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March 9, 2010
Domino's Pizza Reopens Upper State Street Schenectady Location
Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Dave Bertrand; Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; Caryn and Bill Kent; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.
Domino’s Pizza celebrated its reopening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, March 9, 2010. Located at 1592 State Street, the store is now owned by Bill Kent.
Kent has been associated with the Domino’s brand since 2000 and purchased his first franchise in 2007. He currently owns four franchises: Ithaca, Oneonta, Schenectady and Saratoga Springs. He is a resident of Niskayuna.
Domino’s Pizza recently underwent a “Pizza Turnaround.” Through a series of focus groups and customer feedback, the chain willingly admitted they were not meeting their customers’ expectations. After researching numerous crust types, sauces and cheeses, they have upgraded their recipe and product.
Domino’s Pizza | 1592 State Street, Schenectady
518.393.3030 | www.dominos.com
Open daily 11 – 1 a.m.
February 8, 2010
Autism Society of America Celebrates New Schenectady Location
Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Donna Pravel; Senator Hugh Farley representative Michael Mansion; Chamber Ambassador Sid Ramotar; Autism Society Board President Meryl Einbinder; Angelo Santabarbara; Executive Directro Janine Kruiswijk; Tammy Corey; Sarah Hamilton; Cindy Barkowski; Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton
Schenectady, NY ( February 8, 2010) The Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America (ASA) held a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on February 3, 2010. The event marked the new office of the Albany ASA located at 101 State Street in Schenectady.
Now more centrally located, the offices can better serve the community through access to resources that include an educational library and a knowledgeable staff willing to assist with any questions regarding the autism spectrum concerning education, work, programs for youth and adults as well as support groups.
Following the ribbon cutting a check was presented by Angelo Santabarbara of the SB Cheese Company. Santabarbara donated the proceeds earned from the 2009 Basket Cheese Ball, totaling $4,700 – a significant increase from his donation of $1,400 last year.
Albany Chapter of Autism Society of America
101 State Street, Schenectady
www.albanyautism.org
Sarah Hamilton, Assistant Communication & Event Coordinator
518.355.2191 | shamilton@albanyautism.org
Autism is a complex brain disorder that inhibits a person’s ability to communicate and develop social relationships and is often accompanied by extreme behavioral challenges. Autism Spectrum disorders are diagnosed in 1 in 110 in the last decade. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention calls autism a national public health crisis whose cause and cure remain unknown.
The Albany Chapter of the Autism Society of America serves people living with Autism in the greater Capital Region (12 counties) and other families. Its mission is to promote lifelong access and opportunities for people on the autism spectrum and their families so they can be fully participating, included members of their communities. This is accomplished through advocacy, public awareness, education, compassionate support and research related to autism.
December 17, 2009
More Perreca's Donates Grand Opening Profits to Jack's Place
Photo from left: Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority Ray Gillen; Scott Cietek; Maria Perreca Papa; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Lilia Perreca Papa; Joseph Fava; Dorothy Falvo; Claudio’s General Contracting Owner Claudio Giovannone; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner
More Perreca’s celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Thursday, December 17, 2009. The bakery café is located at 31 North Jay Street in the building adjacent to Perreca’s bakery.
Perreca’s Bakery, located in Schenectady’s Little Italy, has been a family-run business since 1913. Today, the business is operated by the third generation, brother-and-sister team Tony Perreca and Maria Perreca Papa.
“I congratulate the Papa Family on the opening of More Perreca’s,” said Susan Savage, Chairwoman of the Schenectady County Legislature. “This is another great example of a home-grown family business succeeding in Schenectady County. I want to thank the Papa family for their continued investment downtown and wish them well as they continue to provide great food and exceptional service to their customers.”
More Perreca’s inhabits a building on the corner of Warren and North Jay Streets that had been vacant and boarded-up for the past 15 years. Investment in renovation totaled nearly $600,000, which included funding from Schenectady Metroplex Development Authority and SEFCU.
The bakery café is open daily from 7 a.m. until 3 p.m. serving both breakfast and lunch. In addition to its signature hard-crusted Italian bread, the menu features a full complement of traditional Italian breakfast and luncheon fare.
In celebration of its grand opening, More Perreca’s will donate all net profits from the daily receipts on December 17 to the Jack Falvo III Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation gathering funding in the pursuit of creating “Jack’s Place,” the goal of which is to provide a “home” for families of out-of-town patients recuperating in our area hospitals and long-term care facilities.
