Glens Falls Business Journal - June 2020

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JUNE 2020

Restaurants Open Outdoor Patio Sections For West Mountain Set To Open July 4; Social Dining, But Wonder About Limited Business Distancing, Health Safety Rules Are In Place

BY CHRISTINE GRAF After months of being allowed to serve takeout only, local restaurants were permitted to open for outside dining in June.

Joh n C ar r, ow ne r of L a ke G e orge’s Adirondack Brewery, is concerned about the long-term impact the extended closure will have on local restaurants.

“It’s been very frustrating for us,” he said.

“I think we could have followed other states like Vermont and Connecticut and opened sooner. In places where the restaurant industry relies on tourism, we have a very fragile and very short season.”

Jane Schmidt, owner of Bank Café in Lake George, typically hires 10 international students for the summer. She currently has just two employees and has been unable to fill open positions. High unemployment payouts are discouraging people from returning to work.

It is because of these high unemployment payouts that Frank Mineo, owner of Gaslight of Lake George, a restaurant with patio dining, has been hesitant to ask his employees to return to work. He opened his bistro in June 2019 and employed 15 to 18 employees last summer.

“Right now, I can only employ five or six employees,” he said. “I’m trying to get everyone back to work, but if I can’t guarantee those hours to them, I don’t want to take them off unemployment, because they are making good money. I’m trying to be fair to them while trying to keep my business afloat.”

“We are relieved to be able to at least begin offering outdoor dining,” said [farmacy] restobar owner Christina Richards. “After—

Glens Falls and other cities in the area are seeing more activity as COVID-19 rules relax.

Courtesy Advokate LLC

I’m not even sure how many days now—of trying to stay afloat on take-out orders only, we are looking forward to the change. We will be offering take out and patio service daily starting at noon Tuesday through Saturday.

She said it is currently on a first-comefirst-served basis. Hours and days are fluid right now as they adjust to the ever-changing situation at hand.

Carr said he will be surprised if his restaurant will be able to generate 20 percent of typical sales for the month of June. He hopes to reach 50 percent in the months of July and August.

Continued On Page 14

A child last year goes through the High Ropes Adventure Park that premiered in 2019 and features six courses for climber ages 7 and up.

Courtesy West Mountain

BY CHRISTINE GRAF In accordance with the state’s fourphase reopening plan, West Mountain in Queensbury will open for its summer season on July 4.

“The good news for us is that our activities are outdoor activities that have social distancing baked into them to begin with,” said West Mountain co-owner and on-site operator Spencer Montgomery. “We think there is just an enormous pent up demand to get outdoors.”

The mountain offers numerous outdoor activities including a high ropes course, mountain biking, hiking, scenic chairlift rides, and mountaintop picnicking.

When the mountain opens for business, all employees will follow social distancing and sanitary guidelines issued by the state as well as the CDC. “The exact guidance is changing daily, so I don’t know exactly what the end game will be,” said Montgomery. “I’m expecting that Continued On Page 14

Lake George Unconventional Start To COVID-19 Pandemic Grounds Adirondack Summer Season Has Some People Optimistic Balloon Festival For September 2020

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL The long Memorial Day weekend at the end of May marks the beginning of summer each year and with it, traditionally, comes an inf lux of consumers on which many Lake George businesses depend.

But this year has been overshadowed by coronavirus pandemic. Village Mayor Robert Blais was concerned about whether the community, one of upstate’s most popular tourist areas, would draw its usual surge of visitors.

“I wondered if people would take the time and expense to come here and rent a room and then find enough to do,” he said.

The weekend proved to draw good-sized crowds and hotels were busy. The mayor attributed the success of the weekend to Lake George itself.

“The water is consoling and mesmerizing,” Blais said. “Never before have we learned how important it is to have that lake. What saved us was the state opening up Million Dollar Beach.”

“People came from other parts of the state as if it was going to be different here, but we had to explain that we were still in Phase I” of the state’s reopening, said Gina Mintzer, executive director of Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Generally speaking, everyone was respectful of social distancing and about nine out of 10 wore face masks during the holiday weekend, she said.

“People were very responsible guests

Officials say Memorial Day weekend proved to be a good draw for crowds in Lake George. and so were businesses,” she said. “While it was not a ‘normal’ weekend, the business community had been practicing new safety protocols and now it was ‘real life.’”

Whereas foot traffic in the days prior was sparse around the Village, Blais said the beach and Battleground Park drew crowds as people walked, went swimming, took boat rides, had picnics and enjoyed the scenery. Even the new dog park was Continued On Page 15

The board of directors of the Adirondack Balloon Festival has announced the cancelation of this year’s event due to restrictions involving the COVID-19 pandemic.

The board “is disappointed” to lose the popular festival that was slated for Sept. 17- 20, it said in a new release.

“The most important part in planning in an event of this magnitude is safety. Safety is not only for our balloon pilots, but also includes our spectators, law enforcement, public works, fire and rescue staff, vendors, volunteers, musical acts, and our landowners in the region,” said Mark Donahue, board president.

“This is an unprecedented decision for us and one we did not take lightly. Our decision process included discussions with state officials and the Federal Aviation Administration officials as well,” he said.

“This event is for the community by the community.

We have a responsibility to make certain social distancing occurs and we do not feel we could make that happen with the tens of thousands of people who attend our event.”

It takes at least six months to plan the balloon festival, and organizers were already three months behind in planning because of the pandemic, Donahue said.

In addition, the board felt it was inappropriate to ask local businesses for support “when they are struggling to reopen or survive. Putting the event on pause for a year will help us to come back in 2021 and have guidelines established by New York state in place for events of our magnitude to provide a safe, enjoyable event for all to enjoy,” said Donahue.

The state requires a mass gathering permit from the Department of Health for the event. The

The popular Adirondack Balloon Festival based in Queensbury is canceled for 2020.

Courtesy Adirondack Balloon Festival

organizers don’t have enough information from the state to hold the event, he said. The necessities— ordering tents and getting balloonists to commit— cannot be done in short order.

The balloon festival draws day trippers and overnight visitors who stay in area hotels and motels.

Business is brisk for local establishments The board is already looking ahead to 2021, he noted.

The dates for the 2021 Adirondack Balloon Festival are Sept. 23-26.

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

Fort William Henry Historic Hotel In Lake Finders Keepers Consignment Store Opens George Opens Its Doors For 165th Season A New Location At The Outlets On Route 9

The Fort William Henry Hotel, the oldest hotel on Lake George, opened for its 165th season. The focus, ownership says, is on protecting the health of its staff, guests and community.

The oldest resort on Lake George, the Fort William Henry Hotel, opened for business in May for its 165th season.

“Since before the Civil War, people have come to the southern end of Lake George for rest and relaxation, warm hospitality, fresh air, swimming, boating and hiking in our beautiful mountains,’’ said Sam Luciano, president of the Fort William Henry Corp. “Because the world has changed, things will look a little different this year. But our long tradition of Adirondack hospitality, taking care of our guests and looking out for their wellbeing and that of our staff and community, will be more visible than ever before.’’

This year, the focus at Fort William Henry will be protecting the health of its staff, guests and community, Luciano said. The hotel has adopted rigorous standards of sanitation informed by the guidelines of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the state Department of Health and leading hoteliers.

Hospital-grade disinfectants and ultraviolet light are being used to clean and disinfect rooms and public areas, according to the company. Indoor and outdoor seating areas have been adjusted to increase space between parties. Hotel employees have their temperature checked before each shift and are asked about their health status. Hand sanitizer is available at every turn.

Hotel employees wear face coverings indoors at all times and outdoors when social distance can’t

Courtesy Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center

be maintained, the company said. All commonly touched surfaces, including credit card machines, keys, ice machines, the front desk, railings and door handles, luggage carts, elevator buttons and all counters and surfaces, will be cleaned frequently.

“We will ask all of our guests to wear face masks in public, and when we remind them to maintain social distances, we’ll be doing so to protect them and each other,’’ said Luciano. “Protecting the health of our employees, our community and our guests is a responsibility we all share. We can all help keep each other healthy.’’

After its opening in 1855, with a view of the southern end of Lake George and surrounding mountains, the Fort William Henry Hotel became one of the largest and most famous lakeside resorts in the country, known for its daily entertainment, fine cuisine, and proximity to swimming, boating and hiking, the company said.

According to Fort William Henry Corp., it welcomed President Ulysses Grant and generals W.T. Sherman and Philip Sheridan. Also, 12-year-old Theodore Roosevelt came with his family to Lake George in 1871 and stayed at the Fort William Henry Hotel.

The company said local grocery, liquor stores, pharmacies and retailers are open. Local breweries are selling beer for pickup, and farmers’ markets are overflowing with fresh local plants and vegetables.

For more information, visit www.fortwilliamhenry.com.

Kyleen Wade opened her first store business in Glens Falls some 15 years ago. She has opened a second shop in the Outlets at Lake George, currently open on weekends.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Finders Keepers Consignments in downtown Glens Falls has expanded and opened a second location in the Outlets at Lake George.

The second location is at 1444 Route 9, along the Million Dollar Half Mile.

Kyleen Wade opened her business in Glens Falls some 15 years ago. Her shop there is located at 206 Glen St. Laura Khols, daughter of outlet owner Dave Kenny, called Wade in December of last year and asked her if she would be interested in moving to the Outlets. Wade declined, not wanting to pack up and move her store.

“Then Laura called me back and said, ‘What if you expanded your business?’ That’s when it became more enticing to me,” said Wade.

She had a soft opening for her new store in early March, just before the state ordered businesses to close due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“I knew I was going to open back up. I just knew. I wasn’t nervous about that,” said Wade. “I didn’t have to buy product. People bring their product to me. I already had product in the store.”

Wade stocks higher-end consignment items such as Prada, Louis Vuitton and other designer labels at the outlet location. She

Andrea Harwood Palmer

also maintains a strong eBay and PoshMark presence on the internet with the designer brands she consigns.

“There’s a lot of excitement around the new store. My customers are excited and proud. They’ve seen the business start at the tiny location on Ridge Street so many years ago, to here (Glen Street) and onto an additional store. It’s good. It’s the natural progression of a successful business,” said Wade.

Wade recently hired two additional employees.

Finders Keepers is accepting summer clothing such as shorts, capris, tank tops and T-shirts. Winter items are deeply discounted and the store is well stocked with summer clothing. Wade also does estate sales, closet cleanouts and liquidations.

