News

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Prestigious Awards Gala

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Prestigious Awards Gala   Monticello, NY – November 18, 2024 – On Thursday, November 14th, the Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce marked its 50th Anniversary with a Gala at the Villa Roma Resort, attracting over 320 attendees from across the region. The event, which included dignitaries, business owners, and community leaders, celebrated the Chamber’s rich history while honoring those who have made a lasting impact on the

Community Foundation Launches Orange & Sullivan Equity Fund

Community Foundation Launches Orange & Sullivan Equity FundGrantmaking program developed by CFOS leadership to support diversity and inclusion programs of area nonprofits MONTGOMERY, NY (November 4, 2024) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is proud to announce the launch of the Orange and Sullivan Equity Fund, a new grant opportunity designed to support diversity and inclusion programs among area nonprofits. This initiative was developed by the Foundation's Diversity, Equity,

MONTI ROTARY HOLDS ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE

MONTI ROTARY HOLDS ANNUAL FOOD DRIVE Monticello Rotary will continue the annual tradition of holding its Annual Food Drive on Saturday, November 23, 2024 from 9am – 1pm at the Ted Strobel (Neighborhood Facility) Building, Jefferson Street, Monticello, New York with pre-collection drop off locations available from Monday, November 18, 2024 until Friday, November 22, 2024 as noted below. “Now, more than ever, our fellow neighbors are in need of food not only for Thanksgiving but to place food on their

ANNOUNCING THE 2025 ADDITIONS TO THE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ANNOUNCING THE 2025 ADDITIONS TO THE CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS   The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to introduce the newest members joining our 2025 Board of Directors! These distinguished leaders bring with them a wealth of experience, dedication, and innovative perspectives that will help steer our mission to drive growth, advocacy, and opportunity for the business community across Sullivan County.   "As we expand and evolve, our new board members exemplify the forward-thinking,

Forestburgh Playhouse Unveils Exciting 2025 Season Lineup with Comedies, Musicals, and Family Favorites

Forestburgh Playhouse Unveils Exciting 2025 Season Lineup with Comedies, Musicals, and Family Favorites Forestburgh, NY – The Forestburgh Playhouse is thrilled to announce its 2025 Season Lineup.  The Playhouse’s 79th season promises a wide variety of offerings–an abundance of comedy, drama and stellar song & dance!  As the oldest, continuously running, professional summer theatre in New York State, the Playhouse draws talent from across the country to mount top-notch productions, cabaret performances,

Community Foundation Launches Orange & Sullivan Equity Fund

Community Foundation Launches Orange & Sullivan Equity FundGrantmaking program developed by CFOS leadership to support diversity and inclusion programs of area nonprofits MONTGOMERY, NY (November 4, 2024) – The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan (CFOS) is proud to announce the launch of the Orange and Sullivan Equity Fund, a new grant opportunity designed to support diversity and inclusion programs among area nonprofits. This initiative was developed by the Foundation's Diversity, Equity,

UPCOMING WEBINARS FROM THE SBA : U.S. Small Business Administration

UPCOMING WEBINARS FROM THE SBA Tue. 10/29/2024 11am-12pm (SBA and Seward Library) Webinar “Business Plan Writing” https://meet.google.com/bcm-vkjd-ifm   Wed. 10/30/2024 9:30am-10:30am (SBA and LaGuardia Community College SBDC) Webinar “Starting a Business at 50+” https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZIoduyprT4vHtGnkkMqrdA-SBUNFYfwwI3v [us02web.zoom.us]   Thurs. 10/31/2024 In-person and on Zoom hybrid at Flushing Library (41-17 Main St ground level) In English 12:30pm-1:30pm”Certifications for

Adopt A Child's Wish List From The Children's Home

Exhibition of work by Robin Crookall, Lizzie Scott, David Storey, and Barbara Weissberger

Livingston Manor, NY—Catskill Art Space (CAS) will present an exhibition of work by Robin Crookall, Lizzie Scott, David Storey, and Barbara Weissberger. The exhibition opens on Saturday, November 2, with an artist talk from 3 to 4 p.m., followed by a reception from 4 to 5 p.m.; it remains on view through December 29.   Robin Crookall's work seamlessly blends sculpture and photography, using architectural models that she photographs and prints to craft scenes straddling fact and illusion. These images

