We have always sought a mass transit system that would allow us to market our side of the river as Westchester is capable of doing because it has three such rail links with Manhattan.

I, personally, have viewed a bus mode as not being in the best interest of Rockland. I see it as a means of tapping into our workforce, particularly those in bio-pharma, without a reasonable expectation that we would have the ability to do the same. We only hear about a Suffern to Port Chester system. We have never heard about a Port Chester to Suffern system. The east to west run would be the return trip from the system carrying commuters into Westchester. Not equitable. Not desirable. And, certainly, nothing that Rockland should be supporting.

Also, BRT is not just dedicated lanes over a new bridge. It requires new, extremely expensive high-tech busses. Who is supposed to provide for the purchase and operation of these busses? Currently, only Rockland operates a commuter bus system across the TZ Bridge. Is this supposed to fall to us? I don’t think so. A quick review of our financial position would explain that in no uncertain terms.

And, what if the busses were available and dedicated lanes were provided on a new bridge, is the Thruway Authority prepared to dedicate highway lanes for this system? I don’t think so. Is Westchester prepared to dedicate lanes on the Cross Westchester Expressway? I doubt that, too. So how is this “system” supposed to work?

My point, here, is just to note that we support mass transit, but mass transit that would truly benefit our constituents, the businesses of Rockland. Also, we take Governor Cuomo at his word, there is no money for mass transit at this time — not rail nor bus. So, it is with great concern that we read the press release regarding a new coalition demanding mass transit from day one operation of a new bridge and the articles and editorials supporting what, unfortunately, isn’t advocacy, but obstructionism. When does it end?

The serviceability of the current structure is diminished each day. And, I don’t believe the “experts” actually can project when that inevitable “failure” will occur. I understand the zealotry of the transportation and the environmental groups pursuing their “Holy Grail,” but I am saddened by the participation of elected officials who should have a broader perspective.

I was concerned that some of my state representatives were included in the recently announced coalition, so I called them. I was assured that their “participation” was in support of the “concept” of mass transit, not for the “demand” it be included or a new bridge not be built. Like us, in the RBA, they are most concerned about the lives and welfare of the people using the TZ Bridge and believe the process of building a new bridge must be advanced.

I was amused by the participation of electeds who never have supported a new bridge and now are advocating for a mass transit system. I see their role as furthering the obstructionism we have seen for over a decade. Elected officials who oppose the plan presented by Gov. Cuomo are continuing the decade of dysfunction that has stalled this project and are jeopardizing the creation of tens of thousands of jobs at a time when we need them most.

In this time of economic challenge, it is beyond irresponsible for any elected official to present obstacles to the construction of a new bridge. Building a new bridge, as quickly as possible, will put New Yorkers in the Hudson Valley back to work and will provide for the safety of all those who use the TZB to cross the Hudson. We have fought for a new bridge for over a decade, delaying progress yet again and killing jobs at the same time simply doesn’t make sense.

And, most importantly, do any of you want to see a Minneapolis on the Hudson?

Al Samuels
President, Rockland Business Association 

MI-BOX, in support of People to People’s “Joy! Store” has set up storage containers at strategic locations around the county. People are encouraged to bring new, unwrapped toys (for boys and girls ages 2-14) to the following drop-off locations so that People to People can distribute them to families in need around the county.  The MI-BOX containers are located at:

• Hillburn Village Hall (31 Mountain Avenue, Hillburn, NY 10931)
• Spruce Street municipal parking lot (off Ash Street), Piermont, NY 10968
• MI-BOX Mobile Storage (8 Carol Avenue, West Haverstraw, NY 10993)

“We cannot thank MI-BOX enough for assisting us with the Joy! Store this year,” said Diane Serratore, Executive Director of People to People. “We need dolls, sports games, scrapbooks, arts and craft kits, action figures, toy trucks, building games, musical and educational toys, and children’s books to help less fortunate families in Rockland County.”

The MI-BOX containers will be in Hillburn and Piermont until December 6^th, and then delivered to People to People on December 7^th. The MI-BOX container in West Haverstraw will be in place until December 15^th and delivered to People to People on the 16^th.

“We are really excited to be working with People to People on such a great project. We feel that it is very important to give back to the community, especially during this time of the year. We felt that a toy drive for the Joy! Store was a great fit with our unique service,” said Lauren Schroeder, Marketing Manager, MI-BOX.