“I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, to be able to come back and open up my store. My customers were all waiting for me. I’m so thankful to this community and the people who trust me with their personal belongings,” said Wade.

The outlet location is open Friday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours will expand later in the summer, when the rest of the outlet stores begin to open up, she said.

The downtown Glens Falls location is open seven days a week, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 3

Six Flags Great Escape Lodge To Open Rooms State Parks Taking Camping Reservations; This Month; Restaurant Has Outdoor Seating Health, Distancing Guidelines Are In Place

Beginning June 26, people will be staying at the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge, but on a limited-room basis and with social distancing and other guidelines in place.

People planning to go to the Great Escape this summer will have to make reservations. But the Six Flags Great Escape Lodge will re-open with new guidelines on Friday, June 26, and the Johnny Rockets restaurant will also re-open, Six Flags said in a June 4 news release.

The 200-suite lodge, located across Route 9 from the Great Escape theme park, is now taking reservations.

The lodge will initially open with limited capacity.

The theme park and indoor water park will remain closed until allowed to re-open by state and regional officials.

“The hotel will offer a clean and safe getaway for families coming to the beautiful Lake George area to enjoy hiking routes in the Adirondacks, exciting bike trails and stunning mountain summit reviews with outdoor adventures,” Six Flags said in new release.

High-touch items like coffee makers, pens and paper and in-house guides have been removed. Cleaning protocols have been elevated and room rentals are rotated so rooms can be thoroughly cleaned after guests have departed.

Meanwhile, the Johnny Rockets restaurant reopened its outdoor deck days after Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that outdoor restaurant dining would be allowed. Occupancy has been reduced and tables spaced out to meet distancing guidelines. Singleuse menus are used, as are single-use knives and forks, napkins and condiments.

Call-ahead ordering is preferred. All staff wears protective masks and gloves.

“The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge is fully prepared to welcome our guests back as we introduce new hygiene and sanitization procedures to make a safer experience for everyone. The health and safety if our guests, team members and community remains our top priority,” said Six Flags Great Escape Lodge General Manager Jeff Bartone.

The hotel will have extensive new social distancing and cleaning measures in place, and all staff and guests will be expected to wear masks.

Great Escape in Lake George has been closed so far this year. Entertainment venues are part of phase IV or New York state’s plans to re-open businesses. Arts and entertainment are the last on its phasing schedule.

Six Flags announced the details about its new reservations system in May. This summer, no guests will be allowed into any Six Flags park without reserving their trip in advance.

Those who do not show up get penalized with “reduced priority” choices for their next visit and

Courtesy Six Flags Great Escape Lodge

blackout periods, officials said. People can cancel without penalty until 8 a.m. on the day they had reserved.

“We are excited about reopening our parks and getting back to the business of fun; however, we want to do so in the safest possible manner. By having guests pre-register before they visit, we can plan ahead with proper staffing and sanitization measures, including ensuring that guests and team members maintain safe social distancing throughout the day,” Six Flags President and CEO Mike Spanos said in a statement.

According to the company, choosing the time to enter is the key part of the plan. Great Escape is staggering entrance times to reduce crowding at the front.

Guests will only be allowed to enter at the time they chose. They will be asked to wait in their car until their entrance time. If they arrive late, they will get in, but there may be a delay.

The reservations system offers benefits for members and season pass holders. They will be given “booking priority” over those who buy one-day tickets.

Although dates for the entire 2020 season will be available to book, Six Flags will release additional blocks of capacity weekly, and members and pass holders have priority for those, officials said.

Meanwhile, the area’s Six Flags Great Escape Resort has made strides to give back to the community and has supported local organizations in the following ways: • Approximately 900 surgical masks were donated to Glens Falls Hospital; • Free Wi-Fi from the Johnny Rockets Sports Lounge is available to local SUNY Adirondack students who often use the restaurant’s parking lot to access online classes and virtual education from the convenience of their cars.

• The Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Waterpark offered the use of refrigerators and freezers to keep additional food fresh for the local Washington County Office for the Aging.

The reservation process is described as taking five to seven minutes at www.sixflags.com/reserve.

First, guests must type in the online order number, ticket number, membership or season pass number for every visitor in their group, select their date and pick the approximate time they plan to enter the park.

Then they must watch a video that describes the park’s social distancing and sanitation procedures and acknowledge that they understand the health policy.

Officials said people can check periodically for updates at www.sixflags.com/greatescape/plan-yourvisit/coronavirus-update.

The state Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation began accepting new camping reservations as of June 8, for check-in beginning June 22.

Officials said campers are reminded to practice social distancing, bring and wear a face covering, respect the rules, and do their part to keep the campgrounds, parks and beaches open and safe for everyone. Camping capacity is limited and visitors must make an advance reservation before arriving at a campground.

Reservations are expected to fill quickly. Reservations can be made in advance by calling toll free 1-800-456-CAMP or by visiting newyorkstateparks. reserveamerica.com. Online reservations are encouraged.

State Park Police and operations staff are patrolling campgrounds to ensure compliance with social distancing and crowd control measures. Anyone who does not adhere to this guidance will be requested to leave the facility, and will not receive a refund.

Upon check-in, campers will be asked a series of screening questions to determine if they may have been in contact with anyone suffering from COVID-19, or if they have any potential symptoms of COVID-19, including fever or respiratory illness.

People who may be at risk will not be permitted to camp, park officials said.

Campground density reduction and social distancing measures will be in effect, including: • No walk-up reservations allowed.

• Each congregate restroom facility will be opened and cleaned per DOH protocols.

• Rest rooms and shower buildings may have reduced capacity and may be closed periodically for cleaning.

• Campground gatherings will be limited to immediate household members only.

• All campground events and programs are suspended.

Park Social Distancing Ambassadors will monitor campgrounds, picnic areas, beachfronts, lawns, boardwalks and other areas to ensure park guidelines are being met.

COVID related signs have been installed throughout the park system.

For a listing of campgrounds operated by the

Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, visit parks.ny.gov/camping/. Campgrounds in the Adirondack and Catskill Parks overseen by the Department of Environmental Conservation operate on a different schedule.

State Parks’ beaches and day-use areas are open for visitation across the state. In alignment with NY Forward, beaches, day-use areas and historic sites will return to charging the normal entrance fee of between $6-$10 as regions reach phase 2 of reopening. For information, visit forward.ny.gov/.

Entrance fees may apply. Visitors can purchase a 2020 Season Empire Pass for unlimited day-use entry.

Available for $80, the pass is a wallet-sized card that can be shared within a household and not assigned to a specific vehicle. For more details, visit parks.ny.gov/ admission/empire-passport/default.aspx To encourage physical social distancing at popular parks, beaches, trailheads, and scenic areas, several restrictions are in effect, including reduced access on high visitation days State Parks encourage visitors to: • Visit in small groups limited to immediate household members.

• Maintain distance from others while in places where people tend to congregate, such as parking lots, trailheads, and scenic overlooks.

• Bring and wear a face covering when social distancing cannot be maintained.

• Face coverings are required to be worn anytime you enter a rest room or park office.

• Avoid games and activities that require close contact, such as basketball, football or soccer.

• Avoid playground equipment like slides and swings and other frequently touched surfaces.

• Do not share equipment, such as bicycles, helmets, balls or frisbees.

• If you arrive at a park and crowds are forming, choose a different park, a different trail, or return another time/day to visit; and • If parking lots are full, do not park along roadsides or other undesignated areas. Choose a different area to visit, or return another time or day when parking is available.

For information and guidance on visiting New York State Parks during the COVID-19 public health crisis, visit parks.ny.gov/covid19/.

4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

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Summer Construction 50-Plus Office / Computer / New Media

Publication Date: July 15, 2020

Hotels Nationwide Continue To Ask Congress For Help To Offset Mounting Loses With new data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) showing staggering job loss to the hospitality and leisure industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association has released a “Roadmap to Recovery,” calling on Congress to prioritize relief for hotel workers and small businesses in the next stimulus package.

The organization said the April Jobs Report showed the hospitality and leisure industry was the hardest hit, losing 7.7 million jobs— nearly as many jobs as the next four sectors combined.

AHLA is urging Congress to provide immediate assistance in these four areas: • Help hotels retain and rehire employees by extending the Paycheck Protection Program, offering employees direct tuition assistance or tax credits, and expanding the Employee Retention Credit.

• Protect employees and guests through tax credits for cleaning equipment and personal protective equipment (PPE).

• Keep hotel doors open by providing relief for hotel commercial mortgages and increasing the size and flexibility of PPP loans.

• Incentivize Americans to travel again when it’s safe with a new, temporary travel tax credit and restoring the entertainment business expense deduction.

“The hospitality industry is in a fight for survival,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We are grateful to the leadership of both parties during one of the most difficult health and economic challenges we have faced. We are urging Congress to do even more to help the hotel industry so that our small business hotel operators can keep

the lights on and retain and rehire employees.”

He said COVID-19 continues to devastate the hotel industry: 2020 is projected to be the worst year on record for hotel occupancy, and experts estimate it will be at least 2022 before hotels return to their 2019 occupancy and revenue levels. So far, the impact of COVID-19 on the travel industry has been nine times worse than September 11.

In a recent survey of AHLA members, more than 8 in 10 hotel employees said they have had to lay off or furlough workers. Only 37 percent have been able to rehire any staff through economic relief measures such as PPP. With a presence in every congressional district in America, hotels are central to getting our economy back on track and supporting millions of job, according to Rogers. Prior to the pandemic, hotels were proud to support one in 25 American jobs— 8.3 million in total—and contribute $660 billion to U.S. GDP. A representative hotel with 100 occupied rooms per night supports nearly 250 jobs in the community and generates $18.4 million in guest spending at neighborhood shops and restaurants.

Hotels also generate $186 billion in local, state, and federal taxes each year.

“While the hotel industry was one of the first affected by the pandemic, we have collectively stepped up to serve our communities during this public health crisis. We need Congress to continue to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the crisis, so we can retain and rehire the people who power our industry, our communities and our economy,” said Rogers.

Hudson Headwaters And PrimeLink Join To Provide Free WiFi At Two Health Centers

Environment / Development Senior Living / Retirement Planning Workplace / Security / Legal

Publication Date: August 12, 2020 Call Today To Reserve Space

(518) 581-0600 Fax: (518) 430-3020

Hudson Headwaters Health Network and PrimeLink Inc. have joined forces to offer free Wi-Fi at two area Hudson Headwaters health centers, enabling patients without access to reliable internet service to be able to access telehealth visits with their health care provider.

