Si 0412

From the Chamber
Dont get burned. Continue

to improve your business operation.
PAGE 26
APRIL 2012
BITS & BYTES
Presentations in your pocket.
PAGE 22
COACHS CORNER
A thousand pictures.
PAGE 23
HEALTH-CARE TRENDS
Dont wait to prevent colon cancer.
PAGE 14
www.sibiztrends.com
STEVE WHITE/Business Trends
Staten Island Heart Society hosted its annual Chefs Extravaganza at the Hilton. Here, Ken Tirado (left) of
Killmeyers Old Bavaria Inn and Rob Rispoli of Vino Divino enjoy a toast to the evening.
Chefs Extravaganza
P u b l i s h e d b y E l a u wi t Me d i a
P r e - s o r t e d
S t a n d a r d
U S P o s t a g e
P A I D
W i l k e s - B a r r e , P A
P e r m i t 9 0
By TIM RONALDSON
Business Trends
Kenneth Daly is lucky.
He has a product that an increasingly
large number of people want, a product that
is safer for the environment and that costs
less than the most commonly used alterna-
tive.
Kenneth Daly, as president of National
Grid New York, can help you convert to natu-
ral gas.
I think were in a unique position in that
we really want to be leaders in terms of ener-
gy and help our customers make wise energy
choices, said Daly, a 24-year National Grid
vet who is celebrating his one-year anniver-
sary as president this month. Wed like to
have a much cleaner and more sustainable
Staten Island.
Making Staten Island cleaner
National Grid working to help more customers convert their energy to natural gas
please see ENERGY, page 11
By TIM RONALDSON
Business Trends
Its amazing what good can
come out of a round of golf.
On the links is where a conver-
sation between Rotarians Brian
Gomez and William Mehnert
eventually led to the creation of
the Staten Island Hispanic Cham-
ber of Commerce, one of the only
organizations in the borough ded-
icated to assisting the Latino com-
munity.
We were wondering why there
werent any Latino organizations
on Staten Island, said Mehnert,
the vice president of the Cham-
ber.
While Census data supported
their notion that the Latino com-
munity was one of the fastest
growing on Staten Island, Mehn-
ert found it was underserved. So
he and Gomez began exploring
how they could help the commu-
nity, and, specifically, why more
Latinos werent involved in the al-
ready-established networking
groups on the Island.
A majority of Staten Islands
Latino business owners are not
natives of the borough, Gomez
said. When these people did re-lo-
cate to the Island, they probably
searched for an Hispanic Federa-
tion or some other similar organi-
zation dedicated to minority out-
reach but couldnt find that help,
since there was nothing of its
kind here.
What Gomez and Mehnert
The Staten Island
Hispanic Chamber
of Commerce is
filling a void in the
community
please see CHAMBER, page 15
Creating
a new
support
system
2 BUSINESS TRENDS APRIL 2012
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Drop us a line
Email: news@sibiztrends.com
Mail: Business Trends, 66 Willow Avenue, Staten Island, NY 10305
XIOMARA AYALA
Marathon Bank
Xiomara Ayala has joined
Marathon Bank as branch man-
ager of the Forest Avenue loca-
tion. Along with her responsibili-
ties for administration and daily
operation of the full-service
branch office, Ayala also partici-
pates in community affairs to in-
crease the banks visibility and to
enhance new and existing busi-
ness opportunities.
Prior to joining Marathon,
Ayala was a branch manager at
Sovereign Bank and a small busi-
ness specialist at JP Morgan
Chase. She began her career in
banking at First Entertainment
Credit Union, where she served
as a branch service specialist.
Ayala is Series 6, Series 63 and
NJ and NY Health Insurance li-
censed. She serves as secretary
for the Staten Island Hispanic
Chamber of Commerce and is an
active member of the Staten Is-
land Economic Development Cor-
porations Women Leadership
Council. She has participated in
supporting sponsorship for the
March of Dimes.
JEFF DIFAZIO
The Downtown Staten Island Council
The Downtown Staten Island
Council announced the election
of Jeff DiFazio to its Board of Di-
rectors. Along with his brothers,
John and Marc, DiFazio owns a
variety of Staten Island-based
businesses including Diamond
Concrete, DiFazio Industries, Di-
Fazio Environmental and Faztec
Industries. Diamond Concrete is
based in Rosebank in the North
Shore Economic Development
Zone. Beyond his business experi-
ence, DiFazio has
dedicated himself
to various local
causes including
the Staten Island
Childrens Cam-
paign, the March
of Dimes and
Homes for Heroes.
DAN MCCLOSKEY
College of Staten Island
Dan McCloskey was recently
awarded an $800,000 National Sci-
ence Foundation Faculty Early
Career Development grant for his
proposed work on animal social
behavior. The NSF CAREER
grant is the foundations most
prestigious award in support of
junior faculty who exemplify the
role of teacher-scholars through
outstanding research, excellent
education, and the integration of
education and research within
the context of the mission of
their organizations. McCloskey is
an assistant professor of psychol-
ogy at the College of Staten Is-
land, a senior college of The City
University of New York.
McCloskeys proposal focuses
on creating a research environ-
ment that utilizes computational
tools for the collection and analy-
sis of data in two complex sys-
tems: animal social behavior and
hippocampal neuron activity.
Both approaches involve studying
the naked mole rat, and the grant
will help fund the participation of
two graduate students and up to
four undergraduates on the proj-
ects.
on the job
DiFazio
ROSS SPITALNICK
Senior Vice President
(718) 263-3800 x371
ross@muss.com
NICHOLAS J. FORELLI
Assistant Vice President
(718) 263-3800 x307
nforelli@muss.com
MUSSDEVELOPMENT LLC
BUILDING NEW YORK CITY SINCE 1906
That's what we're all about
718-720-1600
1190 Hylan Boulevard
Staten Island, NY 10305-1920
www.heroldinc.com
Bernard Herold & Co., Inc. - A Name You Can Trust
............Municipal Bonds for Tax-Free Income.............
MONDAY
Bus. Outreach Ctr of SI/WBCLDC
Small Bus. Counseling
MWBE/BOC Capital: WBCLDC, 705
Forest Ave., 2nd Fl. By appointment
only. For info, call 718-816-4775.
Kiwanis Club of Richmond Co.:
LaFontana Restaurant, 2879 Amboy
Rd. 7 p.m. For info, call 718-420-
1966.
College of S.I., Small Bus. Dev. Ctr.
Business Counseling: CSI, 2800
Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No
charge. For info, call the SBDC at
718-982-2560.
TUESDAY
Direct120.com, Ultimate Think
Tank: Lorenzos, 1100 South Ave. For
info, visit www.direct120.com.
Kiwanis Club of South Shore:
LaFontana, 2879 Amboy Rd. 7:30
p.m. For info, call 718-370-2770.
SCORE Business Counseling: S.I.
Bank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9
a.m. to noon. No appointment nec-
essary. No charge. For info, call 718-
727-1221.
Business Guild I of the S.I. Cham-
ber of Commerce: Hilton Garden
Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 a.m. Mem-
bers and invited guests only. For
info, call Christina Fiorenza at 347-
581-5022.
Business Network Intl. (BNI) Net-
work Alliance Chapter: Z-One
Lounge, 1821 Richmond Ave. 7 to
8:30 a.m. For info, call Timothy
Houston at 718-981-8600.
Rotary Club Staten Island: LiGre-
cis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 12:30 to
1:30 p.m. Members and guests wel-
come. For info, call 718-370-3140.
Business Counseling: Chamber of
Commerce, 130 Bay St. 9 a.m. No
718-982-2560.
Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. No
718-982-2560.
