sullivan county business edge summer 2015

President’s Messagepage 2

2nd Annual Mid-summer Mixerpage 4

Youth helps spread the wealthpage 6

Extending the reach & value ofthe Partnershippage 8

Partnership Board Chair looks at Casino impactspage 10

Noteworthy happeningspage 13

Visitor’s Association...busypage 14

Ehrlich’s experience good forVilla Romapage 16

Contributions to FV WMCA camppage 18

CCE’s new roofpage 19

S U M M E R 2 0 1 5

INSIDE:

ZLIVING/VERIA NATURE CURE &AYURVEDIC

WELLNESS CENTER

Sunday, June 21, 2015 @ 11:00 a.m. (the first ever International Day of Yoga)

on the banks of Bailey LakeAnawana Lake Road

Monticello NY 12701(Address for GPS: 10 Bailey Lake Rd,

Monticello, NY 12701)

Refreshments will follow the ceremony.

Project Manager Paul Roggeman looks over construction plans for the Adelaar Phase 1 development, which will include roads, water andsewer. See pages 10-11 for story.

Adelaar project is underway You are cordially invited for a ground-breaking ceremony in celebration

of the development of the

Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

198 Bridgeville Road • lMonticello, NY 12701845-794-1110 • Fax 845-794-2324

Call for location of our mobile officeor visit www.catskills.com

PO Box 405 • Mongaup Valley, NY 12762845-791-4200 • Fax 845-791-4220

One Cablevision CenterFerndale, NY 12734

845-295-2603 • Fax 845-295-2604

Sullivan County Visitors Association 100 Sullivan Ave. • Ferndale, NY 12734

845-747-4449 • Fax 845-747-4468www.scva.net

Published by Catskill Delaware Publications, Inc.Publisher: Fred Stabbert III

Advertising Director Liz Tucker Designer Rosalie MyckaAdvertising Representatives Cecile Lamy, Barbara Matos

Special Sections Coordinator Susan Panella Advertising Coordinator Sandy Schraeder Production Associates Tracy Swendsen, Ruth Huggler, Elizabeth Finnegan, Petra Duffy, Nyssa Calkin

Business Manager Sue Owens Distribution Bill Holmes

P.O.Box 308, Callicoon, NY, 12723 l 845-887-5200

26864

To the People:With summer finally deciding to show up to

the party, I could not help but anecdotallynotice the increased construction activity takingplace, particularly in the Thompson area. Itseems there are more excavators tearing downblighted buildings for future projects than wehave seen in recent years. This is not a sur-prise, as inquiries at the Partnership office havegone up dramatically in the hospitality sectorand related projects that began last year aremoving along steadily (re: Veria’s Z-Living andLost Lake Resort projects).

As we wait for the official licensing of theMontreign Casino project, construction activityis moving along on the remainder of the EPRProperties site with roads and infrastructurebeing built at this very moment. Meanwhile,economic development stakeholders have beenbusy putting together the framework for aCatskills Hospitality Workforce Alliance. The

Alliance, consisting of The Partnership,Workforce Development, SUNY Sullivan,BOCES, CCE, School District representatives,SCIDA, SCVA, and SC Chamber, is in theprocess of developing certifications, careerpathways and specialty trainings deliveredthrough a (soon to be created) HospitalityInstitute, Hotel Tech and Management DegreeCourses at SCCC, OSHA Trainings at BOCESand other educational opportunities. All aregeared to better prepare unemployed andunderemployed applicants in our labor shedarea for anticipated job opportunities. TheVisitors Association, Chamber of Commerceand SCCC hosted representatives from theDisney Institute for a full day of hospitalitytraining with plans for future training events aswell. The Disney Institute is internationallyrenowned for its organizational trainingsfocused on leadership, culture, service, brand-ing and innovation. These and future efforts

are critical, as we onceagain grow our hospitalitysector. Ultimately, thedelivery of an exceptionalcustomer experience iswhat will mark our futuresuccess in this mostimportant sector. This isimportant to all businessesengaging with customersdirectly. Hence hotels,

retail sites, healthcare facilities and virtually allprivate and public services professionals canbenefit from these offerings and help putSullivan County once again, top of mind forthose seeking to get away in upstate NewYork.

On June 24 the Sullivan United Team willhost Pattern for Progress at a breakfast seminarat Bernie’s Holiday Restaurant in Rock Hill.Pattern will address over 100 business andmunicipal officials as it reviews and educatesattendees on the current and future trends thatcan prepare them for anticipated developmentissues in the years to come. Along with theSEQRA conference held this past January, thisevent and others forthcoming are dedicated tothe advancement of Sullivan County businesses

and municipal leaders in their specific areas.This will lead to better communication aboutthe varying elements that affect our economicdevelopment stakeholders in Sullivan County.

