Saratoga Business Journal - October 2021

SBJ P.O. Box 766 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOL. 26 NO. 08

HH The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County HH

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600

OCTOBER 2021

www.saratogabusinessjournal.com

100-Year-Old Minogue’s Beverage Center GlobalFoundries Files With Government To Business Thrives With Four Area Locations Clear Way For Making Stock Shares Public

BY CHRISTINE GRAF In 1921, Irish immigrant Michael Minogue purchased a soda bottling plant and distribution center in Granville, NY. After Prohibition ended in the U.S., he was issued the 34th wholesale beer license in New York state.

Today, the business he founded is thriving under owner John Minogue Jr. He said it is the oldest continuously operated family owned and operated beer distributor in New York state.

This year, it has been celebrating 100 years in business.

Minogue’s Beverage Center has locations in Queensbury, Saratoga Springs, Wilton, and Malta.

Stores carry a wide variety of beer including seasonal varieties and craft beer. They also feature a large selection of ciders, growlers, kegs, seltzers, and sodas.

Minogue was 14 when he first started working part-time for his father, John Sr.. At the time, his father operated just one beverage center in Queensbury.

While Minogue was pursuing a degree in economics from College of the Holy Cross, a friend of his father who was a retired F.B.I. agent suggested that Minogue consider a career with the F.B.I. Intrigued by the possibility, he moved to Washington, D.C., and entered the bureau’s clerk -to-agent program after he graduated from college in 1976.

“You could work for the bureau as a clerk assisting agents in their work, and after a three-year period, you would be given an opportunity to take the (agent) exam,” he said.

After the program was eliminated, clerks were no longer guaranteed the opportunity to take the exam.

As a result, Minogue made the decision to leave the F.B.I. in 1977.

“There were a lot of question marks at that time, and I chose not to take that risk,” he said. “At the same time, I had the opportunity to come back and go into business with my father in the family business, so I chose to do that. At that point in time, when I returned, we purchased the store in Saratoga Springs that was owned by the Ferrone brothers.”

For the past 44 years, Minogue has worked out of that West Avenue location in Saratoga. During the years that he was growing the business, it wasn’t

John Minogue Jr. is the owner of Minogue’s Beverage Center. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

unusual for him to put in more than 60 hours a week.

“You have to be willing to put in the time, energy, and effort to make it successful. It isn’t going to happen by accident,” he said. “It takes hard work and good planning.”

Minogue has three grown children, and they all worked for their father at some point during their lives.

“The family business was like the family farm,” he said. “They all worked here as kids growing up and while they were in college, but they have chosen not to get into the family business.”

As was the case with his own father, Minogue never pressured his children to choose the family business as their career path. Now, at the age of 69 and with his retirement looming, he has no one to take over for him.

“It’s a lot of mixed emotions for me to be at my age with no plans of succession,” he said.

All four stores are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

GTM Payroll Services Aquires Area HR Company Pinnacle Human Resources LLC GTM Payroll Services, a leader in the Capital Region for payroll and human resource information systems (HRIS), will now be able to offer businesses a full suite of human resources support solutions with the acquisition of Pinnacle Human Resources LLC, a leader in outsourced human resources consulting, HR project-based solutions, and leave-of-absence administration services.

GTM Payroll Services and Pinnacle Human Resources will combine best-of-breed payroll solutions with best-in-class HR consulting services to offer an unparalleled spectrum of payroll and human resources solutions for businesses, company officials said.

According to GTM, many companies are reporting how outsourcing all or part of the HR function to subject matter experts is an increasingly attractive and time-saving option as businesses struggle to manage the complexities of an ever-changing legal compliance landscape, managing and retaining local and remote talent, and implementing HR best practices that keep employees aligned with business goals.

Companies also report how they improve infrastructure through the implementation of better payroll technology and the best practices in HR processes, freeing up valuable time and resources.

By utilizing HR consultants, companies were able to

effect changes more quickly. Pinnacle HR consultants have the expertise to implement systems and make improvements to the entire HR delivery system.

“For 30 years, GTM has been at the forefront of payroll and HRIS technology providing our clients with the best solutions available for their needs,” said GTM Payroll Services founder and CEO Guy Maddalone. “By adding an experienced team of human resources consultants and the customized HR support services offered by Pinnacle Human Resources, we will bring even more value to our clients to help them lower costs and streamline their workflow processes.”

“Human resources best practices and today’s payroll solutions are attached at the hip,” said Rose Miller, president of Pinnacle. “By joining the GTM team, it is a tremendous opportunity to accelerate our growth. I have admired GTM’s ability to respond to businesses’ changing needs. We are delighted to join GTM, with a similar culture dedicated to achieving ecstatic clients by providing them with a robust menu of payroll and HR support solutions.”

With GTM, businesses are gaining more than just a payroll solution. GTM now delivers a complete, end-to-end human capital management (HCM) technology platform that also combines HR consulting services, the company said. As an Continued On Page 4

GlobalFoundries, headquartered in Malta, announced that it has publicly filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission relating to the proposed initial public offering of its ordinary shares.

The number of ordinary shares to be offered and the price range for the proposed offering have not yet been determined.

GlobalFoundries has applied to list its ordinary shares on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the ticker symbol “GFS.” Morgan Stanley, BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, Citigroup and Credit Suisse are acting as active book-running managers for the proposed offering, the company said. Deutsche Bank Securities, HSBC and Jefferies are acting as additional book-running managers for the proposed offering. Baird, Cowen, Needham & Co., Raymond James, Wedbush Securities, Drexel Hamilton, Siebert Williams Shank and IMI – Intesa Sanpaolo are acting as comanagers for the proposed offering.

The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus.

The company said copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: • Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC, Attention: Prospectus Department, 180 Varick St., Second Floor, New York, New York 10014; • BofA Securities, Inc., NC1-004-03-43, Attention: Prospectus Department, 200 North College St., 3rd Floor, Charlotte, NC 29255 or by email at dg.prospectus_requests@bofa.com.; • J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave., Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at 866-803-9204 or by email at prospectus-eq_fi@jpmchase.com; • Citigroup Global Markets Inc., c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Ave., Edgewood, NY 11717, by telephone at (800) 831-

GlobalFoundries is making plans to sell its stocks publicly.

Courtesy GlobalFoundries

9146 or by email at prospectus@citi.com; • Credit Suisse Securities (USA) LLC, Attn: Prospectus Department, 11 Madison Ave., 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10010, by telephone at 800-2211037 or by email at usa.prospectus@credit-suisse. com.

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective, officials said. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective.

GlobalFoundries is owned by the government of Abu Dhabi but is headquartered in the town of Malta, home to its Fab 8 computer chip factory where 3,000 people are employed.

Aim Of New Trader Joe’s Is To Become A Neighborhood Grocery In Halfmoon

BY JILL NAGY Trader Joe’s opened a store in Halfmoon in September, its second outlet in the Capital Region. The grocery chain offers a variety of food products, most of them under its own label, and a few local, mostly produce, items.

“We know there are a lot of foodies in Halfmoon, and we knew there was some community interest in having a Trader Joe’s in the neighborhood. So, we did our due diligence and decided it was a great fit,” said company spokesperson Rachel Broderick.

The store is located at 2 Halfmoon Crossing.

It is a free-standing building, approximately 12,500 square feet, surrounded by more than 100 parking spaces.

Thomas Witte, referred to as Captain Tommy, manages the new store. He celebrates 20 years with the company this year and spent the past six years managing the Trader Joe’s outlet in Colonie.

The store has 85 employees. According to Broderick, approximately 80 percent of them were hired from the local area.

While many area businesses are struggling to find staff, Broderick said, “We are fortunate to have a reputation as a good employer, so we were able to hire a great crew. . . . We are always looking for great crew members, though, so anyone interested is welcome to apply on our website.”

Non-management employees are $17-$19 per hour, depending on experience, she said.

To help make shoppers feel at home and see the business as their neighborhood grocery

This Trader Joe’s store is located at 2 Halfmoon Crossing in Halfmoon. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

store, the new Trader Joe’s is decorated with artwork portraying local landmarks such as the Twin Bridges and scenes of apple orchards and native wildlife.

The first Trader Joe’s store opened in 1967 in Los Angeles. It is now a chain of more than 500 stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C. So far, in Halfmoon, “Business has been great. The community has extended such a warm welcome,” Broderick said.

The store is open daily 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The website is traderjoes.com.

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

Lucy’s On Caroline Street, Invites Customers For A Cozy, Comfotable Bar Experience

Personnel Briefs •

Dr. Riju Banerjee has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group – Cardiology. He is one of 11 providers in the growing practice.

Also, Dr. Meghan Monthie and Dr. Bernard P. Possidente have joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group Primary Care – ScotiaGlenville.

A graduate of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Banerjee completed an internship and residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and a cardiology fellowship at Albany Medical Center.

He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine, the National Board of Echocardiography and the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology.

Banerjee is a member of the American College of Cardiology. He sees patients at Saratoga

•

Hospital Medical Group – Cardiology at 254 Church St. He also provides cardiology consultation to inpatients and outpatients at Nathan Littauer Hospital in Gloversville. This service is provided by agreement with Saratoga Hospital in its capacity as an affiliate of the Albany Med Health System.

Monthie came to the Capital Region to attend Siena College and has remained here ever since. She earned her medical degree from Albany Medical College and completed an internship and residency in family medicine at Albany Medical Center Hospital.

She is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians.

Possidente was raised in Greenfield and graduated from Skidmore College. After earning a medical degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine in Pennsylvania, Possidente returned to the Capital Region to complete a residency in family medicine at Ellis Medicine in Schenectady.

He is board certified by the American Board of Family Medicine and American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians. Possidente is a member of the American Academy of Family Physicians and American Osteopathic Association.

Shelley R. Riopelle Owner • Esthetician

142 Saratoga Avenue, South Glens Falls Massage Therapist needed

Skin Care • Body Wellness

If you would like to be a part of Skin Renaissance Spa, please contact us.

518.741.6001

shelley@skinrenaissancespa.com • skinrenaissancespa.com

AoG_SBJ_5-02 x 7-87_2021_Layout 1 10/5/2021 9:44 AM Page 1

Autumn of Giving MATCH Campaign

Join our ninth annual campaign to help our local nonprofits, and Adirondack Trust will match all donations made in October.

Please visit ATCCF.org or our Facebook page to learn more and donate.

Ways you can help: Make a donation during the month of October at any Adirondack Trust branch or online.

Attend our Evening of Autumn Giving event on October 20th at Longfellows Hotel & Restaurant. All ticket proceeds will support the campaign and be matched!

Register at: ATCCF.org/EveningofAutumnGiving Event Sponsor

Media Partners

The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation.

Adirondack Trust Company Member FDIC

From left, owners Lucy Rivas, Kelsey Whalenand, Zach VanEarden, along with bartender Kevin Kearbey, sit inside Lucy’s, their new bar in Saratoga Springs.

BY R.J. DELUKE Lucy’s is the latest addition to the bar scene on Caroline Street in Saratoga Springs. Unlike many, where volume and intensity can be a factor, this establishment aims for cozy and comfortable, according to co-owner Kelsey Whalen.

The bar physically lends itself to that. The bar itself is small and there are a handful or so of tables. Occupancy is 23.

“It’s a very casual vibe, but welcoming,” said Whalen. “Our slogan is, ‘Lucy’s bar, Come in as you are.’ We truly mean that. All are welcome.

“We want everyone to be comfortable. We want you to walk away with a good cocktail for $10, not 14 which is seemingly the average in Saratoga for a cocktail.”

It opened in late September and business, she said, is strong despite the size. In fact the size appealed to her. She previously operated Whole Harvest, a stored that prepares healthy meals using local products. She closed the store because the bottom line was not going to hold up during the coronavirus pandemic.

But she retained the lease on the space.

“It’s so good,” Whalen said of business thus far. “In terms of business, it’s low overhead, low staffing, easy maintenance, easy to clean, easy upkeep ... We definitely say it’s cozy eclectic.

It’s been wonderful. It’s been really busy. I think we found a niche that wasn’t in Saratoga ... A spot to get a good affordable cocktail and not need to buy food.

There is one food item, however, prepared from a crockpot behind the bar. The “walking taco” consists of Doritos or Fritos topped with chili, sour cream, cheese and avacado served in the chip bag. Vegan and gluten free options are

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

available.

With a high markup on alcohol, Whalen felt a bar would eventually work there, on a street rife with bar seekers. She approached Zach VanEarden, a childhood friend about the venture.

“I knew he was really hard working. I just approached him and asked if he wanted to open a bar with me, and he jumped on it. It was him and his fiance, Lucy Rivas, who joined forces with me.

“We all have different strong suits. I have the back-end experience and experience with opening the brick-and-mortar service industry business. Zach has a lot of construction management experience. And Lucy has all the marketing experience.”

Zach is part of VanEarden Brothers Painting in Saratoga. The name came from his fiance, who’s given name is Lucero. “We all love it,” Whalen said of the business title.

The bar specializes in cocktails made not from brand names, but from quality, smallbatch sources. The beers are craft beverages from area sources like nearby Druthers on Broadway.

But people can get regular bottle of beer found elsewhere. In fact, one of the specials is “the Lucy,” a shot of whisky, vodka or tequila, serve with a beer—Pabst, Miller Light or Coors—for $8.

Lucy’s is open daily beginning at 5 p.m.

One of the owners is there at all times, Whalen said, and they also have two bartenders and a door man.

“If you’re looking for an eclectic cozy spot for an affordable cocktail in Saratoga, we’re your place to go,” she said.

Its Instagram and Facebook pages are at Lucysbarsaratoga and its website is Lucysbarsaratoga.com.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 3

Saratoga County Chamber: Recent Economic NY State Of Health Will Open Enrollment Data Shows Success Coming Out Of COVID Period For Health Marketplace On Nov. 16

This chart shows that in the Saratoga County lodging industry, revenue per available room is up significantly over last year, which was the height of the coronavirus pandemic.

