Glens Falls Business Journal - January 2020

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VOL. 31 NO. 11

HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH

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JANUARY 2020

State Adds Another $9.4 Million To Fund Lake Assemblyman Stec To Make Fighting New George Wastewater Infrastructure Upgrades Bail And Discovery Laws A Top 2020 Priority New York state will provide an additional $9.4 million in grants to the Village of Lake George to repair and upgrade its wastewater collection infrastructure to help preserve the water quality and natural beauty of Lake George.

The $9.4 million will be provided by the state in addition to a $3 million Water Infrastructure Improvement Act grant and a DEC-funded $2.5 million Water Quality Improvement Project grant, filling a budget gap in the project and bringing total state investment to $14.9 million.

The remaining cost of the project will be covered by a zero-interest loan from the Environmental Facilities Co., officials said. The investment will result in a total savings to village taxpayers of nearly $25 million.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo said the state “is leading the way in protecting water quality, which is why the state is investing a historic $3 billion dollars to help municipalities address these challenges head-on.”

EDC Warren County President/CEO Ed Bartholomew said, “Lake George is a crown jewel of New York’s many beautiful lakes and waterways. This critical water infrastructure project will both ensure the continued health of the lake’s pristine waters and further economic growth throughout the region.”

The Village of Lake George is expected to complete construction of the plant upgrades in August 2021. State officials said the upgraded wastewater treatment plant will enhance Lake George’s water quality and continue the Village’s efforts to reduce nutrient pollution that can

Lake George, a major tourist attraction has state funds to help keep the lake clean. trigger harmful algae growth in the lake’s famously clear waters. The project will have an estimated cost of $24 million.

Bartholomew said EDC expressed gratitude to the Lake George environmental organizations including Eric Siy and The Fund for Lake George, Lake George Park Commission and the Lake George Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky, for their leadership and hard work in drawing attention through education and generating private donations to the cause.

“EDC is proud to have participated as one voice with these important and forward-looking groups for the betterment of Lake George, Warren County and the Adirondacks,” he said.

BY DAN STEC As a new legislative session kicks off, I am eager to get back to work on behalf of the people of the North County. With the state facing a $6.1 billion dollar deficit, this will be a very challenging year in Albany.

My top priority as we return to Albany is to address the bail/discovery reforms that were passed in last year’s budget. These reforms pose a huge public safety issue to our communities.

I have heard from many law enforcement officials and district attorneys across the state that adamantly oppose these changes. I have called on the governor to re-examine how these changes are going to affect law-abiding citizens and to address the many loopholes that are allowing dangerous criminals to walk free with only the hope that they return for their court appearances.

Among my other priorities, is the need for broadband and cellular service throughout the Adirondacks and North Country communities.

Although we have made great strides, there still are too many areas that remain unserved.

Not only is this a public safety issue, but it is also necessary for the continuation of economic growth and the success of our students.

Infrastructure needs continue to increase as many of our aging wastewater systems are failing and are mandated to be replaced by the state. Many small municipalities simply do not have the funds to repair or replace these aging systems. In addition to water projects, many roadways and bridges are also in desperate need of repair. We need to work together to find solutions that will address these needs.

Another issue facing the North Country is the shortage of home health care workers and the increase of residents that are unable to get the

Assemblyman Dan Stec represents Warren County and parts of Washington County.

Courtesy Assemblyman Stec

care they need because of staffing shortages. The aging population in the Adirondacks is growing, and the need for home services is increasing.

With the ruralness of the North Country, along with limited access to resources, addressing these needs is challenging. Unfortunately, many elderly residents will be forced into nursing homes or hospitals if these staffing needs are not met.

Educating our children is one of the most important things we as parents and elected officials can provide. I will continue to focus on increasing aid for our schools to ensure that all students receive a quality education.

Many communities continue to struggle with providing EMS Services. Although these services Continued On Page 8

$4.6 Million In REDC Grants Go To Group Forms ‘Promote Fort Edward’ Warren, Washington County Projects Organization To Foster Business Growth Some 29 projects in Warren and Washington counties received a total of nearly $4.6 million from New York state as part of this year’s Regional Economic Development Council grant program.

More than $761 million in economic and community development funding was awarded through Round IX of the REDC initiative statewide.

Since its inception in 2011, over $6.9 billion has been awarded to more than 8,300 projects that are projected to create and retain more than 240,000 jobs statewide through the REDC process, state officials said.

Key among the projects is over $1 million to Glens Falls to construct a separate stormsewer system along Walnut and Maple streets. Many of the grants in the region are for infrastructure projects.

Separate from that, two farms— Nettle Meadow Cheese Plant in Warrensburg and Luncrest Farm LLC in Washington County— got grants to enhance their production facilities.

“Throughout the Regional Economic Development Council process over the past nine years, we have seen unprecedented regional investment focusing on a groundup, strategic model that has spurred tremendous growth in every corner of this great state,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

“By bringing together local leaders and stakeholders who are invested in their communities we have replaced the ‘one size

Nettle Meadow Cheese Plant previously renovated a barn into an event space.

Courtesy Nettle Meadow Cheese Plant

fits all’ approach to economic development with one that is unique to each community, creating opportunities for success all across the Empire State.”

The REDC process creates a statewide framework for bottom-up, regional economic growth and streamlining the state funding application process, officials said. Established in 2011 as a centerpiece of a strategy to jump-start the economy and create jobs, the Regional Councils replaced the state’s old top-down approach with one Continued On Page 15

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Fort Edward’s Chamber of Commerce recently rebranded itself as Promote Fort Edward.

Promote Fort Edward is a membership organization that exists to increase business in the village’s historic downtown, officials said.

The goal is to build a thriving business district that will be attractive to both new business owners and consumers.

According to Tammy Mullen, owner of Crafted on the Park, the idea to establish Promote Fort Edward evolved organically.

She said Tom Roche, Fort Edward School Board of Education president and owner of Barb and Tom’s Pop-Up Grill, was instrumental in its formation.

“There are seven of us who worked to put this group together,” she said. “It was a few business owners getting together and brainstorming and saying, ‘What can we do? How can we help?’ We are a member driven organization of people who want to work together to make this happen. None of us are going to do this by ourselves.”

In addition to Roche and Mullin, Neil Orsini of Anvil Inn, Kris March of Slickfin Brewing Co., Lauren Grogan of Underwood Park, Amber Mercure of Glens Falls National Bank, Mike Dickinson of Canal Street Marketplace and new property owner C.J. Sullivan are actively involved in the organization.

They meet one or two times a month and recently hosted a holiday social for local business owners. Promote Fort Edward is

Business people gather at a holiday social hosted by Promote Fort Edward.

Courtesy Promote Fort Edward

seeking new members and offers several different levels of membership.

One of their first initiatives involved identifying properties that could potentially be suitable for new businesses. As part of the process, they have investigated the status and ownership of vacant buildings. They have also been working to improve signs in the downtown area. New signs that direct visitors to parking lots and businesses are being installed.

Promote Fort Edward is also advocating for upgrades to the village parking lots, including Continued On Page 3

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

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Personnel Briefs

High Peaks Hospice announced that Phil Pekar, RN, its head of nursing, and Mel Duerr, RN, NP, its our clinical lead, have both earned their certified hospice and palliative care nursing certification.

By earning this certification, they have proven competence and increased their knowledge across the spectrum of hospice and palliative care. The certification is a recognized quality marker by patients, physicians, providers, quality organizations, insurers, credentialers, and the federal government in an atmosphere of increasing awareness regarding quality in health care and appropriate utilization of services.

Pekar has worked for High Peaks hospice since August 2010. Prior to that, his nursing career was spent on the medical/surgical floor at Saratoga Hospital and with Visiting Nurses in Albany as a case manager. He has been involved in the health field as an EMT and was part of the Medical Emergency Response Team at International Paper.

Duerr has been with High Peaks Hospice since June 2019. Before she started at High Peaks, she was owner and partner at Fazzi Associates for 12 years, where she ran the international coding system for hospice and home care. Duerr has been in the post-acute services of palliative care and hospice for 32 years.

* * * Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP law firm has announced three new partners: Christopher W. Meyer, Monica R. Skanes and Brian M. Wang.

Meyer leads the firm’s Privacy, Cybersecurity and Information Management practice, helping

Wishing you warm thoughts and best wishes.

We appreciate your business and look forward to working with you in 2020.

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clients protect critical business and consumer information. He also represents clients in commercial litigation, corporate transactions, and regulatory compliance matters.

He represents clients in the financial services, health care, education, information technology, digital marketing, website development, mobile application, and manufacturing industries.

Meyer also volunteers as the chairman of the Albany KnowledgeNet Chapter of the International Association of Privacy Professionals and vice chairman of the Clifton Park-Halfmoon Emergency Corps.

Skanes joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna in 2011. She is a member of the firm’s Education, Labor and Employment, and Litigation practice groups. She represents both public and private employers, including schools and colleges, on a wide range of education and employment law issues. She regularly counsels employers to help avoid legal issues, conducts complex and sensitive student and employee investigations, and defends employers in discrimination actions and other complex litigation.

She has served as the Secretary of the Labor and Employment Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. She frequently shares her expertise by presenting on education and employment topics, including First Amendment issues, the Fair Labor Standards Act and paid family leave.

Wang joined Whiteman Osterman & Hanna in Continued On Page 9

Happy New Year!

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Woman Opens Barbershop In Fort Edward, Offering All Styles Of Cuts For Men, Boys

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Olivia Cabana has opened Liv’s Broadway Barbershop at 128 Broadway in Fort Edward, where she does hair for boys and men, from a skin fade to an all-over scissors cut.

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL A woman-owned, woman-run barbershop may be a rare thing, but a new one has come to Fort Edward.

Liv’s Broadway Barbershop opened at 128 Broadway on Nov. 15. It is the first business owned by Olivia Cabana, originally a resident of Queensbury and a trained barber for the past five years.

“I always wanted my own business,” said Cabana. “The last shop I worked for was privately owned by a good friend. I didn’t realize it was something I could do on my own.”

But after observing what it was like to have a business, Cabana thought it would be “a fun thing to do” as well as “a dream and a goal.”

And so far, she said, “I am pleased with what I have accomplished.”

As a barber, Cabana does hair for boys and men, from a skin fade to an all-over scissors cut.

“The shop is not focused on haircuts for women,” she said.

But that may change. While she is only one person now, there is an open chair to rent, which she prefers to hold for someone who does women’s hair.

“Then we will appeal to all and won’t be turning people away. I don’t like telling people

‘no’,” she said. We will still be a barbershop. I won’t be changing the name.”

Liv’s Broadway Barbershop is operating the old-fashioned way: just walk in. She does not take appointments, but Cabana said “there may be a short 15 or 20 minute wait.”

Her goal is to provide “a hometown, comfy feel with a good vibe and a rustic look,” she said. The space is decorated with barn wood and gray tones.

The storefront she occupies previously housed an antique store and was vacant when she decided to set up shop. The building also houses two art galleries on the ground floor and three apartment units above.

Cabana held a soft opening on Nov. 15 and a grand opening Nov. 21 that included free haircuts.

“Business was a little slow at first, but as weeks went on, we were doing very well for a new business,” she said. “Everybody in Fort Edward is supportive. I want to fit in and have a comfortable place for them to come and get a good haircut.”

She also wants to focus on community involvements.

“This time next year I hope to be able to offer gift cards and donate services to charities,” she said. “I do want to be a successful business in the community and give back to it.”

