A supplement to Eagle NewspapersFebruary 13, 2013

2013excellenceExcellencein Home, Garden & Energy

Honored: Hill’s Heating and Air Conditioning Inc. wins Angie’s List ‘Super Service Award’.

“For the Central New York region, Hill’s received an A excellent rating, the highest rating you can get.”

Heart of tHe Home: Nowadays, family and friends gather in the kitchen, and not just for a meal.

To read more see page 2. To read more see page 7

lookingaHead: On Feb. 20 read about the vehicles and automotive services to be found in CNY in Automotive Excellence as well as what area merchants offer in Excellence in Retail Sales & Service.

“Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel are no doubt considering whether to include a kitchen island in the design.”

on the fence? Market news: Are CNY homebuyers

L & J.G. Stickley committed to CNY; projects continued growthEdward J. Audi appointed president

By Jennifer WingEdward J. Audi was recently appointed president of L & J.G. Stick-

ley Inc. of Manlius, manufacturer and marketer of premium-quality solid wood and upholstered furniture. Audi was formerly executive vice president of the 112-year-old privately-held company and presi-dent of its Stickley International division.

“This is a very exciting chapter in the history of our company, Aminy I. Audi, chairman and chief executive of the company, said. “Edward’s appointment ensures continuity and builds on the strong foundation which Alfred and I have laid. His deep appreciation for Stickley’s heritage and for our long-term commitment to our deal-ers and customers, combined with his vision, passion and innovative spirit, will help him take the company to the next level.”

She added that Audi has worked in almost every department during his tenure at Stickley, and has become very familiar with every aspect of the business.

“He is very well prepared for this new leadership role and has the support of everyone at Stickley,” she said.

Audi said he has been privileged to work side-by-side with the company’s “incredibly dedicated and capable team” over the past 22 years as well as fortunate to have been mentored in the business by his parents.

“Together my parents set the tone at Stickley with a tremendous example of dedication, hard work and integrity,” he said. “My mother’s leadership has been inspirational in the five years since my father’s passing, guiding the company through some of the worst economic times we’ve ever seen. It’s a privilege to be able to continue the journey that my parents started when they purchased Stickley in 1974.”

A graduate of Colgate University, Audi also attended North Caro-lina State University’s Furniture Manufacturing and Management Program. He joined the family-owned company in 1991, holding a variety of positions in manufacturing, purchasing, engineering, design, customer service, accounting and human resources.

In 2007 he became responsible for the Manlius manufacturing facil-Edward J. AudiSee Stickley, page 2

By caroline Mahonyealtors across the nation mourned on Dec. 30. On that date in 2008, the Case-Shiller home price index

reported its largest price drop of housing in its history.

Mark Re, vice president and general manager of the Central New York Division of RealtyUSA, remembers the time.

“When everything crashed and the hous-ing market got hit, in Phoenix, Ariz., there was a seven-year supply of homes.”

However, Re said he is experiencing changes in the market unlike anything he’s seen in his 34-year career.

“Right now, Phoenix has less than one month’s supply. Everything starts on the West Coast and goes east.”

Spring has come early for Re, who said the market they usually experience during the season is here now, and buyers need to take advantage of that.

“My recommendation to everybody I know, if you have a good job and good credit, don’t walk, run and buy a house,” Re said. “It’ll be the best investment you could possibly make right now.”

This is because interest rates are lower this winter than they have been in more

- Dan Bargabos (right)founder, president

Heritage Homes R

“My recommendation to everybody I know: If you have a good job and good credit, don’t walk, run and buy a house,”

“Smart growth to me is building in a way that attracts more

people to our area, our lifestyle, our neighborhoods, our schools.”

WORDS FROM THE WISE...

- Mark Re (left)vice president, general manager

cNy Division of RealtyUSaSee cNy, page 7

2 Feb. 13, 2013 2013excellence

ity and became president of Stickley Inter-national, a factory in Vietnam. He currently serves on the American Home Furnishings Alliance Board and the New York State Council of Parks Recreation and Historic Preservation, and previously served on the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry Foundation Board and the Central New York Community Foundation Board.

He and his wife, Laila, reside in Fayette-ville.Forecast: continued growth

“We’re committed to manufacturing and retailing here in Central New York and to growing here,” Audi said. “Despite the economy over the past five years, we were able to maintain two shifts with no layoffs.”

He said the community has been a factor in the success of Stickley.

“I want to acknowledge the tremendous support we have received from the Central New York community throughout the years,” he said. “It’s a region with fantastic talent, wonderful resources and a place I’m proud to call home.”

He said they have recently had four people relocate to Central New York for key positions, and “It’s been nice to see how pleasantly surprised they are by the quality of life and all that the region has to offer.”

He also noted that the company con-tinues to re-invest in its Manlius factory with new machinery and new technologies. “We’re working hard to steadily grow the

company and are once again hiring.”The company recently opened a show-

room in Paramus, N.J., and hopes to open an additional five to six retail locations in Metropolitan New York and New England in the next three years.

