The Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties, Inc. is pleased to announce the appointment of Lara Sepanski as Program Associate.
Sepanski recently returned to the area after spending three years in the Dominican Republic with the Peace Corps. Peggy O’Shea, president and CEO of The Community Foundation, said, “Not only are we pleased to have such a bright and capable individual join our team, but we are also thrilled that Lara decided to return to this community when she could have gone anywhere in the country.”
Sepanski is a 2001 graduate of Whitesboro Central School and earned her Bachelor of Science degree in exercise science cum laude from Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia. While with the Peace Corps in the Dominican Republic, Sepanski taught English, was a community economic advisor to a women’s artisan group and founded a library. Lara Sepanski resides in Whitesboro with her husband.
The Community Foundation has been a force for improving lives and promoting philanthropy throughout Herkimer and Oneida counties since 1952. The Foundation has made more than 4,200 grants totaling over $29.5 million in support of causes ranging from education to health care, the arts to the environment. Grants are generated by the more than 260 funds that comprise The Foundation’s endowment, established and advanced by area individuals and families.
For more information about The Community Foundation, call 315-735-8212 or visit www.foundationhoc.org.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
"Inaugural Healthcare Hall of Distinction Ceremony"
The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region
Hello Genesis!
Join us for the..........
"Inaugural Healthcare Hall of Distinction Ceremony"
presented by The Medical Societies & Genesis
Tuesday September 22nd - 5:30pm
at The Stanley Center for the Arts
The following individuals will be inducted and honored for a lifetime of service
to their healthcare profession and to our community:
Brian J. Gaffney MD
Louis B. Tehan
Sister Rose Vincent Gleason
Keith A. Fenstemacher
Bernard J. Burke MD
Darlene A. Burns
Murray L. Nusbaum MD
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
Hello Genesis!
Join us for the..........
"Inaugural Healthcare Hall of Distinction Ceremony"
presented by The Medical Societies & Genesis
Tuesday September 22nd - 5:30pm
at The Stanley Center for the Arts
The following individuals will be inducted and honored for a lifetime of service
to their healthcare profession and to our community:
Brian J. Gaffney MD
Louis B. Tehan
Sister Rose Vincent Gleason
Keith A. Fenstemacher
Bernard J. Burke MD
Darlene A. Burns
Murray L. Nusbaum MD
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Central Association for the Blind Sees ‘Green’ with Award-Winning Greening the Cleaning® Program
The Paramus Post reported that the Central Association for the Blind & Visually Impaired (CABVI) is now playing the lead role in servicing clients of the award-winning Greening the Cleaning® institutional products for another non-profit, The Deirdre Imus Environmental Center for Pediatric Oncology®.
Under the joint agreement, CABVI accepts customer orders, fills jugs on state-of-the-art equipment, and ships cases of the environmentally responsible cleaning products from its warehouses in Utica, N.Y. CABVI personnel also handle customer service, and serves as a master distributor for other organizations seeking to do the same.
CABVI has been a distributor of the Environmental Center's Greening the Cleaning products since 2007 and supplies about 100 government offices, universities and school districts throughout the state. Purchases help employ more than 70 people who are blind and visually impaired in filling, packaging, distribution and customer service operations. Read more here.
Under the joint agreement, CABVI accepts customer orders, fills jugs on state-of-the-art equipment, and ships cases of the environmentally responsible cleaning products from its warehouses in Utica, N.Y. CABVI personnel also handle customer service, and serves as a master distributor for other organizations seeking to do the same.
CABVI has been a distributor of the Environmental Center's Greening the Cleaning products since 2007 and supplies about 100 government offices, universities and school districts throughout the state. Purchases help employ more than 70 people who are blind and visually impaired in filling, packaging, distribution and customer service operations. Read more here.