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 3

Repeal Of Medical Device Tax Is Hailed As ‘Seafood On The Bay’ Opens In Glens Relief For Many Businesses In The Region Falls, Offers Louisiana-Style Cajun Cuisine The U.S. Senate passed legislation that includes a full repeal of the medical device tax — a 2.3 percent tax on a range of medical devices and products which previous research has shown to have minimal benefits for doctors, patients and manufacturers.

The medical device tax repeal provision was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives prior to the Senate vote.

The medical device industry is an important part of the Warren County economy.

EDC Warren County President/CEO Ed Bartholomew said “we are very pleased that an agreement has been reached to permanently eliminate the medical device excise tax which was scheduled to be reinstated on Jan. 1.”

He said impacted medical device firms within the Glens Falls/Queensbury region include Benton Dickinson( CR Bard), Angiodynamics, Medline, MDI Molder Devices Inc. and Sterigenics, Praxis that have, collectively, approximately 2,500 employees.

“Without this Congressional action , a severe economic hardship would have been imposed on medical device manufacturing and its employment in the region, thereby causing very significant economic impact to our local and regional economy,” Bartholomew said.

“We wish to thank Sen. Chuck Schumer for his tireless efforts in leading this initiative to repeal this tax as well as the support of Sen.

Gillibrand and Rep. Elise Stefanik,” he said.

“Our region features a high concentration of medical device manufacturing employment which contributes greatly to our local and regional economy. This legislative action demonstrates that important and vital economic concerns can be accomplished in a bipartisan manner.”

“Without this burdensome tax, the U.S. medtech industry—the world leader in medical innovation—can focus now on developing the next generation of treatments and cures for patients in need, and creating good-paying, high-tech jobs in communities across the country,” said Scott Whitaker, president and CEO of the Advanced Medical Technology Association.

Mike Guerra, president and CEO of California Life Sciences Association, noted in a company press release that full and permanent repeal of the medical device excise tax will ensure that “the U.S. does not jeopardize [its] position as a global leader in medical technology innovation.”

“Full repeal of the medical device excise tax will not only benefit patients in California and around the world, but it will also be a shot in the arm to medical technology innovators, encouraging them to do what they do best: create good-paying jobs and invest in cutting-edge science to develop new technologies that improve human health,” Guerra said in the release.

Promote Fort Edward Continued From Page 1

the installation of additional lighting. The organization is also addressing issues related to winter snow removal, and code enforcement as it relates to vacant storefronts and building violations.

“We are trying to get the village to stay on top of things,” said Mullen. “For example, if a business has a bunch of garbage next to it, who is going to make sure these things are taken care of? Because those are things that deter people from wanting to have their businesses here. We got on board with code enforcement and found out what steps needed to be taken to correct violations.”

Promote Fort Edward has a Facebook page and is working to create a business directory, as well as a website. The website, to be called VisitFortEdward, will promote the town as “The Heart of the Upper Hudson.” The organization is also encouraging business owners to promote one another through the use of social media.

“We have to root for each other, support each other, share each other’s posts,” said Mullen.

“By working together, we are going to get further.”

In order for Promote Fort Edward to be

successful, Mullen said consumers need to become more invested in shopping locally.

“People are always saying, ‘We need local businesses. We need local businesses.’ But we need the community to shop at those local businesses for us to survive. People have to change their mindset. Shopping online is not helping your community. It’s not helping our Main Street look beautiful and be fun.”

Despite the challenges faced by local business owners, Mullen said she is optimistic.

The Albany native left her career in nursing to open a business and has no regrets. Her store features the work of more than 50 artisans and authors from Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties.

“I’m super positive about all of this or I wouldn’t be doing this,” she said. “I have another profession and I’m doing this because I love it. The more businesses that we have open and the more lights that are on, the more attention we are going to get. And that’s what we are working for. We have a great team of people and everyone is motivated.”

For more information, call 518-747-3000 or email promotefortedward@gmail.com.

Tiffany Chuang, right, manager at Seafood on the Bay in Glens Falls, poses with Meghan Payant, part of the wait staff, inside the restaurant that opened in December.

BY JILL NAGY On visits to Glens Falls, Tiffany Ni and her family noticed that the city’s lively restaurant scene still lacked a Louisiana-style Cajun seafood restaurant. So they created one.

Seafood on the Bay, at 21-27 Bay St., opened just before Christmas.

The space, formerly occupied by Superior Cantina, has been vacant for nearly two years. It needed a lot of cleaning up and “the change from Mexican to ocean” took some redecorating, Ni said.

The chef is Zong Xin, who has worked at other restaurants in the area. In addition, there is a staff of seven employees and, since the place is family-owned, “everybody helps.”

There is seating for 100 people.

Business, so far, has been “so-so ... A lot of people don’t know we are open,” said Jennie Zheng, an employee.

The family owners held a grand opening event on New Year’s Day, offering a free child’s meal with every adult meal and half-price appetizers with drinks from the bar.

Seafood on the Bay is designed as a family restaurant. It will feature Cajun-style seafood dishes including crab legs, king crab, and several shrimp dishes.

“And we give a good amount,” Ni said.

They also have a children’s menu that includes fried fish and chicken wings.

“Prepare to get your hands messy,” Ni said.

Ni’s family already owns several seafood restaurants in the southern United States, she said. She has been in the restaurant business for 20 years.

Seafood on the Bay is open 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. seven days a week. The phone number is 518-741-7009. The website is seafoodonthebay. com.

4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

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Warren Tire Service Center Plans To Open New Location In August, Its 16th Outlet In Region

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Editorial: RJDeLuke@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Associate Editor R.J. DeLuke

This is a rendering of what the new Warren Tire Service Center store will look like when completed.

It will be located at 573 Route 9 in Wilton.

BY JILL NAGY “We’ve always wanted to be in the WiltonSaratoga area,” said Bob Kellogg, president of Warren Tire Service Center Inc. That will happen in August, when he expects to open a 16th outlet at 573 Route 9 in Wilton.

Kellogg said the company has received all the necessary government approvals and recently began clearing ground and putting in foundations and the parking lot.

More extensive construction, by CGM Contracting of Waterford, is scheduled to begin in the spring.

The new facility will be a 6,300-squarefoot building with eight service bays, as well as retail and wholesale space. It will be constructed on 5.83 acres across the Northway from the Wilton Mall, in the most southern part of Wilton.

Previously, Warren Tire sought to take over the former Sears automobile service facility at the Wilton Mall. That did not work out and then the current site became available.

Warren Tire was founded in 1983 by Kellogg’s father. It was located on Warren Street in Glens Falls, hence the name Warren Tire.

Kellogg joined the company in 1995. He has since been joined by his sister, senior vice president Denise Potter; his nephew, Derrick Potter, Denise’s son and a vice president; and his daughter, Megan Kellogg. Denise and Derrick take care of payables and Derrick also looks after IT and computer duties and coordinates many facets of the office work.

Courtesy Warren Tire Service Center

Megan is involved in advertising and promotion and attending to the company’s charitable and humanitarian work.

Kellogg said one of the major charity projects is Wait House in Glens Falls, a shelter for young people with problems transition into the community. Kellogg helped found the facility and serves on its board.

Last November, the Tire Industry Association recognized Warren Tire for its philanthropic work. “They flew my daughter and me out to Las Vegas,” he recalled, and gave them a plaque and made a donation to their charity.

When the new Warren Tire outlet opens, an additional seven people will be added to the company’s payroll. Kellogg expects that number to grow to about 11 employees. The company presently employs 131 people at its 16 locations in six counties. Finding qualified employees is “sometimes a challenge,” he said, but their policy of promoting from within helps attract good people.

Kellogg said the company already has several large accounts in the Wilton and Saratoga area: the Saratoga School District, the New York Racing Association, the Saratoga County Highway Department, and a Target warehouse, among them. Currently, they service those accounts through their Clifton Park and Glens Falls outlets.

“We are really looking forward to being in Wilton,” Kellogg said.

He can be reached at the company’s corporate headquarters on Highland Avenue in Glens Falls. The telephone number is (518) 792-0316.

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Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Jennifer Farnsworth Christine Gaf Andrea Palmer Rachel Phillips Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties.

Glens Falls Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York l2866 (518) 581-0600. Glens Falls Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

Glens Falls Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Warren and Washington counties and to provide a forum that will increase the awareness of issues and activities that are of interest to the business community. Subscription price is $25.00 per year. Third class postage paid at Glens Falls, New York.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 5

Lake George Native Starts A Business Taking Axe Throwing Taught And Leagues Are Being People On Outdoor Tours Of Adirondacks Formed At ‘Adirondack Axe’ in Queensbury

Taking hikes with his father in the Adirondacks ignited a passion for that activity for Jack Donnelly.

Now he runs a business giving people guided tours in the outdoors.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Jackson Donnelly remembers when his love of hiking began. As a Lake George native, he said as a child taking hikes with his dad ignited his love and appreciation for the outdoors.

Today he is taking his connection to nature and turning it into a business called Hike With Jackson. He says anyone can learn the art of hiking and can do so in the beauty of the North Country.

“I’m excited to show others all the beauty of the Adirondacks that is right here in our backyard,” said Donnelly.

Hike With Jackson offers 20- to 30-minute hikes, half day hikes and full day hikes.

Donnelly is an accomplished hiker, including having ADK 46er on his resume, a title that stands for having completed hikes at the 46 peaks in the Adirondacks. He began those hikes while he was a freshman in high school. As a student at the University of Buffalo, he felt a noticeable void, not being out on the trails.

He relocated after his time in Buffalo, deciding to check out the mountains in Colorado.

“I became certified as a wilderness first responder and participated in an avalanche safety course,” said Donnelly.

Courtesy Hiking with Jack

Today in Lake George, those courses have helped Donnelly open his business.

“I am basically able to provide experiences in my natural playground of the peaks of the Lake George basin,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly said he has been waiting tables at a local restaurant since moving back and was able to talk with customers about the need for a hiking service. He finally decided to make it a reality, opening up Hike with Jackson.

The hikes, he explains, give people the opportunity to optimize the experience with a guide who can work with people of different experience levels and fitness.

Safety is also a component.

“I know the terrain and therefore can find safe routes for every level of hiker,” said Donnelly.

Donnelly offers family friendly hikes, group hikes and treks in all seasons and weather. He is also able to share regional history and information about the area. As he grows the business, he will learn more about what people are interested in and will be able to adapt his services.

Hikes can be booked at his website, hikewithjackson.com, or by calling 518791-1528.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER A business that lets people participate in the sport of axe throwing has opened at 870 Route 9 in Queensbury.

Steve Greene and his wife, Kristen, opened Adirondack Axe in December.

“The response has been really positive,” said Greene. “We’ve had some repeat customers even in just the few weeks we’ve been open.”

Greene and his wife are originally from the area. They lived in Virginia for five worked he worked for the Great Escape theme park there.

“I took another job with a theme park in Virginia, and that’s where I was introduced to axe throwing. It was more of a hobby,” said Greene.

“When we moved back up here in 2017, I read an article about a facility or two that opened in Albany. I thought about it over the past year and thought, why not up here? It makes perfect sense with the tourism in our area. And we’re a blue collar area. It’s a fun activity to do.”

The facility’s most popular offering is a one-hour throwing session. Additional time is available if wanted. Most customers come just for fun, though Greene has also done numerous team-building events and parties.

“When you come in, we go over safety instructions. We go through proper throwing techniques. We work with groups to get everyone comfortable throwing, then step away when the group is ready. We’re close by if anyone has any questions,” said Greene.

The facility has seven throwing lanes, with each lane accommodating up to four people.

“As of right now, it is an indoor activity only.

There are plans down the road to potentially do a mobile axe throwing unit, so we can go to companies to do team-building events,” said Greene.

