Natural Gas Pricing Alert

Urgent message to members in our Energy Alliance program...

Our Energy Alliance program consultants, EnergyNext, Inc. believe that natural gas prices have reached the bottom. Now is the time to lock in fixed pricing.   Recent government reports and industry activity have affected the mid-term outlook, and the market is expected to move up.   

This is a good time to request fixed pricing for your accounts, if you have not already done so.  Contact  us at 518-274-7020, or call Gordon or Gene at EnergyNext, Inc. at 518-580-9244 or via email here.   

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At the Chamber, we value your feedback. We want to provide the types of member benefits, programs, and opportunities that will help you make the most of your membership. Please take a moment to fill out our short survey, and let us know what you'd like to see in YOUR Chamber.

2012 Member Survey

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December 2011 Member News

Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is pleased to announce results for the second quarter of 2011 for the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index (CEPGI) by the firm’s Cleantech Group. The CEPGI tracks the granting of patents in the Clean Energy sector and monitors important technological breakthroughs in this field.  Victor Cardona, Co-chair of the firm’s Cleantech Group stated, “we are pleased to announce that the Clean Energy Patent Growth Index was at its highest quarterly total ever in the 3d quarter topping the previous record set in 4Q 2010.  Wind, solar and hybrid/electric patents reached new highs and GE repeated as the winner of the quarterly Clean Energy patent Crown.  Japan led New York which passed California to move into second place.”

 

The Capital District Tobacco-Free Coalition, together with 34 community partners of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, launched the newly enhanced SmokeFreeHousingNY.org.  First created in August 2008, this website has now been expanded in response to the growing need to provide accurate and current information to New York property owners and tenants on handling the issue of drifting tobacco smoke in multi-unit housing.  Among the new additions are a toolkit for landlords, guides for condo owners and tenants and a section dedicated to affordable and public housing. 

 

Seton Health is proud to announce the hiring of Susan MackNair, NP, to its OB/GYN primary care offices in Clifton Park, Cohoes, Latham and Troy.  MackNair has over 20 years of women’s health experience. Previously, MackNair worked as a nurse practitioner at Jacobs, Lee and Burack in Troy (2002-11) and Schenectady Womens Health Care Associates (1991-02).  She also instructed at Russell Sage College and served as a director of nursing at Elizabeth Community Hospital and Americana Healthcare Corporation.

 

Couch White, LLP today announced that John R. Vero, partner with Couch White, LLP in the Firm’s banking, commercial, corporate and real estate practice groups, was appointed by the Albany Common Council to the City of Albany Industrial Development Agency (IDA) and the Capital Resource Corporation

 

Tech Valley High School will serve on the inaugural panel launching a national STEM school leadership network. Principal Dan Liebert told the school's Operating Board on Thursday that Tech Valley High will serve on the advisory panel to the National STEM School Leadership Network. STEM stands for Science, Technology and Math and STEM has become a key focus of education reformers across the country as educators looks to boost student performance in the U.S. TVHS is one of seven schools that will serve on the panel, he said 

 

BST is pleased to announce that Ann D. DeLucco has joined the Firm’s Albany office as an Associate in the Financial Services unit.  Ann previously served as an intern in the Firm’s New York City Office. Ann recently graduated from Fordham University and resides in Delmar.  

 

Five Middle School students from La Salle Institute are members of the Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys at the Cathedral of All Saitns in the City and Diocese of Albany

 

The Albany Devils hosted  a “Teddy Bear Toss” during their Sunday, Dec. 4 game against the Rochester Americans at the Times Union Center. Donations from the event go to the Albany Boys and Girls Club and the Albany Police Athletic League (P.A.L.).

 

The Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is excited to announce a $16,200 donation from MicroKnowledge, Inc. during their 25th Anniversary celebration on November 15, 2011. This donation will assist in providing women with career readiness training, certification in Microsoft Word and Excel, resume preparation and ongoing training for business skills development.

 

The Northeast Kidney Foundation wants consumers to understand the difference and benefits before they donate their old car, truck or boat to the Kidney Wheels program here in the Capital Region and now through-out the Northeast. By supporting Kidney Wheels with the donation of an unwanted vehicle, 100 percent of the proceeds go to support community-based and patient assistance program. Without the support and awareness, local patient based programs threaten to exist such as, providing emergency funding and transportation subsidies to patients facing financial crises.

