Glens Falls Business Journal - July 2020

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JULY 2020

Aviation Mall Reopens After Green Light From Common Roots Brewing Co., At The End Of State; Many Safety Guidelines Are In Place A Challenging Road, Is Ready For The Future

These signs on an entrance to the Aviation Mall in Glens Falls remind shoppers of the safety measures that have been imposed due to the virus pandemic.

The owners of Common Roots Brewing Co. opened their business in a new building after its original one was destroyed by fire. V&H Construction built the new structure.

Courtesy Aviation Mall

In accordance with the announcement made last week by Gov. Andrew Cuomo, Aviation Mall will opened July 10 for on-property retail, dining and eligible entertainment following the official New York Phase Four guidance.

As part of its re-opening, Aviation Mall introduced significant changes to its safety and sanitizing policies and procedures, along with Healthy Shopper Guidelines with Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommendations everyone must follow prior to entering the property, mall officials said.

Aviation Mall will operate under modified hours of operation, Monday through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Officials said some venues, including restaurants may have different operating hours.

“Our preparations over the past three months have truly put the safety and well-being of our guests, tenants and employees first,” said Aiden McGuire, director of corporate Continued On Page 14

Courtesy V&H Construction

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Common Roots Brewing Co. is open at its new, expanded facility at 58 Saratoga Ave. in South Glens Falls.

The 15,000-square-foot facility is on the site of the company’s original brew house that was gutted by fire in March 2019. It is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m. for to-go sales only from the new taproom.

It will open with beer-to-go service and outdoor on-premise seating, as allowed by guidelines imposed during the COVID-19

pandemic.

A gastro pub-style menu will be rolled out with food to go.

Phinney Design Group in Saratoga Springs designed the structure. V&H Construction of Fort Edward built it.

Christian Weber founded the company with his father, Burt Weber, in 2014.

“We understand it’s a destination spot for a lot of people,” said Weber. “The experience of coming to Common Roots has always been really Continued On Page 9

Texas Company’s Plan To Buy Former GE Report: Warren County’s Concentration Of Property In Fort Edward Falls To COVID-19 Medical Supply Jobs Is Highest In The Nation

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Fort Worth-based WL Plastics, a subsidiary of Carson, Calif.-based Ineos Olefins & Polymers USA, has abandoned plans to acquire more than 25-acres of property at the former General Electric dewatering site in Fort Edward.

GE ceased operations there in 2015 after spending 8 years and approximately $1.7 billion to dredge PCB-tainted sediment from the Hudson River.

WL Plastics, one of North America’s largest manufacturers of high density polyethylene pipe, first expressed interest in the property two years ago. It would have been their ninth location.

In December 2019, the Warren-Washington County Industrial Development Agency (IDA) voted unanimously to offer the company approximately $2 million in incentives. The package included up to $871,500 in sales tax incentives and $1.19 million in property tax breaks. WL Plastics planned to invest $17 million in the property and create 50 well-paying jobs.

According to a written statement released by the company, their plans to build a new plant in Fort Edward were no longer “economically viable” a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. The company relies heavily on the oil and gas industries which have slowed considerably in recent months due to COVID-related industrial declines and travel restrictions.

Dave O’Brien, chairman of the IDA, said he was expecting WL Plastics to close on the property in the coming weeks. No one at the IDA was aware the deal was in jeopardy.

“I was quite a bit surprised by the phone call,”

WL Plastics in Fort Worth was closing in on the purchase of this former GE property. he said. “I understood that the oil and gas business was not helping them right now because that is one of their main markets, but I didn’t realize it was causing them to reevaluate their entire future plans.”

O’Brien expressed disappointment in the decision, noting the IDA believed WL Plastics was a great fit for the area.

“I think they were very sincere and excited about coming to Fort Edward,” he said. “I think Continued On Page 12

As the coronavirus pandemic underscores the importance of the domestic manufacturing of medical equipment and supplies, according to Ed Bartholomew, president and CEO of EDC Warren County.

Bartholomew said that U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data is revealing for the first time that Warren County has the nation’s highest concentration of jobs in that industry.

According to a Center for Economic Growth (CEG) data analysis, over 1,509 jobs with total annual wages of nearly $93 million.

For over 50 years, Warren County’s medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry has been making high quality products, earning the area the name Catheter Valley.

Today’s companies in Warren County, such as AngioDynamics, Becton Dickinson (BD) Bard, Delcath Systems and Medline Industries, have kept that tradition alive, Bartholomew said.

BLS recently started disclosing the number of jobs in Warren County’s medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry. The data shows that in 2019 the county had 1,509 jobs in the industry, resulting in an 18.2 location quotient (LQ). That LQ represented the nation’s highest concentration of jobs in this industry among more than 500 U.S. counties for which full employment data is disclosed, according to CEG. Bartholomew said Warren County’s medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry includes total annual wages of $92.8

million in 2019, with annual average wage per employee was $61,354.

“We’ve long known that Warren County’s medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry is unique on the national level, and we now have the data to quantify that,” said Bartholomew. “While our manufacturers do not focus on the personal protective equipment that is in high demand amid this crisis, COVID-19’s supply chain disruptions have underscored the importance of domestically producing medical equipment and supplies. Warren County has a sizeable and skilled workforce that’s been doing this type of production for decades, and with the possibility of more manufacturing coming back to the U.S. shore we will be ready.”

“As the nation comes to terms with how much manufacturing of medical equipment and supplies and pharmaceuticals is no longer done in this country, we are developing a deeper understanding of how much of this activity we have in the Capital Region,” said CEG. “What we have here is nationally unique, and we want the Capital Region to be the first place that leaders in business and politics think of when they start looking to increase domestic production of these essential products. When it comes to this type of manufacturing, Warren County is the Capital Region’s northern star, and that is why CEG partnered with Warren County EDC for this research.”

Other counties with high concentrations Continued On Page 5

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

OxiFresh Carpet Cleaning, Serving Customers Bolton Landing Gift Shop, Local, Opens A Throughout Region, Has A New Owner Second Store On Canada St. In Lake George

Andrew Allen, new owner of OxiFresh Carpet Cleaning, does work from Queensbury to Albany. He is looking for space to house his business in the Saratoga area. ©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

BY JILL NAGY OxiFresh Carpet Cleaning has a new owner, but he promises customers, “there will be no changes in your relationship with OxiFresh.”

The only difference people will notice, said new owner Andrew Allen, is “when speaking to management you will now be working with me.”

Allen was a technician and then manager with the company for three years. He began in 2017 as a technician. A year later, he was manager of operations.

While he worked his way up, Allen was also a student at SUNY Adirondack where he earned a business degree. He was simultaneously a full-time student and a full-time employee at OxiFresh.

This year, the employer offered to sell the franchise to him and he purchased it.

As a “neat freak, almost OCD,” he said he is a natural for the carpet cleaning business.

Furthermore, the company has “great customers” and “I like making people happy.”

The company does residential and commercial cleaning of carpet, upholstery and floors. They also sell a hospital-grade disinfectant that, Allen said, will kill viruses in under five minutes—just spray and wipe.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he always asks customers if they have been sick before going in to do a job. He wears a mask and gloves and tries to keep disinfected an area six feet around him.

The OxiFresh company is about 60 years old, Allen estimated. His franchise covers the territory from Queensbury to Albany.

For now, Allen is working on his own, out of his garage. Now that the COVID lockdown has opened up somewhat, he is looking to hire an assistant.

You can reach Allen at 518-812-4400 or by e-mail at Andrew.oxifreshocd@gmail.com.

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People gather at the ribbon cutting ceremony marking the opening of Local on Canada Street in Lake George, which sells a variety of gifts with their logo, a drawing of the lake.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Local, a gift shop in Bolton Landing, has just opened a second gift shop in downtown Lake George.

The Canada Street shop offers all of the sought-after goods they’ve been selling in their Bolton Landing store since 2014.

Co-owners Matt Peterson and Domenick Pfau took part in a ribbon cutting ceremony last month to celebrate the opening.

“For us, we wanted to be more accessible to our customers that live more near the southern end of Lake George. We know as well as anyone that the drive up (state Route) 9N in either summer or winter can be harrowing so we wanted to make it just a little bit easier for those locals,” said Pfau.

He said they felt the time was right to make their mark in Lake George, where they expect to see a lot of foot traffic from both local residents and visitors.

“Lake George Village is a much larger market than Bolton Landing, based on sheer population, and we thought it was time to become an addition to their boardwalk. We’re excited to not be another T-shirt shop in a tourist town, but a lifestyle brand that adds value to the shopping experience and community,” said Pfau.

When it came to taking have a second store, Pfau said his sister was a key player. Sara Pfau started her Lake George Jewelry business in 2007, creating jewelry designs from her own drawings.

Several years later, she drew an outline of Lake George for her brother, which became a major part of the business brand.

“My best friend and business partner, Matt and I thought that the same design would look pretty cool on a tank top. We started screen printing in our parents kitchens, garages, dorm rooms and basements, selling the tanks and tees out of the trunks of our cars and our website at the time. We opened Local in 2014 in Bolton Landing. We turned a small dream into a reality.

We’re now able to share our love for Lake George with customers all over the country who hold this place dear to their hearts as well as create

Courtesy Local

products that are perfectly suited for living the Local lifestyle,” said Pfau.

Pfau said they currently have seven employees, who he described as people who have an authentic affection for the area. He said it’s important to have staff that appreciate the heart behind the brand.

“We only had three last year, but with the second location in Lake George Village, we have a full staff of seven. We put these kids through the ringer during the application process too.

