General Membership Meeting Brings

S P R I N G
2 0 1 2
General Membership Meeting Brings
A Positive Progress Report
Story and photos by L. G. Rubinstein
L. Rubinstein & Co., P.R.
W
ith Sullivan County on the cusp of Spring and the
scent of baseball season hovering in the air, it is
comforting to note that the Sullivan County Partnership
for Economic Development has positive news to share
with its members and the public at large. On Thursday,
March 1, more than 60 members attended the quarterly
meeting of the Sullivan County Partnership for Economic
Development at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill,
New York.
A perfect setting for a March kick-off networking event,
participants were treated to a long list of prospective
projects and news regarding the development and
expansion projects amongst investment members. The
Partnership also proudly reported that they lead the pack
in bragging rights regarding large
jumps in membership numbers
(something uncommon to most
public and private organizations during this economy).
“We are proud to
announce that our Director
of Marketing, Michele
Klugman Resnick, has
been instrumental in getting the word out about
the benefits of joining
the Partnership,” relayed
Allan Scott,
President/CEO of the Partnership. “Since joining our
team, Michele has brought in more than 50 new members (this is in just a matter of less than eight months).”
Added Klugman Resnick, “Membership is the best way
to financially support the Partnership. But, while dues
are crucial to support operating funds, personal involvement with Partnership activities and programs is much
more important to the welfare of our organization. Your
voice is what gives us our credibility, stature, and influence in the community.”
Central to and featured in this meeting was Scott’s
informational report with up-to-date details surrounding
several new and on-going projects in Sullivan County.
Scott cautioned members by stating, “Quite often when
we begin to talk about projects that are planned to take
place in our County, we then tend to take it to the bank
without understanding that at times, projects take 6
months or more to take root and then, at times, we just
do not get traction depending on the economy and other
circumstances. So, I ask for you to keep an open mind
as I read this report to you knowing full well that, at
times, some projects just do not pan out even in the
best scenario. Economic development is a very competitive animal.”
Michele Klugman Resnick, Marketing Director of the Sullivan
County Partnership for Economic Development addressed
meeting attendees.
PROJECTED DEVELOPMENT
AND/OR EXPANSION PROJECTS
•
Dunbar Towers - Purchased by a large NYC-based
investment company (not tax-exempt); mixed use plan
of time shares coupled with hospitality rooms and condos. Currently the Partnership is working with the Village of Monticello on permits to move forward. SCP is
monitoring the project. Dunbar Towers recently joined
as a member of the Partnership.
•
Shelbourne Plastics - Will be up and running at
100% by this summer. Plans are to hire 20 full-timers
followed by another 30 for a total of 50 new jobs.
•
Aaron’s Rentals - Partnership is working with the
Village of Monticello to finalize details of a 7,000 square
foot building just off Route 42 in Monticello. 6 jobs to be
created and sales revenue. More: TBA
•
The Camp Professionals - Steadily moving forward
in the Town of Mamakating. Culinary camp and year
round instructional center; a $1 million investment. Property has not been on tax roles but will be put on tax
roles upon completion. Environmental Benefit: an adaptive reuse of an existing facility that was on its last legs.
POSITIVE REPORT continued on page 6
2 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
and expanding businesses. Members have access to
To the People:
local and regional demographic and economic
studies. Most importantly, members receive
The Sullivan County Partnership, our members, and funding partners
referrals to new and expanding businesses. We
have come together to make the Partnership a leading voice in the County and
continually recommend our members for
region for successful economic and community development.
consideration. Members can market their business
Partnership efforts have directly resulted in the creation of thousands of
directly to our other businesses via Partnership
jobs over the years of our existence and we continue to develop and administer
programs that create wealth-building jobs and significant property tax ratables.
This year alone, we were instrumental in saving 50 jobs at Frontier Insurance in
Rock Hill, in addition to creating other jobs in the county.
The Partnership's efforts ensure that we have an attractive business
climate, healthy relationships with elected officials, knowledge of incentives,
financing and grants, and efficient networking and deal-making opportunities.
