Innovative Pilot Aligned with Reforming the Energy Vision Encourages Improved Efficiency
at Utility Electric Generation Sites, Creating Cleaner Energy Delivery in New York

The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) is making available $14.5 million for replicable projects that demonstrate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions at power plants through the use of market-ready technologies.

Examples of eligible technologies include advanced controls for plants, boiler controls, advanced burners, turbine retrofits, waste-heat recovery, or in-facility electrical load reduction and efficiency improvements. Under-utilized technologies, as well as proven new and advanced technologies, are encouraged.

“These types of investments support Governor Cuomo’s Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, reduce the environmental impact of energy production and position the State as a leader in the clean energy economy," said John B. Rhodes, NYSERDA President and CEO. "Reducing the amount of pollutants in the atmosphere is vitally important as we continue to build a cleaner, healthier and more sustainable New York State.”

Under this new pilot program, up to $2 million will be available per project. As part of the criteria for funding, all projects must be replicable as part of the effort to promote similar cleaner energy delivery projects across New York and support the growth of these market-ready technologies.

Power plant proposers must demonstrate sustained greenhouse gas reductions upon completion of the project. Project results will be disseminated among the power generation sector in New York State for possible replication.

Projects will be evaluated against a set of criteria that includes total tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) reduced, cost per ton of CO2 reduced, duration of CO2 reduction and technical merit/replicability of the project. For more information, please visit http://nyserda.ny.gov/powergentech.

Funding for this program is made possible through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI is the first innovative market-based mechanism in the United States to cap and cost-effectively reduce the carbon dioxide emissions from the power sector that are contributing to global climate change. RGGI was the world’s first program to auction the emission credits (rather than give them away for free) and invest the auction proceeds in projects that conserve energy, save consumers money and support the transition to cleaner and more efficient production of electricity. The investment of RGGI funds in this new pilot program are intended to help reduce the costs of achieving the RGGI program’s CO2 reductions goals by fostering technologies that will promote more efficient electricity generation.

Under Governor Cuomo’s strategic Reforming the Energy Vision initiative, New York State is actively spurring clean energy innovation, bringing in new investments and improving consumer choice while protecting the environment and energizing New York’s economy at the state and local levels.

By unleashing innovation, New York is pioneering a new statewide approach, giving customers new opportunities for energy savings, local power generation and enhanced reliability to provide safe, clean, affordable electric service for all customers. By unleashing markets, through statewide initiatives such as the Clean Energy Fund and $1 billion NY Green Bank, New York is moving to diversify its support of the clean energy industry to address market barriers and attract private capital necessary to achieve the State’s economic development and environmental objectives. By empowering communities and creating jobs through programs like Community Solar NY, including K-Solar for schools, the $40 million NY Prize competition for community microgrids and the $1 billion NY-Sun initiative, New York is leveraging the power of its state institutions and government agencies to integrate local energy resources and meet the needs of New York’s communities.

 About NYSERDA

NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation, offers objective information and analysis, innovative programs, technical expertise, and funding to help New Yorkers increase energy efficiency, save money, use renewable energy, and reduce their reliance on fossil fuels. NYSERDA professionals work to protect our environment and create clean-energy jobs. NYSERDA has been developing partnerships to advance innovative energy solutions in New York since 1975. To learn more about NYSERDA’s programs and funding opportunities, visit http://nyserda.ny.gov or follow us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram.

Troy, NY – The United Group of Companies, Inc. (“United Group”) is being recognized as a finalist in the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) “Best of 50+ Housing Awards” program for their Naples, FL-based Sandalwood Village apartment development. Currently in the final phases of construction, Sandalwood Village will be the premier choice for active independent seniors age 55+ in the greater Naples area.

The Best of 50+ Housing Awards program promotes excellence in design, development, lifestyle programming and marketing. Sandalwood Village was selected as an award winner, in part, because it is the first independent living community in Naples without assisted living as well as the first brand-new construction project in the senior market in years. The award also highlights the selection of high-end amenities offered and United’s Senior Umbrella Network (SUN^®) program – a lifestyle programming model designed to foster and support independent living, create community, and enhance an active lifestyle. SUN provides an array of services and a full calendar of events and social activities.

“Knowing the NAHB has chosen Sandalwood Village as a national finalist for the Best 50+ Independent Living Community in the country is a true testament to the talent and vision of the development and management teams at United,” said Michael J. Uccellini, President and CEO of The United Group of Companies, Inc. “We’re excited to open the community in March and show our new residents they made the best choice in senior housing in the Naples market.”

