Friday, June 21, 2013 • 10:00 am – 3:00 pm May 2013

May 2013
Celebrate with Us
The Annual Dinner is Generously Sponsored by:
This year’s 49th Annual Meeting of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
is one event you do not want to miss!
Sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, the Chamber’s Annual Meeting is one of the most popular
and long-standing traditions of business and community leaders. Over 400 decision-makers from both
the private and public sector convene for camaraderie and commemoration on this evening. This important,
once-a-year event is designed to celebrate your Chamber membership and to introduce your staff
and associates to the exciting accomplishments of your Chamber.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce is proud to invite every member to the 49th Annual
Meeting on Tuesday, May 14th at the Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel. This year’s event kicks off at 5:30 p.m.
with a cocktail reception, followed by dinner at 6:45 p.m. The Annual Dinner and Meeting is open
to all employees of any Chamber member company or organization.
At the event the Chamber will recognize and honor five Award Recipients for 2013 in the categories of:
Civic Leader of the Year, Small Business Advocate of the Year, Small Business Person of the Year,
Volunteer of the Year and Young Professional of the Year. As is tradition, the evening will conclude
with an entertaining performance by the Live Wire Players.
Tickets are limited and reservations must be made by Wednesday, May 1, 2013.
Event tickets are available for $60.00 per person.
Tickets can be purchased individually or in groups of ten for a full table.
For more information, contact Christine Stezzi at 772-8860 or cstezzi@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com.
R ecru i t E mploy ees
at t h e
C h a mber ’ s J u n e Career Fa ir !
Friday, June 21, 2013 • 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the
Broome County IDA, invites you to participate in the June Career Fair on Friday,
June 21st. Sponsored by Broome Community College, the Career Fair will take
place at their Ice Center, located on Upper Front Street in Binghamton, from 10:00
a.m. – 3:00 p.m. The Chamber’s long-time Career Fair partners, Broome Tioga
Workforce and NYS Department of Labor, will be on hand to collect resumes
from job seekers and offer valuable advice.
Each year, our bi-annual career fairs draw hundreds of qualified participants who
are looking for employment or are seeking a career change. The Ice Center provides
an excellent and dedicated venue for employers to meet with prospective employees.
This event is a very cost-effective way to recruit workers for your company!
With your registration you receive:
• An advertising campaign targeted at quality candidates.
• One large, centrally located venue with dedicated space
for employers and potential employees.
• Exhibiting area with an 8’ table, tablecloth, skirt and chairs.
• Access to an on-line resume database after the event.
• Dedicated area for “break-out sessions” to enhance job seekers attendance.
We look forward to your participation in our June Career Fair!
To register, look for the registration form on page 23 or if you have any questions,
feel free to contact Debby Evans at (607) 772-8863 x 317 or devans@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com
Chamber Staff • Government
2
ChamberDirectory
Directory ofof
Staff
Chamber
Staff
Administration
Main Phone: (607) 772-8860 | Dial Direct: (607) 772-8863 + ext
www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com
Lou Santoni
Theresa Ryan
President & CEO
& Director, CVB
Ext. 330
Finance Director
Ext. 339
Susan Kuhn
Teresa Myers
Christine Stezzi
Administrative
Assistant
Ext. 322
Technical Coordinator
Ext. 315
Receptionist/ Secretary
Ext. 300
Communications & Membership
Amy Shaw
Debby Evans
Carol Armstrong
VicePresident ,
Member Services
& Executive Director,
GBEOP Ext. 313
Project and Event
Coordinator
Ext. 317
Development Manager
Ext. 321
Government
Relations
Stacey Duncan,
Manager
of Government Relations
Ext. 316
Gateway Information Center
Kathi Murphy
Jenny Petrocelli
Director
Travel Advisor
Route 81N • PO Box 114 • Kirkwood, NY 13795
(607) 775-0156 • info@nysinfoctr.org
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Judi Hess
Gina Calisi
Natalie McMahon
Manager,
Tourism
& Special Events
Ext. 329
Manager,
Convention Sales
Ext. 326
Sales
Representative
Ext. 328
May 2013
ChambeReport
State Passes 2013-14 Budget:
A Mixed Bag for Business
The State Legislature passed a $136 billion state budget at
the end of March, giving the state its third on-time budget in as
many years. Overall, the Chamber’s assessment is that the budget is a blend of good and bad, ultimately resulting in increased
costs for employers.
Some of the good includes an on-time budget that limits
spending to under two percent. There are some meaningful
reforms to the state’s unemployment insurance and workers’
compensation programs, which have plagued businesses for
years. There is an estimated $1.2 billion in savings through these
reforms. The budget provides tax credits for companies hiring
veterans and youth as well as $800 million in “small business tax
cuts”, including tax cuts for manufacturers.
Disappointingly, the budget includes a three-year extension to
the 18-a energy tax that was set to expire at the end of this year.
This “temporary” assessment does nothing to improve energy
supply or delivery; it is simply a tax on consumers that goes back
to the state’s general fund. The average household pays on average
$50 to $70 per month on 18-a.
The budget includes $350 rebate checks to families with children under the age of seventeen and with a household income of
$40,000 to $100,000. These checks will arrive in October of 2014,
one month prior to the 2014 election.
One of the more controversial issues finalized in the budget
was the increase in the state’s minimum wage. The budget agreement includes a three-year phase-in the minimum wage, ultimately
reaching $9.00 by 2016. Efforts to index minimum wage increases
to the rate of inflation were not included in the final agreement.
Also included in the budget agreement is funding for “Innovation Hot Spots,” job training programs and funding to
promote Upstate tourism and agriculture. The budget continues
funding for a third round of Regional Economic Development
Council Funding and continuation of the SUNY2020 funding.
Binghamton University and the three other SUNY University
Centers will not be eligible to receive funding this year. Broome
Community College, however, will be eligible to receive funding
through this round of SUNY2020.
There is an increase in funding of nearly $1 billion (4.9%) for
school aid, which in the short term, will assist a number of local
districts address immediate financial stress. The state has also
provided a pension-smoothing plan, which will allow municipalities to pay a “fixed rate” on pension costs over a longer period.
While the Chamber is pleased that the State has continued to
demonstrate fiscal restraint in spending and on-time budgets,
there is concern on the reliance on “temporary” taxes on New
York consumers and taxpayers. There is nothing demonstrating the much promised mandate relief. For example, the increase
in school aid does nothing to help local governments and school
districts address the mandated increases in salary, pension and
health care costs. Additionally, the budget includes no preparations for natural gas development, demonstrating the state’s continued efforts to delay movement on much-needed revenues for
the state and opportunities for the Southern Tier.
We hope that in the post-budget deliberations, the Governor
and the Legislature focus their attention on real mandate reform
and in unlocking the potential opportunities through natural gas
development.
3
Greater Binghamton Chamber’s “Business of the Week”
Each week, the Greater Binghamton Chamber randomly selects a chamber member business, which is named “Business of the Week”. The
business is spotlighted for one business week (M-F). The “Business of the Week” receives: a personal visit from Chamber representatives, the
week-long display of a stylish, prominent sign that formally announces their recognition, photo opportunities and an announcement on the
home page of the Chamber’s website.
Our “Business of the Week” program, sponsored by Visions Federal Credit Union, is another opportunity to show our appreciation to
Chamber members for supporting the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and investing in our community, as well as for Chamber staff to better familiarize ourselves with our
members. We want to learn more about their company, how it fits in to our regional community, and how we can best serve their business.
March 18 – 22, 2013
March 18 – 22, 2013
Johnson City Veterinary Hospital
Established in October of 1999, Johnson
City Veterinary Hospital’s primary services
include Veterinary Hospital and Veterinary
Medicine. We are an AAHA approved practice, which means that we meet the high
standards established by the American
Animal Hospital Association. Only 15% of
animal hospitals are AAHA approved.
Being a member of the Greater
Binghamton Chamber of Commerce has
given us exposure in the area through the
directory. It has also allowed us to network
for better health insurance coverage for our
employees.
March 25 – 29, 2013
Endicott Performing Arts Center
(EPAC)
Established in 1998, the Endicott
Performing Arts Center presents high quality performing arts events and education to
our community. Over the past 15 years, we
have renovated and operated EPAC’s historic (95 year old) 325 seat Robert Eckert
Theater.
Our EPAC Kids Theater Workshops
have been ongoing for 13 years and continue to educate youngsters in all aspects of
the performing arts. EPAC’s School for the
Performing Arts offers lessons in voice, piano, guitar, drums, hip hop, jazz and lyrical
dance to all ages.
The EPAC Repertory Company presents
hit Broadway musicals and special events
of all kinds and the EPAC Concert Series
presents touring and local concert artists.
We are proud to have been named “Best
Theatre/Performance Group” in the Press &
Sun Bulletin’s Readers Choice Award for 9
out of the past 10 years.
This year, we will be celebrating our 15th
Anniversary with a 15th Anniversary Gala
at The McKinley, in Endicott on April 26.
We are very proud to be part of the
Endicott Washington Avenue business district and pleased that we can bring over
20,000 people down to our theater each
year for performances, rehearsals, classes
and meetings. Our Executive Director and
Artistic director are both past recipients of
the Broome County Arts Council’s “Heart
of the Arts” award.
We’re proud to have been a member
of the Greater Binghamton Chamber of
March 25 – 29, 2013
Commerce for the past 11 years. They provide the business community with the opportunity to educate and communicate effectively among themselves as well as our
political and economic leaders. It’s great to
have their support and voice in Albany as
well as locally.
April 1 – 5, 2013
Family Enrichment Network
A non-profit organization incorporated in 1978, Family Enrichment Network
(FEN) has offered community education
and awareness services to thousands of children, families, and individuals for over 34
years. While most of the programs are provided to low-income individuals, all of them
are developed based on local trends and
comprehensive needs assessments. Family
Enrichment Network is a leader in the child
care field and is considered a clearinghouse
for child care issues.
Current programs include:
• Head Start offering Head Start, Early
Head Start, and Early Achievers Child
Care. Family services include ESL and
GED preparatory programs.
• Child Care Resource & Referral:
CCR&R supports child care programs with
professional development for staff, assisting
family child care providers with all aspects
of maintaining their small business, and
provides technical assistance for quality improvement. The CCR&R referral service assists families in need of child care by providing referrals to parents.
• Family Support Services
o Kinship Care Program provides supportive services to those raising another
person’s child.
o Nutrition Outreach & Education
Program (NOEP) provides information and
assistance to individuals and households
that are potentially eligible for SNAP (food
stamps).
o Courthouse Children’s Center is a free
drop-in child care facility located at the
Broome County Family Courthouse. Staff
care for children ages 6 weeks to 12 years
whose parents or caregivers are attending to
business in the courthouse.
• Special Education Services provides multidisciplinary services to preschool children
eligible for special education services under
NY state guidelines. Services include assessment, individualized instruction, speech
therapy, occupational therapy, physical ther-
April 1 – 5, 2013
April 8 – 12, 2013
apy, and counseling as identified by each
child’s individual educational plan.
The mission of Family Enrichment
Network is to provide supportive services
for the optimal development of children and
families. We believe in coordinating children and family services using a comprehensive and collaborative approach to improve
their quality of life while ensuring the greatest value for our investment in child, adult,
and parent development. Our vision is that
all children and families in our service area
have the opportunity to grow and develop to
their full potential.
Our annual Adopt a Family program
matches individuals, employee groups, businesses, or organizations with a FEN family
to provide holiday gifts for children in our
community. Because of the generosity of
the community we were able to make the
holidays brighter for 338 children from 112
families in 2012.
The Chamber’s monthly newsletter helps
us stay informed about what is happening
in the local business community. FEN staff
occasionally participate in Chamber workshops to remain current with local and regional topics or trends.
ment during construction.
