The Creative Economy
Newsletter For and About the Region’s Artisan and Retail Businesses
June 29, 2005 - 13th issue
Your regional online crafts and retailer resource is www.adknccrafts.com

Sponsored by the Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA)
Published by Nadia Korths, Craft Marketing Coordinator/ANCA


In this issue: Interview about Marketing with Long Time Attractions Manager, Manufacturing Tax Deduction, Some Statistics to Make Retailers Feel Good, and Much More



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Featured retailer is Captain Spicer's Gallery & Gifts at www.adknccrafts.com. The gallery was built at first simply to showcase the work of one of the better known 1000 Islands artists, Hans Junga. All of our custom made items in the shop are made in the USA with a fair price to match the quality. Plus the hand crafted stoneware is only available here.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Featured artisan is Link's Stained Glass Creations at www.adknccrafts.com. Sun Catchers, window pockets, window hangings, lamps, plates and more. Tina opened her own professional studio in 1992 and has since expanded to a newly built studio at her residence. She has also explored the art of hot glass, and now operates two large kilns.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Donna Pohl and family, Raquette Lake Navigation Company, are opening a gift shop, in a converted caboose next to the dinner boat, and will be, for the first time ever, in the retail gift shop business. www.raquettelakenavigation.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Northern Adirondack Trading Company has a new logo, was written about in the US Business and World News, has received an award from a world wide chamber organization, and will be starting a new series of workshops for producers at Paul Smiths College in September. Contact: Ruby J Moore, Senior Business Development Officer, Rural Opportunities, Inc., St. Lawrence County Chamber of Commerce, 101 Main Street, 1st Floor, Canton, NY 13617. 315.386.4000 Fax 315.379.1034. mooreruby@twcny.rr.com or rmoore@ruralinc.org



CONGRATULATIONS TO

New York Maple Producers Moving on Promotions With State Funding and Looking for Promotions Coordinator

The New York State Maple Producers Association is moving forward with a promotions campaign thanks to funding provided by New York State. Assemblyman William Magee of Oneida has worked on our behalf to include $100,000 for Maple in this year’s budget. Bill is chairman of the Assembly's Agricultural Committee and has a warm spot in his heart for maple from boiling sap during his childhood. Support also came from the Farm Bureau to place and keep the line for our funding in this year's budget. We can't thank both them enough for that sweet deal. ...
Since our association is an all-volunteer group, we recognize in order for us to succeed, we need to contract for a full time Promotions Coordinator to carry out our ideas. We are advertising to hire that contracted position now and hope to have him or her in place by mid July. This monetary award will help us make this position possible. It’s a great time for the NY Maple Industry!
New York State Maple Producers Association, Inc. c/o Barbara Zehr, Secretary, 6242 Swiss Road Castorland, NY 13620 Ph: (315) 346-1034, fax: (315)346-1662.



NEW RUSTIC GALLERY OPENING

My husband, Mike Kazlo, will be opening a rustic gallery by the end of June (in Fort Ann). It will feature his rustic furniture plus the works of a number of Adirondack artisans. HIs website is www.adkmtnrustic.com . ... Thanks Syrl Kazlo



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Jan Schaperjahn and daughter Stephanie Landers, Noble's Flower Gallery, Baldwinsville, for being interviewed as one of the sample nine businesses in the Special Report about family run businesses in the April/May 2005 Oswego County Business Magazine. www.OswegoCountyBusiness.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO CENTER STREET ARTISANS

Chris Krauss, the driving force behind this new member-based home accessories shop in Rutland, VT., has already within the last month received committment from 17 artisans and is looking for the following media types: Soft Glass Blowers…3 is max, Lamp Makers…2, Quilters…1, Painted Floor Cloths…1, Chair Makers…2 is max. Current members represent the following: Woodcarvers 2…4 is max, Woodturners 3…OK, Furniture Makers 7…10 is max, Rug Makers 1…2 is max, Pottery 1…3 is max, Dolls/Bears 2…OK, Flatware 1…OK.
Chris Krauss, Coordinator, 207 645-2241, 207 645-2405, fax, Maine WoodNet, PO Box 265, East Wilton, ME 04234, mainewood@usadatanet.net, www.mainewoodnet.org



