Glens Falls Business Journal - March 2021

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MARCH 2021

Hacker Boat Co. Is Relocating Operations Great Escape Will Reopen On Weekends As To A 6.4-Acre Queensbury Site Near Exit 18 Of May 1; Daily Operations To Begin June 24

This ‘Special Sport’ is one of the hand-crafted boats built at Hacker Boat in Silver Bay. The company is investing $3 million to move to a new location in Queensbury.

The Hacker Boat Co. is in the process of relocating its operations to 315 Corinth Road, Queensbury, just west of Northway Exit 18.

Officials said the corporate offices are already in the new location. The production and restoration operations will move later in the spring.

The company plans to eventually add a showroom and ships store on the site.

Roughly $3 million is being invested in the move to the 6.4-acre Queensbury site.

Mark Levack of Levack Real Estate in Glens Falls brokered the deal on behalf of Badcock. Perkins was represented by Bob Sears of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Blake, Realtors.

Morgan Marine, the company’s Lake

Courtesy Hacker Boat

George waterfront facility, comprised of a boat yard, storage facility and show room, will remain at 8 Delaware Ave., Silver Bay. George Badcock, president/CEO, said the move “will benefit our employees and existing and prospective customers. The majority of our employees will have a much shorter commute, and we believe the new location will better enable us to attract new employees. The more convenient location will make it easier for prospective customers to view and discuss purchasing a Hacker-Craft.”

The new facility is 40 percent larger.

It will allow the company to increase production of new boats for anticipated new markets in Europe and the Middle East, as Continued On Page 14

The Steamin’ Demon at the Great Escape will be among rides available when the facility opens in May for weekends and select dates. Full operation is scheduled to start June 24.

After a full year closed to the public, The Great Escape & Hurricane Harbor is set to reopen this spring for the 2021 season.

The Lake George theme park, which was not given government approval to open in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, is scheduled to return this year promising a safe environment, officials said.

The Great Escape will be open weekends and select dates starting May 1, with daily operation beginning June 24. In February, the state announced outdoor amusement parks can open—with a third of their normal capacity—by April 9.

Additionally, the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark will be back to full operation beginning March 26.

“We are ready to welcome our guests back to

Courtesy Great Escape

The Great Escape,” Six Flags Great Escape Resort park president Rebecca Wood said in a press release. “The health and safety of our guests, team members, and community remains our top priority and we are implementing extensive sanitization and safety measures to deliver a safe and entertaining experience for our guests.”

Opening weekend will mark the debut of a new ride called Adirondack Outlaw, which was originally scheduled to open last year.

Once open, The Great Escape will be operating under state and local guidelines for crowd capacity limits.

The park has established attendance caps that will be well below the park’s theoretical capacity in order to allow for proper social Continued On Page 14

Bennington Furniture & Mattress Expands Jim Siplon Goes From Interim To Permanent In Region After Buying Old Brick Furniture President, CEO Of EDC Warren County

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Bennington Furniture & Mattress, which has a Queensbury location, has acquired Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co., expanding its footprint in the Capital Region.

Michael Fiacco, owner and president of Bennington Furniture, purchased the property from former owner Henry Turk.

Fiacco and Turk had known each other for many years, and had talked casually of a buyout when Turk was ready to retire, he said. Turk reached out to Fiacco in January of 2019.

“I’m from the Capital Region. My businesses are in Vermont, Western Mass and Queensbury. I always wanted to get down to the Capital Region as well,” sad Fiacco.

“We’re super excited for this opportunity,” said Fiacco. “Old Brick Furniture has a great name in the Capital Region. Bennington Furniture has a great name in Vermont. We are like-minded businesses. Bringing them together is exciting.”

Bennington Furniture was started by Fiacco’s mother. The flagship store is located in Bennington. The Old Brick Furniture Co. began in 1960s as a furniture wholesaler under the name C. and D. Distributors.

Bennington Furniture, Queensbury, stores

joins

in rebranding to The Old Brick Furniture name.

Bennington Furniture is transitioning its branding to Old Brick Furniture + Mattress Co., a process that is complete for all stores except Manchester and Vermont. The branding transition for those stores will be complete by the end of March, Fiacco said.

Continued On Page 11

The board of directors of EDC Warren County has made Jim Siplon its permanent president and CEO. Siplon was serving as a member of the EDC board of directors last July, when longtime CEO Edward M. Bartholomew died unexpectedly.

He offered to step in as the organization’s interim leader, having recently retired as chief operating officer of JUST Water.

“Seven months ago, we recognized Jim as a colleague, strategist and advocate for economic growth. Since July, our board has seen firsthand how he energizes people, marshalls resources and catalyzes progress through public-private partnerships,’’ said Matthew Fuller, chair of the EDC board. “Our board concluded that we are fortunate to have in Jim Siplon a uniquely talented and insightful individual leading our economic development efforts at a moment of particular challenge and emerging opportunity.’’

Siplon said his immediate priorities will continue to be expanding reliable broadband and cell service countywide, attracting new residents and businesses, helping local governments obtain funding for major infrastructure projects, improving communication, expanding affordable

EDC Warren County has made Jim Siplon its permanent president and CEO. Courtesy EDC Warren County

housing, and helping local businesses recover from the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Under his leadership, EDC has collaborated with the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism on research to assess interest among Continued On Page 13

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

•

Personnel Briefs

Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. announced that Catherine Gilligan has joined the bank as mortgage loan officer for Washington and northern Rensselaer counties.

Based in the Salem Office, Gilligan will assume the duties of guiding clients through the mortgage application process.

She has more than 25 years of experience in banking and residential mortgage lending.

Gilligan currently serves as president for the Hoosick Falls Kiwanis Club and is a foundation board member for The Center for Nursing and Rehabilitation in Hoosick Falls.

Originally from Lebanon Springs, N.Y., she currently lives in Bennington, Vt.

* * * Associates of Glens Fa l l s Insu r an c e an nounced the hiring of its newest commercial lines account manager, Karen Wilkins.

Wilkins holds a New York State Insurance Agents’ license and has been an active member of the local insurance community for over seven years, acting as both a commercial and personal lines account manager.

She has earned her certified insurance service representative (CISR) designation and is a licensed notary public.

Mrs. Wilkins has three children and lives in Whitehall with her husband.

* * * Morgan Stanley announced that Kathleen Grasmeder, a managing director, portfolio

The Spa Studio Adirondacks Moves, Reports Business Is Booming Despite Pandemic •

management director, financial advisor in its Wealth Management office in Glens Falls and Oneonta, was named to the firm’s Chairman’s Club, an elite group composed of the top financial advisors.

The appointment recognizes Grasmeder’s consistent creativity and excellence in providing a wide range of investment products and wealth management services to her clients.

Grasmeder, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 1996, is a native of Newton, Pa. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Drexel University and a master’s in business administration from the University of St. Thomas.

She currently lives in Glens Falls with her family.

Also, Matthew Baitinger, an insurance planning director and financial advisor in the Wealth Management office in Glens Falls, was named to the firm’s Pacesetter’s Club, a global recognition program for financial advisors who, early in their career, have demonstrated the highest professional standards and first class client service.

Baitinger, who has been with Morgan Stanley Wealth Management since 2015, is a native of Saratoga Springs. He holds a bachelor’s degree from Empire State University and currently lives in South Glens Falls.

* * * The WAIT House board of directors announce d that Jason McLaughlin has joined Continued On Page 13

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BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL The Spa Studio Adirondacks LLC has relocated to 420 Quaker Road in Queensbury, in a storefront of the building owned and occupied by Heber Travel.

Owner Erica Keays said the move “has been wildly successful.”

The COVID-19 pandemic caused Keays and her mother Sharon, co-owner, to rethink the spa they had started together in 2006. They decided to shut down two days before the state mandate that nonessential businesses like spas, salons and stylists close.

“Over the years we really grew and at one point the spa included a full hair salon,” she said. “We’ve moved before. But now it was time to downsize, help my mother transition to a quieter role, and take over the whole business.”

Keays is a licensed therapist and her mother, an aesthetician. The spa offers massage therapies, skin care facials and waxing services. Her sister, a nail technician, was brought in 10 years ago, so Keays calls the studio “a family business.”

When the shutdown began, Keays wondered how they could offer hands-on services and comply with state guidelines.

“We thought, ‘What will we do?’ This is all we’ve ever done,” she said. “But as we thought about next steps, we realized there would be a light at the end of this long, ugly tunnel.”

The former address was so large it allowed staff to spread out among eight treatment rooms with an ample waiting area and a loft, making the area feel large and open. Trimming down to three treatment rooms and no reception space changed both the function and atmosphere of the spa, she said.

“The space is beautiful, much more private than previous spaces and, especially with government guidelines, more contained,” Keays said. “It has more of the look of a private practice than a loft.”

All services are by appointment only and popular spa parties are on hold until further notice, she said. Spray tanning and lash extensions are no longer being offered. It is uncertain if or when body treatments such as sugar scrubs and

Erica Keays, owner of Spa Studio Adirondacks LLC in Queensbury. wraps will be restored to the list of spa services.

While the “substantial menu was pared down,” Keays said she never trimmed staff. They have all continued to work full-time over split shifts, alternating start times so they can follow capacity guidelines.

“It’s a great crew of people who are highly trained in their different modalities,” she said.

One lesson she has learned is “the importance of having confidence in what you do.” Early on in the shutdown and as downsizing became a necessity, Keays had wondered if the staff would follow.

“They said, ‘Wherever you go we’ll come and make it work,’” she said. “As long as I have the support of my co-workers, my mom and the clients, I don’t care where our location is.”

Keays said the studio “is busier than we expected it to be since the move. Clients love the new space and appreciate our efforts to keep them safe.”

The website is www.spastudioadirondacks. com.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 3

Saratoga Race Track To Open July 15; Officials Couple Donating Up To $500,000 Toward Await Word From State On Fan Attendance New Granville Community Foundation The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will open the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course on July 15.

NYRA said the meet will feature 76 stakes races, worth $21.5 million in total purses.

The summer meet will conclude on Monday, Sept. 6.

In February, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that live sports and entertainment venues with a minimum reserved seating capacity of 10,000 will be permitted to reopen to a limited number of spectators beginning on Feb. 23, with approval from the state Department of Health.

