Glens Falls Business Journal - May 2021

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MAY 2021

Businessman Buys Adirondack Diamond Area Hospitality Industry, Restaurants Point Lodge; Renovations Are Ongoing Are Struggling To Find People To Fill Jobs

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Todd Drake, owner of Watervliet-based Cornerstone Building Corp. and Empire Real Estate Management, recently purchased Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge in Diamond Point for $900,000.

The 2.8-acre vacation property is located approximately three miles north of the village of Lake George and includes both cabins and traditional lodge suites. On-site amenities include a heated pool, fire pits, tiki bar cabana, basketball court, ping pong, shuffle board, a playground and an indoor recreation room.

Drake owns other cabin-style resort properties and an RV campground and first became aware of Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge almost 20 years ago. At the time, one of his business partners was involved with the property.

“He left that property several years ago, and when it came for sale, I thought it was a good time to get involved myself. I was familiar with the property and always enjoyed it. I do a lot of business in the Adirondacks with other types of lodging.

I’ve always been interested in working in the Lake George area.”

According to Drake, the property caters to families. The cabins and suites are large. It is far enough from the village to be off the beaten path but close enough to allow guests easy access to the village.

“It’s in a relaxed setting in the trees, and it’s only eight minutes from village. In my view, it’s the best of both worlds. You’re out of the asphalt jungle, but you can go down and visit and go to the beaches and stores and attractions. It’s on the trolley stop, and it’s also close to Bolton Landing.”

Renovations are underway and will be completed by the start of the vacation season.

“We’re doing a complete overhaul inside and out.

Everything is being modernized. I think we will bring a sharpness to the property that brings good value. I think the property was ripe for that. It’s been about 20 years and it’s time to bring it up to the next level,” he said.

Drake is optimistic about the future of

Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge has been purchased by Todd Drake.

Courtesy Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge

Adirondack Diamond Point Lodge but is concerned about the labor shortage that has made finding employees difficult. Employers in all sectors have been forced to raise wages in order to attract employees, many of whom have not returned to work after being furloughed at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The cost of labor is skyrocketing, and we can’t find people to work,” said Drake. “We need to consider how long the hospitality industry will prosper when people come and can’t get service.

They have nowhere to eat. They have nowhere to stay. Their rooms aren’t cleaned because there’s no one to clean them. How long will you keep coming?

I think this is a big disaster for the area.”

Drake’s company is family owned, and due to the labor shortage, family members are working long hours.

“In a family business like ours, we’ll do everything ourselves and do whatever we need to do. We’re prepared morning, noon, and night to make sure that we can meet our customers’ needs, and we will.

We will roll up our sleeves and get the job done.”

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Michael Bittel has noted that “when the time is right and we are fully open again, people will get out again locally and spend money to support our region.”

Vacationers appear to be ready, as are locals who want to enjoy summer at the lakes, resorts, restaurants, shops and venues in the North Country.

But it will be difficult for businesses to post profit this season, according to people in the hospitality and retail industries, without adequate staff to serve consumers.

“It’s not just Lake George. Hiring is a problem across the country,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of Lake George Chamber of Commerce.

The region had low unemployment going into the pandemic, Mintzer said. Now the demand for workers greatly exceeds the supply. The reasons include changing family schedules, safety fears, fewer immigrant worker visas, bigger unemployment checks and transportation gaps, said the experts.

“Families are juggling fluctuating work schedules,” said Liza Ochsendorf, director of Warren County Employment & Training Administration.

“This doesn’t allow parents to have a consistent routine with work, school and child care.”

“There is also the fear of pursuing customer contact jobs” and possible exposure to someone with the coronavirus, Mintzer said.

To help combat that fear, early in the pandemic the Lake George Chamber initiated a Safety Pledge program for businesses that met specific health and safety guidelines. The program addressed best practices for safely reopening four sectors of tourism in Warren County: hospitality, food and beverage, retail, and entertainment as well as the general business community.

Another in the confluence of factors in the hiring dilemma is that applications for exchange work visas are at a fraction of what they were in prior years, reducing the pool of foreign workers coming into the U.S. to staff tourist attractions and supporting businesses upstate.

“Pre-COVID, foreign consulates did hundreds of

Many employers throughout the region are having a hard time finding people to fill jobs. interviews a day. But since reopening , they can do only a few dozen” because of on-site safety mandates, said Mintzer.

“One sponsoring agency believes in-person interviews can be waived, especially if the individual is reapplying from a previous year,” Mintzer said.

Each participating country’s program changes daily, as COVID restrictions change frequently, “which can directly impact the visa application approval process,” said Jason Lee, marketing and communications supervisor for Six Flags Great Escape Resort. “Our goal is to hire 1,500 employees annually and we expect a smaller number of ‘work and travel’ students this season. Turkey has notified us we will not see any students from that country this year.”

Like many businesses, Six Flags Great Escape has upped the hourly rate of pay for key positions from $15 to $18 for applicants age 18 and older and has offered perks for applicants and their families to give the resort “a solid advantage in hiring locally,” said Continued On Page 12

Adirondack Thunder Will Play 72-Game Amy Potter Hired By EDC Warren County Schedule; First Home Game Set For Oct. 23 As Marketing And Communications Director The Adirondack Thunder, the ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils, have announced the schedule for this upcoming season.

The 72-game campaign features two trips to St. John’s, a voyage to Idaho and three outof-division opponents making a visit to Cool Insuring Arena.

This season also introduces Trois-Rivières to the North Division, an opponent that the Thunder will face eight times in 2021-22.

Officials said the schedule is subject to change. It is as follows: October Saturday, Oct. 23 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Oct. 27 vs. Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Oct. 30 vs. Reading, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

November Friday, Nov. 5 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 6 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 7 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 4 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 12 vs. Utah, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 13 vs. Utah, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Nov. 14 vs. Utah, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Nov. 17 @ Idaho, Idaho Central Arena, 9:10 p.m;

The Adirondack Thunder will play 72 games for the 20-21 ECHL season.

Courtesy Adirondack Thunder

Friday, Nov. 19 @ Idaho, Idaho Central Arena, 9:10 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20 @ Idaho, Idaho Central Arena, 9:10 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, Nov. 26 vs. Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 27 vs.

Continued On Page 11

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT EDC Warren County has hired Amy Potter, formerly of Stewart’s Shops, as its marketing and communications director.

The EDC has been strengthening its staff over the past year in the wake of the death of its longtime president, Edward Bartholemew, in 2020.

Last July, Jim Siplon, former CEO of JUST Water, was named interim president and CEO. In March he was made permanent in those roles.

Potter has been tasked with assisting in “retaining, growing and attracting business to Warren County,” an ongoing purpose of the EDC. “I am looking forward to connecting with the EDC’s 100 members and future members in the coming months.” Powers said. “I see the potential for growth on several levels, especially with key initiatives in the investment in broadband, housing and infrastructure improvements that drive economic growth.”

Powers said she will be reaching out to members “to discuss initiatives that work for their businesses.. I’ll be managing our social media on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn, and I’m looking forward to learning about area professionals who are sharing their relocation stories on the EDC blog, ‘The Upside.’”

The EDC’s mission is to drive economic

Amy Potter was previously corporate contributions director for Stewart’s Shops.

Courtesy EDC Warren County

opportunity, growth and prosperity in Warren County by responding to regional business challenges, providing financing and improving infrastructure that generates public benefits, and, leveraging the advantages of doing business to enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Continued On Page 9

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

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Personnel Briefs

The Arrow Family of Companies announced the appointment of Blake Jones, vice president and director of marketing, to senior vice president for Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co., Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. and Upstate Agency LLC. As part of the senior leadership team, Jones will be responsible for all activities related to the Arrow Family of Companies branding, marketing, communications and community outreach and development.

