Community & Economic Development

Training for Local Officials

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County hosts teleconferences on a variety of topics of interest to local officials. Presented by the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller, these two hour live satellite broadcasts are offered locally at Cornell Cooperative Extension, 24 Martin Road, Voorheesville. They are held in the evening and feature presentations by a panel of experts along with segments for questions from the audience. There is a $15 fee for these programs.


Contact Information:

Cornell Cooperative Extension Albany County
24 Martin Road, P.O. Box 497
Voorheesville, NY 12186
Contact: Nancy Lerner
Location: CCE Building
Telephone: 518-765-3521
Fax: 518-765-2490
Email: NKL1@cornell.edu

2008 Upcoming Teleconferences

March 13, 2008 - Fire District Management:  Internal Controls Protecting Your Financial Operations
April 22, 2008 - Office of Court Administration
October 29, 2008 - Office of Court Administration

Past Teleconference Broadcasts are Available for Purchase

Video tapes of past broadcasts are also available for purchase at $15 each.
See listing below:

Fire District Accountability: Don't Be Alarmed - Understanding New Requirements
Featuring live, interactive questions and answers with viewers. This program is designed for fire district commissioners, treasurers, secretaries and attorneys. Others involved in fire district operations may also benefit from this program. Topics include travel, training, code of ethics, budget, audits. Presented by the State of New York Office of the State Comptroller in cooperation with the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, Inc.

Fire District Accountability
Cosponsored by the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, Inc. – The program content is not confirmed yet, but will include issues including LOSAP. This will be designed for all fire district commissioners, officers and attorneys.

Community Partnerships - Achieving Success and Savings through Intermunicipal and Regional Cooperation
Sponsored by New York State Department of State, Division of Local Government Services – This will be designed for local elected officials, planning board members, planners, community development specialists, environmental organizations, Chambers of Commerce, and anyone interested in exploring the topic of shared services and cost savings.

Energy Costs UP? - 20 Ways to Keep Them Down
Cosponsored by the Office of the New York State Comptroller and the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority. This program is designed specifically for all local and school district officials responsible for purchasing and paying for energy products (e.g., chief executive officers, board members, purchasing officials, finance officers, fire district commissioners, county administrators, school superintendents, and municipal and school district clerks.)

The Sex Offender Registration Requirements
Cosponsored by the Office of Court Administration – A program for town and village justices and court clerks on properly following the sex offender registration requirements.

School Board Accountability
This is going to address school board members’ role in maintaining good accountability from school district officials. It will include common audit findings and related recommendations.

Justices Responsibilities and Accountability
Cosponsored by the Office of Court Administration – A program for town and village justices and court clerks on properly handling court records and moneys. While the focus will be for new justices and court clerks, others may also learn more.

Fire District Management: Accountability Issues
Cosponsored by the Association of Fire Districts of the State of New York, Inc. - A program covering and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of fire district commissioners, secretaries and treasurers. While the focus is for people assuming their role within the last three years, experienced and other interested parties may benefit as well. The topics include fiscal oversight and internal controls, purchasing, etc. The content is being finalized.

Just Elected- What Do You Do Now?
Cosponsored by the Association of Towns of the State of New York – A program designed specially for newly elected and appointed town officials. This will cover a wide array of responsibilities for newly elected town officials including the organizational meeting do’s and don’ts, oaths of office and much more.

CHOICES

CHOICES is a community based program that provides services, resources and referrals to residents in southern Albany County. The following programs are offered free of charge, with the exception of the Extra Helpings Programs.

Care & Share

Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)

Weatherization Referral and Packaging Program (WRAP)

Nutrition
Onsite group and individual classes.

Extra Helpings
Extra Helpings is a community food buying club that provides nutritious food at a discounted price from the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. The menu changes monthly. The program is open to all members of the community, regardless of income.

Additional information is available at the Regional Food Bank Website: http://www.regionalfoodbank.net/Services_Programs/Extra_Helpings_Program.html

Food Stamps
Applications are accepted onsite on the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. Eligibility guidelines are available on the Albany County Food Stamps website: http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss/programs_services.asp?id=410

Employment
Employment and retention services for Albany County Department of Social Services TANF and Safety Net recipients.

Summer Youth Employment Program
Summer employment for youth, ages 14-21, with family incomes below 200% of the poverty level.

MEDICAID
Applications are accepted onsite on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Eligibility guidelines and other information is available on the Albany County Medicaid website: http://www.albanycounty.com/departments/dss/programs_services.asp?id=458

RCS United
RCS United is a group of community members and organizations who are working together to improve opportunities for area youth. More information is available at www.rcsunited.org

Small Business Sources of Assistance

Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County has compiled a list of resources that may be helpful when starting and operating a business. The majority of the sources provide assistance and information at no charge.

Download a copy of Sources of Assistance

Small Business Start-up & Survival Seminars

Interested in owning your own business, but not sure how or where to begin? Learn the basics from experts with proven experience. A variety of speakers will cover the topics needed for business success. Hear how to stay in business in addition to starting one. Small group setting will allow for discussion and questions. Participants will leave the seminar with a wealth of information and resources. Opportunities for follow-up will also be available. Sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension of Albany County, the Small Business Development Center University at Albany, & the US SBA.

Topics:

• Business plan development
• Legal structure of a business
• A bankers perspective on obtaining financing
• Tax considerations business regulations
• Recordkeeping
• Business promotion
• Personal factors
• Resources
• Additional assistance

Instructors: Professionals and business providers from the community that have years of teaching experience and assisted thousands of individuals who have successfully started and stayed in business.

Course fee: $50.00

Upcoming Class Schedule: to be announced

For more information, contact Nancy Lerner at 518-765-3521 or NKL1@cornell.edu