Finally, the Sullivan United team will be host-ing its second mid-summer informational mixerat the Adelaar site on July 15 at 5:30 pm. Theevent is geared to provide additional access tothe Partnership, Visitors Association, Chamberand IDA to familiarize attendees with theagencies, their administrative representativesand the programmatic work each entity con-ducts. An update on the Adelaar/ Montreignproject progress will be made as well as accessto our elected representatives that helped makethe project possible. It will be an extraordinaryopportunity to ask questions, network and beeducated on the progress of the most impactfulproject in the region. Look to updates regard-ing all of our activities on our various mediaplatforms… and enjoy the summer!

Sincerely,

Marc BaezPresident & CEO Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development

President/CEO Marc Baez

Education, Training and Continued Advancement an Economic Development Priority

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE2E BUSINESS EDGE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT JUNE, 2015

15595

Several county-wide organizations recently sponsored an8-hour course on Disney’s Approach to Quality Service.

The course is designed to teach customer service representa-tives how to better serve their clientele and make their busi-ness more productive and profitable. Two Disney employees

spoke to the 150 in attendance about how to treat customersin a helpful and friendly manner and how to individuallyserve the customer’s needs. The Sullivan County VisitorsAssn., Sullivan County Chamber and SUNY Sullivan sponsoredthe event at Seelig Theatre in Loch Sheldrake.

DisneyTraininga big hit Fred Stabbert | Democrat

JUNE, 2015 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT BUSINESS EDGE 3E

2nd Annual Mid-Summer

Mixer to be held

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“Due to the overwhelming turnouton a rain soaked Tuesday night lastyear, the team felt there was defini-tively an appetite for this type of an

event annually.” said Marc Baez,CEO of the Partnership. The eventwas created last year to put eachagency in one venue, educate busi-

Attending last year’s Mid-Summer Mixer atthe Monticello Motor Club were, front row,from the left: Legislator Ira Steingart andChamber President Cathy Paty. Secondrow, from the left are PartnershipPresident and CEO Marc Baez, IDA VicePresident Jen Flad, Visitors AssociationPresident and CEO Roberta ByronLockwood and New York State SenatorJohn Bonacic.


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nesses on the various services andprograms each is responsible for, andto answer any questions businesses ormunicipal officials may have relativeto their respective areas of expertise.“The concept of working together,while not new, is critical to the suc-cess we are now having and we lookforward to continuing this strategywell into the future,” said Steve White,CEO of the Sullivan County IDA.

As part of an overall strategy tohighlight new and unique projectsbuilt recently or currently underdevelopment, the team will be movingthe venue each year. This year theevent will be held at the Monster GolfCourse located in the heart of theAdelaar development.

“This is tremendous economic devel-opment effort that not only showcasesour team but also the exiting newprojects underway in the SullivanCounty Catskills,” said Roberta Byron-Lockwood, President of the VisitorsAssociation. The event has alsobecome a target for elected officials tonetwork with constituents and to com-municate the variety issues they havebeen working on throughout their

respective legislative sessions. The strategy to pool resources and

come together more strategically wasimplemented during last year’s compe-tition for a Casino license, when acoordinated front was presented athearings in Albany and Poughkeepsie.

The team has kept the momentumgoing, focusing on challenges like,workforce, destination marketing,infrastructure and a host of otheractivities such as this one.

“This is a crucial time for SullivanCounty. There are many significantand impactful developments in theworks and imminent in our future.The Sullivan County Chamber is proudto be part of an active, strategic andunified economic development team.”said Chamber CEO Cathy Paty.

Look for more information and spon-sorship opportunities in the comingweeks.


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6

Rock Hill’s Jack Drapkin knowshow tough it is to find a summer

job in Sullivan County.At 18, he’s already spent several sum-

mers relegated to a copy machine or fil-ing cabinet.

Not this year.In fact, he’s gainfully employed help-

ing other college-age locals find thesame.

“This internship is the best I’ve everhad,” he confirmed earlier this month,just a few weeks into his paid role asorganizer of the Sullivan United SummerEmployment Program.

Run from the Bridgeville headquartersof the Sullivan County Partnership forEconomic Development, the programunites 18-22-year-old job-seekers withsummer employment opportunities

throughout the county.“We’ve been hearing for years that our

kids are leaving the area – once theyget their degree, they’re outta here,”Partnership President Marc Baez said.“This establishes a relationship with ayoung individual and a Sullivan Countyemployer.

“It keeps our ‘intellectual property,’ ifyou will, in Sullivan County.”

Indeed, the idea sprang from Jack’smind, which he shared off the cuff withhis dad, Hudson Valley Pattern forProgress President Jonathan Drapkin.

“He took it more seriously than Imeant it,” Jack admitted.

But that casually-imagined thought leddirectly to the Partnership, which

Jack Drapkin (foreground) has found aberth at the Sullivan County Partnershipfor Economic Development hooking upcollege-aged locals with summer employ-ment opportunities, under the guidanceof Partnership President Marc Baez(background).

Spreading the wealth One local young adult’sidea turns into jobs for his peers

Story and Photo by Dan Hust

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embraced Jack’s concept, seeing it as akey part of the strategy to retain andnurture local talent.