Jones joined the company in 2012, was named director of marketing in 2017 and vice president in 2018. She has more than 15 years of experience in communications and marketing.

Shes earned a bachelor’s degree in mass communication from Washington and Lee University.

She is active in the community serving on various local nonprofit committees including the Southern Adirondack Child Care Network.

* * * Associates of Glens Falls Insurance announced the hiring of Carol Taylor as commercial lines assistant account manager.

Taylor spent over 20-years working on the provider side for a human services agency in Texas.

She transitioned into the insurance arena five years ago and attained her New York State insurance agent license after moving to the area in 2019.

Taylor, of Queensbury, also holds the certified insurance service representative (CISR) designation.

* * *

Megan Seeley Named Marketing Coordinator For Lake George Convention, Visitors Bureau •

Saratoga Hospital’s Dr. Michael Bourla now sees patients at Saratoga Nephrology at Glens Falls, making it easier for those with chronic kidney disease and related conditions to access specialty care close

to home.

Bourla joins Dr. Amy Hogan Moulton at the Glens Falls location at 2 Broad Street Plaza.

Both physicians are members of Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Nephrology.

Nephrologists are doctors who treat diseases and conditions that affect the kidneys and their ability to function.

A graduate of Duke University, Bourla earned his medical degree at Albert Einstein school of Medicine in New York City. He completed an internship and residency at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, followed by a two-year clinical fellowship in nephrology at the University of Colorado School of Medicine. Bourla is board certified in internal medicine and nephrology.

* * * Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. announced that Melissa Collins has joined the bank as branch manager of the Port Henry Office.

In her new role, Collins will oversee operations and develop banking relationships for the Port Henry branch.

She brings more than 15 years of financial services experience to Glens Falls National, most recently in bank management and lending.

Collins is originally from Queens and currently lives in Crown Point.

Local small-business marketing consultant Megan Seeley has been hired by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Convention & Visitors Bureau as its new marketing coordinator.

After working locally for nearly a decade in small-business marketing consulting, Seeley joins the team of convention sales manager Christine Thorne, tourism training manager Roger Allan and Executive Director Gina Mintzer, who oversees the Chamber and the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

“We are thrilled to add Megan Seeley to the team. Her experience and expertise will help us reach our marketing goals of amplifying the Lake George Area brand message to the group markets,” Mintzer said.

Seeley said she looks forward to becoming more integrated into the Lake George Area community.

“The Lake George Regional Convention and Visitors Bureau is such a great platform for connecting with major influencers in the community, exploring the region with a wider and deeper lens, and also learning about a really exciting and evolving industry,” Seeley said.

Some of her goals include: fortifying relationships and support with local partners; enhancing a brand for the LGRCVB that embraces the leisure linchpin while enticing the regional and national meeting and wedding markets; and having a strong and consistent digital presence.

“With all of the present challenges due to the pandemic, it’s even more crucial that we remain visible, open, and ready for business. This can only be accomplished through our community relationships and constant digital outreach,” she said.

Seeley has worked in the nonprofit realm, with her most recent experience at the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. She has consulted and been employed at several local businesses such as: Seeley Office Systems, St. Mary’s Church Glens Falls, the Patient Experience Project in Saratoga Springs, and the Priory Retreat Center

Megan Seeley is the marketing coordinator for the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

in Chestertown.

Officials said that with the ever-changing landscape of marketing, she has learned to equip herself with experience across many facets of small-business marketing, including: website design, social media, graphic design, and brand management. She has also developed and driven full marketing campaigns.

Seeley holds a Master of Science in Teaching in Education from SUNY Plattsburgh and a bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications from Bryant University.

The LGRCVB is a division of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce and works as an extension of the Warren County Tourism Department. While the Tourism Department markets Warren County to the leisure consumer tourism market, the mission of the LGRCVB is to bring year-round, weatherproof group business to Warren County in the form of meetings, conventions, reunions, sports events, weddings, and more.

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93.5 Lake George Radio Provides Local New York State Buys Land in Town Of News, Weather, Community Information Johnsburg; Wildlife Will Be Preserved

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER A new station dedicated to Lake George and the surrounding region has been started by Loud Media.

93.5 Lake George Radio is broadcasting classic hits from the 1980s and 1990s, with a focus on local information about the Lake George area.

“There’s such a vibrant community in Lake George. They deserve a dedicated station. It’s a great way for both locals and tourists to stay connected to the area,” said Fran Dingeman, general manager at Loud Media.

In addition to music, the radio station will feature a morning show, afternoon show, weather report, boating report, community calendar of events, and local and national news at the top of the hour.

Coverage goes north of Pilot Knob and Diamond Point, west to Stony Creek, east to Fort Ann and south to Exit 17 and Moreau in Saratoga County. The transmitter and tower are at the top of Prospect Mountain in Lake George.

Walt Adams is hosting the morning show.

Adams has worked in radio in the Capital Region for most of his adult life. Previously, he was operations manager at WGNA and PYX 106 radio stations, and worked at 99.5 The River and various other stations. He said he wanted to bring that expertise to a place that he loved and cared about.

“As a longtime resident of Lake George, to be part of a radio station specifically for the Lake George area has just been a dream come true for me,” said Adams.

Adams also works at Loud Media’s sister station in Saratoga Springs and is the public relations director for AIM Services.

Adams will be hosting the station’s morning show between 6-10 a.m. focused on Lake George.

News Channel 13’s Neal Estano will plug in a weather forecast each morning.

Tracy Villaume will host the afternoon show.

Villaume previously co-hosted the morning show at iHeart Media Hot AC 99.5 The River.

Adams is working closely with Lake George Mayor Robert Blais, and will have a Saturday morning segment called “Ask the Mayor.” Topics will include questions that are emailed or called in.

“We want to give people examples of how to enjoy the region in a smart, safe, responsible way.

It will have a real positive impact. We’ll be talking a lot about families and couples. We’ll be talking about AirBnb business, which has doubled in the last year. People coming up to Lake George for vacation can go home and listen to the radio station on LakeGeorgeRadio.com. The station online is something they can connect with before and after their vacation, so they feel connected to

Walt Adams, left, and Fran Dingeman have brought 93.5 Lake George Radio to life. the region,” said Adams. ““I’ve spent many years travelling Lake George by water, and hiking and camping,” he said. “I wanted to keep that connection with an area that I’ve loved for all these years ... People will get new ideas for things to do that they wouldn’t be able to get on satellite radio. We have some really unique content features that you wouldn’t be able to get on any other radio station.”

“We’re excited to be a voice for the community and the region of Lake George,” said Dingeman.

“This is a way for people to stay connected with all the things happening in the area. It’s a great hometown station for the village and lakes region.”

“Moving ahead, we look forward to bringing more and more voices on the air. We want to give influencers of the region a voice to announce what’s happening and inform the community,” said Dingeman.

“Loud Media looks forward to connecting the dots between Saratoga, Glens Falls and Lake George, so that the Northway Corridor is covered with quality broadcasting. We’re firm believers in local radio. It isn’t easy, and it’s more involved—but we believe that the only way radio will have good listenership or sustainability is through being the local voice of the community,” said Adams.

The website is www.lakegeorgeradio.com. The website has a free streaming app that is compatible with both iPhone and Android devices. The station is active on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

New York state has acquired 1,263 acres of land in the Warren County town of Johnsburg in the southern Adirondacks.