Membership is the best way to financially support the Partnership, but
while membership dues are crucial to support operating funds, personal
involvement with Partnership activities and programs is much more important
to the overall welfare of the Partnership. Your voice is what gives the Partnership
its credibility, stature, and influence in the community.
There are many reasons to become a member and to keep up your
membership. Members receive up-to-date information on new projects,
business expansion and future market opportunities. Members have financial
advertising and events, and have the opportunity
CEO/President Allan Scott
to attend informational forums about key business
topics as well as benefit from networking opportunities with top decision
makers. The Partnership also provides access to other important economic
development organizations, both local and regional, to provide a complete
service to our membership.
The Partnership is hosting quarterly membership meetings throughout
the county. It is an opportunity to network, hear informative guest speakers, and
to keep abreast of economic development in the county. We sincerely hope you
will join us. For those who are members, thank you for your continued support.
The Partnership will continue to strive to make businesses in Sullivan County
flourish. We are 100 percent dedicated to our economy and will do whatever it
takes to make ours strong, viable, competitive, and enduring.
Sincerely,
procurement assistance and loan assistance available to them. We have recently
formed two strategic alliances for technical assistance and business plan analysis. We have partnered with Sullivan County SCORE and the Small Business
Allan Scott
Development Center to offer free business plans and advice for start up, existing
CEO/President, Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development
Published by Catskill Delaware Publications, Inc.
Sullivan County Partnership
for Economic Development
198 Bridgeville Road ●Monticello, NY 12701
845-794-1110 ●Fax 845-794-2324
845-791-4200
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Fax 845-747-4468
Publisher: Fred Stabbert III
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Production Associates: Sue Conklin, Tracy Swendsen,
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4 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
Spotlight on Board Member Glenn Sutherland
G
lenn B. Sutherland is a Board member and currently
serves as Vice Chair of the Sullivan County
Partnership for Economic Development. Mr. Sutherland is
President and Chief Executive Officer of Catskill Hudson
Bank and its parent, Catskill Hudson Bancorp, Inc.
Catskill Hudson Bank, “Your Community Bank” with assets
of approximately $350 million, is currently headquartered in
the community of Kingston, New York, and provides banking services from the Catskill Mountains to the Hudson River
through twelve banking offices in Orange, Sullivan, and
Ulster Counties. The Bank was organized and opened in
December 1993 as the Community Bank of Sullivan County.
During the past seven years, it has expanded from its three
banking offices with $73 million in assets. The Bank will
continue its expansion into Orange, Ulster, and Dutchess
counties.
Mr. Sutherland joined the Bank in January 2005, having
served as President and CEO of Ellenville National Bank
prior to its acquisition by Provident Bank. Previously, he
was Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at
First National Bank of Rhinebeck until its merger with
Fishkill National Bank.
Mr. Sutherland is a CPA, CFA and a native and current resident of Kingston, New York. After graduating from Rider
University, he began his career in Kingston as an accountant
with Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co. and later operated his
own CPA practice with his wife under the name of
Sutherland & Lowe.
Mr. Sutherland is currently a board member of the following organizations: Hudson Valley Economic Development
Corporation, New Paltz Regional Chamber of Commerce,
The Bardavon, Ulster Community College Foundation,
Independent Bankers Association of New York State, and he
is a member of the Education Committee of the New York
Bankers Association.
Mr. Sutherland was formerly Board member and Treasurer
of the Ulster County Development Corporation; Chair of the
“Ulster Tomorrow” economic development project; and currently serves on the Economic Advisory Council to the Ulster
County Executive.
Said Sutherland,“While banking has been through difficult
periods in the past, the current protracted world-wide economic decline has been extremely difficult. While the economy will improve, there will be a new norm. The future of
banking will be totally influenced by technology which will Glenn Sutherland
also create a new norm. In the economic development
Board Vice Chair
Sullivan County Partnership
field, we will need to replace those businesses that cannot
succeed and assist those that are here to survive and succeed.”
