Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group

Partnering for Financial Success Program: John Zogby and Special Panel Discussion Videos

2012-01-26T19:46:00.000-08:00

On January 18th, the Mohawk Valley Nonprofit Leaders Group held Partnering for Financial Success. This program focused on different types of nonprofit partnerships, and featured a video message from John Zogby followed by remarks from NY Council of Nonprofits CEO Doug Sauer. The program then featured a panel made up of organizations that have successfully partnered in four ways: merger, coalition, outsourcing and shared services and facility, and regionalization. Video from the program is available below. The panelists were:

Video Welcome: John Zogby, Chairman of the Board and Chief Insights Officer of IBOPE Zogby International

PANELISTS
Merger: Center for Family Life and Recovery (Cassandra Sheets, CEO) and Child Care Council of Cooperative Extension (Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen, Executive Director)

Statewide Trends: Doug Sauer, CEO of New York Council of Nonprofits

Outsourcing/Shared Facility or Services: Parkway Senior Center (Kelly Walters, Executive Director)

Regionalization: Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (Margaret Roberts, CEO)

8am, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 18; YOU ARE INVITED: FAMILY & COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS

2012-01-16T20:02:00.000-08:00

You are invited to the NEXT Family & Community Connections (F&CC) Meeting: 8AM, WEDNESDAY, January 18, King School, 211 Square Street.

(Use the intercom to enter through the front door. Or the parking lot side door is also open at this hour.)

Agenda:
· Updates on:
o King School Visit by Congressman Richard Hanna.
o King School Quality Review and Report.

· Prospects for establishing a health care center at King School, including program partners, space requirements, draft facility plan.

· King School community garden, including draft plot plan, funding application(s), operations management and supervision.

· Discussion, decisions, and action regarding:

§ Programs / Activities
§ Results / Consequences
§ Needs Served
§ Funding

All interested persons are invited and encouraged to attend, engage, and participate. Inquiries by phone or email taken by:

Mark DeSalvo 792-2175 mdesalvo@uticaschools.org
Tim Trent 525-5591 timtrent@usa.net

Principal Mark DeSalvo has asked community agencies to use F&CC sessions as a forum to coordinate with each other and with school staff about their programs, activities, challenges, and successes at MLK Jr. School.

Please Note: Whenever possible, F&CC meetings are held at 8:00am on the third Wednesday, every month, in the MLK, Jr. Elementary School Library.

Family & Community Connections (F&CC)
“Working Together To Make Our Community Better”

PREVIOUS Meeting Summary:
November 16, 2011 at King School, 211 Square Street

Present: Tony Colon, Mark DeSalvo, Venice Ervin, Lynne Gates, Barbara Gibbs, Laurie Hotaling, Langston Leslie, Darby O’Brien, Tim Trent

Agencies Represented: BSA (Boy Scouts of America); Community Residents; King Elementary School; MVCAA (Mohawk Valley Community Action Agency); NIA (Neighborhood Investment Association); Oneida County Youth Bureau; Perinatal Network; MVLA (Mohawk Valley Latino Association); Technologic Solutions, Inc.; Thea Bowman House; Utica Public Library

Key discussion points included:
· Lynne Gates announced that the Perinatal Network will intensify efforts to open communitywide access to health resources. (The agency recently was awarded a grant to serve as a community health advocate.)

· Mark DeSalvo urged planning now for community gardens in the King School neighborhood. Spring is fast approaching. Now is the time to prepare for community garden construction, supplies, and planting. Also, the community gardening leadership circle needs a replacement is needed for Quinton Babcock. (Quinton recently assumed new responsibilities in a professional position elsewhere.)

· Lori Hotaling led discussion of dance and afterschool programs being developed by NIA (Neighborhood Investment Association).

· All were reminded that developing King School as a community center will take compelling messages, active community voices, and vigorous advocacy.

King School Executive Advisory Committees and Members--
Email Phone
Partnerships—
Christine Ervin cmervin@mvcaa.com 733-4873
Cristel Byrne cbyrne@uticaschools.org 792-2205
Dianne Dimeo ddimeo@rpcn.org 7937612
Tim Trent timtrent@usa.net 525-5591
Langston Leslie lleslie@bsamail.org 735-4437
Kelly Domizio kdomizio@johnsonparkcenter.org 982-1403

Curriculum / Data—
Darby O’Brien dobrien@midyork.org 735-2279
Kelly Domizio kdomizio@johnsonparkcenter.org 982-1403
Langston Leslie lleslie@bsamail.org 735-4437

Events / Functions—
Sherry Drake sdrake@uticaschools.org 792-2175
Meghan Klausner mklausner@uticaschools.org 792-2175
Langston Leslie lleslie@bsamail.org 735-4437

Communication—
Tim Trent timtrent@usa.net 525-5591

GENESIS GROUP GENERAL MEETING & 6th Annual Regional Community Forum: Featuring Elected Officials

2012-01-12T10:27:00.000-08:00

Hello Genesis!

Join us as we begin the new year by focusing on the "Community's Agenda"

GENESIS GROUP GENERAL MEETING & 6th Annual Regional Community Forum

Friday, January 27th ~ 7:30am to 9:00am
Radisson Hotel Utica Centre, 200 Genesee St., Utica
COST: $15.00 pp for Breakfast/Forum

Participants include: (updated list)
Congressman Richard Hanna
Senator Joseph Griffo
Assemblyman Anthony Brindisi
Assemblywoman Claudia Tenney
Assemblyman Marc Butler
Oneida County Executive Anthony Picente
Herkimer County Legislature Chairman Vincent Bono
Rome Mayor Joseph Fusco
Utica Mayor Robert Palmieri

For Reservations, contact Genesis Executive Director Ray Durso, Jr. by calling 792.7187 or by email, info@TheGenesisGroup.org

The Regional Community Forum is sponsored by The Genesis Group and The Chamber Alliance of the Mohawk Valley, representing Chambers of Commerce from the Boonville Area, Camden Area, Clinton, Herkimer County, Kuyahoora Valley, Marcy, New Hartford, Greater Oneida, Rome Area, Trenton Area, and affiliate partners: Oneida County Tourism, Mohawk Valley EDGE, Leadership Mohawk Valley and Genesis.