The parcel includes Huckleberry Mountain, an elongated peak that tops 2,400 feet, with spectacular cliffs on the ridge’s south and southwest face.

“Through the Environmental Protection Fund, New York state continues to invest in land acquisitions that conserve open space and preserve the natural beauty of this great state for future generations to visit and enjoy,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “Preservation of the spectacular Huckleberry Mountain lands will benefit the region for generations to come, providing new opportunities for visitors to explore the outdoors.”

The state Department of Environmental Conservation purchased this property from the Open Space Institute for $770,000 using resources from the State’s Environmental Protection Fund. Permanent conservation of this land will enhance recreational access in the region and offers opportunities to connect New Yorkers with nature, protect crucial watersheds, and improve important wildlife habitat in this part of the Adirondack Park.

Officials said the newly protected land adjoins Wilcox Lake Wild Forest, which includes Crane Mountain, a popular, publicly accessible mountain peak that also provides access to exceptional cliffs for climbers. The Huckleberry Mountain parcel contains a wide range of wildlife habitats, including the cold-water stream Crystal Brook.

Department of Environmental Conservation Commissioner Basil Seggos said the Huckleberry Mountain parcel “is a renowned area in the Adirondack Park and DEC is proud to preserve and protect this irreplaceable piece of New York’s natural landscape. Protecting this pristine parcel will connect more hikers and outdoor enthusiasts to the outdoors and ensure

future generations of visitors have the chance to experience the scenic wonder of this mountain area, while also preserving sensitive habitats for wildlife.

“We commend the Open Space Institute for their partnership on this important acquisition.”

Open Space Institute President and CEO Kim Elliman said the organization “is proud to transfer ownership of the incredible and stunning Huckleberry Mountain property to New York State as an addition to Wilcox Lake Wild Forest. When OSI first acquired this property in 2017, we knew that the land’s permanent protection would be a resounding win for outdoor recreationists and we are glad that the property will be open for public enjoyment, forever.”

The Huckleberry Mountain property was a priority acquisition under the New York State Open Space Conservation Plan and the Wilcox Lake Wild Forest Management Plan. DEC will manage this parcel and is developing a unit management plan to determine the best use for the trails and recreational access for Huckleberry Mountain.

The Environmental Protection Fund has grown from its original appropriation of $31 million in fiscal year 1994-1995 to $300 million. The Fiscal Year 2022 Enacted Budget sustains the EPF at $300 million, the highest level of funding in the program’s history.

Appropriations include $40 million for solid waste programs, $90 million for parks and recreation, $151 million for open space programs and $19 million for the climate change mitigation and adaptation program.

Officials said this investment will provide funding for critical environmental programs such as land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, enhanced recreational access, water quality improvement, and an aggressive environmental justice agenda.

Mark P. Sidoti Community Banker NBT Bank Reads

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4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

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Editorial: RJDeLuke@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Associate Editor R.J. DeLuke Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Production Manager Graphic Precision Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Jennifer Farnsworth Christine Gaf Andrea Palmer Rachel Phillips Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties.

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Owners Of Glens Falls Smoke Shop Laying Groundwork To Open Cannabis Dispensary

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Local businessmen Robin Barkenhagen and Brian Bronzino, partners in 42°, a smoke shop and functional art glass gallery in Malta, are pursuing plans to open a marijuana dispensary at 56 Glen St. in Glens Falls.

The pair also have a 42° store at 206 Glen Street, Glens Falls. In February, they established a new business called Warren County Cannabis LLC. In recent years, Bronzino has purchased several buildings in Glens Falls, including the 5,000-square-foot property at 56 Glen St. Because marijuana has not been legalized at the federal level, dispensaries must be operated out of properties without loans or mortgages from federally chartered banks.

But Bronzino “owns the building which is instrumental” in the process, said Barkenhagen.

The state Marijuana Regulation and Taxation Act (MRTA) was signed into law on March 31 and legalizes the recreational use of marijuana for those ages 21 and up.

The state Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) was established to oversee the industry, but they have not yet begun issuing licenses for growing, distributing, processing, and selling.

When MRTA was enacted, government official estimated that it would take approximately 18 months before the first recreational marijuana businesses would open in the state.

“I go on the (agency) website every morning to see if they are licensing, but there is still nothing there yet. But that didn’t stop us from wanting to start the process with the city. Cities and municipalities can opt out, and we want to make sure they are on record of either opting out or not opting out. We’ve heard nothing yet, but I don’t anticipate an opt out,” said Barkenhagen.

“We’re cautiously optimistic, and that’s why we are doing our due diligence now.”

The Glens Falls Planning board tabled the issue on March 5. But the partners anticipated the process will move slowly.

They said they haven’t heard any negative feedback from within the community. It was tabled to give the city more time to formulate their approach, the board said.

Barkenhagen’s optimism is based in part on the city’s 2018 decision to grant approval for Etain, a medical marijuana company, to build a production and manufacturing facility at Tech Meadows park. The following year, the company decided not to move forward with locating in Glens Falls.

“The fact that they okayed it leads me to believe that they will okay this, but you never know,” he said. “The planning board is the first step of what we believe will be a long process.”

Although New York will be offering micro business licenses that would allow owners to operate a small grow operation, a small processing operation and a dispensary all in one site, those licenses are expected

Robin Barkenhagen, who owns a smoke shop in Malta, wants to open a cannabis dispensary. to be very expensive. For that reason, Barkenhagen and Bronzino are seeking licensing for a dispensary only.

If the dispensary is approved and a license is obtained, the Glen Street property will undergo renovations.

Built in 1830, it is the city’s oldest building and was once a blacksmith shop.

The property has not had a tenant since Bride & Gown relocated to Saratoga Springs in 2020. Although it does not have its own parking lot, there is a city-owned parking garage just two blocks away.

“One thing we really like about this property is that it is stand-alone. That makes it easier to secure,” said Barkenhagen. “You have to have major security because it’s an all-cash business. You have to have an extensive camera system and an armed guard and one way in and one way out. This building allows for that fairly easily.”

Dispensaries are cash-only businesses because cannabis is federally illegal and the banking system is regulated by federal law. It is for that reason that dispensaries do not accept bank issued credit cards and typically have ATMs on site.

Barkenhagen is aware that not all people will be in favor of having a dispensary in the city.

“There are always going to be naysayers, and you want to work with them the best you can to make sure that their fears are alleviated,” he said. “But it’s 2021, and I think we’ve dispelled all the myths about marijuana being a gateway drug. It’s not a gateway drug and when you get it at a dispensary, you are going to know what you are getting and you are going to get it from trained professionals.”

When and if the dispensary opens, Barkenhagen anticipates it will be challenging to find employees. He participates in a weekly phone call with the Warren County Hospitality Group, and the critical labor shortage is number one on the agenda each week.

“It’s bordering on a crisis,” he said.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021 • 5

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Education / Personal Development SUNY Adirondack Freezes Tuition Due To Economic Difficulties elated To COVID The SUNY Adirondack Board of Trustees voted to freeze tuition for the 2021-22 academic year and eliminate three fees to recognize the economic difficulties brought by the COVID-19 pandemic for many students.

“This pandemic has hit our region’s lower-income residents the hardest, making the idea of starting college or returning to the classroom daunting for many,” said Dr. Kristine Duffy, president of SUNY Adirondack.

Officials said the 2021-22 semester rates for full-time state residents will be $2,472 and $206 per credit for students taking fewer than 12 credit hours. SUNY Adirondack’s tuition is one of the lowest in the state.

