E-NEWS

in this issue
CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
 

***LAST CALL - reserve  your spot now for 
Speed Networking! ***
 
 
Speed Networking
w/ the Colonie Chamber
Hampton Inn by Hilton Albany/University Area 
1442 Western Avenue, Albany 
Thursday, October 13, 7:30-9am 
RSVP 
 
Back by popular demand - the Bethlehem Chamber has partnered with the Colonie Chamber to bring you another Speed Networking event! If you missed the first one in February, now is your chance to connect with colleagues from throughout the Capital Region and make 20 new contacts before you get into the office. Space is limited, so reserve your spot early and bring plenty of business cards. Peter Coombs from FRONTLINE Training & Consulting will moderate. FRONTLINE Training helps salespeople in all types of organizations through workshops, keynotes, and coaching.
 
Breakfast Sponsor/Venue Host
 


   
F or additional details on all of our upcoming events,  
view our  Chamber Events Calendar!      
Bethlehem Businesses:
the Holiday Season
is right around the corner!

Don't miss out on the Holiday Shopping Card promotion! 

 
The Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce is working on our Annual Holiday Shopping Card Promotion for November 26 (Small Business Saturday) through December 31, 2016.  The program is a continuation of our active Buy Local Initiative and is a way to encourage the Bethlehem community to support local businesses during the Holiday shopping season before making trips to area malls and Black Friday sales.

Participation is open to Member and Non-Member businesses.

10,000 cards are printed in November and distributed:
* 2016 Bethlehem Turkey Trot: As a sponsor, the Chamber distributes cards to approximately 3,000 participants during Pre-Registration
* Spotlight Newspaper: Chamber inserts Holiday Cards into 5,000+ papers (11/23/16 edition) distributed by mail and on newsstands in town.
* Community locations: Bethlehem Town Hall, Bethlehem Public Library, local post offices, Bethlehem Chamber office, Saturday and Tuesday Farmers Markets
* Member and Participating Businesses: Cards are given to member and participating businesses to distribute to customers

Advertising is purchased locally to make the community aware of the program.

See the Registration Form for details. Deadline to participate is Friday, October 21.
Please contact the Chamber at 518.439.0512 or by email with any questions.

***This is a short-term discount/gift-with-purchase promotion running around the Holidays, different from the year-round Shop Bethlehem Gift Card program. Interested in participating in the Gift Card program? Contact the Chamber at above phone or email.***
BCSD and the  Chamber

are teaming up

to assist local businesses with

Internships & Part-Time Positions


The Bethlehem Central School District is working with the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce to assist businesses with their need for workers.   If your business is interested in hosting a High School student for an Internship or paid part-time work shifts, please register your business by completing the form.  Click here, or use the below link.


Program staff will work to provide the best student match for each business.  These Work-Based Learning programs allow the business to connect with local students, provide valuable life experience, while also filling the need for workers.  Student liability while on the job is covered by the District through these programs.

For additional details, contact

Bethlehem Chamber
or
District Program Liaison
Nick Petraccione
518.439.0512
518.439.4921
x22053


 
N E W   E X H I B I T

Visit the Chamber office to view the new exhibit  of artwork by members of the Bethlehem Art Association.

Pieces can be purchased by contacting the artist directly.
To find out more about the Bethlehem Art Association visit their website.

 
Member Announcements
NEW HIRES

AAA Hudson Valley Insurance Agency welcomed Eman S. Badr as its new Insurance Manager on August 16.  Ms. Badr brings over 13 years of insurance industry experience to her new position.  "We're thrilled to welcome Eman Badr to our management team. Her experience and customer-centric approach will help AAA deliver excellent service and new insurance options to our members, said Van Epps.

Badr, a capital region resident for over 15 years, offered her view of AAA. "AAA is a trusted brand with a strong presence in the capital region. I look forward to working with the insurance team to support AAA's commitment to its members." Ms. Badr also brings over a decade of retail management and customer service to her new position. She will be based out of AAA Hudson Valley's main office in Albany, NY.


The Delmar Chiropractic Office is pleased to announce that  Michael Ashline, DC has joined their professional staff. Mike earned his Doctor of Chiropractic degree at Palmer Chiropractic College in Florida and has a BS in Health Science from Ithaca College. He has a passion for optimal health, biomechanics, sports rehabilitation, the musculoskeletal system and providing the best possible patient care. 

