Pete Bekisz, The Spidshed Group

Hi there, we’re The Spidshed Group. We’re a small, Rochester, N.Y.-based company that specializes in painlessly simple Internet marketing for small businesses. That means we build Web sites, fix ones that already exist, create graphics, run online ad campaigns, and do just about everything in between.

Our story, told using Eric Clapton song titles. Why? Because we’re just clever like that.

We work with small business owners who either Don’t Know Why their current online presence isn’t bringing in any business, or they’re Sick and Tired of not having anything about their business on the Internet. Our clients are bright people who are the best at what they do, but for most of them, the mere thought of mastering all the geeky stuff needed to bring their business online makes them want to start Cryin’.

That’s where we come in. We know online marketing can be a Beautiful Thing for small businesses, and we’re experts at making it painless. Whether you need a new website or just a Spoonful of help keeping it updated, we’ve got your back. No matter what you’re Dreaming up for your business, we can help make it happen.

If you think you’d like to work with us, just drop us a line. You can even give us a call, just make sure it’s not After Midnight.

For more information visit www.spidshedgroup.com or email Pete Bekisz.

Edward Jones Announces New Financial Advisor for Penfield

The financial services firm Edward Jones has hired Leslie Morgan as the new financial advisor for Penfield at 250 & 441 branch office located at 2160 Penfield Rd, Penfield, NY 14526.

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliates, in Canada and the United Kingdom. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 10,000-plus financial advisors work directly with more than 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. Edward Jones embraces the importance of building long-term, face-to-face relationships with clients, helping them to understand and make sense of the investment options available today.

Edward Jones, which ranked No. 2 on FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For 2009," is headquartered in St. Louis. The Edward Jones interactive Web site is located at www.edwardjones.com, and its recruiting Web site is www.careers.edwardjones.com. Member SIPC.

Please join us for our open house Thursday, May 28th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm at Parkside Commons at 250 & 441.

Connecting Rochester

Spiritus Media Group is committed to helping people and businesses connect, collaborate and grow - through specialty print products and website solutions.

CONNECTING ROCHESTER, a new monthly business magazine, is a Spiritus Media Group Inc. publication. This effort is our first attempt to bring local business owners and entrepreneurs the information and inspiration to succeed in this challenging economic environment.

We are also proud to be an authorized reseller for SiteBrandBuilder, a new product developed locally, that offers powerful website solutions that support next generation web technologies in creating an efficient, effective, affordable interactive online experience for businesses and their customers.

Our intention at Spiritus Media Group is to seek out unique partnership opportunities in the Greater Rochester area while promoting a collaborative approach to business.

For more information visit www.connectingrochester.com.

Ipod Shuffle Promotion Featured at Fairport Savings Bank

Locally owned and operated Fairport Savings Bank is giving away free Ipod Shuffles from April 27 – August 1, 2009.  By simply opening a new checking account with active direct deposit, customers will receive Apple’s popular Ipod which gives you music on the go.

“Our Positively Free checking accounts offer a free checking solution to fit customers needs, as well as paying a competitive rate of interest,” said Leslie Zornow, Fairport Savings Bank Senior Vice President of Retail Banking.  “Add a free Ipod and you’ve got an unbeatable deal.”

Fairport Savings Bank has been serving the Rochester community for more than 120 years and is one of the last locally owned community banks in our region.  The Penfield Branch is located at 2163 Rt. 250, next to Target.  For more information, contact Penfield Branch Manager, Cheryl Gregory, at 377-8970.

Joe Martillotta Joins Fairport Savings Bank

Joe Martillotta has recently joined Fairport Savings Bank as a Mortgage Specialist.  Martillotta, who has many years of experience in the mortgage originations and real estate industry, was hired to help customers find the best mortgage solution for their needs and guide them through the application process.

Prior to joining Fairport Savings Bank, Martillotta worked for Albion Savings Bank as well as holding a realtor’s license.  He has also worked as a high school teacher in Albion.