Looking for vendors - FESTIVAL OF THE COLORS 2005

2nd Annual “Festival of the Colors,” Saturday, September 17, 2005, 10:00am-5:00pm. The event is free of charge for visitors. The festival will feature art and crafts by regional artisans, plus fresh baked goods and produce, children’s activities, such as pumpkin decorating and games, a casual barbecue, and reduced priced tickets for Gondola Rides. Other activities may also be added and are currently in the planning stages. The festival will take place in the center of the Wilmington Business District, utilizing the Visitors Information Center, the community parking lot, and the lawn at the Whiteface Community United Methodist Church (Heritage Park, corner of Haselton Road & Route 86). The deadline to register is August 1, 2005. contact the Whiteface Mountain Regional Visitors Bureau at (518) 946-2255, or Holly Aquino of the Festival Committee at (518) 946-8306.



KORTHS LOOKING FOR ONLINE RESOURCES ABOUT REPS

Korths recently received this inquiry " I am seriously considering hiring a sales rep to help me sell my product. I've decided that I just don't have the time to do everything and I want to look into this possibility. Can you point me in the right direction? I have no idea where or how to start this process, what it involves etc." If anyone has any links to online resources about reps, please email the links and they will be posted under the national resources page at www.adknccrafts.com. Thanks.



KORTHS LOOKING FOR SHOP INTERIOR BEST PRACTICES

Korths has realized that the Marketing Toolkit could use more interior shop best practice examples. Could shopowners email, fax (518.891.6203) or mail (28 St. Bernard St., Saranac Lake, NY 12983) interior best practices to Korths? Also appreciated would be copies of articles that you, as shopowner, have found useful. These, if appropriate, will be added to the toolkit and posted at www.adknccrafts.com. Thanks.



TRENDS in cold weather fashion accessories

For those of you with similar product lines or considering what product to order, read on. V. Frass Sales and Merchandising Manager Kathy Latinville, gearing up for the peak season of August through November, "said that bright colors are in this year, such as pink, kiwi and sherbert. Black, as always, remains popular. Also popular will be anything with embellishments, such as fringe, beads or sparkles, she said. Fold-through fleece scarves, with a loop to pull the opposing end through, also popular. ... Ten-foot-long, skinny scarves are very popular." They do a lot of cashmere and say that velvet is here to stay. V. Frass, world's largest manufacturer and distributor of cold-weather fashion accessories, with its U.S. distribution center in Plattsburgh, has had double-digit growth the last three years, as stated by Executive Vice President James Pell, in an 6.19.2000 article in the business section of the Press Republican.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Utica Monday Nite is about to begin its ninth season. Initiated in 1997, its mission is to promote a regional arts economy by making the arts and humanities available and accessible to all Utica residents and visitors from the wider region. Utica Monday Nite accomplishes these two goals by presenting a summer arts and humanities festival in downtown parks and public spaces on thirteen Monday nights from June through August. Events and activities are offered free to the public. www.uticamondaynite.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

To Irene and Robert Bauerschmidt, Cabin Fever Cottage Furnishings & Decor, Star Lake, for reopening their shop after the fire of two years ago. 315.848.5221. Sherre R. Curry writes in article Flirting with Disaster? that "of those businesses that experience a disaster and have no emergency plan, 43 percent never reopen, according to The Hartford's Guide to Emergency Preparedness Planning, published by The Hartford Finanacila Services Group, an investment and insurance company. Of those that do reopen, only 29 percent are still operating two years after reopening." Small Business Success, vol. 18, p. 31.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Mark C. Lalonde, owner, Hutchinson's Boat Works Inc., Alexandria Bay for receiving the Entrepreneurial Success Award in 2004 from the Syracuse SBA. Small Business Resource, Syracuse, 2005, p. 40.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The 81 participants who attended the eleven Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Marketing Toolkits for Retailers in Rural Areas workshops held this spring throughout the Adirondack North Country region. Workshop evaluations indicate that reviewing the best practices and averages of other retailers, especially those from rural areas, combined with a shop critique was appreciated by all. Korths, facilitator of the workshops/Craft Marketing Coordinator/ANCA, will be incorporating workshop participants' feedback and best practices into the final draft of the Marketing Toolkit. Toolkit development and workshops were funded by the USDA RBEG program. Korths wishes to thank the 11 workshop venue directors/owners who took the time to learn more about this program and distribute Marketing Toolkits to their members, and to the many (especially Cecilia and Mary) who forwarded the information about the workshop to others. The workshops were held in Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Cambridge, Little Falls, Jay, Plattsburgh, Boonville, Oswego, Gouverneur and Saranac Lake. This workshop will be offered on a annual basis in the fall and/or in the spring with a reasonable fee charge to participants. Businesses/organizations interesting in hosting this workshop can email or call Korths, 518.891.1632. Artisan studios open to the public as well as gift shop owners can request that the marketing toolkit be mailed to them.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Shirt Factory Artists Association, Glens Falls, for becoming an official group with monthly meetings and bank account. Dave Francis is the contact/chair. As usual, Korths who facilated two Marketing Toolkit Workshops at the Shirt Factory, was blown away by the creative energy in the building. Future events for the The Shirt Factory Artists Association members are the September 25 Balloon Festival and the Open House annually held on the weekend after Thanksgiving.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Pennyfield Studio, glass artwork, jewelry and mosaics, for opening up a working studio with classes at the Shirt Factory. Korths was impressed by the large mosaic Ralph has already created since they have moved in. Pennyfield Studio is a regular vendor at the annual Rustic Nature Buyer Days, to be held next year on April 6 and 7, 2006 (mark your calendars).