Mike's grandfather was a Chiropractor and it was his own personal experience with sports rehabilitation and Chiropractic care that led him to a career in Chiropractic. He is a Voorheesville native and an alumni of the Blackbird's varsity football and wrestling teams. He is excited to share his knowledge, experience and enthusiasm with the patients of the Delmar Chiropractic Office.

Alex Kuchis, CPA, CVA  has joined T. M. Byxbee Company, CPAs, NY, P.C. as a senior accountant. Mr. Kuchis, a Siena College graduate, has over 30 years experience in public accounting. In addition to being a licensed Certified PublicAccountant, Mr. Kuchis is also a Certified Valuation Analyst.


Barbara Beauchamp is the new Senior Director of Public Relations and Development at WWA ARC.  Barbara brings to this position extensive experience in digital marketing and communications. She worked for the New York State Bar Association managing award-winning digital and web-based communications including the website, online communities, blogs, listserves and electronic newsletters. Recently Barbara served as the director of digital marketing for a global software company serving associations and non-profits. She also evaluates prior learning in technology for Empire State College and is an active community volunteer with the Junior League of Albany, the Mohawk Hudson Humane Society and St. Catherine's Center for Children.
 
MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS

As the temps cool off, its time to start thinking about firewood for the season. Contact Haslam Tree Service at 518-439-9702 to place your order for cut, split and delivered wood.   

It's pumpkin carving time and Merriman and Pfister's Marketplace challenges you to GET CREATIVE!   Submit your Jack O'Lantern(s) between Oct. 19-21, 9am and 6pm.  Judging by public vote will take place Oct. 22 and "Best of Pumpkin" will be announced Oct 23.  So get out there, make a statement, and M-A-K-E   Y-O-U-R   M-E-L-O-N!!   ($50 PRIZE FOR THE WINNER).
  
Give back by participating in the  Togetherhood Project join the Bethlehem Area YMCA Togetherhood Committee and volunteer for a fun and rewarding way to give back to our community by helping  the Colonial Acres Golf & Learning Center continue their work to  develop the Colonial Acres Walking Trail. Saturday, October 21, from 9am-1pm. Sign up HERE. Contact Shawn St. James for questions via email or phone (518. 439.4394).

Mark your calendars! The Cue Theatre's Broadway Cabaret is October 22nd. Details are forthcoming. This is an opportunity to perform and to come out for a fundraiser in support of The Cue, which recently lost its performance space in Delmar.  If you would like to sing a Broadway song in the cabaret please email us. See you there! 

Phillips Hardware is doing it again, DON'T MISS OUT! Colonie location Liquidation sale October 20th-22nd 8 am-4 pm & October 27th-29th 8 am-4 pm. We have paint and supplies, tools, household cleaners, Carhartt clothing and much much more. EVERYTHING MUST GO!

Join the Pine Hollow Arboretum for a Fall Open House & Celebration of ThanksSunday October 23rd 1-4pm at the Visitor Center,16 Maple Avenue Slingerlands.  We have been so fortunate to be supported and encouraged by our members, friends, volunteers and community!  This has been a year of great growth at the Arboretum and we know that it wouldn't be possible without all of you.

Join the Bethlehem Children's School for their first ever - Harvest Festival, Saturday, Oct 22 from 1-5PM.  A fun-filled afternoon on the grounds of the School in Slingerlands. There will be a Community Yard Sale, Scarecrow buildling, Pumpkin Painting, Bouncy House, Wine Tasting, Pie Auction, Live Music and a Harvest Bake-Off Contest for kids and adults, with Prizes!  For a registration form for the Bake-Off Contest please email Christy.  For more details call 518-478-0224.

Expecting Mothers - sign up for the 8-week prenatal series with Lauren Strait at Free Movement Pilates Nourish Thy Body, Nourish Thy Womb will help Mamas connect deeply with the sacred process and journey of pregnancy into motherhood.  Space is limited, contact Lauren via email or at 518.312.0075 to register. Mondays 5-5:50pm starting October 17 and Sundays 10-11am starting October 16

The October Flavor of the Month at 16 Handles is  Oh My, Pumpkin Pie! Made with real pumpkin, this artisan flavor features delightful hints of cinnamon, clove, ginger, and nutmeg. Try it today!

Collins & Sons Will Call Customers - make sure to check your tank  every couple of weeks so you know exactly how much fuel is left.Then you can order fuel  in a timely fashion and not run out on the coldest days of the year...! Call to order: 518.756.2070

Join Garden Bistro 24 Tuesdays in October for a special fundraiser - Bethlehem Central School District Garden Nights! Every Tuesday in October they will use only organically grown produce from the BC Schools gardens. 15% of proceeds each evening will go back to the Sustainability and Garden Club at BCSD.

