Huhtamaki Supports Fulton Block Builders in More Ways Than One

Fulton, NY - Mark Southwick and Joe McConnell recently presented Linda Eagan with a check for $1,000.00 to support the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) matching grant program.

“We recognize that our communities strengthen when we work as a team to build commonalities and support the causes that are essential for community health and vitality. One of our core values is to treat our world with respect. That means caring about each other, the environment and the communities where we do business. FBB’s mission to Restore City Pride -One Block at a Time is a program Huhtamaki is proud to support. We are especially proud of the resident’s support and belief in their community and properties, by resident’s investing three times the amount of the grant funds in 2017” said Southwick.

In addition to the financial support Mark and Joe spent time learning about the program from Linda and John and brainstormed more ways that Huhtamaki could lend more support to this program.

One of the most exciting ideas to come out of the session was Huhtamaki’s suggestion to help FBB advertise during the period that FBB applications are being accepted (January through March.)

Eagan and Munk both praised this idea as many in the community are still unaware of the program.

“Every way we can get the word out will help. FBB wants every homeowner in the city to know about this new community revitalization program and have the opportunity to apply. Putting a banner on the Huhtamaki building will be like having our own billboard” said Eagan.

The FBB Block Challenge is a neighborhood revitalization program that encourages groups of neighbors to collaborate on exterior improvements to their properties in order to build confidence in Fulton’s neighborhoods and inspire others to reinvest.

Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements (visible from the street), up to $1,000.

If $500 is spent, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 or more is spent the match will be $1,000. (minus taxes.)

Tips for a Competitive Application and Pre-applications are available on the FBB website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/

Huhtamaki proudly bears the name of its founder, Mr. Heikki Huhtamäki.

Young Heikki, a village baker’s son, established Huhtamäki Industries in 1920 in Kokkola, Finland.

Ever since then, they’ve followed his spirit of adventure in exploring new opportunities across the world. Their purpose is to help great products reach more people, more easily.

Today Huhtamaki operates around the world, manufacturing in six continents.

They continue to form important partnerships and to make acquisitions where it counts for their customers, as well as growing organically.

Right now, Huhtamaki is growing its presence in fast-growing regions, including Africa and the Middle East, making them well placed to serve both global and local customers.

Mark Southwick, Huhtamaki Plant Manager and Joe McConnell Operations Manager are seen here with Linda Eagan, Fulton Block Builders (FBB) Administrative Director. Along with them is John Munk Huhtamaki Graphics Coordinator. John is also an FBB volunteer.

Fulton Block Builder- receives support from many community businesses taking them closer and closer to their fundraising goal.

Linda Eagan receives donation from Zach Menter, President and CEO of Oswego County Ambulance Service. This donation makes Menter a NEIGHBORHOOD PRIDE LEADER as a Fulton Block Builder (FBB) Sponsor. Oswego County Ambulance Service, locally known as Menter Ambulance Service, is a private ambulance service whose main headquarters is in Fulton, NY. Their service provides Advanced Life Support emergency ambulance transport, and non-emergent transportation. Zach said he’s been watching the changes brought about by the Block Builder program and wanted to become involved. Linda thanks Zach for the very generous donation. Every dollar FBB raises is matched 2-to-1 by the Shineman Foundation up to $100,000.00.

Jennifer Whalen from FBB is seen here with Chris Sachel after receiving a BLOCK BUILDER donation from Mimi’s Diner. Patrons of Mimi’s will find delicious sandwiches and other American favorites at Mimi's Drive Inn in Fulton. Prices at Mimi's are a bargain, so you'll have plenty of cash left over to treat a friend (or two). Mimi's Drive Inn is a great place to go for lunch or dinner, so make your way over to the restaurant today and munch on an American classic. And let Chris and the gang know how much you appreciate their support of the Fulton Block Builder program!