We requested resumes, recommendations, interviews, all for just a summer job. Why? Yes, anybody can fold a shirt and make change for a customer, but we wanted staff that is dedicated, responsible and truly wants to be part of the Local brand,” said Pfau.

Like many small businesses, specifically retail, Pfau said the pandemic has had an impact on business. He said it is the toughest year they have faced since first opening in Bolton Landing location.

“We sure picked the right time to invest in a new location right?” he said. “However, because of our strong social media presence and online store, our community of dedicated and supportive customers had the ability to buy Local from home. We were so humbled by and grateful to our locals because without them and their continued and overwhelming support, this may have not been possible.”

Pfau said being in an area where the community is built on small business, the pandemic has really highlighted how much the community and small business owners depend on each other.

Local is part of the Lake George Region/ Southern Adirondacks Health & Safety Pledge, following safety guidelines and procedures set by the CDC, state Department of Health and regional health offices to keep customers and employees safe. All customers are expected to wear a mask and social distance when possible.

Local is open seven days a week, from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Its website is iwearlocal.com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 3

Despite Pandemic, Lake George Officials ‘Better Than New Painting’ Business Growth Say Early Summer Business Was Strong Leads To Plans For A Building In Kingsbury Lake George region hospitality businesses reported a banner weekend for bookings and sales for the first official weekend of summer.

Many say reservations for the important July 4th holiday weekend are strong as well.

Canada Street in the village of Lake George and Main Street in Bolton Landing were bustling as visitors flocked to the Southern Adirondack region’s lakes and re-awakening tourist attractions for a warm, sunny respite.

“People need a break. They’re eager to get out and enjoy the fantastic weather. They’re coming to Lake George to hike, bike and paddle, to go out in boat, and some people just enjoy sitting on the beach reading under a brilliant blue sky,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce reopened the Lake George Village Visitor Center at 1 Beach Road on June 20 for the season with precautions and protocols in place. The center will now be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As the Warren County Tourism Department kicked off a new advertising campaign and temperatures soared to 90 degrees, Capital Region day-trippers and overnight guests made their way to America’s first summer playland to have some fun safely.

“The Lake George Area has been an iconic vacation destination for generations,” said Joanne Conley, Warren County’s Director of Tourism. “With a wide range of outdoor activities for people to experience, coupled with a beautiful Adirondack backdrop and extraordinary weather, a getaway this weekend was an easy decision to make.”

The Fort William Henry Hotel in Lake George and the Best Western of Lake George were sold out over the weekend and expect to be sold out again for the July 4 holiday, said President Sam Luciano. “Our parking lot is full of cars. It’s a beautiful sight.”

“We have had a lot of traffic both from out of town and local, the Albany area and north,” said Kristen DePace of Chic’s Marina in Bolton Landing. “We have implemented multiple safety precautions due to COVID and these uncertain times and our staff and customer base are doing a great job adjusting to things.

This weekend we were sold out as were other rental companies on the lake, so it shows that tourism is strong and people are wanting to

come and enjoy our area while at the same time feeling safe with all the precautions businesses in the area are taking.”

“This was Lake George’s busiest weekend so far this year,” said Vinnie Crocitto III of both the Holiday Inn Resort and Super 8 in Lake George. “We had a lot of families and couples looking to get away and relax. For the past week our phones have been ringing like crazy with people interested in coming to Lake George.”

“I was pleasantly surprised at the number of people coming to take a cruise. Most passengers came with their own masks, even for the children. Overall, business was stronger than I expected. We are selling out cruises, but still are limited to 50% capacity,” said Patricia Dow of the Lake George Steamboat Co. “This weekend business was better than expected. People seem to be making an effort to get out and enjoy themselves,” said Joe Mondella, owner of The Lagoon restaurant in Lake George.

Sara Pfau of The Point in Bolton Landing said: “Our phone has not stopped ringing. I have all eight of my cabins rented through Labor Day.’’ Mintzer credited the efforts of the business community and Warren County. “Word is getting out: Lake George is a fun, safe and healthy place to vacation, and we take protecting the health of our visitors, employees and community seriously.’’

Local hospitality businesses have adopted rigorous cleanliness and sanitation standards.

They can display their dedication to these guidelines by displaying the Lake George Region/ Southern Adirondacks Health and Safety Pledge badge in their windows and on web sites. Nearly 100 businesses and counting have signed this local pledge to uphold these standards. Lake George entered Phase 3 of New York State’s business re-opening process on June 17. Thus far, local public health officials say it has gone well, with no notable regionwide uptick in reports of coronavirus illness as of Sunday.

“Many people are wearing masks as they should when they cannot maintain at least six feet of separation. Full compliance is our goal, and we’re engaged in an ongoing educational process every day. We want to be known as a leader in protecting public health,’’ said Mintzer.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Better Than New Painting is expanding and relocating to Kingsbury.

The painting company is currently located at 15 Boulevard in Queensbury.

Anthony Muscatello has owned the business since 2006.

Hilltop Construction will be building the 4,750-square-foot, metal facility.

The building will include two offices, a conference room, restrooms and a large shop. Better Than New does furniture grade finishes and Muscatello plans to add a robotic trim machine to increase productivity and efficiency.

He said the expansion increases revenue generating opportunities. “If you’re not able to do work indoors, it’s a long winter up here.”

“We wanted something new, tailor built for us, without having to retrofit something after it was purchased. Starting from scratch is the best way to get the facility I want. I wanted a state-of-the-art facility that can help increase our efficiency and allow us to grow our labor force,” he said.

Muscatello currently leases the facility in Queensbury, and began looking for a permanent location several years ago when his client load began to outgrow his space.

“I wanted to invest in my business, and invest in the region. I thought it would be a wise business move to invest in the Kingsbury community,” said Muscatello.

“It’s been a process to get here. The numbers had to be right, to be able to expand. It’s part of the evolution of the growth we’ve been experiencing every year,” he said.

He purchased the business from his father, who started the company in 1978.

“It was a means for extra money in the summertime,” said Muscatello. “I went to college in South Carolina, then came home and bought out the business. I made it a career.”

Better Than New Painting will be moving into a new building in Kingsbury.

Courtesy Better Than New Painting

Better Than New Painting does interior, exterior, residential and commercial painting, as well as staining, lacquering, pressure washing and some drywall repair.

“I want to set the bar in our region for painting and wall covering companies. I want us to be the standard. Everybody knows our brand, what we do, what we stand for, our values. I think the sky is the limit here,” said Muscatello.

Muscatello credits his team of employees for the company’s success.

“I can’t do this alone. If it weren’t for my team, we wouldn’t be where we are today.

We have great people. Everybody comes to work everyday and gives 110 percent,” said Muscatello.

The company can be reached at (518) 852-8814. Its website is www. betterthannewpainting.com.

4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

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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 Lisa Balschunat 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.

Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Glens Falls Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Glens Falls Business Journal are the property of Glens Falls Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Glens Falls Business Journal.

Business Report Lake George Is Fun, Safe To Visit

BY GINA MINTZER The Lake George area’s tourism industry is responsible for an estimated 9,100 jobs and an annual economic impact of $629 million. Visitor spending in the region produces millions of dollars in sales tax revenue that offsets local property taxes and supports essential public services.

When the COVID-19 lockdown began, the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce continued to operate remotely, recognizing the need for strong communication between staff, board of directors, members, partners, and clients.

We quickly reacted, doing our best to monitor rapidly changing information and share that with our community to help them navigate this unprecedented time. During the lockdown we surveyed the business community in an effort to get information on their needs and then advocate on their behalf.

Realizing the potentially devastating effect of COVID-19 to our tourism economy, businesses and government embraced a collaborative spirit.

The Warren County Economic Recovery Task Force was formed—a partnership between the Warren County Lodging Association, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Tourism Department, government officials and others. The partnership was established to proactively work toward recovery after the economic disruption.

The goal of the task force was to ensure the opening of businesses in the Lake George area safely, responsibly and with the health and wellbeing of the entire community, team members and visitors at the forefront. Through this careful planning and increased communication among businesses, the area prepared to reopen responsibly as each phase allowed.

To ensure safe practices for each phase, the group collected information from a variety of sources including government, industry organizations and various hospitality corporation’s best practices, and distilled that information for the local business community to implement at their individual properties.

Our recovery plan has included specific marketing of the destination in collaboration with all county partners, with the continuing message that we are in this together. These efforts allowed us to advocate for businesses to reopen at the “regional control room” level with great confidence for the area.

We believe our Warren County collaborative effort assisted the entire Capital Region as well as other statewide regions.

As the phased reopening progressed safely, the task force spun off a hospitality communications work group focused on an proactive public relations and advertising campaign to keep the Lake George area top of mind for staycation visitors both within the region and the 70 mile

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Gina Mintzer, executive director, Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Courtesy Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce

radius around New York City, with our messaging of what is available for the potential visitor to enjoy safely in the region.

Sidekick Creative of Glens Falls had designed an Adirondacks-themed kiosk for the Lake George Village Visitor Center, featuring all Warren County municipalities. They played off those designs and created the current posters, flyers, and lawn signs of the ongoing messaging: social distancing, wash your hands and wear a mask.

Businesses can print these signs as well to encourage people to maintain social distance, wash their hands and wear a mask.

The hospitality communications work group launched the Lake George Region and Southern Adirondacks Health and Safety Pledge program.

To date, nearly 150 businesses have signed the voluntary Health and Safety Pledge program, which goes beyond the CDC and state guidelines to confirm a safe work environment.

The Health and Safety Pledge badge allows businesses to showcase their dedication to rigorous cleanliness and sanitation standards they’ve adopted. It can be displayed as a window cling at their business or digitally on their website, social media and more. More information and a list of businesses that have pledged is available at lakegeorgechamber.com/COVID/pledge.