WEDNESDAY
Staten Island Business Council:
Lorenzos at Hilton Garden Inn, 1100
South Ave. 7 a.m. Members and
invited guests only. For info, call 347-
855-4488 or send an e-mail to
info@sibizcouncil.com.
Bucks Business Network: Hamp-
ton Inn, 1415 Richmond Ave. 7:30
a.m. For info, call 877-SIBUCKS or
visit www.sibucks.com.
Kiwanis Club of Brighton: Jodys
Club Forest, 372 Forest Ave. 7:30
p.m. For info, call 718-348-0505.
Kiwanis Club of North Central:
LiGrecis Staten, 697 Forest Ave.
7:30 p.m. For info, call Len Bosso at
347-592-1937.
Rotary Club of Gateway: The Lake
Club, 1150 Clove Rd. 7:15 p.m. For
info, call 718-447-1509.
SCORE Business Counseling:
Chamber of Commerce, 130 Bay St.
9 to 11:30 a.m. Appointment neces-
sary. No charge. For info, call 718-
727-1221.
E.L.I.T.E. (Executive, Leadership,
Interactive, Team, Effort) Net-
working Group: 1110 South Ave. 8
a.m. New members welcome. For
info, call 347-273-1375.
Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For
info, call 718-982-2560.
WEEKLY MEETINGS
please see MEETINGS, page 9
SBDC SEMINAR:
SELLING TO THE
FEDERAL GOVT.
TUESDAY, APRIL 10
Time: 8:30 11:30 a.m.
Location: SBDC at CSI, 2800 Victory
Blvd., Bldg. 1P
For information, call 718-982-2560
RICHMOND CNTY.
BANKERS ASSOC.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
Location: Mikes Place, 4677 Hylan
Blvd.
For information, call Lou DellaBovie
at 718-370-7037
BOC CAPITAL HOW TO
APPLY FOR FINANCING
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Location: WBCLDC, 705 Forest Ave.,
2nd Fl.
NYS WOMEN INC.
(RICHMOND CNTY.)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 11
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Caf Bella Vita, 1919
Hylan Blvd.
POWERFUL YOU!
WOMENS
NETWORKING GROUP
THURSDAY, APRIL 12
Time: 7:00 10:00 p.m.
Location: Richmond Diner, 3954
Richmond Ave.
$31, includes dinner
CREATIVE
PROFESSIONALS
EVENTS & EXHIBIT
OPPORTUNITIES
THURSDAY, APRIL 12
Time: 7:00 8:30 p.m.
2nd Fl.
NYS WOMEN INC.
(STATEN ISLAND)
TUESDAY, APRIL 17
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: LiGrecis Staaten, 697
Forest Ave.
WORKSHOP: BECOME A
CERTIFIED M/WBE
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
2nd Fl.
NETWORKING
FOR RESULTS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: St. George Library, 5 Cen-
tral Ave.
BUSINESS LEADERS
TOASTMASTERS
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: 43 Ramona Ave.
For information, call Arlene Trunzo
at 718-317-0949
APRIL 2012 BUSINESS TRENDS 5
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Phone: 718-448-8032 Fax: 718-667-8431
Weddings, Anniversarys, Corporate Events,
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and any event you want to be special!
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78 Martin Avenue | Staten Island, NY, 10314
(718) 761-3333
Short Sales, Mortgage Modification,
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Staten Arts Photography
www.statenartsphotography.com
Steve White
6 Genesee Avenue
Staten Island, NY 10308
Phone: 718.317.5025
Cell: 917.446.4029
Email: statenarts@aol.com
Weddings
Sweet 16s
Anniversaries
Birthday Parties
Much much more!
..................................
Business Calendar
please see EVENTS, page 12
in our opinion
66 Willow Avenue
347-682-4867
JANET WARREN DUGO
Publisher
ALAN BAUER
General Manager & Editor
STEVE MILLER
Executive Vice President
ED LYNES
Vice President of Sales
TIM RONALDSON
Director of Digital Media
TOM ENGLE
Art Director
STEVE COPPOLA
Director
RICHARD GRADO
Director
ROBERT CUTRONA
Director
LAWRENCE RAMPULLA
Director
DAN McDONOUGH, JR.
Chief Executive
RUSSELL CANN
Chairman of the Board
MICHAEL LaCOUNT, Ph.D.
Vice Chairman
BARRY RUBENS
Chief Financial Officer
Business Trends is mailed each month to the
business and community leaders of Staten
Island. If you would like to receive the paper,
but are not currently on our mailing list, you
can request to be added to the mailing list by
e-mailing your name, title, company,
address, phone, fax and email address to
janet@sibiztrends.com.
To submit a news release, please email
news@sibiztrends.com. For advertising
information, call 347-682-4867 or email
janet@sibiztrends.com.
SPEAK UP
Business Trends welcomes letters from
readers. We look for letters that are 300
words or fewer. Be sure to include your name
and phone number with your letter. We do
not print anonymous letters. Send letters to
news@sibiztrends.com, or 66 Willow Ave.,
Staten Island, NY 10305. Business Trends
reserves the right to reprint your letter in
any medium including electronically.
New Yorks primary matters
For once, a political partys candidate isnt set by the time New Yorkers vote
I
f youre a registered Democrat or
an independent, this doesnt really
apply to you. You can just sit back,
relax and read this for some amuse-
ment.
If youre a registered Republican,
though, this month marks an historic
moment for you a month that fea-
tures, wait for it, a presidential pri-
mary vote that actually means some-
thing in the state of New York!
Thats right, by the time New York
Republican voters head to the polls on
April 24, a clear-cut winner in your
partys primary race will probably
have NOT been decided yet. We say
probably because a lot can change in
a little time in politics.
Most presidential primaries have
been well decided by the time New
Yorkers have a chance to vote. If a
clear-cut winner is determined very
early on in the process, one is usually
in place by Super Tuesday, which was
March 6 this year. But 2012 is different.
Mitt Romney looks to be the front-
runner at this point, the most likely
candidate to face off against President
Barack Obama in the General Election
in November, but hes been in this po-
sition before.
Rick Santorum and maybe even
Newt Gingrich? could pull stunners.
After all, there are still three more pri-
maries before New York votes, plus
four other states that will hold their
primary on the same date as us.
Its a rare chance that any party-af-
filiated New York voter has a say in a
presidential primary election, so if
youre a registered Republican in our
state, you should take advantage of
the opportunity you have. For once,
both of your votes in a single presiden-
tial cycle will actually matter.
in your opinion
By ROBERT CUTRONA
Two months ago I wrote a piece about
Obama and his self-serving energy policy.
Specifically, I wrote that Obama blocked
the Keystone XL pipeline that would have
transported oil from Canada to the Gulf
Coast. I wrote that this decision defied
common sense, as the pipeline would have
generated thousands of high-paying jobs
and, more importantly, would have been
the first step in reducing our dependence
on oil supplies from other countries. It was
patently obvious that Mr. Obama delayed
the pipeline to fish for environmentalists
votes come November. You know, those en-
vironmental zealots who forecast an earth-
quake whenever someone sneezes.
At the end of March, Mr. Obama made
another decision, approving federal per-
mits to construct the southern half of the
pipeline. As an aside, the southern leg of
the pipeline doesnt cross any internation-
al borders and, therefore, didnt need
Obamas approval. Further, we should ask
what half a pipeline is going to serve, but
that would be cynical and partisan. Howev-
er, I have an insatiable curiosity, so if any
of our readers know the purpose that half
a pipeline serves, please let me know. That
is, if the purpose is other than Obama
claiming that hes attempting to solve the
energy crisis by giving us half a pipeline.
