Saratoga Busienss Journal - April 2017 by Saratoga & Glens Falls Business Journal

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Tourism Bureau: Saratoga City Center Had Big Jeff And Deane Pfeil Met Many Challenges, Jump In Events In 2016 With $57M Impact Had Many Successes In Real Estate Careers The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau held its 32nd annual meeting and dinner at the Saratoga Springs City Center in March where the organization highlighted the successes of 2016, reviewed initiatives for 2017 and welcomed new members to its board of directors and Executive Committee. Successes were listed in the 2016 annual report. It showed that the convention/group business continued to grow throughout 2016. More corporate group, sports and wedding leads and associations signed multi-year contracts again in 2016. The year saw 627 events hosted, compared to 422 in 2015. Those events resulted in 90,908 room nights, up 11.8 percent from 2015. The estimated economic impact of those figures was $57 million last year, compared to $45 million in 2015. The report said the group market contributes one in five room nights in Saratoga Springs. Recognized at the dinner were those elected to serve on the Executive Committee for 2017-18. They are Cindy Hollowood, chairperson, Holiday Inn Saratoga Springs; Thomas Newkirk, immediate past chairperson, Saratoga National Golf Club; AJ Bodden, incoming chairperson, Townsquare Media Group; Marianne Barker, treasurer, Impressions of Saratoga; and Robert Berrey, at-large officer, The Gideon Putnam. Elected to serve three-year terms on the board of directors were Amy Smith, Saratoga Arms; Tom Wiedmayer, Saratoga Casino Hotel; Elizabeth Sobol, Saratoga Performing Arts Center; Steve Grasso, GlobalFoundries; Ryan McFadden, Henry St. Taproom; Carmine DeCrescente III, DeCrescente Distributing Co.; Jasper Alexander, Hattie’s Restaurant; and Sean Willcoxon, Mazzone Hospitality. Continuing to serve on the board of directors are Megan Hennessey, Courtyard by Marriott Saratoga Springs; Paul Calhoun, Skidmore College; Joshua Cupp, Thirsty Owl; Matthew D’Abate, Adirondack

Trust Co. Financial Services Inc.; Dan Fortier, Embassy Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs,; Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; and Ryan McMahon, Saratoga Springs City Center. The bureau recognized three 2016 Hometown Ambassadors, given to local people who brought their convention/event to Saratoga. The honorees were Nancy Trimbur, Soroptimist International of the Americas; Cassandra Latour, Association of YMCA Professionals; and Jeff and Becky King, Continued On Page 15

BY MAUREEN WERTHER As Jeff and Deane Pfeil prepare to transition out of their commercial real estate and development careers and into their new lives on Bainbridge Island in Washington state, they have a lot to be proud of and a lot to be grateful for. The husband-and-wife team created Pfeil & Co. Real Estate and moved to Saratoga Springs from Westchester in 1994. Both were commercial real estate brokers and they started out managing shopping center developments, moving into doing historic restorations and adaptive re-use apartments. Deane was born and raised in Troy, while Jeff comes from the small town of Carmel, in Putnam County. Looking back on their careers, Deane recalls that there was no internet when they first began and it took a lot of cold-calling to develop a client base, something at which she excelled. “We liked to joke that I would get them on the line and Jeff would reel them in,” she said. The Pfeils first major project in Saratoga Springs was the office building at 340 Broadway. “The property had been sitting vacant since 1969, and we kept asking ourselves why nothing had been done with it,” she said. Deane zeroed in on Eddie Bauer and “barraged” them with flyers, mailings, and information about Saratoga Springs. “I did this for more than a year, usually faxing them information about the city,” she said. She finally managed to get the attention of a corporate leasing agent at Eddie Bauer. He agreed to come for a visit and Deane remembers that he arrived in downtown Saratoga on a cold, wet and miserable February day in 1996. “Keep in mind that downtown Saratoga Springs in 1996 did not look the way it does today,” she said. But, the agent was willing to take a chance on the city. “We built the building in six months,” she said, adding that Jeff coordinated the entire construction

process. It was the first new office building to go up on Broadway in 50 years. From there, Pfeil & Co. handled all the leasing for Congress Park Center, bringing in stores like Gap, Ann Taylor and Banana Republic. “I’m very proud of that. We really brought that part of Broadway alive,” said Deane. She said Jeff excels at getting projects off the ground, and he had great successes over the years in getting difficult projects completed. Those projects Continued On Page 13

R.S. Taylor & Sons Farm Brewery Plans Feigenbaum Cleaners Marks Its Centennial To Open A Tap Room In Congress Plaza Anniversary; Started In Glens Falls In 1917 BY R.J. DELUKE Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs will soon be the home of a new taproom selling craft beers from a Washington County farm brewery business. R.S. Taylor & Sons Brewery is renovating a 1,600-square-foot space in Congress Plaza. The business will go into the end unit in the southern portion of the plaza that was formerly Bubbles Laundromat. Renovations involve putting in a bar and tap service.“It shouldn’t take long to do what we need to do,” said Rich Taylor, owner of the farm brewery business and its chief brewer. The main issue is getting all the necessary operating permits. “We hope to be open by Memorial Day weekend,” he said. The company currently operates a tap room on the farm property where people go to quaff the locally made product and occasionally listen to music. Under the farm brewery license, companies like R.S. Taylor & Sons are allowed to open up to five tap rooms. The one in Saratoga Springs will be the second. A third is being planned in the Albany area, Taylor said. R.S. Taylor & Sons specializes in brewing English-style ales with a brewing system custom crafted by Portland Kettle Works in Portland, Ore. They use a combination of home-grown hops, hops grown for them at nearby Cold Spring Hop Farm in North Hebron, and a selection of Britishgrown hops. The water is from the artesian wells on the farm. The types of beer include Willie’s Nut Brown

This sign welcomes people to R.S. Taylor & Sons Brewery in Salem. Ale, Amber Ale, English Ale, Belcher Town Ale, Harvest IPA-Limited Edition, Black Creek Oatmeal Stout, Sticky Fingers IPA/APA and Legends of the Fall Double IPA-Limited Edition. Taylor said he will have 12 taps in the room. They will sell product brewed at their Washington County facility. Under that classification of Continued On Page 15

Feigenbaum Cleaners, one of the oldest dry cleaning businesses in New York state, with locations in Saratoga Springs and Wilton, is celebrating its centennial anniversary. The company was started in Glens Falls, where it is still headquartered, in 1917 by Herman Feigenbaum and his wife Jennie, both emigrants from Austria-Hungary. They met and married in New York City in 1909. The local shops are at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs and at Wilton Square, 3039 Route 50 (near Staples). The business also has shops in Queensbury and in Latham. “After working as a tailor for years in the crowded garment factories of New York’s Lower East Side, Herman decided to leave New York City to purchase a tailor shop in Whitehall,” said Todd Feigenbaum, the third-generation owner. “On their way to Whitehall, the family of five decided to spend a night in Glens Falls. After exploring the community and falling in love with its charm, they decided Glens Falls would be their new home.” According to Todd Feigenbaum, Herman opened his tailor shop and soon realized there was no dry cleaner north of Albany, so he decided to incorporate dry cleaning into his business. For many years the business operated out of the family home, where eventually all six children helped out. After returning from the service in World War II, sons Louis and Bill joined their parents and expanded the company into a larger location near the home. By 1952, the business grew again with the construction of more space, including a large fur

Feigenbaum Cleaners owns this shop at 33 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs. vault, which was added to the building. During the 1950s and 1960s, Feigenbaum Cleaners grew with an expanded delivery service and a store located in downtown Glens Falls. Todd Feigenbaum said Louis and Bill ran the business after Herman and Jennie retired. Herman died in 1958, Jennie in 1968. Todd took the Continued On Page 14

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017

Broadway Building Near Post Office Will BST & Cos. CPAs Grows, Acquires Finance Become Home To ‘Pint Sized’ Craft Beer Store Services, Accounting Firm ‘CFO For Hire LLC’ Is bigger always better? Not necessarily, according to August Rosa who opened his second business, Pint Sized, at 489 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. “I am thrilled to finally announce this second business in the middle of Saratoga Craft Beer Week,” said Rosa in late February. He said Pint Sized is probably going to be the smallest bar in the area, presenting guests with a cozy craft-beer experience. The project is moving toward a spring opening date. Rosa said the small bar will have 12 beers on tap, available by the glass or growler. In addition to craft beer on premises, there will be a wide selection of brews to purchase for off-premise consumption as well. Product will be sold broken up as single units, packaged, or as mix-six packs. Rosa said there will be a small wine list and a rotating food menu with light fare. “It’s going to be tight,” he said. “But patrons of Pint Sized will experience something truly unique here. The small nature of the space lends itself to creativity. An additional benefit is a constantly rotating fresh inventory and a requirement to make every square foot count. There is no room for sub-par product.” After doing research on other small bars around the world, Rosa said the idea kept getting more and more exciting.

Pint Sized, a small bar and bottle shop, will open in Saratoga in the spring. Brew, Rosa’s first endeavor located at 209 Lark St. in Albany, will be re-branding under the Pint Sized name. The Brew shop in Albany sells crafts beers from different parts of the state and also different parts of the country.

BST & Co. CPAs LLP, one of the Capital Region’s leading financial and management consulting firms, has acquired the finance, management and accounting services company CFO for Hire LLC. The Albany-based firm is operating under the BST banner. The acquisition was announced in March. Company officials said it will enhance and complement BST’s current service offerings of tax planning, financial consulting, and business valuation, by providing companies with an outsourced alternative for day-to-day accounting services. All 19 staff members employed by CFO for Hire have made the transition to BST. The new division of BST will be led by Jim Lozano founded CFO for Hire in 2000 and has grown the company from two clients at its inception to 84 clients in 2016. Under BST, CFO for Hire will continue to serve clients throughout the Capital Region, Central New York and Mohawk Valley, while expanding its offerings to businesses in the Hudson Valley. “We are pleased to welcome Jim and his skilled team to BST as we further our services to meet a new type of client need. This addition is an opportunity for us to take advantage of the growth opportunities available to us in upstate New York while bringing BST’s signature brand of service to new businesses,” said Ron Guzior, managing partner of BST & Co. “Jim has built an outstanding operation that meets a demand unique to many closely- or family-held businesses and nonprofit organizations.” “When I began CFO for Hire nearly two decades ago, it was in response to seeing the clear need for a permanent financial solution for companies that simply do not require full-time, in-house accounting personnel. We offer businesses the opportunity to have a team of expert finance and accounting staff at their disposal, without the overhead costs,” said Lozano. “I have long respected the team at BST, and am excited to join them.” The division’s team members, who have experience ranging from accountant to CFO level, visit

Jim Lozano founded CFO for Hire in 2000 and will continue to guide it for BST & Cos. Courtesy BST & Cos. CPAs LLP

the designated client’s office on a routine basis to conduct hands-on services, including accounts payable/receivable; collections; financial statement preparation and analysis; budget preparation; month-end closing and account reconciliation; financing and capitalization assistance; as well as investor and board of directors relations. CFO for Hire also provides oversight of internal financial staff; and can assume the role of interim chief financial officer by offering oversight of a company’s accounting and finance departments. With roots tracing back to 1944, BST & Co. CPAs, LLP offers traditional accounting, auditing and tax services; as well as specialty services related to business valuation, forensic accounting, litigation support, employee benefit plan auditing and consulting, governmental auditing and consulting, merger and acquisition assistance, wealth management and personal financial planning, and estate and gift tax consulting, amongst other services.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 3