“With rates at historic lows, this is a great time to think about refinancing or purchasing a new home,” said Martillotta.  “I am available to meet with customers when and where its convenient for them and talk about the best options in home financing for their personal situation.

To contact Joe Martillotta, call 590-7181 or e-mail him at jmartillotta@yahoo.com.

Parkside Commons Starbucks Closing

As many of you may have heard the Parkside Commons Starbucks at 2164 Penfield Road in Penfield, NY at the intersection of 250 and 441 will go dark and close forever on May 8, 2009. On May 7, 2008 from 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm we will be hosting a Customer Appreciation Celebration for our friends and customers.  Please bring your friends and come celebrate this very short year at Parkside Commons with us. We will be featuring beverages, refreshments and live music.

Carpet and Upholstery Cleaning Spring Specials

Jim Baker, Co-owner of Quick Dry Carpet Care is offering the following Spring Specials to PBA Members:

Residential Specials
Clean 4 areas and save $20! Clean 8 areas save $50! (Cleaning includes: deep vacuuming, pre-treat, deodorizing, & soil retardant) (An area = 200 sq. ft. or less)

Upholstery Cleaning: 10% off!

Dust Mite Cleaning: 10% off any size Mattress!
(2 mattress minimum on doubles & singles)

Pet Owner Special
Free pet deodorizing if you have 3 or more areas cleaned. $50-$75 value depending on how severe the pet problems are. Not to be combined with other offers

Commercial Special
Get 500 sq. ft. cleaned free when you have 1500 sq. ft. or more cleaned. $165 value.

Call Quick Dry Carpet Careat (585) 482-3896 for your free estimate. Or visit them online at www.quickdrycarpetcare.com.

PBA Member Jeff Chapman of Penfield Financial Group Seeking Help

Jeff is the chairman of the Annual School of the Holy Childhood Golf Tournament taking place June 15th at Midvale Country Club. He would appreciate the support of fellow Penfield businesses for this unique agency. Sponsorships are available ranging from $100 and up and will support their programs for children and adults will developmental disabilities.

You can also consider making a merchandise or gift certificate donation for the event raffle that can promote your business. Learn more at www.holychildhood.org or contact Jeff at mail.penfieldfinancialgroup.com.

PBA Members Kiwanis Club of Penfield-Perinton Seeking Help

They are holding their 21st Annual Charity Golf Tournament benefiting local Kiwanis Charities on Monday, June 22 at Shadow Lake Golf Club. Several levels of sponsorship are available ranging from $100 to $3000. Golfers are invited to participate or if you are interested in just attending dinner, that is available also. For more information please contact Chairpersons: Ed Bouwmeester (288-5008) or Robert Calabrese (746-2500). All reservations with payment must be received by June 8, 2009.

PBA Member Kevin Steklof Seeking Help

Kevin is seeking your support for the Annual Operation Higher Learning First Annual Golf Tournament taking place Friday, July 10th at Shadow Lake Golf Course. Entry Fee Starts at $400 per team. Includes 18 holes, golf cart, special dinner, auction, and awards ceremony with NBA Legend Jo Jo White. All proceeds from this charitable event will be donated to the Les Harrison Character Education Camp! For more information, contact Kevin at 244-4570.

Steklof to Complete Term of Retiring Town Clerk

Penfield Supervisor George Wiedemer and the Town Board have chosen Amy Rosenbaum Steklof to complete the term of retiring Town Clerk Cassie Williams. Williams will retire effective June 30, 2009; her term expires December 31, 2009. After an extensive interview process, the Town Board selected Steklof, a Penfield native with experience in education, administration, records management, and community and public service, to fill the open position. As Town Clerk, Steklof will further a family-wide commitment to public service. Her father, Richard Rosenbaum, is a retired New York State Supreme Court Justice and author. Steklof is also the sister of Matthew Rosenbaum, past Penfield Town Councilman and current New York State Supreme Court Justice. Ms. Steklof will run for election in November 2009 to continue in the role of Town Clerk. The Town Clerk's term is four years.