Our services include: Architecture •
Civil Engineering • Survey • Plumbing
and HVAC Engineering • Electrical
Engineering • Structural Engineering •
Geotechnical Engineering • Interior Design
• Environmental » Planning • Construction
Administration/ Management • Asbestos
Abatement Design • Fire Protection •
Ancillary Services.
Keystone upholds the highest professional and ethical standards. We are members
of the American Institute of Architects, the
American Council of Engineering Companies,
National Society of Professional Engineers,
American Society of Civil Engineers, the U.S.
Green Building Council and the New York
State Association of Land Surveyors.
Awards: Worcester Addition
& Renovation Project
• Recognized as One of the Top Ten
Winners for the 2012 myMarvin Architect’s
Challenge
• Selected for Outstanding Design in the
November Edition of American School &
University Architectural Portfolio
• Honored with Gold Awards in both
Masonry and Concrete categories for
Excellence in Design and Installation from
the American Concrete Institute’s (ACI)
Central New York Chapter (CNY).
Our community involvement includes: Fairy
Godmother Brigade, Chamber Governmental
Affairs Committee, Friendship Tree,
Boy Scouts of America, Construction for
Worldwide Evangelism, Local Youth Boards,
Chamber Junior Achievement, and Adopt a
Highway Program.
Our Philosophy: Keystone strives to exceed
our clients’ goals; to excel in communication,
functionality, aesthetics and common sense;
to use practical and proven systems yet stateof-the-art materials and equipment when
possible and practical. Our goal is to develop
a long-term relationship with each and every
new client just as we have with our present
clients. A relationship built on trust, honesty,
integrity, high-quality service and performance, and reliability.
The Chamber allows us another opportunity to participate in the community. By participating we expose more people to our business through networking while helping the
community. The chamber is often the business voice on larger more complicated issues
that we can participate in, if left on our own,
we would not have as much of an impact.
April 8 – 12, 2013
Keystone Associates,
Architects, Engineers
and Surveyors, LLC
Established in 1993, Keystone Associates
Architects, Engineers and Surveyors,
LLC (Keystone), is a multi-disciplined
Architectural/Engineering/Surveying firm
headquartered in Binghamton, New York
with branch offices in Starlight, Pennsylvania
and Monticello, New York and has provided
professional services for a region encompassing New York and Pennsylvania.
The present staff at Keystone is composed of over 40 individuals, including Registered Architects, Professional
Engineers, Professional Land Surveyors,
Environmental Scientists, Construction
Managers and support personnel.
Professional services include: architecture; survey; civil, environmental, structural, HVAC, geotechnical, plumbing and
electrical engineering; interior design and
construction administration/management.
These above services include programming,
schematic design, design development, construction drawings and specifications, bidding and contract administration/manage-
May 2013
4
May Anniversaries
40+ Years Doron Precision Systems, Inc.
Endicott Coil Co., Inc.
William H. Lane Incorporated
Sage Supply Co., Inc.
Tarco Steel, Inc., A Division of Bushwick Metal, LLC
15+ Years Baden Powell Council, Boy Scouts of America
Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel & Conference Center
Martin Interiors
NY-Penn Nutrition Services, Inc.
5+ Years
A. G ordon Jardin & A ssociates LLC • Gordon Jardin
3740 Struble Road • Endwell, NY 13760
PHONE: (201) 320-4763
agjardin.jr@gmail.com
CONSULTING (MAIN)
KNOW Theatre , I nc . • Tim Gleason
74 Carroll Street • Binghamton, NY 13901
PHONE: (607) 724-4341
timgly2000@aol.com • http://www.knowtheatre.org
COMMUNITY THEATER (MAIN), ENTERTAINMENT/THEATRICAL
“March Madness” was alive and well
at the Business After Hours Networking Reception
at Burger Mondays on March 28th!
American Red Cross Blood Services
Business Payment Systems CNY
Empire Recycling/Confidata
Employment Solutions
Floyd’s Rent All
Hawkins Homes LLC
Jennings Environmental Management Inc.
New York State Bluestone Association
Robert’s Scrap Processing
State Farm Insurance - Mark Anderson
Tioga Downs
Triple Cities Pipe Cleaning Inc./Roto Rooter
Upstate Office Furniture USA
New Members
The H air Co. • Patricia H. Walls
297 Robinson Street • Binghamton, NY 13904
PHONE: (607) 772-2188
thehairco@patrickj.clearydesigns.com
HAIR SALONS (MAIN)
But Your Energy Savings Could Be BIG!
Proforma Shrader & Shrader
Southern Tier Young Professionals
Binghamton Hardware & HVAC Supply
The Bug Man/The Bug Killer
ClearChannel Media & Entertainment
D & R Technical Solutions, Inc.
Dimmock H ill G olf Course • Michael Senio
638 Dimmock Hill Rd. • Binghamton, NY 13905
PHONE: (607) 729-5511 • TOLL FREE: (800) 727-5511
john@dimmockhill.com • http://www.dimmockhill.com
GOLF COURSES - PUBLIC (MAIN),
GOLF/SPORTING GOODS EQUIPMENT SALES
Your Business Might Be Small,
10+ Years Life Choices Center
20+ Years B D M Products, Inc.
Jos . A. Bank Clothiers , Store 654 • Terry L. Arnold
1308 Vestal Parkway East - Suite #2 • Vestal, NY 13850
PHONE: (607) 754-0750 • FAX: (607) 754-1262 • TOLL FREE: (800) 999-7472
http://www.josbank.com
CLOTHING RETAILERS (MAIN); RETAIL CLOTHING
Business After Hours Networking
Erie Materials, Inc.
First General Services of Southern NY, Inc.
Gorick Construction Co., Inc.
Oakdale Mall
The Partners Ellis, Edson, Beaudry, Barrett & Chubb, Inc.
Salvatore R. Peretore, CPA
Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 112
Smith-Ingalls-French
25+ Years Stephen J. Appel Photography
Binghamton Local Development Corp.
G H S Federal Credit Union
Mang Insurance Agency
Nirchi’s Pizza
Paychex, Inc.
Pierce Creek Realty & Development
Professional Home Inspection Service
John P. Rogers Electrical Contractor, Inc.
Safeguard Business Systems
Southern Tier Insulations, Inc.
Southern Tier Stages, Inc. (Shafer’s Bus Lines)
Super X Launderette, Inc.
Taylor Rental Center
5
Chamber Happenings • News
20+ Years Empower Federal Credit Union
30+ Years Catskills Off Track Betting Corporation
John C. Donovan, DPM
Number 5 Restaurant
Savitch Agency
R. V. Swinamer Associates Advertising, Inc.
Weathermaster Roofing Company, Inc.
ChambeReport
Thank you to Rob and his staff
for the delicious hors d’oeuvres and the fun atmosphere!
As a small business, you need to take advantage of costsavings opportunities where you can find them. As a Chamber member, you are eligible to enroll in our Energy Alliance® Program – at no cost to you!
The Energy Alliance program offers group buying power
among more than twenty chambers of commerce across
New York State. What does this offer? Competitive pricing
and savings on your electric and natural gas supply charges.
And perhaps more importantly, the pricing and information
comes from a trusted source – your Chamber.
We strongly encourage you to take a look at the Chamber’s Energy Alliance program. The process is simple:
• Fill out a Participation Authorization form (available
at the Chamber office) – this is not a commitment form –
not commitment or obligation will be required until
a pricing offer and agreement is offered and
accepted by you).
• Attach two (2) months of your electric
and/or natural gas utility bills.
• Receive an analysis of potential energy savings
and sign up!
Learn more about the Energy Alliance® Program by
contacting Carol Armstrong at (607) 772-8863 x 321. Recent
enhancements to the program will offer better customer service and a better and quicker estimate of savings!
As always, good health and good business!
LCP Group, I nc . • Christina & Lawrence Pierce
633 Anderson Road • Vestal, NY 13850
PHONE: (607) 592-2866 • FAX: (607) 348-1465
cpierce@lcpgroup.net • http://www.lcpgroup.net
DEMOLITION (MAIN), ASBESTOS REMOVAL,
CONSTRUCTION - BUILDINGS: METAL
Discussing issues that affect the Greater Binghamton economy
Tom M eade , Holistic P ractitioner • Tom Meade
at Therapeutic Massage Center
421 E. Main Street • Endicott, NY 13760
PHONE: (607) 343-7124
tmeade@stny.rrr.com • http://www.therapeuticmassagecenter.net
HEALTH & WELLNESS (MAIN)
Northeast K idney Foundation • Carol LaFleur
501 New Karner Road • Albany, NY 12205
PHONE: (518) 533-7880 • FAX: (518) 458-9690
info@healthykidneys.org • http://www.healthykidneys.org
NON-PROFIT AGENCIES (MAIN)
Power A lley • Michael Kurutz
PHONE: (607) 797-7464 • FAX: (607) 722-9159
sales@poweralley.com • http://www.poweralley.com
D J SERVICE (MAIN), COMPUTER EQUIPMENT SALES
Universal R ecycling Technologies • Michael Piester
155 Court Street • Binghamton, NY 13901
PHONE: (607) 321-6277 • FAX: (607) 321-6318
TOLL FREE: (877) 278-0799
mpiester@universalrecyclers.com • http://www.universalrecyclers.com
ELECTRONIC COMPONENTS & EQUIPMENT (MAIN), RECYCLING SERVICES
Thank You for Your Membership
Save the Date
for our June Eggs & Issues Program!
Sponsored by
“BoothCamp” for Exhibitors
Judi Hess, Manager,
Tourism & Special Events
for the Convention & Visitors Bureau,
explains to exhibitors
from the 2013 Business Expo
how best to display their booths
at the upcoming Show.
Judi taught two sessions
on April 9 and 10.
Thank you Judi!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Topic: Natural Gas Pipelines:
Reshaping Energy Accessibility in New York
Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel & Conference Center
– Endicott Room
8:00 – 9:30 a.m. (includes full breakfast)
Members Only $12 Advance / $15 At-Door
May 2013
6
BLI Session on The Arts
Reed Smith (BLI ‘07), General Director,
Tri-Cities Opera, chaired the session on The
Arts on February 21 and welcomed the class at
the Tri-Cities Opera facility on Clinton Street.
Of course a one day arts session barely scratches
the surface of arts organizations in our community. But Reed Smith fit in as many speakers and
locations as possible in our schedule as the class
traveled all over the Greater Binghamton area.
Judy McMahon with STAR – Southern Tier
Actors Read – kicked off the morning session
with reading from “Hungry Ear” and how their
group gives the acting community of the Southern Tier the opportunity to
take part in readings, private and public, of quality established and new
plays. The morning session continued with Craig Saeger, Producing
Director, Cider Mill Playhouse, as
he described the evolution of the
Cider Mill Playhouse and theater
in our community, and the kinds
of performances, challenges and
opportunities they face today.
Jon Mosbo, Executive Director,
Binghamton Philharmonic gave an
overview of his arts organization
and upcoming performances. Lou Ligouri, Executive Director, Endicott
Performing Arts Center (EPAC), told the story of the
birth of EPAC, renovation of the former movie theater
and the education programs, classes and performances
taking place on a regular basis. Of course, Lou’s visit
would not be complete without his guitar and a fun
sing-a-long with class members. The morning speakers wrapped up with Tim Gleason, Artistic Director,
KNOW Theatre, who talked about how his group
presents provocative, moving and above all, entertaining theatre at their location at 74 Carroll Street in
downtown Binghamton – the former Central Firehouse
of Binghamton.