Center For Economic Growth Reaches $6M SEDC Incubator Project Name To Be Released Goal For Programs To Promote Development April 12; Entrepreneurship Film Will Be Shown The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) has reached a $6 million target for its Accelerate capital campaign. Launched Sept. 1, 2016, Accelerate is a fiveyear campaign and collaborative investment to accelerate and secure the region’s economic stability. Officials said the success of the campaign means CEG—the Capital Region’s 30-year-old professional and economic development organization—will be better positioned to promote the eight-county region to businesses and entrepreneurs across the country and beyond while also helping companies already rooted in the region thrive. The region includes Saratoga County. “CEG’s successful $6 million capital campaign under the leadership of Andrew Kennedy marks the beginning of a new stage of advancement for not only this vital economic development organization but also for each of our region’s eight counties. The region-wide team effort—from developing our economic blueprint to the Capital 20.20 Plan—laid the groundwork. And now regional leaders have shown their confidence by rallying behind CEG so it can help implement the plan. Together we will pursue a bold new future for the Capital Region’s economy,” said Laura Schweitzer, chair of the CEG board and the University of Albany’s vice president for health sciences. “CEG’s new investor model is already having a meaningful impact on our business development efforts in the Capital Region as companies are no longer viewing their contributions as a donation, but an opportunity to be part of building a stronger and growing community. Many companies are also actively engaged in committee work that is driving strategy for CEG,” said Tom Amell, CEG’s executive vice chair and president and CEO of Pioneer Bank. About 200 organizations have invested in CEG, and more are expected to join them, according to officials. The nonprofit organization’s executive-level investors include Albany Medical Center, National Grid, the Port of Albany, Rensselaer County and SEFCU. The investment made by the region will be used to focus CEG on these five strategic initiatives: • Be the primary and most comprehensive resource for business development. • Aggressively market our entire community to attract new businesses and investment; • Strengthen existing businesses to be more competitive in the global market place through Business Growth Solutions and Talent Connect programs. • Enhance partnerships and communication

by providing high-level networking among the regions’ most influential stakeholders. • Advance Capital 20.20, a five-year plan for our region’s future. “We are very thankful to all of our investors for supporting not only CEG but also the entire Capital Region. This region has tremendous potential—from world class R&D centers to a highly educated workforce—and the success of our campaign will allow us to more effectively attract investment and jobs that will accelerate the Capital Region’s economy,” said CEG President and CEO Andrew S. Kennedy. To date, Accelerate has allowed CEG to create three new positions to help carry out these strategic initiatives and rebrand the organization with a new logo and website. CEG has sent staff to represent the region at trade conferences such as the SEMI Industry Strategy Symposium (ISS), Bio CEO & Investors Conference, the SelectUSA Manufacturing Forum at the Canadian International Auto Show, the NY BEST Capture the Energy Conference, the Site Selectors Guild Annual Conference, the International Battery Seminar & Exhibit and the Intersolar Summit USA East. Over the last year, CEG has also stepped up its economic development efforts in attracting manufacturers and technology companies to the region. “Achieving its capital campaign goal allows the Center for Economic Growth to continue to be a vital and integral driver of economic development in our region. Their strategic and focused efforts have helped strengthen the Capital Region’s position as a destination for business investment,” said James J. Barba, president and CEO, Albany Medical Center, co-chair of the Capital Region Economic Development Council. “A $6 million capital campaign is a tremendous accomplishment, but doing it to support the Center for Economic Growth as an economic development campaign speaks volumes about the future of the Capital Region,” said SEFCU President and CEO Michael J. Castellana. “SEFCU proudly supports CEG’s efforts to drive critical economic growth in the area. Their work to advance the Capital 20.20 plan will bring key programs to life, transforming many aspects of our piece of the world.” For more information, contact CEG Director of Research and Communications James Schlett at jamess@ceg.org or 465-8975 X221. CEG is the regional economic development organization for the greater Capital Region and New York’s Tech Valley with 200 members in business, government, education, and the not-for-profit sectors.

As part of its Advance Saratoga Startup initiative to promote, retain and grow business and jobs in the region, the Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) formed an entrepreneur incubator supported by peer mentors, capital networks and academic entrepreneur centers across the region. The SEDC then enlisted community input to develop a permanent name for its business accelerator. The winning name will be unveiled at an event with regional community and business leaders, entrepreneurs and students on 5: 30 p.m. Wednesday, April 12, at Bow Tie Cinemas in Saratoga Springs. “We know Saratoga County has enjoyed recent success,” said Dennis Brobston, president of SEDC. “We also know it requires constant innovation to remain competitive. We have the benefit of talented, community-focused, successful entrepreneurs and professionals in our area. Launching this early-stage company accelerator and startup incubator will position us to support small-business growth and retain more talent to invest and create jobs here at home.” The event will also feature the regional premiere of the movie “Generation Startup.”

“Generation Startup” captures the struggles and triumphs of six recent college graduates who put everything on the line to build startups in Detroit. Shot over 17 months, it’s an in-thetrenches look at what it takes to launch a startup. The film is directed by Academy Award winner Cynthia Wade and award-winning filmmaker Cheryl Miller Houser. SEDC will facilitate a brief panel discussion immediately following the film. The 20-30 minute discussion will have three panelists and is intended to present local entrepreneurs’ observations of the film and how it aligns with their own startup or early stage business challenges. After the discussion, SEDC will invite ticketed guests to network and enjoy refreshments sponsored by local business Circus Cafe in the theater cafe. The new incubator has the support of the renowned Clarkson University Shipley Center for Innovation. SEDC is a private, investor-led, nonprofit consulting firm established in 1978 that works to retain existing businesses, while stimulating new investment to create more jobs in Saratoga County and the Capital Region.

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KPM Group Tax and Business Services is expanding with the relocation of its corporate offices to 125 Highrock Ave. in Saratoga Springs. Staff is shown here at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Courtesy KPM Group

KPM Group Tax and Business Services is expanding with the relocation of its corporate offices to 125 Highrock Ave., Suite 107, in Saratoga Springs. KPM is a national ‘boutique tax advisory’ firm, as well as traditional accounting office combining the talents and expertise of the father/son team of Paul and JP Komorny. Paul has been serving and providing the community of Saratoga Springs and surrounding area with accounting, tax and investment services for over 40 years. Since 1995, JP has been involved in real estate taxation and engineering-based cost segregation studies and other specialty tax cost recovery services for corporate or business clients. He offers a comprehensive approach to his corporate clients, with over 20 years of experience in cost-recovery tax methods. Company officials said blending the traditional with cutting-edge specialty tax recovery services is the foundation of KPM. KPM service offerings include cost segregation, asset dispositions, research and development tax credits, energy tax credits, commercial lending, payroll services, tax preparation, accounting/bookkeeping services and business planning.

KPM employs a team of accounting specialists, IRS enrolled agents, bookkeepers, construction engineers, specialists/technicians and sales staff. The executive team includes: JP Komorny, founder, CEO and managing director; Paul Komorny, founder; Stacy Komorny, director, business administration; Herv Glavota, director of cost segregation engineering; and Deb Crago, director of compliance. The company said that after a nationwide search, two executive team members were added. They are Richard Balk, director of tax and accounting and Craig Dean, director of business development. The corporate office includes other operation staff members: Kathy Flynn, E.A.; Micah Wright, Brian Lewis, Debbi Pawson and Lidiya Scherbatov. The KPM office also houses a second business— North American Financial Management. NAFM is a pre-tax benefit plan designed for employee medical reimbursements. Kyle Quinn serves as the director of operations. Other NAFM employees include Nancy Douglas and Rebekah Hrebinczak. Office Hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 587-4800.

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Bond, Schoeneck & King Law Firm Opens Brooklyn-Based Group Refurbishes Hotel Near Office In Saratoga To Better Serve Area Clients Saratoga Race Course,Anticipates Busy Season

Bond, Schoeneck & King law firm opened a new office in Saratoga Springs on March 20. Company officials said the Saratoga office will serve a large client base comprised of businesses, nonprofit organizations and individuals in the Saratoga and southern Adirondack communities. The office is located at 268 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs. “We are opening the office to better serve one of the fastest growing communities in upstate New York,” said Michael Billok, co-chairman of the firm’s cybersecurity and data privacy practice, and member of the firm’s labor and employment practice. “With the number of clients we have in Saratoga and the surrounding areas, it made sense for us to add a Saratoga office to be more convenient for our clients. I’m excited to work

in the heart of this vibrant community,” he said. Bond has been an active member of the Saratoga County Chamber for many years, and its attorneys serve on boards for several local organizations, including the Saratoga Senior Center, Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, the Prevention Council, the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce and Make-A-Wish of Northeast New York. Bond, Schoeneck & King PLLC is a law firm with 260 lawyers serving individuals, companies, nonprofits, and public sector entities in a broad range of practice areas. Bond has nine offices in New York state as well as offices in Naples, Florida and Overland Park, Kansas. For more information, visit the company’s website at www.bsk.com.

BY MAUREEN WERTHER When the owners of Studio Tack, a Brooklyn-based design and development group, first encountered the old motor lodge on Gridley Street near Saratoga Race Course, it was not the type of structure people would want visitors to ponder when thinking of the Racing City. Run down and in need of repair, the Brentwood Hotel at 15 Gridley St. presented an opportunity for the Studio Tack team to develop a boutique property that captures the history of Saratoga Springs. Studio Tack has transformed properties as nearby as Scribner’s Catskill Lodge in Hunter, N.Y., and as far away as Barcelona, Spain. The company takes cues from the culture and heritage of the property’s surroundings and incorporates them into cosmopolitan and contemporary spaces. “We were all captivated by the property’s location and relationship to the historic race course,” said Leigh Salem, one of the owners of Brentwood Hotel. “During track season, you wake up to horses walking down Gridley Street to the training grounds. There is something incredibly romantic to be surrounded by the stables and the long traditions of the sport. In the off season, we find the location equally charming. A place of respite away from Broadway where you can sit outside and enjoy some quiet.” “We fell in love with the idea of creating a small, intimate, and carefully appointed property,” he added. The owners worked with Nolan Engineering PLL in Burnt Hills for the design. The general contractor was Select Choice Contracting from Mechanicville. Landscaping was done by New Dimensions in Saratoga Springs. The beds were custom-designed and crafted by Dave Cummings of Bolton Landing.

Room rates range from $100 mid-week to the $300s during track season. The Brentwood owners are excited about the upcoming track season. The property received positive attention from the New York Times Style Magazine and the owners are confident they will have no trouble filling vacancies during the summer season and beyond. They are also promoting the hotel during the months the track is closed as a serene alternative to the busier downtown Saratoga scene, with all the amenities of a high-end hotel. The Brentwood can be reached at 450-7861. Its website is brentwood-hotel.com.

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NYRA Puts Ticket Packages, Passes On Sale For 2017 Season At Saratoga Race Course

People can now purchase full-season ticket plans and season admission passes for the coming season at Saratoga Race Course. Action at the historic race track begins on July 21. Courtesy NYRA

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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 Lisa Balschunat Jill Nagy Liz Witbeck Jennifer Farnsworth Maureen Werther Molly Congdon 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.

Tickets are already on sale for the 2017 meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. The New York Racing Association (NYRA) said people can now purchase full-season ticket plans and season admission passes. Full-season plans, which include reserved seats for the full 40-day season, are available online through NYRA AccountManager, utilizing the Saratoga Virtual Venue seating map, enabling fans to digitally preview their seat location and sightlines before purchasing tickets, officials said. Full-season plans include 40 days of admission based on the cost of a season pass. A season pass provides fans with admission to 40 days of racing, including the Grade 1 Travers and Grade 1 Whitney. NYRA said the cost for a grandstand season pass is $40 and a clubhouse season pass is $65. Season passes do not include reserved seating and are valid for one admission. Season passes may be purchased through NYRA AccountManager. “A Saratoga season pass provides fans with the ability to witness the best thoroughbred racing at a world-class sporting and entertainment venue for the equivalent of a dollar a day,” said NYRA Senior Vice President and Chief Experience Officer Lynn LaRocca.“A Saratoga season pass also comes with an exclusive, free perks program that offers discounts to local restaurants, retailers and Live Nation concerts at SPAC, plus local college basketball and other sporting events. One can easily argue that there is no better value in professional sports.” The perks program includes the guarantee of a Saratoga premium giveaway on the day of the giveaway. Plan holders must be in attendance at Saratoga Race Course, enter through the designated season ticket and pass holder lines and redeem the giveaway by the designated time. Saratoga Season Perks members are also entitled to special discounts at dozens of retail, restaurant and professional services locations which are members of the Saratoga Downtown Business Association, as well as various local entertainment venues. NYRA said season pass and season plan holders

will receive a 10 percent savings with an activated season pass beginning June through March 31. This year’s additions to the program include the entire Live Nation summer concert series at Saratoga Performing Arts Center and the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, among others. “Our Saratoga Season Perks program was very well received by our season ticket holders and season pass holders as well as by the many local businesses who partnered with us when we expanded the value-added program last year,” said LaRocca. “We are excited to continue our partnership for the upcoming season with the Saratoga Downtown Business Association, and our other preferred partners. We look forward to again adding value to a season pass as a way to reward our most loyal fans with year-round savings; while also celebrating the relationship between NYRA and the local community.” “We are excited to be partnering with NYRA again this year for the Saratoga Season Perks program,” said Maddy Zanetti, vice-president of the Saratoga Downtown Business Association. “Last year we had just over 40 businesses participate and we are expecting the number to grow this year. We are very lucky to have a community with so many organizations that work together to help promote our city and attract visitors. The Perks program is a great way to get racing fans downtown year-round.” The list of incentives, deals and discounts is available at www.SaratogaSeasonPerks.com and will be continually updated with new participating organizations. A season pass must be activated in order to receive Saratoga Season Perks discounts and incentives. Season pass holders are required to provide a photo in order to activate the pass. Activation instructions, including information on how to upload a digital photo, are available at NYRA.com. The summer racing season at Saratoga Race Course will begin on Friday, July 21, and continue through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 4. For more information about Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

