Wednesday, April 29, 2009

MAY 2009 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

The Gym, All About Fitness, LLC invites the public to come out and welcome Doug Marrone, the new head coach of the Syracuse Orange football team on Thursday, May 7th, from 8:30 to 11:30 AM. The Gym is located at The Field/Rink on East Shore Drive, and features 24/7 365-days-per-year access, state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Accompanying Coach Marrone will be Chris Gedney (Syracuse Class of ’92, and former NFL player) and Matt Park, aka “The Voice of the Orange.” The event is hosted by The Gym, All About Fitness and co-sponsored by the new partnership of The Albanese Law Office and Coughlin and Gerhart, LLP. Coach Marrone is taking to the road to reach out to the Orange’s strong fan base here in the Finger Lakes Region, and to welcome new fans into the fold. For more information, call The Gym – All About Fitness at 607-220-8390 or visit www.thegymaaf.com.

Are you aware of the legal documents that every New Yorker should know about-- the health care proxy, living will, powers of attorney, wills, and more? These documents are useful tools in advance planning. They help each of us communicate to our loved ones how we wish to be cared for in case of serious illness, and how we wish our affairs to be handled. Come hear a free presentation by local attorney, Marcie Finlay, on Thursday, May 7 at 2:30 PM at The McGraw House, 221 So. Geneva St, Ithaca. This annual program is sponsored by the NYS Bar Association’s Elder Law Section. Persons of all ages are welcome. (On street parking only.) For more information, call 272-7054.

In February 2009 ComDoc, Inc. was purchased by Global Imaging Solutions, a Xerox Company. In business since 1955 and serving the Tompkins county market since 1977, the merger positions ComDoc to be at the forefront of their industry for many years to come by offering the same unique, award winning service combined with Xerox’s product and technology innovation and Global Imaging Solutions streamlined approach to distribution. This marks a truly exciting marriage of values, technology and proposition for ComDoc heading into the future. For more information please contact Brian Fiorello at 607.351.1543.

Family & Children’s Service of Ithaca recently named Diane Shafer The 2009 Agda Osborn Award winner for outstanding community service and volunteerism. A special ceremony was held in her honor on Sunday, April 5th at La Tourelle Resort. The award is presented to an individual or organization that has made significant contributions as a community volunteer. Organizations such as the Family Reading Partnership, the United Way of Tompkins County, and the Community Foundation of Tompkins County have been the fortunate beneficiaries of Diane’s expertise, vision, wisdom, and countless hours of volunteer time.

The Cancer Resource Center of the Finger Lakes is hosting an important speaker on May 14, 2009 at the downtown Holiday Inn from Noon2:00. Kate Murphy of the Colorectal Cancer Coalition will present “Colon Cancer: From Screening to Survivorship. One Woman’s Story”. Colorectal cancer affects both men and women of all racial and ethnic groups, and is most often found in people aged 50 years or older. It is the second leading cancer killer in the United States, but it doesn't have to be. If everybody aged 50 or older has regular screening test, as many as 80% of deaths from colorectal cancer could be prevented. For reservations, contact the CRCFL office at 277-0960.

Financial adviser and Cornell University lecturer Paul Strebel, CPA, CFP is the subject of the cover story in the April issue of Senior Market Advisor magazine. Strebel is a principal with the Ithaca-based Strebel Planning Group and teaches accounting and financial planning at Cornell University Hotel School. The magazine, which largely serves independent financial advisers across the country, spoke with Strebel about the current economic situation, how he’s advising clients during this downturn, how he’s positioning his business for the future and how he juggles careers in business and academia. For further information, contact Ellie McLaughlin at results@strebelcpa.com.

Thursday, April 2, 2009

APRIL 2009 MEMBERS IN THE NEWS

Eric Toftegaard of Freeville, a licensed insurance account executive, has recently joined Tompkins Insurance Agencies and is based out of their Tompkins County office at 1051 Craft Road. Toftegaard was formerly with State Farm as an agent and is an active member of the Ithaca community through the Dryden Rotary Club, the Ithaca Dragons Boosters Association, and as a board member of Dryden Community Center Café. Tompkins Insurance has been serving the insurance needs of small and large businesses throughout the state for more than 100 years.