“Our new residents are not only looking forward their new apartment home and clubhouse, but also the opportunities presented to meet and make new friends and stay active,” notes Jeff Arnold, COO of United Realty Management Corp. AMO,^® United Group’s management division. “This is the type of lifestyle we create at all our senior communities and we’ve experienced great success as a result.”

In addition to Sandalwood Village, United Group has begun construction on Glenmont Abbey Village – a two-building, 148-apartment home community centrally located in Glenmont, NY. This brand new senior housing community will also feature an amenity-rich clubhouse and high-end details in each apartment home. The completion of Glenmont Abbey Village is planned for late 2015.

Diamond Oaks Village – an independent senior community to be located in Bonita Springs, FL – continues to be developed as well. Preliminary plans call for 162 apartment homes, including a number of luxury penthouse apartments, in addition to a clubhouse, putting green, and dog park area, among other features. A construction start is slated for June 2015.

“This is an exciting time for United Group,” Uccellini shares. “We have so much happening and lots to look forward to in 2015. Three great senior properties are in the works and more projects are in the pipeline – it’s going to be a busy year.”

United Group’s property portfolio can be found online at ugoc.com.

###

About The United Group of Companies Inc.:The United Group of Companies, Inc., headquartered in Troy, NY is a nationally recognized, award-winning corporation with over 40 years of experience. United Group has become known for its successful development, acquisition, repositioning, and property management for a variety of real estate assets including student housing, independent senior housing, multi-family rental housing, commercial offices and mixed use developments. The company has developed more than two billion dollars of successful real estate projects, and has approximately 200 employees across more than 20 offices in New York, Georgia and Florida. Additional information is available at ugoc.com.

About NAHB:
The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 140,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light commercial construction. NAHB is affiliated with 800 state and local home builders associations around the country. NAHB's builder members will construct about 80 percent of the new housing units projected for this year.

For press-ready aerial photographs, drawings, or renderings please contact jonathan.masullo@ugoc.com.

Albany, New York - Coffeetime@Hellasbakery, also known as CT@HB, will be closing its doors on
December 31, 2014 to make room for another coffee shop to take its place at its Clinton Square
location, The French Press Cafe & Creperie.

"I had a fantastic time running coffee shops within the Capital Region, but my prime focus now are
digital currencies. I want to be able to use my resources and work with my new team to help educate
consumers and businesses about the most innovative technology since the Internet," said Paul
Paterakis, co-owner of CT@HB and a member of the NY Bitcoin Group. "I've said it before and I'll say it again: Credit cards and our banking system are outdated and do not belong in the tech era. "CT@HB made headlines earlier in the year when they were the first merchant in Upstate NY to start accepting Bitcoin as a form of payment, as well as the first to implement a Bitcoin ATM in New York State. This, according to Paterakis, was a blessing for the business. The new owners will keep the ATM at the location and continue accepting Bitcoin for their cafe products.

"The Internet brought the world closer together with communication, and the Bitcoin protocol does the same with finances through its revolutionary distributed public ledger system."

Paterakis plans on investing in several digital currency start-up companies, including PYC, Inc., which was the first company to add Bitcoin ATMs in New York State, Vermont, and New Hampshire. His new company, NY Bitcoin Group, is partnering with BitPay, an Atlanta based Bitcoin payment processor, to support local digital currency adoption.

"2015 will be a huge year for digital currencies. Wall Street will have their first Bitcoin ETF, regulations will be passed in New York State to legitimize digital currencies, POS integration will be added into PayPal and Square, and more infrastructure will be built on top of the already $5 billion network. "

CT@HB will continue to sell their coffee and Greek import products through Amazon.

ABOUT THE COMPANY

CT@HB is a coffee shop and bakery that specializes in Greek food and beverages. The family-run
company is based out of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam and has locations in both Albany, New York and Manila, Philippines. Future expansion is planned internationally. www.coffeetimehellas.com

December 29- Average retail gasoline prices in Albany have fallen 5.8 cents per gallon in the past week, averaging $2.77/g yesterday, according to GasBuddy's daily survey of 546 gas outlets in Albany. This compares with the national average that has fallen 9.6 cents per gallon in the last week to $2.28/g, according to gasoline price website GasBuddy.com.

Including the change in gas prices in Albany during the past week, prices yesterday were 84.6 cents per gallon lower than the same day one year ago and are 30.1 cents per gallon lower than a month ago. The national average has decreased 50.6 cents per gallon during the last month and stands 100.5 cents per gallon lower than this day one year ago.

“The dramatic decline at the pump continues to reap significant savings for the motoring public- over $525 million less spent every day versus this past summer, or $375 million less than the same time last year,” said Patrick DeHaan, senior petroleum analyst with GasBuddy. “The slump in crude oil has wavered slightly and we're in the fourth quarter of the game. However, there is still a chance that crude prices resume their slump again, and carry the pump plunge into overtime," DeHaan said.