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Native Of United Kingdom Starts Business Planet Fitness To Open 25,000-Square-Foot In Burnt Hills After 37 Years As An Educator Facility Located In Clifton Park Center Mall Clifton Park Center Mall announced that Planet Fitness will open on the mall property this year. The new gym will occupy roughly 25,000 square feet and will be located near Boscov’s department store and Kay Jewelers, according to Rob Ristau, general manager of the mall property. “We’re very excited to see Planet Fitness make Clifton Park Center Mall its new home, said Don Greene, president of mall owners DCG Development Co. “It’s a welcome addition to our growing mall. Our shoppers and local community members will certainly enjoy the high-quality fitness experience they offer.” Planet Fitness, said to be one of the largest and fastest growing fitness providers in the country, continues to expand its portfolio by

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Starting a business comes with a set of challenges for anyone. Starting a business after moving across the globe takes someone who has to be truly committed. Among those people are Judith Ann Connolly, a self-described transplant from the United Kingdom whose unique personality can be found in an eclectic collection at the Burnt Hills antique shop she both owns and manages. Connolly opened the Northumbrian Cottage, 813 Saratoga Road, last summer after spending 37 years as an educator in the U.K., specifically as a secondary school principal. Connolly met her husband, Tim, in Dubai. After retiring, she moved to Schenectady. She said she didn’t really know anyone when she first came to the U.S. She decided to take up painting.It was that decision that led her to becoming an entrepreneur. “I did not know a single soul when I came here but decided to have watercolor lessons and chose Mary Francis Millet as my teacher. The relationship blossomed.Mary actually came to my wedding in the U.K., and she introduced me to a wide network of artists and artisans,” said Connolly. She began doing volunteer work and developed a keen interest in art. She even managed an art gallery for a period of time. It evolved into the idea to open a shop that combines everything she loves. “The idea for the Northumbrian Cottage was born exactly a year ago. The name of the business is my home county in the U.K.My vision has been to provide a warm and welcoming environment for people to shop for antiques, vintage and contemporary home decor,” said Connolly. Connolly said she focuses on her displays. Each room serves as a setting that allows her clients to be able to envision what the items will look like in their

own homes. She works alone, but has some close friends who have learned to have an eye for spotting quality antiques and collectibles for the shop.Connolly said surrounding herself with people she knows and trusts is one of the secrets to being a successful business owner. Connolly has a soft spot for artists and their work. She offers a space for local artists to sell their work on commission. She noted the circle of people wanting to bring their work to the cottage is expanding rapidly. Connolly said there have been obstacles she has had to overcome, mostly in establishing a name for herself. “There have been mountains to climb,maintaining and expanding a client group is difficult when you first open. I have been very fortunate to have a great landlord, a hugely supportive husband and friends who have helped me promote the business,” she said. “Planning is crucial,” she said. “I deliberately took three months before I opened so I could get it right and be confident that I was ready to run a business. I now know that the period after Christmas can be difficult so I have worked hard to increase foot traffic to the store with special events.” She recommended that anyone looking to start a business should connect with other small business owners through groups like the chambers of commerce. “Other local businesses have been so supportive. Quite a few businesses around Burnt Hills have opened at the same time and it is good to see growth in the area,” said Connolly. “My life has changed dramatically,I love the thrill of hunting down unusual items for the store and meeting with consignors who have wonderful things to pass onto another home,” said Connolly. Northumbrian Cottage can be reached at 526-5311. Its website is www.thenorthumbriancottage.com.

opening new locations each year. They are known for a judgment-free atmosphere, affordable prices and gym environment where people can be comfortable working out, he said. Planet Fitness was founded in 1992 in Dover, N.H. According to the company, as of Sept. 30, 2016, it had more than 8.7 million members and more than 1,200 stores in 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canada and the Dominican Republic. More than 90 percent of Planet Fitness stores are owned and operated by independent businessmen and women. DCG Development Co. is the owner of Clifton Park Center Mall. They are a commercial real estate development, management, and brokerage company which provides leasing, sales, and development services to clients in Upstate New York.

International Peer Advisory Group Launches Saratoga Chapter For Women-Led Businesses The Women Presidents’ Organization (WPO), an international peer advisory group for $1 million dollar-plus, women-led companies, launched a new chapter in Saratoga Springs at KeyBank, 21 Congress St., Saratoga Springs. Local WPO chapters are coordinated by a professional facilitator and meet monthly to share business expertise and experience in a confidential setting. Members in non-competitive businesses tap into the collective wisdom of their peers to advance their business success, according to the group. “Women-owned and women-led businesses represent a growing sector of the Saratoga Springs and the global economy. This new chapter of the WPO will help a group of fast growing Saratoga Springs women entrepreneurs build their businesses in an ever-changing global economic context,” said Bonny Boice, chapter chairwoman and president of BGB Consulting and Retreats LLC.

“Saratoga Springs is an important partner for businesses in North America and throughout the world. Women-led companies make up an increasing share of significant economic growth,” said Marsha Firestone, Ph.D., founder and president of the WPO.“We are confident that the Women Presidents’ Organization’s expansion into Saratoga Springs will provide key resources to a dynamic group of women business leaders.” WPO membership requires annual revenue of at least $2 million ($1 million for service-based companies) and an ownership interest in the company. The Saratoga Springs Chapter of the WPO is currently recruiting for membership. Interested women business owners should contact Boice at bonnyboice@gmail.com or 859-1272. For information about WPO membership benefits contact Tomi Jane DeTorres, membership coordinator, tomijane@womenpresidentsorg. com or 212-688-4114.

Shelly Walker Owner Finishing Touches Home Decor Inc. Reads

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

Insurance / Medical Services Outdoor Festival Promoting Health And Wellness Set For Gideon Resort, Spa State Park A two day-outdoor festival promoting natural health, wellness, mindfulness, fitness and the outdoors is coming to Saratoga Springs April 29 - 30. Called the Festival for Change, and Powermastery Retreat for Human Potential & Breakthrough, the event is being dubbed by organizers as “a major launch and re-birth of the Saratoga region as a hub for health and wellness.” It will be held at the Saratoga Spa State Park and utilize the Victoria Pool and Gideon Putnam Resort. Events will be held from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on both days. The festival will be held rain or shine. The festival is produced in cooperation with the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, I Love NY, and Carson Worldwide. The goal of Festival for Change is to get individuals and families active, informed, into the outdoors, connected with natural health and wellness, empowered with possibility, creating outcomes, and to introduce the area as a go-to, one-stop destination for health and wellness, officials said. “Increasing concerns for affordable healthcare and avoiding illness has brought wellness into

the spotlight,” the tourism bureau said in a new release. “As fitness, diet and mental health become important considerations, we learn there are more cost-effective and safer ways to health and happiness. Festival visitors break through traditional dependencies and see beyond a singular view of how to take charge of their own lives instead of allowing others to dictate the one-size-fits-all approach. At the festival, guests begin the journey with mindfulness, a healthier lifestyle and tap into a new wellness resource.” Activities include will yoga, meditation, fitness, guided tours of the local mineral springs, wellness hikes, health and wellness presentations and demonstrations. There will be Native American performances and lore, energy healers, wellness exhibitors, and a gear swap area where people can bring their outdoor gear and apparel to trade or giveaway. Registration is required for the multi-workshop, hands-on event. Organizers said faculty will include best-selling authors and mentors in mindfulness and breakthrough. For information, visit www.festivalforchange. com.

Riverview Construction Associates Planning New Office Building On Vischer Ferry Road BY JILL NAGY A new office building is planned for the corner of Grooms Road and Vischer Ferry Road in Clifton Park. Riverview Construction Associates of Rexford is the developer. According to Robert Romano, a principal at Riverview, the building is in the final planning stages. It will be a two-story brick and stone building with about 20,000 square feet of office and retail space. The style will be “kind of Saratogian,” with gabled roofs, he said. The six-acre corner lot at the busy intersection is currently vacant. Romano hopes to start construction in April,

with completion anticipated some six to eight months later. He expects to have retail tenants on the first floor and offices on the second floor. So far, he added, there is “nothing firm” in the way of tenants. He said the project will cost about $2 million and employ about 20 construction workers. It was designed by Forsythe Architects in Schenectady. Riverview is a nine-year-old company based in Rexford. The construction company has done housing construction and, according to Romano, school, hospital, and firehouse construction, among other projects.

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Business Report Living Benefits Of Life Insurance

BY BRIAN M. JOHNSON, CLTC, MBA Do you own a life insurance policy? Do you own the old life insurance or the new life insurance? Don’t know the difference? Let me help. Traditionally, life insurance, whether it’s term or whole life, benefits only the beneficiaries of the policy, meaning you probably met your maker. No one wants to think about it, but we buy life insurance to protect our families, our businesses or to leave a legacy. However, other risks are far more likely to happen than an untimely death. What if we live too long? What happens if we develop a sickness or become disabled? What if my needs simply change? Consumers and advisors need to know about the new life insurance policies that allow you to use the death benefit while you’re alive. If the insured person is diagnosed with cancer, suffers a heart attack, stroke, etc., the critical illness rider on a new life insurance policy allows the insured to accelerate a portion of the death benefit to use for medical expenses or to offset lost income. If the insured requires long-term care, whether at home or in a facility, the chronic illness rider allows the insured to use 100 percent of the death benefit to pay for the services he/ she needs. If the insured’s needs change over or time or he/she determines that the coverage is no longer needed, the return of premium rider allows the insured to take a portion or 100 percent of the premiums paid as a refund. If you currently own a whole, universal or variable life insurance policy, the accumulated cash values in that policy may be exchanged (using section 1035 of the tax-code) tax-free to fund a new policy with these valuable, new riders that provide living benefits. These riders are available on both term and whole life insurance policies, meaning this additional layer of protection won’t

A perfect blend of independence and support In the Enriched Living program at Woodlawn Commons your loved-one will enjoy the privacy and comfort of apartment living, and you’ll appreciate the support and security that gives you peace of mind.

Brian M. Johnson of New York Long-Term Care Brokers Ltd. Courtesy New York Long-Term Care Brokers Ltd.

necessarily increase your premium. Moreover, many of our highly-rated insurance companies now include these living benefits on the policy at no additional cost. These unique policy features should serve as a reminder to review your insurance portfolio on a regular and consistent basis. Premiums change, your needs change and policies change. Always make sure your insurance coverage evolves along with you. Insurance in general is about managing and mitigating risk. We realize that no one loves paying an insurance premium, but if you’re going to purchase a life insurance policy, why wouldn’t you own a policy that could mitigate more risk? Today’s life insurance policies, with these living benefits, are powerful financial instruments that should be used as a foundation for any family or business. Johnson is director of business development at New York Long-Term Care Brokers Ltd.

WOODLAWN COMMONS Enriched Senior Living Apartments The Enriched Living program at Woodlawn Commons includes… • Three meals a day in our restaurant • Social and cultural activities • Laundry and housekeeping services • Transportation to medical appointments • Medication management • Assistance with personal care • Around the clock staffing • RN Case Manager

Learn More 518.691.1560 www.TheWesleyCommunity.org/Enriched Greater Health. Greater Life. Greater Saratoga.