All attendees must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event and adhere to health and safety requirements, including mandatory facial coverings and social distancing.

NYRA will continue to closely monitor state-issued regulations to determine how they impact Saratoga Race Course, officials said. Additional details on fan attendance and tickets for the 2021 summer meet will be provided as it becomes available.

The 2021 summer meet, which will offer at least one stakes race every live racing day, will be highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 28 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Aug. 7, as the anchors of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America.

The Saratoga meet will also include the Grade 1, $1 million Jockey Club Gold Cup and the Grade 1, $600,000 Flower Bowl, both previously run during the fall meet at Belmont Park.

Following the four-day opening weekend, racing will be conducted five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays, with the exception of the final week, when the meet will conclude on Labor Day. Whitney Day will feature three Grade 1 events, led by the Whitney at 1 1/8 miles offering an automatic berth to the Breeders’ Cup Classic on Nov. 6 at Del Mar. Completing the trio of Grade 1s on Whitney Day will be the $500,000 Longines Test for sophomore fillies and the $1 million Saratoga Derby Invitational, the second jewel of the Turf Triple series for sophomore males in its first running with Grade 1 status.

Whitney Day will also include the Grade 2, $250,000 Glens Falls for older fillies and mares on turf, and the $120,000 Fasig-Tipton Lure.

Whitney weekend kicks off Aug. 6, with the Grade 2, $200,000 National Museum of Racing Hall of Fame for sophomore turf milers; the Grade 3, $200,000 Troy, presented

by Horse Racing Ireland, for 4-year-olds and up going 5 ½ furlongs on the turf; and the $120,000 Alydar at nine furlongs for older horses.

Whitney weekend concludes on Aug. 8, with three stakes highlighted by the upgraded Grade 3, $700,000 Saratoga Oaks Invitational, the second leg of the Turf Triple series for sophomore fillies. The Aug. 8 card will also include the Grade 2, $200,000 Adirondack, a 6 1/2-furlong sprint

NYRA will open the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course on July 15.

Courtesy NYRA

for juvenile fillies, and the $120,000 FasigTipton De La Rose at one mile on turf for older fillies and mares.

The 152nd edition of the Travers is the centerpiece on Saturday, Aug. 28. It will include seven stakes, including six Grade 1 events, offering $4.6 million in total purse money with automatic berths in the Breeders’ Cup to the winner of the Grade 1, $750,000 Sword Dancer [Turf], the Grade 1, $600,000 Personal Ensign [Distaff], and the Grade 1, $500,000 Ballerina [Filly & Mare Sprint].

In addition, the Travers Day card will also include the Grade 1, $600,000 Forego, a seven-furlong sprint for 4-year-olds and upward, and the Grade 1, $500,000 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial for 3-year-olds going seven furlongs. Rounding out the signature day at the Spa is the Grade 2, $400,000 Ballston Spa for turf fillies and mares.

The traditional local prep for the Travers, the Grade 2, $600,000 Jim Dandy, will be held on Saturday, July 31. It will be joined by the Grade 1, $350,000 Alfred G. Vanderbilt Handicap, a six-furlong sprint for 3-year-olds and up, and the Grade 2, $250,000 Bowling Green at 1 3/8 miles on the turf. Closing out Jim Dandy weekend on Aug. 1, is the Grade 2, $200,000 Amsterdam for 3-year-olds at 6 ½ furlongs.

Opening Day, Thursday, July 15, will begin with a pair of graded stakes: the Grade 3, $150,000 Schuylerville for 2-year-old fillies and the Grade 3, $120,000 Quick Call for 3-year-olds going 5 ½ furlongs on the grass.

Saratoga’s first Grade 1 of 2021 is the $500,000 Diana for turf fillies and mares on Saturday, July 17. The following Saturday, July 24, will see the Grade 1, $500,000 Coaching Club American Oaks take center stage.

Closing Day on Monday, Sept. 6, will feature the Grade 2, $200,000 Bernard Baruch Handicap as well as the prestigious Grade 1, $300,000 Hopeful for 2-year-olds going seven furlongs to conclude the 153rd Saratoga meeting.

Paula and Michael Freed of Grand Rapids, Mich., have committed to donating major funds toward the creation of the Granville Community Foundation fund (GCF) at the Glens Falls Foundation.

The Freeds, both of whom are originally from Granville, made a $250,000 donation in December to create the foundation. They have announced a challenge for 2021, whereby they will match 50 percent of every donation made during the year, up to an additional $250,000.

“We know it will be a stretch, but we hope to reach a goal of $1 million for the GCF by the end of 2021. While we’re making sure that anyone who wants to donate can make a donation, we’re particularly hopeful that the GCF will provide a vehicle for those of us who have a special connection to Granville, but no longer live there, to help in some way. We may not be able to donate our time or talent, but we can at least donate money,” said Michael Freed.

The goal of the foundation is to evaluate local needs and opportunities and to fund projects that address broad areas of community development, education, art and culture, environment, health or social needs.

The GCF, which will be a donor-advised sub fund of the Glens Falls Foundation, will have an advisory board of seven members, whose primary responsibilities will be to raise money and to recommend grants to the Glens Falls for approval.

The oversight of the GCF assets will be the responsibility of the Glens Falls Foundation Distribution Committee as part of the “affiliate” relationship established between the GCF and the Glens Falls Foundation.

“Given that the Glens Falls Foundation already serves Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties, Paula and I felt it best to explore sharing regional resources rather than start another not-for-profit community foundation from scratch,” Freed said. “The Glens Falls Foundation was the logical fit and, given that I knew Mike Niles

Paula and Michael Freed donated up to $500K for the Granville Community Foundation.

Courtesy Granville Community Foundation

from our years working in healthcare, we reached out to him to see if the Glens Falls Foundation was willing to work with us to create this affiliate”.”

“It’s critical that the money we raise be in addition to the money already being raised there by other nonprofits and community organizations, not in place of it.”

Donna Perkett, chair of the Glens Falls Foundation Distribution Committee, said the group is “pleased to be able to provide the organizational infrastructure to accommodate this admirable initiative by Mr. and Mrs. Freed. We appreciate their confidence in the Glens Falls Foundation and we look forward to our fiduciary responsibility in serving the residents of the greater Granville area, the future beneficiaries of the Granville Community Foundation fund.”

For more information, visit glensfallsfoundation.org/granville.

4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

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Americade, Popular Motorcycle Rally Event In Lake George, Is Scheduled For Sept. 21-25 Organizers of Americade say they are optimistic that the 38th annual motorcycle rally will be held in the Lake George area on Sept. 21-25.

Americade last year was schedule for June, then postponed until July because of the coronavirus pandemic. Ultimately, it was canceled, compelling organizers to carefully consider all safety measures put in place by state and federal health agencies while still offering attendees a true Americade experience.

Those precautions are still at the forefront of planning for 2021, Dutcher said.

The annual rally will be held between Sept.

21 and Sept. 25 over concerns that an event of such magnitude would not be allowed to take place in June as the state’s vaccine rollout continues to progress slowly and limits on large gatherings remain in place.

“We want to make 100 percent sure that a 2021 Americade will happen, but we’re not confident an event of this size will be permissible in June,” Dutcher, said. “But, moving it to September gives us a very high likelihood of it happening.”

Americade typically attracts upward of 50,000 motorcyclists, packing local hotels and restaurants in the region.

Dutcher said he moved the event to September so it wouldn’t interfere with other motorcycle rallies scheduled throughout the country. The mild temperatures coupled with the beginning of the region’s foliage season, make fall the end of September a “perfect time for riding,” he said.

“Interest in Americade 2021 is very high because so many 2020 events were canceled, and we are expecting a huge Americade 2021,”

Americade organizers are optimistic the annual motorcycle rally will be held Sept. 21-25.

Courtesy Americade

said Dutcher.

“We created a touch-less Americade 2020, which would have made the event a model for how to run a large event during COVID-19,” said Dutcher. “We plan on doing the same in 2021 if needed. It’s simply a safer way to run an event.”

According to Dutcher, for nearly four decades, Americade has offered not only the best guided and unguided rides in the Northeast, but also the most factory demos of any motorcycle event in the U.S. The event website is www.americade.com.

Dutcher can be reached at 518-798-7888.

Curtis Lumber Grows With Acquisition Of Wiley Brothers Lumber Yard In Schaghticoke

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Curtis Lumber announced the acquisition of Wiley Brothers at 1854 Route 40 in Schaghticoke.

Wiley Brothers has been a family-owned lumber yard and home improvement store for 75 years.

Adding this new location brings the number of Curtis Lumber Co. locations to 23, all of which are independent, familyowned, full-service home centers and building supply yards.

Officials said moving forward, the store location will carry Curtis Lumber’s premium products, superior hardware assortment, and be staffed with the expertise to cater to both builders and homeowners.

Curtis Lumber has long served the area with delivery service from nearby stores

and this acquisition will serve to increase delivery and product availability to more of Rensselaer county.

“When we were approached about adding Wiley Brothers to our existing store locations, we jumped at the chance,” said Jay Curtis, president, and CEO. “Our superior product assortment, award-winning delivery service, and extensive employee training program will only improve upon what has been a well-run family business.”

All Wiley Bros employees were offered positions with Curtis Lumber.

Established in 1890, Curtis Lumber Co. serves eastern, central, and northern New York and Vermont. The company’s 650 employees serve both consumers and professional builders alike. The company has a delivery f leet of 100 trucks.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 5

Company Does Qualitative Research SUNY Empire State College This Year That Helps Clients With Marketing Plans Marks 50 Years Of Academic Achievements

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL When Neal Sandin conducts research, he says he is seeking to interpret “the voice of the consumer” who will inform the next steps of a client company’s marketing.

Sandin’s company, 643 Research, is a qualitative research firm he started in 2014 and moved to Malta in November 2019 when he and his wife relocated from New Jersey.

Sandin said he “fell into” focus group research when the moderator of the firm he worked for double booked and was unavailable for one of the clients, who at the time was en route from out of town to observe his company’s session.

“After about 30 minutes of training I jumped in, conducted the group and was good at it,” said Sandin. “The client continued to use me as a moderator.”

He launched his own firm seven years later.

