - State and Municipality Facilities Program - which is administered by DASNY - Dormitory Authority, State of NY. It is a legislative-driven grant for which there is limited eligibility. The library also received a $250,000 SAM grant in October of 2015 which has already been publicly announced. “This is a very exciting project that will preserve this architectural treasure, improve library services, expand the library’s role in the social life of the community, and give an economic boost and vibrancy to downtown, said Senator Hugh T. Farley. “I am thrilled to have obtained these State funds for this important renovation project.” “The improved facility will be a tremendous asset to Gloversville and Fulton County, as well as a vital part of downtown. This is not just an investment in a building, but is an investment in the community and a vote of confidence in its future,” said Senator Farley. “Many local residents have worked diligently to preserve and improve the Library and strengthen downtown, and I am pleased to join them in bringing this project to fruition.” The gift significantly advances the goal of the Capital Campaign to modernize and expand the Library, which was built in 1904 and has never been significantly renovated. The Campaign, sponsored by the Gloversville Library Foundation, began raising funds three years ago to upgrade all systems, including replacing the original 110-year-old furnace and providing access to all levels by adding an elevator. The renovation includes a 6,000 square foot Youth Center devoted to a Children’s Library and will include, for the first time, a dedicated teen area. Gloversville Public Library Director Barbara Madonna said of this grant, “It was our privilege to honor Senator Farley today for his lifetime of service to his constituents in Gloversville. The Senator has been a true champion of libraries across the state for decades. His efforts have helped thousands of public, school and academic libraries, which in turn, have been able to further enrich their communities.” Betsy Batchelor, Co-Chair of the Gloversville Public Library’s Capital Campaign, added, “With this grant, we have taken a giant leap toward accomplishing our goal of preserving an educational and historic building while developing a reinvigorated anchor for downtown revitalization.” Senator Farley has consistently fought for funding for the Gloversville Public Library. Since 2006, the Library has received a total of $567,500 in Special Legislative Grants through Senator Farley. Christine Pesses, Co-Chair of the Gloversville Public Library Capital Campaign and President of the Library’s Board of Trustees, added, “Yet again, Senator Farley showed his support for this library and this community and has helped us realize our dream to insure that Gloversville’s magnificent Carnegie library will continue to provide library services to the community for another 100 years.” New York State Senator Hugh T. Farley (R, C, IP) represents the 49th Senate District. He currently serves as Vice President Pro Tempore, Co-Chair of the Banks Committee and Chair of Select Committee on Libraries. He has served in the New York State Senate since 1976 and will retire in December of this year from elected office. As Chair of the Senate Subcommittee on Libraries, Senator Farley has sponsored virtually every piece of major library legislation since 1978. He was a member of the Governor’s Commission on Libraries and served as an elected delegate to the White House Conferences on Libraries in 1979 and 1991. He has worked to secure increased state support for libraries, including support for new forms of library services such as school library systems and hospital library programs. In 2012, Senator Farley was selected to be Chairman of a reconstituted Senate Select Committee on Libraries. For more information about Senator Farley, visit www.nysenate.gov/ senators/hugh-t-farley or the Senator’s Facebook page. For more information about the Gloversville Public Library please visit www.gloversvillelibrary.org.n

“The O nly Cha is Our nge Name”

You Belong Here!

Great Rates...2 Great Locations Main Office: 355 Hales Mills Rd., Gloversville • 725-3191 Branch Office: Inside the Gloversville Wal-Mart Supercenter • 725-4413 www.fcfinancialcu.org Become a member today!

Micropolis Cooperative Gallery in Gloversville invites artists to participate in its Second Annual 12x12 Show to be held in the gallery during November & December. A “Meet the Artists Reception” will be held on Friday, November 4, 2016 from 5-7pm. Below are the details regarding participation in the show— open to all artists. • Artwork may be in any medium • Outside dimensions should be 12” x 12” • Send an email to [email protected] by October 20 to indicate interest in participating • Deliver artwork to the gallery on Sunday, Oct. 30, 2-4pm or Monday, Oct 31, 10-1pm (If you need to make other arrangements, contact us at micropolisart@ gmail.com) The gallery is located inside Mohawk Harvest Cooperative Market, 30 N. Main St., Gloversville, NY • There is no fee to participate • Commission taken on sales is 20% of the price you indicate We look forward to your participation in this show which is planned for the holiday shopping season!! We advertise locally and send press releases to a number of newspapers and websites.n

