By Willow Baum
The Sullivan County Partnership for Economic Development recently welcomed six new Board members. Elected by a membership vote, new Directors include Abhay Jain, Kevin McLaren, Tammy Mangus, Larry Wolinsky, Michael Zalkin and John Brust. Re-elected to the Board of Directors members are John Conway and Gary Silver.
Abhay Jain, 32
Project Manager & Owners Rep, Yo1 Wellness Center
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
I came here for the job in hand. I am creating history here as this is the first place I’ve lived after marrying, and our son is born here.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I was honored to have been proposed to run.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
I believe that being from a completely different background I shall bring fresh perspective and objectives.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Accessibility, natural beauty and lots of unexplored potential.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
Improving on soft aspects like better schools, better residential societies with recreational parks and other facilities, will make it easier for businesses to hire people.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
Driving around. The roads are fun to drive with lot of visual delights.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
That’s a tough one!!!!
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Dependable.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
“To learn something new every day.”
The Sullivan County Partnership provides the platform for new and learning experiences.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
It will be one of the most sought-after tourism destination in upstate New York.
Michael Zalkin, 62
Businessperson & Investor
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
Born and raised in Woodridge, I grew up in the resort business. Both sides of my family had Catskill Mountain hotels, started by my Eastern European Jewish grandparents who came to the Catskills in the 1930s. After college and graduate study, stints in Central America and the American Midwest, I returned to my roots in 1990 to take over our family camping resort. I came back to the area because of the economic opportunity our family business offered, and because the beauty and diversity of the area was a positive environment in which to raise our children.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I have always felt it important to contribute to my community. I served twelve years on the Fallsburg School Board, including four years as board president, and serve various business organizations. I hope my education and business background, being born and raised in Sullivan County, and my desire to help current and future businesses, can serve others. Being genuinely interested in what is going on in the county, the board is a good way to stay in touch with local development at a very exciting time.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
Sullivan County-born and raised, I have a native understanding of our area. I completed a BA, MA and Ph.D in economics, and taught in higher education. I traveled extensively in Latin America and Europe, and speak Spanish fluently and Portuguese conversationally. I grew and operated a successful small local business. All this gives me skills to understand local business and education, and the diverse character of our population and business community.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Dense forests and natural areas make Sullivan County beautiful and unlike any space between us and New York City. Our lack of development for half a century, so long a detriment, allows us to be more of an open canvas. Strong catalysts such as the new casino, spa, and Bethel Woods, may create a fertile ground for many new businesses which will have little competition to start.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
We need additional quality, multi-family housing complexes, to house new employees. While some potential employee training has begun for the casino, we need to encourage our community college to develop strong employee training programs for new employers and local resident employment needs. At the Partnership, we must continue to strongly facilitate the process of attracting quality businesses to our county. We must improve our local schools to draw new residents. Finally, we must convince our county residents that we are open for business, and that all visitors are welcome to our home.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
I love hiking the Catskill peaks and walking the woods, visiting local restaurants where I’m treated like family, playing and listening to music at open mic nights. And of course I enjoy going to Bethel Woods as often as possible.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
That supporting some of the weakest among us is actually better for our society and businesses. And that diversity is not an albatross, it’s what makes us great as a nation.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Positive.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
Gandhi said: “Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” In the time I have, I want to keep learning and do good things for my family and for others. Serving on the Partnership board fits with that mission.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
In three years, change will be palpable throughout the county. New businesses and employment won’t change everything, but we should see modest movement in many small towns, with new residents and at least a few new businesses to make our lives better. Sullivan County will be more “on the map.” We will mostly preserve who we are, but enjoy the changes as well.