United Way Kicks Off 2009 Campaign
The Oneida County Courier reported that the United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area kicked-off the 2009 campaign led by Campaign Chair John Hobika, Jr. of M&T Bank. The 2009 goal of $3.25 million was announced at the campaign kickoff held at the Stanley Center for the Arts in Utica.
“I am excited to be given the great opportunity to assist in bringing people together,” says Hobika. “This campaign is everyone’s campaign, and together we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community. The dollars raised are directed at our efforts at the key underlying issues of health, economic self-sufficiency and education: the building blocks for a good life.” Read more here.
“I am excited to be given the great opportunity to assist in bringing people together,” says Hobika. “This campaign is everyone’s campaign, and together we have the opportunity to make a positive impact on our community. The dollars raised are directed at our efforts at the key underlying issues of health, economic self-sufficiency and education: the building blocks for a good life.” Read more here.
Unemployment in Utica Held at 7%
The Central NY Business Journal reported that New York's unemployment rate climbed to 9 percent in August, up from 8.6 percent in July, according to new data the state Labor Department released today.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million.
The Utica-Rome region saw its private-sector job total fall by 2,500 jobs, or 2.5 percent between August 2008 and August 2009. The area's unemployment rate was 7.1 percent in August, compared with 7.2 percent in July and 5.2 percent in August 2008.
August's rate was the highest since April 1983, according to the department. The state's unemployment rate was 5.7 percent in August 2008.
New York's private-sector job count fell by about 2,200 in August, less than 0.1 percent, to about 7.1 million.
The Utica-Rome region saw its private-sector job total fall by 2,500 jobs, or 2.5 percent between August 2008 and August 2009. The area's unemployment rate was 7.1 percent in August, compared with 7.2 percent in July and 5.2 percent in August 2008.
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Genesis Group Offers 2nd Annual Regional Media Forum
The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region
Join us for two upcoming special community events......
Genesis Group General Meeting
(TOMORROW) Wed September 16th - 7:30am at Hotel Utica
Genesis presents the 2nd Annual Regional Media Forum with a focus on the following areas:
Why did they (write/air) that? Three local media executives explain how their news organizations determine what gets covered (and what doesn't), and how their work impacts the commuity and its future.
Why watchdog reporting is important for the community's progress. Digging up questionable actions by government or other entities may seem negative, but in the end critical stories often foster positive change. Three local media executives discuss the dedication their organizations have to watchdog reporting and answer your questions.
Ask the media executives. Here's your chance to question/challenge/grill the top news decisionmakers at three local media outlets. No question is off limits. It's sure to be a lively discussion that you won't want to miss.
Members of the panel will include:
Joseph Kieta, Editor of the Observer Dispatch
Steve McMurray, News Director for WKTV NewsChannel 2
Jeff Monaski, News Director for WIBX Radio
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Healthcare Hall of Distinction Ceremony
Tuesday September 22nd - 5:30pm
at The Stanley Center for the Arts
The following individuals will be inducted and honored for a lifetime of service to their healthcare profession and to our community:
Brian J. Gaffney MD
Louis B. Tehan
Keith A. Fenstemacher
Sister Rose Vincent Gleason
Bernard J. Burke MD
Darlene A. Burns and
Murray L. Nusbaum MD
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
Join us for two upcoming special community events......
Genesis Group General Meeting
(TOMORROW) Wed September 16th - 7:30am at Hotel Utica
Genesis presents the 2nd Annual Regional Media Forum with a focus on the following areas:
Why did they (write/air) that? Three local media executives explain how their news organizations determine what gets covered (and what doesn't), and how their work impacts the commuity and its future.
Why watchdog reporting is important for the community's progress. Digging up questionable actions by government or other entities may seem negative, but in the end critical stories often foster positive change. Three local media executives discuss the dedication their organizations have to watchdog reporting and answer your questions.
Ask the media executives. Here's your chance to question/challenge/grill the top news decisionmakers at three local media outlets. No question is off limits. It's sure to be a lively discussion that you won't want to miss.