Reed Smith ended the
morning session with a
brief history and overview of TCO, as well as
a tour, including scenery
design and construction
workshop, costume design
workshop and rehearsal
space. Before heading out
to the next location, the
class enjoyed a performance by Tri-Cities Opera singer, Patrick McNally,
who sang Silvio’s aria from the opera Pagliacci by Leoncavallo, one of the
two operas in their April 26 & 28 performances, with accompanist, Maestro John Mario Di Costanzo.
The group then traveled to the Schorr Family
Firehouse Stage for lunch with Naima Kradjian (BLI
‘95), Executive Director, Goodwill Theatre. The
BLI class was impressed and
excited to hear about the
development of the Goodwill
Theatre Performing Arts
Center and School and the
positive impact that it will
have on Johnson City and
the surrounding areas. The
class concluded their visit
with a presentation by Larry Kassan at Binghamton
City School District about the Rod Serling Video
Competition. Larry
explained how the Rod
Serling Video Festival
premiered in 1995 as a
county-wide festival for
students in kindergarten through grade 12
as a means to promote
the use of video arts
technology and creativity in area schools. It
was a huge success and in the following year the festival opened to students
throughout the state of New York.
The class members then traveled to Quarter
Yellow Studios in downtown Binghamton, where
avid art connoisseur Kady Perry, explained her
vision to create QuarterYellow as a professional
art networking business and gallery operating out
of Binghamton, New York. Formed in 2010, QY
is dedicated to exhibiting artwork for new and
emerging artists who have never had their work
on display in a gallery/museum setting. Kady is
also very involved in the First Friday Art Walk.
The day concluded at our last stop, Susan
Jablon Mosaics, with Susan and Emily Jablon.
Susan and Emily explained how their business has
received international attention, creating by hand, glass tile mosaics that
offer stunning design and affordable luxury. In their studio in Binghamton
NY, you will find a team of artists creating cutting edge custom work for
homeowners and builders, designers and architects, restaurant and hotel
renovators, casino installations as well as TV and movie sets.
BLI Session on Government
and Broome County History
ChambeReport
tive Debra Preston; Gregory
Deemie, Mayor, Village of
Johnson City; Omar Sanders,
Financial Analyst, Economic
Development Office, City of
Binghamton; Carl Beardsley,
Commissioner, Aviation; and
Margaret Scarinzi, Director of the Office of Energy
Development. The interactive
discussion really gave the class members a much better understanding of
the challenges each municipality and/or department faces, how they interact with each other and what we can expect in the future.
Our second panel consisted of New York State Officials and Federal
Officials including Michael Danaher, Office of the Attorney General;
Lori Gialanella, Office of NYS
Assemblyman Cliff Crouch; Joe
Merrill, Office of NYS Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo; and
Terre Dennis, Office of Congressman Richard Hanna.
Just before lunch, Carl Beardsley took our group on a bus tour
of the airport, pointing out all
of the recent improvements and
discussing air service and the impact of sequestration on BGM.
In the afternoon, Gerry Smith,
Broome County Historian, chaired
the afternoon session on Broome
County History. The group was
welcomed at Roberson Museum
and Science Center by Marketing
and Public Relations Manager,
Jason Fiume (BLI ‘11). Jason led
the group on a tour of Roberson,
including the Model Train Layout
(largest public model train layout
in region), the Civil War exhibit, Treasures of The Vault exhibit and The
Mansion, which has an exhibit of works from
the Binghamton Museum of Fine Arts.
Our last stop that day was to the Broome
County Public Library, where Gerry took the
group to the Local History & Genealogy Center. The Center incorporates the local history
and genealogy holdings of the Broome County
Public Library, the Broome County Historical
Society, the Broome County Historian and the
City of Binghamton Historian. Gerry ended
the day with a brief walking tour of downtown Binghamton, pointing out the history of
several downtown landmarks such as the Press
Building, the Kilmer Building, the former
Binghamton Public Library, and the Broome
County Courthouse, among others.
7
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ab
io we
receive by the VISIONS
Business Team. It’s really
great personal service.”
Ellen Conti
CONTI Jewelers
Endwell, NY
“VIS
“VISIONS
seems to
have a great
for our
ha
at ffeell fo
needs. They’ve made it
their business to know
my business.”
Yvonne Benjamin
Magic Needle by Yvonne
Endwell, NY
We’re in the business of business.
On March 7, the BLI class arrived
for their last class at the Greater
Binghamton Airport for the session on Government. Bijoy Datta,
Deputy County Executive, welcomed
the group and facilitated our two
panel discussions. The first panel
consisted of County and Municipal
Officials including: County Execu-
visionsfcu.org
NY-0000644254
8
Calendars
May 2013
ChambeReport
9
2012 Annual Report
Executive Message
James J. Lewis, CPA
Lou Santoni
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce remains dedicated
Chairman, Board of Directors
President & CEO
to its 900 member businesses.
We continue to be a resource for ideas and solutions. We are the place where member businesses go to:
• GROW your business
• CONNECT with the right people, the right companies and the right information
to expand your business network
• ADVOCATE on your behalf for policies that affect our local economy
The region has certainly faced economic obstacles in recent years, but the business community of Greater Binghamton has not been
deterred. Entrepreneurs continue to launch businesses, leaders continue to grow organizations in our community, and the workforce
continues to move our region forward.
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce had a very successful and very busy year in 2012!
• Facilitated meetings between the public and private sectors to develop new initiatives,
such as expanding our air service, Marcellus Shale development and creation of a high-tech incubator
• Advocated on behalf of our members for a pro-business, pro-taxpayer policy agenda
• Partnered with educators and businesses to promote entrepreneurship in local schools
• Celebrated the leadership of our business community, including young professionals
• Supported non-profit members through various events
• Helped members stay informed on key issues directly affecting their business and our community,
including economic forecasting, employment law updates and business development
• Trained tomorrow’s leaders
• Helped membership connect with customers
• Hosted a number of premier events to help maintain dues at the same level for the last five years
• Increased tourism efforts in our area through conventions and events, golf packages
and assisting travelers at the Gateway Information Center
The pages of this annual report highlight our work over the past year, but also represent the starting line for the coming year.
With you, our members, we will continue to build momentum, and serve as a relevant resource for businesses in our community.
2012-2013 Board of Directors
Lawrence C. Anderson
Partner
Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Jeffrey D. Lake
Regional President
NBT Bank
Frank E. Berrish
President & CEO
Visions Federal Credit Union
James J. Lewis, CPA
Vice-Chairman of the Board
& CEO
Piaker & Lyons, P.C.
David J. Culbertson
President
National Pipe & Plastics, Inc.
Kevin E. Drumm
President
Broome Community College
Kerin J. Flannery
Director, Global e-Procurement
Systems
IBM
Stephen M. Gardner
Vice President National
Accounts
Security Mutual Life Insurance
Company of NY
Sam A. Lupo
President
Sam A. Lupo & Sons, Inc.
Catherine A. Maliwacki, CPA
Partner
Davidson, Fox & Company, LLP
Joe Mirabito
Chief Executive Officer
Mirabito Energy Products
Kevin P. O’Hara
Vice President
M&T Bank
Bob Pass
Regional Manager Community
Outreach & Development
NYSEG Central & Lakes Region
David J. Patak
President & CEO
Our Lady of Lourdes Memorial Hospital
Betsy Pietriyk
Executive Director - UHS Foundation
United Health Services, Inc.
Kathi J. Roberts
Practice Administrator
Roberts Eyecare Associates
Douglas Spring
Vice President, Contracts
BAE Systems
Matthew A. Vitanza
Partner
Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Terry R. Wood
President,
Willow Run Foods
Director Emeritus:
Alan Hertel
Executive Director
United Way of Broome County
Officers for 2012-2013
Chairman.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .James J. Lewis, CPA
Chairman-Elect.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Terry R. Wood
President .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Lou Santoni
Secretary .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Kathi J. Roberts
Treasurer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David J. Culbertson
Ass’t Treasurer.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . David J. Patak
Immediate Past Chairman.. .. .. .. .. .. .. .. Matthew A. Vitanza
2012 Annual Report
10
May 2013
2012 Annual Report
ChambeReport
11
2012 Chamber Committees And Affiliate Organizations
Thank You To Our 2012 Sponsors!
The Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce would like to thank all of our many volunteers
who contribute their time and efforts to Chamber programs and services and events!
The following sponsors partnered with the Chamber in 2012 to offer a broad array of business programming
and networking opportunities. On behalf of its nearly 900 Members, the Chamber gratefully acknowledges their support.
In particular, we would like to recognize our Chamber Committee Chairs from 2012 and the more than 400 volunteers
associated with those committees and affiliate organizations.
Air Service Committee
John Fitzsimmons, The Sorin Group
Greater Binghamton New Car Dealers Association
Mike Corey, Jack Sherman Toyota
Broome Leadership Institute Alumni Board
Greg Lesko, Lesko Financial Services
Live Wire Club
Bob Carey, The Carey Law Firm, P.C.
John Jones, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Business Expo
Tom Savoldy, M & T Bank
Membership Committee Co-Chairs
Doug Camin, Avant-IT Consulting
Zach Majka, Empower Federal Credit Union
Chamber Classic Committee
Jeff Loew, Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
Recognition & Awards Committee Co-Chairs
Wendy C. Loomis, EA, Loomis Tax Service
Jon J. Sarra, Esq., Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Consolidation Committee Co-Chairs
Ken Kamlet, Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP
Robert Pass, NYSEG
SBC Committee
Rob Warholic, Clark Patterson Lee
Economic Development Committee
Frank E. Berrish, Visions Federal Credit Union
SBC Legislative Committee
Rob Warholic, Clark Patterson Lee
Governmental Affairs Committee
Alan Hertel, United Way of Broome County
Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program (GBEOP)
Dave Culbertson, National Pipe & Plastic, Inc.
SCORE Co-Chairs
(Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Dan Sniezek, Jon Ward
Greater Binghamton Hotel & Motel Association
Christine Madden, Comfort Inn of Binghamton
YP Talks
Jason Fiume, Roberson Museum & Science Center
Chamber Staff
Administration
Lou Santoni
Theresa Ryan
Susan Kuhn
Teresa Myers
Christine Stezzi
President & CEO
& Director, CVB
Ext. 330
Finance Director
Ext. 339
Administrative
Assistant
Ext. 322
Technical Coordinator
Ext. 315
Receptionist/ Secretary
Ext. 300
Communications & Membership
Gateway Information Center
Amy Shaw
Debby Evans
Carol Armstrong
VicePresident ,
Member Services
& Executive Director,
GBEOP Ext. 313
Project and Event
Coordinator
Ext. 317
Development Manager
Ext. 321
Convention & Visitor’s Bureau
Kathi Murphy
Jenny Petrocelli
Director
Travel Advisor
Government Relations
Judi Hess
Gina Calisi
Natalie McMahon
Stacey Duncan,
Manager,
Tourism
& Special Events
Ext. 329
Manager,
Convention Sales
Ext. 326
Sales
Representative
Ext. 328
Manager
of Government Relations
Ext. 316
A Balloon Affair & All Occasions Decorating
Advance Testing
Alzheimer’s Association of Central NY
American Football Association
Antonio’s Galleria & Café
Army National Guard, NYS
Baked Euphoria
Best Bagels In Town, Binghamton
Binghamton Riverwalk Hotel
& Conference Center
Binghamton Senators
Binghamton University
Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park
BK Energy Services, Inc.
