(Albany) – Sixteen Capital Region entrepreneurs have successfully completed the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) course specially designed for growing businesses.

The entrepreneurs graduated from the Chamber’s fall EAP training course during a ceremony on November 17 at the Chamber’s Albany office.

During the event, First Niagara Bank and the Chamber presented a $1,000 cash grant to Rebecca Mora-Contreras, owner of Taco Gordo, a food concession business specializing in authentic Mexican dishes, for winning the program’s business plan competition.

Jessica Pelton Rowell, an ordained minister and owner of Carissa Ceremonies, won the second prize of a complimentary Chamber membership for one year. Annemarie Lanesey and Joe Payette, co-owners of Greane Tree Technology Group, received the third prize of a color printer, copy and fax machine from Repeat [...]]]> Business owners graduate from Entrepreneurial Assistance Program

(Albany) – Sixteen Capital Region entrepreneurs have successfully completed the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program (EAP) course specially designed for growing businesses.

The entrepreneurs graduated from the Chamber’s fall EAP training course during a ceremony on November 17 at the Chamber’s Albany office.

During the event, First Niagara Bank and the Chamber presented a $1,000 cash grant to Rebecca Mora-Contreras, owner of Taco Gordo, a food concession business specializing in authentic Mexican dishes, for winning the program’s business plan competition.

Jessica Pelton Rowell, an ordained minister and owner of Carissa Ceremonies, won the second prize of a complimentary Chamber membership for one year. Annemarie Lanesey and Joe Payette, co-owners of Greane Tree Technology Group, received the third prize of a color printer, copy and fax machine from Repeat Business Systems. Linda Davis-Pedlar, co-owners of LDP Technical Consulting Services, won the fourth prize of computer courses from MicroKnowledge.

Joining the aforementioned in the EAP graduating class were:

• Ryan Adams, Freeze Frame Videography
• Veronica Bowman, Veronica’s Victorian Tea House
• Lynne Bunnell, Travel Health 101
• Joann Carolus, Ophelia’s Chamber
• Rev. Joyce Hartwell, Folk City Lore of Albany & The Capital Region
• April Hicks, Charlton Consulting Services
• Michelle Karlquist, A Scape For You
• Shannon Keyes, Key 2 Joy, Inc.
• Susan Lovelock, Leelacat Studio
• Jackie Pompey, Kidzz Cutzz
• Lewis Snearly, Truck & Bus Compliance & Auditing Service
• Pamela Tobin, Innovative Business & Marketing Solutions

Nehme Frangie, vice president of partnerships and operations at Vicarious Visions in Menands –– the company that created such popular games as “Guitar Hero,” “Spider-Man” and “Tony Hawk” –– was the keynote speaker and inspired the entrepreneurs to forge ahead despite the current state of the economy.

Honorable Michael Breslin, Albany County Executive, and Mark Eagan, Chamber president & CEO, also addressed the EAP graduates.

The Chamber’s EAP is a 12-week course educating entrepreneurs on the critical skills necessary for business success. The classes blend classroom and individual training with lectures by prominent business experts, followed by question-and-answer sessions.

Special guest lecturers cover such topics as: market research and marketing, social media, Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises (MWBE) certification, customer service, legal issues, business etiquette, business insurance, diversity and inclusion, and accounting. These speakers also provide guidance for improving sales and obtaining financing.

“With less capital available in today’s economic climate, creativity is the key in starting a business,” said Janet Tanguay, the Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Assistance coordinator. “The Chamber’s training program has always had a diverse and interesting array of businesses. During the fall semester, 14 out of the 16 graduating businesses were owned by women, and several technology companies were among the graduates, so perhaps that creative component was key.”

According to Savor the Success, a boutique social network for female entrepreneurs, 10.1 million firms are owned by women employing more than 13 million people and generating $1.9 trillion in sales in 2008.

EAP graduates are encouraged to contact the Chamber in the future for assistance in overcoming specific business challenges or to obtain information in regard to such issues as financing, site selection or business development. Preparations are being made for upcoming classes next spring; interested participants should call the Chamber at 518.431.1430 to register for the next EAP training course.