Eryl Christiansen and Regina Lunkenheimer,Eastern Shore Associates pose with Jennifer as she thanks them for becoming the newest FBB RENOVATOR  supporter.  Eastern Shore is an organization with over 80 insurance professionals operating from 7 branch offices throughout Central and Upstate New York. They work with over 30 insurance companies, giving Them the ability to find the best solution to each of their customers' insurance needs. The employees live and work in the same communities as their customers, and are dedicated to helping protect the homes, automobiles, businesses, and lives of our neighbors. Supporting the FBB project is a natural for Eryl and Regina and the entire Eastern Shore team.

Uniforms Etc. team - Michaelanne Vail, Kiyara Moore, Jill Abbott-owner, Patrick Aquaviva and Michaelene Vail are proud their company is a SUPPORTER of FBB.  Uniform’s Etc. is a custom embroidery and custom screen printing workshop that takes pride in creating unique embroidered and screen-printed designs for all your apparel and gift item needs. Their custom embroidery and custom screen printing is considered the state of the art in value, quality and service. They even made the FBB name tag Jennifer’s is wearing!

If you, your business or your service agency is interested in donating and/or providing discounts to participants, please e-mail FBB at fultonblockbuilders@gmail.com.

Fulton Block Builders receive support from Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix, New York

Fulton Block Builders has been receiving strong support from within the Fulton city limits. But for the second year in a row, business support has come from outside of the city with a donation from Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix. Dennis Goss, owner/operator of Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. in Phoenix is shown here presenting Linda Eagan with a check for the Fulton Block Builder project. “I am honored to support the Block Builder program. The work that this group has been able to accomplish is outstanding! I believe the potential for year two will far exceed the work that was done in the inaugural year. The city is lucky to have such a dedicated group of people volunteering for this program. I encourage businesses and individuals to learn all they can and support this momentum!” said Goss.

“Dennis is a strong advocate for the city and residents in Fulton. As a Rotarian he can be seen volunteering in Fulton Youth Soccer, Fulton YMCA, OCO Bowl-A-Thon, ARC of Oswego County, Fulton Public Library, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, Fulton Polish Home, Fulton American Legion, Literacy Volunteers, the Salvation Army and filling Blizzard Bags for shut-ins throughout Oswego County. Dennis is an excellent example of community activism, we can’t thank him enough for this support.” Eagan said.

The Pre-Application deadline is March 16th. It is very important for blocks to get organized and gather signatures from their neighbors.  This first step does not commit a home owner - it simply states that they want to learn more. Block Builder Ambassadors will meet with each block that submits a pre-application to explain the fine details of the program. It is after that meeting that homeowners will decide if they want to submit a final application to be considered for a Block Challenge Award. Eagan did stress, however, that without the Pre-Application being submitted a block cannot submit a Final Application, so don’t let March 16th slip by. Learn more about FBB on the website: https://www.fultonblockbuilders.com/apply/ or follow them on Facebook.

Since 1932, Sweet-Woods Memorial Co. has provided thousands of families all over Central New York with premium quality memorials, bronze plaques, and mausoleums.  With locations in Phoenix, Brewerton and Camillus, the business was founded with one philosophy in mind: to provide the best quality material and craftsmanship available, at a reasonable price.

IMPORTANT DATES REGARDING 2018 Fulton Block Builders:

• Friday, March 16, 2018 – Neighborhood Recruitment Forms (pre-applications) are due
• Wednesday, April 18, 2018 – Final applications are due
• Monday April 30, 2018 – Fundraising match for the Shineman grant must be raised
• Tuesday May 1, 2018 – FBB grant awardees announced & home improvements begin
• Wednesday October 31, 2018 – awardees must complete their work

Dennis Goss from Sweet-Woods Memorial Company in Phoenix, NY presents Linda Eagan with a check in support of the Fulton Block Builders

Community Bank N.A Brings Fulton Block Builders to 92% of the Matching Goal Needed to Realize the Full $100,000.00 Grant from the Shineman Foundation