The free connections are available for patients to use from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily at the health centers located at the Kingsbury Health Center in Fort Edward and at the center on Broad Street in Glens Falls.

Services are also offered at Hudson Headwaters facilities in Champlain, Plattsburgh, Ticonderoga.

In response to COVID-19 social distancing guidelines, Hudson Headwaters Health Network expanded its telehealth capabilities to enable providerpatient visits online. The service allows patients to receive care without needing to physically enter their health centers, limiting potential exposure to the coronavirus.

Officials said patients can meet with their providers through an internet connection on their computer or other electronic device in the same way they would take part in a video conference. Providers can see and speak directly with patients and family members providing an opportunity to address patients’ health concerns and make determinations about ongoing care.

PrimeLink provides voice and data connectivity to each of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s

community-based health center locations. Due to that long-standing relationship and with the advent of the telehealth program, the two organizations recognized that some communities in rural areas may not have easy access to internet services. This communityaccess solution helps to solve a local internet access issue.

PrimeLink President and General Manager Greg MacConnell said the company “is proud to partner with Hudson Headwaters to help the community stay connected during this difficult time.”

According to Hudson Headwaters Chief Medical Informatics Officer Dr. Kevin Gallagher, telehealth is a valuable service that all patients should be able to access.

“Telehealth allows us to see for ourselves how the patient may be feeling, while ensuring that we maintain the important relationships between our patients and clinical staff during this time of social distancing,” he said. “But we also understand that some people may not have reliable internet connections. PrimeLink has helped us develop a solution that will be incredibly beneficial for our patients.”

As COVID-19 has demonstrated, stable Wi-Fi networks are important for emergency response, education, business productivity and government operations. People are gathering, learning and working online as social distancing keeps everyone physically apart.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 5

New OrbitalFire Security Service Is Launched To Help Small Businesses

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER OrbitalFire, a managed security service provider headquartered in Queensbury, launched a new service platform in early June. It is designed to help small businesses.

“OrbitalFire provides cybersecurity solutions specially designed for small and medium-sized businesses, including regulatory compliance, risk management, assessment, training, security monitoring and other services that have traditionally been available only to enterprises,” according to CEO Reg Harnish.

“Cybersecurity is confusing for most businesses—they don’t know where to start. Our goal at OrbitalFire is to redefine cybersecurity for small businesses. Your small to medium business doesn’t look like Target, or Walmart, or Boeing.

So you shouldn’t think about cybersecurity in the same way they do,” he said.

He said the company exists for “every small- and medium-sized business owner who has ignored cybersecurity, or who has felt neglected, or has done their best to invest and do the right things in cybersecurity and still felt alienated ... We want to help them solve this problem in a way that scales with their business, is affordable and, from a best practice standpoint, delivers effective cybersecurity without treating you like you’re the Pentagon.”

Harnish is no stranger to the tech space. He is the founder of GreyCastle Security in Troy and continues to sit on its board of directors.

He recently launched Slingshot Cyberventures, a cybersecurity advisory service firm targeting earlystage cybersecurity companies. He has been doing startups since 1995 and has been through several initial public offerings (IPOs) and acquisitions.

He is the former chief technology officer of the Autotask Corp.

Harnish partnered with Kimbal Musk, brother of Elon Musk’s—a noted engineer, industrial designer, technology entrepreneur and philanthropist—on internet venture FunkyTalk. com.

“Cybersecurity in general has become a highly visible, important undertaking for most businesses. Larger organizations have the benefit of more resources—people, time, energy, money— and small businesses have really suffered. Whether its technology or service providers, the industry has historically focused on medium to larger sized businesses because there is more margin and bigger contracts. Meanwhile, smaller businesses have gotten left behind,” said Harnish.

He said small businesses have distinct advantages in cybersecurity. They don’t have as much data, they tend to be less complex, have fewer business partners and often have a better general sense of where their data is stored.

“Security really relies on your ability to understand what kind of data you have, who has

•

Reg Harnish is the chief operating officer of OrbitalFire, a cybersecurity business.

Courtesy Reg Harnish

access to it, where it goes. Small businesses can do that. Large businesses can’t, because there’s just too much of it,” Harnish said.

“In our quest here, we want to take some of these implicit advantages that small businesses have, leverage those and start to redefine what makes sense for a small business to do from a security standpoint.”

“While some of this dialog has been going in the industry for some time, no one has really come up with a good solution for small managed practices.

They’ve really been left behind. We’re going to take care of that,” he said.

OrbitalFire has been working in “stealth mode,” as Harnish referred to their pre-launch strategy.

They have nearly 40 clients.

The company will partner with managed security service providers (MSSPs) and IT providers. StoredTech in Queensbury is the first MSSP partner from the region to come on board.

OrbitalFire will partner with other firms both locally and throughout the U.S. The firm has several other silent partners from various sub-sectors the tech services space, according to Harnish.

He anticipates close to $1 million in gross revenue during the first 12 months.

“We’ve got a good grounding here. We’re starting from a good point,” he said.

Though the company is currently in Queensbury, that could change in the future.

OrbitalFire can be reached at media@orbitalfire. com or at 1-800-ORB-FIRE. The website is www. orbitalfire.com.

Business Report What You Must Do Now

BY MICHAEL CRUZ As we re-open our local economy, we can’t quickly go back to normal. It is important to re-examine all aspects of your business.

What you were doing before COVID is not necessarily what you should do next.

Examine your business plan. I often say that a plan is like a road map.

The only time you don’t need a map is when you are going where you have already been. Or, when you don’t care where you are going.

Things are not going to be the same for quite a while. You need to figure out how to rekindle sales. You need to make sure your product pipeline is solid.

Your customers are having the same challenges you are. Everyone will be a little more cautious as to where they spend their money. Each of us needs to reassess our priorities. We need to figure out which expenditures are required. And, which purchases we can delay until we are sure of the recovery.

When given the all clear, quickly notify customers that you are back. Use social media. Use ads. Most importantly, call them.

Make sure your sales teams are armed with your adjusted plan and reach out to as many customers as possible. It is critical that you re-establish relationships.

If you want to be on their priority purchase list, the secret is in value creation. Value creation is having your product or service provide more value to your customer’s business than its actual cost purchased elsewhere. Understanding your value will force you to have customer empathy. You need to know what keeps your customer awake at night. To the extent that you help solve that problem, you will have more success.

If you have a solid purpose that helps them, you can offer solutions that make

•

Michael Cruz, president of Lighthouse Advisors LLC in Queensbury.

Courtesy Lighthouse Advisors LLC

sense to get their business up and running faster. And, with better results. Don’t allow yourself to have “head trash.” That is that nagging doubt you hear in your mind telling you why they won’t buy from you. Be sure that your proposition is focused to help them succeed.

Some customers will genuinely be cash poor. All of them will tell you that they don’t have any money. Be assured that they have cash to help themselves if the value is right. If they really don’t have any cash, help them find third-party financing. You need to preserve your own cash. Resist financing them through terms. You are not, and should not, be a bank.

Most businesses have opportunities to secure financial assistance through programs provided by federal, state, and local institutions. Don’t offer unreasonable terms as a means to justify sales.

Focus and be ready to grow.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 2000 Business Of The Year

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce P.O. Box 766 • Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

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.

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

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

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6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

SPECIAL SECTION

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Retirement Planning Group, Setup For Video Conferences Pre-Pandemic, Moves Its Offices

BY JILL NAGY Retirement Planning Group LLC, has been on the move, both physically and technologically, this year.

In January, they moved their Saratoga County office from Saratoga Springs to a building on Route 9 in Malta. More recently, the company moved its Glens Falls offices to 238 Bay Road from a previous space on Glen Street.

Both moves resulted in larger buildings and better parking facilities, according to James Corcoran. In Malta, for example, there is space for two or three more offices.

At the same time, working with PrimeLink, the company increased the technology in the conference rooms, created an audio studio for podcasts and radio broadcasts, and installed an internet-based telephone system. The new system allowed employees to take their telephones home and work from there.

Last January, David Kopyc, president of the Retirement Planning Group LLC, wrote an article warning readers of “black swan events”—unexpected developments.

“Little did I suspect that we would have one in just six weeks,” he said, referring to the coronavirus pandemic.

When the “black swan event” arrived, the company was ready. They instituted biweekly conference calls with clients who could send questions ahead of time by email.

Clients kept in touch by telephone or through the internet.

So far, the company adapted, and the group is “holding our own” during the shutdown, Kopyc said. Half of the six employees worked from home at any given time. The other half were in the office, appropriately spaced apart.

“We are making sure everything is wiped down” and disinfected, he said. There were no face-to-face meetings with clients, he added, but there is a way for them to drop off documents, checks, and the like.

During the shutdown, the offices were further modified. When they reopened in June, things looked very different. The conference rooms are now “COVID-19 compliant,” Corcoran said.

There is a plexiglass “sneeze guard” around the conference table, with curtains at either end. There are facilities to check people’s

body temperatures as they arrive to check for signs of a virus, and there are procedures in place to disinfect the area afterward.

“We’re trying to do our part the best we can,” Corcoran said.

“It’s kind of weird,” Kopyc said. But, without the means to reach clients remotely, “We’d really be in deep weeds.”

Kopyc’s advice for clients is not very different during the COVID-19 shutdown than in more normal times.

“Don’t overreact. Don’t allow your emotions to make decisions for you. Hold on to your investments,” he said.

Being in the retirement business, “We have a lot of seniors who are clients,” and Kopyc worries about their welfare. He is also concerned because “some people are just not suitable for risk,” but “they gravitated toward risk” because low-risk investments, like certificates of deposit, were paying almost no interest.

While fairly hopeful about the rest of the market, he noted that stocks in fossil fuelbased companies, especially fracking, were “decimated by this.”

Some businesses have been hit especially hard by the economic shutdown. Restaurants and bars, he pointed out, were “totally decapitated, probably on top of my list.”

Even the partial opening has brought problems for local businesses, Kopyc said.

“Employers want to bring people back and they won’t come” because they can earn more from unemployment and safety net benefits.

He advises employees to think more in terms of their long-term economic stability. When the benefits run out, the job may not be there.

Kopyc predicts, “We’re going to look back on this and think: It changed our lives, but we made it through.” He has faith that American ingenuity will come up with medications and a vaccine.