The Entrepreneurial Assistance Program course is supported by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, Empire State Development Corporation’s Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, and the Small Business Administration.

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Troy, NY – November 11, 2009 – As this month marks National Homelessness Awareness month across the country, local students at Russell Sage College have undertaken a creative campaign to help fight homeless stereotyping and to bring awareness to the growing issue in their own backyard.

Students of Professor Christine Nealon’s “Women Changing the World (WLD 420)” class spent this semester developing their working knowledge of human rights issues as they relate to homelessness by working with the school’s local community partner, the Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy, NY. “The objective of the WLD 420 course is to make students aware of ways they can create change both locally and globally, to examine the link between their [...]]]> - After working with a local homeless shelter, students wage a creative campaign to raise money and awareness for the local homeless crisis -

Troy, NY – November 11, 2009 – As this month marks National Homelessness Awareness month across the country, local students at Russell Sage College have undertaken a creative campaign to help fight homeless stereotyping and to bring awareness to the growing issue in their own backyard.

Students of Professor Christine Nealon’s “Women Changing the World (WLD 420)” class spent this semester developing their working knowledge of human rights issues as they relate to homelessness by working with the school’s local community partner, the Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy, NY. “The objective of the WLD 420 course is to make students aware of ways they can create change both locally and globally, to examine the link between their lives, the production of social values and the relationship of those values to the world around them and to universal human rights,” said Nealon. “This year, I challenged my section of the class to find a way to make a difference for human rights issues that are experienced by the staff and guests of Joseph’s House”.

The class spent the first half of their semester learning about homelessness from the guests and staff of Joseph’s House with a mission to bring about awareness of homelessness in the Troy area and to create change. “As we spoke with the guests of Joseph’s house, we heard the same thing over and over again,” said Patience Davidson, a student and Got Shelter? Organizer. “We continuously heard that one of the biggest struggles for the homeless is the invisibility that they face everyday and the lack of understanding from the community that homelessness does not meet a stereotype or discriminate but instead, can happen to anyone, for any reason and at any moment simply through a string of unfortunate incidents.”

It was this profound understanding by students that drove them to develop the “Got Shelter?” campaign. A slogan that they felt best represented the issue and which they felt would make an impact on the public. “The idea was to come up with a slogan that would make people think about the fact that, while they may have a roof over their own head tonight, so many others do not have that basic necessity” stated Meghan Hallenbeck, another student and Got Shelter? Organizer. “And, also to make people realize that they could easily be put into the exact same position as these unfortunate individuals who they may pass by on our local streets everyday and turn a blind eye to.”

On a mission of change, students devised a plan to plaster the Got Shelter? slogan across t-shirts with the intention of wearing them and staging a Got Shelter? demonstration in order to drive awareness for their cause. However, it wasn’t long before organizers realized that they could make a larger impact if they were to sell the t-shirts, which would expand their exposure as people across the community brandished the shirts and which would provide useful proceeds to help the shelter.

Got Shelter? T-shirts are available now through November 20th for $12 by contacting student organizers of the campaign at GotShelter@sage.edu. Shirts are a 50/50 cotton blend and are available in sizes S-M-L-XL. All proceeds will benefit the Joseph’s House & Shelter in Troy.

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Contact For the Got Shelter? Campaign :
Professor Christine Nealon (can put you in touch with student organizers)
(518) 244-2000
nealoc@sage.edu
Contact For Joseph’s House & Shelter:
Tracy Neitzel, Executive Director
(518) 272-2544
tneitzel@josephshousetroy.org

For further information, contact Park 19 Cookies at 518-664-4300 or at www.Park19Cookies.com

Top fundraisers included Rob and Danielle MacLeod, who walked in memory of their son, Anthony; Lori Peterson, walking in memory of her daughter, Jordan Ruth Peterson; and Lisa and Dave Dumar whose daughter, Kaylee, was stillborn in 2004. Together, these families donated nearly $3,000 in support of ANA’s mission. All were presented with gift packages that included overnight stays and restaurant gift certificates for venues in Saratoga.