His clients come from various industries and have a range of goals and challenges. Sandin develops the techniques to reach conclusions and recommendations for advancing a client’s brand and improving customer loyalty. In his toolbox are such qualitative methodologies as ethnography, home visits and focus groups, among others.

Whereas quantitative research relies on enormous sample sizes and mathematics to produce customer service ratings (claims that nine out of 10 dentists recommend that toothpaste), qualitative research is based on the psychology of smaller consumer audiences, he said.

Sandin’s professional interests are steeped in behavioral science, which studies how emotions, the environment and social factors influence decisions. He has an M.A. in international affairs from the New School University and a B.A. in international studies/religion studies at Guilford College.

“There are surprisingly few books about qualitative market research,” said Sandin. “But books about the biology and cultural factors behind behavior give insights into how I approach my work.”

643 Research is brought in either directly by companies with goods or services to sell or by an independent business consultant.

“Sometimes companies and their business consultants are at loggerheads about where the brand should go next,“ he said. “I do the research, give a report with my findings and recommendations and then step back.”

One service Sandin provides clients is to “bridge the gap between quantitative and qualitative results ... Qualitative research is about what consumers feel and why they feel that way.”

Sandin pulls in a small number of users and poses questions that were raised by the quantitative research to explain differences of opinion. Generally he will moderate focus groups for consensus or interview individuals if the client needs results to be delineated, he said.

With the pandemic keeping people inside, about 95 percent of his research is conducted remotely, which Sandin describes as “an awkward situation,” especially without the assessment of body language among the interviewees.

“As a moderator over video conferencing, I am like the host of a really weird party,” he said.

Neal Sandin is the owner of 643 Research, a qualitative research firm. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

“I have to encourage everybody to talk, make them comfortable, and create a sense of rapport in order to get a snapshot of what they think at that moment.”

Concept testing comes under the qualitative umbrella, where researchers determine how the public will respond to a new product a company is considering bringing to market.

Sandin uses the example of a car manufacturer introducing a new exterior design. The car is not in front of the focus group, but the members are shown images. The goal is to get the emotional response, he said, and the moderation process might go something like: How do you feel about this car? How do you want to feel? How do you want other people to feel when they see you in that car?

“We take the insights and feedback and report our conclusions about which elements are working and should be the inspiration for designing that car,” said Sandin. “Our recommendations will further include how to promote that model and what words should be used to describe it.”

“The wording of research questions can influence whether the response is positive or negative,” he said. “Things can be influenced subtly.”

This process starts with a screening survey designed to “weed out the society of professional respondents who do surveys for easy money and sometimes lie. We want only honest, legitimate respondents,” he said.

Next step is to have the right discussion guide, which Sandin said includes a list of questions the client wants answered so that as he writes the guide, he will have those points covered.

“The beauty of qualitative research is that you can change directions quickly. You can say, let’s see what happens now if we ask this question this other way,” he said.

“Interviews at the beginning and at the end of a project can be very different,” Sandin said.

“But this means our recommendations will be relevant.”

Sandin said he tries to find new and better methodologies to gain greater insights for his clients.

SUNY Empire State College is celebrating 50 years of academic achievements and excellence throughout 2021.

Founded in 1971, SUNY Empire State began as a bold re-imagining of higher education, one focused on increasing accessibility and opportunities for students.

Officials said that for the past five decades, SUNY Empire has transformed the face of student-centered, accessible, equitable education, ushering in a world of possibilities for busy adult learners. The college began utilizing mail-in correspondence and satellite feeds in the 1970s and was one of the first to move to internet-based and blended coursework in the mid-1990s.

Since then, SUNY Empire has been at the forefront of distance and online education and continues to explore new pathways for students of all ages to pursue their educational and career aspirations.

SUNY Empire’s mission aligns with that of the State University of New York’s, which aims to provide students with accessibility to the highest quality academic, professional, and vocational programs, officials said.

During his State of the University System address, SUNY Chancellor Jim Malatras not only highlighted SUNY Empire graduate student Nelson de Jesus Castilla Jr., who became the first Latino chief to serve on Stony Brook’s campus while pursuing his master’s degree at SUNY Empire, but he spoke of the recently announced SUNY for All campaign.

SUNY developed the program for economically struggling New Yorkers, and to increase access and support for our nation’s service members and veterans, while also expanding micro-credential courses for lifelong learning.

Upon completion, students will be automatically accepted to any of SUNY’s 30 community colleges or SUNY Empire, with application and orientation fees waived.

“SUNY Empire State College continues to experience remarkable growth, from new programs and academic partnerships to state-ofthe-art technologic advancements,” said SUNY

Empire State College Officer-in-Charge Nathan Gonyea. “The first 50 years was just the beginning.

We are constantly finding ways to engage our students, to develop new academic programs, and to ensure students are fully supported academically and personally while completing their education. SUNY Empire’s nearly 90,000 alumni and 16,000 current students make us proud every day.

Their stories are encouraging and empowering, and we are fortunate to be play a role in their success. This tradition of excellence is one I am proud to be a part of.”

SUNY Empire officials anticipate continued year-over-year enrollment growth, with particular strength in graduate programs, which have increased more than 20 percent. As COVID-19 has highlighted the need for more healthcare professionals, prospective students are exploring SUNY Empire due to the high-quality, affordable degree and certificate options, officials said.

The School of Nursing and Allied Health saw a more than 8 percent boost in students since last spring when the pandemic first hit.

SUNY Empire’s commitment to meeting student needs is evident through the college’s expanding academic programs on the undergraduate, graduate, certificate programs, and the first-ever Ed.D. in educational leadership.

New areas of study on the undergraduate level include addiction studies, security studies, and psychology, a graduate certificate in public administration, and a new certificate program focused on Indigenous studies. Other initiatives developed by the college include the Empire Opportunity Program, the Center for Autism Inclusivity, and the Shirley A. Chisholm Center for Equity Studies.

SUNY Empire State College educates 16,000 students per year in person, online, and through a blend of both, at locations in every region of New York and at eight international sites worldwide.

SUNY Empire awards more than 3,000 degrees annually and 94 percent of graduates stay in New York state, according to the college. To learn more, visit www.esc.edu.

Tyler Herrick General Manager The Queensbury Hotel Reads

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

SPECIAL SECTION

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Banking / Asset Managment Dealing With Payroll Protection Plan Issues Occupying Time And Effort At Local Banks

BY JILL NAGY Area banks have been upgrading their online and digital services but the big push in 2020 appears to be administering Payroll Protection Plan (PPP) small business loans.

“It was an all-hands-on-deck situation; we recruited everyone to help out,” recalled Charles Wait Jr., president and CEO of Adirondack Trust Co. The bank processed $100 million worth of loans in the first round and he expects another $50 million during the second round. “It’s been an interesting 12 months,” he reflected.

Similarly, Marc Monahan, Glens Falls and Saratoga regional executive for NBT Bank, welcomed the PPP program as a way to stay in connection with existing customers as well as a way to bring in new ones.

“They need an account with us but they can open an account and apply for a loan on the same day,” he said. NBT has a dedicated website for PPP loans and, according to Monahan, they processed more than 3,000 applications last spring.

“The past year has altered how we communicate with our customers,” Monahan said.

NBT has enhanced its mobile banking services, including mobile deposit (deposit checks using the camera on your smart phone), online payment services, and online bill paying. The drive-throughs are open and customers can visit the bank lobbies by appointment. However, he finds that customers increasingly prefer using electronic services.

“We continually look to add and improve services,” he said, but, for now, he is “very satisfied.”

At Adirondack Trust, Wait expects to announce new enhancements to their mobile banking services toward the end of the year.

The bank is about to open a new branch in Glens Falls that will add drive-through services in Glens Falls.

The bank’s other big project in 2020 was sale of a Monopoly-type board game that used Saratoga Springs landmarks instead of the standard Monopoly locations. The game is manufactured

by Hasbro. Proceeds from the sales, at $49 a game, went to the Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund to help fund area nonprofits. The bank sold 5,000 games in five months, according to Wait.

All in all, the community fund raised $80,000 for organizations in the Saratoga and Glens Falls areas during 2020.

Adirondack Trust continues to offer conventional banking services.

•

Marc Monahan, vice president, regional executive of NBT Bank in Glens Falls.

Courtesy NBT Bank

“Digital is the wave of the future,“ Wait said, “But we want to accommodate as many people as possible.” The growing preference for digital services may, in part, reflect the current pandemic restrictions. “It’s going to be interesting to see what happens this summer.”

For the PPP loans, customers apply through an online portal, Monahan explained, and they receive the necessary documents electronically. Bank officers can assist applicants by explaining what documentation is needed, and provide guidance on how to approach the process, he said.

Then, the bank verifies the paperwork and submits it to the Small Business Administration. If the loan is approved, the money goes directly into the applicant’s bank account. “We try to minimize personal contact,” he said.

Both banks are now assisting last year’s successful applicants as they apply for forgiveness of their loans, if appropriate. The SBA is revising the forgiveness application and some of the requirements are a moving target, but Monahan expects a final application form in mid-March.

Demand for new loans remains strong, although not as great as last spring, Monahan said. Wait agreed.

Even after the PPP program ends, “We will still see a need for small business relief,” Monahan said.

Business Report What Can Investors Learn From 2020

BY MEGHAN MURRAY Now that we’re a few weeks removed from 2020, it’s a good time to reflect on such a momentous year. We can think about developments in the social and political spheres, but we also learned—or perhaps re-learned— some valuable lessons about investing.

Here are four of them: • A long-term perspective is essential.

Volatility in the financial markets is nothing new, but, even so, 2020 was one for the books. Of course, the COVID-19 outbreak was the driving force behind most of the wild price swings.

Soon after the pandemic’s effects were first felt, the S&P 500, a common index of U.S. large-cap stocks, fell 34 percent but gained 67 percent by the end of the year.

Consequently, investors who stuck with their investment portfolios and kept their eyes on their long-term goals, rather than on shocking headlines, ended up doing well. And while 2020 was obviously an unusual year, the long-term approach will always be valuable to investors.

• Investment opportunities are always available.

The pandemic drove down the prices of many stocks, but it didn’t necessarily harm the long-term fundamentals of these companies.

