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Please submit press releases via e-mail to Robin Granger.

Community College Contributes $330 Million to Schenectady County Economy

An economic impact report detailing the economic contribution of Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) to the county was recently presented to the SCCC Board of Trustees.

Schenectady County receives $329.8 million in income each year due to SCCC and its students. This figure amounts to 5% of the county's total annual income.

Schenectady County taxpayers see a real money return of 15% on their annual investment in SCCC.

Over the course of a working lifetime, a student with an Associate's degree earns $590,400 more than someone with a high school diploma, which contributes to the county's economy via higher taxes, greater spending, and the accompanying economic multiplier effect.

Students receive a 21% annual return on their SCCC educational investment of time and money.

New York state benefits from improved health and reduced welfare, unemployment, and crime, saving the public $1.6 million per year each year that students are in the workforce.

Copies of the Study are availableat www.sunysccc.edu.

Kathleen's Therapeutic Massage Opens on Hamburg Street

Photo from left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner; Rotterdam Town Supervisor Steve Tommasone; Krista, Kevin, Kyle and Kathleen Carroll; Massage Therapist Gemma Clancy; County Legislator Angelo Santabarbara; Assemblyman Jim Tedisco Representative Greg Amorosi; First National Bank and Rotterdam Business Association Representatives Terry Freeman and Lisa Jackey.

Kathleen’s Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa celebrated its recent opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, July 15, 2008. Located at 2779 Hamburg Street in Rotterdam, the spa’s services include custom- therapeutic, prenatal, Shiatsu, hot stone and deep tissue massage. In addition, Kathleen’s offers mud wraps, foot scrubs and hand massages.

“I was always interested in the medical field when I was growing up,” confided owner Kathy Carroll. “After years of dealing with stressed-out, disgruntled people as a customer service representative, I thought massage therapy would be a positive, meaningful way to impart some of the good I have experienced in my life to others.” Carroll feels fortunate to have had a wonderful childhood, a loving and supportive 24-year marriage and two terrific children. Offering a healing touch and supporting wellness as a massage therapist is her way of paying it forward.

After completing a two-year program at the Center for Natural Wellness on Wolf Road, Carroll graduated as a Licensed Massage Therapist. She currently employs two additional licensed therapists. Plans for the future include adding manicure and pedicure services as well as an esthetician for skin care.  Kathleen’s Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 4:30 until 8 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 9:30 a.m. until 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m.

Kathleen’s Therapeutic Massage and Day Spa

2779 Hamburg Street, Rotterdam | 518.355.5400

The Chamber of Schenectady County, founded in 1924, has three core values: We believe in business; we back business; and we build business. The Chamber offers its members service, support and promotion; acts as a community voice for government advocacy and provides programming for special interest groups; assists businesses with marketing, education and networking. By joining The Chamber, a company becomes part of a network of more than 1,000 business organizations serving more than 50,000 employees. Its mission is to drive the business climate throughout Schenectady County, and its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and progress and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

1326 State Street Flea Market Offers Up Great Deals!

1326 State Street Flea Market celebrated its recent opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Thursday, July 10, 2008. The flea market currently has seven vendors selling gently-used items at bargain prices. There is room to expand, and new vendors are welcome.

Owner Shawn Sandham lives in New Jersey. He employs a full-time manager, Cliff Dodge, to run his business. Sandham chose Schenectady because of the recent influx of Guyanese to the area.

“My wife Khem is Guyanese, and we know that they are industrious, hard-working people who will help to build up the community,” explained Sandham.  “With the growing concerns about the economy, we felt the timing was perfect to open a flea market. We are giving our vendors the opportunity to make additional income and offering merchandise at a good value as well.”

1326 State Street Flea Market is open Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. A discount coupon has been included in the Daily Gazette for use on Friday, July 11, 2008.

