Saratoga Business Journal - May 2020

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

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOL. 25 NO. 03

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Real Estate Investment Company Hopes To Hotel, Tourism Officials Are Hit With Build 6-Story Office Building On Broadway Challenges As Summer Event Season Arrives

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Prime Group, a real estate investment company and a major owner/operator of self-storage units, plans to build a six-story building on Broadway in Saratoga Springs that would become its new office spaces and house other tenants.

The company has outgrown its office space at 85 Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs and is planning to relocate headquarters to the new construction on Broadway, opposite Congress Park, according to founder and chief executive Bob Moser.

The structure’s design calls for six stories with two levels of underground parking.

“Our staff will occupy the top two floors and the rest will be rented,” said Moser.

“Tenants will be service providers such as lawyers, accountants and the types of companies Prime works with,” he said. “We are a relationship driven company.”

The administrative staff in Saratoga Springs is upward of 70 now and will grow to more than 100 by the time the building takes occupancy, he said.

“One hundred percent of the operation will be at the new site, including acquisitions, management, executive, and leasing staff,” said Moser.

On April 30, Moser’s team met by video with the city Planning Board to present its mixed-use, $25 million project at 269 Broadway, on one-half acre of raw land purchased by Moser from the personal portfolio of Tom Roohan of Roohan Realty, he said.

The project team includes professionals from MJ Engineering, C2 Architecture and the law firm of Snyder Kiley Toohey Corbett & Co. LLP. Moser and his colleagues looked for many months for a building that could accommodate the company’s growing needs but found nothing on the market. The location at 269 Broadway is designed for an

This is a rendering of part of a six-story building planned to be built on Broadway.

Courtesy Prime Group

entrance and exit off Hamilton Street, he said.

“Parking in the area is a scarce commodity, so we pushed for two levels of underground parking for the convenience of employees,” he said.

Prime Group is a consolidator of storage facilities. The company builds some of its facilities from scratch, such as the one on Route 50 in Wilton, or aggregates existing facilities into Prime’s institutional quality paradigm.

“A Prime Storage facility means it is of a certain size, in a modern style, and has a great location in a retail corridor,” Moser said. “There is a new facility added nationally every four to five months.”

Demand for more storage space is driven by a number of factors, mostly lifestyle changes cause as divorce, moving, inheritance, and changing business needs, Continued On Page 5

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Although it is too soon to know what impact the COVID-19 pandemic will have on the local summer tourism season, the local business community is trying to remain optimistic.

“We are cautiously optimistic,” said Kevin Tuohy, general manager of the 168-room Holiday Inn on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“Although each time I read the news, it seems there is less good news coming out. But, at this point, we are going to do everything we can to make sure that we can be as busy as we can possibly be.”

Tuohy keeps abreast of information that comes from a variety of sources, including the governor’s office, the chambers of commerce, and Discover Saratoga. He is a board member of Discover Saratoga, and they are providing regular COVID-19 updates at www. discoversaratoga.org.

According to Amy Brannigan, senior director of marketing at Saratoga Casino Hotel, the majority of 600 team members were furloughed after the hotel closed March 16.

The management team is working to develop a comprehensive plan for reopening that incorporates social distancing and cleaning protocols.

In Lake George, it will be more difficult for hotels to weather any lengthy closure.

Dunham’s Bay Resort on the east shore just outside the village, is typically open yearround but has closed its 40-room hotel. It’s restaurant remains open for take out only.

According to general manager Matt Taormino, the hotel furloughed about 10 percent of it staff. He credits the hotel’s New York City owner for making this possible.

“They made a commitment to us when this first started to make sure everybody would have a job that needed a job,” he said. “We’re fortunate that our owners take care of us.

They really care about us and take care of the property.”

Taormino and his staff are using this time to

SPAC’s summer concert schedule is in question with the COVID-19 situation. ©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

perform preventative maintenance and make upgrades to bathrooms and banquet rooms.

Dunham’s Bay Resort and other local businesses in Lake George are relying on the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce for support and guidance.

“As our state government charts the reopening strategy, they are looking at it regionally. That is helpful for us,” Lake George Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer said. “For us that are in marketing and tourism, we are going to look at it from the standpoint that first we want to get our locals out and about safely and without fear.”

“We’re in constant contact with those folks.

We also have the Holiday Inn brand behind us, and they are constantly giving us information and updates. It’s changing by the minute,” Tuohy said during the first week of May. “There’s a lot to digest right now. Clearly the business model is going to change quite a bit.

Continued On Page 20

WellNow’s Clifton Park Office Is One Of Four ‘Sundaes Best’ Gives Sweet Salute To Area Offering COVID-19 Tests, Seven Days A Week First Responders And Healthcare Workers The first publicly announced coronavirus antibody testing that’s open to the general public is coming to the Capital Region.

COVID-19 molecular and antibody testing is available at all WellNow locations, seven days a week, with no appointment needed, the company said.

The locations are: • 438 Western Ave., Albany.

• 445 Balltown Road, Schenectady.

• 1694 Route 9, Clifton Park.

• 446 N. Farview Ave., Suite 200, Hudson.

Facilities are open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily.

Tests will be administered to those who display symptoms or have been exposed to COVID-19, the company said.

Results will return in three to five days.

Patients in New York can get results by registering for an account at www.mybostonheart.com.

Testing is covered in full for patients that carry insurance as part of the CARES Act. For self-pay patients, testing costs $150 for the molecular (PCR) test and $100 for the antibody test, in addition to a charge for the base visit.

WellNow takes most insurance, including Medicare, Medicaid, Fidelis and Veterans Affairs TriWest. A number of insurers have waived costsharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing.

“We continue to closely monitor COVID-19

WellNow offices, including the one on Route 9 in Clifton Park, are offering tests for COVID-19.

Courtesy WellNow

developments in partnership with our local and state health departments and the Centers for Continued On Page 9

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Since the beginning of the “NY on Pause” shutdown brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, Katie Camarro, owner of Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce, started thinking about what she could do to help.

At first, she provided gift baskets to first responders which, she said, served as a pickme-up that reminded them that they are recognized for all they are doing.

Soon after, Camarro decided to reach out to her community’s healthcare workers. Sundaes Best donated chocolate to medical staff at the Wilton Medical Arts and Urgent Care, as a way to honor those who work on the front lines, facing the challenges of the virus outbreak.

“We simply thought it would be a nice thing to do, and it was so well received by the staff,” said Camarro.

Next, Camarro plans to deliver Chocolate Farmer dip and pretzels to each hospital department, with the help of her husband and co-owner Jeff Shinaman.