Jovanni Mosca, the youngest fundraiser at just 7.5 years old, raised $400 for the organization via his own online fundraising page. ANA was founded in memory of his brother, Nicholas, and Jovanni’s goal was � [...]]]> SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY – More than 200 people, some of whom traveled from as far away as CT, attended Angel Names Association’s (ANA) annual Memorial Walk recently at the Saratoga Spa State Park. Attendees raised more than $15,000 to help bereaved families across the country.

Top fundraisers included Rob and Danielle MacLeod, who walked in memory of their son, Anthony; Lori Peterson, walking in memory of her daughter, Jordan Ruth Peterson; and Lisa and Dave Dumar whose daughter, Kaylee, was stillborn in 2004. Together, these families donated nearly $3,000 in support of ANA’s mission. All were presented with gift packages that included overnight stays and restaurant gift certificates for venues in Saratoga.

Jovanni Mosca, the youngest fundraiser at just 7.5 years old, raised $400 for the organization via his own online fundraising page. ANA was founded in memory of his brother, Nicholas, and Jovanni’s goal was “to raise money to help other families whose babies die.”

Families in attendance referred to the walk as “a healing experience.” One mom, who had struggled with grief related to her daughter’s death two years prior, described the walk as the “best day” of her life. “I finally felt as if someone was recognizing what I have been going through,” said Keri Hladik. “I was so nervous to participate in the walk, but I smiled, lifted my head, and walked. I walked for my daughter and for me and proof that I can and I will walk forward and still remember,” said Hladik.

“The walk was beautiful,” added Lisa Dumar, who walked in memory of her daughter and beside her friend, Lyn, whose son who was stillborn last month. “It was a comforting day, and I was glad that Lyn was able to bring some peace into herself in light of losing her son, Nathaniel, a short two weeks before the walk.”

Christina King, who recently moved to the area, attended the walk in memory of her son, Adam, on what would’ve been his ninth birthday. “This was my first year at the walk and I was honored to be a part of it. It was a very special day for us…this event was held on what was my son’s ninth birthday and was a wonderful way to celebrate him.”

The ANA Memorial Walk is a free event open to the public. “Participants raise money to support ANA because they believe in its mission,” remarked Michelle Mosca, ANA Cofounder and President. They also know that ANA is staffed entirely by volunteers, so 100% of their donations will be used to fund ANA programs. Memorial Walk sponsors– the Adirondack Trust Company, Ashley Rosenbrock Photography, Balet Flowers & Design, Corinth Merchants Association, Freihofer’s, GA Bove Fuels, the Kaelan Fund, and Michael and Linda Toohey – helped to ensure the walk’s success.

The generosity of corporate sponsors, area businesses who donated gifts-in-kind, and the fundraising efforts of ANA’s supporters contributed to the walk’s financial success and will enable ANA to continue its mission to assist bereaved families in 2010. “What makes the walk a success for us, is knowing that these families felt supported, and that others now have a greater understanding of the prevalence and impact of pregnancy loss and infant death on the community,” said Mosca.

Application deadline for craft vendors is Friday, November 13, 2009.

Standards: Work must be original, handcrafted and completely finished. Unacceptable work includes: ceramics from commercial molds, cut bottles, kits. No representatives or stores representing artists or craftspeople may apply.

Booth Space: 10′ long by 10′ deep

Fees*: $50

(*Additional $10.00 fee applies if you are selling/sampling any type of edible product. You must include this fee for your health permit.)

This is the 4th time the company’s award winning designs have appeared in the publication. Andrea has been an interior designer since 1997 and began designing custom kitchens and baths in 1999. The company has a unique and innate ability to transform their clients’ vision into space that is beautiful, well-crafted and functional.