SUBMITTED BY

THE SARATOGA COUNTY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Recently reported September county data indicates that Saratoga County is coming back stronger and more resilient than ever as we continue to emerge from the pandemic.

“Unemployment rates, sales tax collections, lodging, and real estate across the county are seeing tremendous growth when compared to this time last year,” said Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president. “We’re excited to see residents and tourists working, shopping, and staying throughout the county, and we hope the numbers continue to rise.”

Unemployment As of August, the unemployment rate has decreased from 7 percent in 2020 to 4 percent in 2021. The number of employed residents has risen, adding an additional 800 laborers to our county’s workforce. Unemployment numbers have been nearly cut in half compared to last year.

Lodging Hotel occupancy has seen a rise throughout the county in 2021 thanks to an increase in leisure demand coming out of the pandemic, and group and corporate travel is starting to rise. Revenue per available room (RevPAR) has nearly doubled since this time last year, showcasing that out-oftown visitors are beginning to explore our vibrant county again.

“Our lodging partners had a strong season with some even setting revenue records,” said Darryl Leggieri, president, Discover Saratoga. “While we didn’t break revenue records in 2021, the occupancy and average daily rate that our lodging partners were able to command shows a strong return to our historical patterns in 2019. The future looks bright.”

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

County sales tax To date, sales tax collection has increased by more than $19 million in 2021 compared to 2020, showcasing that residents, businesses and visitors are beginning to spend again. The largest contributors to sales tax revenue represented in the chart comes from purchases made at restaurants, car dealerships, building/materials dealers, hotels, gas stations, and general retail.

Housing market The median sales price of a home has increased by nearly 14 percent compared to August of last year, and the number of days a home is on the market has decreased by more than 42 percent. The housing market continues to show positive growth with 16.2 percent more closed sales in 2021 versus 2020 as the chart below indicates.

“The current real estate market continues to stay strong from the summer season,” said Julie Bonacio, owner, Julie & Co. Realty LLC. “We’re still seeing families wanting to upgrade to bigger houses that are equipped with backyards that have pools and other outdoor areas, as well as secondary homes after being home for the duration of the pandemic.”

Year to date, the health of Saratoga County’s economy is improving. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce anticipates trends will continue to rise and the economy will continue to grow as it bounces back from the lockdowns and restrictions imposed to slow the spread of COVID-19.

“We will continue to monitor the health of our economy and advocate for our local business owners as needed to ensure Saratoga County continues to thrive,” said Shimkus. “We thank our local residents, partners, and visitors for doing everything you could to save our locals during the past two years.”

NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, have announced the affordable health insurance options available to New Yorkers in 2022.

Open enrollment for coverage in a 2022 Qualified Health Plan starts Nov. 16 for new and returning consumers and ends on Jan.31.

“Marketplace enrollment has topped 6.3 million people this year as more New Yorkers choose to protect themselves and their families with affordable, quality coverage during the COVID-19 public health emergency,” said Acting NY State of Health Executive Director Danielle Holahan. “Consumers can begin previewing their 2022 plan options and premiums today through NY State of Health’s plan shopping tool.”

Significantly, officials said, expanded federal tax credits remain available to New Yorkers who enroll in Qualified Health Plans (QHP.) This enhanced American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) financial assistance is available now, including to higher-income individuals for the first time.

Consumers who receive premium tax credits, more than 60 percent of QHP enrollees, will see no change in their premium costs for 2022, or in some cases a small decrease in the cost of coverage compared to 2021.

According to the Health Department, one in three New Yorkers are enrolled in health coverage through the Marketplace. Enrollment has increased across all marketplace programs since April 2021, when the state began implementing ARPA tax credit and Essential Plan (EP) enhancements.

All 12 insurers that offered Qualified Health Plans last year will offer them again in 2022.

Consumers who enroll in a QHP between Nov. 16 and Dec. 15 will have coverage starting Jan. 1.

The 12 insurers offering Qualified Health Plans in 2022 are: Capital District Physicians Health Plan; Empire Blue Cross HealthPlus and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HealthPlus; Excellus (Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield in Central NY and Univera in Western NY); Fidelis Care; Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (EmblemHealth); Healthfirst; Highmark (Highmark of Northeastern NY and Highmark of Western NY); Independent Health; MetroPlus Health Plan; MVP Health Care; and Oscar Insurance Corp; United Healthcare of New York Inc. Officials said the Essential Plan will continue to offer coverage with no monthly premium, no deductible and low-cost sharing and will include vision and dental benefits for all enrollees.

The 12 insurers offering the Essential

Plan in 2022 are: Capital District Physicians Health Plan; Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield HealthPlus; Excellus (Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield in Central NY and Univera in Western NY); Fidelis Care; Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (EmblemHealth); Healthfirst; Highmark (Highmark of Northeastern NY and Highmark of Western NY); Independent Health; MetroPlus Health Plan; Molina Healthcare; MVP Health Care; and United Healthcare of New York, Inc. The NY State of Health Small Business Marketplace (SBM) offers reduced-cost, comprehensive health insurance to small employers, uninsured working individuals, and sole proprietors. There are currently more than 16,000 employers signed on with the Marketplace, the highest level since its inception in 2013, officials said.

Eligible small employers can access small employer tax credits by completing a short application at nystateofhealth.ny.gov/employer and enrolling in NY State of Health-certified plans directly with insurers of their choice.

The nine insurers offering plans on the Small Business Marketplace are: Capital District Physicians Health Plan, Empire (Empire Blue Cross and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield), Excellus (Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield in Central NY and Univera in Western NY), Healthfirs, Health Insurance Plan of Greater New York (EmblemHealth), Independent Health, MVP Health Care, Oscar Insurance Corp., and United Healthcare (Oxford).

Dental coverageis available for adults and families in some QHPs or through a standalone dental plan.

The Marketplace will offer the following eight dental plans on the individual Marketplace: Delta Dental, Dentcare, Empire HealthChoice Dental BlueCross and Empire Health Choice Dental Blue Cross BlueShield, Excellus Dental and Excellus Univera Dental, Guardian, Highmark of Northeastern NY; Highmark of Western NY), Healthplex, and Solstice.

Enrollment for 2021 coverage continues through the end of the year and consumers can enroll or renew for 2022 coverage for QHPs starting Nov. 16. Consumers are encouraged to research and compare their 2022 plans prior to the open enrollment date to jumpstart their application and secure enrollment before the end of the year.

Enrollment in the Essential Plan, Medicaid and Child Health Plus is open all year. For additional information, visit the NY State of Health website at: nystateofhealth.ny.gov or call 1-855-355-5777.

4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

NEXT ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTION

Wellness Year-End Tax / Financial Planning Holidays Publication Date: November 10, 2021

Jesse Peters’ Jessecology Business Is Taking Orders For Native Plant and Wildflower Seeds

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL She didn’t realize it at the time, but when Jesse Peters was invited to bid on a local airport habitat restoration project, her sustainable landscape business, Jessecology, would soon take off in a new direction.

Jessecology grows and sells thousands of native plants annually to civil engineers and construction companies for projects like roadside, highway median, post-construction and municipal landscaping.

“I didn’t win the bid on the plant piece of the project, but it was illuminating to me how great a need there is for propagating seeds of native plants for projects like these,” said Peters, an ecologist now in her 16th year of business.

Peters has been growing plants from seed for 10 years for wholesale use and do-it-yourself gardeners. But she said harvesting seeds for resale “was basically a hobby until that project for 90 acres shed light on the need.”

Any surplus she had in the past she typically donated to organic farms in the area to sow native plants around the fields.

“The wildflowers help bring in more pollinators to the farms and improve their crops,” she said.

At the same time, she is helping several species that are nearing extinction. Five types of seeds she plans to sell are currently on the endangered list, she said. One, the Cardinal Lobelia, she has planted around the Round Lake wetlands property owned

by Quick Response.

When a contractor is charged with restoring a habitat with native plant species, the project manager’s goal is “sustainability and durability,” according to Peters.

“Within the parameters of that municipal project, there is a need to buy certain types of plants anyway,” she said. “So why buy seeds from out-of-state at a big box store when they can get the seeds locally from me.”

“Our seeds will have higher germination success and a longer life expectancy because these plants have already adapted to the local climate and soil conditions,” said Peters. “There is a big niche and we are excited to fill it. Native plants offer an alternative to the cookie-cutter landscapes seen at most new home developments.”

Now that it’s the down season, Peters said the Jessecology team is preparing space at her acreage in Saratoga County to package the seeds for online pre-orders starting this month. They

GTM Payroll Services Continued From Page 1

Non-Profits Retirement Planning Holidays Publication Date: December 8, 2021

Call Today To Reserve Space

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

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

independent, local firm, GTM Payroll Services provides high levels of customized service, unmatched by national providers, to suit the needs of its clients.

Miller, a sought-after HR expert, will continue with the company as senior director of strategic partnerships. She is a nationally and locally requested speaker and leader. Miller writes a monthly column “Work Matters” for the Times Union, a Hearst publication in Albany, and is a frequent contributor to the Saratoga Business Journal and Glens Falls Business Journal.

Pinnacle Human Resources’ staff will remain in their roles with GTM Payroll Services.

Founded in 1991, GTM Payroll Services processes

Jesse Peters has been growing plants from seed for wholesale use and do-it-yourself gardeners. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

are preparing 25 single plant species, five of which are endangered, as well as mixes “that honor the region.”

“Some people say they have a brown thumb when they just aren’t using the right plants,” she said. “They probably bought them at a national retail store and the plants were fed a diet of blue water. Or they say the soil is sandy and nothing grows, whereas many plants have co-evolved with those conditions.”

There is a butterfly mix for those concerned about the survival of Monarchs, she said. These plants include milkweed species for the caterpillar and others that provide nectar for the butterflies.

“If anyone wants to feed the deer, we have a mix of New England Aster and Goldenrod, which have co-evolved with the deer population to match their strong appetite,” she said.

Peters believes New York ironweed, swamp milkweed, and the many varieties of native asters will sell well. Prettier than they may sound, these wildflowers “have a higher germination rate and both gardeners and engineers are fans.”

“Native plants want to grow here and they support our ecosystem,” she said. “If you fill a garden with native plants they will grow and produce tons of success for our songbirds, butterflies and pollinators that we need to live.”

Learn more at www.jessecology.com. more than $1 billion in payroll every year for more than 44,000 employees. Its staff of more than 70 employees includes certified payroll professionals, licensed insurance brokers, PHR-certified human resource managers, employment tax experts, and CPAs. GTM is an isolved Network Certified Partner.

GTM is an active member of the American Payroll Association (APA), Independent Payroll Providers Association (IPPA), Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), and Professional Insurance Agents (PIA). The firm is also an accredited business with the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Established in 2009, Pinnacle Human Resources provides human resource consulting services.

The team is comprised of certified senior HR professionals, certified HR professionals, certified internal investigators, certified coaches and trainers, a jurist doctorate, certified FMLA/ADA specialists, and a state-certified mediator.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 5

‘518 Donuts’ In Clifton Park Will Feature CDTA Extends Its FLEX Bus Service To Sweets Plus Tasty Fried Chicken Meals Riders In The Southern Saratoga County Area

Sam Clifford is one of the three owners of 518 Donuts at 7 Southside Drive in Clifton Park. The business has fresh doughnuts and will also specialize in fried chick dishes.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH A new doughnut shop, 518 Donuts, has opened in Clifton Park.

This one will combine doughnuts with speciality fried chicken.

Glenn Babinueau, Joseph Carl, and Sam Clifford officially opened the doors to 518 Donuts at 7 Southside Drive in Clifton Park and business has been good.

“Day one, there was a line all the way down the sidewalk waiting for the doors to open,” said Clifford.

He said all three owners have roots in Troy, where they were in the process of opening what was set to be their f lagship shop. But they took one look at The Shops at Village Plaza and decided they would plan for locations in both Clifton Park and Troy.

“We basically walked in and said,’We will take it.’ We knew we had to move quickly on it,” said Clifford.

The opening was a big success.

“It was phenomenal. Word sort of got out about us. The community response has really been incredible,” said Clifford.

The idea for the business came after one of Clifford’s business partners talked often about a beloved doughnutut shop he would visit when traveling down south. The three then decided to travel around the country to see what seemed to work in terms of fresh, local donuts. In the midst of the research

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

they came upon a fried chicken place in Philadelphia, and from there the concept of donuts and fried chicken came together.

“We immediately thought: This could really be something just unique enough to work,” said Clifford.

518 Donuts is currently concentrating on donuts and coffee. Soon they will roll out a chicken menu.

The freshly made cake doughnuts include f lavors such as cookies and cream, maple bacon and mint chocolate They are supporting another local business by serving Wired coffee, based in Saratoga Springs.

Clifford said they want the message of “local and fresh” to resonate with customers. They feel not being micromanaged by a corporation is an advantage that will help to set them apart.

“We can react to customer feedback on the f ly. If something doesn’t seem to be working, we can change it immediately,” he said.

Chicken sandwich options will have special combinations of sauces and toppings. Clifford said the chicken is fresh and non-GMO. It is fried twice for extra crispiness and is gluten-free, with the option to be served on a gluten-free bun.

518 Donuts is open 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The website is 518donuts.com.

More To Read . . . More Leads For You. (518) 581-0600

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

Washington County New Business Registrations SEPTEMBER MF Creative Consulting 213 Black Hole Hollow Rd. Cambridge, NY 12816

12th Degree Maintenance 78 River St., Apt. 2B Hudson Falls, NY 12839

PK Property Maintenance 5 Birch Dr. Fort Edward, NY 12828

Cookies Pizza Shop 287 Main St. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

Soulshine Vibes 106 Main St. Greenwich, NY 12834

Designed With Love 1746 Scotts Lake Rd. Salem, NY 12865

Hampton Motor Lodge 11899 State Route 4 Hampton, NY 12837

Justin Rushinski Masonry 604 County Route 64 Shushan, NY 12873

The CDTA FLEX service, an on-demand, app-based program, became available in the Mechanicville, Halfmoon and Clifton Park areas as of Sept. 20.