BlueStorm Technologies
Broome Community College
Broome County STOP DWI
Broome County
Broome-Tioga Workforce
Burger Mondays
Carr Printing
Chemung Canal Trust Company
Childrens Charity of Greater Binghamton
Chobani/Agro Farma
The Cider Mill Playhouse
City of Binghamton
Clark Patterson Lee
Clear Channel Radio
Conklin Players Club
Cortese Restaurant
Country Valley Industries
Culligan
Curcio Printing
Davidson & Fox Co., LLP
Deal Chicken
Dick’s Sporting Goods Open
Dimon & Bacorn
Edible Arrangements
Ehrlich
Empire Recycling/Confidata
Empower Federal Credit Union
Equinox Broadcasting
Stephen P. Feehan Northwestern Mutual
First Investors
Gance’s Complete Catering
Golden Oak Golf Course
Grand Royale Hotel
Greater Binghamton Business Journal
Hampton Inn & Suites, Vestal
Harding Brooks Insurance
Hearth at Castle Gardens
Holiday Inn Binghamton
Hulbert Engineering & Land Surveying, PC
Human Technologies Corp.
IBM
IHOP
Inspire Fitness
ICS Solutions Group
Johnson Outdoors
Keystone Associates
Levene Gouldin & Thompson, LLP
Leroy Package Store
Links at Hiawatha Landing
Loomis Tax Service, LLC
Lost Dog Cafe
M Squared Management Consultants
McFarland Johnson
McKinley at Huron Campus
Meier Supply
Millennium Pipeline Company
Miller Auto Group
Mirabito Fuel Group
National Pipe & Plastics
NBT Bank
News Channel 34
Next Generation Vending LLC
Nirchi’s Pizza
Number 5/Lampy’s
NYS Department of Labor
NYSEG
NYS VESID
Oakdale Mall
Peoples Neighborhood Bank
Portobello Row
Positive LifeForce
Press & Sun-Bulletin
Price Chopper
Red & White Catering
Rescue Mission
Riger, A Marketing Communications Company
Roberson Museum & Science Center
Roberts Eyecare Associates
Robbins Signs Co. LLC
Rogers Service Group
Sall Stearns
Sam A. Lupo & Sons, Inc.
Sam’s Club
S.E.E.D. Financial Strategies
Security Mutual
Servpro
Jack Sherman Toyota
Simplex Grinnell
Spa at Traditions
State Farm Insurance-Chris Palmer
Southern Tier Insulations
Suburban Propane
Taylor Rental
Terra Cotta Catering
Town Square Media
Traditions at the Glen
Tri Cities Opera
UPS
Visual Technologies
Wegmans
Worldwide Sport Supply
WBNG TV 12
WICZ TV Fox 40
WLTB - Magic 101.7 FM
YNN
2012 Annual Report
12
May 2013
Update to Members
The core of what we do revolves around our 900 chamber member businesses. In 2012, we focused on three main priorities:
1) GROW member businesses by giving them resources;
2) CONNECT our members to the people, organizations, and information needed
to expand their business’ networks;
3) ADVOCATing on behalf of our members for policies that positively affect our local economy.
GROW
118 Businesses joined the Greater Binghamton Chamber of
Commerce as NEW members.
Our member retention rate has increased each year for the
past four years. In 2012, approximately 90% of the members
continued their participation in the Chamber.
We celebrated the leadership of our business community,
including a new addition to our categories – the young
professionals.
• At the 48th Annual Dinner & Meeting on May 17, nearly
400 Chamber members and community leaders attended
this event to celebrate the Chamber membership, and
honor the Chamber’s five distinguished annual award
winners, including: Small Business Advocate of the
Year: Terry R. Wood, President and CEO, Willow
Run Foods, Inc.; Small Business Persons of the Year:
Elizabeth Hughes and Marie McKenna, Co-Owners,
Lost Dog Café; Volunteer of the Year: Crystal DeMarco,
Senior Associate, First Investors Corporation; and
Young Professional of the Year: Zachariah Riley, Sales
Consultant, Sentry Alarms, LLC.
• A Sold-out Annual Thanksgiving Luncheon on
November 13 with nearly 550 attendees recognized two
award recipients, including: Community Advocate of the
Year: Greater Binghamton Association of REALTORS®
and Corporate Citizen of the Year: Hatala Orthodontics.
Our initiatives targeted to Young Professionals (YP),
including the YP Advisory Group, “YP Talks – get the
conversation started” Facebook page and the Young
Professional of the Year Award, were created to recognize the
important role that young professionals play as future leaders of
our community. The Chamber realizes that young professionals
are in a unique position to positively affect both the economic
and social future of the Binghamton area. The Chamber’s YP
initiatives offer opportunities for them to collaborate and get
involved in the community.
We supported non-profit members through various chamber
events. Two of the Chamber’s largest events, including the 2nd
Annual Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5K
in May and the Annual Winetasting Event in October, allowed
us to dedicate a portion of the proceeds to two different charity
partners. The Chamber was pleased to make donations to the
Alzheimer’s Association, Central New York Chapter and the
National Multiple Sclerosis Society (NMSS) Upstate Chapter,
totaling over $5,000.00!
The Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Alumni Association
organized two free events specifically designed to meet the
needs of our non-profit organizations:
• The BLI Alumni Association partnered with the United
Way of Broome County on the Annual Half-Day
Workshop for Non-Profits which took place on March 21,
2012. This free event focused on volunteer management,
volunteer recruitment, retention and volunteer
recognition. This event attracted over 100 attendees.
• BLI held their 4th Annual Community Service Fair – a
sold out event on November 1, 2012 at the Binghamton
University Downtown Center – which brought together
62 non-profit organizations and over 100 attendees, who
networked to fill volunteer and board positions.
The Chamber provided members a variety of business
exposure opportunities through:
• 31 Ribbon Cutting Ceremonies for Chamber member
businesses in the greater Binghamton area to celebrate
their new, renovated or expanding business.
• 25th Anniversary of the Greater Binghamton Chamber
Business Expo on April 19, which provided over 100+
exhibitors/members a great opportunity to display their
products and services at the area’s largest business-tobusiness networking event in the region.
• Bi-Annual Career Fairs in June and December, which
attracted 104 employers and connected about 1,000
job seekers in Greater Binghamton to area career
opportunities.
We offered cost-effective ways for members to market their
business to fellow members and the community through a
variety of methods, including:
• “Business of the Week” allowed the Chamber to publicly
recognize and visit 42 long-standing Chamber members.
• Weekly “Business News & Tidbits” E-newsletter that we
distribute to our Chamber members, providing updates on
advocacy, business news and tid-bits, and reminders about
upcoming events.
• Twice monthly “Member News & Events” E-blast, giving
our members the opportunity to publicize their business’s
important news announcements and events to all our
Chamber members.
• Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce and Young
Professionals Facebook and Twitter pages.
• Advertising in the Chamber’s monthly ChambeReport
newsletter, Annual Quality of Life Resource Guide and
Membership Directory.
The Chamber helped impact members’ bottom-lines with our
2012 Annual Report
ChambeReport
cost savings/discount programs:
• M2M (Member to Member) Discount Program: 134
different chamber members offered exclusive M2M
discounts to 900 chamber members and their over 40,000
employees.
• Enabled 126 members to save $115,000 on their energy
bills in 2012 through participation in the Chamber’s
Energy Alliance Program. Lifetime savings for the
program are over $1.2 million!
CONNECT
The Chamber hosted a number of larger, premier events to help
keep dues at the same level for the last five years, including:
• 2nd Annual Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half
Marathon and 5k on May 6, which attracted over 2,100
runners from more than 28 states and 4 countries to our
community to participate in this event.
• Annual Winetasting event on October 19, featuring 13
wineries, 7 wine distributors, music by Straight Up, and
food from 9 local area restaurants.
• 15th Annual Chamber Classic Golf Tournament on
June 13, where 156 players and 39 teams enjoyed a day of
hitting the greens at Conklin Players Club.
The Chamber increased member outreach through our
membership committee members:
• Thanks to 15 chamber members, we signed up 16 new
members through our Membership Referral Program!
• Membership Committee volunteers made contact with
117 new Chamber members in 2012 to welcome them
into our organization, assist them in fully recognizing the
benefits of Chamber membership, and encourage their
attendance at upcoming Chamber events. In addition, this
committee personally delivered Membership Directories
and Quality of Life Guide publications to nearly 200
Chamber members during “Operation Thank You,”
an annual program of the Chamber which allows our
volunteers and staff to personally thank other businesses
for their membership renewal in the Chamber.
• Membership Committee volunteers recognized both
long-standing Chamber members, and those whose
businesses flooded and reopened with the delivery of
bagels & cream cheese for their staff as a small token of
our thanks for their membership.
The Chamber was able to provide free mentoring to the
business community through our partnership with Greater
Binghamton SCORE® Chapter 217. Binghamton SCORE®
counseled an average of 40 individuals or businesses each
month in 2012 wishing to start or expand an existing small
business. This represented over 1,500 hours of free business
expertise, skills, ideas, and experience to enhance and assist
in growing small business in our communities. SCORE also
works with non-profits as well as small businesses in the nonurban market. All counseling efforts by SCORE are always
confidential and at no cost to the client.
We organized 42 events and educational programs, attracting
13
nearly 6,000 combined attendees (not including the Business
Show and two Career Fairs). Event highlights include:
• 3 Breakfast Bytes Seminars on topics related to:
Paying for College, Self-Directed Leadership and Real
Organization for Real Life Solutions
• 6 Business After Hours Networking Events
• 12 SBC Network Luncheons
• 3 Connect 4 Business Speed Networking Events, giving
Chamber Members the opportunity to meet 20+ people
in under an hour.
ADVOCATE
The Chamber continued to focus on three core advocacy
pillars in 2012. These included grassroots legislative advocacy,
educational programs on issues affecting the business
community and in developing key strategic partnerships to
improve the economic climate of Greater Binghamton.
There were several key legislative successes in 2012. Working
through our partnership with Unshackle Upstate, a number of
bad-for-business items did not move forward. These included:
• a Thruway toll hike on the trucking industry and
significant restrictions on independent contractors within
the trucking industry
• a minimum wage increase without meaningful regulatory
reform
• expansion of prevailing wage requirements on service
workers
• bills increasing costs to health insurance consumers
through mandated out-of-network reimbursement
requirements and physicians’ collective bargaining
The Chamber also participated in Small Business Day at the
Capitol, a day focused on one-on-one meetings with legislators
on issues affecting small business.
The Chamber also helped members stay informed on key
issues directly affecting their business and our community:
• Annual Economic Forecast Breakfast with M&T Bank
Regional Vice President Gary D. Keith and Patricia Kilts,
2012 President, Greater Binghamton Association
of REALTORS®
• Regulatory Roundtable Discussion with Brian Sampson,
Executive Director, Unshackle Upstate at National
Pipe & Plastics on the regulations most onerous to our
member’s businesses. (February 2012)
• Unshackle Upstate Town Hall Meeting at Broome
Community College (March 2012)
• Marcellus Shale: Community Investment &
Career Training Seminar, featuring Dr. Bill Bush,
Superintendent, Elk Lake School District, Dr. Alice
Davis, Director, Career Tech Program at Elk Lake
School District, Dr. Kevin Drumm, President, Broome
Community College and Peter Quiqq, Executive Director,
The Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains.
(March 2012)
• Meet the Broome County Executive Candidates Event
14
2012 Annual Report
(September 2012)
• Marcellus Shale Supply Chain Seminar featuring Mike
Atchie, Chesapeake Energy, John Augustine, Marcellus
Shale Coalition, Mike Durant, National Federation of
Independent Business, Neil Guiles, BK Energy Services
and Mark Lang, URS Corporation (October 2012)
• Annual Labor and Employment Law Update presented in
partnership with Hinman, Howard & Kattell, LLP (October
2012)
Our Eggs & Issues program series saw growth in attendance
and expanded to five programs on topics including:
• The Flood’s Impact on Local Infrastructure
• School Budgets and the Property Tax Cap, Made in New
York
• Growing Manufacturing Jobs, Redeveloping Urban
Center
• Using TIF as an Effective Economic Development Tool
• Disaster Planning for Businesses
We also formed important community partnerships with
Binghamton University, Broome Community College,
Broome County and the City of Binghamton on initiatives
such as:
• The development of a high-tech incubator
• The expansion and improvement of air service out of the
Greater Binghamton Airport
• Hosting the area’s first Startup Weekend event promoting
entrepreneurship in our region.