SAVE THE DATE ~ Tuesday January 24th at 5:00pm
Genesis Group Discovery Tour at WUTR Television Station

Thank you for your continued support!
Raymond J. Durso, Jr.
Executive Director
The Genesis Group of the Mohawk Valley Region
SUNYIT 100 Seymour Road, Utica, New York 13502
315.792.7187 (T)
315.797.1280 (F)
info@TheGenesisGroup.org
www.TheGenesisGroup.org

Rural giving tied to economic growth

2012-01-10T03:36:00.001-08:00

Article of interest for our region:
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Born and raised in rural Jones County, one of North Carolina's poorest counties, Chris Meadows opted after college to stay rather than join the exodus of young adults moving out of the county.

Now, as principal of Jones Senior High School in Trenton, Meadows wants to inspire other young people to remain, and give them tools to succeed.

In a collaborative initiative that includes the N.C. Rural Center, the Jones County affiliate of the North Carolina Community Foundation is working to raise $10,000 to create an endowment fund to support an entrepreneurship program at the high school.

"If we get our kids to come back and start a business and be successful, they will start a cycle of transferring wealth from one generation to the next and keep the wealth here instead of going out of state or out of the county," Meadows says.

The Jones County initiative is part of a larger effort by the Rural Center and the North Carolina Community Foundation, and their counterparts in states throughout the U.S., to reverse the flow of wealth and residents from rural counties.

"Throughout rural America, kids are leaving because there aren't jobs," says Jason Gray, director of research and innovation at the Rural Center. "Homegrown philanthropy can and should be a resource to plug into targeted community economic-development work that makes these communities a place where their children can stay."

Over the last two decades, while the statewide population under age 18 grew 22 percent and the population age 24 to 30 grew 5 percent, 22 rural counties lost population under age 18, and 54 rural counties lost those age 24 to 30, including 15 counties that lost over 20 percent of that age group.

In Jones County, for example, the number of residents age 24 to 30 fell by 232 from 1990 to 2010, or 23.4 percent.

The Jones County initiative has the goals of inspiring students to launch local businesses, and inspiring donors to invest in endowment funds to boost the local economy while retaining philanthropic assets in the community.

Beth Boney Jenkins, vice president for development at the North Carolina Community Foundation, says a local couple has pledged to give $1,000 to create the new Jones County fund if the foundation's local affiliate can raise $10,000.

"Rural development philanthropy," she says, involves "bringing people in rural communities together to teach them how to use philanthropy to raise local dollars to address their own needs."

Sally Migliore, director of community leadership at the North Carolina Community Foundation, says the Jones County initiative can serve as a model for other rural counties, each of which can identify and address its own needs, "inspiring and promoting philanthropy over the long haul" to address local needs.

Gray says the Jones County initiative is part of a larger effort by the Rural Center to help rural communities retain and support youth and young adults.

Meadows says a key goal of the entrepreneurial fund will be to "showcase the potential" of staying and working in the county.

"That's one of our biggest challenges," he says. "We just have to show kids there's a lot we can do in Jones County if we decide to stay here."

Fulton and Montgomery County Chambers look at Consolidating

2012-01-05T07:25:00.000-08:00

FULTON COUNTY REGIONAL CHAMBER OF COMMERCE & INDUSTRY AND MONTGOMERY COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE DISCUSS POSSIBLE AFFILIATION
Boards of Directors come together to investigate joining forces; retain facilitation and legal assistance

Amsterdam, NY and Gloversville, NY–The Boards of Directors of the Fulton County Regional Chamber of Commerce & Industry and the Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce announced today that they are in the process of investigating the possibility of a merger/affiliation of the two Chambers of Commerce. They also announced that to move the process forward, they have retained the services of facilitation and legal assistance from the New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc.
“With the departure of both Executives of the Chambers (former Presidents Deb Auspelmyer and Wally Hart), we thought it a great time to look at the possibility of joining forces,” said Chuck Schwartz, Chair, Montgomery County Chamber Board of Directors. “We always want to be proactive for our members in looking at ways to maximize their Chamber membership.”
“There is definitely strength in numbers,” said Mark Finkle, Chair, Fulton County Chamber Board of Directors, “and with an affiliation with Montgomery County, our business communities become a much stronger voice in our region, in Albany, and even in Washington, DC.”
Both Chambers’ Boards of Directors have appointed from their membership an Affiliation Task Force; in Fulton County the Task Force members are Mark Finkle (Stevenson Distributing, LLC), Terri Easterly (Coldwell Banker-Arlene M. Sitterly), Amy Karas (Ruby & Quiri), Jim Landrio (Holiday Inn of Johnstown-Gloversville), Larry Raike (WalMart DC #6096), Diana Marshall (Gloversville Sewing Center) and as a non-voting member Terry Swierzowski, the Chamber’s Interim President. From the Montgomery County Chamber, the Task Force is comprised of Brennen Parker (Rose & Kiernan), Vic Giulianelli (St. Mary’s Healthcare), Lesley Lanzi (FMCC), Judy Phetteplace (Judith Ann Realty), Mike Decker (Liberty Enterprises), Kevin McClary (Amsterdam Recorder), and the Chamber’s Interim President Peter Capobianco, who is a non-voting member.
The issue of affiliation will be discussed at both Chambers’ Annual Dinner Meetings which are scheduled for Thursday, January 19 for the Fulton County Chamber at the Holiday Inn of Johnstown-Gloversville and for the Montgomery County Chamber on Friday, January 27 at the River Stone Manor in Scotia. Members of both Affiliation Task Forces will be at both events to elicit discussion about the issue from members in attendance. In addition, both Chambers will hold informational sessions about the possible affiliation. These will be scheduled for after the Annual Dinner meetings.
The next steps in the Affiliation process: The Affiliation Task Force will pursue a Due Diligence Analysis of a wide variety of corporate documents, budgets, program operations and all the internal controls in both Chambers to determine the best structural manner to affiliate, making the same recommendation to the respective Boards of Directors, who will then seek the permissions of their respective Memberships to formalize the affiliation in the Spring of 2012. The New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. will facilitate the same and file the required documents with the New York State Department of State after the formal action of the two Memberships.

Three Area Groups Receive Grants Totaling $248k

2012-01-04T11:30:00.001-08:00

Three organizations received grants totaling $248,000 from the The Community Foundation of Herkimer and Oneida Counties, to support projects in the area.

The Saint Elizabeth Foundation and the Presbyterian Homes Foundation each received $100,000 in grants, while Rome and Utica’s “Dollars for Scholars” were awarded four scholarships worth $3,000 each year for four years.

The grant money will be used by Saint Elizabeth to purchase digital mammography equipment, and by the Presbyterian Homes Foundation to assist in Phase One of their Parkinson’s Unit Renovation Project.

Utica and Rome’s “Dollars for Scholars” are using their new scholarships to help one high school senior, excelling in math and science, pursue four-year college degrees each year.