Langford says the most rewarding part of designing kitchens and baths “is the complexity, numerous components & the ability to create a space that reflects the lifestyle of the owners, and will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The featured master bathroom design can be found in the November/December 2009 Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath [...]]]> (ALBANY, NY) November 2, 2009 – Andrea Langford of Andrea Langford Designs LLC, an Albany based kitchen and bath design firm is featured in Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Ideas magazine.

This is the 4th time the company’s award winning designs have appeared in the publication. Andrea has been an interior designer since 1997 and began designing custom kitchens and baths in 1999. The company has a unique and innate ability to transform their clients’ vision into space that is beautiful, well-crafted and functional.

Langford says the most rewarding part of designing kitchens and baths “is the complexity, numerous components & the ability to create a space that reflects the lifestyle of the owners, and will be enjoyed for years to come.”

The featured master bathroom design can be found in the November/December 2009 Better Homes and Gardens Kitchen and Bath Ideas Special Interest Publication on newsstands now.

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Contact:
Mark Eagan (phone) 431-1424 (e-mail) marke@acchamber.org
Paul Quirini (phone) 431-1451 (e-mail) paulq@acchamber.org

(Albany) – Black Friday is just around the corner, which means the holiday shopping season will be here before you know it. At some shopping centers in the Capital Region, the holiday sales have already begun –– and it’s not even Halloween yet.

Join Joseph Millett, general manager of Colonie Center; Ted Potrikus, executive vice president and director of government relations for the Retail Council of New York State; and key leaders of local retail companies for a panel discussion on “The Business Climate for Retail” on Tuesday, November 3 from 7:30 to 9am at the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce office at One Computer Drive South in Albany.

How does the retail climate [...]]]> For release: Immediate – Thursday, October 29, 2009

Contact:
Mark Eagan (phone) 431-1424 (e-mail) marke@acchamber.org
Paul Quirini (phone) 431-1451 (e-mail) paulq@acchamber.org

(Albany) – Black Friday is just around the corner, which means the holiday shopping season will be here before you know it. At some shopping centers in the Capital Region, the holiday sales have already begun –– and it’s not even Halloween yet.

Join Joseph Millett, general manager of Colonie Center; Ted Potrikus, executive vice president and director of government relations for the Retail Council of New York State; and key leaders of local retail companies for a panel discussion on “The Business Climate for Retail” on Tuesday, November 3 from 7:30 to 9am at the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce office at One Computer Drive South in Albany.

How does the retail climate in the Capital Region look? What do local retailers anticipate for the upcoming holiday season?

Despite the current economic downturn, retailers are cautiously optimistic that the upcoming holiday season will be strong. They will share insight and expectations for the approaching holidays and answer questions from attendees.

Panelists will include:

* Joseph Millett, general manager, Colonie Center
* Ted Potrikus, executive vice president and director of government relations for the Retail Council of New York State
* Rebecca Ehle from Silhouette Optical
* Jerry Sykes from Party Warehouse

“The Business Climate for Retail: A Panel Discussion” is presented by the Chamber’s Colonie Business Council. First New York FCU is program sponsor. Registration fee is $5 for Chamber members; for more information, visit http://acchamber.org/events/aspx.

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NEW YORK, October 28, 2009 — According to the United States Census bureau, nearly one-quarter of U.S. preschoolers are attending some organized child care facility, resulting in children spending an inordinate amount of time away from their parents. Color 4 Kids affords families an opportunity to spend time together preparing their children for the world. Through the proper use of color, light and textures, Color 4 Kids enhances children’s’ natural beauty while simultaneously teaching Moms (and even Dads) how to adorn and enhance their children’s lives with color.

All the extra time away from their children will motivate Moms to connect using Color in spite of what the fashionistas say. “Choosing clothes should be more than just picking the latest trend,” says Brittany Johnson, [...]]]> Extended Hours Away for Children, Motivates Author Brittany Johnson To Help Parents See Their Children In A Whole New Light

NEW YORK, October 28, 2009 — According to the United States Census bureau, nearly one-quarter of U.S. preschoolers are attending some organized child care facility, resulting in children spending an inordinate amount of time away from their parents. Color 4 Kids affords families an opportunity to spend time together preparing their children for the world. Through the proper use of color, light and textures, Color 4 Kids enhances children’s’ natural beauty while simultaneously teaching Moms (and even Dads) how to adorn and enhance their children’s lives with color.