When not immersed in banking and/or economic development, Mr. Sutherland and his wife, Cynthia Lowe, enjoy traveling beyond the U.S. borders to places such as Egypt,
Israel, and Jordan.
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SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 5
Holiday Mountain recently received a $62,000 NYSEG
grant to repair and replace electric infrastructure and
equipment that was damaged or destroyed by severe
flooding following Hurricane Irene. Pictured left to right
during a check presentation ceremony: Allan Scott (CEO/
President of the Sullivan County Partnership); Guy Owen
(NYSEG representative); Michele Klugman Resnick
(Director of Marketing for the Sullivan County
Partnership); Craig Passante (Owner/Holiday Mountain);
Jim Salmon (East Region Manager of Outreach and
Development for NYSEG), and Fred Stabbart III (Board
President of the Sullivan County Partnership).
Photo by L.G. Rubinstein
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6 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
POSITIVE REPORT
continued from front page
•
ASB Greenworld - Has secured building permit and
has begun site work for a 28,000 square foot facility in
Bethel, NY. Recruitment efforts for a facilities manager
and core employees have begun - training begins in the
Valdosta, Georgia facility. The plant will produce planting
soils and substrates utilizing all natural ingredients for sale
to national distributors. 12 new jobs; $12 million investment. Environmental Benefit: This company will be working with municipalities to import select debris from storm
surges, tree trimming etc. as part of their materials inflow.
The company has made a highly dedicated effort to utilize
local contractors.
•
Project Vision out of Alberta, Canada - Partnership
officials met with representatives of an Alberta, CA-based
company - a firm that manufactures windows and curtain
walls for high rise facilities in major northwest cities with
a proprietary film system which creates a very efficient
environmental barrier with uniform or values from 5-8
times more efficient than existing products. Windows are
for commercial use and have been installed in every environment. The company seeks to build 30,000 square feet
to start with an expansion to 100,000 sq. ft. and a minimum of 50 manufacturing jobs. Possibilities exist to partner with existing Partnership member, Neversink Glass,
which is highly rated and does similar work in the NYC
Metro area. Environmental Benefit: the company is developing a way to incorporate photovoltaic film in its design
since the assembly process is similar in an effort to offer
SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 7
glass curtain walls that are not only efficient, but also
energy producing as well.
•
Three Phase Power Extension Projects - NYSEG Shelbourne Plastics, ASB Greenworld, and Brey’s Eggs
(Bethel, NY) are all recipients of a three-phase power
extension all of which represents a more than $440,000
reinvestment via construction and expansion projects.
•
Formaggio Cheese Business Expansion Project Partnership officials met with the company several times
to begin exploring the possibility of utilizing Sullivan dairy
in an expanded cheese production process. The
Partnership has been working with HVEDC and both the
Towns of Fallsburg and Thompson on some very complicated issues that must be resolved before the project can
move forward. This has the potential of having extraordinary benefits to the local dairy farming community. 20
additional jobs to be created. Environmental Benefit:
reduction in transportation costs, stable local demand,
farm fresh product, and local branding opportunities.
•
Apollo Mall Property - The Partnership has been
assisting Chancellor Livingston with a variety of marketing
related and targeted demographic data as part of the technical assistance work. The work has helped garner interest
from a variety of prospects that they hope will locate to
this site. Environmental benefit: Chancellor has been contacted by Carbon Harvest to explore possible energy-savings and other synergies.
FAR LEFT: Various members and guests listen to the presentation
at Bernie’s in Rock Hill, NY.
ABOVE: Keynote speaker Thom Kleiner of New York State
Department of Labor presents to Partnership members.
LEFT: A Spring welcome for all member guests.
BELOW: Charlene Finnerty from partners in Safety/SCORE.
• We Ship Express - The Partnership has assisted WE
Ship It in finding a suitable location for their expansion
project. The company has moved to Wurtsboro after completion of upgrades to the 34,500 square foot facility. The
company distributes a variety of ‘club membership’ type
consumer products throughout the U.S. They have grown
from 12,000 square foot facility which was formerly located
in Bloomingburg. The company employs 8 and has landed
additional contracts which will require expansion in the
near future. Space is available at the new location.