Gas prices have fallen $1.85/gal in Michigan since June 28, the largest drop in the nation. Following close behind: Kentucky, down $1.66/gal, Indiana, down $1.62/gal, Ohio, down $1.61/gal, and Illinois, down $1.60/gal over the same time frame.

About GasBuddy.com

GasBuddy is the premiere source for real-time local gas prices. Founded in 2000, GasBuddy.com developed as an initiative to provide consumers access to local, current gas prices. Through the GasBuddy.com website and the free GasBuddy mobile app, users can find and share gas prices with fellow drivers, saving big money at the pump.

Shaker Pointe at Carondelet Wins the Architecture & Design Award for Best

Independent Living Facility

Senior Housing News honored the 55+ independent living community for its innovative

design and commitment to improving the lives of its residents



WATERVLIET, N.Y. – December 19, 2014 – Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, a non-profit,

55+ independent living community, announces its recognition as the best

independent living facility by Senior Housing News’ 2014 Architecture & Design

Awards. This national acknowledgment validates the local community’s dedication

to providing an active, engaged and positive atmosphere for its residents.

The annual award received over fifty nominations, but named only seven winners

that included Shaker Pointe. The panel of judges was comprised of architects and

senior living planners, who evaluated each entry based on design and aesthetics,

community integration, and amenities and lifestyle.

Since the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet first started developing Shaker Pointe,

they have aimed to provide residents with extraordinary amenities within a

thoughtful design. Included in the community is a fitness center and pool with

accompanying classes, meditation room, an activities studio for creative arts, choice

of food venues including a bistro, resident dining room and The Restaurant at the

Pointe, a library, an on-site doctor’s office and much more.

In addition to incorporating various living comforts, Shaker Pointe meticulously

assembled each building and living space to be eco-friendly. Its sustainable design

was LEED platinum certified earlier this year by the U.S. Green Building Council. As

construction to expand the community continues, the Sisters of St. Joseph will

remain committed to preserving the environment, and making design and

architecture innovations.

“We’re so honored to be recognized by Senior Housing News for the design of Shaker

Pointe at Carondelet,” said Sister Lauren Van Dermark and Sister Kay Ryan. “We’ve

spent years developing each element of the community to create a unique living

option for Capital Region seniors. Beyond offering all of the amenities, we want

Shaker Pointe to feel like their home.”

LeCesse Construction continues to develop Shaker Pointe at Carondelet, located at

One Bell Tower Drive in Watervliet, NY. More apartments, called Spirit Tree

Residences, are to be completed in 2015. Currently, the Carriage Residences, Doane

Brook Apartments, Courtyard Residences and Cottages are almost at capacity.

About Shaker Pointe at Carondelet

Shaker Pointe at Carondelet is a not-for-profit, 55+ independent living community in

the Capital Region of New York. The community is dedicated to inspiring

intellectual, physical, social and spiritual growth among residents and neighbors.

Sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Shaker Pointe is rooted in the

commitment of serving the neighborhood and providing trustworthy service.

To learn more about Shaker Pointe at Carondelet please call (518) 250-4900 or visit

their website at www.shakerpointe.org. You can also follow the latest updates on

Twitter and Facebook.

New operation will create up to 40 new jobs in South Hadley

[Cohoes, NY – December 23, 2014] Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces plans to operate a new state-of-the-art envelope manufacturing facility in the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts, resulting in the creation of up to 40 new jobs.

The announcement comes after the Massachusetts Office of Business Development Economic Assistance Coordinating Council voted unanimously to approve Mohawk’s application for a special tax assessment for a facility located at 28 Gaylord Street in South Hadley, MA.

Mohawk intends to enter into a seven year lease agreement on the 112,342 square foot facility beginning January 1, 2015.  Pending successful completion of the ongoing lease negotiation, construction is scheduled to begin in early January 2015, and the facility is expected to be fully functional by the end of April 2015. 

“Our plan to create a new envelope converting facility in South Hadley, Massachusetts represents our commitment to further growth of Mohawk’s envelope business,” said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Mohawk.

“Since January of this year, we have committed to investments of nearly $5 million in new envelope converting equipment and facility upgrades, and the creation of 100 new jobs for skilled envelope workers. Our envelope business is vibrant, rapidly growing, and we are uniquely positioned to serve our customers with fast delivery, exceptional integrity, and the highest quality envelopes available in the industry,” O’Connor continued.