He said he will be starting axe throwing leagues

Steve Greene, right, owner of Adirondack Axe, and son Kaden Greene.

Andrea Harwood Palmer

in a month or two. “It’s growing in popularity. It’s the new generation of darts,” said Greene.

Adirondack Axe is part of the World Axe Throwing League. Tournaments for the W.A.T.L. can be viewed on ESPN2. Adirondack Axe will have intro leagues, as well as W.A.T.L.-affiliated official leagues. Additionally, Greene plans to have single-day tournaments in the future.

The facility currently operates Thursdays 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturdays, noon to 8 p.m.; and Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Hours and days will expand as summer approaches.

Adirondack Axe can be reached at 518-4097966, or info@adirondackaxe.com.

Customers hoping to save time and streamline the registration and waiver process can book online at www.adirondackaxe.com.

Brian Rollo Brian Rolo Consulting Group Reads

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6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Corporate Tax / Business Planning Company Owners Should Develop Business Plans That Reflect Their Vision for Future

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL As a new year arrives, many company owners review their business plans to make sure every financial decision, marketing program and staff member remain aligned with their company vision.

“Most of the time a business plan is stuck in a drawer and only revisited when the owner needs something, such as a loan,” said William Brigham, director of the Small Business Development Center of the University of Albany School of Business.

“We see a thousand businesses a year from 11 counties, and people would be surprised by the lack of a formal business plan,” said Brigham, who has been with the nonprofit organization for 20 years.

Financial advisors agree that a solid business plan is at the heart of a company’s success. Some aspects of the planning process are commonly overlooked or under-emphasized, according to local professionals who shared some tips for keeping companies on point, especially this time of year.

“The foundation of a business, whether a starter or existing, is the mission statement— what are our core values and where do we want to go,” said John Crawford, founder of JP Crawford Associates in Glens Falls.

With 30 years of executive and managerial experience in industry and business, Crawford motivates clients whose company vision is poorly articulated and does not explain why someone would buy their product or service and not the competition’s.

“We’re better or we’re cheaper” may be common answers but are not sufficient ones, according to Crawford. So he advises them to “go back and put in your plan the core values that the company is built around.”

“Communicating vision and plan for execution to everyone can start your year off in the right direction,” said Sherry Finkel Murphy, an associate wealth management advisor with The Atrium Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual, which serves the Capital District and North Country.

“Ensure family, employees, partners, and resources are all on the same page and can articulate the value you bring in 2020,” said Finkel Murphy, who has been recognized as one of Northwestern Mutual’s 2019 Most Exceptional

•

John Crawford, founder of JP Crawford Associates in Glens Falls Courtesy JP Crawford Associates

Community Service Award winners.

“When the company vision and core values are committed to writing, they provide good talking points for employees to get involved in expressing what those goals mean to them,” Crawford said.

“The value to employees is that they can show supervisors they understand and are working toward that vision.”

“On the manufacturing floor, workers may not have an answer as to what their business believes in,” he said. “This is a critical point but many ignore it and then wonder why people quit. It is because the core values have not been communicated.”

“Is the team in place that can execute your vision?” said Finkel Murphy. “Are you communicating the value of your benefits package to your employees, so that your turnover is low?”

Crawford said businesses should be looking long term and question whether they are achieving the desired culture in the workplace.

Does staff really feel integral to the company?

“If not, the owner may need to go back to the drawing board,” he said.

Crawford and Finkel Murphy said the mission statement can be a valuable recruiting tool.

“An active mission shows potential new employees whether the decision they make is aligned with your company’s stated values,” said Crawford.

“The ability to attract new employees is higher Continued On Page 7

Business Report Are Your Financial And Tax Advisers Talking?

BY MEGHAN MURRAY Now that we’ve closed the book on 2019, it’s officially tax season. As you prepare your tax returns for the April 15 deadline, you might already start looking for opportunities to improve your tax-related financial outcomes in the future.

One important step you can take is to connect your tax professional with your financial advisor.

Together, these professionals can help you take advantage of some valuable strategies: • Roth vs. traditional IRA. If you’re eligible to contribute to a Roth IRA and a traditional IRA, you might find it beneficial to have your financial advisor talk to your tax professional about which is the better choice.

Generally, if you think your tax rate will be higher in retirement, you might want to contribute to the Roth IRA, which provides taxfree withdrawals (if you’re older than 59½ and have had your account at least five years).

But if you think your tax bracket will be lower when you retire, you might be better off with the traditional IRA, which offers upfront tax benefits – specifically, your contributions may reduce your annual taxable income in a given tax year. Your tax advisor may have some thoughts on this issue, as well as how it might fit in with your overall tax picture in retirement.

• Taxable vs. non-taxable income. Turning taxable income into non-taxable income can lower your current year’s tax bracket. Depending on your income, you could potentially subtract your traditional IRA contributions (or your SEPIRA contributions if you’re self-employed) from your taxable income.

And even now, it’s not too late to affect the 2019 tax year, if you still haven’t reached the IRA or SEP-IRA contribution limits. Before you file your 2019 tax returns, your tax professional can tell your financial advisor how much you would have to contribute to your traditional IRA, SEPIRA or similar account to potentially lower your taxable income.

If you make the contribution, your financial advisor can illustrate how it would impact your

•

Meghan Murray is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Financial in Queensbury. retirement picture and make a recommendation on how to invest the money. (You can fund your IRA with virtually any type of investment – stocks, bonds, mutual funds, and so on.)

• Capital gains taxes on mutual funds. You might think you have total control over taxes related to your mutual funds. After all, you decide how long to hold these funds before selling shares and incurring capital gains taxes.

However, mutual fund managers are usually free to buy and sell new investments as they see fit, and some of these sales could generate capital gains taxes for you. If these taxes are relatively large in any one year, your tax professional may notice and could relay this information to your financial advisor.

This doesn’t necessarily mean these mutual funds are inappropriate for you; they still may be suitable for your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon. But the tax aspect may be of interest to your financial advisor, who might recommend more tax-efficient investment options.

Your investment and tax pictures have many overlaps, and by ensuring your team of advisors is working together, or at least communicating with each other, you can increase the chances of getting your desired results.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 7

New App Helps Manage Self Employment Taxes

Develop Business Plans Continued From Page 6

when the company has critically assessed its resource needs,” said Finkel Murphy. “We remain in a tight labor market, after all.”

Brigham said another weakness in business planning is often “not knowing what your credit looks like and not having a good idea of capital needs.”

“It says a lot about the character of the business owner if they are paying their personal bills,” he said. “They may be in a position of having to explain why their credit situation is the way it is. The first of the year, working on financial projections and setting milestones are key,” said Brigham.

“Use the new year as an opportunity to physically bring your team together—financial planner, accountant, attorney, and banker—to put an action plan to your goals and adjust your critical business documents as necessary,” said Finkel Murphy.

Crawford recommended sending “all financial information to the accountant throughout the year, ideally every three months, for another set of eyes. If you start going down the wrong path, you can more easily get back on track. And bankers love to see that you are looking for financial trends and asking yourselves, what are we doing differently to make sales go up.”

When applying for financing, the business plan becomes “the document you lead with, but the company spokesman, the business owner, should lead the discussion,” Crawford said. “The bankers should see the company owners are on the ball and understand their selling points.”

Going over revenue and expenses from last year helps the company to better understand what the balance sheet should look like in 2020, said the experts.

“Then set goals that improve even more on prior successes,” said Finkel Murphy. “If something works, consider investing in it further to understand why it was successful.”

“Address liquidity early and often to ensure your business has the liquid assets it needs to execute your plans,” she said.

As a company considers how to align marketing efforts with financial execution, Brigham recommended making sure companies have an online presence. Without one, businesses today cannot compete, he said.

“It’s very important to have a website so people can reference your business,” he said. “All companies should get a good idea of how social media works and include it in their marketing plans.”

Calling social media “a huge asset,” Brigham said it tends to be one of the more popular topics for training provided by the Small Business Development Center.

“We have a research network and access to databases that can give relevant marketing information to our clients,“ he said. “There is so much data out there that businesses need to be effective in accessing it.”

He said all types of clients, from hair salons to aerospace companies, have tapped into these

William Brigham is the director of the Small Business Development Center.

Courtesy Small Business Development Center

Sherry Finkel Murphy, CFP, ChFC, RICP, The Atrium Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual.

Courtesy Atrium Financial Group of Northwestern Mutual.

For entrepreneurs and freelancers who struggle with quarterly taxes, help is here.

AARP Foundation has launched AARP Foundation Self-Saver, an online resource and iOS app that enables the self-employed to anticipate and manage large expenses such as taxes.

Self-Saver is an all-in-one tool 1099 earners can rely on to calculate taxes, itemize expenses, automatically withhold the right amount of tax and submit quarterly filings to the IRS. The convenient, streamlined process makes it easy for users to get a handle on self-employment taxes.

“When I approached it on my own, it was overwhelming,” said solopreneur Connie Johnson, who was close to retirement when she was laid off and began working for herself. “But within a couple of months of using Self-Saver, I was caught up. Now I’m totally on track and excited about it.”

Johnson is one of the more than 7,000 people who have joined the platform since its beta launch in summer 2019.

“Older adults are the fastest growing segment of new entrepreneurs, and their numbers are expected to keep rising,” said Lisa Marsh Ryerson, president of AARP Foundation. “Self-Saver eases some of the challenges of self-employment, giving older adults greater control over their financial future coupled with a secure, streamlined process.”

Self-Saver is powered by Track, a secure provider of tax management technology and platforms registered with the IRS. Track ensures that user withholdings are held in an FDIC-insured account, and that all data is protected and secured with bank-grade data encryption. Self-Saver is currently being offered free of charge to users who download the iOS app or sign up online before April 15.

For more information, visit AARP Foundation Self-Saver.

Culture Trumps Strategy

Harvard Business Review published an article in 2011 with that title. As you begin to look at your plans for the next year, keep that in mind.

Why is that true?

Your business plans are built on logical thought.

We decide where we want to take our business.

Goals, plans and strategy help you focus the growth in your business. Inevitably, some of the plans will need adjusting because there will be obstacles along the way. Many of those obstacles will come from your own people NOT following through on achieving your plans. Sometimes it is because they did not believe in the goals. Perhaps your culture got in the way.

You probably have some set of core values. You think of them as setting culture. That is intentional culture. Then there are accidental values. These are the ones that employees form. Your employees pass down the culture to new employees. Your customers also ‘know’ your culture. They base their assumptions about how well you perform based on your culture.

Merriam Webster defines culture as “the set of shared attitudes, values, goals, and practices that characterizes an institution or organization”.

Wiki says it is “the values and beliefs; language and communication; and practices shared by a group of people.” You have a company culture whether or not you acknowledge it. You see, most often the culture in your company is a set of unwritten rules.

There are many ways to determine company culture. The most focused one is to ask your employees. There is a local company that helps you measure your culture through a survey. It is called CultureTalk. It gets your team to think about what is important and what gets measured by the company. It is not very expensive but can be invaluable. (www.CultureTalk.com) It will help you figure out what your culture is. And, allow you to work towards having a more intentional culture. It will help you achieve all of your dream goals this coming year.

Michael Cruz Lighthouse Advisors, LLC 518-798-8704 mcruz@mybusinessfriend.com

resources to find demographic information and similar companies in their area, and thus determine who their competition and their customer base are likely to be.

Now is also the time to review the business owner’s continuity plan and exit strategy, advised Finkel Murphy. “It’s the last thing you want to spend time on, but it is critical for your family, employees, clients, and even lending institutions.”

“If you or a critical team member prematurely dies or is disabled, how does the business run?

How does your estate exit the business?” said Finkel Murphy. “Consider now if anything has changed in your own plans for retirement or exit from the business.”