DIVISIONS OF THE CHAMBER:
In addition to the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce
itself, the Chamber consists of 3 additional divisions, including
the Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program
(GBEOP), the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors
Bureau (CVB) and the Gateway Information Center.
Greater Binghamton Education
Outreach Program (GBEOP)
The Greater Binghamton Education Outreach Program
(GBEOP) is a non-profit affiliate organization of the
Chamber, which was formed in September 2008.
The mission of GBEOP is to “build bridges between schools,
businesses and leaders within the Greater Binghamton
community to promote technical and professional career
development for current and future workforce participants.”
GBEOP’s three main programs include: Broome Leadership
Institute (BLI), Building Bridges (BB) and Junior Achievement
(JA).
GBEOP achieved a record fundraising amount in 2012.
GBEOP increased its contributions from $48,440 in 2011 to
$94,086 in 2012!
Broome Leadership Institute (BLI) Program
Founded in 1988, BLI is a very successful six-month
community leadership program for adult professionals. This
May 2013
county-wide program seeks to foster a network of leaders who
are committed to understanding and improving the quality of
living in our region. BLI graduates benefit from: enhanced
leadership skills, a network of community contacts, an
increased understanding and awareness of community issues
and new friendships and working relationships.
On March 22, 2012, GBEOP graduated 19 people from the
25th class of BLI that reflect the diversity of our area. The BLI
Alumni Association grew to 500 graduates.
On May 2, 2012, over 100 people attended the BLI Class of
2012 fundraising event at Terra Cotta. The spaghetti dinner,
basket raffle and 50/50 raised over $3,000 to benefit Mom’s
House in Johnson City.
On April 28, 2012, the BLI Alumni Association hosted a 25th
Anniversary Celebration of BLI. Over 150 graduates, their
spouses and businesses came together for this event, which celebrated 25 years of developing enthusiastic and well-informed
leaders who are committed to making positive contributions to
our community.
On June 20, 2012, the BLI Program enjoyed a very successful
6th Annual BLI Recruiting Event, where 25 people came to
hear more about how to apply to become part of the BLI Class
of 2013.
In July, the Hoyt Foundation awarded GBEOP a $30,000
grant to develop the next generation of board leaders. The
program, in partnership with BoardSource in Washington, DC,
was incorporated into the 2012-2013 BLI program.
We received 26 applicants for 20 spots for the BLI program –
class of 2013. The BLI program’s 26th class began the program
with a team-building and orientation retreat on September 14,
2012 at the Wilderness Adventure Center in Greene, NY.
The BLI Alumni Association accomplished quite a bit in 2012:
• The Board of Directors awarded a “BLI Scholarship
Fund, in memory of Michelle Curtin”, to 3 incoming
students of the BLI Class of 2012 totaling $1,500.
• Partnered with the United Way of Broome County on
the Annual Half-Day Workshop for Non-Profits which
took place on March 21, 2012. This free event focused on
volunteer management, volunteer recruitment, retention
and volunteer recognition and attracted over 100
attendees.
• Organized the 4th Annual Community Service Fair. A
sold out event of 62 non-profit organizations and over
100 attendees networked together to fill volunteer and
board positions at the Binghamton University Center on
November 1, 2012.
• Hosted four Leadership Events for BLI Alumni with
visits to: Kopernik Observatory & Science Center, Susan
Jablon Mosaics, Walking Tour of Historic Downtown
Binghamton with Broome County Historian Gerald
Smith and BCK-IBI Group.
• Generated additional personal and corporate
contributions to the BLI Scholarship Fund in memory of
Michelle Curtin totaling over $2,000 in 2012.
ChambeReport
2012 Annual Report
Building Bridges (BB) Program
BB connects high school educators, administrators and
guidance professionals with the world of work. This seven week
program arranges for educators to visit various businesses
in the Greater Binghamton area in order to increase their
knowledge of area employers, their workforce needs and current
workplace trends.
Unfortunately, the 2012 Building Bridges program was
cancelled due to a poor response from educators. It’s possible
that the new teacher evaluations and state mandates affected
sign-ups for this year’s program. The Building Bridges
program plans to resume in the future.
Junior Achievement (JA) Program
JA programs are dedicated to inspiring and preparing young
people to succeed in a global economy. Through a dedicated
volunteer network, JA programs provide in-school and after
school programs for students in grades K-12 that focus on
entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy.
Students put these lessons into action and help strengthen our
communities.
GBEOP raised a record amount of $38,950 in 2012 for
Junior Achievement Programs from corporate donations and
foundation grants. The largest grant received was from the
Walmart Foundation State Giving Program for $25,000. This
money will fund (50) JA classes over the next two upcoming
years in 2013 and 2014.
GBEOP implemented 27 JA classes in Broome County in
the Spring and 3 in the Fall of 2012 with the assistance of 32
business professionals at the following locations: Boys and
Girls Club of Binghamton, Seton Catholic School (All Saints,
St. James and St. John), Vestal Central School (Tioga Hills
Elementary and Vestal Hills Elementary), Union-Endicott
Central School (Charles F. Johnson Elementary), MaineEndwell High School, BOCES East Learning Center
and BOCES Evertech High School.
GBEOP recruited 14 new volunteers from local businesses for
the 2012 spring and fall JA programs, and worked
with 18 returning JA volunteers.
Greater Binghamton Convention
& Visitors Bureau
The mission of the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors
Bureau is to attract meetings, conventions, trade shows and
events that bring overnight visitors to our community.
2012 was a healthy rebound year for the community. The
number of conventions and events hosted increased to 173
versus 154 in 2011. Additionally, our golf package business
increased significantly, by 37%. We were also able to secure
the Eastern Star and Odyssey of the Mind through 2015.
The CVB also partnered with other Bureaus on several
grant applications through the State’s Regional Economic
Development Program. The most significant of these will be
a co-operative AgriTourism Grant for promotion
and booking packages.
15
• Hosted 173 Conventions & Events including:
BAGSAI Softball Tournament Series (5,300 people)
Odyssey of the Mind (3,000 people)
I Love NY Gymnastics Meet (2,500 people)
Destination Imagination (2,000 people)
STOP DWI Tournament of Champions
softball tournament (1,700 people)
NYS Collegiate Rowing (1,200 people)
NY-USA Wrestling State Tournament (1,200 people)
NYS Assemblies of God, Women’s Ministry
Leadership Conference (1,000 people)
AAU Basketball (1,000 people)
NYS Public High School Baseball (800 people)
• Approximately 58,626 visitors attended Convention & Events
with an estimated impact of $23 million.
• Booked 163 future Convention & Events - including the NYS
Boys Gymnastics Championship (1,000 people) and Carousel
Classic Gymnastics (1,000 people)
• Responded to 3,751 Tourist Inquiries
• Responded to 515 tourism calls on the 800 number
and 85,037 brochures were distributed
• Attended 7 Trade Shows including:
American Bus Association – Grapevine, TX
Empire State Society of Association Executives Meeting
Planners – Saratoga Springs, New York
Empire State Tourism Conference – Albany, NY
NASC - - Sports Planners Show – Hartford, CT
OMCA - - Ontario Motorcoach Association
– Buffalo, NY
Ottawa Golf Show
TEAMS - - Sports Planners Show – Detroit, MI
• Produced and distributed over 100,000 Tourism publications,
and did several updates to our website. Visitors also have
the capability to download brochures from the website
VisitBinghamton.org:
Broome County (MapsWorks) map
Carousel Brochure
Golf Package Brochure
Greater Binghamton Travel Guide
Greater Binghamton Map Brochure
Group Tour Planner
Meeting Planner’s Guide
Rod Serling Brochure
Sports Venue Guide (online only)
Summer Calendar of Events
• Provided the following free services to groups meeting in
Greater Binghamton:
Give-Away Lists
Housing Registration (Eastern Star = 352 reservations
& American Legion = 738 reservations)
2012 Annual Report
16
Local Promotional Literature
Name Badges
Press Releases
Registration Assistance
Site Inspections
Spouse Programs
Tour Itineraries/Local Attractions
Welcome Signs
• Co-operative programming remained a vital component of
our marketing efforts. We ran a co-operative Arts advertising
campaign on WSKG radio for the 3rd year. Our golf program
saw a 37% increase in business over 2011. We generated
1,688 hotel room nights and 4,618 rounds of golf. The total
economic impact was in excess of $400,000.
• The NYS Order of the Eastern Star first met in Greater
Binghamton in 2009. The Bureau provided housing services
to all guests and assisted with shuttle service. Due to the
positive response of attendees, this group is now committed to
return through 2015 with negotiations in the works for 2016!
Gateway Information Center (GIC)
located at
the NYS Welcome Center
in Kirkwood, NY
• Our mission is to create a grand first impression of New
York State and to increase the economic vitality of NYS by
promoting tourism.
• The Information Center is the first welcome center for
travelers to stop and rest as they enter NYS on Route 81
North at mile marker 2 located in Kirkwood, NY.
May 2013
• The center assists more than 200,000 travelers each year with
directions and information throughout the 11 regions in NYS,
such as places to see, ideas of where to go and what to do.
• The center offers over 600 brochure titles representing all
62 counties throughout NYS, distributing over 450,000
brochures annually.
• Experienced and trained travel advisors are available to assist
travelers with information regarding annual events as well as
special events taking place in NYS 362 days a year.
• Travel advisors assist in lodging reservations during business
hours of the center and a 24 hour lodging reservation phone
is available in the main lobby 365 days a year at no cost
to the traveler.
• An event computer kiosk is available showcasing events
throughout NYS as well as the I LOVE NY website,
regional websites, Accuweather.com and 511ny.org for road
conditions, closures and road construction.
This is a touch screen Kiosk for all to use.
• Three DVD players are displayed on the walls of the center
to run information on the different regions and to promote
different attractions in NYS.
• A 47” flat screen TV is available to view the weather channel
during center business hours and set on a timer for afterhours usage. Business channels are also available in the event
of emergency or important information for the travelers to be
advised of.
• The front desk has a computer and printer available for
the travel advisors to look up and print out requested
information for travelers during center business hours.
• National Tourism Week is celebrated annually (May) to
promote tourism throughout NYS.
ChambeReport
Convention & Events Schedule
Summertime ~ Bring on the Fun!
The groundhog might have missed the mark on an
early spring, but nothing signals summer like Memorial Day. Take a break from the everyday and plan
a getaway without leaving the County. The Greater
Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau encourages you to go green and enjoy a vacation right here
in the community. What do you like to do on your time
off? Golf (regular or mini), waterslides, camping, boating, fishing, hiking, or attend a unique festival? You can do
that all right here. In addition to our Carousel collection (open
Memorial Day through Labor Day), Binghamton Zoo at Ross Park, Roberson
Museum & Science Center, The Discovery Center, or a host of recreational options, our summer months are filled with fun things to do.