CDTA has expanded its FLEX service to the Southern Saratoga County region.

The on-demand, app-based service became available in the Mechanicville, Halfmoon and Clifton Park areas as of Sept. 20.

“It is our mission to create connections and seamless transportation options throughout the Capital Region,” said Carm Basile, CDTA chief executive officer, in a press release. “Now with the addition of Mechanicville Halfmoon and Clifton Park, we have expanded our route network and increased access and opportunity for thousands of residents.”

CDTA first introduced FLEX to the Capital Region in January of 2020 and allows customers to enjoy curb-to-curb service within specified zones by downloading the free TransLoc App and requesting a ride or by calling CDTA. The program also operates in Colonie, Guilderland, Latham and at the UAlbany Uptown Campus. This service is also offered to Albany Medical Center, Albany International Airport, and University at Albany as part of a Universal Access agreement.

Courtesy CDTA

The Southern Saratoga County FLEX service will operate free of charge during the initial pilot period. It operates from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends.

Handicapped accessible vehicles are available.

FLEX vehicles undergo the same cleaning and disinfecting processes that all CDTA vehicles do to ensure customer safety and security, officials said.

More information about the FLEX program is available online at www.cdta.org.

“As our region grows, so do our transportation options,” the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce said in a statement. “And as we look at Saratoga County’s economy coming out of the pandemic, we know this public transportation option will only help grow the economy even more.

If this effort is successful, our hope is to work with CDTA to expand the service to other parts of the county.

“We thank CDTA for its forward thinking and vision to connect our communities, and we pledge to make FLEX work in Southern Saratoga County so it can expand to the rest of the region.”

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

Visit our website for the latest articles each month. www.SaratogaBusinessJournal.com

Go on our website www.SaratogaBusinessJournal.com www.GlensFallsBusinessJournal.com to subscribe to our email for the release of the the virutal edition.

You may also mail your check in the amount of $25.00 for 12 issues made payable to Weinhagen Associates LLC to receive your paper by mail.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL 2002 Business Of The Year

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County P.O. Box 766 • Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.saratogabusinessjournal.com Editorial: RJDeLuke@saratogabusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@saratogabusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Associate Editor R.J. DeLuke Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Production Manager Graphic Precision Photographer Stock Studios Photography Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Jennifer Farnsworth Christine Graf Andrea Palmer Lisa Balschunat Saratoga Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Saratoga county.

Saratoga Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 581-0600. Saratoga Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

Saratoga Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Saratoga county 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 Saratoga Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Saratoga Business Journal are the property of Saratoga Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Saratoga Business Journal.

‘Self-Care’ Parties In the Wake Of COVID-19 Pandemic Provided By ‘Refresh’ Company A new business has launched in Saratoga Springs offering what it calls post-pandemic selfcare parties to nourish and rejuvenate the mind, body and soul.

It’s called Refresh. And its goal is to offer a wellness-centered option for bachelorette parties, baby showers, women’s retreats, corporate retreats, and rites of passage such as milestone birthday parties.

Diane Palma, a Reiki II practitioner and New York state and Florida licensed cosmetologist, founded the business. She has a masters’ degree in community counseling. She is certified by the National Wellness Institute in Workplace Wellness and worked for 10 years as a mental health clinical evaluator at Four Winds Saratoga.

“Since 2013 I have been consciously transforming my life,” said Palma. “As a single parent of one college graduate and one college student, I also wanted to re-launch myself. So I sold my house and quit my job of 21 years at Jean Paul Salon &Spa and moved to Saratoga Springs.”

She continues to work as a freelance hair and makeup artist and offers services at Lockettes The Salon in Ballston Spa.

“My purpose for moving to this area was my natural attraction to the healing mineral springs.

I immersed myself in the Saratoga Integrative Practitioners Network (SIPN) which opened so many doors for my personal development, selfdiscovery, and growth,” Palma said. “Now I would like to share the practices with others to educate them about self-care and mental health.”

She said she started Refresh “to help build back a cohesive community after we’ve all been in isolation for so long. It’s time to refresh ourselves.”

Events range from two hours to two days depending on a group’s interests and intentions, according to Palma.

Parties can be done in-person or virtually, and offer a menu of beauty, wellness, and energy workshops and services focusing on creative, physical, spiritual, financial and social wellness.

Possible options include how to make jewelry; painting classes; how to style hair, makeup and nails; tours of the mineral springs or Yaddo; massage; pilates; yoga; reiki; sound healing; aromatherapy and more.

Parties start at $100 per person and can be booked online at www.refreshsaratoga.com.

Volunteers Sought To Help Operate Special Olympic Events In And Around Glens Falls Special Olympics New York is seeking 200 volunteers for its upcoming State Fall Games, which will be held in and around Glens Falls Friday, Oct. 22 and Saturday, Oct. 23.

Volunteers must be vaccinated and registered in advance. No sports experience is necessary.

Volunteers will be trained on site. People can register online at sonylive.nyso.org/pages/app/ VAC. Venue support includes set up, parking assistance, meal distribution, safety assurance, awards, and other specific venue needs.

Lunch, safety squad, and photo/video volunteers are needed at all venues. Safety Squad volunteers will ensure Special Olympics New York and venue COVID-19 protocols are being followed, and will disinfect areas and equipment in between use.

Special Olympics New York 2021 State Fall Games is sponsored by Warren County/Visit

Lake George, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Mohawk Honda/Chevrolet, NYSID, SEFCU, Adirondack Oral Health, Albany Medical Center, Glens Falls National Bank, Hannaford, NBT Bank, Price Chopper/Market 32, Queensbury Hotel, and Quick Response.

To support the Games, either by volunteering or making a donation, visit www.specialolympics-ny. org/community/2021-fall-games.

Special Olympics New York is the largest state chapter in the country, serving more than 51,000 athletes across New York with year-round sports training, athletic competition, and health screenings.

All Special Olympics New York programs are offered at no cost to athletes, their families or caregivers. Additional information about Special Olympics New York is available at visit www. specialolympicsNY.org.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 7

Area Training And Events Sports Complex Elle Salon Operating In New South Glens Adds Outdoor, Lighted Basketball Courts Falls Location With Room For More Services

Golden Goal Sports Park is a 196-acre sports complex designed in the style of an Olympic Village, used by local teams and athletes. It recently installed two lighted outdoor basketball courts.

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT Golden Goal Sports Park recently installed two lighted outdoor basketball courts to its complex in Fort Ann, with pickleball courts next on the facility’s installation agenda.

In operation for 15 years, Golden Goal is a 196acre sports complex designed in the style of an Olympic Village. The property at 495 Goodman Road touts eight outdoor fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey and flag football, training, games and tournaments. Four fields are natural grass. Four are artificial turf.

According to Emmie Doin, facility director, the complex—promoted as the Northeast Premier Residential Sports Venue—offers practice times, sports retreats, tournaments, a college internship program, and has 25 cabins that can sleep up to 400 people. Field rentals are available for professional organizations, clubs, colleges, academies, high schools and travel teams.

“Golden Goal gives young athletes a place to fine-tune their skills, compete in games and tournaments, and train outdoors,” she said.

Players, team staff and chaperones can participate in 2-day to 7-day programs that include meals and all of the amenities in the Athlete’s Village and staff lounge.

“The Athlete’s Village includes outdoor activities like spike ball, can jam and cornhole and indoor activities include ping pong, air hockey, televisions, Xboxes and PlayStations,” she said. “We also have a challenge course for athletes to work on their team building skills while having fun.” The course includes a 10-foot vertical wall and tire flips.

“It’s something that someone can do alone,” she noted, “but it’s designed to encourage a team to work together.”

Golden Goal had its own challenges during the pandemic, but found creative and safe ways to operate.

“We adjusted our dining tent by removing the skin over it and the side walls to create an open-

Courtesy Golden Goal Sports Park

air dining space,” Doin said. “We moved our bunks around. We reduced capacity and followed the necessary protocols.”

Golden Goal forged on and established safe policies for its participants that now includes producing a negative COVID-19 test a set number of days before arriving at the complex.

She said, “It was phenomenal this summer to see kids out playing sports they love, carefree and unencumbered. You know, young athletes follow the rules. If we have a mask mandate or a negative test requirement in place, they follow those rules too, so they can play the sport they love.”

Golden Goal employs 20 full-time seasonal staff and five year-round employees.

Each summer, the company mentors college students majoring in sports management, business, sales, finance and economics, under its college internship program.

“Last year, we had a student from Georgia.

In previous years, we’ve had local students, as well. It is one of my favorite programs. College kids are so engaged and enthusiastic about their future careers. We work with them to tailor their experience here to what they’re passionate about,” said Doin.

Jeff Braun, owner of Golden Goal, is on site daily in the summer to talk with the athletes and to get their input about how to make Golden Goal an even better experience. College, high school and younger participants share their ideas with Braun, hence the installation of the basketball courts this year.

Golden Goal is currently booking team practice sessions and tournaments for next spring.

“You don’t have to be connected to a specific program or tournament to participate at Golden Goal,” Doin added. “Anyone can join in the fun here.”

The complex also offers individual and small group bookings.

For more details, call (855) 355-4625, or visit www.goldengoalpark.com

Danielle Kresge is the owner of Elle Salon, which recently moved into new space at 113 Saratoga Ave., Soouth Glens Falls. She has expanded staff, which now totals 12.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Ever since she could remember, Danielle Kresge wanted to run a hair salon and spa.

Half her dream was realized when she started Elle Salon three years ago in South Glens Falls.

Now in her new location at 113 Saratoga Ave., Kresge has the room to add staff and services to give clients the full spa experience.

“At the other location, I had a good starting point to get my feet wet,” she said. “I’m actually surprised at how quickly we grew, and proud of it.”

Once she determined to move and expand, Kresge knew she would put her clients first. The location she found on Facebook was a brand new building in which she could picture clients “relaxing and enjoying themselves,” she said.

“The space is like an open canvas with white walls and high ceilings,” she said. “It has a clean, breezy, airy feeling.”

Since the move the first week of August, there have been a few new hires, bringing the staff to 12.

Elle Salon and Spa now has four rooms for

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

spa services, including facials, body waxing, eyelash extension, hand-tied hair extensions, brow lamination and make-up. There is also a dedicated room for full body massage.

Kresge has 10 chairs for hair styling, whereas there were five before the relocation. She herself has 11 years experience cutting and coloring hair and her “specialty has always been blonds,” she said.

Her market is not the walk-in customer, she said, but rather a “middle class woman or man who wants to come in and feel pampered without breaking the budget.”

The salon also does haircuts for children.

Kresge said she has reflected on the pandemic and how it has helped her by helping others.

“The pandemic and the isolation has been hard on people mentally and emotionally,” she said. “When they were able to come in, I saw the need to help them feel better about themselves.

That has been a goal of mine ever since I was a little girl.”

Learn more at www.ellesalonsouthglensfalls. com.

Jeannine Dubiac, FPC Partner Priority One Payroll Reads

©2021 Saratoga Photographer.com

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Office / Tech

Business Has Been Good For Companies Local Partnership Offers Computer Coding That Rent Out Office Space For Professionals Education To Unemployed, Underemployed

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH The business of providing professionals with a functioning workspace outside of their home or office is a gowing one. While it may be something more and more people are seeking in the wake of COVID-19 and the unanticipated work from the home era, places like Saratoga CoWorks have actually been around for years.

Co-owner Dorothy Rogers-Bullis said her business first began in 2014, and has been thriving ever since.

“We have always been busy. The pandemic didn’t really seem to change that, however we do know that people don’t generally like to work from home. In business, it’s always better to be around others, other professionals, and that is what our business is known for, a place for professionals,” said Rogers-Bullis.

Saratoga CoWorks is a collaborative coworking space for entrepreneurs, professionals, freelancers and startups. They have two locations in Saratoga, with a third in the works. She said the business is not a coffee and hang out space, but instead it is a place known for an atmosphere tailored for those who are looking to get to work in a productive, supportive environment.

“Our goal is to meet the needs of those looking for a place to hold an important meeting, connect with another professional or even just to come in and work on an important deadline,” she said.

In Glens Falls, the work away from home and office workspace has found its way into a business owned by Christy Alexander.

Alexander is the owner of WorkSmart, now located inside the former First National Bank in downtown Glens Falls. Alexander was also an entrepreneur ahead of the game, opening her business in 2018. She describes it as a coworking and meeting space designed to provide small businesses and remote workers with a sense of community.

“People need to be around other people, to feel connected, especially when they share common goals,” said Alexander.

Dorothy Rogers-Bullis is co-owner Saratoga CoWorks in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy drb Business Interiors

WorkSmart is a member-driven organization that offers a variety of services from conference room rentals to meeting the day-to-day office needs of working professionals, something Alexander said she saw a greater need for during the pandemic.

“People who were trying to have important calls and meetings while balancing the distractions of being at home needed a space to work from, a place with a productive environment,” she said.

Alexander said moving into the old bank building this fall allowed them to better service their clientele. She said the building is equipped now with a downloadable app that lets people have 24 hour access, choose membership options and more.

The building has been somewhat restored with its natural beauty, complete with partial brick walls and natural light coming through the ceiling. A conference room complete with a fireplace and a view of Glen Street is also a highlight of the new space.

Continued On Page 9

SUNY Adirondack and SaratogaCanCode have joined forces to offer free computer coding education and training programs to serve unemployed and underemployed New York residents.

Funded through a state Department of Labor grant, the partnership will enable coding instruction in two popular courses—Front End Web Development and Python for Data Analytic —to serve up to 45 people starting Nov. 8.