Coughlin & Gerhart L.L.P
is proud to announce that three of its attorneys, Frank A. Nemia, Esq., Joseph J. Steflik, Jr., Esq., and John M. Thomas, Esq. have been honored in the 2009 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America.” Frank A. Nemia, Esq. and Joseph J. Steflik, Jr., Esq. have been honored in the specialty area of labor and employment law, and Judge Thomas in the specialty area of trusts and estates. Serving the Southern Tier since the 1890’s, Coughlin & Gerhart, L.L.P. is a multi-service law firm consisting of more than 40 lawyers and a professional support staff.

Dean E. Shea, Vice President and of Sunny Brook Builders has earned the Professional Designation of: Certified Green Professional (CGP) from the National Association of Home Builders in March of 2009.
Shea is one of only three Certified Green Professionals located in Tompkins County with this Professional Designation. The National Association of Home Builders’ Certified Green Professional™ designation recognizes builders, remodelers and other industry professionals who incorporate green building principles into homes— without driving up the cost of construction. Mark O. Barber, President of Sunny Brook Builders has earned the Professional Designation of: Certified Graduate Remodelor (CGR) from the National Association of Home Builders in January of 2009. Barber along with Shea are two of only three remodelors located in Tompkins county with this Professional Designation. Sunny Brook Builders has been remodeling, building new homes and providing handyman services for 26 years. See them on the web at sunnybrookbuilders.com.

RP Solutions, Inc
., has announced the certification of Digital Check's CheXpress CX30 check scanner for use with the company's remote deposit software. Digital Check is a provider of desktop check scanners and remote deposit capture technology to the financial industry. The CheXpress CX30 has numerous features specifically targeted for the merchant and small business environments including a small footprint, energy efficiency and quiet operation. Using its patent-pending scan and return mode, the CX30 captures two check images allowing it to optimize image quality and recognition rates. RP Solutions, Inc., based in Ithaca, NY, is an inspired software developer and solutions provider for the processing of deposits and payments received at businesses, lockboxes, ATMs, bank branches and websites. For more information please visit www.RPSolutions.com

Free family activities and an Easter Egg Hunt are planned for Saturday April 11th at T-Burg Mini Golf Family Entertainment Center located at 1966 Route 96, 7 miles north of Ithaca and 3 south of Trumansburg.
Festivities will begin at 10:00am with two egg hunts, one for children ages 4 and under and one for ages 5 to 10. Two additional hunts for the same age groups will take place at 12:00pm. In total, over 2000 prize / candy filled eggs will be hidden. Throughout the day, there will be two bounce houses, face painting, temporary tattoos, jelly bean counting contests and a prize wheel. Additional activities will be added as more organizations donate their goods and services. For additional information, call 607.387.PUTT (7888) or visit www.tburgminigolf.com.

The 14th Annual World of Skills Job Fair is taking place Thursday, April 23rd, 9:00 AM to Noon at the Ithaca Holiday Inn at 222 S. Cayuga Street, downtown Ithaca. Larry Roberts, Program Director, Finger Lakes Independence Center, states “For fourteen years employers and job seekers have had the opportunity to meet. Many of the job seekers are people with disabilities, or people who have significant gaps in their job history, or people who are underemployed, but anyone looking for a job should attend. This is a community job fair”.
For more information, call (607) 272-2433 or visit www.TompkinsWorkforce.NY.org.

On Monday, April 27th, the Baden-Powell Boy Scout Council will present their Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award not to one individual but to a couple, who take an active role in the Ithaca community. Carol and Mack Travis have collaborated on many local development projects, including Collegetown revitalization and the construction of the Gateway Center and Gateway Commons projects at the foot of State Street hill. Most recently, they have orchestrated the purchase and financial restructuring of the Clinton House and State Theatre. The Boy Scouts present this award each year to a community member for outstanding service and volunteerism to the community. Tickets for the event may be purchased by calling (607)423-6050.