But Stickley is not only expanding in terms of square footage.

“On the product side we continue to push forward in diversifying our offering,” Audi said. “Our new casual [line] called ‘Finger-lakes Collection’ is a hit nationwide. People today are living more casually and this hand distressed collection made from solid wild black cherry has become extremely popular.”

The company has also developed a line of college dormitory furniture, the “Campus Collection.”

“SUNY ESF’s Centennial Hall Dormitory was the first to feature it nationwide,” Audi said.

In addition, Stickley has established a Contract and Hospitality division that focuses on providing custom furnishings to four and five-star hotel properties.

“[We] are actively bidding on several large projects with some of the major hotel brands,” Audi said.Dedication, enthusiasm is key

“We have a nationwide network of ex-tremely dedicated and enthusiastic Stickley dealers, along with 14 of our own show-rooms,” Audi said. “They’re the face of Stick-ley to the buying public and continue to do a

fantastic job representing the Stickley brand. We work hard to support them with first rate products, designs and services.”

And Stickley encourages their staff to be the best that they can be.

“We continue to have a strong focus on wellness, with a full-time occupational health nurse on staff and a company doctor that sees patients on-site weekly.”

Audi said they even pay people to quit smoking, and have regular weight loss pro-grams along with cash prizes.

“I’d like to publicly thank all of our Stick-ley employees for their hard work, ingenuity and dedication,” Audi said. “They are what makes Stickley so special, and I’m proud to be associated with them.”

submitted photo

Edward and Aminy Audi working together in Stickley’s design department.

The kitchen is arguably the most-used room in the house dur-

ing waking hours. Having a kitchen that is laid out in an efficient manner can

improve productivity and make for a more enjoyable experience. Designers often stress having an effective

work triangle (see diagram below) in the kitchen. The phrase “kitchen work triangle” started with the

Building Research Council (formerly the Small Homes Council) at the University of Illinois. The idea came from

studies of space usage and the search for efficient kitchen designs.

What the triangle es-sentially means is position-ing three key items of the kitchen for efficiency. The stove, sink and refrigerator represent the three main points of the triangle. Hav-ing these items spaced

accordingly can make work easier. Having them too close together can create a cramped, ineffective room.

The placement of the triangle points alone does not make a successful layout. According to the University of Missouri Exten-sion, the triangle space should also be measuredaccordingly. Put four to seven feet between the refrigerator and sink, four to six feet between the sink and stove and four to nine feet between the stove and refrigerator, with the ideal size resulting in a work triangle where the three sides total between 15 and 22 feet.

The kitchen: Heart of the home

What is a kitchen

work triangle?

Are you island bound?Pros and cons of a kitchen island

Homeowners planning a kitchen remodel are no doubt considering whether to include a kitchen island in the new design. When the space allows, an island can be a fine way to enhance the look of a kitchen and impart an upscale appeal.

Interest in kitchen islands has grown steadily for the past several decades. Introduced in the 1970s, islands became a popular place for guests to congregate and provided extra counter space for meal prepara-tion and entertaining. The suburban migration led to bigger homes with larger kitchens. Through the 1980s and 1990s, homes grew even larger, and islands became a popular feature of kitchens across the country.

The increase in food-based programming on television has also contrib-uted to the popularity of kitchen islands. As more people dabble with preparing their own gourmet meals, kitchen islands have become more convenient.

Although there are many benefits to an island in the kitchen, there are also some disadvantages to kitchen islands. Weighing all the options can help homeowners design a kitchen layout that is functional, affordable and practical for the space they have.

RefrigeratorStove

Sink

Work triangle

prosArguably the most significant advantage to having a kitchen

island is the added space it provides. Many times islands are built with cabinetry that matches the rest of the kitchen design, and those cabinets provide storage space for pots, pans and other kitchen tools. Islands may double the storage space available in the kitchen.

Kitchen islands are also advantageous when preparing meals. Kitchen counter space can be easily gobbled up by toaster ovens, rotisserie cookers, microwaves, coffee makers, and various other countertop appliances. These appliances can take up valuable real estate that’s sorely missed when preparing meals. An island can be used solely for cooking and preparation, and some homeowners have incorporated cutting boards and a prep sink into the design of the island.

Islands also can be custom-ized according to a homeowner’s needs. Instead of simply having cabi-netry beneath the counter, some opt to have a wine cooler or even a bookshelf for keeping cookbooks within reach. An addition-al small dishwasher or beverage refrigerator may be tucked into the design of the island. For others, the island may be a makeshift kitchen office space.

consExpense is a leading negative factor with regard to a kitchen

island. The additional material necessary and the labor involved in installation may bust some homeowners’ budgets. Stationary islands can cost several thousand dollars to install, and this is money a ho-meowner may be better off invest-ing elsewhere.