 

Gallivan Companies, a family-owned company in Troy, NY, is proudly co-hosting a free health fair with Oakwood Christian School on Thursday, December 1, from 3:30-6:00 p.m. The health fair will be held at the school located at 260 Oakwood Avenue in Troy. Gallivan Companies is the parent company of Gallivan Corporation, an award-winning landscape design construction and management firm, and S.M. Gallivan, a diversified company with interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities. Oakwood Christian School provides children with quality academics founded on Biblical principles as they serve the children, their families, and the local community.

 

Effective January 1, 2012, United Way 2-1-1 Northeast Region call center will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

 

Brown’s Brewing Company hosted the Northeast Hop Alliance’s (NeHA) Annual Meeting & Fall Conference on Saturday, November 5 from 8am until 5pm in Revolution Hall. The conference is for current and prospective hop growers and will focus on re-establishing commercial specialty hops production in New York and the Northeast. Topics will include planting, growing and harvesting as well as financial and scientific resources to support growers and local craft brewers like Brown’s who grow some of their own hops. NeHA’s overall mission is to enhance the cultural heritage of hop production through education, agri-tourism, and architectural preservation.

 

New York State Health Commissioner Nirav R. Shah, M.D., M.P.H. announced that Seton Health has been awarded one of nine New York State grants aimed to reduce child and adolescent obesity.  The nine grants total up to $4.5 million over five years with each recipient receiving initial awards of $150,000 for an 18-month period, and an opportunity to qualify for additional awards to a maximum of $500,000 over the five-year period.

 

Though technology is often at the center of everything students learn at Tech Valley High School, the fundamentals of painting and the basics of art are still on every student's palette of learning. From ninth grade through their senior year, TVHS students learn and practice a variety of artistic skills - from painting to sculpting. Though students also learn technology-based artistic skills, such as videoography and animation - the basics of art are encapsulated in lessons throughout the educational offerings at TVHS.

 

The Tri-City ValleyCats have unveiled the schedule for their 2012 season that will include 38 home games against ten different New York-Penn League opponents. Schedule available online at www.tcvalleycats.com

 

The Urgent Care Association of America has designated Clifton Park Urgent Care as a Certified Urgent Care Center. The recognition distinguishes Clifton Park Urgent Care as a true urgent care center, providing patients with walk-in, extended-hour medical attention with licensed providers for a large scope of medical conditions. Seton Health is a comprehensive, not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system anchored by St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. It provides health care services from more than 20 sites in Rensselaer, Saratoga and Albany counties.

 

Alice LeBlanc, formerly senior economist at the Environmental Defense Fund and director of the Office of Environment and Climate Change at AIG and now an independent consultant, will speak at the annual meeting of the Rensselaer Land Trust, 9:00 a.m. to Noon, Saturday, December 3, 2011, at Brown’s Brewing Company’s Revolution Hall, 425 River Street in Troy. A breakfast buffet will be served for a $15 fee. RSVP necessary for breakfast; call (518) 659-5263.

 

Juniors at Tech Valley High School had a full plate on their school agenda this week. The juniors in Sophia Hsia's Mandarin Chinese class visited the Buffalo Wagon restaurant in Colonie to practice their language skills in ordering Chinese food. Hsia said the students took part in a "Mission Impossible" project, in which they were allowed to order their food only using the Mandarin Chinese language.

 

The Chazen Companies, a leading provider of engineering, land surveying, environmental, planning, and landscape architecture services, has been named one of 2011’s “Best Places to Work” by The Business Review in Albany.

 

The Rensselaer County Historical Society (RCHS) and the Van Rensselaer Garden Club will present the 55^th Annual Greens Show this December 1^st to 4^th.  This year’s theme is My Favorite Things. The Annual Greens Show, is a Troy holiday tradition that transforms twelve rooms of the 1827 Federal-style Hart-Cluett House into a unique showcase.  Members of the Van Rensselaer Garden Club incorporate fresh trees, greens and flowers to create beautiful history-inspired displays.  This year’s inspiration draws from the beloved classic song My Favorite Things from the Sound of Music.

The president of Green Renewable, Inc., Sean M. Gallivan, also is the owner of S.M. Gallivan, LLC, of Troy, NY, an established, successful business in the wood product industry. The diversified company has interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities.

 

December 1st 2011 is Flower's by Pesha's 1 year anniversary. Pesha's is grateful for the warm welcome and continuous support we have received from our new neighbors, friends and family. Stop by during the Victorian Stroll for a cup of hot apple cider and fresh homemade pasteries.

 

Gavant Software, Inc., a Capital Region software firm, hired Brendan Reuss as Senior Sales Executive. Brendan is charged with leading our new Sales, Business Development, and Marketing efforts for Gavant Software. He brings over 15 years of high tech sales experience from the Boston, MA area.  Gavant Software has also hire Craig Nolin as Business Project Manager. Nolin is responsible for operational oversight which includes project portfolio management and continuous process improvement. Craig has over 15 years of leadership, management and service experience.