Environmental Benefit: Adaptive reuse of an existing facility.
•
ABOVE LEFT: (bottom left to right)Larry Wolinsky, Board Member
(Jacobowitz & Gubits) and Board Member Lew Klugman (Klugman
Associates). (top left to right): Gerald Skoda (Board Member) with Walter
Garigliano (Garigliano Law/Sullivan County IDA).
LEFT: Bruce Reynolds of Shelbourne Plastics with Senior VP of Jeff
Bank's George Kinne (Partnership Board Treasurer).
ABOVE: Board Member Susan Diamond (SullivanARC) with Jeff Bank VP
John Veleber and L.G. Rubinstein of L. Rubinstein & Co., P.R.
RIGHT: Allan Scott, President and CEO of the Partnership, gives project
overview
Consolidation Project - Firm looking to consolidate
two operations/distribution centers in Thompson, which is
halfway between their two current and aging facilities.
This firm has located a site that may be suitable and is
conducting due diligence at this time though still searching for sites between Exit 104 and 107: 65,000 square ft;
high paying union-scale jobs.
•
CBRE - Space needed to house a small snack distribution facility. Buildings in Bloomingburg, Monticello, and
Liberty were presented.
REINVESTMENT IN THE ECONOMY
There seems to be a growing trend; a good one at that
with regard to local businesses small and large, who are
able and willing to expand their businesses both in size
and scope. This not only points to the fact that our economy is slowly turning around but the fact that local people are reinvesting in Sullivan County is a good indicator
that it is in our diversity that we excel. Marketing to and
attraction of businesses from outside of the area on an
international and national level is key but even more
worthwhile and synergistic is adding the layer of already
established businesses reinvesting in the economy. It will
take the internal entrepreneurial spirit coupled with
strong, new external elements to really make legs on just
about any economy within the state of New York.
Less know with regard to the Partnership’s work is that
of the behind-the-scene assistance the Partnership gives
member businesses in the retention and preservation of
jobs. Just recently, in fact, Frontier Insurance Company
nearly closed its doors permanently. The Partnership
worked with local and state officials to stop the closure
of the remaining elements of Frontier saving 50 jobs in
Sullivan County. The jobs are safe for another 18 months
while the interested parties work out possible details for
permanency and a potential expansion that would add an
additional 50 jobs. This is the good work that the public
rarely reads about.
In addition to project updates that took place at this
quarterly meeting, Marketing Director Michele Klugman
Resnick introduced guest speaker, Thom Kleiner,
Commissioner’s Hudson Valley Region Representative for
the New York State Department of Labor. During his presentation, he presented a summary report of the Economic
Development Council’s Regional Board which includes
Sullivan County (amongst ten other regions) competing
for a piece of the pie as applicants for grant money to
partake in transformative projects for the Mid-Hudson
Valley Region.
“Every region did a great job with plans and finding
projects to meet very strict guidelines. Unfortunately,
Hudson Valley did not take home the gold this year,”
stated Kleiner. The Mid-Hudson Valley Region consists of
seven counties: Sullivan, Ulster, Orange, Rockland,
Dutchess, Putnam, and Westchester. $100 million in grant
funding did, however, roll out into Long Island, Western
New York, North Country and the Finger Lakes Region.
Kleiner’s detailed power point presentation can be
viewed directly on-line at: www.labor.ny.gov.
The Partnership welcomes new members and invites new
and prospective members and guests to attend the next
quarterly meeting in June. For more information, contact
the Partnership at 845.794.1110.
8 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
Veteran Member Profile
BETH & BOB
MICKELSON
Owners of Grey’s Woodworks
Story by L. G. Rubinstein
L Rubinstein & Co., P.R
Family-owned and founded in 1979 by Bob and Patsy
Grey, Grey’s Woodworks has a long standing reputation
of creating a line of handcrafted sheds, gazebos, garages,
and other outdoor accessories second to none.