SUNY Adirondack’s Workforce Readiness Academies Program (WRAP) provides free training opportunities for residents of New York state. Included in the program are customized services based on participant need, such as career coaching, academic advising, job-search skills, and accessing resources such as emergency child care and technology support.

The 12-week computer coding programs are offered virtually through SaratogaCanCode, which is part of CanCode Communities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a trained software workforce throughout upstate New York and beyond.

“We’re seeing such success with the summer cohort of students who are about to finish their IT boot camp training,” said Caelynn Prylo, Assistant Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Innovation at SUNY Adirondack.

“This program is truly transformational for the participants. With the workforce changes we’ve seen over the past year, more people than ever can benefit from this high-impact training program, expanding their skills and securing employment in a high-demand field and strengthen our region’s pool of trained, talented tech professionals.”

“We are delighted to partner with SUNY Adirondack to deliver computer coding education and training that is truly changing lives,” said Annmarie Lanesey, founder and CEO of CanCode Communities. “This is a wonderful opportunity to provide motivated individuals with pathways to exciting careers in the tech industry, and to build our tech workforce to

support the rapid expansion of the digital workplace.”

The Front End Web Development course gives students hands-on practice building pieces of code to connect user experience into backend processes. Through lectures, individual assignments, tutorials and projects, students will establish solid foundations in key programs for front-end developers, including HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, jQuery, JavaScript/jQuery and Github.

Officials said the course might be of particular interest to graphic designers and beginning programmers. It meets virtually two nights a week in three-hour sessions.

In the Python for Data Analytics course, students will learn fundamental programming concepts using Python as a tool for collecting, analyzing and visualizing data.

Officials said no programming experience is necessary, although those with experience who are interested in learning new languages and applications are welcome.

CanCode Communities is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 as AlbanyCanCode to develop nontraditional talent and advocate for a vibrant, inclusive tech talent pipeline in upstate New York. Operating on a stakeholder engagement model, the organization designs and delivers workforce training courses and handson K12 coding programs in alignment with the needs of employers, educators, talent and the community. The overall mission is to shift mindset about who can work in technology; to remove cultural and economic barriers to joining the tech workforce; and to establish and promote pathways to tech careers throughout the region.

Learn more at www.cancode.org.

SUNY Adirondack is a community college with a growing campus that is part of the nation’s largest university, the State University of New York. With locations in Queensbury, Glens Falls and Wilton, it offers courses in person and online; on-campus housing at the Queensbury campus; and serves students via credit and continuing education programs.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 9

BankWise Rolls Out ‘Happy Banker,’ A Program That Integrates Operating Systems BankWise Technology has introduced Happy Banker, a soft ware solution for banks and credit for use with their core processing system and their daily banking operations.

These modules help banks leverage and enhance their core system for certain tasks and can save them time and money, the company said.

BankWise Technology is headquartered in Saratoga Springs.

Happy Banker is a suite of modules that seamlessly integrate with a bank’s core operating system to assist in streamlining certain daily compliance and operational tasks. The modules are “plug n play” and can be combined or used individually.

Currently there are four modules: customer verify, high risk customer monitor, debit card dispute case management and overdraft review. Banks and credit unions must adhere to a strict set of regulations to maintain the safety and integrity of their customers and their bank in a rapidly changing environment. These modules help banks manage certain tasks in operational areas, like deposit operations and compliance, thereby increasing efficiencies and improved customer service.

Happy Banker also offers a variety of hosting options. Banks can host the soft ware on their own server, in the cloud or on BankWise Technology’s secure cloud platform.

BankWise Technology Co-President and Chief Technology Officer Sergei Morgoslepov

said the suite of modules will “help banks and credit unions with their daily operations as it relates to compliance and risk management.

Each day, banks process thousands of customer transactions, while adding new customers to their core operating system. Managing the complex environment of these transactions and customers requires technology to make it efficient while helping the bank’s staff manage this process.

“With the Happy Banker ecosystem, we help banks and credit unions streamline these daily operational tasks.”

In addition to the suite of modules, BankWise Technology provides data warehousing services, RPA, (Robotic Processing Automation), custom development, data integration, consulting, and other digital banking operations for financial services companies.

BankWise Technology (BWT) is a financial services soft ware and data integration company serving community banks, regional banks, and credit unions. Collectively, its team has 60-plus years in bank technical positions, and 80-plus years in the IT and soft ware fields.

BWT specializes in developing and writing applications for financial services companies to use in a variety of areas like operations, compliance, retail and commercial banking, lending, digital banking, wealth management and insurance. To learn more, visit bankwisetech.com.

NBT Bank Publishes Cyber Security Series To Help Businesses Detect, Avoid Cybercrimes To mark National Cybersecurity Awareness Month this October, NBT Bank has published a series of cybersecurity webinars addressing the trends and concerns businesses should be aware of.

These on-demand webinars were exclusive to NBT Bank partners and customers until now.

“With the dramatic shift to more people working remotely, this year’s Cybersecurity Awareness Month is more important to consumers and businesses than ever before,” said Terra Carnrike-Granata, senior vice president, director of information security at NBT Bank.

“While we provide our individual and business customers with robust fraud prevention tools and information, we felt there was an urgent need to get this information out to all members of our community to help them understand how to better protect themselves from cybercrime.”

In 2020, the Federal Trade Commission received 4.8 million reports of identity theft

and fraud, up 45 percent from 3.3 million in 2019, according to the bank. The rise is mostly due to the 113 percent increase in identity theft complaints.

Carnrike-Granata said the best defense against cyber criminals is knowledge and awareness. Any individual who uses an internet-connected device, whether for personal or business use, should make it a priority to understand how cybercrimes can occur and how to best protect our personal and financial information from a potential security breach.

NBT Bank’s webinar series comes in four 30-minute videos on the following topics: • The Current State of Cybersecurity: Protecting the Intangible.

• Are You Covered? Proactive Controls You Need Now. • After A Breach: Effective Incident Response.

• Cybercrime Survivors: Stories & Lessons Learned.

To view each webinar, visit www. nbtbank.com/cyber.

Rent Out Office Space

for those seeking out her company. Saratoga CoWorks is complete with state-of-the-art technology including enterprise-class Wi-Fi, rooms equipped with projectors and Apple TVs. They also have whiteboard walls, a kitchenette personal storage space, and free on-street parking.

The WorkSmart website is worksmartgf.com.

The are located at 237 Glen St., Glens Falls,and can be reached att 518-480-7849.

SaratogaCoWork’s website is saratogacoworks. com/ or on Facebook @Saratogacoworks. The are located at 426 Broadway and 153 Regent St. in Saratoga Springs.

Continued From Page 8

“We want people to enjoy coming here and getting work done. Whether it is a regular client or someone visiting the area, whatever their need is, we will meet it. We are really passionate about taking care of people, that is my focus, providing everything that members need,” said Alexander.

Rogers-Bullis said technology and access are things they know are on top of the list

•

Business Report Don’t Let Year-End Sneak Up On You

BY MARK SHAW Although it’s the end of 2021, it seems like 2020 all over again, right? Well, this year will have some new challenges.

Don’t let the last quarter of the year leave your business unprepared for growth and support. There are things you can do now to ensure that in the world of technology you are not left out in the cold come December.

During this time of the year, budgets are being built and the last of the year spends are getting planned out. In a perfect world, companies would finalize those purchases in late November or early December, just in time to get the hardware, soft ware, or service in play and being used before Jan. 1. Every business I know, StoredTech included, finds those final hour purchases to help with business financials.

In 2021, with the supply chain tightened and stretched in some areas, a wait-and-see approach cannot be taken.

Right now, chip shortages with car makers are the most visible to the public. The dealership lots are filled with many empty spaces. Go to your local grocery store, or even Walmart, these gaps in the shelves and lack of variety is now commonplace. Years ago, shelf space was at a premium and brands would pay extra to be at eye level. Now retailers are just trying to fill the shelves.

Although, it may seem normal to pick up alternative items when grocery shopping for your family, there are more consequential results when it comes to your business and how it can be impacted. The lack of materials visible in supermarkets, are visible in business technology as well.

Tech hardware is back ordered, slow to arrive, and ship dates keep being missed. The more ‘unique’ the hardware, the harder it is to find.

•

Mark Shaw, president and CEO of Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech) Courtesy StoredTech

For example, a high-end Dell server we ordered for a client in July has a Dec. 25 ship date. That cool laptop that converts to a tablet, with a touch screen, and maxed out specs?

Order now and maybe it will arrive by years end. The supply market is so tight, we see common items shipped first, smaller quantities ship quicker, and larger more sophisticated orders ship last, if at all.

What can you do to make sure you have the technology to run your business well into 2022, handle any last-minute capital spends, and not be pushed until the unknown future? Act now.

Factor in the longer lead times, move your purchasing up sooner than expected, pick models that are likely in stock, and if possible be ready to accept an alternative if the items you want are unavailable.

If you are looking for year-end purchases, buy now, don’t delay. Supplies truly are limited.

10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Entrepreneurial Women Leslie Swedish Finds Her Business Rose Miller Led Her Pinnacle HR Company’s Endeavor, Moxxi Coffee Co., ‘A Pleasure’ Growth From Five Employees To 30

BY JILL NAGY Just past her one-year anniversary, Leslie Swedish is finding Moxxi Coffee Co., her new coffee business, “nothing short of a pleasure.”

The company sells its own blends of coffee online and through retail outlets and “business is going really well.”

Swedish designs the blends—there are six so far—in cooperation with Chris’ Coffee Service in Latham. Chris’ imports the coffees and roasts and mixes the blends to her order. Coffees are organic and fair-traded.

Typically, there are between two and four varieties to a blend. The three basic blends are blond ambition, a four-bean blend of lightly roasted coffees; bold ambition, a dark roast blend of monsoon and Malabar coffees; and wild ambition, an “almost espresso” blend of extra dark Peruvian and Indian coffees.

In addition, Swedish has concocted three varieties of herbal and botanical infused coffee blends: relax, refocus, and revive. A winter blend is under development. Swedish also offers a variety of coffee mugs.

For every item sold, the company donates $1 to the Moxxi Women’s Foundation that makes grants “to support ambitious women in the Capital region.”

The foundation, nonprofit charitable corporation, has been active since last March. Grantees include a local woman who sells soaps and candles and will use the grant money to buy a tumbler for polishing stones.

So far, all retail sales are online. However, a small brick and mortar outlet is under construction in Stillwater near Swedish’s home at 1005 Route 32. It will house the company and foundation headquarters and a small retail outlet.

Will she sell coffee by the cup? “Absolutely not,” she said, “I watch my husband (Scott Swedish, owner of Saratoga Coffee Traders) and I don’t want that.”

Moxxi’s coffee blends are on the shelves of about a dozen retail outlets in the Capital Region, including Crafters Gallery in Saratoga Springs, Candy Cottage in Latham, the Open Door Bookstore in Schenectady, and Cardona’s Italian market in

Leslie Swedish got into the coffee business after a career as a hair stylist. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

Saratoga Springs.

“The feedback has been fantastic. We’ve gotten a pretty good success rate,” she said.

Swedish got into the coffee business when a late-life pregnancy interrupted a former career as a hair stylist. The combination of working with harsh chemicals and standing on her feet all day, along with the pandemic-related restrictions on the beauty business, made it impractical to continue in that line of work, she decided.

The baby will be two years old in November and Swedish marvels at how different being a new mother is now than it was 20 years ago when her older children were born. The youngest, at 20, recently left home.

So far, Moxxi is a one-woman show.

“I am very busy,” she said. As soon as financially feasible she plans to hire help and, eventually, concentrate on the foundation while someone else runs the coffee business.

You can reach Swedish at moxxicoffee@gmail. com or at 518 226-5982.

SARATOGA COWORKS iS THE SOLUTION High-end furnishings | Two Saratoga Springs locations Conference space | High-speed Wi-Fi | On-site concierge

WORKING FROM HOME

SARATOGA COWORKS

info@saratogacoworks.com

CONTACT: 518.605.6147 | SaratogaCoWorks.com

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Before owning her own company, Rose Miller worked in human resources for companies of all sizes. Around 2005, she began to seriously consider the idea of opening her own human resources consulting business.

“You have to do a scout model. Always be prepared and get as many facts as you can,” she said.

Her research revealed that the number-one failure point for HR professionals who went out on their own was loneliness and isolation. A self-described people person, Miller found that concerning.

“I saw myself quickly becoming dissatisfied with working out of my house,” she said. “I also knew that one of my strengths is building great teams. I knew I didn’t want to work all by myself. I wanted to build a company.”

Her first step was to create a business plan.

According to Miller, it is essential for anyone who is thinking about starting their own business.

“So many entrepreneurs don’t write a business plan, but you really need to sit down and go through a professional business plan because it makes you formulize things and delve into areas that you may not be strong at.

To put it in writing is an amazing exercise.”

While working on her business plan in 2005, she attended a chamber of commerce meeting and was seated with the managing partner from a local CPA firm. After learning that his firm was interested in starting an HR consulting practice, she told him that he had found the person to run it.

Miller was hired to run the consulting firm, and four year later purchased the business and named it Pinnacle HR. Since that time, her staff has grown from five to 30 employees.

“It’s been steadily growing every single year,” she said. “We tapped into a need in the area, and I think that’s critical that an entrepreneur understand their target market and understand it well.”

And recently, Miller sold her company to GTM Payroll Services of Clifton Park. Her staff will be relocating from their office in Albany to 9 Executive Park Drive in Clifton Park.

Miller will serve as senior director of strategic relationships for the newly formed GTM Pinnacle HR. Pinnacle’s target market is small and medium-sized companies that do not have their own HR departments. According to Miller, regardless of size, all companies have the exact same HR needs with the same complexities.

“I built a model that brings HR best practices and models to any size company,” she said.

“Our tagline to these companies is that you can have the same things that a big company has in human resources but in a scalable and flexible way. There was a major need for outsourced HR which is our biggest revenue source. The region is so plentiful in these small and medium sized businesses.”

