Two area businesses have joined the online 3/50 Project, which promotes consumer support of local businesses.
Mary Lou Mattice, owner of the Country Crock in Pindars Corners, Davenport, said she recently joined the organization as a way to support ``brick and mortar'' businesses in local communities.
The 3/50 Project website encourages consumers to spend a total of $50 a month at three locally owned businesses as a way to generate revenues that stay in a community. Money spent at a chain retailer or restaurant sends dollars to business owners outside a locale, it said, and shopping online doesn't benefit a local community.
Besides joining the 3/50 Project, Mattice _ who has had the business 10 years _ said the Country Crock has expanded hours for the holiday shopping season, and will be open from noon to 4 p.m. Sundays during November and December.
The Country Crock, located at 9245 State Route 23, sells Americana-style housewares and rug-hooking kits and supplies; and classes and demonstrations are offered. For more information, call 278-5215 or visit www.picturetrail.com/countrycrock. Regular hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.
Buddy Boys Toys and Trains, South New Berlin, also has signed up for the 3/50 Project, according to the organization's website.
The website for the 3/50 project is www.the350project.net.
NYSEG to offer choices for suppliers year-round
Effective Jan. 1, New York State Electric & Gas customers will be able to choose supply service from NYSEG or from another energy-services company at any time, according to a media release from the utility company.
The current Voice Your Choice programs only give customers a window, from Nov. 1 to Dec. 29 of each year, to select their energy supplier for the coming year.
The programs "" which moved from traditionally regulated electricity-supply rates offered solely by NYSEG to competitive retail rates "" will end after this year, the release said.
The new supply service will consist of a fixed delivery price, a variable transition charge and supply price depending on which supplier customers choose to provide their electric service.
"Our customers have demonstrated their awareness of energy choice after participating in many Voice Your Choice enrollment programs," Terri VanBrooker, director of customer service at NYSEG, said in the release. "Rather than require customers to make a supply selection over a two-month period, we now encourage our customers to compare supply offers and choose a supply option any time."
More information about changes and energy choices, including a list of energy services companies, or ESCOs, is available at nyseg.com by clicking "Usage and Safety," then "Choose a Supplier."
State insurance fund board marks 95th year
The New York State Insurance Fund Board is marking its 95th year as a self-sustaining workers' compensation insurance carrier serving businesses and injured workers, according to a media release.
Maple Grove Cemetery in Worcester is among five business being honored as policyholders with the fund since 1914, the release said. NYSIF is presenting a plaque to each business in recognition of the 95-year relationship. NYSIF is also displaying the company logos and offering a link to each company's website at http://nysif.com.
Created in 1914 as part of the New York Workers' Compensation Law,
NYSIF is a competitive carrier that serves 41 percent of the New York workers' compensation market, making it one of the largest workers' compensation carriers in the country, the release said. Since 1950, NYSIF has also written disability-benefits insurance, covering off-the-job injuries and illnesses.
``We are proud of, and pleased with, that long and cordial partnership, and grateful for the substantial and reliable service that the fund has provided," Marilyn E. Dufresne, president of the Maple Grove Cemetery Association, said in a prepared statement. NYSIF has offices in Albany, Binghamton and in other cities throughout the state.
___
To suggest a business story, announce a new business or changes to an existing one, e-mail drichardson@thedailystar.com or call Denise Richardson at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 213.
