The keynote address will be delivered by Joleene DesRosiers Moody with a presentation titled “Jump With Your Eyes Closed.” Ms. Moody is a transformational speaker and writer who has  set out to learn as much as she could about love, laughter and acceptance of what is, three realities that changed her life and taught her how to live with purpose and without suffering.  Ms. Moody is a former Central New York television reporter.

 In keeping with the holiday season, participants are invited to help local residents “Have a Warm Winter” by bringing new or gently used children’s snow pants, adult and children’s winter wear, and blankets for the Impossible Dream Thrift Store or an item for the food pantry.

 Attendees will learn in the first workshop session about effective networking tools and techniques during “Networking 101,” presented by Jennifer Huttemann-Kall, co-founder of the Business of Women and Commercial Lending Officer for Community Bank, N.A. 

 In the second session, participants will choose between two workshop offerings.  Mandee Widrick of ChargedUp Media, Watertown will present “Blogging 101,” a simple primer for people wanting to share their insights in the social media world, whether for personal enjoyment or as a means to improving or marketing their business.  Ms. Widrick’s marketing company helps businesses increase their brand awareness online.  In January 2010, she created Horse Family, an online blog-style magazine for equestrians that now has over 5,000 followers.  Ms. Widrick is passionate about helping entrepreneurs become successful by implementing modern and creative marketing strategies, and speaks at conferences and colleges around the state teaching people how to use social media and the internet to their advantage

 In the other session, Kimberly A. Steele, Esq, of the Steele Law Firm, P.C., of Oswego, NY will discuss “The Do’s and Don’ts of Hiring and Firing,” covering such topics as employee interviewing, documenting problems with employees, etc.   Ms. Steele’s law firm is a multi-jurisdictional practice that represents clients in commercial transactions and litigation, construction law and suretyship.  The Steele Law Firm, P.C. was awarded the NYS Certified Woman-Owned Business Enterprise designation in 2010.  Ms. Steele graduated from Elmira College magna cum laude and received her Juris Doctor from Albany Law School of Union University.

 The conference also features a Small Business Expo where vendors can sell their wares during breaks and lunchtime.  People interested in registering for the expo can contact Sarah O’Connell at 782-9262.  Table reservations are $25.

The half-day conference on October 10 includes a continental breakfast, networking time, and a soup and sandwich lunch.  Registration is $40 until October 5.     To register or get more information, call the Small Business Development Center at 782-9262 or go to www.facebook.com/BusinessofWomen.

 Brian McMahon has served as the full time Executive Director of the New York State Economic Development Council since January 1, 2000. Prior to that he served as the Director of Economic Development and Manufacturing for The Business Council of New York State, Inc.

 NYSEDC is the principal organization representing more than 900 economic development professionals, which include the leadership of Industrial Development Agencies, Empire Zones, Local Development Corporations, commercial and investment banks, underwriters, bond counsels, utilities, chambers of commerce and private corporations. The purpose of NYSEDC is to promote the economic development of the state and its communities; encourage sound practices in regional and statewide development activities; and, develop education programs that enhance the professional skills of NYSEDC members.

 NYSEDC also leads New York’s marketing activities for the biotech sector. Through its subsidiary NY Loves Bio, NYSEDC coordinates trade show, external communications, and public policy activities to expand and market the state’s life science opportunities and assets nationally and internationally.

 Reservations for the JCIDA 40th Anniversary event can be made by calling (315)782-5865, or email mahanley@jcjdc.net. Reservations must be in no later than September 16, 2011.

A key element of this year’s Employers’ Survey was designed to identify specific work skills sought by the local employers. The results will then be compared to the recent workforce telephone surveys conducted by the Jefferson Community College Center for Community Studies, on behalf of the Jefferson-Lewis Workforce Investment Board (WIB), to identify the skills and experience currently possessed by the local workforce. The results of the JCC Survey are expected to be released sometime in September.

 A comparative analysis of the two surveys will assist both the Jefferson-Lewis WIB and the Jefferson County CEDS Committee in identifying workforce development strategies.

Copies of the JCJDC and Lewis County Survey results will be sent to participants and the JCJDC Membership. Copies can also be obtained by going to the JCJDC web site: www.jcjdc.net, or by calling the JCJDC office at 782-5865.

Chairman                 David J. Converse, President, Converse Laboratories;

Vice Chairman        Kent D. Burto, Jefferson County Board of Legislators;

Treasurer               Michelle D. Pfaff,  Retired Vice President of Community Bank NA;                

Secretary               W. Edward Walldroff,  Owner, Homestead Fields Organic Farms.