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The Wesley Community is a not-for-profit organization.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 9

Physical Therapists Say Sedentary Jobs Can Wesley Health Care Center Gets Grant To Buy Lead To Muscle Strain; It Can Be Prevented Health Care Equipment Like EKG Machines BY JILL NAGY “Sitting is the new smoking,” said Alison Synakowski, manager of the Malta and Saratoga Springs offices of Sports Physical Therapy in Motion. She and several colleagues find that many of the work-related problems that send people to a physical therapist are the result of too much sitting and improper sitting. Synakowski advocated “active sitting,” putting things you frequently use in places where you have to reach for them. She also urged people to get up and walk around at least once an hour, a prescription that is also favored by other area physical therapists. “Our bodies are not built for sitting. They are built for standing and moving around,” said James Markwica, owner of La Marco Physical Therapy PC in Saratoga Springs. He estimated that between one-fifth and onequarter of his practice involves lower back, neck and other pains resulting from poor and/or excessive sitting. He helps clients work on their posture and strengthen their core muscles. When people sit, he suggests an adjustable chair and following the “rule of 90s.” That means: feet flat on the floor; ankles, knees and hips at 90-degree angles; arms hanging at the sides with the elbows at 90-degree angles; and hands in front. The head should rest squarely on top of the shoulders. A “standing desk” is also widely advised. “It’s basically how I spend my entire day,” said Matthew O’Neil, who heads the Malta office of Saratoga Physical Therapy. He said he has his office set up with an elevated work station so that he can do his paperwork standing up. Since he is on his feet all day, O’Neil said, he is also careful to wear supportive shoes. His preference is for clogs. He also had his secretary’s keyboard lowered to ease the strain on her shoulder after surgery. Sedentary jobs with minimal movement lead to strain on certain muscles, O’Neil pointed out. Proper positioning of equipment is critical and he tries to get a good overview of what a patient’s work station looks like. In the past, problems also arose from the practice of shouldering a telephone receiver—placing it between shoulder and ear in order to keep hands free for tying or other use—but the wider use of phone headsets has obviated that problem. He also finds that people are more aware of the effect of their posture at work, so he sees fewer people with bad posture. Synakowski said she often begins a series of treatments with an ergonomic assessment. She discusses the set up of the patient’s work station and makes suggestions to improve it. She often suggests a stand-up desk or a better chair, at times providing a letter of medical necessity to a patient’s employer. People with more active and physically demanding jobs may also develop neck or back pain. However, Synakowski noted, the causes may be different. In those cases, she may work on improving lifting techniques and improving strength and mobility. “Everyone knows not to bend forward to lift, but we teach them why,” she said. She stresses that proper lifting technique protects the discs in the

spine. “Sometimes the education piece is the most important,” she noted. Markwica sees back pain and foot and ankle problems in patients with active jobs. He emphasized the need for proper footwear and the importance of replacing it at least once a year. He also urges people to frequently sit down, the opposite of the advice he gives to sedentary workers. For people who sit a lot, he is a believer in proper chairs. He refers patients to vendors who offer good stable chairs with a high durability rating, a measure of the number of hours one can comfortably sit in them. Also, the more adjustable, the better, he added. Such chairs do not come cheap, he said, generally costing more than $100, in some cases, $1,000 or more. The sorts of pains that runners complain of “may also be the result of what you’re doing when you sit,” Synakowski said. What a person does most during the day also affects everything else, she noted. The therapists also noted that a change in New York state law now allows people to see a physical therapist without a referral from a physician. Generally, treatment is covered by medical insurance. Saratoga Physical Therapy has an office at 5 Care Lane, managed by Anthony DeMatteo. The telephone number is 587-5670. O’Neil is in charge of the Malta office at 2388 Route 9, across from Global Foundries. That telephone number is 899-1140. Synakowski’s offices are part of a Sports PT Care in Motion facilities group with offices in locations from Buffalo to Saratoga Springs. She operates offices at 1 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs and 4102 Ellsworth Boulevard in Malta. The telephone number is 583-7537. LaMarco Physical Therapy has two offices, both owned and managed by Markwica, at 538 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs and at 417 Geyser Road in Ballston Spa. The telephone number is 587-3256.

From left, Amanda Duket, RN charge nurse; Jessica Ross, RN 2 Hathorn unit coordinator; and Vellecia Izzo, RN 5 Springs unit coordinator, pose with EKG machines at Wesley Health Care Center. Courtesy The Wesley Community

Wesley Health Care Center, a component of the Wesley Community, is the recipient of a $14,000 grant from the Arnold Cogswell Health Care Fund of the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region. The grant, which is designed to serve Wesley Health Care Center’s long-term care residents, supports the purchase of multiple EKG machines and stands, two mechanical insufflation-exsufflation machines and an AED device. Wesley officials said the new equipment will assist the clinical care teams at Wesley Health Care Center in providing the highest quality of care to their residents. “This new equipment is a wonderful addition to Wesley Health Care Center, and will further enable us to provide compassionate,

quality care to our long-term residents,” said Brian Nealon, Wesley CEO. “We thank the Arnold Cogswell Health Care Fund of The Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region for its contribution. It is an honor to be recognized by an organization which shares our commitment to enriching the lives of seniors.” The care center is part of the Wesley Community, a 36-acre continuum of care campus in Saratoga Springs, which provides independent and enriched living, subsidized independent senior housing, short-term rehabilitation and long-term care, as well as outpatient therapies for individuals of all ages. The Wesley Community is sponsored by United Methodist Health and Housing, Inc. For more information about Wesley, visit www.thewesleycommunity.org.

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Entrepreneurship

Evans Family Builds Company That Provides Business Grows From Making Insulation For Businesses With Renewable Energy Solutions Homes To Important Maritime Industry Uses BY MAUREEN WERTHER There are a lot of reasons why people decide to open a business. For the Evans brothers and their father, ReWire Energy Group is the result of a strong love of family combined with a commitment to develop renewable and sustainable energy solutions for homes, businesses and municipalities. In 2012, Milton Evans, a former technology and product-development professional, lost his wife, Corella Brown Evans, and his five sons lost their mother. The lessons she taught about the importance of family stuck with them. “We vowed to support each other and stay in touch,” said son Lee Evans. They started holding weekly phone calls and during one of them the idea of starting a business together began to form. Each brother had already amassed an impressive business portfolio, working for companies such as GE, Albany Nanotech, Deutsche Bank, YMCA, Motorola, Glaxo Smith-Kline and others. They brought their combined skill sets to each phone conference, discussing how best to leverage their talents and incorporate them into a viable business model. By 2015, their business model was ready and ReWire Energy opened for business. As their company overview states, ReWire Energy “provides residential, commercial and municipal clients with the tools and services that readily enable access to solar power, distributed energy, energy efficiency and ultimately lower-cost energy solutions.” The idea of going into the energy business came from Warren Evans, a former nuclear engineer who is a graduate of RPI and Stevens Institute of Technology. Warren had a vision of developing a consulting company that would benefit from each brother’s talents and background, offering holistic solutions to energy problems for small businesses and homeowners. “We are data-driven and analytical,” said Ken Evans, whose background is in finance and business development. His brother, Alan, a senior software development and production manager, also brings technology skills to the table. They offer an efficiency analysis, cash-flow modeling, strategic implementation, technology planning and ongoing maintenance. ReWire is also focused on the community and individual wellness component. That’s where another brother, Glenn, offers his expertise in the field of health and wellness. Lee, who has a strong background and years of

experience in sales and marketing, manages the business development side of things; while their father, Milton, oversees the group and helps them facilitate and perpetuate their shared dream. The company is not committed to offering just one solution to a problem. After conducting a comprehensive analysis of a client’s needs, they work with vendors and energy suppliers to offer product recommendations, services and solutions that fit each client’s set of challenges or problems. For some customers, solar may be the right solution. For others, it may be that they need to change their energy provider. Some may benefit from improving their insulation and HVAC systems. New York state “is a leader in renewable energy,” said Warren. “It’s the right place to be, and we feel that we can develop renewable energy as a business with exponential growth. The economics are right and it meets social goals.” The company also is waiting to receive its state minority-certified status within the next year. He said he feels the energy industry, the renewable energy push is not going to be stopped. Meanwhile, the Evans family has remained true to their matriarch’s vision of supporting one another and their shared endeavor.

Robert L. Kind, CPA Shareholder

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BY MAUREEN WERTHER Tom and Cynthia Eletto’s company, Empire Foam Solutions, gives new meaning to the phrase, “a rising tide lifts all boats.” Founded in 2008, the company began manufacturing and installing polyurethane foam as insulation in commercial buildings and residences. However, as an entrepreneur Tom soon began “tweaking” his manufacturing formulations and developed an ultra-high density foam that is resistant to water, making it a valuable product for the maritime industry. Large boats and barges—many of them up to 300 feet in length—can’t simply be lifted out of the water and re-welded when they begin to rust and deteriorate from age. By analyzing each problem as it arises, Eletto develops solutions that will keep large boats and barges afloat, he said. Today, Empire Foam Solutions is busy installing high density foam as flotation on barges in several locations, said Eletto. Winning a bid to install foam as flotation on barges working on the Erie and Champlain systems for the state Division of Canals back in 2012 launched the company into the maritime market. They have stabilized vessels in Boston, Rhode Island, Peoria and St. Louis and opportunities are percolating across the country. According to Eletto, the company just completed a big project in Fort McMurray, Canada, for Syncrude Canada Ltd., one of the world’s largest producers of synthetic crude oil from oil sands and the largest single-source producer in Canada. “They had a barge that was about to capsize in the middle of a pristine lake. This barge was an essential component for a work community of 20,000. All of the water pumps and storage tanks for the population’s water supply were located on that barge,” said Eletto. His crew first plugged the leaks and stabilized the bottom of the barge from the inside, and coated the entire interior of the barge with a food-grade polyurea and then used a 2.8 pounds-per-cubic-foot density foam to buoy the barge and prevent it from capsizing and causing significant environmental damage to the lake. Empire Foam Solutions is based in Saratoga Springs, with a manufacturing facility in nearby Schenectady. Today, in addition to commercial and residential buildings projects, Eletto has two crews trained in barge remediation. The company also has a patent pending on its

new low-cost spray foam machine, called the M-Power System. Eletto said he invented the machine himself and calls it a “cool innovation,” as well as being one of the lowest priced, high-capacity machines in the industry. “We have already sold a few prototypes and, once we have our patent, we will begin to sell them commercially,” he said. Building boats was a childhood hobby for Eletto, but he did not begin his career in the foam insulation and maritime industries. He worked for Blue Cross–Blue Shield of Northeastern NY and then with General Electric Power Systems in software development. After leaving GE in 1998, Eletto went into residential home building, focusing on making homes as energy efficient as possible. In the process, he became interested in the “chemistry” of making polyurethane foam. He spent the next two years researching and learning about it, often partnering with other chemists and developing his own formulations. Ultimately, he and his wife Cynthia, who is the company’s CFO, made the decision to manufacture it themselves. Eletto is optimistic about the future of Empire Foam Solutions and is eager to expand into other regional markets with both the high-density maritime polyurethane product, as well as the M-Power foam-spraying machine.

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Business Report

‘The Perfect Noodle’ In Mechanicville Serves Up Homemade Pasta, Sandwiches And More •

What To Do When Demand Exceeds Output

BY MICHAEL BILLOK So you’ve invented the next “fidget cube,” found a way to home-deliver hot French fries without a hint of sogginess, or developed the cure for the common cold. The problem is, of course, you are now too successful. You and your partners don’t have enough hands or time in the day to get done everything that needs to get done, and the few employees you may have are extremely overburdened.You need more workers, yesterday, but of course you have to limit your expense in order to make a profit. So what are your options? Option 1: The intern. I have had this conversation with several entrepreneurial friends of mine.“We have so much work to do,” they have said, “I think I’ll need to bring on an intern.” Now, if this is an intern that will be paid at least the minimum wage (currently $9.70 in our area, or $10.75 for fast-food establishments). My response is to tell them to go for it. But that is usually not the case—unfortunately, there is a common misconception that “intern” is a word that means “free grunt work”—and they were thinking about bringing on unpaid interns to handle the increased workload.And that is where I steer my friends away from the precipice. In order for an internship to be unpaid, there are a number of factors that need to be met. But the key point is that for someone to be an unpaid intern, and not an employee, the primary beneficiary of the relationship must be the intern, not the organization. Thus, the intern must receive educational benefits from the relationship, and generally should not be displacing paid employees.An unpaid intern can do some work that benefits the organization, but again, this work should be work that furthers the intern’s education, and complements—not replaces—the work done by other employees. Option 2: The independent contractor. “Fine,” say my friends when I deliver the news that they can’t bring on unpaid interns to handle their increased workload. “I’ll just bring on some 1099 contractors to handle the work surge.”At which point, I am wondering when my friends will need to hire a lawyer or human resources professional into their organization. There is nothing intrinsically wrong with entering into agreements with independent contractors to perform work, but an issue arises when the independent contractors are performing the same work done by other, paid employees. Other common pitfalls include not actually having a written agreement with the independent contractor or utilizing a person that claims to be an independent contractor. But, when the curtain is pulled back, the person has no independent business, no business cards, no other clients, and derives his or her income only from your organization. Both the U.S. and New York state departments of labor would consider that person to be an employee. If you’ve been treating an employee as an independent contractor, there will be a number of agencies waiting in line to get the required back payments of payroll taxes. Option 3: The employee. If you are looking to have a large amount of work performed to further the business of your organiza-

Michael Billok, resident at Bond, Schoeneck & King’s Saratoga Springs office. Courtesy Bond, Schoeneck & King

tion, and want control over the work performed, chances are your only option is the one behind door number three: hiring more employees. And, as you have probably guessed, this is nowhere as easy as it sounds. The hiring process is full of landmines for unwary employers. For example: Protected classes. It is almost common knowledge that employers cannot discriminate based on age, race, gender, and a number of other protected classes—but it is the number of other, lesser-known protected classes that trip up employers. An employer cannot refuse to hire someone simply because they have a criminal conviction. Likewise, while an interviewer may think it polite to ask about an applicant’s spouse or children, he is opening up the company to a familystatus discrimination claim. Entrepreneurs need to ensure they are up on the latest changes. Social Media. For most entrepreneurs, Googling a name and looking at a LinkedIn profile for someone they are considering working with, are practically second nature. But, if the applicant is notified that you’ve looked at his or her LinkedIn profile (or other sites), they may become aware that you know their age, their race, or possibly other information that has no relevance to the hiring process. And if they are not hired, they may claim such information was the reason. Required disclosures. If you perform background checks, have you complied with the disclosure requirements of the Fair Credit Reporting Act? When an employee begins work, do you give the required wage notice with all required information on the form? Those are only two examples of the myriad of disclosures that must be given to employees upon hire, and available to employees in the workplace. The sheer number of legal requirements when bringing on interns, contractors, or employees can cause entrepreneurs to wonder why they even considered going into business in the first place. Billok is a member of Bond, Schoeneck & King, where he is resident in the firm’s Saratoga Springs office.

