William Cooper, a pioneer and visionary of the maple sugaring industry in Otsego County, NY, had a unique and innovative approach to the production and marketing of maple syrup. He saw the potential for the maple sugaring industry to provide a sustainable source of income for farmers and to promote the development of rural communities in the region. This vision for the industry would have a profound impact on the region and its residents for generations to come.
Cooper moved his family to Cooperstown, NY in 1790. He was a farmer, businessman, and civic leader, who had a deep appreciation for the natural resources of the region and a strong commitment to its economic development. He saw the potential for the maple sugaring industry to provide a sustainable source of income for farmers and to promote the development of rural communities in the region.
Cooper recognized that the traditional methods of maple sugaring were inefficient and wasteful, and he saw the need for modern and innovative production methods. He developed a system of providing sugaring vats to local producers in order to grow the industry in our region and then worked on transporting the finished product to Albany so that it could be shipped by river to the New York City markets.
Cooper also recognized the importance of marketing and branding in the success of the maple sugaring industry. He established a cooperative of maple sugar producers in Otsego County, which allowed them to market their syrup under a common brand and to benefit from economies of scale in production and marketing. He also established trade relationships with wholesalers and retailers in the region, which provided a reliable market for the syrup and helped to establish the industry as a key component of the regional economy.
Cooper’s vision for the maple sugaring industry in Otsego County was realized through his tireless efforts and the support of the local community. The industry continued to grow and expand over the next century, providing a source of income for farmers and supporting the development of rural communities in the region. Today, the maple sugaring industry remains an important part of the regional economy, with many families continuing the tradition of maple sugaring and producing high-quality syrup for local and regional markets.
Cooper’s legacy continues to inspire the next generation of maple sugar producers, who are committed to preserving the traditions and values of the industry, while incorporating new and innovative production methods to improve the quality and sustainability of the syrup. They are also working to promote the industry and to raise awareness of its importance to the regional economy and the local community through local and statewide marketing programs.
William Cooper’s vision for the maple sugaring industry in Otsego County, NY was a visionary and innovative approach to the production and marketing of maple syrup. He saw the potential for the industry to provide a sustainable source of income for farmers and to promote the development of rural communities in the region. His legacy continues to inspire and guide the next generation of maple sugar producers, who are committed to preserving the traditions and values of the industry, while incorporating new and innovative production methods to improve the quality and sustainability of the syrup. The maple sugaring industry in Otsego County remains a testament to Cooper’s vision and commitment to the region and its residents.
Accidents and incidents can happen at any time, but taking precautions and being prepared can help reduce the risk. Whether you’re at home or on the road, there are many steps you can take to stay safe and lower your insurance premiums. In this article, we’ll provide helpful tips for reducing the risk of accidents and incidents in the home and on the road, and show how these tips can help lower insurance premiums.
Finding the right person to work with you on your home improvements can be a challenge. In our region, it is an industry where very few have websites to provide helpful information about who they are, how long they have been in business or examples of their work. Instead, much of our connection with potential businesses comes through social media posts and referrals.
When embarking on home improvement projects, one of the first decisions is whether to do it yourself or to hire a professional. If you feel you have the skillset to undertake a particular project, then it might make sense to proceed with it. If you are not sure, remember that time is valuable – and if you make a mistake, you may likely have to do all the work over again or possibly end up calling a professional anyway. Make sure you consider your ‘worst case scenario’ and let that help guide you in your decision.
The summer months are ones we look forward to all year long, but they bring certain risks along with the great summer weather. After our long, cold, winter months, we are all more than ready to be outdoors and enjoying fun times with family and friends. To minimize your risks, you can do a quick insurance protection check to make sure you are ready for the summer months.
Outdoor recreation activities over the past few years (since the onset of COVID-19) has boomed with people throughout the U.S. looking for safe spaces with fresh air and good opportunities for socially distanced recreation. Here in New York, there are parts of the Catskills that were inundated with so many people, trails were closed in order to protect them from foot traffic. This surge in interest in outdoor activities has also spurred increased visitation at National Parks throughout the country. Those numbers continued to increase in 2021 – with close to 300 million visits and record high numbers in forty-four parks.
Living in a classic old house is a privilege. Older homes can evoke a sense of beauty, love, charisma. They have a level of character and craftsmanship that are no longer seen in todays modern houses. However, during the cold winters, an older home can be quite uncomfortable. If you are looking into insulation, you may find the information here to be helpful. 
Most people know that there are some logical ways to save money on their insurance. Bundling your auto and homeowners insurance with one carrier and agency can qualify you for a discount. You can use higher deductibles or drop some of your coverage levels. You can take driving safety courses or install security systems. These are all things that you can control and adjust as you need to. What you might not realize is that insurance pricing changes on a regular basis and is driven by many different factors. The general recommendation is to re-quote on your policies every 6-12 months.
New York State is making a huge push to help homeowners and businesses transition out of fossil fuel dependence. Through 
It’s the time of year when our snow-loving neighbors venture forth on wintery trails throughout our region. According to the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, in 2021, there were over 1.3 billion snowmobiles registered in the U.S. – over 100,000 of these are in New York State. New York offers thousands of miles of snowmobile trails that wind their way through some of the most beautiful and scenic parts of the state including the Catskill Mountains and the Adirondacks.
The transition from one year to the next is often a time of reflection about our lives. We assess the things that we might like to change to make our lives a bit better, feel happier, healthier and more productive. Just as we make assessment of our personal habits, we can assess our surroundings as well. The new year allows us the opportunity to step back and reflect on ways we can make our households run more efficiently – maybe with some re-organization, or updates, repairs and improvements to our home in ways that make sense for our budgets and our future.
There is nothing more important than the safety of our children in getting back and forth to school. Whether they are walking, riding a bike or traveling in a school bus, it is imperative for drivers to be constantly aware, patient and exercise caution. Take a look through the following information for a refresher on School Bus Rules of the Road.
One of the most important things we can tell our clients is to think about insurance before you actually have a need for it. If there is one thing we have all learned over this past year, it is that life can be unpredictable. While it may be hard to imagine the kinds of things that can happen that upend our lives, there are some systematic ways to assess some of the basics.
One of the best things about summer is the ability to cook outdoors. We hold family barbecues, attend outdoor picnics, and just generally cook outside whenever we can while the season is here. 70% of our households in the U.S. own an outdoor grill or smoker. While a big part of our summer fare, outdoor cooking does not come without risks. An average of 10,600 home fires are caused each year and almost 20,000 emergency room visits are directly related to home grilling and about half of those injuries involve thermal burns. Take a look through these Summer Grilling Safety Tips – recommended by