Kopyc and his colleagues share their thoughts and advice on a Sunday morning weekly radio program on Glens Falls regional stations WCKM 98.5 and WDKM 92.5. Saturday morning, the program airs on Albany radio on News Radio 810 and WGY 103.1.

Retirement Planning Group can also be reached online at www.rpgretire.com.

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Business Report Estate And Tax Planning During COVID-19

BY JENNIFER M. BOLL, ESQ. In the last several months, we have seen the drastic impact of the COVID-19 crisis on our health, way of living and the economy. While these times may feel uncertain, there are still many factors in your control and even opportunities for those who seek them out. This is especially true as it relates to your estate and tax plan.

The current environment of low interest rates and depressed asset values presents several unique estate planning opportunities for individuals to make the most of their hard-hit assets and leverage the transfer of wealth and business interests.

There are a few items to consider.

• Federal gift tax exemption and annual exclusion remain at all time highs.

In 2020, the federal gift and estate tax lifetime exemption amount is $11.58 million per individual, and the annual exclusion for gifts is $15,000 per recipient per year.

These figures will remain in effect until 2026, when the lifetime exemption will “sunset” and revert back to approximately $5 million (as adjusted for inflation), barring any intervening legislation before then. The IRS has also clarified that individuals making gifts prior to 2026 can do so without concern that they will lose the tax benefit of the higher exclusion level if the current law sunsets.

• Depressed asset values = opportunity for tax advantaged transfers.

Whether you want to leverage your annual exclusions, preserve your federal exemption or limit your gift tax exposure, the depressed asset values and business interests provide an opportunity to make tax advantaged transfers to other individuals or trusts and allow any future growth to occur outside of your estate.

While outright gifts are certainly an option, the transfer of appreciable assets and interests to certain trusts can provide additional benefits and tax advantages that are intensified under the current depressed value conditions.

Trust instruments such as Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRAT), Charitable Lead Annuity Trusts (CLAT) and Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGT), are just a few examples of low-risk vehicles that facilitate tax advantaged transfers of appreciable assets while reducing your taxable estate. The advantages of these options are further amplified when the interest rates used in determining the taxability of such transfers are lower.

• Low interest rates = more efficient tax advantaged transfers.

In response to the slowed economy, we have seen various interest rates being lowered to stimulate economic growth and to encourage borrowing and investment. This includes reductions in interest rates like the IRS §7520 Rate and Applicable Federal Rates (FAR) that directly affect the taxability of transferring wealth and

•

Jennifer M. Boll of Bond, Schoenecke and King PLCC. Courtesy Bond, Schoenecke and King PLCC

business interests.

Historically low IRS §7520 Rate: The IRS §7520 rate, a rate used to determine the gift tax consequences of transfers to trusts like GRATs and CLATs, has reached a historic low of 0.8 percent in May 2020. This is down from 2.8 percent in May 2019, and 3.2 percent in May of 2018.

Simply stated – the current §7520 rate presents an opportunity to make larger gift-tax advantaged transfers to your beneficiaries.

Low applicable federal rates: We have also seen drastic reductions in the Applicable Federal Rates (AFR), which are used to determine interest charged on below-market value loans and promissory notes.

Low AFR makes this a good time to consider issuing or restructuring loans to family members while also reducing your taxable estate. This method of transfer is most successful if the assets appreciate over the course of the loan in excess of the applicable AFR. For owners of closely held businesses, it may also be a good time to consider transferring your closely held business interests to your family members or successors. Tax advantaged transfers of business interests can be accomplished by strategic gifting plans or by a series of sales. While circumstances will vary for each individual and his or her business, in many cases, low AFR will permit larger tax advantaged transfers.

• Higher deductions for charitable giving = rewards for reducing your estate while giving more to those in need.

The CARES Act encourages individuals and corporations to “give more” by increasing tax deductions for charitable donations.

For individuals who itemize deductions on their income tax returns, it suspends the adjusted gross income (AGI) deduction limitation, allowing individuals to receive a charitable deduction of up to 100 percent of their AGI.

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•

Business Report Explaining The 2020 W-4 Form

BY JEANNINE DUBIAC, FPC Employers be aware. The IRS has updated the 2020 Form W-4 Employee’s Withholding Certificate.

This new version of the W-4 form is required for all new hires in 2020 and for employees who want to make a change to their withholding for 2020. Employees hired prior to Jan. 1 are not required to submit a new form.

This new 2020 W-4 form will look different! There is no longer the ability to select withholding allowances to account for additional income, deductions and tax credits. The new form include lines where employees can enter those amounts directly that will be used in calculating the withholding amount.

The IRS is not requiring all employees to complete the new W-4. Only those employees that are new hires or those that would like to make changes to their withholdings will be required to use the new revised form. The IRS has designed the tax tables to work with both the new form and the prior year versions of the form.

Is your withholding correct for your personal situation? The IRS does not require all employees to complete the new revised W-4 form, however they are recommending that all individuals perform a “paycheck checkup” to see if they need to make adjustments to their withholding.

To conduct the checkup, individuals can use the IRS’s Tax Withholding Estimator (www.irs.gov/W4App). To effectively use the estimator, it is helpful to have a copy of a recent pay stub and tax return. Please note: if the new 2020 W-4 form is not provided, withholding will continue based on your previously submitted form.

What to expect when completing the new form: The form W-4 has five steps, however only steps 1 and 5 are required. The form can be found at https://www.irs.gov/pub/ irs-pdf/fw4.pdf Step 1. For an employee’s personal information. Name, address, social security number and filing status.

Step 2. For an employee or households who have multiple jobs.

Step 3. Provides instructions to

Small Business Recovery Fund Set Up To Help Glens Falls Businesses In Danger Of Closing •

Jeannine Dubiac, FPC is a partner at Priority One Payroll in Malta.

Courtesy Priority One Payroll LLC

determine the amount of the child tax credit and the credit for other dependents that you may be able to claim when you file your tax return.

Step 4. Is for other adjustments such as interest and dividends, deductions other than the standard deduction to reduce withholding and any additional tax the employee wants withheld for each pay period.

Step 5. The employee signs and dates the form.

Compete steps 2-4 only if they apply to your situation, doing so will make your withholding more accurately match your tax liability.

The IRS also created a new publication – Publication 15-T, Federal Income Tax Withholding Methods www.irs.gov/ pub/irs-pdf/p15t.pdf– to explain how withholding is calculated with the prior year and 2020 Forms W-4.

Because the 2020 Form W-4, Employee’s Withholding Certificate, is very different from previous versions, communicating the changes to employees will be challenging. Employers should understand that they need to be careful not to give tax or legal advice. Employees should seek the advice of their tax advisor or accountant if they have questions on how to complete the form.

The Glens Falls Local Development Corp. has announced a Small Business Recovery Fund (SBRF), that provides forgivable loans of up to $7,500 to those experiencing hardship during the coronavirus pandemic.

Priority will be given to ground-floor storefront businesses open to the general public. The funds would be used to help them stay in business. Eligible businesses are those where the owner receives their primary source of income from the business.

Loans will carry a zero-interest rate, a 12-month term and be forgiven for businesses that remain open and in operation through July 1, 2021, that have complied with the program rules, according to the SBRF guidelines.

The goal of the fund is to provide emergency relief to help business owners retain their businesses and their employees as a bridge of support before additional state and federal resources become available and the mandated pause on business operations is relaxed.

The program is a result of a collaboration of the U.S. Department Housing Urban Development, City of Glens Falls, and Glens Falls Local Development Corp. The LDC will manage the intake and application process and disburse approved loans within 10 days of execution of agreements.

A loan review committee comprised of local economic development professionals will review applications for eligibility and select applications that best meet program criteria and priorities. Funds may be used for the following operating expenses of the business: • Wages and salaries of employees prospectively.

• Health insurance premiums and costs related to continuation of health care benefits during periods of paid sick, medical or family leave.

• Fixed debts, including mortgage (excluding any prepayment).

• Rent (cannot exceed 50 percent of the loan proceeds).

• Utilities.

• Marketing, promotion, utilization of social media platforms including website development, updates.

• Business debt obligations that were incurred before April 1.

• Accounts payable.

• Inventory.

• Supplies.

• Other necessary and reasonable expenses as specifically approved by the lender.

Completed applications with submittals will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted, according to the guidelines. The initial application period is open through Sept. 30.

To be eligible, the principal place of business must be located within Glens Falls.

Business must have been in operation on or prior to Nov. 1, 2019 and must have 20 or fewer full-time employees. A sole proprietor counts as one employee.

Business must have $2.5 million or less in annual gross revenues and meet one of the following: • Business is public-facing (e.g. retail, coffee shop, food service, personal service barbershop, hair saloon, bakery, ice cream) and is directly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

• Business has experienced 10 percent or more decline in revenues since March 1 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

A copy of the guideline document can be found at cityofglensfalls.com/ Docu mentCenter/ View/6 0 03/ NewL oa n-Forg iveness-Prog ra m-for-Sma l lB u s i n e s s e s - i n - G l e n s - F a l l s - - C OV I D Disaster-Relief-Funding-Assistance-fromHUD-GuidelinesApplicationPDF. For general inquiries, contact Ed Bartholomew at ebartholmew@edcwc.org or (518) 761-6007.

Listen to Retirement Radio Hosted by David Kopyc

President of the Retirement Planning Group, LLC

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

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

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

8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Construction

Area Builders Continue Projects After ‘Pause’ Garnet Hill Lodge In North River Purchased; Order; Next Year’s Season Is In Question New Owner Does Structural Upgrades

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT Elated about New York state’s relaxing of COVID-19 restrictions as it proceeds with reopening the economy in phases, Tom Albrecht, president of Hilltop Construction Co., said “I’m digging holes again and playing in the dirt.”

His company ran a bare-bones crew on a few jobs deemed essential businesses by Gov. Andrew Cuomo’s office during the state’s Pause. But Hilltop and other area builders are moving on with projects that came to a halt due to the pandemic.

“Hilltop had a few essential jobs, so we were able to continue working on some projects,” Albrecht said. “During the Pause we signed over $3 million worth of work. This year we are booked with contracts. Next year, I think the economic impact will be felt. I am an optimist, but also a realist.

When the dust settles, our region will be affected.

Some businesses won’t open long term or at all.

The impact will be great.”

Based in Hudson Falls, Albrecht’s family owned business has been operating for 46 years and presently employs 30 people. The company builds residential and commercial structures with concentrations in Springs, Glens Falls, Lake George, Hudson Falls and Schroon Lake for establishments including Stewart’s Shops, Hudson Headwaters, Six Flags, Glens Falls National Bank and Community, Work and Independence, Inc. (CWI).