In other words, they may still have had strong management, still produced desirable products and services, and still had good prospects for growth. In short, they may still have been good investment opportunities and when their prices were depressed, they may also have been “bargains” for smart investors. And this is the case with virtually any market downturn – some high-quality stocks will be available at favorable prices.

• Diversification pays off.

Bond prices often move in a different direction from stocks. So, during a period of volatility when stock prices are falling, such as we saw in the weeks after the pandemic hit in March, the presence of bonds in your portfolio can lessen the impact of the downturn and stabilize your overall returns.

And this, in essence, is the value of maintaining a balanced and diversified portfolio.

(Keep in mind, though, that diversification can’t

•

Meghan Murray is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Financial in Queensbury.

Courtesy Edward Jones Financial

guarantee profits or prevent all losses.)

• The market looks ahead.

The pandemic-driven market plunge may have been stunning, but it made a kind of intrinsic sense. After all, the sudden arrival of a pandemic that threatened lives, closed businesses and cost millions of jobs doesn’t sound like a positive event for the financial markets.

But the strong rally that followed the initial drop and continued into 2021 has surprised many people. After all, the pandemic’s effects were felt throughout the rest of 2020, and are still being felt now, so why did stock prices rise?

The answer is pretty straightforward: The financial markets always look ahead, not behind. And for a variety of reasons—including widespread vaccinations, anticipated economic stimulus measures from Congress and the Biden administration, and the Federal Reserve’s continued steps to keep interest rates low— the markets are anticipating much stronger economic growth, possibly starting in the second half of 2021.

All of us are probably glad to have 2020 behind us. Yet, the year taught us some investment lessons that we can put to work in 2021 and beyond.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 7

Advisors Insurance Brokers in Clifton Park Adirondack Trust Co. Will Open New Glens Acquired By Large Life, Health Distributor Falls Branch This Year With More Services

From left, Brian Johnson, director of business development; Bob Vandy, president; Kevin Johnson, CEO; and Pete Kelly, COO, all of Advisors Insurance Brokers in Clifton Park.

Advisors Insurance Brokers in Clifton Park has been acquired by Integrity Marketing Group, LLC, a large national independent distributor of life and health insurance products.

As part of the transaction, Kevin Johnson, CEO of AIB, will become a managing partner in Integrity. Financial terms of the acquisition were not disclosed.

“Integrity is committed to innovating insurance by bringing together skill sets that complement our growing roster of platform partners,” said Bryan W. Adams, co-founder and CEO of Integrity. “As we’ve gone through this global pandemic, Americans realize the importance of life, health and long-term care insurance coverage now more than ever. By adding Advisors Insurance Brokers to the Integrity platform, we are able to serve more Americans and help them with these planning needs.”

AIB began in 1992 with a focus on longterm care insurance and planning in the New England region. The company has evolved to offer life insurance, fixed indexed annuities and a wide range of insurance products.

“At our core, we are built on a foundation of unmatched customer service that we were not willing to compromise for any partnership opportunity,” said Johnson.

“Integrity values that legacy and offered a vision for our next phase of growth. We will

retain the boutique-like feel our customers have always appreciated, while providing them with cutting-edge resources and technology we never could have provided on our own. We’re excited to become part of such a legendary team.”

“What attracted us to Integrity is their innovative spirit and the way they are innovating the industry,” described Bob Vandy, AIB president. “This partnership provides us with the effectiveness and new efficiencies that we can now bring to our existing broker, producer and consumer relationships. The scale and reach that Integrity possesses is going to complement and expand our capabilities more than we ever could have done on our own.”

Officials said AIB’s expertise in life insurance will dovetail with Integrity’s partner network, which is made up of bestin-class agencies nationwide led by the most innovative leaders in the industry.

As part of this network, AIB will gain access to Integrity’s platform resources which include proprietary technology, such as quoting and enrollment tools, call center capabilities, research and development, data solutions and product development.

As a partner, they can streamline business functions by accessing centralized services such as human resources, legal counsel, accounting, IT and a full-service advertising and marketing firm.

This is a rendering of the new Glens Falls branch of Adirondack Trust Co. nearing completion at the corner of Main and Pine Streets. It will have a drive-through window and plenty of parking.

BY JILL NAGY A new Glens Falls branch of Adirondack Trust Co. is nearing completion at the corner of Main and Pine Streets.

The branch will be a two-story building with a drive-through window and plenty of parking, according to Charles Wait Jr., the bank’s president and CEO. The building will replace the current branch on Maple Street. That branch will remain open until the new building is ready, probably in midApril, Wait said.

The present location does not allow for a drivethrough and there is limited parking.

The added space at Main and Pine will allow Adirondack Trust to provide additional services.

For example, Wait said, loan or mortgage officers can be posted there.

Courtesy Adirondack Trust Co.

A ribbon cutting is planned, along with grand opening promotions in partnership with other businesses.

The building was designed by architects Balzar & Tuck.

The Adirondack Trust Co. is an independent, locally owned and operated, community bank offering a wide variety of business and personal financial services.

The bank has more than $1.4 billion in assets and 13 branch offices. It offers banking, trust, insurance, and wealth management services, and originates real estate mortgages, both residential and commercial, and commercial business loans throughout its primary market area.

The bank is a Bauer 5-Star Rated Superior bank. The bank’s website is AdirondackTrust. com.

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8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

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Economic Development CEO Of EDC Warren County Sees Potential CARES Act Funds Are Still Available For Of Economy To Be Balanced And Sustainable Small Business Loans In Eight Counties

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Under the leadership of newly-appointed president Jim Siplon, the EDC Warren County continues to focus on attracting new business to the area.

Siplon, a former EDC board member, has firsthand experience with the process.

“The EDC was instrumental in helping me when I was trying to get JUST Water off the ground, particularly Ed Bartholomew, who was the longtime president,” he said. At the time, Siplon was chief operating officer of the water startup and was responsible for choosing the company’s headquarters.

“I’m not a spectator in this. I’m a player. I came here in 2014 to figure out if this was a good place to base JUST. I looked at a number of places across the country, and I had never seen the receptivity and kind of collaborative nature that I found here.

Now I’m trying to tap into it in my new role of working on economic development for the entire region.”

Siplon took the helm of the EDC during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. A top priority was to offer support to the tourism industry, which accounts for 25 to 40 percent of the local economy.

“When COVID struck, we ran the risk of literally having the bottom dropping out of an enormous part of our economy,” he said. “Here in Warren County we immediately organized a group of private sector participants in the tourism and hospitality world to meet together with public sector players like the EDC and the county and municipalities to figure out what is that we can do that is both safe and can also potentially backstop this huge economic impact.”

It was in part because of the collaborative effort that Lake George had the largest July and August in its entire history, he said. Gore Mountain and West Mountain are also experiencing strong seasons despite reduced capacities.

“To me, that’s an example of what I’m talking about,” said Siplon. “It required people to work together in ways they haven’t always. A community that comes together and works across these boundaries for a common good, that’s an asset all by itself. It’s a tensile strength that is an intangible that is oftentimes hard to gauge.”

The EDC is focused on promoting the region as one of the most desirable in the entire country.

“This place has unique advantages that I think often times, when you’ve lived here all your

Jim Siplon of EDC Warren County continues to focus on attracting new business. life, you don’t know are universal,” said Siplon who has lived in five countries and 23 states. “It starts with our unbelievable access to essentially undeveloped land and extends into the availability and plentifulness of natural resources--timber, clean power, plentiful and clean air and water. We aren’t flooding. We don’t live in tornado alley. We don’t have forest fires. These are all things that are increasingly dominating life in other parts of this country and the world.”

Siplon also promotes the region’s low traffic volumes, reasonable cost of living, quality of schools, access to health care, community safety, proximity to major cities and abundance of recreational activities.

“There’s a remarkable set of cultural and quality of life assets here,” he said. “And if you look at what happening with housing in the region, we clearly are no longer an undiscovered treasure.”

EDC recently commissioned a survey in collaboration with Lake Placid’s Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism. It was designed to determine what factors would lead individuals to consider relocating to the Adirondacks as yearround residents.

Approximately 10 percent of respondents indicated that they are finalizing plans to move to the region. A significant percentage of respondents

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT In September 2020, to assist small businesses affected by coronavirus restrictions, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration invested $22.8 million through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act funding that created a revolving loan pool to help small businesses.

For the past six months, $2.94 million of those funds have been managed in the north country by the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning Board (LCLGRPB).

Planning Board Director Beth Gilles said there is plenty of money still available for small businesses in the eight-county area of Clinton, Essex, Hamilton, Jefferson, Lewis, St. Lawrence, Warren and Washington counties.

Funds target working capital projects, equipment, and purchases related to COVID-19 issues, such as personal protective equipment (PPE) and facility upgrades.

Entrepreneurs and small business owners who may be retooling their business models could benefit from the CARES dollars.

“A restaurant owner who expanded seating with outdoor dining in the parking lot last summer might now decide permanent outdoor seating would be good for business. This loan program could cover that,” Gilles said.

Businesses can apply for a revolving loan fund from $25,000 to $150,000 at a fixed rate of 1.9 percent, with up to a seven-year term, with the first 12 months interest only. There is no application fee or closing costs and up to an 84-month loan term is available.

Gilles added, “program loan funds may not be used to pay off existing debt, refinance other loans, acquire a position in a business, investments, expansion of a business or personal expenses.”

Through the underwriting process, the

LCLGRPB has committed to two loans—one Warren County and one in Clinton County— totaling $380,000.

“We have a ton of money left,” she said. “The deadline apply for a revolved loan under the CARES Act is May 21, 2022.

The Planning Board office, 1 Lower Amherst St., Lake George, is currently closed, but staff can be reached by phone and email. For more information call the office at (518) 886-5773 or email LCLGRPB Small Business Support Specialist Jamie White at jamie.white@lclgrpb. org.

The LCLGRPB was created in 1967 to promote sustainable economic development.

The board operates in an advisory capacity and serves as a link between local needs, and federal and state funding programs.

also expressed an interest in moving to the area if their jobs remained permanently remote.

The EDC is not short sighted when it comes to managing future growth and is focused on long-term sustainability. It is committed to maintaining affordable housing and avoiding gentrification issues that have plagued many cities.

“I don’t just think of sustainability from

an ecological or environmental standpoint.