The two have had to adjust the business after realizing that they would not be able to market the product in venues that would normally bring in revenue. Camarro said she is thankful for her wholesale business.

“The current status of our world has left us

Sundaes Best Hot Fudge Sauce has gone out to those helping people during these trying times.

Courtesy Sundaes Best

feeling vulnerable, like all small businesses.

We are eternally grateful for the grocery chains Continued On Page 18

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

During COVID-19 Crisis, Local Company Saratoga Saddlery To Operate Out Of New Disinfects Firehouses, Police Stations For Free Broadway Space When Businesses Re-Open

Kennedy Property Management (KPM) restoration is primarily a water damage company, but has expanded services to cleaning and disinfecting to help those dealing with coronavirus issues.

BY RACHEL PHILLIPS In an effort to help first responders who daily put themselves at risk during the coronavirus pandemic, a local restoration company is disinfecting area firehouses and police stations free of cost.

Kennedy Property Management (KPM) restoration is primarily a water damage company, but when the pandemic hit Saratoga County owner James Kennedy decided to expand services to help the community.

The company sends cleaners each week to perform the services. After wiping down each surface using industrial strength, CDCapproved disinfectants, they use an aerosol fog machine loaded with another sanitizing solution. According to Kennedy, he is deploying OSHA-certified technicians, who are trained specifically to deal with hazardous conditions.

He said while they are equipped to handle the situation, these services were not the norm for them in the past.

“We have done some disinfecting and sanitizing, but not much” said Kennedy. “Over the past two months, we have done 50-100 cases, some positive and some non-positive. And

Courtesy KPM

[we’ve] cleaned 20-30 essential businesses.”

Normally, KPM Restoration specializes in water cleanups, mold remediation, sewage losses and disinfection and sanitization of buildings. They also provide fire restoration and rebuilding services.

Their services are available to both residential and commercial clients. However, because of the need for such services in the current climate, Kennedy said they now intend to offer cleaning and disinfecting services to clients when businesses open back up in New York state.

“I want people to know that when this is done, we are offering cleaning services to disinfect and sanitize people’s businesses once a week at low rates to make sure the customers feel safe.

Our prices are very fair and we want to make sure everyone cleans their buildings correctly and offices.”

According to Kennedy, KPM Restoration has also handed out 500 gallons of the disinfectant they have in stock free of charge to anyone who needs it, and intend to give out another 500 gallons.

For more information on the services offered, call 518-862-8228.

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

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Promote, Retain & Grow Saratoga County

Saratoga Saddlery has moved out of this space at 506 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. When reopening of retail business is allowed, it will be at 392 Broadway.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Saratoga Saddlery and International Boutique closed its shop at 506 Broadway in Saratoga Springs will operate, when businesses are allowed to re-open in New York state, at 392 Broadway.

“We loved where we were. It was a beautiful store, but this is a spot with much better foot traffic. We are very happy with it,” said owner Sabine Rodgers.

The current state regulations have forced her to close her “new” doors, so Rodgers has turned her focus to online orders. She said the first two weeks after the shutdown were devastating.

“For two straight weeks we had no orders, nothing. Now we have started to receive some business, but not what we are used to,” she said.

Rodgers acknowledges this is a challenging time to keep any small business open, including her own where she has had to layoff 12 employees. She said she wants to get them back to work as soon as possible.

“I worry about them. I want to get them back.

As soon as I get the green light I am hoping to be able to,” said Rodgers.

Rodgers said she found a designer who makes masks and matching blouses, bringing a layer of fashion to mask wearing during the pandemic which has left many people feeling unsettled.

“It is awkward to start wearing a mask when you have never done it before. So I thought if we can make it fun somehow, almost fashionable,

maybe that will help in some way,” she said.

In addition to comfort work-from-home apparel, Rodgers also started thinking about how many people will be forced to cancel vacations. She said, “while we may not be able to travel to tropical places we can still have fun necessities like stylish sunglasses.”

Rodgers said she sat down and thought about the things she could market that may help provide some happiness to her customers during this challenging period. Her store’s Facebook page includes photos of work-fromhome clothing that is both comfortable and stylish.

“The clothes we wear can influence our mood.

Maybe it’s time to change out of your PJs and into a comfortable, yet very stylish, outfit for the day. It helps to put on something that makes you not only look good, but feel good,” said Rodgers.

As she settles into her new location, Rodgers said she has re-imagined what she can offer to those who are looking for some sort of comfort.

Rodgers said her boutique specializes in the equestrian lifestyle and outdoor fashion, and she looks forward to the day when she can find herself selling more of those items, in person, to people who are shopping in Saratoga.

“I look forward to having our grand opening, when the streets are once again filled with people, it’s what we love about Saratoga,” said Rodgers.

Her website is SaratogaSaddlery.com.

IS WORKING FROM HOME NOT WORKING FOR YOU?

SEDC is committed to Advancing Saratoga through these challenging times by providing support services through and to our members and assisting the employers, workforce and economic partners as we face the impacts of Covid-19.

Reach out. We are here for you, your team and your business.

(518) 587-0945 www.SaratogaEDC.com The Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership are part of the Saratoga County Economic Development Alliance, a collaboration designed to provide enhanced and seamless economic development services to investors and businesses interested in locating or growing in Saratoga County, New York.

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 3

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Business Report COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan

BY TODD SHIMKUS It seems kind of ominous now. But on Friday, March 13, the leaders of the Saratoga County Economic Development Corp., Discover Saratoga, the Saratoga City Center, Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the Downtown Business Association and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce all met at Wheatfield’s, in downtown Saratoga Springs.

It was clear on that Friday that the world was about to change. Gov. Cuomo was starting to shut things down to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

The six of us gathered at this meeting decided that from this point forward that we would work collaboratively to do whatever it took to protect Saratoga County’s economy and to help local employers through the crisis.

Since that time, we’ve communicated relentlessly among ourselves and with everyone in our database. We decided that it didn’t matter if an employer was a member, an investor, or not. We were going to help every business and nonprofit in Saratoga County. We would help as many organizations as we could and hope than when times were better that they’d help us too.

While I could recite an exceedingly long list of actions we’ve taken together to help hundreds if not thousands of people and organizations in the last 60-plus days, we’re already on to what’s next.

What’s next is developing and implementing an economic recovery plan for Saratoga County.

So what does this look like?

It starts with all of us continuing to collaborate. We have to deploy the resources and talent we have to get so much done and this requires coordination and teamwork. We believe focusing our efforts on helping Saratoga County’s economy to recover will help the surrounding region to recover as well.

