The Peru Gazette

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Assemblyman Billy Jones (D-Plattsburgh) announced that he helped secure $275,000 to support the North Country Chamber of Commerce in the 2021-22 state budget.

“The North Country Chamber of Commerce is a critical resource not only for our local communities but for all of New York State,” Jones said. “The organization and its dedicated staff have spearheaded trade efforts and initiatives with our neighbors in Canada that benefit our state’s economy and help bolster the ever-expanding technological and manufacturing industries here in the North Country. This essential funding will support the chamber’s endeavors to boost development in our region and beyond and help our communities thrive. Further, it helps our efforts to create and sustain good-paying jobs right here in the North Country.”

“Two of the most strategically important matters for our area are the Quebec-New York relationship and related cross border investment and supporting our region’s large and growing cluster of transportation equipment and aerospace companies,” says Garry Douglas, President of the North Country Chamber of Commerce. “All of our work in both of these areas is made possible through the continued support of Assemblyman Billy Jones. We simply would not be able to do what we do without the funding support he continues to secure for us. And our cross-border connections and the growth of manufacturing are more crucial than ever in the coming year as we emerge from the pandemic and pursue the new opportunities that are out there. Our thanks to Assemblyman Jones for his support and confidence and for the leadership role he plays in Albany in all things related to our connections with Canada and to transportation equipment production in New York. Onward and upward!”

Jones secured $200,000 in the state budget to help the North Country Chamber of Commerce continue its mission of increasing economic development, supporting businesses and fostering the Quebec-New York relationship. Jones also helped to secure $75,0000 to help support the North Country Chamber of Commerce On The Job Training Program which works with employers to define an on the job training program appropriate to each job’s requirements, helps to match an unemployed person for the position, oversees implementation and then provides compensation to the employer upon successful completion with continued employment. For 25 years, the chamber has taken the lead in New York’s economic relationship with Quebec and facilitated foreign investment, particularly in manufacturing. Additionally, the North Country Chamber of Commerce helped develop the growing cluster of more than 50 transportation equipment and aerospace manufacturers in the region, which employ thousands of New Yorkers.

Source: Vermont and New York total solar eclipse in 2024: Looking ahead

 April 8, 2021 – Just last week, 2,850 Partners received their 2020 Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) statements. Their accounts received approximately 20% growth and a $19 million contribution, which is about 19% of their 2020 pay. Stewart’s Shops employees now own over 40% of the company through profit sharing.

There are now 105 Partners with a balance of over $1 million and nearly a third of these millionaires are still actively working. This is possible because of Stewart’s stability, enabling years of double-digit percent of pay contributions, plus double-digit growth of balances each year.

Stewart’s Shops also shares with the communities and customers it serves, proudly donating $7.5 million in contributions to nonprofits each year.  In 2020, the company donated an additional $1 million in Covid relief to those in need.

Mary Lou Saxton is one of these lucky millionaires. She’s a 29-year employee and is the Manager of the Print Shop. She plans on retiring next year and says, “I feel honored to be an Owner with Stewart’s!  I began my career as an hourly employee and moved to managing the Print Shop fairly quickly. My ESOP continued to grow with me; I am fortunate enough to be able to retire at 60 next year after 30 years with $1 million plus in my account. The stability of Stewart’s as a company will ensure that I have a comfortable retirement for the rest of my life.”

By SHARING between employees and shops, it allows for a more profitable and pleasant atmosphere. This control allows for more efficiency and creates greater profitability, making large ESOP contributions and generous community donations possible.

“We are very grateful to not only be in a position to share with our Partners with stable employment, benefits, and a generous ESOP contribution, but to continue sharing with our communities via Covid relief and charitable giving. 2020 was an unprecedented year, and we thank our Partners for their unwavering dedication,” says Stewart’s Shops president Gary Dake.

The ESOP program is 100 percent funded by the company for anyone working at least 1000 hours a year. After six years in the plan, a Partner’s balance is usually greater than a year’s pay. Stewart’s Shops currently has positions available at its shops, plant, and corporate office. Visit their careers page for more information.

Founded in 1945, Stewart’s Shops is an employee and family-owned convenience store chain based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Stewart’s is known for offering milk, ice cream, coffee, food to go, gasoline, and other convenience items. Today there are more than 345 Stewart’s Shops located in 31 counties across upstate New York and southern Vermont.

The Peru CSD Board of Education will hold its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, April 13, 2021 at 6:00 PM in the High School Cafeteria.  As part of the meeting, the Board will conduct their fifth 21-22 budget workshop, along with public hearings on the Code of Conduct and the Districtwide Safety Plan.  It is anticipated that an executive session will take place immediately following the 6:00 PM start and that the Board will reconvene for public session business at approximately 7:00 PM.  The public may view the meeting live via Zoom at https://E2CCB-GST.zoom.us/j/95591983819.  The meeting will also be recorded and will be available on the District’s website at www.perucsd.org.

The meeting will include a public comment period not to exceed twenty (20) minutes.  Individuals who wish to express comments should do so from the podium microphone and should register on the speaker sign-in sheet provided via clipboard in advance of the meeting’s start.  Comments may also be emailed to perucomments@perucsd.org.  Online public comments may be submitted until 12:00 noon on April 13^th.  Comments will be read in the order received and will be limited to two (2) minutes per speaker/sender.

The meeting is open to the public and all current COVID-19 safety procedures and protocols will be followed.

The agenda will be available on the District’s website.

Source: Mobile sports betting has come to New York. But is anybody happy with the plan? – syracuse.com

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Located on the front lawn of the hospital, the Circle of Healing & Hope provides a place for people to find solace and comfort in an outdoor setting. The Circle and its winding paths are filled with granite pavers honoring loved ones and commemorating life.

Pavers are installed once a year and honored each summer at our annual Remembrance Ceremony. If you have a paver that you would like to order for this year, please turn in your information by April 30. Order forms can be found online, in the Foundation Office or call (518) 562-7169 and one will be mailed to you.

We are hoping to be able to hold our Remembrance Ceremony in person this year and will share a date as soon as we can.

Source: New York business groups criticize corporate tax surcharge in new state budget – syracuse.com

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