Profiles

Paul McMillan, Artist

I found myself seeking financing for this unique property that was definitely outside of the traditional mold. When I discussed my plan for an Art Center in Enfield with Alternatives, I was treated with all the considerations of a hometown bank. The personnel there looked at my small business plan and considered what such an enterprise might offer to the community. I found that Alternatives does support unique hometown small business efforts and, as a result, I received financial assistance in purchasing what is now the McMillan Art Center. Without the help of the people at Alternatives, I would simply not have been able to purchase the building.

I hope I can return in some way all the wonderful things that everyone has done for me at Alternatives. You are wonderful people and I look forward to coming into the credit union.

Christi Boothe and Lynette Grider, Satori Day Spa & Salon

We've been best friends for many years, and we both have a background being stylists.  We both dreamed of creating a salon where the services resonate in your life long after you've left the salon.  We wanted to incorporate high quality products with the best the industry has to offer.  

We took the Business CENTS class long before we opened our doors.   We wanted to take things slowly and make the right decisions.  We learned so much about what it takes to run a business. Once we were ready, we returned to Alternatives and were welcomed with open arms.   Alternatives helped us create our business plan, as well as get a SBA (Small Business Administration) loan.   

After we opened, we still received a tremendous amount of support from Alternatives - they've been amazing!

Lee Ginenthal, Owner, Der Rosenmeister Nursery

Lee Ginenthal is a Special Education teacher at Boynton Middle School, but his plans are to retire and run a nursery. Five years ago he signed up for our Getting Down to Business class. During that class Lee developed his business plan, and he’s used that plan step-by- step to get his nursery up and running. “I started my business four years ago, and since then I’ve come to Alternatives for information about sales tax, filing taxes…I’ve had all sorts of questions. Whenever something comes up, I stop by Alternatives. There’s always someone to help me.” Lee feels comfortable at Alternatives. “What’s nice about the Credit Union,” he continues, “is that every time I walk in, people know me - as the “Rose Guy” - and they always ask how business is doing. It feels good. The staff is interested and supportive.”

The atmosphere at Alternatives brings Lee back whenever he has a financial need. Right now he’s working on installing a solar electric system in his home, funded by an Alternatives NYSERDA low-interest loan. He hopes to produce 60%-70% of his own electric needs with this new system.

Visit Der Rosenmeister's website for more information.

Rima Shamieh

My IDA [Individual Development Account] experience was just incredible.  I saved a few bucks every week and after a year, I had a savings account with $3,000 in it!  And I'm glad that the MoneyWise class was required, because it really helped me develop a healthier relationship with money.  So many of the skills I learned in class seemed so obvious, but I never thought/knew how to do them until we went over them in class.  For example, tracking my spending made a HUGE difference in how I now spend money.  Also, the exercises in the beginning when we explored our relationships with money - I discovered I'm a carefree, spirited, impulsive spender.  It helps to put a name on things.

After accruing thousands of dollars in debt from student loans from when I was an undergraduate,  I was determined to do all I could  to stay out of debt for when I continued my education.  The IDA really helped.  I feel so much better prepared to build equity and save for my future.  Thanks, Alternatives!

Shannon Sullivan

“I really found out how caring Alternatives is last October when I was called up to active duty after Hurricane Katrina,” says member Shannan Sullivan. “Navy pay is only a fraction of what I make as a nurse practitioner. I panicked. I had to make provisions. In 24 hours Alternatives had arranged for me to pay interest only on smaller loans, and forebear my mortgage until I returned from active duty… Alternatives made me feel like I was the only person they had to worry about.

“Hundreds and hundreds of sick and wounded people were sent from the Gulf region to Norfolk, Virginia where I was stationed. The experience really woke me up to all that I have, and because of Alternatives, I still have my home. Other financial institutions gave me so much trouble before I left. The people at Alternatives made me feel like I was the only person they had to worry about. It was like going to your parents for help... it was that personal. Alternatives took a hard situation and made it easy for me. I can’t thank them enough."

Maggie Stanley, Inklings and Imprints

I've had my own small business in the past - sewing and selling bags, clothing and home furnishings. As it expanded, however, I found myself balking at the prospect of actually having to manage a business. The idea of hiring, determining pay and managing others (and the resulting paperwork) terrified me. Of course, this limited the growth of the venture. One person can only sew so much.