“My Gloversville” — Oils of the City by Stu Eichel Saratoga artist Stu Eichel rediscovered Gloversville, NY this year and created a body of work now on display at Micropolis Cooperative Gallery, 30 N. Main St., Gloversville. Eichel’s exhibit of 24 oil paintings will be in the gallery through the end of October. Paintings, drawings, photographs, fiber art, batik, mixed media, woodwork, glass, digital art, sculpture, jewelry, and pottery by the co-op member artists are also on display. Micropolis is open seven days a week. (MON-FRI / 7AM-7PM — SAT / 8AM-5PM — SUN / 9AM-4PM) For more information please go to www.MicropolisGallery.com.

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Chamber Member News Samantha Martens Photography Hosting Halloween Special

Come on down to Samantha Martens Photography on October 29th for the 1st annual Halloween Super Mini Sessions from 8:30-11:45am. Each session will be about 10 minutes long. The cost is $40, included is one 5x7 print of your choice and an online gallery with all of the photos from your session to be used for viewing, sharing, and ordering additional prints. A custom designed backdrop will make these sessions fun, festive, and a little bit spooky. Each session can accommodate up to 4 kids, individual photos and as a group. To secure your 10 minute slot please contact Samantha by phone 508-237-4782 or by e-mail [email protected]. Come for for Halloween pictures, stay for the Johnstown Harvest Festival parade!.n

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4867 State Hwy 30 • Amsterdam NY • 518.212.6758

Have an event or news you’d like to share in Newsline? Here are the deadlines to submit that information in: All information must be sent to [email protected] by the 20th of each month at the absolute latest. If you’re promoting an event that’s occuring the first week of a month and you want to remind people of it in Newsline, please submit the event two months in advance. For example: if your event is happening August 5th, you should submit information about it to [email protected] by June 20th so that it can make the July issue of Newsline, thus giving our members a chance to receive their copy of Newsline in the mail and read it. If you have any questions please call or email Casey at [email protected] or (518) 725-0641.

The United Way of Montgomery County will hold a premier fundraiser on Sunday, October 23rd. Hosted by the Raindancer from noon to 4 PM - The Chili & Brew will feature a chili cook-off and craft beer and wine tasting. Marty Hughes, chairperson of this community event stated, “this will be a fun food filled tasting afternoon, with Agencies and friends of the United Way battling it out to take home the honor of the best chili in Montgomery County.” The winner will be chosen from the people’s choice. Donation to partake in the tastings is $15 with all proceeds benefiting the United Way Agencies that include: Amsterdam Little Giants, Catholic Charities, Habitat for Humanity, Horace J. Inman Senior Center, Interfaith Partnership for the Homeless, Mental Health Association, Montgomery County Literacy Project, Montgomery County OFA, St. Johnsville Youth Center, Sarah Jane Sanford Home for Women, and W1shful Th1nking. Committee members include Patrick Bresonis, Jerry Gallup, Mary Hughes, Erin Abele and Pat Beck. Tickets are available at the office of the United Way of Montgomery County or by calling 518-842-6650.n

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Chamber Member News St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam Offering PET/CT Services

United Way of Fulton County Hosts Successful Breakfast

St. Mary’s is pleased to announce the addition of upgraded PET/CT to its comprehensive Medical Imaging Technology. St. Mary’s has partnered with Alliance HealthCare Radiology (Alliance Radiology), a division of Alliance HealthCare Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:AIQ), to provide mobile PET/CT services to support the St. Mary’s Cancer Medicine Center. “We are excited to be able to provide PET/CT services to St. Mary’s patients in Fulton and Montgomery counties,” said Dr. William Mayer, St. Mary’s Vice President for Medical Affairs. “Our patients will now have a PET/CT imaging option where they receive their usual health care and close to home.” To meet the technology needs of St. Mary’s Medical and Radiation Oncologists, Alliance is providing a brand new GE Discovery IQ, which features faster scan times and reduced radiation dose for patient comfort. The mobile PET/CT will be located at 4950 State Route Highway 30 in Amsterdam, next to St. Mary’s Rao Outpatient Pavilion. “We are committed to bringing quality medical imaging technology to help serve the Oncology team at St. Mary’s Cancer Medicine Center,” explained Peter Holtermann, Director of Medical Imaging at St. Mary’s. “The superior image quality of the new PET/CT enables our clinicians to obtain critical patient information for enhanced diagnoses faster than before.” “The upgraded PET/CT provides image quality the same or better than previous generations of PET/CT scanners, said Dr. Epifanio Militar, Medical Director of St. Mary’s Medical Imaging Department” with half the radiation dose . The new scanner provides a significant advantage compared to older PET/CT systems.” For more information about the St. Mary’s Medical Imaging Department, please contact Peter Holtermann at 518-841-7220. For more information about St. Mary’s Healthcare please visit www.smha.org.n