PPE Supplies. In March, we reached out to members and asked them to donate PPE to our first responders, healthcare workers, and Saratoga Hospital. We worked with local firms to adapt their operations to manufacture PPEs locally as demand grew. Now, we need to continue to expand this production and to help ALL of our local employers to secure PPEs for their employees so that they can return safely to work.

As part of this effort, our six organizations are already securing donations of money and PPE supplies to create small business recovery kits.

Small, locally owned businesses forced to close in March will benefit greatly from this effort. We already have tremendous support for this action from Ball Beverage Packaging, Death Wish

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Todd Shimkus is president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Coffee, Momentive and Yankee Distillery.

Uniform Standards for Cleaning. We’re researching and creating cleaning protocols with restaurants, hotels, retailers, etc. We’re considering virtual training on these protocols to help employers as they bring back their employees. We will be inviting local businesses to pledge to abide by these protocols as part of an effort to have a plan for the reopening of Saratoga County’s economy. Gov. Cuomo has said employers must have a plan to reopen. Rather than every individual business doing this, we’re working together to create a healthy Saratoga plan of action.

Market Research. It’s one thing to be reopened.

But will all consumers, customers, and visitors feel comfortable coming back? What will it take for people to feel comfortable coming back? These questions will be researched as we partner with Mind Genomics, a Saratoga Springs-based firm, that does extraordinary market and consumer analyses for fortune 500 companies around the world. They stepped forward and volunteered to work with us to help us understand what will make people feel safe coming back to Saratoga County, our local businesses and our attractions.

The fact that Saratoga County is one of the healthiest places to live and work is also a feature that should help us. We expect to have opportunities for supply chain expansion as well as corporate and talent recruitment as people look for healthier less dense places to live, work and operate a business.

That’s why we remain optimistic and hopeful.

We really are stronger together.

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GCAR: Listings, Home Sales Dropped In Saratoga In March; Median Prices Rose As COVID-19’s impact spread across the U.S. in March, the stock market declines hit investors hard, recovering only slightly in the final week of the month,a press release from the association reported, noting that massive layoffs also shook the economy with 3.28 million initial jobless claims filed in a single week—the highest in history more than four times over.

Real estate followed suit, hitting the Capital Region’s market hard as real estate professionals chartered a “new normal” to accommodate buyers and sellers through virtual listing, showing and closing processes, according to a report from the Greater Capital Association of Realtors.

During a month that is typically the start of the sales season, pending sales decreased 21 percent and closed sales decreased by 10 percent, compared to March of 2019, GCAR said. New March listings topped out at 1,288 versus 1,601 in 2019 with buyer interest keeping brokerages busy conducting 15,669 showings across the region throughout the month.

In Saratoga Springs, new listings dropped nearly 15 percent compared to March of 2020. Closed sales were down about 42 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was up 89 percent—$472,500 compared to $250,000, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales were down 9.1 (209) percent from March of 2019 (230).

For Saratoga County, new listings dropped 23 percent compared to March of 2020. Closed sales were down 41.2 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was up 5.5 percent—$306,000 compared to $289,950, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales were down 18.6 (1,103) percent from March of 2019 (1,335).In Clifton Park, new listings dropped 8.7 percent compared to March of 2020. Closed sales were down

about 9.3 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was up 19 percent—$345,00 compared to $290,000, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales was up 3.9 (185) percent from March of 2019 (178).

In Malta, new listings dropped 63 percent compared to March of 2020.

Closed sales were down 21.4 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was up 0,9 percent—$324,240 compared to 322,028, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales was down 12.2 (65) percent from March of 2019 (77).

In the towns of Wilton and Gansevoort, new listings did not drop. Closed sales were up 21.1 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was down about 16 percent—$415,000 compared to $349,000, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales was down 29.8 (85) percent from March of 2019 (121).

In Halfmoon, new listings dropped 21.75 percent compared to March of 2020. Closed sales were down 5.6 percent in March compared to the same month last year. Median sale price was up 11.3 percent—$371,000 compared to $333,253, according to GCAR. Inventory of homes for sales was down 41.5 (100) percent from March of 2019 (171).

Regionally, new construction, sidelined due to the state mandates, lagged with a 21 percent drop in new listings. However, pending sales for new construction wrapped up the month causing a jump by nearly 20 percent over March 2019.

Median new construction sale prices remained constant at $376,245 throughout the Capital Region, GCAR said.

Existing home prices continuing to creep up as compared to last year at this time. The median sales price increased by 7.6 percent to $215,000.

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4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

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Business Report Post-COVID-19 Return To Work Plan

BY DOROTHY ROGERS-BULLIS As New York state begins to look toward a postCOVID-19 reopening strategy, many businesses, organizations, and schools are trying to reinvent or re-imagine how they will safely operate. And it won’t be business as usual for most.

Each individual organization will need a thoughtful and highly customized approach, taking into account their business objectives, their space, and their employees’ work styles, while also creating appropriate social distance.

Here are some of our top tips for organizations as they explore their reopening options.

Create a committee. It’s going to take buyin from numerous people in order to approve and implement a workable reopening plan.

Your return-to-work steering committee should include leaders from HR, communications, and facilities, plus employee representatives. You’ll need their help with brainstorming ideas and managing expectations, as well as modeling positive behaviors.

Communicate. Input from employees is important, but it’s also crucial to keep people informed about what you are doing to ensure their safety. Keeping the lines of communication open is so important. If you are honest and upfront with staff and customers, encouraging people to ask questions and share their concerns, you will be able to gain their trust much faster.

Be flexible. Many businesses will need to reduce the number of work stations, so staggering people’s return to work is a natural solution that will increase comfort with this new normal.

For example, if you reduce the number of seats in what had previously been a larger team area and add a modular cubicle solution, it allows for appropriate social distancing between employees.

Creating an A/B workday schedule, where employees alternate days working from home and working in the office, also reduces overcrowding.

New safety protocols. Many organizations are implementing health screening procedures, but businesses also may want to institute other new safety protocols. It may be wise to enact guest restrictions, limiting visitors to essential contractors or key customers.

Consider posting signage such as handwashing and social distancing reminders, and maximum occupancy for spaces. You may even want to institute traffic patterns to control the directional flow through your space. And don’t overlook previously communal phones, office supplies, dishware, and beverage and snack stations. It’s a good time to switch temporarily to single-user items, disposables, and grab-and-go options.

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Dorothy Rogers-Bullis is owner and president of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy drb Business Interiors

Rethink and repurpose spaces. In addition to reducing the overall number of seats in work, meeting and socializing areas (like reception, the kitchen, or café), we suggest some other re-configuration ideas. Consider temporarily dedicating enclosed conference and meeting rooms to individual seating. Rearrange work spaces so employees are no longer face-toface, and install workstation screens or soft architectural solutions like wall systems or drapery.