More Perreca’s | 31 North Jay Street, Schenectady | 518.377.9800
Open daily 7 a.m. – 3 p.m.
December 2, 2009
New Offices Prove Bellamy Construction Continues to Build
From the left: Dave Paolelli, Sid Ramotar, Clair Tremblay, County Legislator Jim Buhrmaster, Bruce Bellamy, Sharon Bellamy, Steve MacKenzie, Tanya Bellamy, Brian Bellamy, Greg Bellamy, Mark Hannon, Katie Bellamy, Alan Boulant, Glenville Town Supervisor Frank Quinn, Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner
Bellamy Construction celebrated the opening of its new corporate offices with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, December 1, 2009. The new facility is located at 6684 Amsterdam Road, Scotia.
Co-President Greg Bellamy said, “Thanks to our valued clientele and business partners, our business is thriving, and we needed to expand to include a larger, more accessible facility.”
Bellamy Construction, formerly B.W. Bellamy & Sons Construction, began as a remodeling firm in 1975 and has since grown into a business that offers a diverse range of services including excavation, trenchless technology, custom homes, remodeling and general home improvement. Bellamy Construction’s staff now includes more than 30 employees.
The company’s reputation of being family-owned and providing superior customer service is what has made it one of the area's most trusted construction businesses for more than 30 years. Remodeling Magazine inducted Bellamy to its Remodeling Big 50 for impact on community, professionalism, integrity and taking the lead in raising the industry standards.
Bellamy Construction | 6684 Amsterdam Road, Scotia
518.372.0784 | www.bellamys.com
November 25, 2009
Peaceful Acres Realizes Dream, Opens Welcome Center
Peaceful Acres celebrated the opening of its Wright Family Welcome Center with a ribbon cutting hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Monday, November 23, 2009. Executive Director Nanci Beyerl, horses, students, volunteers and staff were witness to the occasion.
The Wright Family Welcome Center was realized through funding from the Wright Family Foundation, the Carlilian Foundation, ZMS Structures and many local contributors. The building will house restrooms, a waiting area and clinical as well as business offices. Most importantly, it will be the first heated structure on the property; a luxury unheard of for the previous five winters that the business has been in operation.
Along with the Welcome Center, a newly renovated rescue barn was unveiled. The barn will provide winter housing for two newly rescued thoroughbreds. Chris and Cindy Dobson, Winslow Plum, Bellevue Builders Supply, Timber Construction and numerous volunteers contributed to the effort.
Peaceful Acres is nonprofit 501(c)(3)sanctuary for horses and people. A place where horses rescued from abuse find a new life and where some of those same horses are people's guides to healing emotionally, psychologically, physically and spiritually.
Peaceful Acres | 3740 Rynex Corners Road, Pattersonville
518.887.3178 | www.peacefulacreshorses.com
November 20, 2009
Chamber Holds 21st Annual Business Awards Dinner
The Chamber of Schenectady County honored 10 organizations and individuals at its 21st Annual Business Awards Dinner on Tuesday, October 20 at Glen Sanders Mansion in Scotia.
"The Chamber is thrilled to recognize these businesses and the people who make them successful," said Angelo Mazzone, chairman of The Chamber's Board of Directors. "Schenectady has much to celebrate these days, and our vibrant business community is a big part of the Renaissance."
Following are the award categories and honorees:
Rising Star Award – Given to a business in operation for two years or less, that has demonstrated commitment to the community and exhibits potential for long-term success.
Bombers Burrito Bar, State Street, Schenectady
Renaissance Award – Given to a business or organization that has revitalized or rebuilt a property, resulting in enhanced appearance.
Highbridge Development for its Clinton Square project, State Street, Schenectady
Say Schenectady Tourism Award – Bestowed upon an individual or organization that has shown significant commitment to the development of tourism and visitor services in Schenectady County.
Mona Golub for her dedication to the arts in Schenectady County, specifically the Agnes McDonald Music Haven in Central Park, Schenectady.
Community Partner Award – Bestowed upon an individual or organization that has demonstrated a commitment to giving back to the community.
Rotterdam Square Mall/Macerich, Campbell Road, Rotterdam
Special Recognition: Michael Mastroianni, owner of Michael’s Shoe Service and former chairman, Upper Union Street Business Improvement District, Union Street,
Schenectady Tech Valley Innovation Award – Given to a business that has demonstrated extraordinary technical innovation.
Ener-G-Rotors, Inc., Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
Entrepreneur of the Year - Recognizes an innovative leader in a business with 100 employees or less who has contributed to the growth of Schenectady County.