Duffy also said that after a year with more than 6,000 weekly COVID tests and fewer than a handful positive results, SUNY Adirondack announced plan to offer significantly more classes and activities in person for its fall semester.

“Our plans are, of course, dependent upon state and county guidelines,” she said. “We will continue to put safety and health first, but our hope is to welcome students back to campus this fall with more in-person and flexible learning options to accommodate different learners. Throughout the pandemic and the need for remote learning, we learned that some people need the flexibility of remote learning, while others thrive in person.”

Combined with substantial financial aid and scholarships, SUNY Adirondack remains an affordable option to start, continue or restart education in preparation for the workforce of today and tomorrow.

“We are committed to keeping SUNY Adirondack—already one of the best values in the state—affordable,” said Rob Palmieri, vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs, describing how previously charged student enrollment, ID and development fees were eliminated.

Room and board will also remain at last year’s rates of $4,175 for a double room in the Residence Hall and $4,675 for a single room, with meal plans ranging from $1,925 to $2,280 per semester. The modern, suitestyle housing is an appealing option for many who are looking for a more traditional college experience by living and learning on campus.

Campus will reopen in full in the fall, with classes offered in person. Some courses will be online or in a hybrid option for those who prefer remote learning and flexibility, school officials said.

Social and educational programming will

•

SUNY Adirondack will freeze tuition for the 2021-22 academic year. also return to in-person events on campus.

“We look forward to welcoming our campus community back in person, while ensuring we maintain required health and safety protocols,” Duffy said.

Registration for the fall 2021 semester has begun and applications for admission will be accepted throughout the summer. Contact the Office of College Access at 518-743-2264 or admission@sunyacc.edu to learn more.

Beginning in the fall semester, the college will offer approximately 60 percent of its classes in person and continue to offer other formats for students who prefer to work remotely. That’s an increase from only 25 percent in the 2020-21 academic year.

Officials said safety protocols—including wearing face coverings, undergoing regular COVID screenings, social distancing where appropriate and regular disinfecting of shared spaces—are expected to remain and will be informed by state and local health officials.

“Over the past year, we have proven that safety measures executed properly work,” Duffy said. “With the increased availability of the COVID-19 vaccine, we are eager to welcome new students and those who may have stepped out of higher education.”

SUNY Adirondack’s College Access advisors are ready to assist anyone looking to start or return to college, officials said.

Contact SUNY Adirondack’s college access advisors at 518-743-2264 or admission@ sunyacc.edu.

PROUDLY REPRESENTING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BUSINESS COMMUNITY Washington County Local Development Corporation

Business Report Addition By Subtraction

BY MICHAEL CRUZ Most businesspeople believe that success is bred by doing more. And more and more. And many times, that makes things worse.

Success comes from being the best at what we do. Doing tasks we are good at brings energy to all of the people in your company. Success breeds success. Repeating success is easier than struggling to do things we may not be as good at. So, what am I talking about here? I am suggesting that you may become even more successful by figuring out what not to do.

Look at your products and services. List them out on a sheet of paper. Which ones are profitable?

What percentage of the revenue for that sale do you keep? Which ones are always a struggle to break even with? And, it’s a sure thing that some have no profit at all—or are performed at a loss. We begin to add services or products for lots of reasons. Many of them are to add to the top line. It will increase our revenue.

However, remember that you did not get into business to sell things. You got into your business to make money. So, using critical thinking, you want to figure out where you make the most money.

This focus on profitability will help you get rid of activities that do not make you money. That frees up time to focus on the things that make you money.

There are good reasons to add to your product or service offerings. Helping to offer a more complete solution to your customers is a good one. That aids in client retention. And it should make you more money because you have expertise and a relationship that make your offering less price sensitive.

Moving into areas without that expertise has the opposite effect. When people push you into areas that you should not go, learn to say “no.”

Similarly, you should examine your workforce.

Who makes you money? Who costs you money?

Some of your employees do exactly as you expect. In fact, most do. A few regularly cost you money. Those few disrespect customers, management and even their co-workers. Even if you do not know who they are, their coworkers do.

Rarely do toxic employees add that trait to their resume or job application. We all know they exist.

Yet, too often managers fail to address the issue.

Toxic employees chase good employees out the door.

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Research has shown that 54 percent of your good people are likely to quit when they are working with toxic ones. That means each toxic person is likely affecting half of your workforce! What should you do?

First, your management team should be diligent at identifying the toxic ones. Identification methods involve listening to employees. If several are complaining about the same person, that is a good sign he or she is toxic. Don’t ignore the complaints.

Check them out and validate them.

Most important is to pay attention to customer and employee requests not to work with them anymore. If customers ask for a different person to work with, imagine what they are costing you in lost sales.

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6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Construction

In Construction Industry, Current Business Developer Plans Apartments, Commercial Climate Contributes To Ongoing Labor Woes Space After Buying Land In Lake George

BY CHRISTINE GRAF According to a 2020 survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, 81 percent of construction firms are finding it difficult to find employees. This trend has worsened in 2021 due in part to extended unemployment benefits that have been made available by the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The cost of labor has gone up 25 to 30 percent.

It’s putting a lot of people out of business. We’re competing with the government for employees because people are getting paid to stay home while millions of jobs go unfilled,” said Todd Drake, owner of Cornerstone Construction. His company works throughout the Capital Region and the Adirondacks.

“It’s absolutely outrageous policy and fiscally disastrous and quite frankly socially disastrous because it’s creating complacency among people who should be working. Certainly there are those who have been able to find work that they are capable of doing. I certainly get that. But for the vast majority of people, they aren’t even calling. I know businesses—including ourselves—that run ads and get no responses at all. None.”

The origins of the labor shortage started long before the pandemic and can be traced back to 2008 recession when the bottom fell out of the construction industry and skilled workers moved to other professions, those in the industry say. The problem was compounded by a reduction in the number of young people seeking careers in the trades.

“This is not new, and it’s not pandemic related,” said Thomas Albrecht, Sr., president of Hilltop Construction Co. in Hudson Falls, of the labor woes in the industry.

“Three years ago, the age of the average construction worker was 42 years old. They are aging out, and there haven’t been a lot of people to replace them. It’s just a shortage of folks going into the trades industry.” he said.

He said the shortage will continue unless trades are promoted as viable career paths for students while they are still in high school. It was for that reason that he was involved in a program at Hudson Falls High School designed to help direct students identify career paths and also served on the advisory board of BOCES. Doug Ford, vice president of sales and purchasing at Curtis Lumber, is committed to promoting trades to high school students. He is

Doug Ford is one of the leaders of the Workforce Development Taskforce. one of the leaders of the Workforce Development Taskforce, a collaboration between Curtis Lumber and Saratoga Builders. Their mission is to bring awareness to the career opportunities and benefits that are available in the construction/trade industries. Stakeholders include WashingtonSaratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) BOCES, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, Habitat for Humanity, and Workforce Development Institute.

“The wages right now in the trades are very attractive, and you can get into the trades without necessarily having to have a college degree. There is training that will happen on the job. I’m not against college, but college is not the only option,” said Ford. “There’s a lot of misconceptions around the trades, and there’s a lot of technology that’s part of the trades. You can get into the trades and never touch a hammer or a tool.”

When the taskforce was established three years ago, representatives met with principals, superintendents, and guidance counselors from numerous schools in Saratoga County.

Based on the feedback they received, they created activities designed for middle and high school students from two pilot school districts, Stillwater and Waterford-Halfmoon.

Activities have included a career day at Curtis Continued On Page 7

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Joe Gross, owner of Gross Electric in Queensbury, has expanded his Warren County real estate portfolio by purchasing 21 acres of land in Lake George.