Clean, clean, clean. One of the most important things we can all do to prevent the spread of COVID-19 is to keep hands and surfaces clean.

Revisit your organization’s cleaning protocols and redouble your sanitization efforts on all shared surfaces. Establish a “clean desk/clean meeting space” policy so the cleaning crew is able to thoroughly clean all surfaces, and make cleaning supplies available to employees for periodic cleaning throughout the day.

We suggest selecting bleach-cleanable fabrics and finishes with antimicrobial properties to further promote a healthy office. It’s also a good time to think about your office air quality, evaluating your HVAC system and adding indoor plants, which are great at cleaning the air naturally.

By implementing these steps and suggestions, organizations will be well on their way to safely reopening their doors to employees, customers, and students. This is going to be our new normal for the foreseeable future, so we must all adapt.

These tips can help you put people’s minds at ease while keeping them safe and healthy.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL 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

Saratoga Jazz Festival, SPAC Officials Cancel 2020 Event, Annually A Top Tourist Draw

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 Barbara Brewer LaMere Jill Nagy Liz Witbeck Maureen Werther Jennifer Farnsworth Barbara Pinckney Andrea Palmer 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 Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Saratoga Business Journal which are the creative Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Saratoga Business Journal.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center has canceled the 2020 Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision was made to ensure the health and safety of the artists, ticket buyers, and the community, officials said. The two-day event, originally scheduled for June 27-28, was to present a rich roster of artists including Eliane Elias, Tiempo Libre, Kurt Elling, the Brubeck Brothers, Cassandra Wilson and Taj Mahal.

“The cancellation of the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival is heartbreaking to us, the artists, the production crew and our dedicated audience but within the larger context of what we are dealing with personally, nationally and globally, is something we can ‘manage,’” said Danny Melnick, the festival producer and president of Absolutely Live Entertainment. “This festival began in 1978 and has been the longest continuously running jazz festival in the northeastern part of North America.

We are working to create an online festival experience and looking forward to returning to ‘the Hang’ in 2021.”

The jazz festival is annually a major tourism draw to the city and a boon for hotels, motels, bars and restaurants.

Officials said in recognition of the festival’s importance to the city, SPAC, and Caffé Lena will present “Freihofer’s Jazz-Fest Stay at Home Sessions.” A series of live-streamed performances over the festival weekend. The hope is that the virtual event will bring Jazz Fest fans and the community together for an intimate concert experience.

Groups of no more than three will assemble on the Caffé Lena stage, giving audiences an opportunity to experience the musicians’ artistry, while also adhering to safety guidelines. The full artist line-up, which will be announced at a later date, is slated to include a number of musicians from the Capital Region who have been affected by the pandemic.

“After 42 consecutive years presenting one of the most exceptional jazz festivals in North America, to have to cancel the 2020 Festival is both heartbreaking and devastating. The loss of this event as an exuberant gathering of jazz-lovers is deeply painful – and the economic impact to SPAC, the community, and the many artists who were to perform is incalculable,” said Elizabeth

Jazz legend Miles Davis performs in 1988 at the annual jazz festival at SPAC. R.J. DeLuke

Sobol, SPAC president and CEO. “That said, in true Saratoga Community spirit, we are fortunate to be able to partner with Saratoga’s beloved Caffé Lena to bring live performances via the Caffé’s Stay at Home sessions platform.”

“While we are heartbroken that the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will not be taking place in person this year, we remain committed to the artists, the community, and the music! The festival has been a large part of the community for many years and we are confident that it will continue to be so for many years to come - we look forward to seeing everyone in person in 2021,” says Lorraine Hale, vice president of marketing at Bimbo Bakeries USA, parent company of Freihofer’s.

SPAC also announced an initiative to donate two tickets to first responders and local health care workers for performances during its 2021 season for every ticketholder of the 2020 festival who chooses to convert all or a minimum of $25 of their ticket purchase into a tax deductible donation.

SPAC depends on ticket sales and the generosity of individuals for 66 percent of its annual budget, therefore ticket donations will help to ensure the vitality of SPAC during these unprecedented times.

Visit SPAC.org for options to exchange, donate or to request a refund.

Albany Med Is Among First Hospitals To Use Plasma, Experimentally, To Treat Patients Albany Med is among the first hospitals in the country to obtain Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval to use convalescent blood plasma therapy to experimentally treat critically ill patients who are infected by the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Convalescent plasma therapy—or plasma from a survivor of an infectious disease—was the same treatment used during the 1918 flu pandemic.

When fighting illness, the body produces antibodies—proteins that counteract a pathogen.

Antibodies remain in plasma for weeks or months after recovery. The antibodies in patients who have recovered from COVID-19 attack the virus and can potentially be useful as a treatment for the virus, Albany Med officials said.

Albany Med’s first plasma donation was collected from an employee who has fully recovered from COVID-19, officials said. It has been administered to a critically ill patient at Albany Med admitted with COVID-19.

“As the region’s only academic medical center, Albany Med participates in many cuttingedge clinical research trials,” said Dr. Dennis P. McKenna, president and CEO of Albany Med. “We are honored to have the ability to administer this experimental therapy as we fight this global pandemic and hope that it can provide the lifesaving treatment these patients inflicted with COVID-19 so desperately need.”

Albany Med seeks additional plasma donors for treatment of critically ill patients with COVID-19. Eligible donors must be fully recovered from COVID-19 with no symptoms for at least 14 days. Candidates will be retested to ensure that the virus is no longer in their system. Once approved, the donations will then be collected by the American Red Cross similarly to how blood donations are made.

To determine eligibility, those who have recovered from COVID-19 can call 518-262-9340.

The Mayo Clinic is the coordinating site for the Convalescent Plasma Expanded Access Program.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 5

Regional Council of NYS Has Website With ECS Psychological Services Supervisor Says Information For Ordering Goods Online Plan In Place To Talk Remotely With Patients The Retail Council of New York State has launched RetailNewYork.com, an online directory for independent Main Street merchants of all sorts from throughout the state.

“Their stores might be closed for now, but they’re open for online and phone orders and ready to ship right to your door,” said Council President and CEO Ted Potrikus. “We want to fill the site with contact information for stores of every sort. These are the Main Street merchants who need our support.”

“While we’re all waiting it out indoors, RetailNewYork is a great way to find your favorite stores and work out some retail therapy,” he said.

The council is also asking shoppers to support their local businesses by going online and leaving a review, referring a friend, or liking, commenting on or sharing the business’ social media links.