Paul and Christiane Potratz, Potratz Partners Advertising, Union Street, Schenectady
Enterprise of the Year – An award reserved for businesses with 100 employees or less distinguishing itself through achievements in growth and management.
Greno Industries, Inc., Corporate Park, Scotia
Executive of the Year – Reserved for a natural-born leader and charismatic go-getter who has contributed to the growth of Schenectady County.
James Connolly, CEO, Ellis Hospital, Nott Street, Schenectady
Corporation of the Year – For a business with 100 employees or more, distinguishing itself through achievements in growth and management.
GE Energy, River Road, Schenectady
November 20, 2009
Spectrum Environmental Associates Relocates
From the left: City Councilwoman Denise Brucker; Luke Paine; Beth and Bill Massmann; Fred Schauf; Genienne Bakuzonis; Jack VanDenburgh; James Capasso; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.
Spectrum Environmental Associates celebrated its new offices with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Friday, November 20, 2009. Owned by Bill Massmann, the business is located at 2539 Albany Street in Schenectady.
The business is a Department of Health-approved asbestos abatement training facility. Additional trainings in regard to OSHA guidelines and lead are expected to begin soon. Spectrum’s services also include asbestos and lead testing and consulting, environmental management, industrial hygiene service, health and safety training, laboratory services, residential home and commercial building inspections and thermal imaging investigations.
Spectrum Environmental Associates was founded in 1995 and was originally located in Albany. Desiring a closer location to his home, Massmann relocated to Broadway in Schenectady in 1997. The addition of staff and an increase in training classes led to the need for a larger building and more parking.
Spectrum Environmental Associates | 2539 Albany Street, Schenectady
518.346.6374 | www.4spectrum.com
November 18, 2009
Expresso Therapy Awakens Empty Space in Scotia
From the left: Chamber Ambassadors Amy Aldrich and Sid Ramotar; Town of Glenville Councilman Ed Rosenberg; Jesse and Danielle Knapp; County Legislator Jim Buhrmaster; Scotia Mayor Kris Kastberg; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner
Expresso Therapy celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, November 18, 2009 hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County. Located at 127 Mohawk Avenue in the Village of Scotia, the business is owned by Danielle Knapp.
Expresso Therapy serves coffees of every size, shape and flavor along with a variety of teas, real fruit smoothies and Italian sodas. All the muffins, cookies and bagels served are made from scratch on the premises. The shop retails coffee by the pound, cookie and muffin trays and muffin mixes.
Live music by local musicians can be heard weekly on Friday nights and often on Saturdays beginning at 8 p.m. Every other Wednesday is open mic night from 7 until 9 p.m. Expresso Therapy also offers free wireless internet.
Knapp has a BS in creative arts and therapy - aka Expressive Therapy - hence the name of her new business. Although she grew up in Colonie, Knapp and her husband purchased their first home in Scotia. She fell in love with the idea of owning a coffee shop in high school. The empty storefront she passed daily beckoned her to fulfill her dream.
Expresso Therapy | 127 Mohawk Avenue, Scotia
518.346.0078
Hours: Monday thru Thursday 7:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Friday and Saturday 7:30 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Sunday 1 – 10 p.m.
November 17, 2009
Ellis Medicine Cuts the Ribbon on New Medical Home
SCHENECTADY, NY-- Ellis Medicine officially announced the grand opening of its new Medical Home on the Ellis Health Center McClellan Street campus, ushering in a new era of primary and preventative/wellness care for the community. More than 100 employees, physicians, donors and members of the community joined New York State Health Commissioner, Richard Danes, M.D, elected officials and community leaders in marking the occasion.
The Medical Home offers comprehensive primary care for everyone in our community, with unique support for the underserved -- all in one convenient location. The Medical Home is designed to improve access to quality care and preventive/wellness medicine by centralizing and enhancing the following key services:
· Family medicine at the Family Health Center
· Pediatric medicine at the Pediatric Health Center —new space doubles the number of treatment rooms to serve more patients in a timely manner
· Dental care at the Dental Health Center – renovations currently underway in new space with more treatment rooms
These services are supported by insurance enrollment assistance and a wide array of additional outpatient services, such as child and adolescent mental health, diabetes education, imaging, laboratory and emergency services. Other unique features include:
· Health Services Navigators – specially-trained nurses with extensive knowledge of community resources connect patients to the medical care and social services they need.
· Ellis’ Community Shuttle makes seven stops in Schenectady, weekdays, 12:30 pm-1:30 pm and brings people to the Medical Home for care.