Mohawk will invest up to $2 million to retrofit the South Hadley facility, including upgrades to electrical systems, installation of air and vacuum lines, and the purchase and installation of envelope converting and manufacturing equipment.

Mohawk expects to produce over 500 million envelopes annually at the new facility. The site will also feature warehouse space to service the company’s customers along the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as overseas businesses.

“The Town of South Hadley has been extremely cooperative and supportive of our interest in opening a new envelope manufacturing and distribution facility,” said O’Connor.  “We’re grateful for the guidance we’ve received from Town Administrator Michael Sullivan and Michael Vedovelli, Senior Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. We’re looking forward to joining the South Hadley business community,” O’Connor continued.

“We selected the  South Hadley location because the layout of the building is ideal for our manufacturing needs, the site is essentially move-in ready and requires minimal construction prior to becoming operational, and there is an abundant pool of highly skilled envelope workers in Western Massachusetts,” said Bob Scammell, Mohawk’s Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations.  

Approximately 40 new employees will be hired to staff the new South Hadley facility, which will operate five days a week, three shifts per day. Positions are currently being filled, and skilled envelope workers can submit applications at http://www.mohawkconnects.com/company/careers.

Mohawk continually sets industry-leading standards for safe operations and the company is known throughout the paper industry for its state-of-the-art manufacturing and converting capabilities.

Mohawk also owns and operates a one million square-foot, state-of-the-art paper and envelope converting facility in Ashtabula, Ohio, which produces 1.5 billion envelopes a year.

In early 2014, Mohawk grew its envelope operations at its Ohio facility by adding 75 new employees and expanding operations by investing millions of dollars in converting equipment upgrades. 

Mohawk’s Ashtabula, OH envelope facility recently logged ten years without a lost time injury.  This significant accomplishment, achieved by nearly 200 employees, clearly demonstrates Mohawk’s strong commitment to operational excellence and workplace safety.

For additional information about Mohawk, visit mohawkconnects.com.

ABOUT MOHAWK

Mohawk is North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers and envelopes which are preferred for commercial and digital printing, photo specialties and high-end direct mail.  Mohawk fine papers and envelopes include the signature brands Mohawk Superfine® and Strathmore®, as well as proprietary treatments Inxwell® and i-Tone®. With a culture of innovation, Mohawk’s business model now extends beyond paper manufacturing into new areas of growth, including digital substrates, which connect designers and printers to new markets. 

As a leader in environmentally and socially responsible business practices, Mohawk was the first U.S. manufacturer of commercial printing papers to match 100% of its electricity with wind power renewable energy credits and the first U.S. premium paper mill to shift toward carbon neutral production. Mohawk’s portfolio of recycled papers is certified by Green Seal and the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC).

Mohawk is a fourth-generation, family-owned and operated business based in Cohoes, New York, with global sales and operations located throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, please visit www.mohawkconnects.com.

CONNECT WITH MOHAWK

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89 New Accountable Care Organizations Join Program to Improve Care for Medicare Beneficiaries

Schenectady, NY – Innovative Health Alliance of New York, LLC (IHANY) has been selected as one of 89 new Medicare Shared Savings Program Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs), providing approximately 1.6 million additional Medicare beneficiaries with access to high-quality, coordinated care across the United States, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced today. That brings the total to 405 Shared Savings Program ACOs serving over 7.2 million beneficiaries.      

Doctors, hospitals and health care providers establish ACOs in order to work together to provide higher-quality coordinated care to their patients, while helping to slow health care cost growth. IHANY will be one of 405 ACOs participating in the Shared Savings Program as of this January 1st.  Beneficiaries seeing health care providers in ACOs always have the freedom to choose doctors inside or outside of the ACO.

ACOs share with Medicare savings generated from lowering the growth in health care costs when they meet standards for high quality care. ACOs are groups of doctors, hospitals, and other health care providers that work together to give Medicare beneficiaries in Original Medicare (fee-for-service) high quality, coordinated care. ACOs can share in any savings they generate for Medicare, if they meet specified quality targets. 

“Innovative Health Alliance of New York, LLC” will be joining a program that is one part of this Administration’s vision for improving the coordination and integration of care received by Medicare beneficiaries,” said Sean Cavanaugh, Deputy Administrator and Director, Center for Medicare. “We look forward to continuing this partnership with IHANY in increasing value and care coordination across the health system.” 

Since ACOs first began participating in the program in early 2012, thousands of health care providers have signed on to participate in the program, working together to provide better care to Medicare’s seniors and people with disabilities. The 89 new ACOs will bring approximately 23,000 additional physicians and other providers into the ACO program starting January 1.