Gary D. Silver, 57
Attorney, Billig, Loughlin & Silver, LLP
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
My Mom grew up in Divine Corners in the 1920s and 1930s and I still had two uncles living here in 1984 when I graduated law school. I was looking for my first job and interviewed with the Hon. Robert C. Williams, Justice of the Supreme Court, Sullivan County, to be his confidential law clerk, a job which I held from June 1984 through December 1987. I had heard about the job from Ira Cohen, who I’ve known my entire life. I always wanted to live in a rural area, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I believe the Partnership is vital in promoting economic growth and development in Sullivan County, and I wanted to work with it towards those goals.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
As an attorney, I am analytical and assess each component part of an issue to determine strengths and weaknesses. As anyone who knows me understands, I am rather persistent in following a matter through to its conclusion.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Our people and our beauty. Sullivan County is teeming with wonderful people who work hard to help themselves and their neighbors. Our beautiful landscapes, clean air and water make Sullivan County a perfect place to work, live, raise a family and recreate.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
Create more “shovel-ready” sites (to expedite the planning approval process) and bring municipal water and sewer to more areas, so we can compete with areas which provide all of these services.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
Bethel Woods, restaurants, the Downtown Barn, and hiking on the many miles of area trails.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
That single-payer universal health care, run by the government, is one of the keys to our society being more successful.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Dedicated.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
Service above self (the motto of Rotary). I believe that donating your time to something bigger than yourself, including the Partnership, improves the lives of many.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
More young people who have moved away from Sullivan County in the past will move back, to reconnect with their families, friends and roots, since there will be greater employment opportunities.
John Conway, 65
Director of the Media Studio at The Center for Discovery
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
I was born and raised in Sullivan County, and like many people my age went away to college with little thought of returning here. Fate maneuvered me back home a few years after college and I have been here ever since. I am not sure I would want to live anywhere else I have been the official Sullivan County Historian for nearly 25 years now and that has only enhanced my appreciation of this place.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I have a strong sense of history and “pure air, pure water and pure milk” have literally played a huge role in the development of Sullivan County’s world renown resort industry. They were the building blocks of our economy. At The Center for Discovery, where I have worked for the past 17 years, the environment plays a critical role in the models of care we have pioneered and so my motivation for running for the Board was to help ensure that our quest for economic viability in the county is balanced with our respect for and attention to the environment.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
I firmly believe we cannot plot a future path without a deep knowledge and understanding of our past. Understanding the moments of motivation, inspiration, and perseverance that brought us to where we are is essential to planning our future. I have a thorough knowledge of our past, and coupled with my education as an engineer and lengthy careers in varied industries, that gives me a fairly unique perspective on many issues.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Sullivan County is a majestic natural environment. As we have proven throughout our history if that asset is marketed properly it can be incredibly lucrative. We don’t have to chase smokestacks if we learn to use what we have to get what we want.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
We are gradually getting over the notion that the era of the great hotels will ever return. The passage of time has seen to that, although a lot of people still think we can be home to the Concord and Grossinger’s and the hundreds of other resorts just like the 1950s and ’60s. That isn’t going to happen. We need to move on to another economic model, and that can only happen by developing and committing to a comprehensive plan that is realistic and flexible. If we are secure in our own identity, the right kind of businesses will take notice and want to be a part of that.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
Sullivan County has always had incredible sports facilities: golf courses and tennis courts and hiking and bicycling trails and I have made extensive use of them all over the years. In recent years, I have learned to combine hiking with history and I have devoted a lot of my spare time to narrating what my wife has begun calling, “History Hikes.”
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
I am sure there are more than a few, but one that comes to mind is my belief in the existence of abiotic oil, that is, oil that does not come from decomposing organic matter, but is continually being produced in the earth’s crust from inorganic materials.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Analytic.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing. So I am trying to do what I can to help make the county a better place.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
A study of our history indicates that the county is in a period of economic transition right now and that the transition will likely last a long time. What we are transitioning to should be much more apparent in three years.