KEYSTONE ASSOCIATES NAMES MARK ROWE, PLS, AS PARTNER

KEYSTONE ASSOCIATES NAMES MARK ROWE, PLS, AS PARTNER   Binghamton, New York—October 10, 2024—Keystone Associates Architects, Engineers and Surveyors, LLC (Keystone), is pleased to announce that Mark Rowe, PLS, has become a partner at the firm. Mark has been a valued member of Keystone for the past six years and has made significant contributions to the Survey Department.   Mark brings over 14 years of extensive experience in managing survey projects for both public and private sectors. As a registered

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Awards Gala

Monticello, NY – September 18, 2024 – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is proud to celebrate its 50th anniversary by hosting a special Awards Gala to honor the outstanding contributions of businesses and individuals throughout Sullivan County. This milestone event will recognize those who have made significant impacts on the community and contributed to the county's economic growth.   The gala will feature awards in the following categories: Businessperson of the Year, Distinguished Service,

SUNY Sullivan Announces Scholarships for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Program to Help Address Opioid and Addiction Crisis

SUNY Sullivan Announces Scholarships for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling Associate of Applied Science (AAS) Program to Help Address Opioid and Addiction Crisis LOCH SHELDRAKE, NY — August 8, 2024 — SUNY Sullivan is offering full scholarships to eligible New York State residents to complete the Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counseling Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree in combination with the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) program. This online program is supported by

SUNY Sullivan Announces New Cannabis-Related Business Microcredentials

SUNY Sullivan Announces New Cannabis-Related Business Microcredentials Cannabis Management, Marketing & Sales programs available Fall 2024    Loch Sheldrake, N.Y. — July 29, 2024 — SUNY Sullivan is offering two new cannabis-related microcredentials during its Fall 2024 semester: CannaBusiness Management and CannaBusiness Marketing and Sales. These CannaBusiness programs will provide students with basic management, marketing, and sales skills needed for entry-level operations in the cannabis

CCE Sullivan is now a location to pick up Frequent Fairgoers Official Passports!

CCE Sullivan is now a location to pick up Frequent Fairgoers Official Passports!   LIBERTY, NY – The New York State Department of Agriculture and Markets recently announced the launch of the 2024 NYS Fairs Passport Program. The program is designed as a fun way to engage families by offering Frequent Fairgoer Passports for fairgoers of all ages to collect stamps, buttons, and enter to win prizes in multiple county and local fairs across the state! Local Extension offices, State Welcome Centers, and State

Optimize Tax Planning

  Optimize Tax PlanningAt the end of Q2, business owners should review their year-to-date performance to estimate their tax liability.   Estimated Tax Liability: Calculate your estimated tax payments to avoid underpayment penalties and ensure adequate cash flow.   Adjust Financial Goals: Revisit and adjust financial goals based on performance to stay on track for the remainder of the year.   Update Budgets: Compare your budgeted figures to actual performance and make necessary adjustments to

Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings to take place at CCESC

Parkinson’s Support Group Meetings to take place at CCESC   LIBERTY, NY – Parkinson's disease symptoms can be different for everyone, but that does not change the devastating effect it can have on affected individuals and their loved ones. While there’s no cure for Parkinson’s disease, support is available to those who are affected by it and those caring for affected individuals in Sullivan County. Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County is now the hosting location of the Parkinson’s Support Group

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Appoints New President and CEO

Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce Appoints New President and CEO[Monticello, NY], – The Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the appointment of Ashley Leavitt as the new President and CEO, effective immediately. Ashley brings a robust background in business development, recruitment, and organizational development, making her a stellar addition to our leadership team.From March 2016 Ashley served at SUNY Ulster Community College in various capacities within the Learning Center,

How To Make A Budget And Stick To It

Crafting and adhering to a budget is the bedrock of financial discipline. Begin by cataloging all expenses and assigning them to categories. Allocate a specific budget for each category and rigorously monitor your spending to stay within these limits. If circumstances change, adjust your budget accordingly but always keep your financial goals in sight. Celebrate your successes in meeting savings targets—it's a sign of your growing financial acumen and discipline.