Listing on the directory is free for Retail Council members and, through at least Aug. 31, for stores that are not yet members of the statewide association, Potrikus said.

For more information about membership, visit rcnys.com.

“RetailNewYork gives visibility to those stores that you might not immediately think of when you’re shopping online,” said Potrikus.

“We want to help businesses get customers

through the door, even if it’s a virtual door for now. We hope shoppers will use RetailNewYork. com as their resource to Shop New York.”

With more than one million retail establishments and nearly 15 million employees, the retail industry is one of the most important in the U.S., officials said. The economic health of the retail industry, and ultimately its ability to provide millions of jobs and desired goods and services at reasonable prices, depends in large part on the regulatory environment within which it must operate.

The Council released this New York State data: • Annual retail sales exceed $251 billion.

• Retailers employ more than 941,000 workers in more than 77,000 establishments, also partnering with state and local governments as key entry-level employers for job training and opportunity programs throughout the state.

• Retailing has a payroll of more than $31 billion.

• Retail sales account for 20 percent of the taxable sales and purchases in the state’s tax base.

• Retailers large and small provide donations of cash, merchandise, and/or facilities to support community groups, schools, and other organizations in the villages, towns and cities where they do business.

6-Story Office Building Continued From Page 1

according to Moser.

He started his business while a junior at Union College. He graduated with honors in economics and his senior thesis was on the valuation of investment real estate. The self-storage units he owns and operates are worth well over $2 billion today.

There are no plans to sell the building at 85 Railroad Place, which may be used for

overflow space or perhaps to house a new division, he said.

“With the spread of COVID-19 and government officials adjusting to working from home, my fingers are crossed that we can break ground at 269 Broadway by the end of this year,” said Moser.

Visit www.goprimegroup.com for more information about Prime Group.

BY JILL NAGY ECS Psychological Services already had a platform to connect with patients remotely before the COVID-19 restrictions, according to clinical supervisor Dana Jacobs. Clinicians communicated remotely with patients in cases of illness or inclement weather.

Now, all their work is remote.

While many businesses are losing clients and customers because of the health emergency, ECS is actually taking on new clients, she said.

“Of course, our preference is to see patients personally, face to face,” said Jacobs. “But we are doing a very good job and so are our patients. People are very resilient.”

Remote access requires a computer and a telephone, but no special equipment.

Financially, ESC is doing well during the pandemic. No employees have been laid off.

The therapeutic farm, on the other hand, has closed down. In addition, Therapeutic Horses had to cancel a fundraiser planned for early May. The clinic has been offering free public information sessions hosted by their clinicians and streamed on FaceBook and Instagram to help people during the pandemic.

Topics have included maintaining positivity and coping with changing situations. They are listed on the ECS website, ECSPsychologicalServices.com, as well as their FaceBook and Instagram sites.

“We are playing it by ear” as to how often those sessions will appear, depending on need.

In addition, they offer 15-minute interactive information sessions on FaceBook, also free and available to the public.

“We’re trying to keep up with the times,” Jacobs said.

ECS was founded more than 10 years ago by psychologist Eric Christopher-Sisk. The practice maintains its original office at 210 Church St., Saratoga Springs, across from Saratoga Hospital. In addition, ECS maintains clinics at 144 Main St. in South Glens Falls and

ECS Psychological Services has this office on Church Street in Saratoga Springs. in Mechanicville.

Seventeen therapists provide services, employing a variety of treatment modalities.

They work with individuals and groups, children and families. Some traveled to different locations, pre-pandemic.

Among the conditions they tear are anger, anxiety, depression, grief and loss, and insomnia-sleep issues.

The practice, a private clinic, accepts most major insurance and, for now, there are no copays required.

About five years ago, they added a “therapeutic farm,” also in Saratoga, where they provide animal-related services: therapy dogs, petting goats and a home for Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga, an organization that rescues and retrains retired race horses for use in therapy.

It is a “beautiful property,” Jacobs said. Two workers take care of the animals now, but there is no therapy going on.

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

Group Develops ‘Stay Safe’ Protocols To Help Adirondack Wine & Food Festival In Lake Hotels Meet Challenges Posed By COVID-19 George Is Postponed Until September The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) has introduced Safe Stay, an industrywide, enhanced standard of health and safety protocols designed to prepare America’s hotels to safely welcome back guests and employees as the economy reopens.

Safe Stay represents the top priority for the industry, the health and safety of guests and employees, officials said.

The standards of Safe Stay were developed under the guidance of an advisory council comprised of industry leaders representing all segments of the hotel industry, and in conjunction with public health experts to advance best practices for protecting against the coronavirus, AHLA said.

“Safe Stay was developed specifically to ensure enhanced safety for hotels guests and employees. While hotels have always employed demanding cleaning standards, this new initiative will ensure greater transparency and confidence throughout the entire hotel experience,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “The industry’s enhanced hotel cleaning practices, social interactions, and workplace protocols will continue to evolve to meet the new health and safety challenges and expectations presented by COVID-19.”

The guidelines are intended to be iterative, and will be revised as needed based on the recommendations of public health authorities, in compliance with any federal, state and local

laws. They include guidance on employee and guest health, employee responsibilities, cleaning products and protocols, and physical distancing.

“The hotel industry maintains stringent standards for cleaning and safety, and the Safe Stay initiative helps to strengthen best practices to provide the healthy environments that travelers expect at hotels throughout the country,” said Ecolab. “Development of the Safe Stay initiative included guidance from Ecolab, a global leader in cleaning and disinfecting solutions and services that collaborates with the U.S. EPA, FDA, CDC, WHO and other organizations to help establish and promote best practice guidance, training and solutions.”

For more than 90 years, Ecolab has partnered with the hotel industry to provide cleaner, safer and healthier environments for employees and guests.

“While the hotel industry was one of the first affected by the pandemic, we have collectively stepped up to serve their communities during this public health crisis. Thousands of hotels across the country, more than half of those small businesses, are working tirelessly during this uncertain time to support their employees, healthcare workers and first responders. When the time is right, hotels will be ready to safely and eagerly welcome back America’s traveling public,” said Rogers.

The Safe Stay enhanced guidelines can be found at www.ahla.com/SafeStay.

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In light of current social distancing guidelines revolving around the COVID-19 pandemic, Adirondack Festivals LLC has rescheduled the sixth annual Adirondack Wine & Food Festival to the weekend of Sept. 26-27.