For more information about the MI-BOX Toy Drive project for People to People, visit www.peopletopeopleinc.org or contact Diane Serratore at diane@peopletopeopleinc.org or Lauren Schroeder at MI-BOX 845-947-3300 / lschroeder@mibox4u.com. For more information about volunteering for the Joy! Store, contact Priscilla Dawes at priscilla@peopletopeopleinc.org.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I appreciate the Lieutenant Governor’s informative and uplifting address. I believe that it is within Governor Cuomo’s grand plan that the seed of a new era of responsible government is germinating. The RBA is on board!

In 1979, as a young sole-practitioner, I joined the Rockland County Association, primarily to benefit from the marketing opportunities that it presented. Over the years, the organization grew from a group of the county’s top corporate interests – to nearly 1,000 businesses (most of them small). Annually, at luncheons, we heard financial analysts prognosticate, that – even through economic downturns – Rockland would enjoy a secure economic position. After all, our small businesses possessed the flexibility to survive each maelstrom, and continue to prosper.

During that time, not only did the RBA grow in membership, it consciously evolved into an advocacy organization. Its mission went beyond support of business, to support of the community at large. It was that expanded mission, and its successful application, that inspired my involvement in the RBA.

On all fronts Rockland County continued to prosper: A few years ago, it enjoyed one of the highest per capita household incomes in the country. It benefited from proximity to all that Metropolitan New York had to offer. Our public servants and teachers enjoyed competitive salaries and benefits, and we, in turn, were rewarded with the best and most dedicated. The County provided government services second to none. To many, Rockland was an arcadia, an ideal community. We also shared our fortunes with the needy. Per capita giving was among the highest in the nation. Locally, government provided support to agencies which missions contributed to quality of life for all.

But, at last, the benefits we enjoyed have had a price. Year after year, at every level of government, expenses far outstripped revenues. Year after year, as our expenses increased our elected officials unrealistically projected revenue sources. Year after year, we the electorate – by indifference – ignored this wishful bookkeeping; and we blissfully continued to enjoy the quality of life to which we had assumed an “entitlement.” Today, all the local agencies that are pleading for restoration of county funds exemplify requests that are occurring state-wide and nationally. Sadly, the cupboard is bare! In the end, our elected officials surely must be held accountable, but are not entirely to blame. They have merely assumed the role of “permissive parent” – over and over again. Today we are faced with something far more onerous than diminished services, lay-offs and higher taxes. The County is now faced with an insurmountable eight (or even nine) digit deficit that –if not addressed – will more than likely lead to receivership (just as had occurred in Nassau and Erie Counties). A state appointed control board, insulated from political influence, will decide which services are essential; whose jobs can be spared; how much tax can be levied; whether we can use the term “one time surcharge” instead of “additional taxes;” and if a deficiency bond can be offered to cover the balance of our current debt. Ladies and gentlemen, we are in crisis.

Crisis, of Greek derivation, suggests a “turning point.” Thus, we are confronted with a “crossroads moment” in history, of economic and spiritual force unlike few we have ever experienced. So we stand in this crossroad. In crisis. We can be crushed by it, and relinquish our historical position as an enviable community. Or we can celebrate the moment, and follow a long, previously uncharted path to a newly defined prosperity. We, [not some nebulous "they" (like the "one-percenters")], are responsible for this crisis. And we, not “they,” are responsible for extricating ourselves.

Who better to advocate for a stronger community than the Rockland Business Association? We represent best practice. Who better to take a leadership role in this endeavor than the RBA? We can set the bar for the entire state. I truly believe that in this room, among our members, we possess the intellectual capacity to work shoulder to shoulder with our elected representatives to chart a successful economic turn. Together, we can re-create Rockland into a place of shared vision, where opportunities for family, work and play are unparalleled.

And so I close with a challenge to each and every one of you: Participate in developing a structure for a “blue ribbon panel,” one impelled by your Rockland Business Association, to identify issues and opportunities, to make the looming crisis a “turning point” for a better future. It starts right here. In Rockland County. It starts right now.

Anthony brings his branding acumen to The Byne Group, managing marketing components for its client base. His past experience includes visual brand management and art direction at New York University, where he developed and implemented an institutional brand, integrating fourteen sub-brands and numerous satellites. Prior to NYU, he produced acclaimed nature guides for The National Audubon Society.