CONGRATULATIONS TO

To the Adirondack Quilt Shop, Shirt Factory, Glens Falls, for being the most northern stop of a 7 stops in 3 states Quilt Shop Hop (some 700 people paid to do the tour) on the weekend of May 14. www.Adirondackquilts.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The June 18th opening of a new gallery, WhatLeahLikes, at Beekman Street Artisans, 79 Beekman St., in the Westside Artists District, Saratoga Springs. To visit the galleries in this quiet neighborhood setting only a few minutes walk from the hubbub of Broadway is a real treat. Korths thanks Amejo and Leah for offering their porch as a wonderful workshop setting on May 15 (the participating shopowners were able to keep an easy lookout for customers!). www.WhatLeahLikes.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

To Westside Artists District for being awarded a $145,000 Facades Improvement Grant in Feb., 2005.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Benje White's ingenious rental of the Hubbard Hall's ground floor space to the Valley Artisans Market, the village's health food store and global gifts store to generate income. White, director of Hubbard Hall in Cambridge for 27 years now, provides an Victorian Opera House style theatre which attracts actors and spectators regularly from Albany and Bennington, VT, both about an hour away. As an indication of how busy Hubbard Hall is, they pay each year a total of $100,000 to the many workshop presenters. 5 additional nearby buildings are in the process of renovation. He was looking (May 17) for a program director/IT person. www.hubbardhall.org



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Alan Bissell, owner of General Schuyler's Pantry, a country store for the 21st century, Schuylerville. Bissell started The Adirondack School, a Waldorf learning style school with his 4 children about ten years ago. Now they're teaching 44 children. He started General Schuyler's Pantry to provide additional employment for the teachers of The Adirondack School. www.theadirondackschool.org.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The ten members (mix of for profit and non profit) of the Little Falls Development Corp. for funding as a group a cable TV spot promoting each of their venues and also for applying and receiving ILNY matching funding for distributing their printed materials outside of their area. Mohawk Valley Center for the Arts is a member.



Highlights from Interview about Marketing with Howe Caverns General Manager, John Sagendorf

