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CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
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Barefoot Space
Ribbon Cutting & Open House
393 Delaware Avenue, Delmar
Thursday, December 15
12-8pm Open House,
3:30pm Ribbon Cutting
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Barefoot Space has completed their renovation at 393 Delaware Avenue at Four Corners and is open for business! Come check out the new studio, join us for the ribbon cutting, and learn about Ashiatsu barefoot massage and the yoga classes they offer.
3:30 PM Ribbon Cutting
12-8pm Open House
5-6:00 PM Barefoot Massage Demos
Gift Certificates & T-Shirts available for purchase; light refreshments
There was a fantastic turnout for Monday's "Civilian Response to Active Shooter Events" event. This event was in partnership with the Office of the Albany County Sheriff, the
Better Business Bureau of Upstate NY,
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce, Colonie Chamber of Commerce, Guilderland Chamber of Commerce,
Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce, and
Southern Saratoga Chamber of Commerce. Click HERE for the photo gallery.
Lisa Hickman, Owner of M&T Helping Hands (left) and Michelle Kavanaugh-Anastasi, Owner of Organize Senior Moves, welcomed family, friends, staff, local representatives and other members of the community into their new office space earlier this week for their Ribbon Cutting and Open House. See the full photo gallery
HERE.
The First United Methodist Church held a ribbon cutting yesterday for their $850K+ renovation. Chris Cable, the Project Manager for Building Committee, holds the scissors - he was joined by Town Board Members Doris Davis & David VanLuven, representatives from the Capital Fund Campaign, Bethlehem Chamber, Foresight Architects, Rosch Brothers, and the Building Committee.
Click HERE for the photos.
F
or additional details on all of our upcoming events,
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IMPORTANT UPDATE
CHANGES TO EXEMPT EMPLOYEE STATUS
NYS overtime rules, which will move forward regardless of the ultimate outcome of the now stalled federal changes, are summarized below. This change in state law could take effect as early as 12/31/16.
Pending Changes to NYS Overtime Rules - You have likely seen news reports that a federal judge has stopped implementation of the US Department of Labor's new overtime standard. That federal rule would have raised the minimum salary level to be considered an exempt employee (i.e., exempt from overtime) from $455 per week ($23,660 per year) to $913 per week ($47,476 per year) effective for the pay period that includes December 1, 2016. While the ultimate fate of this federal rule is uncertain, the incoming Trump administration seems likely to withdraw the proposal.
Importantly, employers in New York State are likely to be a subject to an increase in the salary threshold under state law. New York State has had its own minimum salary levels for its Executive and Administrative exemption - currently $675 per week ($35,100 annually).
State law requires that monetary amounts in wage orders be increased proportionally with increases in the state minimum wage. NYS Department of Labor has proposed regulatory changes to the state's exempt salary level based on the new, regional minimum wage levels that take effect December 31, 2016.
The new state thresholds, which would also take effect at the end of 2016, would be:
$825.00/week for employers of 11 or more employees within New York City,
$787.50/week for employers of 10 or fewer employees within New York City,
$750.00/week for employers of any size elsewhere in Nassau, Suffolk and Westchester counties
$727.50/week for employers of any size in the remainder of New York State
This state rule change was proposed in mid-October, and the public comment period closes December 3rd. While we are filing comments challenging this proposal, it is likely it will be adopted as proposed.
In addition to the exempt salary threshold, the rule will proportionally increases other wage order provisions related to tips, meals, lodging, etc.
The proposed changes will have immediate compliance consequences for New York State employers. If any of your Executive or Administrative employees' salaries fall below the proposed new minimum salary levels, they will become non-exempt employees eligible for overtime for hours worked in excess of 40 hours per week. In addition, employers will incur additional record keeping requirements for these employees. New York law requires that employers: track all hours worked (including "off-the-clock" work like cell phone usage after hours); document that these employees take uninterrupted meals breaks consistent with NYS law; and provide a wage acknowledgement form as required by the Wage Theft Prevention Act.
