November 2014

 

RBA Board of Directors approves commissioning of second white paper looking at Rockland County's structure and governance 

 

The Board of Directors of the Rockland Business Association (RBA) has approved the commissioning of the organization's second white paper which will focus on how Rockland County is structured and governed.


 
"Rockland County has the onerous and dubious distinction of being the fourth highest taxed county in the United States and the third highest taxed county in New York State," said RBA President/CEO Al Samuels. "How can that be? How can this little county have that terrible distinction? We've got to take a look at how Rockland is structured and governed in order to start to make some intelligent and difficult decisions."

 

Once commissioned, the Newburgh-based Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress, or Pattern, a respected regional think tank, will be responsible for the study's research and preparation. The study is expected to be completed by the third quarter of 2015.

 

"The Hudson Valley Pattern for Progress will look at everything," said Samuels. "They will have complete latitude of examining the wide array of issues, and there are many. They have a unique perspective of the Hudson Valley and they are well-positioned to take a look at why Rockland County's approach is not working." 

 

Pattern is a not-for-profit policy, planning, advocacy and research organization whose mission is to promote regional, balanced and sustainable solutions that enhance the Hudson Valley's growth and vitality.

 

Samuels feels Pattern's forthcoming report will offer tremendously useful information to the greater Rockland community.

 

"This report will allow the people of Rockland to make decisions based on the information provided in the document," said Samuels. "It's a gift to the people of Rockland with the understanding that the people of Rockland and its elected officials must act on it. This report is a public service, not just to RBA members but for the entire Rockland community."

 

Samuels said he expects the paper will capture the public's attention.


 
"We are taking a dispassionate look at the factors," he said. "It will be up to Rockland's leadership to take action."


 
RBA's first paper, "The Rockland County Budget Crisis: How it happened, and plotting a course to fiscal health," was published in November 2012. It focused on eight areas which contributed to Rockland County's current $138.5 million deficit with four recommendations to address the problem.

 

The RBA Board of Directors approved the white paper's commissioning at its October meeting.


 

Sponsorships for this White Paper are available at three levels: Platinum $5,000, Gold $3,000
and Silver $1,000. Please contact Al Samuels if you would like to be part of this important document.  

 


A successful expo!
 
Thank you to  everyone who participated in the RBA's recent Expo Regional Business/Tech. The RBA is pleased to be able to bring you opportunities such as this to expand your knowledge of trends and topics.


   

 The ribbon cutting at the 2014 Expo Regional Business/Tech was a group effort by many.

 

Expo exhibit contest winners

This year's 2014 Expo Regional Business/Tech exhibit contest winner is Flackman, Goodman & Potter, PA. Gathering are: Ann Byne, Byne Graphics, judge; Phyllis Damiano and Rachele Felberbaum, Protein Sciences, who were also judges and last year's contest winners; and Vicki Goetter and Patricia Ciardullo of Flackman, Goodman & Potter. Eric Black of All Types Advertising was also a judge. The judging was based on visual appearance, marketing materials and staff knowledge. The prize is a free exhibit space at next year's show.

Member news

Entergy's Indian Point Energy Center earns highest NRC rating 

The Indian Point Energy Center, a dual-unit nuclear power plant in Buchanan owned by Entergy Corporation (ETR), has achieved the highest safety rating from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) for the fifth year in a row.

 

Industry experts have stated the United States has the most heavily tested and regulated nuclear facilities in the world.

 

Entergy has invested more than $1 billion at Indian Point to strengthen and enhance plant reliability and safety in recent years, according to officials.

 

The facility, which generates about 25 percent of all the electricity used in New York City and lower Hudson Valley, is required to have layer upon layer of safety and security systems, ensuring the plant is protected from even the most challenging environmental or man-made events.

 

The plant proved its resilience two years ago, during Superstorm Sandy. While much of New York City's and Westchester County's electrical infrastructure was damaged or destroyed, Indian Point was unaffected by the storm's floodwaters.

 

A little known fact is that NRC inspectors have offices at Indian Point where they can monitor safety performance every day.  In fact, inspectors spend more than 5,000 hours at Indian Point each year.  Daily inspections are supplemented by special inspections throughout the year on things like security, emergency preparedness, flood and seismic protection and many other issues.

 

To learn more about Indian Point, visit Entergy's website at www.safesecurevital.com.


 

Verticon awarded $5 million low-bid contract

Verticon Construction Services of the Hudson Valley has been awarded a $5 million low-bid contract to serve as G.C. prime contractor for a major construction project for the Wappingers Central School District.


 
The project, which is scheduled to be completed by mid-2015, will include:

  • Constructing a new 16,000 square foot, pre-engineered transportation facility building, including all site development work and interior bus lifts.
  • Constructing a new 1,000 square foot  driver check-in building
  • Front entrance security system upgrades at all 14 schools
  • Interior general construction work at two schools
  • Asbestos abatement at two schools
  • Interior doors, frames and hardware at two schools

Verticon Construction Services is a full-service general construction firm, GC, project manager and consultant for site planning, pre-construction, renovation and design-build projects. Projects have ranged from construction of major industrial facilities to small office renovations, and everything in-between. 


 
Verticon assists clients with spot-on cost estimating and has construction bonding through its relationships with an AAA rated Surety firm, financial institutions and local community banks.  To learn more, visit:  www.verticon.net.

 


 
Dominican College of Blauvelt launches two healthcare management programs

The programs are designed for those with existing business skills who want to enter the healthcare industry or those who are already in healthcare administrative positions who want to improve their careers.