The land is located off Northway Exit 21 and is adjacent to the 9-acre former Ramada Inn property that Gross purchased in 2015. The Ramada was in foreclosure at the time, and the hotel had been shuttered for 10 years.

“I was fortunate to purchase this 21 acres, giving me a total of 30 acres to work with,” said Gross. “I saw it as opportunity to pursue trying to get some apartments and/or townhouses approved.”

Gross envisions a multi-phase, mixeduse project for the properties. In addition to apartments, it would include several commercial businesses.

“I’m thinking a hair salon, maybe a small deli. Anything we could do to make it like a little bit of a community,” he said. “We would love for the first phase to have some retail commercial capacity and about 100 (residential) units.”

“I purchased it from the bank with the idea that I could resurrect it (the hotel),” Gross said.

“About six months after I bought it, it became the vandalism and party spot for kids from multiple counties. It got to the point where they had broken every window in the place, so we had to gut it so there was nothing left to break on it. All it is now is concrete and metal.”

Gross considered building a new hotel on the property but changed his mind after meeting with town supervisors and other Lake George officials. They alerted him to the need for apartments within the town.

“There’s quite a shortage of apartments up there, and if you look at the school district, it has a really low enrollment right now,” he said.

According to a 2019 report by the Capital Area School Development Association, during the past decade the Lake George Central School District has experienced “a steady decline in enrollment, a trend that will likely continue for the next five years.” At the time, there were just 750 students enrolled in grades K through 12.

The shortage of affordable year-round housing has contributed to declining enrollment.

The project is in its early stages, but Gross said the town has been receptive to it. He has hired engineering firm EDP and Ethan Hall of Rucinski Hall Architecture to assist with planning and design.

“We’re just starting to draw up plans to be able to present to the town for conceptual ideas,” said Gross. “The big picture will be based on what the town and the community’s

Gross Electric Inc. is owned by Joseph Gross, who recently bought land for development. appetite is. I want to do what’s going to be good for the community.”

If everything goes smoothly, the planning process would take approximately one year.

Construction would begin in the spring of 2022, and all phases of construction would most likely be completed within two years, he said.

Although this will be Gross’s first time building apartments, he has built and renovated several commercial properties in Warren County. He has also experienced tremendous success with Gross Electric. The business was started out of his garage and now has 300 employees and satellite offices in Virginia and Florida. The company performs work along the entire East Coast and as far north as the Canadian border.

“I’m looking at this project as a diversification from being an electrical contractor,” said Gross. “I saw this an investment and I love this community and just want to do something that is construed as a total positive for it.”

The Warren County native said he also hopes to help the local community by developing a 40-acre light industrial parcel that he owns. It is located off of Northway Exit 18.

“It’s flat, buildable, industrial land with water and sewer right off the exit, with two industrial park access points. One of my dreams would be to bring in a large manufacturing facility to add many jobs to Warren County. What a dream it would be for the Gross family to bring in a company that could create 1,000 jobs for the area. It would just be remarkable.”

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021 • 7

Glens Falls Scheduled To Get Low-Interest Associated General Contractors Of America Funds For Water Main Infrastructure Work Says Industry Still Struggling With Pricing The New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. board of directors has approved more than $48 million in grants, interest-free loans, and low-cost loans to support vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across New York state, including two local projects.

The 2022 Enacted Budget adds a $500 million appropriation to support clean water, raising the state’s total investment to $4 billion and continuing to fulfill the state’s $5 billion clean water commitment, officials said.

“Clean water and functioning water infrastructure are essential parts of the standard of living and qualify-of-life for all New Yorkers, and towns and villages across the state have an ongoing need for wastewater treatment plants and water tanks that needs to be filled,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The newly enacted budget dedicates $500 million to support clean water initiatives which increases our investment and brings the state closer to fulfilling its commitment to New Yorkers. These projects will underscore our pledge to help protect the environment and the health of New York’s residents and families.”

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Joseph Rabito said, “By approving these grants and low-cost financing for critical water infrastructure work, the EFC board of directors has ensured that communities

statewide can cost-effectively undertake important projects that help protect our precious water resources.”

Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker said, “These significant state investments help municipalities prioritize programs to upgrade outdated drinking water infrastructure and implement treatment necessary to improve water quality in communities statewide.”

The board’s approval includes financing through the Clean and Drinking Water State Revolving Funds and grants that are part of the Water Infrastructure Improvement Act program.

The projects approved at an April 8 meeting include the Village of Stillwater in Saratoga County, $488,946 in short-term, low-interest financing and $733,418 in 2019 grant funds for the replacement of aged, corroded, and tuberculated water main with new ductile iron water main along Lake Road.

Glens Falls in Warren County, $1.4 million in short-term, interest-free financing and $468,425 in 2019 grant funds for planning, design and construction of pump station capacity improvements by force main replacement and collection system repairs.

For more information, visit EFC’s website at www.efc.ny.gov.

Labor Woes

community,” said Ford.

Said Albrecht, “It has to start in the high school with the counselors who direct these young folk—whether it is into college or directly into the trades. While college is good for some, it doesn’t necessarily mean it’s great for everyone. I’m not a college kid, and I have a success story of being in business for 45 years. The point is that we don’t have to be college bound to be successful.”

He believes it is critical for trade industry leaders to become invested in the approximately 30 percent of U.S. high school graduates who do not attend college.

“We need to track where these kids are going and lift them up and support them and direct them into a career path whether it be the trades or something else,” he said.

Hilltop Construction is experiencing the impact of the labor shortage firsthand and has been struggling for the past several years to hire workers. The company has 30 employees, and demand for their services is so high that they are turning away jobs on a regular basis.

“It’s absolutely a struggle,” said Albrecht. “We hire year round, and we’re always advertising and looking for good people. The job pay scale has increased, and it’s grown in such a way that it’s a little more inviting. Hilltop Construction promotes career opportunities. It’s not just a job.

It a career and an opportunity to be part of a team that has one objective—customer satisfaction.”

During the next five years, he expects wages in the industry to increase significantly. He also anticipates other incentives, including flex time ,being offered.

Continued From Page 6 Lumber, meetings with local builders, and involvement in a tiny house project. The task force also arranges job shadowing and internship opportunities. Upcoming events include halfday tours of job sites where homes are under construction.

The Workforce Initiative Taskforce has been so successful that additional school districts are asking to participate in the program. Taskforce members recently visited Shenendehowa High School’s new technology wing, and they are willing to work with schools outside of Saratoga County.

In May, they are piloting a new initiative called Trades in the Schools at Stillwater High School. Representative from Curtis Lumber and Whitbeck Construction will go into the school and meet with graduating seniors.

“We are going to tell them about real open positions that we have, and they will get to interview with hiring managers on the spot,” said Pam Stott, Ford’s executive assistant who plays a vital role in the taskforce. She said it is likely that some students will receive job offers that day.

It is because Curtis Lumber owner Jay Curtis is so committed to the task force that he allows both Ford and Stott devote a large number of work hours to it.

“He supports us in this initiatives and recognizes the importance of being a leader in the

Construction employment was unchanged from March to April as nonresidential contractors and homebuilders alike struggled to obtain materials and find enough workers, according to an analysis by the Associated General Contractors of America of government data released May 7.

Association officials said the industry’s recovery was being hampered by problems getting stable prices and reliable deliveries of key materials, while the pandemic and federal policies were making it harder for firms to find workers to hire.