Until a final resolution is reached regarding the federal rule changes, employers will not have to comply with the $913 minimum salary level for exemption on December 1, 2016.
However, New York employers will be required to comply with these new state standards, when and if they are finalized.
Please contact Frank Kerbein with any questions you may have regarding this issue. He can be reached via
email or at 800.332.2117.
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Looking for a perfect Holiday stocking stuffer?
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The
Shop
BETHLEHEM GIFT CARD checks all the boxes!
- used like cash at over 35 local businesses
- available from $5-$500
- supports our local businesses and keeps money in our community
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Purchase online 24/7 or from the Chamber office M-F 9am-5pm.
Visit the website for more information.
A. Phillips Hardware
Akira
Ando Salon
Backyard Sheds & Gazebos
Ben's Jammin' Treasures
Bethlehem Tae Kwon Do
Bethlehem's Little Helper Service
Buenau's Opticians
CapitalCare Family MedEsthetics
Capital District Carpet Cleaning
Capital Upholstery
Cornell's Cat Boarding
CrossFit Spur
Crossroads Ford
Del Lanes
Delmar Bistro
Dr. Jack Devore O.D.
Foundry Fitness
Four Corners Frame Shop
Four Corners Pharmacy
Free Movement Pilates
Glenmont Self Storage
Hands of Grace Massage Therapy
Interstate Vapor
Keep Moving with Stephanie
Merriman & Pfister's Marketplace
Romo's Pizza
Safari Health
Safe Home Delmar, LLC
Sawyer's Screen Printing & Embroidery
School's Out, Inc.
Shampoodle
Shawna's Dogs
Shogun Sushi & Sake Bar
Steiners Sports Ski & Bike
Swifty's Restaurant & Pub
T.A.C.S. - The Auto Collision Specialists
The Cheese Traveler
Tomo Asian Bistro
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Look for your
2016 HOLIDAY SHOPPING CARD
Pick up your FREE Holiday Shopping Card for offers and promotions from our local businesses and Buy Bethlehem before you head to the
Black Friday sales!
Holiday Shopping Cards will be available at the following locations:
Delmar Turkey Trot (11/23 Registration and 11/24 event)
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce (M-F 9am-5pm)
Saturday Delmar Farmers Market
Spotlight Newspapers (11/23 edition)
Community Locations (Library, Town Hall, Parks & Recreation)
Participating Businesses
Visit our
website to view all of the offers.
AAA Hudson Valley
A. Phillips Hardware
Akira
Amelia's Garden Fabric Boutique
Ando Salon
Angela's Pizza & Pasta
Barefoot Space
Bellini's Italian Eatery
Ben's Jammin' Treasures Gift Boutique
Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce
Bethlehem Town Family Dental
CapitalCare Family MedEsthetics
Capital District YMCA - Bethlehem Area YMCA
CrossFit Spur
Delmar ChiroThin & Chiropractic Care
Delmar Health and Fitness
Deluxe Nail & Spa
Foundry Fitness
Free Movement Pilates
Garden Bistro 24
Glenmont Self Storage
Grassroot Givers
Gregory's Barber Shop
Hands of Grace Massage Therapy
Healthy Pet Center
Hidden Cafe
Los Panchos Mexican Grill & Bar
Mad Dog Bicycles
Mayone's Wine & Liquors
Mega Burger
Mercato's Pizzeria & Restaurant
Merriman & Pfister's Marketplace
My Place & Co. Delmar
National Bank of Coxsackie
PC Promotional Printing
Pretty Neat Home Organizing
Pure Serenity Salon & Spa
Robinson's Hardware and Garden Center
Sam's Italian American Restaurant
Sawyer's Screen Printing & Embroidery
Shalimar Restaurant
Shampoodle
Ship, Copy & More
Shogun Sushi & Sake Bar
Steiner's Sports Ski & Bike
T.A.C.S. Autobody & Service
Tomo Asian Bistro
Track 32 Italian Restaurant & Pub
W Couture Boutique
Wine & Spirits of Slingerlands
Yanni's Too
**You must present a card to receive the discount**
Offers valid 11/26/16 - 12/31/16
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Bethlehem is holding a First Night Celebration to ring in the New Year! A family friendly and fun event, First Night will be held on New Year's Eve, Saturday, December 31st. We will be kicking off the celebration at 6:30pm with Fireworks at the Four Corners followed by entertainment and activities from 7-10pm.