...How has the business endured for that long? This has been a strong business in Schoharie County for 75 years because it's a unique experience. ... Over time, we've added a number of ancillary businesses to this attraction. We have a significant souvenir and gift area. ... We continue to add educational components because people today not only want to be entertained, but they want to leave knowing a little bit more than when they came.
How have partnerships with other tourist attractions helped you? ... With each alliance, we pool our marketing money to benefit the entire group. ... Our financial investments go a lot farther when combining resources, and we develop great publics together.
Who are your target customers/visitors? ... the fact is 60% of our annual visitors come from about a 100-mile radius of Howe Caverns. This year our top three markets were the Capital District area, the Mid-Hudson (south of Albany to Westchester County) and New York City and Long Island combined.
How do you market to potential visitors? We have a substantial marketing budget: it's never big enough. We do radio and television advertising, usually around the peak of the season, May through August. We annually publish a new brochure and we distribute it throughout New York State, New England and Pennsylvania. We have a Howe Caverns video. We of course do all kinds of print advertising strategically placed for audiences. We still are fortunate enough to own 27 roadside billboards. They're important to us because as a natural attraction we don't have a choice as to where we locate, and we need to tell people how to get here. We regularly do public relations and try to keep the word out there. ...
How do you keep on top of changes and trends in the industry? We read polls, but bottom line, we have to stay in contact with our customers. We need to talk to them and know where they're coming from. We do regular surveys to get a barometer for what we can expect.
What has been the most challenging aspect of running a tourist destination? ... What's difficult is that the period of time between visits is 15-20 years, and if businesses need repeat business to survive, every 15 to 20 years doesn't measure up. ... The most challenging thing we face from year to year is how to build annual attendance because that is the driver when it comes to overall income to support our expenses.
What are some of the recent trends you've seen in the tourism industry? Tourism isn't necessarily an economic issue; it's more of an emotional issue. The better people feel, the more willing they are to take traveling trips. In 2000 people felt pretty good and were traveling. Attendance after the events of September 11, 2001 grew, probably because people wanted to get out of metropolitan areas and reconnect with the countryside and their families. 2002 declined a little, and 2003 there was a decline in the recreation and travel business throughout the country. 2004 has seen even more erosion, partly because of our long winter season. There just wasn't a whole lot for people to feel good about. Our 2004 season was wet and rainy, but we benefited from the rain because we're an inside activity.
What are some projects you're working on for the coming tourist season? We don't have a particular plan for 2005 (interview was published in November 2004), except we have some broad elements for the coming year. Clearly, one of the things more important to travelers today is a package, so we're working on a "stay and tour," "tour and eat" or "stay, tour and eat" packages. We're also looking to offer things via the Internet because people want the simplicity of booking things from home. We're always looking for creative ways, including special-interest tours. In order to accommodate the general public, we need to look for ways to say yes because travel habits and expectations are different. In order to remain successful, we need to change to meet the current requirements and requests, and if we don't someone else will. Small-Biz Growth, November 2004, p. 14.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Dolgeville Mill Inc., for converting a huge historical industrial factory mill landmark on the river into a indoor year round gallery for antiques, furniture, arts and fine crafts. The Dolgeville Mill also provides a meeting and demonstration place for the Mohawk Valley Wood turners and Wood carvers. www.Dolgevillemill.com. They are one of three such recent conversions in the Southern Adirondack Foothills - Mohawk Valley. The others are The Shops at 25 West/Antique Center, Little Falls and Gems Along the Mohawk, Herkimer.



Looking for vendors - Shops at 25 West, Little Falls

I wanted to let you know what is happening at the Shops at 25 West...this is the 2nd floor over the Antique Center, (Little Falls). We have made a commitment recently to showcase and promote more original arts and quality crafts. We have 30 vendors at this time and all the new ones are artists or artisans. This is the direction that we want to continue to go. We have potters, painters, photographers, glass painters, woodworking, weaving...can you make a recommendation on how to continue to get the word out? I am totally committed to showcaseing and promoting original art and crafts. ... Stop when you are in the Mohawk Valley so I can show you what we are doing. Linda



Looking for historical info on your building/site or ....

The Northern NY Library Network has made available 105,000 newspaper pages of the people, places and events that make up North Country history searchable by keyword online at news.nnyln.net. The Adirondack Record, Akwesasne Indian Time, Canton Commercial Advertiser, Elizabethtown Post, Fulton Patriot, Lowville Journal & Republican, Malone Franklin Gazette, Plattsburgh Press Republican, Potsdam Herald-Recorder and the Potsdam St. Lawrence Herald. The Network plans to continue to add holdings in the upcoming years. Points North, Newsletter of the Northern NY Library Network, December 2004.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Arts Center/Old Forge and the Nicols Memorial Presbyterian Church for offering a free artists circle on Wednesdays, June 8 through August 31 from 7 to 9pm at The Arts Center. Group discussions on from where does your creativity flow. Learn how to use daily journaling and the practice of observing the creative work of others to free your spirit and to celebrate your full artistic potential. 315.369.6411. www.artscenteroldforge.org



Intensive 3 to 4 day courses for Artisans in Brockville, Canada at the 1000 Islands Summer School of the Arts

Starting July 11, Enamel: Exploring Colour and Cloisonne on a Vertical Surface; controlling the fusion and flow of lead-bearing enamels, and maximizing the importance of line.
Chinese Painting of Bamboo & Birds: Learn and practice the different brush techniques used to paint traditional Chinese bamboo and birds. More classes: Creative Dyeing, Rustic Twig Furniture, Smoke Firing and Terra Sigillata, Painting with Fire, Pottery Decoration, Intermediate Rug Hooking - Dyeing and Colour Theory, Machine Quilting, Cast Paper Sculpting and others. www.sl.on.ca.



