RAVENA — On Sunday, April 16, at 2 p.m., the Ravena Coeymans Historical Society will present another program on local history as it welcomes Tom Sweeney, president of the Alcove Preservation Association.
With a focus to celebrate the 350th founding of Coeymans, Sweeney will highlight the history of Indian Fields, Stephensville and Alcove.
After receiving a B.S. in civil engineering from the Indiana Institute of Technology and attending graduate school in Transportation Planning at RPI, Sweeney pursued a career with the New York State Department of Transportation. In 1969, he became a resident of the town of Coeymans.
Since his retirement in 2003, Sweeney has been committed to the preservation of the historical aspects of Alcove. He has championed the restoration of the Alcove Cemetery fence, advocated for the creation of the Valley Paper Mill Park and promoted the stabilization of its chimney.
Sweeney is also a retired U.S. Army colonel, having served 28 years in the New York State Army National Guard.
Open to the public, this program will be held in the museum, located in the rear entrance of the village municipal building in Ravena, and is accessible to the handicapped.
RAVENA — A free digital marketing seminar offered at Faith Plaza on May 26 will help local businesses build their digital footprint and develop new marketing opportunities.
The seminar is sponsored by the Ravena News-Herald, Greenville Pioneer, RCS Community Business Association and the Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce.
Katherine Haine, president and CEO of City Media, is a renowned digital marketing expert and educator. During the seminar she will help business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs take a fresh look at their digital marketing strategies and how they reach customers.
“During this time of uncertainty, it is absolutely crucial for businesses to connect with consumers and stay relevant,” Haine said. “In the last decade or so in particular, many consumers have become accustomed to finding what they want online.”
Online research is an increasingly vital tool in the marketplace, she said.
“Did you know that 85% of consumers conduct research before they make a purchase online, and among the most used channels for research are Google (97%), websites (74%) and social media (38%),” Haine said. “It’s become critical for every business to have an effective online strategy to grow.”
The May 26 seminar will help businesses learn how to do just that.
“You will learn how your business stacks up against your local competitors and what is most important for your business growth,” Haine said. “This includes how your business shows up on mobile, social media and online reviews. Most businesses don’t realize that a few small changes will result in immediate results.”
Warren Dews Jr., vice president of Capital Region Independent Media and publisher of the Ravena News-Herald, Greenville Pioneer and TheUpStater.com, said the seminar is one more way the company can contribute to the communities it serves.
“I’m truly excited to bring Katherine to town,” Dews Jr. said. “I tell people all the time — we are more than just a printed product. We are a media company that can help local businesses get their message out to the community, whether in a digital or print format. We have become a one-stop shop. I love what I do!”
The seminar will be followed by a personal session with Haine, who will conduct a Digital Health Check Review for attendees who register in advance.
The seminar will be held on Thursday, May 26, at Abounding Love Christian Fellowship, 2480 Route 9W in Ravena, in Faith Plaza. Check-in and a free continental breakfast courtesy of TheUpStater.com and the Ravena News-Herald will begin at 9 a.m., with the digital marketing seminar at 10 a.m. Personal client sessions and the Digital Health Check Reviews will be conducted starting at 11:30 a.m.
There is no fee; this event, which is valued at $300, is offered free of charge.
To register, please visit https://theupstater.com/rsvp-may26/?fbclid=IwAR31dPdrwJ9k6-xufyqxJ4RsjrRjSPXx0wX27R8wDNx0LYiKarKZ4i_sNWU