|
|
|
CHAMBER NEWS AND EVENTS
|
HAPPY HOLIDAYS
from the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce!
Our office will be closed Monday, December 26, in observance of the holiday.
|
Last week we joined Dawn Dotson, Owner of Barefoot Space, for her Ribbon Cutting & Open House. Click HERE to see the photo gallery.
|
State of the Town 2017
Town Hall,
445 Delaware Avenue
Delmar, NY
Tuesday, January 10, 2017
8:15 am Networking and Breakfast
8:30 am Program
|
Supervisor John Clarkson will deliver the State of the Town Address to the business community and public, outlining the challenges Bethlehem faces and his priorities for the coming year. Continental breakfast will be provided.
F
or additional details on all of our upcoming events,
|
First Night Bethlehem is almost here!
Make sure to buy your button in advance to save - you don't want to miss Bethlehem's first First Night celebration! The event will begin with fireworks at 6:30pm at the Four Corners. This family friendly event will continue with entertainment and activities in and around the Four Corners from 7pm-10pm.
Some of our Member Businesses are participating in the event as well:
| Barefoot Space
395 Kenwood Avenue
|
open during First Night Bethlehem - stop in with your button and sign up for a FREE yoga class to be offered on New Year's Day
|
|
406 Kenwood Avenue
|
open until 9pm during First Night Bethlehem - Doghouse (jazz band) will be playing inside (outside if weather permits), they will be offering Breakfast for Dinner, and there will be a bonfire in the parking lot
|
|
388 Kenwood Avenue
|
open during First Night celebration - visit the shop to browse and enjoy champagne & hot chocolate
|
| O'Slattery's Irish Restaurant & Pub
318 Delaware Avenue
|
show your button on New Year's Eve and receive your choice of a FREE glass of champagne or a FREE Lucky Charms Rice Crispy Treat
|
Purchase your button in person at:
Delmar Marketplace/McCarroll's the Village Butcher
O'Slattery's Irish Restaurant & Pub
|
ADULTS
$10 in advance
$15 day of event
|
12-18 YEARS
$5
|
UNDER 12
free
|
Click
HERE
to see the full schedule of events.
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
Looking for a perfect Holiday stocking stuffer?
|
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
|
|
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
|
Offers are valid through 12/31/16 for the
2016 HOLIDAY SHOPPING CARD!
Get your card at the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce office, participating businesses, and community locations (Library, Town Hall, and more).
Visit our
website
to view participating businesses and their 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
|
|
MEMBER NEWS & EVENTS
Stay
active this winter
with
Mohawk Hudson Land Conservancy
- s
nowshoeing, skiing - and more! T
here are 16 preserves currently open for visitors to enjoy. Visit the MHLC Delmar office or a preserve kiosk to pick up your free Preserves & Map Brochure. And help them raise $25,000 in donations by 12/31/16 - an anonymous donor will match it, dollar-for-dollar. This doubles the impact of your gift!
Looking for a
unique gift?
Breathe Massage has
aprons, table cloths, handbags, and ornaments hand embroidered by a local refugee family. ALL proceeds benefit the family. They also carry
sterling silver jewelry by Seven Blessings.
Leap A Level with
Paychex! F
or every business you refer to Paychex between now and 1/31/17 you'll get to leap a level on your road to a year of free payroll. See flyer for complete details.
Click here to see the December/January Spotlight ad specials - you can save up to 75%! Limited availability.
Whether you are looking to
lease, buy or sell,
The Richer Team (RealtyUSA Commercial Division) can help. See their full list of services
here.
Congratulations to
The Rosenblum Companies on accepting
the Real Estate Deal of the Year Award from Capital Region BOMA at Renaissance Albany!
Looking for a special family gift this holiday season? Contact Friends of Bethlehem Parks & Recreation and d
onate a park bench with a bronze plaque bearing your names or a special inscription - bench will be placed in a Bethlehem park (by the new playground, the new kayak launch, along the Hudson River, or a spot that's meaningful to you). Click here for details.
Contact DiNapoli Opticians
now for their Holiday Special -
$75 for a $100 gift card! Special valid through 12/24, call 518.439.6309.
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!
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.
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
.
|
|
WEBSITE of the WEEK
Visit Ben's Jammin' Treasures in Slingerlands for a wide variety of unique gifts and stocking stuffers! Save 10% when you spend $50 or more with your Holiday Shopping Card.
Don't FORGET you can now join or renew your dues
online.
|
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!
|
|
|
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
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
|
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.
|
BETHLEHEM BUSINESS MAP
View the online version of the Bethlehem Business map
here.
|
|
|
| |
|
|
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.
|
|
|
|
|