 

The Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Management can be completed in 10 months and the MBA in Healthcare Management can be completed in 24 months with evening courses offered during eight week accelerated sessions. Advanced certificate credits can move seamlessly to the MBA program, according to officials.


 
To learn more, call Lisa Decker, Ph.D., assistant academic dream, at 848-4121 or email to: [email protected]

 


 
 Clarkstown earns Money Magazine's 'Best Places to Live' ranking

The Town of Clarkstown has again been ranked by Money Magazine as one of the "Best Places to Live" in the nation.


 
Clarkstown, home to approximately 85,000 people, ranked number seven out of 10 with only three other New York cities placing.

 

Clarkstown ranked number 35 out of 100 in 2012; 41 out of 100 in 2010; and 71 out of 100 in 2008.


 
The town has also been consistently rated among the top "safest" communities nationwide by CQ Press.

 

"We are so proud of this wonderful honor, especially to have made the Top10 list of the best places to live in the country," said Supervisor Alex Gromack. "Clarkstown has various schools, economic opportunities, and a host of community and civic organizations that work to keep our town one of the best places to live."


 
 

 Hochman Practice Group merges with Grassi & Co.

The Hochman Practice Group of New City, has joined Grassi & Co.--- a top 100 accounting firm with offices in New York City and Jericho, N.Y.

 

The group now operates under the Grassi & Co. name.

 

Company officials said the decision to join these two teams is the result of a variety of synergies, which will allow both firms to provide increased skill-sets and technical expertise as well as a wider array of services and new opportunities to their clients, while also expanding their geographical reach. 

 

The Hochman Practice Group's expertise lies in a variety of industry segments, including construction and real estate.

 

Its four partners --- Michael Hochman, William Hughes, Richard McGuinness and Maryann Schugmann ----and approximately 30 other professionals have joined Grassi & Co.  The firm will continue to operate out of its current New City location, increasing the roster of Grassi & Co. offices to three in the region.

 

"Grassi & Co. shares the same values as we do," said Michael Hochman, partner-in-charge of the practice group. "We conducted an extensive search within our region looking for an opportunity like this and Grassi & Co. exceeded our hopes as a partner.  Together, we are committed to continue to provide excellent service, deep expertise, and an environment that fosters success for our clients and our professionals."

 

 "We are very excited to incorporate The Hochman Practice Group into the Grassi & Co. family," said Grassi & Co. Managing Partner and CEO, Louis Grassi. "The combination of our teams not only enhances our geographical reach in the New York Metro region, but also increases the service capabilities and depth of resources we provide our clients."  

 

  

 Rosemarie Monaco is author of 'Just Believe: Stories of Inspiration'

Rosemarie Monaco, founder of Group M Inc., an award winning public relations and marketing agency,  is the author of a new book called "Just Believe: Stories of Inspiration."

 

The book is a collection of inspirational stories of faith and hope based on Monaco's life experiences with her clients, family and friends.

 

"These are inspirational stories that speak to the child in all of us," said Monaco. "Children relate to them. Children and adults are inspired by them. The stories were inspired by incidents such as Sept. 11, everyday obstacles people face, the fears that hold them back and my experiences from my own personal life as well as the lives of others most dear in my life."

 

The book, which is Monaco's first collection of short stories, is available on Amazon.com.

 

 Crestview Conference Center opens
The Rockland Business Association recently took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony marking the grand opening of the Crestview Conference Center in West Nyack. Al Samuels, RBA president/CEO, second from right, helps County Executive Ed Day as he officially cuts the ribbon. Also assisting are Mike DiTullo, president/CEO of the Rockland Economic Development Corp., left, and Maj. John Hodgson of the
Salvation Army.

Green Council Award honorees

The RBA's fifth annual Green Council Awards, held Oct. 16 at Rockland Country Club in Sparkill, honored a group of organizations for their commitment to green initiatives. Gathering with their recognitions are, from the left: Jared Shapiro, director, Nyack Hospital, who accepted the Institutional/Health Award; Dave Pennella, director of production, Nice-Pak/PDI, who accepted the Large Business Award; John Lyons, president/CEO, and Carol Ryan of MetroPool, who accepted the Small Business/Not-For-Profit Award; and Dr. Margaret Fitzpatrick, president of St. Thomas Aquinas College, who accepted the Education Award. One of the RBA Green Council's goals is to educate business owners about the economic and environmental benefits of adopting green principles. The Green Council Awards program recognizes the businesses that do this best and shares their best practices with all RBA members.

Welcome to our new members!

The RBA is pleased and honored to welcome the following new members. Thank you for joining us and we look forward to working with you.

 

Accountants

Citrin Cooperman & Company LLP

Anthony Cilibrasi

www.citrincooperman.com

 

Business Services

Business Media Projects

Robert Miss

www.businessmediaprojects.com

 

Energy Services

Rock Energy Consultants LLC

David Cox

www.rockenergyconsultants.com

 

Entertainment

Caesars NY

Darold Londo

www.caesars.com

 

Funeral Director

Alphonso E. Brown Funeral Directors

Alphonso E. Brown III

 

Insurance

Markin Insurance & Financial Services

Jeff Markin

www.nationwide.com

 

Restaurant

Karma Restaurant

Anton Gjieli

www.karmanyack.ny.com

 

Retail

US Battery Center

Jim Zimnoch

www.usbatterycenter.com

 

Staffing Services

Aerotek

Justin Woods

www.aerotek.com

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