President’s Report
Date: June 2018
New Members
Hamilton Square (Lia Group) – We would like to Welcome back Hamilton Square as a member! We are pleased to be working with you again and look forward too many years of business development!
The Patriot Flight-
Patriot Flight Inc. is a 501(c) (3) all-volunteer not-for-profit organization created to honor America’s Veterans for all their sacrifices.
We fly our local veterans to Washington, DC to visit and reflect at their memorials for their service, sacrifices and memories.
Top priority is given to the senior Veterans – WW II Survivors along with other Veterans from any war that have been diagnosed with a terminal illness, those with too few tomorrows. Subsequent priorities are given to Korean and then Vietnam War Veterans.
The day trip from Albany, NY to Washington D.C., is provided at no cost to the veteran. The Veterans are flown back to Albany, NY the same day, where they receive a warm welcome home from the community.
Patriot Flight Inc. services a seven county area including Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Greene, Washington, and Columbia Counties as well as parts of Vermont and Massachusetts
Mencarelli Realty (New member and New Tenant)
As the Owner/Broker of Mencarelli Realty, I take pride in the fact that I have exceptional real estate knowledge, give outstanding personal service and have expert product and area knowledge. I feel that my superior communication skills and my dedication to providing exceptional customer service separate me from the rest.
PROFESSIONAL PROFILE
Presently a Licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of New York and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts (Cape Cod & The Islands)
Licensed Associate Broker with 10+ years of residential and commercial sales experience
– RE/Max Capital
– Prudential Manor Homes (a/k/a Berkshire Hathaway)
20+ years experience in the legal profession with Commercial and Residential Real Estate Law
Guilderland Farmers Market (Parking lot behind chamber office)
It’s time that we take back our community and provide viable products that will keep people from going to big box stores. Join us if you want to make a difference.
The first farmers market in a long time, in Guilderland. It’s a more than just farm fresh goods from local farmers but it’s also having the following; crafters, wood builders, sampling of homemade beverages and farm fresh cooked food, along with live music, items that were repurposed, vintage items, special guests, how to’s, SPECIAL Events, artists, competitions, people that are selling salvage wood, and more. It’s like a farmer’s market mixed with a swap meet, tag sale, art gallery, a much smaller Brimfield, flower/plants and sessions (how to do’s) that will teach, inspire, and create ecological awareness.
I like to call it a farmer open market, some call it an outdoor market, or just call it a place where the community can come together and support local, regional farmers, crafters, artists, locally made beverages and cooked foods. Every Sunday in August and September, cultivating into a Harvest Festival celebration the first Saturday night in October. (the last Sunday in September is 50% as of now)
Bella Fine Jewerly
Beautiful custom/designer jewelry and watches at affordable prices. Gold, silver, and platinum pieces with precious/semi-precious gemstones.
Repeat Business
When it comes to critical business technology you need a partner that you can trust. Since 1987 Repeat Business Systems has built a reputation based on Managing Technology and Installing Trust.
Business runs on technology. Whether you need office systems like copiers and printers or you need support for your network, you need more than machines. You need a partner that can help you manage your technology. When you partner with Repeat Business Systems you get access to technology from our powerful partners. More importantly you get the proactive support that you’ve come to expect from the Repeat Business Systems team.
Homewood Suites TRU by Hilton
Close to the capital city, airport and things to do, Homewood Suites by Hilton™ Albany Crossgates Mall offers a great location during your stay. Our hotel is mere steps from shopping, dining and entertainment at Crossgates Mall, and just across the highway from SUNY Albany. A 15-minute drive will let you explore the historic capital or visit the nearby parks for fresh air and mountain views. Reach Albany International Airport in 10 minutes or take our complimentary shuttle.
Whether you’re staying in town for business or fun, our all-suite hotel in Albany has the space and amenities you need to stay comfortable. Unwind on the sofa and watch TV or lounge in bed and surf the web with free WiFi. A fully equipped kitchen and dining area lets you cook and eat at your leisure.
Join us daily for free hot full breakfast, featuring favorites such as eggs, cereal, pastries, fresh fruit, coffee, juice and more. From Monday-Thursday, our complimentary evening social* offers beer, wine, soft drinks and a rotating menu. If you need a late-night treat or forgot your toothbrush, visit our 24-hour Suite Shop® in the lobby. Stay fit in the fitness center, play a game of basketball or tennis on the sport court or relax in the indoor pool. Our meeting space and business center are ideal for small meetings and work trips.