Review of Point of Sales (POS) Software for Retailers

Quickbooks ($799) to Counterpoint Software ($2200) at http://www.cpatechnologyadvisor.com/article/article.jsp?siteSection=8&id=235



Project Coordinator Position for Farm To Chef Express Project

Farm to Chef Express (FCX) is a direct marketing and distribution link between farmers of Rensselaer, Saratoga, and Washington Counties and New York City chefs. FCX goals are to help farmers sell their products to chefs and help chefs source food from the farms. Farmers are marketing distinctive, delicious, exceedingly fresh meats, produce, and cheeses from their farms directly to the kitchen doors of City chefs. The Project Coordinator (PC) educates all participants about FCX, coordinates the orders for delivery, and manages the efforts, which facilitate the entire network of relationships. For more information about FCX visit www.farmtochefexpress.org. Resumes can be mailed or emailed by July 8, 2005 to: Paula J. Schafer, CCE Washington County, 415 Lower Main Street, Hudson Falls, NY 12839 Call 518-746-2560 or email to pjb11@cornell.edu for questions. www.nyfarms.info, June 20, 2005 biweekly email newsletter.



A New Free Agritourism Directory for Agritourism Farms

Hi, My small farm has just completed a brand new free agritourism directory for agritourism farms. Our intent is to help all farms who participate in direct marketing and agritourism attract tourists. Please see: www.AgritourismWorld.com Contact me with any question; I appreciate your help in letting farmers now about this valuable service. I just launched the website on Friday, after 6 months of development, so there aren't very many listings right now. First step is to fill up the directory with listings, after that we'll promote to the public. Thank you, Chris Grant, Agritourism World. 3.31.05, biweekly email newsletter, www.nyfarms.info.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Hudson Falls - Nearly 100 people turned out and raised more than $4,500 at the "Take a Bite Out of the Big Apple," the first benefit event for the Farm to Chef Express Program at NYC's famous Cornell Club on April 5. ... six of New York City's famous chefs came together donating their time and talent to create unique dishes using the fresh meats, produce and cheeses of participating Farm to Chef Express Farms. ... The benefit event helps Washington, Saratoga, and Rensselear Counties producers to reach their goals of establishing Farm to Chef Express as their own entity and to continue to supply distinctive fresh products from upstate NY farms directly to the kitchens of NYC's renowned chefs. Farm to Chef Express is a program of the Agricultural Economic Development program of Cornell Cooperative Extension in Washington and Saratoga Counties. FMI, visit www.farmtochefexpress.org. May 4-18, 2005, Main Street, a Newspaper for southern Washington County, p. 4.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Chapman Historical Museum and The Hyde Museum, both in Glens Falls, for selecting exhibits, running concurrently through the summer, with themes documenting the region's changing landscapes. Until September 4, In Stoddard's Footsteps featuring 40 pairs of photographs by S.R. Stoddard and Mark Bowie, each pair taken from the same spot but a century apart. www.chapmanmuseum.org. At the Hyde Museum, Painting Lake George: 1774 - 1900, on exhibit from June 5 through September 11, explores the extraordinary depth and range of paintings that depict the history and landscapes of the "Queen of American Lakes". www.hydecollection.org



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Adirondack Harvest for publishing cookbook of 60 recipes collected from local cooks during the 2004 Adirondack Harvest Taste-Offs. Press Republican, June 26, p5. Also for article titled Adirondack Harvester describing the history and goals of the Cooperative in Strictly Business, May 2005, p. 10. www.adirondackharvest.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Simon Conroy, Conroy's Organics for being featured in article titled Champlain Valley Speciality, Conroy's Organics Find Niche Market describing success in first year, local product lines, etc. Strictly Business, May 2005, p. 10. Conroy's Organics is at 8183 Rte. 9 north of Plattsburgh.