 

The Albany Devils had their eight-game point streak halted with a 4-2 loss against the Rochester Americans Friday at the Blue Cross Arena. The Devils (9-7-1-1) entered the contest with a 6-0-1-1 record during the stretch. Rochester’s Colin Stuart was the spoiler with the game-winning goal at 10:26 of the third period. The Americans were playing with six skaters thanks to a delayed penalty. The goal was the first and only Amerks (9-7-2-1) lead as The Devils held two leads in the first and two periods, but never led during an intermission.

 

The Arc of Rensselaer County recognized its community partners on October 26^th at the Franklin Terrace with a breakfast celebration. This is the fifth year that The Arc recognized individuals and companies that have gone beyond the typical scope of providing employment and community membership opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities.

 

Tech Valley High School students are raising money to compete next spring in an event that seeks to determine the which students are the most ingenious and creative with their designs and problem solving. The students are selling hot chocolate each morning on the school campus to raise funds to compete in the annual Odyssey of the Minds Competition.

 

Students from La Salle Institute in 10^th and 11^th grade will have the opportunity to listen to Holocaust survivor Murry Jaros, of Niskayuna, speak and entertain questions on Wednesday, December 14, 2011 in McCormick Hall at La Salle.

 

David Alan Miller, Albany Symphony Music Director, Conductor, and Capital Region icon for nearly twenty years, has extended his contract with the organization through 2015. Since 1992, he has reaffirmed the Albany Symphony’s reputation as the nation’s leading champion of American symphonic music and one of the country’s most groundbreaking orchestras.

 

In celebration of its 20^th anniversary season as the resident company of The Egg, the Ellen Sinopoli Dance Company (ESDC) is pleased to announce its annual home base performance on Friday, January 20, 2012 at 8 PM. We are excited to present two premieres, which are in development and will be completed during the company’s week-long residency at the Kaatsbaan International Dance Center, Tivoli NY, this December. This concert will take place at The Egg’s Hart Theater and is part of The Egg’s Dance New York series. Artistic Director Ellen Sinopoli will introduce the evening’s concert in a Prelude Talk at 7:15 PM.

 

Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, P.C. (TBC) was recently named as one of the 2011 Best Accounting Firms to Work for. The annual list of "Best Accounting Firms" was created by Accounting Today magazine and the Best Companies Group.

 

The 2012 Empire State Winter Games, scheduled for Feb. 2-5 in and around Lake Placid, offer opportunities to achieve excellent brand exposure and awareness at a variety of Olympic venues. Reach nearly 1,000 athletes and 15,000 visitors with your message. Visit www.empirestatewintergames.com and click on “Sponsorship” at the top of the page, or contact Brooke Manrique or Bill Callen of Chamber member Behan Communications, Inc., at (518) 792-3856 to learn more.

 

Seton Health Foundation presented five associates with scholarships ranging from $250-$3,000 to assist with education costs.  The scholarship funds were made possible by generous donations in memory of Margaret Holohan, Mary Ann Phelan and Tina Yaksta, associates who worked at Seton Health.  The Pauline Fink Fellowship was established through a bequest made to St. Mary’s Hospital.

 

Schenectady Museum Receives $400 Grant from Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation for Little Wonders of Science Preschool Program Rotary Club of Schenectady Foundation Inc. has awarded a grant for $400 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium for its Little Wonders of Science preschool program. The funds will be used to purchase books that are distributed to program participants.

 

Ryan-Biggs Associates, P.C., a consulting firm specializing in structural engineering in Clifton Park, NY, recently announced that Jack Healy, P.E., Principal, has been named President of the Society for the Preservation of Historic Cements (SHPC).

 

Green Renewable, Inc., a company focused on producing products for the heat and energy industries derived from renewable resources for a more sustainable future, has acquired Hoosick River Hardwoods, LLC, in Berlin, NY. Terms of the agreement are undisclosed. All Hoosick River Hardwoods staff members have been retained by Green Renewable. The company plans to hire at least five additional staff immediately, and approximately another dozen workers in 2012. The president of Green Renewable, Inc., Sean M. Gallivan, also is the owner of S.M. Gallivan, LLC, of Troy, NY, an established, successful business in the wood product industry. The diversified company has interest in truck transportation, the manufacturing of landscape supplies, wood and aggregate recycling, and commerce of agricultural commodities.