In smaller kitchens, an is-land may be im-practical because of the space limitation. Islands are typically at the heart of the kitchen and may interfere with walking space or cause clearance issues when the refrigerator door or cabinet doors are open. For homeowners who find space is at a premium in the kitchen, an island may not be the best idea. However, a rolling island that can be moved into position when needed, then stored in a convenient, out-of-the-way location might Homeowners should question whether a kitchen island is a practicality for

their renovation projects.

Stickley From page 1

See iSlaND, page 4

Feb. 13, 2013 32013excellence

How to handle repairs during a home sale Many questions arise during the home-buying process.

Buyers looking at homes that require a good deal of TLC may wonder who is responsible for the home’s repairs. Depending on the situation, there is no clear-cut answer.

There is no perfect home, and things that are acceptable to the current owner may not be acceptable to the buyer who is looking to become the next owner. The home-buying process is typically a careful cooperation between buyer and seller to find a middle ground. The buyer may have to make some concessions, as will the seller. Ultimately, it is this cooperation that often determines if the sale goes through or is terminated.

Before any negotiations can begin regarding repairs, it is advisable for a buyer to have an independent inspector come out and look over the home and property. Most real estate agents will suggest this be done as a first priority — even before a contract is entered on the home. An inspection will unveil any potential problems in a home and indicate things that the buyer may not be aware of, including items that do not meet with code or could be unsafe. An inspector also may point out problems that could cause a mortgage lender to give pause. This may mean the lender will deem problems unsafe and refuse to fund the mortgage until repairs are made.

A copy of this inspection report should be sent to the home seller to review with his or her attorney and real estate agent. The buyer working with his own real estate attorney and agent can petition for certain repairs to be made. Many sellers will make such repairs to ensure the purchase goes through, or they will accept a lower purchase price to compensate for the needed repairs, which the buyer will then make. Buyers might want to hire a good real estate attorney to write clauses into the contract to protect their interests. This allows the buyer to forfeit the sale

and walk away from the contract should an issue arise.The rules often change when buying a home that is a short

sale or in foreclosure. A home that is in distress is typically in this situation because the current owners cannot afford to pay their mortgage, and thusly, are not able to afford repairs. According to Think Glink, a money-management Web site, buyers may try to negotiate repairs with the seller, but they shouldn’t assume that sellers (or lenders in the event of a bank-owned home) are responsible for the repairs. Generally speaking, most short sales and foreclosures are sold “as is” and may even specify that repairs and requirements for the certificate of occupancy are the buyer’s responsibility. A buyer also can ask to have the home price reduced to cover the repairs. But foreclosures are often already deeply discounted.

Buyers should know that, for a home that is not in foreclosure, there are some repairs that should ultimately be the responsibility of the seller. If these repairs are not made, a buyer should think strongly about walking away from the deal, according to Why6-Percent.com, a real estate marketing site. Such repairs include:

✓ lender-required repairs that could impact home safety✓ leaky pipes✓ water penetration issues, including a bad roof✓ unsafe decking or handrails✓ wet basements or crawl spaces✓ insecure foundations or obvious structural damage✓ poorly functioning sewer lines or septic systemIt is always adviseable for buyers to speak with a reliable real

estate attorney and a trusted real estate agent to guide them through the process of buying a home. These people can help buyers navigate the important decisions that can affect the home they'll be living in for the next several years.

Home buyers may be able to negotiate that sellers repair major structural issues, such as a leaky roof. If not, negotiate a lower sale price.

White’s farm Supply puts the customer firstBy cheryl Seligman

Art White loves his so-called toys. His tractors, mowers, trailers and more, available at the family-run White’s Farm Supply, make up one of the most diverse selections found at any dealership in the country.

“We offer people more flexibility with equipment so that it is easy to have a good purchase the first time,” White said. “As well as excellent ser-vice to back it up.”

Cumulatively, the White’s Farm Supply staff of 80-plus has well more than 1,000 years of experience. White’s Farm Supply holds awards from many of the companies it rep-resents for top honors in sales and service, but their cutomers coming back is the biggest reward and the most important part of their business. Their repeat customers are the true

story of their success.White noted that Kubota and Case

IH are two of the many brands the dealership carries that do particularly well. Some of the other brands carried are Cub Cadet, Ferris, New Holland, Land Pride, Stihl, Kuhn-Knight and all total well over 200 brands for one-stop shopping at White’s.

Willard and Nettie White found-ed White’s Farm Supply in 1946 as the Oneida Valley Garage, and the enterprise has been growing strong ever since over more than 65 years of doing business.

White said White’s Farm Supply has been experiencing good growth, despite the bad economy of the past few years. The quality of the service and newly enhanced products con-tinues to bring clients back, he said.

Willard and Nettie’s sons — Art,

Dale and Doug — now co-own the family-run company based in three locations around Syracuse: Canasota, Lowville and Waterville.