Join us for an evening of music and family fun including a live Ice Sculpture, Face Painting and Crafts for the kids. We will be hosting an epic "Battle of the Highschool Bands" at Town Hall. There will also be live music for every age including the Mendelssohn Club, Playin' with Fire, Raisinhead, Andy the Music Man, Old Time Dance Band and much more!
Click
HERE to buy your button.
Click
HERE to see the full schedule of events.
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VOLUNTEERS NEEDED
Volunteers are needed to help hand out event maps, direct event attendees, and be at each participating venue. If you would like to volunteer, please contact Joan Gavrilik by
email or phone at 518.605.6580.
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MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
Louise M. Finlayson, PhD,
is presenting
"A Time for Reflection & Renewal" on January 8. What do you want to create in your life this year? See
flyer
for full details. And join her this March in Roatan, Honduras, for an island retreat for renewal and discovery. Book by January 15 and save $325 - view
flyer
for more information.
Delmar Animal Hospital is offering a
NexGard Holiday Special: buy 2 doses, get 1 FREE.
Offer valid now through 12/31/16 on the same size doses.
Get 50% off your first Snack Box subscription of 2 or more deliveries! See the HealthyME Living flyer to get the promo code. Give the gift of health this holiday season!
Skate for the Holidays this Saturday with the Bethlehem Area YMCA! From 4:45-6:45pm on December 10 their rink will be turn
ed into Rockefeller Center, complete with a tree at center ice! Santa Claus, Mrs. Claus, and the Hill City Ice Queen will be there and the concession stand will be selling hot chocolate and snacks. Normal public skate pricing applies. See their December Ice Rink Schedule here.
Visit the
National Bank of Coxsackie this Saturday, December 10, for their
Holiday Open House.
Visit with Santa, get a free picture taken with him, and receive FREE gift (9am-12pm).
Parents - need a night out? Register for Ben's Jammin' Treasures Parents Night Out Friday 12/9 or 12/16 (5:30-8:30pm) or Sunday 12/11 or 12/18 (1:30-4:30pm). Pizza will be served, children will do a Holiday art project and will also make their own snack. $35 per child, visit their site for complete details.
Drop off your new, unwrapped toy to any CAP COM Federal Credit Union branch by Monday, December 12. There's only one week left to
help CAP COM and Albany Police Athletic League, Inc. provide thousands of toys this holiday season!
Mauro's Menu is offering the following holiday special:
10% off catering over $20,
10% off holiday party platters, or
Sundays only- buy two 6-packs beer or one 12-pack of beer and get 8-cut cheese pizza FREE. Offer valid
through 1/15/17.
Enjoy Happy Hour specials every night at Tomo Asian Bistro from 3-5pm. Monday get a Kitchen Entree + Appetizer + Soup or Salad for $13.95, and Tuesday it's 3 for $10 regular sushi rolls all day long!
The Bethlehem Area YMCA's Togetherhood Committee
invites you to join them to decorate Christmas Cookies for seniors in our community who may not be able to get out or have family nearby to visit them during the holidays. Volunteer to decorate cookies, or participate by donating
pre-baked cookies for decorating, icings, sprinkles, etc. Contact Shawn St. James at 518.439.4394 to volunteer or donate, event will be held
Sunday, December 11 from 1:30-3:30pm. This event is FREE and open to the
Bethlehem Community.
Did you know that
59 million Americans suffer from Dry Eye Syndrome?
Cornea Consultants of Albany is the first practice in Northeastern New York to offer the revolutionary LipiFlow system to treat the irritating and painful symptoms of Dry Eye. Don't wait! Schedule your consultation by calling 518.475.1515.