Baseball, Hotdogs … start your summer fun at a B-Mets Game. Go off the
beaten path and visit a local farmer’s market, or go exploring the numerous
hiking/walking & biking trails throughout the County. Do you prefer “festival
fun”? Check out the Lumberjack Festival, July Fest & Jazz
Fest, Annual Spiedie Fest & Balloon Rally, or the Broome
County Fair. Sports fans can rejoice. In addition to the
B-Mets you can also see the pro’s play at the Dick’s
Sporting Goods Open; Levene Gouldin & Thompson
Tennis Challenger; and the Chris Thater Memorial
Races. Prefer amateur sports? No problem, there is
BMX racing at the Grippen BMX Park, or scores of
baseball, lacrosse, rugby, softball, soccer and wrestling
tournaments that take place all summer long. Perhaps
you prefer the finer notes ~ then check the schedules
for the Anderson Center for the Performing Arts, the
Cider Mill Playhouse, the Summer Savoyards, a First
Friday Art Walk, or one of the many band concerts that
take place all summer long. And there’s more! Swimming
in area parks, sampling delicious food at numerous church
bazaars, antique car shows and fireworks (4th of July & Labor Day) can also re-energize you.
For a complete listing of summer events, visit
www.VisitBinghamton.org. Check out our calendar of events
or download a copy of our Summer Calendar of Events.
So head on out and have some summer fun!
Save the Date!
Friday, June 21, 2013
and
present
June Career Fair
Sponsored by
17
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Broome Community College
BCC Ice Center
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Contact Debby Evans
devans@greaterbinghamntonchamber.com
May • June • July 2013
Date
Event Approximate # of
Overnight Visitors
May 3 – 5 NYS Collegiate Rowing Championship
1,200
May 4 – 5 Greater Binghamton Bridge Run Half Marathon & 5K
250
May 4 – 5 BU Athletics Men’s Track & Field Tri-Meet
500
May 8 – 10 NYS Utilities Claims Managers Association
50
May 10 – 12 Carousel Classic Gymnastics Meet
1,000
May 10 – 12 NY-USA Wrestling Junior/Cadet State Tournament
1,200
May 10 – 12 NYS Jaycees State Convention
50
May 10 – 12 American Dance Awards
175
May 11 – 12 NYS Order of the Eastern Star
200
May 11 – 12 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U/16U
200
May 14 – 16 Midway Firefighters Golf Tournament
125
May 17 – 19 Binghamton University Graduation
5,000
May 18 – 19 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U/16U
200
May 21 – 24 University Research Magazine Association (URMA)
50
May 23 – 24 BCC Graduation
200
May 24 – 27 BAGSAI Softball Tournament Memorial Day Madness 12U/14U
500
June 2 – 5 Team Chinook
170
June 3 – 7 Southern Tier Police Canine Assoc.
Adv. Handlers & Tactical Seminar
50
June 7 – 9 Amvets
300
June 7 – 9 12U/14U ASA Invitational
450
June 7 – 9 NYS Public High School Baseball State Tournament
800
June 9 – 10 American Legion 6th District of the Dept. of NY American Legion 125
June 14 – 16 BAGSAI Softball Tournament College Showcase
550
June 14 – 16 Unadilla Valley Sports Center MX Rewind Weekend
300
June 14 – 16 The Edge Warrior Shoot Out
500
June 21 – 23 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U Summer Kickoff
550
June 27 – 30 14U NYS ASA Championships
500
June 28 – 30 Square Deal Riders
Motorcycle AHRMA Vintage National Race
200
July 3 – 7 Broome County American Legion
Baseball Hall of Fame Tournament
200
July 4 – 7 BAGSAI Softball Tournament
Empire State Showdown 18U/16U
550
July 11 – 14 STOP DWI Tournament of Champions
1,700
July 12 – 21 Levene Gouldin & Thompson Tennis Challenger
600
July 19 – 21 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 16U Summer Sizzler
450
July 19 – 21 SusqueNango Summer Trials Obedience/Rally Trial
150
July 22 – 26 Chenango Ice Rink Youth Hockey Summer Camp
50
July 23 – 28 Battle on the Hill Baseball Tournament
150
July 25 – 28 BAGSAI Softball Tournament 12U/14U League Tournament
400
July 26 – 27 8/40 American Legion Auxiliary
50
July 30 – Aug 4 The Edge Championship Wood Bat Classic Baseball Tournament 150
Convention Scoreboard 2013
Convention & Events Scheduled For
Convention & Events Through
Total out-of-town visitors Through
TOTAL DOLLARS THROUGH 2013
May
16
May
49
May
23,515
May $6,962,310
If you are interested in offering discounts and becoming part of our
Give Away List sent to Meeting & Event Planners, please contact
the Greater Binghamton Convention & Visitors Bureau at 772-8860.
Meeting & Event Planners are sent offerings 90 days in advance.
VisitBinghamton.org
May 2013
18
ChambeReport
Good News
Good News
We are interested in sharing your good news with other Chamber members. Every month we include a GOOD NEWS section with one-sentence items
about good news from our members. The deadline to submit the good news information is the first Friday of the month prior to publication.
If you have questions or would like to submit a good news item for the ChambeReport, please contact Judi Hess at judi@visitbinghamton.org.
Jonathon Myers, Private Wealth
Advisor, recently received the
2012 Protect. Grow. Give®
award from RiverSource Life
Insurance Co. of New York.
The award recognizes
Ameriprise financial advisors
who have reached outstanding
benchmarks for helping clients protect income,
grow assets and leave a legacy by implementing
RiverSource® life and disability income
insurance policies.
The 2013 President’s Higher Education
Community Service Honor Roll has once again
placed Binghamton University on its list. A
total of 690 higher education institutions are
being recognized for their outstanding work.
The schools are chosen for recognition based on
their ability to demonstrate a clear commitment
to community service and service learning. The
volunteers’ community service outcomes must
also be meaningful and measureable. “We are
extremely proud of the work being done by
our students, faculty and staff in going beyond
our campus boundaries to help residents in
need in our community and elsewhere,” said
Binghamton University President, Harvey
Stenger. “We are grateful for the recognition
but the true payoff is the positive feelings these
volunteers receive when they witness first-hand
the impact their efforts have on the lives adults
and children alike in our area and in other parts
of the world.”
J&K Plumbing and Heating Co., Inc.
has earned the Northeastern Subcontractors
Association Silver Level Safety Award. J&K
was selected from subcontractors of all trades
throughout New York State based upon the
success of its employee’s safety and training
program. J&K’s employees worked a total
of 245,609 man-hours in 2013. Michael T.
McGowan is J&K’s Corporate Safety and
Training Director.
Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers
and Surveyors, LLC, an architectural,
engineering and surveying firm, was honored
with Gold Awards in both the masonry and
concrete categories for Excellence in Design
and Installation from the American Concrete
Institute’s (ACI) Central New York Chapter
(CNY). Keystone Associates earned the
prestigious awards for its innovative use of
construction materials for the addition and
renovation project at Worcester Central School
in Worcester, New York. Notable design
elements in the masonry were the use of arches
and precast sills to match the existing building
as well as white accent brick detailing; notable
materials for concrete included insulated
concrete forms for the exterior walls and
pervious concrete pavement for the driveways,
parking lots and courtyards. The ACI CNY’s
annual awards program aims to recognize the
area’s best concrete and masonry projects, while
promoting the use of these materials and raising
awareness. Adam Krager, Project Manager
on the project, attended the awards banquet
in Syracuse to accept the awards. Keystone
Associates is proud to be recognized and is
committed to raising the bar for design and
sustainability excellence.
McFarland Johnson, is pleased to announce
that the firm received two 2012 Engineering
Excellence Awards from the American Council
of Engineering Companies- NY Chapter.
The awards are: Diamond Award - Route 17
Parksville project won the highest level award
in the category of Transportation. MJ was
a sub-consultant to H.W. Lochner and was
responsible for environmental analyses and
permitting, stormwater management, bridge
design, and environmental mitigation. Platinum
Award – Runway Extension at Elmira Corning
Regional Airport. Ability to extend the runway
was constrained by presence of I-86 on one
end and Sing Sing Creek on the other. A
comprehensive public participation program
was crafted to solicit meaningful public input
on a range of alternatives. Public input was
carefully considered in arriving at the preferred
alternative which involved use of an Engineered
Materials Arresting System (EMAS) to eliminate
environmental impacts.
Plant Engineering magazine, one of the
top publications for professionals in the
manufacturing, plant design, operations
and maintenance industry, has chosen the
Raymond® 8000 Series pallet truck as the 2012
Plant Engineering Product of the Year silver
award winner in the Material Handling Systems
category. Plant Engineering subscribers voted
for products and solutions in 15 categories,
selecting the Raymond 8000 Series pallet trucks
as one of the leading products in 2012.
Casey Holleran has joined AXA
Advisors, LLC as a financial
professional. The announcement
was made by Steven
DeRiancho, CFP®, Divisional
Vice President of the Southern
Tier District of AXA Advisors,
LLC. Holleran will work with
individuals and business owners in the Southern
Tier of New York and Northeastern
Pennsylvania to help them define their financial
goals and will provide strategies, products and
services to help them work toward their
objectives.
Andrew Sherman Design celebrated its 13th
year of business in the Greater Binghamton
area in April. In addition, the award winning
design firm relocated to its new office at
the Holiday Inn Galleria, 2 Hawley Street,
in the heart of Downtown Binghamton.
Principal Andrew Sherman stated that “I am
very excited at the opportunity to relocate to
Downtown Binghamton to help contribute to the
revitalization of the beautiful downtown area
and be a part of the budding arts movement in
the city”.
Martin Sweeney and Mariam
Yaqub have joined BCK-IBI
Group as Architectural
Designers. They will assist the
architectural staff with project
design and implementation for
educational, commercial, and
community clients. Sweeney
received a Bachelor of
Landscape Architecture from
SUNY College of
Environmental Science and
Forestry and a Master of
Architecture from Syracuse
University. Yaqub received a
Bachelor of Science in
Architecture from Roger Williams University.
Bates Troy Healthcare Linen Services and
the firm of Keystone Associates Architects,
Engineers and Surveyors (Keystone) both
local Binghamton companies have recently
been approved by the New York State
Energy Research and Development Authority
(NYSERDA) to conduct a FlexTech Study.
The goal of the study is to assess the feasibility
and implementation of a Combined Heat and
Power (CHP) project, otherwise known as
“cogeneration”, to handle power emergencies
and assist with load curtailment on the electric
grid. This is an ongoing project that has also
received Empire State Development funding
through Governor Cuomo’s new Regional
Economic Development Programs (NY Works)
and the Southern Tier Economic Development
Council.
The Binghamton Local Development
Corporation is administering a $250,000 Main
Street grant received through New York State
Housing Trust Fund Corporation’s Office of
Community Renewal (NYSOCR). The matching
grant program will assist property owners
with their efforts to improve and preserve the
visual image of the City’s downtown historic
mixed-use districts through commercial
façade improvements as well as new and
modified interior residential and commercial
development. The grant targets the following
blocks: Chenango Street between Court Street
and Henry Street, Henry Street between
Chenango and State Street, and State Street
between Henry and Lewis Street.
Binghamton’s Department of Planning Housing
and Community Development has proposed
an ambitious package of legislation to make the
approval process for development projects more
predictable, efficient and transparent. There are
27 improvements to the City code and its internal
review process based on rigorous analysis of
feedback from the development community,
City Council, residents and City staff. Private
investment continues to grow in the city,
particularly downtown, and the reforms go a long
way toward eliminating bureaucratic hurdles
and red-tape for those who are proposing quality
and responsible development consistent with
community-based plans.
Binghamton University President Harvey
Stenger unveiled in April the University’s Road
Map to guide the campus in realizing its vision
of becoming the premier public university of
the 21st century. The Road Map 2013 strategic
plan, developed with the help of more than 400
volunteers working on nine focused teams,
encompasses the University’s guiding principles
and includes strategies on how Binghamton
University will achieve its goals.
