What you missed at...
State of The County Address, March 17, 2011
Tom Wood, Chairman of the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors
Spencer Hellwig, Saratoga County Administrator
In an optimistic morning breakfast, both Spencer Hellwig and Tom Wood gave their assessments of the State of Saratoga County. Hellwig spoke first and gave a brief overview for attendees of the County Budget and financial impacts seen in 2010, with notable challenges of early retirement and nursing home costs, alongside continuing unfunded mandates from the State of New York, weighing heavily on the overall budget, resulting in a 7.9 million dollar transfer from the County’s fund balance to cover the gap. As Hellwig stated, in the long run, the retirement program that saw 91 employees take advantage of the option, will be a cost-saving move for the county with a half million in savings each year into the future projected through reduced numbers of positions at the County. Hellwig did stress that the County will continue to main top-notch services even with the reduction in staff. He painted a rosier picture for 2011 with a 9% forecasted increase in sales tax revenue.
In surveying the State of Saratoga County, Chairman Wood offered the comment “great change, many challenges and numerous opportunities” to describe the situation we are all in, with significant staff turnover, Economic Development projects, mandates and reductions in State and Federal funding for programs all looming as areas that the County should remain focused on. Wood also introduced a new program entitled, Return The Favor, which is a discount program for Veterans. The program will enable Saratoga County Veterans to receive a discount from Saratoga County business owners. Honorably discharged Veterans will receive a picture I.D. card to present to participating merchants who will then honor cardholders by providing a discount on merchandise or services. The County will publicize participating businesses on their web site.
Wood added that the County would maintain its low tax rate of $2.15 per $1,000 of assessed value, which is the lowest in the State of New York. Wood also emphasized the County’s continuing commitment to agriculture and open space, with farms totaling 74,800 acres of land in the county.
Chairman Wood also shared some interesting facts about Saratoga County which included:
Saratoga County will be 220 years old on February 7
The County consists of:
845 square miles
220,000 people
19 towns, 9 villages and 2 cities
650 active farms
11,000 horses
Members from both the Saratoga County Chamber and the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County were in attendance at this joint breakfast.
Third Thursday Breakfast, January 19, 2011 with Todd Garofono, President, Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau
If you missed the breakfast this morning, you missed a recap of 2010 Convention and Group sales and an update and optimistic outlook for 2011 from Todd Garofano. You also missed hearing from Mark Baker, Executive Director of the Saratoga Springs City Center, regarding the newly expanding and renovated CityCenter.
Todd is optimistic for the continued occupancy growth, 2010 had a growth of 12% from 2009, he is being cautiously optimistic it will increase again in 2011.
Todd is anticipating a growth in convention and groups for the technology and corporation industries in 2011.
Noted was the importance of local partnerships pertaining to the coordination of bringing conventions into Saratoga. Partnerships included, but not limited to were: the Saratoga SpringsCityCenter, NYRA, SEDC, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, local Lodging facilities.
Once signed up to bring a convention to Saratoga the organization or group then receives top level service! Part of this service is to receive a microsite so the group can investigate and become familiar with the area before their arrival.
Third Thursday Breakfast, July 15 with Charles Hayward of NYRA
Miss the breakfast this week? Read below a sampling of what you missed…
The breakfast today was sponsored by ToLife!, an organization that helps woman with breast cancer services. Services are available to all ages. To learn more about ToLife!, click here.
The speaker at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce July Third Thursday Breakfast was Charles Hayward, CEO of New York Racing Association (NYRA). Hayward has been with NYRA since November 2004.
Hayward informed members that this year’s Saratoga meet will be the first 40 day meet since 1882. The Saratoga Race Course’s opening day will be Friday, July 23, with hopes to have those normally attending opening day to remain in Saratoga for the full opening weekend. In light of the current economy, Hayward’s outlook is for a successful season.
Following are some of the changes that will take place at Saratoga this summer:
The Security Barn has been discontinued-this is where trainers would have
to bring the horse that was entered in a race to, six hours prior to the race.
Costing owners considerable extra time and money.
Creating a hopefully bigger, more competitive field for the Travers’ Stakes
Race.
Paddock Tent area will be replaced with the Shake Shack and Blue Smoke,
operated by famous New York City restaurant owner and Chef Danny Meyers.
Saratoga Race Course will continue to support the local restaurants by
continuing Restaurant Row. Additionally, due to popular demand, Hattie’s
restaurant will have a separate food booth apart from Restaurant Row.
Some of the local area sponsors will be: long time supporter, Fasig Tipton;
Dunkin Donuts; and Northeast Fine Jewelry. Look at their local shops to see
how they are supporting the Races…
Hayward also went over some of the special events to take place during this year’s meet. A few are: College Day, July 30; Horse Retirement Day, August 18; Breast Cancer Day (Fabulous Fillies Day) August 20.
One important give away day that Saratoga will be having this year will be the umbrella day. Hayward’s personal research project pointed to the years they had the umbrella giveaway, it was not a wet season!! (let’s hope his personal research will prove true).
Saratoga has the most and highest outsource handle and on track wagering. In Hayward’s words, Saratoga is a “Significant Racing Entity”.
Do not miss the Open House on July 18th. It is supported by the local community.
Learn more about New York Racing Association, click here.
Third Thursday Breakfast, September 16, 2010 with Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital
Economic Impact of Saratoga Hospital
$200 million
1800 full-time equivalent employees
450 physicians
10,000 admissions per year
16,000 surgeries per year
Growing from a Saratoga Springs hospital to a regional hospital with locations in Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Malta, Galway and Schuylerville.
Improved programs – becoming a surgical destination offering plastic surgery/reconstructive surgery, orthopedic center
Quality nursing excellence designation
Expanding even more by partnering with Albany Medical Center for a full medical campus on the 140 acre horse farm at Exit 12 of the Northway with medical offices, a nursing home, hospital and urgent care.
Third Thursday Breakfast, November 18. Innovative Marketing with Steve Sullivan-Olde Bryan Inn and Longfellows Hotel and Restaurant; Mark Bardack-Ed Lewi Associates; Mark Pepin-Time Warner Business Class
What is the key to successfully running a business?
Love what you do
To sell is to serve
Listen to your customers
Refer others when you can’t fill a need
Success breeds success through referrals
Maintain a good reputation
Give great service – do great work
Pay attention to detail
Develop good relationships with the media
Care about your customers, build trust
Show commitment – deliver what you promise
Keep an upbeat attitude
Tips to enhance your marketing efforts
Maximize your time, network and talk with people
Listen for their needs, seek opportunities
Support non profits in your community – community relations
Attend events, be visible
Reach out to customers for repeat business
Reach out to prospects in your marketing area with offers
Thank people for choosing you
Ask employees for ideas – get a commitment
Collaborate with those who will carry out your marketing plans
Balance your marketing with multiple strategies
Get rid of what doesn’t work
Be ambassadors of goodwill
Turn missteps into opportunities
Social Media
Make part of a larger media mix
Blogs should be educational, entertaining, interesting, give tips
Maintain a consistent message
Measuring Marketing Success
With ongoing marketing, measure over time
Track specific responses to limited time offers
What should you do now?
Be visible, market before and after 9-5
Empower employees to be ambassadors for your business
Take inventory of your marketing efforts
Think of things you could be doing
Take pictures & videos to use in your marketing efforts
Be a good steward or your business
Appreciate and invest in your employees
Listen to customers to finds ways to better serve them
Lead by example
Try new ways to serve and market
Give back and trust your community to respond
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