Skip Parsons' Clarinet Marmalade Trio will stomp off their special sound of classic jazz at Roux on Wednesday, December 14, from 6-9pm.
Roux features a menu of scrumptious entrées, plus a complete array of your favorite beverage. For additional information call 518.813.4548.
Make sure to
LIKE
Ship, Copy & More on Facebook and receive 15% off your purchase (print out from Facebook or bring in your smartphone)!
Are you looking for holiday gifts for your low vision loved one? NABA (Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany) can help!
Angel and the NABA staff can help you find that special holiday something - call
518.463.1211 or email Angel.
Planning a party with 15 or more people?
Del Lanes has some deals for you! See flyer for full details:
page 1 and
page 2.
Take advantage of the
Capital District Carpet Cleaning
End of Year special - 20% off with code CHAMBER. Offer valid now through 12/31/16 for Town of Bethlehem residents only. Services include carpet, furniture and ceramic tile cleaning, as well as area rug cleaning and/or repair (they will pick up, clean and/or repair, and deliver your area rug).
For a full list of the ongoing member deals & offers, visit
Member News
.
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WEBSITE of the WEEK
Have some Holiday shipping to do? Visit Ship, Copy & More to take care of all your shipping, printing, copying and more!
Don't FORGET you can now join or renew your dues
online.
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COMMUNITY HAPPENINGS
The Annual Community Christmas Day Dinner will be held on December 25 at the First United Methodist Church. 1:30pm Hospitality, 2:00pm Dinner. For dinner and/or transportation reservations, call 439.4955 x1176. See flyer for more details.
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!
Like us on Facebook @16HandlesGlenmont
for announcements and line-ups.
Add an event to our
Community Calendar here and click Submit an Event, it's free!
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NEW MEMBERS
785 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.486.8580
180 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.339.0854
750 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.528.4980
505 Bradford Street
Albany, NY 12206
518.248.7888
155 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.475.7777
393 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY 12054
518.267.9066
318 Delaware Avenue, Suite 23
Delmar, NY 12054
518.257.7304
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
Mathes Public Affairs
24 Molly White Dr.
Coxsackie, NY 12051
518.925.5909
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AROUND THE REGION.....
FuzeHub Launches State-Wide Five-Million Dollar Fund to Support Innovation & Manufacturing Throughout New York
FuzeHub, a not-for-profit organization responsible for assisting small to medium manufacturing companies (SMEs) in New York State by matching them with technical and business resources, has launched the Jeff Lawrence Manufacturing Innovation Fund. Lawrence, who passed away in 2015, was a top executive at the Center for Economic Growth and a champion for New York manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities.
The Manufacturing Innovation Fund, consisting of $1 million annually for five years, supports a set of activities designed to spur technology development and commercialization across New York State. FuzeHub is administering this fund as part of its role as the Empire State Development (ESD) designated statewide Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) center.
The quarterly grants are available to non-profit organizations and higher education institutions in New York State proposing projects to be undertaken with small and mid-sized manufacturers or early stage companies. Projects can include prototype development, proof-of-concept manufacturing, certain equipment purchases, manufacturing scale-up, market identification, and other projects to advance manufacturing capabilities. The new Manufacturing Innovation Grants, with award sizes ranging from $25,000 to $75,000 each, are intended to offset costs and help more small and mid-sized manufacturers succeed in New York State.
The next open application period will begin on Friday, December 2nd and close on Friday, December 30th.
The application is available here.
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Internships & Part-Time Positions
Interested in hosting a High School student for an Internship or paid part-time work shifts? Register your business by completing the form. Click
here
, or use the below link.
For additional details, contact the District Program Liaison
Nick Petraccione at 518.439.4921 x22053, or contact the Chamber at 518.439.0512.
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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.
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BETHLEHEM BUSINESS MAP
View the online version of the Bethlehem Business map
here.
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Save $$
Visit our
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.
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