As we entered Phase Four of the NY Forward reopening plan, 500-plus job opportunities in the region became available. To help showcase these jobs, LakeGeorgeisHiring.com was developed

by Mannix Marketing, in conjunction with the hospitality communications work group participants: Behan Communications, Warren County Employment & Training, Warren County Tourism Department, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. The site features open positions for all levels of experience.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 5

Grey Ghost Bicycles Inundated With Work Hospital & Tourism Association Helps As People Take To Cycling During Pandemic Educate Travelers On State Safety Standards

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Interest in bicycling has grown as a safe alternative for transportation, combating boredom and staying in shape during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local bike shops, like Grey Ghost Bicycles in Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs, didn’t anticipate what that would mean for them. They have worked tirelessly to keep us with customer demand.

“I never in my wildest dreams could have imagined the spring we had,” said Grey Ghost manager Steve Fairchild.

With an established business in Glens Falls, Grey Ghost opened its second location in the plaza at 60 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs just before the pandemic hit. They were deemed by the state as an essential business, a determination that Fairchild said he thought may bring some challenges.

But he never expected to experience the demand that he saw almost immediately.

“As soon as the weather started to warm up in late March, early April, the demand just skyrocketed. Our inventory was almost immediately cleared out. Many of the bikes we sell are made in China and since most of the manufacturers closed, we couldn’t even order bikes. They just were not being made,” said Fairchild.

The second part of the demand on the business was repairs. That is the primarily focus now at both locations, since the availability of new bikes is scarce. Fairchild said people are digging bikes out of basements and garages, many of which haven’t been used in years.

“We have bikes coming in that need repairs of parts that are no longer being made. Some of these bikes are up to 30 years old. We do our best to get them operating with parts we have in stock,” he said. “We can’t even order some parts because either they are no longer available, or the supply can’t keep up with the demand. It has been a challenge to say the least.”

Fairchild said bicycle mechanics can be hard to find and they have had to ensure they are meeting all current safety regulations, including having only so many people at a location at a time, for

GlobalFoundries Buys Land; Eyes Expansion GlobalFoundries announced it has secured a purchase option agreement for approximately 66 acres of undeveloped land adjacent to what it calls its most advanced manufacturing facility, Fab 8 in Malta near the Luther Forest Technology Campus (LFTC).

The land parcel is located at the southeast end of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) Saratoga Technology + Energy Park (STEP) campus, adjacent to Stonebreak Road Extension, between the Fab 8 facility and Hermes Road.

Exercising the option to purchase the land and commencement of development to expand the

Niles Gagnon, Grey Ghost Bicycles sales manager, is masked for virus safety. ©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

safety distancing reasons.

He said they are used to circumstances not being ideal. When they opened their Glens Falls location, they were in a construction zone for a year due to a devastating fire at a neighboring building.

“I guess you could say we know how to work through unexpected situations,” said Fairchild.

The shop has a waiting period for repairs.

Fairchild said they are being inundated with repair orders but says most customers have been understanding given the current state.

“It has been overwhelming for us, and most people get that. We appreciate their patience,” said Fairchild.

Both locations are operating on a limited basis with limited stock. Grey Ghost Bicycles is available online at greyghostbicycles.com.

The locations are open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association is trying to use its platform to educate travelers on the new standards set in place by the New York State hospitality industry to make a guests’ stay as safe and comfortable as possible.

Lodging properties in the state are implementing operating guidelines that include enhanced cleaning protocols to protect the wellbeing of guests and employees in response to the pandemic, officials said.

Examples of operating guidelines and best practices set forth by hotels include: • Increased cleaning and disinfecting of public spaces and communal areas.

• Hand sanitizer (touchless if possible) at hotel entrances and key contact areas such as lobbies, elevator landings, pool & exercise areas, etc.

• Removing rooms from service for 72 hours after a guest leaves before cleaning.

• Employers are encouraged to take temperatures of employees (policy should be applied equally).

• Plexiglass installed at front desk to protect the guest and front desk employee.

“As New York state begins to ease back in to business, the real hope is that the state’s tourism industry will have a respectable summer and fall tourism season where families can experience all the great state

of New York has to offer,” said Mark Dorr, NYSH&TA president. “There have been many articles written about hotels and the ability to sanitize rooms and make sure guests are safe. The new guidelines put in place throughout the state, nation and world with regard to cleaning ‘best practices’ should leave no doubt that legitimate lodging businesses like hotels, inns and bed & breakfasts will be the best and safest choices for overnight stays this summer.”

“The NYS Destination Marketing Organization (NYSDMO) is proud to work with our hotel partners throughout the state,” said Don Jeffries, NYSMO president.

“Our hotel partners have been working diligently to implement sweeping safety measures to help promote a clean, safe, and secure experience for guests. The hard work of these hotels and their dedication to providing a safe, and enjoyable experience to our visitors will be vital in rebuilding the tourism and hospitality industry across New York state.”

The New York State Hospitality & Tourism Association (NYSH&TA) is a nonprofit trade organization representing 1,000 member businesses and individuals in the lodging and attractions industry. For more information, call (518) 465-2300 or visit www.nyshta.org.

Medical Supply Jobs

Census of Employment and Wages (QCEW) program, had previously been suppressed due to disclosure standards for each quarter going back to 2015, CEG said.

BLS’s disclosure of the industry data coincided with AngioDynamics’ June 2019 sale of its NAMIC fluid management portfolio to Medline Industries. It appears this deal helped diversify the industry’s employment makeup enough to overcome the disclosure standards that had prevented BLS from fully detailing the County’s Medical Equipment and Supplies Manufacturing employment, officials said.

Continued From Page 1

(LQs) of medical equipment and supplies manufacturing jobs were Yamhill County, Oregon (17.99); Pickaway County, Ohio (7.05); Lake County, Illinois (6.43); and Shelby County, Tennessee (5.95).

BLS last fall started reporting full employment data for Warren County’s Medical equipment and supplies manufacturing industry. That data, from BLS’s Quarterly

company’s Fab 8 facility will be subject to zoning regulations and client demand.

“GlobalFoundries continues to demonstrate its commitment to economic growth in Saratoga County and Upstate New York,” said Darren O’Connor, Malta town supervisor. “I am pleased to hear that this latest step will enable future growth opportunities.”

“Amid growing consensus in our nation’s capital for investment in semiconductor manufacturing, it’s more important than ever that we are ready to fast track our growth plans,” said Ron Sampson, GlobalFoundries senior vice president and general manager of U.S. fab operations. “With this agreement option, we now have additional flexibility to expand our footprint and position Fab 8 for future growth in Saratoga County and New York state, while strengthening U.S. leadership in semiconductor manufacturing.”

James Cronin Owner Cronin’s Golf Resort Reads

©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

SPECIAL SECTION

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

50 Plus

Despite Building Closures, Senior Centers Provide Food Delivery And Virtual Activities •

The Moreau Community Center, like other senior centers in the area, is keeping in close contact with its membership and conducting programs stressing safety.

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL The high-risk elderly population has faced greater challenges than most other demographic groups during the coronavirus pandemic. But although their doors are temporarily closed, local senior citizens centers have made sure their members stay safe through outreach and by shifting programs into the digital realm.

As the staff of the Greater Glens Falls Senior Center moved work to their homes, they made calls to the 1,100 members to assess needs, according to Executive Director Kim Bren. In some cases, a senior services specialist was called in to arrange rides, although with social distancing requirement the center’s 12-person van could not transport more than one senior at a time.

“Many members who didn’t know exactly what we do are very appreciative and will be more active as we slowly get back to normal,” said Bren. “Staff has learned that talking to the members personally lets them hear different sides and opinions.”

Saratoga Senior Center also did one-on-one

Courtesy Moreau Senior Center

phone calls to nearly 2,000 seniors who were either active members or who had recently not renewed memberships, according to Lois Celeste, executive director.

“Our first step was reassurance calls, then needs assessment,” Celeste said. “This resulted in a list of several hundred we have been calling daily.” There followed a second assessment call to anyone for whom the center had information and later, a third, she said.

Celeste had been running out of space at the center, where she has been for the past 11 years, as demand for programs and services rose before the virus drove everyone to selfquarantine.

“But that flipped on a dime when we learned we needed to shut down one of the area’s busiest senior centers right away,” she said.

Early on, Moreau Community Center organized the delivery of face masks and hand sanitizer and stayed in touch with its base of active seniors, according to Executive director Donna Nichols.

“We are a community center and seniors are Continued On Page 8

Business Report Lower ‘Reliance Rate’ During Retirement

BY MEGHAN MURRAY If you have decades to go until you retire, you don’t need to panic over volatile financial markets. You have plenty of time to regain lost ground and potentially achieve more growth in your investment portfolio.

But what if you are nearing retirement or already retired? After all, you will probably need to draw on your investments to pay for some of the costs associated with housing, food and the many other expenses you incur in daily life. So, is a down market cause for alarm?

It shouldn’t be. And you can help reduce your stress level by understanding your “reliance rate.” As its name suggests, your reliance rate tells you how much you rely on your portfolio— rather than other sources, such as Social Security or a pension—to meet your income needs during retirement. So, for example, if you need $60,000 each year, and $40,000 comes from your portfolio, your reliance rate is 66 percent.

Your reliance rate can influence your emotions and investment behavior. A higher reliance rate may tempt you to make emotional decisions during a market decline, since your portfolio is supplying more of your needs.

However, if you respond to a steep market drop by making dramatic changes to your portfolio, you may actually increase the likelihood that your money may not last. This is especially true if you move a large portion of your portfolio to cash, as cash does not typically provide growth potential to help keep up with inflation.

