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Cover Story

Pellet power

By BRYAN F. YURCAN

In his younger days, Jim Badami worked with his father at the family’s “reuse business,” selling used packaging to the farmers in Ulster County to store their produce.

The two would refurbish the wire-bound wooden boxes that grocery stores used to store and package produce.

Then, from the mid-1970s into the 1990s, wax cardboard boxes became the popular choice for packing produce.

Top Stories

Coalition aims to take stigma out of ‘affordable housing’
By KATHY KAHN

Tony Figueroa knows how to deal with the working poor.

But for those in the middle, there is nothing he can do for them.

Figueroa knows firsthand; his son moved to Arizona where the cost of living allowed him to buy a house.

Bill would give farmers more room to grow sales
By BRYAN F. YURCAN

Farmers in New York state may soon have more options to sell their products directly to consumers.

Local shoppers the backbone of Water Street Market
BY KATHY KAHN

A former lumberyard transformed into a mix of retail and restaurants will soon be celebrating its 10th anniversary. The family-friendly shopping area has something for everyone, and you couldn’t ask for better scenic views; the Shawangunks and Mohonk’s tower form the backdrop for this eclectic alley at the foot of New Paltz’s busy main street. And at a time when small businesses face fierce competition from national chain stores, Water Street Market (www.waterstreetmarket.com) shopkeepers say local support has helped keep their doors open.

Harriman trade awards

In recognition of outstanding international performance by Hudson Valley companies

Nominations are now being accepted for the 12th annual Averell Harriman International Trade Awards. The Harriman awards highlight significant Hudson Valley businesses that have contributed to the economic vitality of the seven-county region on an international level.

Trade show draws crowd of builders and consumers
BY KATHY KAHN

This year’s annual trade show, hosted by the Builders Association of the Hudson Valley (BAHV) (www.hvbuilder.com), was packed to the rafters not only meeting organizers’ expectations, but also exceeding them.

Cold Spring chamber gears up for annual awards
Organization to give Award of Excellence to Guinan’s Pub owners
By BOB CHUVALA

The annual Cold Spring Area Chamber of Commerce awards dinner will have a full agenda again this year, presenting its service awards to retiring board members, its Innovation in Business Award to the nonprofit or business that drives traffic to the community, and the Katie O’Donnell Award of Excellence to the Guinan family of Garrison.

SBA reports record lending

The U.S. Small Business Administration made a record number of export loans in 2006, surpassing the $1 billion mark for the first time in the history of the program, the agency said.

Frontier launches integrated phone service for OC customers
BY KATHY KAHN

Frontier Communications (www.frontiernet.net) is offering a new service -- Frontier1 -- designed to combine home phone lines with cell phones. Customers will be able to use one number and one integrated voice mail box for both the home and cell phone numbers without giving up either number.