The festival is normally held the last weekend in June. The decision to reschedule was made to help protect the health and safety of festival attendees and vendors, while providing an alternative date in 2020 with favorable weather, said Sasha Pardy, owner of Adirondack Festivals LLC. “Nothing is more important than the wellbeing of our attendees and vendors,” said. “But we remain hopeful that come September, we are able to host our festival barring any federal, state or local regulations that would prohibit it. We are treating this pandemic very seriously and we will do everything we can to make our event as safe as possible for everyone in attendance.”

The festival will continue its support of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks.

This is the third consecutive year BBBS is the beneficiary of the festival. Last year, the festival raised $15,000 for the organization.

The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival features 120 of New York’s wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries, artisan food vendors, food trucks and more. The festival is a try-before-youbuy farmer’s market style event that also has a positive economic impact on the Lake George region.

According to festival officials, last year’s festival generated a $3.5 million economic impact, with over 4,000 hotel room nights generated in the area. This year’s festival attendance was expected to surpass 7,250. Survey data shows 85 percent of festival attendees plan their trip to Lake George specifically around the dates of the festival.

“The Adirondack Wine and Food festival is one of our region’s premier annual events,” said Lake George Mayor Robert Blais. “We are extremely grateful that they have chosen to reschedule the event until September rather than cancel for 2020.”

State Sen. Betty Little said the festival “has been a wonderful success, an event that will continue to grow in popularity. Rather than simply cancelling, deciding now to reschedule the event for later this year is the right move. This gives everyone plenty of time to plan for an early autumn event and to have something to look forward to.”

Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce said the festival “has become a model event for use of the

The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival has been rescheduled for Sept. 26-27.

Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park. We have enjoyed watching this fun weekend event grow to the point of generating more than 4,000 room nights, bringing tourists with higher than typical incomes to the area. Late September will provide a beautiful autumn backdrop for this premier festival. Fall is a great season to visit the area as it can be less crowded than the summer yet provide great weather. Many of the same activities people enjoy in the summer can be enjoyed in the fall in Lake George.”

Joanne Conley, tourism director at Warren County Tourism said the festival “is a premier event that significantly impacts our early summer economy. Pardy and her team have given careful consideration to rescheduling and we are thrilled she has decided not to cancel. We look forward to welcoming back guests who have enjoyed this as a June event and a new audience who will discover a September Wine & Food Festival.”

Ticket holders will be contacted about the change in dates. More information about ticket sales for the September dates will be provided on social media and adkwinefest.com.

Newsletter subscribers will also be notified of the changes. People can sign up for the newsletter at adkwinefest.com/signup

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 7

Reserve Expands $600B Pioneer Bank Will Not Paint & Sip Devises A Clever Paint & Take Business Loan Program Purchase Insurance Co. Kit For Home Artists During COVID-19 The Federal Reserve has expanded its $600 billion Main Street Lending Program to serve much smaller businesses.

The move comes after the Federal Reserve accepted more than 2,200 comments about the proposed lending program from people, businesses and nonprofits. The Fed has yet to set a start date, saying that will be “announced soon.”

The minimum loan amount under the program will now be $500,000 for new loans and priority loans, down from the originally proposed $1 million, opening up the program to smaller businesses. The “expanded” loan type will be a minimum of $10 million, designed for larger businesses.

The ceiling for loans will also be raised to companies with up to 15,000 employees or up to $5 billion in annual revenue, compared with original thresholds of 10,000 employees or $2.5 billion in revenue when the program was first announced. That means much larger companies will now qualify for the program.

There will be a new type of “priority loan” in which the Federal Reserve will buy 85 percent of the loan made by a bank, as opposed to the 95 percent the Fed will buy through its Main Street New Loan Facility and Main Street Expanded Loan Facility, announced earlier this month.

All the loans will be for four-year terms with an adjustable rate of the London Interbank Offered Rate, or Libor, plus 3 percent,which means a range of around 2.5 percent to 4 percent, with interest and payments deferred for a year.

Companies that have received funding from the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program can still be eligible for Main Street funding provided they meet the latter program’s criteria.

For qualifying businesses, the process is the same as with the PPP: Go through partner banks to either take out new Main Street loans or receive boosts to existing loans. The businesses must “commit to make reasonable efforts” to maintain staffs and payroll.

The Main Street Lending Program is funded by $75 billion from the $2.3 trillion CARES Act and is part of a larger $454 billion in CARES Act funding earmarked for the Fed to help backstop programs meant to help businesses.

The money bolsters the Fed’s ability to add credit to the existing monetary system, thus increasing the overall amount of dollars available to lend.

The other Federal Reserve programs include a loan facility for the PPP to allow banks to lend more to their customers by using existing loans as collateral for fresh money, as well as a new Municipal Liquidity Facility that will buy up to $500 billion in state and local government debt to allow them to continue to borrow at reasonable rates and avoid drastic cuts in services and jobs.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF After two years of negotiations, the agreement which would have allowed Pioneer Bank to purchase Jaeger & Flynn for $12.75 million has been terminated.

With more than 85 employees working in offices in Clifton Park, Saratoga Springs, and Glens Falls, Jaeger & Flynn is the third largest health insurance broker in the region. They also offer human resources consulting and a variety of other services.

According to Pioneer Bank CEO Tom Amell, it was Jaeger & Flynn President and CEO Thomas Flynn who ultimately made the decision to terminate the agreement.

“His reasoning for it made good business sense,” said Amell. “The decision was made primarily because of COVID-19 unrest. It happened at a time when there was an out clause in the contract. We were so close to getting final touches on it, and then the world changed on us. We mutually agreed to take a deep breath, step back, and make sure our underlying business are strong.”

Although the agreement has been terminated, Amell is hopeful that Pioneer Bank will be able to move forward with the acquisition at a later date.

“We hope to revisit this by the end of the year when people get back to work and our economy strengthen—when the world goes back to normal again,” he said. “We have a great relationship, and it’s a perfect strategic fit for the two companies. The clients that they attract are in our sweet spot—middle market businesses that are local companies. We were already referring clients back and forth.”

The acquisition would have been Pioneer’s largest to date. In 2016, they acquired Anchor Agency Insurance, a personal and commercial insurance company with 25 employees.

“As a community bank, we don’t want to just be transactional,” said Amell. “We want to build relationships, and that’s important to them (Jaeger & Flynn). We want to be in a relationship business where we help our clients with things like health insurance, wellness programs and consultation on HR-related topics. That’s what small businesses need. I firmly believe that the pain points for business owners are in that space. We want to be that company that really helps them.”

In addition to putting a halt to the acquisition, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Pioneer Bank’s daily operations.

Their branches are open for drive through banking, and many employees are working from home. They are an approved lender for the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program and received over 400 applications for the initial $349 billion that was made available.