“You have to remember your family is number one,” White said of working closely with his two broth-ers. And at White’s Farm Supply, everyone is treated like family.

White’s Farm Supply invests con-tinually in its employees’ training. “The people who work here know what they’re doing,” White said. He described them as great people with great personalities, and noted that they are “really striving to learn more. and to be the best in the industry.”

The customers are also treated exceptionally well at White’s Farm Supply.

“We strive very, very hard to take care of their needs,” White said.

White thoroughly enjoys what he does, and called working at White’s Farm Supply “a great experience.”

“I consider it a job,” he said, “but I don’t consider it work.”

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*$0 down, 0% A.P.R. fi nancing for terms up to 36 months on purchases of select new Kubota equipment from avail-able inventory at participating dealers through 03/31/13. Example: A 36-month monthly installment repayment term at 0% A.P.R. requires 36 payments of $27.78 per $1,000 borrowed. 0% A.P.R. interest is available to cus-tomers if no dealer documentation preparation fee is charged. Dealer charge for document preparation fee shall be in accordance with state laws. Only Kubota and select Kubota performance-matched Land Pride equip-ment is eligible. Inclusion of ineligible equipment may result in a higher blended A.P.R. Not available for Rental, National Accounts or Governmental customers. 0% A.P.R. and low-rate fi nancing may not be available with cus-tomer instant rebate (C.I.R.) offers. Financing is available through Kubota Credit Corporation, U.S.A., 3401 Del Amo Blvd., Torrance, CA 90503; subject to credit approv-al. Some exceptions apply. Offer expires 03/31/13. See us for details on these and other low-rate options or go to www.kubota.com for more information. **Kubota’s 2013 Limited Warranty applies. See your local Kubota dealer-ship for details. Optional equipment may be shown.

8207 State Route 26, Lowville, NY 13367(315) 376-0300

4154 State Route 31, Canastota, NY 13032(315) 697-2214

962 State Route 12, Waterville, NY 13480(315) 841-4181

submitted photo

White’s Farm Supply offers a wide range of brands allowing for one-stop shopping.

4 Feb. 13, 2013 2013excellence

Entertainment Centers

Kitchen Islands

MARTY’SBARN CELLAR

(315) 689-9927 • www.martysbarncellar.comRoute 5 & Kingston Road, Elbridge

Hours: Mon.-Wed. 10-5, Thurs. & Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-5 and Sun. 11-4

StyleSet a new standard of

with fine naturalwood furnishings for

every room in your home.

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Marty’s Barn Cellar to celebrate 40 years in CNY

Owner Mike McLaughlin, daughter Erin and wife Colleen take a break to enjoy the Syracuse University basketball game as they celebrate the start of Marty’s Barn Cellar’s 40th year in business.

By Jennifer WingAs it enters in its 40th year

in business, Marty’s Barn Cellar, the well-known un-finished furniture store in El-bridge, has shown continued growth, according to owner Mike McLaughlin.

“We keep expanding,” McLaughlin said. “It has been a great, positive experience, and it is amazing that we’ve been able to take the business and grow with it in a some-what shaky economy.”

In fact, McLaughlin re-ceived a note from state Senator John A. DeFrancisco congratulating him on the business.

“He said he was glad to hear about us purchasing Marty’s Barn Cellar and helping the local economy,” McLaughlin said.

As a longtime member of the communi-ty, McLaugh-lin knows what Central New York families are faced with, a n d k n o w s what they want when it comes to home fur-nishings.

“We now offer a large inventory of finished furni-ture,” he said. “And we still have unfinished furniture available as well.”

It’s obvious that the word has gotten out about the many changes that have occurred since McLaughlin and his wife, Colleen, took over the business a few years ago.

“There have been so many changes,” he said. “We are not just an unfinished furniture store, and we want people to come and see what’s different here – even the décor of the store is com-pletely different.”looking back

Mc L au g h l i n t o ok a roundabout route to get where he is today.

When he took a buyout from New Process Gear, he didn’t really have a plan for where he would go to work, or what he would do next.

Little did he know that he would revisit his past, and that past would lead him to his future.

Before working at New Process Gear, McLaughlin worked for Dennis Hem-ming at Marty’s Barn Cel-lar for about two decades. The business, started by the Hemmings, was well-known by McLaughlin, and the Hemmings became like

family.In fact, his wife said Mike

coming back to Marty’s Barn Center is “like he’s returning to his roots, and he loves it.”

In 1982, McLaughlin was a teenager look-ing for work. It was winter break when he was hired by Hemming to move some f u r n i t u r e at the store. Then, a month later, Hem-

ming found he was in need of another employee, and hired McLaughlin, then almost 17 years old.

McLaughlin would con-tinue to work at Marty’s Barn Cellar until 2001, when he left to take a job at New Process Gear. It was an op-portunity he couldn’t pass up, he said, but it was still difficult to leave the job he had held for so many years.