ACOs are starting to see promising results. This fall, CMS released the early findings from the ACOs who started the program in 2012. ACOs improved on 30 of the 33 quality measures in the first 2 years, including patients’ ratings of clinicians’ communication, beneficiaries’ rating of their doctors, and screening for high blood pressure. ACOs also outperformed group practices reporting quality on 17 out of 22 measures.  ACOs are also demonstrating promising results on cost savings with combined total program savings of $417 million for the Shared Savings Program and the Pioneer ACO Model. 

While CMS is encouraged by what they have seen so far, they also understand there are opportunities to improve the program to make it stronger. Earlier this month, they published a proposed rule to update the guidelines for the program. CMS is looking forward to receiving comments from ACOs, beneficiaries, and their advocates, providers, and other stakeholders interested in seeing the ACOs succeed long-term.

ACOs are also just one way that CMS is working to reduce the rate of growth in Medicare spending while improving care. Medicare spending per beneficiary was essentially flat in nominal dollars in fiscal year 2014, and from 2010 to 2014, Medicare spending per beneficiary grew at a rate that was 2 percentage points per year less than growth in GDP per capita. While the recent slow cost growth has multiple causes, our reforms in the Medicare and Medicaid programs are meaningful contributors to these gains and are improving quality as well.  Preliminary data for 2013, for example, indicates improvements in patient safety has resulted in 50,000 fewer deaths, 1.3 million fewer patient harms, and $12 billion in avoided health care spending.  Recent research implies that many of these reforms may be generating savings in the private sector as well. 

Ultimately, today’s announcement is about delivering better care, spending dollars more wisely, and having healthier people and communities. ACOs drive progress in the way care is provided by improving the coordination and integration of health care, and improving the health of patients with a priority placed on prevention and wellness.

More information about the Shared Savings Program is available athttps://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/sharedsavingsprogram/index.html?redirect=/sharedsavingsprogram/

For a list of the 89 new ACOs announced today, visit: http://www.cms.gov/Medicare/Medicare-Fee-for-Service-Payment/sharedsavingsprogram/News.html

ALBANY>>  On Friday, December 19, 2014 members from the

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® helped make sure that Toys for Tots kids have a

merry Christmas. This year, the Capital Region Toys For Tots program had the greatest need for

infant and toddler gifts. Members of the Community Relations Committee headed out to Babies

R Us in Latham for a $1,000 shopping excursion, stuffing shopping carts full of toys and baby

items. GCAR Members contribute to the association’s Community Outreach Fund each year.

Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® CEO

Laura Burns noted that among the many charitable

activities GCAR participates in each year, making

sure a child has a gift on Christmas is near and dear

to the REALTOR members’ hearts. With two

children of his own, GCAR President, Al Picchi,

echoed the thought that every child should feel joy

on Christmas.

“We’re thrilled to support the Marine Toys for Tots

Foundation with this donation, which will bring

some extra holiday cheer to children in need this

holiday season,” said Picchi. “One of our core

values at GCAR is to enrich the lives of families,

and we hope that this donation will make a

Members of the Community Outreach difference.”

Committee with Capital Region Toys For Tots

Representatives.

The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation is a not for profit organization authorized by the U.S. Marine

Corps and the Department of Defense to provide fundraising and other necessary support for the

annual Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Now in its 67th year, Toys for Tots provides joy

and a message of hope to economically disadvantaged children through the gift of a new toy during

the Christmas holiday season. Their gifts offer these children recognition and a positive memory they

will cherish for a lifetime. In 2013, Marines distributed gifts to 6.8 million children in 762

communities nationwide. The Marine Toys for Tots Foundation relies on individual donations from

the American public as well as support from corporate sponsors.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® is a professional trade association officially representing the real estate

industry since 1920 (formerly the Albany County Association of REALTORS®) and is the local chapter for the New York

State and National Associations of REALTORS®. GCAR is composed of a broad base of professionals including licensed

real estate brokers and sales agents, multi-dwelling owners, appraisers, mortgage and banking professionals, title and

abstract companies and other companies servicing the real estate industry.

New operation will create up to 40 new jobs in South Hadley

[Cohoes, NY – December 23, 2014] Mohawk, North America’s largest privately-owned manufacturer of fine papers, envelopes and specialty substrates for commercial and digital printing, announces plans to operate a new state-of-the-art envelope manufacturing facility in the town of South Hadley, Massachusetts, resulting in the creation of up to 40 new jobs.

The announcement comes after the Massachusetts Office of Business Development Economic Assistance Coordinating Council voted unanimously to approve Mohawk’s application for a special tax assessment for a facility located at 28 Gaylord Street in South Hadley, MA.

