Designation earned

PLATTSBURGH -- Randy LaPoint of Choice Custom Homes LLC recently became one of the select group of 2,000 professional builders nationwide who have earned the Certified Graduate Builder (CGB) designation, identifying LaPoint as one of the building industry's top professionals.

Administered by the National Association of Home Builders University of Housing, the program is sponsored locally by the Builders and Remodelers of Northern New York.

Designation recipients earn the building industry's premier professional designation by successfully completing an intensive series of nine six-hour courses. The curriculum incorporates training by leading building-industry practitioners and academics on a range of topics, including business management, emerging technologies and market trends. After earning CGB credentials, program graduates are required to maintain their designation through completion of an additional six hours of training annually.

The National Association of Home Builders is a Washington-based trade association representing more than 205,000 members involved in home building, remodeling, multifamily construction, property management, subcontracting, design, housing finance, building-product manufacturing and other aspects of residential and light-commercial construction. It is affiliated with more than 800 state and local home builders associations around the country.

Anniversary celebration

PLATTSBURGH -- Aubuchon Hardware in Plattsburgh plans to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary milestone during the town's Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration from now through Sept. 14.

To commemorate another successful year of business, Aubuchon plans to participate in a week of historical remembrance and achievement. The event will run throughout the week during normal store hours and will be held at the local store. As part of the town's honoring of the battle, the local Aubuchon will be selling t-shirts and buttons from the Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration.

The town's Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration will also feature reenactments, a parade, food and more.

After 100 years of business, Aubuchon Hardware, the Northeast's leading family-owned hardware provider, remains committed to the community it serves. For more information and to learn about some of the special product promotions going on this week at the store, visit the company's Web site at www.hardwarestore.com.

Business

After Hours

PLATTSBURGH -- The Plattsburgh-North Country Chamber of Commerce invites area business people to Business After Hours on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 5:30-7 p.m. at Wells Communications, 4338 Route 22, Plattsburgh.

Co-sponsored by Wells and the Comfort Inn & Suites, this event is an opportunity to meet new business contacts, enjoy food and network with area business people. Everyone may enter to win free drawings for door prizes and well as see displays by local fire-department and law-enforcement agencies.

This event is open to all chamber members and their employees. Future members are encouraged to contact the chamber for a special-guest pass. The fee for Business After Hours is $3 with an advance reservation and $4 without. For more information, or to make reservations, call the at 563-1000.