Sustainability to me means to endure—to be able to sustain,” he said. “Our economy here has great potential to be balanced and sustainable over the long haul. It is not unmanaged development that we are after. It’s balance, sustainable development—things that are aligned with the land and resources and the culture. It’s not a race.

To me, I think of it as more of a hike.”

Beth Gilles, director of the Lake ChamplainLake George Regional Planning Board.

Courtesy Beth Giles

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 9

Area Is Attractive To Survey To Identify Gaps State Taking Applications From Businesses Potential New Residents In Broadband Service Seeking To Be Cannabinoid Hemp Processors New research conducted by Camoin 310 of Saratoga Springs for the Regional Office of Sustainable Tourism (ROOST) in Lake Placid and EDC Warren County shows there is a strong interest for relocation to the Adirondacks across all income brackets in the region including New York, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Vermont, New Hampshire and New Jersey.

A total of 6,733 responses were collected and analyzed by Camoin 310 from Jan. 19-29, the group said in a news release. More than 80 percent of respondents now live in the Northeast, but there were responses from as far away as Florida, California, Texas, Colorado, Missouri, Minnesota, and Oregon, as well as international locations.

Key findings indicate that nearly 25 percent of respondents said they were either “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to relocate here in the next five years, according to Camoin. Some indicated they have already moved here.

The Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, and Lake George regions were the three most cited locations for relocation. The majority of the respondents said living in the Adirondack communities with access to high-speed internet, health care, and dining and shopping opportunities is a priority.

Nearly 23 percent of regional market demand is between ages 25-45. Quality housing and outdoor recreation were the most important factors cited when selecting a community.

Remote workers and retirees present the greatest opportunity and over 40 percent of respondents who are working have the ability to work remotely either full time or a majority of the time, the report said.

“This is positive for the Adirondacks and provides data to support the Northern Forest Center’s report and strategy for attracting new residents to the Adirondacks. Remote workers are a growing industry in which the Adirondacks are positioned well to pursue,” said James McKenna ROOST CEO. “They bring their jobs with them and provide for a new economic base and year-round economy less dependent on the seasonal swings of tourism.”

“We have known professional relocation to our area was under way, but this survey validates that the combination of world-class recreation and regional assets make this truly one of the most desired relocation sites in the world,” said Jim Siplon president of EDC. Full results of the assessment can be found at www.roostadk.com/wp-content/ uploads/2021/02/Adirondack-RelocationAssessment-Survey-2021.pdf.

The Warren County Board of Supervisors and Warren County Economic Development Corp. are seeking the help of county residents and businesses to assess the breadth and reliability of broadband coverage.

The county and EDC will survey county residents as to how well they can work, study and surf the Internet from their homes, offices, schools and businesses.

The goal is to identify gaps and weaknesses so that county officials can apply for relevant grants and successfully advocate for improved broadband coverage with internet service providers and state and federal representatives.

Rachel Seeber, chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, said county residents “continue to express to their representatives their desire and need for access to affordable, reliable broadband service. Unfortunately, many people, both at their homes and at their businesses, have poor access or no access, and those who have service often report problems with reliability and speed.

“This survey will help us determine access levels and speeds throughout Warren County and help us map where improvements are needed. We will then work with our county’s state and federal representatives to bring to Warren County the service we desperately need, which is now more important than ever.”

Access to reliable broadband service is essential to current and prospective residents and businesses, Jim Siplon, interim president of EDC Warren County, said.

Warren County and the EDC have been working with ECC Technologies of Penfield, N.Y., which has undertaken similar surveys for numerous other upstate New York counties, on this assessment since September 2020.

The survey will be available online for those who have access and in printed form at stores, schools, libraries and town halls throughout Warren County.

Warren County and EDC Warren County are hoping to reach as many residents as possible before March 31.

The survey can be accessed at www. warrencountybroadband.org.

More information can be found by visiting www.warrencountyny.gov or at www.edcwc.org.

The state Department of Health is now accepting applications from businesses seeking to operate as cannabinoid hemp processors, retailers or distributors.

In October, the Health Department filed proposed regulations to regulate cannabinoid hemp products in New York state. Cannabinoid hemp products include many CBD products currently available for purchase, including tinctures, vaporizations, oils, topicals, pills, capsules and food or beverages.

“Opening the application process for businesses looking to be part of the growing hemp industry in New York state is a critical step in the process of expanding our economy and building back better. Licensing gives processors, distributors and retailers the ability to help ensure the hemp industry’s long-term viability,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said.

“This exciting opportunity to be a part of the state’s regulated cannabinoid hemp program is great news for farmers and consumers.”

The program is licensing cannabinoid hemp processors, distributors and retailers and setting quality control standards that all cannabinoid hemp products must meet including manufacturing, packaging and labeling and laboratory testing requirements.

Officials aid it will help organize and legitimize the growing cannabinoid hemp industry in New York state while simultaneously protecting consumers from sub-standard and potentially dangerous products.

In 2015, the state launched the Industrial Hemp Agricultural Research Pilot Program, supporting farmers and further boosting economic development in upstate New York.

Since then, New York’s hemp program has expanded significantly, making New York one of the leading hemp producing states in the country, officials said.

Hemp is a sustainable, carbon-sequestering crop that is capable of being transformed into hundreds of products including textiles, furniture, fuel, food, construction materials and personal care items.

State Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “Opening cannabinoid hemp processor, distributor and retailer applications is the first step to ensuring a safe and regulated supply chain for cannabinoid hemp products in New York state.

Licensing will hold processors, distributors and retailers accountable, helping to remove sub-standard and potentially dangerous products from the marketplace.”

Any business extracting or manufacturing cannabinoid hemp in New York state, whether in intermediate or final form, must obtain a Cannabinoid Hemp Processor license. C Licenses are divided into two license types: “extracting and manufacturing” and “manufacturing only.” An “extracting and manufacturing” license permits a processor to extract and/or isolate cannabinoids from hemp to create crude oil, distillate, isolate or other intermediary products for further refinement, and allows licensees to manufacture cannabinoid hemp products.

A “manufacturing only” license allows processors to purchase crude oil, distillate, isolate or other intermediary product and use it to manufacture cannabinoid hemp products.

Any business selling or intending to sell cannabinoid hemp products to consumers in New York state must be licensed as a Cannabinoid Hemp Retailer. Additionally, distributors of cannabinoid hemp products manufactured outside of New York State must obtain a Cannabinoid Hemp Distributor Permit to sell cannabinoid hemp products to cannabinoid hemp retailers in New York state.

Cannabinoid hemp products must be manufactured using good manufacturing practices, laboratory tested by an approved third-party laboratory, and properly labeled to inform consumers of the amount of cannabinoids per serving and warn of any risks associated with use of the product.

More information can be found at health. ny.gov/regulations/hemp/#_blank.

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10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

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Women In Business

Nancy Fuller Helped Create Fountain Square Great Escape President Rebecca Wood Takes Outfitters; Company Hitting 10th Anniversary On Challenges Of COVID-19 At The Resort Nancy Fuller, co-owner of Fountain Square Outfitters in Glens Falls, says it has been “an amazing opportunity” to be part of the downtown business community and to watch its growth, She has seen new businesses come in, new apartments created and the Farmers’ Market bolstered. “It’s a really cool place to be,” she said.

Fountain Square Outfitters celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 22.

The store caters to hikers, bikers those who enjoy being outdoors. The stock is mostly clothing, offering a variety of brands, including Patagonia, with emphasis on the natural and ecologically minded. In fact, Patagonia was the inspiration for the store.

Fuller said they shopped at Patagonia stores when they travelled and thought that one would be a natural for Glens Falls. It turned out the company was not interested in opening a store, but was willing to have them carry the Patagonia line of outdoor clothing if they chose to open their own store.

The business opened in 2011. Except for her husband’s law practice, it was the first business venture for both of them.

They found a location on Centennial Circle in the Barton Mines building. They liked the look and feel of the old brick building and its central location.

“We hope our store creates foot traffic downtown,” they said when they first opened. “If we can generate that draw, a vibrant downtown benefits us all.”

Barton Mines has its offices on the upper floors. Fountain Square has the street-level portion, including “the cave” in the basement where they sell footwear and sales items.

Both the Fullers are in the store a lot, but she also has another full-time job as a speech therapist in the Shenendehowa Central School District. Since September, she has been working in person at the schools.

At present, there are five employees at Fountain Square Outfitters, but that number

Fountain Square Outfitters in Glens Falls celebrates its 10th anniversary on April 22.

can double in the summer time, including parttimers.

New stock for spring includes equipment for disk golf, a new sport recently introduced at Crandall Park. The store also carries trekking poles, camping stoves, sunglasses, and Darntuff socks from Northfield, Vt. For the less active, there are hammocks. As people are spending more time outdoors and many of them are taking along their dogs, Fountain Square offers shoes, jackets, boots, life preservers, and other gear for the canine companions.

Anniversary plans are still indefinite.

“We will be celebrating,” Fuller said. They are looking at hats with “cool logos” from Trampoline Designs in Glens Falls to use as part of the anniversary celebration.

The store is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours may be extended in the future. The company has website and Instagram and Facebook sites. The telephone is 518-9328355.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Rebecca Wood was in her new position as resort president of Six Flags Great Escape Resort for only a year when the coronavirus pandemic hit.

“Like everyone else, we were in uncharted territory,” said Wood, who prior was director of marketing and sales for the Lake George theme park and lodge. “Last season, the whole world was experiencing something different.”

Wood’s immediate goal was to keep the staff together and safe, and she said not one full-time person had to leave their job. That was important because growing up she was an athlete who “sees the value of ‘team’ in whatever we do.”

The theme park closed in October 2019 for the season and the hotel was forced to close temporarily early in March 2020.

“There’s no playbook for COVID,” said Wood. “Our team controlled what was in our control and stayed focused on those things. Our rally cry was, don’t think about what we cannot do.”

But that is a difficult task when staff is worried about their health and safety.

“We moved some of the team over to the hotel, and they got to see folks work new roles.

Operations people went to housekeeping or reception,” she said. “The silver lining was the team learning how strong we are.”

“Our team was always one resort team,” Wood said. “But now someone in food service, for example, who never got to see another side of the resort had an opportunity to get closer to the guests and to each other.”