Jack is material proof of the concept,as his efforts have already landedseven area college students jobs inSullivan County.

Some of them are the typical summermowing and landscaping jobs, but sev-eral are aligned with the employees’specific fields of interest and/or collegemajors. One hiree, for example, is inan accounting job related to the com-ing casino, while another landed anengineering position.

In fact, Jack is eagerly seeking outmore engineers-to-be, as he has severalspots open with local employers.

The challenge, of course, is matchingan employee’s interests with anemployer’s offerings. And coordinatingboth requires Jack to meld his socialmedia skills with in-person networking.

“Reaching the students and theemployers are two completely differentthings,” he acknowledged.

The Partnership’s Twitter account hasbeen effective in gathering info fromprospective employees, but Jack hashad to undertake a good deal of cold-calling to find out what employerswant.

Though 11 employers have openings,

he’s still got 14 people looking for ajob that dovetails with their collegemajor or interests, so a challengeremains, especially since this pro-gram – jointly funded by thePartnership, Chamber of Commerceand Visitors Association – ends the firstweek of July.

Jack relishes it.“This is great for me going forward,”

he said of the opportunity. “It doesmuch more for me as a person, notjust with my resumé. Now that I’vedone this, I have confidence from theexperience.”

It’s a confidence he can take withhim to his other internship this summer(with the downstate Rockland Bouldersbaseball team), then into his sopho-more year as a business major atNortheastern University, and ultimatelytowards his future career goals as aprofessional sports manager or agent.

And there’s always next year.“We’re hoping to do this on an annu-

al basis,” confirmed Baez.Jack isn’t ruling out a return, should

he be available summer 2016. “This is a first step for this program,”

he explained. “... I want to get morejobs for more kids.”

Jack welcomes calls at 845-794-1110or emails at [email protected].

Chris Lockwood extendsreach & value of Partnership


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L ast year’s internship has turnedinto this year’s job opportunity

for Liberty resident ChristopherLockwood.

Chris is the Sullivan CountyPartnership for EconomicDevelopment’s Marketing OutreachCoordinator.

If you’re a former member of thePartnership or a local real estatesalesperson, you may have heard –or be hearing – from Chris, as he’sdeveloping both the membershiproster and the available commercialreal estate section of thePartnership’s website.

“For a business to expand or startup, they’re looking for new loca-tions,” he explains. “The original

website had just eight [availablelocations].”

With the region poised to riseagain as a tourism destination, Chrisand his Partnership colleagues see alot of potential in both identifyingdevelopable properties and wooingback former members.

“I’m interested in being part of theresurgence of Sullivan County,” saysthe Le Moyne College alumnus, hav-ing earned a bachelor’s in marketingand analytics there.

“I like networking and connectingwith companies,” he adds, intent ongaining his master’s degree, as well.“It’s an interesting field.”

Chris can be reached at 845-794-1110 or [email protected] Lockwood is the Partnership’s Marketing Outreach Coordinator.

Story and Photo by Dan Hust


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10E BUSINESS EDGE SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT JUNE, 2015 JUNE, 2015 SULLIVAN COUNTY DEMOCRAT BUSINESS EDGE 11E

has become a hub for career pathwaysin hotel technology, hotel managementand a whole host of hospitality focusedcareer opportunities soon to come to ourcounty.

We have a new sense of purpose as

our residents, business leaders, unionleaders, and elected officials are workingtogether to take the greatest advantageof this opportunity. Construction activityhas certainly increased this year and ourplanning boards are busy with growing

new projects facing themeach month.

The Hudson Valley is experiencingnew economic growth it has not experi-enced in some time. From the expansionof the NYC metro area with one of thelargest projects in the United States atthis time, the replacement of the TappanZee bridge, healthcare facilities growingat an unprecedented pace in Orange andDutchess Counties, the 3D printing hubevolving at New Paltz, and the develop-ment of casino gaming here in SullivanCounty. The reality is that SullivanCounty is competing for those businessesthat will look to settle in the areabecause of the casino. We are also com-peting with our surrounding counties toattract the worker population that willlook to move to the area to work atMontreign/Adelaar.

We must also work hard to supportthose businesses that survived the hardyears and support their efforts to grow,such as Bethel Woods, Monticello MotorClub, The Center for Discovery, NewHope Community, and small businesseslike CES, Schmidt’s Wholesale, A. Harris

Alport, the Misner Agency, Robert GreenChevrolet and M&M Ford and many oth-ers that are located in our communitywho “kept the lights on.”

Lastly, we also need to improve ourinfrastructure. We need the State to sup-port our efforts in improving our roads,developing our municipal water andsewer resources. In order to attract newbusinesses, we need to have infrastruc-ture in place. With the CFA processunderway we are exploring ways toenhance infrastructure in our develop-ment corridor by encouraging and work-ing with towns to seek funding in thiscritical area.

