Business briefs: Feb. 14, 2010

Award received
PLATTSBURGH — Century 21 Real Estate LLC, the largest real-estate company in the world, has recognized Pat Holcombe, associate broker, as one of the system's top producers with the Centurion Award for achievements in 2009.

This award was achieved by generating $240,473 in gross closed commissions. Holcombe was ranked third in the Upstate New York region, which consists of more than 700 agents. A gold-plated lapel pin is awarded along with a trophy and an invitation to the Century 21 Top Agent Retreat.

Locally, Holcombe was ranked first in 2009 among all real-estate agents in the Adirondack Champlain Valley MLS, which covers Clinton, Essex and Franklin counties, with $15,899,900 in total volume.

Holcombe has been a realtor for 10 years and specializes in residential as well as commercial real estate. He is associated with Century 21 Foote Ryan, which has been the top producing agency in Clinton County for the past five consecutive years.

New manager
PLATTSBURGH — Durocher Kia , Northeastern New York's only Kia dealer, has appointed Michael Lawyer as sales manager. Lawyer brings more than eight years of automotive sales experience to the recently launched Durocher Kia dealership. As sales manager, he is responsible for leading and managing a hand-picked team of sales consultants focused on making Kia one of the most popular automotive brands in the North Country.

Larry Durocher, president of Durocher Auto Group, said Lawyer's automotive experience, professionalism and visibility in the community are assets that will help make Durocher Kia one of the top automotive dealerships in Plattsburgh.

"As a brand-new Kia dealer, we are starting from scratch with a new sales manager who has proven sales, management and leadership skills," he said.

Lawyer said he is excited to lead a sales team that has such an outstanding product to sell. "Kia has come a long way in quality and workmanship over the past five years," he said.

"The 2010 Kia vehicles we have here offer top-ranked safety ratings, luxurious interior and exterior design features, high fuel economy and price points that should make North Country residents eager to come in and test drive these exceptional vehicles."

Prior to becoming the sales manager of Durocher Kia, Lawyer was a sales consultant, assistant finance manager and assistant sales manager at Plattsburgh Ford, where he was employed for nearly eight years. While there, he was the top producing salesperson from July 2003 to December 2009. Lawyer's professional sales training includes Joe Verde Professional Sales and Closing classes as well as the National Automobile Dealers Association Management Education Workshop.

He also attended St. Lawrence University where he studied economics and Plattsburgh State University where he studied business management. Lawyer was also a captain and defensive coordinator for the semi-pro Lake City Stars football team from 2000 to 2006. He is a life-long resident of Clinton County and a graduate of AuSable Valley High School.

The Durocher family of businesses, founded in 1951, are all located in Plattsburgh and include Durocher Auto Sales Inc., a Chrysler, Dodge and Jeep dealer; Durocher Kia; Durocher Collision Repair; Durocher Self Storage; PartsStoreUSA.com; and JeepPartsUSA.com. They are the North Country's largest snowplow and ice-removal dealer, the only authorized Ride Away wheelchair accessible van dealer in Northern New York and an authorized Ranger Design commercial van shelving equipment distributor. In total, the Durocher family of businesses employs more than 60 people. Visit www.durocherkia.com for more information.

Economic forum
PLATTSBURGH — On Tuesday at 5 p.m., the Adirondack Young Professionals (ADK YP) will host its 3rd Annual Economic Development and Talent Retention Forum at Olive Ridleys in Plattsburgh.

This year's forum topic will be Emerging Opportunities in the North Country Economy, The Best Sectors for Job Growth.

The panel will consist of Erin Hynes, economic developer, The Development Corporation; Donald Kasprzak, mayor, City of Plattsburgh; Susan Matton, vice president, economic development, Plattsburgh North Country Chamber of Commerce; and Janice Padula, professor, Clinton Community College.

The discussion will be moderated by Paul Sands, president and general manager of WPTZ-TV. This event will be underwritten by ETS and Clinton Community College, which will be providing complimentary hors d'oevres. More information can be found on Facebook. Please RSVP by to info@adkyp.com.

The Adirondack Young Professionals is an organization whose mission is to create opportunities for young professionals to network, socialize and serve the Greater Adirondack Community.