Albrecht said his team “helps fulfill peoples’ dreams” by building their future businesses.

In early March, MLB Construction Services, based in Ballston Spa, moved quickly to set up so employees could work from home.

“We got our teams set up remotely, but still had our executive vice president and accountant at the office,” said James Dawsey, president of the company. “My son and his family live and work in New York City, so he was [providing] me with information early on. We immediately put in place a COVID-19 team … We were ahead of the curve.”

Dawsey said MLB has a “wide spectrum of jobs—essential and non-essential—that kept the company in good shape.” However, he did have to furlough six of 75 employees. He was able to bring them back in stages.

“Luckily, we were able to use the Paycheck Protection Program Flexibility Act (PPP),” he said.

“We have complied with all of the CDC requirements and New York state guidelines,”

MLB Construction has continued building a two-tired concession building at SPAC. he said. “We had eight projects going, but had to shutdown the Saratoga Springs City Hall and Capital Repertory Theatre site for two months.”

“We have to think a little differently to make it happen, but we’re doing it,” said Dawsey. In the coming weeks, MLB will be wrapping up three projects at Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), including a new concession building and pavilion.

While MLB is in good shape for 2020, Dawsey said he is concerned about the financial prospects for 2021. He said hotels might alter their building plans and higher education campuses might offer more on-line classes, reducing the need for new or expanded buildings. If an autumn wave of COVID-19 surfaces he foresees a “financial trickle down, with an 18- to 24-month recovery.”

If there are silver linings to COVID-19, Dawsey said one is how people have “stepped up” to do what they could for others in the community that found themselves in dire straits. MLB employees helped at the Saratoga Food Pantry and raised funds for the Capital City Rescue Mission.

Jesse Boucher, president of Kodiak Construction in Wilton, had one person at job sites during the Continued On Page 9

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL April and May are the quiet months when resorts normally prepare for the summer season and the influx of visitors who contribute to a $1.3 billion tourism industry in Warren County. But Adirondack restaurants, hotels and resort areas have been slowed by the coronavirus pandemic.

Jim Rucker, who owns and operates Garnet Hill Lodge in North River with his wife, Frances, sees cause for optimism, however.

The owners recently acquired an additional 110 acres in Warren County, securing control of much of the resort’s 30plus miles of skiing, snowshoeing and hiking trails.

Their original purchase of Garnet Hill Lodge in 2016 came with less than 300 acres of land. This April, the Ruckers purchased another 110 acres. The resort is now able to provide many more miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking during the summer and fall.

They purchased 159 Rogers Road in Johnsburg for $520,000 on April 3, according to a deed filed in Warren County. The seller was Mary Donnellan, a former owner of the cross country ski resort.

Rucker has spent four years renovating cabins, bathrooms, the lodge and restaurant since acquiring Garnet Hill for $1.58 million in 2016. They redecorated guest rooms, renovated private bathrooms and put new furniture in the lounge.

There are three people on the maintenance staff that do the less labor intensive renovation work. But as Garnet Hill is an important part of the local community, contracts for construction and purchases were awarded to local businesses, Rucker said.

“Buying and running Garnet Hill Lodge is a labor of love,” he said. “We deliberately kept the look and feel of a true Adirondack lodge but have made structural upgrades, many of which are not visible, to keep it going another 100 years.”

“I am an optimist who foresees a positive impact on the region long term,” Rucker said.

“Are people going to be keen to fly when the pandemic is over? Maybe not for many years.”

Garnet Hill Lodge’s main building, the Log House, overlooks scenic mountains and Thirteenth Lake. The year-round resort is within a day’s drive from several metropolitan areas, Rucker said.

“It is a place that draws you in and invites you to step back into more tranquil times,” he said. “People are going to want to do activities outdoors rather than flying somewhere and

Garnet Hill Lodge has redecorated guest rooms and renovated bathrooms.

Courtesy Garnet Hill Lodge

visiting tourist attractions.”

Rucker said the events that were scheduled for this summer have in large part been postponed. “Most wanted to rearrange their weddings for late fall or next season,” he said. “Those who would like to try for this summer will have a smaller affair, but most are postponing.”

Ruckers had a vacation home in the community for 23 years when the resort came onto the market.

“I had been retired for a year when I found out the place was for sale,” said Rucker, a former banking and finance executive. “My wife and I were not looking, but one thing led to another.”

Garnet Hill’s trails were rated number 1 in the northeast and number 3 in North America by USA Today two years ago, he said.

“In the winter, visitors can snowshoe and cross country ski on 30 miles of trails and come upon remote ponds and beautiful views,” said Rucker. “I think we have one of the best cross country areas anywhere.”

There are also waterfront rights so guests can swim, canoe, kayak and enjoying the beach. No motorboats are allowed on the two-mile Thirteenth Lake.

The Ruckers started to see the rewards of their refurbishing efforts this year.

“Occupancy rates up until mid-March Continued On Page 9

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 9

Northway Exit 16 Self Storage Offers Climate JAG Group LLC Planning To Build Four Controlled Units, Around-The-Clock Access Warehouse Buildings Near Northway Exit 18

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH A steady need for warehousing has been a green light for JAG Group LLC of Glens Falls to continue with its plan to build four new warehouse buildings on 33 acres of land near Northway Exit 18 in Queensbury.

JAG Group President Tim Barber said he and his business partners are looking to have the warehouses ready for tenants by fall.

They are currently awaiting final approval from the town of Queensbury and expect no issues with the project going forward. Barber and his partners at Native Development Associates are seeking approval from planners to split the former Native Textiles knitting mill site into a total of six lots. Five of them will range from

2.01 acres to 11.32 acres. The sixth lot will be used for road expansion, aiding in site accessibility.

“I anticipate the sites will be ready late summer for construction, with all approvals in place,” said Barber.

According to Barber, the project will include warehouses ranging in size from 20,000 to 100,000 square feet and will cost about $30 million.

ABD Engineers LLP of Schenectady developed the site plan.

“We have some tenants and are looking for more, have a lot of prospects,” said Barber.

JAG Group provides both commercial and industrial construction services. Its website is Jaggroupllc.com.commercial.

Builders Continue Projects Continued From Page 8

Tom Samascott, left, and son Wayne Samascott, recently built a new climate-controlled storage center on Ballard Road, near Northway Exit 16.

BY RACHEL PHILLIPS The father and son team of Tom and Wayne Samascott recently built a new climatecontrolled storage center on Ballard Road, near Northway Exit 16.

Northway Exit 16 Self Storage offers clients a convenient access as it is located just 1,000 feet down from the exit.

Tom and Wayne Samascott are president and vice president, respectively, of Malta Development Co. They opened the storage center in March.

“I have been interested in doing self-storage for the past several years and the opportunity to by this project came along,” Wayne Samascott said. “We liked the location. Ballard Road gets a lot of traffic.”

The center contains 48,400 square feet of rentable space, with units ranging from 5x5 feet, up to 13x20 feet. In addition to heated and air-conditioned units, clients will have 24/7 access.

Units are monitored by a security camera system that covers every part of the

©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

building. Renting units can be done online at northwayexit16selfstorage.com. Upon rental, clients receive a code to access the building without ever having to interact with anyone.

The center even accepts package deliveries for clients, and will place the deliveries in their units for them.

Munter Enterprises of Middle Grove did the construction, which was completed just before the quarantine began.

According to Samascott, “We actually opened the same day the governor shut down the state. Timing was terrible due to that.”

Despite that, Samascott believes business is going well. “We have rented 15 units since opening. This is much slower than we would like, but I think it is OK considering the word we are in right now.”

Though this is the first storage center the Samascotts have opened, they have their eye out for another location. In addition, they have already been approved to expand an additional 75,000 square feet of storage at the Ballard Road site if they so choose.

Garnet Hill Lodge Continued From Page 8

were the highest they had ever been,” he said.

“We attribute that to the time and care we put into making rooms more comfortable in the Log House and our two other lodging buildings.”

Then the lodge and two restaurants were shuttered for two months due to the coronavirus situation. As of May 15, they made meals available curbside outside the facility’s Bobcat Bar and Grill. The restaurant in the Log House had been open every evening of the year for guests and the public until the shutdown in March, Rucker said.

The state has since laid out plans for reopening, including safe distancing rules and cleanliness goals.

The Ruckers continue to rely on word of mouth, major travel sites and their online presence to market themselves, as well as the general promotion of tourism to the Adirondack area that benefits all.

“The Adirondacks are a great destination with a lot to do,” he said. “Guests come back year after year to enjoy the outdoors.”

They do not have to stay overnight to enjoy the activities there. Rucker said there is no charge to use the trails and both day-long and one-month passes are available.

Rucker said its “rustic charm dating back to 1936” makes Garnet Hill iconic. More information is available at www.garnet-hill. com.

shutdown, as required, which “slowed projects down” by several days. But since Kodiak’s jobs are single-family residences, he was able to stagger his workers accordingly. He quickly put the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements into place for the safety of workers and clients. Most of his crew worked on and off during the Pause.

“We’ve had to push start dates back eight weeks, in some cases, and had to hold off on work at school sites ... We were fortunate,” Boucher said.

“Most of our projects were under roof. We could continue the jobs under the guidelines with one guy working on site.”

Kodiak recently completed a six-lot subdivision in Saratoga Springs and is working on a 20-lot subdivision in Greenfield. He said he anticipates a busy summer, but if a second wave of COVID-19 strikes in the fall, he expects a slowdown.

He added, “March to November is the construction industry’s time to work. We’ve lost two months, but we’ll figure it out and keep moving forward.” Now in its 16th year, Kodiak recently shifted from a mix of commercial and residential projects, to specifically residential. The company recently purchased its own subdivision in Greenfield, with a model home underway.

Eric and Eric Construction’s experience with COVID-19 became an employment challenge.

“Originally, a few guys had to leave work to care for family members who were at risk,” said Eric Isachsen, company president. “Some aren’t returning yet” because they get significant unemployment and stimulus incentives. The company was looking to hire full-time, year-round workers to fill slots.

“We have 40 projects on the docket,” Isachsen said. “We’ve scheduled one person on the job site, as required. We’re working with our clients now to push out some projects, but should round out the year alright.”

He said he is optimistic about 2021 and has several projects already on the books.

At one time Eric and Eric employed 30 people, but downsized over the past decade, and retooled its business plan to specializes in remodeling.