Six years ago, Pinnacle HR launched what has become a very successful leave of absence division that serves clients throughout the country. That arm of the business also works with large companies with their own HR departments.

Rose Miller says business during COVID was busy for Pinnacle Human Resources LLC. Courtesy Rose Miller

“When they operate in multi-states, it becomes very complex to administer all of the different forms of leave. Every state is so different,” she said. “Large companies outsource just that piece.”

According to Miller, her firm has been especially busy during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The only silver lining of COVID was the awareness of how important an HR function is in an organization. During the pandemic, they weren’t calling their finance people. They were calling their HR people. They needed to know what the laws are. Who to lay off. Who to keep.

For us, the awareness of how critical it is to have HR professionals in the mix to guide them through this quagmire has been a big boost for the HR profession.”

After being recognized as one of the fastest growing companies in the region for multiple years, Miller began receiving inquiries regarding selling her business or merging with another firm.

“I’ve always kept an open mind because I think opportunities arise when you keep yourself open,” she said. “I did a lot of talking.

I do practice what I preach, and what I see as a failure point for mergers and acquisitions is not having culture align. So, I looked at all of these suitors with that in mind. Did their core values match up with mine? How much value did they place on their people? I believe people are everything.”

After considering multiple offers, Miller decided to sell her company to Guy Maddalone at GTM Payroll Services.

“We’ve known each other a long time and always respected one another. We’re on the same page with how we build companies, and he just celebrated his thirtieth year in business,” she said. “They are a good sized company, and we complement one another. Nothing changes for our clients. They will experience the same level of great service. I think it’s going to be a very nice thing.”

Miller said she has no plans of retiring any time soon. “I’m still having a lot of fun serving our clients, and I have an amazing team of HR pros.”

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 11

Beth Moeller’s Consulting Firm Helps Solve Kylie Holland Gained The Needed Experience Digital Marketing Problems For Nonprofits As She Prepares To Head The Family Business

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Interactive Media Consulting LLC owner Beth Moeller, PhD. is helping solve digital marketing problems for small businesses and nonprofits— markets she said she slipped into during the company’s earliest beginnings.

The company is marking its 25th anniversary this year.

“It was First Night 1996 and we were involved in organizing communications to create a web site,” said Moeller. “There was no money to pay us, but I knew we would do it.”

An arts enthusiast, Moeller has donated valuable professional services ever since to sustain and establish the arts and art education from her alma mater, Clarkson University in Potsdam, down to the Capital District.

She was teaching at Clarkson and was about to get married when she decided to create an LLC. That decision led the couple to the Saratoga area and the pro bono web site that introduced her programming and web design skills to the merchants and sponsors of Saratoga’s First Night.

“Some of those companies called and asked me to do their websites, and some of them are still clients,” she said. “I was at the right place at the right time with the right expertise.”

Moeller started her company at a time when the HTML programming language was “taking off” and more and more advertisers were promoting their websites on TV and in print, she said.

“All of a sudden I had a company,” she said. “I’m a geek at programming. When I talk to clients I’m programming HTML in my head.”

The digital world she immersed herself in was both competitive and male-dominated and remains so today. Moeller named her company Interactive Media Consultants to highlight what the business does rather than describe the intricacies of the world wide web.

“I didn’t want to be cute, I wanted to be taken seriously,” she said. “Back in 1996-7 I was told the internet had no future and here we have survived for 25 years. People were scared of the internet then and only knew what the media sensationalized.”

The industry has evolved such that today, rarely do websites fail to blend text and graphic communications with some form of audio, video or other media the user can interact with to learn more or make a purchase.

Companies who had asked Moeller about building websites were, in time, asking about search engine optimization and social media.

“They were hearing the words and not knowing what they meant,” said Moeller.

IMC has grown a dedicated base of repeat clients out of all sectors and sizes, from startups to multi-national corporations, Moeller said. The consultants expanded into print media recently and also offer editorial services.

Every project gets a quote, she said, and nearly all are custom because each client needs something a little different. She gave the example of incorporating an online appointment system feature.

“What if the time slot is no longer available? Do you want customers to just fill out a simple form and someone will call them back, or do you want a much more complex system,” she said.

“A client may see something on a site and think, wouldn’t it be cool if we could do that on ours,” she said. “That may be something common or require

Beth Moeller, PhD., is the owner of Interactive Media Consulting LLC. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

extensive custom programming.”

Moeller said her strength in technical communication is usability, a skill she developed by looking at challenges from the client’s perspective.

“I want to know what my client is trying to do, versus ‘I was told that I need to do this’,” she said.

“How that feature will support their business may not be the coolest thing, but it will be the most useable thing.”

Moeller said IMC offers a large agency experience but keeps the business “small by design.” There are five full-time staff including two project managers.

“I like to fly under the radar, and some clients say IMC is the best-kept secret in town,” Moeller said. “I could have changed that so I’m not a secret, but 90 percent of my business has been referred. I like to quietly help people.”

Moeller created another division the company called IMC Express that helps startups and nonprofits “who know what they need but don’t know how to get their feet wet.” She said once content is received, IMC Express can launch a new but “expandable” site in about two weeks.

“It has a low price point and can grow with the business,” she said.

Moeller is an advocate for the future of women in technology. She has the designation of a Certified Women-Owned Business Enterprise and was named as a 40 Under Forty by the Albany Business Review.

In 2015 she introduced Arts Spark, a division of IMC that helps artists with the business of being an artist. She is a past president of the board of directors for Home Made Theater.

She has been a volunteer with Odyssey of the Mind “teaching teenagers the tools” to become creative problem solvers. Over the past four years, she has helped hundreds of young people “to think and create.”

In 2019 she launched The Innovation Center at Saratoga, Inc., a nonprofit that will support the artist economy and provide an incubator for new talent.

Moeller and IMC will continue to “support the community and give back,” she said. As part of its year-long silver anniversary celebration, IMC randomly donates gifts and services to deserving nonprofits.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF While still a student at Galway High School Kylie (Curtis) Holland started working at the front counter at Curtis Lumber in Ballston Spa. Today, the sixth-generation member of the Curtis family is preparing for the day when she will take the helm of the family business.

Her father, Jay Curtis, currently serves as CEO and president of the 131-year old company that has 23 locations and approximately 700 employees. He took over in 1991, the same year that Holland was born.

During the four years that Holland attended college at SUNY Cortland, she made a five-hour round trip each weekend in order to continue working at Curtis Lumber. After graduating with a degree in criminal justice in 2012, she considered attending law school.

“I was faced with a choice of either you go to law school or you work (at Curtis Lumber),” she said.

“Because of the intensity of law school, I knew I couldn’t do both. That was kind of my moment where I had to choose. I just couldn’t imagine what it would look like to walk away from Curtis Lumber. I loved it, and I loved the people. That’s when I decided this was the path for me after all.”

Although her older brother, Christopher, also works for Curtis Lumber, he is not interested in taking over when their father retires.

“He’s worked here his whole life as well doing various things,” she said. “Over time, as we worked in the business side by side, it was a just kind of natural progression that he didn’t necessarily want the responsibility of leadership, and I didn’t mind that idea. We had kind of this unspoken understanding as we both stepped into our own that he was content with what he was doing, and I had a desire to follow in my dad’s footsteps.”

After working her way up to supervisor at the front counter—one of the busiest areas of the store—Holland tried her hand at design.

“I didn’t naturally have the knack for that,” she said. “But I learned from it and got to understand that aspect of the business.”

Her next step was to work in the corporate office

Kylie (Curtis) Holland will one day be CEO of the family business, Curtis Lumber. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

where she was able to immerse herself in operations side of the business.

“The best way to learn is to get immersed into the fundamental of how we operate. I did rounds with our different departments to see how they function and how they support the business,” she said. “I got to see a little bit of everything.”

Holland later assumed her role as part of the executive team. She began by sitting in on executive meetings in order to learn as much as she could about how decisions were made.

“Over time, it became a natural progression that I was able to participate in those conversations with a lot more confidence and credibility rather than just being an observer,” said Holland.

After serving in a floating managerial role, she transitioned into a director position. Today, she serves as executive vice president with members of the executive team reporting directly to her.

Although her father has announced no plans for retirement, Holland believes she will be ready to Continued On Page 19

DIGITAL MARKETING AGENCY PLAN NOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL FALL, HOLIDAY & WINTER SEASON. READY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the competition and put a strategic plan in place.

Mannnix Ad for SS SBJ & GFBJ.indd 1

Contact Valleri James 518-935-3209

Valleri@MannixMarketing.com

12/15/20 2:32 PM

12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Commercial / Residential Real Estate Commercial Real Estate Market Declines Wellspring Organization Moves Offices From As Pandemic Reigns, But Optimism Exists Saratoga Springs To A Location In Malta

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Unlike the residential real estate market which has boomed during the COVID-19 pandemic, the commercial real estate market has experienced a significant decline, according to those in the industry.

The demand for commercial space has been impacted by pandemic-related business closures and the changing demographic of the workforce.

According to a Gallup poll, 72 percent of whitecollar workers were still working remotely in May 2021.

Many companies are expected to switch to a hybrid model or to allow employees to continue working exclusively from home after the pandemic ends. If this happens, the demand for commercial office space could drop significantly.

The pandemic also led to a dramatic increase in Ecommerce, which was already a threat to brick and mortar retailers who now fear that consumer behaviors that changed during the pandemic may become permanent. A record number of stores closed in the U.S. in 2020 leaving 159 million square feet of retail space vacant.

Despite these concerns, Howard Denison, associate broker at DeMarsh Real Estate in Glens Falls, said the local commercial real estate is rebounding after being “under the weather” for the past year.

He has been working in real estate for 31 years and attributes much of the recovery to the Route 9 sewer project in Moreau. The addition of a

Gerard Wise is an associate broker at Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

municipal sewer system in the town’s commercial corridor is expected to lead to development and economic growth in area where growth had stagnated.

“Now that the sewer project has started, the number of sales and prices have increased substantially. I anticipate that prices will continue to increase.”

Continued On Page 14

This is a rendering of a new structure being built for Wellspring, the organization that provides crisis and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga County.

For nearly 40 years Wellspring, the organization that provides crisis and support services to victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Saratoga County, has operated from an out-of-sight basement office on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

Now, after decades of planning and a successful fundraising campaign, Wellspring is moving into a new mission-based facility located just south of Northway Exit 12 at 2816 Route 9 in Malta.

Similar to Wellspring’s current location on Broadway, domestic violence and sexual assault are often hidden from view.

“Because relationship abuse is so private, and understandably so, I don’t think many people realize that there is a deep demand for Wellspring’s services throughout our county.

Last year we responded to over 1,300 hotline calls,” said Wellspring Executive Director Maggie Fronk. “Even so, we know that there are many victims who we are still not connecting with. This new building will make Wellspring much more visible, and we hope this means that more people will know that we are here as

Courtesy Wellspring

a resource.”

Wellspring’s new home will expand their ability to serve more clients, she said. Many times victims of relationship abuse are unable to leave because their abuser has prohibited them from having their own source of income.

The agency’s new building will have program space for workforce development to enhance clients’ job skills for career growth and financial literacy classes for self-sufficiency.

In addition to new client services, Wellspring’s new location will include ample space for community prevention and education programs.

“This building will allow us to invite the community in,” said Fronk. “We will host professional trainings for our partners in law enforcement and healthcare, leadership seminars for high school and college age students, programs for parents so they can learn how to talk to their children about healthy relationships and consent, partnerships with local businesses, book clubs, a conversation series, and so much more.”

Continued On Page 14

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 13

•

Business Report

Residential Real Estate Is Experiencing A Boom As The COVID-19 Pandemic Eases •

Preserving Vacation Home For Future Generations

BY DAVID A. KUBIKIAN, ESQ. When people own something of sentimental value, they are sometimes unsure of how to pass it down to their family for future generations to enjoy. This is especially the case with a vacation home or camp that has been in the family for years.

Example: You own a beach or lake-front vacation home for years in a now sought-after area. You have seen your children (and grandchildren) grow up there and recall memories of watching sunsets over the water, roasting marshmallows over a campfire, and teaching the kids how to swim. It may be difficult to think that this home will be sold out of the family when you die and would like to preserve it for enjoyment of generations to come.

How can you best insure this property will be there for future generations to enjoy (and at times cohabitate), as your family tree grows or in future after your passing?

Who will be responsible for paying the Insurance? Taxes? Repairs? Maintenance? Fees?

Who decides which family members or friends use it and when?

What impact would future divorces or bankruptcies have on the property?

How can you protect the property from a Medicaid spend down?

While all of your children enjoyed the vacation home or camp growing up, some may no longer live in the area or use it on a regular basis. Other relatives may also like to use the property when it is not in use. If you leave the vacation property as part of your estate and divide it among the children without thinking of the particulars, the risk is that the joy will be replaced with future disputes about the future and use of the property. Some of your children may not want to pay to maintain an asset they rarely use.

Those that do want to keep it may not be able to afford to buy the others out. It can also create sibling squabbles when it comes to its use, cost of repairs or allowing non-family members use the property.

To alleviate your concerns, there are a number of Estate Planning options you should consider for the transfer and management of a vacation property.

You can always transfer the property to one of more children during your lifetime, or leave it as a bequest upon your death. However, this “direct” or outright gifting strategy comes with many risks and potential tax implications. Since no one can predict the future, your family’s vacation home may become a part of future divorce proceedings, bankruptcy, lawsuit or probate. Without proper planning, a vacation home may need to be sold to pay for long-term care costs. The asset may now also be counted for purposes of college financial aid. Worse yet, due to second marriages or death, the house may be inadvertently inherited by inlaws and not stay in the family.

There may be a better legal solution that might work for your family. Several options include: Co-ownership. Ownership among family members could include being tenants in common or joint tenants with rights of survivorship. Risks above may still apply, especially if siblings do not get along.