· The use of electronic health records will help ensure continuity of care for every Medical Home patient.
The Medical Home has been under development for more than a year. It was supported by a $5 million New York State HEAL grant and through a $1 million grant secured by NYS Senator Hugh T. Farley.
November 13, 2009
Restaurant at Parker Inn Sings a New Song
From the left: Chamber Ambassador Barbara Norton; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo; Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; General Manager Rich St. Jean; Ethan, Chris and Annalese Myers; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco; Schenectady County Legislator Karen Johnson; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.
The Alto Grille, located in the Parker Inn, 434 State Street, Schenectady celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation on Thursday, November 12, 2009.
When the property originally opened in 2002, there were no provisions made for a professional kitchen. Recognizing that the clientele wanted more, owner Chris Myers recently made the investment to upgrade and equip a full-service kitchen and redecorate the bar and restaurant space.
A variety of new, warm colors adorn the walls along with old vinyl records, a host of musical instruments and other music-related memorabilia. The once full-length glass walls between the restaurant and the Proctors Arcade are now a third the height, creating an open-air, café-style space.
A full menu - prepared on premises - including appetizers, soups, salads, sandwiches and entrees is now being served.
With just steps between the Alto Grille and Proctors, prompt pre-show service is a focus. Wednesday night features an affordable raw-bar including crab legs, oysters and chilled shrimp. In addition to a la carte dining, the restaurant hosts private sit-down events and cocktail parties. Weekend and Broadway packages pairing overnight rooms and the new dining experience offer additional value. The atmosphere is conducive to a diverse audience including families.
Currently, the Alto Grille serves dinner nightly. Beginning on November 16, luncheon service will be added Monday through Friday.
Alto Grille | 434 State Street, Schenectady
518.688.1001 | www.parkerinn.com/alto/
Hours: Monday- Friday 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 4 – 10 p.m.
October 30, 2009
Downtown Custom Printwear Makes Its Mark
Photo from left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco representative Greg Amorosi; Ben Sadler; Jane Aibel; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo; City of Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; Brian Mungavin; Dan Leavitt; David Boomhower; Cassius the Bull Terrier
Downtown Custom Printwear celebrated its official opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation on Friday, October 30, 2009. Located at 140 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady, the shop specializes in screen printing, embroidery and signage.
Owner Ben Sadler, originally from Cambridge, MA, graduated from Union College in 2007. Unsure of how he would use his degree in psychology and history, he decided to explore his options in Schenectady instead of returning home. Now a little more than two years later, he is a successful business owner.
He began his business in the attic of his home as a hobby. What he didn’t realize was how intricate the screen printing process was. After saving up $700 and making a priceless investment in time to learn the finer points of the craft, Downtown Custom Printwear was born.
Since moving to his storefront on Erie Boulevard, Sadler’s business has grown quickly. He’s used the profits from his original start-up money to purchase upgraded screen printing equipment and broaden his scope of offerings. Sadler has also purchased an embroidery machine and wide-format printer to produce signage.
“For something that started as a hobby, I am surprised by and grateful for this opportunity,” said Sadler. “My connections at Union College and word-of-mouth have really helped to grow my business. What I am most thankful for is that I stayed in Schenectady. This city has offered me tremendous success, and for that I am indebted to this community.”
Downtown Custom Printwear | 140 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
518.346.4400 | www.downtownprintwear.com
October 29, 2009
Watson, Peterson and Company CPAs’ New Partnership Adds Up to Success
Photo from left: Chamber Ambassador Amy Aldrich; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo; Assemblyman Tedisco Representative Greg Amorosi; City of Schenectady Mayor Brian Stratton; Susan Watson; Heather Peterson; Susan Alexson; Ken Ashe; Christine Gorgen; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.
Watson, Peterson and Company CPAs, PLLC celebrated its new partnership with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation on Thursday, October 29, 2009. Located at 158 Lafayette Street, Watson, Peterson and Company CPAs specializes in individual and fiduciary income tax preparation; estate, gift and trust taxation; accounting for estates, trusts and guardianships and small business setup.
Susan M. Watson established the firm in 1991. A full-time mother of five, Ms. Watson resumed her education when her last child began school. She attended Schenectady County Community College, the College of St. Rose and achieved her Master’s Degree in Accounting from the University at Albany. She serves on several local boards and has recently been named Woman of the Year by the Schenectady Business and Professional Women’s Club.