Our local elected officials have donesuch a great job to help landMontreign/Adelaar, and we need takethe next steps to rebuild our downtownsand main streets. The State must also beour partner in this in order to build asustainable lasting economy.

The next hill is before us, it is up to usas a county to climb it together.

By Jacob BilligChairman, The Partnership for Economic Development

Story and Photo byFred Stabbert III

A fter decades of the decline of oureconomy, we have finally realized

the goal of casino gaming.Despite a series of very difficult set-

backs over the years, the dream of casi-no gaming in the Catskills never died.Many local residents, elected officials,business leaders and union officialsjoined together and continued the fight.As Alan Gerry said recently we need torecognize and thank the ones who "keptthe lights on".

Montreign is part of the 1.3 billiondollar Adelaar project in the Town ofThompson. The master plan for the proj-ect calls for a casino hotel. In addition awater park hotel, a shopping/entertain-ment village, a revamped Monster GolfCourse, and a boutique hotel. This levelof investment is unprecedented in ourcounty. We thank them for their longterm commitment.

The Montreign/Adelaar Project hascreated a buzz not only in the county,but in the Northeast Region. We havenew individuals looking to investmentcapital in our county as well as somethat recently have been moving projects

along steadily.Well under con-struction orapproved areLost Lake NY,Z-Living byVeria LifestyleManagement,SerenityGardens andother small flaghotels nowworking theirway through the

approval processdue to this extraordinary achievement.

Now the question is what comes nextafter the casino? Actually the betterquestion is what comes next to go withthe Montreign/Adelaar?

If one looks to the Poconos inPennsylvania, there are several regionalcasinos. However, there is not muchmore. They are designed to attract daytrip gamblers. Market saturation of thegaming business has reduced the facili-ties to not much more than day attrac-tions and the patrons do not venture

outside of the facility. Our goal shouldbe sustainable long term economicgrowth. The formula for this should beto work with and leverage theMontreign/Adelaar Project. Their effortswill allow us to attract other develop-ment projects and create new jobs in ourarea. The model under which they wereapproved for licensure is one we needto capitalize on. That is that we are a fullservice tourist destination that has recap-tured its momentum, albeit in a newway. That because of the award we canaccelerate many other projects in hospi-tality, retail, healthcare and additionalsectors that will work to truly diversifyour portfolio.

As Chairman for the Sullivan CountyPartnership for Economic Development, Ihave been discussing with our Boardmembers the development of a newstrategic plan, including the developmentof shovel ready sites for both commercialretail and work force housing. We willlook at overdue challenges like a countywide infrastructure plan. Upgrade ourdata capacity so that we can be ready toanswer the myriad questions new

investors ask when exploring a new area.We will seek to help our outlying townsso that can derive opportunities fromanticipated activity and focus on help ourexisting businesses expand when ready.

There are efforts in the county regard-ing work force development which iscritical to our economy. The Partnershiphas teamed up with WorkforceDevelopment. This joint effort hasalready begun to establish the frameworkfor a Catskills Hospitality WorkforceAlliance which will help our local work-force be prepared for the many hospitali-ty oriented jobs that will come. OurPlanning department has vowed toincrease our grant procurement activitiesand in concert with our IDA is wellunderway to doing just that.

Sullivan County Community College isanother cog in this wheel and should besupported as a driver of economic devel-opment. We commend and supporttheir Board and President for their initia-tive to expand the College with theHealthy World Institute. In addition, aspart of the Catskills Hospitality WorkforceAlliance SUNY Sullivan will once again

Jacob Billig

Climbing the next Catskill Mountain: Casino Gaming is just the start in Sullivan County

“We couldn’t lose [a buildingseason], we couldn’t stop,”

Tim Lies, EPR Properties ProjectManager, said, regarding the nearly $40million of construction work that iscommencing at the site of the futureMontreign Casino.

EPR is working on installing roadways,and water and sewer utilities so thatwhen the official casino gaming licenseis finally issued, Montreign can beginwork on their $1 billion project withoutdelay.

“This place is going to look a lot dif-ferent in a year,” Project Manager PaulRoggeman said Tuesday afternoon fromAdelaar’s “war room” at the ConcordMonster Clubhouse.

“We are busy on Phase 1 of the infra-structure project,” Roggeman said. “Weare building a traffic circle at exit 106off the quickway which will lead to anentry road.

“The entry road will weave its way8,000 feet thorough EPR’s property tojoin up with Joyland Road. It will be a

boulevard with islands in the middleand treelined all the way,” Roggeman,who is excited about the beauty of thearea, said.

Roggeman describestrees along the roadwhich will stand out asvisitors make their wayto the long-awaited casi-no when it is finished.

He said the one-yearbuildout on the roads,water and sewer will def-initely put the Montreignproject ahead of sched-ule.

Lies said the plans callfor asphalt to be laiddown in the fall.

“It was a long time coming and it isvery exciting,” Lies said. “This willchange people’s perception of theCatskills.