A more important question is why did
Mr. Obama flip-flop on the pipeline? The
answer slipping poll numbers due to soar-
ing gasoline prices. The outrageously high
pump prices are vividly and clearly dis-
played for everyone to see and feel in their
wallets and pocketbooks. The $4.19 per gal-
lon is clear to the 99 percenters driving to
their next stop on the occupy circuit as
well as the 1 percenters filling up their
Bentleys.
The result is that, regardless of econom-
ic status, everyone is feeling the pinch, and
this translates into another failure of this
president.
A majority of Americans are growing
weary and angrier by the day over the pres-
idents inability to bring the prices back in
line. He is down in the polls; he wants a sec-
ond term, so he jumps around like a long-
tailed cat on a freeway.
If you want another four years of a
leader who flips, who flops, who takes cred-
it when there is none due, and whose every
decision is based on personal political
gain, then lets re-elect Mr. Obama in No-
vember.
Robert Cutrona, president of
Project One Services, is a director of Business
Trends
Falsehoods, flip-flops and doubletalk
IRS issues identity theft warning
By JOHN J. VENTO
The IRS has issued a warning to taxpay-
ers about a growing problem in America:
identity theft. Your tax return can reveal a
gold mine of information to thieves. Here
is what you can do about it.
This time of year especially, be on the
alert for phone calls or e-mails from sup-
posed IRS agents asking for your birth date
or other private information. The IRS does
not use such methods to gather personal
data. If an e-mail directs you to a website
that you suspect is fraudulent, forward it to
phishing@irs.gov.
Thieves do not need a lot of your person-
al data to steal; just having your social se-
curity number can be enough to file a
fraudulent tax return in your name. To
minimize the risk, dont routinely carry
your social security card with you. And if
please see IRS, page 7
(718) 984-0805 www.scaran.com
SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS!
Save $300!
Ask a licensed plumber for a free estimate to install a state of the art energy saving tankless water heater. Saves energy
costs by only heating water when you need it, has a 20 year warranty, and wont ever cause a flooded basement.
Save $300!
Call your licensed air conditioning service company to do a spring tune up on your cooling system.
This can save over 15% on electricity costs each year. It will also extend the life of your system.
Save $200!
Schedule a heating tune up with a licensed contractor. Properly maintained heating systems use 10% less
fuel, extend the life of your system, avoid costly and inconvenient breakdowns, and ensure safe operation.
Save $500!
Have a licensed contractor install a programmable thermostat to allow set back of temperatures on your heating
and cooling systems. A 10 degree set back when you are not at home or overnight can cut energy costs by 15%.
Save $500!
Shop for energy. Energy Service Companies (ESCOs) can now supply your gas and electricity at a lower
cost than the utility. We have seen savings of 50%!
Save $1,000s!
Replace old, inefficient heating and cooling equipment with new high efficiency systems.
Energy savings can be as a high as 40% when the right contractor installs the right system properly!
Please shop wisely. Make sure all contractors are licensed, insured, and provide warranties.
Shop your ESCO to ensure they are providing the lowest cost available. For more information call Scaran at (718) 984-0805 and we will be happy to help.
you have your card stolen, or have
reason to believe your credit his-
tory has been affected by theft,
notify the IRS Identity Protection
Specialized Unit at 1-800-908-4490.
Another step to protect your-
self is to carefully review all cor-
respondence from the IRS. If a no-
tice reports multiple filed returns
in your name, or income from un-
familiar employers, take it to
your tax professional. It might be
an indication that someone has
used your personal data to obtain
a job or file a tax return. And re-
member, thieves can create very
authentic-looking tax notices, so
let a tax pro look it over first.
Finally, make sure your com-
puter is secure. Use strong pass-
words for access to sensitive web-
sites, and protect your backup
media from theft. Make sure your
tax preparer uses safe computer
practices, too. This kind of three-
legged approach involving the
IRS, your tax professional, and
safe personal practices can help
protect you from identity theft.
John J. Vento is a certified public
accountant in private practice and
president of Comprehensive Wealth
Management, Ltd. He may be
reached at (718) 980-9000 or via
email at john@ventocpa.com.
Identity theft warning
IRS
Continued from page 6
Northfield celebrates 125th anniversary
Northfield Bank is celebrating
their 125th year of operation. The
bank was founded on March 1,
1887, by a group of Staten Island
business owners, and today the
bank has 23 branch locations in
Staten Island, Central New Jersey
and Brooklyn.
In conjunction with the an-
niversary, the bank launched a
new historical website at
www.eNorthfield.com/125, which
includes:
n Archives: Viewers of the
archives can find photos and arti-
cles from the banks historical
records, the Staten Island Ad-
vance archives, and the Staten Is-
land Historical Society collec-
tions.
n History: This section in-
cludes a history of Northfields
past including the street where
the founders first met and the
amount of collected during a 1948
grand opening ceremony
n Share Your Story: The com-
munity has an opportunity to
share stories and memories of
Northfield Bank past and present.
n Logos: View the evolution of
Northfields logo over the past 125
years.
Join the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce!
Your business resource center, the Chamber provides:
Business Referrals Daily
Networking Opportunities
Legislative Involvement
Community and Media Access
"Help Desk" Hotline
Member-to-Member Discounts
and much more!
For more information about joining
the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce,
contact Jennifer Fontana
at 718-727-1900 or jfontana@sichamber.com
Meet Your Partners in Success
Commercial/Residential Renovations
Additions, Extensions, Roof Raisings
Custom Carpentry/Artistic Wood-Working
Finished Basements
Repairs/Handyman Services
Rockscapes, Cultured Stone Installs
Fire/Flood Restorations
Call Bob or David
718-761-8390
Insured. Bonded.
References Available.
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JANET DUGO/Business Trends
The Jewish Community Center hosted local business leaders and community members who came to hear
Borough President James Molinaro present his State of the Economy address. Among those in atten-
dance were, from left, Richmond University Medical Center Board member Bob Mazzuoccola, Gina Bian-
cardi of Casa Belvedere, consultant Carmine Ragucci, John Amodio of SCORE, RUMC Board member
Allan Weissglass and Chris Williams of Williams Eye Works.
State of the Economy
Become a
DOME SAVINGS
CLUB VENDOR
and reach thousands
of potential customers!
For more information, call
(718) 605-2500
www.domegroup.com
Dome Property Management - managers of
over 100 condo and homeowners association
communities - is now accepting vendors and
merchants to participate in the Dome Savings
Club, an "offer board" of discounted services
and products for the communities it serves.
Join national companies like Time Warner
Cable, Wells Fargo Home Mortgage and local
businesses like Jealan Fireplaces and The Pool
Therapist. To learn more, visit the Offer Board
at www.DomeGroup.com/dscOffers.
THURSDAY
Kiwanis Club of Staten Island:
LiGrecis Staten, 697 Forest Ave.
7:30 p.m. For info, call 718-967-4345
or go to
kiwanisclubofstatenisland.com.
Rotary Club of South Shore: Mari-
na Grand, 141 Mansion Ave. 12:15 p.m.
For info, call 718-987-2061 or visit
southshorerotary.org.
Rotary Club Mid-Island: New Dako-
ta Diner, 921 Richmond Ave. 7:30 to
9:00 a.m. For info, call 718-981-
0700.
SCORE Business Counseling: SI
Bank & Trust, 1550 Richmond Rd. 9
a.m. to noon. No appointment nec-
essary. No charge. For info, call 718-
727-1221.
Rotary Club of North Shore: LiGre-
cis Staten, 697 Forest Ave. 7 p.m.
For info, call Herb Smith at 718-442-
9047.
Business Network Intl. (BNI) High
Achievers Chapter: Perkins Restau-
rant, 4370 Amboy Rd. 7:30 to 8:30
a.m. For info, call Timothy Houston
at 718-981-8600.