The United Way of Fulton County held its annual Kick Off Breakfast Buffet, sponsored by the Johnstown Holiday Inn and Assemblyman Marc Butler on Thursday, September 22, at the Johnstown Holiday Inn . Mark Hitrick tickled the keyboard while more than sixty Fulton County people enjoyed a delicious breakfast buffet, and helped to KICK OFF the United Way’s annual campaign for 2016-17. The goal for this year has been set at $150,000. Last year’s campaign suffered a shortfall, so United Way is more determined than ever to meet this year’s goal. The United Way provides funding to fourteen programs, and thirteen local human service agencies in Fulton County: Catholic Charities~ Emergency Assistance, Community Maternity Services ~Adolescent Pregnancy Services ; Family Counseling Center ~ Domestic Violence Program; Foothills United Methodist Church ~ Council of Churches Food Pantry; Glove Theatre ~ Children’s Theatre Education Program; HFM Prevention Council ~Alcohol & Drug Addiction Prevention Education; James A. Brennan Humane Society ~ Community Spay~Neuter and Vaccination & Animal Health; Literacy New York– Fulton, Montgomery & Schoharie ~ One on One Tutoring for Adults; Mental Health Association ~ Mental Health Educator ; St. John’s Episcopal Church ~ NOAH (Community Free Meals); The Salvation Army ~Emergency Assistance; Sr. Citizens Center of Gloversville & Fulton County ~ Breakfast Nook/Wednesday Noontime Vittles. Please consider a donation to the United Way by sending your generous contribution to: P O Box 911, Gloversville, NY 12078.Employee payroll deduction is an easy way to turn a modest weekly contribution into a sizable annual donation to United Way. For more information, contact Executive Director Lisa Pfeiffer at 518-725-9817. n

St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam Among HealthCare’s “Most Wired” St. Mary’s Healthcare, Amsterdam has been named by the American Hospital Association (A.H.A.) as one of HealthCare’s “Most Wired” Hospitals. The AHA uses a survey to gather information on how hospitals use technology to improve a health care experience and better engage patients. According to the 18th Annual AHA survey and subsequent results, hospitals with a designation of “most wired” have shown significant use of technology for a better patient experience”. Hospitals listed on “Most Wired” were measured on their level of Information Technology (I.T.) adoption in U.S. hospitals and health systems. St. Mary’s was recognized as a “Most Wired” hospital for exceptional scores in areas including Infrastructure, Security, EHR Workflow, Reporting, Integration, and Patient Access. Features that helped earn the “Most Wired” designation for St. Mary’s were the Patient Portal, the Electronic Health Record (EHR), and the ability to prescribe medications electronically. Vic Giulianelli, President and CEO of St. Mary’s praised the dedication of the St. Mary’s staff, with special recognition to the Ascension Information Team at St. Mary’s. “Ensuring that patients have an exceptional health care experience means being able to provide services and information in ways and places that meet their needs”, he stated. He continued, “Today, that means that we must continually maintain and expand technology that enables patients and physicians to gain timely and easy access to health information. St. Mary’s is honored to be recognized for its successful efforts in using technology to better each patient’s experience”. Organizations that participated in the survey were identified as foundational, core, advanced, expert, or leader in each of four focus areas for use of I.T. including: infrastructure, business and administration management, clinical quality and safety, and clinical integration. St. Mary’s Healthcare was recognized in all four focus areas.n

Pictured from left to right: United Way Staffer Barbara Reed, United Way Board President Roger Rhodes and United Way Executive Director Lise Pfeiffer.

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Chamber Member News

Snapshotof our New Members Edsim Leather

Samantha Martens Photography

14-16 Pleasant Ave. Johnstown, NY (518) 762-4745 www.edsim.com Facebook

25 West Main Street Johnstown, NY (508) 237-4782 www.samanthamartensphotography.com Facebook

Bullseye Modulars, LLC

Capital Region Roofcoating

Broadalbin, NY (518) 528-2882

444 County Hwy 120 Dolgeville, NY (315) 985-5951

Gypsy Tribal Dance

Northville 5&10

Gloversville, NY (518) 725-7962 www.gypsytribaldance.com Facebook

122 South Main Street Northville, NY (518) 742-6970 Facebook

”Your Friends, Just Around The Corner” Please feel free to call to schedule a tour. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding the adult home level of care and the Assisted Living Program.