Applications are now being processed for the additional $310 billion in funding was added on April 27. “It’s been a 24/7 effort,” said Amell.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Catherine Hover, owner of Palette Café on Broadway and Paint & Sip on Henry Street in Saratoga Springs, has revised and redirected her business services in the wake of the coronavirus economic shutdown.

“The most important thing for me is my team and keeping them employed. They have so much invested in Palette Café and Paint & Sip, and I have so much invested in them. It’s not someone else’s problem—it’s my problem, and I’m going to be part of the solution. Putting my staff on unemployment is not solving the problem. We’re going to pivot the hell out of this thing,” said Hover.

Hover utilized both businesses to put together “Paint & Take” paint kits. The kit includes a canvas, brushes, all the paint you need for the project.

There is a $3 refundable deposit for the brushes, refundable when brushes are returned. Step-bystep instructions are included in the kit, and a recorded instructional session is available as well.

Wine is included with the kit for $15. Customers choose between a white or a red house wine.

Tuesday and Thursday pick-ups are from 5-7 p.m., with different kits for each day. People can sign up online and show up between the hours posted for safe, properly distanced curbside pickup.

Social media and the company’s website, www. thepalettecafe.com, are the best place to view upcoming paint kit options.

“It’s not rocket science, it’s painting, Bob Ross style, with some music and some wine. I’m trying to think about what I would want for myself right now.

And I would want someone to help me,” said Hover.

In addition to Paint & Take kits, Palette Café is offering a take-out food menu, deliverable with

Palette Café and Paint & Sip offers kits, with instructions, that can be done at home.

Courtesy Catherine Hover

curbside delivery through Grub Hub and Door Dash.

Hover is originally from New Orleans, and was 19 years old when Hurricane Katrina hit the area.

“Katrina was very localized. This is a lot like that, on a global scale. We’re all being challenged with the question of, ‘How do I want to show up for this?’

Are you going to fold and not be able to come back up? Are you going to be able to think creatively and keep going?” said Hover.

“We have a great community in Saratoga and I believe the Capital Region will come together as a whole like they never have before. We have so many different resources here, and we can piggyback off of each other,” said Hover.

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8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Construction

NYS Builders Association Asks Gov. Cuomo CDPHP Is Facilitator In Medical Complex To Start Now, Not Take Phased-In Approach To Be Built On Route 9 In Clifton Park The New York State Builders Association has gone on record to ask the state to allow construction to resume right away—statewide—rather than wait for the proposed phased approach by region that the governor has outlined.

Lewis Dubuque, association executive vice president, said in a May 4 statement that homebuilders “have a limited time-frame based on the weather to undertake construction of residential housing. It is critical for the building industry to get back to work to capture as much of the remaining construction season as possible,” according to the statement.

In late April, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo outlined a phased plan to re-open New York and re-imagine a new normal for the state starting with construction and manufacturing. He said the plan will be based on regional analysis and determinations. Based on CDC recommendations, once a region experiences a 14-day decline in the hospitalization rate they may begin a phased re-opening.

Phase one will include opening construction and manufacturing functions with low risk.

But few details have yet to be released.

Cuomo said the phased re-opening would be based on individual business and industry plans that include new measures to protect employees and consumers, make the physical work space safer and implement processes that lower risk of infection in the business. The state is consulting with local leaders in each region and industry to formulate these plans.

The request is for construction to resume on market-rate homes that were started before Cuomo shut down nonessential projects March 27.

“Gov. Cuomo has indicated the importance of a regional approach to restarting New York economy.

Unfortunately for New Yorkers, market-rate residential construction is currently considered an essential industry in Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Delaware, but not here in New York,” Dubuque said.

“Further, New Jersey and Vermont are allowing projects that are currently under contract to be completed with a maximum of five employees on the job site, and Pennsylvania is allowing

construction projects to resume with four people on a job site.

“At best, residential construction will be allowed to begin in some regions of the state as early as May 15, and in other regions no sooner than June 1. The governor says that he is following the data and facts before allowing business to reopen, but it is clear that he is ignoring the fact that 49 of the 50 states have allowed market-rate residential construction to resume in one form or another.”

He said builders in New York state have a limited time frame because of the weather to undertake construction of residential housing.

“It is critical for the building industry to get back to work to capture as much of the remaining construction season as possible. Residential construction companies that reside in areas that border other states further risk losing valuable subcontractors who may search for employment in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New Jersey and Ohio where construction is currently ramping up,” he said.

He said the current essential business construct does not have to be changed in any way to accommodate residential construction.

Building code officials, material suppliers and local government officials are already considered essential.

“It is not too much to ask for New York to allow residential construction companies to resume working on projects that were already in place before New York shut down businesses on March 22.” Dubuque said. “Home builders are ready and able to respond to Gov. Cuomo’s challenge to ‘reimagine the workplace.’ We are currently working diligently at this difficult time to provide innovative ways to respond to this crisis by continuing to provide employment and shelter for New York state’s residents.”

According to Dubuque, “the residential construction work environment is uniquely situated to effectively limit the spread of coronavirus to the public and protect workers at the job site with safety protocols. That is why every other state has already allowed market-rate residential construction to resume. We believe that New York should, as well.”

This is a rendering of the multi-practice medical specialty complex that will be built at 1785 Route 9 in Clifton Park. Officials hope it can be open in late 2021.

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

“CDPHP, in partnership with a number of independent physical practices, is building what we consider to be the medical park of the future,” said Ali Skinner, CDPHP vice president of strategic communications.

“The goal is to provide the ultimate patient experience in a state-of-the-art complex.”

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

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

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

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

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

Courtesy CDCHP

in-house pharmacy.

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

We listened,” said Skinner.

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

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

Practices currently involved in the project are Albany ENT & Allergy, Albany Gastroenterology, Capital Cardiology, Capital District Renal and Ortho NY. CDPHP was founded in 1984 by a large group of doctors in the capital region. The common goal was to protect the field of medicine and ensure that doctors were able to stay independent, practicing the way they wanted to practice.

“Practicing doctors in our community work alongside CDPHP to help with the direction of the company and facilitate partnership. We are founded and guided by physicians, and we incentivize them to provide quality care. This independent specialty practice is another extension of that,” said Skinner.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 9

Landscaping Companies Keep Busy While Banned From New, Larger Projects For Now

Richard Kessinger’s Saratoga Lawn Maintenance LLC has been busy with lawn mowing jobs this spring. He says he may try to hire another employee later in the season.

BY JILL NAGY Pandemic or no pandemic, the grass keeps growing and people are in need of landscaping services this time of year. But landscapers are not immune to problems brought about by the COVID-19 crisis.