Lafonso Bonner -I-AM Construction
Construction Services and Property Management
Mike’s Pest Service, LLC uses a Integrated Pest Management System
Monthly and Time Services are available
D.E.C. Licensed Trapper for
Squirrels, Skunks, Raccoons, Opossums
World Of Beer
At World of Beer, we’ve got 50 craft beers on tap, over 500 in the cooler and a menu of tasty tavern fare that’s crafted to go perfectly with beer. And whether you’re a beer master or just beer curious, our insanely knowledgeable staff is here to guide you through every last pint, pour, and pairing. So c’mon. Let’s go. Because there’s no better place to go around the world, one sip at a time.
New Business
Local Law C Propsal- I have been attending the meetings being held at the county court house in reference to this proposal. The proposal is holding strong and gaining more supporters over time. This started out with support of 2 legislators and now has grown to almost half the voting body. The meetings have been very informative and well attended by people for and against this proposal. I have been meeting with our elected officials to help them gain sight on how this would effect the business community in our towns. 95% of business owners that I have spoke to are against this proposal as it is written. It seems theres a bit of a divide on the legislative floor. There are a few sub-committees that have spun off in the recent month. One being a Small Business Caucus to fight anti-business legislation, Another being the Capital Region Black Chamber of Commerce, supporting minority owned businesses.
Department of Labor- I was able to schedule a meeting with the DOL Business Services Representative. It by far was a VERY informative meeting. The DOL has now formed a Small Business Development department that is built to assist small business with their ever-growing needs. They offer so many amazing FREE programs for businesses.
Job Posting to the NYS site, Careers Fairs(they will provide custom recruiting), Skills Matching Service SMART, Saftey and health assistance, Tax Credits , Training, Labor Market information and more. FYI…they will work as your own personal HR dept. Writing an employee handbook and more. Business owners need to take advantage of these FREE programs!
Come MEET the DOL Business Rep and learn MORE about these free programs @ World of Beer 6/28 4:30 to 5 pm FOLLOWED directly by our After Hours Networking Mixer @ 5-7pm
YES! We have blended 2 GREAT events in one night! World of Beer Networking Mixer & The DOL! Come out and learn about these free services the DOL offers, grab fliers and ask questions. Tax incentives, free programs, HR and so much more! Do you have teenagers working for you? Did you know there’s a tax credit of $5000 for hiring a someone between the ages of 16-24???? Hire a vet?!?! YES! learn about the $15,000 credit!
Also, a minimum wage credit …$1.35 per hour for ALL hours!
4:30 – 5 meet the DOL
5-7 WOB Networking Mixer
First Friday Breakfast Mixers First Friday Breakfast Meetings – Hosted at the Route 20 Café every first Friday of the month from 8 – 9am.
Better Business Bureau – We had a great visit with Melody from the BBB. We are partnering with the BBB to offer some very informative webinars. This fall we will launching a local event with the BBB, PROTECTING YOUR BUSINESS FROM SCAMS. The ideal is to get a few chamber businesses involved, a tech company, local PD and the make this event open to all. More information will follow!
Medicare 101 -This is a Chamber supported event that we are hosting at the Guilderland Library partner with CDPHP and Bouchey & Clarke. This discussion is open to all. Learn what Medicare is, costs, coverage and more.
Ribbon Cutting GRAND OPENING Bella Fine Jewelers Hamilton Square -6-27 12 noon. Help us in welcoming this new member! They will be hosting a open house all day and have refreshments being served. They are a MUST SEE! Unique pieces.
Opening Day @ Saratoga Track (tri Chamber event) Colonie Chamber, Saratoga and Us ! We have secured the Paddock Tent OPENING day!!!!! This will be a tri-chamber event with Saratoga and Colonie. Now that we have secured the tent for opening day we will have first refusal for future years. This is a GREAT event to attend! You will receive private betting booths, air-conditioned tent, 2 lounges, 2 patios, FULL buffet, bar and fun! We were allotted 22 seats. A few are spoken for already! $125 Grab tickets fast, Only a few left.
Annual Gala – We had a great turn out for the 1st Saturday Evening Gala. All that attended LOVED the venue (Albany Country Club), Cocktail hour and served dinners were superb! Everyone raved about the salmon! That was the events winner!
Cindy did an amazing job at fundraising gift cards to raffle off! Carol did an amazing job keeping the event on track both before and during.
Shout out the Guilderland Music Studio for supplying a guitarist for the cocktail hour and Scot Clark for our dinner entertainment.
Our award winners were SO ecstatic! They could not thank us enough for the nomination!
CMK Realty -Bill Coons – We welcomed CMK to our Town! Thank you to those that attended. Here’s to many years and many deals!
We have some great programs coming up this summer and pushing into the fall to pull out the punches!
Board Elections are here! We will be announcing our NEWEST board members!
Upcoming Meetings
Exec Board
Sept 18
Oct 16
Nov 20
Board
June 26 (Organizational Meeting)
Sept 25
Oct 23
Nov 27