“Contractors are experiencing unprecedented intensity and range of cost increases, supply-chain disruptions, and worker shortages that have kept firms from increasing their workforces,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist. “These challenges will make it difficult for contractors to rebound as the pandemic appears to wane.”

Construction employment in April totaled 7,452,000, matching the March total but amounting to 196,000 employees or 2.6 percent below the most recent peak in February 2020. The number of former construction workers who were unemployed in April, 768,000, dropped by half from a year ago and the sector’s unemployment rate fell from 16.6 percent in April 2020 to 7.7 percent last month.

“The fact that employment has stalled— despite strong demand for new homes, remodeling of all types, and selected categories of nonresidential projects— suggests that contractors can’t get either the materials or the workers they need,” Simonson said.

The economist noted that many firms report key materials are backlogged or rationed, while others report they are having a hard time getting former

Expert electrical service.

workers to return to work. He added these factors are contributing to rising costs for many contractors, which are details in the association’s updated Construction Inf lation Alert.

Although employment was nearly stagnant for the month for both residential and nonresidential construction, the sectors differ sharply in their recovery since the pre-pandemic peak in February 2020.

Residential construction firms— contractors working on new housing, additions, and remodeling—gained only 3,000 employees during the month but have added 46,000 workers or 1.6 percent over 14 months. The nonresidential sector—comprising nonresidential building, specialty trades, and heavy and civil engineering contractors—shed 3,000 jobs in April and employed 242,000 fewer workers or 5.2 percent less than in February 2020.

Association officials said that the temporary new federal unemployment supplements appear to be keeping some people from returning to work, while others are being forced to care for dependents not yet back in school or day care, or loved ones aff licted with the coronavirus.

They added that federal tariffs and labor shortages within the shipping and manufacturing sector are a major reason for the rising materials prices and supply chain problems.

“Ironically, the latest coronavirus relief bill may actually be holding back economic growth by keeping people away from work at a time when demand is rebounding,” said Stephen E. Sandherr, the association’s chief executive officer. “Federal officials need to look at ways to encourage people to return to work, end damaging tariffs on materials like steel and lumber, and act to ease shipping delays and backlogs.”

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8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Health / Community Services AIM Services Launches Annual Campaign Ronald McDonald Charities To Open Krantz To Raise Program Funding And Awareness House For Families Of Seriously Ill Children AIM Services Inc. has launched an I Am AIM 2021 annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for its programs.

The agency is one of the area’s largest providers of services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities.

The campaign theme will highlight its commitment to empowering values of individuality, inclusion, independence, and integrity among their staff, their community, and in the lives of the people they support.

Services are provided in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

Officials said that over the course of 2021, I Am AIM will create opportunities for fundraising and engagement, including a new “I Am AIM” sweatshirt campaign, annual events such as Croquet on the Green and Vin Le Soir, various fundraising appeals, and other community collaborations to raise awareness and highlight the spirit behind the campaign.

“In my short time here at AIM, I am already so moved by how we truly embody our core values of inclusion, independence, individuality, and integrity,” said chief development and communications officer Bo Goliber. “This is part of what makes our approach to supporting individuals so innovative. It’s exciting to think about raising awareness and educating the community about that important aspect of our work and include them in our continued success.”

In continuation of AIM’s 2021 fundraising efforts, they will host their eighth annual Croquet on the Green, Garden Party & Picnic in the Park. This outdoor party and croquet tournament for all levels is scheduled to be in-person at Gavin Park on Tuesday, Aug. 3.

“Last year, to fit the unexpected parameters of the pandemic, we revamped Croquet on the Green to be off the green,

Chris Lyons, executive director of AIM Services which launched its fundraiser. turning it into an activity that supported local businesses with much-needed traffic,” said AIM Services Executive Director Chris Lyons. “It was a huge success, as our sponsors really came through for us. This year we are thrilled to bring back Croquet on the Green at Gavin Park as a safe and much anticipated social event.”

AIM’s annual fundraising efforts directly support the individuals they serve by offering them opportunities and experiences beyond their immediate needs.

Through supported housing, communitybased work, self-direction, employment programs, education and advocacy, the professionals at AIM focus on supporting the people they serve in achieving their personal goals and ensuring they live a life that is full of choices, independence, and personal growth.

To support AIM’s fundraising efforts, visit www.aimservicesinc.org/i-am-aim.

BY JILL NAGY After the stress of seeing to the needs of a seriously ill, hospitalized, child, a family really needs a break. Beginning this summer, the Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region will offer them exactly that: a long weekend in a cottage in Lake George, all expenses paid.

The respite will take place at the Krantz Cottage, a two-story cottage at 161 Ottawa St. in the middle of downtown Lake George. The formal project name is the Ronald McDonald Family Retreat at Krantz Cottage.

“We are very excited about this program, the first of its kind,” said David Jacobsen, chief executive officer of the regional Ronald McDonald organization. “We intend to replicate it in other areas.”

The building is the site of the former law office of the late Howard Krantz, a former village attorney.

The organization purchased the building from Krantz’s widow “with a large donation back,” and is in the process of renovating it. The inside has been completely gutted and is being rebuilt as two apartments. The exterior, now light blue clapboard, will be refinished in vinyl faux cedar shake shingles.

The first floor will be handicapped accessible for wheelchairs and people with other mobility aids. For the first year, the cottage will be available to one family at a time with the second floor occupied by housing caretakers, Jacobsen said. In the future, when COVID restrictions are eased, two families at a time will be able to use the cottage and caretakers will be hired from the local community.

The cottage will operate year-round but Jacobsen expects the greatest demand to be from July to October. Families will be able to stay at the cottage from Saturday to Wednesday. Then, it will be cleaned and restocked for the next family.

The village mayor, chamber of commerce, neighbors, and other members of the community have all pitched in to help with the project.

“That level of support from the community is essential,” Jacobsen said.

Contributions included cash, gift cards, and free or discounted labor or construction materials. Partly because of the many donations, Jacobsen said, it is difficult to estimate the total cost of renovations. Annual operating expenses are estimated at $140,000-150,000.

“There is a need for ongoing funding,” he noted.

The McDonald’s corporation is less involved with the Ronald McDonald House program than it was at its beginnings, Jacobsen said, but

The Krantz Cottage, a cottage in Lake George, will be a respite home for families. they still provide some funds. The owners and operators of the 66 McDonald’s in the capital region also support the project.

McDonald’s customers are encouraged to round up the amount of their bills—with the extra money used as a donation. That generates a donation of several thousand dollars a month.

Renee Reardon, who owns two McDonald’s Restaurants in Queensbury, has been sponsoring golf tournaments to support Ronald McDonald House Charities for 26 years, to the tune of $40,000-50,000 a year. The Inn at Erlowest, a resort on Lake George, will host casino nights May 25 and 26 to benefit the Krantz Cottage project.

Details and tickets can be found online at theinnat erlowest.com/casino-night.

Jacobsen has been CEO of the Capital Region of Ronald McDonald House Charities since January 2020. Previously, he was a consultant for other nonprofit organizations, including residential programs for children.

His main responsibility is the Ronald McDonald House in Albany, a refuge for families with children at Albany Medical Center’s children’s hospital. Today, 19 families are living at the house. In March 2020, they were forced to suspend admissions to the house and, for four months, housed families in area hotels before they were able to reopen. As with the retreat cottage, there is no charge for families to stay at the house.

For further information about Ronald McDonald House Charities or the Krantz Collage retreat, visit rmhcofalbany.org or call 518 438-2655.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021 • 9

Deadline For SUNY Adirondack Students ARCC Accepting Nominations For The 2021 To Apply For Scholarships Is Extended Juckett Award To Be Presented This Fall SUNY Adirondack has extended its deadline for incoming student scholarships for qualifying students in the fall 2021 semester. More than $400,000 will be offered to new students, ranging from $200 to fulltuition awards.