Wood studied public relations and communications at St. Bonaventure University.

She was originally from New Hampshire and landed in the Capital Region with Wilton Mall as its marketing and communications manager.

“It was an incredible experience,” she said, one in which she learned about the business of shopping centers. More important, she learned she “really loves people.”

A friend of hers at the mall transferred to a security job at Six Flags and told her, “this is a job made for you,” Wood said.

“While I enjoyed my career up to this point, I saw the amount of time and effort that goes into the Great Escape experience and instantly felt at home,” she said. “I have worked for and with a lot of good people, but the people at the park

Rebecca Wood is the president of Six Flags Great Escape Resort

are compassionate. Many have long histories with the Great Escape and are now in full-time management.”

“I am proud to be in this region because of the way everyone comes together,” Wood said.

“The attraction partners, our hotel partners, all worked to maintain our full-time staff and open the hotel in July” under state guidelines, she said.

“And that meant we could give families an abbreviated experience, but still the Great Escape experience. We all learned about safety measures and how to carry these forward.”

Wood said she serves as a member on a number of community boards of directors because she “loves this community and the folks who make it special.”

She has had a number of mentors along her career path. But first and foremost, Wood cites her mother, who taught her “how to be strong and independent,” Wood said. “My mom was the executive director of the Northeast branch of the Internal Revenue Service in North Andover, Mass. I don’t know how she did it, but she raised three kids and never missed a basketball or field hockey game.”

“She always said that as long as you are learning something new in your work, that is the best you can ask for.”

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 11

Maura Forcier Went From A Longtime U.S. Census: Millions Of Women Living With Customer Of MinkyMink To Its Owner School-Aged Children Didn’t Work In January

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Maura Forcier purchased MinkyMink, a clothing and accessory shop in Downtown Glens Falls, in 2016.

“I was working in healthcare marketing for several years. I wasn’t passionate about it,” she said. “My dad and I were talking about his upcoming retirement. He had worked in medicine for decades. I just couldn’t picture myself working in health-care marketing for 20 or 30 years. It got me thinking. What do I actually want to do with my life?”

Forcier had worked in retail in Saratoga Springs as a side job for years. She loved working with customers, helping people find outfits, and managing the marketing and social media of the clothing shop in which she worked. She decided to open her own boutique.

Forcier had been a long-time customer of MinkyMink when previous owner Shonna McTiernan had the shop. Forcier and McTiernon started chatting, and McTiernon disclosed she was ready to sell the business.

Forcier worked with SCORE after work hours every week to develop a business plan in preparation of running her own retail store. In July 2016, she and McTiernon finalized the sale of MinkyMink.

Forcier immediately left her job in healthcare marketing and put all of her energy into the store.

“There’s a lot of things I love about being a business owner,” said Forcier. “Probably my favorite is really knowing my community. I know so many people through my store. It’s so nice to be able to talk to people and know what’s going in Glens Falls and the surrounding area.

And I love being my own boss.”

“I love the people of Glens Falls. They

Maura Forcier is the owner of MinkyMink, a clothing and accessory shop in Glens Falls.

Mark Bolles

support local business a lot. During this pandemic, a lot of my customers reached out to me personally to see if there was anything they could do to help. I was closed for three months.

I felt like my customers and the community really banned together and made me feel like I was important, loved and supported,” said Forcier, who is originally from Lake George and currently lives in Queensbury.

MinkyMink just launched a new website with enhanced online shopping capabilities and enhanced inventory. The website is www. minkymink.com.

The store is located at 203 Glen St. in Downtown Glens Falls. The phone number is 518-926-7227.

Kim Stote Named SUNY Empire State Dean Of School Of Nursing And Allied Health SUNY Empire State College named Kim S. Stote as dean for its School of Nursing and Allied Health.

Stote, Ph.D., MPH, RDN, succeeds M. Bridget Nettleton in the role.

Prior to her new role as dean, Stote served as the associate dean of health professions for the School of Nursing and Allied Health, and has been a faculty member since 2009.

“Kim has been an invaluable member of our School of Nursing and Allied Health, and has the skills and experience necessary to fulfill this important role,” said SUNY Empire State College Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea. “Kim is the right person at the right time for this position.”

“I am honored to serve as the dean for the School of Nursing and Allied Health. This is an interesting and challenging position that aligns well with my background and strengths. I continue to be impressed with SUNY Empire State College’s culture of innovation, which offers alternative learning experiences that encourage student success through degree completion,” said Stote.

She is a clinician scientist conducting research on understanding how dietary components interact with physiological, sociological, and environmental factors that affect the health of the population. Her research experience also includes investigating the effects of differing food components in human health which resulted in a twice Fulbright Scholar award as the research chair of nutrisciences and health, at the University of Prince Edward Island, Prince Edward Island, Canada.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics at SUNY Oneonta, went on to complete a dietetic internship at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, and became a registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN). She earned a Master of Public Health from the School of Public Health at

From U.S. Census Bureau Around 10 million U.S. mothers living with their own school-age children were not actively working in January—1.4 million more than during the same month last year, according to new U.S. Census Bureau data.

The pandemic has had a devastating effect on employment overall but especially on mothers’ paid labor. The 10 million not working accounted for over one-third of all mothers living with school-age children in the United States, according to the Current Population Survey.

Last spring, between March and April, some 3.5 million mothers living with school-age children left active work — either shifting into paid or unpaid leave, losing their job, or exiting the labor market all together.

Some 45 percent of mothers of school-age children were not actively working last April.

The school year began in earnest months ago but deep into the academic year, school systems are still trying to figure out how and when to return to in-person classes.

Some have found ways to juggle work, child care and virtual schooling. By January 2021, more than 18.5 million mothers living with their own school-age children were actively working — still 1.6 million fewer than in January 2020.

While the recovery has stalled, employment of mothers has all but caught up to fathers in term of pre-pandemic patterns.

By January 2021, mothers’ active work status was 6.4 percentage points lower than in January 2020 and fathers’ active work status was 5.9 points lower, narrowing the initial gender gap of 6.4 points in April to 0.5 points in January.

Media reports say moms have been hit harder than fathers. But are they true?

In a word, yes—at least initially, according to U.S. Census Bureau data.

At the onset of the pandemic, the share of mothers actively working decreased more than fathers. Mothers declined 21.1 percentage points while the share of fathers dropped 14.7 points in April 2020 compared to the previous month and to the same month the previous year.

The two most cited reasons are: • Mothers are more likely to work in service and other jobs heavily impacted by pandemic closures.

• Mothers carry a heavier burden, on average,

of unpaid domestic household chores and child care, which, during a pandemic that draws everyone into the home, disrupts parents’ ability to actively work for pay.

Their work patterns went through similar down-and-up cycles even before the pandemic.

Many take leave or stop work during the summer months and take interim breaks when children are not in school every year.

Even in January 2021, an additional 210,000 mothers were on paid or unpaid leave compared to the same month the prior year. Similar to the pattern for all workers, unemployment spiked for mothers in the spring, increasing by more than threefold its pre-pandemic rate.

The unemployment rate for mothers living with their own school-age children was 13.9 percent by April 2020. It was cut more than half to 6 percent in January 2021.

Despite that decline, the Bureau said there were some 1.2 million more mothers unemployed compared to the same month the previous year, when mothers’ unemployment rate was just 3.5 percent.

Many moms have given up and left the workforce since the pandemic hit: nearly threequarters of a million (705,000) more have given up on work outside the home entirely and some may not return, the study said.

Those who do resume work may experience decreased total lifetime earnings due to dropping out or being forced out during the pandemic.

Many children who have gone back to school often only attend in person two or three days a week. Even if they are back fulltime, one case of COVID-19 in a classroom can shutter it for a week at a time. These challenges make it difficult for mothers to hold a steady job, especially one that does not allow remote work.

From an economic perspective, mothers of school-age children who have the option may exit the labor market for now. Those who live alone or can’t rely on income of other adults in the household may continue to work (if work is available) — even if that means working outside of their home (non-telework jobs) and leaving children home alone.

Living with another working-age adult (age 18-64) does not seem to have spared mothers from doing double duty: Working for pay and working for no pay taking care of children and housekeeping.

Old Brick

some point, said Fiacco.

The Old Brick Furniture stores in Queensbury, Albany and Rutland are all hiring for various positions. He said the Queensbury store, 63 Quaker Road, was already busy before the merger and is seeing increased foot traffic lately.

At all stores combined the company employs over 125 people.

In addition to brick-and-mortar showrooms, the store’s inventory can be found and purchased online. Brands carried include King Hickory, Wesley Hall, Bradington Young, Bassett Furniture, Flexsteel, Palettes

by Winesburg, Tempurpedic and Stearns & Foster.

The local phone number is 518-636-3434.

The website is www.oldbrickfurniture.com.

Continued From Page 1

Kim S. Stote, dean of the School of Nursing and Allied Health at SUNY Empire State. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

the University of South Florida, a Ph.D. in nutrition science from Syracuse University and completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. She holds a research appointment at the Stratton VA Medical Center in Albany and is participating in Harvard Medical School’s global clinical scholars research training program Class of 2021.

“Dr. Stote’s program development, research strength and faculty leadership perspectives will help to propel our nursing and allied health programs to the next level,” said SUNY Empire State College Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs Meg Benke.

“Our buying power and footprint will both increase,” said Fiacco. “Our marketing penetration for the Albany DMA. The advertising and marketing dollars are better spent when you put us all together, and that was a primary reason for the acquisition.”

He said the acquisition will empower the store to remain competitive with online furniture vendors. Merging the two businesses gave the company more buying power.