Fast forward about eight years to a phone call he received from Hemming after he took the buyout. It turned out that two of Hem-ming’s employees needed some personal time off, so he needed someone to mind the store for a little while. From there, the two men started talking and struck a deal, as Hemming was ready to retire.

And so, the tradition continues at Marty’s Barn Cellar, with the McLaugh-lins at the helm. With a fresh perspective on the business, the couple made cosmetic improvements to bring the building up-to-date and make the shopping experi-ence even more appealing to customers.

The store is located at Route 5 and Kingston Road in Elbridge. For more infor-mation call 689-9927 or visit martysbarncellar.com.

McLaughlins continue tradition of excellence

Marty’s Barn cellar

Route 5 and Kingston Road, Elbridge

martysbarncellar.com.689-9927

be a viable option. Depending on the complexity of a kitchen island, its installation may extend the amount of time required to complete the kitchen renovation. This can prolong the length of time needed to complete the work. Running a gas or electric line and plumbing to the island may re-

quire a major overhaul and demolition. Kitchen islands are popular components of home designs. Before homeowners engage in any kitchen reno-vation that may include the incorporation of an island, they should know the advantages and disadvantages.

Island From page 2

Feb. 13, 2013 52013excellence

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Often imitated, never duplicatedFamily business marks 125th year of satisfying customers

By Jennifer WingChristine Bauer Arm-

strong and her husband Mark Armstrong are celebrating one big anniversary this year. Their family business, Bauer Plumbing – Roto-Rooter, is 125 years old. a legacy of customer service

In 1888, the company was founded by Christine’s great-grandfather. In the beginning, Christine’s great-grandfather offered plumbing services, steam fitting, pumps, sinks, tinning and tin roofing, in a building that was just a few blocks north of their shop today.

The family built this build-ing in 1913, 100 years ago, to house a grocery store. In 1927, Bauer Plumbing moved from S. State Street to its current lo-cation at 1911 S. Salina Street, as a plumbing shop, tinsmith and hardware store, operated by Christine’s grandfather.

In 1937, Christine’s fa-ther, Donald J. Bauer, the company’s licensed master plumber, traveled as boy to Rochester with his father to see this new machine enter-ing the plumbing industry called the Roto-Rooter, with an available franchise serving Onondaga County.

Over most recent years, the Company made the deci-sion to brand the Roto-Rooter

company name. The name is a familiar one to many people across the country who may be relocating to the area. In today’s world with similar name confusion it’s impor-tant for them to have their customers identify the right company.

“We pride ourselves on our company’s history, profes-sionalism and u n m a t c h e d customer ser-vice to all of our customers serving Onon-daga County,” Mark said. “We are the oldest Roto-Ro oter franchise in the nation and have owned the franchise for over 76 years.”

As anyone who has had a plumbing emergency knows, time is of the essence when a repair is needed. The company specializes in commercial and residential Roto-Rooter 24/7 emergency service plumbing-sewer and drain cleaning service. Their history of ex-cellent customer service and professionalism has allowed them to continue the legacy started long ago by Christine’s great-grandfather.

“We have had many great employees over the years taking care of all the needs of

our community,” Mark said. “We would like to say ‘Thank you’ to all our customers for allowing us to be the company of choice.”Offering a wide range of services

More people depend on Roto-Rooter than any oth-er company for residential plumbing and drain cleaning services, and homeowners can trust Roto-Rooter for all of their installation, repair

and replace-ment needs in-cluding: sew-ers and drains, faucets, sinks, toilets, show-ers and tubs, w a t e r l i n e s , pipework, dis-posers, dish-washers, water heaters and septic tanks.

In addition, Roto-Rooter is the company to call for any commercial plumbing work, drain cleaning, high-pressure water jetting, underground leak and line detection, video camera pipe inspections, grease trap and liquid waste pumping, backflow protec-tion, automated drain care programs and pipe repair and replacement.the tradition continues

Mark and Christine start-ed with Bauer Plumbing – Roto-Rooter, more than 25 years ago when the company was celebrating its Centen-nial, 100 years in business.

Now, with their son Brandon Armstrong, who works part time at the business while at-tending Syracuse University College of Law, and daugh-

ters, Ashleigh Armstrong, employed full time in the office, and their youngest Aryanna Armstrong, helps out part-time when off from

school, they serve as a fifth generation strong working the family business.

“And away go troubles down the drain.”

submitted photo

Christine Bauer Armstrong and her husband Mark Armstrong are celebrating one big anniversary this year. Their family business, Bauer Plumbing – Roto-Rooter, is 125 years old.

special offerMention this

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See SeNeca FeDeRal, page 6

Seneca Federal: Navigating economic changes, same solid community foundation

Katrina Russo, president – CEO of Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association is very passionate about her community bank and its solid decision making. 2013 marks Seneca Federal Savings and Loan Association’s 85th year of pro-viding financial services to communities within Central New York.