There is no “recommended” reliance rate for everyone, But, as a general rule, the higher your reliance rate, the more sensitive your portfolio may be to fluctuations in investment prices.

What can you do, then, to either lower this rate or, at least, moderate the risk level attached to it?

Here are some suggestions: • Adjust your expenses. During retirement, some of your expenses, such as commuting and other costs associated with work, will go down, but others—particularly health care—will go up. You can’t control all these expenses, but the more you can keep them under control, the

•

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

Courtesy Edward Jones Financial

less pressure there will be on your investment portfolio to provide you with income.

• Review your plans for Social Security. You can file for Social Security benefits as early as 62, but your monthly checks will then be reduced by about 30 percent from what you’d receive if you waited until your full retirement age, which is likely between 66 and 67. You can receive even more if you wait until 70, at which point your benefits will “max out.” So, if you can afford to push back the date at which you start taking Social Security, you could lower your reliance rate.

• Keep cash and short-term investments in your portfolio. Try to keep about one year’s worth of living expenses in cash or cash equivalents, and about three to five years’ worth of expenses in certificates of deposit and other short-term income-producing vehicles.

Having these assets available can help you avoid liquidating long-term investments when their prices are down.

Your investment portfolio will certainly be a key source of your retirement income. And by understanding how reliant you are on your portfolio, and the options you have for reducing this reliance, the better prepared you’ll be to withstand the inevitable market downturns.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 7

U.S. Census Bureau: Age Group Of 65 And Older Exhibits Rapid Growth Since 2010 The U.S. Census Bureau released estimates showing the nation’s 65-andolder population has grown rapidly since 2010, driven by the aging of Baby Boomers born between 1946 and 1964.

The 65-and-older population grew by over a third (34.2 percent or 13,787,044) during the past decade, and by 3.2 percent (1,688,924) from 2018 to 2019. The growth of this population contributed to an increase in the national median age from 37.2 years in 2010 to 38.4 in 2019, according to the Census Bureau’s 2019 population estimates.

“The first Baby Boomers reached 65 years old in 2011,” said Dr. Luke Rogers, chief of the Census Bureau’s Population Estimates Branch. “Since then, there’s been a rapid increase in the size of the 65-andolder population, which grew by over a third since 2010. No other age group saw such a fast increase. In fact, the under-18 population was smaller in 2019 than it was in 2010, in part due to lower fertility in the United States.”

In 2019, over half (29) of the states had a median age older than 38.4 years, including all nine states in the Northeast. Eleven states were in the South, six were in the Midwest, and three were in the West. Since 2010, the nation’s under-18 population declined by 1.5 percent, from 74,182,279 to 73,039,150.

The report said that in 2019, one in five people in Maine, Florida, West Virginia and Vermont were age 65 or older. Maine had the largest share (21.2 percent) of population in that age group, followed by Florida (20.9 percent), West Virginia (20.5 percent) and Vermont (20.0 percent). Utah had the lowest percentage (11.4 percent) of population age 65 and older followed by Washington, D.C. (12.4 percent), and Alaska (12.5 percent). Utah also had the lowest median age (31.3 years) in 2019, up 2.1 years from 29.2 in 2010. North Dakota was the only state whose median age declined (1.7 years) between 2010 and 2019. In 2019, North Dakota’s median age was 35.3 years.

Of the 3,142 counties in the United States in 2019, 57.3 percent (1,799) had a median age between 40.0 and 49.9 years; 34.2 percent (1,076) had a median age between 30 and 39.9; 6.8 percent (215) had a median age 50 or older; and 1.7 percent (52) had a median age younger than 30 years. Between 2010 and 2019, the median age increased in 83.2 percent (2,614) of counties. During this period, the median age dropped in 15.9 percent (500) of counties and stayed the same in 28 or 0.9 percent of counties.

In 2019, Sumter County, Florida, had the highest median age (68.1 years), and Madison County, Idaho, had the lowest median age (23.3 years).

Showcase Of Homes Event Canceled By Pandemic Concerns; Online Presence Planned This year’s “live” Showcase of Homes has been canceled by the Saratoga Builders Association due to public health and safety concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The event this fall would have been he 25th for the organization.

This annual community event has contributed over $1.3 million dollars to local charities over the years.

Though the organization has dropped the “live” tour for 2020, officials said there will be special alternative programming this fall in several forms—online, virtual and TV—to celebrate “our builder’s homes and developments, plus provide a way for you to contribute to our two important local charities that normally benefit from ticket sales,” the group said in a statement. “The Showcase Committee is working on the details” and more information will be released in August.

“We are thankful for all the generous support of this annual event over the years and look forward to presenting the 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes next year as we celebrate our 25th anniversary,” the group statement said.

The Saratoga Showcase of Homes is the area’s premiere new home tour. A total of $51,000 was donated last year to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Southern Saratoga, Warren & Washington Counties.

For more information, visit www. saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

The Saratoga Builders Association Inc. includes residential and commercial builders, developers, remodelers, building material suppliers, sub-contractors, financial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors, attorneys and other industry professionals.

Senior Centers

Continued From Page 6 a part of our commitment,” Nichols said. “We didn’t close but both youth services and senior services were suspended.”

As a result, Nichols said she had to lay off Moreau’s preschool director and senior director. Like her peers, she applied for and received a federal PPP loan.

Members around the community have missed the social activities and association centers provide them. Some already have “Zoom fatigue,” Celeste said.

“They want to come back,” Nichols said.

“But all in good time as we try to figure out how to reintroduce them safely.”

“Socialization is critical for seniors,” said Celeste. “They are isolated anyway, having lost a partner or their eyesight or their mobility ...

But our message is, stay home and stay safe.”

When interviewed, half of the seniors around Saratoga County who responded told Celeste that they wanted to come back into the center, but many were unsure.

All of the directors have the governmental green light to open their doors on a partial or trial basis and they are doing so according to CDC protocols and with a high degree of caution.

“The staff is coming in one or two at a time to conduct activities, but it will be slow getting back to normal,” said Bren. “We want our members to feel safe while enjoying themselves, but if they don’t feel ready to come in for crafts, for example, they can still participate virtually.”

Moving activities to online chat sites has been successful. Anyone who needs help getting set up on apps are getting the needed training.

Celeste has done ongoing technology assessments and Nichols said her staff is using the internet to “help seniors stay smart and healthy in this unprecedented time.”

“Our outreach is about gentle education, such as talking about using masks,” said Nichols. “We have a very active Facebook page and are posting anything from public health information to town of Moreau services to stay connected.”

Bren said classes and events range from virtual exercises class to a book club and online cooking class.

Saratoga Senior Center typically brings in Skidmore seniors over the summer to assist with educational programs, and this summer is no different. They just conduct their classes virtually, Celeste said.

Most sources of funding for area senior centers have “virtually gone away,” said Celeste. “We are not sitting pretty, but we are okay,” said Nichols. “People are generous. And our thrift store, which has an income stream, reopened July 6.”

Bren said much of their funding comes from the city of Glens Falls and Warren County Office for the Aging. She has taken advantage of her time at home to research different grants, and has secured financial support from the Tri-County United Way, the Charlie Woods Foundation, and a Stewart’s Foundation fund dedicated to nonprofit organizations affected

by COVID-19.

Fundraisers for community and senior centers are planned throughout the summer and fall. To learn more, visit gfseniors. com, saratogaseniorcenter.org, and moreaucommunitycenter.org.

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

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Construction

Renovation, Rebuild Of Thruway Rest Stops Regan Development Nearing Completion Of Will Start This Year By Investment Group Broad Street Commons Apartment Project

This is a rendering of what new rest stops along the New York State Thruway will look like. Officials say upfront costs won’t fall on toll payers.

New York’s Thruway rest areas are in line for a major makeover.

The state Thruway Authority board of directors has approved a $450 million, 33-year deal that will require a private consortium to revamp all 27 service plazas along the 570-mile superhighway system in the coming years.

Officials said the upfront costs will not fall on toll payers.

Instead, a consortium, known as Empire State Thruway Partners, will spend $300 million to rebuild 23 rest stops and extensively renovate the remaining four, with construction set to begin next year.

It will also be required to pay the Thruway Authority at least $51 million in rent and invest another $103 million in improving the rest stops over the course of the three-decade-long contract, according to the Thruway Authority.

In exchange, the consortium led by the John Laing Group, a private investment firm, will get to operate the restaurants, shops and facilities at the rest stops for 33 years.

Officials said that will likely attract a significant profit. The private firms will be allowed to keep

Courtesy State Thruway Authority

what’s left of the sales the rest areas produce each year after giving 0.84 percent of receipts to the Thruway Authority for rent.

Empire State Thruway Partners is projecting more than $10 billion in gross sales over the course of the contract, according to the authority.

“The upgrades planned with this redevelopment project include innovative, modern initiatives to improve the customer experience for the tens of thousands of travelers who use the service areas every day,” Thruway Executive Director Matthew Driscoll said.

The contract is not yet final. It still needs approval from state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli and Attorney General Letitia James’ office.

The private consortium still has the ability to break off the deal if it can’t obtain financing because of turmoil in the financial markets, which is of particular concern given the uncertainty created by the coronavirus crisis, officials said.

The John Laing Group is an investment firm that specializes in infrastructure. The firm took over operation of Connecticut’s rest areas in 2016.

Construction of Regan Development Corp.’s Broad Street Commons, a four-story mixed-use complex located in Glens Falls, could be occupied in January.

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT A 12-month construction project to build a new affordable housing complex on Broad Street in Glens Falls, begun in November 2019, is targeted for occupancy next January, according to the developers.