Search strategist and Certified Usability Analyst, Kathleen Fealy, President of KF Multimedia & Web, Inc., a search consultancy in Pearl River, NY, will speak at two major search conferences: Internet Marketing Conference (IMC) in New York City and Search Engine Strategies Chicago (SES).

At the New York meeting, on Wednesday, October 19^th, Fealy will speak on improving online customer experiences through good site navigation, testing of designs and user observation on websites and mobile devices. The session will concentrate on usability and customer-centric design, methods and tools. The overall message: knowing your customers, their needs and desires, increases your online marketing conversions and sales. IMC NY will be held at the Hilton New York and focuses on content management, ecommerce and online communications.

“It’s exciting to see people focusing on their customers needs. We’ve all visited sites where we became frustrated after not finding what we needed. In today’s economy, the connection with your online customer is more important than ever. Companies that recognize the connection between SEO and usability in their online strategies can improve their site traffic, customers’ experience and sales” said Fealy. “It’s a process. Even small changes can make a difference.”

During Search Engine Strategies Chicago, in November, Fealy will speak during the “SEO 2.0 – Less Is More” session. She’ll discuss a site, examining the balance of search engine optimization (SEO) which brings in site traffic to usability strategies which influence customer experience. SES Chicago, to be held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, November 15-17, offers sessions on organic search, search engine optimization, online advertising, social media and mobile.

Both search conferences are major industry events that focus on various aspects of online marketing. Want to attend IMC NY? Receive a 15% discount on a conference pass by using code SPEAKIMCNYC11.

For further information contact Kathleen Fealy at 845-735-1698 or visit KF Multimedia & Web, Inc.’s website, www.kfmultimedia.com

This single-day event expands upon the more than 30, highly successful events for the past three years, delivering “one on one” counseling to more than 5,000 new and emerging small businesses. The final 2011 event, October 4, 2011 at the Westchester Marriott is expected draw over 500 participants from the region. In addition to participating in a personalized and roundtable counseling sessions and topical workshops, High Speed Growth attendees will be eligible to access the full spectrum of SCORE’s free services on an ongoing basis.

The Small Business High Speed Growth Tour offers small business owners exclusive and concise evaluation sessions with seasoned business coaches from SCORE’s base of more than 13,000 volunteer executives, along with timely, interactive workshops focused on topics designed to help firms survive and grow.

“For small business owners, success during this challenging economic period requires innovative thinking and a customized approach,” said Rosa Alfonso, Director of Public Affairs of American Express OPEN.

“SCORE is thrilled to again partner with American Express OPEN in bringing High Speed Growth to key markets across America.  Entrepreneurs will test drive our free services that are designed to place them on the fast track to expansion,” said Ken Yancey, SCORE CEO.  “Small business growth and the millions of jobs it creates will be a central component of our national economic recovery, and SCORE fully intends to be a recognized national leader in pulling America out of its current economic condition.

More information about the workshop is online. Registration is free and available on a first-come, first-serve basis.  All attendees are eligible to participate in the coaching, workshops and luncheon.

SBA Disaster Loan Fact Sheet

If your business or private, nonprofit organization has suffered physical damage or your small business or private, nonprofit organization of any size has sustained economic injury after a disaster, you may be eligible for financial assistance from the U.S. Small Business Administration. If your business—regardless of size—is located in the declared disaster area, you may apply for a long-term, low-interest loan to repair or replace damaged property. Even if your property was not damaged and you are a small business owner or a private, nonprofit organization, you may apply for a working capital loan from the SBA to relieve the economic injury caused by the disaster.

In accordance with the NYS legislature’s passage of the Green Jobs Green NY (GJGNY) Act, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) has expanded programs to help small businesses and not-for-profits across the state save energy and reduce energy expenses, while creating green jobs in New York.

NYSERDA is making available $5.6 million in GJGNY funding to provide small businesses and not-for-profit organizations with access to customized and objective energy audits to help them make informed energy decisions and improvements to their buildings.