Donald C. Alexander was re-appointed Chief Executive Officer of the Agency.

www.DrumCountryBusiness.com

The Drum Country Business regional marketing initiative was launched to the public on March 4, 2011  at Jefferson Community College.  The event marked the collaboration between the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization (FDRLO), Jefferson County Job Development Corporation, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency, Lewis County Office of Economic Development and Planning, Development Authority of the North Country and National Grid who have developed a regional marketing initiative focused on creating and retaining jobs by promoting the workforce and proximity of the region to Fort Drum. 

Guest speaker was Robert M. Ady, President, Ady Associates,  an internationally recognized site-selector and a member of the consulting team that helped develop the Drum Country Business marketing initiative.  As a site selector, Mr. Ady has identified optimal locations for more businesses in the United States than any other individual.  In his talk,  Mr. Ady addressed  the importance of regional partnerships in today’s economic climate.

 Representative Bill Owens was also in attendance, along with DeputySecretary of State  and former Assemblywoman Dee Dee Scozzafava and Assemblywoman Addie J. Russell. 

In an earlier statement Congressman Owens said, “Fort Drum plays a significant role in Northern New York’s economy and will help determine the continued success of the region.    The cooperative effort will allow local stakeholders in Jefferson, Lewis and St. Lawrence counties to take advantage of their strengths and assets to recruit new business to the area. This new initiative holds great potential for economic development in the North Country, and I look forward to helping in any way that I can.  The more we work to create jobs, the faster we can return to positive growth and a brighter future for Upstate New York.”

The Drum Country Business partnership stems from the Fort Drum Regional Liaison Organization’s economic development task force.  The FDRLO commissioned a gap analysis that identified businesses and industries that would traditionally locate near military installations.  The consultant’s recommendations for a direct marketing approach to these target industries led to the tri-county regional approach and Ady-Voltedge, Madison, WI, was hired to develop the materials and marketing plan for Drum Country Business.   

 The Drum Country Business marketing initiative is funded in part by the three county economic development agencies, the Development Authority of the North Country, and a legislative initiative from then-Assemblywoman Dede Scozzafava with matching funds provided by National Grid.

“Drum Country is recognition of the value of regional partnerships and the ability to compete as one in the global economy.  The counties are to be commended for their commitment to making this regional initiative work.”  – James W. Wright, Executive Director, Development Authority of the North Country

 “The positive presence of Fort Drum provides an ideal foundation as we look for new channels and methods to promote our region.  The St. Lawrence County IDA is excited to be working with our fellow counties on this initiative and greatly appreciates the support and participation of the Development Authority of the North Country, National Grid and the Fort Drum Regional Liaison in this collaborative effort.” -      Patrick Kelly, Deputy CEO, St. Lawrence County Industrial Development Agency

 “Working together with Jefferson and St. Lawrence Counties is a great way to leverage our assets for business attraction. The three-county area has many similarities and it is wise to use our assets to benefit the entire area.”  - Eric Virkler, Director of Economic Development and Planning, County of Lewis

“Drum Country Business provides an opportunity for the three counties to work together around a common theme that is unique to this region. The initiative enables us to leverage our marketing dollars more effectively allowing us to participate in more marketing activities. Collectively, we will garner more attention on a national and international scale than we would individually.”  - David J. Zembiec, Deputy Director of the JCJDC.

Coyote Moon Vineyards, located on 17371 County Route 3, Clayton, was incorporated in February 2008 as a 392 acre Farm Winery. The company produces award winning wine and complementary products associated with wine.

“Our plan of creating a business for tomorrow with our Family has exceeded our expectations. Our children and their spouses have moved to Clayton and are an integral part of the Winery operation. We consider our plan a “Legacy Development Plan” designed to incorporate family ownership over many generations,” Mr. Randazzo said in his application. “We are building a business to stand the test of time; a business not only for the benefit of our immediate family, but one that benefits the entire community.” (Watch a profile video of Coyote Moon Vineyards below).

The New Business Venture Award recognizes a company established and located in Jefferson County that has been operating for at least two years, but not more than four years, and that has shown by specific examples that their business plan is being implemented effectively in the growth of the business.

Conley’s Rental Management, Watertown and LaClair Family Dental, Carthage were each presented the JCJDC Business of Excellence Award. The award recognizes Jefferson County companies whose corporate actions have proven a commitment to Jefferson County and its economic health.