With the property held in trust, it may be

David Kubikian is a principal with Herzog Law Firm in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy Herzog Law

sheltered from future divorces, an unforeseen bankruptcy, a child who needs public benefits, becomes disabled or in case of their unfortunate death, while simultaneously keeping strategic tax benefits. After your death, the property could continue to be managed within the trust.

A Limited Liability Company (LLC) can own the home and would be managed by its members or an independent property manager. The rights and responsibilities of the members are spelled out in the LLC operating agreement. An LLC can contain specific provisions on the use of the property, sharing of costs, and the transfer, inheritance or selling of member interests. An LLC helps centralize the management function for the property.

Any structure for ownership of vacation property should account for the possibility that eventually, the family may no longer want to own the property, it has become cost prohibitive, or receive an offer that they can’t refuse. Whether it be a modest cabin in the Adirondacks, a beach house along the Jersey shore, a condo in Florida, or a ski chalet in the Swiss Alps, a plan needs to be in place.

Here are just some of the questions that families should answer when deciding on a structure for transferring a vacation home to future generations: 1. Do family members get along and want to keep the vacation property in the family? If no one is interested in keeping the property, it could simply be sold after your death.

2. How should siblings pay for regular maintenance and expenses of the property?

Should there be a property manager or will each person pitch in to help with routine and emergency repairs, cleaning, yard work, winter storage, etc.?

How are real estate taxes, insurance and utilities paid for? What about remodeling or improving the home or other structures on the property?

3. How will time at the vacation home be scheduled? Will everyone fit or will each sibling get a certain number of weeks? Is scheduling time first-come, first-served, rotational or do families “draw straws” for popular times?

If your dream is to keep your cherished vacation home in the family for years to come make sure you have created a plan.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF The residential real estate boom that is occurring throughout the country has Capital Region real estate agents scrambling to find homes for their clients. Much of the demand is being fueled by millennials who are in their prime home-buying years and make up the county’s largest demographic.

The decline in interest rates that took place during the past year has made purchasing a home especially attractive. Mortgage rates dropped in 2020 and reached a record low of 2.65 percent in January. Those in the industry say demand far exceeded supply of homes, and low supply has been the primary driver for the rapid increase in home prices.

“It’s nuts,” said Howard Denison of DeMarsh Real Estate in Glens Falls. “People are offering up to 10 percent more than asking. There was a two-family ranch that sold within four hours. Potential buyers are getting upset and disgusted.”

According to Susan Kassal of Hunt Real Estate, during her 19 years in real estate she has never witnessed such high demand for residential properties. Many of her customers make offers on three to four houses before securing a winning bid, and a surprising number are making all cash offers. Although the majority of the cash buyers are relocating from cities, she said some are local.

“I’ve never seen so many all cash offers. Cash is winning, and if you have cash and come in on the first day or two you can grab it. Even in the $400,000 or $500,000 range, you are seeing cash. We’ve seen people come for vacation homes and pay cash, and they are beating out local people. It’s causing a lot of frustration, but in the last month or so I’ve seen the inventory picking up. And we are finding homes for all of our buyers. But you have to be the first one in.”

As a result, agents and buyers have been rushing to schedule showings as soon as a properties come on the market.

“If it’s listed today, you have to see it today,” said Kassal. “Real estate has always been kind

Janet Besheer is a real estate broker who runs the independent Equitas Realty firm.

Courtesy Equitas Realty

of an on-call job, but this is just over the top.

You have to act, and there’s no more waiting for the weekend to show a house. You are going out to see one property at a time. You drop everything and go see it and don’t wait for the weekend and show five properties anymore.”

Because of the influx of buyers from out of the area, local real estate agents are also doing a record number of virtual showings. Although some buyers have made offers without ever seeing a property in person, Kassal said that is becoming much more uncommon.

According to Janet Besheer, owner of Equitas Realty in Saratoga, even properties that traditionally took a very long time to sell have been snapped up in a matter of days.

“All of these listings in Washington and Warren counties that were traditionally farm land used to take months if not years to sell.

They range in price from $300 to over a million.

This past eighteen months, those properties were gone in three days.”

Continued On Page 14

14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

Residential Real Estate Continued From Page 13

The majority of the buyers for those properties were people who were fleeing from crowded cities as a result of the pandemic.

“They were coming out of apartments where their rents were higher than a mortgage on a $900,000 home,” said Besheer.

Although she has seen signs that the market is slowing down, Besheer doesn’t think the “wild ride” that has taken place over the last year is going to end in the immediate future.

“The New York state August 2021 housing report shows that inventory was down 23.4 percent compared to last year. The average home price was $395,000 in August 2021 compared to $204,000 last August. That means that the median sale price went up 29.9 percent.

It’s huge.”

No one knows if or when the bubble will burst on the market, but many economists predict that it won’t be any time soon. They point to record low inventory and pent-up demand as the two main factors that will keep the market hot.

“The big question is, ‘Is this the new normal, and will these prices will sustain?’ I think that’s the question on everyone’s mind,” said Besheer. “I think that in certain price points— like in that middle $300,000 range—I can see it sticking. That might be a new normal.”

Besheer isn’t as confident when it comes to higher-end properties that sold for well over asking price. Many of these properties were purchased by people who were relocating from cities in record numbers.

“They were bought up by people who I believe have an abundance of cash and aren’t concerned about the house appraising. A lot of those buyers just wanted to get out of Dodge.”

Denison expects prices to stay fairly stable and demand to remain strong as long as

interest rates remain low. Although the Federal Reserve has held interest rates steady so far this year, many economists anticipate that rates will increase in 2022 and again in 2023.

“The real estate market has it curves up and down. If prices go down, I don’t believe they won’t be slashed tremendously,” he said.

Besheer has observed somewhat of a price correction occurring in the Capital Region market. Houses are still selling quickly but are staying on the market for several weeks instead of just several days. As a result, sellers are becoming more willing to negotiate, and houses that have been on the market for more than two or three weeks are seeing price reductions.

Although some properties continue to receive multiple offers, that number is no longer in the double digits.

“As we move into the autumn, what is true every fall and winter period is that owners of homes that are on the market want to get out before the snow flies,” she said. “It’s usually this time of the year that sellers are willing to negotiate more readily.”

Local residential home inventory remains low which has proved especially challenging for real estate agents new to the profession.

“If you talk to real estate companies throughout the Capital Region, everyone is down to next to nothing in terms of inventory,” said Besheer. “There’s just not enough inventory right now to go around. Newer agents are having a very tough time.”

Although local real estate agents are busier than ever, that does not necessarily mean that all well-established agents are having banner years in terms of sales.

“You don’t have the listings that you would usually have,” said Kassal. “It’s the person with the inventory that’s going to have the best year.”

Wellspring Organization Continued From Page 12

These programs will allow Wellspring to be a more visible, accessible, proactive, and community-focused organization in order to provide education and assistance before there is a crisis.

Wellspring successfully raised over $3 million for this project, exceeding the original campaign fundraising goal. Visit www. wellspringcares.org/campaign-information to see a list of donors.

Campaign co-chairs were Stephanie Collins and Linda Toohey, who partnered closely with Wellspring board members and numerous generous donors.

“This building will forever transform the way Wellspring serves victims of relationship abuse. And it is so much more than just a building. It will be a space where victims can feel empowered in their journey to safety,” said Fronk. “I can think of no better time to celebrate the opening of our new home then at the start of October which is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. “ The professional team working on this project includes Balzer and Tuck Architecture,

The L. A. Group Landscape Architecture & Engineering, and Bonacio Construction, Inc. Wellspring’s mission is to support survivors and engage the community to end relationship and sexual abuse. Each year, crisis intervention and survivor services support more than 1,000 clients, providing comprehensive, compassionate, non-judgmental, completely free support in the form of counseling, legal advocacy, and case management.

Wellspring also provides safe housing to adults and children either fleeing or homeless because of domestic violence. In Saratoga County domestic violence is the number 2 violent crime (second only to drunk/drugged driving), according to the organization.

Wellspring’s operations are funded by local, state, and federal grant funding as well as philanthropic contributions from the community. To support Wellspring’s mission, please visit the Wellspring website www. wellspringcares.org/donate or call 518-5830280.

The Wellspring 24/7 phone hotline is 518584-8188.

Commercial Real Estate Continued From Page 12

According to Denison, the downtown Glens Falls commercial market is also picking up after experiencing a pandemic-related slowdown.

Despite the slowdown, prices have remained stable.

“Properties move, but they move slowly. Before COVID, the market was getting pretty hot.”

He remains optimistic about the commercial market and expects that many members of the local workforce will tire of working from home.

As a result, he believes office space will continue to be in demand.

“People really like to meet each other,” he said.

“People are sick and tired of Zoom meetings and want to get back to the office. I think companies are going to do some hybrid type models where you come in the office one, two, three times a week.”

Denison credits the PPP Loan Program for helping to keep local businesses in the Glens Falls area afloat during the pandemic.

Gerard Wise, associate broker at Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs, said that has also been the case in Saratoga County.

“The thing with commercial real estate is the prevalence of longer term leases. Last year, there wasn’t a big exodus. The impact on office and retail buildings was somewhat muted,” he said.

“The PPP loans were huge for these businesses because it gave them the ability to continue to make their rental payments even if they were under utilizing the space.”

Due to the uncertainty in the marketplace, Wise said the standard three to five-year commercial leases are becoming less attractive to his clients.

“In some cases as renewals come up or new businesses are looking at locations, there has been a push towards a shorter duration because there’s still a lot of uncertainty out there. It’s occurring on a case by case basis, but we are seeing landlords being more flexible especially on renewals of businesses they already have relationships with.”

Another market trend that is occurring in Saratoga County is an uptick in demand for small executive suite office spaces that measure approximately 10 fee x 10 feet. These offices are especially popular with entrepreneurs and have become more common in the last three to five years.

“With more people working remotely, working at home might not be ideal especially if they have

kids,” said Wise. “At the beginning of the year, we had a decent amount of single office spaces available, and they are almost all gone now.”

According to Wise, traditional retail storefronts in Saratoga Springs are increasingly being utilized as office space.

“Certain businesses that may be looking for a little bit more exposure that probably would have never considered a storefront on Broadway are signing leases. For example, I did an lease for an architectural/engineering firm that you would typically find in a suburban office park.”

Warehouse space in Saratoga County continues to be in low supply and high demand. The demand is being driven in part by Ecommerce fulfillment centers and the local chip fab industry.

“Saratoga County is light on warehouse space.

They have been building a lot in the southern part of county in Malta and Halfmoon and Clifton Park, but they are filling up as quickly as they can build them, and the rents are climbing as demand is continuing,,” he said. “And it’s not just light industrial that are looking for those types of spaces. It’s commercial kitchens in the restaurant business. We’ve been working with a lot of clients that are looking for a kitchen to do prepared meals and catering or the wholesale side.”

Wise has been selling real estate since 2004, and some of his clients who had plans to expand or open a new business put those plans on hold due to the pandemic. While several of his clients nixed their expansion plans entirely, others did not.

“I’ve seen an uptick in expansion of event driven businesses—catering kitchens, vendors that service events such as weddings,” he said.

“We did a lease with a new restaurant that opened midway through this year in Saratoga.”

Although 2020 was a difficult year for the commercial real estate business, Wise said investment activity picked up in the second half of last year and remains somewhat stable.

“It took a dip but I think we are back to where we were pre pandemic. I’m bullish on our market across all asset classes of commercial real estate.

The expansion of the semi-conductor industry in Malta brings national attention, and all of the spinoff businesses that support them will continue strong for the industrial market. The multi-family market over the next few years will remain strong, and as the population continues to grow, so will the need for service businesses.”

Card Catalog

More To Read . . . More Leads For You. (518) 581-0600

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

Richard Kessinger Owner

P.O. Box 187 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

(518) 944-0359

saratogalawnmaintenance@gmail.com

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 15

Business Briefs

•

The National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame changed its hours in October and will be open five days a week, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The museum will be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays through May. It will also be closed on Thanksgiving Day (Nov. 25), Christmas Eve (Dec. 24), Christmas Day (Dec. 25), New Year’s Eve (Dec. 31), and New Year’s Day (Jan. 1).

The museum’s new signature film “What It Takes: Journey to the Hall of Fame” will be shown daily at 10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased in person at the museum or online at www.racingmuseum.org.

Families visiting the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame as part of the Discover Saratoga Family Fall Event weekends on Oct. 2324 and Oct. 30-31 will receive a fall take-away bag with goodies and autumn-inspired activities.

The museum is also offering free admission to students ages 6-18 and college students with school identification from Friday, Nov. 26, through Sunday, Nov. 28. Families visiting those days can take part in a museum-wide scavenger hunt. Children ages 5 and under are always free with an accompanying adult.

For more information about the Museum, including special events and program offerings, call (518) 584-0400 or visit www.racingmuseum. org. *

*

*

Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga in Saratoga Springs received a $5,600 donation from 100 Women Who Care Northeast Chapter.

THS is a nonprofit organization that provides psychological therapy services to children and adults through the use of retired race horses that have been rescued by the organization. The donation will be used to build a new run-in shed and make other improvements to their facilities.

100 Women Who Care Northeast Chapter consists of a group of women who are from Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties.

They support the concept of “collective philanthropy” by pooling their donations for a different non-profit organization each quarter. The group held its first meeting in February 2020, starting with 36 women and gradually growing to the current 70 members. To date, they have donated more than $23,000 to local non-profit organizations including Gateway House of Peace, WAIT House, Wellspring, THS, and the Warren/Washington CARE Center.

The 100 Women Who Care concept is designed to be simple and efficient, yet with a significant financial impact. The women meet for just one hour every three months to choose from a pool of local non-profit organizations that are nominated by group members. Each member then donates $100 to the organization that receives the most votes during the quarterly meeting.