"As a lifelong Penfield resident and graduate of Penfield schools, I welcome this opportunity to give back to the community," said Steklof. "As Town Clerk, I will look into extended hours to make business transactions with the Town more convenient for families. I would also like to investigate the benefits of developing E-business options to determine if online transactions make sense for the Town and taxpayers."

Supervisor George C. Wiedemer says, "Ms. Steklof's experience with records management, administration and community involvement will serve residents well. Her interest in extending Town Clerk business hours is consistent with the Town's commitment to excellent customer service."

Ms. Steklof and her husband, Kevin Steklof, financial adviser and president of Steklof and Co. Insurance Agency, Inc., live in Penfield. They are the parents of three children who have attended Penfield schools.

Ms. Steklof will assume the Town Clerk position effective July 1, 2009.

The Member-to-Member Discount Program has been revitalized for 2009. All members are encouraged to develop some type of discount, coupon, or incentive for fellow members to encourage solicitation of each other's businesses.

Businesses who offer member to member discounts will be given recognition in each monthly e-newsletter and at all PBA sponsored events. Additionally we will soon be issuing new signs for you to proudly display in your store.

More details can be found on the Member to Member Discount Program page located on the PBA website. Please contact us for more information or if you would like to participate in this program. If you are interested in taking advantage of any of these incentives, be prepared to show your membership card at the participating businesses.

Time Management Strategies For Your Business
Thursday, May 7th, 7:30 - 9:00 am
Legacy at Willow Pond, 40 Willow Pond Way

Mary Anne Shew of Business Vitality will speak on effective time management. Hot breakfast will be served.

Members: $9, Non-Members: $12
Member Discount: Members who bring a non-member guest will be charged $5 and their guest will be charged the Member price of $9.

*Be sure to bring your business cards and promotional materials.

For More Information and to RSVP, Please Contact:
Lynne Crawford.

Sponsored by: Fairport Savings Bank.

Showcase Your Business - Become An Event Corporate Sponsor

Looking for a more personal way to connect with potential customers and business partners? As a corporate sponsor at one of the PBA’s several events you will have the opportunity to broaden your business relationships and gain greater visibility for your product or service.

As a corporate sponsor, your company will receive a variety of benefits
such as:

The following events are available for corporate sponsorship. Please contact Diane Thresh to reserve your spot. Fee for sponsorship is $250. Only one sponsor will be selected for each event. Please contact Diane Thresh at dthresh@mosaicmktg.com or 746-6758 if you are interested.

May 7: Time Management Strategies (Sponsorship Filled)
Speaker: Mary Anne Shew of Business Vitality
7:30am-9:00am (Breakfast provided)

July 4: Independence Day Parade
Sponsor will be recognized in all PBA promotion and correspondence regarding the float. Business name/logo will appear on both sides of the float for maximum visibility. Four sponsorships are available.

September 2: Developing an Annual Business Plan (Sponsorship Filled)
Lunch Event

November: Penfield Economic Development Updates
Evening Event

December: PBA Holiday Party
Evening Event.

Last Call for Sponsors for the PBA Independence Day Parade Float

Sponsors will be recognized in all PBA promotion and correspondence regarding the float. Business names/logos will appear on both sides of the float for maximum visibility. Four sponsorships are available. We need two more sponsors at $250 each! Please let us know if you would also like to volunteer to help build the float.

Speed Networking for your Business!

Our premier Speed Networking event held on April 23rd at Mud About You had a nice turnout and a great response. Participants moved in a circle and spent 6 minutes sharing introductions with another member. The organized facilitation of the meeting by Board Member Jeff Insero allowed for effortless networking. This event will definitely be on the calendar for 2010.

PBA Board Requests Your Feedback to Help Improve Our Association!

Periodically, we request your feedback to help shape the PBA into an association that better serves you, your business, and your fellow PBA members. At your earliest convenience, please mail or email your responses to the following questions:

Thank you in advance for your participation and feedback.