1830 Riverfront Center Amsterdam, NY 12010 518.842.6718 (office) 518.842.8357 (fax) HCP Provides Professional Nursing, Home Health Aide, End-of-Life Care, Companion, and Respite Services Tailored to Meet Your Individual Needs

201 South Melcher Street • Johnstown • 518.762.5488 Established in 1992 www.pineviewcommons.com

Licensed to Serve: Fulton, Montgomery, Herkimer, Hamilton, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie, Warren and Washington Counties

1.800.342.1426 • www.NewYorkHomeHealthCare.com

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Montgomery County Tourism News

By Gina DaBiere-Gibbs, Director of Tourism [email protected]

Martyrs Feast Join Bishop Scharfenberger and the Board Members of the Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine (Auriesville Shrine) for the first annual Martyrs Feast Dinner on Saturday, October 15 at 5pm. The dinner will take place in the Visitor Center following the 4pm Novena Mass celebrated by Bishop Scharfenberger in the Coliseum. The event will be catered by River’s Edge and will include appetizers, carving stations, non-alcoholic beverages, dessert, and cash bar for wine and beer. Preceding the Mass and dinner guests are invited for a talk by John DeJak, Board Member of Friends of Our Lady of Martyrs Shrine, on the life and spiritual teaching of the Servant of God, Fr. Walter Ciszek, S.J. Mr. DeJak is the co-editor of Fr. Ciszek’s newly published book “With God in America: The Spiritual Legacy of an Unlikely Jesuit” and Our Lady of Martrys Shrine is the location where Fr. Ciszek did many of his writings while on retreat. The evening will include live auction items, an awards ceremony, and a keynote address by Bishop Scharfenberger. Tickets are limited and sold on a first come, first served basis with advance purchase only for $50 per person. To purchase your tickets, please call Julie Baaki at (518)630-9922 or email friendsofauriesville@ gmail.com, or stop by the Shrine Visitor Center. For more information, visit the Auriesville Shrine Facebook page and www.auriesvilleshrine.com.

Fall Foliage

Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook

I LOVE NY started the annual fall foliage report on September 14 and will continue through October to early November after the State has reached peak season. Montgomery County is reporting weekly about the status of our leaves. The leaf report is based on brilliance, color, rating (near peak, peak, past peak, etc.), and percentage of leaves that have changed. The weekly report is available at www.visitmontgomerycountyny.com/blog.

On August 31, the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook (MVGO) pedestrian bridge in Amsterdam was officially opened. The City of Amsterdam, in conjunction with the New York State Thruway Authority and Canal Corporation, held a ribbon cutting with Lieutenant Governor Kathy Hochul cutting the ribbon. Since the opening of the bridge the City of Amsterdam has utilized the walkway during Italiafest, a 9/11 memorial ceremony, the docking of the Draken Harald Hårfagre Viking ship, and a pre-homecoming bonfire. More events are being planned prior to the closing of the bridge for the winter season. Visit the Mohawk Valley Gateway Overlook Facebook page for more information.

Taste of Mohawk Valley’s Farmers Market The Taste of the Mohawk Valley Farmer’s Market is a seasonal indoor market featuring local products such as meats, cheeses, eggs, maple products, baked goods, and much more. The upcoming markets will be held on October 15, November 19, and December 17 from 10am-2pm at Alpin Haus RV Center, 1863 State Highway 5S in Amsterdam. Enjoy pumpkin painting and holiday shopping for Thanksgiving and Christmas. To kick-off the season Montgomery County Agricultural Economic Development Project will be hosting an agricultural photo contest. For more information contact Julicia Godbout at 853-4015 x 111 and visit the Taste of the Mohawk Valley Farmer’s Market Facebook page.

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Fulton County Tourism News

Visitors Center Fall & Winter Hours The Fulton County Visitors Center, located at the corners of State Routes 29 and 30 in Vail Mills, will remain open daily through Columbus Day, October 10. The Visitor Center will then be open Fridays through Mondays from 10am-4pm for the remainder of October. Starting on Saturday, November 5 the center will be staffed for the winter season on Saturdays and Sundays from 10am-4pm through April 2017. Our wonderful Visitors Center staff members, Bill VanVoast and Eunie Davis, will continue to be our Fulton County Ambassadors at the Visitors Center. New or updated brochures are always welcome at the Visitors Center to help keep our information racks full for tourists and residents alike.

