PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
GBJ P.O. Box 766 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
VOL. 32 NO. 03
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
MAY 2020
Annual Americade Motorcycle Event In Hotel, Tourism Officials Are Hit With Lake George Is Postponed Until July 21-25 Challenges As Summer Event Season Arrives Americade, a popular tourist attraction in the Lake George region for nearly 40 years, has been postponed during the COVID-19 crisis, but will be held in 2020. The event is traditionally held the first full week of June, but will be pushed back until the week of July 21-25, said Americade organizer Christian Dutcher. “The health of our community and our guests is paramount, but it is our sincere hope that by late July, it will be possible to bring Americade back to Lake George as long as there are no federal, state or local regulations that would preclude it,” Dutcher said. “We will be very sensitive to public health concerns. We will conduct Americade 2020 in a manner that is respectful of the terrible ordeal this pandemic has caused.’’ The 2020 “touchless’’ Americade will emphasize current public safety protocols including social distancing and hand washing and scenic tours rather than large group gatherings. Organizers will comply scrupulously with health and safety guidance and work closely with Warren County Public Health Services. Specifically: • The number of people attending the Americade Expo will be restricted to ensure plenty of space between attendees. • Some events that have historically attracted shoulder-to-shoulder crowds will not be held. • Attendees will be encouraged to register electronically (instead of in person) and pay remotely. • Americade 2020 will de-emphasize guided, large-group rides and instead facilitate unguided rides. • For lunches during rides, participants will be encouraged to choose from a broad selection of restaurants to reduce crowding in any one
Americade, a major tourist attraction in Lake George, has been re-scheduled for July. Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce
establishment. “Americade gives many people the opportunity to get out on the open road, see some of the most scenic and remote places and breathe the fresh air of the Adirondacks,’’ said Dutcher. “So many people have reached out to us and asked us to try to find a way to keep the tradition alive this year.’’ Dutcher noted that July is a busy time in Lake George, so Americade is reaching out to its local hospitality partners to ensure adequate accommodations will be available. Lake George Mayor Robert Blais welcomed the decision. ‘’Americade’s decision to postpone rather than cancel is a welcome decision for our Continued On Page 13
BY CHRISTINE GRAF Although it is too soon to know what impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the local summer tourism season, the local business community is trying to remain optimistic. In Lake George, it will be difficult for hotels to weather any lengthy closure. Dunham’s Bay Resort on the east shore just outside the village, is typically open year-round but has closed its 40-room hotel. It’s restaurant remains open for take out only. According to general manager Matt Taormino, the hotel furloughed about 10 percent of it staff. He credits the hotel’s New York City owner for making this possible. “They made a commitment to us when this first started to make sure everybody would have a job that needed a job,” he said. “We’re fortunate that our owners take care of us. They really care about us and take care of the property.” Taormino and his staff are using this time to perform preventative maintenance and make upgrades to bathrooms and banquet rooms. Dunham’s Bay Resort and other local businesses in Lake George are relying on the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce for support and guidance. “As our state government charts the reopening strategy, they are looking at it regionally. That is helpful for us,” Lake George Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer said. “For us that are in marketing and tourism, we are going to look at it from the standpoint that first we want to get our locals out and about safely and without fear.” According to Amy Brannigan, senior director of marketing at Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, the majority of 600 team members were furloughed after the hotel closed March 16. Management is working to develop a comprehensive plan for reopening
The Lake George Arts Project conducts the Jazz on the Lake festival each September. R.J. DeLuke
that incorporates social distancing and cleaning protocols. And Kevin Tuohy, general manager of the 168-room Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs, said “We are cautiously optimistic. Although each time I read the news, it seems there is less good news coming out. But, at this point, we are going to do everything we can to make sure that we can be as busy as we can possibly be.” Both Brannigan and Tuohy said their hotels depend heavily on the Saratoga Race Course season. If the track reopens without spectators, summer occupancy rates would plummet. Both hotels are typically at maximum occupancy Continued On Page 15
Warren County Tourism Businesses Form Marc Monahan Of NBT Bank Becomes A Commission To Plan Economic Recovery Chairman Of ARCC Board Of Directors The Warren County Lodging Association, local Chambers of Commerce and the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, in conjunction with Warren County Tourism Department and government officials, have established a commission to develop specific guidelines and best practices for safely reopening businesses in the county. Officials said the goal of the commission is to ensure the opening of businesses in the Lake George area safely, responsibly and with the health and well-being of the entire community, guests, and team members at the forefront. Credible hotel and business experts committed to the safe operations of the region have invested significant efforts to develop an outline of communication and operational actions designed to understand guest needs and concerns and to position the tourism businesses in the Lake George region to safely welcome guests back as soon as possible, officials said. The state criteria for area to reopen includes 14 days of decline in total net hospitalizations; at least 30 percent surge capacity in total hospital and ICU beds available; the ability to conduct 30 COVID-19 diagnostic tests for every 1,000 residents per month; and having a baseline of 30 people who can serve as contact tracers for every 100,000 residents. All plans are in accordance with local, state, and federal government guidelines as well as the CDC. Efforts will continue as steps are finalized and communicated with respect to the following: • Education/communication. Ensuring that our
A commission formed in Warren County will examine ways to safely get tourism back. businesses, team members and guests understand their role in the wake of this pandemic. • Density Control. Limiting capacity to 50 percent in early phases. • Social distancing and screening. Strict compliance with local, state, and federal mandates • PPE equipment and supplies. For both team members and guests alike (sourcing, etc.). • Sanitation and disinfecting. Using industry “best practices,” a detailed and specific set of steps, Continued On Page 2
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) announced that Marc Monahan, vice president and regional executive of NBT Bank, has been appointed as chairman of its board of directors. “The ARCC has been blessed to have a long history of amazing board of director chairs,” said ARCC President/CEO Michael Bittel. He said Monahan “continues this tradition. Marc’s business knowledge and passion for our community will help lead us for the next two years. Many thanks to Eric Gilbert as our past chair and for his service to our region’s business community.” “Working with the Chamber has been a gratifying experience and I am looking forward to my role as chair,” said Monahan. “We currently have an engaged board and executive team ready for the challenges that lie ahead. I am eager to continue work side by side with Michael Bittel and his team Tricia, Amanda and Cheryl. Given the current economic challenges we all face ahead, rest assured that we will do everything in our power to support the local business community and our members.” Monahan is NBT vice president and regional executive for the bank’s Glens Falls-Saratoga market. He joined NBT in 2010 as a member of the retail team and currently overseas the commercial team as part of the North Country. He has over 17 years of experience in banking in various roles within the retail and commercial divisions of NBT. Prior to coming to NBT he worked in the Capital Region as a member of the management team in KeyBank’s retail bank. Monahan started his career in the finance industry
Marc Monahan has been appointed as chairman of the ARCC board of directors. Courtesy ARCC
as a member of Citi Group. Monahan actively splits time partnering with community organizations like the ARCC and with his NBT Bank team to help businesses achieve their financial goals. He has been involved with the Chamber on many levels dating back to his days as an ambassador when I first started his career in banking. For a list of all 2020 ARCC officers and board of directors, visit www.adirondackchamber.org/ officers-board