Rockland Business Association

ROCKLAND'S FIELD OF DREAMS
by Al Samuels

We've lost the Empire Zone program.  Our Tourism Department is under fire.  We're still burdened by the MTA Payroll Tax.  We're facing consolidations by some of our largest employers.

We need a shot in the arm.  We need something positive we can point to that says, "Hey, that Rockland County's got something pretty darn good going for it."  We need a Field of Dreams.

And, guess what?  We're getting it.  It's the Rockland Ballpark project in Ramapo and the independent, expansion CanAm League team that will begin play in June 2011.

This one project is a shot in the arm for ecomomic development, tourism and a public relations/image message that will say Rockland is "special."

Burt Steinberg, RBA Chair, and I had a luncheon meeting with Ken Lehner and Shawn Reilly, two of the teams owners, at Marcello's Ristorante in Suffern, and came away with a feeling of enthusiasm and support for this effort.  To begin with, there are local construction workers already on-the-job at the stadium site.  And, more will be employed as the work on the structure begins.  Next, there will be approximately 75 full-time jobs and a like number of part-time jobs once play begins.

The project will feature seven unique group/picnic areas, a sports bar and the opportunity for local college and high school teams to use the ballpark.  In addition, special events and concerts will be scheduled.  This facility will become a focal point of new tourism activity.  It will bring new dollars to Rockland and will be a new quality of life selling point when our colleagues at the Rocklkand Economic Development Corp. talk to businesses about relocating to our county.

See you at the ballpark in 2011.

Business Council members optimistic despite frustration with state government

Despite overwhelming frustration with state government and a difficult economic climate, employers who responded to a Business Council survey were optimistic about economic recovery.

“Although they have dealt with a difficult recession and a hostile business environment in New York, our members believe their businesses will grow and their bottom lines will improve over the next 18 months,” said Kenneth Adams, president and CEO of The Business Council of New York State, Inc. "They are not reaching for any champagne yet, but they see economic improvement ahead in 2011," he added.

The electronic survey which was conducted in June and July asked Business Council members about the economic climate they have faced in the past six months and their outlook over the next six months and the next 12 to 18 months.

President's Note:  The RBA is a member of the Business Council and participated in this survey

Revenue

In past six months 30 percent said they saw an increase in revenue, while 40 percent saw a decline.

In the next 6 months 41 percent said they expected their revenues to increase, while 20 percent thought they would decrease.

In the next 12 to 18 months 59 percent said they expect their revenues to increase, while 15 percent thought they would decrease.

Employment

In the past 6 months 48 percent said that they kept their workforce the same, while 31 percent said they reduced their workforce.

In the next 6 months 60 percent plan to keep their workforce the same, while 27 percent plan an increase.

In the next 12 to 18 months 51 percent plan to keep their workforce same, while 40 percent plan an increase.

Satisfaction with state government

Despite these optimistic findings the respondents also show an enormous frustration with state government.

Asked if they are satisfied with the way state government is operating: 87 percent said no; 13 percent were somewhat dissatisfied; zero percent were satisfied.

A troubling finding is that 79 percent said they have seen an increase state regulatory activities costing their company more in fees, fines or penalties.

The Council surveyed approximately 3,000 members electronically. The respondents were broadly representative of the Council's membership in terms of size, type of business and location, and cross-tabulations found that the issue rankings were broadly consistent regardless of the size or type of company represented in responses. More information on the survey is available here.

Upgrade to Crowne Plaza

Mark Goldstein (center) emphasises a point about the coming conversion of the Holiday Inn in Suffern to an upscale Crowne Plaza Hotel, with a focus on meetings and events.

Goldstein is a Principal of Empire Executive Inn, which has purchased the facility and is embarking on a multi-million dollar upgrade that will bring major change to the facility.  He is explaining the plans to Joan Neumann and Al Samuels, RBA VP, Administration and President/CEO, respectively.

A major renovation is planned for the lobby area.  The swimming pool will be filled-in and replaced with gardens, a Coy Pond and a new, open bar area.  The lobby-area staircases will be removed, providing for a larger, more open environment.

There will be new meeting rooms and Board Rooms and the Grand Ballroom will be upgraded with new ceilings, lighting and carpeting. 

Goldstein was particularly proud of the new high-end, food service that will be available.  "People told us they wanted better food and we're going to give it to them," he noted. 

Renovations will begin soon and the hotel will be closed after the first of the year, with a Grand Opening slated for March, 2011.  When completed, the new Crowne Plaza will feature 130 upscale guest rooms.

The RBA already has booked its April, 2011 General Membership Luncheon at the hotel.

Hospitality & Tourism Alliance

(pictures l to r) Judge David Freed; Roger Scheiber, RBA, VP Development; Greg Parseghian, General Manager, Best Western Nyack on Hudson and Tsilla Flint, Director, Comfort Inn & Suites

Topic: Temporary Shelter for Domestic Violence Cases

Spring Valley Village Justice, David Freed, came to the RBA Hospitality/Tourism Alliance to discuss a court related problem relative to finding temporary shelter for certain domestic violence cases and to work out something with local hotels.

Four hotels were represented at this July 23rd meeting: Hilton Garden Inn; Hampton Inn; Best Western Nyack on Hudson and Comfort Inn & Suites.

They all agreed to participate.

General Membership Luncheon

Paul Trader, Chairman,
Institute for Non-Profits

"Here's looking at you"
Roger Scheiber, RBA,
Vice President Development

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New York is in crisis. Our government is on the brink of a shutdown due to the legislature’s inability to pass a budget on time, yet Albany continues to ignore the calls for fiscal reform. We cannot afford to wait any longer. It is time for them to hear our message loud and clear.

For this reason, Enough Already NY has launched “Five to Survive” which is a list of five basic concepts that we believe will help bring New York back to fiscal health again. Now, we need your help to demand that all legislators adopt these principles and to help make New York affordable again.

Five to Survive - How to Rebuild NY's Economy
EnoughAlreadyNY.org believes the following five reforms are essential for putting New York back on the path to economic sustainability and growth:

1. Cap Property Taxes 
2. Cap State Spending
3. Reduce the Tax Burden 
4. Reform Public Employee Pensions
5. Limit Government Borrowing

Visit our website at EnoughAlreadyNY.org and learn more about each issue in the “Five to Survive.”

For more information about Enough Already NY and how you can get involved, please contact us at enoughalreadyny@bcnys.org.
Enough Already NY – Where Politics and the Economy Meet

Key Advocacy Issues for the Rockland Business Association

Learn more about the RBA and these key issues:

• Living Wage Movement
• Hotel Occupancy Tax
• Empire Zone Program
• Tappan Zee Bridge
• Property Tax Caps
• Employee Free Choice Act
• Health Care Reform

Create visibility, find marketing opportunities, leverage your contacts and build your referral network!

The Rockland Business Association educates, informs and provides beneficial services to our members. 

Did you know that 25% of our membership are non-Rockland based businesses?  These companies want to network and do business with our members. Each one of your employees are eligible to participate in member events and discounts.

There is always something going on at the RBA. You can be part of our Small Business Council, Women's Forum and CEO Forum. There are lots of opportunities to build your business relationships at our Business After Hours, Business Building Breakfast and General Membership Luncheons.