Anne McCall will be the next dean of Harpur
College of Arts and Sciences at Binghamton
University. A scholar of 19th-century French
literature and, for the past five years, dean
of arts, humanities and social sciences at the
University of Denver, McCall will assume her
duties on August 1, 2013.
Binghamton University announced that Jaclyn
Boushie has joined the Foundation staff as the
Major Gifts Officer Liaison to Harpur College
of Arts and Sciences. Jaclyn returns to the
University after working for five years in Major
Gifts for the Central New York Region of the
American Red Cross. Prior to working at the
American Red Cross, she was the Associate
Director of Development for Harpur College of
Arts and Sciences from 2006-2008.
The Binghamton Center for Writers, Creative
Writing Program at Binghamton University
has been awarded a total of $4,500 in grants
by two area arts organizations. This funding,
along with support from the English Department
and Office of the Dean of Harpur College
19
of Arts and Sciences, will help support the
Binghamton Poetry Project 2013 with a series
of community poetry workshops. The Broome
County Arts Council’s United Cultural Fund
granted the program $1,500 and the Chenango
Arts Council’s Broome, Chenango & Otsego
Decentralization Program awarded the Center a
total of $3,000.
The 9th Annual Empire Promise Summit
will honor one student and one professional
associated with Binghamton University’s
Liberty Partnership Program (LPP). According
to Binghamton University LPP Director
Amy Humphrey, Autumn Loke, a coordinator
for the LPP program at Binghamton High School
and Junior Time, a student at Binghamton High
School, will receive awards this year. Loke is
being recognized for her exemplary service and
Time will receive the All-Star Student award.
Binghamton University’s Liberty Partnership
Program is a collaborative effort involving
the college, area schools and community
agencies that provide support services for 280
students each year. The program was originally
established to address the significant drop out
rate being experienced in our state’s schools.
The Broome-Tioga BOCES School-toCareers (STC) Partnership, in conjunction with
the Greater Binghamton and Tioga County
Chambers of Commerce, will sponsor the
16th Annual “Partnership for Excellence”
Recognition Event on June 5, 2013, from 3:30
-5:30 pm at Broome-Tioga BOCES. Chamber
members are welcome to attend. Stafkings
Personnel Systems will receive the Outstanding
Business Partner Award and Mary Jo Wardell,
business teacher at Windsor High School,
will receive the Outstanding Educator Award.
Nineteen students from local high schools will
be honored for their achievements in careerrelated programs, good citizenship, community
service, and career planning.
Colonial Voluntary Benefits is very pleased
to announce that Stacy Brown of Endwell has
recently earned her Life, Accident, & Health
Insurance Agent License and has been appointed
as a Benefits Consultant for the Southern Tier
District of Colonial Voluntary Benefits with an
office in Johnson City, NY.
On March 21, Coughlin & Gerhart, L.L.P.
held a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Open
House to celebrate the Grand Opening of their
newly relocated main offices at 99 Corporate
Drive, Binghamton. According to Gorgos “We
were happy to welcome so many guests to our
new facilities. We are excited to have found our
new home at 99 Corporate Drive and believe
this facility is well equipped to handle our firm’s
needs now and into the future!”
The Public Law Practice Group of Coughlin
& Gerhart, L.L.P., held its first training
seminar in the firm’s new offices on March
16. The Group represents towns, villages,
school districts, fire districts and fire companies
throughout New York State; including municipal
entities in Broome, Tioga, Chenango, Delaware
and Otsego Counties. The seminar was
presented by seven attorney members of its
Public Law Practice Group to over
60 municipal officials. Topics included: Freedom
of Information Law, Competitive
Bid/Procedure, Legislation-Local Laws,
Ordinances, & Resolutions, Inter-municipal
Agreements & Shared Services, Special
Improvements Districts, Fiscal Matters,
Open Meetings Law & Meetings, and Marcellus
Shale Update: protections available for your
town or village.
The Cystic
Fibrosis
Foundation will
be holding its
annual Great
Strides event on
June 1 at
Otsiningo Park. Great Strides is the CF Foundation’s largest
fundraiser and raises over $40 million dollars for
research into drugs and therapies for cf patients. For more information go to www.cff.org/
greatstrides and look for the Central New York
Chapter, click on the Binghamton Walk and
register your team or as an individual walker and
join us reaching in our fundraising goals. Ms. Joanne Conant has joined
Delta Engineers, Architects, &
Land Surveyors, P.C. in the
accounting group. She is
responsible for the processing of
billing, accounts receivable, and
accounts payable transactions.
Mr. Matthew Decker has joined
Delta Engineers, Architects, &
Land Surveyors, P.C. in the
electrical group as an Assistant
Engineer. Mr. Decker has over 7
years of related experience, and
is responsible for lighting,
power, and fire alarm design;
one line diagrams; as well as electrical schedules
and drawing coordination under the supervision
of the Project Electrical Engineer.
As a new initiative, Employment Solutions
of New York has set up a series of workshop
events in the Binghamton and surrounding
areas. These workshops are free of charge
and are open to all area business professionals
who would like to know more about the topic
at hand. Employment Solutions chooses
industry ‘hot topics’ and collaborates with local
subject matter experts to offer professional
knowledge on the area of focus. Employment
Solutions recently held their first workshop
‘Why Salespeople Fail’ and it was an
outstanding success! They look forward to the
next workshop which will be taking place
in the Binghamton area.
The Food
Bank of the
Southern Tier
announced that
it dedicated a
new truck for
its nationally
recognized
Mobile Food Pantry Program on March 27.
Thanked for their gifts were the family of the
late Donna Casano Benedict of Ithaca, Tioga
Downs Casino Racing and entertainment, the
Triad Foundation, and The Hilliard Foundation.
It is The Food Bank’s first Mobile Food Pantry
truck with a refrigerated bay. The addition of the
new truck will enable The Food Bank to
distribute 500,000 more pounds of food to highneed, rural communities and urban areas where
access to food pantries, soup kitchens and other
emergency food agencies is limited. The gift
from the Benedict family also established a fund
that will support the expansion of the Mobile
Food Pantry over the next five years.
Two Good Shepherd Communities employees
have been selected to receive a 2013 Employee
of Distinction Award by Leading Age New
York. Lisa Dupree, the Independent Living
Social Director at Good Shepherd Village
at Endwell, and Christa Webb, Director of
Social Services at Good Shepherd Fairview
Home, will both be recognized for their skills,
enthusiasm and commitment provided in their
positions.
The Grand Royale Hotel is proud to announce
the grand opening of their newly renovated
restaurant, The Royale Kitchen, serving
American/ Italian cuisine. The restaurant is open
from 5 to 10 PM, Tuesday to Saturday.
Jon J. Sarra, a partner in the law
firm of Hinman, Howard &
Kattell, LLP, has been
confirmed by the Broome
County Legislature for his
appointment to the Broome
County Board of Ethics. The
Board of Ethics consists of three
members, appointed by the County Executive,
Debbie Preston, for a term of three years. The
primary responsibilities of the Board include, but
are not limited to, the inspection of financial
disclosure statements filed by county employees
as required by the Code of Ethics, receiving and
reviewing alleged violations of the Code of
Ethics, and recommending changes to the laws
governing elected officials, officers, and
employees of the county.
On May 18 Lalor Creekside Dental will
provide a day of free dental care for those in
need. The doctors and staff of Lalor Creekside
Dental will offer one cleaning, filling or
extraction, free of charge, to a minimum of
200 people. The event will take place at Lalor
Creekside Dental located at 2521 Vestal
Parkway West in Vestal. Registration begins
at 7:30 a.m. and patients will be seen on a
first come, first served basis starting at 8 a.m.
Visitors are expected to come from Broome and
surrounding counties.
William H. Lane Incorporated
recently announced the
promotion of John Kabat to the
position of Executive Vice
President of Operations. Kabat
has 20 years’ experience with
William H. Lane
Incorporated. During his
tenure he has held the positions of Estimator,
Project Manager and Sr. Project Manager. In his
new role he will oversee all construction
operations as well as work with the management
team in developing the long term goals and
objectives for the Lane organization.
Lattner Enterprises has
Good News! They are
happy to introduce some
fantastic new McDonald’s
products for May, including
the Egg White Delight McMuffin and Blueberry
Pomegranate Smoothie. This May they’re also
proud to continue serving recent menu additions:
Premium Chicken McWrap, $1.00 Grilled Onion
Cheddar Burger, and Steak and Egg Burrito!
Finally, they are excited to announce the return
of the Strawberry Crème Pie, Hot ‘n Spicy
McChicken Sandwich, and the refreshing
beverage duo: Cherry Berry Chiller and Frozen
Strawberry Lemonade.
The law firm of Levene
Gouldin & Thompson, LLP is
pleased to announce that Erin E.
McElroy and Natalie H.
Weiskotten have become
Associates of the Firm. Ms.
McElroy received her B.A. from
Duquesne University and her
J.D. from Syracuse University College of
Law. Erin’s practice areas include Litigation,
Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice Defense
and Oil and Gas Law. Ms. Weiskotten received
her B.A. from Hobart and William Smith
Colleges and her J.D. from Syracuse University
College of Law. Natalie’s practice areas will
include Business and Corporate Law,
Acquisitions and Mergers, Non-Profit and
Charitable Organizations and Commercial and
Residential Real Estate Law.
Lourdes Hospital has named Dr. Thomas
J. Oven as Lourdes Hospital Board Chair.
Dr. Oven will assume his new role effective
immediately. “Dr. Oven is an accomplished
physician with extensive experience and holds
a deep commitment to our Mission,” said David
Patak, Lourdes President and CEO. “He has
been a member of Lourdes’ Board since 2006
and the Chairman of the Strategic Planning
Committee of the Board for the last 3 years. We
look forward to the continued leadership and
vision that Dr. Oven will bring to Lourdes.”
Dee Kline, Finance Director at the Mental Health
Association of the Southern Tier was awarded
the United Way of Broome County Chairman’s
Award 2012 in recognition of her leadership
managing an exemplary employee campaign to
support our community. The award was presented
at the United Way’s annual dinner on March 21. Mental Health Association of the Southern
Tier has received a grant from the New York
Council for the Humanities to sponsor a lecture
“Aristotle’s Email – Friendships in the Cyber
Age” to be presented on May 15, at 6:30
PM at BCC by Timothy Madigan, Professor
of Philosophy at St. John Fisher College in
Rochester, NY. This program, which is free
and open to the public, is made possible through
the support of the New York Council for the
Humanities’ Speakers in the Humanities Program.
Positive LifeForce welcomes newly certified
personal trainer Jennifer Ferguson to their team.
Positive LifeForce had a successful Ribbon
Cutting Ceremony in April and also had a great
turnout for their annual Community Fitness Day.
They recently launched a Spring Forward Fitness
Challenge.
Sandra Ceplo Johnson, Art
Director, Riger Marketing
Communications,
Binghamton, received the
Broome County Status of
Women Council’s Woman of
Achievement Award on behalf
of the NYS Women,
Binghamton Chapter, at the 36th Annual Woman
of Achievement Dinner on March 20. Her
positions have included board member for the
Greater Binghamton Chapter of NYS Women,
Inc., where she served as president for two
terms, vice president and second vice president
in charge of membership, each for one term. For
several years, she was the head of fund-raising
for their scholarship committee where they were
able to increase their yearly donations by $1,000.
Anthony Fiala, Jr., Executive
Director of The SEPP
Management Company, Inc.
and Chief Executive Officer of
The SEPP Development
Corporation is pleased to
announce the appointment of
Anne Kinney. Anne has been
promoted to the positions of Deputy Director of
The SEPP Management Company, Inc., and
the Chief Operations Officer of The SEPP
Development Corporation effective March 18.