Consumers Appreciate Small Businesses

A new survey commissioned by The UPS Store and Mail Boxes, Etc., found that 93 percent of Americans say supporting local ownership of small businesses continues to factor into their buying decisions, 77 percent of respondents rated small businesses as "excellent" or "good" at providing courteous service and 74 percent rated them "excellent" or "good" for being knowledgeable and professional. May 9-22, p. 2, The Mohawk Valley Business Journal.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Tami Kraeger, owner, Fruity Florals, New Hartford, for creating edible fruit arrangements shaped in festive displays for holidays. On a busy day, she and her family prepare and deliver between 30 and 50 arrangements. Kraeger relies solely on word-of-mouth publicity to advertise her company, has already recouped her $5,000 investment, occupies 500 square feet on the ground floor at 52 1/2 Genesee St. and, because her product is fresh and perishable, only delivers within a 10 mile radius. May 9-22, p. 2, The Mohawk Valley Business Journal.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Abanakee Studios, Indian Lake for celebrating its 6th season. In July and August, Kathleen Larkin and Jane Zilka host two exhibits in the Rookery Gallery, 23 workshops and sell antiques and Adirondack gifts, on Rte. 28 on Lake Abanakee in what was originally the post and beam LaVergne hay barn. 518.648.5013. The Bulletin, Spring/Summer 2005, p.3.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Owners of the following businesses; Raquette Lake Navigation Co., Hoss's Country Corner, Old Forge Hardware, Arts Center/Old Forge, and Hodel's Adirondack Store for receiving awards at the Central Adirondack Association Awards Banquet on May 25 at the Trails End Restaurant in Old Forge. Adirondack Express, May 31, 2005, p.1.



Sorry to Hear

Dave and Marcia Barker are retiring and so is Twin Oaks, Main St., Old Forge. 315.369.6439. The Weekly Adirondack, June 1, 2005.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Joe Barile, owner, Whiteface Lodge, Lake Placid, for hiring many regional artisans to do the finish work and furnish the Great Camp resort, ie., Chicken Coop Forge of Lake Luzerne hand made 1,500 fixtures for the resort, including the massive chandelier in the three-story Great Room. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, June 2, 2005, p. 1. Note: Patrice Barile attended Buyer Days this year.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Sherrie Turkheimer, 2005 Cover Art winner of the Arts Council of the Northern Adirondack (ACNA) Juried Cover Art Show. As winner, her newsprint collage painting will grace the cover of the ACNA Arts Directory and Cultural Events Calendar. The Arts Directory has been published since 1981 and is distributed at many venues throughout the Northern NY region.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The Tip Top Frame Arts Center for its move from Plattsburgh Plaza to the former State Police Station on Rte. 22 just off the Northway exit south of the city and its expansion which now features their frame and hobby shop combined together with an art gallery. They also welcome painters to set up their paintings on the lawn at the store for free and sell them during the Sunny Days Artists Gallery each weekend until Labor Day.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Carla Steinberg, Two Horse Trade Co., Saranac Lake for expanding her shop and implementing three strategies suggested in a trade magazine article. Korths was in her shop this weekend and admired the new openess to the shop. Steinberg said she now sees many more people coming into the store because of the following three changes; a decompression area by the door where there are no products for sale, the counter in the middle rather than on the side, and aisles wide enough for two people to pass each other without touching. www.twohorsetrade.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Peggy Brownell's new shop, The Elusive Moose, in the one-time McCann's corner in Old Forge, opened on Memorial Day weekend. Peggy came to Buyer Days in late March to stock her shelves with regionally made product.



Manufacturing Deduction: Could your Business Qualify?

In 2005, if your business qualifies, you might be able to lower the taxable income on your federal return by 3% of the profit from certain activities. The deduction applies to federal regular and alternative minimum income tax calculations, and increases to 9% by 2010. The deduction is limited to 50% of the wages paid during the year. To benefit, your business will need to show a profit. Operating losses carried forward from prior years may reduce the amount you can claim. Producing food for sale at the wholesale level is considered a qualified activity as well as traditional manufacturing. Adirondack Wealth Builders column, Adirondack Daily Enterprise, early 2005. www.douglaslhoffman.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