Super Bowl ad
PLATTSBURGH — For the first time in recent memory, if not for the first time ever, Georgia-Pacific advertised its Quilted Northern Ultra Plush brand as part of the Super Bowl Pre-Kickoff show on the CBS network.

The 30-second ad was expected to reach more than 100 million viewers to help promote the only three-ply bathroom tissue available nationwide.

Money raised
PLATTSBURGH — Pizza Hut would like to thank the crews who raised funds and those who made donations in Plattsburgh to help world hunger. The money raised here will feed 359 people for 30 days.

Daland Corporation, which owns the Pizza Huts in Plattsburgh and 93 other stores over 12 states, raised more than $82,000 to fight world hunger. A check was presented for $1,000 to Clinton County Family Promises, which helps the homeless.

Fundraising opportunity
PLATTSBURGH — Bonnie-Leigh A. Black, president of the Rotary Club of Plattsburgh, has announced that after 10 years of a collaborative relationship with CV-TEC and their students, the club has passed along this fundraising opportunity to another local non-profit, the Champlain Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The Plattsburgh Rotary Club is pleased that another local charity will be able to benefit from this learning experience for vocational students and that a local family will be able to own their own home — a goal which might have been impossible otherwise, she said.

The club is currently expanding its vocational service with new opportunities that will soon come to fruition.

Champlain Valley Habitat for Humanity is a locally run affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International, a nonprofit, ecumenical Christian housing organization. Habitat for Humanity works in partnership with people in need to build and renovate decent, affordable housing.

The houses are then sold to those in need at no profit and with no interest charged. Volunteers provide most of the labor, and individual and corporate donors provide money and materials to build habitat houses. Partner families themselves invest hundreds of hours of labor, called "sweat equity," into building their homes and the homes of others. Their mortgage payments go into a revolving Fund for Humanity that is used to build more houses.

The Plattsburgh Rotary Club is a service organization that raises funds for various community and global causes. Funds have been used to support international projects such as the North Country Mission of Hope and the Pit Privy Project in Nicaragua; academic scholarships for students attending SUNY Plattsburgh, Clinton Community College and CVPH Medical Center Radiology School; and assistance for community youth groups including the Boys Scouts, Girl Scouts and the YMCA.

The club sponsors several events throughout the year to raise funds including the annual Rotary International Fishing Classic, Rotary Radio Day and Roducky Derby. The club meets every Wednesday at 12:15 p.m. at the Elk's Lodge, 56 Cumberland Avenue in Plattsburgh. Individuals interested in becoming members of the club can contact any Rotarian or visit the club's Web site at www.plattsburghrotary.org.

Business mixer
PLATTSBURGH — PrimeLink, The Inn at Smithfield, Champlain Telephone Co. and Ground Round will co-host the Business After Hours program sponsored by the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce on Thursday, Feb. 25, from 5:30-7 p.m. at The Inn at Smithfield.

The event will be held in the LaSalle Executive Suites with hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar catered by Ground Round. The new state-of-the-art hotel conference room with interactive Smart Board technology will be on display.

Door prizes will include a stay in one of the Executive Suites, a "Dinner and a Movie" Package from the Ground Round and more. Parking is available in the rear parking lot of the Inn at Smithfield.

Business After Hours is an opportunity to expand business networks and is open to all chamber members and their employees. Future members are encouraged to contact the chamber for a special-guest pass. Admission is $3 with an advance reservation and $4 without. For more information, or to make reservations, call the chamber at 563-1000.

Annual breakfast
PLATTSBURGH — Tickets are available for the Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce's 52nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Breakfast. Attendees will find out who will be named Irishman of the Year on March 17 at the SUNY Angell Center Ballroom.

Sponsored by Adirondack Bank, the master of ceremonies will be Kevin Killeen and a cast of characters to help start the morning with a smile. Breakfast begins at 7:30 a.m. with plenty of Irish entertainment, ending with the announcement of the chamber's Irishman of the Year award.

Individual tickets, as well as tables of eight and 10, are available. Reservations must be made in advance as tickets are not available at the door. Tickets to the event are $24 if paid before March 1 and $34 if paid after March 1. Call the chamber at 563-1000 for more information or go to www.northcountrychamber.com.

