Archive: Business & Technology

“Thank goodness you’re here – I don’t know what else I would have done,” said one of the 1,500 taxpayers to one of the 80 volunteers at Alternatives Federal Credit Union’s Free Tax Preparation program.  Since 2002 Alternatives has hosted a VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site at the Credit Union.  Alternatives’ Free Tax Preparation Program had record volumes of taxpayers, volunteers, and tax refunds this year. 

A total of 3.5 million dollars was returned to the local community.  Volunteers logged 1,900 hours working days, evenings, and weekends to prepare over 3,060 federal and state tax returns.  In addition to the refunds, the Free Tax Preparation program helped low-income residents save over $230,000 in tax preparation fees.

From tourism to technology and everything in between, the diverse nature of the many types of businesses in Tompkins County will be on display at Showcase Tompkins, which will take place Wednesday, June 9th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Ithaca Farmers Market.

Sponsored by Black Box Computer Consulting, Showcase Tompkins offers Chamber members a unique opportunity to display their products and services in the familiar atmosphere of the Ithaca Farmers Market, a venue that encourages openness and comfortable conversation.

Panera Bread will open its bakery-cafe in Ithaca on Thursday, June 8, at 6:00am. Panera Bread is located in front of the plaza on Rt. 13 South in front of Staples and Kmart.

Offering handcrafted, freshly baked, artisan bread, Panera Bread is committed to providing quality food that people can trust. The menu is highlighted by antibiotic-free chicken, whole grain bread, and select organic and all-natural ingredients. Panera Bread also offers a variety of year-round favorites to complement seasonal items and breads baked fresh daily in each bakery-cafes.

 

Singlebrook Technology Inc. announced last Friday that it is accepting proposals to create a free, custom iPhone application for a deserving not-for-profit, social or sustainable mission-driven organization, or certified B-Corporation. Singlebrook will donate up to 50 hours of development time to create the app, as part of Singlebrook’s Sustainable iPhone App Program. The iPhone app must enhance or increase the organization or Corporation’s sustainable efforts.

Life’s So Sweet Chocolates will celebrate the opening of its newly remodeled and expanded manufacturing facility and retail store at 27 West Main Street in Trumansburg with a grand re-opening celebration on Tuesday June 8, 2010 at 10:00am.

“Our first grand opening in February 2008 was a snowy day filled with dreams of offering unique hand crafted chocolate experiences for all,” said Darlynne Overbaugh, Life’s So Sweet Owner and Chocolatier. “The dream is thriving despite the economy. With this remodeling and expansion, our location is going to be a destination for chocolate lovers in the Finger Lakes and beyond.”

WILLIAMSVILLE, N.Y.  – Tops Friendly Markets, a leading full-service grocery retailer in upstate New York and northern Pennsylvania, has been honored by the International Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) for the creation of the paper sneaker, now widely used in international JDRF fundraising campaigns.  The award was presented at the 2010 International Juvenile Diabetes Conference in Washington, D.C. 

In 1993, a Tops Markets associate designed the sneaker, and in the past 12 years of its sale, over $55 million has been raised. Tops’ 17-year corporate contribution to the JDRF campaign totals more that $6.7 million. 

Somewhere early in my mid-life journey, I found myself calling it a time of soulful excavation.  As a few years have passed, and having explored any number of converging paths toward wholeness, integrating mind, body and spirit, integrating spiritual and work life, a recurring theme has been the awareness that my body’s physical challenges are my teacher.  I can’t really call any of them illnesses per se, but I have become more and more aware that my choices regarding what I think, feel, eat, and do, deeply affect my overall well being, and most important, the quality of life I am determining into my maturity.

Considering that I plan to live to be 110, it’s imperative that I live well today to ensure that I live well for years to come!  I used to say, “I’ll take 78 good years,” but I have come to learn that I have a lot of work to do, and won’t be finished with my assignment by that time.  I need a few more years, and fully intend to live them fully!

Crossdown has long been the standard in crossword puzzle software.  Written by professional puzzle developer Sam Bellotto, Jr., the program is used to create crossword puzzles, to play them, and even to make versions you display on your Web site.  Bellotto recently released version 7 of the program, and it doesn't disappoint.

The first thing you notice is that all the functions are contained within a single window, a departure from previous versions of the program.  A simple menu is clearly labeled as to basic functions.  Clicking on an item displays a button bar with the sub-menu items, making the functions so obvious that it isn't really necessary to read the help file.

Alternatives Federal Credit Union, which conducts the bi-annual living-wage study in Tompkins County, has hired Ithaca-based ASI Renovations, a certified Living Wage Employer, to renovate a portion of its office facilities.

ASI Renovations was certified as a Living Wage Employer in 2009. It was awarded the AFCU contract through a competitive bidding process. The project began on April 26, 2010, and is scheduled to be completed on May 14, 2010.

GORGES, an experienced software and web development firm in Ithaca, NY, announced the release of a new website for Tompkins County Cooperative Extension.

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Tompkins County asked GORGES to redesign their web presence and develop a long term content management strategy. GORGES created a website that comprehensively addressed the needs of the entire organization. In order to empower the staff to contribute to and maintain the web site, the website was implemented within an extensible and easy to use content management platform.

J’s Beauty Supply will bring carefully-researched beauty products to the Ithaca area when it opens at The Shops at Ithaca Mall .  This locally-owned company prides itself on the quality, price and variety of the products it offers for hair, skin and nails. 

Customers will find hair and grooming supplies to match their needs: wigs, hair-extensions and synthetic hair pieces along with shampoos and conditioners, relaxers, flat and curling irons, dryers, dyes, protein and styling gels, polishers and repair treatments.  J’s Beauty Supply will also offer many basic nail and makeup accessories and tools.  Licensed stylists may be able to receive discounts.

----
v6i17

Auburn, New York – Unity House of Cayuga County, Inc. announced the grand opening of its new facility in Lansing Village Place, 15 Catherwood Road, Ithaca next Tuesday on May 11.

“This advantageous site will offer easy accessibility to multiple venues of interest to our consumers – the YMCA, restaurants, Pyramid Mall, and more,” said Werner. “Our new location features plenty of free parking, office suites, and is on a public bus line.”