Heather A. Peterson joined the firm at its inception as a tax accountant. She has an Associate’s Degree in Accounting from Schenectady County Community College, and Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the College of Saint Rose. She became a partner in the firm after being recently licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Peterson is one of Watson’s five children.
“I am thrilled to have Heather as a partner in the firm,” said Watson. “Not only because she is my daughter, but because it ensures the continuation of this business for years to come.”
Watson, Peterson and Company CPAs, PLLC | 158 Lafayette Street, Schenectady
518.372.9518 | www.watsonpetersoncpa.com
October 19, 2009
PriorityOne Networks Dials Up Communications Business
Photo from left: Gerard Parisi; Randy Zielinski; Steve Niro; Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.
PriorityOne Networks, LLC celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County. The business is located at 376 Broadway, Schenectady.
PriorityOne is a Communications as-a-Service (CaaS) provider of business-class telephony and unified communications services. They combine the proven reliability of traditional telephony with the flexibility, feature-richness and efficiency of hosted telephony. As a result of this marriage, PriorityOne is able to offer a comprehensive hosted unified communications service allowing customers to eliminate on-premise equipment and issues associated with owning, maintaining and upgrading hardware-based PBX phone system, voicemail, unified messaging and other communications platforms. The PriorityOne service also consolidates multiple vendors, telco services and monthly bills.
Chief Technology Officer and President Randy Zielinski has an extensive professional background in technology. “The real advantages to Voice over Internet Protocol systems is that they eliminate expensive hardware and software. They also offer a wide range of functions usually only found is high-end equipment, and most importantly, they reduce cost,” said Zielinski. PriorityOne offers a range of options from small business service to premium plans.
PriorityOne Networks, LLC | 376 Broadway, Schenectady
518.533.4480 | www.priorityonenet.com
October 15, 2009
That’s a Great Cigar Shoppe Lives Up to Its Name
From the left: Ahmad Yusufi; Schenectady County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco representative Greg Amorosi; Dick Purga; Heidi, Rita and Paul Sickles; Sarah Hotaling-Sickles; Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation Executive Director Jim Salengo; Steve Strichman
That’s a Great Cigar Shoppe celebrated its opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation on Wednesday, October 14. The Shoppe is located in the former Wallace Armor building at 180 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady.
That’s a Great Cigar Shoppe has a variety of stress-free environments including a lounge with an overstuffed couch, large flat-screen television and DVD player, a card-playing area and a pool table. Customers are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages and can rent the store for private parties.
In addition to the premium boutique cigars in the walk-in humidor, the shop sells lighters, personal humidors, cutters and other related accessories. If preferred, on-site humidor lockers are available for purchase to hold collections of personal favorites.
“I love to shop for unique cigars,” said owner and aficionado Paul Sickles, a former custom homebuilder. “It’s my passion to search-out premium, hard-to-find specialty brands. My main goal is for people to come here and relax. I wanted to create a place that people could escape to.”
Sickles plans to have a licensed massage therapist available by appointment one night a week by the end of October and will begin monthly special events in November.
“It’s wonderful that Paul Sickles has brought new life to this historic building on Erie Boulevard,” said Jim Salengo, executive director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. His business adds to a growing list of specialty retail and service establishments that are helping to define the new downtown Schenectady.”
That’s a Great Cigar Shoppe is hosting an open house on Saturday, October 17 from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. featuring hand-rolled cigars, refreshments and give-aways. All 18 years old or older are welcome.
That’s a Great Cigar Shoppe | 180 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady
518.346.4052 | www.thatsagreatcigarshoppe.com
Hours: Monday- Thursday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sunday 1 – 10 p.m.
March 4, 2009
New Relocation Kits Available
 The Chamber, GE and Schenectady County have partnered to create Schenectady County: Life in Upstate New York, a multi-media guide to living and working in Schenectady County. The guide was developed through this unique public/private partnership to highlight all that Schenectady County has to offer to individuals and families considering working and residing in Schenectady County.
The partnership was created immediately after the October 2007 announcement by GE that they would be adding 500 new jobs at the company’s Schenectady plant and investing almost $40 million at the downtown location.
This guide is packaged with an interactive CD and is complimented by a web site at www.discoverschenectady.com. Inside each of these publications, readers will discover Schenectady County, the birthplace of technology, home of innovation, and destination for those who seek a quality of life unique to upstate New York. Detailed information is provided in sections titled Tech Valley, Business and Employment, Communities, Education, Arts & Culture, Sports & Recreation, and Health & Family.
Welcome kits are available for $20 each, or information may be downloaded at no cost by visiting www.discoverschenectady.com.
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