 

Doane Stuart students raised over $500 for relief efforts for the victims of the flooding caused by Hurricane Irene. The entire school community joined together to support those whose lives have been radically changed by the devastating flood. The monies raised for the flood victims will be donated to the Cobleskill United Methodist Church, who will direct it locally to those most in need.

 

Area educators from three institutions signed agreements to pursue educational partnerships with Chinese schools while meeting with educators in China on Friday.The agreements allow the Capital Region BOCES, Questar III BOCES and Catskill Central School Districts to pursue formalized partnership pacts that would involve the potential exchange of teachers and even students, as well as professional development opportunities. The agreements are modeled after the groundbreaking pact reached in February between Tech Valley High School and Tianjin High School No. 41 that has so far resulted in an exchange of a teacher that is now at Tech Valley High and the hosting of students from Tianjin at the regional public high school in East Greenbush.     

 

The Children’s Museum of Science and Technology (CMOST) is proud to announce it is partnering with GE to present GE Kids in Free Fridays at the Museum from 10 AM to 5 PM.  Kids 12 and under get free admission every Friday at CMOST beginning Friday, November 11, 2011 through December 30, 2011.

 

ALFA International, the Global Legal Network, is pleased to announce that Michael J. Murphy has been elected Chairman of the Board of Directors.  Mr. Murphy, a Partner at ALFA International member firm Carter Conboy in Albany, NY (www.carterconboy.com), recently completed a two-year term as Vice Chair of the organization and has previously served on ALFA International’s Board of Directors, as well as the Labor & Employment and Insurance Practice Group Steering Committees. The announcement was recently made at ALFA International’s annual meeting in Chicago, IL.

 

Christopher J. Rosetti, CPA, CFE, CFF, a Partner with BST’s Valuation, Forensic, and Litigation Support unit, recently conducted two separate fraud detection and prevention training seminars.  The first was conducted in Switzerland for some of the country’s largest companies; the second in Arkansas, for companies that included WalMart, Tyson Foods, and JB Hunt. 

 

WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady HS Junior ROTC Volunteers Wowed a Crowd of 700 during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE November 5 at the Schenectady Museum. WMHT, SI Group, U Albany, Union College, and Schenectady High School Junior ROTC volunteers wowed a crowd of 700 children and families during ZOOM Into Science FETCH!stival presented by GE. The volunteers, along with Museum educators and staff, presented an afternoon of science stations and activity zones inspired by popular PBS kids’ television programs November 5 at the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium.

 

Sales professional Jonathan Root has joined advertising and brand strategy agency Smith & Jones, the firm announced today. He will be responsible for marketing and new business development; presenting the agency’s results-oriented advertising and branding approach and directing projects into the agency pipeline. He will be based in the agency’s headquarters in Troy, New York.

The Doane Stuart School Board of Trustees welcomed new trustee, Ms. Mona Golub (Ira ’15). In her role as Vice President of Public Relations and Consumer Services for Price Chopper Supermarkets, Ms. Golub oversees public relations and social media, marketing, community relations, customer communications, market research, branding initiatives and the philanthropic endeavors of Price Chopper’s Golub Foundation for the progressive 128-store chain.

The Country Club of Troy has appointed Greg Mardigian as general manager. He has held management positions at The Brown Derby, Angelo’s 677 Prime, the former Tosca, Milano’s, and as a project leader for Wolfgang Puck. His first focus will be on the dining and events.

 

Amtrak has greatly expanded its free on-board Connect Wi-Fi service to passengers on a dozen East Coast routes including the Northeast Regional, Empire Service, Keystone Service, Carolinian, Downeaster, Ethan Allen Express, New Haven − Springfield Shuttle, and Vermonter. Four other routes, the Adirondack, Maple Leaf, Palmetto and Pennsylvanian, will also offer wi-fi in select hot spot cars. Nearly 60% of Amtrak passengers now have access to wi-fi while on board.

 

Tri City Rentals will complete its newest luxury apartment community, The Woods, in January 2012. The Brunswick location is attracting executives who are relocating for positions with area technology firms and are looking for luxury amenities such as high-end finishes, a fitness complex, and a pool. For information, visit www.preleasingthewoods.com.

 

Whitney M. Young, Jr. Health Services has honored two individuals as part of its 40th anniversary celebration. Wes Holloway, director of diversity at Price Chopper, has received the 2011 Living the Legacy Award, and Martha Hobbs, a long- time board member, active since the organization’s inception, has been recognized with the Community Partner Award.

