This fall, TDC welcomed six new community members to our Board of Directors. These individuals, George Barnett, Linda Brienza, Deb Cleary, Courtney Chandler DeLaura, Dr. John Kowal and Christina Ubl, all bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our organization. We will be introducing them in two installments; get to know George, Deb and Christina and read about their positive impacts to the community and what they will bring to TDC!
After college, George Barnett returned home and joined his father in their family-owned company that has been serving the real estate needs of the North Country for over 50 years. In 1996 he took over the company and continues to enjoy working, learning, and meeting the challenges of today’s Real Estate market. Now having his team in place to service his customers, his primary focus is guiding and growing the careers of his agents, growing his office and expanding their footprint. Their partnership with the Century 21 Real Estate Network grants him and his advisor’s access to the latest technologies and the best Real Estate tools and services available. His company is guided by their House Rules:
> Show them that you care about them.
> Build a relationship on trust.
> Be the most knowledgeable, professional, and caring Real Estate Advisor.
> Make them customers for life!
What do you think is unique about the Greater Plattsburgh area?
I think Plattsburgh is a beautiful place to live especially, if you love the outdoors. I am a native that returned after college and wouldn’t want to live anywhere else.
Why did you agree to become a TDC board member?
My Grandfather was a long-time board member and I believe President at one time so I thought it would be a tribute to him and I believe the TDC has helped grow the community; I would like to help with that. I am for and working toward growth in Plattsburgh and the surrounding areas and within the community.
Deb Cleary is President and CEO of ETS Staffing, Recruiting and Consulting. She has overseen the expansion and exponential growth of ETS over the past 9 years after taking over the role from founder Hope Coryer in 2013. In 2018, Deb started Ready4Real, a non-profit organization that delivers innovative and relevant curriculums to youth and adults to prepare them for real life. Deb is currently on the Board of Trustees of Adirondack Foundation, a board member of the North Country Workforce Development Board and on the Advisory Board for the Institute for Advanced Manufacturing (IAM) at Clinton Community College. She is a Past President of the Board of Directors for the CVPH Foundation and Trustee of Mountain Lake PBS.
What positive changes are you looking to see in our community?
I am very interested in the physical health of the people in our community. I believe it is a workforce issue, I believe it is a community health issue and I very much want to help people improve their health....mostly through changing their eating habits. 70% of Americans are either obese or overweight, diabetes, heart disease and other metabolic diseases are rising alarmingly. Americans also eat MOSTLY processed foods. These things are linked! I believe there is a lot we can do right here to help people learn how to cook and eat healthy, whole foods....especially with so many farms, and access to local vegetables and good, grass-fed meats, eggs and dairy. I could go on and on.
Why did you agree to become a TDC board member and which committee are you hoping to serve?
I agreed to become a board member of TDC because I think it's important to give back to the community and to help move it forward.
Deb hopes to serve on the Education and Workforce Development Committee as she has many years of building the workforce pipeline in our region.
What do you think is unique about the Greater Plattsburgh area?
Why is Plattsburgh unique? There are many things that make the region unique: the lake, the mountains, the proximity to Montreal. We have clean air, farmland and natural resources that other small communities dream of. We have the same problems to overcome as other small towns but also the optimism that we can do better and progress.
Christina R. Ubl is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional and a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst™. She joined Clute Wealth Management (a Registered Investment Advisor and separate entity from LPL Financial) in 2000 and became a partner in 2014. As a partner, she enjoys the opportunity to work with small business owners and individuals on a daily basis helping them to pursue their financial and personal goals. She helps them to understand both the short- and long-term financial decisions. Securities and advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor. Member FINRA/SIPC. Financial planning offered through Clute Wealth Management, LLC.
What positive changes are you looking to see in our community?
My goal is that Plattsburgh and the surrounding communities are seen as an ideal place to work, live, play, and raise a family because that will help the people and businesses already here to thrive and grow, as well as attract more to move or relocate here for the diverse opportunities and active lifestyles.
Why did you agree to become a TDC board member and which committee are you hoping to serve?
I agreed to be on the Board because I believe TDC has made a significant impact on the community in helping attract new businesses & spotlighting the many benefits of the area and I want to give back to my community. I hope to serve on the Education & Workforce Development Committee because I am involved in education as much as possible (either through being on the SUNY Plattsburgh College Council, speaking at local high schools (and SUNY), and having interns)
What do you think is unique about the Greater Plattsburgh area?
I’ve had the opportunity to live in different communities, such as Stamford, CT, Bronx, NY, Willsboro, NY & for the past 24 years, the Plattsburgh area. I find that Plattsburgh uniquely blends the benefits of a “small city” with the sense of community found in "small towns and villages". While there are many surrounding towns, Plattsburgh has a way of bringing all of them together as one community; whether it’s through the small businesses, colleges/trade schools or sports, we are all connected. There’s a sense of community here that was lacking (at least for me) everywhere else I lived.