In March 2005, U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Deputy Administrator Melanie Sabelhaus announced the five outstanding women entrepreneurs of 2005. The women received their awards at the SBA Expo ’05 in Washington, D.C., during National Small Business Week, April 26-28. “I am so excited to introduce you to five fabulous women entrepreneurs,” said Sabelhaus. “These ladies…are innovators and job creators and they make clear why women are the fastest growing segment of our economy.” The judging for this honor was based on the following criteria: staying power, growth in number of employees, increase in sales and/or unit volume, current and past financial reports, innovativeness of product or service offered, response to adversity, and contributions to aid communityoriented projects. Among the five winners is SSA member Doreen Marks of Otis Technologies, Inc. in Lyons Falls. ... Doreen developed a prototype for a portable gun cleaning kit at age 16, which led to the birth of Otis Products, initially operated by Doreen, her parents, and her siblings. Doreen’s idea was patented, and in the years since, Otis has created 180 products, earning more than 30 patents. Otis Products is considered the leading manufacturer of firearms maintenance systems. Sales have grown to more than $10.7 million in 2004. The company is HUBZone Certified and has been awarded several large federal contracts. www.smallbizgrowth.com



CONGRATULATIONS TO

2005 NICHE Awards given to innovative and creative artists in the American craft industry of New York State, Vermont and Montreal. Out of the more than 1,000 entries, up to four finalists were selected in each of the categories. Winners were announced on Feb. 20 at the Philadelphia Buyers Market of American Craft. The wood category is divided into four sections: carved, painted/colored, traditionally joined, and turned. Wood: Carved - "Missing Link" by Scott Grove of Concept Grove in Rochester, NY. Wood. Wood: Painted/Colored - "Cribbage Board" by Douglas Jones of Random Orbit in Burlington, VT. Wood: Turned - "Merenge" by Keith Tompkins of Keith P. Tompkins Woodturning Studio in Tivoli, NY. Wood: Furniture - "Tori Tansu" by Michael Puryear of New York, "Mathilde" from Alan Belanger of Les Meubles du Loft in Montreal. Deadline is September 7, 2005 for 2006 NICHE Awards competition. www.nichemagazine.com. Woodshop News, February 2005.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

Adirondack Yarns, Lake Placid for moving across Saranac Ave. into a larger space which Sue and her husband have purchased. Sue is considering putting in a tea shop as well. www.adirondackyarns.com



Tourists Want Experiential Visit

"Nationwide, we're seeing a decline in visits to the historical type attractions," said Dick Hamilton, a member of the board of directors of the Old Man of the Mountain Legacy Fund (New Hampshire). "It's a national trend and this is part of that." Hamilton and Jane O'Connor, president of the White Mountains Attractions Association, said today's tourists are pressed for time, pressed for money and always want to do "something new." ... It's experiental tourism," O'Connor said. "People want to get in and try things themselves. They don't want to just look anymore... They want to get out there and touch and feel things. Travel Briefs, Press Republican, May 22, 2005.



Hot off the Press - Statistical Tourism Data out of Essex County

According to a study recently released by the Technical Assistance Center at SUNY Plattsburgh... average expenditure per visitor per day is $243.40 in Essex County compared to the regional average of $179.41. The 5.6 average length of stay also exceeded the 3-day average reported in other regions. ... repeat visitors continue to predominate, followed by word of mouth. 96 percent of the respondents stated they plan to visit the region in the future. Sightseeing and relax-dine-shop remained the strongest attractions (great news for retailers and studios!), according to the report, followed by hiking, Olympic sites and shopping. "Highlighting these attractions in the county's marketing programs may be an appropriate future consideration," the report said. ... It was determined that more than 90 percent of visitors surveyed used the Internet as the primary means of researching their vacation ... The survey, sent out to those in the (Lake Placid/Essex County Visitor) bureau's database of direct inquiries, was distributed electronically and by postal mail. More than 10 percent of the surveys were returned, totaling 2,147. Adirondack Daily Enterprise, June 21, 2005. p.3.



CONGRATULATIONS TO

The 245 artisan and retailer businesses of the region with websites now linked at Looking for a Gift. The quantity and quality reflected in these numbers is impressive considering the low population numbers of this rural, mountainous region.



Made in the Adirondack North Country Logo Now Available as Adhesive Tags

The "Made in the Adirondack North Country" logo and usage guidelines/agreement are posted at Made in the Adirondack North Country. Retailers as well as producers now have guidelines. The images at the top of each page at adknccrafts.com are those of the logo. Printed 1 inch by 1 inch color adhesive logo labels are available for $70 per 1,000. Sign the agreement form if interested in purchase and mail with check to ANCA at 28 St. Bernard St., Saranac Lake NY 12983. MC/Visa also accepted. Fax number is 518.891.6203.