PBA Going GREEN, But We Need Your Response!

Why waste your valuable membership dues on unnecessary paper mailings? If you are happy with receiving communication from us through email and this e-newsletter, then send us an email right now and give us permission to remove you from our snail-mail mailing list. This will not only prevent duplicate communication efforts but will also help streamline our annual operating costs. EMAIL US NOW!

Penfield Counts Down to Bicentennial

The Town of Penfield turned the calendar on 199 years Monday, March 30, thus beginning the countdown to a historic year for the town, the 2010 Bicentennial celebration.

Town councilwoman Linda Kohl has been closely involved with the planning process. "We have been looking forward to the Town's Bicentennial for several years now," says Kohl. "It's exciting to see all of the different parts of the community come together to work on planning this historic year of celebration."

Preparations and planning for Penfield's Bicentennial year have been in the works since 2008, when a steering committee was formed, made up of town staff and community leaders, to oversee the planning. Subcommittees to focus on specific tasks including events planning, fundraising, communications, publications, and the Bicentennial Ball have now also taken shape.

These subcommittees are in need of community volunteers, as well as the cooperation of local groups and organizations. All Penfield residents, businesses, school, clubs, and organizations are welcome and encouraged to participate in this historic year. The opportunities for involvement range from volunteering on a planning committee or organizing your own group event, to simply patronizing a business sponsor.

Clubs, organizations, churches, and non-profits are invited to submit any events they are planning for 2010 to be included in the Bicentennial calendar. This calendar will be printed and mass-distributed throughout Penfield, and it will also be available on the Town of Penfield website. A form for submission of events is available at www.penfield.org. Event submissions may also be emailed to srenner@penfield.org, or dropped off at Penfield Recreation (1985 Baird Rd.) or Penfield Town Hall (3100 Atlantic Avenue.)

Penfield will enhance its annual events in 2010 to include the Bicentennial theme "Generations Strong", and asks that Penfield groups and organizations do the same. 2010 in Penfield is shaping up to be a year to celebrate the people of Penfield and the strong ties that are interwoven throughout the community.

Bicentennial Banners Give Added Visibility to Your Business EVERY DAY in 2010

The PBA is helping to coordinate the promotion of special bicentennial banners that will hang throughout Penfield for all of 2010. This is a great way for our members to add their support to the bicentennial celebration and to have their business name seen by thousands of people traveling to and through Penfield.

Here is a breakdown of the banners available for purchase. In addition to your two-sided banner hanging at the location you chose, this cost also includes one FREE 16” x 46” two-sided banner for you to display in your place of business. Banners will be sold on a first come, first serve basis so if you are interested, please email Diane Thresh (dthresh@mosaicmktg.com) right away. We think these will go fast!

16” x 46” Banners = $300 each banner
22 banners are available at the intersection of Rt. 250 and Rt. 441
10 banners are available at Penfield’s Four Corners

30” x 80” Banners = $400 each banner
4 banners are available at the intersection of Rt. 250 and Rt. 441
4 banners are available at Penfield’s Four Corners
4 banners are available at the intersection of Bay and Empire
10 banners are available on Empire Boulevard
2 banners are available at the intersection of Blossom, Creek and Browncroft

Business names only (white printing). Company logos cannot be included. Payments are due September 30, 2009.

Call for Historic Photos of Penfield

The Penfield Bicentennial Steering Committee requests organizations, service clubs, churches, schools to submit photographs from the past or present to be included in the archives of the Town of Penfield and potentially printed in the Bicentennial Commemorative Book, currently being planned.

If your organization has any photographs that you wish to submit, please contact Town Historian and Bicentennial Steering Committee member Kathy Kanauer at Kanauer@penfield.org or 340-8740. For further questions, please contact Bicentennial Committee Chair Linda Kohl at kohl@penfield.org.