The Chamber of Schenectady County, founded in 1924, has three core values: We believe in business; we back business; and we build business. The Chamber offers its members service, support and promotion; acts as a community voice for government advocacy and provides programming for special interest groups; assists businesses with marketing, education and networking. By joining The Chamber, a company becomes part of a network of more than 1,000 business organizations serving more than 50,000 employees. Its mission is to drive the business climate throughout Schenectady County, and its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and progress and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

Schenectady Welcomes New Residents

From left: County Legislator Philip Fields, Assemblyman George Amedore, Chamber of Schenectady Chairman of the Board Angelo Mazzone, Schenectady ARC Executive Director Linda Lahaie, Bella Stuart, Assemblyman Tedisco representative Greg Amorosi, County Legislator Marty Finn.

Mayor Brian U. Stratton was pleased to welcome six new residents to the City of Schenectady. The Mayor along with Schenectady ARC and The Chamber of Schenectady County officially opened the newest residence of Schenectady ARC, Stuart House, located at 1740 State Street.

The new residence is named for Bella Stuart a former Board of Directors president and a member of various committees at Schenectady ARC. Bella and her family were guests of honor at the opening and assisted with the ceremonial ribbon cutting.  Also attending the ribbon cutting was the Woodlawn Neighborhood Association, which has warmly received the new residents in their community.  

The residence is a new concept in living alternatives now offered at Schenectady ARC. Stuart House creates an individualized residential alternative (IRA) for six individuals with developmental disabilities, ages 38 through 58, who require on-site staff support to successfully sustain an apartment-based lifestyle.  As such, this IRA consists of six consumer apartments along with additional living space for SARC staff and a common kitchen, living and dining room area.

Stuart House will provide a wide variety of person-centered independent living services to address specific issues that may be interfering with ongoing apartment-based living or transition from a group home setting.   Depending on each consumer’s individualized needs, services will consist of assistance with medication administration, meal preparation, social and recreational outings, budgeting, housekeeping, monitoring of physical, health and social/emotional issues, proper hygiene maintenance, scheduling of appointments and grocery shopping.

State Farm Announces New Agent in Glenville

 Photo from left: State Farm Field Executive PJ Furnari, Town of Glenville Supervisor Frank Quinn, Assemblyman James Tedisco, Amy and Bruce Aldrich, Chamber Ambassador Barb Norton, Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner.

GLENVILLE, NY – The Amy Aldrich Agency celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Monday, July 7, 2008. Located at 123 Saratoga Road in Socha Plaza, Aldrich’s office hours will be Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-7 p.m., and Saturday 9 a.m.-12 noon, with other hours by appointment.  Amy can be reached at 518-384-AMYA.

“My team and I look forward to providing residents with the service and support State Farm customers expect,”  says Aldrich. “We will make sure that we not only help our clients recover from the unexpected, but also help them plan for the future and realize their dreams, by providing excellent financial services.”

Aldrich started her career with State Farm in 1994 as a claims representative, helping policyholders recover from unexpected losses. She then worked in human resources and agency recruiting until pursuing her own agency opportunity. Aldrich and her husband, Bruce, live in Ballston Lake with their two children, Hailey (7) and Dillon (5).  Amy is president-elect of the Stevens Elementary School PTA, and a past executive board member of Domestic Violence/Rape Crisis of Saratoga County. 

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and progress and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

State Farm® insures more cars than any other insurance company in North America and is the leading U.S. home insurer.  State Farm’s 17,000 agents and 69,000 employees serve nearly 73 million auto, fire, life and health policies in the United States and Canada.  State Farm also offers financial services products through State Farm Bank®.  State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies.  State Farm is ranked number 22 on the Fortune 500 list of largest companies.  For more information, please visit statefarm.com® or in Canada statefarm.ca™

Vespa Schenectady Creates a Buzz

Wasps are invading Schenectady just in time to help take the sting out of the high price of gas! Vespa, which is Italian for Wasp, has landed in Schenectady and is now  open at 1401 Erie Boulevard. The Chamber of Schenectady County celebrated its arrival with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, July 1, 2008.

A main mode of transportation in Europe since 1946, Vespa is the original motor-scooter and can get up to 80 miles per gallon. It features a steel chassis without exposed engine parts and is suitable for both men and women. As opposed to a Mo-Ped, it does not have any speed restrictions and does require a motorcycle license to operate.

“A Vespa is the perfect transportation supplement these days,” explained Vespa Schenectady Owner Peter Caschera. “I tell people, keep your SUV, drive it to work when it’s cold or raining, but on nice days – take your scooter. The money you can save while you’re having fun is incredible.”