Scholarships recognize and support academic achievement, adult learners and veterans, students with financial need and those admitted into specialized fields of study. To be eligible to receive a scholarship, admission and FAFSA applications must be complete by June 1. The deadline was extended, allowing those considering attending college greater opportunity to decide.

“Students will automatically be eligible for scholarships, without having separate applications,” said Robert Palmieri, vice president of Enrollment and Student Affairs.

“Through the generosity of supporters of the SUNY Adirondack Foundation, we are able to give more students financial support.”

Scholarships are available for all majors, but certain populations and fields of study are guaranteed awards. Among them are all incoming students with a high school GPA of 90 and higher; all adult learners ages 24 and older; all veterans; all TRIO Upward Bound graduates; and everyone with a high school average of C-plus or higher who is accepted into the following majors: accounting, agricultural business; broadcast media production; creative writing; criminal justice: substance abuse services; engineering science; fine arts; health education concentration; hospitality management; information technology: computer networking; information technology: cybersecurity; information technology: information security; mechatronics; media arts; nursing; and outdoor education.

“As a community college, one of the key tenets of our mission is to make education available to everyone who seeks it,” Palmieri said. “This is our way of making SUNY Adirondack—already one of the best values

Students have more time to apply for scholarships to take SUNY Adirondack classes.

Courtesy SUNY Adirondack

in the state—even more affordable.”

Applying to SUNY Adirondack is free and can be done at www.sunyacc.edu/apply.

Applicants should apply for FAFSA, a free form that determines how much federal aid a student will receive; step-by-step instructions are available at www.sunyacc. edu/financial-aid.

Anyone who needs help with the application or financial aid process can make an appointment with a SUNY Adirondack College Access advisor at www.sunyacc. edu/college-access, by emailing admission@ sunyacc.edu or by calling 518-743-2264.

SUNY Adirondack’s Office of College Access also offers live Zoom drop-in sessions from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Learn more at www.sunyacc.edu/college-access.

Officials said more than 60 percent of SUNY Adirondack students graduate debt free. In Fall 2020, more than a quarter of new students received scholarships. Some 80 percent of incoming students receive some form of financial aid, including SUNY Adirondack Foundation scholarships.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce is currently seeking nominations for the annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award.

The chosen recipient will be honored at the ARCC annual dinner event on Friday, Oct. 29, at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.

The J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award is the four-county region’s prestigious community service award, given to recognize and honor an extraordinary individual who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others.

Nominations must be received by May 28.

The nominee’s profile should demonstrate significant contributions to the community in the field of human services, education, business, or industry, ARCC said. The nominee’s contributions should be substantial and enduring. The nominee should reflect the admiration of his or her peers.

Neither the nominee nor nominator are required to be a member of ARCC to be considered.

Online application can be done at www.adiron-

dackchamber.org/form/view/22944.

Paper forms may be returned to the ARCC at 68 Warren St., Suite 200, Glens Falls, NY 12801. They can be faxed to 518-792-4147.

The organization’s award is named after J. Walter Juckett, whom ARCC notes had a remarkable business career and was recognized as a major community leader in his adopted home, the village of Hudson Falls, and the entire region. His leadership and commitment traversed a wide range of civic, charitable, religious, political, business and educational activities.

He was recognized with honors for his work and contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, New York Business Development Corp., Salvation Army, Norwich University, Presbyterian Church, Hudson Falls Central School and many other organizations.

He served as a director of the Lake George Opera, and as a major force in The Hyde Collection Capital Campaign.

He was an active and engaged participant for several years with ARCC.

Marketing Director

key alliances at the local, state and federal levels including the Business Council of New York State, Center for Economic Growth (CEG) and the Saratoga-Warren-Washington County Workforce Development Board.

EDC works collaboratively with economic development agencies and related organizations and seeks input often from local municipalities to capitalize on business opportunities for the region.

The agency was incorporated in 1992. Current board members are: Matt Fuller, Meyer, Fuller & Stockwell; Alex Rotolo, Finch Paper; Laura Ladu, Whittemore, Dowen & Ricciardelli LLP; Mitch Amado, Glens Falls Hospital; Kristin Duffy, SUNY Adirondack; Michael Pratt, Olympic Regional Development Authority; Chris Barden, North Country Janitorial; Judy Calogero, Calogero Partners; John Strough, Town of Queensbury; and Rachel Seeber, Queensbury at-large supervisor and chair of the Warren County Board of Supervisors..

Continued From Page 1 “Amy’s experience and relationships are well known and will help us forge the path of true public and private partnership needed to become our very best,” said Siplon. “Amy is a perfect addition to the EDC and the community we serve.”

Potter brings over two decades of experience in marketing, corporate philanthropy and community engagement to the EDC. Due to the pandemic in 2020, member functions, fees and contributions were placed on hold. This year, Potter plans to ramp up EDC communication efforts, events and activities with members, when it is safe to do so.

“I’ll be making some phone calls,” she said.

In the past decade, the EDC has forged over 60

10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

Gazia Media Makes Videos To Help Area Businesses, Nonprofits, Get Their Message Out

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER A new video media business, Gazia Media, has opened in the Saratoga Springs, serving the Saratoga and Glens Falls regions.

Owners Cory Gazai and Sean O’Neill have known each other since childhood.

“Gazai Media was born of the desire for us to find our ‘why’, if you will,” said co-owner Cory Gazai. “We wanted to take something that was very much art focused, with something that is very much a visual language, and figure out how to best utilize it to benefit other people.”

“We found it most useful working with businesses to help them get their message out,” said Gazai.

Gazai was born and raised in upstate New York. He graduated from film school at the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Ga. He lived in Atlanta for seven years as an in-house marketing specialist at a life insurance company.

“Life insurance is one of the hardest things to make look visually interesting and appealing,” said Gazai. “And I was able to find success with that. The videos I produced generated millions of dollars in sales for the company.”

About a year ago, he decided to leave Georgia and return to New York. He felt burnt out and wanted to use his professional skills in a way that felt more meaningful. He contacted childhood friend Sean O’Neill and they decided to team up on a joint venture.

“We wanted to find a way to help local businesses in the area stand out in a way that we don’t think has been done before,” said Gazai. “I wanted to take the professional experience I had and open up the opportunity for businesses to experience the same success as the life insurance company I worked for. And I wanted to do it in an area that I really cared about and grew up in.”

O’Neill attended Sienna College with a major in marketing. He has been in a sales role since 2015, and most of that time was spent working with local business. He is involved with the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce and Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and said he has a passion for networking and connecting the local community.

“When Cory talked to me about his idea, we both thought I would be of value with the work that I’ve already done locally,” said O’Neill.

“Since we were kids, we talked about opening up a business and finding creative ways to work together. When Cory moved back home, it gave us the opportunity to hit the ground running and help the local businesses in our area.”

Gazai Media specializes in video production.

They work with in-house marketing teams and business owners, and the existing systems those entities already have in place. They have the ability and willingness to work hand-in-hand with other marketing agencies, focusing on the video communication aspect of visual messaging.

Gazai Media has worked on projects with local agencies like Keena Staffing, StoredTech and the Comfort Food Community in Greenwich.

“We’re really proud of our work with the Comfort Food Community”, said O’Neill. “They’re

Glens Falls NY Restaurants With Casual Dining Glens Falls and surrounding towns have a variety of casual dining opportunities for every taste, budget and occasion.