Larry Regan, president of Regan Development Corp., said over 60 workers have been involved in the apartment rental project that features 71 affordable housing units, among them 11 onebedroom apartments designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

There will also be 6,300 square feet of retail space.

Deemed as an essential project during the state’s shutdown due to the coronavirus, Regan said he was pleased with the way the governor’s office provided the construction industry with necessary programs and information to work safely.

“Every Glens Falls department has been incredibly helpful and great to work with,” Regan said. “Glens Falls has all of its pieces in place. It is positioned for growth and opportunity. I am happy to be a part of it.”

Courtesy Regan Development Corp

Additionally, Regan has been working closely with AIM Services to design the 11 specialized units to serve an important community need.

Regan said the 6,000 square feet of the double, four-story buildings will be occupied by an established local day care center. He said the center will be a “good feeder” and reliable community service for employees at Glens Falls Hospital and for those who work in the Broad Street corridor.

Over 200 workers, including subcontractors, are involved in the project, located between Steve’s Place and Hill Electric Supply Co. The $19.2 million project has been supported by New York State Homes and Community Renewal, Regions Affordable Housing, the Community Preservation Corporation and New York State Office of People with Developmental Disabilities.

Regan Development, is currently working with the village of Victory, Cayuga County, on the development of 186-unit workforce apartments, and with the village of Lake Placid on a downtown development venture.

Other builds in process are located in Albany, Buffalo and New Rochelle.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 9

Curtis Lumber Is Building New Store In Schodack, Turning Old One Into Warehouse

BY JILL NAGY Curtis Lumber is building a new store in Schodack and recently purchased two stores formerly operated by Bellevue Builders Supply, one near Binghamton and the other in the Cobleskill area.

The new Schodack store will be close to an existing store, but nearer Columbia Turnpike and more visible from Route 20, according Rich Keating, vice president for sales and marketing.

The existing store was built in 1971. The new one will contain 25,550 square feet of sales space, some 7,500 square feet larger than the present outlet, said Keating. It will include more showroom space for kitchens, lighting equipment, and windows.

The former store will be re-purposed for warehouse use.

Munter Enterprises in Middle Grove is the general contractor. Cotler Architects of Latham designed the new building. If all goes well, the new store will be open for business in early 2021.

Keating expects about 30 employees to staff the new Schodack store. Overall, Curtis Lumber employs 650 people in its various locations. Annual sales are about $215 million, he estimated. About 65 percent of their customers are contractors.

Categorized as an “essential business,” Curtis has stayed open throughout the

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pandemic. Business was slow during the lockdown period but the company did not furlough or lay off anyone, said Keating.

That decision is paying off now with the company going “flat out,” as contractors and do-it-yourselfers try to make up for lost time, he said.

Many of their contractor customers had to furlough employees, Keating said. “Now, we are hearing that they have a year’s worth of work. It’s just a matter of how much they can get done in the balance of the year. Their building season has been abbreviated.”

Keating speculated that now that the vacations have been cancelled, many people are using the vacation money for home projects.

“They’re home all day and they see the projects that they needed to do. It’s been very, very busy,” he said. Particularly, “decks are off the charts right now.”

After 130 years in the lumber and building supplies business, Curtis Lumber is busier than ever and still growing. Jay Curtis, the current president, is the fifth generation to head the company and his son and daughter are the sixth generation to work there.

The company has 22 locations, two in Vermont and the rest in New York state, in locations from the Catskills to the Canadian border.

Continued From Page 1 important to us. Right now, the only thing more important than the experienced and the culture, is safety. Safety is our number-one priority so our staff and customers have a safe and comfortable experience.”

The facility has a restaurant with a state-ofthe-art kitchen and wood-fired pizza oven, in addition to an expanded tap-room, conference room for events, four Tesla charging stations outside, an expanded biergarten with two fire pits.

With the re-opening, Common Roots has brought on new professional positions to the team. Dan Biddiscombe, former general manager of Downtown Social, joins the management team. Also added were Chris Grasso and Rich Wilson, both formerly of City Beer Hall, and Greg Hutchinson, formerly of Three Penny Taproom.

“We put in a much larger brewer system. When we burned, we were doing around 5,000 barrels a year. When we open, we’ll be doing around 8,000 a year. When we’re fully operational, hopefully sometime over the winter or spring, we’ll be closer to around 12,000 barrels a year,” said Weber.

At the time of the fire, Common Roots was the 23rd largest brewery in New York state, out of over 700 breweries, according to Weber, and were in the top 8 percent of breweries in the country in terms of volume.

“We distribute down to New Jersey and throughout New England. When we open, we’ll be even larger than we were before,” said Weber.

Now that Weber and his team are back in their own facility with the brewing system to which they are accustomed, they will be rolling out new brews with regularity.

“When we had the temporary taproom up and running, we were doing quite a few fun taproom-only beers on our three-barrel pilot system. There’s a lot that we kept under wraps.

So, we have a lot of beers ready to go,” said Weber.

The menu will change throughout the seasons, depending on what is in season and what can be purchased in bulk locally.

“That’s really important to us—to maintain our relationships with our farmers and our local food systems already in place,” said Weber.

The Common Roots brewing system is built

by Fronhofer Design LLC in Glens Falls, a subsidiary of Fronhofer Tool Co. in Argyle. The system is entirely automated and can be run from a smartphone if necessary, he said.

“We’re really excited about the level of beer we’ll be able to produce in terms of consistency and maintaining a super high quality. When it comes to beer, that’s what’s most important— coming out with something that is high quality and consistent,” said Weber.

“It was definitely interesting completing this project during a pandemic,” he said. “We were so humbled last year by the community’s outpouring of support after the big fire. We’re so thankful for our community. We look forward to later down the road when we can have a big celebration.”

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Office/Technology Designers Of Office Space Help Safely Get NBT Bank Re-Opens Branch Office Lobbies Employees Back Into Their Work Spaces With Health, Safety Protocols Now In Place

Lisa Boyle, standing, is co-owner of the Boyle Group, and staffer Jill Jones advise clients on how to reorganize their work space. The company is busy helping make offices safe during COVID-19.

BY JILL NAGY As business owners prepare to re-open in a changed world, many are turning to office designers for guidance in meeting new requirements for minimizing the spread of COVID-19.

Dorothy Rogers-Bullis and her business drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs offers her own office as an example. Several employees are still working remotely. She encourages others to work in the office at alternate times. When clients arrive, they are asked to sign in and out, wear face masks and have their temperatures taken.

“People want to get back to work,” she said.

“Some people work really well at home” but, in general, “not a lot of good work gets done at home.”

There are too many distractions. In addition, people working at home miss the connections, collaboration and creativity of a shared workplace.

Lisa Boyle of the Boyle Group in Ballston Spa advises clients on how to reorganize their work space.

For example, in an open office plan with everybody at eye level, desk and tables have to be moved apart, she said. Often, barriers are needed. The result is a reduced capacity.

“It is still an evolving situation,” Boyle said.

“There still isn’t much known about coronavirus and the indoor environment.”

©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

Rogers-Bullis agreed. Policies and rules change every day. “You have to be able to pivot,” she said and space is often an issue.

“We are in the business of making people productive in their spaces. We help them figure out how to work safely,.”

Glass or plexiglass partitions are part of many reconfigurations, Rogers-Bullis said, but her company’s emphasis is on logistics more than re-furnishing. We are “very creative” in finding solutions, she said. “It doesn’t mean that you have to buy all new furniture.”

While Boyle also encourages clients to reorganize their space using existing products, her company is a manufacturer’s representative for OFS, a healthcare furniture manufacturer, and its subsidiary, Health Care Furniture.

She recommends looking for furniture with hard surfaces that can be cleaned easily or fabric that is easy to clean and can tolerate bleach. Her emphasis, she said, is on “physical changes in an office that can be made without spending lots of money.”

Boyle has sample floor plans on her website, along with advice on reconfiguring a workplace for social distancing and privacy.

She also sells a variety of screens, both fixed and mobile, and of various heights.

Other aspects of the new office, such as air treatment systems, are not part of these designers’ toolkits.

Rogers-Bullis has been in business since

Customers visiting NBT lobbies, like this one in Glens Falls, are asked to follow new protocols. Office space was modified to help ensure customer and employee safety.

Courtesy NBT

NBT Bank has expanded its services to include full branch lobby access with the implementation of protocols to protect the safety of its employees and customers.

The bank had its lobbies closed for business due to the COVID-19 pandemic, utilizing ATMs, the internet and drive-through windows for services.

Appointments are no longer required for customers to visit a branch lobby.

“NBT has spent weeks developing a careful approach that both expands branch access and ensures that our employees, customers and communities remain safe,” said NBT Bank President of Retail Community Banking Joseph R. Stagliano.

“Thoughtful consideration has included a marketby-market analysis of conditions, close coordination with local government and health officials and strict adherence to state and federal guidelines.”

Customers visiting NBT lobbies are asked to follow new protocols to ensure customer and employee safety. Face coverings are required to be worn inside and all customers must bring valid photo identification.

Fewer customers are allowed in the branch at

the same time. Directional floor stickers provide guidance to promote social distancing.

Plexiglass screens are in place in teller windows and customer service desks. Hand sanitizing stations are available in all branch lobbies NBT has also implemented increased cleaning of all branches with extra focus on high-touch surfaces like ATMs, doors, counters and drive-up windows.

NBT will continue to monitor the coronavirus environment and adjust as necessary to ensure the proper level of safety is maintained throughout our branch network, officials said. Customers can also continue to access digital banking services 24/7.

Customers can visit www.nbtbank.com/access to learn about branch hours.