Anne will assist Tony in the day to day
operations of SEPP and SEPP Development in
addition to handling other duties including new
housing development projects. Anne has been
with SEPP since 2005 and had been the Director
of Human Resources and Marketing.
Security Mutual Life announced the
completion of another successful year in its
126-year history of financial strength and
policyholder value. 2012 highlights included
increases in capital and assets, maintenance of
high-quality bond and commercial mortgage
portfolios, an increased dividend payout, and
the announcement of the 121st consecutive year
of paying dividends to policyholders.* The
company also launched a number of new
products and product features, as well as a
redesigned website featuring a new customer
service portal. For details, please visit www.
smlny.com. (*Please Note: The payment of
dividends is not guaranteed, and the amount
credited, if any, will rise and fall depending on
experience factors such as investment income,
taxes, mortality and expenses.)
Security Mutual Life was proud to support the
Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship
(WISE) Symposium held on April 16, at the
Oncenter in Syracuse, New York. Throughout
the day, Security Mutual representatives met
with entrepreneur attendees to discuss the
importance of financial planning for individuals,
as well as their businesses.
Southern Tier HealthLink (STHL)
announced that Dan DeLucia, Network Vice
President, Aetna is joining the STHL Board
of Directors. “Southern Tier HealthLink is
pleased to have Dan DeLucia join our Board of
Directors. His experience as an Aetna Network
Vice President and knowledge of both physician
practices and hospital administration will
provide an important dimension to our work
as we move forward building and improving
our provider and patient interface plans” said
Christina Galanis, STHL Executive Director.
The Southern Tier Veterans Support Group
(STVSG) became the first New York member
of the Points of Light Foundation’s national
Community Blueprint Network on February 1,
2013. The Community Blueprint brings together
community leaders, individuals, government
agencies and nonprofits to develop collaborative
and integrated solutions that address the most
common challenges facing veterans and military
families, including unemployment, education,
behavioral health, housing, and reintegration.
The Community Blueprint is the only national,
scalable approach developed by a coalition
of over 55 veteran and military-serving
organizations, nonprofits and government
agencies focused on serving our nation’s military
men and women and their families.
Susquehanna Nursing & Rehabilitation
Center in Johnson City is proud to announce
that it has been chosen for the 2nd year in a
row as the NYSHFA Innovative Service Leader
for 2013. This year’s distinguished selection is
based on their award winning approach to the
management and care of the Congestive Heart
Failure (CHF) patient. Their innovative practice
is aimed at improving the quality of life and
reducing readmissions to the hospital for those
diagnosed with CHF.
Tioga State Bank is pleased to
announce that Steven Hickey
has joined the mortgage
origination team. Steven will be
responsible for the origination
of residential mortgages for
purchase, refinance, or new
construction and home equity
loans at Tioga State Bank. He will focus his
efforts in the Owego and Apalachin markets.
Tioga State Bank is pleased to
announce that Mike Miller has
joined the Business Banking
team as a Commercial Services
Officer. Mike will be
responsible for servicing
existing and prospective
commercial customers in and
around the Broome County market.
Visions Federal Credit Union would like to
congratulate President/CEO, Frank E. Berrish,
on his retirement. Mr. Berrish has given
tirelessly of himself for nearly 38 years to make
the credit union the shining star that it is today.
His leadership and wisdom will be missed
by everyone. The staff, management, and
volunteers wish him, and his family, a happy
and healthy retirement.
May 2013
20
Coughlin & Gerhart, LLP celebrated the Grand Opening of
their beautiful new headquarters at 99 Corporate Drive in
Binghamton with a Ribbon Cutting on March 21st. A large
group of supporters was on hand to wish them well.
ChambeReport
21
It was a beautiful day for a ribbon cutting
to celebrate the new name
of Family Planning of South Central NY
on April 8th! They are located
at 117 Hawley Street in downtown Binghamton.
Mayor Matt Ryan cut the ribbon
for the Grand Opening
of the Royale Kitchen
at the Grand Royale Hotel
in downtown Binghamton on April 4th.
Positive LifeForce celebrated their
newly renovated studio with a ribbon cutting
on March 29th!
They are located at 3000 Wayne Street
in Endicott.
May Breakfast Bytes Seminar!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013 • 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. • Chamber Offices, Board Room
Sponsored by:
Matthews GM Center, 3721 Old Vestal Road in Vestal,
celebrated their newly-remodeled showroom with
a Ribbon Cutting on March 22nd. Many well-wishers were
on hand to view the beautiful renovations to the showroom.
Membership Referral ProgramChamberBucks Rewards
Thanks to Members for Recruiting Businesses to the Chamber!
Our members have been busy touting the benefits of being a Chamber member to other
businesses and organizations in our community. Thank you to our Chamber members
for their NEW MEMBER referrals and WELCOME to our New Members!
Chamber Member
Karen Frobel, Riger Advertising
David Lounsbury, Ridley-Lowell Business
& Technical Institute
Jim Finch, Town of Conklin
Lois Andrascik, Greater Binghamton
Association of Realtors
Jason Fiume, Roberson Museum & Science Center
Crystal DeMarco, First Investors Corporation
Rick Pedro, RJCP Entertainment
New Member
Hawkes Wealth Management
Uptown Style & Spa
Procon Contracting, LLC
ChamberBucks
may be redeemed for:
Mixer Tickets;
Super Mixers-i.e. Mardi Gras,
Mets, Wine Tasting;
SBC Luncheon Tickets,
Annual Dinner Tickets, Seminars;
Job Fair Resume Data Base, Advertising
Please contact our Development Manager,
Carol Armstrong with your referrals
and she will follow up.
ChamberBucks may be redeemed at any time.
There is no refund for any remaining balance
(i.e. $10 ChamberBucks for a $7 mixer).
The Membership Referral Program is a program designed to encourage current Chamber members
ChamberBucks cannot be redeemed as cash
to refer a non-member for possible membership. When the non-member becomes
and will have an expiration date of 1 year
a Chamber member, the referring member will receive ChamberBucks!
from the date of issue to be used.
Restrictions
are printed on the ChamberBucks.
Membership Tier Structure & Reward Levels
Start referring TODAY!!
$ 350.00
$ 10 ChamberBucks
Lois Andrascik, Licensed Real Estate Agent
Zappia Athletic Products
Whole Health Nutrition Center
Jos. A Bank
$ 500.00
$ 20 ChamberBucks
$ 750.00
$ 30 ChamberBucks
$1,250.00
$ 50 ChamberBucks
$2,500.00$100
ChamberBucks
$5,000.00$250
ChamberBucks
For additional information or questions
on the program, please contact Debby Evans
at 607-772-8863 ext. 317 or email at
devans@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com
Topic: Letting Go and Living Easy
Presented By: Mary Pat FitzGibbons RN MS, HealthWorks Energy Healing LLC
Topic highlights: • Hanging on to hurts causes a great deal of stress
• Stress will damage the body
• Learn some of the effects of stress
• Experience a meditation and some physical moves to reduce the effects of stress.
About the Speaker: Mary Pat FitzGibbons RN MS CVNS HTCP/I BHSP, has 40 years of nursing experience,
throughout the country. Mary Pat works under the name of HealthWorks Energy Healing, providing treatment
and education in subtle energy therapy. Mary Pat has been a Healing Touch Certified Practitioner since 1996
and Certified Instructor since 1999. Mary Pat has been teaching HT in Pennsylvania and Puerto Rico.
She is now living in the greater Binghamton area where she has a private practice.
Mary Pat teaches in NY’s Southern Tier, Central PA, and Tokyo, Japan.
Mary Pat has served on the Boards of the Central PA Chapter of American Society of Training and Development
as Director of Communications, Pinnacle Hospital’s Woman Care, and the Center for Holistic Living.
Mary Pat has been recognized in Who’s Who in American Nursing 1990.
Cost (includes continental breakfast): $10 Members ONLY; $15 door
SPACE IS LIMITED!! To Register: Contact Christine Stezzi at (607) 772-8860 or cstezzi@greaterbinghamtonchamber.com
NOW – An Even Easier Way to Pay! Sign up and pay on-line at www.greaterbinghamtonchamber.com
Payment/Cancellation Policy: Reservations made after May 20, 2013 are subject to “at door” pricing. If cancellation is necessary, please cancel
by May 20, 2013, for a full refund. Cancellations after May 20, 2013 are NON-refundable. Full payment is required prior to the event.
22
May 2013
ChambeReport
23
Broome County Industrial Development Agency
Present the
2013 GREATER BINGHAMTON
CAREER FAIR
Sponsored by
Friday, June 21, 2013
BCC ICE CENTER
10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
An opportunity to be involved in a community-wide event that promotes employment and
education in the Greater Binghamton Area!
Booth Rates: (PLEASE CIRCLE ONE)
Chamber Members:
$225 Advance / $275 After June 7
Non-Members:
$325 Advance / $375 After June 7
Non-Profits:
$200 Advance (Must show proof of 501C-3) /
$250 After June 7
YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES:






Face to face contact with HUNDREDS of job seekers
An advertised campaign targeted at quality candidates
One large, centrally located venue with dedicated space
for employers and potential employees
Exhibiting area with a 8 ft table, tablecloth, skirt & chairs
Access to an ON-LINE RESUME DATABASE after the
event
Five solid event hours from mid-morning to late-afternoon
to accommodate various job seekers’ schedules
BOOTH LOCATION BASED ON DATE OF REGISTRATION & PAYMENT- NO BOOTH
WILL BE ASSIGNED UNTIL PAYMENT IS RECEIVED
REGISTRATION DEADLINE – June 7th – Booth pricing INCREASES after June 7th!
Company/Organization
Mailing Address
Contact Name
Ph:
Cell:
Fax:
E-mail:
_______ I have enclosed my check, payable to The Greater Binghamton Chamber, for $
_______ I prefer to pay with credit card.
Name on Card
Card Type
Card Number
Zip Code
Sec. Code
Expiration Date
Mail to: The Greater Binghamton Chamber, P.O. Box 995, Binghamton, New York 13902-0995
Fax to: (607) 722-4513, Attn: Debby Evans FULL PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY JUNE 12, 2013.
Cancellations after JUNE 12, 2013 are NON REFUNDABLE
The Greater Binghamton
Chamber of Commerce
P.O. Box 995
49 Court Street, Metrocenter (2nd Floor)
Binghamton, NY 13902-0995
Phone: (607) 772-8860
Fax: (607) 722-4513
E-Mail:chamber@binghamtonchamber.com
OR C U R R E N T R E SI DE N T
www.GreaterBinghamtonChamber.com
Board Chairman:
James J. Lewis, CPA
Piaker & Lyons, P.C.
Publisher:
Lou Santoni
President & CEO
Editor:
Amy Shaw
Vice President, Member Services
The Greater Binghamton ChambeReport
is published monthly by The GBCC,
P.O. Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902-0995.
Subscription: $50.00 per year
is included in Chamber Membership.
Standard postage paid at Binghamton, NY.
(USPS-Permit 1).
POSTMASTER: Send address change to:
The GBCC, P.O. Box 995, Binghamton, NY 13902-0995
Be part of the ChambeReport
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leaders and their staffs. For one low price, you can reach 3,000 destinations, with multiple readers at each location, without
worrying about postage costs or direct mailing requirements.
• A maximum of 5 inserts are allowed in each ChambeReport mailing, all on a first come, first serve basis.
• 3,000 of your inserts must be provided.
Publish Date
June Issue
5/29/2008
July Issue
1/27/2010
6/26/2008
2/24/2010
Insert Needed By
5/22/2008May 2nd, 2013
June 6nd, 2013
1/20/2009
6/19/2008
2/17/2010
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showcase your products and services!
Call 798-1131 today
for more information!