Years later, when I decided that I wanted to start designing rubber stamps for use with fabric, clays, etc., I realized I could use some "learning."  Alternatives' Business CENTS program in 2007 was at the right time and at the right price.

It was intensive and a time commitment - but I enjoyed the sessions.  It was a great experience to share with other entrepreneurs!  I loved hearing about their ideas and visions, and seeing how their plans and practices developed as the classes advanced.

While I feel I haven't taken full advantage of the information and resources made available, I am very glad I took the class - and grateful.  I keep the binder nearby for reference and know that the experience has influenced many of my decisions. I'm building the business slowly and expect that I will be contacting Leslie sometime when I'm ready to bite the bullet and apply for a loan.

Thom Trause
Ithaca Soy

Thom Trause, owner of Ithaca Soy, took advantage of the SBA Express Loan when he decided to buy out his partner and become sole owner of this local business. "It made sense for me to turn to Alternatives," Thom says of his choice, "because they aren't the starchy-shirt kind of people I usually find at financial institutions. The people at Alternatives were so helpful. I credit Alternatives for my ability to buy, relocate and run my business with no lapse in production at all. I can't imagine any other place that would have helped me the way Alternatives did. I guess I could say that because of my experience, I'll be back for any business needs I have in the future."

Stacey Mojo, Recycled Threads Inc. 

After leaving my career of pharmaceutical sales after 12 years, and three years prior of food service sales, I was trying to come up with a feasible business plan.  A car accident in 1999 caused me to leave my past industry due to a long recovery.  But this was the change I needed.

The Tompkins County Workforce (unemployment office) eventually led me to the Business CENTS program.  After a wonderful experience in the program with Patrick Wood, as director, my business plan solidified.  

RecycledThreads.com was established as a website within the year, and my current site has been in existence since September 2003.  Since then, the business moved to Commercial Ave., and we are now located in three suites in the Langmuir Labs Building in the Cornell Tech Park.  The website specializes in new, natural fiber clothing in mostly plus size, and accessories.  

The CENTS classes helped me take baby steps instead of my usual "leap" into something.   Recycled Threads Inc. is a growing business, and a busy one.  But I am still having fun!  Thanks Alternatives!

Michelle Menter

I've been an entrepeneur for years now, and I credit my ability to start and keep going to the Business CENTS program.  Leslie Ackerman, Business CENT's director, suggested Cornell's BR Legal  services when I needed to form a LLC, and Legal Zoom couldn't get me there.  She helped me think through my business structure and marketing plan for starting my vacation rental business.  It's a good thing Business CENTS exists - to help folks like me launch a new idea with a sense of support behind me.  Thanks!

Diane’s Downtown Automotive

Diane Russell owns the only woman-owned gas station and automotive repair in Ithaca. Diane says of her new endeavor, “The purchase of the station was owner-financed, but I turned to Alternatives for all my business banking. When I opened the station I opened my business account at Alternatives.”

“I have Alternatives to credit for some of the knowledge I have about running a business. I took the Business CENTS class, Getting Down to Business, when I was planning to purchase a station, and it made a big difference. The class covered all the topics I needed to know. It helped me figure out the numbers, and the marketing insights were great. It also gave me a business networking support group. I feel totally supported by Alternatives, both inside and outside the credit union. The staff supports my station, and I see a lot of Alternatives Credit and Debit Cards from customers.” Diane is getting ready to close on a Line of Credit that will enable her to add equipment to her station. “I like working with Alternatives,” she adds, “I think they have a real commitment to serve the people of modest means, and I think that’s really neat. It’s a commitment I respect and one of the reasons I support Alternatives and bank there.”

Renee Marquis

I participated in the IDA First Home Club in 2000, but later on decided to use it to start my own photography business instead. With the IDA funds I was able to buy a camera and computer.    I loved attending the Business CENTS class!  It really helped me to write a business plan.  It also taught me that networking is really key.  I really felt like I could contribue to the class as well as learn from others there.  I now have four photographers that work for me.