SC Federation for the Homeless Receives NYSEG Donation

SC Federation for the Homeless Receives NYSEG Donation The Sullivan County Federation for the Homeless has received a $3,500 donation from New York State Electric & Gas (NYSEG). In keeping with the parameters of the donation, the Federation will use this money to supplement the weekly food pantry, which directly supports children and families in the Sullivan County community. Kathy Kreiter, program administrator at the Federation notes that “NYSEG has been there time and again with a helping hand when

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ACCOUNTING TIPS FOR FREELANCERS

For freelancers, savvy accounting is a pillar of professional independence. Proactively reserve a portion of your earnings for taxes to mitigate year-end sticker shock. Compliance with state and federal tax laws for the self-employed is non-negotiable; ensure you're up-to-date to avoid penalties. Organize your key documents—business licenses, insurance policies, etc.—in one accessible location. This preparation streamlines processes, clarifies financial health, and sharpens your focus on the freelancing

Garnet Health and Cornell Cooperative Extension Launch FreshRx Produce Prescription Program

Garnet Health and Cornell Cooperative Extension Launch FreshRx Produce Prescription Program Incentive program will help educate at-risk community members and encourage lifestyle changes. HARRIS, NY (May 13, 2024) — Garnet Health, in partnership with Cornell Cooperative Extension Sullivan County, is pleased to announce the launch of the new FreshRx Produce Prescription Program, offered to qualified community members in Sullivan and Orange counties. The program is designed to increase produce consumption

ACCOUNTING MISTAKES

In the realm of accounting, vigilance is key. Businesses must avoid common pitfalls such as neglecting to track expenses, which can lead to inaccurate financial statements and missed tax deductions. Monitoring inventory levels ensures that capital isn’t tied up unnecessarily and that stock shortages don’t hinder sales. Accurate recording of sales or income is vital for financial analysis and tax reporting. Timeliness in filing taxes can prevent penalties and interest, safeguarding your business's financial

News Release: 3/13/2024

For the self-employed, tax time can be simplified with a few strategic moves. First, meticulously track and deduct all business-related expenses; these reduce your taxable income and can significantly lower your tax bill. Adopting the correct accounting methods, like cash or accrual, can further minimize your taxes, aligning with your cash flow and business model. Don't overlook home office deductions, which can be substantial for those who work from home. Remember to include health insurance premiums in

HOW TO PREPARE FOR TAX FILING SEASON

Navigating tax season doesn't have to be daunting. Start by identifying the specific actions you need to take for your taxes. Collect all necessary documents early to avoid a last-minute scramble. Ensure that every deduction you're entitled to is included to maximize your return. If the process feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to consult a tax professional for expert guidance. Lastly, consider the advantages of filing electronically for a quicker and more secure submission. Streamlining your tax

2024 Opens a New Season of Exhibitions at DVAA

2024 Opens a New Season of  Exhibitions at DVAAWHAT: 2024 DVAA Exhibition ScheduleWHEN: Opening February 10th, 2024 New exhibitions every six weeksWHERE: DVAA, 37 Main Street, Narrowsburg, NY 12764NOTES: Free and open to the public Thursday – Sunday, 11 AM–4 PM & by appointment NARROWSBURG, NY — Across the region, main streets are growing quiet. The snow is settling in, marking the end of the bustling holiday season. Beneath the surface, our communities are humming along as we prepare and reset for

Winter Prep: Forecasting For The Colder Months

As winter sets in, businesses must adapt to the seasonal shifts to maintain financial stability. Forecasting revenue changes is crucial, allowing for a tailored budget that includes potential increases in operating costs due to colder weather. Ensuring robust cash flow is essential for covering year-end obligations and unexpected expenses. Additionally, incorporating holiday-related costs into the budget can prevent financial surprises, allowing businesses to celebrate the season without fiscal stress. This

Tooth Implants in Brooklyn, NY for only $1000

Dental implants are permanent tooth replacements. Tooth implants provide a strong foundation for fixed or removable replacement teeth. Dental implants, which are placed in the bone, are anchors made of a bio-compatible metal named titanium. The anchors start to fuse with the bone over three to six months. After the fusing process, known as osseointegration, abutment posts are inserted into the implant fixtures to allow for the permanent attachment of the implant crowns. Types of Dental

Cost of Dental Cleaning in Brooklyn, NY

You can now receive a dental checkup and cleaning for only twenty-five dollars. Teeth cleaning is a prophylactic dental treatment performed to thoroughly clean the gums and teeth. Routine teeth cleanings are vital to prevent gingivitis and gum disease. Dental Cleanings are very effective in keeping the oral cavity in proper health and halting the progression of gum disease. The benefits include: Fresher breath. Halitosis or bad breath is generally an early sign of advancing periodontal disease. A

IT Security Tip #11: You’ve been HACKED! What’s the first thing you should do?

