Retired General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell noted, “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.” To that I would add, “and good financial advice.” It is important to remember that being a success doesn’t mean we are an expert in every aspect of our business. It means we know how to build a team of experts who can help us achieve our goals.
For this issue of Strictly Business, we invited bankers, credit union executives and financial planners to voice their opinions on the changes going on in the financial services industry and how they are likely to impact the North Country business community. I believe you will find their insight interesting and timely.
Representing the banking industry are Steve Cacchio, President/CEO of Champlain National Bank; Ken Entenmann, Senior Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at NBT Bank; Tom Murphy, President/CEO Arrow Financial Corporation/Glens Falls National Bank, and James Snook, Vice President/District Manager Community Bank NA.
Credit Union executives joining this issue are Linda Bourgeois, President/CEO UFirst Federal Credit Union; Chris Hay, President/CEO Dannemora Federal Union and Scott Wilson, President/CEO of SeaComm Federal Credit Union.
Offering their insight about personal financial relationships are financial advisors April Bingel, First Vice President- Investment Officer, Wells Fargo Advisors; Steve McFadden, Financial Representative Community Investment Services; Hannah Provost, Financial Advisor/Partner, Lomanto Provost Financial Advisors; and Christina Ubl, Partner Clute Wealth Management.
Our Insight feature this month is Richelle Gregory, the Director of Community Services for Clinton County. Richelle’s focus is on children and families in order to create a healthier North Country. Seldom has the demand for supportive services been more critical and we salute her important work!
A look at the changing concept of currency is the theme of Colin Read’s contribution for this issue. If you are intrigued by cryptocurrency you will want to read his take on its “value”.
And then Garry Douglas wraps up this issue of SB with a look at the connection between economic development and the Green Economy. He points out, rightly so, that the North Country’s focus on transportation jobs is playing an important role in an evolving marketplace.
Doing business in the North Country has many advantages. One I consider most important is the ability to deal directly with the financial decision makers. Need a loan? How about help applying for PPP? Aid and support are only a phone call away.
And that’s good for business.
“There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure.”
— Retired General and former Secretary of State Colin Powell