Elected to board
PLATTSBURGH — Executive Director of the Foundation of CVPH Medical Center Kerry Haley has announced that Paula Stallsmith, Deena Giltz McCullough, Nate Wilson, William Price and Anne Cutaiar have been elected to serve a three-year term on the foundation's Board of Directors.

Stallsmith, a board member for the Kiwanis Breakfast Club and Senior Citizens Council of Clinton County, also holds the position of treasurer for the Plattsburgh High School PSO.

Giltz McCullough of Plattsburgh is the third generation in the family business of Northern Insuring. Currently the president-elect of the St. Lawrence University Alumni Executive Council, she also serves as board member for CVPH, Plattsburgh State College Foundation and Mountain Lake PBS.

Wilson, owner and operator of Wilson Appliance Center, will be serving on the Foundation Board of CVPH.

Price, owner of Plattsburgh Ford for 10 years, helps serve the United Way for Clinton & Essex Counties. Price also served on the Chamber of Commerce Board.

Cutaiar, vice president and manager of KeyBank, served four years on the Chamber of Commerce Board. She is a member of the Plattsburgh Noon Rotary Club, treasurer for the United Way and secretary for the Champlain Valley Health Network.

Drawing winner
PLATTSBURGH — Champlain Valley Audiology congratulates Robert Turek for winning the drawing for free hearing instruments held on Feb. 5.

Champlain Valley Audiology awarded the $3,000 prize to Turek, who reported following the hearing-instrument fitting.

"I am highly satisfied with the excellent results I had in regards to the hearing exam and the ease of adjusting to wearing the hearing aids all the time," he said.

New employees

LAKE PLACID — Adworkshop, The North Country's leading employee-owned marketing agency, has announced the addition of three new faces to its growing Internet team: Martin Marks, Andrew Carolla and Chris Panza.

Both Panza and Marks join the Adworkshop team as Web developers. Marks previously worked as a private IT consultant, and is the former Webmaster for several Web sites. Prior to joining Adworkshop's Internet team, he worked for the International Institute of Buffalo as a systems administrator. Marks will assist in executing interactive and Web-based projects.

Before joining Adworkshop, Panza worked as a quality-assurance engineer and team coordinator in Connecticut. With his background in graphic design and multimedia branding, he will handle multiple projects for Adworkshop's clients.

As Adworkshop's new Internet creative designer, Carolla's involvement in the step-by-step process of Web design and illustration, including maintaining projects upon completion, will be essential for upcoming Web-based projects. His background is in Web-site design and development, including graphic design and digital media.

"As our Internet-based projects and client list grow, Adworkshop continues to look for talented team members to help with the increasing workload," said General Manager Darcy Norfolk. "We are proud to have Chris, Martin and Andrew on our team and look forward to moving the company forward together."

Adworkshop is a fully integrated marketing communications agency. It designs and executes customized, traditional and interactive strategies to achieve results for specific marketing objectives.

Certification obtained
PLATTSBURGH — Eric A. Gauthier, MD, of Champlain Valley Cardiology, PC, in Plattsburgh has successfully earned his Board Certification in Cardiovascular Disease from the American Board of Internal Medicine (ABIM).

ABIM works to enhance the quality of health care by certifying internists and subspecialists who demonstrate the knowledge, skills and attitudes essential for excellent patient care.

Gauthier joined Champlain Valley Cardiology in July of last year after completing his fellowship in Interventional Cardiology at FAHC in Vermont. He is an integral part of the Interventional Cardiology Program at the Heart Center at CVPH Medical Center in Plattsburgh. Gauthier is eligible for board certification in Interventional Cardiology and will be pursuing that certification.

A growing body of research suggests that board-certified physicians deliver higher-quality care than non-certified physicians. Board certification demonstrates to the public that physicians have met the highest standards of internal medicine and its subspecialties. Board certification is voluntary and includes an exam that tests a physician's ability to diagnose and treat patients with a broad range of conditions.

Blanket program
PLATTSBURGH — Sears customers are invited to show their support for homeless veterans and donate gently used blankets from now through Feb. 18 during Operation Blanket.