The Community Foundation has been in operation since 1962 and has made more than 3,500 grants, worth more than $31 million.

Study: CABVI has $17 million impact on local economy

2012-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

The Herkimer Telegram related: An impact study of the Industries for the Blind of New York State and its Affiliated Agencies conducted by the University of Buffalo details the economic and quality of life impact in communities that employ blind or visually impaired workers.

“The key for improving prospects for people who are blind and want to work is improving opportunity and that’s the goal of this impact study,” said Rudy D’Amico, president and chief executive officer of the Central Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired, during a press conference Tuesday at CABVI’s main location on Kent Street, Utica.

Eight nonprofit organizations across the state partner with IBNYS to provide employment for blind New Yorkers. According to CABVI, the study released in October 2011 showed “the economic impact of the eight agencies on the state’s economy is $168 million reflecting, $88.3 million in direct sales, through more than 21,600 orders as well as $80 million in spin-off activity in related industries.”

D’Amico said during the press conference CABVI’s economic impact in Central New York is $17 million each year, including $4.4 million in payroll. He also said Central Industries expects its revenue to exceed $37 million this year, compared to $12 million in 2000.

The conference was held inside the association’s Central Industries manufacturing area, where blind and sighted workers work side-by-side to produce goods on about 30 product lines. In 2010, the association had 200 total employees with 79 of whom were blind or visually impaired.

“There is a perception the challenges associated with the unique needs of an employee who is blind cannot be overcome. This is not true,” said D’Amico. “With CABVI’s support and that of the state Commission for the Blind we can help employers and employees achieve reasonable accommodations.”

D’Amico also said they have a goal to double the number of blind and visually impaired individuals at each IBNYS affiliate to nearly 1,000 by 2016.

“CABVI and New York are working hard to breakdown barriers in the community,” he said.

State Sen. Joseph Griffo said about 60 percent of those who are blind in New York are unemployed, and about 70 percent nationally.

“CABVI is so important in playing such a significant role for individuals who want and need that chance to work, said Griffo, R,C,I - Rome, during the press conference.
“Many individuals suffer from blindness from birth or injury and are frustrated with the challenges they have to face and confront. Trying to find a job compounds that frustration.”

Griffo said he and other legislators will continue to support the efforts of CABVI and the IBNYS.

Assemblyman Marc Butler was among the state legislators who showed their support for CABVI, which serves those in Herkimer, Fulton, Montgomery, Oneida, Jefferson, Lewis and northern Otsego counties, during the press conference.

“Many of us have believed in the high quality and reliable workforce here at CABVI and now its there in black and white,” said Butler, R,C,I - Newport, about the study after the press conference.

Butler said by supporting their efforts, they are “helping these people and helping the economy.”

MWPAI names Anthony Spiridigloizzi president

2011-12-28T20:59:00.001-08:00

The Utica OD reported that Anthony Spiridigloizzi is the newly appointed president of Munson-Williams-Proctor Arts Institute.

“I feel very, very positive about our future here,” he said Tuesday, despite the gloomy weather outside his corner office. “I see it every day looking out this window. I see people coming through this back door and enjoying what we have to offer. It’s about connecting people with art.”

With that in mind, he said, his main goals for MWPAI include improving the visitor experience at the institute’s Museum of Art and strengthening the bonds between the community and the institute as a whole, including its school of art and performing arts program.

Projects under consideration for the future include creating a more welcoming rear entrance for the museum – since 95 percent of visitors come in through the parking lot doors instead of the main entrance on Genesee Street – adding a café, and expanding social events such as docent-led tours and art receptions.

“We want to really create a welcoming environment … to focus on the visitor, provide some better visitor services and additional visitor services” Spiridigloizzi said.

The institute also will continue cultivating its PrattMWP college program, which currently enrolls 100 new students each year, he said.

Moving forward will require an increased focus on fundraising.

“Our challenges, like many nonprofit organizations, particularly cultural organizations, are financial,” Spiridigloizzi said. “This economic environment has really hurt a number of organizations. The institute is stable, but it needs to build a base of support in this community … out of that will come really a much more vibrant, exciting institution.”

Spiridigloizzi started at MWPAI as treasurer in 1982, having previously served as comptroller for the local United Way. After adding vice president of operations to his title in the 1990s, he served as “second in command” under former institute presidents Milton Bloch and Daniel O’Leary, and as acting president after each man’s departure.

He was appointed president by the institute’s board of trustees on Dec. 20, although the decision wasn’t made public until Tuesday.

In a release, MWPAI board Chairman William Locke said Spiridigloizzi’s 29 years of service and dedication were one of the assets that led to his appointment.

“Tony has worked tirelessly to advance the mission of MWPAI and has a clear vision for its future,” Locke said. “I am proud to announce that the decision was easy and unanimous.”

Spiridigloizzi, for his part, said he was “very honored and very excited” to be appointed on a permanent basis. It has not yet been decided how his previous position will be filled.

Unlike O’Leary, who resigned in January 2010 after less than two years as head of the institute, Spiridgloizzi is a native of Oneida County with strong ties to the community. He graduated from Thomas R. Proctor High School in 1969 and Utica College in 1973.

The New Hartford resident said he recognizes that MWPAI has a role to play both here at home and in the national arts scene.

“I think we can serve both,” he said. “We can be community-minded as well as advance the reputation of this museum across the country, and that’s good for the community as well.”

Recent exhibits have been successful at spurring attendance, with more than 14,000 people viewing the “Wedded Perfection” dress exhibit this summer, and more than 7,000 visiting the “Ansel Adams: Masterworks” collection.

Spiridigloizzi said he hopes to “continue the progress we’ve made over the past year” with a diverse array of exhibits in 2012 and beyond. “LitGraphic,” an exhibition of art from graphic novels opening in March, is just one example of what’s to come.

“I think there’ll be a blend, a mix of exhibitions – some that are broad and popular in appeal, but always, always maintaining the quality we’ve been known for,” he said.

7th Annual MVLA Fiesta Navideña Celebration Announcement

2011-12-12T22:09:00.000-08:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Who: The Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc. (MVLA)

What: 7ma Fiesta Navideña Anual/ 7th Annual Christmas Celebration ~ 2011

Where: Urban HeadQuarters, 807 Broad St., Utica, NY

When: Viernes, 16 de Diciembre / Friday, December 16, 2011

Time: 6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

We encourage your attendance and participation to our Latino Celebration. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member along. Also, would like to invite the community to join this association, as it is our annual membership drive. There will be Latino cuisine served along with refreshments, and music. We are asking for people to bring a child’s toy to be donated. Tickets: $15, adult; $10 Senior Citizens, $5 children (6-18 years old, Free children age 5 and under.