Business Network Intl. (BNI) High
Achievers Chapter: Perkins, 4370
Amboy Road. 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. For
info, call Timothy Houston at 718-
981-8600.
Business Guild II of the S.I. Cham-
Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:45 to 8:45
a.m. Members and invited guests
only. For info, call Bob Williams at
718-356-1952.
Business Guild III of the SI Cham-
Inn, 1100 South Ave. 7:30 a.m. New
members welcome. Call Melody
Minkoff at 718-370-0040.
Victory Blvd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For
info, call 718-982-2560.
Community Emergency Response
Team (CERT): 7 p.m. For info. and
locations, call John Tidona at 718-
448-7160 or e-mail
portrichcert@yahoo.com.
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
SCORE Business Counseling: St.
George Library, 5 Central Ave. 10
a.m. to noon. Appointment neces-
sary. No charge. For info, call 718-
442-8560.
SCORE Business Counseling: Rich-
mondtown Library, 200 Clarke Ave.
10 to 11:30 a.m. Appointment neces-
sary. For info, call 718-668-0413.
Weekly meetings
MEETINGS
Drop us a line
Daly, a graduate of St. Francis
College who was born and raised
in Brooklyn, assumed the role of
president last April. In this posi-
tion, he looks after the interests of
the 4 million customers that Na-
tional Grid serves in the state of
New York, and works closely with
the communities they support.
Upon taking over as president,
the first step Daly took was going
on what he called a Listening
Tour, where he entrenched him-
self in the community to listen to
the needs of community groups
and his customers. The common
themes he found were that cus-
tomers wanted a reliable energy
system, were interested in pro-
moting sustainability, and needed
to know that whatever was done
to ensure those first two needs
wasnt an expensive proposition.
Were conscious of the fact
thatwere still in the midst of a
lingering recession, Daly said.
So everything we do, we try to do
it in a way that our customers can
afford.
According to Daly, the most re-
liable energy system that pro-
motes sustainability is natural
gas. As such, National Grid is in-
vesting $2 billion over the next
five years for energy infrastruc-
ture that will allow more cus-
tomers to convert to this more re-
liable, sustainable and cheaper
source.
In the past year, weve really
made great progress, in that
were heavily investing in new in-
frastructure, Daly said. It cre-
ates a more reliable system and
also helps to clean up the environ-
ment.
Through the process, National
Grid will work with local commu-
nity organizations to make sure
its programs are aligning with
those of its constituents, Daly
said.
One such initiative is The
Brooklyn Queens Interconnect
Project, connecting New York
City boroughs to Long Island and
enabling customers to convert
from oil to gas.
National Grid is also working
with the city to convert all its
large buildings that use heavy oil
to natural gas. Over the next few
years, Daly said the company will
convert 17 buildings in Staten Is-
land alone, making it the first
borough to have all city buildings
clean.
Daly said National Grids main
challenge is to fund these invest-
ments without having to increase
their rates, which they are able to
do by minimizing their own inter-
nal costs.
And thanks, at least in part, to
a milder winter, National Grid is
forecasting a 20 percent reduction
in customer energy bills.
A second challenge that Na-
tional Grid faces is a good one for
the company: The demand for
natural gas is steadily increasing.
Daly said theyve seen a 50 per-
cent increase in demand over the
past year, forcing the company to
stay on top of trying to meet that
Ross Spitalnick
P: 718-263-3800 x371
ross@muss.com
Nicholas Forelli
P: 718-263-3800 x307
nforelli@muss.com
MUSSDEVELOPMENT LLC
Retail Tenants First Floor Office Tenants
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DEMOGRAPHICS:
Radius 1 Mile 3 Mile 5 Mile
Population: 42,470 159,866 300,574
Households: 15,244 57,141 106,423
Median Age: 40.40 39.70 39.10
Avg. HH Income: $95,448 $94,110 $92,094
ELTINGVILLE SHOPPING CENTER
4310-4370, 4434, 4456, AMBOY ROAD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10312
One Block from Eltingville Train Station & Bus Stop on Richmond Avenue
NO. TENANT RSF
4434-1A Medical Office 4,101
4434-1B United Federation of Teachers 2,646
4434-1C Dry Cleaners 1,973
4434-1D Laundromat 2,053
4456-1A United Federation of Teachers 2,186
4456-1B Allstate Insurance Company 1,811
4456-1C Available 3,700
NO. TENANT RSF
4310 Sovereign Bank 3,615
4318 Available 6,245
4324 Subway 838
4326 China Chalet 4,000
4328 Nail Salon 821
4330 Hair Salon 955
4332 Carvel 1,158
4334 Wines & Liquor 1,691
4338 Florist 1,418
4342 Japanese Restaurant 1,428
4344 Jewelers 957
NO. TENANT RSF
4346 Cards & Gifts 1,882
4350 Pizzeria 3,355
4354 Travel Agent 1,055
4360 Furniture & Bedding 2,679
4362 Tanning Salon 1,814
4366 Alfonsos Pastry 1,910
4368 Rite Aid 10,162
4370 Perkins Restaurant 4,891
Cleaning Staten Island
ENERGY
please see ENERGY, page 15
INTERNET
NETWORKING CLUB
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18
Time: 7:00 9:00 p.m.
Location: BOC of SI/WBCLDC, 705
Forest Ave., 2nd Fl.
NETWORKING PLUS
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Time: 8:00 a.m.
Location: Golden Dove, 3281 Rich-
mond Ave.
SERVICE AUXILIARY
OF SIUH: BASKETS
GALORE AUCTION
& PASTA DINNER
THURSDAY, APRIL 19
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Crystal Room, 67 Olympia
Blvd.
MEALS ON WHEELS OF
SI: ANNUAL LUNCHEON
FRIDAY, APRIL 20
Time: 11:45 a.m.
Location: The Staaten, 697 Forest
Avenue
HISTORIC RICHMOND
TOWN: ANNUAL NYC
CHILI COOKOFF
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Time: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Historic Richmond Town,
441 Clarke Avenue
PROF. IMAGE
DEVELOPMENT AND
PERSONAL BRANDING
SATURDAY, APRIL 21
Time: 2:00 p.m.
tral Ave.
SOROPTIMIST
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STATEN ISLAND NETWORK PLUS
Tuesday, April 10th
Time: 6.30 8.30 p.m.
Location: State Farm Insurance Office
1228 Forest Avenue
For Information call: 916-992-7770
Business calendar
EVENTS
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By DR. THEODORE STRANGE
Just because National Colorec-
tal Cancer Month is over, doesnt
mean awareness is any less im-
portant the rest of the year.
Most of us get concerned about
issues when theyre in the spot-
light, but lets not put this issue
on the back burner and lose sight
of whats at stake.
Colorectal cancer is the third
most commonly diagnosed can-
cer and the third leading cause of
cancer death in men and women.
However its one of the more pre-
ventable forms of cancer through
routine screening.
The American Cancer Society
estimates that in 2012 there will
be 103,170 new cases of colon can-
cer and 40,290 new cases of rectal
cancer and about 51,690 people
will die of the disease in the Unit-
ed States.
Colon cancer can be prevented
by routine colonoscopies, which
can detect other potential issues
like polyps (grape-like growths on
the wall of the intestine) that can
potentially become cancerous, in-
flamed tissue and ulcers, divertic-
ulitis and Crohns disease. It can
also detect other abnormalities
and diagnose anything from ab-
dominal pain to bleeding.
