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| Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Congressman Paul Tonko present Jon Phillips, owner of Phillips Hardware with a proclamation, celebrating his 127-year old business Phillips Hardware at a press conference, July 2. |
Tuesday, July 2 Congressman Paul Tonko and Albany County Executive Dan McCoy joined Local First of the Capital Region and AMIBA in celebrating "Independents" Week at--where else--Phillips Hardware, located on Central Avenue in Albany.
Albany County Executive McCoy issued an official proclamation declaring July 1-7 "Independents" Week, and announced the proclamation at a press conference at Phillips Hardware.
Congressman Tonko attended the ceremony to offer his praise of independent businesses, which he says are the "muscle" of the American economy.
Jon Phillips, owner of Phillips Hardware, said independent businesses are also survivors. They've learned to adapt and respond to customers needs, and to work with other independents to achieve their shared aims. The Phillips family arrived in Albany in 1885 and established their own business, a gas fitters and locksmiths in 1886. Today, A. Phillips Hardware is one of the oldest hardware chains left in the country. During his stint at the helm, Abbott Phillips expanded the single city store into five additional locations, including Colonie, Delmar, and Voorheesville, as well as the flagship store on Central Avenue. In 1991, Phillips passed the business to his son, Jon Phillips, whose business acumen has proven to be as every bit as sharp as his father’s, and who added two additional stores, one in Waterford and Schenectady. Jon has also been an impassioned supporter of this community, donating his time and resources to numerous charities, including Police Athletic League and STRIDE Adaptive Sports.
Central Avenue is home to a number of independents, including American Glass Company, a family owned business since 1911 which makes its home right down the street from here. The Abbotts specialize in glazing, creating windows for storefronts, offices, homes, even cars. They’re busy, and yet, when you pick up the phone, it’s Dave or Tracy Abbott who answers at the other end, with a ready laugh, and a solution for your problem. It’s exactly this kind of personal detail that is so valuable when it comes to doing business with local and independent businesses, and why time and time again, we come back to them.
Honest Weight Food Co-op was also present at the ceremony. Honest Weight just completed construction on a $5.4 Million new 30,000 square foot grocery store, leveraging some of that funding from the Community Loan Fund, which has loaned more than $17 M in Albany County, as well as the Albany County Business Development Corporation’s Al Tech Loan Fund. Honest Weight currently employ 100 staff members, and expect to hire 20-30 new employees in the expanded facilities. Co-ops like Honest Weight provide the community with affordable natural foods, many from local suppliers, and they employ workers at a living wage, which is something we can all feel good about.
“Local First of the Capital Region is joining other local alliances and partner organizations nationwide--thousands of independent business owners and citizens who are participating in Independents Week—to celebrate our great independent businesses who exemplify the uniqueness of this region,” says Melanie Beam, President of Local First of the Capital Region. “We have a reason to celebrate—these friends and neighbors embody the spirit of entrepreneurism and individuality in our community. Our citizens are integral to ensuring we keep these businesses that help define who we are and contribute to our sense of place.”