A business plan can change and become more in-depth over the years, said Crawford, “but all companies should have something tangible that documents what they will shoot for and that guides them.”

Listen to Retirement Radio Hosted by David Kopyc

President of the Retirement Planning Group, LLC

Talk! radio at 93.1 FM or 1450 AM WCKM 98.5 FM or WDKM 92.5 FM

(LIVE Thursdays 1 - 2PM) (Sundays 8 - 9AM)

(518) 580-1919 238 Bay Road, Queensbury NY 12804 Securities offered through Securities Service Network, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Fee based advisory services offered through SSNAI, a registered investment advisor.

8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Economic Outlook 2020

BY ED BARTHOLOMEW EDC Warren County is a private, nonprofit organization governed by an independent board of directors. The corporation’s mission is to improve the quality of life of the county’s residents by helping businesses and industry grow and prosper.

EDC holds an annually executed contract for services with Warren County to perform economic development services including but not limited to the following: • Support existing companies through technical and regulatory assistance and act as a liaison between business and government.

• Market county and regional assets to prospective investors, employers and site selectors.

• Coordinate incentive and assistance programs that include interaction with local and state agencies.

• Assist and advocate on behalf of Warren County businesses and municipalities to recruit funding and grant opportunities that are available from sources such as federal government, state Consolidated Funding Application and state agencies, private investment sources and not for profit organizations, public utilities.

• Offer site selection and/or available space and buildings assistance for new incoming prospective businesses as well as existing companies seeking to expand and grow.

• Assist county and its municipalities with planning for future growth, infrastructure needs current and future, supporting and participating in workforce development initiatives and organizations.

EDC’s focus for the coming year include: • Infrastructure development and capacity enhancement.

• Broadband/cell coverage expansion and capacity.

• Targeted industry support.

• Business retention and expansion.

• Continued recruitment/advocacy for state and federal funding for key projects.

• Workforce development with emphasis on business services.

EDC has been a leader in efforts to revitalize Warren County’s urban centers and rural hamlets through a variety of programs available through state and federal sources. In Glens Falls, EDC helped to obtain a $10 million award through Governor Cuomo’s Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI) in 2016 which has generated new investment and activity in addition to addressing an approved list of improvements and upgrades to defined areas within the city.

EDC helped Glens Falls access Restore New York program funding through Empire State Development (ESD) for several key restoration projects that have helped to attract new business and residents to the downtown area. Over the past decade, EDC has conservatively estimated new public and private combined investments totaling over $200 million in the downtown Glens Falls area.

Ed Bartholomew, president and CEO, EDC Warren County.

Courtesy EDC Warren County

Last year, EDC was able to assist in the recruitment of two new federal Opportunity Zones within the county to offer targeted investment to distressed areas.

EDC identifies and strives to maximize major employment sectors in the county including professional services, manufacturing, finance and banking, health care, hospitality and destination tourism to list just a few. Warren County enjoys a high level of sports and recreation venues and activities.

A recent state study indicates that Warren County accounts for over $628 million of the roughly $1.5 billion of visitor spending generated annually in the Adirondack region.

EDC’s extensive outreach and connection to local business has helped to spark new investment from several entities within the county. Some recent projects and expansions over recent years includes: • Etain Health, a new facility manufacturing state-approved medical marijuana products in Chestertown.

• Bonacio/Galesi’s mixed-use development at 14 Hudson Ave. in Glens Falls.

• Flomatic Valve plant expansion in Pruyns Island Business Park, Glens Falls.

• Finch Paper’s plant and equipment modernization and upgrades in Glens Falls.

• AngioDynamics plant restructuring and upgrades in Queensbury.

• Medline’s plant restructuring and upgrades in Glens Falls.

• Martha’s Ice Cream’s facility expansion, and new equipment for expanded line of products in Lake George.

• Nettle Meadows Cheese expanded facilities and equipment in Thurman and Lake Luzerne.

• JUST Water’s additional space in Queensbury for increase demand in products shipped nationally and internationally.

BY MICHAEL BITTEL We live in the most beautiful area of the country right here in Warren, Washington, Saratoga and Essex Counties. From our Adirondack Mountains, to beautiful Lake George to the rolling farms of Washington County, we are blessed to live and work here. The passion of our community is second to none with robust companies, big and small, who are vested in our region.

I am always amazed at the amount of giving in both time and money that our business community offers to our greater community. So how do we keep that going and what does 2020 have to offer our business climate and in turn our community?

First and foremost, I am very bullish for 2020 on the continued success of our region’s business community. Small businesses continue to start up in our area at a record pace. Our larger employers continue to expand. Our health care, our education system, our cultural attractions and the beauty of our area all hit high grades by our neighbors.

Our region is dynamic in the scope of our businesses. Our robust manufacturing, financial business, farming and tourism sectors spawn so much more in the case of small businesses. Some 82 percent of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce membership have 20 employees or less.

Big or small, these folks have so much in common, and the following drivers in 2020 will help us continue to thrive or will stunt an amazing growth pattern over the past several years.

What is going to “make or break” us in 2020?

We need workers. Our business community is willing to train folks with no experience, but we need workers to train. We need to reinforce with our school counselors, our parents and our young men and women that you can start a manufacturing job at 18 years old at $60,000 per year plus benefits.

The ARCC is working with our members, BOCES and SUNY Adirondack to provide training for these jobs. This past December, the ARCC Leadership Adirondack class raised over $26,000 for BOCES scholarships for adults who need a helping hand. We also need state and federal help on ensuring ease of needed foreign workers through H-1B, H2-A and J programs for manufacturing and tourism.

We need New York state to help focus on keeping people and jobs in New York, instead of focusing so much on bringing new jobs into New York. How do we keep people and companies here? We need

Michael Bittel, ARCC chief executive officer and president.

Courtesy ARCC

immediate tax and regulatory relief, especially for small business.

We need the State to realize the financial toll that expanded paid family leave and expanded paid sick leave have on business. Any efforts of expanding prevailing wage will certainly drive costs up dramatically and drive business out of New York. Our area and business community need to have a 100 percent break of unfunded mandates from the state to the local levels.

A concentration on infrastructure will certainly pay off in the short and long term to boost our economy. Most of our sewer and water systems were built 100 years ago and for a smaller population. Broadband is needed throughout our region as more and more people work from home. What is potentially the largest factor for even greater economic expansion in our area? New York state needs to support expanded natural gas infrastructure and availability. We have lost jobs and some companies have not expanded due to the lack of available natural gas.

As businesses continue to strive to achieve efficiencies, we urge all levels of government to do the same through consolidation where appropriate.

Sharing of snow equipment, moving, utilizing and sharing workers across municipalities are a few examples that can help in this endeavor to keep our taxes lower.

Despite the challenges, we always have a chance to turn challenges into opportunities that can make 2020 not only a success and help us thrive for years to come.

Economic Outlook 2020: Stec Continued From Page 1

are essential, they have become a huge financial burden for many of our municipalities. I will continue to look at ways to address the financing and operation of EMS services.

With people fleeing NYS in record numbers, we must look at ways to increase economic development opportunities and to keep our young people here and employed. We need to reduce

unfunded mandates and wasteful spending and to address the overregulated business climate.

We must also look at lowering property taxes that will allow young families the opportunity to buy homes and grow our communities.

As always, I am enthusiastic about getting back to work, and I look forward to tackling these very challenging but important issues.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 9

BY DAVID KOPYC I’ve been fortunate to have been in the financial services business for over 35 years. I saw the Dow break 2000 for the first time and every major event since. Flash crash, internet melt down, financial crisis etc.

I’ve always resorted back to the individuals that I feel are the backbone and the individual financial pillars of our industry: Peter Lynch (Fidelity), Jack Bogle (Vanguard), Charles Schwab (Schwab Investments), and Warren Buffet (Berkshire Hathaway).

If you remember about one year ago, the markets were in high anxiety and most of the wall street experts were predicting doom and gloom. We were heading for a recession and the stock market was positioned for a major pullback. We are having an exceptional year in the markets and the same experts that were wrong about this year are pretty optimistic for 2020. As I’ve said many times to clients and to radio listeners, it’s “time in the market, not market timing.”

No one likes volatility and the stress that is associated with market corrections. Most individuals seem to think that financial advisors have a crystal ball of the future corrections to come in the financial markets.

I can tell you that is not a consistent formula for success and occasionally an advisor makes a correct call and has success for a brief period of time.

Warren Buffet won $1 million bet from a hedge fund manager by simply placing his bet on an index fund, not an actively-managed portfolio. Remember, “time in the market, not market timing.” It has been proven time and time again that trying to pick the bottom and sell at the top is impossible. Buy and hold.

Then, when you get a correction, it’s like the blue light special at Walmart—stocks are on sale. The Nasdaq is up over 500 percent from the financial crisis. How many individuals stayed the course, made those returns, and bought when everyone else was leaving?

Louis Rukeyser previously hosted a program on PBS called “Wall Street Week.”

At the end of the year, they would make predictions for the future year ahead and take a review of what their expectations had been for the year that was coming to an end.

Because I love to seek a challenge, I’m going to do my own version of this for a test of my own personal ability to predict the future outcome of the markets for 2020.

2019 was a year that most analysts expected low to moderate returns to stock portfolios. If you go back and read their predictions, it was considered bullish to have success with a high single digit return on equities. Most bond analysts were not even close to their predictions for the net total return for a fixed income fund. Remember, it’s “time in the market, not market timing.”

David Kopyc, president of Retirement Planning Group LLC in Glens Falls.

Courtesy Retirement Planning Group LLC

All the individuals that went to cash in December of 2018 lost out on great returns.

We are currently sitting on $7 trillion in cash equivalents, and money market funds.

2020, I believe, will be a year of great caution for both equity and fixed income investors. Since 1952, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has averaged 10.1 percent when a sitting president runs for reelection.

Wall Street does not like uncertainty, and they know what they have with the current president for economic policies. But because these are unprecedented times, you throw in all the noise of impeachment, the disfunction of Washington, the extremely low interest rates we still have, and the multitude of other issues we are facing, you have to come up with a personal gut check.

This prediction is taking into consideration that we do not have a Black Swan event in 2020. I personally believe that most individuals vote with their checkbook and how well they feel about their own personal security. We have a very robust economy with historically low unemployment and the help wanted signs are out wherever you go. I know that I spend a considerable amount of time digesting news and information, but my family who mostly are hard-working earners, find little or no interest in the recent clashes with Washington lawmakers and the media.

It’s my belief that we will continue this Bull Run and the mother’s milk of equities is increasing earnings that will deliver again in 2020. Strong earnings typically give us higher equity prices. A famous quote from Peter Lynch “the key to making money in stocks is not to be scared out of them”.

Find the correct asset allocation of stocks, bonds, and cash and stay fully invested and let “time in the market, not market timing” be your trusted friend.

BY THOMAS ALBRECHT Its hard to talk about exciting and important topics like the boom in construction or consumer confidence, or what the Baby Boomers and Millennials want, when the demand for skilled construction related jobs are at an all-time high.

If you look back at the last five years, I have mentioned the coming of a crises. Well, here we are 2020, and secured construction projects are outpacing the number of employees currently in construction and those entering the trades.

NAHB (National Association Home Builders) Chief Economist Robert Dietz noted in his blog that the open positions rate dipped 4 percent in October, after reaching a cycle high of 5.5 percent in April. Furthermore, Dietz said the overall trend for opening construction jobs has been increasing since the end of the Great Recession, matching NAHB and other survey data showing access to skilled labor remains a top business challenge for home builders.