Men and women should begin
colorectal screenings by the age
of 50. The Centers for Disease
Control recommends:
n High-sensitivity fecal occult
blood test (FOBT), which checks
for hidden blood in three consecu-
tive stool samples. This should be
done every year.
n Virtual Colonoscopy, per-
formed in low-risk patients (fami-
ly history, no obvious signs of bad
colon health.)
n Flexible sigmoidoscopy,
where physicians use a flexible,
lighted tube (sigmoidoscope) to
look at the interior walls of the
rectum and part of the colon.
This should be done every five
years.
n Colonoscopy, where physi-
cians use a flexible, lighted tube
(colonoscope) to look at the interi-
or walls of the rectum and the en-
tire colon, should be done every
10 years.
During this procedure, sam-
ples of tissue may be collected for
closer examination, or polyps
may be removed. Colonoscopies
can be used as screening tests or
as follow-up diagnostic tools
when the results of another
screening test are positive. In my
opinion the colonoscopy is the
gold standard for detection.
A frequently asked question:
does a colonoscopy hurt? No, in
most cases, patients are sedated
and rarely feel any discomfort. In
some cases, a patient may experi-
ence pressure due to air being
pumped into the colon; this al-
lows the physician to get the best
possible picture if anythings ab-
normal.
So heres what you need to
know:
n Employees: Being regularly
screened can keep you regular on
multiple fronts keeping your
health and your paycheck regu-
lar. Plus getting sick is more cost-
ly to your family than to your wal-
let. Prevention is more cost pre-
ventative than potentially spend-
ing tens of thousands in medical
expenses.
n Employers: Promoting the
importance of colon health is cru-
cial at any organization. Preven-
tion keeps employees healthy,
therefore keeping them working.
Plus, raising awareness costs
nothing.
So dont wait until next March
to care about your colon.
Theodore Strange is Staten Island
University Hospital associate chair-
man of medicine and vice president
of medical operations/South Site. He
may be reached at (718) 356-6500.
Dont wait to prevent colon cancer
HEALTH-CARE TRENDS
Toastmasters
to host Open
House on April
18 at 7 p.m.
Business Leaders Toastmas-
ters will host an Open House on
April 18 at 7 p.m. at 43 Ramona
Ave. in Annadale for those inter-
ested in learning about the Toast-
masters program and how it can
help people from all walks of life
achieve success in their business
and personal lives. Members
learn to overcome fear of public
speaking, along with listening
and leadership skills.
At the event, the club will also
be honoring its president, Mary J.
Bacheller, who was recently or-
dained a pastor. Bacheller will be
starting a new church in Princes
Bay in the near future, to be
called Hands For Christ Commu-
nity Church (a new Grace Com-
munion International Church).
Those interested in attending
may e-mail Arlene Trunzo at
cmyrealtor@aol.com.
718.351.0590
1361 North Railroad Ave
www.esbna.com
Member FDIC
Jeanne Sarno
347.592.1938
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demand.
There arent too many benefits
of a recession, Daly said, but one
is that it forces people to make
smart decisions.
Daly believes that, while were
still in the fifth year of the lin-
gering challenge to the economy,
hes starting to see some positive
signs of recovery.
Hes seen a 5 percent increase
in new building permits through-
out the city, and National Grids
customers have been able to pay
their bills more frequently, too
up to a 98.5 percent payment rate.
National Grid continues to en-
trench itself into the community
because, as Daly said, they be-
lieve its their responsibility as a
large company.
But its not all about energy.
The company has internship
and project programs and teaches
classes for young students who
they hope will one day be interest-
ed in math, science and engineer-
ing for our countrys future.
I have an obligation toen-
sure that the society of our chil-
dren is better than the society we
have today, Daly said. Our role
is to help make Staten Island the
cleanest possible borough it can
be.
Cleaner borough
ENERGY
found, then, was that a lot of Lati-
no business owners were doing
their networking off the Island,
in places that had that support
system.
We wanted to bring those Lati-
no business owners to the table
and show them we have those
same vendors here on Staten Is-
land, Mehnert said. If we can
bring that community to the
tablewe can create better re-
sources for Staten Island.
The Chamber held its first
meet-and-greet at The Manor
Restaurant on July 7 of last year.
Since that time, it has grown its
membership to 30 and is growing
rapidly.
Gomez said the Chambers
main focus is business-to-busi-
ness networking, but theyve also
created the Staten Island Hispan-
ic Chamber Outreach, a non-prof-
it organization through which
they can conduct civic and com-
munity outreach.
As part of the non-profit arm,
the Chamber will host a health
expo in Snug Harbor in the com-
ing months, as well as a Gala on
October 11 during Hispanic Her-
itage Month. Last year, the organ-
ization, in partnership with As-
semblywoman Nicole Mallio-
takis, was also able to recognize
10 local high school students of
Hispanic background who went
above and beyond in not only
academics but civic achievement,
too, said Xiomara Ayala, the
Chambers secretary.
We need to make sure that we
educate our community, not just
Latinos, but everyone, said
Gomez, the Chambers treasurer.
Through events, the Chambers
Board of Directors has been able
to connect with Latino business
owners throughout the Island
and begin to build a solid net-
work. Gomez said the Chamber
can help members become certi-
fied as a Minority & Women-
Owned Business Enterprise,
which gives the business greater
access to bid on and obtain city,
state and federal contracts.
And with the city having con-
tracts for everything except
wigs, this can be quite the valu-
able tool for business owners,
Mehnert said.
In addition, the Chamber has
resources to help educate mem-
bers on job development, busi-
ness development and health
care, which Chamber President
Angel Rosario said is often the
biggest obstacle not only to open-
ing a small business, but staying
afloat.
Networking is so key, Rosario
said. I dont want you to know
who Bob is; I want you to know
what Bob does. And I want Bob to
know what you do.
The Chamber board empha-
sizes the fact that the organiza-
tions members will dictate its
overall direction. In January, they
held a State of the Chamber
event, designed to update mem-
bers on what the Chamber has
done so far, and to set a plan for
the future.
Filling a void
CHAMBER
please see CHAMBER, page 16
A Chamber is not a Chamber
if you dont have members,
Rosario said. Were just as good
as our members.
Gomez said he is extremely
happy with what the Chamber
has accomplished so far, but he is
confident it can do even more. It
has joined the New York State
Hispanic Federation of Cham-
bers of Commerce to bring in ad-
ditional resources at the state
level, and a delegation from the
Chamber recently attended an
event in Albany to further the
reach.
We are building a network
and bringing resources back to
Staten Island, he said.
Mehnert said he is thankful for
the tremendous support the
Chamber has received from elect-
ed officials on both sides of the
political spectrum.
But the one common theme
that all the Chambers board
members can agree that theyre
most proud of is the fact that the
community has responded to
their efforts and is helping out in
a big way.
What brings this Chamber to-
gether, and what really makes us
happy, is that were volunteering
this time, Rosario said. The fact
that were taking corporate peo-
ple, taking them away from their
familiesand bringing them to
these events, says a lot about who
we are.
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CHAMBER
Get more information
On the Web: www.sihcc.org
E-mail: bgomez@sihcc.org
Phone: (718) 717-2619
Soroptimists
hosting
Ruby Awards
on April 22
On April 22, Soroptimist Inter-
national of Staten Island will host
its annual Ruby Awards lunch-
eon, honoring women who are
working to improve the lives of
women and girls. The event will
be held at noon at the Vanderbilt
at South Beach.
The 2012 Ruby Award recipi-
ents are Dr. Lina Merlino, Evelyn
Kormanik, Vivian Lynch, Edwina
Frances Martin, Barbara
OBrien, Deborah Scotto and Dr.
Donna Seminara.
The chairperson for the lunch-
eon is Joan Galestro, store man-
ager at the Tottenville branch of
TD Bank.