Kevin S. McLaren, 53
Bank President, Catskill Hudson Bank
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
I am currently President of Catskill Hudson Bank, previously Community Bank of Sullivan County. I worked in Sullivan County for several years earlier in my tenure with the Bank. The Bank has a vested interest in the economic and social well-being of the County. Sullivan County will remain a key component of the Bank’s strategic direction.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I hope to contribute to the economic well-being of Sullivan County and gain a better understanding of the strengths and challenges facing the county. The county has had a succession of economic successes and there is a sense of momentum and purpose that presents an exciting opportunity. The ability to further network within the county was also a contributing factor.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
I have been in the financial field for over twenty five years and have had a succession of increasingly challenging positions within the profession. I have experience as a lender, both commercial and consumer, Branch Manager, as well as a registered investment advisor. I have now been at the executive level for over ten years. I feel my broad experience allows me to see a solution to an issue or problem, or at least know the right questions to ask.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Sullivan County has what any successful business desires: location, location, location. Not only geographically, but also natural beauty. Proximity to New York City and major highway systems make it an ideal location for a start-up company, or an established company looking to grow. Sullivan County also has numerous active economic development agencies that know the county’s strengths and opportunities, and are eager to offer an inviting environment to create interest in the area’s offerings.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
Continued focus on quality of life. Especially for the next generation, this is a critical component as to where they will spend their time and money. A focused effort on financial incentives available within the county could also be helpful in attracting new business.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
As a music lover, there are few venues better than Bethel Woods. It is one of the premier music venues in the country and a great way to spend a summer night.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
No comment.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Unpredictable.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
Treat others right, and always do the best you can. The Partnership’s mission is to enhance the quality of life and standard of living for others. To be able to play a part in that by applying my abilities and experiences would be rewarding.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
The casino is a huge success, numerous ancillary businesses appear and prosper, existing businesses benefit, and there is a robust housing market.
Tammy Mangus, 43
Superintendent of Schools, Monticello
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
I moved here in 2008 from Western New York to become principal of Roscoe Central School District.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
Education and opportunity. Our economic standing cannot and will not improve without improved educational outcomes. I want to ensure that this is a KEY focal point, as such I ran for the board.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
Bolstering education to create opportunity are the basis of my strengths. I am uniquely qualified and grounded in my passion to create a LIFE-READY society ready to meet the needs of a thriving community.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Our natural beauty coupled with our rich history makes this the “place to be.” We are perched for greatness.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
Increase educational outcomes, build and maintain opportunities for middle class housing and create some form of mass transit!
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
Folks from all over come to visit the places and spaces that exist in my backyard. Every weekend is a vacation! Local shopping, dining, breweries, distilleries and entertainment abounds.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
Healthy debate is my forte. I would say that I make it my business to spread “Random acts of REASON” in all things – so there is much that folks disagree with me about.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Direct.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
Education = Opportunity.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
If we all work together to reduce drama, gossip and negativity as well as building positivity and improving educational outcomes and opportunities, Sullivan County will be THRIVING!
Larry Wolinsky, 66
Attorney, Jacobowitz and Gubits, LLP
What’s your personal history with Sullivan County?
Our firm has a satellite office in Sullivan County. I managed that office for 10 years.
Why did you run for the Partnership Board?
I am a prior Board member. This is my second term on the Board. So, technically I am not a new Board member. I left the Board at the time I was president of Pattern for Progress as I needed to devote my entire attention to that effort. I have completed my tenure as an officer of Pattern and I now wish to re-engage in the Sullivan County Partnership to help during a very important period in Sullivan County’s development.
What unique strengths do you bring to the Board?
I have over 30 years of zoning, planning and development experience. I have also served on many non-profit Boards and have an understanding of governance and succession issues.
For economic development, what are Sullivan County’s best attributes?
Clearly, our natural beauty, natural resources and our people. We also have the benefit of favorable land values and good access.
How can Sullivan County attract more business?
Creation of additional shovel-ready inventory is a start. Securing and creating infrastructure capacity. Ensuring the provision of an adequate and well-trained workforce and assuring a supply of affordable housing.
What aspects of Sullivan County do you enjoy in your free time?
Bethel Woods, hiking, and bike-riding.
What’s an opinion you hold that most people disagree with?
I have always maintained that housing is a fundamental component of economic development. That notion has not been universally embraced in the economic development community but that is now beginning to change.
If your friends were to summarize you in one word, what would that word be?
Hard Worker.
What’s your personal mission statement, and how does that intersect with the Sullivan County Partnership?
My personal mission is to give back to the communities from which I have benefitted. Participating in the Partnership allows me to do that for Sullivan County.
What predictions would you make for Sullivan County three years from now?
I would tell you that it takes time for development to materialize and actualize so we may not know a whole lot more than we do today in just three years. One exception being that we should be able to gauge within that period of time the increased intensity of development interest in Sullivan County spurred by the larger scale development now under construction and opening soon.