Mohawk intends to enter into a seven year lease agreement on the 112,342 square foot facility beginning January 1, 2015.  Pending successful completion of the ongoing lease negotiation, construction is scheduled to begin in early January 2015, and the facility is expected to be fully functional by the end of April 2015. 

“Our plan to create a new envelope converting facility in South Hadley, Massachusetts represents our commitment to further growth of Mohawk’s envelope business,” said Thomas D. O’Connor, Jr., Chairman and CEO, Mohawk.

“Since January of this year, we have committed to investments of nearly $5 million in new envelope converting equipment and facility upgrades, and the creation of 100 new jobs for skilled envelope workers. Our envelope business is vibrant, rapidly growing, and we are uniquely positioned to serve our customers with fast delivery, exceptional integrity, and the highest quality envelopes available in the industry,” O’Connor continued.

Mohawk will invest up to $2 million to retrofit the South Hadley facility, including upgrades to electrical systems, installation of air and vacuum lines, and the purchase and installation of envelope converting and manufacturing equipment.

Mohawk expects to produce over 500 million envelopes annually at the new facility. The site will also feature warehouse space to service the company’s customers along the East Coast and Mid-Atlantic regions, as well as overseas businesses.

“The Town of South Hadley has been extremely cooperative and supportive of our interest in opening a new envelope manufacturing and distribution facility,” said O’Connor.  “We’re grateful for the guidance we’ve received from Town Administrator Michael Sullivan and Michael Vedovelli, Senior Regional Director of the Massachusetts Office of Business Development. We’re looking forward to joining the South Hadley business community,” O’Connor continued.

“We selected the  South Hadley location because the layout of the building is ideal for our manufacturing needs, the site is essentially move-in ready and requires minimal construction prior to becoming operational, and there is an abundant pool of highly skilled envelope workers in Western Massachusetts,” said Bob Scammell, Mohawk’s Senior Vice President, Strategy and Business Operations.  

Approximately 40 new employees will be hired to staff the new South Hadley facility, which will operate five days a week, three shifts per day. Positions are currently being filled, and skilled envelope workers can submit applications athttp://www.mohawkconnects.com/company/careers.

Mohawk continually sets industry-leading standards for safe operations and the company is known throughout the paper industry for its state-of-the-art manufacturing and converting capabilities.

Mohawk also owns and operates a one million square-foot, state-of-the-art paper and envelope converting facility in Ashtabula, Ohio, which produces 1.5 billion envelopes a year.

In early 2014, Mohawk grew its envelope operations at its Ohio facility by adding 75 new employees and expanding operations by investing millions of dollars in converting equipment upgrades. 

Mohawk’s Ashtabula, OH envelope facility recently logged ten years without a lost time injury.  This significant accomplishment, achieved by nearly 200 employees, clearly demonstrates Mohawk’s strong commitment to operational excellence and workplace safety.

For additional information about Mohawk, visit mohawkconnects.com.

-Latest acquisition allows area’s fastest growing Technology Company to provide clients with solutions to protect physical assets.-

GLENS FALLS, NY (PRWEB) December 19, 2014 – Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech), the area’s leading technology solution provider, announced today that they have acquired a commercial security solutions firm allowing them to now offer security and access systems and services.

StoredTech will launch a new business unit that will focus on the provision, installation, management and integration of business security systems including alarm systems, camera systems and access control systems, all offered as managed services.

“To us, it was just a natural progression to offer security and access systems as a compliment to the other business technology solutions that we already provide to our clients,” said Mark Shaw, StoredTech president and CEO. “The synergies are obvious. Today’s sophisticated security systems are networked solutions that lend themselves perfectly to the managed services model and there are two things that StoredTech knows better than anyone; computer networks and how to manage services for our clients. So, this is just another way that we can use our expertise to serve our clients’ every business technology need.”

The new Security Systems Division (SSD) of StoredTech will offer the following products and services:

• Alarm Systems
• Access Control Systems
• Camera Systems

Christopher Chiovoloni joins the StoredTech team to lead this new division as Sales Engineer. Chiovoloni brings over 20 years of experience in all aspects of enterprise-level security systems including sales, design, project management, installation and service. 

“I’m thrilled to join the StoredTech team and to launch our new Security Systems Division,” said Chiovoloni. “Modern security and access control systems require the IT expertise of companies like StoredTech in order to ensure that they are adopted as part of an organization’s integrated and holistic approach to business security and communications. I know that my security expertise combined with StoredTech’s existing IT know-how will create just that approach -and allow us to offer unique and competitive solutions for our clients.”   

Today’s announcement comes at the end of a record growth year for StoredTech who is expected to close 2014 with a whopping 80% growth year-over-year from 2013.