Witches Jamboree

Cycle Adirondacks On Friday, August 26, the Village of Northville “rolled out the red carpet” for Cycle Adirondacks, a week long ride through the Adirondack State Park that debuted in 2015. A new route for 2016 brought 300 cyclists participating in the event to Northville. The ride began on Saturday, August 20 in Hadley-Lake Luzerne and continued north circling through the Adirondacks back south to Northville finishing on August 27 from Northville to Hadley-Lake Luzerne. Cycle Adirondacks boasts breathtaking scenery, welcoming communities, and days filled with pedaling bliss. Northville was a highlight of the trip for many of the cyclists. Businesses in Northville were open and welcoming to the cyclists with special events and activities. A recap of the activities and additional photos can be found on the Visit Northville, NY Facebook page.

The first annual Witches Jamboree, sponsored by Gypsy Tribal Dance, will be held on Saturday, October 29 at Pine Brook Golf Club in Gloversville. The day will kick-off with a Witches Breakfast followed by a Witch Golf Tournament, witch attire is a must. Admission to the golf tournament is $25. The Witches Jamboree opening ceremony will begin at 4pm with contests and games for non-golfers, live music by “Perfect Landing”, witches dance, and more. Admission is $5 adults and children under 12 $1. For more information visit www.gypsytribaldance.com or call Nancy Berner Smith at (518)725-7962. This event is a fundraiser for the Gloversville Glamour Girls.

Fall Foliage

I LOVE NY started the annual fall foliage report on September 14 and will continue through October to early November after the State has reached peak season. Fulton County is reporting weekly about the status of our leaves. The leaf report is based on brilliance, color, rating (near peak, peak, past peak, etc.), and percentage of leaves that have changed. Thank you to our “foliage spotters” Joyce Teshoney, the Adirondack Country Store, and Betty Flanders, Betty’s River Road Bed & Breakfast, for your weekly reports which are available at www.44lakes.com/blog.

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Member Anniversaries The following businesses realize the value of their Chamber investment and have renewed their membership in the month of September. Please note these members and the year they joined! Thank you to all our renewing members.

Less than 5 Years Fownes Factory Store.......................................... 2015 A.D.P., Automatic Data Processing, Inc. .............. 2014 The Bra Boutique................................................. 2015 Black Tie Events and Catering............................. 2015 Shorty’s Southside ............................................... 2015 Top Quality Home Care Agency, L.L.C................. 2012 Country Valley Veterinary Clinic........................... 2012

5 to 9 Years Sacandaga Protection Committee........................ 2009 Bio-Tech Mechanical Plumbing and Heating ....... 2008 John H. Blackmon................................................ 2009 Fitzgerald’s Bookkeeping & Tax Service.............. 2011 O’Connor’s Pub.................................................... 2011

20 Years and Over Robert J. Hoy Agency, Inc.................................... 1986 Century Linen & Uniform...................................... 1984 Gloversville Palace Diner..................................... 1981 Wells Fargo Advisors, L.L.C................................. 1985

10 to 19 Years Gloversville Teachers Association........................ 1998 Greater Amsterdam School District...................... 1998 Southern Adirondack Pines Camground.............. 2003 Bouchey & Clarke Benefits, Inc............................ 2005 C.F.I. Construction, Inc......................................... 2005 Edward Valentine, M.D......................................... 1999 Maple Hill Farms................................................... 2000 Miracle Ear........................................................... 2003 Railside Cafe........................................................ 2005 Ruggiero Realty, L.L.C......................................... 2005 Wildlife Sports & Educational Museum................ 2006 Centro Civico of Amsterdam................................. 1998 Soroptimist International of Fulton County........... 2004 Weller Home Care Products................................. 2004 Tri-County Fire Extinguishers, L.L.C.................... 2002 Whittaker Appraisal Group, Inc............................. 2005 Edwin A. Luczynski, Accountant........................... 2005 Perthshire Catering.............................................. 1998 Don’s Electric and Plumbing................................. 1998 Finch Guest House............................................... 2006 Frank & Sons Body Works, Inc............................. 2005 T.M. Electric..........................................................2002 United Way of Montgomery County...................... 1998 Colonial Little Theatre, Inc.................................... 2002