Introducing and retaining potential workers to the trades has become a challenge for many but there is progress being made with the chambers of commerce, the builders associations and the schools. We are seeing more and more work discovery or career-related workshops across the area, a reaction to the tremendous need.

High schools must connect with the business community for placement and or the introduction to the students to the trades and the workforce that is needed. There is progress being made, as we see the pay scale for the trades at an all-time high, as builders try to retain the employees they have, as well as additional perks and benefits.

Employees want to be valued and appreciated so it is essential to make it known what your history is, where do you see them and what does there future look like, so they have a sense of security.

Builder confidence is at a 20-year high, while we are seeing positive market conditions with a 50-year low for the unemployment rate and increased wage growth. But we are still underbuilding due to supply-side constraints like

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 2

2018. He focuses his practice on all aspects of immigration law, including family- and employmentbased immigration, I-9 compliance and work site enforcement, nonimmigrant employment and investor visas, asylum and humanitarian relief,

Thomas Albrecht, president and CEO, Hilltop Construction Co., Hudson Falls.

Courtesy Hilltop Construction Co.

labor and land availability.

As confidence remains healthy there are some things that Baby Boomers and Millennials are looking for in a new home. Baby Boomers want maximum efficiency (Energy-Star) with windows, doors, heating and the insulation at a high standard. They want essentials on the first floor, such as storage, a full bath, a walk-in pantry and other bells and whistles. Likely they would not consider things like an elevator or wine cellar.

Only 3 percent of the Boomers have interest in an elevator.

The Millennials have slightly different interest such as a laundry room on the first floor and a front porch. But they are not looking for a large home and will wait to purchase so they can afford quality, high-efficiency products.

Moving into 2020, we have high hopes we can meet the needs of our clients and to meet the challenges facing the building industry.

Economic Outlook 2020 Continued on Page 10 naturalization, inadmissibility waivers, and removal defense.

He consults with criminal defense attorneys on the immigration consequences of criminal convictions and advises on crafting plea agreements to avoid deportation. He has developed an expertise in citizenship matters, including military naturalization, expeditious naturalization, and complex acquired/derivative citizenship claims.

10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

Economic Outlook 2020 Continued From Page 9

BY DOUG FORD The construction industry, both nationally and locally, took on a variety challenges this past year, many of which will likely continue to have an impact in 2020.

Despite these difficulties, the industry did well overall. While there are favorable signs of continued growth in the industry, there are still fears in the marketplace that have caused some to proceed with caution.

The biggest single factor, without question, is the lack of skilled labor. This one issue is dramatically influencing how many homes will be physically built in 2020. The skilled labor shortage, combined with an aging workforce and the influx of inexperienced workers, are contributing to the challenges already existing within the industry.

In a national survey produced by Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) in 2019, 77 percent of construction firms in the Northeast report they are having difficulties filling hourly positions that represent the bulk of the construction workforce. This gap has continued to grow in the past year. (The details of the survey are available at www.agc.org/sites/default/files/ WorkforceDevelopment_2019_National_ Final.pdf) Much of this pain originates from the economic downturn a few years back when many long-term construction/trade workers did not have work, resulting in more than two million lost jobs. Displaced workers were forced to look outside their field of expertise and many did not return to the construction industry.

Our current situation of an aging population, baby boomers retiring at a rapid pace and too few millennials entering into construction careers has produced a recipe for disaster.

The Saratoga Builders Association (SBA) formed a Task Force to tackle the problem on a local level. The primary focus is to encourage young people to consider a career in the construction industry by bringing an awareness to the benefits. SBA developed the following programs for high school juniors and seniors, as a way for them to learn about the various career trades: • Local builders John Witt/Witt Construction Inc. and Matt Whitbeck/ Whitbeck Construction LLC both did multiple 90-minute in-school presentations focusing on why they got into the construction business and their individual perspectives.

• A tour of Curtis Lumber headquarters in Ballston Spa featured educational sessions on estimating, design, logistics, and marketing to name a few were conducted to further expose students to another aspect of the industry.

Material suppliers play a critical role and are overlooked as a viable and lucrative career path for young adults entering the workforce.

• On-site job tours of homes in various stages of construction will be conducted in the spring to allow students the chance to experience

Doug Ford, vice president, sales and marketing, Curtis Lumber.

Courtesy Curtis Lumber

a working job site. The builders, along with the various trades, will be present to answer questions and explain the role they fill.

Along with the labor shortage, the construction industry has one of the highest rates of substance abuse and substance use disorders compared to other industries in the U.S., as noted in an article published by Confirm Biosciences. Among construction workers 18 to 49 years old, more than 21 percent were reported to have used illicit drugs during the past year. Financial losses due to alcohol and drug abuse may reach billions of dollars.

This situation will not improve in 2020, based on recent statistics. The pending legislation to legalize marijuana will continue to present challenges for the construction industry for obvious reasons.

Another challenge for the construction industry has been the volatility in building material costs. Products such as steel have become particularly problematic due to the political pressures levied on the tariff costs.

Lumber and other commodity products have been a challenge for both builders and suppliers due to the dispute between Canadian and U.S. lumber companies and the problems arising from the differences in their respective forestry management principles.

In addition to the labor gaps and pricing pressures, other factors that have caused trepidation within the industry include political and regulatory uncertainty, national economic uncertainty, succession planning, immigration employment protocol, and rapid technology advancements.

Despite all of the challenges noted, the bottom line is that the construction market continues to experience solid results, both nationally and locally, and this will continue into 2020.

New construction will likely decline but remodeling will remain strong and continues to grow. Historically the Capital Region out performs other regions of the state and should continue to do so. The backlog for most contractors remains high, but a stable economy, improved international relationships and, most importantly, finding workers will drive the success in 2020.

BY MARK SHAW Technology in 2020 is going to be summed up in one word: security. Everything from the latest news with Iran to the multitude of private businesses, as well as public entities like towns and city governments will be consumed by technology and its security.

Security was brought to light by the target level hacks and has filtered down to every local town. Cyber criminals are focusing more and more on smaller and smaller targets.

Why? Because they are easier to attack, they have less support to deal with it and they are often a gateway to a larger number of targets.

Take your local HVAC heating and cooling provider for example. They could be a small business making under one million dollars a year, but they have access to technology they have installed in many major firms. Every hospital, government agency and business in the region depends on their technology to keep their employees warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

Having this technology is very commonplace, but it’s a great entry point for cyber criminals. Imagine if they could breach a small firm and gain access to all their client’s networks. This is exactly what is happening.

Toss in the cyber insurance world where such bad acts are covered by insurance. This just adds more incentive for the criminals to target your business. Even if you the business owner wouldn’t pay them to recover from the damage, your insurance policy will.

This has created a chicken/egg scenario.

Are we seeing more attacks because of the increased number of insurance payout or are we seeing an increased number of insurance payouts because of the number of attacks?

It’s something we are watching closely in the technology community.

Long gone are the days when breaching a network is hard, takes skill and costs money.

Now anyone at any skill set can buy a prepackaged set of software to inflict damage on any business with costs as low as one dollar.

No skills needed, no up-front investment.

Just bad actors with low cost options looking for any easy target.

How do you overcome that?

Well its not easy but its not that hard either. If you stop looking at your technology security as an IT problem and start understanding it’s a business problem, you can work with a reputable technology firm to review, plan and execute a plan for security across the organization with several different facets.

To do nothing in today’s world is to wait for a failure. That is not an option. The best networks can be breached, so start the planning backwards. If something happens tomorrow, do you have your insurances up to date and accurate, do you have legal to support you, is your internal IT department or consulting firm ready to respond? Think about what you are going to do minute one and work your way back, all the way back, to the moment you could be breached.

In our world, this means education at the employee level. Is your staff trained and do they have the skills needed to spot a potential issue? How are they trained to respond? Do they just ignore it, do they share with their managers? How are you as an employer helping your employees be the first line of defense?

If you plan and educate before anything bad happens, and you plan for the worst to happen, you will be better able to deal with anything that comes your way.

In 2020, this is no longer a “what if ”

Mark Shaw, president and CEO of Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).

Courtesy StoredTech

scenario, its when and how bad the impact will be. This year will be consumed by your data, your privacy and your businesses ability to handle, respond, and react to the negative forces that come with the technology gains.

You will hear time and again about security.

Get a jump on it and start asking “What’s my plan?” today.

BY BRIAN STIDD AND SUSAN HEDGE We have closed out a decade that started just after the global financial crisis of 2008. Following the 2008 crisis, the U.S. economy started and ended an entire decade without entering a recession. However, the sidestep of a recession was accompanied by slower economic growth compared to previous booms. So, what does this mean for the start of a new decade?

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) The Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) uses real GDP to measure the U.S. GDP growth rate. Real GDP takes out the effect of inflation. Even though the growth rate is reported quarterly, the BEA annualizes it to be able to compare growth to the previous year. According to the Bureau of Economic analysis, a healthy economy grows at a rate between 2 and 3 percent annually.

According to the most recent forecast released at the Federal Open Market Committee meeting on Dec. 11, 2019, the GDP will slow to 2.0 percent in 2020 and will be 1.9 percent in 2021. Based on this information 2020 will likely see the same slow growth it has been experiencing.

Interest Rates The Federal Open Market Committee executes monetary policy for the Federal Reserve System.

Each time the committee meets they review economic conditions and decide whether to use expansionary or contractionary monetary policy.

Expansionary policy would lower interest rates to spur economic growth while contractionary policy would increase interest rates to make money more expensive, thereby slowing the economy down.

At their most recent meeting on Dec. 11, 2019 the Chair of the Federal Reserve, Jerome Powell, stated that while the committee’s views about the path of interest rates have changed significantly over the past year, the decision has been made to maintain the federal funds rate at a range between 1.5 percent and 1.75 percent. These interest rates along with the above GDP growth would also indicate an economic year of slow growth.

An Interesting Area of Potential Domestic Growth In February of 2019, President Trump tweeted that he wanted 5G technology in place as soon as possible and that American companies needed to step up or get left behind. As CNN Senior Producer Dan Patterson explains in an interview,

Economic Outlook 2020 Continued on Page 11

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 11

Economic Outlook 2020 Continued From Page 10 5G technology is “more transmitters more densely packed” than our current 4G technology. In other words, millimeter waves transmitting data over very short distances.

This means the ability to transmit not only more data but doing it at a faster pace. This is much bigger than a faster smart phone. This technology can and will be applied in many industries. We are looking to a future of smart vehicles, smart fitness equipment, smart homes, smart traffic lights, smart factories, smart cities. While the roll out may take longer than expected, this technology could have a substantial impact on the U.S. economy in the next few years.

In 2016, mobile technologies and services generated 4.4 percent of GDP globally, equating to about $3.3 trillion in economic value. This has been estimated to grow to over $4.2 trillion by 2020, or 4.9 percent of global GDP, as faster mobile connectivity continues to drive gains in productivity and efficiency.

Brexit In 2016, the United Kingdom voted to leave the European Union. In 2017, the U.K. Prime Minister, Theresa May, submitted the Article 50 withdrawal notification to the E.U. The deadline, which has been extended several times, is now Jan. 31, but could be extended until July 1. An exit of the U.K. from the European Union brings multiple possibilities for causing a decrease in the U.S. economy if a favorable post—Brexit trade deal between the United Kingdom and the U.S. and the remaining E.U. countries is not reached relatively quickly.

For example, this exit could cause the euro to fall, increasing the value of the dollar, making American shares more expensive for foreign investors which is not good for U.S. stock markets.

The current trade surplus we have with the U.K. could weaken or fall into a deficit due to a weak British Pound. Lastly U.S. companies that operate in Europe could see declines due to less ability for free trade between E.U. nations.