Community Bank N.A recently donated $5,000.00 to the Fulton Block Builders (FBB). Branch Manager, Tina Stephens is seen here with Linda Eagan, FBB administrative Director. “The Fulton Block Builders have announced Target Areas and are accepting Pre-Applications for the 2017 Block Challenge matching grant program. Homeowners are encouraged to go to fultonblockbuilders.com to download the pre-application form and sample letter to organize your neighbors. It is a very simple process and any block in the city can apply, however preference will be given to blocks in the Target Areas. FBB is thrilled to have the support of Community Bank N.A. With this 5K check, FBB has now raised 92% of the match needed to realize the full $100,000.00 matching grant from the Shineman Foundation.” Eagan said

Branch Manager, Tina Stephens (left) with Linda Eagan, FBB administrative Director

Each participating property owner in a Challenge Block is eligible to receive a dollar-for-dollar match on exterior improvements (visible from the street), up to $1,000. If $500 is spent, a $250 match will be made. If $2,000 or more is spent the match will be $1,000. (minus taxes). Funding is competitive please see Tips for a Competitive Application.

To receive the matching funds, participants must submit all receipts and invoices at the conclusion of their project. Fulton Block Builders will review the materials, take a picture of the completed work, and send a reimbursement check to the participant. (Note sales tax on purchases cannot be matched only the before tax purchase price.)

In addition to matching funds, participants will be eligible to receive special discounts from sponsoring hardware stores and garden centers. (A list of sponsors and the applicable discounts will be available when the Challenge Blocks are designated).

What improvements are eligible?

• Painting                                  
• Mailboxes                                          
• Porch repair                          
• Exterior lights
• Soffit repair                            
• Front yard landscaping       
• Sidewalk repair                    
• Front doors/screen doors
• Flower boxes                         
• Shutters
• And more...

“Community Bank N.A. slogan is Bank Happy which is more than just advertising it is the core principle by which we operate” said Stephens. We are a full service financial institution, offering all the things much bigger banks offer. But we also have one thing they don’t -a passion for providing the highest level of customer service in whatever we do. “The support for the FBB is clear demonstration of this passion” Stephens said.

Support continues to grow for the Fulton Block Builders

Nancy Kush Ellis, Vice President of Fulton Savings Bank is shown here after presenting Linda Eagan with a check for $10,000.00 for the Fulton Block Builder (FBB) project. “Fulton Savings Bank is proud to be a Corporate Sponsor of this new initiative and thanks all those involved for their continued enthusiasm and hard work.!” Ellis said.

Bringing homeowners together in one block builds community and generates confidence. “Residents of the city are encouraged to start organizing their blocks as pre applications will be accepted from March 1st through April 1st. Home owners are asked to go the FBB website for help with this organization. On the website residents will find: sample letters, tips, frequently asked questions and application forms.” Eagan said.

Fulton Block Builders is a program that generates neighborhood pride and helps homeowners and property owners recover part of the cost of their exterior property investment. The core feature of this approach is to build on strengths rather than just fix weaknesses.

In 1871, a group of civic leaders organized Fulton Savings Bank “to receive deposits from tradesmen, clerks, mechanics, laborers, minors, servants and others.”  The first Bank location was in a rented room at the northeast corner of Second and Oneida Streets.  The Bank has been serving the greater Fulton community ever since and continues to Build Trust for Generations. This donation to FBB is another commitment to that philosophy.
 

Fulton Lions Club Donates $1,000 to Fulton Block Builders

FULTON, NY – The Fulton Lions Club recently donated $1,000 to Fulton Block Builders, (FBB), it was announced by President David Guyer. “The Fulton Block Challenge neighborhood revitalization program is a critical step forward in reshaping our city and restoring pride, one block at a time,” Guyer said. “Fulton Lions is proud to be a supporter.” Guyer is shown with Linda Egan, FBB administrative director.

Fulton’s Lions Club, also known for their Lions Loot Sweepstakes, (April 30, 2017), and Lions Mane Event Comedy Night, provides financial assistance for those in need of eyeglasses, eye exams, and hearing aids to residents in the Greater Fulton area. For further information on Fulton Lions, visit their Facebook page under “Fulton NY Lions.”