 

The Rensselaer County Historical Society announces the appointment of two new board members. Pegeen Jensen is a first grade teacher in the South Colonie District and a lifelong resident of Melrose. Troy resident Frank Sarratori is the senior vice president, general counsel, and chief compliance officer for Pioneer Bank, where he has worked since 2004.

 

Capital District Community Gardens has launched its second mobile produce market. Through a New York State Health Department grant, the Veggie Mobile Sprout is delivering to six Troy locations: Blooming Grove Senior Housing, Taylor Apartments, Martin Luther King Apartments, Lansingburgh Apartments; O’Neil Apartments, and Griswold Heights.

 

Thomas K. Judd and Associates’ President Tom Judd is celebrating 25 years in the financial services industry.  Mr. Judd began his career with the Prudential Co. in 1986 after a successful career with Montgomery Ward Co. in Menands, New York and Catonsville, MD.  He joined New York Life in 1992, where he formed Thomas K. Judd and Associates, a financial services firm.

 

Eastwyck Village, independent retirement living in North Greenbush, held its grand opening in October. Eastwyck features 144 apartments, a library, fitness center, salons, movie theatre, and more.

 

Seton Health’s Joyce Boardman, PT, Cert. MDT, and Maureen Clancy, MSPT, DPT, OCS, Cert. MDT, have been certified in the McKenzie Method of Mechanical Diagnosis and Therapy, which is a comprehensive approach to back and neck pain that emphasizes evaluation, treatment, and prevention.

 

The Eddy’s Beechwood Retirement Community on Burdett Avenue in Troy has broken ground for a $1.7 million dollar expansion project that includes the addition of three two-bedroom apartments, a new fitness center and lounge, a spacious new lobby, and a multi-purpose events room.

 

The YWCA of the Greater Capital Region, Inc. has held its annual Resourceful Women’s Luncheon, honoring Joyce Quaranta Chupka as the 2011 “Resourceful Woman of the Year,’ as well as nine other women from the community who have contributed to the empowerment of women.

 

White Sands Massage on Broadway in Troy now offers Corporate Gift Packages for employees and colleagues as part of a full menu of spa services. Gift package details, pricing, and ordering are all available online for quick and easy gift-giving. White Sands has been providing high quality, effective massage therapy since 2008. For information or to schedule an appointment online, visit www.thewhitesandsmassage.com.

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September 2011 Member News

The Albany Symphony, coming off a landmark 80^th Anniversary year in which it made its Carnegie Hall debut and performed to capacity audiences, achieved a major milestone last week when they hit 1,150 subscribers for the upcoming 2011-2012 season. The Albany Symphony is bucking national trends of declining audiences by increasing its subscriber base by nearly 300 people over last year.  

 

Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., an intellectual property law firm based in Albany, New York, is pleased to announce that partners Jeff Rothenberg, Nicholas Mesiti, Susan E. Farley, David P. Miranda and Brett M. Hutton were named as “New York Super Lawyers” by Law & Politics and the publishers of Hudson Valley magazine. Mr. Rothenberg and Mr. Mesiti were named in the field of intellectual property law, and Ms. Farley, Mr. Miranda and Mr. Hutton were named in the field of intellectual property litigation. Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is the only law firm in upstate New York with five attorneys appearing in the intellectual property law categories.

 

The Alternative Board - NY Capital launches their blog CEObootcamp. The URL is  http://ceobootcamp.blogspot.com. CEObootcamp is intended as a blog of advice, information, inspiration and an occasional reality check for those leading businesses and other organizations in the NY Capital Region.  Our goal is to become a forum for Building Better Businesses by sharing views, expertise and information that strengthen our local businesses and the communities and organizations that support them, and provide resources for all.

 

Friday, September 30 will kick off this year's Homecoming and Reunion Weekend at La Salle Institute. The Alumni Association will be hosting a golf outing at Normanside Country Club with owner and alumnus David Hostig ’05 at 8am. The Homecoming game vs. Niskayuna will take place at 7pm at LSI and there will be a Homecoming BBQ before the game. The class of ’61 will be honored on the field at the game. On Saturday, October 1, there will be an Alumni Flag Football game to be followed by a BBQ at LSI. Sunday will conclude the weekend with Mass and Brunch at LSI at 9am. All Alumni are welcome the entire weekend

 

The Cancer Treatment Center at Samaritan Hospital, an affiliate of the Troy-based not-for-profit Northeast Health, will offer free prostate cancer screenings, including PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tests and physical exams, on three dates -- Monday, Sept. 26; Tuesday, Sept. 27; and Tuesday, Oct. 4, from 9 am - noon, and from 1 - 4 p.m., at the hospital located at 2215 Burdett Ave., Troy.