China Trade Phase 1 of the China trade deal is expected to be finalized mid-January. Pending this agreement being signed, this means cancelled tariffs scheduled to go into effect this month on both the U.S. and China side, and a cut in tariffs imposed back in September of 2019. China would agree to increase purchases of American products and services by at least $200 billion over the next two years as well as increased purchases of agricultural products by $32 billion over the same period.

Lastly, the deal includes stronger Chinese legal protections for patents, copyrights, including improved criminal and civil procedures to combat online infringement, pirated and counterfeit goods. Of course, there are more components to the deal including currency agreements and

Brian Stidd, CPA, CVA, Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP, Queensbury.

Susan Hedge, CPA, Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP, Queensbury. enforcement processes, as well as additional negotiations to follow.

Despite recent signs of the U.S. economy continuing to grow at it’s current slow pace, and possibly even slowing further, the advent of new technologies and new trade agreements may provide an unexpected boost.

Additionally, keep in mind that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) of 2017 permanently reduced the top corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent. This puts more cash flow in the hands of corporations offering the potential for further investment which could help expand economic growth.

Although the TCJA had both positive and negative impacts at the individual level, the marginal rates decreased an average of 3 percent.

While the changes to the individual income tax brackets are not permanent, they do remain in effect until the end of 2025.

The only thing economically certain in the upcoming year (and perhaps decade) is that there will be continuing uncertainty.

BY JEFF MEAD In 2014, a group of local business people, community leaders, and civic leaders thought the Glens Falls Civic Center was too important an asset to Warren County and Glens Falls to allow it to close. The arena drew about 150,000 people each year to its hockey games, concerts, basketball games, and graduations.

Events at the arena drew thousands of people downtown weekly that also eat dinner, have a drink, or shop at the local retail stores. The arena was a driving force in bringing people into Warren County and Glens Falls.

Fast forward to 2020, the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition has signed another five-year lease with Glens Falls to operate the Cool Insuring Arena. Over 225,000 people attended events in 2019, highlighted by another Adirondack Thunder playoff appearance and the exploits of the Glens Falls High School Basketball team winning the 2019 Section II basketball tournament and the Federation Basketball Tournament of Champions.

As we enter 2020, we are focused on improving the infrastructure of the arena and investing in projects that will allow us to bring in new events and customers. With the continued support of Warren County and the City of Glens Falls, we will embark on a five-year plan to update the 40-year-old arena again.

2020 also brings back the NYSPHSAA boys basketball championships to the region. We would argue—we are bringing the tournament back to its home. Mark your calendars for March 20, 21, 22 to see the best public high school teams converge in Glens Falls.

The Adirondack Thunder enters 2020 in playoff contention and look for a big second half of the season to get us into the playoffs for a 5th straight season. The locally owned Thunder have seen an increase in attendance and community support each season. The slogan “This is Our Team” rings true still today.

If you have not attended a Thunder game on a Saturday night, it’s a must-see event.

Jeffrey Mead is general manager of Cool Insuring Arena.

Courtesy Cool Insuring Arena

Just be prepared, it’s a loud arena with our passionate fans throughout.

2019 saw a number of concerts, comedy shows, a circus, WWE, and motorcycle racing on ice. We are looking forward to offering our region a number of great events for all ages in 2020.

The Harlem Globetrotters make an appearance on Tuesday, Feb. 11.

The Cool Insuring Arena is operated by the 501C3 Adirondack Civic Center Coalition. The support our community has given us these past five years has been tremendous. When we thought the arena was too important an asset to go away, the community offered their support.

When the Adirondack Thunder Hockey team was looking to move, the Coalition again said this team is too important to the region to leave. Again, the community stepped up and the team is now a league example on how to operate, as we are halfway through year three of local ownership.

We do have challenges, like many companies do, but we are more confident in our path forward now more than before.

This is not “Our Team” nor “Our Arena”, but the community’s arena and team.

Join us Saturday, January 25, 2020 for the

Glen Lake Ice Fishing Tournament 7th Annual David Cunniff

in Memory of Tim Pratt & David Cunniff To raise donations for the NYS Troopers PBA Signal 30 Fund, Cure SMA (Research Programs) & South High Marathon Dance

PRE-REGISTRATION AT THE DOCKSIDER ONLY

Entry Fee:

Supplies without sacrifice.

$

order office supplies locally without the trade offs!

20

Pre-Registration

$

25

Day of Event

Registration at 5:30am

at The Docksider Restaurant Your ticket from registration will be good for Lunch & Prizes.

Easy online ordering.

Hand delivered, next business-day drop off.

Opt-in Seeley Savings Program for extra benefits.

K Cup® Deals and Rewards.

set up your account today at

seeleyoffice.com

This event is open to all ages.

Fishing for children (under 15) must be supervised by an adult!

The proceeds will go to the fund and will include the Chili Buffet/ Lunch at Noon, post tournament awards ceremony at 12:15pm.

EVENT WILL HAPPEN SNOW, RAIN OR SHINE! Please fish at your own risk and under safe conditions at all times.

Categories: • Fish Weigh In at Noon PICKEREL (Adult & Youth Prizes) PERCH (Adult & Youth Prizes) • Post Tournament RAINBOW TROUT (General) Awards Ceremony Prizes for the longest fish in each category. Tie breaker will be the weight.

Organized By: at 12:15pm

Prizes given out randomly

• Chili Buffet/Lunch

&

Glen Lake

298 Glen Lake Rd. • (518) 792-3534 docksiderrestaurant.com

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Health & Fitness

Saratoga Hospital Adds Space And Services Underwood Park CrossFit, Small Business Of At Its Urgent Care Facility In Queensbury The Year, Has Group And Personal Training

This is the waiting room at the Adirondack Urgent Care center, which is now known as Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Adirondack.

Saratoga Hospital has added space and services at the former Adirondack Urgent Care center, which is now known as Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Adirondack, located on Route 9, just north of Walmart, in the Mount Royal Plaza.

Officials said patients have easy access to urgent care—no appointment necessary— from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Walk-in X-ray and laboratory services are also available seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. for X-rays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for lab draws.

A prescription is required for lab and X-ray services.

The hospital invested about $750,000 in the renovations and expansion, said officials, which created three more exam rooms, plus space for lab drawing and other services.

“This expansion makes it easier for patients to access important healthcare services, and

Courtesy Saratoga Hospital

that has a positive impact on community health,” said Nicole Salone, site and medical imaging manager at Saratoga Hospital Urgent Care – Adirondack.

Urgent care provides walk-in services for patients with minor illnesses or injuries.

Extended hours enable patients to receive the prompt, high-quality care that can prevent conditions—such as such as strep throat, earaches and upper respiratory infections— from getting worse. Prompt treatment also can prevent contagious infections from spreading.

Patients with a serious illness, chest pain, difficulty breathing, dizziness or a lifethreatening emergency should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department, officials said.

Saratoga Hospital operates urgent care centers in Queensbury and Wilton. For more information, visit UrgentCareAdirondack.org.

Lauren Grogan left Michael Plank far right with son Harvey and daughter Diana at their Ft Edward training center, Underwood Park Crossfit.

BY JILL NAGY Underwood Park CrossFit of Fort Edward was named a 2019 Small Business of the Year in Washington County by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Washington County Local Development Corporation. They were also nominated as Ethical Business of the Year by the Adirondack Samaritan Counselling Center and will know next April whether they receive that honor as well.

Also in 2019, the gym was selected as the second best health and wellness business by the Glens Falls Post-Star and co-owner and head coach Michael Plank was named to the list of 20 under 40 by the same newspaper. His wife and coowner, Lauren Grogan, made that list in 2018.

Plank declared himself “honored and humbled” by the awards.

The cross-fit gym combines the best of group and personal training, Plank explained. The aim is to build functional fitness using a combination of techniques and apparatus, much of it borrowed from weight training and gymnastics. He said that the program “builds very strong community”and participants can be transformed into “a better person than they thought they could be.”

Plank sees similarities between the benefits of cross-fit training and those of his other profession.

He is a Presbyterian minister and serves halftime at a church in Hudson Falls. He studied political science as an undergraduate and then attended seminary.

He has been involved in cross-fit training for

eight years and opened Underwood Park Cross-Fit in October 2014. There are a total of eight trainers at the gym. They have 120 members, most of them between 30 and 45 years of age, although the full range of ages is from the 20s to the 70s. About 65 percent of the members are female; 35 percent, male. People attend classes and training sessions from one to six times a week, for a total of 750-800 visits per month, Plank estimated. Fees vary from $19 to $38 per week.

In the last year, the gym adopted the Level Method. With that method we “can really accurately assess fitness levels and pinpoint strengths and weaknesses,” Plank said. The aim is make people well-rounded, he said, and this method allows him to accurately prescribe individualized workouts for each person. He said he has seen improved conditioning and retention since adopting the Level Method.

Underwood Park Cross-Fit is located at 143 Broadway in Fort Edward. It is in a 3,000-squarefoot space with about half that area devoted to workout space. The gym is equipped with barbells, gymnastics equipment, and traditional equipment for cardiovascular workouts.

Classes are held Monday through Saturday and scheduled around typical work schedules, at 6 a.m., 9 a.m., 4 p.m., 5:15 p.m., and 6:30 p.m. Classes are augmented by smaller group sessions with personal trainers. Additional information is on the gym’s website, www. underwoodparkcrossfit.com. The telephone number is 518 747-0950.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 13

Go-For Fitness In South Glens Falls Expands ADK CrossFit In Glens Falls Opens A New Its Classes, ServicesAnd Staff Certifications Facility Above Its Downtown Location

Go-For Fitness in South Glens Falls has eight instructors and teaches approximately 50 group exercise classes a week. It recently expanded classes and services.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Kathy Scherer, owner of Go-For Fitness in South Glens Falls, is expanding classes and services for the new year.

The fitness center has eight instructors and teaches around 50 group exercise classes a week.

“One misconception out there is that we are a ladies gym. We are not just a ladies gym. We have many male members and would like to attract more.

We’d really like to attract more male instructors too,” said Scherer. “It’s not just for women. Everyone is welcome.”

The staff recently went through Barre certification through Barre Above.

“It’s a fusion of ballet, pilates, body weight strength training and leg work, while using the barre for balance. It’s a different take on group exercise. We’re using body weight, with a focus on balance and strength. It has a wide appeal. Anyone can do it,” said Scherer.

“I do a class called Group Power, which is a preprogrammed, group barbell strength training class.

We also do a lot of creative classes—a lot of boot camps and tabatas, where the instructors create their own workout programs. It’s a nice balance of both,” said Scherer.

Go-For Fitness offers spinning classes. The facility also offers one-on-one personal training and small group training. Children’s fitness programming will begin in the new year in the form of after-school fitness classes.

Scherer purchased Go-For Fitness in August 2014.

“The gym was started by Gay Congdon and was originally called Gay Congdon’s Fitness Firm.

She pioneered women’s strength training. She got women to pick up weights, and she created a strength training program we still run today. Some classes still have some of the same ladies that started with Gay. It’s a staple in the community,” said Scherer.

“I have instructors who have been here for all 30 years. I have an instructor who is in her 30s, who has been there for 15 years,” said Scherer.

Scherer grew up in the area until her father was transferred down to Rockland County for work.

Her parents maintained a home in the area and she continued to visit the area into her adulthood.

She became a guest instructor. “There was an interim owner for a brief time between Gay and me, named Karen. I’d always said to Karen, ‘If you ever want to sell it, call me up.’ I was living down in Westchester County at the time and I got a call from Karen. She said, ‘If you want it, come up here and buy it. It’s for sale’.”