Piaggio, Vespa’s parent company, makes a variety of models starting at $1,899. Vespa Schenectady offers 0% down, 0% financing and can cost as little as $30 per month.

Vespa Schenectady is located within Anca’s Foreign Auto Parts, owned by Rocco Caschera for the past 28 years. Along with his sons Peter and Joe, Rocco sells foreign and domestic auto parts in addition to the recently added Vespa line.

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and progress and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

Vespa Schenectady, 1401 Erie Boulevard, Schenectady

518.374.3705  www.vespaschenectady.com

New Reserve Center Celebrates Opening

GLENVILLE, NY -- The new Joint Armed Forces Reserve Center at Schenectady County Airport celebrated their opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by Metroplex and the Chamber of Schenectady County.  Congressman Michael McNulty to offer his congratulations on this impressive new addition to the county located on Rudy Chase Drive off Route 50 in Glenville.

Rotterdam Square is Staying Connected

ROTTERDAM, NY -- Rotterdam Square celebrated the opening of our new soft seating area and food court redevelopment with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

The  updated customer amenity is the perfect place for shoppers to enjoy a bright open atmosphere and utilize fresh offerings such as free public Wi-Fi and relaxing seating options.  

The addition of the soft seating area also spurred the relocation of three important Rotterdam Square retailers.  AT&T, Jewels and Courtside News are all enjoying great new store fronts with all the latest goods and services available to guests.

Chamber Board Votes to Oppose Paid Family Leave Act

After reviewing a report prepared by its Business Advocacy Council, the Chamber of Schenectady County’s Board of Directors voted to oppose the Paid Family Leave Act (S.5821 / A.9245). An official letter of opposition to the State of New York will be drafted, and Chamber members will be encouraged to participate in an e-advocacy campaign, created by The Business Council of New York State..

Unlike the Family Medical Leave Act, the new mandate would impact all employers, regardless of size. The policy provides payment to workers for loss of work due to caring for a child or sick relative for up to 12 weeks. The benefit will be paid for by expanding the state’s temporary disability insurance program and allowing employers to increase the premium withholding from employees’ paychecks to help cover the cost. While on the surface it seems as if the burden of cost would fall on the employee and the state, no provisions have been made to cover the costs for increased overtime, staffing gaps, and other issues faced by employers. Small- and medium-sized businesses would be hardest hit.

“Given the current state of our economy and the fact that New York business owners are paying taxes that are 79% higher than the national average, it is crucial that we oppose Paid Family Leave,” stated Kathryn Donovan, chair of the Chamber’s Business Advocacy Council and owner of Horizon Bradco. “It’s a one-size-fits-all mandate that would make doing business and creating jobs in the state that much more difficult. In a time when we are focusing on rebuilding our state and attracting new business, we certainly don’t need to put up new roadblocks.”

Area Chambers of Commerce Collaborate in Global Business Network Program

In a recent vote, the Chamber of Schenectady County’s Board of Directors approved participation in the Capital Region Global Business Network, a collaborative program that spans four area chambers and the Center for Economic Growth.

The Capital Region Global Business Network (GBN) is an established all-volunteer nonprofit membership organization providing a platform where members share their knowledge and experience toward the goal of advancing international trade opportunities in the Capital Region. The GBN’s mission is to provide education and networking opportunities for area companies interested in international trade.

The Albany-Colonie Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber of Schenectady County, the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG) are all well-established nonprofit membership organizations that have promoted programs and trade among thousands of collective members in the Capital Region. International trade is a viable, growing activity among many area companies. Through technology and the “flattening of the world” today, the barrier to entry of cross-border business is at the point that virtually any company with a web site can conduct international business. In addition, many area companies note that a growing proportion of their sales and other activities involve international transactions.

The GBN collaborative premise is recognition of the ever-increasing international trade opportunities and activity and the need for regular education and interaction with other companies involved in international trade. Relevant educational topics/workshops could include foreign market trends, finance, legal, accounting and tax, tariff regulations and more. In addition, the Chambers – even collectively – recognize their lack of ability to consistently meet the need for such programs related to international trade. If not provided, members may seek other outlets for greater perceived value or simply lose interest in Chamber membership. As a result, the Chambers have an opportunity to be proactive in meeting this demand.