BY MARGARET MACDONALD The husband-and-wife team Tami and John Demers celebrated the two-year anniversary of their business, the Perfect Noodle, in May. Located at 205 Park Ave., Mechanicville, between Dunkin Donuts and McDonald’s the store offers homemade pasta and a sense of community as well. Growing up in Mechanicville before relocating to Stillwater, Tami remembers an Italian corner store “on every corner,” family-owned operations where larger grocery chains have now taken over. As a child, her grandmother and mother made fresh homemade pasta – something Demers did for her kids, too. Having wanted to open a business for some time (being a stay-at-home mom), she sought to recreate that sense of community that nourished her as a child. She proposed the idea to her husband, who conceded with a challenge: If Tami bought pasta from Arthur Avenue in New York City to compare to her own—and he couldn’t tell the difference— they would open the store. Her pasta was a success with her husband and the idea moved forward.

The Perfect Noodle offers retail and bulk orders, sandwiches, soups, and daily specials. John works full time at Bast Hatfield Construction in Clifton Park, but owns the store. Keeping the old days alive played a big part in the Demers’ decision to open the store, she said, and community involvement and support is integral to that vision. They try to keep their offerings as local as possible, consistently carving out shelf space for local crafters. Demers hired someone to make fresh sausage for the operation. Starting a business is not easy and is scary, she said. She advised that prospective startups and entrepreneurs “don’t go in expecting to make money, at least for a few years.” Demers said she loves what she is going and also enjoys meeting and getting to know new people through the store. Though it’s a struggle to get a new business off the ground, there have thus far been few issues. Customer flow isn’t yet as busy as they’d hoped, but the venture has been very well received by the city at large. The Perfect Noodle is on Facebook and can be reached by email at info@theperfectnoodle.com.

Please join us…

In recognition of Earth Day After being shredded and baled at Conﬁdata’s facility, the paper is then shipped to large mills throughout New York. At the mills, the paper is recycled and made into every day products such as paper towels and tissues.

This year we have partnered with our local food pantry at the Franklin Community Center. Donations are graciously being accepted in eﬀort to restock the pantry to help local families in need!

Saturday, April 29th 2017 9:30am – 12:00pm 18 Division Street, Saratoga Springs

Safely dispose of your old documents and conﬁdential ﬁles! We will be there to answer your questions or feel free to call us ahead of time at (518) 584-2555!

Sponsored by *5 box maximum. Once the shredding truck is full, we are unable to accept further material for destruction. Our shred event is on a ﬁrst-come, ﬁrst-serve basis.

Securities Oﬀered Through LPL Financial Member FINRA and SIPC

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Company Uses Insulated Concrete Forms To People Looking To Remodel Their Homes Are Build Energy-Efficient, Sustainable Houses Seeking Customized Changes, Contractors Say BY JILL NAGY Insulated concrete forms (ICFs) that fit together like Lego blocks form the skeleton of the Net Zero energy-efficient homes built by Halfmoon Construction of Clifton Park. The company’s president, Andy Ellis, explained that the forms, called Lodgix Blocks, are set and filled with concrete. “It gives us a really good base for an energyefficient house,” he said. The blocks serve three functions. Ellis said they replace the plywood on the outside, replace the wall insulation inside, and go in place of the framing of a traditionally built structure. The cost is 8 to 10 percent more than traditional construction but, he said, the cost is recovered in less than three years because of the resulting energy savings. The houses he builds can be finished with any type of siding on the outside and traditional wallboard on the inside. Currently, the company is building a “100-year house,” with corrugated metal siding and a metal roof. “It won’t need any repairs soon,” he said. The result will be a house with 12-inch walls, about double the traditional width. Windows and doors are set-in more and better defined and windows have wide sills. Otherwise, the house will not stand out from its non-sustainable neighbors. The Lodgix Blocks are just one of the elements that go into the company’s passive solar-energyefficient houses, said Ellis. The windows face south to soak up winter sun and overhangs are designed to minimize sun exposure in the summer time. Windows are triple-glazed glass and open up by tilting into the building. They are very airtight, Ellis said, and specific places are glazed to let heat come in and stay in. Concrete slab floors collect energy during the day and radiate it back at night. Most people also want supplemental heat and that is provided by a geothermal loop in the ground (also called a heat pump) connected to a forced air system and a fan that circulates the air, he said. Heat recovery ventilators bring fresh air into the house and modulate the moisture. The hot water is also provided by the thermal loop and has an electric coil as back-up. The resulting house does not need any energy from a utility company. It is completely sustainable, he said. The Net Zero concept is the new standard for the company, Ellis said. They no longer build tra-

ditional houses. “It is hard to meet energy code requirements with traditional designs,” he pointed out. “I don’t want to do any more wood-frame structures. Once I saw my first ICF home [in Troy] I didn’t want to go back.” Halfmoon Construction is currently completing their seventh passive solar house, in Rock City Falls in Milton. The company is currently installing the roof and utilities. A house Halfmoon Construction built in Glenville was named the best large, residential structure by ICF Builders Magazine and will be featured in next month’s issue of the magazine. In the most recent Capital District Parade of Homes, that house earned three of the seven awards. It won in the categories of energy efficiency and sustainability, use of innovative materials and best value. Halfmoon Green Building was founded in 1999 by Ellis. The company builds two or three houses a year. It is a custom design-and-build company which promotes home projects that work within sustainable buildings and energy standards. There are five full-time and two part-time employees. The company can be reached by telephone at 269-8619.

This custom kitchen was done by Hinman Construction of Ballston Spa. Owner Kim Hinman says accessories are important to homeowners, allowing them to express their personality. Courtesy Hinman Construction

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH With spring finally here, local designers and home improvement experts say they will see a dramatic increase in calls from homeowners looking to make a change. Trends for 2017 center around the desire for customization; everything from cabinets to tiles, to paint colors. Craig Vollkommer of Details and Improvements in Glens Falls said as soon as the weather starts to warm up everyone seems to want to start renovating at the same time. His advice to customers is to start making calls to contractors as early as possible in order to get their projects on a work schedule. “Plan ahead, and prioritize, know what you want. We seem to get the calls all at once, so if you are looking to have something done sooner, rather than later, you need to reach out to designers and contractors now,” said Vollkommer. Kitchens and bathrooms seem to continue to be the most in-demand, according to Vollkommer. He said people want the newest in bathroom shower options, laminates, granites, custom tiles, and backsplashes. He said that requests for painting is the one thing that never changes. “Paint is always in demand. It’s always the most dramatic and economical change you can make” in a home, said Vollkommer. When it comes to paint colors and themes, Vollkommer said neutral colors seem to remain

a popular choice. Kim Hinman, owner of Hinman Construction in Ballston Spa, said in addition to neutral colors, she is starting to see jewel tones as a trend. “People are looking at those deep jewel tones for pops of color,” said Hinman, Hinman agreed that remodeling projects are become about customizing. The one-size-fits-all mentality for things like cabinets is something homeowners are shying away from. Instead, they want their own style. She said accessories are important to homeowners these days because they allow the customer to express their personality, making the space their own. She said white is the “it” color for kitchens, with rustic elements and modern appliances. Also, open kitchen spaces are what people seem to prefer. “People are spending more time entertaining at home and want to enjoy their surroundings,” said Hinman. At Hinman Construction, the design process is interactive between the customer and the company. She said that is not just a trend, but a useful tool in customer satisfaction. She specializes in three-dimensional renderings, a process that shows the customer what final product will look like. “It’s a tremendous way to see and plan without the fear of not being able to visualize. Many of our clients are amazed as we review the possibilities and show phases and options,” said Hinman.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 13

Market For Condominiums Is Strong, Boosted By Desire To Live Maintenance-Free Lifestyle

Julie Bonacio of Julie & Co. Realty says rooftop terraces like this are popular with condo tenants. This one is at Park Place Condos, 268 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Bonacio Construction

BY R.J. DELUKE Sales of condominiums and townhomes are brisk in Saratoga County, local real estate agents say. They have their own particular brand of customer and thus their availability does not affect the sale of single-family homes, whether existing or new construction. The people who are buying condos are a mix of retirees, young professionals and those who use them as a second home, according to Janet Besheer, owner of Equitas Realty, and Julie Bonacio, founding owner of Julie & Co. Realty. “In general, it goes back to maintenance-free living,” said Besheer. “People want more of a turnkey environment. They don’t want to have to do anything to the outside ... You can just live and play.” Bonacio said people buying condos are attracted by the low maintenance.“They don’t have to worry about snow plowing or raking leaves. Also, they can shut the door and travel when they want to.” Condos and townhouses are about 25 percent of the inventory for Equitas, Besheer said. But there are a lot of new, large, single-family homes that are being built in the area on large lots. “There’s still a market for people who want a larger home with some privacy,” she said. By moving into a condo in the city, customers “want to be close to the action. They don’t want to have to drive. They want everything at their fingertips,” she said. There is also a tax benefit in downtown Saratoga Springs. Besheer said for people who buy a condo that has a commercial element to it, the commercial tenants are paying most of the taxes.“There is benefit to buying a $500,000 condo compared to a $500,000 home. The taxes on the condo are almost cut in half,”

Some people in housing developments built years ago purchased the homes to be outside the city and have some land. Over time, some of those people wanted to move back to the city. That started the trend of all the condos and the high-rise buildings that started to crop up in the area “that we didn’t have before,” Besheer said. “This whole new urbanization of downtowns” has happened in Saratoga, but also in cities like Albany, Troy and Glens Falls, she noted. “We have a lot of young professionals, both are working. They are making god salaries and they don’t want to do the maintenance work,” she said. Being in walking distance to downtown is important, said Bonacio. “They can go to the fabulous restaurants and boutiques” and other downtown attractions. “People love to be able to walk places ... It’s a lifestyle,” she said. Those in the downtown area can take part in the Victorian Street Walk or Chowder Fest and then go home. They invite friends up to experience those events and they stay overnight. Bonacio agreed that condos and townhomes don’t adversely affect the single-family home market. “There’s a market for everything,” she said. “There’s enough to go around.” Bonacio Construction, owned by her husband Sonny, is still building condos in the area.“It’s going great. There’s a strong market for them.” She noted Bonacio condos are pet friendly, which is attractive to people. Some also have rooftop terrace spaces that are popular. People are putting in outdoor kitchens or growing plants. The availability of space for those types of activities is a selling point.

Real Estate Careers Continued From Page 1

Showcase Of Homes Is Set On 3 Fall Weekends

included some major restorations in Troy. The Powers Park Loft Condominiums in Lansingburgh is another of Deane’s favorite projects. “The building was an old collar and cuffs factory and, as with all old buildings, it had a very interesting history, as well as some serious issues,” she said. “But Jeff is really good at solving problems and we ended up building a beautiful project, one I’m really proud of.” Jeff called their early years getting started in Saratoga and some of the hurdles they had to overcome on their development projects. When 340 Broadway and the Congress Park Center were being leased, there was pushback from local business owners. “I remember going to Downtown Business Association meetings,” he said. There were people who were against bringing in“chain” stores to downtown. “But, the smaller local businesses ended up getting more business because of it,” said Jeff. The Pfeils are also proud of their work in the community and grateful for the satisfaction it gave them. For Jeff, it was Universal Preservation Hall. He became involved in the effort to save the run-down building from being demolished. He and Tom Lewis, a Skidmore professor, were instrumental in raising funds, getting materials donated and transforming the former Methodist Church into the arts venue it has become today. Deane said her greatest accomplishment was her service on the board of directors at Saratoga Hospital. After completing the Leadership Saratoga program through the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce in 1996, she became involved in local boards. Between 1998 and 2012, she served first on the Hospital Foundation board and then on the main board of trustees. “It was one of the most fulfilling and satisfying experiences ever,” said Deane. “We had a phenomenal board, with so many important contributors. Unlike many other boards, this board was actually listened to. It was a very high caliber of board members and I think of it as the highlight of my career as a volunteer.”