“I dropped everything and moved here,” said Scherer. “I left my daughter and my husband downstate while my daughter finished high school.

I lived here for almost two years before my family got here. It was one of those things where the opportunity was there, and you take it or you lose it.”

Scherer purchased both the business and the building.

“Who knows what might have happened if someone else bought the building. It could have become a Walmart or something, you just don’t know. That would have impacted other tenants in the building as well,” said Scherer. “I thought for all of us, for job security, it would be a good idea if I owned the building too.”

Scherer has been a group exercise instructor for over 30 years. She has 22 different certifications, and a master’s degree in exercise science and health promotion.

“Every single instructor here is nationally certified. We pride ourselves on having those certifications, and keeping up with them. It’s important to stay current in the industry,” said Scherer.

She offers a wide variety of classes, for all ages and abilities.

“It’s cool when you look around the room and you see people from two or three different generations in there, working out together,” she said.“We are very community minded. We host community events and fundraisers. We have the facility and the space ...

When our community is in need, we like to be there to help. I prefer to donate my money to local causes.

Go-For Fitness is located at 160 Saratoga Ave in South Glens Falls. The phone number is 518-7922103, and the website is www.go-forfitness.com.

Israel Del Toro, the owner of the ADK CrossFit, has opened a second gym, ADK Fit, a 24-hour fitness facility located above ADK CrossFit at 80 Glen St., Glens Falls.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Israel Del Toro has opened his second gym in the heart of downtown Glens Falls.

ADK Fit is a 24-hour fitness facility located above Del Toro’s ADK CrossFit gym.

The expansive space is 6,000 square feet, located at 80 Glen St., between NBT Bank and J.E. Sawyer & Co. ADK CrossFit has been open just under eight years, and moved to its downtown Glens Falls location about a year ago.

“The best part about CrossFit is it’s a nice big community,” said Del Toro. “Everybody knows everybody. Everybody’s very friendly with each other. There’s no drama or issues. Nobody judges anyone, nobody cares what anyone can or can’t do.”

Del Toro is a Marine Corps veteran and learned of CrossFit while serving overseas.

“I was in the military and while I was deployed, there were a whole bunch of officer Marines who were doing it,” said Del Toro. “I had no idea what it was, but I just kept seeing them flipping tires and doing all this crazy stuff with overhead lifting. I just wanted to know what it was.”

“It’s very unusual to go up to officers when you’re newly enlisted. It’s sometimes considered disrespectful. But I wanted to do it, so I went and asked if I could work out with them, and they let me do so for the rest of the deployment,” said Del Toro.

When Del Toro returned to the states, he ran a gym in Lake George called Flex Appeal.

He continued doing the CrossFit workouts, and eventually got certified with CrossFit to instruct officially.

Del Toro opened his own gym in late 2012, with official CrossFit affiliation and ADK CrossFit branding being completed in 2013.

“ADK CrossFit is the largest CrossFit facility

around. We have all new equipment and enough space for up to 32-person classes,” said Del Toro.

“We have skiers, rowers, assault bikes, the latest and greatest . We’re getting Atlas equipment so we can do more strongman stuff.”

ADK CrossFit has seven in-house coaches.

“We have two coaches certified for CrossFit Level 2, and three certified for CrossFit Level 1. We have a gymnastics-certified coach and a strongmancertified coach,” said Del Toro. “I have my USA Powerlifting coaching certification, and my USA Olympic certification. There’s five of us who have the USA Olympic certification. We cover all our bases as coaches.”

Del Toro does personal training and strength conditioning for teams and individuals. He does the training and conditioning for the Glens Falls High School football team and basketball team, as well as for the Adirondack Rivermen hockey team. He also instructs at the Adirondack Gun & Range one day a week.

The new gym has free weights, hammer strength equipment, cardio equipment such as elliptical machines, and arc trainers. “It’s all state of the art, brand new equipment,” said Del Toro. “We have showers and changing rooms so people can come right from, or go right to work.”

The facility utilizes an app allowing clients to unlock the gym’s doors 24 hours a day from their phone.

“The plan is to keep growing as a CrossFit community and keep everyone interested in getting in shape,” said Del Toro.

“CrossFit is my passion. I’ve been doing it a really long time at this point. I can’t imagine doing anything else,” said Del Toro.

The phone number is 518-812-8024 and the website is www.adkcrossfit.com.

14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

WestWind Ag Farm In Moreau Makes Plans To Build, Operate Craft Brewery, Taproom

When she tells you her favorite thing to make for dinner is reservations.... it’s the perfect time to show her this.

Log Restaurant Jam The

• Lunch & Dinner Daily • Prime Rib • Fresh Chicken & Veal • Char-broiled Steaks & Lamb Chops • Fresh Fish • Live Lobster • 40+ item Salad Bar is included with all Lunch & Dinner Entrees • All Major Credit Cards • Reservations Accepted & Honored

(518)

798-1155

www.logjamrestaurant.com

I-87 Exit 20, Rtes. 9 & 149, Lake George, NY

The Log Jam, located at 1484 Route 9 in Lake George, combines a panoramic view of the Adirondacks, superb dining, and accommodating hospitality, and brings it all to visitors and local residents alike. The restaurant is open daily, 363 days a year, for lunch and dinner.

Executive Chef Rod Russo has been with the restaurant for over 25 years, bringing consistency, quality and a reputation for using only the freshest ingredients in his culinary creations.

Lunch offers plenty of delicious choices, including Adirondack French fries served with zesty horseradish sauce, as well as crab meat mushrooms baked with a crab meat stuffing and served with a Dijon crab sauce. All entrees include an incredible array of salad items from which to choose.

Burgers such as The Adirondack are a customer favorite. Sandwiches include pork

and turkey melts, Southwest chicken and the Log Jam’s feature—The Rocky Mount. From the Adirondack French dip to the chef’s own crab cakes, the varieties of fresh foods are all cooked to perfection.

The kid-friendly children’s menu includes grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, and bow tie pasta, all offered with a salad bar and potato chips.

Dinner appetizers and entrees are all prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Crab cakes, shrimp ‘n bacon, escargo and New England clam chowder are just a few of the delicious selections.

The Log Jam’s famous dinner entrees offer succulent roasted Long Island duck, fresh twin lobster tails, loin lamb chops, char-broiled prime rib, filet mignon, steak au poivre and steak teriyaki. The seafood offerings include maple Dijon salmon, lobster tail, and fresh sea scallops.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF The owners of the WestWind Ag are seeking approval to open Z-Farm Brewery, a craft brewery and taproom, on their 308-acre farm on Old West Road in Moreau.

The brewery would be located in an existing building on the property that would undergo extensive renovation.

According to WestWind Ag’s Rachel McDermott, “The plan is to take some areas of the farm that we can’t put into crops and make some income on that area of the farm so that we can preserve it.”

In 2016, McDermott left her career as an investment banker in New York City to join the family business. She graduated from Cornell University in 2008 with a degree in applied economics and management.

“I was raised on the farm,” she said. “I always had a desire to be closer to my roots.”

McDermott’s father, James Czub, and uncle, Robert Czub, established WestWind Ag in 1983. The business has grown steadily over the years, and the brothers now farm more than 1,500 acres of land and have six employees. The majority of their 1,500-plus acres of farmland is leased. The Moreau property, a former dairy farm, was purchased in 2016.

Since joining the business, McDermott has focused on diversifying operations. Under her leadership, WestWind Ag invested in soybean processing equipment. As a result, they are now able to extrude their soybeans into oil and meal. The farm’s planting operations have also been expanded to include brewers and distillers grains.

“We’ve spent the last three decades growing crops. We’ve spent the last three or four years investing in the research and development side of specialty crops like malting barley and distillers grains, and now we want to vertically integrate that process and create a destination for these craft beverages where we can grow them on site and create this flavor of our area,” she said. “It’s a sustainable agricultural model, and it’s meant to drive income from the farm from the ground up—you could say from the ground to your glass. Over time, as we continue to invest in the property, we hope to grow up to 100 percent of our ingredients on the farm and brew all of the different seasonal beers on site.”

If the project is approved, brew master Christian Ryan will oversee the brewing operation. Ryan has worked as head brewer at several establishments, including Crossroads Brewing in Catskill.

“The farm is managing the agronomy in connection with the brewer who is making the finished product,” said McDermott. “It’s a partnership. Christian is very qualified. This isn’t a home brewer kind of thing. We want to make this work. We want to take everything we’ve learned and everything we’ve worked for over the last 30 years and apply it to something with more value.”

Some neighboring property owners have expressed concern over potential soil and water contamination.

“We’ve tried our best to abate the concerns by the local residents,” said McDermott.

The restaurant can seat 225 diners, and will host private parties and events. The Oak Room can seat 65 and The Greenhouse can accommodate 50. Both rooms can be booked for private parties.

Special requests are always welcome for people with specific dietary needs.

The Log Jam accepts all major credit cards.

Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; dinner is served between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.

For more information, visit www.logjamrestaurant.com or call 798-1155.

The Docksider, 298 Glen Lake Road in Lake George, is open seven days a week, year round, from 11:30 a.m. Now serving breakfast Saturday and Sunday 7:30-11am.

Chef Michael Squires prepares an array of homemade appetizers, entrees and desserts to satisfy every appetite. His skills bring patrons back on a regular basis to enjoy his regular favorites and special entree’s.

The Docksider is very kid-friendly, with a generous menu for children under 10 that offers hamburgers, chicken tenders, personal cheese pizza, spaghetti and meatballs and hot dogs, topped of with ice cream for dessert.

Appetizers and soups are generous in portion and include focaccia bread served with

This old farm building on the WestWind Ag property could become a craft brewery.

Courtesy WestWing Ag

“We’ve done extensive studies on our wells and our waters.”

WestWind Ag hired engineering firm C.T. Male & Associates to perform the well and water studies. Engineers determined that the soil is more than adequate for the on-site wastewater disposal and drainage system.

McDermott will be relying on the farm’s water supply for her own family. She and her husband are remodeling the farmhouse on the property and will live there with the baby they are expecting in April WestWind Ag hopes to receive approval for the project at the town’s Jan. 27 planning board meeting. According to McDermott, she has responded to all of the planning board’s requests for additional information and has also provided them with a letter from the Department of Agriculture and Markets.

“This is a Right to Farm town, and Ag and Markets has provided a letter to the town saying that this is a farm use and that it is protected under our Ag and Markets laws,” said McDermott.

McDermott said there have also been misconceptions about the concept of the craft brewery itself.

“Many people don’t quite understand what a craft brewery is and the culture behind it and the art and the chemistry that goes into the whole process. We’re not running a bar in downtown Saratoga open until 4 a.m. This is more like something you would see in the Finger Lakes where there are farm wineries and farm breweries and farm distilleries,” she said. “It’s about someone coming and having a beer or two and leaving with a four pack and some T-shirts.”

McDermott plans to file for licensing with the state Liquor Authority, put a down payment on brewing equipment, and apply for a building permit. Site work will include renovating the existing farm building and installing a deck and a driveway.

“We will hit the ground running,” she said.

“We’re shooting to be finished by mid-July but realistically, it will probably be closer to the fall.” garlic oil, potato skins with cheddar cheese and bacon, nachos, shrimp and steamed clams. Soups are all made from scratch and include clam chowder, French onion and soup of the day.

Lunch offerings include salads, wraps, quesadillas, seafood, burgers, hot dogs and freshly made hot and cold sandwiches ranging from filet mignon, Reubens and crab melts to deli sandwiches and pizzas.

Entrees for dinner include New York strip steak, prime rib and filet mignon, all cooked to perfection. Fresh haddock, scallops, oysters, and fried chicken are available, and all come with soup or salad, vegetable and choice of potato. All menu items are available for dine-in or take-out. Specials are run on a regular basis.