“This milestone is rare in today’s financial in-dustry and we’re proud of it,” Russo said. “Given the competitive environment and state of the economy over the last couple of years, within which Seneca Federal operates, the association is fortunate to have a dedicated staff of employees who continue to provide exceptional, personal customer service to our members. This dedication has proven to sustain us through many years and rough economic environments,.”

Russo said, “The national economy has been marked by a continued high unemployment rate, continued foreclosures, declined home values and continued contractions in business and consumer credit. The local unemployment rate has now experienced a rise as the local effects ‘catch up’ to the national effects .”

She explained that in 2012, the association continued to have strong asset quality based on the association’s conservative underwriting stan-dards and diligent monitoring of delinquent and nonperforming loans.

“We have remained committed to our charter of fostering homeownership during 2012 by originating over $9 million in local residential mortgage loans as of year-end,” she said. “Our net interest income remained steady and we have maintained liquidity while preparing our balance sheet for the risk of inflation, and expanding our residential mortgage loan business as well as to invest in what management believes will be a

future higher rate environment.” The association’s operating expenses are below

last year’s level as a result of various factors includ-ing internal cost cutting. “The continued viability of Seneca Federal is not only a tribute to our board, but also to the retired officers and employees who provided us with the knowledge and skill sets necessary for the association to carry on for many more decades under the thrift charter and to this end we are very thankful to be given this opportunity entrusted to us,” she said.

“Looking ahead to the remainder of 2013, management remains committed to maintaining a steady course in carrying out the responsibili-ties entrusted to them by the board. The merger between the Office of Thrift Supervision and the Office of The Comptroller of the Currency

At left, Seneca Federal Savings President-CEO Katrina M. Russo and Wendy K. Bodnar, EVP-CFO.

6 Feb. 13, 2013 2013excellence

R.K. JOHNSON INSURANCE AGENCY

AUTO • HOME • BUSINESS

P:(315) 468-3062 F:(315) 468-35224921 W. Genesse Street

Camillus, NY 13031

With Central New York’s Most Dependable Insurance Agency

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Customer service sets RK Johnson & Associates Insurance Agency apartFirm specializes in quality auto, home, business and life insurance

By Jennifer Wing

RK Johnson & Associates Insurance Agency Inc. is a firm of proven professionals, caring and conscientious people, the kind you can depend on. Committed to maintaining a high standard of excellence in all that they do, their goal is to always establish a firm relationship of mutual trust and service with each of their clients.

Agency principal, R. Kevin Johnson, has 27 years of insurance experience.

Born and raised in Camillus, Johnson’s professional affilia-tions include Camillus Chamber of Com-merce and the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of New York (IIABNY). He also is a member of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) and Syracuse Chamber of Commerce.

Currently living in the town of Onondaga with his wife, Jennifer, and their two children, Johnson knows the needs of his fellow Central

New Yorkers when it comes to auto, home, business and life insurance R K Johnson & Associates Insurance Agency serves the insurance needs of individuals, families and businesses in Onondaga, Cayuga, Oswego, Madison and Cortland counties.

Their website said the company is commit-ted to providing “as near perfect protection, as near perfect service, as is humanly possible and to do so at the lowest possible cost.”

“What sets us apart is customer service,” Johnson said. “We are top notch. We decided

from day one that customer satisfac-tion is what it is all about.”

Johnson said they also offer highly com-petitive rates.

“We offer high quality insurance at

great rates because of the top-rated insurance carriers we represent,” he said. Those agencies include Erie Insurance Company, Security Mutual Insurance Co., Travelers, Farmers Mutual Insurance Group, Metlife Auto & Home, Dryden Mutual, New York Mutual Underwriters, Countryway, Hagerty, Infinity, Foremost Insurance Group, Progressive and Madison Mutual.

“We also offer multi-policy discounts for

personal lines, auto and home so our clients can save even more while getting top-of-the-line insurance,” he said.

In addition, the company is always pre-pared to provide clients with a no-cost, no-obligation review.

Visit rkjohnsoninsurance.com for tools including a life insurance needs calculator and insurance cost cutter tips as well as links to Kelly Blue Book, the National Safety Coun-cil, NADA Guides and the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles.

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Country Cupboards, Farm Tables, Windsors,Upholstered Furniture, Floorcloths, Period

Lighting, Pewter, Textiles & Other Handcrafted Necessities For The Early Home

All of our Heirloom-Quality Reproductions andAccessories are American-Made by the Finest Craftsmen

Visit Us Wednesday ~ Saturday 11am-5pm4538 Apulia Road, Jamesville • 492-1977

www.thecolonialhousefittershopnews.blogspot.com

CNY in Bloom comes to SRC ArenaCNY In Bloom, a Liv-

ing, Leisure, Lifestyle show will return Thursday, Feb. 28, through Sunday, March 3, to the SRC Events Center on the Onondaga Community College campus. Brought to the region by the Central New York State Nursery and Landscape Association, and produced by Baringer & As-sociates, LLC, the event will feature a variety of displays, exhibits, entertainment, demos and speakers.