Funds raised at the event will
be used to support scholarship
awards and community service
organizations. Tickets are $70 per
person. For more information or
to purchase tickets, contact Jan-
ice Giacalone-Stoffers at (718) 442-
1100 or hallofframes@aol.com.
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: The Vanderbilt, 300
Father Capodanno Blvd.
ALZHEIMERS
FOUNDATION: ANNUAL
FOOD & WINE FEST
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
Time: 3:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m.
Location: The Renaissance, 2131
Hylan Blvd.
JCC: NANCY AVIS
LDOR VDOR AWARD
LUNCHEON
SUNDAY, APRIL 22
Location: Joan & Alan Bernikow
JCC, 1466 Manor Road
FRANK J. REALI III
FOUNDATION: 5TH
ANNUAL MEMORIAL
DINNER
MONDAY, APRIL 23
Location: The Staaten, 697 Forest
Avenue
CHAMBER BUSINESS
AFTER HOURS
TUESDAY, APRIL 24
Location: Casa Belvedere Italian
The Cultural Foundation, 79 Howard
Avenue
JOBS FOR YOUNG
ADULTS: POSITIONS,
EDUCATION AND
TRAINING
OPPORTUNITIES
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Time: 12:30 5:30 p.m.
tral Ave.
NEW DAY
TOASTMASTERS
THURSDAY, APRIL 26
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: SI Univ. Hosp., Seaview
Ave.
WBCLDC: SI GREEN
BUSINESS AWARDS
LUNCHEON
FRIDAY, APRIL 27
Time: 12:00 p.m.
Location: Castleton Moravian, 1657
Victory Blvd.
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Each month, STATEN ISLAND BUSINESS TRENDS is mailed to all of the
boroughs business and community leaders using a mailing list that
weve developed from a number of leading Staten Island business and
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with us, you get to communicate your message to that entire audience.
To download our current media kit, visit
www.sibiztrends.com. Or call us today to
discuss your marketing and advertising needs.
Janet Warren Dugo, Publisher
janet@sibiztrends.com
347-682-4867
Editor-In-Chief- Dan McDonough, Jr.
(dan@sibiztrends.com)
Publisher- Janet Warren Dugo
(janet@sibiztrends.com)
66 Willow Ave. | Staten Island, NY 10305
Phone 347-682-4867 | Fax 866-745-9380
www.sibiztrends.com
WEVE
GOT YOUR FUTURE CUSTOMER
Fact is, weve probably got a few hundred or thousand of your future customers.
And we could be telling them all about you every month!
Business calendar
EVENTS
Sovereign Bank Building
95l2 1hrd Avenue
rookyn, NY ll209
College of Staten Island - SBDC
2800 Vctory vd.
dg. 2A, Rm. 300
Stuten lsund, NY l03l4
NOW IN TWO LOCATIONS
Dean Balsamini Sr., Director
718.982.2560
Cernfy our 8us|ness 1oday!
Io|n the MW8L Leadersh|p Assoc|anon
- 1oo|s to market your bus|ness eecnve|y to Se|| to Gov't.
- Iree adverns|ng |n the Cn||ne D|rectory of Cernhed 8us|nesses.
- Inv|tanons to exc|us|ve events w|th C|ty buyers and pr|me contractors.
Learn About the NLW Corporate A|||ance rogram
for Women and M|nor|ty 8us|nesses.
1o kSV contact: 718-816-477S or |nfoQwestbr|ghton|dc.com
The West Brighton Community Local Development Corporation, WBCLDC, has
been named a member of the New York City Council supported 2012 M/WBE
Leadership Association. Located at 705 Forest Ave, 2nd Floor, WBCLDC, has the
tools, knowledge, and experience to get you started. For more information on
getting certified, Call us today at 718-816-4775, info@WestBrightonLDC.com or
visit www.nyc.gov/getcertified.
This program was made possible by the New York City Council
For more information on SBS M/WBE programs, please visit
www.nyc.gov/getcertified
righton Community Local Development Corporation
est
1hursday, Apr|| 19, 2012 - 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Max|m|ze our Income and Save 1owards kenrement
as a Sma|| 8us|ness Cwner or Lntrepreneur
Locanon: W8CLDC Cmce, 70S Iorest Ave, 2nd I|oor kear, SI, N 10310
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Upcom|ng Workshops
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Sponsors, ambassadors and others affiliated with the Staten Island Economic Development Corp. gath-
ered at the Hilton to announce the schedule of events for April 25 at the 14th Annual SI Economic Con-
ference, a day of networking, exhibitions and education open to the public. Pictured, from left, are Ken-
neth Daly of National Grid, Barrington Burke-Green of Visiting Nurse Association of Staten Island, Mark
Irving of Con Edison, Mike Ruiz of National Grid and SIEDC Executive Vice Chair Bob Moore.
Preparing for the SI Conference
C
o
+
;
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+
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TRAVEL
718-442-6069
www.majorstravelstatenisland.com
Sunday, April 22nd
12:004:00pm
Hilton Garden Inn
1100 South Ave. Staten Island, NY
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Whole Family
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3 nights Jewel Resort in Jamaica
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DISNEY PLAYHOUSE
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Fabulous Vacation Ideas and Opportunities
Interactive Seminars with our Travel Experts Scheduled Throughout the Expo
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Of Forest Avenue
For Information:
718-442-1139 www.notredameacademy.org
PAULA PUCCIARELLI/Special to Business Trends
Robin Meyers celebrated the grand opening of her latest business venture, Robin Michelle Event Planning
Services, with a launch party at Cafe Milano on Forest Avenue. On hand were, from left, Dil Gillani of
Gillani Homes, Ms. Meyers, Philip Guarnieri of Empire State Bank, Bill Marco of Marco Wealth Strategies
Group-First Allied Securities and Jeanne Sarno of Empire State Bank.
Grand opening celebration
By BILL DUBOVSKY
Situation
As a consultant and lecturer, I
need to present files, documents,
spreadsheets, PowerPoint presen-
tations, videos, music or photos
on the go. Its no problem from a
laptop just connect to a projec-
tor or flat panel display, use a
function key to adjust for the ex-
ternal display and youre good to
go. From an iPhone or iPad,
maybe not so easy...
Since most content is created
on a computer, iPhone and iPad
users have the extra challenge of
getting necessary files to their
mobile devices. Since Apple mo-
bile devices dont use a USB port
or have a Finder or local
browsertype program to let
you see what is stored on your
machine, it can be frustrating to
transfer your content to these mo-
bile devices and then present
them on a projector or monitor. In
this article, Ill explore just a few
samples of the numerous apps
currently available from the
Apple App Store to enable this
process.
What is it?
Since mobile devices use apps,
not traditional programs and
data files that computer users are
familiar with, each app keeps
track of its own files on your de-
vice or in the cloud. By using a
file transfer app, you can transfer
content from your computer to
your mobile device. All of the
apps listed below will work on
iPad 2 or newer but only Image
Out, Mobile Slides and Presenta-
tion will allow you to actually
project your work from an iPhone
4 (or better) to a projector or flat
screen monitor.
How it works
Probably the simplest transfer
app is arguably FileMagnet. Once
installed on both your computer
and your iPad/iPhone, you sim-
ply open (click) on the app on
your computer, then drag the files
you want to transfer to the open
app. Next, open the FileMagnet
app on your iDevice, and the files
get automatically transferred
from your computer to the device
via WiFi. When you touch the file
in FileMagnet, it opens based
upon its purpose a video, pdf,
document, spreadsheet, Power-
point Presentation, etc. While I
use this quite a bit for presenta-
tions from my iPad, the files cant
be projected from the iPhone 4.