The following is an interview with current owners Beth
and Bob Mickelson:
Q: How did the company get started?
A: (Beth) In 1979, my dad starting with a pine siding
company for a condo development and around that time,
someone asked him to build them a shed. He built two;
sold one and put the other one up for sale. One thing
led to another and here we are today in 2012 keeping
the tradition growing.
Q: Can you give us more details about the history of
Grey’s Woodworks and how it has grown over the years?
A: I (Beth) started in the business in 1986 and Bob, in
1987. My dad actually fixed us up while I worked for my
dad part-time. I like to say that I do all the administrative
work and secretarial work but, my husband claims that I
am the real boss around here. But, seriously - we each
have our strengths. I work with bookkeeping, sales,
scheduling, advertising, the front office, and participate
in customer meetings.
Bob is the official President of the company and he
arranges crews, checks on crews, does the on-site supervision, and sales both in office and on the road.
Q: Do you participate in Home Shows?
A: Yes, we do. We do around 2 to 3 shows per year.
Our business extends throughout four counties - Ulster,
Sullivan, Dutchess, and Orange so we don’t have as
much time to focus on shows but they are a great way
to get the word out about our products and services.
Q: The bulk of your work is in the shed business?
A: We offer a wide variety of products from sheds to
garages to storage sheds which can also be used to safely house pets as well as non-living materials. We also
offer an extensive line of sizes and styles of sheds from
Colonial and Gambrel to Salt Box and Cabana. All available for viewing on-line (www.greyswoodworks.com).
Our sheds take on a whole new meaning when you look
beyond their role as storage container. You can use a
shed for your outdoor pool as a cabana and storage
facility; as a safe haven for your pet; a perfect place for
the outdoorsmen in your family, as a ‘man cave’ or a
shed can easily be converted into a playhouse for your
children to enjoy throughout the years.
Q: Were you both born and raised here?
A: Yes, both of us were born and raised in Grahamsville
A: Family and our business. We love meeting new
people and expanding our business and working hand in
hand with new and continual customers. Our priority has
always been our boys and as they get older, we have a
tiny bit of free time to ourselves but we are lucky in that
our hobby has become our job. The saying “Do what
you love. Love what you do.” rings true here. We are
also quite blessed with awesome employees who are just
like family to us.
and attended Tri-Valley High School. We knew each
other back then, but we were not close friends. We have
three sons, Ryan (20), who attends the University of
Vermont and studies mechanical engineering; Joe (17),
who works with us part time when he is not in school,
and our maintenance man, Jon (14).
Q: How many people do you employ?
Q: What sets you apart from other like companies?
A: Ten employees and some seasonal employees in the
A:: Unlike other companies, we take care of some of
the biggest headaches for homeowners and second
homeowners by handling the paperwork involved in
permits, plans, drafting, building permits etc. Weekenders
don’t have the time nor are the offices open to them
during the weekend to get the paperwork in so we save
them time and stress.
In addition, we do all the site work for our shed and
garage business. We even pour the concrete needed on
which to build garages and sheds.
Additionally we are very proud of the timeframes we
offer in comparison to other competitors. The custombuilt product is created in our workshops off site and
then, we transport it piece by piece to the location. In
other words, from soup to nuts, we take care of the
entire process.
Q: Tell us about some other unique ways in which
garages or storage sheds have been utilized.
A: We’ve seen people create home offices out of them;
recently, we built a barber shop out of one of them.
Some people utilize the garage for additional income so
that upstairs, rental apartments exist. Other folks use
them for entertaining. It’s nice to see that sheds and
garages have taken on a whole new meaning in this
culture and economy.
Q: What got you involved in the Sullivan County
Partnership?
A: Our friend, Steve Drobysh, who was the former
CEO/President of the Partnership, got us involved from
the very beginning. At that time, Steve was the banker
involved in assisting us in buying this business from our
folks.