He lost several employees over the years due to attrition and currently employs seven.

Large or small, construction company owners are in agreement that COVID-19 has made it uniquely difficult to predict short- or long-term trends in the industry for the remainder of this year and next, but are cautiously optimistic.

10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

CDPHP Is Facilitator In A New Medical Hudson Headwaters Renovated Women’s Complex To Be Open Sometime In 2021 Center Has More Comprehensive Services

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER CDPHP is acting as partner facilitator for a new multi-practice medical specialty complex located at 1785 Route 9 in Clifton Park.

“CDPHP, in partnership with a number of independent physical practices, is building what we consider to be the medical park of the future,” said Ali Skinner, CDPHP vice president of strategic communications. “The goal is to provide the ultimate patient experience in a state-of-the-art complex.”

Though April groundbreaking plans were delayed due to the COVID-19 crisis, the plan remains for the facility to open in late 2021.

Some ancillary services being considered are valet parking, a meditation room, an in-house pharmacy, a café and a centralized check-in area regardless of which practice someone is coming to see.

“We’re focusing on enhancing the patient experience with all the bells and whistles you get when you go into a non-medical facility.

What are all those things a consumer wants and needs, and what does that look like when they go into a doctor’s office?” said Skinner.

The insurance company utilized focus groups and members of its Member Advisory Committee to brainstorm things that consumers wanted to see. Topics included childcare, the ability to obtain meals, and an inhouse pharmacy.

“It’s pretty cool because we assumed we knew what people wanted, but our committee gave us lots of ideas in terms of what they thought would

make this better. We listened,” said Skinner.

CDPHP will provide back office support for the in-house practitioners, including medical billing and integrated claims systems.

“The key here is doing it in partnership with independent practices. We’re helping independent practices remain independent.”

Practices currently involved in the project are Albany ENT & Allergy, Albany Gastroenterology, Capital Cardiology, Capital District Renal and Ortho NY. CDPHP was founded in 1984 by a large group of doctors in the capital region. The common goal was to protect the field of medicine and ensure that doctors were able to stay independent, practicing the way they wanted to practice. The company continues to be run by physicians. As part of CDPHP bylaws, eight of the 15 board of directors members are local practicing doctors.

“Practicing doctors in our community work alongside CDPHP to help with the direction of the company and facilitate partnership. We are founded and guided by physicians, and we incentivize them to provide quality care.

This independent specialty practice is another extension of that,” said Skinner.

CDPHP offers an enhanced primary care program. The traditional way in which health insurance companies reimburse doctors is the fee-for-service method. Doctors are paid based on the services they provide, whether it be a doctor’s visit, a test or a prescription. CDPHP believes this encourages quantity of services, not quality of care.

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BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Women’s Health, part of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network, reopened its doors following months of interior renovation.

The changes make the center at 90 South St. in Glens Falls “an optimal experience” with more comprehensive services for women and their families, according to practice leader Sally Howard.

“We expanded up and down,” said Howard, who has been with the practice for three years. “The physical expansion of the facility creates an environment where patients and providers feel they will get the best care.”

Hudson Headwaters Health Network has centers from Champlain down to Moreau and west to North Creek. The recently renamed Women’s Health became a part of the network in 2013, said Dr. Ted Denious, who co-leads it with Dr. Danielle Goertzen.

“A private practice called North Country Obstetrics/Gynecology was located here and wanted to join HHHN,” said Denious.

“There were six practitioners in 2013 and there are 12 at any given time today, and the recent expansion gives us the space needed to accommodate more staff.”

The OB/GYN practice used only the middle of three f loors back then. Now Women’s Health occupies the main and upper levels in a configuration of exam areas, office spaces and waiting rooms that “increase efficiency and offer a better use of space overall,” Howard said. “For example, a woman can enjoy the experience of an ultrasound with her family present in one area while patients with gynecological needs can be seen on another f loor.”

According to Jane Hooper, community relations manager for HHHN, “there are large, bright waiting areas, spacious hallways and 13 restrooms. There is also a break room for staff.”

The lower level provides on-site laboratory space for Glens Falls Hospital, as well as maternal and fetal medicine provided by Albany Medical Center staff.

An important aspect of the reopening is that the array of health services provided is more comprehensive than ever before.

Mental health and behavioral therapies have been added, and care management ensures that patients have all the services and links to social programs they may

A staffer works at the newly renovated Women’s Center in Glens Falls.

Courtesy Hudson Headwaters Health Network

need, according to Denious.

“Part of the reason for the name change is that this center is doing so much more and will continue to expand services,” he said. “Now people understand that visiting Women’s Health enrolls you in the entire Hudson Headwaters network with all its resources.”

He said the location across from Glens Falls Hospital “does optimize the care that can be provided and makes it more seamless.”

“The patient experience is so different now from what it was,” said Howard.

“But our goal has always been increased patient satisfaction.. It is exciting to see the positive changes. We were fortunate to have a number of donations of wall art and photographs by some local and regional artists.”

“Especially with the COVID-19 virus,” Denious said. “As people remain housebound, having a practice that is nimble enough to optimize care in homes and at the office is especially relevant.”

There was no fanfare or ribbon-cutting at the reopening because of the pandemic.

But the practice is hopeful that in June it may be possible to have a more public celebration.

Saratoga And Glens Falls Hospitals Get Aid As Part Of the Federal CARES ACT The federal government in May distributed more than $100.7 million to health care providers in the Capital Region as part of aid prompted by the pandemic.

Hospitals lead the regional list of recipients, with Albany Med’s $20.3 million at the top. But funds also went to providers such as physician groups and nursing homes. The non-hospital group that received the largest payment was New York Oncology Hematology, which received $3.5 million.

Glens Falls Hospital received $4.9 million. Saratoga Hospital received $7 million.

Inpatient and outpatient skilled nursing groups received some of the largest payments, including Wesley Health Care Center with $733,715.

The U.S. Department of Health and

Human Services is allocating $50 billion to providers as part of the CARES Act. Congress approved the funds to help health care providers offset lost revenue and increased expenses because of the COVID-19 crisis.

Health systems and physician groups have said state-ordered restrictions on elective procedures prompted by the pandemic have been a significant hit to their finances. The state has been relaxing those restrictions in recent weeks.

There are now 47 counties in the state where elective procedures are once again allowed, including Albany, Columbia, Fulton, Montgomery, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie and Warren.

In order to receive funds, organizations had to apply and submit revenue information the federal government.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 11

New Owner Of Alpine Lodge In North Creek Thermal Camera Screening System Can Has All 36 Rooms Set Up For Health Safety Detect Elevated Body Temperatures

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH The North Country expect the Alpine Lodge’s transformation into what new owner Keir Weimer describes as both a smart hotel and a property set up to keep people safe from COVID-19.

The real estate entrepreneur purchased the property at 264 Main St., North Creek, in late May for about $1.2 million.

Weimer, president of Adirondack Hospitality Ventures LLC, said she has worked to transform the 19-room property with top-level voice, streaming and energy-efficient technology as a way to provide guests with a modern, yet still rustic, experience. Weimer said the company is excited to show patrons the changes in technology.

But the top priority is safety. He said they have been working diligently to ensure the safety of their employees and guests in light of the coronavirus pandemic.

“We are, and have been, COVIDready. We have taken extra precautions beyond what Albany is requiring of us to ensure guest safety,” said Weimer. When calling for reservations, people are being assured ensuring of their safety and those calls have resulted in reservations being booked.

The property is located five minutes from Gore Mountain and many other outdoor attractions, such as river rafting, rail riding, hiking, boating, and activities other summer season activities that are especially popular in the midst of a pandemic that has closed many other

activities.

Weimer said those making reservations are in need of an escape from the stress the pandemic has caused.

“We have had a huge uptick of reservations over the last two weeks, as more and more people look to break from the solitary and long spring, and do so safely and responsibly,” he said.

Each guest room features a large f latscreen television, high speed WiFi, voice-controlled speakers and music, energy efficient appliances and lights, custom-designed rustic furnishings, radiant heat, coffee, refrigerators and more.

There are options for queen, double, or king rooms, some with a fireplace, jacuzzi and balcony, some with kitchen suites, and even a two-bedroom luxury apartment.

Almost all rooms have mountain views.

The layout of the hotel gives Weimer an advantage with the amount of guests he can safely accommodate under social distancing guidelines.

“We do not have capacity limits, luckily, as all of our rooms are accessible from the outside and have keypad entry,” said Weimer.

Weimer also owns, with two other partners, Great Pines, a 30-room waterfront resort in Old Forge, about an hour away from the Alpine Lodge.

To learn more about the Alpine Lodge, visit www.adirondackalpinelodge.com. To learn more about Weimer and his other ventures, visit keirweimer.com.

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Shepherd Communication & Security, an electronic security and structured wiring integrator, is helping client companies stop coronavirus “at the front door” by offering thermal cameras it says that screen people for elevated body temperature before they step into a business.

“Thermal imaging is a fairly mature technology that came out of the military 45 years ago,” said Richard Ruzzo, managing partner, who founded the company with Robert Guillerault in 2007. “Infrared thermal imaging today has a broad variety of medical applications for screening and diagnosing a patient in real time.”

Ruzzo said elevated body temperature levels (EBT ) are being captured extensively with cameras and scanners by first responders during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“EBT is highly correlated with sickness,” he said. “Identifying individuals with EBT as an early warning can dramatically slow the spread of viruses and infections,” he said.

The temperature reading is a first line of defense, Ruzzo said. Secondarily, there would be actual temperature readings taken and the person would be questioned about their health and symptoms.

Shepherd was already in the business of installing thermal technology for its clients but as a source of surveillance, not as a fever detector, according to Michael Taber, director of business development.

“When the pandemic broke out in China and traveled into Italy, I saw that the virus would hit the U.S.,” Taber said. “I said to Rich Ruzzo, ‘This is worth exploring.’”

Taber and a product engineer began investigating and vetting the different products and applications from around the world.

“A good portion of the equipment out there does not live up to what the manufacturers say,” according to Taber.

Ruzzo said Shepherd Communications identified three or four manufacturers with a supply chain and “price differentials our clients can afford.”

“Our primary goal is education,” said Taber. “We install the products, give the client a basic knowledge, train them how to operate it and give ongoing support so that users can navigate the process of capturing EBT in their buildings.”