Contact Information:
Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc.
309 Genesee Street (Park Ave. Entrance) 3rd Floor, Utica, NY
(315)738-1083 ext. 121 or 147
mvla@mvlautica.org

MVLA, Inc. Mission Statement:
To improve the standard of living for all residents of the Mohawk Valley through various services that will educate, empower, achieve awareness among different cultures, help shape young minds, and demonstrate the great opportunities available within the Mohawk Valley.

Please forward to anyone, in your eamil list serve.
--
Thanks! Gracias!

Mohawk Valley Latino, Inc.
309 Genesee Street, 3rd Floor
Utica, NY 13501
315/738-1083, X121 or 147
www.mvlautica.org
MVLA in facebook
Motivation * Vision * Latin Pride * Attitude
Motivacion * Vision * Orgullo Latino * Actitud

www.latinoupstatesummit.org

ANNOUNCING NEW RESOURCE: 2012 ASSESSMENT PROGRAM

2011-12-02T09:29:00.001-08:00

New York Council of Nonprofits, Inc. and United Way of the Valley and Greater Utica Area announce 2012 Assessment Program for the Valley and Greater Utica Area Nonprofits.

The 2012 Assessment Program is intended to provide direct assistance to nonprofits in specific operations areas such as board governance, program, financial, planning, among others. This assessment will help improve the organizational performance and well being of local nonprofits. In order to apply, please access the online application HERE.

Applications will be accepted starting December 1, until the end of the month.

New York Council of Nonprofits is the premier governance, management, and support services organization serving charities in the state. NYCON has a membership of 3,000 charities of all types and has offices in Albany, New York City, Buffalo, Poughkeepsie, and Oneonta. For more Information visit www.nycon.org or contact Andrew Marietta at 800-515-5012 ext 141, or at amarietta@nycon.org.

United Way of the Valley & the Greater Utica Area is a local, independent non-profit organization funding area programs and services, providing a safety net for our community and addressing crucial community issues in the impact areas of health, education, and income. For more information about United Way, or to donate to the annual campaign, visit www.unitedwaygu.org or call (315) 733-4691.

Charting a Decade of Online Donations

2011-11-30T12:43:00.001-08:00

Charting a Decade of Online Donations
November 23, 2011, 11:04 am
By Cody Switzer
Only 4 percent of donors had given online in 2001. This year, about 65 percent have given to charity through the Internet.

That’s one of the comparisons made in a new graphic from Network for Good, a fund-raising and volunteerism Web site that celebrates its 10th anniversary this month.

In 2001, the average donation through the site was $226. But this year the average gift is $73, a change that Network for Good interprets as a sign that online giving has “gone mainstream.”

Here’s the full graphic:

Webinar: Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity

2011-11-29T12:42:00.000-08:00

Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity
Monday, December 12, 2011, at 1:00 p.m. ET

What are the mission-critical conversations that nonprofit board and leadership teams should have during the nation's growing financial crisis? Join philanthropist Mario Morino, chairman of Venture Philanthropy Partners, and Bob Ottenhoff, GuideStar's president and CEO, as they engage in a Q&A-style dialogue about Mario's new book, Leap of Reason: Managing to Outcomes in an Era of Scarcity, which is now in its third printing and has generated vigorous discussion throughout the sector. They'll discuss the converging economic and social trends that will drive nonprofits to be more intentional in defining their approaches, more rigorous in gauging their progress, more willing to admit mistakes, more capable of quickly adapting and improving—all with an unrelenting focus and passion for improving lives.
Click Here to Register for the free webinar today.

Speaker:
Mario Morino,  Chairman, Venture Philanthropy Partners

Moderator
Bob Ottenhoff, President and CEO, GuideStar USA, Inc.

We all need to work to make region better

2011-11-15T17:30:00.000-08:00

By ANDRE SHORT
Special to the Observer-Dispatch
Posted Nov 10, 2011 @ 05:00 AM

Being likened to the superhero Batman on Twitter recently, Cory Booker responded to a supporter of his by responding, “I look horrible in tights.” Although the Mayor of Newark, N.J., isn’t denying the claims, he has an alibi: inspiring hundreds of Uticans at the Stanley Theatre.

After the Oct. 19tevent, many of us in the audience gathered in the lobby of the majestic stage wondering what would come next. Mayor Booker’s speech inspired those of us who were sitting on seats’ edge, and we want to share his message.

He was speaking about “How to Change The World with Your Bare Hands.” He has led by example, showing us what can be done. Applying this advice, while leaving the Stanley, organizers of the event, The Community Foundation, partnered with Mohawk Valley Community College to facilitate a discussion around what our next step should be.

A group of local community leaders met the next week and quickly split into teams to discuss what we thought would be best to improve Utica. Looking at the Herkimer / Oneida County indicator areas for improved quality of life, the groups came up with the following:

-- Promote Utica and love the area.

-- Increase local businesses with focus on eateries and farming: Encourage the market for ethnic food by promoting local farming and restaurants.

-- Unite the diverse population: Mayor Booker said, “Here is the lesson of snowflakes: Individually beautiful yet fragile, but look how strong they are when they all stick together.” The acceptance and welcoming nature we show to newcomers of this area must continue to spread.

-- Examples of educational success in our community must be shown. We must inspire educational partnerships and parent involvement in order to improve youths’ path to post-secondary educational opportunities.

-- New leaders in the community must come forward.

-- Lastly, and most importantly, Utica needs to hear from you. We must hear ideas from new, energetic, excited citizens. Please find a way to make your voice heard. Take an hour out of your week to go to a meeting, or event and share your knowledge and passion to make a change!

It is truly astounding what Booker has done for Newark. He is one man, and he has transformed a city. We are more than 60,000 and growing; we must create the change we envision our home to undergo. We must act as a community to grow together and transform our community.

The points outlined above serve simply as ideas a small number of us have discussed. There are numerous opportunities for change. Think of what you love most about living in the Mohawk Valley and make it better, think about an area of need and improve Upstate New York. Discuss these issues with friends, coworkers, family, and neighbors. Volunteer, tweet, donate, discuss, post on someone’s wall, create a group, change our area for the better in anyway you can!

As you begin to think about all that can be done, remember Mayor Booker’s words: “Never let your inability to change everything undermine your ability to do something.”

André Short was born and raised in the Utica area and attended MVCC and SUNY-Cortland pursuing a degree in adolescent education in English. He teaches at Whitesboro High School and has become active in community involvement and internet blogging.