Q: What are you passionate about?
winter as well.
Q: How have you weathered the economy?
A: We take special care to pay attention to the needs of
our customers and make a stressful process easier for
them. In an economy where all businesses are having to
become creative, we continue to do what has worked all
along. Being authentic is important. Hearing our customer’s life stories and relating to that on a very human
level is key.
We aren't just in the business of building sheds. We are
in the business of adding quality to the lives of the people with whom we work. It’s nice that we can brag that
we’ve been around longer than Home Depot.
Q: What are your hopes and aspirations for Sullivan
County with regard to business and our future?
A: We have high hopes and always have had high
hopes for our county. We love it here and we are not
going anywhere. With the continued reinvestment into
our main streets, we hope that the tide will turn and our
children will come back here to work after college.
Q: What’s the best part of your job?
A: The quality and pride that every one of our staff
takes in their work. We have a very high level of workmanship here because we see the product from raw
material through the actual finished product and get to
see and experience the reactions of our customers. We
take that with us. It’s a good thing when you know that
people are willing to travel from Rockland and Orange
County just to come and see what we do. It’s a worthwhile drive for sure.
For more info about Grey’s Woodworks, log on to:
www.greyswoodworks.com or call 845.985.7006.
SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 9
Chamber to Hold 5th Annual
‘Casino Royale’ A James Bond Themed
By Cathy Paty,
Vice President
Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce
T
he Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is holding their 5th Annual
“Casino Royale” Fundraiser on Saturday,
April 21st at the Villa Roma Resort & Conference Center in Callicoon, NY. The Black
Tie event will take place from 7:30 pm11:30 pm. Tickets are $75 and include light
fare, cash bar, $50,000 in “Chamber Chips”
and entertainment. Limited amount of tickets available and advanced purchase is recommended. Proper attire is mandatory.
Attendees will have a chance to play, for
fun, a wide variety of casino games - Black
Jack, Texas Hold’em, Roulette, and Craps with a chance to win thousands of dollars
in real prizes. Prizes awarded for best
James Bond and Bond Girl look-alikes.
Tickets and Table sponsorships are available but are going fast.
Black Tie Event
April 21 at the
Villa Roma Resort &
Conference Center
To reserve your spot, contact the Chamber office at 845-791-4200.
All attendees will have a chance to win
great prizes, including (but not limited to) a
Season Lawn Pass to Bethel Woods Center
for the Performing Arts!
Media Sponsors: Thunder 102.1,
WSUL/WVOS. Entertainment and table
games provided by The Spencer Daniels
Agency.
For more information, log onto the
Chamber website at www.catskills.com
or join them on Facebook (search:
Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce).
ROLL-120660
OCTR-120839
10 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
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For the Public’s Information:
An Overview of Tax Return Preparer Requirements
The following provides an overview of the various categories of individuals who may
legally prepare federal tax returns for compensation:
*Enrolled Agents have passed a three-part, comprehensive IRS exam
covering individual and business returns. They must adhere to ethical
standards and complete 72 hours of continuing education courses every three
years. EAs have unlimited practice rights before the IRS, which means
they can represent clients for any tax matter.
**RTRPs (Registered Tax Return Preparers) have passed an IRS test establishing
minimal competency. The test covers only individual income tax returns (Form 1040).
They must adhere to ethical standards. They must also complete 15 hours of continuing
education each year. RTRPs have limited practice rights before the IRS, which means
they can represent clients in only certain circumstances. No RTRPs will actually exist
until after the testing and licensing procedure has been implemented. At this juncture,
anyone who is not an EA, Attorney, or CPA is considered an “un-enrolled preparer”.
***CPAs (Certified Public Accountants) and Attorneys have unlimited practice rights
before the IRS.