In addition to the casino a waterparkand entertainment village will be builton the property.

“It just tremendous, the progress is

Work like this clean-up of an old building along Route 42N in Monticello is going onthroughout the Town of Thompson as company’s prepare for the next business boom.

As ground breaks, excitement builds for new projectsamazing and the enthusiasm is great,”Sullivan County Visitors Assn. Presidentand CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood said.“The excitement is really starting to buildand all the trade groups are thrilled tohear about it.

Sullivan is busyMontreign is owned and operated by

Empire Resorts, Inc. and is located in theTown of Thompson, Sullivan County’sbusiest town. The resort is proposed tocreate approximately 3,100 constructionjobs during its buildout over the nexttwo years and the gaming facility, namedAdelaar, is proposed to add about 2,200jobs to the workforce, making it SullivanCounty’s largest employer.

Montreign will be fully-operationalwithin two years after the granting of acasino license by the state, which isexpected to come sometime this summer.

Montreign’s partner, EPR Properties,has already begun $40 million in infra-structure work. Once the gaming licenseis granted, hundreds of millions of dol-lars in additional construction is expect-

ed to occur.Groundbreaking for Z Living / VeriaAn official groundbreaking on the Z

Living / Veria Nature Cure and AyurvedicWellness Center is happening thisSunday, June 21 at 11 a.m. on the banksof Bailey Lake, near Monticello.

The project, which was originally setfor the former site of the famedKutsher’s Country Club, has been movedon the 1,300 acre property to BaileyLake, a pristine setting off Anawana LakeRd.

The 260,000 square foot, 125-roomhealth resort is expected to be open inapproximately a year.

As both projects move forward throughthe building phase, Sullivan County’smany agencies are working together tohelp set up training for new employeesso they can be ready to enter the work-force.

Project Manager Paul Roggeman reviewsplans for the installing of roadways, waterand sewer utilities.

The Montreign Casino willbe just one facet (albeit astar attraction) of the bil-lion-dollar Adelaar resort.


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Pattern event envisionsSullivan County’s future

ROCK HILL — Hudson Valley PatternFor Progress will present an informa-tional session entitled Sullivan County:A Journey Toward A Brighter Future onJune 24 at Bernie’s Holiday Restaurantin Rock Hill.

The event is geared toward business-es, municipalities, and not-for-profitcorporations operating in the countytoday, but is open to all.The informa-tional session will take place onWednesday, June 24 from 8:30 a.m.until 10 a.m. Tickets are $15 for Part-nership members and $20 for non-members; breakfast is included.

The presentation will look at thecounty’s new economic reality in thecoming years. Attendees will learn howto best position their businesses tomake the most of the opportunitiesand challenges ahead. Presenters willoutline variables affecting local andregional economies, and discuss mar-ket dynamics from pre-2008 throughkey indicators in anticipation of newdevelopments.

The event is supported by Sullivan

County’s Economic DevelopmentTeam: the Sullivan County Partnershipfor Economic Development, the Sulli-van County Chamber of Commerce,the Sullivan County Visitors Associa-tion, and the County of Sullivan Indus-trial Development Agency.

Sponsorship opportunities are avail-able at four different levels, $250 up to$1500, and commitments must bereceived no later than June 16. Tosponsor this event, receive more infor-mation, or make a reservation, contactJennifer Clayton at 794-1110, or viaemail to [email protected].

Hospitals receive gift of$1 million from donor

MIDDLETOWN — An anonymousdonor has given $1 million to twomember hospitals of the Greater Hud-son Valley Health System (GHVHS).

The two gracious gifts of $500,000were received by Orange RegionalMedical Center and Catskill RegionalMedical Center. ORMC will use the giftto support funding for an expansionproject which includes building a newMedical Office Building and a Cancer

Center. CRMC had already begun afundraising effort to enhance andupgrade inpatient facilities throughoutthe hospital.

The donors were grateful patients atboth hospitals and had made contribu-tions thanking the hospitals’ doctorsand nurses for their care and compas-sion over the years. The donors askedthat no naming opportunities or recog-nition be provided.

“What a wonderful way to expresstheir gratitude and tell our hospital sys-tem family that they are doing a terrificjob,” said Scott Batulis, CEO of GreaterHudson Valley Health System. “We wereso happy that our current expansion andenhancement efforts at both hospitalspleased these donors. They really wantus to succeed and we are very gratefulfor their generosity and confidence.”

Both hospitals, along with Grover M.Hermann Hospital in Callicoon, aremembers of the GHVHS. All three hospi-tals are not for profit organizations andrely on charitable giving to expand andenhance their programs and services.

At CRMC, the donation will help sup-port a capital campaign that will fundrenovations in many areas of the hos-pital. The renovations span from gener-

al cosmetic enhancements (such asnew paint, floor covering, ceilings andlighting) to heavy renovation and struc-tural improvements. Over the comingyears, Catskill Regional plans to mod-ernize all inpatient and making 82 per-cent of the private rooms for addedcomfort, privacy and infection control.Recent renovations, new furniture,equipment and artwork at CRMC havebeen well received by employees,physicians and the community.