According to Ruzzo, detection products can range from a dual lens camera, with a clear view and a thermal view, to a self-standing kiosk with facial recognition that can send an alert if an individual is not wearing a mask.

“The most sophisticated models give a highly accurate body temperature at a rate three times faster than manual readings,” he said. “Some have recording capabilities so that if contact tracking is needed, that

Richard Ruzzo, managing partner, co-founder of Shepherd Communication & Security. information will have been captured.”

Company literature says Shepherd thermal solutions offer more social distancing, higher accuracy of body temperature within 0.3 degrees Celsius, and the capacity to monitor up to 5,000 people in 30 minutes.

“We are in effect protecting the perimeter and enhancing the wellbeing of our clients,” said Ruzzo. “Our company is really about employee health and wellness and confidence building among the workforce and the community at large.”

“SARS, ebola and other viruses have impacted world technology in the past. With the globalization of trade and travel, there will be victims of potentially serious outbreaks in the future,” he said.

“Since 9/11 the population has more of a sense that personal safety, such as at airports and controlled areas, outweighs personal liberty,” he said. “But next time a pandemic happens, we need to get in front of it. Then if employers have a good health screening program in place, everybody can feel comfortable about being around everyone else.”

“By offering a full line of this kind of technology in offices, transportation hubs, schools and other high traffic areas, we are already helping tamp down the curve,” Ruzzo claimed.

He said Shepherd is working with wellness organizations and places like the Times Union Center, Albany International Airport and nanotech facilities to set up secondary screenings.

“The company is designing a mobile cabinet that includes internet and battery back-up so that the thermal imaging product becomes an entire, full-service package with installation, set-up, training and ongoing support,” he said.

Visit www.shepherdcny.com for more information.

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

Lobbies Slowly Re-Opening For Customers As Banks Come To Terms With Safety Rules

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name

Closing Price 5/15/2020

Closing Price 5/22/2020

Closing Price 5/29/2020

Closing Price 6/5/2020

Closing Price 6/12/2019

Albany Int’l

49.78

55.41

60.30

71.35

57.59

Arrow

25.58

27.44

29.25

30.97

27.94

AT & T

28.31

29.88

30.86

32.77

30.49

Ball

62.23

64.51

71.26

73.93

68.33

Ballston Spa National Bank

46.00

46.00

46.00

43.45

43.45

Bank of America

21.44

22.66

24.12

28.11

24.78

Best Buy

78.61

76.92

78.09

82.53

77.77

Citizens Bank

19.92

21.28

24.10

29.25

25.82

Espey

18.01

19.00

18.76

19.50

18.83

General Electric

5.49

6.41

6.57

7.88

7.24

Hilton

68.54

78.39

79.31

87.20

77.45

Home Depot

239.33

241.88

248.48

254.90

242.39

Int’l Paper

31.05

32.13

34.05

39.03

34.92

Key Corp

9.72

10.74

11.66

14.56

13.21

Lowe’s

113.78

122.25

130.35

130.97

126.05

Martin Marietta

168.07

179.69

192.09

225.43

197.09

M&T Bank

89.12

98.03

105.66

123.30

109.00

McDonald’s

173.81

184.41

186.32

197.16

189.03

National Grid

55.74

54.01

57.12

57.96

57.36

NBT Bancorp Inc.

27.54

29.86

31.32

33.80

30.30

Plug Power

4.08

4.11

4.21

4.88

5.06

Quad Graphics

2.65

2.92

2.85

3.95

3.35

Starbucks

74.16

77.62

77.99

82.14

72.57

Sysco

47.62

51.75

55.16

61.59

53.37

Target

120.94

117.49

122.33

121.53

116.93

The TorontoDominion Bank

38.95

39.69

42.80

48.37

45.90

Trans World

4.20

4.66

4.73

5.17

5.85

Trustco Bank

5.43

6.01

6.30

7.01

6.22

Verizon

54.71

54.10

57.38

57.74

56.51

Walmart

125.94

124.33

124.06

121.56

117.68

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

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH As the Capital Region and North Country navigate their way through phases one and two of New York state’s reopening, phases, questions remain as to what is considered open for business and what’s not. Banks are no exception.

With decisions being made on a company-by-company basis, and sometimes even a branch-by-branch basis, local banks are working to roll out a plans that both meet customer needs while and state safety guidelines.

At NBT Bank, officials are evaluating conditions specific to each region and market. Customers are encouraged visit the company’s website to learn about branch hours and service options, before visiting any location. Crystal DeStefano, president and director of public relations for Strategic Communications LLC, which works for NBT, said they will be implementing a number of new protocols to ensure safety for customers and employees.

“This includes the use of PPE, maintaining increased cleaning, and providing additional information directly to our customers in the coming days and weeks,” said DeStefano.

Charles V. Wait, CEO and president of Adirondack Trust Co., said they are complying with guidance issued by the state’s New York Forward plan. He said customers can expect to see floor markers for proper social distancing and plexiglass barriers at teller stations and customer service desks. The bank limits the number of customers inside the bank and requires employees and customers to wear face coverings. Hand sanitizer is available and

there is consistent disinfecting of hightouch areas, such as countertops, ATMs and drive-thru drawers and canisters.

“Our offices are cleaned daily, and drivethru drawers and tubes are cleaned after each customers’ use,” said Wait.

Bank hours at Adirondack Trust have remained the same since before the COVID-19 pandemic, however the company did have to restrict access to lobbies by requiring appointments. Wait said effective June 3, the lobbies reopened with no appointment needed. He said they have been able to utilize remote service when needed.

“We do use remote conferencing systems for mortgage closings as needed, and that is very helpful for our customers and staff, as well as those that work on mortgage closings, such as attorneys etc.,” he said.

“We have found that this works well but have also continued to offer in-person closings for those that request that service. However, we practice all necessary safeguards from limiting the number of people in the room to social distancing to requiring face coverings.”

NBT has not yet determined if they are ready for walk-in lobby services. Like many banks, DeStefano said NBT Bank offers digital banking options, including technology for virtual conferences and selfservice applications.

“These options have been available before and during the pandemic, and will continue to be available as our communities reopen,” said DeStefano.

For the most up to date information, visit adirondacktrust.com or nbtbank. com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 13

BNI Networking Group Replaces Face-ToFace Meetings With Weekly Online Sessions •

BNI, an international organization has more than 9,500 chapters worldwide. Eleven are in the Albany and surrounding region, including Glens Falls.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Business Network International, known as BNI, has revamped its networking approach in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic. The group, which has chapters in Saratoga and Warren counties, refers to the transition as a “brand refresh.”

The international organization has more than 9,500 chapters worldwide. Eleven of these are in the Albany and surrounding region.

Michael Cruz, chapter director consultant for the Greater Glens Falls BNI chapter, said “there was a project already underway within BNI. We were figuring out how to turn live, face-to-face training, into online training. BNI had purchased 10 seats of Zoom to begin this training. Ironically, at the time, they thought they overbought. Then the shutdown happened, and BNI decided to re-purpose the training platforms into meeting platforms. By the third week of March, we’d launched BNI Online,” said Cruz.

“Almost immediately, we were able to do meetings online,” he said. “We produced a slide deck that mimicked the in-person meeting presentation as close as we could. For the most part, we kept the tenor of the meetings the same.

Passing referrals, the one to ones that members do with each to build trust—all of this went to the Zoom platform. We tried to do everything we could to keep it flowing. And we were able to do it for all of our chapters.”

Attorney Kim Salerno, of Salerno Law, is the president of the Saratoga Winners Circle chapter in Saratoga Springs. It continues to meet weekly online via Zoom, to network and pass introductions and referrals to members. She has been part of the group for nine years.

“I was impressed with how quickly BNI put together an entire Zoom platform. They also put together a Power Point for our group to use.

I’m not that tech savvy, so I was nervous at first because I was the one who would have to run the Zoom meeting for 34 people. But it’s been working out very well,” said Salerno.

“Business is still being passed. Especially in the beginning, it was really good for all us to be able to see each other. It’s a source of comfort to see everyone, and hear how their businesses are doing, and how each of us can help one another if we’re able to,” she said.

“The fresh new look will help give rise to more

referrals by attracting people who are unfamiliar with BNI and all it has to offer,” said a news release from BNI founder Ivan Misner. “More members mean more referrals. It provides members with sustainable business growth and an optimistic future. The refreshed BNI brand will leverage all the features and benefits that BNI has to offer.”

Said Cruz, “In April and May, our first two months of virtual BNI meetings, our members have passed over $1 billion worldwide.”

He said he would like the organization to go back to face-to-face meetings, but not anytime soon. Virtual meetings could continue for two or three months.

“We’re open. We’re doing business. Our members are continuing to build personal trust and personal brands,” said Cruz.

“When you own your own business, you have a different approach to networking. You’re more invested. And when you’re going through the ups and downs of your own business, you tend to be more compassionate towards other business owners. You want to help them,” said Salerno.

“We have a very dynamic group,” she said. “We pass a lot of business, over a million dollars. A lot of the networking goes on before and after the actual meeting. Nothing will be able to replace our in-person meetings. But Zoom is a good solution for the interim.

“Even though we’re meeting virtually, we’re still having visitors. If you’re home, it might be nice to see that there are still businesses out there, and that we’re here to support you.”

Brian Rollo, president of the Adirondack BNI Chapter in Glens Falls, said since going virtual, leadership has implemented weekly regional meetings. This gives members access to meetings with other members and businesses owners throughout the region, not just their own chapter.

Rollo is the founder of Brian Rollo Consulting Group, providing leadership development, executive coaching and career development coaching. He said for businesses like his that are not location-dependent, this has been a valuable resource.

The international networking group represents over 270,000 businesses worldwide. Amidst transitioning to COVID-19 virtual meetings, the organization has also redesigned their logo, website and social media. Branding materials have been updated as well.

Personnel Briefs

Ad vo k at e L LC i n Glens Falls design and marketing firm, announce d t he hir ing of Angela Nardin of Glens Falls as a graphic designer.

Nardin is a graduate of SUNY Adirondack with a media arts degree and also has a music degree from SUNY Adirondack.

She joined the company as an intern in April and was hired in the last week of May. She was a student ambassador at SUNY Adirondack, president of the Glens Falls High School Drama Club, designed the GFHS prom T-shirts and tickets, was president of the Glens Falls High School Octet, earned a scholarship when she won first place at Glens Falls’ senior art show.

Nardin was on the Dean’s List for all of her semesters of college. She previously was employed at Best Buy.

