Profiles

Ba Stopha, Claws & Paws

Ba Stopha, a long-time member of Alternatives, owns Claws and Paws, a successful pet grooming business in Ithaca. She credits our Business CENTS class, and two loans, for helping her get her business established….(click for more)

In 1997 Ba Stopha, a long-time member of Alternatives, decided it was time for a career change. She settled on pet grooming and set about getting the education necessary to open her own shop. When her new-found dream neared reality, she signed up for our Business CENTS class. “It was tremendous,” Ba says of this experience. “I was able to put my business plan together and start thinking about ways to get information to the people who need my services.”

A loan from Alternatives helped her to open her doors, and another loan allowed her to grow. Today, Claws and Paws is an established success. Ba enjoys having her business account with us, as well as her personal account. “My account has many suffixes. I always appreciate the tellers’ sense of humor at my numerous accounts, and their ability to keep things in the right place. Alternatives has such a relaxed atmosphere. From the beginning I always felt comfortable dealing with my business finances here. Everyone is always willing to help, regardless of the time it takes.” Claws and Paws, located at 209 Dey Street in Ithaca, offers pet grooming and unique pet products and toys.

Robin Dubovi and Linda Story

Just over a year ago, Robin Dubovi and Linda Story decided to start their own organizing business. They had a clear idea of what they wanted, but didn’t know how to turn their vision into reality. They decided to take Getting Down to Business, Alternatives’ training course for people starting or expanding small enterprises. “The class,” explained Linda, “was our bridge from concept to creation.”

Linda and Robin now own a very successful business, Clear the Way Organizing. They credit the class for providing them with the foundation they needed to create a solid business plan, for networking opportunities and for identifying available resources. “The class was very supportive,” said Linda, “I appreciated the warm and inviting environment.” Once Linda and Robin put their business skills to the test, they discovered that their organizing services were in high demand. They’ve returned to Alternatives to take advantage of one-on-one business mentoring with Diane Goodman, Director of Business CENTS. Diane worked with them to develop innovative marketing strategies that have helped their business grow. Robin says of their business, “I think the most rewarding part is empowering people to use their own organizational skills to create effective solutions.” For more information on their business, go to http://www.cleartheway.com.

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.

For more information about Der Rosenmeister Nursery go to www.rosenmeister.com

Ted Bronsnick

Ted Bronsnick, who takes pride in being one of Alternatives first members, came in for an auto loan. “I did check with other lenders,” he told Consumer Loan officer Amy Smith, “but I decided to get my loan at Alternatives. A few other places had rates that were a bit lower, but Alternatives, in an effort to be competitive, was willing to lowers their rate by .75%. I felt my relationship with the Credit Union was reason enough to support what they do by getting my loan with them.”

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."

Bonnie Comella
A Home Expansion Experience

Bonnie and her husband Mike came to Alternatives after researching their options for home expansion. "The Future Value Home Equity Line of Credit seemed to be just what we were looking for," Bonnie told us. "We were so relieved to find a financial institution that was willing to see our expansion as home equity and not new construction! We loved the relaxed and helpful atmosphere. It left us feeling like the Credit Union wanted to do business with us - not just make a loan.

"We set up an information meeting with a loan officer. Our girls loved the Credit Union play area. It made our conversation much more productive and enjoyable for everyone. We found the rates reasonable, and being able to borrow on the future value of our home as the renovations progressed made our plans a reality. People tell us that remodeling can be exasperating, but with Alternatives it was a really great experience. "

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."

Holly Adams Business IDA

Holly Adams, a member since 1994, heard about Individual Development Accounts, but it wasn’t until federal art cutbacks affected her work that she started asking questions and opened an IDA. She believes the time she put into the IDA classes, and her commitment to saving, has changed her work-life. “The IDA program is really amazing. It helped me clarify and focus where my energy and resources needed to go, and once I figured that out --- it gave me the money I needed to move forward.”

Holly is an actor, choreographer, director and teacher. “I liked the whole package.” Holly says of her introduction to the IDA program. “The Money Wise and Business CENTS classes were required for a business IDA. This education component gave me the opportunity to re-think my plans. I was able to identify a niche market and incorporate that niche into my business plan. The classes allowed me to gather the information I needed to make good decisions on how I would spend my IDA. The business plan I wrote guided me as I moved forward.” Holly used her IDA to purchase mask-making supplies, swords and a laptop. Her IDA gave her the means to propel her business to a whole new level.

Robert Earl Member

Robert Earl has been a member for two years. “I came to Alternatives when I first moved to Ithaca,” Robert says of his experience. “I was able to sit down with a mortgage loan officer and find out exactly what I needed to get a mortgage. The thing about Alternatives is that applying for a loan isn’t just a “no” or “yes” process. Other financial institutions just say “no” or “yes,” but at Alternatives you get the way to get to “yes.” The loan officer devises a plan to make it happen. The conversation is positive.”

Earl came to Alternatives after having an account at a large bank. “When I came to Alternatives,” Earl continues, “I was made to feel comfortable with my financial situation. I wasn’t just a number. I got personalized service. I could talk to someone about my banking concerns. I realized the Credit Union could do a lot for me.” Earl has a checking and savings account, as well as a credit card and personal loan at Alternatives.

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.”

Tara Lambert

Tara Lambert started Getting Down to Business class one month after she moved to Ithaca. “I was planning to open my nutritional counseling practice and this class was invaluable…I don’t think I would have been prepared to open my practice without it. The class taught me everything. I learned profit/loss analysis, break even analysis and how to record and track my finances…”

Tara Lambert found Alternatives while looking for a MicroLoan. A friend told her to check out Alternatives. “I hadn’t even moved to town yet,” Tara said, “but I stopped in. The first thing I found out about was the Business CENTS program and Getting Down To Business Class. I was planning to open my nutritional counseling practice and thought this class would be perfect. I enrolled and started one month after I moved to town. It was invaluable…I don’t think I would have been prepared to open my practice without it. The class taught me everything. I learned profit/loss analysis, break even analysis and how to record and track my finances. I was able to write my business plan, and that business plan enabled me to get the business loan I needed from Alternatives without any delays.

Tara owns the Nutritional Wellness Center at 528 Green Street. “I do whole food nutritional consulting, working with people to locate food intolerances, how to eliminate offending foods and how to regain natural health by helping them to create a personalized food plan. I also specialize in heavy metal and chemical detoxification using all natural methods.” For more information go to www.nutritionalwellnesscenter.com.

Bigs

The young children in this picture go to Under Cottonwood Childcare Center, owner by Alternatives member Mary Biggs. Mary went to a symposium at GIAC on starting small businesses and met Leslie Ackerman, Director of Business CENTS. “I approached Leslie about Alternatives’ one-on-one business counseling,” Mary said. “She was wonderful. I worked with her on writing a business plan – I am not a business person and didn’t know what I was doing. She talked me through the whole thing.”

“Cottonwood is an established daycare center in Ithaca, Mary continues. “My own daughter went to Cottonwood when she was younger. When I took over the business, I realized I would need capital to reach my goals. I had planned changes to establish a warm and secure home setting where secure relationships could be formed. I changed materials and activities to add to the established progressive early childhood education that was offered

At Alternatives I found all the help I needed. I took the business plan Leslie helped me create and met with Michael Culotta, Alternatives’ Business Loan Officer, for a Microloan and Line of Credit. I have my business account at Alternatives; it’s such an easy place to do my banking. I really feel like my mind is at ease because I take care of my responsibilities, but Alternatives stands behind me in support. For more information about Under Cottonwood Daycare Center see www.undercottonwood.com.

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.”