NBT Bank offers personal banking, business banking and wealth management services from locations in seven states, including New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine and Connecticut. The bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, N.Y. NBT Bancorp had assets of $9.95 billion as of March 31, the company said.

2009. Her showroom is on Regent Street, right off Union Avenue, in the former Skidmore College Spa Little Theater. She can be reached at 518-306-5233. She and some staff are in the office everyday while six other employees divide their time between home and office.

The Boyle Group has been in business for

nine years. They cover a territory that includes all of New York state except for New York City and Long Island. They have a showroom in Ballston Spa. They also have kept open through the pandemic and the two other employees have also worked throughout. They can be reached at 518 288-3174.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 11

•

Business Report Be Prepared To Meet State Guidelines

BY APRIL P. WEYGAND Are you welcoming people into your business for the first time in a while and need some help navigating New York state rules on how to do that?

New York state is tough, and they want us to be prepared. There are some commonsense rules: wash hands, use hand sanitizer, wear masks, use tissues, and clean and disinfect surfaces.

The words cleaning, sanitizing, disinfecting, electrostatic spraying, and fogging are being thrown around a lot lately.

However, they are not the same and should not be used interchangeably. “Cleaning” is the act of removing soils and germs from a surface. It doesn’t usually kill anything, but it does remove them by washing them away.

“Sanitizing” means reducing the number of bacteria by 99.9 percent to a level considered safe by public health organizations. Many over-the counter products sanitize in less than 30 seconds.

It’s important to note here that Sanitizing kills bacteria, but it does not kill viruses.

That’s where Disinfection is necessary.

“Disinfection” means using a product registered by the EPA to kill 99.99 percent of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Why does it have to be registered with the EPA? Because it is considered a poison by the EPA. Most of those same products that sanitize in 30 seconds or less require 5-10 minutes of dwell time to disinfect.

And this is the area where people get confused. “Dwell time” is the amount of time a product needs to remain wet in order to kill pathogens. The dwell time is different for every product, so it’s important to read the label. If you are using a disinfectant wipe and it dries in two minutes, the surface is being sanitized, but not disinfected.

The new buzz words in cleaning are “electrostatic disinfection” and “fogging.”

Electrostatic sprayers add a tiny electrical charge to droplets of disinfectant, so that the chemical seeks out and lands on a surface, completely enveloping and disinfecting that surface.

Fogging is similar, but lands directly on surfaces so a multi-directional approach is necessary to completely envelop a piece of furniture.

The professional cleaning industry has seen some issues arise and I wanted to share this: What people consider “cleaning” is a

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April P. Weygand, president, April Fresh Cleaning.

Courtesy April Fresh Cleaning

process. One shouldn’t disinfect a surface without cleaning it first. Most disinfectants will not penetrate through dirt, dust and mineral deposits; they need to be removed in order for the disinfectant to get to and kill the bacteria and virus.

Additionally, once the disinfectant has done its job and the pathogens are dead, one must actually wipe the surfaces clean where possible. The other big question in the cleaning world is whether the droplets of disinfection from these sprayers are large enough to remain wet for the necessary dwell time. This is an individual question with no one right answer.

Once you have your solutions, it’s important to use them properly. We’ve seen furniture ruined because clients have cleaned themselves, leaving the disinfectant to dry on its own, without additional wiping. Disinfectants can be based with ammonia, alcohol, bleach, hydrogen peroxide, thymol, chlorine, and more. It’s important to know what you’re using so that you can use it properly.

If a company promises to disinfect for you, ask them what that entails. Too many people are coming in just to spray-disinfect and run, and to collect a quick buck while they’re at it. Make sure they are cleaning thoroughly. An ATP meter can measure the cleanliness of a surface, both before and after cleaning.

So what should you clean and how often? Daily cleaning with a disinfectant

Continued COVID-19 Concerns Cancels Americade; Event Hopes To Return In 2021 Americade, the motorcycle touring rally and a Lake George tradition of nearly 40 years, will not take place this summer, Americade organizer Christian Dutcher announced.

The event was originally moved from June to July because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

But it has now been canceled. Officials hope it will return next year.

“When we rescheduled Americade to July, I knew that it was a bit of a long shot.

Attempting to create a safe event in the face of a global pandemic was a big challenge and would require numerous changes to ensure everyone’s wellbeing,” said Dutcher.

“The odds of it being financially worthwhile were near zero, but we wanted to give it a try for several reasons. We didn’t want to be yet another event that canceled in 2020 (there was already enough depressing news). We knew that all of our partners (vendors and the local community) needed every bit of help we could give them. And we didn’t want to interrupt the 37-year tradition of Americade,” he said.

“It was a challenging, financially draining effort, but we wanted to try. And man have we tried. Five of us have been logging long hours, doing our damnedest to make it happen. But the recent bad turn of events regarding COVID-19 in the U.S. makes it less likely that we could achieve the number-one objective we announced when we first set the

July dates: It has to be safe.’’

Dutcher said Americade organizers had the popular Americade Expo and other events lined up, including factory demos and displays. Comprehensive safety plans were in place and broad motorcycle industry support had been secured.

While organizers felt they could meet the challenges of managing potentially large crowds and maintaining social distancing, the recent national worsening of the virus could not be overcome “with a level of confidence that we felt was warranted,” he said.

Americade draws participants from across the United States. Dutcher said, “the worsening trendline of coronavirus cases nationwide coupled with New York state’s quarantine restrictions on people from 16 states led to the final decision.

“Out of concern for our customers and our community and out of respect for the work so many are doing to protect our health, canceling Americade 2020 is the right step.

We deeply regret having to disappoint our fans and the communities that have always supported us. We hope they will understand.’’

Americade will offer refunds for registrants or enable them to apply their 2020 registration fee to the 2021 event.

Registrants who take the 2021 credit will receive early-registration privileges and a $20 additional credit.

SUNY Empire State College is implementing its first fully online, accredited bachelor of science degree program in security studies to help meet the growing need for modern security experts in high-demand positions in homeland security, emergency management, disaster relief, and law enforcement in the U.S. and around the world.

Officials said the program can be completed entirely online, providing students with f lexibility and convenience to earn their degree around the demands of their busy lives, as well as face to face at SUNY Empire campuses and learning hubs across the state.

The program was approved by the state Education Department earlier this month.

SUNY Empire’s program will prepare students for careers in security policy, emergency management, and criminal justice in the private and public sectors, examining complex global security issues through the perspectives of the social sciences, legal studies, and international relations. It will examine issues of homeland security, terrorism, privacy, and law enforcement policy and practice to prepare well-rounded leaders in these fields.

SUNY Empire established the program to meet student and workforce demand and to curb the pending shortage of experts in a host of security-related fields. The need for security professionals in supervisory roles, including police and fire, is expected to increase by approximately nine percent in the next six years in New York state, and by five percent throughout the U.S., officials said.

“Around the world, people and communities are facing more and more complex security issues as the world becomes smaller, technology advances at a rapid pace, and we face increasingly severe natural disasters,” said SUNY Empire State College President Jim Malatras.

“SUNY Empire’s new online security studies program will prepare graduates for the challenges of understanding and combatting today’s complex and constantly evolving security threats in a field with growing job demand. This is a great opportunity for anyone looking to enter into or advance in this field.”

Frank Vander Valk, dean of the School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, and interim dean of Digital Learning, Innovation, and Strategy, said the college developed the program “in response to student interest, workforce needs, and an institutional commitment to provide a venue to study and discuss some of the most important issues we face today.”

He noted that, “Over the years, we’ve welcomed many students from all branches of law enforcement and the military, nongovernmental organizations, emergency services and various security fields, and we designed this degree as an option for them.”

Enrollment in security studies is open for the fall semester.

In addition to accepting transfer credits from other institutions, SUNY Empire also awards students with additional credit for life experiences through its prior learning assessment process, which evaluates learning acquired outside of the traditional classroom.

is usually fine. I like to clean the touch points such as door knobs, light switches, door pushes, bathrooms fixtures, remote controls, phones, etc. at least once per day, twice in busy locations. It’s important to remember that “clean” is a moment in time. A clean surface is contaminated the moment someone touches it.

There are products using nanotechnology that leave behind a film or a “skin” that continually kills germs for a specified amount of time. Nanotechnology isn’t new.

It’s been around for years but only getting a lot of attention now. There are many companies pushing for its use, but one must read the fine print.

Does it actually kill viruses? Some do, some do not. They are calling them “selfcleaning surfaces.” There are also practices that involve UV light as a disinfectant, but the cleaning world is still evaluating the efficacy of those practices. In either case, clean is the absence of germs, even dead germs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the need for clean, and I believe it’s about time the front-line cleaners are finally getting the respect they deserve, because it’s really hard work. The real key is to make sure the clean you are doing and paying for is actually the type of clean you need to keep everyone healthy and safe.