All paid preparers, including “un-enrolled preparers”, must have a Preparer Tax
Identification Number (PTIN) before preparing returns. Some preparers will have
additional requirements in the future. Enrolled Agents, Attorneys, and Certified
Public Accountants who are active and in good standing with their licensing agency
have no additional requirements other than to renew their PTIN annually. All other
preparers will need to: Renew their PTIN annually, pass a competency test, and take
continuing education courses annually. IRS expects to begin offering the RTRP test in
“approximately” November 2011. Those “un-enrolled preparers” who already have a
PTIN will have until the end of 2013 to take and pass the exam. Once the exam is active
every new applicant will have to pass the RTRP exam before being issued a PTIN. The
continuing education requirement is expected to start in 2012. Log on to www.irs.gov
This important income tax update information provided for you by:
845-292-0065 / 845-436-6168 /Toll Free 1-888-436-6168
By Jennifer C.S. Brylinski
Sullivan Co. IDA Executive Director
B
ack in the 1960s, New York State
developed the concept of Industrial
Development Agencies to attract and
enhance economic development within
the State. At that time, State municipalities
were authorized to request the creation of
local Industrial Development Agencies to
help accomplish their commercial, recreational, and industrial development goals.
The County of Sullivan Industrial
Development Agency (IDA) was created
by an act of the New York State
Legislature in 1970.
The major activity used by the IDA to
help accomplish the goals of Sullivan
County is to offer tax breaks (property,
sales, and mortgage recording) to eligible
business that are created or expand within
the County. This is usually done through
a Lease Agreement between the IDA and
the business.
Back in 1998, the IDA in Sullivan
County reviewed its policies and decided
that agriculture was so important in the
County that it would develop a special tax
abatement program specifically for the
agricultural industry.
In this benefit program, sales tax abatements are provided in connection with all
taxable items purchased in connection
with the agricultural projects. This may
be of little benefit to production farms that
are statutorily exempt from sales tax, but
it can be an important benefit for services
or suppliers to production farms and to
businesses processing farm products. All
mortgage tax on loans necessary for agricultural industry projects is abated.
Also in this program, real estate taxes on
the increased value resulting from
improvements are abated at one-hundred
percent for years one through five with
the abatement decreasing ten percent per
year for years six through fourteen. This
may be of little benefit to production
farms that qualify for agricultural value
assessments, but it can be an important
benefit for services or suppliers to production farms and to businesses processing
farm products.
Several agriculture related businesses have
been assisted by the IDA through its various programs. Fosterdale Equipment in the
Town of Cochecton was
assisted in the expansion
project of their farm equipment sales and service facility, and Cochecton Mills,
along the Delaware River,
was assisted in the modernization of their feed processing facility.
Recently the IDA assisted Dancing Cat
Distillery in the Town of Bethel, located on
Route 17B, adjacent to the Bethel Woods
Center for the Arts.
Dancing Cat renovated a Victorian vintage building into a restaurant and constructed a new micro-distillery that makes
vodka and whiskey from local ingredients. The IDA assisted Dancing Cat with
tax benefits and also with the purchase
of their distilling equipment.
Additionally, the IDA has several loan
programs that may be of assistance to the
agricultural community.
To find out more about how a project
is eligible to take advantage of the
County of Sullivan IDA’s tax abatement
and loan programs, please contact
Jennifer Brylinski, IDA Executive Director,
at 845-295-2603.
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Agriculture and the
County of Sullivan Industrial
Development Agency
Licensed by the United States Department of the Treasury
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SPRING 2012 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE 11
New Member Profile
ELEANOR DeSIMONE BROOKS
Prestige Towing and Recovery
Story and photo by L. G. Rubinstein
L Rubinstein & Co., P.R
Q: In your own words, how would you
introduce your business?
A: As owner and operator of Prestige
Towing and Recovery in Harris, New York,
what began as a small towing
business with my partner, husband, and
co-owner, Sean Brooks, has slowly multiplied into a thriving business.
Q: Tell us more about how you got started in the business and how it transitioned
into the flourishing business that it is
today.
A: I am a hairdresser by trade however, in
the past, I worked with a local business that
focused on car rentals and towing. I
became knowledgeable in the business and
educated myself enough that, after a short
stint back in the hair business, my husband,
Sean and I began our own business.