To view the article Click Here.

NY comptroller says late checks hurt nonprofits

2011-11-15T17:27:00.001-08:00

NY comptroller says late checks hurt nonprofits
Nov. 15, 2011, 3:01 a.m. EST
AP
ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) — New York Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli says late contract approvals and payments by the state are hurting nonprofit providers and jeopardizing services.

DiNapoli says state agencies last year were on average six months late in approving nine out of 10 contracts valued at $50,000 or more, often after services were provided.

An analysis of the first half of 2011 shows nearly 90 percent of contracts approved by the comptroller were submitted late by state agencies.

DiNapoli says nonprofits operate on thin margins and provide basic services ranging from health care clinics to work programs, with 22,000 active grant contracts totaling $16.8 billion.

The nonprofit sector employed 1.25 million people statewide last year.

You can access the article by Clicking Here.

Excellus and 10 other health insurers ordered to repay millions to customers

2011-11-11T05:56:00.000-08:00

Bloomberg News Governor Cuomo has ordered 11 health insurers, including those that are “nonprofit,” to pay back millions in customer overcharges. Specifically, Cuomo is ordering the insurers to pay back $114.5 million, because the companies in question spent less than 82 cents of each dollar on health care. The organization with the second highest payback to be made is Excellus Health Plan, a nonprofit Blue Cross organization based in Albany. Excellus will be required to repay $21.4 million. “In this economic climate, every penny counts and in this case, insurance companies were overcharging New Yorkers to the tune of millions of dollars," Governor Cuomo said. "This should serve as a message to companies that we are watching, and we will not tolerate any action that wrongly hurts the finances of the people of New York."

Partnering for Financial Success Panelist Questions Now Available!

2011-11-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Partnering for Financial Success set for Wednesday, November 9th!

Panelist Questions:
Questions about partnership and mergers in the area of Budget/Finance.
1) During a partnership or merger does the more profitable entity become the dominate player making all the decisions?
2) Procurement from each other in the area of products and services is a way to generate savings and revenue for each other. How is that being operationalized by each entity?
3) What impact on each of the partner's budget would a merger have and what are the steps you follow to get the finances of two organizations merged?
4) Was there anything required of you by your funders and or contracts/grants in order to merge?
5) Are funders more supportive of an application from a strong partnership pairing or a merged entity?

Questions about partnership and mergers in the area of Staffing.
1) How do you determine who stays, goes and what role each person plays? When are these decisions made and how do you handle the potential fallout or impact?

Questions about partnership and mergers in the area of the Board.
1) Do both Boards automatically merge into the surviving organization, or how do you handle board consolidation?

Question(s) about partnership and mergers in the area of Facilities.
1) Who is responsible for any post merger facility costs?

Question(s) about partnership and mergers in the area of Fund Development (fundraising).
1) If a donor believes in an organization and that organization merges or forms a partnership with another organization, what are the chances of losing that donor? How do you keep them?

Question(s) about partnership and mergers in the area of Identity.
1) During a merger or partnership, do you create a new identity?
2) What are strategies for conveying merger as a healthy step forward (as opposed to big fish consuming little fish)?
3) Can one organization really be everything for everyone, or is there evidence to support the benefits of remaining unique organizations to continue to provide service to the field?

Question(s) about partnership and mergers in regards to the Big Picture.
1) How do you discuss merger with your competitors?
2) During a merger or partnership, can two nonprofits have different visions? Can you blend organizations with different missions?
What evaluation tools do you have that measure the community impact of your partnership, collaboration, or merger?

Continuing this year's theme of Planning and Partnership for Financial Success, the Group will be holding their next meeting, titled Partnering for Financial Success, on Wednesday, November 9th and focusing on partnerships and mergers. This program will build on previous programs and examine different types of partnerships. The program will feature a panel made up of organizations that have successfully partnered in four ways: merger, coalition, outsourcing and shared services and facility, and regionalization. Our confirmed panelists at this time are:
Moderator: John Zogby, Chairman of the Board and Chief Insights Officer of IBOPE Zogby International
Merger: Center for Family Life and Recovery (Cassandra Sheets, Executive Director) and Child Care Council of Cooperative Extension (Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen, Executive Director)
New Addition: Doug Saur, CEO of New York Council of Nonprofits
Coalition: Literacy Coalition Collaberation (Kathleen Rinaldo, Director Adult and Continuing Education)
Outsourcing/Shared Facility or Services: Parkway Senior Center (Kathy Walters, Executive Director)
Regionalization: Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (Margaret Roberts, CEO)

Date: Wednesday, November 9th
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Hosted By: Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley
Location: 2310 Oneida Street, Utica, NY 13501
Cost: FREE

Click Here to Register!

Nonprofit Knowledge Matters | Protecting the Charitable Giving Incentive

2011-10-28T10:22:00.001-07:00

Protect the Charitable Giving Incentive

Using Our Outside Voices in the House … and in the Senate

Nonprofits are not used to raising our voices. We teach others to use their “indoor voices,” and we mediate disputes so others won’t yell in anger. We heal the wounded, silently. We feed the hungry, quietly. At times we play loud music and paint loud colors on canvases. But you get the picture: we are not used to yelling.

Recently Tim Delaney, President and CEO of the National Council of Nonprofits, was in Georgia, Montana, and New York, encouraging nonprofits to raise their voices -- literally. In rooms filled with nonprofit leaders attending major conferences, he designated half the room the loud "Yes” crowd, and the other half the “Nos.” Tim then pointed to one side – “YES” came the refrain; then to the other side and louder “NOs” reverberated. After a few volleys, the friendly competition could be measured in deafening decibels. Tim then instructed the “Yes” side to remain silent – they weren’t allowed to use their voices. After a couple more volleys of loud “NOs” that were met with silence, Tim noted what policymakers hear: silence from the majority who are too busy and too unsure, versus resounding and unmatched “NOs” from the vocal opposition. Each time the “No!” voices boomed against the silence, members of the audience grasped the danger of remaining silent.

Silence is the nonprofit sector’s worst enemy. If nonprofits don’t raise our voices, we are powerless. Right now, it’s urgent that all nonprofits speak up.

The charitable giving incentive is at risk.
Congress is considering, on a tight timeline, how to reduce the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion. Slashing the deficit by that much guarantees that every option to save money will be on the table, without much thought as to the consequences – unless the downside is abundantly clear. The National Council – and so far, more than 20 other national organizations and 2,800 community-based nonprofits across America – think it is abundantly clear that if the Supercommittee recommends elimination of the charitable giving incentive, then individuals and communities served by nonprofits will suffer.