Duanesburg Physical Therapy Strengthens Community

From left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner, Madison, Kristen and Chris Magil, Pastor Lorenzo Agnes

Duanesburg Physical Therapy celebrated its grand opening with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, June 10, 2008. Located at 4780 Duanesburg Road in Princetown, the business occupies a brand-new facility completed earlier this year.

Owner Christopher Magil has a Doctoral degree in Physical Therapy and has practiced in the area since 2003. Prior to opening his own practice, Magil worked for Physical Therapy Associates of Schenectady. He is a native of Altamont and now resides in Schenectady.

Duanesburg Physical Therapy caters to athletes and patients of all ages and abilities. The practice boasts state-of-the-art equipment including the new Nintendo Wii, broadcasted on a 50-inch plasma television. A spacious gym with cathedral ceilings allows for unconventional approaches to indoor physical therapy such as sports-specific and plyometric exercises.

“I want to raise the bar for physical therapy in the western part of the Capital District. Duanesburg is a growing area with incredible opportunities,” explained Magil. “Now more than ever, a greater amount of financial responsibility falls on the patient.  My goal is for my patients to feel that the treatment they receive is effective in improving their health as well as worthy of their time and money. I want them to feel that their health care dollars are well-spent.”

Duanesburg Physical Therapy is less than four miles past Schalmont High School. It is easily accessible from Route 7 and Interstate 88. The office is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m. and Saturday by appointment. To learn more, visit www.duanesburgpt.com or call 518.355.8500.

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and growth and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

Chamber Celebrates 'Good News' in Schenectady County

Pictured from left: Matt Butrym, Matthew's Signs; Diana Bennett, Scotia-Glenville Children's Museum; Diane Smith Faubsion, 1st National Bank of Scotia; Kelly Shea-Bradley, MVP Health Care; Amy Raimo, Junior League of Schenectady; Mitch Messmore, Art Night Schenectady; Patrick Ciraulo, Duanesburg Area Community Center; Romolo Pede, Pede Brothers, Inc.; Jim Healy, GE Energy; Rose Pede, Pede Brothers, Inc.; Eunice Esposito, Rotterdam Town Clerk; Kathleen Fagan, Transfinder Corp.

The Chamber of Schenectady County honored 10 organizations and individuals at its annual “Good News Luncheon” on April 16 at River Stone Manor. The event was hosted by CBS6 Meteorologist and Larkin Commercial Properties broker Tom Mailey. Event sponsors were Bank of America, The Gazette and The Business Review.

The Good News Awards recognize organizations in Schenectady County that have experienced exceptional growth, survived through economic ups and downs, are celebrating a significant anniversary, have shown extraordinary community support, have undergone major growth or expansion, have launched a unique product or service within the past year or are simply a true success story.

Hearty congratulations to year’s award winners - click on the links below to view video vignettes of the honorees:

1st National Bank of Scotia (85 years in business)

Duanesburg Area Community Center (growth and investment in community)

GE Energy (750 new high-tech jobs in Schenectady)

Junior League of Schenectady (Operation Back-to-School for inner city kids)

Matthew’s Signs (31 years in business; survival of economic ups and downs)

Mitch Messmore, Art Night Schenectady (one-year anniversary of successful community event)

MVP Health Care (25^th anniversary; new building was catalyst for downtown revitalization)

Pede Brothers, Inc. (40 years in business; a true success story)

Scotia-Glenville Children’s Museum (30 years in business)

Transfinder Corporation (20 years in business, significant growth)

Sunmark Federal Credit Union Opens Regional Administrative Offices

Sunmark Federal Credit Union celebrated the opening of its Latham branch – the eleventh branch in the Capital Region for Sunmark Federal Credit Union on June 3, 2008. From left are: Sara Spychalski, Vice President of Risk Management, Frank Degraw, Sr. Vice President of Corporate Administration, Mary Kay Jandrew, Vice President of Human Resources, Town of Colonie Supervisor Paula Mahan, Sunmark board member Destry Scribner, Bruce Beaudette, President and CEO of Sunmark, Roxanne Degraw Sales and Service Manager and Ritch Anthony, VP of Member Investment Services.