Berkshire Bank is celebrating small businesses ! View their flyer to see details on Small Business Lines of Credit (4.50 APR), Business Checking 500, Money Market (0.90% APY) and Small Business Term Loans (4.99% APR). To learn more, contact Justin Priddle at 518.795.4797.

2017 calendars are on sale now!  The Skyline Printing Co. has over 50 great calendars on sale ready for your company imprint. A calendar is typically viewed 1000 times per year. With prices starting at 98¢ per calendar, that's a great deal! Chamber of Commerce members ordering by October 31 will also receive FREE set-up and FREE shipping. Call Barry at 518.437.1199.

Coffee & Conversation programs continue in October on Fridays at the  Bethlehem Public Library per the following schedule:  October 21: S teinmetz: Electrical Wizard; and October 28:  Land of the Thunder Dragon. All programs begin at 1pm.

Crossfit Spur in Glenmont will partner with ToLife! in Delmar, again this year for their Fight Like a Girl event on Saturday, Oct 29 at 10am. Businesses interested in donating or sponsoring the event, which will benefit ToLife! and their breast cancer programs and services, please see   flyer. The event is open to anyone of any ability interested in particpating. For event details, see Flyer and Registration link or Facebook event.

Did you know that nearly 10,000 Baby Boomers reach retirement age every day, and most do not have traditional pension plan.  Bryant Asset Management can help with Retirement Planning, a Retirement Income Evaluation or rollovers from a former employer.  See their Flyer for all of their services or contact Mark Bryant or Conor Bryant at 518-439-1141 for a complimentary exploratory consultation.

WWA ARC in Slingerlands will host their Jerseys, Jeans & Jewels Gala on Friday, November 18 at The Century House. Businesses are invited to donate gift cards, merchandise and entertainment packages for the raffle and silent auction, which raises money to enhance the lives of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. See the Sponsorship Info for details or contact Kaitlin Dausch at 518-935-4441.

For a full list of the ongoing member deals & offers, visit  Member News .
WEBSITE of the WEEK

Click below to see the NEW CapitalCare Family MedEsthetics website!  Gift cards are now available online.




Don't FORGET you can now join or renew your dues online.

 
 COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS


Town of Bethlehem's Fall Leaf Pick-up begins Oct 17th around town.  Visit the website to see when your neighborhood is scheduled.

PHARMACEUTICAL COLLECTION
Sat., October 22, 2016, 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Bethlehem Town Park, 261 Elm Ave, Delmar.
Bring expired/unwanted medications for safe disposal. Free event.  See website for details.

SAVE THE DATE:  Wednesday, Oct 19, 11am-8pm at the Cedar Hill Schoolhouse, Selkirk - "Open House Public Workshop" on Bethlehem's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP). The Town of Bethlehem will host an informational session to Learn more about, and share your opinions on the future of our 10-mile Hudson Riverfront, including future development and the protection of its unique environment and heritage.  If you can't attend on the 19th, stop by the LWRP Information Booth at the Delmar Farmers Market on Saturday, Oct 8 and 15 to learn more and share your thoughts.

Sunday, October 16, visit the Elm Avenue Town Park for the 26th Annual Halloween Hay Day! Rain or shine, this is a FREE event from 1-3:30pm. There will be h ayrides, trick-or-treat bag decorating, "Count" Dracula contest, face painting, balloons, games and more!

On Thursdays between 10 AM and 2 PM, the  Town of Bethlehem   will be accepting donations  for Habitat ReStore in the Capital District of slightly used furnishings, working appliances, cabinets, and other building materials at the Town of Bethlehem Transfer Station, 136 Rupert Rd, Selkirk, NY. See the Flyer for details.    
  
16 Handles Stage 16 Concert Series - Join us for live music every Friday from 7:00-9:00 pm as we feature local talent in our Stage 16 concert series! Follow us on Instagram @16handlesglenmont for announcements and line-ups.  
    
Add an event to our Community Calendar here and click Submit an Event, it's free! 
 

BETHLEHEM BUSINESS MAP

View the online version of the Bethlehem Business map here.

OFFICE SPACE

Looking for work space? 
Visit our
Marketspace page frequently to see
available office space.

 

   

HELP WANTED

 

Looking for work? 
Visit our
Job Postings page frequently to see current openings.