 ###

ABOUT STORED TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS

Stored Technology Solutions, Inc. (StoredTech) is the area’s leading IT Managed Service Provider and offers a comprehensive portfolio of voice, data, and video services and equipment. Specializing in integrated solutions to help businesses take advantage of the newest technologies available in the ever-changing telecommunications and information technology landscape. StoredTech deploys only the highest quality products and services available in the marketplace today. The firm assists businesses with everything from telephone systems, to telephone and computer networks, to cabling, to video surveillance, to consulting and network design. The experienced associates at StoredTech bring over 50 years of industry experience and are ready to assist businesses with all phases of planning, designing, budgeting, installing, and maintaining of communications and technology infrastructure while allowing scalability to adapt and grow as business needs change over time. 

Authority to Add Pair of Expanded Capacity Buses in Support of Soaring Ridership

ALBANY, NY (December 18, 2014) The Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) Board of Directors approved the purchase of two articulated buses that are expected to be used on high volume routes and future Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) lines.

“The addition of articulated buses will help to relieve overcrowding we are seeing on many routes due to increased ridership,” CDTA Board Chairman David M. Stackrow said. “It’s also another innovative message to the community about the critical services we provide and a look into our vision for the future.” 

The Board approved a five year contract with New Flyer of America Inc. with a value of nearly 1.7 million that includes the initial purchase of two buses, training, spare parts and diagnostic equipment. The total will be funded through the Federal Urbanized Area Formula Program (5307), which is used for transit capital and operating assistance.

Articulated buses will nearly double the capacity of a single vehicle, which is approximately 50 passengers, allowing for high volume routes to offer a better customer experience with less crowding. The initial purchase of two buses will allow CDTA to test their operation, assess maintenance needs and impacts on CDTA facilities. A regular purchasing cycle, that can include as many as 18 additional vehicles, will commence once all testing is completed and satisfactory.

CDTA first introduced articulated buses in April of 1984. The vehicles lasted nearly 10 years before being phased out due to the manufacturer closing down.

(A different model to these longer buses, usually seen in larger cities, will be used by CDTA)

In Other News:

·         CDTA boarding numbers continue to be positive with system-wide ridership at 1.47 million, 3 percent better than last November. The increased ridership is due in part to a better route network, good information about the system, and a fleet that is well maintained, clean and comfortable.

·         The rollout of real time information, introduced back in October, continues to be very popular with customers.  We have had more than 700,000 real time hits, which is a use rate of more than 16,000 per day. Real time information is available on our free mobile application and through our website, telling customers when their bus will arrive, rather than when is it scheduled to arrive.

The CDTA Board of Directors meets on the last Wednesday of every month at the Rensselaer Rail Station. Board meetings are open to the public and streamed live atwww.cdta.org

SARATOGA SPRINGS>> Last night, a new downtown music venue, Newberry Music Hall, make its debut to s select crowd for an exclusive acoustic show with Airborne Toxic Event.

About 100 lucky guests had the opportunity to check out the new hall, located at the former club Mine, right on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Its new owner, Tommy, who also owns The Comedy Works, said the Wednesday night show was a test run for the business.

Headlined by major act Airborne Toxic Event, the night was a success. The band played a free and intimate acoustic set, including their hits and some new tunes, and the crowd seemed to enjoy the new hangout.

The owner, who is responsible for music of the area's major music events like Tulip Festival and the Alive at Five series in Albany, said that this new endeavor is a music venue with a bar inside, not a bar with live entertainment. Some big acts are set to hit the Newberry Music Hall stage in 2015.

Newberry Music Hall will be open again for New Year's Eve for a launch party and Soul-a-Toga event featuring Garland Nelson and The Band. Doors will open at 8 p.m. Admission is free and open to all ages before 10 p.m., then $10 to get in after for 21 and older.

For the new year the hall will be open six days a week, with different attractions each evening.

For more information visit newberrymusichall.com or like Newberry Music Hall on Facebook.

PITTSFIELD, MASS, December 16, 2014 – Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank® was recently honored by the Stakeholders Foundation in Albany, New York with the 2014 Capital Region Community Impact Award.  Their annual awards honor exemplary companies for their philanthropic and volunteer work that enhances the Capital Region.  Berkshire Bank received the “Corporate Volunteer of the Year” award recognizing its X-TEAM Employee Volunteer Program.  The awards were presented in a ceremony at Proctors Theatre in Schenectady, New York on November 12^th.