* * *

Laurie Guyon, WSWHE BOCES assistant coordinator for model schools, was among five educators chosen nationwide by CoSN and EdScoop for the 2020 NextGen: Emerging EdTech Leaders Program.

Selection was based on their personal essays and the diversity of the populations they serve, among other criteria. CoSN said the designation goes to leaders with the hands-on experience and vision needed to ensure that technology makes a profound

•

difference in education.

The 2020 NextGen Leaders were honored virtually during the CoSN Annual Conference.

* * *

SEFCU has hired Kendra Rubin to its executive team as chief legal officer.

In the new role, Rubin will be SEFCU’s ge ne ra l c ou ns e l — working with internal and external business partners, providing legal advice and strategy to senior management and managing external legal counsel relationships. She will also oversee contract administration, regulatory compliance and advocacy.

Before joining SEFCU, Rubin was vice president of government affairs at the New York Credit Union Association, where she led the association’s state and federal lobbying and advocacy.

Rubin previously worked in various positions with New York state, including as deputy director for the Bureau of Program Counsel and Health Insurance with the state Department of Health and various positions within the state’s Executive Chamber.

Rubin graduated from the University at Albany and Albany Law School. She was named Albany Law School’s Rising Star in Government in 2017 and one of City and State’s Albany 40 under 40 in 2019.

14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

Restuarants Open Outdoor Patios Continued From Page 1

More To Read . . . More Leads For You. (518) 581-0600 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

“I’m not optimistic about reaching 50 percent,” he said. “I don’t think I’m alone in that. I think there are going to be restrictions on the amount of people you can seat, and there are a lot of people who would normally go out to eat that may be concerned about it. I think we are going to see a shift there, and I think there is this misconception that when restaurants open that business is going to come right back. That is not what we are seeing in other states, and I don’t think we are going to see it here. ” “Most restaurants in the Adirondacks and Lake George that stay open during months like November and December lose money,” said Carr. “They stay open to keep staff working. The concern for me is that if they don’t have the money to do that, where is that going to put those employees?”

Carr has 45 year-round, full-time employees and typically hires an additional 80 during the summer months. Many are international college students. It remains uncertain if these students will be allowed to travel to the U.S. Both Carr and Mineo received Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loans from the government. In order for a portion of these loans to be forgivable, at least 75 percent of the forgivable amount must be used for payroll costs during the first eight weeks of the loan. As a result, Mineo considers his PPP to be nothing more than a conventional loan.

“For the loan to be forgiven is near impossible. I think they knew that. I’m grateful for the loan, but they pretty much set us up for failure,” he said. “How could I have gotten my entire staff to come back when at the time I could only do takeout? They would have been making a fraction of what they were making on unemployment.”

“It’s a real problem,” agreed Carr. “It’s almost like there were two federal programs that were in opposition to each other. You have the PPP which was encouraging employers to bring employees back, but then people are making more on unemployment. A lot of the employers that I talk to can’t even get

their employees to call them back.”

Local restaurant owners are also frustrated with the lack of guidance from the state.

“They gave us less than one day to prepare,” said Mineo. “It was a mess. There’s a lot we had to do, and not everyone was able to open right away.”

Mineo was able to open June 4. Guests were seated on Gaslight’s outdoor patio and in a tent that was erected on the premises. All tables are at least six feet apart, and customers are required to wear masks when they are not at their tables. Restaurant employees wear masks at all time.

Adirondack Brewery opened for outdoor dining June 5. The restaurant has a large outdoor dining area and beer garden, and several tents were added to increase seating.

Carr invested $1,000 in social distancing signs, plexiglass and PPE for his staff.

“We tried to identify high-traffic areas and widened those areas and removed tables,” he said. “We also make hand sanitizer in our distillery and have hand sanitizing stations throughout the restaurant. We also added dedicated staff who go around and clean and sanitize tables with alcohol based sanitizers.”

“The state hasn’t given a lot of guidance,” he said. “We’ve been spending last few months studying what people are doing in other states.”

Schmidt said she received no guidance regarding the opening of her large outdoor dining area.

“I’ve heard nothing from anybody. Nothing from the mayor, nothing from the governor, nothing from the state, nothing from the county,” she said. “Absolutely nothing.”

“Our state has been very ambiguous,” Mineo said. “I think our state is doing a really poor job balancing the reopening of businesses and the safety of the region.”

“I know of a few restaurants in the surrounding area that won’t make it,” he said.

“It’s going to be tough for me because I’ve only been open for one year. But deep down, I think we are going to get through it.”

West Mountain Opening July 4 Continued From Page 1

as we move forward in the summer that the guidance will be continually updated. I just know we will be able to open and that we will conform to anything that is required. We’ve just been in a wait-and-see pattern and letting people know that we will be open on July 4.

We will do whatever we have to do to be open.”

Although the mountain will be open for outdoor recreation, weddings will not be able to take place there until pandemic gathering restrictions had been lifted. Weddings are a new addition to West Mountain for the 2020 season, he said.

“Weddings are something that we are just embarking on and we expect it to be a big part of our business in the summer. You can take a chairlift ride to the top to have your ceremony and then come back down the chairlift and have your reception at the bottom,” said Montgomery. “We had our chairlift re-engineered so that we could have downhill traffic on it. Most chairlifts are engineered for uphill traffic only.”

Weddings that were scheduled during the pandemic have been canceled or postponed, but Montgomery is hopeful that weddings will be able to take place in the late summer or early fall. Ceremonies are performed on a platform that sits on top of the mountain and overlooks the Hudson River.

He expects the High Ropes Adventure Park to be especially popular this year. The $1 million attraction opened last year and features six high ropes courses for climbers ages 7 and up. The course is accessed by the West Express Chairlift and is located under a canopy of trees.

For the first time, West Mountain will offer summer day camps beginning in July.

Because many venues have canceled their summer camps, these camps are expected to

be popular, said Montgomery.

Despite the pandemic, Montgomery said he was encouraged by the response to their winter season ski pass pre-sale that ended on May 31. Sales were up over 60 percent and set a new record.

“I think it was in part because people came last season and saw all of the new improvements,” he said. “We got a new cafeteria. We got a brand new chairlift at the northwest base. We renovated the northwest lodge. All of our capital projects are done now at the ski center. We’ve been at this for about seven years and have done about $15 million in improvements. There’s not much we haven’t replaced. It’s been a journey ... We are looking forward to growing our brand.”

According to Montgomery, management will now focus on operations and land development. They would like to build a ski-and-stay hotel resort on a large piece of property located at the northwest base area of the mountain, the former site of the Hudson Farm.

“Development would be the next phase for us,” he said. “A ski-and-stay component is why we have done all of this with the ski center.

It would be difficult to justify putting all of this money into a small ski area just to hope to get a return from the actual ski area. That’s rarely how things work in this industry. The ski area is the engine that creates activity and pays your light bill so to speak. And then you put amenities on top of that once it’s built, and that’s where your profits come from.”

Many of West Mountain’s employees have already returned to work and are performing maintenance duties. Montgomery expects to reach full summer employment levels in July.

For more information on West Mountain, visit www.westmountain.com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020 • 15

For LEASE 14,000 sf metal warehouse & office space.

Lake George Summer Season Continued From Page 1

packed, he said.

To comply, it was necessary that the village invest $16,000 in a fence around the beach to control the inf lux, he said.

Only half the normal amount of visitors are allowed in public places as New York progressively reopens. Blais said Million Dollar Beach was busy for two days during the long weekend. On the third day, they had to turn some away per the state’s guidelines.

“We wanted all to know—the employees, the guests and the community—that preparations exceeded state and federal guidelines,” said Michael Bittel, executive director of Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.

“Guests knew that if they went across the street to a different hotel that it would live up to the same quality level,” he said.

“The hoteliers put competitiveness aside and it warmed my heart.”

“We have learned the strength of working with each other, because Lake George is a family of family businesses,” Mintzer said. “If we are taking care of staff, then they are taking care of our neighbors, and they can take care of our guests.”

Minter said that early on in the new world of COVID-19, the restaurant community came together with best practices for service, outdoor seating and other issues specific to food and beverage businesses.

After the weekend, Mintzer conducted a video meeting among Lake George chamber members. She said there were 30 respondents, of which nearly half were

hotels and a third were restaurants.

“Our goal was to make sure a safety plan was in place, to assess where customers were coming from and to learn how many visitors were new to area,” she said.

Financially these establishments were at approximately 20 percent of last year’s levels, or an 80 percent drop from last year, she said. Another key finding was that 96 percent of customers surveyed reported that they felt safe.

“The chamber encouraged hotels to let their guests to know in advance how the client experience was going to be different,” Mintzer said. “What we got out of this is that people were pleased to see additional protocols in place and appreciated special training among the staff.”

“Additionally, many saw an inf lux of new guests, so word is getting out about Lake George,” she said.

In early June the Lake George business community was adjusting to the cancellation of Americaide. Mayor Blais said he was pleased to learn that people in large numbers came anyway.

“We asked them why, and they explained their vacations had been scheduled weeks ago and reservations made,” he said.

“They came to see the people they had built friendships with over the years.”

“Our challenge now is to make sure we are not moving forward too quickly, or are moving quickly enough to re-open the economy,” Mintzer said. “Since we are inviting visitors to the area, we want to make sure everybody is operating responsibly while reassuring our neighbors and guests.”

WE SELL HOTELS $7,360,000

$1,050,000

Wingate by Wyndham Lake George, NY Sold July 2018

The Copperfield Inn Resort - North Creek, NY Sold December 2019

$3,670,000

$526,147

The Landmark Motor Inn - Glens Falls, NY Sold March, 2018

Black Mountain Lodge - North Creek NY Sold October 2019

$2,000,000

$3,200,000

Econolodge - Lake George, NY Sold January 2018

Ramada Hotel & Conference Center Queensbury, NY - Sold September 2017

Contact Mitch Muroff for a complimentary valuation: 617-610-7774 or mmuroff@muroffdaigle.com

www.muroffdaigle.com

Open Span • Truck Docks • 3 Overhead Doors • Heated & Insulated

Easy Access to I-87 exit 16. Corner lot at RT 9 and Ballard Rd intersection Will Subdivide - Call for Details 518-879-6175

16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2020

We specialize in taking care of our guests with a beautiful breakfast to go bar, on-site amenities, and comfortable modern accommodations. We are directly off Exit 18 1-87 and a short drive to Lake George, Saratoga Springs, and the Adirondacks!