The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is in full swing planning this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour. Now celebrating its 22nd year, the annual community tradition has now contributed over $1 million to local charities, according to the committee. The 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes will take place over three weekends: Sept. 16-17, Sept. 23-24 and Sept. 30-Oct. 1. It will be featuring award-winning builders showcasing their new construction. Tickets for the tour of the homes will remain at $20 per person, the committee said. Officials said it is shaping up to be an outstanding line-up of homes on display, including those from Bella Homes, Belmonte Builders, Bonacio Construction, Heritage Custom Builders, LaFemme Home Builders, McPadden Builders, Saratoga Builders, Witt Construction and more. The committee has an extensive marketing and promotional campaign in development that includes official media sponsors in newspapers, magazines, online, television, billboards and social media. Corporate and media sponsorships are now available and showcase home builder reservations are currently in progress. For a sponsorship opportunities packet or for information about entering a new home in the event, contact Barry Potoker, executive director, at 366-0946 or bpotoker@ saratogabuilders.org. Proceeds from the 2017 Saratoga Showcase of Homes event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. A total of $70,000 was donated to those groups last year. For more details and sponsorship information, visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes. com.

14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017

Ryan Van Amburgh Is Key Figure In Campaign OrthoNY Moves Urgent Care Office From Malta To Raise Funds For Regional Cancer Society To Saratoga Springs For Orthopedic Patients A local resident and economic development official who has been battling cancer is using his story to help motivate donors during a 10-week intensive campaign to raise money toward curing cancer. Ryan Van Amburgh agreed to become a nominee in the Upstate NY/VT Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Man/Woman of the Year fundraising campaign. Proceeds raised during the campaign will directly fund cancer research. For every dollar raised by the Van Amburgh family, Ryan receives a Man of the Year vote until the conclusion of the campaign on May 12. That’s the night of the society’s grand finale event held at 8 p.m. at the Franklin Plaza Ballroom in Troy, when winners will be announced. One of the top philanthropic events of the year in the Capital Region, tickets and sponsorships for the finale, benefiting Van Amburgh ’s campaign, can be purchased online at www. ChangeTheStory.Today. Direct donations to his campaign can also be made at that site. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has led therapy development initiatives nationwide designed to accelerate better understanding of cancer cells, inhibitors to their growth and increasingly personalize cancer therapies to extend survival rates and quality of life. Its funded clinical trials have generated over 50 percent of the FDA-licensed therapies targeting all forms of cancer since 2000. “This is an opportunity for all of us to write a different story about cancer,” said Van Amburgh. “A story about finding the cure for all types of cancer. A story where our kids see the good that can come from facing your fears and rising to the challenge to help others. We really appreciate any support fellow warriors can spare to join this movement.” Van Amburgh, economic development specialist at Saratoga Economic Development Corp., was diagnosed in 2015 with a rare strain of mesothelioma. He went through a six-month treatment plan coordinated by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York City and his cancer

OrthoNY Urgent Care has moved from Malta to Saratoga Springs with expanded hours. As of April 1, the Saratoga office, located at 5 Care Lane, will offer walk-in, orthopaedic care Monday-Friday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to noon. No appointments are necessary. OrthoNY has been providing orthopaedic urgent care in Albany and Malta since April 2013. In June 2014, a designated urgent care suite, staffed by a full-time physician assistant, opened in Albany on Everett Road. Last summer, the practice added hours to see patients in Albany, while launching urgent care in Schenectady on weekdays. OrthoNY officials said that since July 2016, close to 300 patients have been seen each week in Albany and Schenectady, with another 18-22 patients helped each Saturday between Albany and Malta.

Ryan Van Amburgh is nominee for an award based on raising funds to fight cancer. has been contained. As a husband to his college sweetheart and father of two young children, he and his family decided to use their story as motivation to accept the Man of the Year nomination and to mount the campaign. “My world turned upside down in the summer of 2015, when my family was blindsided by my cancer diagnosis,” said Van Amburgh. “During treatments, I vividly remember feeling exhausted and watching my family in our living room as if I wasn’t there.” He decided to fight the disease harder. “The network of support and outpouring was uplifting. We want to be that resource for countless others facing the cancer battle,” he said. To join the Van Amburgh’s fight to cure cancer, visit www.ChangeTheStory.Today or mail a tax-deductible donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Upstate New York/Vermont Chapter, One Marcus Blvd., Suite 104, Albany, NY 12205

“Many bone and joint issues are sudden and unexpected,” said Julie Shaw, managing officer for OrthoNY. “Knowing this, we’ve continued to add locations and expand hours so walk-in care is more readily accessible to more patients.” “We are happy to offer urgent care to treat injuries as quickly as possible, getting people back to work, school and life.” OrthoNY Urgent Care is designed to be efficient and cost-effective, eliminating the need for emergency room visits to treat common injuries. When acute care needs are bone and joint specific, it is an optimal choice for sprains, strains, minor fractures and sports injuries. OrthoNY Urgent Care is provided by orthopaedic specialists and supported by on-site radiology services. To learn more about OrthoNY Urgent Care, call 489-2663, or visit orthony.com.

Adirondack Foot Care Plans To Build A New Facility To Accommodate Growing Business BY LIZ WITBECK Adirondack Foot Care is planning on constructing a new facility for its medical practice, as well as other practices, pending the approval of the Clifton Park Town Board. Adirondack Foot Care is located at 950 Route 146 in Clifton Park. “We’ve grown over the years and are expanding because of our success,” said Dr. Salvatore Galluzzo, who founded Adirondack Foot and Ankle in 1991. Galluzzo currently owns three buildings in Clifton Park: Adirondack Foot Care and Advanced Laser Med Spa, which are housed in the same building; Lab Corporation, a laboratory testing facility; and Little Lambs Daycare. Plans are underway to construct a much larger building that would accommodate Adirondack Foot Care and Lab Corporation. In the new space, Lab Corporation would have double the amount of space they have now, he said. The building will also have other medical practices. While Galluzzo did not want to disclose the exact businesses at this time, he said that the medical businesses who will be tenants will be new medical practices to the town of Clifton Park. “This will give people the opportunity to find a doctor in their own town, rather than

having to go to Albany or Saratoga Springs,” said Galluzzo. Galluzzo originally presented a plan for a two-story, 9,600-square-foot facility, at 954 Route 146 in Clifton Park. That plan was rejected by the town board. This time he is presenting a more modest 7,000-square-foot plan. If approved at the April meeting, the construction team could start breaking ground by June and have the facility ready by the end of 2017, he said. Galluzzo has 29 years of experience in the field of podiatric medicine. He completed his residency at the New York College of Podiatric Medicine in New York City, then moved to the Capital Region. He has a background as a registered pharmacist and later decided to return to medical school to become a podiatrist. He later renamed the practice as Adirondack Foot Care. Adirondack Foot Care specializes in all types of disorders of the foot and ankle. Some of the most common ailments patients come in for are diabetic foot care, wound care, fractures, fungal contaminations, and plantar warts, he noted. The office is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Fridays from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. To learn more call 347-7934 or visit www.adirondackfootcare.com

Feigenbaum Cleaners Centennial Anniversary Continued From Page 1

helm shortly following Louis’s death in 1986. He and his wife Julie continue to run the company with business partner, Bonnie Smith, who joined them in the management of Feigenbaum Cleaners in 1992. “Businesses come and go. It’s unusual that a business survives to pass from one generation to another. Here, we have one continuing on to a

third generation and reaching the milestone of 100 years,” said Glens Falls Mayor Jack Diamond. “Feigenbaum Cleaners and generations of the Feigenbaum family have contributed to our business community and many civic and government organizations for many years.” More information is available at the company website, www.feigenbaums.com.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 15

City Center Events Increased In 2016 Continued From Page 1 National Holstein Association. Honored as bureau Volunteers of the Year were Leonard DiLisio and Karen Longobardi for their service at the Saratoga Heritage Area Visitors Center and with the Convention Services team. Kathy Price, bureau office manager and executive assistant, was recognized for 30 years of service. Todd Garofano, bureau president, called Price the “glue who keeps us all together and the operation running smoothly.” Other information from the 2016 annual report showed Saratoga Springs had a hotel occupancy rate last year of 65.6 percent, compared to 70.3 percent rate the previous year. Demand for the rooms was listed at 40,896, down 2 percent from 439,738. Saratoga County had an occupancy rate in 2016 of 62.2 percent, compared to a 68.9 percent rate the previous year. Demand for the rooms was listed at 705,607, down 2.3 percent from 722,484. Resulting revenue was $70.3 million in the city, down 1 percent from $71.1 million in 2015. For Saratoga Country, resulting revenue was $104.6 million, down 1.5 percent from $106.3 million the previous year. The report included website statistics for DiscoverSaratoga.org that showed 102 percent growth in website visits from 2016 to 2015, a 106 percent growth in unique visitors, 123 percent growth in page views and 387 more website visits per/day in 2016 versus 2015. Saratoga Springs Heritage and Visitor Center on Broadway saw activity go up 19.9 percent. That comes from various categories including visitors, phone inquiries, tours, concert series and on-site functions, according to the report. Other highlights the report listed included: • The 18th annual Chowderfest had 90-plus vendors and 40,000 people on the streets, which were all-time records. It resulted in approximately

350-plus room nights. • Saratoga Springs Frozen Pond Hockey Classic was cancelled in 2016 due to warm weather. It came back strong in 2017 with 85 teams from seven states and Canada competing over two-and-a-half days at Saratoga Spa State Park. • Saratoga’s sixth annual Beer Week brought hundreds of beer industry professionals and fans from around the country to sample, educate and release new products. It creates 400-plus room nights. The report also listed some concerns for the bureau going forward. Among those items was competition coming from the new Albany Capital Center, the Schenectady Casino Hotel, the Lake George Hotel & Conference Center and new hotels planned throughout the region that will be competing for occupancy share. Parking in the city was also listed as a problem. While there is a new parking garage in the works, it is not yet under construction and puts the bureau at a competitive disadvantage. The bureau also reported that membership reached an all-time high in 2016, jumping by 4.2 percent to 501 total members. To view the report, visit discoversaratoga.org/ annual-report. Sponsors for the dinner included Saratoga Springs City Center, Mazzone Hospitality, CMI Audio Visual, Spa City Duo, Posie Peddler, Imagine That Marketing & Communications, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, Capital Interiorscapes, Frozen Moments In and Around Saratoga, Adirondack Trust Co., The Gideon Putnam, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Saratoga Springs, Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union, Clements Insurance Agency and New York By Rail. For information on how to schedule or plan a meeting, conference, wedding or special event, visit www.discoversaratoga.org.

New Tap Room Coming To Saratoga Continued From Page 1 license, the tap room can only sell farm-brewed products. In addition to beer, they are allowed to sell farm-produced cider, and Taylor said he expects to have at least one cider available. Technically, he is also allowed to sell beer brewed at any other farm brewery in the state,“of which there are some 200-plus right now,” he said. The law also allows him to sell distilled spirits made on any farm distillery in New York state. The room will not make food. Taylor said it might offer various cheese platters, but his plan for food is to work with restaurants already in Congress Plaza. For example, nearby Serendipity Arts Studio, which features cooking classes, has expressed interest in doing some catering. There may be arrangements with other restaurants within the plaza. Basically, “people will be able to bring in whatever they want.” At the tap room in Salem, live music, usually

bluegrass, is featured. Taylor said he intends to have music two or three nights a week and he has some musicians already interested. Taylor said the room will open at 4 on weekdays and noon on weekends. Three people will be employed in the beginning. “We’re very excited about it. It’s a great market for beer,” said Taylor. “As we formulated the idea for this, everyone was saying [Saratoga] is the place to be.” R.S. Taylor & Sons is located on Misty Bleu Farm, acquired by the Taylor family in 2011. The main house, cottage and tap room was built in 2015. According to the farm website, the land contained a sawmill that was operational from the 1760s till about the turn of the 20th century. Lumber sawed at this mill was used for several local historical homes. The farm’s website rstaylorbrewing.com.