NYSERDA is also making available more than $13 million in funding to provide small businesses and not-for-profits with access to low-interest loans to finance the cost of making qualified energy efficiency improvements. The GJGNY Small Business and Not-for-Profit Energy Efficiency Financing Program will make it easier for small businesses and not-for-profits to make energy efficiency improvements by eliminating their need to provide the upfront capital to implement qualified energy efficiency services.

“NYSERDA is excited to work with our private partners to deliver Green Jobs-Green New York benefits to businesses throughout New York State,” said Francis J. Murray Jr., President and CEO of NYSERDA. “Under Governor Cuomo’s leadership NYSERDA will continue to help reduce the cost of doing business in New York by making our commercial energy consumers more energy-efficient and environment-friendly.”

NYSERDA’s FlexTech program will provide free energy audits for small businesses and not-for-profit organizations with an electric demand of 100 KW or less. C.J. Brown Energy Engineering & Architecture, P.C. (Buffalo), L&S Energy Services, Inc. (Albany), The Daylight Savings Company (Goshen) and EME Consulting and Engineering Group, LLC (NYC) will deliver regionally-based free audit services to eligible customers throughout New York, including businesses on Long Island and in Municipal Lighting Districts upstate.

The GJGNY Small Business/ Not-for-Profit Energy Efficiency Financing Program will work with lenders statewide to provide small businesses and not-for-profits with access to low-interest energy efficiency financing. Under the program, NYSERDA and a lender will share the cost of the principal, with NYSERDA providing 50 percent, up to $26,000, at 0 percent interest. The lender will provide the remaining principal at market rate. To be eligible for financing, a small business or not-for-profit in New York State must have a qualified energy audit, from either NYSERDA or its utility service provider; must own, lease or manage the facility; and must meet other eligibility requirements.

For more information visit: http://www.nyserda.org/gjgny-small-business-nonprofit/default.asp.

Nyack College, the most diverse Christian college in the United States, today announced it has been selected one of the 2011 Great Colleges to Work For by The Chronicle of Higher Education.

The results of The Chronicle’s fourth annual report on the academic workplace are based on a survey of nearly 44,000 employees at colleges and universities nationwide. Nyack was recognized as a leader in the categories of work/life balance: college policies that give employees the flexibility to manage their personal lives; confidence in senior leadership: administrators have the knowledge, skills, and experience necessary for institutional success; and respect and appreciation: employees are regularly recognized for their contributions.

“Our faculty and staff routinely go above and beyond the call of duty to ensure that students receive the academic, spiritual, and emotional support that they need to succeed,” says Dr. Michael Scales, president of Nyack College.

The Great Colleges program is based on a two-part assessment process: an institutional audit that captured demographics and workplace policies from each institution, and a survey administered to faculty, administrators, and professional support staff.

“Faculty are consistently supported and encouraged in their professional and personal development,” said Miriam Velez, professor at the Nyack School of Education. “Our administrators are open to new ideas that will benefit the students faculty and staff. It’s just one of the reasons I’m proud to be a part of Nyack’s mission and legacy.”

Nyack College is a 129-year-old institution with more than 4,000 students. This is the first year Nyack has participated in the Chronicle’s Great Colleges program.

“Nyack is a great college to work for because employees use their gifts and abilities toward a mission they believe in,” said Karen Davie, Nyack’s Director of Human Resources. “It comes from the top and we share President Scales’ goal to give every individual at this institution ultimate respect and dignity.”

For more information about Nyack College, please visit http://www.nyack.edu/.

Woods, a Pearl River resident grew up in his family’s restaurant business in County Tyrone in Ireland. After coming to the United States in 1985, he worked in restaurants in the Bronx before opening Mahoney’s Irish Pub and Steakhouse in Poughkeepsie in 2004. In  2010, he opened Mahoney’s in Gold’s Gym in La Grange, NY.

Woods envisions Emmett’s Castle as a family style restaurant also offering catering for large and small groups, including weddings, communion parties, graduation and birthday parties, Christmas dinner parties, private dinners, conferences, business dinners and luncheons, also will be accommodated.  As a special service for any of its customers from the local area, the restaurant offers a convenient pick-up and drop-off service. Diners can call 845-735-3504 to schedule a pick up. Call for more information about this service.

The official opening celebration of Emmett’s Castle is scheduled for October 1, 2011.

Emmett’s Castle is located on the grounds of Blue Hill Golf Course, on Blue Hill Road in Orangeburg, NY.