What you need
The appropriate app for your
mobile device and its app or
transfer program for your com-
puter. You will also need either a
iPad/iPhone to VGA adapter
cable to connect your mobile de-
vice to a video projector or moni-
tor along with a mini-audio cable
if you want to play sound, or a
iPad to HDMI adapter cable
which allows you to connect di-
rectly to a flat screen TV with
sound. Both adapters are avail-
able on-line or at an Apple store.
The free app DropBox is useful
for many of the file transfers,
while other apps use files that are
emailed to your mobile device as
an attachment or downloaded
from your mobile web browser.
How to get it
Go to the Apple App Store. Try
to get free apps first to see if you
like them. Then, if they work the
way you need them to, you can
upgrade to the pro versions for
a small fee.
What we tried?
FileMagnet, Evernote, Quickof-
fice, My Computer, WirelessDISK,
Presentation, Image Out, Mobile
Slides, FileApp Pro, Notability
and others.
Findings
Comparing them is tough. Mo-
bile Slides, Image Out and Pres-
entation were able to transfer and
project from the iPhone, but were
not easy and intuitive to learn to
use. FileMagnet (small fee)
worked on both devices for trans-
fer, but only on iPad for presenta-
tion. It does a nice job on most
files (pdf, doc, xls, audio and
video) but you need to scroll
through Powerpoint slides when
presenting. My favorite app for
presenting Microsoft Office files
on the iPad is Quickoffice Pro HD
which uses DropBox to download
the files from your computer. I
have not had much luck with
FileApp Pro thus far.
Doreen M. Inserra, CPA, PC
Certified Government Financial Manager
Certified Public Accountant
Individual & Business Tax Consultant
A Professional Corporation
E-File / E-Pay Available
Member
QuickBooks Professional Advisor Program
SI Chamber of Commerce
By Appointment
718-979-5163
Presentations in your pocket
BITS & BYTES
Telecom Tech Tip of the Month
A great website for converting and downloading Youtube videos (and
web videos) is keepvid.com. You dont have to download any software
and there doesnt seem to be any catch to using it. Just cut and paste
in the URL of the video you want to download, then tell it the format
you want to save it in, and go. Within a few seconds to minutes, its on
your desktop. Give it a try!
please see BITS, page 24
By BILLY SPARKLE
They say a picture is worth a
thousand words.
I submit to you that a word is
worth a thousand pictures
If I were speaking to a group of
people and I uttered the word
boat, each person in the room
would have an image pop into
their mind of a boat. And if there
were a thousand people in that
room and I asked them to each
write a description of the boat
that just popped into their mind,
we would end up with a thousand
different descriptions of a thou-
sand different boats.
One word a thousand pic-
tures.
Why is this relevant?
For many of us, achieving our
goals especially in business re-
quires that we communicate ef-
fectively with other people. And a
key to creating effective commu-
nication is being able to recognize
where ineffective communication
is showing up just like the key to
creating clean windows is being
able to recognize where the win-
dows arent already clean.
Ill use a recent example to
demonstrate this point. I was re-
cently with a client who is new to
the commercial real estate indus-
try. I asked him about getting one
of his clients to sign an exclusive
and he responded with hesitancy.
I inquired about that at which
point he said, Well I dont want
to pressure her. Now notice, I
never asked him to pressure her.
I simply asked about having his
client sign an exclusive. Yet, when
I said the word exclusive, the
image that popped into my
clients mind was pressure.
One word does not create one
picture.
Depending on who is listening
to that one word and what their
already-existing meaning (or un-
derstanding, definition, etc.) of
that one word might be, there is a
wide range of possible images
that could be popping into their
mind as we are speaking our
words to them.
It is worth keeping this in mind
when communicating with em-
ployees, clients and prospects.
Regardless of how clearly we may
be speaking, the words we say are
not necessarily the words they
hear.
So how do we discover what
they actually heard? By taking
advantage of what one of my
mentors taught me: The meaning
shows up in the response I get. In
other words, I can tell based on
the response a person gives me
what they actually heard me say
(even if I didnt actually say it).
Too often, we fall into the trap
of not understanding another
persons response to something
we said and we end up in an inef-
fective dialogue. This teaches us
to put aside what we just said and
*listen* to the response we get to
then determine what exactly the
other person heard us say. Then,
we can use our communication to
create bridges of understanding
rather than using the rest of the
dialogue to build walls of separa-
tion.
Naturally this is a skill and,
like all skills, it can be developed
with practice, patience and perse-
verance. Heres a simple exercise
to help you practice After mak-
ing a statement to another per-
son, pause and say to them, Id
like to find out what you just
heard me say to you. Or, So that
Im clear, can you please repeat
what it is you just heard me say?
These are brilliantly effective
techniques to discover the pic-
tures that popped into the other
persons mind as they were listen-
ing to your words. Remember:
one word a thousand pictures.
And dont allow them to simply
respond with, I heard you. Get
them to actually say out loud
what they heard you say. By en-
gaging in this practice, you will
become increasingly skilled at
hearing what others are hearing
you say even if you didnt say it.
And as you become more clear on
what others are hearing, youll
experience yourself becoming
much more effective as a commu-
nicator. And given the goals
youve already set for yourself, I
believe you can imagine how
valuable this new skill will be.
Coach Billy works with highly com-
mitted men & women to produce un-
precedented results in their busi-
nesses and their lives. Learn more at
www.billysparkle.com or contact
Billy directly via e-mail at
billy@billysparkle.com.
Agent Funding & Abstract, LLC dba Mortgage Tech Home Finance Registered Mortgage Broker - NYS Banking Department
All Mortgage loans arranged with third-party providers. CORRESPONDENT MORTGAGE BANKER LICENSED BY NEW
JERSEY DEPARTMENT OF BANKING AND INSURANCE
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A thousand pictures
COACHS CORNER
Drop us a line
Bottom-line
I expect that more and easier to
use file transfer and presentation
apps will be available for mobile
devices every day at the Apple
App Store.
I remember when I first pre-
sented with an overhead projec-
tor, film strip projector, slide pro-
jector, and 16-mm film projector,
and later a VHS/DVD player and
TV on a large cart.
Soon after, notebook computers
with USB drives were the way to
go.
Now I carry all my materials
on my iPad or iPhone. Very cool.
I cant wait to see whats next!
Bill Dubovsky - Comtel Information
Services, has a proven track record
of business success spanning over
30 years in helping hundreds of or-
ganizations improve their profitabili-
ty. He is the principal technology
specialist with Comtel Information
Services, a New York based telecom-
munications consulting firm, and an
adjunct lecturer in business at the
College of Staten Island, C.U.N.Y.
Contact him at
billdubovsky@gmail.com.
Presentations
in your pocket
BITS
LAW FORUM
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Time: 10:00 a.m. 12:00 p.m.
Location: Comfort Inn, 310 Wild
Avenue
ECHO: LIFE IS AN ECHO
SATURDAY, APRIL 28
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Excelsior Grand, 2380
Hylan Blvd.
24-7
NETWORKING SALES
MONDAY, APRIL 30
Time: 9:00 a.m.
Location: Z-One Restaurant, Rich-
mond Ave.
WORLD OF WOMEN MONTHLY
MEETING
MONDAY, APRIL 30
Time: 7:00 p.m.
Location: Marina Grand, Mansion
Ave.
Business calendar
EVENTS
By TOM SCARANGELLO
Recently, the CEO of Nokia,
Stephen Elop, sent a memo to his
entire company that has become
known as the burning platform
memo.
In short, it tells the story of an
oil barge worker who awakens to
an explosion on the oil platform
he works on and he is forced to de-
cide whether to be consumed by
the flames or to jump into the icy
waters of the North Sea. He de-
cides to do something he would
never have normally done he
jumps.