Future plans include more expansion. A central distribution center will be needed at

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name

Closing Price 02/05/2021

Closing Price 02/12/2021

Closing Price 02/19/2021

Closing Price 02/26/2021

Closing Price 03/05/2021

Albany Int’l

74.76

73.63

79.80

79.05

87.84

Arrow

31.03

31.09

31.42

31.60

33.98

AT & T

28.93

28.80

29.00

27.89

29.62

Ball

89.39

89.68

90.48

85.39

82.21

National Bank

47.00

47.00

47.00

53.00

53.00

Bank of America

32.37

33.37

34.54

34.71

36.93

Best Buy

114.53

120.51

118.00

100.35

102.85

Citizens Bank

39.94

40.52

42.51

43.44

44.30

Espey

19.33

20.25

19.50

19.30

18.96

‘Down To Earth Aerial’ Specializes In Making Virtual Tours Using Drone Video Production

Ballston Spa

General Electric

11.40

11.73

12.02

12.54

13.60

Hilton

111.67

112.14

116.91

123.68

122.87

Home Depot

278.86

277.51

279.64

258.34

253.52

Int’l Paper

47.03

49.18

48.95

49.65

54.15

Key Corp

18.57

19.07

20.15

19.95

20.66

Lowe’s

175.03

177.16

177.54

159.75

158.58

Martin Marietta

297.60

330.83

336.34

336.87

329.79

M&T Bank

140.40

142.23

149.97

150.94

156.35

McDonald’s

212.58

213.90

212.24

206.14

207.37

National Grid

58.64

59.23

59.08

55.89

57.63

NBT Bancorp Inc.

34.42

35.49

35.70

36.23

39.27

Plug Power

65.77

63.19

55.89

48.38

39.30

Quad Graphics

5.72

5.71

5.25

4.38

5.06

Starbucks

106.48

105.30

103.37

108.03

105.20

Sysco

77.08

76.24

76.71

79.63

81.79

Target

188.86

190.75

188.82

183.44

172.61

The TorontoDominion Bank

58.44

59.39

60.54

60.37

62.82

Kaspien Holdings

32.54

31.32

32.00

31.90

30.49

Trustco Bank

6.51

6.77

6.84

6.88

7.33

Verizon

55.32

54.20

56.45

55.30

56.00

Walmart

144.36

144.47

138.34

129.92

129.12

This list of quotations is provided through the courtesy of Robert M. Schermerhorn, CFP®, Saratoga Financial Services, Securities offered through LPL Financial /Member FINRA & SIPC, located in Saratoga Springs, NY. www.SaratogaRetire.com

This photo fall foliage in the North Country, with Lake George in the background, was taken by Down to Earth Aerial, a company specializing in drone photography and video production.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF After the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the cruise industry, Capital Region native Chris Spangler found himself in need of a new job. Spangler had been employed as a tour guide in an Alaskan town that was a stopover point for cruise ships.

“Thanks to the pandemic, the cruise ship business obviously tanked which removed my Alaskan job,” said Spangler.

As a result, he decided to open his own business, Down to Earth Aerial. The Saratogabased company specializes in drone photography and video production.

“I really enjoy aerial photography and flying drones, so I tapped into some of the contacts I have in this area in the construction industry and the real estate industry and worked to build a photography business specializing in aerial photography as well as virtual tours,” said Spangler.

He said it can be especially helpful in the effort to market commercial real estate to investors who are not familiar with the area. It is also useful in marketing residential real estate because it offers a different perspective on the property.

“It’s really nice for people who aren’t from the area to be able to look at a plot that they are considering and be able to see the surrounding area from the air,” he said. “And with the real estate industry for homeowners, it’s just a really nice way to show off the entire space as well as break up the images from just standard terrestrial shots of the house inside and out. It gives you a different viewpoint from up in the air. The big thing we try to talk to clients about is showing what they have from a different perspective.”

Spangler’s customers also include homeowners interested in purchasing aerial photos of their homes.

“Drones are still relatively new to the market, so a lot of people have never seen even their local area from 400 feet up in the air. In upstate New York, which is a really beautiful place, looking at

Courtesy Down to Earth Aerial

your house from up in the air can offer a really neat perspective and give people a nice look at a piece of property that they may have lived on for 20 years,” he said.

Down to Earth Aerial also offers interior real estate photography services. Spangler uses a special camera to create interactive virtual tours of property interiors.

“The tour allows you to move through a home or a building. In this time of social distancing, it’s a nice way for people to be able to essentially visit a house from the comfort of their own home,” he said. “It actually feels like you are inside the house. You can move around to different places.

And, unlike in a video, you have full control of the time you spend in each place, as well as what it is that you want to look at.”

The company also creates virtual tours for commercial spaces and recently completed one for Universal Preservation Hall in downtown Saratoga Springs.

“Using it for spaces like that allows businesses to show off their space and helps people understand what it is they would be renting or visiting. In this world of not traveling and social distancing, virtual tours can be incredibly valuable to businesses because it’s a very immersive, high-detail virtual tour,” said Spangler.

Down to Earth Aerial also offers commercial videography services and simple television commercial production. The company was recently hired to create a marketing video for Adirondack (SunKiss) Balloon Flights in Glens Falls.

“We went out with them on a number of different flights and filmed the entire ballooning experience,” said Spangler.

Business has been “better than expected,” and Spangler predicts it will be the virtual tour aspect of his business that will expand most rapidly in 2021.

For more information, visit www. downtoearthaerial.com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 13

Bonnie View Resort On Lake George Is Sold; Future Of Property As A Resort Is Unknown

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 2

WAIT House as executive director.

He has a background in addiction recovery and behavioral health services.

WAIT House has served homeless youth since its doors opened in 2003. It is currently the lead agency in Warren County for the state Emergency Shelter Grant COVID Relief Program.

McLaughlin has worked for Behavioral Health Services North, Glens Falls Hospital and most recently Washington County DSS/Center for Recovery as the agency CASAC.

* * *

The Bonnie View Resort on Lake George was sold in December for $4.4 million. The resort is on a six-acre lakefront property in Huddle Bay.

BY JILL NAGY The Bonnie View Resort on Lake George was sold in December for $4.4 million.

The buyer is a limited liability company (LLC) created for the sole purpose of holding the property. It was purchased by an investor from Rhode Island.

The resort, at 4654 Lakeshore Drive, on a six-acre lakefront property in Huddle Bay, had been in the Lauro family for 50 years. It has 386 feet of lake frontage.

The resort included 60 motel rooms and cabins, a heated pool, tennis court, and six steel docks. Recently, the buyers’ real estate agent, Jim Casaccio of Bolton Landing, said he drove by the property and saw someone at work cleaning out the buildings.

He said it is assumed that they will all be

torn down, but beyond that, the fate of the property is not known. For now, it appears that the new owners are interested in the property as an investment.

Both Cosaccio and the listing agent, Rich Blake, were adamant that family members do not want to be contacted. The buyers were also “very, very tight-lipped,” Cosaccio said.

He only met them twice, he recalled.

They were briefly represented by an unidentified Albany attorney, the real estate agent said.

“It was one of the easiest transactions I have ever had,” Cosaccio said.

In a Facebook post, previous operator Larry DiMauro noted the sale and said, “It is unlikely that it will be a resort again, but stay tuned.”

CEO of EDC

economic opportunity countywide.”

As chief operating officer of JUST Water, Siplon led the effort to create in Glens Falls an environmentally sound alternative to bottled water. He forged JUST’s fair trade water agreement with Glens Falls and established the company’s headquarters in the re-purposed St. Alphonsus Church on Broad Street.

JUST Water now is produced in a new facility in Queensbury and is sold worldwide.

Siplon previously served as the managing director of FIJI Water, responsible for building its tropical-island production to its current world-class output. He is a former senior executive at MCI, GE, Roll International and Teleflora.

Siplon also founded Rethinkh20, a consulting firm that helps large-scale water users reduce water consumption. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years and holds an undergraduate degree in astrophysics from Utah State University and an MBA from Boston University. He and his wife Susan reside in Glens Falls.

Continued From Page 1 professionals in relocating to the Warren County Lake George area and the Adirondack region. He has also overseen updates to the EDC website, including a blog featuring success stories of investing and professional relocation. HE has led expansion of social media, including creating a Facebook page, an Instagram page and a LinkedIn page for improved communications and marketing.

“Warren County has world-class recreational opportunities, safe, small communities, affordable housing and cost-of-living, excellent health care and education, and a strong base of local businesses,” he said. “Warren County leaders responded to the economic shock of the pandemic with collaboration and innovation.

As we look beyond the pandemic, the county is positioned to attract investment in new jobs, creating a broader tax base and greater

Lotus Analytics, a technology initiative backed by real and artificial intelligence, based in Warrensburg, announced the hiring of Kristina Kemp as sales and quality assurance manager.

Kemp has been serving the wireless dealer community for many years, sometimes with store location numbers as high as 125.

She will be working with a team at Lotus and operate as a liaison between the clients and the team.

Kemp will focus on upselling services to existing customers, and ensuring the value-add services are being appropriately offered.

* * * Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes PC in Glens Falls announced that Victoria M. Craft has joined the firm as an associate attorney.

Craft’s undergraduate education was at SUNY Albany where she received her B.A. in 2017. Her legal education was at Albany Law School where she received her J.D. in 2020.

While at Albany Law School, Craft was a board member and committee member of the Government Law Center. She was admitted to the New York State Bar in 2021.

Craft is a member of the Warren County and New York State Bar Associations. She is also a member of the board of trustees of the Chapman Historical Museum. Her primary areas of practice are criminal defense, general litigation, estate planning, family law and real estate. She resides in Saratoga Springs.

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14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

Hacker Boat Co. Continued From Page 1

well as expanding restoration operations.

The company also announced Tome’s Landing Marina in Port Deposit, Md., is now an official dealer for the Hacker-Craft brand.

Tome’s now has two brand new 2021 Hacker-Craft in stock.

Tome’s will also retail Hacker-Craft genuine apparel, accessories, and boat models, all of which can also be purchased on-site at the marina.

“We are delighted with this new relationship with Tome’s Landing Marina, which has an excellent reputation,” said Badcock. “Our affiliation with them will enhance our brand’s visibility in the important Chesapeake Bay area. Tome’s joins our expanding dealership network, which now also includes Wawasee Boat Co. in Indiana, Sierra Boat Co. in California and Classic Boat Lifestyle Co., Ltd., in Thailand.

We expect our dealer network to continue to grow, especially as we can now provide f loor-plan financing.”

Kurt Harder, president of Tome’s

Landing Marina, said, “we are really delighted to join the elite network of Hacker-Craft dealers. Hacker-Craft is truly an iconic brand and we are confident that our marina is a great fit with Hacker-Craft.

We believe that Chesapeake Bay will prove to be a strong market for the beautiful boats.”