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Woman’s Love Of Cars Leads To A Venture Providing Many Services To Auto Owners BY MAUREEN WERTHER Dawn Morrison, owner of the Kar-Ma LLC, refers to herself as a “motor head” and confesses that she has loved cars her entire life. So, when she experienced what she calls “an early mid-life crisis,” she figured out a way to turn a passion into a viable business. The Kar-Ma LLC is a mobile automotive maintenance, detailing, and service business, offering monthly “mini” detailing, auto shuttling service to and from the dealership, emergency automotive assistance and more. Morrison, who has a degree from Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Public Communication, started Kar-Ma in 2009. After working for several years in the trade publication industry in Manhattan, she returned to the upstate area sold advertising for Valpak and air time for radio station WGNA. She reached a point in her career where she decided it was time for a change. The business began informally at first, with Morrison taking care of cars for her friends. It morphed into a membership service, with Morrison charging a flat monthly rate. “I don’t think there is really anything like the Kar-Ma, at least not in this region,” said Morrison. She performs a range of services monthly, on any make of model, including checking and topping off fluids, troubleshooting “check engine” lights, regularly checking tire pressure and tread depth, and many other services. She also keeps spare keys so she doesn’t have to bother clients when she shows up to service a vehicle. The spare-key service is also very helpful and cost-effective when clients lock themselves out of their cars. She arranges for emergency towing and, because she has discounts with vendors, she can pass savings along to her clients. Of particular value to many clients is the ease with which Morrison navigates the intricacies of the state Department of Motor Vehicles. “I take these tasks off my customers’ plates and put them on mine,” she said. Morrison has added “buyer representative”

to her list of services. When it is time to trade in a car, Morrison will evaluate the car, research its re-sale or trade-in value and negotiate with dealers on a client’s behalf. Because she also keeps complete records for clients of work that has been done, the re-sale and trade-in processes are streamlined. Morrison recalled growing up with “crappy cars” that required ongoing maintenance and repairs. “I still have a passion for rear-wheel drive, eight-cylinder engine cars. There was so much room under the hood,” she said.“My first car was a 1972 Duster and my mechanic was awesome. He taught me everything,” Morrison even did her own body work and remembers being in the parking lot at Syracuse University patching up body rust and damage to her car. “It’s really been a journey,” she said.

16 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017

Personnel Briefs

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name

Closing Price Closing Price Closing Price Closing Price Closing Price 03/03/2017 03/10/2017 03/17/2017 03/24/2017 03/31/2017

Albany Int’l

46.40

44.60

46.00

44.45

46.00

Arrow

34.75

33.90

35.75

33.65

33.90

AT & T

42.01

42.35

42.61

41.68

41.55

Ball

73.71

73.74

75.12

73.73

74.26

Ballston Spa National Bank

38.01

38.31

Bank of America 25.44

25.31

24.86

23.12

23.59

Barnes & Noble

8.95

8.60

9.40

8.60

9.20

Best Buy

44.65

44.80

45.40

44.85

49.16

Citizens Bank

38.31

37.64

36.62

34.51

34.54

Espey

24.50

24.25

23.00

23.92

23.00

General Electric

30.12

30.28

29.88

29.72

29.79

Hilton

57.75

56.48

57.92

58.31

58.47

Home Depot

147.81

146.85

149.60

147.71 146.81

Int’l Paper

54.00

50.70

51.36

50.81

50.77

Key Corp

19.07

18.58

18.35

17.24

17.78

Lowe’s

81.68

81.58

83.53

82.21

82.22

Martin Marietta

217.69

212.81

211.95

207.24 218.37

M&T Bank

168.01

166.19

162.09

154.97 154.75

McDonald’s

127.90

127.98

128.64

129.34 129.61

National Grid

60.23

59.99

61.54

63.54

63.49

NBT Bancorp Inc. 40.67

39.46

40.52

37.34

37.07

Panera Bread

229.04

234.91

238.39

249.48 261.87

Plug Power

1.07

1.01

1.20

1.36

1.38

Quad Graphics

27.60

25.05

24.20

23.47

25.23

Staples

8.99

8.68

9.00

8.47

8.77

Starbucks

57.10

54.53

55.78

56.81

58.39

Sysco

52.19

52.16

52.74

52.81

51.93

Target

57.35

55.36

54.29

53.12

55.16

Time Warner

98.73

98.60

98.56

97.51

97.70

Trans World

2.70

2.65

2.35

1.92

1.70

Trustco Bank

8.325

7.90

8.10

7.80

7.85

Verizon

50.09

49.35

50.39

49.68

48.75

Walmart

70.03

70.10

68.89

69.61

72.08

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

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• Sarah Robinson, a partner at Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs, PC was named to the Albany Business Review’s list of 40 Under Forty. The award honors 40 professionals in the Capital Region who are under 40 years of age for their outstanding business achievements and community influences. Robinson is the third TBC employee to receive the accolade since the program’s inception in 2000. As one of the 40 honorees selected by an advisory committee of business leaders, she will be honored on May 12 at the Albany Capital Center. Robinson joined the firm in 1999, after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Accounting degree from the College of Saint Rose. By 2014, she was named a partner at the firm. She is the treasurer on the board of directors of the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is involved specifically with the AICPA’s employee benefit plan quality control center and internally, she sits on the firm’s employee benefit plan audit niche committee. * * * Rebuilding Together Saratoga County announced four new members of its board of directors. Added to the board are Deanne Devitt, assistant treasurer/main office branch manager at the Adirondack Trust Co; Alicia Jacobs, director of communications and community engagement at Excelsior College; Catherine French, assistant general manager/corporate sales development at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs; and Bridget Reilly, chief financial officer at Bonacio Construction Inc. Rebuilding Together Saratoga County provides critical home repairs and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners who are older adults, individuals living with a disability, veterans or families with children. The services are provided at no cost to the families they serve and focus on ensuring they can live independently in a home that is safe and healthy. Rebuilding Together also rehabilitates properties that house qualifying nonprofit organizations serving our community. * * * Roohan Realty announced that Weldon Culp of Saratoga Springs has joined the company as a real estate salesperson. Culp was awarded his real estate license in 2015. He started out on a cotton farm in Texas. After high

school, he enlisted in the Navy and served for 23 years, retiring as a lieutenant commander. While on active duty, he earned his bachelor’s degree in psychology from the State University of New York. After retiring from the Navy, Culp earned a master’s degree in teaching physics from Union College and has taught for four years at Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School and 15 years at Shaker High School. He is also the president of CCD Property Solutions Inc., a real estate redevelopment company serving the Capital District area. * * * Randal Hagen was named assistant vice president and trust business development officer at Ballston Spa National Bank. Hagen will be responsible for increasing the visibility of BSNB’s trust and investment services in the capital region and surrounding areas and for developing new relationships with customers. Hagen comes to BSNB with six years of previous experience in the retirement and trust industry. He received a bachelor’s degree in history from Empire State College and served seventeen years in the U.S. Army, including two deployments overseas. Active in the community, he is involved in the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County. * * * Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home announced the addition of Molly Bingham to its team. Bingham has a degree in mortuary science from Hudson Valley Community College and completed the required one-year internship and licensing process. * * * NBT Bank recently recognized top performers for sales and service excellence during 2016. Retail market manager Ian Townsend, who is based in Saratoga Springs and oversees NBT offices in Saratoga and Warren Counties, was named one of the bank’s top three market managers. Two area NBT Bank locations were also recognized as being among the top ten in NBT’s 154-branch network, including NBT Bank of Queensbury led by branch manager Whitney Burger and NBT Bank of South Glens Falls led by branch manager Karen Scriver. The awards presented recognize NBT Bank managers and branches for overall achievement and performance in the areas of sales and service, leadership, community involvement and operational integrity.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 17

Business Briefs •

• Creatacor Inc., an exhibit design, fabrication and trade show management provider in Clifton Park, took home four silver awards from the 2017 ADDY Awards, hosted by the Albany Ad Club on March 3 at Proctors GE Theater in Schenectady. As the local version of the American Advertising Awards, the Albany ADDYs recognize the best advertising work being done in the Capital Region. Creatacor received a silver award for each of its four nominated entries, one in the category of Product or Service Sales Promotion: Sales Promotion Campaign and three in the category of Out-Of-Home: Single Installation. The work was completed on behalf of the following clients: rNRG, a renewable energy firm; DSM, a global health-focused company; Callaway, which specializes in golf equipment; and MINDBODY, which provides cloud-based software to the wellness industry. * * * The Adirondack Trust Co. has again earned a 5-Star rating from BauerFinancial, a national bank rating firm. A five-star rating indicates that the bank excels in areas of capital adequacy, profitability, asset quality and much more. In addition, by earning the top honor for 43 consecutive quarters in a row, the bank was named an “exceptional performance bank” by BauerFinancial. BauerFinancial Inc., based in Coral Gables, Fla., has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983.

destruction. The event is on a first-come, firstserve basis. The companies have also joined with the local food pantry at the Franklin Community Center in Saratoga Springs and will be accepting donations in an effort to restock the pantry to help local families in need. For guidance on what kinds of old documents and confidential files to keep or shred, visit Saratoga Financial Services’ website at www. SaratogaRetire.com for a list of suggestions. Staff will also be there to answer questions. * * * Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte CPAs, PC was recently named to Accounting Today’s 2017 Top 100 Firms Plus Accounting’s Regional Leaders list in mid-March. The company made the Top Firms: Mid-Atlantic Area list. Among the list of the top 35 firms in the areas that consist of New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania, TBC was in the 32nd slot and a 4.3 percent rate of growth over the past year. This was the first year TBC has been included in the annual report measured by firm revenue. Starting with only four employees, today it employs 95 associates, including 53 CPAs. The firm’s commercial clientele includes real estate developers, construction contractors, distributors, manufacturers, professional service firms, automotive dealers, retailers, technology companies, and wholesalers among other businesses. * * *

* * * Saratoga Financial Services has partnered with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Confidata and Fingerpaint to host the 6th annual Shred Event on Saturday, April 29 from 9:30 a.m. until noon in recognition of Earth Day. The drop-off site will be at the Fingerpaint parking lot at 18 Division St. in Saratoga Springs. All paper documents are shredded, baled and shipped to local paper mills to be recycled for reuse. There is a five-box maximum. Once the shredding truck is full, items will not be accepted for

Capping off a year in which its employees volunteered more than 3,100 hours, Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) recently contributed $16,000 to organizations across the region. Organizations were chosen, in part, based on employees who nominated causes to which they were personally connected. The groups chosen to receive the donations include, but are not limited to: Ballston Spa Area Community Center, Capital District YMCA Circle of Champs program, Code Blue of Shelters of Saratoga, Double H Ranch, Make a Wish North-

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east New York, Newmeadow School, Northeast Kidney Foundation/ William Cromie Children’s Dialysis Fund, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Capital Region. Saratoga County Economic Opportunity Council, Saratoga County Rural Preservation Company, Schenectady City Mission, Stillwater Area Community Center and Wellspring. * * * Spring class registration at the Academy for Lifelong Learning (A.L.L.) continues through mid-April. Some classes are still open, including several lecture series. The spring term is sponsored by Prestwick Chase. Spring term class registration and membership application packets are available in area libraries, the Academy office, 111 West Ave., in Saratoga Springs, or on the website at www.esc.edu/all. Registration forms are being accepted for open classes through the beginning of the term. Several classes are full and waiting lists have been started. Call the Academy office for current class availability at 587-2100, ext. 2415. Classes cover a wide range of genre including: history, art, media, health, religion, writing and economics. Volunteer-led classes typically meet for two hours once a week for four to eight weeks. Most classes are held in SUNY Empire State College classrooms at 111 and 113 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs with several “on site” offerings at a variety of local outdoor venues. * * * The Adirondack Trust Co. announced the three winners from its inaugural Strive Achievement President’s Award Ceremony. 2017 President Award recipients were Lisa Doyle, James Meehan and Priscilla Petta. A ceremony was held recently at the Saratoga Golf and Polo Club. Each recipient received a trophy presented by company President Stephan von Schenk for demonstrating the bank’s leadership principles. * * * Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. was recognized in March as a 5-Star Superior bank by BauerFinancial Inc., a bank rating and research firm.

Saratoga National has earned this designation for the past 32 consecutive quarters. The 5-Star rating indicates Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. is one of the strongest banks in the nation. To earn 5 Stars, banks must excel in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability, according to Karen Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. Based in Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. * * * The Adirondack Trust Co. will hold its annual personal document shredding day on Saturday, April 22 from 10 a.m. to noon at its Mabee Building, 31 Church St., Saratoga Springs. People can bring their personal data for confidential destruction. Items that will be accepted for shredding include sensitive papers (white or color), carbon paper, file folders, old checkbooks, bank statements, expired credit cards or debit cards, and plastic ID cards. Paper items with staples and/or paperclips will be accepted, they do not need to be removed prior to shredding. There is a two-box limit for each person. For more information, visit www.info.AdirondackTrust.com/ShredDay. * * * The Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center will sponsor a fundraising golf event on May 13 at Airway Meadow Golf Club. The 18-hole, four-player scramble will benefit the Helping Hand Fund, which helps people in need access the services of the counseling center. The center is a nonprofit group that has served the area since 1983. It provides professional psychotherapy, counseling and educational services to facilitate emotional and spiritual health for families and individuals of varied means, including veterans and their families. There will be prizes and on-course competitions. The fees cover the golfing, as well as a buffet and beer and wine through the day. People can also pay for just the buffet. Fees are $89 per player for non-members, $45 for diamond members, $60 for platinum members and $65 for gold members. People attending the buffet only pay $35. There will also be a silent auction to benefit the Helping Hand Fund. For more information call the golf club at 792-4144.