Founding members include Cheryl Meyers, Beth Purdy, Lori O’Neil, and Jeanne Rizzo.

Women wishing to learn more about the organi-

Adirondack Winery Breaks Ground On $2.6M Winemaking Facility And Tasting Room •

zation are encouraged to visit www.100wwcne. org. An online registration form is available at www.100wwcne.org for women who would like to join. *

*

*

At the recent Serving New York Awards’ and Excellence in Broadcasting Awards luncheon in Albany, Star Radio 93.3 FM, 1160 AM (and streaming at starsaratoga.com) was honored for their dedication to serving the community through the months of the pandemic.

They were recognized for each of the following: Promotion in support of local business and the local economy during the pandemic. Star Radio created a campaign to help local businesses advertise their company’s reopening through an enter-to-win $10,000 marketing campaign contest.

Informing the community of what was happening as news of the COVID-19 outbreak emerged. Star Radio combined with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and other leaders in the community for COVID-19 special broadcast. A host of local representatives went on the air to inform and answer questions from the Saratoga community about coronavirus.

Star Radio offered daily COVID-19 special reports, working with the Saratoga County Health Department. The daily reports informed listeners about the latest COVID-19 trends and infection rates. The Daily reports were voiced by Star Radio announcer Walt Adams, researched and written by Moss Arden, produced by Star’s coowner, Ricki Lee, and sponsored by Quick Response Restoration. *

*

*

The Saratoga Automobile Museum sold $4.6 million in vehicles and automobile memorabilia at the Saratoga Motorcar Auction in Saratoga Spa State Park on Sept. 24 and 25.

The auction serves as the museum’s major annual fundraiser. Proceeds from the auction supports the museum’s safe driving initiatives, including the distracted driving safety program hat reaches nearly 25,000 students annually.

Auction proceeds also support the museum’s evolving exhibition programming.

The sell-through rate for the auction was 70 percent, a slight increase from last year’s sale and a substantial increase year over year since 2017.

Top sellers at the Auction included: a 1964 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint Speciale SS, $143,000; a 1950 Pontiac Silverstreak, $126,500; a 2012 McLaren MP4-12C, $121,000; a 1954 Jaguar XK120, $118,800; and a 2007 Lamborghini Gallardo, $115,500.

The 2022 Saratoga Motorcar Auction will take place in September of 2022 on the grounds of the Saratoga Spa State Park. To consign a vehicle for the 2022 auction, contact Dan Ritopecki at (518) 587-1935 or by email at dan@saratogaautomuseum.org.

Michael Pardy and Sasha Pardy, owners of Adirondack Winery, with, from center, Tim Barber, Marissa Barber and Peter Barber of JAG Construction at the facility groundbreaking Oct. 7.

Courtesy Adirondack Winery

Ground was broken Oct. 7 on the Adirondack Winery project that will result in a $2.6 million, 14,100-square-foot winemaking facility and tasting room at the site of its current Queensbury headquarters.

Company officials said the new building will provide the family run winery with the space it needs to triple its wine production over the next 10 years.

The new building will house an all-new tasting room, where the winery plans to offer new services customers have long desired, such as wine by the glass, outdoor seating, and light dining.

The winery will introduce classes and launch tours of the new facility. There are also plans to rent event space for private events and conferences.

The goal is to complete the construction by April, in time for the winery’s 14th anniversary celebration.

“This groundbreaking is the start of a new chapter for Adirondack Winery,” said Adirondack Winery president and co-owner Sasha Pardy. “This company started as a small family business, making wine in the back room of our Lake George tasting room almost 14 years ago. Now we’ve grown to the point where this new building is the only way we are going to keep up with demand.

“Beyond that, we are very excited for all the new opportunities this new building is going to provide for us. We’re going to create a facility that is unlike anything else in Warren County.

We want to be a destination for craft beverage lovers from across the Northeast, and this groundbreaking is the first step toward making that happen.”

The new building will be constructed

behind the winery’s current headquarters building on a two-acre lot at 395 Big Bay Road in Queensbury. About 8,500 square feet will be used for winemaking (more than twice its size now); 2,600 square feet for the new tasting room and another 2,600 square feet for a dedicated event space, Pardy said.

The project has created 12 new construction jobs already and will create an additional 13 more at the winery over the next two years.

The JAG Group LLC of Wilton designed and is building the new facility.

An estimated 3,000 square feet of usable green space will surround the new building, and the winery plans to install outdoor seating and firepits in time for summer 2022. The winery will also plant grapevines and apple trees on the property. Solar panels will be installed on the roof, generating enough power to cover the electricity usage at its Big Bay property and its Lake George tasting room.

With its winemaking operation moving to the new building, the winery plans to remodel its existing headquarters building to expand its office space and shipping area, Pardy said.

With the new building, Adirondack Winery estimates it will increase its wine production from 17,000 cases per year (in 2020) to 50,000 cases by 2031, according to the company.

Its event space on the second floor of the new building will be used for bachelorette parties, birthday parties, private events, club member events, wine release parties, wine education classes, crafting nights and more, Pardy said.

The winery also plans to serve craft beverage products other than wine at the new Queensbury Tasting Room. They plan to exclusively serve locally made New York beer, Continued On Page 19

16 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name

Closing Price 09/17/21

Closing Price 09/24/21

Closing Price 10/01/21

Closing Price 10/08/21

Albany Int’l

77.67

78.56

79.31

81.02

Arrow

34.45

33.57

35.49

35.85

AT & T

27.53

27.13

27.16

26.76

Ball

92.36

92.30

89.85

91.37

Ballston Spa National Bank

56.00

56.00

56.00

56.00

Bank of America

40.50

42.14

43.08

44.34

Best Buy

109.62

104.74

105.31

107.23

Citizens Bank

43.68

45.32

48.27

49.04

Espey

14.51

13.90

14.55

14.85

General Electric

100.47

103.80

105.82

104.72

Hilton

131.21

135.48

138.15

141.55

Home Depot

335.67

337.49

329.86

334.36

Int’l Paper

56.60

56.97

53.26

54.37

Key Corp

20.76

21.14

22.34

22.97

Lowe’s

209.03

207.87

203.70

206.15

Martin Marietta

342.73

355.99

354.01

357.80

M&T Bank

137.55

143.26

152.80

153.79

McDonald’s

242.49

246.42

242.93

247.52

National Grid

66.02

62.57

60.60

60.43

NBT Bancorp Inc.

34.38

35.09

36.59

37.40

Plug Power

26.47

26.97

25.57

27.19

Quad Graphics

4.01

4.33

4.39

4.16

Starbucks

113.41

114.11

112.92

111.22

Sysco

76.09

80.48

80.82

83.37

Latham Group Inc

17.97

17.84

15.34

13.10

Target

246.67

241.44

228.42

228.93

The TorontoDominion Bank

64.05

65.16

66.98

69.21

Kaspien Holdings

17.00

16.74

16.00

14.24

Trustco Bank

30.83

31.19

32.82

33.35

Verizon

54.28

54.37

54.30

53.24

Walmart

144.73

143.17

137.05

139.77

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

Business Registrations •

Refresh Saratoga Diane Palmer 9 Kempton Place Saratoga Springs 12866

Becca’s Bites Rebecca Schnefel 11 Prospect Street Ballston Spa 12020

Craft Family Robinson Natalie Robinson 4 lafond Drive Gansevoort 12831

Your Choice Birth Services Cara Finkle 10 Colonial Road Clifton Park 12065

Holizztik Elizabeth DeWitt 721 Bruno Road Clifton Park 12065

Elemendorf Clock Repair Peter Elmendorf 8 Hillcrest Lane Saratoga Springs 12866

Matt Freihofer Excavation Matt Freihofer 511 Malta Ave. Malta 12020

All In Co. Jeffrey Alling 301 Brownstone Court Gansevoort 12831

Gordo’s Caddy and Tile Service Kenneth Gordon 10 Cambridge Drive Halfmoon 12065

Cipriano’s Cleaqning Solutions Tobias Oliviera 253 West Milton Road Ballston Spa 12020

Junk Associates Ted Whitelaw 3701 Galway Road Ballston Spa 12020

MAC Masonry and Caulking Allan Winney 2 Madeline Drive Saratoga Springs 12866

Country Side Construction Tyler Brower 21 Second Street Gansevoort 12831

Saratoga Cellulose Travis Taylor 121 Fairground Ave. Ballston Spa 12020

Qiyuan Workshop Evelyn Zou 14 Marlboro Drive Clifton Park 12065

Kitty Couture Shamus Werther 11 Mechanic St. Ballston Spa 12020

J and M Hardscape Matthew Carl 16 Via Da Vinci Clifton Park 12065

Pure and Co. Alicia Bean 803 Ulysses Drive Ballston Spa 12020

J Henry Deszign and Fabrication Jesse Jaengle 159 Circular Street Saratoga Springs 12866

Momentum Chiropratic Saratoga Brett Adams 538 Maple Ave. Saratoga Springs 12866

Eden Compton Studio Eden Compton Clay 79 Beekman St. Saratoga Springs 12866

Monumental Mobile Detailing Mary Hunter 27 Green St. Schuylerville 12871

Aussicker Builders Chase Aussicker PO Box 340 Ballston Spa 12020

Let’s Break the Silence Productions Angeline Mitchell 25 Whistler Court Saratoga Springs 12866

Saratoga Finish Richard Hyde 24 Crawford Drive Clifton Park 12065

Hoosier Hauling Earl Hoosier 71 Wagon Wheel Trail Saratoga Springs 12866

Held Life and Health Coaching Laura Conklin 27 Meyers Lane Schuylerville 12871

VP Contracting Jacob VanPatten 299 East High St. Ballston Spa 12020

•

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 17

Business Registrations •

Paige’s Fibroblasting Paige Beck 2 Cemetery Road Clifton Park 12065

Contemporary Design Floors George Roger 61 Saratoga Ave. Ballston Spa 12020

Sakred Garden Tasheim Stratton 6 Tanager Way South Glens Falls 12803

S and S Auto Sales Darryl Yorke 315 Stone Church Road Ballston Spa 12020

Pick and Shovel Property Management Ken Newkirk 2992 Birchton Road Ballston Spa 12020

Greenfield Tails and Trails Kelsey Latham 463 Coy Road Greenfield 12833

Lake’s Edge Photography and Design Andrea Lester 29 Walden Circle Saratoga Springs 12866

Hayden’s Carpentry and Finished Trim Scott Hayden 216 W. Milton Road Ballston Spa 12020

DAS Builders Dakota Smith 7 MacIntosh Lane Clifton Park 12065

Panda and Co. Angelo Rosse 41 Gurba Drive Stillwater 12170

Litts and Sons Concrete and Hardscapes Christopher Litts 70B Beekman St. Saratoga Springs 12866

Caitlin Miller Photography Caitlin Miller 17 Kempton Place Saratoga Springs 12866

She Brand Drinks John Clapper 121 Wyndham Way Ballston Spa 12020

Everclean Property Maintenance Joel Byron 221 Maple St. Corinth 12822

Upstate Swirls Patricia Fuschino 10 Ashdown Road Ballston Lake 12019

Whittling Turtle Chad Hulsopple 6029 Jockey St. Galway 12074

Arcway Gaming Jarred Odom & Jordan Whittemore 37 Rustic Bridge Road Rexford 121248

Rock Ledge Farm Mark Shave & Heather Shave 9 Hall Road Porter Corners 12859

Romcom Candles Leigh Berenis & Melanie Tarrant 159 West Circular St. Saratoga Springs 12866

NYCCI Travels Nycole Lightbody 5 Longmeadow Court Mechanicville 12118

Quiri Engineering Daniel Quiri 316 Main St. Fort Hunter 12069

Bewitched By Kelsey Kelsey Gilman 29 Lexington Drive Clifton Park 12065

Marion Haus Salon Amanda Hulse 1673 Route 9 Clifton Park 12065

RN Now Jamie Vandenburg 371 Route 32 S. Schuylerville 12871

MJS Cabinet Solutions Michael Seamen 51 William St. South Glens Falls 12803

Brinley Roase Boutique Patricia Galerie 18 Collamer Drive Ballston Spa 12020

Sunray Styles Alyx Harrington 22 Lamplighter Lane Saratoga Springs 12866

WB Contracting William Bennett 110 Third St. Waterford 12188

Officials Hope ‘Ice Castles’ Tourist Attraction Helps Businesses Stay Open In Winter •

The Lake George Chamber of Commerce says the winter of 2021-22 promises to be unlike no other in the area as a new venture— Ice Castles—brings its display of sculptures, caverns, ice slides, lighting and more to Charles Wood Park’s Festival Space.

The new winter event that has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to numerous communities around the country, officials said, with ice displays that feature LED lights that change color.

Lake George will be its sixth location in the United States, joining sites in New Hampshire, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Utah and Colorado.

The event was formally introduced at a news conference on Oct. 5.

“We are excited to bring the magic of Ice Castles to Lake George this winter,” said Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird. “Our mission is to create a fun and safe outdoor experience where people can escape from the hustle of daily life for a moment and step into a frozen fairy-tale world.”

Ice Castles is scheduled to open in Festival Commons in Lake George in early January, with the opening date dependent on weather conditions, officials said. It will combine with Lake George Winter Carnival and Lake George Winterfest.

Local officials hope the new event has a major impact on extending the tourism season into the winter, helping local businesses.

At a virtual meeting following the news conference, streamed on YouTube, Warren County Tourism Director Joanne Conley said Ice Castles “hopefully will entice people to keep their business open in the winter. This could be a game changer this year. We would like you to understand that and consider keeping your business open this year.”

Jared Henningsen, vice president for events for Ice Castles, said the company’s experience is that it is a huge draw for restaurants and hotels.

“We anticipate a huge influx of requests for accommodations at the local hotels,” he said.

Ice Castles is expected to draw up to 90,000 people from around the Northeast and MidAtlantic states for its ice-borne attractions.