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

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Albany Int’l Arrow AT & T Ball Ballston Spa National Bank Bank of America Best Buy Citizens Bank Espey General Electric Hilton Home Depot Int’l Paper Key Corp Lowe’s Martin Marietta M&T Bank McDonald’s National Grid NBT Bancorp Inc. Plug Power Quad Graphics Starbucks Sysco Target The TorontoDominion Bank Trans World Trustco Bank Verizon Walmart

57.61 57.76 54.34 56.94 27.94 28.24 27.39 28.49 30.49 29.79 29.08 30.08 68.33 70.68 67.34 71.81

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43.45 43.45 44.49 44.49 24.78 25.80 23.15 23.29 77.77 81.20 84.80 87.45 25.82 25.35 23.16 23.76 18.83 18.70 16.81 17.42 7.24 7.14 6.48 6.82 77.45 76.17 71.16 74.52 242.39 246.65 241.01 248.50 34.92 34.86 33.80 35.35 13.21 13.35 11.76 11.71 126.05 133.83 129.41 135.71 197.09 211.02 202.79 213.49 109.00 111.05 100.46 100.59 189.03 186.56 179.74 183.52 57.36 57.77 59.19 58.16 30.30 30.33 28.74 29.24 5.06 5.48 6.83 9.10 3.35 3.43 3.11 3.15 72.57 75.40 71.57 73.78 53.37 53.81 52.30 54.06 116.93 120.56 117.02 119.12 45.90 44.44 42.73 43.86 5.85 6.56 7.18 7.52 6.22 6.06 5.90 6.04 56.51 55.54 53.16 54.79 117.68 119.85 118.32 119.21

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

Jefferson Project Makes Lake George Science Data Available Through Digital Dashboard The Jefferson Project at Lake George is making real-time water quality and weather data from its unprecedented scientific monitoring and research program available directly to the public through a new digital Data Dashboard at jeffersonproject.live.

Founded in 2013, the Jefferson Project is the environmental research collaboration between IBM Research, RPI and the FUND for Lake George that is committed to preserving and protecting the lake’s legendary water quality through cutting-edge science and highly advanced technologies.

The new dashboard, the only publicly available display of IBM’s targeted weather forecasting technology, Deep Thunder, allows people to view hour-by-hour, highly localized forecasts for their current location on Lake George, or by searching for a specific address or clicking a point on the dashboard’s map, officials said.

The available forecast includes air temperature, wind speed, wind gusts, visibility, and rain and snow rates and accumulations.

Deep Thunder provides localized forecasts for every six-tenths of a mile throughout the lake’s watershed—at least three times more localized than other publicly available weather forecast models, officials said.

Specifically, the new Jefferson Project dashboard includes: • Real-time data from five weather stations along the lake, reporting air temperature, wind speed, humidity and barometric pressure; • Real-time data from sensor stations on four of the lake’s tributaries, reporting water temperature, depth, pH, and conductivity (i.e. salt levels); • The most highly localized Lake George weather forecasts publicly available, generated

by IBM’s world-leading targeted weather forecasting technology, Deep Thunder; • Four decades of water quality monitoring data from 14 deep-water sites, including clarity, temperature, nutrient levels, and algal abundance.

The weather and tributary station data come from the more than 50 sensor platforms and 500 “smart sensors” deployed by the project in and around Lake George as part of its sophisticated lake-monitoring system, officials said. The sensors monitor the weather, the water quality of

streams that feed the lake, the water conditions from the lake surface to the lake bottom, and the lake’s circulation patterns.

They capture immense amounts of physical and chemical data, which feed powerful computer models and inform a wide variety of experiments, all designed to pinpoint existing threats to the lake’s health, identify future threats, and develop science-guided solutions and best practices to protect the resource and the people and wildlife who rely on it.

Officials said the weather forecast function is powered by IBM’s Deep Thunder, which combines data from the project’s weather stations along with other meteorological information, to provide scientists with The Jefferson Project an unprecedented level of geographically precise meteorological data to help them better understand the weather’s influence on the lake’s water quality and ecosystem.

This is the first generation of the Jefferson Project Data Dashboard, and new content and functionality are planned for the months ahead, officials said.

“We are delighted to make Jefferson Project data available to the public in such a highly accessible way as we all work together to ensure sustained lake protection,” said Rick Relyea, Ph.D., director of the Darrin Fresh Water Institute at Rensselaer and director of the Jefferson Project.

Harry Kolar, Ph.D., IBM Fellow at IBM Research and associate director of the Jefferson Project, said the utilization of Deep Thunder by the Data Dashboard “provides high resolution weather forecasts for the Lake George area, at both the geographical and time scales. The highly accurate forecasts continue to support the scientific mission of the Jefferson Project and will be of interest to the recreational users of the Dashboard.”

Eric Siy, executive director of The FUND for Lake George and associate director of the Jefferson Project, said the project is generating a tremendous volume and diversity of data about the physics, chemistry and biological health of Lake George. “This data is now guiding The FUND’s pursuit of solutions and investments that will protect the lake’s legendary water clarity and quality for generations to come.”

For more information on the Jefferson Project, visit jeffersonproject.rpi.edu.

GE Property

Continued From Page 1 they had a great market plan that would have expanded their business, but unfortunately we experienced a huge COVID-19 death that affected the Fort Edward and Washington County area.”

WL Plastics would have been an anchor tenant for the 80-acre former dewatering site. The land which was leased to GE by WCC, a real estate holding company, was turned over to the Fort Edward Local Property Development Corp. in December 2018.

“It’s a great piece of property, and it has some great assets in terms of buildings. It also has a lot of different features that most companies would love to have but wouldn’t spend money for,” he said.

“For example, the entire area is paved in asphalt. It has its own substation which will save electric users substantial amounts of money. I think that there are a lot of benefits there that

some companies would love to have but couldn’t afford if they were building from scratch. I think there is about $10 million in assets there that would help any company come in. The rail service coming in and out is also very unique to the area.”

According to O’Brien, the IDA will continue to work to attract new companies to the former dewatering site as well as for other sites within the counties.

“If we go back to the history of Fort Edward and Washington County, when GE left, that took many well-paying jobs. Then we had the dewatering facility going out of use,” said O’Brien. “In the last four or five years, we have had a loss of over $100 million of assessed value.

“That’s a devastating blow to any local economy. I think what we need to do is get to an area where this is a very attractive site to many other companies.”

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 13

Lake George Website Leadership Adirondack Is Focused On Hiring Awards 3 Scholarships Lake George attracts thousands of visitors to its lakeside villages and towns each year and is currently the backdrop of a summertime Food Network reality series.

Combine that with the region’s commitment to providing a safe, clean and healthy environment, local officials are saying that the summer season in Lake George is booming and businesses are hiring.

Even during the virus pandemic.

A collaboration of local businesses, community and government leaders has launched LakeGeorgeIsHiring.com to present the many attractive job opportunities. The site features open positions for all levels of experience, including cooks, housekeepers, front desk staff, bussers, food runners, waitstaff, bartenders, maintenance, security, marketing, delivery drivers and more.

“Word is spreading quickly, said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. “Lake George is a fun, safe and healthy place to work and vacation, and we take protecting the health of our employees, visitors, and community seriously. This is a great time to come to Lake George, earn some money and enjoy every minute of the experience.’’

“There are over 500 jobs available in Warren County right now and it is really important that we are able to fill the gaps that exist from the seasonal international workers we usually have during the summer months,” according to Liza Ochsendorf, director of the Employment & Training Administration. She said it is an opportunity for the younger workforce to learn about the hospitality industry or someone ready for a career change since there are opportunities for advancement and networking during the busy tourist season.

To ensure the safety of employees, visitors and the Lake George community, more than 100 hospitality and tourism businesses have signed the Lake George Region and Southern Adirondacks Health and Safety Pledge. Officials said the pledge goes beyond the CDC guidelines to confirm a safe work environment.

“Many local kids get their first job experience in Lake George. Many seniors earn some extra money in retirement and Lake George has always been a great for college kids to earn spending money for the school year” said Michael Bittel, president of the Adirondack Regional Chambers of Commerce.

LakeGeorgeisHiring.com was developed

by Mannix Marketing of Glens Falls, a leader in tourism marketing nationally, with support from the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, Warren County Tourism Department, Warren Employment and Training and Behan Communications.

The Leadership Adirondack (LADK) class of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has awarded scholarships to three students.

Each year, the class chooses a community project, which in past years consisted of raising money for a local nonprofit organization.

This year the class of 2019-20 chose to partner with WSWHE BOCES and the Employment Training for Adults Program (ETA) to provide a scholarship to help increase the number of skilled trade workers needed in the region.

The scholarship is intended to help individuals 18 years or older to start or extend their careers within the BOCES Skilled Trades curriculum and will provide financial assistance to eligible students in the ARCC’s service area who wish to enroll in one of the skilled trades programs.

“These scholarships were 100 percent funded by our local business community. Many thanks to all those who donated to support individuals who want to live, learn and work in our region, said Michael Bittel, ARCC president and CEO. Before completing the Leadership Adirondack program in February, the class designated a scholarship committee to review applications and determine recipients. Scholarships are awarded quarterly. The scholarship committee determines whether to award the whole amount to one recipient, or to split it among a few.

“During a period of record unemployment, I am proud to be a part of the LADK Scholarship Committee with an eye on the future of our local community and thankful to all the local businesses and individuals who came together to support our program. Thanks to them, over $26,000 will be available to assist the upcoming generation of our skilled trades workforce,” said Christopher Ristau, manager of the Park Theater and LADK Scholarship Committee member.

The scholarship committee decided to split the $2,500 scholarship between three recipients: Dody Dupre, who is currently seeking a Class A CDL; Michael Mellini, who is currently seeking certification in welding I, welding II, welding III; and Yvonne VanDesveer, who is currently seeking a Class A CDL. The scholarship Committee consists of: Ristau, Jason Hunt (Hunt Companies, Inc.), Stacy Smith (Hudson Headwaters Health Network), Megan Bishop (Lehigh Cement), Lisa Baker (Warren Washington Association for Mental Health), Brice Amsden (The VMJR Companies), Kasey Norton (Glens Falls National Bank), Jocelyn Blanchard (Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), Sean Dion (Mr. Electric of Queensbury), and Lisa Fish (The Sagamore Resort).

•

Business Report COVID-19 Changes

BY MICHAEL CRUZ Your employees are working under new circumstances and new expectations. In fact, we all are, you included.

After years of working to ensure good culture, we now see each other less often.