 

David A. Scott, CPA, PLLC   David Scott was awarded the Faculty of the Year award at Mildred Elley College's commencement in August.  He joined the college as an adjunct professor in September 2009 where he teaches financial and managerial accounting, payroll, Quickbooks, entrepreneurship, project management and excel classes.

 

The Diocese of Albany Catholic Schools have united in an aggressive new public information campaign to tell their story of value and values in a more unified and consistent way. The new “Higher Powered Learning” campaign begins today with the introduction of graphics and language delivered through a variety of media, including a video and a new website.

 

Excelsior College announces the appointment of Sarah Galimore of Salem, N.Y., as executive director of the Center for Professional Development. (CPD). Lynda Holt of Pittstown, N.Y., has been named executive director for business development in Extended Education, a new Excelsior division that brings together several external programs that fall outside of traditional higher education.

Transfinder has awarded a grant for $1,500 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund, to provide field trip transportation assistance during the 2011-2012 school year for underserved youth in Schenectady County whose lack of resources would otherwise prevent a visit to the Museum. 

 

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, one of New York’s largest law firms, has named a new partner: Dennis D. Curtin, Esq., of Plattsburgh, New York.  Mr. Curtin will be based out of the firm’s Plattsburgh office at 14 Durkee Street.

 

Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C., an intellectual property law firm based in Albany, New York, is pleased to announce the addition of John W. Boger as partner with the firm. Heslin Rothenberg Farley & Mesiti P.C. is the largest law firm dedicated exclusively to Intellectual Property law and related litigation in upstate New York with 11 partners and a total of 31 attorneys and patent agents.

 

BlueShield of Northeastern New York is assisting members who have been evacuated and displaced due to Hurricane Irene with obtaining their prescription medications

 

St. Mary's Hospital/Seton Health and Samaritan Hospital/Northeast Health, as part of the Healthy Hearts joint initiative, will hold the next "Just Walk With a Doc" event featuring a one-mile community walk with a cardiologist, Saturday, Sept. 10, 8 - 10 a.m., Farmer's Market, Riverfront Park, Troy.

Kinderhook Bank announced it has received a $7 million Small Business Lending Fund award from the US Treasury.  The SBLF, which was established as part of the Small Business Jobs Act, provides capital for Main Street community banks like Kinderhook Bank, to be able to increase their lending to small businesses, helping those companies expand their operations and create new jobs.

 

Inc. magazine ranked CornerStone Telephone Company as the thirteenth fastest growing telecommunications company in New York State and the 119th largest in the United States on its fifth annual Inc. 5000 list.

 

Attorney Michael J. Catalfimo, a Managing Director with the law firm of Carter Conboy in Albany, was a featured speaker on the topic of Foreclosure Ethics for the American Legal & Financial Network (ALFN^®) at its 9^th Annual Leadership Conference in Bonita Springs, Florida.

 

Excelsior College has named Dr. Lisa Daniels as assistant vice president of outcomes assessment and institutional research. Daniels, previously the director of institutional research, replaces Dr. Mary Beth Hanner, who was recently named provost and chief academic officer. Todd Thomas, previously executive director for budgets and financial analysis, has been promoted to the position of assistant vice president for budgets and financial analysis, in recognition of increasing responsibilities at the regionally accredited, private, nonprofit distance learning institution.  

 

Seton Health will hold an American Red Cross Blood Drive on Wednesday, September 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mary’s Hospital in Troy. 

 

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall’s Board of Directors has named Jon Elbaum as the newly appointed Executive Director of The Hall. Elbaum will leave his current position as Executive Director of The Burnsville Performing Arts Center in MN to join The Hall’s staff at the end of August. The Hall, known for presenting national and international performing artists in its intimate, acoustically near perfect space, is currently in its 32^nd Season. 

 

Earlier this summer, Girvin & Ferlazzo Law Firm’s Jay Girvin, Jeffery D. Honeywell and Kristine Amodeo Lanchantin presented at the Annual School Law Conference at the Minnowbrook Conference Center in Blue Mountain, N.Y.

 

The Albany Devils have partnered with the United Way to enhance the overall fan experience for the youth of the Capital Region with the Albany Devils Kids Club presented by United Way of the Greater Capital Region. The club is open for children 12 and under and membership is only $12. Parents can register their kids online at thealbanydevils.com/kidsclub or throughout the 2011-12 season at the Kids Club area on the Times Union Center concourse.

 

Stewart’s Shops has awarded a grant for $2,500 to the Schenectady Museum & Suits-Bueche Planetarium’s Powering the Future: The STEM Fund, to provide field trip transportation assistance during the 2011-2012 school year for underserved youth whose lack of resources would otherwise prevent participation. 