LWRP Public Info Meeting May 11

The public is invited to an informational meeting about the update of the Town of Penfield's Local Waterfront Revitalization Program. The meeting will be held on Monday, May 11 at 7:00 pm at the Penfield Town Hall, 3100 Atlantic Avenue.

The Local Waterfront Revitalization Program (LWRP) is an initiative of the NYS Department of State's Office of Coastal, Local Government and Community Sustainability. It is viewed as a cornerstone of local waterfront planning efforts. Through financial and technical assistance to local municipalities, the Program offers communities the opportunity to enhance and control the use of their waterfront resources. At the May 11 meeting, the public will able to comment on the completeness and accuracy of the draft LWRP boundaries and inventory. Public input will also be sought about issues and opportunities regarding Penfield waterfront areas.

Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Needs New Volunteers

YOU can make a difference in someone's life...

The Penfield Volunteer Ambulance provides service 24 hours a day which allows for flexibility in scheduling. Volunteering at the Penfield Ambulance is perfect for anyone. Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance Needs New Volunteers. The are seeking Drivers, Medics, and Dispatchers.

• No Medical Experience Required
• We Provide Your Training
• YOU Provide Your Time
  

For more information, contact:
Penfield Volunteer Emergency Ambulance, Phone: 585-872-6060.

Penfield Players Present
"Evil Doings in Queen Toot's Tomb"
By Billy St. John
May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 8:00 pm
Penfield Community Center

Penfield Players will present their spring melodrama "Evil Doings in Queen Toot's Tomb" by Billy St. John on May 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 & 16 at 8:00 pm at Penfield Community Center.

When Professor Artie Facts' expedition unseals the burial chamber of Queen Tootsiwootsi, comedic chaos ensues as the intrepid archeologist and his band of adventurers battle a mysterious Egyptian princess and a thousand year old curse. Cheer the hero! Boo the villain! Throw popcorn! You'll be wrapped up in laughter!

Tickets are $12 and may be purchased at the Penfield Recreation office in person or by calling 340-8655 with Visa, MasterCard or Discover (no refunds or exchanges please). Tickets will also be available at all Wegman's "That's T..H.E Ticket!" locations. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended.

Check out the Penfield Players website at www.penfieldplayers.org for available for available dinner discounts.

For More Information, Please Contact:
Recreation Department at 340-8655.

Penfield High School Class of 2009 Seeking Donations

The Penfield High School Class of 2009 is asking area businesses for donations to help support their Senior Bash being held at the Penfield YMCA on June 6th. They are looking for donations that can be used for door prizes at the event or a monetary donation to help support their activities that evening. They plan to put a lot of nice prizes and ‘goodie bags’ together for the seniors as they go off to college and other opportunities. Any help would be appreciated.

To make a donation, please contact Kathy Olson (parent of a senior student) at kathleen.olson@kodak.com.

REMINDER - Spring Drop-off and Hazardous Waste
May 11th - May 16th

Spring cleaning? Mark your calendar for Penfield's 2009 Spring Drop-off Monday, May 11 through Saturday May 16 at the Penfield Highway Garage. Hours: Monday through Friday are 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM pm and Saturday 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. You may dispose of household items including furniture, appliances (including refrigerators, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, air conditioners), lawn mowers (fluids drained), car tires (limit 4 per resident), vehicle batteries, home computers, broken concrete, and brush. Common sense appreciated. You may not dispose of propane tanks, grass clippings, leaves, chemical drums, hazardous materials, gasoline, motor oil, paint, driveway sealer or any motorized vehicle. The Highway Garage is located at 1607 Jackson Road. Call 340-8710 with questions.

Check out our Community Calendar!
Please visit the PBA website to view a complete list of Penfield events.

My Encounter With Prunes Will Probably Make You More Money
by Pete Bekisz, The Spidshed Group

I went to Wegmans the other day. Yes, I know, I lead a terribly exciting life. I was somewhere in the middle of the produce section fighting with my cart—because I always end up getting the cart with the possessed front wheel—when I noticed a package of prunes proudly proclaiming to the world that its contents were high in antioxidants.