IT Security Tip #11: You’ve been HACKED! What’s the first thing you should do?​No matter how diligent you are about security, there’s always a chance you can get hacked. To limit potential damage and to protect your CLIENTS, prospects and vendors you need to put a disaster recovery plan in place NOW.But what should you do as soon as you find out you’ve been hacked? First, contact your IT department (us) IMMEDIATELY. The faster the attack can be addressed – and the extent of the damage to data, applications

IT Security Tip #10: Should my computer be encrypted?

IT Security Tip #10: Should my computer be encrypted? It’s another Tuesday in the airport, you just cleared the TSA line and went to the pretzel shop for a quick bite before you catch your plane. You put your laptop down to get a straw, and the next second…your laptop is gone. It’s not in sight, nor is the thief who stole it. If you have a password on your laptop, that will likely prevent the thief from immediately having access to your private documents. What it doesn’t stop is someone removing the hard

IT Security Tip: Lie, lie, lie!

IT Security Tip: Lie, lie, lie!   Social engineering is big business. But what is it? The definition of Social Engineering is, figuring out who you are, what you are about, how you operate, what your preferences are, and then using that information against you to make money off it. We've all seen them, maybe you’ve even done them yourself, viral social media quizzes. Innocent though they may seem, they often ask for more information than necessary to complete the game. Maiden name? Check. Favorite pet?

IT Security Tip #9: Don’t take the bait: How you can spot a phish.

IT Security Tip #9: Don’t take the bait: How you can spot a phish. “Phishing” is a tech industry term for a kind of cybercrime where people try to fool other people into sending them money or revealing personal information online. The name comes from the idea of fishing: scammers send a message that acts as bait, hoping to “hook” someone. The good news is that you have the power to throw these phish back! Let’s take a minute and talk about spotting a phish: 1. Emails Demanding Urgent Action Emails

IT Security Tip #7: Did you know that your copier is spying on you…

IT Security Tip #7: Did you know that your copier is spying on you… Modern business equipment has radically changed how we conduct everyday business. But do you realize that copiers and multifunction printers are also one of the leading causes of data breaches? They are the one device on the network that commonly does not ever have the default password changed. After all, who would want to get in and copy your settings? There might be a different answer if you realize that quite often those copiers keep

IT Security Tip #6: Why is it so important to have unique passwords for all your online accounts?

IT Security Tip #6: Why is it so important to have unique passwords for all your online accounts?A complex password is a necessity in the current age of cyberthreats, data breaches and other security incidents. But it is hard to keep the seemingly hundreds of passwords, one for each of the accounts you own, straight, secure and different.  Wait, what’s that? All of your passwords aren’t different?  Why is having different passwords so important?  When an online retailer, or a website, gets hacked,

Collaboration between Chambers of Commerce Creates A Valuable Resource to Increase Business Opportunities, Attract and Retain Talent…

Collaboration between Chambers of Commerce Creates A Valuable Resource to Increase Business Opportunities, Attract and Retain Talent…   Monticello, NY – February 10, 2023 - Strengthening a local workforce and attracting top talent to the region are the goals of a collaborative effort by the Sullivan and Delaware counties chambers of commerce.  The chambers' new diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging toolkit offers businesses, nonprofits, and government units practical steps, best practices, and

IT Security Tip #5: Why you should never use PERSONAL devices to connect to COMPANY data

IT Security Tip #5: Why you should never use PERSONAL devices to connect to COMPANY data You’re a hardworking team player who likes to check e-mail and get a few things done after hours – all good! But here’s something you might not know: you should never access company data, file servers or applications through personal devices and home PCs that are not properly monitored by an IT provider. Why? If you and your kids are using a home PC to play games, download cheat codes, access Facebook and surf the

IT Security Tip #3: How to spot a phishing e-mail

IT Security Tip #3: How to spot a phishing e-mail A phishing e-mail is a bogus e-mail that is carefully designed to look like a legitimate request (or attached file) from a site you trust in an effort to get you to willingly give up your login information to a particular website or to click and download a virus. Often these e-mails look 100% legitimate and show as a message from companies like UPS or FedEx, a major bank, Facebook, etc. What makes them so dangerous is that they LOOK exactly like a