“Business opportunities abound in Jefferson County and this year’s winners and nominees are perfect examples of the entrepreneurial spirit and the business diversity that exists in the area,” said Ms. Pfaff. “I congratulate this year’s Award winners and the other nominees – Carthage Family Chiropractic Care, Dr. Kelli Jo Thesier, Proprietor (Watch video below); Imprints of NNY Inc., Christian Lawler President (Watch video below); North Country Farms, LLC, Kevin Richardson, President (Watch video below) and; North Croghan Outpost, Teri Ellis, Proprietor (Watch video below). Their entrepreneurial spirit and drive will hopefully inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

In other business conducted at the meeting, the following were elected to serve on the JCJDC Board of Directors for a three year term: Stephen J. Duflo, Treasurer & CFO, North Country Insurance Company; Christina Schneider, CFO, Purcell Construction Corporation, and; Steven M. Pierce, Vice President, Key Bank NA.

Coyote Moon Vineyards Business Profile Video:

Carthage Family Chiropractic Care Business Profile Video:

North Country Farms Business Profile Video:

Instant Imprints Business Profile Video:

North Croghan Outpost Business Profile Video:

The EB-5 program is strictly for job creation and economic development purposes and are utilized by business or municipal enterprises that are engaged in projects of several million dollars in scope.  The objective is to utilize investment dollars raised abroad to create jobs in the United States for U.S. workers.

    For more information, interested parties may contact the JCIDA office at (315) 782-5865, David L. Mosher, the local Upstate Regional Center representative, at (802) 492-2405 to arrange for a confidential interview.

This year’s nominees for the New Business Venture Award are:

Carthage Family Chiropractic Care, Carthage,  Dr. Kelli Jo Thesier, Proprietor

Coyote Moon Vineyards ™, Clayton,  Phil and Mary Randazzo, Proprietors

 Imprints of NNY Inc. dba Instant Imprints of Carthage, Christian M. Lawler, President and CEO

North Country Farms, LLC, Watertown,  Kevin L. Richardson, President

North Croghan Outpost, Natural Bridge,  Teri L. Ellis, Proprietor.

 The New Business Venture Award is given to a company established and located in Jefferson County who has been operating for at least two years, but not more than four years, and has shown that it is effectively implementing its business plan and is experiencing growth in the business. The winner of this award will be presented with a check for $1000.

 The nominees for this year’s Business of Excellence Award are:

 Conley Rental Management, Watertown,  Michael Siptrott, Owner

LaClair Family Dental, Carthage, Scott A. LaClair, DDS, Owner.

 The Business of Excellence Award recognizes Jefferson County businesses whose corporate actions have proven a commitment to Jefferson County and its economic health.

 “Once again this year’s nominees prove that there are diverse business opportunities throughout Jefferson County. The entrepreneurial spirit is alive and well in our community!” said Donald Alexander, JCJDC and JCIDA CEO. “We look forward to highlighting these entrepreneurs and their businesses at the JCJDC Annual Meeting.”

 The mission of the Jefferson County Job Development Corporation is to educate and promote Jefferson County’s assets and business opportunities available to current and prospective employers and to assist them through the processes for a successful completion of their start up or expansion projects.

At the November meeting of the Jefferson County Industrial Development Agency (JCIDA) Board of Directors, the following actions were taken:

• Authorized a $36,000 Microenterprise Loan to William Wisneski of Triple B & A, LLC for the purpose of building a laundry facility for linen cleaning at Bertrand’s Motel in Clayton, NY.
• Authorized a modification to the Revolving Loan Fund commitment for Lundy Development and Property Management that was approved previously.
• Tabled a decision to approve the new UTEP Policy until next month to enable Board members to review comments that were made at Public Hearings, work sessions with taxing jurisdictions, and comments submitted to the JCIDA office.

 The Jefferson County Local Development Corporation Board of Directors, who met immediately following the JCIDA meeting, took action on the following:

• Approved disbursement of $200,000, the remainder of a $550,000 Community Development Fund grant, to Great Lakes Cheese from the Community Development Fund for completion of their expansion project and exceeding their employment goals.  In 2008, the Company was given $350,000 of the total grant to assist with the facility’s expansion project in Adams, NY. The remaining $200,000 amount was to be distributed upon completion of the project, and required the retaining of 78 jobs and creation of 12 new jobs. The project was completed in 2010 and employs 110 people.
• The Board heard a presentation from Norstar Development regarding the Creek Wood Apartments Project in the City of Watertown.

Next scheduled JCIDA and JCLDC Board meeting will be on Thursday, December 2, 2010.