Raise your voice now!
Sign on to the Nonprofit Community Letter to protect the charitable giving incentive.
See which nonprofits in your state have already signed on.
Learn more about the charitable giving incentive.
Spread the word! Tweet:  The #charitable giving incentive that supports #nonprofits is at risk! Take action now to protect it. bit.ly/olnPHp (via @NatlCouncilNPs) or #Nonprofits, tell the #supercommittee not to change the #charitable #giving incentive http://bit.ly/rZcH5q #takeaction (via @NatlCouncilNPs)
Advocacy by nonprofits is legal – and needed.
Join your State Association to keep informed about capacity building and policy issues that impact all nonprofits.

Speaking of Health in CNY: Discussions on Topics that Matter

2011-10-25T08:40:00.000-07:00

You are invited to attend the second event in our four-part speaker series:

Speaking of Health in CNY: Discussions on Topics that Matter
Resilience to the Rescue! Conquering Kids’ Trauma

Tuesday, November 8, 2011
3:30 to 5:30 p.m.
Reception to follow

Location: Attend the event at its main location in Syracuse, or attend a live webcast in either Ithaca or Utica.

Syracuse - Sheraton University Hotel & Conference Center
Ithaca – Hilton Garden Inn Ithaca
Utica - Radisson Hotel Utica Centre

The first five years of life is when a child is most vulnerable to trauma.

Gone are the days of thinking that children under age 5 are too little to understand, remember, or suffer the impact of traumatic events. We now know very young children are affected by trauma. While some are able to adapt to and overcome these difficult experiences; many cannot, and suffer lasting effects that impact not only their lives, but also their families and communities long after the trauma has ended.

Join us on November 8 to discuss trauma in children ages birth to 5 and, more importantly, how we can help these young children build up resilience and overcome these negative experiences by providing the proper supports and interventions. Who plays a role in helping them conquer these challenges and triumph over trauma?

Resilience to the Rescue! Conquering Kids’ Trauma will feature presentations by nationally-recognized experts Frederick Strieder, Ph.D. MSSA, LCSW-C, Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Maryland School of Social Work and Director of the Family Connections/Grandparent Family Connections Center for Families in Baltimore, MD, and Jody Todd Manly, Ph.D., Clinical Director and Research Associate at the Mt. Hope Family Center in Rochester, NY and Assistant Professor in the Clinical and Social Sciences at the University of Rochester.

Following the presentations will be a facilitated discussion of questions received from audience members in all three locations.

PLEASE NOTE: This event is free and open to the public; however, pre-registration is required.

Click Here for Complete Details

Reply By:
Monday, October 31, 2011

Steering Committee Meeting Minutes October 12

2011-10-18T13:48:00.000-07:00

Present:
Cornelia E. Brown, MAMI Interpreters
Frank DuRoss, Mohawk Valley Community College
Jeff Owen, USC The Business College
Kevin Marken, Stanley Center for the Arts
Tim Trent, Future Development

Discussed upcoming Nov 9th Program, featuring discussion on partnerships and mergers. Will create a survey to go out to the Group asking for questions for the panelist discussion. Questions will be solicited in the following areas:

Budget/Finance

Staffing

Board

Programs

Facilities

Fund Development (fundraising)

Identity

Big picture

The agenda for the program was also discussed and outlined:

Agenda (9am to 12pm)

Introduction of Group, Program and Moderator (5 mins)

John Zogby Introduction and Context of Partnership/Consolidation Trends (15 mins)

Introduction of Panelists (each panelist introduces themself and their example of partnership) (30 mins)

Discussion Questions (10 to 13 questions) (90 mins)

Closing Remarks and questions from audience (20 mins)

Next Steering Committee Meeting is December 14th from 8:30am to 10:30am. Location to be confirmed (Music Room at Library).

LATINO UPSTATE SUMMIT Friday October 21st

2011-10-17T19:38:00.000-07:00

PRESS RELEASE: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Tim Trent 315-525-5591 timtrent@usa.net

Tony Colon 315-733-1399 tcolon699@aol.com

Sonia Martinez 315-738-1083 X121 sonia@mvlautica.org

315-542-2561 mvla@mvlautica.org

www.latinoupstatesummit.org

LATINO UPSTATE SUMMIT
COMING TO UTICA ON FRIDAY

Utica, NY… Leaders from across New York State will visit Utica on Friday, October 21 for the fifth annual Latino Upstate Summit.

The local Mohawk Valley Latino Association (MVLA) will host the event, 8am to 4:30pm, in the Information Technology Building at Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC).

“We’re very proud to welcome this assembly of distinguished leadership to Utica for the first time,” said MVLA President Sonia Martinez. Earlier summit conferences have been held in Buffalo, Rochester, Syracuse, and Albany.

“Nearly 250,000 Latinos live north of the Hudson Valley in urban, suburban, and rural settings,” Martinez added, “This vibrant population has been a major contributor in the development of New York State and will continue to be a key resource in shaping the future of the Mohawk Valley Region.”

The summit will address the role Americans of Latino descent in the fabric of regional community life and civic affairs. Key topics will include economic development, education, health, and services for youth and families.

Experts on these subjects will participate in panel discussions to develop policy recommendations for New York State leaders. Panel experts will include:

· Workforce / Economic Development. Edwin Lopez-Soto, School of Industrial and Labor Relations, Cornell University; David Mathis, Oneida County Workforce Development; Ryan Leogrande, NYS Department of Labor.

· Education. Dr. Andy Lopez-Williams, Mohawk Valley Charter School for Excellence; Mickey Smith, Adult Learning Center; Melanie Pores, NYSABE, Karen Castenada and Sharon Egghigian, ESL Teacher for the Utica School District, Jan DeAmicis, Professor, Utica College, and Ralph Hernandez, President of the Buffalo Board of Education.

· Youth. Gary Harvey, Youth Construction Initiative Program, Proctor High School; Kitzia Burgos, House of Good Shepherd; Mary Hayes-Gordon, Young Scholars, Utica College; and Rita Paniagua, Spanish Action League of Onondaga County.

· Health. Dr. Patricia Bomba, Excellus Health Plan; Dr. Aymme Belen, DMD PC; Dr. Martin Morell, MD, Arthritis Specialists; Dr. Cynthia Jones, Utica Community Health Center, and Dr. Jaime Torres, US Dept. of Human & Health Services.

· Immigration. Peter Vogelaar, Executive Director, Mohawk Valley Resource Center for Refugees; Peter Mares, La Casa & Catholic Charities of Wayne County; Andrea Callan, NY Civil Liberties Union.