At ORMC, the donation will help thehospital in its quest to relocate manyoutpatient services currently providedat other off-campus locations into newbuildings on the existing 73-acre hospi-tal campus in Middletown. Plansinclude building a 153,000 square foot,five-story Medical Office Building anda 26,000 square-foot, single-story Can-cer Center; both new buildings will beconnected to the main hospital. A capi-tal fundraising campaign will begin thisfall to support the expansion. Estimat-ed completion of the construction isanticipated to be the fall of 2016.

For more information about charita-ble giving, call ORMC at 333-2333 andCRMC at 794-3300 ext. 2104. Visitwww.crmcny.org or www.ormc.org.

N O T E W O R T H Y

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The Sullivan County VisitorsAssociation (SCVA) has had an

extremely busy 2015 so far, attending orcooperatively participating in over 25travel and trade shows.

Working to promote our tourismindustry, the latest trade show was IPWwhere over 70 countries and 6,200 inter-national and domestic buyers and mediagathered in Orlando to meet withdomestic providers of travel.

“Working with the I Love NY team,we were able to bring the assets of theSullivan Catskills directly into the handsof these tour operators, travel agentsand travel writers from around theWorld. SCVA has already receivedrequests from a travel writer in NewZealand, who is including us in a storyand a travel agency working in the UK,”SCVA President and CEO Roberta ByronLockwood said.

The 2015 Travel Guide has been dis-tributed to key travel information cen-ters on I-87 and I-81. Individual requestfrom our print marketing campaign isalready 33 percent more than last yearat this date.

The majority of requests are frompotential visitors in the Northeast but wehave received request from as far awayas California and Canada.

Working with cooperative partners,SCVA is running a digital board at 1500Broadway in NYC through July 5th.The billboard has spiked our mobilewebsite statistics, 83 percent in Mayabove the previous month.

Millions of people are exposed to theSullivan Catskills and its cooperativepartners.

SCVA is once again sponsoring a“Picture Yourself” campaign on the web-site and Facebook.

The campaign this summer develops aconnection to 2015 advertising cam-paign “Selfie in the Catskills.”

The appeal to a younger generation,23-35 year olds, discovering the SullivanCatskills is evident in our analytics for2015 showing this age group’s usage on

our site is increasing. The success ofour Fall and Winter campaign drovetraffic to the site and Facebook. OurFacebook fans today number over9,200. These fans as well as a dedicat-ed subscriber e-blast list of 10,000receive weekly updates of all the events

Sullivan County Visitors Assn. President and CEO Roberta Byron Lockwood talks with touroperators, travel agents and media during a recent travel show in Orlando.


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happening for that week.The Eagle Express, a combined effort

by dedicated people along theDelaware River in the hamlet towns ofPond Eddy, Barryville, Narrowsburg andCallicoon, Rolling V and SCVA, arelaunching a pilot bus service starting atthe end of June through July on week-ends. It departs from Penn Station areaand stops along the corridor from Pond

Eddy to Callicoon on Fridays. It will bereturning to NYC on Sundays.

As new development is on the horizon,SCVA is working with those developersto blend our existing assets with theirprojects. SCVA is working to develop anexpanded photo and video library to usein future promotions.

Busy, yes, but not stopping the contin-ued promotion of our Sullivan Catskills.

The Sullivan County Catskills is running a digital board at 1500 Broadway in NYC throughJuly 5.

The Upper Delaware ScenicByway, Inc. welcomes a convenientnew bus service to transport folksto and from Manhattan with achoice of stops at four of thecharming communities associatedwith the New York State Route 97 byway.The “Upper Delaware River Valley EagleExpress” will have its debut on June 26 &28, and continue for three more weekendson July 3 & 5, July 10 & 12 and July 17 &19 on a trial run.

The venture was initiated by a group oflocal tourism promoters spearheaded byNarrowsburg Chamber of CommercePresident Jane Luchsinger and fueled by theresults of an online survey over the winterwhich showed overwhelming supportamong respondents.

Big V Enterprises, a division of Rolling VBus Corp., agreed to provide the 21-pas-senger coach bus service. The SullivanCounty Visitors Association quickly jumpedon board to coordinate the survey, publicity,and on-line reservations through its web-site at www.scva.net/eagleexpress.

The one-way fare is $40. Tickets need tobe reserved by the Tuesday prior to travel.

The Manhattan departure will be Fridayat 4 p.m. from The Local Café located on33rd Street near 8th Avenue in the PennStation vicinity. Passengers will have achoice of stops in these Upper Delawareriver valley hamlets: Pond Eddy (Town ofLumberland) at The 97 Bar & Grill;Barryville (Town of Highland) at Clancy’sIce Cream; Narrowsburg (Town of Tusten)at Pete’s Market; or Callicoon (Town ofDelaware) at The Western Hotel.