SUNMARK FEDERAL CREDIT UNION TO HOST RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY FOR REGIONAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES

New facility will allow for greater convenience and support for Sunmark’s membership

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. - - Sunmark Federal Credit Union, a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live and work in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties, announced that it officially opened the doors of its new administrative building and its eleventh branch in the Capital Region on Tuesday, June 3, 2008. The facility is located at 1187 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham, N.Y. 12110.

“This is an exciting time for our credit union,” said Sunmark Federal Credit Union President and CEO Bruce M. Beaudette. “We value our members and we feel this building and adjoining branch will continue our efforts to provide them with the service and support they’ve come to expect from Sunmark.”

The administrative building is approximately 45,000 square-feet and will be home to a full staff of Financial Services and Member Services associates.  The new branch will feature a full service drive-up ATM, a night drop box that will accommodate both commercial and consumer deposits and two additional drive-up lanes for financial services.

In addition, Sunmark will also host a grand opening tailgate event on June 7^th. The festivities will be for both members and the surrounding community. The event will include live entertainment, special rate offerings, a vehicle giveaway and many other offers and chances to win prize drawings and merchandise. The event will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

To learn more about Sunmark Federal Credit Union and our branch locations, visit http://www.sunmarkfcu.org.

About Sunmark Federal Credit Union

Sunmark Federal Credit Union^® is a full-service, community chartered credit union serving those who live work, worship or attend school in Albany, Schenectady, Montgomery, Saratoga, Schoharie and Rensselaer counties in New York. Sunmark has assets of $435 million and serves more than 46,000 members and businesses. For more information, visit their web site at www.sunmarkfcu.org.

Al Fresco Dining Now Available at Winedown Lounge

From left: Metroplex Chairman Ray Gillen,  Mayor of Schenectady Brian U. Stratton, Owners Mark Allen and Bill Darnell, DSIC Executive Director Jim Salengo and Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner

The Winedown Lounge, recipient of the 2008 Heritage Preservation Award, held a ribbon cutting ceremony to mark the opening of their new outdoor patio. Hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation, the celebration took place on Thursday, May 29, 2008. Lunch, dinner and cocktails will be served on the patio throughout the warm weather months.

Winedown Lounge officially opened for business last November. Located at 613 Union Street in Schenectady, the business inhabits the former Beyer Fur building which dates back to the 1830’s. The main dining room is located in the original fur vault.

“The momentum of downtown Schenectady continues to build. It’s a pleasure to see quality businesses lining lower Union Street. The Winedown Lounge is a beautiful addition to this area. They have developed this property and their offerings with great attention to detail,” stated Chuck Steiner, President of the Chamber of Schenectady County.

“The Winedown Lounge is definitely one of downtown Schenectady’s recent signature projects,” said Jim Salengo, Executive Director of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation. “This business offers an upscale new destination for downtown visitors and residents and underscores the quality investments that continue to revitalize our district.”

Winedown Lounge, created by owners Mark Allen and Bill Darnell, features a wine tasting room which views of the cellaring room and seats up to 12 people. Five course tasting menus paired with selected wines are a popular option for the private room. The business also offers lounge seating, a wine tasting bar and live local jazz on Saturday nights from 8 until 11 p.m. in the main dining room. The Progressive American cuisine is complemented by an award-winning wine list and a full bar.

“The majority of the construction work was done by just four of us: me, my partner Mark Allen, the building owners Reza Mahoutian and Rick Vadney,” explained owner Bill Darnell. “We worked 12 to 16 hours a day over the course of 8 months to transform this building.”

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and growth and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

The mission of the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation is to promote Downtown Schenectady as a premier location for commerce, recreation and residence by enhancing, facilitating and supporting economic and cultural growth.

Winedown Lounge, 632 Union Street, Schenectady   518.344.7086

www.winedownlounge.com

Luncheon: Tuesday – Friday 11a.m. until 2 p.m.