· Community. Juan Thomas, Utica College; Patrick Johnson, New Life Institute, Cathie Bullwinkle, Oneida County Health Department.

· Best Practices. Anthony Colon, President of Techno-Logic Solutions, Inc.; Rialda Alibegic, MVCC & Pratt Institute Instructor & Certified Bosnian Interpreter; Mark DeSalvo, Principal, Dr. Martin Luther King Elementary School; William Garrett, Exec. Dir. Boy Scouts of America–Revolutionary Trails Council; Jeanette Lenoir, News Reporter, Anchor, and Producer, Townsquare Media; Robert Maciol, Oneida County Sheriff; Dr. Randall Van Wagoner, President Mohawk Valley Community College; Edward P. Welsh – General Manager, AAA of Central New York & Board Chair, Central Association of the Blind and Visually Impaired; Tim Trent – Regional Community Advocate; Donna Latour-Elefante – Executive Director, The Family Nurturing Center; Bruce Martin, Community Leader; Emily Wallis, Executive Director, The Interpreting Connection, Rome, NY; Ms. Pegine Echevarria, MSW, CSP will be the keynote speaker during lunch. Ms. Echevarria is CEO/President of Team Pegine Inc., a global think tank, training, and organizational development company focusing on leadership, diversity and motivation. Her clients include the US Navy, US Army, National Guard Bureau, Colgate Palmolive, Intel, and Northrup Grumman.

In addition to MVLA, other agencies and organizations participating in the summit include Hispanics United of Buffalo, Ibero-American Action League, the Spanish Action League of Onondaga County, Centro Civico of Amsterdam, Noticias y/e Notas, Capital District 100 Hispanic Women, and New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

Sponsors for the 2011 Upstate Latino Summit include Excellus Blue Cross/Blue Shield, AmeriCU Credit Union, AT&T, Central NY Association for the Blind, CNY Latino, IBOPE Zogby International, Mohawk Valley Chamber of Commerce, Resource Center for Independent Living, 484 Design and No Sheep Designs.

Mohawk Valley residents are invited to attend and encouraged to participate in the summit.

Reserved tickets for the summit are available at $75 each through website www.latinoupstatesummit.org. A limited number of last minute $50 tickets will be available at the door, first-come, first-served, on the day of the event.

The MVLA 2011 Annual Gala will celebrate and mark the grand finale of the summit. The gala will be held 6 to 11pm at Daniele’s Valley View, 620 Parkway East Utica, NY. Reserved tickets for the gala are at $35 per person, $60 per couple (special rates for students) are available through website www.latinoupstatesummit.org. A limited quantity of last minute tickets will be available at the door, first-come first-served.

For more information about the summit, please visit web site— www.latinoupstatesummit.org or phone Sonia Martinez at 315-738-1083 x 121.

--
Thanks! Gracias!

Mohawk Valley Latino, Inc.
309 Genesee Street, 3rd Floor
Utica, NY 13501
315/738-1083, X121 or 147
www.mvlautica.org
MVLA in facebook
Motivation * Vision * Latin Pride * Attitude
Motivacion * Vision * Orgullo Latino * Actitud
www.latinoupstatesummit.org

New NLRB Poster Requirement - new effective date of the rule is Jan. 31, 2012.

2011-10-17T12:20:00.000-07:00

New NLRB Poster Requirement : new effective date of the rule is Jan. 31, 2012.

Below is information about the new National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) required poster describing employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act.
The National Labor Relations Board has postponed the implementation date for its new notice-posting rule by more than two months. The new effective date of the rule is Jan. 31, 2012.
The Board’s jurisdiction extends to most small business owners. However, some very small employers whose annual volume of business is not large enough to have more than a slight effect on interstate commerce are exempted. In the case of retail businesses, including home construction, the Board’s jurisdiction covers any employer with a gross annual volume of business of $500,000 or more. The Board’s non-retail jurisdictional standard applies to most other employers. It is based on the amount of goods sold or services provided by the employer out of state (called “outflow”) or goods or services purchased by the employer from out of state (called “inflow”), even indirectly. Under this standard, the Board will take jurisdiction over an employer with an annual inflow or outflow of at least $50,000. See “Frequently Asked Question” Link below for more details about the Board’s jurisdiction standards.
A workplace poster that describes employee rights under the National Labor Relations Act is now available for free download from the NLRB website at www.nlrb.gov/poster
Private-sector employers within the NLRB’s jurisdiction will be required to display the poster where other workplace notices are posted. The National Labor Relations Board has postponed the implementation date for its new notice-posting rule by more than two months in order to allow for enhanced education and outreach to employers, particularly those who operate small and medium sized businesses. The new effective date of the rule is Jan. 31, 2012. The decision to extend the rollout period followed queries from businesses and trade organizations indicating uncertainty about which businesses fall under the Board’s jurisdiction, and was made in the interest of ensuring broad voluntary compliance. No other changes in the rule, or in the form or content of the notice, will be made. Employers who customarily post personnel rules or policies on an internet or intranet site must also provide a link to the rights poster from those sites. In addition, copies of the Notice will soon be available without charge from any NLRB regional office.
For further information about the posting, including a detailed discussion of which employers are covered by the NLRA, and what to do if a substantial share of the workplace speaks a language other than English, please see our Frequently Asked Questions. . For questions that do not appear on the list, or to arrange for an NLRB presentation on the rule, please contact the agency at questions@nlrb.gov or 866-667-NLRB.

Partnering for Financial Success Event

2011-10-11T14:40:00.000-07:00

Partnering for Financial Success set for Wednesday, November 9th!

Continuing this year's theme of Planning and Partnership for Financial Success, the Group will be holding their next meeting, titled Partnering for Financial Success, on Wednesday, November 9th and focusing on partnerships and mergers. This program will build on previous programs and examine different types of partnerships. The program will feature a panel made up of organizations that have successfully partnered in four ways: merger, coalition, outsourcing and shared services and facility, and regionalization. Our confirmed panelists at this time are:
Moderator: John Zogby, Chairman of the Board and Chief Insights Officer of IBOPE Zogby International
Merger: Center for Family Life and Recovery (Cassandra Sheets, Executive Director) and Child Care Council of Cooperative Extension (Lorraine Kinney-Kitchen, Executive Director)
New Addition: Doug Saur, CEO of New York Council of Nonprofits
Coalition: Literacy Coalition Collaberation (Kathleen Rinaldo, Director Adult and Continuing Education)
Outsourcing/Shared Facility or Services: Parkway Senior Center (Kathy Walters, Executive Director)
Regionalization: Planned Parenthood Mohawk Hudson (Margaret Roberts, CEO)

Date: Wednesday, November 9th
Time: 9:00am-12:00pm
Hosted By: Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley
Location: 2310 Oneida Street, Utica, NY 13501
Cost: FREE

Click Here to Register!