The trip to the city on Sunday will departfrom Callicoon at 5:00 p.m., Narrowsburgat 5:25 p.m., Barryville at 5:50 p.m., andPond Eddy at 6:05 p.m.

To view maps, photos, request a trave-logue brochure, or find out more info, visitwww.Upper DelawareScenicByway.org.

Eagle Express begins service June 26

‘I ’ve been here for about 2½weeks so far,” Cliff Ehrlich

explained in his office at the VillaRoma Resort and Conference Center,where he has begun his tenure as gen-eral manager. But he’s no stranger tothe Sullivan County resort or the hotelbusiness.

Ehrlich’s grandparents Phil and MaySchweid started The Pines Resort andHotel in Fallsburg. Their daughter Har-riet met his father, Jerry Ehrlich, whenhe was a bellhop at the resort.

Ehrlich not only grew up at ThePines but, after attending University ofColorado at Boulder and receiving aBachelor’s in Business Managementand Marketing, he joined the familybusiness. In 1994, he left to pursue acareer in gaming and casinos.

That year, Ehrlich and a group ofinvestors got an option to buy Monti-cello Raceway. When the purchasewent through in 1996, Ehrlich becamepresident and general manager at theharness racing track and formed adevelopment group to get commercialgaming into the Catskills area. Successfollowed when New York Stateapproved slot machines at racewaysand the Racino officially opened onJune 30, 2004.

“I was president of the raceway andlater the casino from 1996 to 2013,”Ehrlich said. “I left Monticello Casinoand Raceway and I ended up working

trying to bring in a Mohegan Sun Casi-no to Sullivan County with the hope ofgetting two casinos in the county.”

Ehrlich became a consultant to Mohe-gan Sun Casino CEO Mitchell Etess,part of the famed Grossinger family inLiberty, as that Connecticut-based com-pany vied for a casino license.

Last year, New York State awardedone of the full casino bids to the Mon-treign Casino at Adelaar, on the site ofthe former Concord Hotel.

“Although I would have liked twocasinos in Sullivan County, I was elatedto hear that at least there would be oneand our argument was heard that anOrange County casino would prevent aSullivan County casino from being suc-

cessful,” said Ehrlich. “I spent mywhole career trying to get these largecommercial casinos… I have manyfriends who work for (Montreign devel-oper) Empire Resorts and I can’t waituntil the casino, water park, and enter-tainment village will open.”

Ehrlich found himself thinking abouthis next career move. The solutioncame during a conversation with CraigPassante of the Villa Roma, who askedEhrlich what he was doing.

The best way to describe how thingsturned out: serendipity. The conversa-tion led to a visit to the Villa Roma anda conversation not only with Craig Pas-sante, but his father Marty, the founderand owner of the Villa Roma, and Paul

Carlucci, the vice president.“When I got to talking to them I

thought ‘Wow. This is quite a place, theVilla Roma,’” Ehrlich explained, “Andwhen they showed me around, I could-n’t believe how many amenities andfacilities they had and how family-friendly they are. It was a real eye-opener to me. I was walking aroundthe hotel before I met with Craig andPaul, and I heard all the guests talking.They seemed so happy to be here. Imean, you come over that mountainand it’s like Shangri-La. It really is. It’slike this place has got it all, and theguests seem so happy.”

It was the perfect fit. Ehrlich nowpresides over a weekly meeting where

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all the department heads read over amemo filled with diverse requests forbirthday parties, weddings and groupsjust coming to visit. Ehrlich says theVilla Roma staff will do whatever ittakes to make the stay special.

“Our employees go to the highestdegree to make sure that every guest ishappy. Whether you're a group of sixpeople or 300 people,” Ehrlich said.

And future short-term plans for theVilla are actually focused on helpingconstruction workers who will eventu-ally come to the area to build Adelaarand the Montreign Casino.

As for long-term plans, the goal is toreally make people understand whatthe Villa Roma is and how many differ-ent ways there are to really experienceit.

“They have time sharing, and theyalso have condos, which is totally sep-arate,” Ehrlich explained. “So you canhave your own house, or you can takea week in a time share. This place is ajewel of the Catskills that a lot of peo-ple need to see and visit. We have themost beautiful venues for weddingsand special dinners."

Ehrlich is also looking to the futureand the opportunity to take conceptshe’s learned over the years from both

the hotel and casino business together.“If I knew what I know now when I

had The Pines, I would have donethings differently,” Ehrlich said. “Now Ihave the opportunity to take some ofthe concepts I’ve learned over the last18 years and meld the two cultures.”

And the experience of working at theVilla Roma, even for a short time, hasalready shown all sorts of connectionsto Ehrlich’s tenure at a traditionalCatskill hotel. From meeting a mainte-nance worker whose grandfather usedto work at The Pines to seeing old cus-tomers bringing groups to Villa Roma,Ehrlich is constantly seeing connectionsto not only his early hotel career butalso his time in the casino business.And Ehrlich feels he’s in a good place.