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.

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.

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!

Peppermill Family Restaurant South Glens Falls, NY Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. the Peppermill is a true family-run restaurant.

Allow John, Vicky and sons to show you why the Peppermill Family Restaurant in South Glens Falls has been serving the community for over 27 years.

The Silo Queensbury, NY We hate to brag, but The Silo has a reputation for being one of the best places in the region for breakfast, lunch and delicious cider donuts.

Looking for jewelry and gifts? The Silo is also the area’s largest retailer of Ed Levin Jewelry.

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.

Jack’s American Bistro Queensbury, NY Jack’s American Bistro was the culmination of a lifetime spent in the restaurant business.

After several months of planning in June 2004 the doors were open to a new dining experience in the Glens Falls/Queensbury area.

Fenimore’s Pub Glens Falls, NY Fenimore’s Pub in the heart of downtown Glens Falls is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Downtown Social Glens Falls, NY Located in the heart of downtown Glens Falls, NY, Downtown Social is a local eatery and beer hall that features multiple dining

Cory Gazai is co-owner of Gazia Media, serving the Saratoga and Glens Falls regions.

Sean O’Neill is co-owner of Gazia Media, serving the Saratoga and Glens Falls regions. a wonderful nonprofit organization and we’ve been able to bring a lot of awareness to all the good they are doing for Greenwich and the surrounding community.”

Gazai said the best part about doing business in the area is working with local businesses and business owners.

“That was a big reason for me moving back to the area,” said Gazai. “I wanted to help business owners inform, educate and inspire their markets, especially during the pandemic and moving forward. We wanted to focus on helping local businesses enhance their voice across a broader, more modern market.”

“It’s been exciting for us to find that a lot of local business owners want to take their business to the next level,” said O’Neill. “We believe there are a lot of ways for us to assist them in doing that. Whether they want to compete against national companies, or enhance customer awareness in their own community.”

Gazai Media can be found at www.GazaiMedia. com. The phone number is 518-307-9481. experiences, bars, and a chef-prepared menu for lunch and dinner.

The Bullpen Tavern Glens Falls, NY The Bullpen Tavern in downtown Glens Falls offers a sports bar atmosphere with a state-ofthe-art entertainment system and some of the best wings you can find in the North Country.

Doc’s Restaurant Glens Falls, NY Doc’s Restaurant is an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar in the historic Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY. Doc’s offers a delicious modern take on classic dishes, along with a hand-picked selection of wines, craft beers and creative cocktails!

Craft on 9 Glens Falls, NY Craft on 9 in Glens Falls, NY offers creative fine dining in a comfortable atmosphere with a rotating selection of regional craft brews, wines, and cocktails.

Courtesy of GlensFalls.com

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021 • 11

Thunder Continued From Page 1 Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

December Friday, Dec. 3 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 7:07 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 4 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 5 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 10 vs. Reading, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 11 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 12 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 17 vs.

Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Dec. 18 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, Dec. 19 vs.

Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Monday, Dec. 27 @ Trois-Rivières, Nouveau Colisée de Trois-Rivières, 7 p.m.; Wednesday, Dec. 29 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, Dec. 31 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

January Saturday, Jan. 1 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 2 vs.

Trois-Rivières, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 5 @ Trois-Rivières, Nouveau Colisée de Trois-Rivières, 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 7 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 8 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 6 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 9 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, Jan. 12 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 14 @ Trois-Rivières, Nouveau Colisée de Trois-Rivières, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 15 @ Trois-Rivières, Nouveau Colisée de Trois-Rivières, 7 p.m.; Jan. 18, 19, 20, AllStar Break; Friday, Jan. 21 vs. Reading, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 22 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 7:07 p.m.; Sunday, Jan. 23 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 3:07 p.m.; Friday, Jan. 28 vs. Reading, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Jan. 29 vs. TroisRivières, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

February Wednesday, Feb. 2 vs. Fort Wayne, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 4 vs, Fort Wayne, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 5 vs. Fort Wayne, Cool Insuring Arena, 7

p.m.; Tuesday, Feb. 8 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 10 a.m.; ; Saturday, Feb. 12 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 7:07 p.m.; Sunday, Feb. 13 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 3:07 p.m.; Friday, Feb. 18 vs. Trois-Rivières, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, Feb. 19 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday Feb. 26 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

March Wednesday, March 2 @ Trois-Rivières, Nouveau Colisée de Trois-Rivières, 7 p.m.; Friday, March 4 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 5 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 6 @ Newfoundland, Mile One Centre, 4 p.m.; Friday, March 11 @ Worcester, DCU Center, 7:07 p.m.; Saturday, March 12 vs.

Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 13 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, March 16 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, March 18 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 19 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, March 20 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, March 23 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Friday, March 25 vs. Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, March 26 vs. Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.

April Friday, April 1 @ Maine, Cross Insurance Arena, 7:17 p.m.; Saturday, April 2 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 3 vs. Maine, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Wednesday, April 6 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 10 vs. Worcester, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.; Friday, April 15 vs. Reading, Cool Insuring Arena, 7 p.m.; Saturday, April 16 @ Reading, Santander Arena, 7 p.m.; Sunday, April 17 vs. Newfoundland, Cool Insuring Arena, 3 p.m.

Season tickets for the 2021-22 are on sale now, call 518-480-3355 or visit ECHLThunder.com/tickets for more details. For more information about the Adirondack Thunder visit ECHLThunder.com.

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12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2021

Hiring Issues Continued From Page 1 Lee. “Great Escape is offering competitive wages, free admission to any Six Flags park, employee discounts, and paid training,” Lee said. “Anyone who joined our team before May 9 scored themselves and three family members a free Gold Membership Plus.”

Warren County Employment and Training teamed up with Hamilton-Essex BOCES for a virtual job fair on April 23 that brought 200 high school students into contact with dozens of employers, including Lake George Steamboat Co., Fort William Henry Hotel and Resort, and Castaway Marina.

“This was an opportunity for employers to speak directly to local teenagers and to explain how they can bank some good money while also helping the local economy,“ said Ochsendorf, who spearheaded the event.

Employers say they cannot lure the unemployed out of the system paying an extra $300 per month federal enhancement plus allowing them to work part-time without losing any benefits. The federal enhancement is scheduled to expire on Sept. 6.

Whether U.S. Congress will curb the benefits should be decided soon.

Mintzer said new hires “are worth more now coming into the door because there are so many opportunities from the standpoint of hourly pay

and benefits. Some of the jobs available now won’t be there in the fall.”

“This is the time to shine in a role, which may be something a young person can become passionate about,” said Mintzer.

“Fewer teenagers would have had summer jobs right now were it not for outreach though social media and job fairs,” said Ochsendorf.

Lake George Chamber of Commerce launched its Lake George is Hiring website along with directed social media marketing, all with the goal of reaching outside the immediate area for employees.

“There is plenty of opportunity in hospitality, transportation and accounting,” Mintzer said.

“Employers are using perks, housing, and ‘glamping’ to attract employees to a fun, different place to live and pursue a new career.”

“We have several examples of students who started with Six Flags Great Escape in high school, many at 15 years old, and are now senior managers at our resort,” said Lee. “Our youth have been trapped inside at an age when they need to develop social skills, and I’m worried about what the pandemic is doing to them,” said Ochsendorf. “Taking a summer job is so important not only to their job-readiness development but also their socialization.”

“We are so optimistic for a great summer season, but also scared,” Mintzer said. “We have family businesses and entrepreneurs in this area. If they can’t give their visitors the experience, they may have to cut back.”

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