Mohawk Valley Latino Association Membership Meeting October 15

2011-10-11T08:01:00.001-07:00

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

Who: The Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc. (MVLA)

What: Junta General de Miembros/ General Membership Meeting ~ 2011

Where: Urban HeadQuarters, 807 Broad St., Utica, NY

When: Sabado, 15 de October / Saturday, October 15, 2011

Time: 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

We encourage your attendance and participation. Please feel free to bring a friend or family member along. Our meetings are informational, full of energy, ideas, and most importantly very beneficial to the Latino community. We want to invite the community to join this association, as it is our annual membership drive. There will be Latino cuisine served along with refreshments.

Contact Information:
Mohawk Valley Latino Association, Inc.
309 Genesee Street (Park Ave. Entrance) 3rd Floor, Utica, NY
(315)738-1083 ext. 121 or 147
mvla@mvlautica.org
RSVP by: Friday, October 14, 2011

MVLA, Inc. Mission Statement:
To improve the standard of living for all residents of the Mohawk Valley through various services that will educate, empower, achieve awareness among

Different cultures, help shape young minds, and demonstrate the great opportunities available within the Mohawk Valley.
--
Thanks! Gracias!

Mohawk Valley Latino, Inc.
309 Genesee Street, 3rd Floor
Utica, NY 13501
315/738-1083, X121 or 147
www.mvlautica.org
MVLA in facebook
Motivation * Vision * Latin Pride * Attitude
Motivacion * Vision * Orgullo Latino * Actitud

www.latinoupstatesummit.org

Voluntary Compliance Program announced by IRS to address worker misclassification

2011-10-05T11:55:00.001-07:00

Information for your members: You may have seen that in late September the IRS announced a voluntary compliance program for employers (including nonprofit employers) to enable those who have mistakenly classified workers as independent contractors to make a correction, along with a modest payment, and avoid the usual penalties of noncompliance. This program’s announcement offers an opportunity to remind nonprofits about the risk of misclassification and share information with them about the voluntary compliance program. See the National Council’s website materials on this topic.

Here is the text of the IRS announcement about the voluntary compliance program (from the IRS’s EO Update circulated on October 4):

“The IRS has launched a new program that will enable many employers, including tax-exempt employers, to resolve past worker classification issues and come back into compliance by making a minimal payment covering past payroll tax obligations rather than waiting for an IRS audit. To be eligible for the new Voluntary Classification Settlement Program an applicant must:

Consistently have treated the workers as nonemployees in the past

Filed all required Forms 1099 for the workers for the previous three years

Not currently be under audit by the IRS, Department of Labor or a state agency concerning the classification of these workers.

Full details, including FAQs, will be available on the Employment Tax Pages of IRS.gov and in Announcement 2011-64.”

High Peaks Resort offers opportunity for non-profits to raise money

2011-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:00

High Peaks Resort Announces ‘Spring For Hope’

- Unprecedented Assistance for Non-Profit Organizations -

LAKE PLACID (Sept. 6, 2011) – High Peaks Resort in Lake Placid is seeking applications for its Spring For Hope℠ initiative, an opportunity for non-profit organizations to be awarded free use of meeting space, accommodations, and more at the beautiful Adirondacks resort.

This unprecedented opportunity will allow two non-profit organizations to each receive free use of the entire resort for three days during April 8 to 18, 2012. Included are two nights’ accommodations (up to 133 rooms), free meeting space (up to 10,000 square feet), free audiovisual and support services, and 50 percent off all related catering. The application deadline is midnight, October 15, 2011, and winners will be announced in mid-November.

“In these difficult times, it is important to give back to our community. By helping those who help others year round, we felt we could have the greatest impact,“ said Bill DeForrest, CEO and President of Lane Hospitality, owner of High Peaks Resort.

“The quality of life in our community is directly impacted by our active non-profits. ‘Spring for Hope’ isn’t just a way to recognize them, but by providing High Peaks Resort free of charge, we can add our support and hopefully increase the good they do,” added Truett Martin, Vice President of Operations and acting General Manager of High Peaks Resort.

“This is an outstanding opportunity for the winning organizations to do whatever they want with our gift – from holding a fundraiser, offering a thank you trip to staff and volunteers, to planning an annual meeting, seminar or retreat,” Martin said.

Spring For Hope is open to all 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations actively engaged in fundraising for their organization. Participants will be judged by a panel of community leaders on their success and impact in benefiting the communities they serve.

High Peaks Resort offers the Adirondacks’ newest and most business-focused conference facilities with expansive meeting space and the latest in conference-support technology. Located in the heart of Lake Placid, overlooking Mirror Lake and steps from historic Main Street, the entire resort will be made available to the winning non-profits.

Click Here To Apply

Eligible non-profits can apply for consideration by visiting www.springforhope.net and completing the app lication and other requirements. For submissions, questions or other inquiries, email the application and paperwork tolfitzgerald@highpeaksresort.com with “Spring For Hope” in the subject line; or write Spring For Hope, High Peaks Resort, 2384 Saranac Ave, Lake Placid, NY 12946; or fax to 518-523-9908, or call Lori Fitzgerald at 518-523-4411, ext. 361.

About The High Peaks Resort

High Peaks Resort overlooks Mirror Lake while anchoring Lake Placid’s Main Street for an outstanding mountain getaway experience. Surrounded by the six-million-acre Adirondack wilderness park with thousands of miles of trails for hiking and biking, and hundreds of lakes for fishing, High Peak’s 133 beautiful accommodations offer direct waterfront access. Restaurants include the world-famous Dancing Bears and Outdoors at Dancing Bears - with unsurpassed views of the surrounding mountains and Mirror Lake. Other amenities include PR’s intimate lobby bar; two indoor and two outdoor swimming pools; expanded fitness center; Aveda Spa & Salon, and complimentary waterfront activities. Guestrooms feature breathtaking views, patios or balconies; European-style bathrooms with natural stone tiling and rainfall showerheads; high-quality bedding and linens; refrigerators; flat screen televisions with cable and movies; complimentary Wi-Fi, and multi-function music systems with MP3 players. For reservations, visit www.highpeaksresort.com or call 518-523-4411, toll-free800-755-5598.