Making Green in Greene, NY

I haven't been able to see much of Greene, NY, a historic community with well-kept homes and antique shops, because I'm on assignment at a major manufacturing facility in Central, NY. Still, I don't anticipate any free time because my crew of 5, 4 from Albany and 1 from Queens, are staying unusually busy touring this corporation for great soundbites, vibrant footage and striking angles.

Having learned that the town was established in 1792, it's no wonder that the plant I'm in has been in business for the last 86 years. The small village of Greene, NY employs over 800 people to built electric lift trucks and the people they hire couldn't be nicer.

Jim, Herb and Dennis escorted me through the industry introducing me to hard-working, lunch-packing blue-collar folk with a lifetime of experience and skill. Every station was well-managed and clean with safety a number one priority. I donned earplugs and plastic eye wear to follow the rules but, unlike several other manufacturing facilities I've been in, this place is free of tom-foolery and tensions.

Free frozen turkeys were given out to all 800 with a handshake by the top brass. How cool is that?

Today is my birthday (can I claim I'm 35 again?) and I'm hanging with my new favorite crew for a few cocktails and great conversation at a favorite Binghamton Italian eatery. I'm psyched to be so lucky to be working this feverishly with such talented comrades. May this year be so fortuitous as to continue indefinitely this way!