 

    NEW MEMBERS   

413 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.533.1050

420 Kenwood Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.439.4000

1368 Indian Fields Road 
Feura Bush, NY 12067
518.439.0032
*Scheduled Opening: November 2016*

Mathes Public Affairs
24 Molly White Dr.
Coxsackie, NY  12051
518.925.5909 
159 Delaware Avenue #218
Delmar, NY
518.377.4204

462 Route 9W
Glenmont, NY
518.449.4244

Coeymans Hollow, NY
518.756.8228

159 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY
518.475.7575

251 New Karner Road, Suite 901
Albany, NY
518.871.9101

Glenmont, NY
518.424.9485

180 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY
518.439.8800

Aetna Medicare
Alcove, NY 12007
518.669.7071

30 South Pearl Street, FL P2
Albany, NY 12207
518.447.8414

Selkirk, NY
518.441.1608

AROUND THE REGION... 


Living Resources' The College Experience will host a Networking Event on Tuesday, October 18, 5:30-7pm at The Melting Pot in Guilderland. Network with talented students with intellectual disabilities seeking internship opportunities.  For more details, view the flyer


MADE IN NEW YORK EXPO
In celebration of National Manufacturing Month, The Business Council of New York State, Inc. is hosting the second annual Made in New York Expo on Wednesday, October 19, 8 am-2 pm at the Rochester Institute of Technology. The event is designed to showcase YOU, the companies who are manufacturing products right here in the Empire State. If you manufacture in New York State and would like additional exposure for your product, you can purchase a Display Table.  If you do business with and/or would like to network with companies who manufacture in New York State, please join us. The cost for attendance is just $20. Register here.  Panel discussion topics will include: Advanced Manufacturing Resources, International Business Development Resources, Manufacturing Workforce Development Resources and Access to Capital. For details about the event, visit the website or contact Liz Mancini at 518-465-7511.


CALL FOR VENDORS!!

Local business vendors, non-profits, artists and artisans are invited to sell their products/services to the public at this 4th Annual festival, to be held Saturday, November 5, 10am-3pm at Crossgates Mall.  For vendor information and registration, visit the website.  Registration due by October 25.


New Payroll Compliance Requirements for New York State Employers    
On September 7th, the NYS Department of Labor issued final regulations governing the use of payroll debit cards.  Importantly, the rule also impacts the ongoing use of paychecks and direct deposit - provisions that will apply to all employers in New York State effective March 7, 2017.

For use of paychecks
, the rule requires that checks be a "negotiable instrument" (pay checks drawn on a bank should already meet this standard) and prohibits the employer from imposing any fees on employees in connection with the use of paychecks, including for the issuance of a replacement for a lost or stolen check.

For use of direct deposit, Labor Law §192 already required advance written consent of employees and deposit in a financial institution of the employee's choosing. In addition, under the new rule, employers using either direct deposit or payroll debit cards must, by March 7, 2017, provide all employees with written notice:
- listing all of the pay options offered to the employee by the employer (employers are not required to offer
either the direct deposit or payroll debit card option.)
- stating that the employer cannot require employees to accept wages by direct deposit or payroll debit
card.
- stating that the employee cannot be charged any fees by the employer for accessing their wages in full.
Importantly, for employers with employees already using direct deposit, the Labor Department has indicated that
employee consents provided prior to the effective date of this rule will remain in effect if the employer provides all
employees with the notice described above prior to 3/7/17. The Department has committed to issuing templates
for use by employers containing all the information necessary for compliance with this notice requirement.

The rules for use of payroll debit cards are far more detailed. Employers who use payroll debit cards need to become familiar with the details of the new rule. They include, but are not limited to:
- obtaining employee consent at least 7 days prior to payment of wages by payroll debit card;
- providing employee access to ATM machines in close proximity to employee's place of employment or
residence that offer withdrawals up to the total amount of the wages at no cost to the employee, as well as
"one method to withdraw the total amount of wages for each pay period" without fee; and
- a prohibition on any charges to employees for a range of services, if offered, including applications, point
of sale transactions, account inactivity, on-line balance information access, and others.
- In cases where employees are covered by a valid collective bargaining unit, employers must have the
approval of the union before paying by payroll debit card.
For additional details, visit the website. 

CHAMBER NEWS SPONSOR 

Thanks to 
of Farm Family, Glenmont 
                                             
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Member to Member Deals and Hot Deals
to save on valuable services from local Chamber members.

Businesses interested in offering Hot Deals to the Community,
  contact us for more information.