How are you ensuring that remote working and less meetings do not negatively affect your company culture? Locally, we have been able to pass through the crisis mode.

Yet, every time we watch the news, we are treated to doom scenarios. And as employees and coworkers hear those stories, it creates anxiety. We’re bombarded with messages like “new normal,” “social distancing” and, of course, “lockdown.”

In the face of that, it is hard to do back to (old?) normal.

Therefore, some of the changes are for a while. You can focus on that in your business. What makes sense for one business will not make sense for another.

You will find ways to make your teams physically safe. Yet, what all businesses face is the need to keep everyone engaged.

As leaders, we need to focus on keeping our people psychologically safe. There is a lot to react to right now.

Each and every person has a different capacity to accepting and adapting to the changes. How can you help your people do what is needed in a different environment?

Leadership teams need to engage with people on an individual level. What is good about your working situation? What is not?

What challenges you are experiencing? How are you? And most important. What can I do to help?

•

Michael Cruz is president of Lighthouse Advisors LLC in Queensbury.

Courtesy Lighthouse Advisors LLC

When you have all of this, you and your team need to brainstorm on little and inexpensive things that you can to reinforce the sense of community. If you have some people working remotely, know what you can do to promote your shared values.

Make sure that your work environment provides some fun activities. Build communities of interest. Perhaps have some chat areas or mail lists for people with similar interests. If we work to tether everyone to our bigger goals, we can keep turnover low and help our teams get and stay productive.

14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

Mall Opening

Continued From Page 1 communications, Pyramid Management Group. “We are excited to welcome guests back safely and responsibly with enhancements to our safety and sanitizing policies and procedures, along with Healthy Shopper Guidelines all visitors must follow prior to visiting the property. Together, we can all do our part to put safety first.”

Guests will be greeted with a wide range of safety and sanitizing policies and procedures, all designed to make Aviation Mall as safe as possible for its employees, tenants and guests.

They include: • Face mask requirement: Everyone visiting Aviation Mall will be required to wear a face mask before entering, in accordance with New York state and CDC guidelines.

• Social distancing: All guests will be reminded to maintain social distancing and stay six feet apart with visual reminders placed throughout the center, along with new one-way directional signs to avoid contact with other guests.

• Enhanced cleaning and sanitizing: Aviation Mall has enhanced its cleaning and sanitizing of the common areas and numerous touch points, restrooms, seating areas, and food court. This includes using CDC-recommended disinfectants designated as effective against SARS-CoV-2 virus in accordance with or exceeding CDC sanitation guidelines.

• Enhancements to air circulation and filtration: Enhancements have been made to

increase air circulation, air filtration and fresh air intake to bolster the quality of air within the center—all meeting New York State standards.

• Proactive touchless disinfecting: Aviation Mall’s cleaning team will be utilizing new electrostatic sprayers, leveraging the same technology used to clean hospital rooms to sanitize its center using an approved disinfectant recommended by the CDC. • Hand sanitizer stations: New hand sanitizer stations will be available at: digital directories throughout the property; food court areas; throughout the common area.

Guests are also encouraged to take advantage of additional parking spaces at various center entrances designated for curbside pickup of favorite stores and brands.

There are daily health screenings for Aviation Mall employees, security personnel, housekeeping employees and all contractors returning.

In addition, Aviation Mall has created “Healthy Shopper Guidelines” with CDC recommendations for people to follow prior to entering the property, mall officials said.

Aviation Mall is a shopping and entertainment destination of the Adirondack region located in Glens Falls. It is home to Target, JCPenney, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Regal Cinemas, Ollie’s Bargain Outlet and offers many other retail shops. Additional information regarding Aviation Mall can be found at www.ShopAviationMall.com.

Business Registrations •

• Hospitality Logistics Jonathan Studley 1 Greenway North Queensbury 12804

ADK Lawncare Joseph Phelps 19 Loon Lake Heights Road Chestertown 12817

JP & Ace Handyman Service Joshua Prosser Acey Moffitt 93 Bloody Pond Road Lake George 12845

Fish Attracting Tackle Edward Harrington 10 Warner Drive Warrensburg 12885

Lake Shore Styles Cheryl Deschamps 4955 Lake Shore Drive Bolton Landing 12814 Northeast Listing Tyler Lapan 1181 Corinth Road Queensbury 12804 Lisa Shovan Hair Lisa Shovan 3 Richardson St. Queensbury 12804 Edwards Carpentry Stephen Edwards 17 Carey Road Hadley 12835 Mendoza’s Drive-by Detailing Taunya Landrigan 111 Aviation Road, Lot 11 Queensbury 12804 M&M Welding and Repair Matthew Millington 2539 Route 8 Johnsburg 12843 Wear the Way Christina Pichler 10 Warren St. Glens Falls 12801 Murphy & Murphy Logging Edward Murphy Levi Murphy 1944 Harrington Hill Road Lake George 12845 Lulu Bell Boutique Sarah Curtis 7 Water St. Glens Falls 12801

Green River Lumber Karen Ovitt 4397 Route 9 Warrensburg 12885 Rango Recovery & Roadside Repair Tyler Kincaid 111 Aviation Road, Lot 10 Queensbury 12804 Clean Slate Lisa Stevens 36 Olde Coach Road Queensbury 12804 Tom Tom Shop Dorothy Frost Douglas Frost 175 Canada St. Lake George 12845 Spektor Coffee Michael Grant Tiffany Grant 140 Glen St. Glens Falls 12801 Patriot Joseph Bernard 11 Tutthill Road Queensbury 12804 Dogsrcool Christine Kerman 2657 Route 28 North Creek 12853 Diamond Homecare Ashley Schusteritsch 24 Lady Slipper Drive Queensbury 12804 Andy Campo Graphics Andrew Camp 203 Farr Lane Queensbury 12804

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020 • 15

After being closed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic, The Hyde Collection in Glens Falls will be open to visitors with appointments beginning on Aug. 1.

Hour-long appointments can be made on hydecollection.org, with 26 time slots available per day, Thursday-Sunday, museum officials said.

The Hyde will be reserved for seniors and high-risk individuals from 10 a.m. to noon, then will close for an hour for cleaning, and open back up from 1-5 p.m. for the general public.

Guests will be asked to arrive at The Hyde five minutes before their scheduled time, and will wait outside the museum until the lobby is clear of visitors.

Before arrival, visitors will be asked to access The Hyde’s “Guide By Cell” self tour. (text the word “Hyde” to 565-12 and follow the prompt. Message and data rates may apply per your provider).

Guests must wear a mask or face covering to enter the museum, and once inside will follow a path clearly marked with arrows and designated viewing areas to avoid the clustering of groups. There will also be hand sanitizing stations located throughout the galleries, and disinfecting wipes in the restrooms and elevator areas. Audio tours and a rules and regulations guide will be provided upon check-in. Guests do not need to bring a printed ticket, just a confirmation number.

The Hyde Collection asks that anyone planning to visit the museum check their temperature on the day of their visit, and if they are not feeling well, to reschedule their trip by calling the admission desk at (518) 792-1761, ext. 350.

* * * Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. was recognized in June as a 5-Star Superior bank by BauerFinancial, Inc., the nation’s lead-

•

ing bank rating and research firm.

Glens Falls National has earned this designation for the past 53 consecutive quarters, which secures its prominent position as an “exceptional performance bank,” a status reserved for banks that have earned Bauer’s highest rating consistently for at least 10 consecutive years.

The 5-Star rating indicates Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. is one of the strongest banks in the nation. To earn 5 Stars, banks must excel in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability, according to Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial.

Based in Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983.

•

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

* * * The Saratoga County Foundation’s Veterans Business Council is offering free consulting assistance for any veterans who are displaced or unemployed in the Saratoga County area.

Services offered by its volunteer members include job search guidance, resume reviews, and connections with career and entrepreneurial training opportunities.

“This is a challenging economic time for all, including our area Veterans, and the Veterans Business Council is here to help. Whether it be through a review of their resume or assisting them with connections to agencies that can help, our volunteer council members stand ready to aid our fellow Veterans,” said Veterans Business Council Chair Jason Collins.

Veterans interested in assistance should reach out to Denise Romeo at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 518-5843255 or dromeo@saratoga.org. More information is also available at www.SaratogaVeterans. org.

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

WE SELL HOTELS $7,360,000

$1,050,000

$3,670,000

IN

G

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

ST

Wingate by Wyndham Lake George, NY Sold July 2018

$526,147

EW N 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

667 Ridge Road, Queensbury $749,900

Econolodge - Lake George, NY Sold January 2018

•

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

LI

•

Business Briefs

Available Commercial & Residential Properties

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

Updated historic colonial, currently a bed & breakfast, bordered by country stone walls and rural views. Unique opportunity to live a charming lifestyle while remaining close to urban amenities.

Center hall style has been preserved with multi-pane deep set windows, wide pine floors, and 3 gas fireplaces. Grounds include swimming pool surrounded by perennial gardens, lush landscaping and fenced yard. Views of sunrises and sets over the mountain ranges of Vermont and the Adirondacks.

2 bedroom, 2 bath owners’ quarters with private kitchen, fenced yard, laundry room, and 2 car garage. 5 guest rooms, all with en suite baths. Commercial kitchen, stainless steel appliances, island, granite, dining room, porch, zoned air, automatic generator, parking, storage, walk-in closets. Agent owned.

Listing Agents: Brittany Alexander & Megan Alexander 518.683.5159 | balexander@roohanrealty.com 732.690.9312 | malexander@roohanrealty.com

16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2020

UNION SQUARE Investing in South Street before it was cool

Join these fine folks doing business at Union Square!

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