 

Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, P.C. (TBC) announced today that Director of Business Advisory Services Steven M. Egna has been named an Instructor of Exceptional Distinction by the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts (NACVA) and Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA). The award was presented to Egna at the NACVA/IBA 2011 Annual Consultant's Conference in San Diego earlier this month.

 

BlueShield of Northeastern New York donated $3,110 to the Capital District YMCA as part of a season-long K’s for Kids anti-bullying campaign with the Tri-City ValleyCats. For every strikeout that ValleyCats pitchers recorded at home this season, BlueShield contributed $10 to help fund the Y’s Reach Out For Youth Scholarship program, which provides access to Y programs and services for children in need in the Capital Region.

 

The regular-season home slate ended on a bittersweet note for the Tri-City ValleyCats. The team lost a pair of one-run games to the Lowell Spinners, 5-4 in ten innings and 3-2 in seven, but the ValleyCats set a new franchise attendance record for the eighth consecutive season.

 

Three Tri-City ValleyCats have been selected as 2011 New York-Penn League All-Stars. Third baseman Matt Duffy, center fielder Justin Gominsky and pitcher Kyle Hallock will represent the team in the NYPL All-Star Game, which takes place on August 16 at LeLacheur Park in Lowell.

 

GreyCastle Security has a new office location at 291 River Street, Suite 303, Troy, NY 12180. Our new location will give us more room to expand our security operations and consulting staff and give us a chance to contribute to downtown Troy – a place that we call home. For information, contact Reg Harnish, CISSP, CISM, ITIL, Founder and Chief Security Strategist, GreyCastle Security,(518) 229-1157

 

On September 17 and October 22, Cornell University Cooperative Extension, with the Agricultural Stewardship Association, Rensselaer Land Trust and Rensselaer Plateau Alliance, will present a two-part succession planning workshop for forest landowners called Legacy Planning: The human side of estate planning Please email or call Maureen Mullen for registration and details:mlm394@cornell.edu, 607-254-6556.

 

Carter Conboy is pleased to announce that it has been chosen as the winner of the Corporate INTL Magazine 2011 Global Award for “New York Full Service Law Firm of the Year”.  This is the second consecutive year that Carter Conboy has received legal awards from Corporate INTL Magazine. 

 

A $5,000 grant from the Times Union Hope Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region will help employ 24 at-risk students from Troy High School at The Produce Project, a year-round urban farm and youth training program launched by Capital District Community Gardens in 2010.

 

Unity House is pleased to announce the 2011-2012 Board of Director officers and members. Kathleen Koval of CDPHP has been elected president. Frank Sarratori of Pioneer Bank has been elected 1^st vice president.  Dr. James Slavin of Burdett Orthopedics has been elected treasurer.  Dr. Mathew Johnson of Siena College has been elected secretary. Michael Lipschultz of UHY, LLP has been elected member at large.

 

Hudson River Community Credit Union’s (HRCCU) Fifth Annual Golf Classic was held on Friday, August 5th at Airway Meadows Golf Club, Gansevoort, New York. The event, which had 95 golfers in attendance, raised over $26,500 to benefit area youth programs at the Glens Falls Area Youth Center, the Greenwich Youth Center, the Troy Boys & Girls Club, the Cohoes Community Center and the Saratoga Regional YMCA - Corinth Branch.

 

Couch White, LLP announced that it has extended the lease for its downtown Albany office space. The contract renewal extends the lease for the sixth and seventh floors at 540 Broadway through June 2021, with options for the Firm to extend beyond that date. “We remain committed to Downtown Albany and we are delighted that we were able to agree to terms with Albany Ventures, Inc. to extend our lease at 540 Broadway,” said Robert M. Loughney, Managing Partner of Couch White, LLP. “Albany has always been an integral part of our identity and history and, with this extension, the Firm is reinforcing that the City will be an important part of our future.”

 

The Capital District Women's Employment & Resource Center (WERC) is proud to announce that Elizabeth M. Miller, Executive Director, is a recipient of the 2011 NYS Senate Women of Distinction Award, honoring women in New York State. Elizabeth was given this award by Senator Neil D. Breslin, 46th District, for her 15 years of service to WERC serving as a pioneer for equal labor, and also for her service as a dynamic community member and volunteer.

 

The Sage Colleges has named Esther Haskvitz, PT, Ph.D., ATC as the college’s Dean of the Graduate School of Health Sciences, following a national search. Ms. Haskvitz has been a professor in the doctorate in physical therapy program since 2004, and has served as interim dean since 2010. Prior to joining Sage, she taught at Smith College, Notre Dame College, and Springfield College. 