“At this point and stage in my career,it’s really important that the people Iwork with and work for are genuineand that they’re sincere,” Ehrlich said.“And they treat people well; that aboveall is important to me. And the peoplehere are really special. I don’t know ifMarty Passante gets his just due, but ifpeople could just come and see whathe’s built here at the Villa Roma, I’msure they would be as impressed as Iam.”



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The summer can present aunique challenge for par-

ents: how can we keep childrenoccupied when they’re out ofschool? Frost Valley YMCA offersseveral options for parents inour community, such as DayCamp, and thanks to local busi-nesses this option is now moreaffordable.By providing scholarship dol-

lars for children to come tocamp, Frost Valley can offerchildren a safe environment thatensures a summer filled withproductive activities to boostsummer learning, encouragegrowth, and foster healthyfriendships. Campers at FrostValley enjoy swimming in LakeCole, going on field trips, ridinghorses, and exposure to a vari-ety of different cultures from

around the world. Achievement,Relationships, and Belonging areessential dimensions of well-being that Frost Valley cultivatesthrough Day Camp programs.Several local businesses have

made donations that supportfinancial assistance, includingPremier Sponsor Blue Hill Lodge& Café of Claryville, which gen-erously gave $5,000 to supportlocal families. This supporthelps to ensure that all familieshave access to quality summercare for their children. Localbusiness sponsorships supportmore than 90 campers withroughly $22,000 in financialassistance.

The Blue Hill Lodge, locatedat the Claryville Center complexwhich also includes the BlueHill Café and Blue Hill Wine &Spirits. The Claryville Art Center,

also part of the complex, housesthe permanent collection ofacclaimed Russian born artistAlexander Kaletski. Visitwww.bluehilllodgecafe.com.

Businesses contribute to Frost Valley YMCA camp

CLARYVILLE — The Frost Valley YMCAwill be a recipient of the Autism SpeaksBaker Summer Camp Scholarship ProgramAward. Frost Valley obtained this grant forthe benefit of children with AutismSpectrum Disorder whose families wouldotherwise not be able to attend Day Camp.The funds have been given to families livingin Sullivan, Delaware, and Ulster countiesfor summer 2015.

Frost Valley YMCA offers traditional camp

activities such as swimming, boating, hik-ing, arts & crafts, team-building, rock climb-ing, science-based outdoor experiences,ropes courses and more. Guided by its mis-sion, Frost Valley believes that all childrendeserve a camp experience and have histor-ically welcomed children with varying typesof physical and developmental disabilitiesin their summer programs, including chil-dren with Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Visit frostvalley.org or call 985-2291.

Frost Valley YMCA earns Autism Speaks grant

The stately exterior of Frost Valley’sForstmann Castle which houses activities,dormitories, and more.


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Construction is complete onstate of the art foam insula-

tion and new metal roofing at Cor-nell Cooperative Extension SullivanCounty (CCESC)’s Gerald J. SkodaExtension Education Center, whichhouses dozens of educational pro-grams for farmers, families, andyoung people.

As a result of ongoing capital cam-paign efforts underway since 2013,supporters have made it possiblethrough monetary donations and in-kind services to begin making long-term, sustainable infrastructureimprovements. The roof andsuperinsulation, designed by archi-tect Joseph Hurwitz, enhance thebuilding and will last over 75 years.

Local craftsmen from SullivanCounty, All County Insulation andCoatings and IRC International Con-tractors Incorporated, began workin April when the temperatureswere still dipping into the 20s.

By the time spring finally broke,and with temperatures in the 90s,the crew of about 20 men workedtirelessly to complete one of theprojects that will bring Extensionthrough the next century. Becauseof their persistence and profession-alism, CCESC did not have to sus-pend services to the public duringconstruction.

Other supporters came together tomake this effort a reality includingAssemblywoman Aileen Guntherand community members PhilCoombe Jr., and Jerry Skoda.

“It’s just so neat to see how peo-ple in Sullivan County get togetherto make things happen when there’sa need. We went from having aleaking roof in our classes, to hav-ing a state of the art insulation androofing system. When paired with anew HVAC system, it’s going toreduce our energy costs by morethan 40 percent! The teamwork that

went into this project really showshow much the community valuesthe unique educational supportsthat Cornell Cooperative Extensionprovides for county residents,” saidColleen Monaghan, CCESC execu-tive director.

Tax-deductible gifts can be made

online at www.sullivancce.org.Checks should be made payable toCCESC Capital Fund. Substantialcontributions can be pledged andpaid out over a number of years.More information can be obtainedby calling 292-6180 or emailing sul-livan@ cornell.edu.

CCE unveils new roof

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The new roof at the Gerald J. Skoda Education Center. The CCESC board of directors hostedan open house yesterday to say “thank you” to all the workers and contributors who madethis quarter million dollar project a possibility.


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