More regional resources for you at Regional Support Organizations

For those of you who earn income from and/or are planning to add teaching workshops to your income streams, you'll find links at the Regional Resources page to some 60 to 70 cultural organizations which hold workshops. For those of you looking for more giftshops to sell in, Korths has identified the cultural organzations with giftshops. Some of the guilds and cooperative giftshops are also listed. Those of you who are considering bookkeeping, website development and other small business classes will find links here as well.



20th Annual Rustic Nature Buyer Days Exhibitor Application for 2006 to be posted by early September

For those new to the show who wish to review the terms, the 2005 Buyer Days application is posted at Adirondack North Country Crafts, click on Buyer Days. Mark your calendar for Buyer Days 2006 scheduled for April 6 and 7 at the City Center in Saratoga Springs. Vendor booth photos from 2005, 2004 and 2003 with contact info are also posted at Adirondack North Country Crafts click on Buyer Days.



Your regional craft and retail business resource - Adirondack North Country Crafts

Looking for a Gift - links to 220+ websites of regionally made product and/or regional shops
Regional Resources - links to the region's small business development centers for free services: start up, in process of expanding, product development and other
Regional Resources - for those artisans who offer workshops to generate income, links to many of the region's workshop providers
Resources - links to many national sites with marketing opportunities, tools, suggestions, etc. (retailers, there's some good ones here for you)
Resources - links to online e-commerce handmade sale sites (wholesale/retail)
Show Listings - provides contact info on some 25 regional shows which are, for the most part, vendor recommended
Stories About You - archives of the 13 e-newsletters published since December 2003
- info on and applications to ANCA's craft marketing programs



Info and applications for ANCA's marketing programs are at adknccrafts.com.
Sponsored by Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA):

- Rustic Nature Buyer Days, the only rustic nature trade show on the East Coast where the handmade and the maker are showcased,
- How to Establish and Maintain Wholesale Accounts and Product Review 4 hour workshop, held 2 to 3 times in the fall and mid winter,
- Group Booth at Western New York Gift Show in mid February, best for country style product which retails for $10 or less,
- Self Guided Driving Trails of the Region's Arts, Crafts and Foods, with 30,000 distributed to 1075 lodgings and chambers
- Quarterly crafts trade newsletter for and about the artisans and retailers of the region. Archived at Adirondack North Country Crafts click on Stories About You
- Adirondack North Country Crafts: resources and product for the region's artisans and retailers; links and/or info about regional show listings, regional support organizations with galleries and workshop facilities; marketing tools and advice from across the nation; and links to many producers and retailers of the region.
- Links to partners adirondackcraft.com and adirondackwood.com.

New or expanding programs and partnerships are always being considered. Sponsorships of these programs are welcome.
Contact Nadia Korths, Craft Marketing Coordinator/ANCA, Email or 518.891.1632.



ANCA offers other regional economic development program specialists:
-Wood Products Industry Specialist Carl Golas, 315.376.7695. adirondackwood.com
-Grazing Technician Martha Pickard, 518.891.6200. anca-pickard@northnet.org
-Scenic Byways Coordinator Sharon O'Brien, 518.891.6200. anca-obrien@northnet.org
-Community Development Specialist Jim Ellis, 518.359.2580. Jeep74@northnet.org
-Executive Director Terry Martino, 518.891.6200. anca-martino@northnet.org
Visit Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) to find out more about the programs these specialists are providing. Other craft related economic development programs ANCA is working in partnership with are adirondackcraft.com and adirondackwood.com



Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) is a not-for-profit private corporation that strengthens the economy and quality of life in the 14 counties of Northern New York through informed, open debate and advocacy on economic issues critical to the region; and through region-wide action on projects in agriculture, business and community development, forestry, human services, the arts and tourism.



This newsletter is being received by 740 (65 more than for the last issue) producers, retailers and support organizations.



Regional crafts e-newsletter issues are archived at Adirondack North Country Crafts, click on Stories about You
Korths look forward to receiving your news: publicity, awards, expansions, changes, and more.
Questions and suggestions are welcome. Materials may be reproduced without permission, as long as credit is given. The views reflected in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect those of the staff or board members of ANCA.
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