Dinner: Tuesday – Friday 4 until 10 p.m., Saturday 4 until11 p.m.

Northeast Parent & Child Breaks Ground on New Children's Home

Congratulations to Northeast Parent and Child on the recent groundbreaking for their new Children’s Home to be located on Park Avenue in Schenectady. After a ten year wait, the Dormitory Authority of New York State awarded $10 million for the project. An additional $1 million will need to be raised privately.

The new home boasts bright open spaces, private bedrooms and office space for the various services provided that include: individual and family counseling, independent living and social skill coaching and career development classes. “All of our youth have experienced either abuse, neglect or extreme poverty,” stated President and CEO Dr. James Johans. “This is the kind of healing environment that our children deserve.” Construction will be overseen by BBL and is projected to be completed by Spring of 2009.

Northeast Parent and Child originated in 1888 by a group of women who had a mission to aid the homeless children in Schenectady. To date, Northeast Parent and Child has helped more than 100,000 children and families.

Junior League of Schenectady - Same Mission, New Location

After 20 years on Franklin Street, the Junior League of Schenectady, which serves Schenectady and Saratoga Counties, is moving to a new home. To celebrate, the organization held a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber of Schenectady County on Tuesday, April 29, 2008.

The Junior League of Schenectady will now headquarter at 152 Barrett Street, Schenectady. “Our office is just that much closer to the heart of something very near and dear to us,” said President-Elect Deneen Palmateer. “Of course I am referring to downtown. The revitalization is so exciting. Our building is one that was selected for a façade grant. The area is reawakening with beauty and vibrancy.”

Known for its community service, the Junior League was established in Schenectady County in 1932. In addition to the large undertakings such as the establishment of Family and Child Service of Schenectady, Hospice and Project Safe, the League is known for numerous long- and short-term projects.

Operation Back-to-School, now in its sixth year, has outfitted more than 3,000 elementary school children with backpacks and school supplies. The Kids in the Kitchen event empowers local youth through tips for healthier eating and exercise in an effort to combat childhood obesity. Done-in-a-Day events include work in both Schenectady and Saratoga Counties for programs such as Bethesda House, Concern for the Hungry and the Domestic Violence Shelter.

The Junior League of Schenectady currently boasts 194 volunteers. An official Open House is planned for Monday, May 12 from 5 until 6 p.m. All are welcome to view the new location and learn more about the organization.

The Junior League of Schenectady, 152 Barrett Street, Schenectady

518.370.1902   www.jlschenectadysaratoga.org

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and growth and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

Matrix Offers Low Cost Computer Repairs, New & Refurbished Equipment

From left: Chamber of Schenectady County President Chuck Steiner, Liz Grogan, Owner John Perry, Robin Granger

ROTTERDAM, NY – Matrix Computer Repairs and Sales celebrated the opening of their new store front with a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by The Chamber of Schenectady County on Friday, April 25, 2008. Located at 7 Old Mariaville Road in Rotterdam, Matrix Computer Repairs shares the same plaza as Poppy’s Ice Cream and Goumba’s Pizza.

Owner John Perry has been repairing computers for several years via a home-based business. In a recent interview, Perry attributed the growth of his business to low hourly rates both in-house and on-site and the fact that he stands behind all his repairs. “I’m excited that my business has reached the point of needing a storefront,” he explained. “It’s a great feeling to be a part of the Rotterdam business community; supporting this area is very important to me.”

In addition to repair, Perry builds and customizes computers to the needs of his customers. To keep prices low, he charges for labor only, with no markup on parts. Matrix Computers also supplies both hardware and software with just one day’s notice. Customers range from individual PC owners to school districts and government agencies.

Matrix Computer Repairs and Sales, 7 Old Mariaville Road, Rotterdam, NY

518.356.3499

Hours of Operation: Monday – Friday 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., Saturday 12 until 8 p.m.

The Chamber of Schenectady County is the premier business membership organization in Schenectady County. Its vision is to be a catalyst for partnerships and growth and to provide its members and the community with the tools to achieve growth, prosperity and a superior quality of life.

Afterglow Day Spa Offers an Oasis on Union Street

From left - Chamber President Chuck Steiner, Licensed Massage Ther