The point of the story is that
the CEO believes Nokia is on a
similar burning platform. He
believes the company has slipped
in leadership in their market and
will be forced to change their be-
havior in order to survive. He
goes on to cite how the competi-
tion has gotten the best of Nokia
in many areas, and while the
company thought they were mak-
ing the right decisions, hindsight
has proven that they have lost
market share, mind share and
time.
As local small business own-
ers, I think we can relate. We all
have made business decisions
that in hindsight were mistakes.
We have all seen competitors get
the best of us at different times.
We have sometimes been our own
worst enemy, pouring gasoline on
our own burning platforms.
Awareness is the key to contin-
ued existence. We need to con-
stantly be looking toward the fu-
ture and trying to figure out how
our businesses will continue to
thrive.
We must make plans today on
how we will meet the customer
needs of tomorrow. Sounds sim-
ple enough, but it seems we spend
much of our days just putting out
small fires, surviving. The real
trick is to avoid getting to the
point where the fire is becoming
all-consuming, and we need to
take the plunge into the icy wa-
ters.
We need to look at our products
and services and really examine
whether they are meeting the
needs of our customers.
We constantly need to recruit
the best people possible, at the ex-
pense of the people they replace.
We need to examine our opera-
tion and make sure we are being
financially prudent so that we
can control overhead and deliver
the fairest price to our customers.
As a marathoner, I am fond of
the saying There is no traffic
jam on the extra mile. And, quite
frankly, as small business owners,
that is where we need to operate,
above and beyond the expecta-
tions of the consumer, and be
willing to go further than the
competition.
And we must accept that, un-
less we seek help (like is available
at the Chamber of Commerce),
we will for the most part do it
alone.
Certainly, our government
agencies and regulatory bodies
appear to be more interested in
collecting fees than assisting us
in serving our customers needs.
Todays business climate is un-
like any other, and it wont allow
us to be content. Good enough
isnt good enough anymore. Suc-
cess in our right-now economy re-
quires constant innovation,
which requires risk taking. Our
customers demand the best, and
while value is still king, price is
always an issue.
Nokia is trying to figure out
how to turn things around. And
as small business owners, there is
a lesson there.
We need to continuously im-
prove our operation in order to
meet the needs of the ever in-
creasingly demanding consumer.
Otherwise, you will wake up
one day and feel the heat at your
back with the prospect of a deep
plunge into freezing waters. If
you need help, please call the
Chamber of Commerce. They can
help.
Tom Scarangello, a principal with
Scaran Heating, Air Conditioning and
Plumbing, is chair of the Small Busi-
ness Committee of the Staten Island
Chamber of Commerce.
MUSSDEVELOPMENT LLC
Ross Spitalnick
P: 718-263-3800 x371
ross@muss.com
Nicholas Forelli
P: 718-263-3800 x307
nforelli@muss.com
Retail Tenants
NO. TENANT RSF
768 Village Maria Pizzeria 1,050
770 Chinese Restaurant 1,120
772 Dry Cleaners 1,150
778 Grocery Market 8,118
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MANOR ROAD SHOPPING CENTER
754-778 MANOR ROAD, STATEN ISLAND, NY 10314
Excellent Visibility from the SI Expressway
DEMOGRAPHICS:
Radius 1 Mile 3 Mile 5 Mile
Population: 32,964 302,319 497,982
Households: 11,635 107,001 183,295
Median Age: 40.30 37.30 37.60
Avg. HH Income: $94,759 $82,949 $80,002
NO. TENANT RSF
754 JP Morgan Chase 3,600
754A Available 1,700
756 Available 2,600
760 Liquor Store 1,025
762 Carvel 900
764 Dunkin Donuts 1,150
1140 Victory Blvd.
Tel: 718.370.3464
Fax: 718.370.3462
www.paulofinancialadvisors.com
Money Management
Retirement
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Estate Planning
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Room for 2 private offices + 2 staff.
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Includes Receptionist, Phone system, Cleaning, Maintenance,
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Shared use of waiting room & 2 conference rooms.
2 assigned off street parking spots.
Current tenants include Appraiser as well as Real Estate, Insurance,
Financial & Travel Agencies.
Contact Jon Salmon at Salmon Real Estate
(718) 273-1200 or Jon@SalmonRealEstatecom
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Professional Office Suite for Rent
If you are looking for professional office space, our location cannot be beat!
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When you take into consideration all that is included, locating your business
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Members are fully licensed and insured.
When you hire a NARI-HIC member, you can be sure they have undergone
a rigorous screening process that confirms their stability and record
of providing the absolute best in service.
To choose a contractor with confidence, visit
www.hicofsi.org
or call (718) 356-2323
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Join NARI-HIC of Staten Island
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in the Home Improvement/Remodeling Industry
S T A T E N I S L A N D
C H A P T E R
The Executive Womens Council of the SI Economic Development Corp., working with the Career Develop-
ment office at the College of Staten Island, presented a speed networking event at the college that al-
lowed students to meet and get career advice from seasoned professionals. On hand were, from left, Juli-
et Lewis of Con Edison, student Sarah Aponte, CSI Career Development Assistant Nina Long, Joan Gale-
stro of TD Bank and Xiomara Ayala of Marathon Bank.
Speed networking
Can you give us a 30,000 foot snapshot of the telecommunications industry today?
Sure. Its becoming increasingly complicated with competing technologies and lower pricing driving the
industry. Finding the right mix of reliable telecommunication and Internet service providers to give your
organization a competitive edge while reducing overall costs is a challenge to navigate. Each carrier wants
to sell you whats on his truck, potentially depriving you of better and perhaps less expensive solutions
provided by others.
So what are savvy professionals doing about it, and why should they come to you?
Our clients understand that it makes sense to consult an expert to best optimize their decision-making.
Few organizations today can afford to pay staff to just focus on new technologies and pricing, so smart
managers come to us for our network of telecom specialists. We can mix and match programs and services
from multiple carriers for the benefit of network backup and economies of scale so there is no need to
sacrifice quality for price.
What are organizations looking for in their telecommunication and Internet services
these days?
Besides saving money, organizations want reliable and flexible service and stable carriers. They realize that
just one missed call can send a potential customer to competition forever. By managing telecom costs,
they can realize higher margins or reduce pricing to gain market share. Any economies gained during
tough economic times like these will help organizations survive the short-term, and when the economy
turns around, our clients will be well-positioned to rapidly pull ahead of any remaining competitors.
Its like having your very
own telecommunications
consultant on call,
without having him
on the payroll.
What do you tell your clients before they make a purchase decision?
We assist our clients to identify which factors are most important for their success and
position products and services, from many carriers and resellers, which can best meet
their goals. As a specialist, I want my clients to be excited about the savings, service,
and hassle-free process to improve their business. If there is ever a service issue, we will
be there for them with dual-level personalized service, 24/7, to make things right.
Who are your clients and how have they done?
Since 1994, we have saved our clients in healthcare, financial/professional services,
education, non-profits and others between 10% to 60% off their telecommunications
expense line by eliminating waste and fraud, assisting them in choosing the best
technology for their needs, and identifying the right mix of services and service providers.
In a dynamically changing field of players, most clients appreciate their long-term
consultative relationship with us and we maintain a Better Business Bureau rating of A+.
Call us and discover how we can help you create and manage a more competitive telecommunications and Internet environment today.
Call or email bill@comtelinfo.com for our latest executive summary on telecommunication trends or for a complimentary consultation.
We sat down with Comtel Information Services Telecommunications Specialist Bill Dubovsky in New York
City, to discuss a new twist on how to determine telecommunication strategies. Bill shines some light on
todays telecom scene and what managers need to know to be successful.
Saving organizations money they didnt even know they were losing since 1994. Visit Comtelinfo.com or call 1.800.213.4884.

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