In exchange for their donation, Sears will provide each customer with a coupon for 20 percent off any one home-fashion or home-décor item or a coupon for 10 percent off any one housewares, luggage or furniture item (mattresses are excluded). Customers will receive a coupon for each blanket they donate.

This program will be held at all Sears stores in New York State.

Energy grants
PLATTSBURGH — A new nationwide grant program will provide qualifying non-profit organizations with thousands of dollars in cash allowances and services for the purpose of installing new energy-efficient lighting systems. The program was created by VistaBright Lighting, a national supplier of energy-efficient lighting products (www.vistabright.com).

The grants are designed to assist educational institutions (private and public), churches, charitable organizations, community groups and all other qualifying NPOs in reducing the costs of buying and installing state-of-the-art light fixtures in their facilities before the end of 2010. Using this green technology results in a significant reduction in monthly energy costs, which can have a major impact in lowering an organization's annual expenses.

Old technology lighting is notoriously power hungry. Such systems use metal halide, incandescent or sodium lamps, and are typically found in light fixtures in gyms, auditoriums, factories, warehouses and outdoor lighting applications. Energy usage can be reduced by over 50 percent by using high-efficiency fluorescent or LED lights in new construction projects or in retro-fitting existing facilities. Additional benefits include reduced eye strain, improved visual acuity and the environment is protected through the reduced consumption of fossil fuels.

The grant program is made possible through the on-going efforts of VistaBright Lighting in organizing the nationwide Energy ALERTSM Alliance comprised of lighting-industry manufacturers, distributors and electrical contractors. ALERTSM is an acronym for Advanced Lighting Equipment Replacement Technology.

"ALERTSM grants provide qualifying NPOs with products and services worth thousands of dollars and are scalable to the size of each project," said Craig Pringle, president of the Alliance. "In addition to the cash allowances towards the purchase of fixtures and lamps, the program includes free professional design and consulting services, reduction of installation costs through the ALERTSM electrical-contractor network and possible additional grants directly from Energy ALERTSM Alliance member firms."

Interested organizations can download grantee qualifications, application instructions and an application form at the ALERTSM Web site www.energyALERTalliance.com/grants.php.

Grants will be issued on a weekly basis with March 31, 2010, being the application deadline. Applying early will improve an organization's eligibility for a grant.

Accreditation received
ELIZABETHTOWN — Elizabethtown Community Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in mammography, resulting from a recent survey by the American College of Radiography (ACR).

The ACR awards accreditation for the achievement of high practice standards after successful completion of a peer-review evaluation. Evaluations are conducted by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. These assessments analyze personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment and overall standards of patient care. Surveyors report their findings to the ACR's Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the facility with a comprehensive report.

Successful completion of the ACR accreditation process indicates that Elizabethtown Community Hospital has met nationally accepted standards of care and demonstrates the organization's commitment to quality and patient safety. The hospital's all-digital Radiography Department has been accredited in mammography since 1992.

"Elizabethtown Community Hospital is, once again, honored to receive ACR accreditation," said Molly Thompson, director of the Radiology Department. "Our staff consistently works to provide the best care for our patients, so we're thrilled to receive this important endorsement from the ACR."

ACR standards are revised at least every four years to reflect state-of-the-art radiology practice. The program was developed to evaluate personnel qualifications, equipment, radiation dose, images, processor performance and adherence to quality control and quality-assurance procedures. The ACR mammography accreditation program has become the standard by which women judge the quality of imaging centers.

According to Hospital Administrator and CEO Rod Boula, the accreditation is a reflection of the staff's education, training and hard work. "I'm very proud of our staff," he said. "Passing this rigorous evaluation is a reflection of our organization's overall commitment to quality. It indicates that the highest quality of care is being provided at our facility, so close to home for many people."

Utility help
PLATTSBURGH — National Grid is reminding customers that applications are still being accepted for the federally funded Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) that provides income-eligible families assistance in paying their energy bills.

LIHEAP payments vary depending on household income, household composition and heating-fuel costs in relation to income.

If a household receives public assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or food stamps, the household will most likely be eligible for LIHEAP benefits. If a household is not receiving public assistance, it still may be eligible if the gross monthly household income is at or below income guidelines based on household size.