Construction of the elaborate ice structures will start in the fall, and run into December, according to the company.

“We are thrilled to have Ice Castles choose the Lake George area to grow their event brand. This event will complement the current activities offered around the region while enhancing the winter experience for which visitors come to the region,” said Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB Executive Director Gina Mintzer. “Lake George is a perfect fit for an event like this that incorporates our natural winter beauty while also being family friendly.”

Depending on the weather, most locations open in early January and remain open until

Ice Castles CEO Kyle Standifird announces details of the new tourist attraction.

Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

early March.

Each castle is built by hand and takes thousands of man hours to create. The immersive structures are made entirely from ice. Each castle is approximately 1 acre in size and consists of more than 25 million pounds.

Officials said the daily process consists of growing 5,000-12,000 icicles that are harvested by hand and individually sculpted into existing ice formations. The blend of icicle placement, temperatures, water volume, and wind result in an ever changing variety of ice formations.

The company said all Ice Castles sites are located next to a natural water source so the water returns to the environment each spring to be used again by wildlife, people, and plants.

“We can hardly contain our enthusiasm over welcoming Ice Castles to Lake George,” said Conley. “Visitors know us as an iconic summer destination, and now we invite them to experience all we have to offer in the winter months. Complementing our popular Winter Carnival, Ice Bars, and incredible winter recreation, we expect this magnificent attraction’s frozen spires of light and color over the south shore of our beautiful lake, against the dramatic backdrop of the Adirondack Mountains, to dazzle spectators’ senses. It certainly will be a sight to see.”

Said Rachel Seeber, Chairwoman of the Warren County Board of Supervisors welcomed Ice Castles to Lake George “for an event like no other that promises to ‘wow’ residents and visitors this winter in Warren County. This commitment is yet another step by our community toward building our yearround tourism, 365 days a year.”

Ticket prices will range from $16 for children on weekdays to $28 adult weekend admission.

For more information, visit icecastles.com.

18 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

‘The Bunker’ Golf Simulator Business Is Expanding In Clifton Park; Saratoga Is Next

Owners of The Bunker, their golf simulator pictured here, are expanding to space that was once Bellini’s restaurant in Clifton Park. The original location is in Guilderland.

Courtesy The Bunker

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH An early October opening of The Bunker, a golf simulator business, will bring new life to space that was once Bellini’s restaurant in Clifton Park.

The Bunker co-owner Troy Miller said after Clifton Park, they will be focusing on a third location in Saratoga Springs.

He said the Clifton Park location is something they have been highly anticipating, given it’s prime location.

“Renovations are complete and we are ready to be in this new space. I sparked up a conversation with Bellini’s about keeping the staff and from there we were able to work something out,” said Miller.

The Bunker is a Guilderland-based business that brings golf simulator technology in an indoor, country club-like setting to golf enthusiasts. Miller is the owner and broker at CM Fox Real Estate and also owns Troy Miller Construction. He said he loves to golf when not working and a conversation in the car with his business partner led to the concept of the now growing business.

“We were literally just driving down the road one day and started talking about it, and it just grew from there,” said Miller.

The Guilderland location opened at the end of 2019 before being temporarily shut down during the coronavirus pandemic. He said since reopening, business has been even better than he expected. They are planning to partner up with Jacob and Anthony’s, located on High Rock Avenue in Saratoga, to develop a new space, with an anticipated opening in the early summer of 2022. He is also looking at a location in North Greenbush.

“We think the new locations will do just as well, at least we hope so,” said Miller.

The Clifton Park and Saratoga locations will have similar design features but will have larger kitchens with more food options.

They will also have summer offerings that are not available in Guilderland.

The Bunker aims to give its patrons a somewhat luxurious feel. Members and guests can enjoy 18-foot widescreen hitting bays easily seen from the bar. The decor consists of butterscotch-plaid carpet, mahogany wood tones and large flat screen TVs, complete with surround sound.

People can book playing time online or call the facility. Up to eight people can play at one time in the golfing bay.

For more information visit getinthebunker. golf or call (518) 280-6347.

A Culinary Journey Through Saratoga Restaurants

crispy buttermilk fried chicken sandwich and hanger steak frites. This restaurant has been around since 1932!

Special Occasions, Unique Offerings & Quality Fare When you visit Saratoga, you want to experience the incredible restaurants this region is known for. We've rounded up some of our favorites below, from fine dining establishments for when you're celebrating a special occasion on your getaway, to those unassuming gems that offer up fare you'd be hard pressed to find elsewhere.

The Wishing Well: Where You Can Unwind in Style Like Chez Pierre, the Wishing Well is in a sweet off-the-beaten path spot in Gansevoort.

This charming restaurant gives off Adirondack vibes with its warm, wood paneling and a moose head over the fireplace you'll notice right when you walk in the door. The welcoming atmosphere, the food, and the service make this dining choice a triple threat. They serve up fine dining favorites like slow roasted half duck, lobster risotto, and center-cut filet mignon.

They serve them hot and buttered or cold and mayonnaise-y and you can't go wrong either way. And, don't discount the rest of the menu - from the potato salad to the sea scallops, this restaurant knows what its doing.

15 Church: Upbeat, Elegant & Worth It The refined 15 Church is a five-star experience every time. The meals look like they're straight out of Food Network Magazine, the staff will go out of their way to provide impeccable service, and you'll leave feeling like you more than got your money's worth. If you can, snag a spot on their patio.

Chez Pierre: Oui, S'il Vous Plait!

One of the only French restaurants in the region, Chez Pierre in Gansevoort is a clear goto when it comes to fine dining. This is the place where you can finally try escargot, frog legs, or beef Wellington! Whatever you choose, it will be a near-flawless experience from one of the longest family-operated restaurants in the area.

Hamlet & Ghost: Seasonal Cuisine & Fresh Ingredients Hamlet & Ghost is more than just a clever name. It's a speakeasy-style restaurant known for spectacular food and to-die-for craft cocktails. Do not skip the appetizers here (if you're going to go all out, why not go all out?) because some of their most raved-about fare is the duck fat french fries and the cider battered cheese curds.

Lake Ridge Restaurant: High-End Dining in a Classy Atmosphere You can expect nothing less than a classic fine dining experience at Lake Ridge Restaurant in Round Lake. Touted as one of the best restaurants in the area for a romantic night out, couples appreciate the cozy, quiet atmosphere where they can hear themselves talk - when they're not indulging in filet mignon or herbcrusted swordfish, that is.

Those Notable Gems That Offer Up Something Unique From global cuisine to unique menu items, these eateries have something special:

Prime at Saratoga National: It's Not Called "Prime" for Nothing To not include Prime at Saratoga National in a culinary journey of the region would be a travesty! This first-class steakhouse offers a stunning view from the patio of their awardwinning golf course and striking infinity pool.

Although dinner is undoubtedly impeccable, you might also consider coming for one of their Sunday Brunches.

Darling Doughnuts: The Square Treat You Didn't Know You Needed A newer addition to the Saratoga food scene, Darling Doughnuts launched in the summer of 2020. These delectable, square-shaped treats were an instant sensation with constant lines out the door. You can visit their website to check out weekly flavors; prior examples include pink lemonade, key lime pie, and chocolate peanut butter.

Sperry's Restaurant: A Timeless Tavern With the Perfect Ambiance Saratoga's Sperry's is an elegant tavern on Broadway with a raved-about atmosphere whether you're dining indoors or on their backyard patio. Guests love the shrimp and lobster dumplings, and we also recommend the

Eddie F's: For Chunky Lobster Rolls & More New England Seafood Fare If you hear the phrases "lobster roll" and "Saratoga Springs" in the same sentence, chances are it's in reference to Eddie F's. For those seeking that summer favorite, Eddie F's lobster rolls rival those in New England any day.

Esperanto: Oh Boy, It's the Oboy! (Doughboy) The oboy from Esperanto is one of those food items you simply must try at least once.

Formerly known as the "doughboy," this Saratoga restaurant's staple item has, according to their website, been consumed by hungry locals over 2 million times. What is it? It's a blend of chicken, secret spices, cheeses, and green onions wrapped up in golden-brown pizza dough. Esperanto also serves up quesadillas and other Mexican favorites.

Hattie's Restaurant: The Best Fried Chicken for the Soul For Southern-style cuisine in Saratoga Springs, it has to be Hattie's. Established in 1938, Hattie's Restaurant has a longstanding history in the community, and the chef works hard to honor the restaurant's strong southern roots.

Here you can sink your teeth into delicious fried chicken, chicken and waffles, collard greens, hush puppies, jambalaya, and cornbread.

Henry Street Taproom: Where You'll Order Eggs With Your Beer Patrons love Henry Street Taproom for the shuffleboard, wood-burning fireplace, and extensive selection of craft beers. But it's likely the unique offerings like the Scotch egg that keeps the customers coming back again and again. Right now they're offering a chicken teriyaki Scotch egg with sambal aioli and scallions that you'll want to write home about.

Provided by Saratoga.com

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021 • 19

Available Commercial & Residential Properties

Kylie Holland

Continued From Page 11 •

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

•

N

EW

LI

ST

IN

G

take the helm of the company when that day comes.

“We have a really good team in place,” she said.

“In terms of support and being able to take that next step, I have a lot of confidence there.”

As CEO, Holland will be faced with the challenges of operating a business in an increasingly digital word.

“The digital era is upon us which is something that is super challenging for our industry. We sell lumber. We sell commodity items. Putting that into a digital world is a little bit challenging, but that’s where we need to be,” she said.

When she becomes CEO, Holland said her management style—at least initially--will be more “hands on” than that of her father’s. Curtis became more hands off as he progressed in his career.

“Part of that is because of my newness,” she said.

“I just want to be able to absorb everything, and that’s how he started as well. When he started, he was definitely more involved in things.”

Holland expects the eventual transition to be relatively seamless but acknowledges that she will have to prove herself.

“I think I’ve done right by the company and done right by myself by working in different areas and working side by side with a lot of our people. I’m not just stepping in off the streets. I do think there has been a level of credibility established. But the pressure of it from my perspective is still that I have something that I continue to have to prove to people to make sure that they have confidence in me.”

Although she doesn’t rule out future growth, her priority when she becomes CEO will be to focus on fine tuning current operations.

“Being able to focus on who we are already serving to me is more significant than focusing on accumulating more locations,” said Holland. “I’m always conscious that what we have done under my dad’s leadership has gotten us to the successful point that we are at. We are successful for a reason, so I would never come in and say that we should forget how we’ve done things for the past twenty-five years.

But I do acknowledge that there is change that has to happen. It will be about incorporating necessary change while still holding true to the traditions and values that have gotten us to where we are.”

Adirondack Winery Continued From Page 15

cider, and spirits.

In addition to its Queensbury winemaking facility, Adirondack Winery has tasting rooms at 285 Canada St. in Lake George at 4971 Lake Shore Drive in Bolton Landing.

Adirondack Winery currently produces more than 35 fruit-infused and traditional varietal wines made almost entirely with New York grapes. Its wines have won over 200 medals at regional and national wine

competitions, including a recent Double Gold medal win in June for its Moonlight Lemberger rosé and a Best of Class win for its Stargazer Lemberger red wine at the 2020 New York Wine Classic.

Adirondack Winery wines are available for purchase 24/7 on the Adirondack Winery website at adkwinery.com. The winery ships to 36 states, including Connecticut which it added earlier this year.

814 Salem Drive, Ballston Spa $305,000 PERFECTLY PRICE AFFORDABLE COLONIAL in Colonial Hills. This home is located in one of the more popular developments in the Village of Ballston Spa. Nice private lot with trees, fencing for privacy, deck for outdoor dining and shed for added storage of outdoor toys and tools. Nice size eat in kitchen along with a formal dining room. Laundry located on the first floor makes dirty job easier. Basement with tons of storage. Make 814 Salem Drive your new address! WELCOME HOME??

Listing Agent: Carol Raike | 518.791.2728 carol@roohanrealty.com

20 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2021

Center For Advanced Ambulatory Surgery Opens In Saratoga Medical Park In Malta The Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery at Saratoga Medical Park at Malta is now open for orthopedic surgeries, including hip, knee and shoulder replacements and spine procedures.

The $19.1 million facility is a partnership of The Bone & Joint Center, Albany Med and Saratoga Hospital, who joined forces to meet the growing demand for outpatient orthopedic and spine surgeries. The result is a surgical destination for outpatient bone, joint and muscle procedures for patients from the Mid-Hudson River Valley to Canada.

“We have created a blueprint for the future— an environment where patients benefit from the exceptional expertise of a leading orthopedic practice and two highly respected hospitals,” said Dr. Jared Roberts, a fellowship-trained joint surgeon and medical director of the new center.

Dr. Steven Frisch, Albany Med senior executive

vice president for the integrated delivery system, hailed the Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery as an example of why partnership is good medicine in Malta and at other specialty-care locations across the Albany Med Health System.

“Collaboration is the smartest, most effective way to bring new services to the community,” Frisch said. “The three partners in this joint venture have complementary strengths that, when combined, can enhance our responsiveness and elevate the level of care we provide.”

Officials said the new center offers the latest surgical technology plus easy access to the services that can help patients prepare for surgery and achieve the best possible results.

Saratoga Medical Park at Malta is located on Medical Park Drive and is easily accessible via Northway Exit 12 and Route 67. Learn more at AdvancedAmbulatorySurgery.com.

The Center for Advanced Ambulatory Surgery in Malta is now open. The $19.1 million facility is a partnership of The Bone & Joint Center, Albany Med and Saratoga Hospital.

Ready to automate or outsource your back office functions?

Client Accounting Advisory Services

Interested in streamlining processes & reducing waste?

Want to have access to real time data to run your business more effectively?

Let’s talk.

Albany CAAS Ad.indd 1

MICHAEL POVEDA 518-694-5945 mpoveda@uhy-us.com

2/1/2021 2:16:56 PM