18 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017

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Tucked away in the village of Round Lake, Lake Ridge is less than 15 minutes from both Albany and Saratoga Springs, just a half mile from the Northway and even less from route 9. Lake Ridge is a fine dining restaurant with excellent food, great service and an inviting ambiance, featuring three dining rooms and a mahogany bar. Groups can have lunch in the bright and sunny Saratoga room. Or for a business luncheon choose the more private green room. Chef Scott Ringwood’s lunch menu offers a wide variety of entrees, salads, sandwiches and burgers. Lake Ridge is perfect for dinner, whether it is enjoying an entrée favorite or something on the expanded small plate menu. The new American cuisine consists of the freshest seafood, great steaks including prime, veal, pastas and a great selection of daily specials. At Lake Ridge there is an extensive wine menu to accompany any meal along with a large beer selection and a full bar. Martinis and specialty drinks are plentiful. The Lake Ridge bar is stocked with an abundant supply of over 30 scotches and 20 bourbons. Lunch is served Tuesday through Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Dinner is served Tuesday through Sunday starting at 4:30 p.m. The bar is open daily from 11:30am until close. One needn’t have a passport to enter Boca Bistro at 384 Broadway in the heart of Saratoga Springs, despite the authenticity of its Spanish décor. From the tapas to the churros, Boca Bistro provides guests with an unforgettable dining experience that is rich in Mediterranean flavor. A hand-carved wooden door, 200-year-old red brick walls and copper ceiling panels are all part of a mosaic that blends earthen and distressed textures with stylistic accents. Boca Bistro’s main menu, created by Executive Chef Rosalyn Zecchini, is divided into three sections: Tapas, Dinners and Desserts. Foods prepared in small bite form at prices ranging from $5 to $12 consist of three main categories: Costas De Picar (eaten with hands, such as olives), Pinchos (requiring the use of a utensil, such as rice) and Cazuelas (served in a sauce, such as

meatballs). The dinner menu draws attention to the “ancestry, tradition and humble origins” of Old World Spanish dishes that were typically the result of ingredients put together by peasants, farmers or shepherd families, with products from their own fields and orchards. Dinner items range from $6 to $22. Traditional sweet Spanish desserts – some influenced by the Moors, others from recipes that can be traced back to centuries-old nunneries – are priced at $6 to $7. Boca Bistro opens for dinner at 5 p.m. daily. A Happy Hour that includes a specially selected tapas menu takes place daily from 3 to 6 p.m. Tel. 682-2800; www.bocabistro.com. The moment you enter Osteria Danny’s at 26 Henry Street, you feel as if you’ve stepped into an authentic Neapolitan eatery, complete with friendly chattering diners, waiters carrying plates of lusciously prepared, but still down to earth food, and wine glasses filled with full-bodied reds and crisp Italian whites. This cozy restaurant isn’t the first time around the block for owners Danny and Cathy Petrofina. The always crowded tables and booths are a sure sign of their ongoing popularity as a “must dine” on your list of restaurants in Saratoga Springs. Its rustic yet urbane ambience, punctuated by warm yellow walls and their signature oversized chalk board menu give diners a glimpse of what is in store for their palettes. The term, “osteria” (Italian pronunciation: [osteˈria]) refers to places that serve mainly wine and simple food. The menus are typically short and they focus on offering local specialties, which is why the name of this restaurant makes perfect sense. Chef Danny Petrosino has been using local products for his entire culinary career. With a wood-fired oven imported from Italy, Petrisoino prepares a number of dishes besides pizzas, including one of chef’s favorites, a vegetable terrine, which is an assortment of grilled vegetables layered in a pan and cooked in the oven. It is then served sliced like a bread. Small plates include “the eggplant,” stacked with layers of fresh, locally

sourced ingredients and oozing with cheesy goodness. Or, try the “bada bing” shrimp plate served in buttery garlic and basil. There is no shortage of variety for pasta lovers either. It’s hard to go wrong with the mezza rigatoni Bolognese or the spaghetti Lucia, with roasted red tomatoes and mushrooms, garlic and fresh basil. For larger appetites, there’s no shortage of variety there either. Try the chianti-braised boneless short rib, lobster shrimp ravioli or the seared sea scallops. The chicken and duck dishes on the menu are also two big favorites. Osteria Danny also serves a variety of veal dishes, chops, and steaks from local sources, including Edelweiss Veal Company in Albany, who supplies the restaurant with dry-aged beef. In addition to the regular menu items, Osteria Danny features daily specials, which always take advantage of the freshest local vegetables from nearby farms. And, leave room for dessert. It will be hard to choose from the gelato, tartufo or the creamy-delicious coconut cream pie. Osteria Danny offers an assortment of seating options, with booths as well as tables, and a ten-foot long communal high top table located near the bar. There is also a large banquette in the rear to serve larger parties. And, if all those are taken, dining at the bar with friendly neighbors is a great way to soak up the festive and lively atmosphere. Osteria Danny is open seven days a week at 4pm. Reservations are required if you need to book an earlier time. Wheatfield’s Bistro & Wine Bar, located at 54 Crossing Boulevard in Clifton Park has continued the success of its ‘parent’ restaurant in Saratoga Springs by becoming one of the most popular lounge and restaurant destinations in the Capital Region. When you enter the large open main dining and gathering area, you can chat by a crackling fire with a glass of wine or your favorite cocktail, comfortably ensconced

in the cozy leather couches and chairs. If you want a more intimate dining experience, tuck into the spacious rear dining area and take a table near the inviting twosided fireplace or find a cozy and intimate booth. The large bar is a popular destination for after-hours gatherings, and their wine selection has gained the attention of ‘Wine Spectator’ for five years running. Whether you are at Wheatfield’s Bistro for lunch, dinner or their Sunday brunch, there is something sure to please every palette. True to its longstanding tradition, Wheatfield’s offers nearly 20 different shapes and flavors of homemade pasta daily, and they have also added gluten-free and vegetarian lunch and dinner items to their cosmopolitan menu. The lunch menu offers an assortment of appetizers, such as Caprese, sautéed PEI mussels, and Shoestring Truffle fries. Their extensive list of market salads features farm-to-table produce, which can be topped off with your choice of shrimp, chicken or steak. The lunch menu is rounded off with an assortment of bistro sandwiches, wraps and, of course, their signature hand-stretched woodstone pizzas, handmade raviolis, and side dishes. Dinner guests at Wheatfield’s can choose from the same delicious selection of appetizers, salads and small plates, in addition to dinner entrees such as Eggplant Rollatini, Herb-breaded Chicken Milanese, and hand-cut steaks cooked to your specification. If Sunday morning brunch is on your agenda, menu items include Artesian Cinnamon French Toast, Breakfast Wood-fired pizza, and Bistro Eggs Benedict. Or, try the frittata of the day, along with a foamy steaming cup of cappuccino or a sparkling mimosa. Wheatfield’s Bistro & Wine Bar is open Wednesday through Saturday from 11:30 to 10:00 pm and Sunday through Tuesday from 11:30 am to 9:00 pm.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017• 19

Business Registrations •

Saratoga Bath Salt Co. Shirley Collins 4 Wheatstone Court Saratoga Springs 12866

Able Transit Charity Ledbetter 245 Paisley Road Ballston Spa 12020

Gear Hug Quinn Roberts 27 Castleberry Drive Wilton 12831

Clean and Clear Window Charles Wissick 34 Vosburgh Road Mechanicville 12118

Adirondack Retro Matthew Grosky Kevin Grosky 294 Southline Road Galway 12074

Hurt Security Locker Jeffrey Hurt 6 Manchester Court Saratoga Springs 12866

Alpha Bravo Contracting Thomas Jones 249 Halfmoon Circle Clifton Park 12020 Niles Marketing Judith Niles Roger Niles 116A Route 2236 Clifton Park 12065 Premium Brick and Landscape Brian Edwards 254 Scotchbush Road Burnt Hills 12027 Sacred Sweat Julia Vanhall 13 Olde Saratoga Knolls Schuylerville 12871

Spartan Thomas Donohue 840 Route 50 Burnt Hills 12027 Hen Picked Heather LaCoppola 4 Larkspur Drive Saratoga Springs 12866 BM Construction Joshua Barnowski Bruce Martin 50 Edie Road Saratoga Springs 12866

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86 Kilmer Rd, Greenfield NY – Meg Minehan and Jack Minehan are the listing agents for this pristine custom farmhouse in a great neighborhood only 15 minutes to town. Surrounded by beautiful mature gardens, stone walls and fieldstone walks and patios, it has a private fenced back yard with a salt-water pool. Features include a granite kitchen with high-end appliances, all hardwood floors and premium details as well as 4 large bedrooms, 2.5 baths, 2.5 baths, flex rooms, 2nd floor laundry, new 50-year roof with a transferable platinum warranty, high end boiler, generator with auto on and more. Extensive upgrades have been made and the home was just painted inside and out. Ask your agent for MLS Docs.

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20 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • APRIL 2017

NYS: Rexford Bridge Between Clifton Park And Niskayuna Should Open To Traffic This Fall

bridge experience daily. A new roundabout opened in a temporary, single-lane pattern last September on the Niskayuna side of the bridge, at the intersection of Balltown Road (Route 146), Aqueduct Road and Williams Street. When the new bridge opens to traffic, the roundabout will be opened in its permanent, two-lane configuration. Route 146 between the new roundabout and Riverview Road in Rexford is being reconstructed as a four-lane roadway, and intersection improvements will be made at Route 146 and Riverview Road in Clifton Park, approximately one-half mile north of the bridge. “The new Rexford Bridge is a project that many people are eager to see completed,” state Sen. Jim Tedisco said. “The Rexford Bridge is a critical connector in the 49th Senate District for travelers and workers who commute between Schenectady and Saratoga counties every day and the small businesses that rely on it for commerce. Once completed, this new bridge will help ease traffic congestion and make that commute just a little easier for the thousands

Work on the new bridge over the Mohawk River started back up again in late March. State officials say the new bridge, with four lanes instead of two, will be open this fall.

NEW LOCATION at the CANFIELD CASINO

Night At The

Courtesy New York State DOT

The new Rexford Bridge, carrying Route 146 over the Mohawk River between the towns of Clifton Park and Niskayuna, will open to traffic this fall, state officials said. Work on the $32.5 million project resumed in the last week of March. The bridge carries approximately 22,000 motor vehicles per day. “The Rexford Bridge is a vital link for commuters and visitors to the Capital Region and, as we resume construction this spring, we help ensure that the new bridge opens to traffic on time this fall,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The safety improvements and structural upgrades to this bridge will help ease congestion while also ensuring its continued viability for years to come.” The work is being done under a design-build contract that calls for a single team of contrac-

tors to be responsible for both designing and building an entire project in order to ensure that coordination is seamless, and that work is completed in the shortest possible time frame, officials said. Design-build also provides cost certainty for the state with contractors assuming the risk for project delays and cost overruns. The new bridge will be wider than the existing bridge, with four lanes—two in each direction—instead of two. A multi-use path will connect Riverview Road in Rexford and the Mohawk-Hudson Bike-Hike Trail in Niskayuna. Initial work this season will include delivery and installation of steel for the new bridge. State Department of Transportation Commissioner Matthew J. Driscoll said the new bridge and two-lane roundabout will help alleviate the heavy traffic that users of the existing

of people who cross the Mohawk River on a daily basis.” Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett commended the state DOT for “working diligently to complete the Rexford Bridge Project as quickly as possible, while minimizing impacts to motorists and residents. As the next phase of construction begins, we will remain in close contact with DOT officials and disseminate important information on a timely basis.” Work began in late 2015 on the new bridge, which is being built directly to the west of the existing structure. After the new bridge opens, work will continue on the project, including removal of the old bridge and on- and off-road work on both bridge approaches. The project is expected to be fully completed by the end of 2017. The project will be completed in accordance with the requirements of Cuomo’s Drivers First Initiative, which prioritizes the convenience of motorists and ensures that disruptions are kept at a minimum for drivers at highway and bridge projects across the state.

Craft Beer & Military Gear Presented by the Saratoga Springs Lions Club and Friends of the NYS Military Museum

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