Since LIHEAP funding is limited, customers who feel they may qualify for the funds should contact LIHEAP immediately — applications continue to be accepted for the remainder of the 2009-2010 heating season. The LIHEAP application process varies by state.

In New York State, eligibility for LIHEAP, currently referred to as HEAP, is determined by the county Department of Social Services. If an applicant is 59 or under and applying for the first time, call the department. If over 60, contact the local New York State Office for the Aging.

There are several other programs available to National Grid customers to help manage energy costs:

Low-income discount rate: Discount rates are available to many National Grid electricity and/or natural-gas customers based on service area and certain eligibility requirements. For more information about availability of low-income rates and to determine eligibility, customers should contact National Grid or their local energy-assistance agency, Community Action Agency or state Department of Social Services.

Billing options: National Grid's budget billing program helps to spread payments out more evenly across the year. This is particularly helpful to those on fixed incomes. Visit www.nationalgridus.com for more information on this and other payment programs.

National Grid's Web site, www.powerofaction.com, features energy-efficiency programs and saving tips, a list of qualified energy services companies and more.

Board appointed

LAKE PLACID — The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) has announced the results of the 2010 Board of Directors election.

ROOST's board, responsible for governing the organization, is comprised of 15 individuals with at least one director from each of the four tourism regions in the county: the Lake Placid/High Peaks, Lake Champlain, Schroon Lake and Whiteface regions.

The 2010 slate of officers are as follows: Chair, Justin Smith, Prestige Hospitality; vice chair, Ed Finnerty, Champlain National Bank; treasurer, Joe Kelly, Glens Falls National Bank; and secretary, Mike Beglin, Beglin's Jewelers.

Newly elected directors include Deb McLean from the UPS Store; Jamie Rogers, former Mayor of Lake Placid; and Carol Brown, president of North Country Community College.

They join sitting directors Jenn Webb, immediate past president, Golden Arrow Resort; Tracey Ridenauer; Deborah Fitts, Lake Placid Sinfonietta; Don Poulsen, Swedish Hill Winery; Mary Ann Hawley, Parajax, Inc.; Molly Kasriels, Normandie Beach Club; Kate Fish, Adirondack North Country Association; and Roy Holzer, Little Supermarket.

"With representatives from diverse facets of the business community, including resort and small hoteliers, retailers, financial institutions, the arts and educators, the Board of Directors represents a broad range of perspectives and expertise," said James McKenna, president of ROOST. "Our volunteer Board of Directors dedicates a lot of time on behalf of our destinations, and we extend our gratitude and thanks to our outgoing directors, Chris Erikson, Jim Murnane and Petra Weber for the leadership they provided during their tenure."

The Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism is a private, not-for-profit corporation. Over the last 60 years, the organization has evolved from the Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce, providing traditional business services and tourism promotion, to the accredited Destination Marketing Organization (DMO) for Lake Placid and Essex County through traditional marketing efforts, communication and destination planning. Most recently doing business as the Lake Placid/Essex County Visitors Bureau, ROOST has continuously evolved to stay ahead of the changing destination marketplace.

Etiquette workshops
PLATTSBURGH — SUNY Plattsburgh's Marketing Club has announced its 2010 Business Etiquette Series, which features forums on business, cocktail-party, travel, meeting and dining etiquette.

The schedule is as follows:

Cocktail-Party Etiquette, Conversation and Dressing for Business: Wednesday, Feb. 17, 4:30 p.m., Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center. Presented by Dr. Nancy J. Church, the program is free and refreshments will be served.

Travel and Meeting Etiquette: Wednesday, Feb. 24, 4:30, p.m. Alumni Conference Room, Angell College Center. Presented by John Parmelee, the program is free and refreshments will be served.

Dining Etiquette: Thursday, March 4, 4:45 p.m., Room 403A, Sibley Hall, 5:30 p.m., Samuel D's Restaurant, presented by Robert Rolfs. Because a meal is involved, attendees must R.S.V.P. by March 1. The dinner costs $15.

The series is supported by a grant from College Auxiliary Services. For more information and to R.S.V.P., contact Church at 564-4169.

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