2 North Main Street, Gloversville, New York 12078 (518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 725-0643 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam, New York 12010 (518) 725-0641 • fax (518) 684-0111 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.fultonmontgomeryny.org

Member of American Chamber of Commerce Executives Association Business Council of New York State Center For Economic Growth Chamber Alliance of New York State Farmer’s Direct Marketing Association Montgomery County Farm Bureau New York Business Development Corporation Tech Valley Chamber Coalition United States Chamber of Commerce

Upcoming Chamber Events! Wednesday, October 5 • 8-9:00am Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters presented by Megan Demento of Alzheimer’s Association Chamber’s Gloversville Office, 2 North Main Street

If you or someone you know is experiencing memory loss or behavioral changes, it’s time to learn the facts. Early detection of Alzheimer’s disease gives you a chance to begin drug therapy, enroll in clinical studies and plan for the future. This interactive workshop features video clips of people with the disease. Free however registration is required. Contact Tonya Gormley at (518) 867-4999, x200 or [email protected].

Thursday, October 13 • 8-9:00am

Business Succession Planning with Tom Barile Chamber’s Gloversville Office, 2 North Main Street

Presenter Tom Barile is a Financial Services Education Consultant for Allstate Financial covering upstate NY and has 23 years of tenure in the financial services industry. Tom will help you develop a succession plan for your business during this seminar. There is no “one plan fits all” when it comes to developing a succession plan for your business. This seminar is designed to help provide direction and help to provide some peace of mind that your business will be in good hands. For more information and to register for this event please contact Terry at [email protected] or call (518) 725-0641.

Thursday, October 20 • 5-7:00pm Downtown Amsterdam Business After Hours Sharp Shooters Billiards and Sports Pub, 35 East Main St., Amsterdam

Come spend an evening with the Chamber in Downtown Amsterdam. This Business After Hours will be a traveling one! Start the night at The Geek Pantology and end it with refreshments and games at Sharp Shooters. 5:00 – 5:30 pm: Registration at The Geek Pantology (46 East Main Street) 5:30 – 6:00 pm: Light Refreshments & Tours at Revenge Tattoo Parlour (2 East Main Street) On your way to or from Revenge Tattoo Parlour, make a pit-stop next door at Main Attraction Barber & Beauty (6 East Main Street) and enter to win a FREE Basket of Beauty! 6:00 – 7:00 pm: Food, Drinks, Games and Fun at Sharp Shooters Billiards & Sports Pub, (35 East Main Street) For more information contact Alex at [email protected] or (518)725-0641.

Wednesday, October 26 • 5-6:30pm Speed Networking at Broadalbin Hotel The Broadalbin Hotel, 59 West Main St., Broadalbin

To be effective at your job, manage your career, and find new opportunities, it’s not just what you know and what you can do, but also who you know. Networking can be one of the most important and productive activities an individual can do to launch and control the course of his/her career. Speed networking has emerged as a quick and easy way to expand your professional contacts in a short amount of time using a structured and fast-paced environment. If you are looking to meet new professionals and make connections that can help build your career, please join us! Registration starts at 5pm, networking is 5:30-6:30pm. For more information and to RSVP to this event please contact Alex at [email protected] or call (518) 725-0641.

Tuesday, November 8 • 9am-12pm and 1pm-4pm Bouchey & Clarke’s Health Insurance Open Enrollment Chamber Offices, 2 N. Main St., Gloversville AND 1166 Riverfront Center, Amsterdam

Open enrollment for health insurance coverage begins in November for coverage to begin as soon as January 1, 2017. Plans and pricing should be available in the coming weeks.BOUCHEY & CLARKE BENEFITS, INC. will take time to meet with YOU face to face to help get you the best coverage for you and/or your employees to fit your health care needs AND your budget. For more information please call (518) 272-0024.

Thursday, November 10 • 5-7:00pm Business After Hours at the Eccentric Club Eccentric Club, 109 North Main St., Gloversville

Don’t miss this traditional kickoff to the holiday season. This popular event is sure to please with beautiful decorations, fantastic food and a crowd for any professional to use to their advantage. Always one of our biggest Business After Hours of the year, this year’s event will feature even more excitement and opportunities. FREE to Chamber Members, $10 for Future Members. For more information and to register for the event contact Alex at (518) 725-0641 or [email protected].