Members of the panel will include:
Joseph Kieta, Editor of the Observer Dispatch
Steve McMurray, News Director for WKTV NewsChannel 2
Jeff Monaski, News Director for WIBX Radio
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Healthcare Hall of Distinction Ceremony
Tuesday September 22nd - 5:30pm
at The Stanley Center for the Arts
The following individuals will be inducted and honored for a lifetime of service to their healthcare profession and to our community:
Brian J. Gaffney MD
Louis B. Tehan
Keith A. Fenstemacher
Sister Rose Vincent Gleason
Bernard J. Burke MD
Darlene A. Burns and
Murray L. Nusbaum MD
All are welcome to attend - Complimentary Refreshments - Send your RSVP to Ray Durso, Jr.
By calling 792.7187 or by email info@TheGenesisGroup.org
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Q&A with primary candidates for county legislature
The OD featured questions and answers from Bruce Brodsky and Shannon Scott, who will face off Tuesday in a Democratic primary for the Oneida County Board of Legislators District 22 seat. Howard Welch also is running for the seat in November on the Republican, Conservative and Independence lines.
Of interest is Bruce Brodsky's mention of the lack of cooperation, and he mentions the nonprofit sector. He offers an interesting solution of a community leadership team. This lack of partnerships and collaboration has been a topic of discussion before. Do you think a community leadership team could help the nonprofit sector?
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position you seek?
Brodsky: I am the proven reform candidate with the professional qualifications to take action and not just talk about it. Playing politics and arguing without a realistic alternative is a waste of time. Real, cost-effective solutions make the difference. I will work with anyone to move my district, city and county forward on key issues, and will be part of the solution. I know the legislative process, will listen to my constituents, ask for advice from experts and continue to learn best practices of other communities. I will insist that results are measurable and public. I have gained experience that comes from family, work, volunteering and public service and have a record of success plus a level of enthusiasm unmatched in this campaign.
Scott: I am more qualified than my opponent because I have been in the legislature for the past two years, helping to reform the way business has been done for too long. My opponent served years ago and has already indicated that he is at odds with the way the minority has challenged the long-standing power brokers in the county. I have sponsored legislation to stop elected officials from receiving mid-term pay raises. I also wrote a local law to prohibit legislators from receiving appointments by the county executive during their term until two years after they left office. I want to protect the public from having their tax dollars wasted as it has been for too long.
What are the 2 main issues facing your community/district, and how would you go about addressing them?
Brodsky: The number one issue is the loss in homeowners in Utica. We must help people living in apartments who want to own their own home, provide incentives for new home development, and encourage owners of multi-family housing to live right in their own buildings. Many buildings are owned by out-of-state landlords. That's very bad for our community and this out-of-state owner trend must be reversed.
The second issue is our inability to work together. In Utica, there are city, county, state and federal elected representatives, a school board, many public authorities and dozens of community service groups and nonprofits whose purpose is community improvement. We must meet as a “community leadership team” several times a year and agree to work together. I propose an “anchor priority.” In an area of new development (i.e. new housing or business) the “community leadership team” could marshal resources of government, utilities and community services to extend the improvement area by at least one block in all directions around the new “anchor.” Read more here.
Of interest is Bruce Brodsky's mention of the lack of cooperation, and he mentions the nonprofit sector. He offers an interesting solution of a community leadership team. This lack of partnerships and collaboration has been a topic of discussion before. Do you think a community leadership team could help the nonprofit sector?
What makes you the most qualified candidate for the position you seek?
Brodsky: I am the proven reform candidate with the professional qualifications to take action and not just talk about it. Playing politics and arguing without a realistic alternative is a waste of time. Real, cost-effective solutions make the difference. I will work with anyone to move my district, city and county forward on key issues, and will be part of the solution. I know the legislative process, will listen to my constituents, ask for advice from experts and continue to learn best practices of other communities. I will insist that results are measurable and public. I have gained experience that comes from family, work, volunteering and public service and have a record of success plus a level of enthusiasm unmatched in this campaign.