The “Corporate Volunteer of the Year” award was presented to Berkshire for its exemplary volunteer strategy that effectively integrated volunteerism into the company’s business culture, had a sizeable impact on the community and served as an inspiration to others.  Nearly 100% of bank employees in the Capital Region have participated in one of Berkshire’s company-supported projects over the last two years.  The projects have ranged from fundraising efforts for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Light the Night Walk, building homes with Habitat for Humanity and work with the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York.  In 2014, Capital Region employees have completed over two dozen volunteer service projects impacting thousands of lives and dozens of communities.

Berkshire Bank’s X-TEAM provides all employees with paid time off to volunteer at company-supported projects.  Berkshire Bank employees help identify, select, plan and execute all of the company’s volunteer work.  This approach allows the bank to engage staff and select volunteer opportunities that are important to local stakeholders.  The program is also another way for Berkshire to give back to the community in addition to financial contributions.

“Berkshire Bank is honored to receive this award for our collective volunteer efforts in the Capital Region community,” stated Lori Gazzillo, Vice President and Director of Berkshire Bank Foundation, which oversees the program.  “Our volunteer program has become a central part of our culture at America’s Most Exciting Bank and an important way we give back to the communities where we live and work.  We continue to be inspired by all that our employees have accomplished in the community.”

Berkshire Bank is well-known for its commitment to making a difference in the community well beyond the Capital Region.  Berkshire provides over $2 million dollars in financial support annually through their charitable foundations and corporate support.  In addition, 70% of Berkshire Bank’s employees donated in excess of 40,000 hours of service to benefit community organizations across their footprint in 2013 through their nationally-renowned volunteer program.  In addition to the Capital Region Impact Award, the Boston Business Journal named Berkshire Bank one of “Massachusetts Most Charitable Companies” and they were honored with two New England Financial Marketing Awards for their overall philanthropic work and civic responsibility efforts.

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About Berkshire Bank

Berkshire Hills Bancorp (NYSE: BHLB) is the parent of Berkshire Bank, America’s Most Exciting Bank^Ò.  The Company, recognized for its entrepreneurial approach and distinctive culture, has approximately $6.4 billion in assets and 91 full service branch offices in Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, and Vermont providing personal and business banking, insurance, and wealth management services.  To learn more, visit www.berkshirebank.com or call 800-773-5601.  Berkshire Bank is the official bank of the Boston Bruins coverage on NESN.

About Berkshire Bank Foundation

Through foundation grants to non-profits, scholarships to students, and employee volunteerism, Berkshire Bank is making a difference.  Each year the Foundation donates nearly $1.6 million to non-profits in the bank’s footprint and employees provide over 40,000 hours of service—all on the company dime.  In 2013 and 2014, Berkshire Bank was named one of Massachusetts’ Most Charitable Companies by the Boston Business Journal.  This year, Berkshire Bank and NESN are teaming up to raise $50,000 for Habitat for Humanity by donating funds to the Hockey 4 Housing campaign each time the Boston Bruins achieved a penalty kill. To learn more about Berkshire Bank Foundation, visitwww.berkshirebank.com/community .

HMS AGENCY, INC. ACQUIRES CASTLE & MCLENNAN INSURANCE AGENCY

ALBANY, NY (December 17, 2014) — HMS Agency, Inc., a full-service insurance agency located in Albany, announced that it has acquired Castle & McLennan Insurance Agency.

The purchase of Castle & McLennan, based in Ballston Spa, increases HMS’ market share and expands its geographic footprint in the Capital Region.

“We’re very excited to augment our commercial and personal lines business with the acquisition of Castle & McLennan,” said HMS Agency Partner Stephen Mather, noting that the investment provides an important strategic opportunity to grow HMS Agency throughout the Capital Region. “We’re looking forward to long-term relationships with our new clients.”

Castle & McLennan will remain in its current location at 48 Milton Avenue, Ballston Spa. The phone number is 518-885-5858. The name will change to HMSAgency, Inc. in the upcoming year.

 

For additional information, please call 518-690-0360 or visit www.hmsagency.com.

HMS Agency, Inc. is a family-owned and operated full-service insurance agency offering complete lines of coverage and services. For almost 20 years, the staff of HMS Agency, Inc. has served more than 1500 businesses and individuals throughout upstate New York. Its mission is to listen to its clients’ needs and objectives and make recommendations that reflect what it believes are the best solutions for its clients.  HMS Agency, Inc. is alsocertified as a Women Business Enterprise (WBE) by the New York State Economic Development Corp. New York's MWBE program works to assist the development of businesses owned and controlled by women and minority groups.

PHOTO CAPTION: The partners of HMS Agency, Inc. stand in front of their new office in Ballston Spa, NY. From left to right: Bill Mather, Jr, Steve Mather, Michele Seddon, Lori Anne Harris and Bill Mather, Sr.