The centerpiece of CNY In Bloom will be large landscaped and retail display gardens along with plant sales and garden product sales and exhibits. The Children’s Garden will offer in-

teractive gardens activities with face painting, puppets, crafts, storytelling and magic shows. Surrounding these features will be avenues of exhibitors offering products and services within the living, leisure and lifestyle categories. Artisans will be creating visual works of art, while demonstrations will offer hands on tutorials. Pops of color and the smell of spring will be represented in mini gardens positioned around the exhibit halls.

Show activities will include; First Friday Celebration with music by the popular local band Z-Bones and demos by the Skaneateles Artisans, Senior

Day with a reduced ticket price, Family Day with activities and entertainment and free admis-sion for children under 12, an Irish Garden Party featuring the music of Quigsy and The Bird, and a Garden Party Fashion Show.

Keynote speakers will pres-ent on native plants, growing vegetables and plants, and well-ness topics. The demo stage will be active with a variety of hands on tips related to gardening, cooking, wellness and leisure. Parking is free throughout all show days. An onsite Garden Café with linen draped tables for dining is convenient on the main show floor.

CnY in Bloom hours5 - 8 p.m.Thursday, Feb. 28

11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Friday, March 19 a.m. - 8 p.m. Saturday, March 210 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday, March 3

Seneca Federal From page 5

Rk Johnson & associates insurance agency inc.

4921 W Genesee St, Camillus, NY 13031rkjohnsoninsurance.com

468-3062

submitted photo

RK Johnson & Associates Insurance Agency principal, R. Kevin Johnson, has 27 years of insurance experience.

occurred July of 2011 and we are approaching our second Federal examination under the OCC mindset.”

“The extensive regulatory changes brought about by the cre-ation of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and the passing of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act in 2010 marks yet another transformation in banking activi-ties, which can stretch the resources of small community banks,” said Russo.

Reform will be far reaching into such areas as Federal consumer protection law compliance, state law compliance, and Homeland Security regulations. The regulatory burden is always dispropor-tionately heavy for reputable lenders such as Seneca Federal as at-tempts are made by the Federal government to police the dishonest few. Russo is emphatic that the association will continue an ongoing commitment to educate and train its employees regarding new and changing compliance regulations to better assist both customers and noncustomers.

She believes that it’s reassuring for members to know their of-ficers and employees have the capability and initiative to successfully implement programs required by the complex regulatory environ-ment. This ability is just as necessary as financial performance in keeping community banks viable as dictated by the federal exami-nation process.

Russo said, “The association remains committed to the financial needs of our members regardless of economic conditions here or nationwide. Whether the need is for home ownership, regardless of income level, home refinancing, auto loans and other consumer loans, business needs, or our community and charitable financial support, Seneca Federal will be here.”

Feb. 13, 2013 72013excellence

Hill’s is a 2012 Angie’s ListSuper Service Award Winner!

HEATING &AIR CONDITIONING, INC.

since 1972

H I L L S H E AT I N G A N DA I R . C O M

Auburn2121 W. Genesee St.

253-6869

Baldwinsville7852 W. River Rd.

638-2945

3216

6

SAVE HUNDREDS OF $$$WITH A FURNACEFROM HILLS!!

Call now for details and a free in-home estimate!

Hill’s Heating and Air Conditioning Inc.: Winner of Angie’s List ‘Super Service Award’Better customer service sets Hill’s apart

Hill’s Heating and Air Conditioning was recently voted a “Super Service Award” winner on Angie’s List. For the Central New York region, Hill’s received an A excellent rating, the highest rating you can get.

“This is an unsolicited rating that comes from customer comments,” said owner Terry Hill. “It measures the total effort of the com-pany from the person who answers the phone to the person who explains and sells the product, to the product itself, including warranties — the whole customer experience. Our ven-dors have to perform — to get our products delivered on time to make deadlines. We must perform – across the board. It is a true team effort.”

When asked how his company was different from other companies in the field, Hill said, “customer service.”

“We have over 15,000 cus-tomers in our database and we take care of them all,” Hill said. “Our database software enables us to look at their history, from day one to the present. It’s a big advantage — we’ve been able to help with extended warranty issues because we have the data.”

Hill’s was featured in an online article, “How to Run a Data-Driven Business,” by Gene Marks, that appeared on Forbes.com in 2010. In the article Marks writes, “Terry Hill, owner of Hill’s Heating and Air Conditioning in Baldwinsville, thrives on data and he uses the CRM (Customer Relationships Management) Program that I sell. Data is powerful and it’s essential to good customer service.”

Hill’s is also different from most competitors in other ways.

