The Bulletin -- March 3, 2010 (#1030)

North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Garry Douglas spoke about the Chamber’s expectations for 2010. Douglas reviewed the results of the Chamber’s Annual Issues Survey and the Business Confidence Index.

Program: Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce President and CEO, Garry Douglas —The Chamber’s View on 2010 and the Annual Issues Survey

Government affairs are on the minds of most everyone these days, and Garry Douglas took a few minutes to expound on issues facing the Chamber of Commerce and the North Country.
He began by referring to the Chamber’s annual Issues Survey. Douglas and his team utilize the results from the survey to address the most pressing concerns facing area businesses.

The tone that was set with the 2010 survey was serious as they move forward with government affairs in Washington and Albany. On the federal level the big question was how people are characterizing their positions on federal spending and debt. Ninety-two percent of the respondents said they were very concerned. Only eight percent said they were supportive of federal spending as it is necessary for economic stimulation. It is a very lopsided response.

The survey identified the top issues affecting state government. For the past 15 years, the number one issue in Albany was cost and access to health insurance. Number two was energy costs. For the first time, survey participants were particularly interested in reducing state spending and reducing state taxes/fees. This is a significant shift in the business community.

The survey also measures the Business Confidence Index. It identifies those who expect their business to increase, remain steady or decrease as compared to the prior year. Encouragingly, there is an 87 percent business confidence index.

“There is a real message of optimism and determination in the business community here in the North Country,” said Douglas, who remembered the base closure and other difficult times creating economic hardship in the past. Such adversity has likely made the area stronger, at least as measured by the business community’s general outlook.

While there will always be those who wring their hands and fret about the state of things, Douglas feels strongly that the North Country is resilient. He admits that there are tough times ahead, but by and large, we will be okay.
Douglas said, “We feel that our economic development community is pursuing the right strategies, and this region is positioned better than other places in upstate New York.”

According to Douglas, the real message from the survey was revealed when respondents were asked their opinion of the state’s economy. Sixty-six percent expect the state’s economy to go down this year. The dichotomy between the North Country and the state as a whole is evident. Ask the same question to other communities and the more common result is that they view their local region as problematic while their state sails along with business as usual.

Douglas said one of the biggest lessons learned from the base closure in the 1990’s was that the North Country was actually irrelevant. As he explained, we were a disposable part of an imperial state then, and this needed to change. Douglas and the Chamber of Commerce continue to battle this issue today. Being seen as relevant and important is what guides the Chamber’s government affairs efforts.

Rotary entered a team in the 2010 Literacy Challenge at Champlain Center Mall on Saturday, March 6. The team met their match against the Ausable Teachers who came out on top. Shown above (L-R): Colin Read, Corn Forrence, Rick Leibowitz and Marty Mannix.

This Week:

• There will be a quick board meeting after today’s meeting (3/3).
• Please notice the information about Polio Plus on the tables. Anyone who still has cartons should turn them in by March 17.
• President Bonnie announced the arrival of Rotary International’s 448 Shelter Boxes in Chile.
• Wednesday, March 10 is Rotary Ski Day.
• Next week’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday, March 11 with the Kiwanis Club at the Elks Club.
• Bonnie received an email from RI stating our club is one of 142 clubs accepted to sponsor an exhibit at the convention. This is a great honor! Please sign up to staff the booth because every shift needs to be filled and we have two weeks to do it.
• The club has a goal of getting six benefactors ($1,000 when you pass away). So far we have five people!

Committee Moments:
Rotaract—Colin Read: Colin is working with SUNY Plattsburgh students and Maria Alexander to identify seniors who need assistance during the college’s alternative spring break. Thanks to everyone who is participating.

Membership Committee—Jack Prim: The next membership meeting is scheduled for March 17; same place, same time. Jack passed out lists of committees and encouraged everyone to identify volunteer interests. Please submit the forms with corrections/additions to Jack.

Radio Day-Rick Leibowitz: Rick encouraged everyone to sell one ad, and gave a shout out to Chuck Paepke for being last year’s leader. He turned over Ange LaMariana’s packet to Doug Kashorek and sold an ad in Ange’s memory courtesy of a few generous club members.

Bonnie’s Bucks:

• Amanda Palmer brought a Rotary banner from the Gualala, Ca. club

Make Ups: New Member Orientation Meeting: P. Grosskopf (2/3), D. Bray (2/17), P. Cadieux (1/27), B. Black and L. Mundy (2/10); e-Club: S. Walker (11/25, 12/2, 12/9, 12/23, 1/6, 1/13, 1/20, 1/27), T. Boshart (2/10), D. Napolitan (2/3), C. Carpentier (2/3, 2/10, 2/17), S. Kende (2/3), B. Kidwell (2/17), A. Recore (2/10), B. Drollette (2/10), A. Asadorian (2/10), A. Kretser (1/27, 2/3, 2/10).

Another Candle Burning For: Gil Zhan (3/1), David Napolitan (3/2), Jay Kerley (3/3), Elle Berger (3/6), Amy Kretser (3/10), Anne Cutaiar (3/12).

50/50: There are 48 cards left in the deck, and the pot is worth. $965.00. Courtney Chandler drew the 3 of spades.

TRIVIA: In celebration of Rotary’s 50th anniversary, postal administrations from 27 countries authorized commemorative postage stamps. The stamp issued in the United States debuted February 23, 1955 — 50 years after the date of the first Rotary club meeting.

New Member Talk – Courtney Chandler Courtney Chandler was born in Plattsburgh and has family roots tied to Rotary. Her father, Mark Chandler, was president of the club back in 1990-1991. She attended Peru High School graduating in 2000. Courtney then went to Plattsburgh State with the intention of becoming a doctor, but discovered stronger interests in business. She graduated with a degree in Business Management. Through her sorority, she gained a passion for community service that continues today. She worked for her father’s insurance company through college and upon graduation, she branched out. A marketing job opportunity in the insurance field lead her to Jacksonville, Fla., and then Spokane, Wash. After some soul searching in Washington, Courtney decided to move back to the North Country and is currently the Personnel Manager for Agency Insurance.

New Member Talk – Leigh Mundy Leigh Mundy was born in Virginia where she attended high school and was an all-star gymnast. After high school, Leigh attended Radcliff College where she majored in chemistry before moving to Atlanta, Ga. and continued her education studying art. Leigh spent a handful of years working for Phillip Morris doing marketing. She then married Stephens Mundy. After their two children were born, the family moved to West Virginia. Leigh went back to college and earned a degree in psychology while doing event planning and serving as a community volunteer. Stephens accepted his job at CVPH, and they relocated to the North Country. Leigh continues to be involved in the arts community and currently owns and manages several rental properties. She is on the board of the North Country Cultural Center for the Arts and is heading the capital campaign for the Strand Theatre. Leigh is proud to have put down roots here and is looking forward to serving in Rotary.