Cisela Edstrom Wildes

I was born and raised in Sweden, but have several old connections with Ithaca.  It was exciting to open an account with Alternatives when my late Swedish husband, Dag, and I moved to help start Ecovillage in Ithaca back in 1993, as it was exactly the kind of bank we wanted to support and be part of.   We returned to Sweden in 1997, but I kept my account with Alternatives. I have found it easy to have this account even though I lived in Sweden and now live in the Northwest and it's my intention to continue to stay with Alternatives in the future when I plan to move out of the country again.

Amy Walton

Amy Walton got a loan for a new car before she started looking. “I called the Anytime LoanPhone. It only took 10 minutes and I was tentatively approved right away, pending confirmation of my information. When I found the car I wanted, the dealer told me I could get a better rate through dealer financing. He made me an offer that was ¾ % less than my Alternatives loan. I called Amy Smith, my loan officer, and she matched that rate immediately. I had no idea that Alternatives has a policy of matching rates to stay competitive. I was really glad. This policy allowed me to keep all my banking at Alternatives.”

Belle Sherman Elementary School Students

On a Tuesday afternoon, students in the Cornell Cooperative Extension's directed SIFE (Students with Interrupted Formal Education) program at Belle Sherman Elementary can be found hard at work learning about money and getting hands-on banking experience depositing money into their Student Credit Union accounts at Alternatives.  The students, all refugees from Burma, range in age from 2nd to 5th grade. 

Alternatives has partnered with the Cornell Cooperative Extension's Urban 4-H program and Belle Sherman Elementary School to provide a new experiential financial education program entitled S3: Spend, Save, Share.  The S3 program helps students build financial skills through hands-on entrepreneurial activity, as well as structured lessons in money management and finance.  The goal of the S3 program is to empower students to make smart spending, saving and sharing decisions.

These budding entrepreneurs designed and sold holiday greeting cards through Alternatives' Holiday Market.  As profits came in, the group had to decide together how they wanted to distribute their earnings.   The students decided they would share half of their earnings (over $70) with the SPCA of Tompkins County, and would save the remainder in their Alternatives' Student Credit Union Accounts. 

The students were invited to visit the SPCA to present their donation and to get a first-hand view of how the agency will use their gift.  Students learned about the SPCA's activities  including how families are matched with animals, and the importance of the SPCA's spay and neuter program.  The highlight of the day was a trip to the cat rooms where the children were able to pet and play with some very friendly feline friends!

Other S3 groups are actively spending, saving and sharing at Belle Sherman, and plans are in the works to expand to Beverly J. Martin Elementary School in 2010.  We are very proud of the students' hard work and generosity!

Orlando Aramini

I was getting beaten up by local banks and their penalties/fees.  I got my taxes done through Alternatives' Free Tax Preparation program and found the people very friendly.  It's a pleasure to feel the lack of pressure that banks put on me. Having folks listen and care does make a difference!

Diane Hecht

While living in New Jersey in 1995, I decided to move to Ithaca to care for my elderly mother and to purchase a home here. My daughter set up appointments for me at Alternatives to discuss obtaining a mortgage and I remember her telling me not to dress up “NJ Style” as the small credit union on State Street in Ithaca was not like any bank I’d ever seen. She was so right! In the lobby dogs were barking and waiting for their snacks from the very casually dressed tellers, while babies were playing in areas provided by the Credit Union - that was the beginning of my love affair with Alternatives.

Over the past 13 years since offering me that first mortgage, as both Alternatives and I have grown and prospered, they have provided Home Equity loans to help me care for my mother, create my own small business, and this past spring to re-mortgage and pay off debts. The wonderful people in the Alternatives mortgage department offer amazing expertise in a very caring manner. Many thanks to all of you at Alternatives who offer your services for our community!   

Pat and Jackie Moe, Finger Lakes Beverage Center

My wife Jackie, my son Nicholas and I saw the need for a business offering a wide variety of beverages that appealed to all ethnic groups. The Beverage Center meets this need. We offer a wide variety of beers and gourmet sodas. Our customers can mix and match, special order and even take home draft beer through our Growlers System. We’re excited about this new business venture and we have Alternatives to thank for it. Getting a loan at Alternatives has been a tremendous experience. They’ve been cooperative, supportive and enthusiastic about our business. Their ideas have been helpful. We really appreciate the entire Alternatives staff. We’re glad to be a business supported by Alternatives. They’ve certainly made a difference for us.