“We’re bigger than most and better equipped,” Hill said. “We’ve served Central New York for over 39 years and our customers know us. We have customers who know their service tech. Some even baked cookies for their tech at Christmas time. We are customer oriented and we have customers in a service region that stretches from Cortland to Pulaski and Utica to Geneva.”

Hill’s Heating and Air Condition-ing is fully insured and all work is

guaranteed. They feature six fully-stocked service trucks through-out Central New York.

In fact, if you have pur-chased your system from Hills and require an emergency ser-

vice call chances are 99 percent that they have the repair part on

the service truck. Hills features service contracts with maintenance

and full service contracts on all brands of heating and air conditioning equipment.And parts… Hill’s has made a strong commitment to inven-

tory and parts, with more than 11,000 square feet of warehouse stocked with equipment, parts and accessories. Thousands of parts in excess of $600,000 in value, all on had to better serve its customers.

Owners Terry and Elli Hill’s com-mitment to customer service is shared by Shirley Hammond, who manages the 25 employees at Hill’s, some who have worked there for more than 30 years.

Hammond said this is important because customers see the service end of their work. Hill’s offers extended warranty programs on their products, and financing is available to all customers.

In addition to the office on River Road in Baldwinsville, there is a Hill’s store in Auburn. Both locations have fireplace showrooms full of Kozy Heat and Napoleon brand fireplaces and hearth inserts. Their Baldwinsville store also includes

full sheet metal shop to allow custom fabrication of heating, ventilation or AC systems.

They represent Rheem and Trane air conditioning and heating products. They also offer Amana, Napoleon, Thermo Pride and Kozy Heating brand products. Hill’s approved products come with at least a five-year parts and labor warranty.

Whatever your heating or air con-ditioning needs may be, Hill’s can help.

Visit the store nearest you or learn more online at hillsheatin-gandair.com. Discover the Hill’s difference.

24-hour serviceFully-stocked service trucks mean quicker repairs.

than 50 years. “You can get a 15-year

mortgage at 2.78 percent and you can a 30-year mortgage at about 3.25 percent,” he said. “A lot of people think, and I would concur, that in the spring, the rates will go up. Will they go up drastically? No. But they’ll probably inch up because they can’t go any lower. For every 1 percent that the rate goes up, the buyer looses about $10,000 to $15,000 of buying power, so they are much better off to buy now and take advantage of that.”

When realtors have a six-month supply of homes or more, they are considered to have an oversupply. When they have a five-month sup-ply, they are considered even. However, business is boom-ing for Re and his colleagues, and their inventory is ap-proaching a shortage with only a four months supply of homes left.

“It’s not common. We are experiencing our spring market early. We had a huge supply of homes, and people were buying them, and we are actually experiencing not quite a shortage, but close.”

Re says that this is true for the whole Central New York real estate market, and the changing tide should defi-nitely propel sellers to take the leap.

“If the sellers wait until spring, they’re going to have more competition because there are going to be more homes on the market, and if

the rates are higher they are going to have less buyers,” he said. “For those two reasons, right now is the best time to buy and the best time to sell. Not as much competition right now and there are more buyers out there looking. I’ve been in real estate for 34 years, and this is the first time I’ve seen it. It’s almost like the perfect storm for both buyers and sellers.”

Dan Bargabos, a fourth generation contractor and the founder and president of

Heritage Homes, views the changing Central New York real estate market from a builder’s perspective.

“What is most significant is the number of resales that are available. It’s gone down considerably from a year ago,” Bargabos said. “To me, that’s a good indicator that the market’s improving. We’ve definitely seen a pickup in our sales and the quality of our sales, and I think a big reason is that we haven’t been over-building. Our inventory of

new homes in CNY has been well kept and checked.”

Though living rooms have normally been regarded as areas of family gatherings and fun times, the modern buyer has little demand for them. “The number 1 difference is that we are pretty much seeing an end to living rooms,” said Bargabos. “We are building very few homes with living rooms. We are allocating the space and putting it into larger kitchens, eating areas, and family rooms. Even [in

the case of] a 4,000-square-foot house, we are building without a living room. It’s just a room that isn’t used.”

Bargabos emphasizes that although he is a builder, he builds around what his clients need. Though some people push for building centralized around the city of Syracuse, Bargabos listens to what people want.

“If you try to force the market in a certain direction, it is a loser for everybody,” he said. “If you do a really

good job trying to reflect it and let it evolve, then that can be a really good thing for everybody.

“Smart growth to me is building in a way that attracts more people to our area, our lifestyle, our neighborhoods, our schools.”

So apparently word on the street is that Central New York buyers and sellers are in the perfect positions this winter, with low rates and low amounts of competition.

Hill’s Heating and air conditioning inc.

Baldwinsville: 7852 West River Road 638-2945

Auburn: 2121 West Genesee Street 253-6869

HillsHeatingandAir.com

CNY From page 1

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