Scott: I am more qualified than my opponent because I have been in the legislature for the past two years, helping to reform the way business has been done for too long. My opponent served years ago and has already indicated that he is at odds with the way the minority has challenged the long-standing power brokers in the county. I have sponsored legislation to stop elected officials from receiving mid-term pay raises. I also wrote a local law to prohibit legislators from receiving appointments by the county executive during their term until two years after they left office. I want to protect the public from having their tax dollars wasted as it has been for too long.
What are the 2 main issues facing your community/district, and how would you go about addressing them?
Brodsky: The number one issue is the loss in homeowners in Utica. We must help people living in apartments who want to own their own home, provide incentives for new home development, and encourage owners of multi-family housing to live right in their own buildings. Many buildings are owned by out-of-state landlords. That's very bad for our community and this out-of-state owner trend must be reversed.
The second issue is our inability to work together. In Utica, there are city, county, state and federal elected representatives, a school board, many public authorities and dozens of community service groups and nonprofits whose purpose is community improvement. We must meet as a “community leadership team” several times a year and agree to work together. I propose an “anchor priority.” In an area of new development (i.e. new housing or business) the “community leadership team” could marshal resources of government, utilities and community services to extend the improvement area by at least one block in all directions around the new “anchor.” Read more here.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Companies Still Increasing Strategic Spending
Despite the ailing U.S. economy, companies in North America are expected to spend $1.55 billion on cause partnerships during 2009, a 2.2 percent increase from the $1.52 billion invested in those programs during 2008, according to Chicago-based IEG, LLC. The amount spent in 2007 was $1.44 billion, according to IEG.
Cause-related programs still remain popular among corporate marketers due to their ability to support worthwhile organizations while also driving sales.
In fact, some nonprofits that deal with poverty, hunger and other issues directly impacted by the economy have found increased corporate interest. “Recent research has shown that consumers expect corporations to increase their support of causes in this economy,” said Dan Kowitz, vice president of IEG Sponsorship Consulting.
For example, anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength has posted a roughly 15 percent increase in revenue from cause marketing programs during the past year, signing new deals with AT&T, Inc., Hickory Farms, Inc. and others.
Among other recent deals, juice and apple sauce marketer Mott’s LLP this year partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Feeding America to launch national cause-marketing programs. The company is leveraging the Komen partnership with the Pink to the Core campaign, which features limited edition packaging. It is working with Feeding America on the Wake Up with Mott’s and Marcia Cross program, around which consumers can make a donation by sending a pre-recorded telephone message about the need to fight hunger from the actress to family and friends.
For each call, Mott’s donates $1 to the nonprofit, with a cap of $134,000 -- the cost of feeding one million people. Read more here.
Cause-related programs still remain popular among corporate marketers due to their ability to support worthwhile organizations while also driving sales.
In fact, some nonprofits that deal with poverty, hunger and other issues directly impacted by the economy have found increased corporate interest. “Recent research has shown that consumers expect corporations to increase their support of causes in this economy,” said Dan Kowitz, vice president of IEG Sponsorship Consulting.
For example, anti-hunger organization Share Our Strength has posted a roughly 15 percent increase in revenue from cause marketing programs during the past year, signing new deals with AT&T, Inc., Hickory Farms, Inc. and others.
Among other recent deals, juice and apple sauce marketer Mott’s LLP this year partnered with Susan G. Komen for the Cure and Feeding America to launch national cause-marketing programs. The company is leveraging the Komen partnership with the Pink to the Core campaign, which features limited edition packaging. It is working with Feeding America on the Wake Up with Mott’s and Marcia Cross program, around which consumers can make a donation by sending a pre-recorded telephone message about the need to fight hunger from the actress to family and friends.
For each call, Mott’s donates $1 to the nonprofit, with a cap of $134,000 -- the cost of feeding one million people. Read more here.
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