All the extra time away from their children will motivate Moms to connect using Color in spite of what the fashionistas say. “Choosing clothes should be more than just picking the latest trend,” says Brittany Johnson, creator of “Color 4 Kids.” Johnson says the colors your children wear can have a direct impact on their self-esteem and how they do in school. Brittany says children can wear any color, but the shade and intensity can make all the difference in making them feel special. She’ll explain how to use your kids’ hair and eye colors along with their skin tones to determine which tones look best on them and make them shine. This easy concept also makes dressing kids easier when mornings are hectic, and it saves money as well, since clothes will be easier to mix and match. Johnson is an image consultant, color-analysis expert and author. She is a color and wardrobe consultant for TV production and catalogs

Color 4 Kids went on sale in bookstores and Amazon.com. Nationally Barnes and Noble Books Chain Corporate web-site carries “Color 4 Kids” in their parenting section. Several national radio and talk shows will be featuring Color 4 Kids.

In “Color 4 Kids” Ms. Johnson describes how colors can be utilized to enhance a child’s life. Brittany explains that each child’s unique coloring is seen as an individual palette, on which colors can be used to help the child further realize their individual potential. By discovering if your child is Spicy, Bold, Delicious or Playful, then implementing the Color 4 Kids plan, children can be helped to understand to accept who they are.

Color 4 Kids celebrates each child’s unique palette and essence.

Web site: www.color4kids.net

CONTACT: Brittany Johnson of Color 4 Kids, +1-518-859-2116

Health Care Reform: Can Congress Cure Our System’s Ailments?
October 27 breakfast features expert from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

(Albany) – As the debate over health care reform intensifies, an official from the world’s largest business federation will discuss how the proposals by President Obama and Congress could impact businesses during an informative breakfast on Tuesday, October 27, hosted by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Katie Strong Hays, executive director of the Congressional & Public Affairs Division for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will share the U.S. Chamber’s perspective on the current political landscape and outlook on health care reform at the Albany Marriott Hotel on Wolf Road.

[...]]]> For release: Immediate – Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Contact:
Mark Eagan (phone) 431-1424 (e-mail) marke@acchamber.org
Paul Quirini (phone) 431-1451 (e-mail) paulq@acchamber.org

Health Care Reform: Can Congress Cure Our System’s Ailments?
October 27 breakfast features expert from U.S. Chamber of Commerce

(Albany) – As the debate over health care reform intensifies, an official from the world’s largest business federation will discuss how the proposals by President Obama and Congress could impact businesses during an informative breakfast on Tuesday, October 27, hosted by the Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Katie Strong Hays, executive director of the Congressional & Public Affairs Division for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, will share the U.S. Chamber’s perspective on the current political landscape and outlook on health care reform at the Albany Marriott Hotel on Wolf Road.

Health care is the most costly expense for businesses today. As costs continue to skyrocket, the business community shares the goals of the Administration and Congress to reduce the costs of health care and to increase the public’s access to quality heath care services. However, as the voluntary providers of health care to 160 million Americans, it is essential that businesses and industries are not negatively affected by the reforms.

With a direct stake in the outcome of health reform efforts, employers have led the way in seeking a higher quality, evidence-based health care system. The U.S. Chamber is equally committed to advocating on behalf of businesses and opposing increased costs, taxes, fees, mandates and regulatory burdens.

Hays’ presentation will include an outline of what the U.S. Chamber seeks in health care reform, its involvement and grassroots operation, its concerns with the current proposals by President Obama and Congress, and the best way to pay for health care in the years ahead.

McNamee, Lochner, Titus & Williams, P.C. is the corporate sponsor of this event, which is open to both Chamber members and non-members. Check-in and breakfast will take place from 7:30am-8am followed by the program. Registration cost is $25 per person; to register, visit acchamber.org/events.aspx.

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