I’ve heard of antioxidants. You’ve heard of antioxidants. I’m sure I eat lots of antioxidants during the day, but, well, I have absolutely no idea what they do.
I did a little research when I got home and learned anti-oxidants stop oxidation, which is the scientific name for the reason bananas turn black and metal rusts.
I don’t particularly like prunes, but if the package said something like “high in antioxidants, which stops oxidation, which turns bananas black. If you don’t want this to happen to your insides, eat these now,” I’d probably become a prune connoisseur.

The Moral of the Story
Anytime you talk about a feature (high in antioxidants), you need to explain its benefit (stops your insides from turning black or something). Look through all your marketing materials and read every page on your website. If there’s something in there the average person would read and then think “uh, so what,” whatever you’re reading is more than likely useless.

Why? Because people don’t buy things they don’t understand. If you’re doubting that, find out how many Blackberries (the phone, not the fruit) are purchased by the 65+ demographic everyday.

*Pete Bekisz has over 10 years experience writing, designing and programming for the Web. He’s the principal at The Spidshed Group, a Penfield-based company that caters to building affordable websites for very small businesses. To learn more, visit www.spidshedgroup.com.

Investing Lessons from the Vineyards
by PBA Director Curt Regruit, Edward Jones

As an investor, you can get plenty of advice from financial experts on the evening news or cable financial shows. But you may actually be able to learn some deeper truths about investing by
observing other professionals — such as winemakers.

At first glance, you might not see what these “guardians of the grape” can teach you about building an investment portfolio. After all, they’re shaping Sangiovese while you’re seeking stocks, they’re bottling Burgundy while you’re buying bonds, and they’re mastering Malbec while you’re monitoring mutual funds. Where’s the connection?

Start by considering the life cycle of wine and the concept of “vintage.” For example, a particular wine is labeled a 2005 vintage if it is made from grapes that were predominantly grown and harvested in 2005. Yet given the
requirements of wine production, this 2005 vintage may not actually hit the
markets until 2008 — and some aficionados may think the wine won’t taste its best until 2018.

If you translated this type of scenario to the financial world, you could say that the 2008 investment “vintage” was not promising, given that the value of almost all investments — even the quality ones — fell last year. But if you were to hold these quality investments for the long term — as you should, because investing is a long-term activity — you might find that the 2008 vintage investments may eventually
become productive vehicles that can help you achieve your financial goals.

So, what lessons can you learn from winemakers? Here are a few suggestions:

• Be patient. Winemakers put a lot of time, effort and money into planting today’s grapes — for which they will not see one penny of profit for many years. Yet they have the discipline to wait patiently until the products of their labors come to fruition. Are all their wines successful? No — and all your investments may not be, either. But given enough time, quality investments can usually help you work toward your financial goals.

• Have faith in your strategy. Wine drinkers’ tastes can change from year to year. Yet winemakers don’t rip out their vineyards and replant them with today’s “hot” varietal. Instead, they cultivate the grapes they’ve planted, make the best wine they can and maintain their belief that their products will find a market. As an investor, you can’t allow yourself to be swayed by today’s hot tips and trends. Instead, build a portfolio of quality investments that can stand the test of time.

• Adapt your goals to your situation. One of the most famous winemaking regions in the world, Napa Valley, contains a number of microclimates that vary by temperature, rainfall and soil. Napa Valley winemakers know which grapes will do best in which microclimate, and they concentrate their efforts accordingly. And you, as an individual investor, should make your investment decisions based on your own
“microclimate” — your risk tolerance, family situation, time horizon and other factors. In other words, you should choose those investments that are best suited for you and that have the best chance to help you meet your goals.

Investing, like winemaking, is filled with challenges. But by observing how winemakers work, you may learn some things that can eventually help you raise a glass to your own success.

*Edward Jones does not offer tax or legal advice. Consult with a competent tax or legal advisor about your specific situation.

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