Sean took on the role of Manager and I,
as Owner and Operator. At first, we began
with a simple buying and selling of
exported trucks. The next step taken
included the purchase of a used truck cab
and chaise as well as a used wrecker
body. For just $3,500, we started our business with a homemade truck and now,
the trucks we use start at $65K. How times
have changed!
Q: Give us the details regarding your
business (especially for those who are not
familiar with the towing industry.)
A: We began with one truck in 1994 and
today, we have a fleet of 24 ranging from
light duty trucks that tow passenger cars
and small vehicles to heavy duty trucks
capable of towing
tractor trailers or handling large auto
accidents. We handle a variety of issues
from cars and trucks breaking down and
needing towing to recovery of vehicles
from large bodies of water. We work in
tandem with motor clubs, service stations,
AAA, and the local and state officials
(police and State police).
Q: And you are located in Harris, New
York?
A: Actually, we are located in Harris, New
York as well as Monticello at the
former Marty’s Service Station where we
also have our U-Haul business and we
employee 35 full-time workers. We
provide a large range of services including
mechanics and heavy duty repairs. We
maintain a full body shop and a rental car
service. We also offer low boy service as
well as a general service truck which we
send out to fix a job instead of towing the
job. We serve thousands of customers
annually and are clearly a service-driven
company.
Q: You recently joined the Sullivan County Partnership?
A: Yes, we did. Michele Klugman Resnick
introduced me to the Partnership as another avenue to meet other business owners
and to network. So far, it’s been a great
opportunity to inform their membership
about my business and in turn, learn
about theirs and the opportunities that the
Partnership affords its members.
Q:
What do you love most about your
business and your work?
A: Each day presents new challenges. I
am proud to own a solid business where
every day is an adventure. We strive to be
Eleanor DeSimone
DeSimone Brooks,
Brooks, Co-Owner
Co-Owner Prestige
Prestige
Eleanor
Towing and
and Recovery
Recovery
Towing
reliable and efficient and take pride in
working with our customer base to meet
their needs.
Q: Has the difficult and unstable economy had any influence on the success of
your business?
A: We have been extraordinarily lucky in
that the economic imbalance has not
effected our success. Unfortunately, our
repossession business has climbed - this
was our first sign of a bad economy. It is
sad to see companies folding and machinery having to be sold off, but this is where
our work begins. The cost of fuel will
continue to be a challenge, however.
For more info about Prestige Towing and
Recovery, call Ellie at 845.794.8522.
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A: I’d like to see more do-ers. I consider
myself a go-getter; a do-er who digs my
heels in and gets the work done that
needs to get done. I’d like to continue to
work with people who really care about
our community and who are willing to
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Q: What are your hopes for a better busi-
12 SULLIVAN COUNTY BUSINESS EDGE SPRING 2012
“Through three successful
business startups and
four residences, Jeff Bank
has been there for me.”
Let’s Not Risk Our Future!
– Chuck Petersheim Owner
of Ecotech Spray
Foam Inc.,
Eldred, NY
JEFF BANK...
Helping local businesses for almost 100 years
Jeff Bank has been a loyal partner to area businesses since 1913. Today, with the help of
our seasoned commercial bankers, your business receives the kind of quick, reliable
financial service you need. Because of our long history as a community bank, we have an
understanding of the local economy unmatched by newer or larger banks.
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To start getting the financial support your
business deserves, call 845 / 482.4000 and
make an appointment with one of our
banking professionals – your place or ours.
Natural gas drilling may bring some short
term benefits to our area, but the long term
effects of pollution and pervasive
industrialization will change the nature of
our community forever. I urge the
Partnership to invest its efforts in renewable
energy and sustainable low impact
enterprises that preserve our resources and
the quality of life we cherish.
We have extraordinary influence. Let’s get
this right, for ourselves and for future
generations.
Sincerely,
Larry Fishman
President
Majestic Drug Co., Inc.
www.jeffbank.com
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