 

The Tri-City ValleyCats are proud to announce three team members have been named to the 2011 New York-Penn League All-Star team. The players are: third baseman Matt Duffy; center fielder Justin Gominsky and pitcher Kyle Hallock. The trio will represent the team in the NYPL All-Star Game at LeLacheur Park in Lowell, Massachusetts.

 

Greenbush Child Caring, Inc. is providing school-age child care services for the Averill Park Central School District beginning this month. The company also operates before and after school programs at Miller Hill-Sand Lake, Poestenkill, and West Sand Lake elementary schools. Additional programs at Belltop and Green Meadow elementary schools have been awarded accredited status from AfterSchool Works. 

 

GreyCastle Security has expanded into new office space at  291 River Street, Suite 303, in Troy. The company provides information security solutions to clients in Tech Valley using military-grade standards and proven fundamentals. The new location allows the firm to expand its consulting staff and operations. For more information, contact Reg Harnish, CISSP, CISM, ITIL, founder and chief security strategist, at 518.229.1157 or visit www.greycastlesecurity.com. 

 

Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany has awarded its Ruth Walsh Smith Scholarship to Ms. Brittany E. Tyrell, a graduate student at the State University at Albany. The scholarship is given to a legally blind woman pursuing higher education or career advancement. For 2011 scholarship information and applications, contact Michele O’Hare, director of communications and development at 518.463.1211, ext. 241.

 

The Albany Academies are planning a Bicentennial Celebration for 2013 and 2014 to mark 200 years of educational excellence with special events. Steering committee members are Harry P. Meislahn, Class of 1956; Susan Ellis Rockmore, Class of 1963; John T. McClintock, Class of 1957; and Susan Hengerer Sneeringer, Class of 1972.

 

BlueShield of Northeastern New York has named Bridget McIntee to the position of vice president for operational excellence. She will focus on identifying processes that drive efficiency across the organization.

 

Sound Control DJ’s recently celebrated a ribbon-cutting at its store at 1615 Columbia Turnpike in East Greenbush (photo above). The full-service professional disc jockey company provides mobile entertainment services for all types of special events and occasions. For more information, call 518.479.7257.

 

Greane Tree Technology has been contracted by the City University of New York (CUNY) to redevelop Baruch College’s William and Anita Newman Library website. The project includes back-end system integration of the library’s database systems, as well as front-end graphic and user interface design.

 

The Troy Savings Bank Music Hall Corporation announces two new appointments to its board of directors: M. Lynn Mahoney, community coordinator for the New York Department of State; and David P. Santos, investment sales officer for PSB Financial Services, a subsidiary of Pioneer Bank. Both new directors have been appointed to a three-year term.

 

Rensselaer Cares Prescription Assistance, a program of Seton Health/St. Mary’s Hospital, Medical Society of the County of Rensselaer, Inc, Northeast Health/Samaritan Hospital, and Whitney M. Young Jr. Health Center, has scored well in a national health policy study. The program has clearly demonstrated improved healthcare access for low-income patients.

 

Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP Partner Philip H. Dixon is the new chair of the Environmental Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. The section has approximately 1,200 members. Mr. Dixon has been a partner in the firm since 1988.

 

Excelsior College School of Nursing has been designated a NLN Center of Excellence in nursing education by the National League for Nursing, following a rigorous peer-review process. It is one of just eight nursing schools designated in 2011 and one of only two to receive the designation every year since the recognition program began in 2005.

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Sponsorship Opportunities: Confirm Your Events for 2012

Sponsorship opportunities for the Chamber’s 2012 calendar of events are now available. Act quickly to ensure your business gets noticed in the upcoming year. Sponsorships are a cost-effective strategy to gain the exposure you seek for your business. Our popular Networking programs, Business Education Series Workshops, Monthly Breakfasts, Golf Classic, and Annual Dinner & Business Expo offer valuable opportunities for businesses of every size. Take advantage of such marketing vehicles as our eNewsletter, the Chamber website, and monthly newsletter inserts to make the most of your sponsorship dollars.

Starting at just $350, packages include name and logo recognition in the Chamber newsletter; company display and handouts to all attendees; reservations for your staff and guests; opportunity to give a brief presentation of your business at the event; company acknowledgement; and much more. To create a customized package that meets your budget and marketing goals, contact Claudette Thornton, Chamber director of marketing & communications, at 518.274.7020, ext. 18, or at cthornton@renscochamber.com. You’ll be on your way to making 2012 your best year yet.

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