Hacker Boat Co. is a manufacturer of classic mahogany motorboats. The company is represented by dealers in California, Indiana, Maryland and Thailand. Its craftspeople hand-build runabouts, sport boats, yacht tenders, launches and utilities.

Tome’s is a large indoor storage facility on the upper Chesapeake Bay, providing indoor storage for powerboats and personal watercraft up to 44 feet long and weighing as much as 20,000 pounds.

Tome’s is an authorized Hacker-Craft, Bennington, Mercury, Yamaha and Volvo Penta dealership, serving the areas of northeast Maryland, Lancaster County, Pa., Philadelphia and some of the northern communities of Baltimore.

Great Escape

Continued From Page 1 distancing.

All guests will need to make a reservation at www.sixflags.com/reserve. Members and season pass holders will receive booking priority over single-day and group ticket buyers.

Officials said guests who need singleday tickets will be able to reserve during the purchase process, which will include acknowledging their understanding of the company’s health policy and watching a brief video describing new social distancing and sanitization procedures.

Guests will be contacted electronically (either by email, text or both) the day before their scheduled visit to confirm their intent to visit and their continued healthy status. Guests may cancel their reservation without penalty any time before 8 a.m. on the day of their scheduled visit.

Six Flags Great Escape Resort officials said safety of park guests and employees is always the company’s top priority, and it will continue to meet or exceed the New York state safety guidelines through the implementation of safety measures and protocols such as required mask wearing and health screenings Fenimore’s Pub Glens Falls, NY Fenimore’s Pub in the heart of downtown Glens Falls is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Discover Unique Outdoor Dining Options In & Near Glens Falls, NY

O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub Queensbury, NY Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a night of fun and excitement, you’ll want to come to O’Toole’s. We’ve got the best food, drinks and entertainment in the area! Come on in and experience dining at it’s best. We look forward to seeing you.

Morgan & Co. Restaurant Glens Falls, NY Experience fine American dining in downtown Glens Falls at Morgan & Co. Every dish offers a unique and innovative twist on original recipes. Morgan & Co. also caters events from weddings to reunions and more!

Lake George Boardwalk Restaurant & Marina Lake George, NY The Famous Boardwalk Restaurant and Marina in Lake George Village offers dining downstairs for dinner with full menu, and open-air deck with lighter fare, and a boathouse deck from where you can have your drink and enjoy the beauty of Lake George

Outdoor dining is all the rage during the warmer months of the year, but during winter, local restaurants have to get a little creative. Here in Glens Falls and the surrounding area, some restaurants are offering a variety of heated outdoor dining options, including private igloos and enclosed patios and porches. Find out where you can dine outdoors comfortably in the Glens Falls area below!

Note: We recommend you call ahead to make a reservation and confirm availability.

The Grateful Den Glens Falls, NY The Grateful Den offers a different take on traditional pub grub, as well as classic favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and salads. Their menu also includes specialty appetizers, sandwiches, and plenty of craft beer options on tap.

Park 26 Glens Falls, NY Park 26 is an innovative restaurant that offers locally-inspired, modern American cuisine that’s perfect for a date night, business dinner or family celebration. Located inside The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.

The Docksider Restaurant Lake George, NY Open year round on Glen Lake in Queensbury, the Docksider restaurant features lunch and dinner with a fireplace for winter and great deck for outdoor dining overlooking the lake.

Bogey’s Pub & Grill Queensbury, NY Bogey’s Pub & Grill at Bay Meadows Golf Course, in Queensbury NY, is not just for hungry golfers! The Grille offers fine Queensbury dining at casual prices!

Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery Glens Falls, NY As of 1/11/21, Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery is temporarily closed for both dine-in and takeout. The restaurant plans to re-open when pandemic-related conditions permit. In the meantime, Backdoor Burger is open for takeout and delivery.

for guests and employees, strictly enforced social distancing, extensive sanitizing and disinfecting, modified food service processes and mobile ordering, extensive COVID-19 training for all frontline team members and informational safety signs posted throughout the park.

The facility is currently hiring team members to fill 1,500 positions. Both the Theme Park and Lodge are hiring for all positions, including admissions, food and beverage services, ride operations, housekeeping, games, lifeguards, park services, security, marketing and retail.

Applicants may apply for jobs in a completely virtual and contact-free environment. Applications can be completed online and interviews and training will all be done virtually; onboarding is contactfree. Interested applicants must apply online at sixflagsjobs.com and select “Lake George, Great Escape.”

Anyone needing assistance with the application process should contact Human Resources at (518) 792-3500, ext. 3369.

More information about The Great Escape is available online at www.sixflags.com/ greatescape.

Rachel’s Cafe & Spice Company Glens Falls, NY Rachel’s Cafe & Spice Company is part cafe, part spice shop, and all about sourcing and supporting local! This Glens Falls staple has something for everyone with a unique menu accommodating various diets and a wide range of spices in the shop.

Raul’s Mexican Grill Glens Falls, NY Enjoy everything Mexican at Raul’s Mexican Grill in downtown Glens Falls, where the ingredients are always fresh and the margaritas always flowing! From the tortilla chips to the tacos to the churros, everything on the menu is created with care.

Downtown City Tavern Glens Falls, NY Downtown City Tavern in Glens Falls is renowned for their wood-fired pizza, to-diefor chicken wings, craft beer choices, and the inviting atmosphere. They’re open daily for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and outdoor dining.

10 McGillis Public House Lake George, NY Located in the heart of Lake George Village, 10 McGillis Public House is a chef owned and operated farm-to-table restaurant. Their menu changes almost daily in order to serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Listings provided by GlensFalls.com

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021 • 15

• The

Business Breifs

Arrow Family of Companies announced that its local charitable giving in 2020 was $470,000 and Arrow Team volunteerism exceeded 3,300 hours throughout its service footprint in Albany, Schenectady, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Essex and Clinton counties.

During a very difficult year, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co., Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. and Upstate Agency LLC supported hundreds of community groups, business associations and local non-profits help to meet the critical needs of our communities.

“By investing in, and partnering with, local organizations through volunteerism and charitable contributions, we help improve the quality of life for our neighbors and the communities in which they live and work,” said President and CEO Thomas J. Murphy. “This year, it was more important than ever to step up our giving back to local communities.”

The $470,000 in contributions during 2020 helped local organizations focus on food insecurity, affordable housing, workforce development, student success, mental health, financial wellness, economic development and supporting emergency assistance funds among many others.

In addition to sponsorships and financial contributions, volunteerism and education is ingrained in the Arrow Team culture and a big part of the company’s commitment to each community served.

In 2020, Team members donated more than•

3,300 volunteer hours of service to 170 organizations, with over 50 percent of those hours dedicated to organizations helping low-moderate income individuals, families and areas.

Visit arrowfinancial.com/caring to learn more.

Available Commercial & Residential Properties

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We’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600.

SARATOGA SPRINGS NEWLY RENOVATED IN A PRIME LOCATION

* * * The Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council will hold its annual symposium event 10:30 a.m. to noon, Thursday, March 25, in an interactive webinar.

The cost is $10 per person.

The annual symposium provides a forum for relevant topics and is geared towards executives, board members, and potential board members of nonprofit organizations.

The speaker will be Andy Robinson, who provides training and consulting for nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies.

Over the past 25 years, he has worked with clients in 47 US states and Canada. For a decade, he co-led the executive leadership program hosted by the Land Trust Alliance. The topic will be Stronger Together: Collaborations, Shared Services, and Joint Fundraising.

Hew is the author of six books, including “Train Your Board (and Everyone Else) to Raise Money.” His latest is “What Every Board Member Needs to Know, Do, and Avoid.”

To register, visit www.adirondackchamber. org/events/details/anbc-symposium-4031.

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Suite A

Suite B

Suite C

1200 +/- Sq.Ft. $3000/mo

500+/- Sq.Ft. $1250/mo

1700+/-Sq.Ft. $3500/mo

Conference room, private office plus large open area for several work stations.

Windows on Broadway

Private office plus large reception area.

Large open floorplan with storage area.

Windows on Broadway

Bathrooms and Kitchen/Break area shared on floor. Furniture and desks available. Short and Long term leases. Heat and Electric included.

12ʼ ceilings and hardwood floors.

Contact:

Mark Straus 518-857-2238 Patrick Donovan 518-698-0564 Alex Straus 518-319-2300

Washington County New Business Registrations Time to Eat 24 W Main St. Granville, NY 12832

Beatiful Serendipity Candle Co 3466 Burgoyne Ave. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

Farmhouse Ferments 18 Academy St. Salem, NY 12865

Ganja Steves CBD Consulting Product Developer and Marketing of CBD Products 107 Pleasant Valley Rd. Argyle, NY 12809

Wiggles and Giggles Playcare 108 Belden Rd. Clemons, NY 12819

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IN

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Slateville Supply 304 County Route 28 Granville, NY 12832

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Learning Art Studio 214 Main St. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

Slateville Cabins 304 County Route 28 Granville, NY 12832

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Big Time Photography 13 North Maple St., Apt B Granville, NY 12832

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Forever Home Gifts 36 Toms Way Argyle, NY 12809

February

45 Greenfield Avenue, Saratoga Springs $699,000 This historic Saratoga Springs mansion was stylishly renovated into condos in 2010. Located in the desirable North Broadway neighborhood, this airy 2 bedroom 1 1/2 bath condominium features an open floor plan, plenty of windows, soaring ceilings, wood floors & incredible trim throughout. The open kitchen includes gorgeous granite, a large center island, stainless steel appliances, stunning custom cabinets & a generously-sized pantry. Step through a set of French doors to the ultimate flex space: a light-filled sunroom that functions as a bright home office & doubles as a guest room with its hidden Murphy bed! Elevator access & a 1 car detached garage add even more convenience.

Listing Agent: Kate R. Naughton | 518.441.8527 knaughton@roohanrealty.com

16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MARCH 2021

UNION SQUARE Investing in South Street before it was cool

Join these fine folks doing business at Union Square!

Call

(518) 441-8272

• LAW OFFICES • Neil Lebowitz Jeffrey McMorris John Silvestri

UNION SQUARE PROPERTIES • 9-11 BROAD STREET • glens falls, NY • WWW.UNIONSQUAREGF.COM