Robert Berkley, Your Daily Soup

A few years ago, Robert took a realistic look at business growth and decided he needed a financial boost for expansion. He owns his home, free and clear, and decided a Home Improvement Loan was a good choice to get the funds he needed. "I had to get all new kitchen appliances; everything from a stove to a microwave—and a new roof also."

"Alternatives made it so easy—I felt like they answered my questions before I even asked them." Robert says of his experience. "I was already in a good place with my business. I just needed to get to the next level. Without the loan from Alternatives I couldn't have done it. I was able to make the home improvements I needed, and have money to buy the necessary equipment to expand my business to include ice cream and sorbet."

Aaron Lambert, Nutritional Wellness Center

In 2006 we had a vision of creating a wellness center that would be highly successful in helping people to achieve optimal health.  We also wanted to connect as many people as possible with the wonderful locally grown food.  The business loan and the Business CENTS program both allowed us to achieve our dream. A loan officer even came to visit our business some time later to see how we where doing.

Daniel Truesdale

I didn't want to keep renting all my life.  I started saving money through the First Home Club IDA at Alternatives, and the required money management class, MoneyWise, tells you everything you need to know.   If you're a first time homeowner, you can't beat getting $7,000 free money for a nice house!  All I had to do was the legwork.

Josh and Kriss Eckenrode

Recently, my wife Kriss and I decided that it was time to purchase our first home.  We started working with our realtor to find the right house, but were not sure how to handle the financing.  She suggested that we talk to the mortgage team at Alternatives.  I am so glad that she did since the rates were competitive, and the service was second to none.  We worked very closely with Carol Chernikoff throughout the process; she was able to guide us in a way that was very personal and comforting.  Buying a house, especially the first house, is a rather overwhelming proposition, but everyone was so kind and helpful that the process felt very smooth.  We were also pleased to find out that Alternatives does not sell their mortgages, and that our money would stay in the local economy.  As someone who grew up in Ithaca, this was very important to me.  Kriss and I were so impressed with the service at Alternatives, that we also refinanced our car, opened a credit card, and moved all of our accounts to the credit union.  The personal, local service we receive continues to delight us every time we interact with a member of the Alternatives team.  We have never seen so many smiling faces in a financial institution! 

NorthStar House - Elliot Martin, Lee Hamilton and Jed Ashton

At NorthStar House, we use as many local, organic vegetables and meats as we can, so you have our word that we will do all we can to help the community grow in the healthiest way possible.  Naturally we bank at Alternatives, not only because they share our goals of community development, but they also provide the tools to make those goals a reality. Alternatives has been there for us from the beginning, helping us develop a business plan in the Business CENTS program, and continues to support us as we grow and have new financial needs.

Joe Nolan, Home Green Home

My family's credit union has been Alternatives since '96; We liked the mission, and who could resist banking in a converted house? In 2005 I started thinking about a retail start-up called "Home Green Home" that would sell healthy and eco-conscious home furnishings and renovation supplies. The Business CENTS class helped me to understand and develop the elements of a business plan, and set me on the path to taking the big leap.

At every stage, I've felt well supported by Alternatives' friendly staff.  From one-on-one consultation to business banking and credit needs, I've received quick, helpful service at Alternatives. We always look to partner with organizations that share our values, and Alternatives fits the bill.

Jacqueline Reeves

My journey began by inquiring about how to purchase a home with my Section 8 counselor at Tompkins  Community Action.  From there, I was connected with the Family Self Sufficiency program, which made this experience wonderful and easier to understand.

The Homebuyer's Class at Ithaca Neighborhood Housing was an eye opener to all the possibilities and obstacles that I had to complete in order to achieve my goal.  All this snowballed into me connecting with Alternatives.  Brendan Wilbur and the staff there were helpful in setting up an IDA, a program where I can pay the bills needed to maintain a household and still be able to save.  These are both things that I love to do. The IDA program provides people with information on the steps to homeownership.  It's been a great experience for me, and I hope that young people are inspired to follow up on their dreams - if not for themselves - then for the generation that we have the responsibility to raise.

Enzo Saccuccimorano

I like to save every week at the Student Credit Union because I like to watch my money grow. Everyone needs money to survive.  I’m not saving for anything in particular, but I like the ability to choose how and when I spend my money.