The Center For Health welcomes the public for its Spring Lecture Series. The Center, located in downtown Ithaca, is a group of licensed professionals committed to providing excellent patient-centered healthcare. In addition to patient care, the Center is a resource for reliable information on integrative medicine. A variety of free community education events are offered throughout the year. Lectures are presented by the staff which includes licensed practitioners of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine Abigail Thomas-Costello and Sadie Hays, Massage Therapists Maren Waldman and Ron Floyd (Structural Integration), Osteopathic Physician Maria Budner-Gentry and licensed Nutritionist Michele Wilbur. For more information, visit www.ithacacenterforhealth.com or call
607-274-7520.

During the 2008-09 tax season, 2-1-1 Tompkins is partnering with Alternatives Federal Credit Union to help low income filers obtain free income tax preparation assistance. Just dial 2-1-1 for more information.
2-1-1 Tompkins is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL, consumer-focused, and non-judgmental. 2-1-1 Tompkins, a member of the Finger Lakes Regional 2-1-1 Collaborative, is operated by Information & Referral (I&R), a program of the Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, a United Way funded agency. I&R has provided information and referrals to community services in Tompkins County for over 30 years. Find their online resource directory and internet chat service at www.211tompkins.org.

The Tompkins County Restaurant & Tavern Association
is hosting their 30th Annual Golf Outing and Clam Bake Monday, June 1st at Trumansburg Golf Course. The tournament is an 18-hole, Captain & Crew event limited to 36 teams of four. Total cost for golf and the clambake is $75 if you sign up before May 1st. To sign up, please call Sonja Seamon at (607)273-1264, cell (607)342-4480.

The date has been set for the 2009 Community Fireworks Show in Ithaca. The fireworks will be shot from atop the Ithaca College campus on Thursday night, July 2. It’s not too early to make a donation to support this year’s show, as contributions continue to be the mainstay of the Ithaca fireworks shows, which began in 1947. Donations to support the 2009 fireworks show can be made by sending checks to the Community Fireworks Committee in care of Tompkins Trust Company, PO Box 460, Ithaca, NY 14851. More information about the Ithaca Community Fireworks Show is available at communityfireworks.com.

Space & time Offers Assistance in both Professional Organizing and Recreation Therapy


In February 2008, Angela Andiorio and Shira Adriance launched “space & time”, offering Recreation Therapy Consultation and Professional Organizing Consultation. These two distinct services share a common goal: To increase individual and family well-being by helping clients to achieve greater balance between the work, personal and caregiving aspects of their lives. Recreation therapy consultation is ideal for family caregivers of older adults or persons with disabilities. Benefits for caregivers include becoming a better caregiver, decreasing stress, maximizing free time, and enjoying better health and well-being. Services include one-on-one consultations, educational trainings and workshops for both professional and non-professional caregivers.

Professional organizing services are perfect for busy families, businesses and individuals who seek balance in their life, more efficient work and living spaces, less stress and more free time. Organizing services are particularly helpful during difficult life transitions (a move, a new job, retirement or the loss of a loved one). You will learn and put into practice techniques and strategies to lead a more organized and balanced life. Space & Time’s consulting services are available in Ithaca and neighboring communities and their services are offered on a sliding scale basis. Call them today!

www.spaceandtimeconsulting.com.
(607) 216-7384

Gorges Web Sites Will Help Your Business Grow


Gorges Web Sites, a locally-owned company experienced in web site design, development, and maintenance, is located on the Ithaca Commons. Since 1998, Gorges Web Sites' owners Matt Clark and Chris Grant have been designing and implementing business web sites, online stores, social networks and content management systems for dozens of clients in the Ithaca area. The addition of talented staff members in the last few years has greatly increased the breadth and depth of these services. Gorges Web Sites' clients include Cornell University, Ithaca City School District, Data Description, Concept Systems, Momentum Media, Student Agencies, Cayuga Press, Ongweoweh, Cornell Cooperative Extension, Upscale Remodeling, Vector Magnetics, The Plantsmen Nursery, and many more. Gorges has also assisted in the development of large web sites for Martha Stewart Omni-media, Freddie Mac, and Revolution Health.