The vista from the Docksider is spectacular, with beautiful views of Glen Lake from the deck in season. Patrons are invited to dock their boats and enjoy a deliciously prepared meal with a relaxing lake view.

The Docksider’s capacity is 65 diners but swells to 100 with deck seating.

The restaurant hosts banquets and private parties with reservations.

They accept MasterCard and Visa.

For more information, visit ww.glenlakedocksider.com or call 518-7923534.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020 • 15

REDC Grants

Continued From Page 1 that is community-based and performancedriven.

In 2019, all 10 REDCs competed for up to $150 million in capital funds and $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits for projects identified by the Regional Councils as priorities in their regions.

The Regional Council priorities this year included working with local businesses and communities to identify childcare needs and develop potential solutions; developing an economic and environmental justice strategy for the region; supporting community investment in place-making and downtown revitalization; and supporting the state’s $175 million Workforce Development Initiative. Each council was asked to address these items in ways that complement each regional vision.

The projects in Warren and Washington counties include: • The City of Glens Falls, $1,048,257 to construct a separate stormsewer system along Walnut and Maple streets to remove stormwater from the city’s combined sewer system. This project will improve water quality by reducing the occurrence of combined sewer overflows.

• City of Glens Falls, $100,000 to complete an engineering report that evaluates alternatives to reduce inflow and infiltration to the sanitary sewer collection system.

• Nettle Meadow Cheese Plant in Warrensburg, $120,000 to acquire and renovate an existing facility to increase their cheese processing space and production.

They will purchase and install cheese making machinery and equipment.

• The Town of Chester, $25,000 to create an emergency extreme heat cooling center at the town’s municipal center gymnasium/ auditorium.

• The Town of Hague, $30,000 to complete an engineering report that assesses inflow and infiltration issues in the wastewater treatment collection system and recommends actions to address the issues.

• The Town of Lake George, $50,000 to complete an engineering report that focuses on investigating sewer laterals and illicit connections to the Caldwell Sewer District.

The report will include recommendations and a capital improvement plan to address deficiencies.

• The Town of Lake George, $30,000 to complete an engineering study to assess the feasibility of installing green infrastructure practices on Beatty Road and Cedar Lane.

The goal of the project will be to identify areas that can be used to capture and infiltrate runoff to reduce the amount of pollution entering Lake George.

• The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $66,000 to implement a program to replace three undersized culverts in Hague, Stony Creek and Warrensburg.

The program will improve water quality by reducing erosion and sediment loading caused by excessive streambank scouring.

It will also restore aquatic connectivity in the area by removing a barrier to aquatic organism passage.

• The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $27,227 to complete an engineering report for the replacement of an undersized, degrading box culvert in the Town of Hague. The culvert is located on Hague Brook, a tributary to Lake George.

• The Warren County Soil and Water Conservation District, $27,227 to complete an engineering report for the replacement of a degrading box culvert in the Town of Queensbury. The goal of the project will be to reduce streambank erosion caused by scouring from the undersized culvert.

• The HomeFront Development Corp., $251,147 to assist in the renovation of mixeduse properties in the Village of Cambridge.

• Hubbard Hall Center for the Arts and Education, $31,600 for its workforce training and development programs. The hall runs yearlong fellowships for recent graduates aimed at giving students the skills and hands-on experience they need to pursue careers in arts administration.

• Luncrest Farm LLC in Washington County, $350,000 to construct a new milking

center and free stall barn to house cattle, produce milk, and provide a showplace to market cattle.

• Town of Granville, $50,000 to be used to complete a capital improvement plan for the North Granville Water District.

• The Town of Greenwich, $49,000 to develop a Master Plan to transform an abandoned waterfront property into a new park along the Hudson River. The plan will identify park amenities such as trails and pathways, waterfront access, kayak launch, and picnic areas, and connections to the nearby Champlain Canalway Trail/Empire State Trail and Hudson Crossing Park.

• The Village of Fort Ann, $30,000 to complete an engineering report summarizing results of an investigation of its sanitary sewer collection system and providing recommendations for capital improvements to correct deficiencies.

• Village of Fort Ann, $262,500 to install effluent ultraviolet disinfection at its wastewater treatment plant. The project will improve water quality by reducing pathogens in the treatment plant’s discharge.

• The Village of Granville, $80,000 to install an ultraviolet disinfection system at its wastewater treatment plant. The project will improve the quality of treated effluent entering the Mettawee River.

• The Village and Town of Greenwich, $200,000 to complete a Brownfield Opportunity Area Nomination study for a 385-acre area with 45 potential vacant, abandoned, under utilized, or brownfield sites, including key gateway locations, large Main Street lots, and the Village’s Battenkill waterfront dominated by former industrial uses. Revitalization objectives include downtown economic development, Main Street corridor/gateway improvements, addressing environmental conditions, and waterfront access.

• The Village of Greenwich, $30,000 to complete an engineering report to evaluate disinfection alternatives for its wastewater treatment plant. The report will also recommend other wastewater treatment improvements.

• The Village of Hudson Falls, $600,000 to renovate Derby Park to reestablish an athletic facility that has fallen into disrepair.

• Village of Hudson Falls, $750,000 used to replace water mains in a low-income area along sections of Maple Street in the village.

• The Village of Whitehall, $100,000 to complete an engineering report to evaluate actions to reduce infiltration and inflow to its wastewater collection and treatment system. This report will focus on locating and evaluating previously inaccessible manholes.

• The Village of Whitehall, $30,000 to complete an engineering report to evaluate disinfection alternatives at its wastewater treatment plant.

• Washington County, $150,000 for the Northern Champlain Canal Trail improvements. The 62 mile Champlain Canalway Trail was about 20% constructed in 2018. The section north of the Village of Fort Ann, stretching seven miles to the Town of Whitehall is currently designated on the shoulders of State Route 4, which is a highspeed and high-traffic roadway. Funding will assist with construction costs to bring this section off road.

• The Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, $20,000 to complete an engineering design report to address stream bank failure impacting Halfway Creek near Farley Road. The goal of the project will be to reduce sediment and nutrient runoff entering the creek and to protect • The Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, $30,000 to complete an engineering design report to address stream bank erosion on Halfway Creek near Mattison Road.

• The Washington County Soil and Water Conservation District, $15,000 to complete an engineering feasibility study and design for green infrastructure best management practices in the towns of Fort Ann and Harford. The goal of the project is to reduce and treat stormwater runoff.

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Available Commercial & Residential Properties We’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600.

•

16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2020

Etchings, Photography, Painting Make Up New Owner Takes Over At Molly Malone’s The Hyde Collection’s Exhibits In 2020 Irish Gift Shop On Canada Street, Lake George

This photo is part of the J.S. Wooley photography exhibit that will start in June at The Hyde Museum.

It is a shot taken from the former Fort William Henry Hotel.

The Hyde Collection has announced its exhibition lineup for 2020 that includes a diverse schedule celebrating tradition and innovation in equal measure.

The schedule includes the world’s first modern artist and a trend-setting African American printmaker, as well as paintings that capture a historic period in a nation’s evolution.

“Francisco Goya: The Caprichos Etchings and Aquatints” runs through Sunday, April 26.

Goya (1746–1828) used the privilege provided him as portraitist of the monarchy and aristocracy to create a series of etchings critiquing Spanish life at the end of the eighteenth century. Using allegory, he introduced a world of witches, monsters, and fantastical creatures that symbolize what he believed to be a society of disillusion and deceit.

“Dox Thrash, Black Life, and the Carborundum Mezzotint” will be in the Wood and Hoopes galleries through Sunday, March 22.

Years before the Civil Rights Movement forced white Americans to see the disparities between white and black America, Thrash (1893–1965) brought to the nation an inside look at the plight of African Americans living in a country divided by segregation.

“Images of the People: Russian Lacquer Painting” runs March 28 to June 14 in the Hoopes Gallery. After the Bolshevik Revolution, Russian icon painters were out of jobs. In villages outside Moscow, Soviet authorities set up collectives of

Courtesy The Hyde

painters who used their skills to decorate boxes with scenes of Russian folk tales and Soviet heroes. A resident of Washington County traveled in Russia in the 1990s and purchased more than 30 of these works from artists there.

The annual High School Juried Show will run from May 8 to June 7 in the Wood Gallery. The show, celebrating its 29th year, has developed prestige and become a pinnacle of high school achievement for many young artists.

This year, The Hyde again invites students in grades 9 to 12 from Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Hamilton, and Essex counties to apply.

One hundred works will be selected as finalists from an average of 650 entries.

“Transformations: The Art of John Van Alstine” will run June 20 to Sept. 13 on the Wood and Feibes & Schmitt galleries.

Adirondacks-based artist Van Alstine combines found 20th century industrial steel with natural elements to examine the relationship between man and environment.

His works have been exhibited throughout the U.S., Asia, and Europe, and are included in major institutions, including The Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden.

“J.S. Wooley, Adirondack Photographer” runs June 20 to Sept. 13 in the Whitney-Renz, Hoopes, and Rotunda galleries Wooley lived and worked in the Adirondack foothills throughout his life. From 1908 to 1923, he served as the official photographer of Silver

Molly Malone’s Irish Gifts at 295 Canada St. in Lake George is now owned by Robin McDonough, who has owned a similar Irish gift store in Troy for almost 20 years.

Andrea Harwood Palmer

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Molly Malone’s Irish Gifts at 295 Canada St. in Lake George is under new ownership.

Owner Robin McDonough has owned an Irish gift store in Troy, The Counties of Ireland, for almost 20 years.

“My family is Irish and I’d travelled back and forth to Ireland to vacation and to purchase different gift lines to bring home,” said McDonough. “Most are small cottage, craft industry vendors who may not have a retailer in the United States. I told myself I was going to open an Irish store, and six months later, in Troy, I did. Twenty years later, I’m still here.”

Previous owner Bill Manion reached out to McDonough when he began planning his retirement. Manion and McDonough knew of each other through networking, trade shows and a sharing of mutual customers.

She said the Lake George store will have “new product lines that will mimic what we’ve been carrying in the Troy store for the past 20 years.

We’ll bring in sweaters, blankets, new jewelry lines,

things from the small cottage craft industry. Some sweets, teas and biscuits. We’ll be introducing new jewelers and a new giftware line that wasn’t necessarily stocked before.”

McDonough travels back and forth from Ireland every year to do the buying for her inventory.

“I’m excited to introduce some new lines in Lake George that the Adirondack customers haven’t seen before,” she said.

McDonough is keeping Manion’s seasoned retail team in place. She is splitting her time between her two stores.

Molly Malone’s is currently operating on winter hours. Summer hours will begin to extend starting in April. The store will be open for expanded summer hours seven days a week, starting just before Memorial Day. “I’m just so excited to be up in Lake George, and I’m so excited to have a sister store. It’s such a beautiful area. It’s a learning curve for me, and I’m excited what 2020 will bring in that area.”

The business website is mollymalonesirishgifts. com.

Bay, during which time he created iconic images of Lake George and the surrounding Adirondack mountains. This exhibition offers a glimpse into the region’s past and its sustaining beauty.

It is curated by Richard Timberlake and Caroline Welsh. Timberlake is owner and operator of Timberlake Photos in Saratoga Springs and professor emeritus of American culture studies

and environmental studies at Bowling Green State University.

“Handstitched Worlds: The Cartography of Quilts” will run Sunday, Oct. 11 to Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021, in the Wood Gallery.

Drawn from the national collection of the American Museum of Folk Art, the exhibition will present more than two dozen American quilts.