These clients belong to some of the fastest growing businesses in the region and although the services they offer vary considerably, they share in the fact that each has used Gorges Web Sites experience (and reasonable rates) to improve their companies. Gorges' products are user-friendly and easily expandable. They enable businesses to maximize the use of the web to support their business growth. Initial consultations are free, so check out their web site to learn how Gorges Web Sites can help your business succeed and grow.

www.gorgeswebsites.com
(607) 280-2010

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

Need Help With Your Computer? Call Robotics 1 - Ithaca!

Robotics1 – Ithaca offers friendly computer services for business and residential customers and can handle any make, model, and software. Their mission is to provide low-cost computer services while offering FREE software solutions whenever possible without a manufacturer bias. They can help with maintaining the equipment you already have, help you invest in the right new equipment, and help you be prepared if disasters occur. Linda Crombie explains, “We are a very affordable and friendly solution. We charge $25 per hour for our services and there’s no need of retainer or an annual commitment. Payment is due upon delivery of completed services. We don’t charge for travel time and we’re not going to try to sell you anything.”
Robotics 1 – Ithaca’s technicians are available 24/7 and their network of technicians insures success with a wide knowledge and skills base. They offer support for everything from network construction, telephone systems, web design, servers, network printers to simple software installation support. When your computer crashes or you simply need help, call Robotics 1-Ithaca!

(607)272-6808

www.robotics1.com

MCCI Corporation Expands Into Second Tompkins County Site

Just over a year ago, the Tompkins Chamber covered the grand opening of MCCI® Corporation's Global Headquarters located on Krums Corners Road in Ithaca, NY. MCCI is the leading developer of software solutions for personal communication, media delivery, systems peripherals, and networking. They create software solutions for the mobile market and provide drivers, firmware, middleware, and software for OEM manufacturers of handsets, ADSL adapters, PDAs, and other computer devices.

Despite the slowing global economy, MCCI has continued to grow. In need of room to expand, they purchased, renovated and revitalized Ulysses Square, a unique office complex in Jacksonville, New York. This modern campus offers features that are not to be found anywhere else in upstate New York. It was responsibly designed for the needs of small businesses with comfort, elegance, safety and the environment constantly in mind, using the best available green technology and materials. The design is modern, functional, sleek and attractive. Besides housing MCCI’s additional Ithaca offices, the Ulysses Square office complex is currently home to five other businesses, and has its own website: http://www.ulysses-square.com. The MCCI expansion has produced a healthy, environmentally-friendly, state-of-the-art facility that blends well with the non-urban character of its surroundings. There’s currently additional office space available ranging from 225 square feet to over 3500 square feet.

(607) 277-1029

www.mcci.com

WB&A Market Research Expansion Creates New Job Opportunities in Downtown Ithaca

On Wednesday, March 25th, WB&A Market Research celebrated the recent expansion of their Ithaca facility, which is located in Suite 216 of Center Ithaca on the Ithaca Commons. The expansion will allow WB&A Market Research to increase the amount of work it does at its Ithaca location and also creates the potential for additional jobs in downtown Ithaca. Despite the downturn in the national economy, WB&A has been continuously hiring additional employees since February and plans to continue doing so until the additional positions created by the expansion have been filled. The company currently employs approximately 50 people at its Ithaca facility. Employees are offered flexible hours, earn monthly bonuses, and the company also has an awards program to recognize outstanding accomplishments by its workers. WB&A also makes a donation to a Tompkins County-based charity of its employees’ choice, once a month.

WB&A is a full-service market research firm serving clients in the healthcare, transportation, and travel and tourism industries, as well as higher education. The company is among a select group of firms that have been certified by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) to administer its Consumer Assessment of Health Plans Study (CAHPS), which it has done recently for the states of Maryland, Vermont, Arizona, and California. Established in 1987, WB&A Market Research is a Crofton, MD, based company. It provides a full range of market research services from questionnaire design to data collection, through analysis and reporting. There is a 30-seat interviewing facility at that location as well. It expanded into Ithaca in 2006, when it originally opened with 30 interviewing stations. Says Steve Markenson, owner of WB&A Market Research, “One of the reasons we located a second telephone interviewing facility in the Ithaca area is because of the access we would have to a broad selection of high caliber employees, and we have not been disappointed. We pride ourselves on our quality standards as a company, and we recognize that our employees are the foundation for maintaining those standards.”

(607)330-5301

www.wbanda.com