Government guidelines allow them to do routine maintenance work, but no major undertakings like landscaping and hardscaping (patios, walks, and the like) or anything purely cosmetic. They can clean things up, but not install mulch and no new planting is allowed.

For Brian Phillips and his company, The Lawn Guy Landscape Management LLC in Saratoga Springs, landscaping and hardscaping is usually the bulk of his business.

“I’m losing time and time is money,” he said.

He is holding deposits from customers from last February and has projects booked into July. He estimates that he had lost some $50,000-60,000 worth of work over a six-week period.

Aside from that, Phillips said, “We are busy.

We’re doing rather well” with the basic work.

But, “Things are certainly different.”

Richard Kessinger’s Saratoga Lawn Maintenance LLC, a smaller, relatively new, company, doesn’t rely much on heavy construction jobs. He is busy enough that he may try to hire another employee later in the season, he said.

But there have been major adjustments for both companies.

No more than two people can ride in a truck to a job site. Some have to come along by car. Workers wear masks and maintain the requisite six-foot spacing. That may mean

fewer people on a worksite, Kessinger said. As a result, the work goes more slowly. At the end of the day, he cleans and sanitizes the trucks and equipment.

Phillips said “everybody has a mask with his name on it” and they all bring their lunch now instead of stopping to buy lunch.

A few of Kessinger’s customers have had to cut back on services, but “we are not having a lot of that. We can hold off on billing or cut back on services” for those short on cash.

Phillips has fewer people working for him than usual—three or four at a time instead of the usual six, working in two shifts. He is worried about “the trouble we will have getting those guys back,” when they now receive unemployment benefits that exceed the entry level of $15 an hour he offers.

Phillips has been in the lawn maintenance business for 23 years, beginning as a 16-yearold with a single lawnmower and trailer.

After college, he was doing landscaping and hardscaping work. He still has his first account, a family in Malta.

Kessinger’s story is different. “It’s a second career for me,” he said.

He moved to Saratoga after retiring as a New York City police officer and started his company five years ago.

Both of them, however, are confident.

“We’ll get through it,” Kessinger’s said.

“We all gotta be safe and we all gotta be smart,” Phillips said. “A lot of things can be done safely.”

Phillips can be reached at lawnguylandscape,com or 518-581-2655.

Kessinger is at saratogalawnmaintenance,com of 518 944-0359.

COVID-19 Testing Continued From Page 1

Disease and Prevention Control (CDC), and will bring this testing to all our communities over time,” said a company statement.

The number of times a person can be tested will be determined by a WellNow provider. After an evaluation, the decision will be based on symptoms and their duration. Certain essentialservices personnel may need to be tested more than once, the company said.

Individuals must remain in their car to be screened, then will be provided a mask and brought directly into a private patient room for further evaluation and testing, according to the company.

“Patients who are experiencing any non-lifethreatening injury or illness are welcome. If you have symptoms of COVID-19, our WellNow teams can assess your condition and help determine the necessary next steps,” the statement said. “Rest assured that we are keeping all of our facilities safe and sanitary by following all guidelines from the CDC and local health departments.

Those include reinforced disinfecting processes across all rooms, tables, chairs, computers, door handles and surfaces with EPA-registered cleaning products. Rearranged waiting rooms that adhere to social distancing practices and effectively manage waiting room capacities and the provision of personal protective equipment (PPE) for staff as well as patients in need. All symptomatic patients will be provided with a face mask.

Expanded telehealth services with WellNow Virtual Medical will be provided to ensure providers are available for those who need or prefer to receive care from home, the company said.

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10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Education/Training/Personal Development Spark Saratoga Mentorship Program Business Consultant Sees Need To Examine Partners With National Entrepreneur Group How Companies Will Look Post-Pandemic Local business program Spark Saratoga has started a new partnership with Ureeka, a nationwide virtual community that empowers entrepreneurs.

Spark Saratoga, founded in 2017 by the Saratoga Economic Development Corp., was created to align early stage businesses with proven resources to accelerate growth.

The program brings experienced business mentors, professionals, educational content and entrepreneurs together to help entrepreneurs’ bring their ideas to life.

Officials said now, Spark Saratoga is a community-based partner of Ureeka, which will provide access for area entrepreneurs and professionals to a curated network of experts.

As part of the Spark Saratoga 2.0 rollout marking its three-year anniversary, the collaboration with Ureeka will enable more efficient delivery of real time solutions for entrepreneurs and small businesses frequently struggling to find the right resource to help overcome problems in the way of their growth, according to the group.

Ureeka’s online community provides the scale and efficiency to democratize access to world-class expertise, business tools and access to capital. Spark Saratoga and its Innovate518 partners can utilize the platform to privately organize their members, facilitate conversations, make mentor connections and introduce qualified business resources.

“We are acutely aware of the needs of entrepreneurs who are seeking to grow sustainable businesses. It is not easy, and it can be lonely,” Spark Saratoga’s entrepreneurin-residence Ryan Van Amburgh said. “We spent the last year evaluating tech-based solutions to efficiently enable collaboration, access to mentors and facilitate interactions.

We found Ureeka to be the best due to its cultural match enabling open access and collaboration.”

He said Spark is especially pleased that Ureeka’s network of mentors and corporate resource partners will complement area experts in the Saratoga region.

“Spark and Ureeka are mutually committed to empowering entrepreneurs and small business founders across the spectrum of industries,” he said. “Ureeka’s platform not only enables us to organize 518 area experts

to work with our members, but also positions them to potentially discover new clients needing their help across the country.”

“Operating at the speed of business is part of SEDC’s mission,” said SEDC President Dennis Brobston. “It’s important that our proven business leaders foster future growth by engaging with next generation business leaders. We’re excited to have Ureeka partner with Spark Saratoga to further our collective vision of delivering real solutions at the speed of business and removing the barriers to growth.”

Ureeka said it aims to level the playing field for access to new skills and solutions for smaller businesses and entrepreneur teams by providing access to mentors, coaches, curated business tools, capital resources and its curated marketplace of proven specialists.

Ureeka co-founder, upstate New York native and former Facebook executive David Jakubowski said the partnership “is a powerful alignment of global reach to help drive local impact. Our shared culture of providing access to skilled professionals, resources and collaboration is the key to creating real growth and opportunity for the region’s entrepreneurs and small business owners.”

Through the collaboration, startup entrepreneurs and existing Saratoga and Capital Region small businesses will have proven solutions at their fingertips, the officials said. The facilitated support Spark Saratoga and Ureeka will provide also establishes a mechanism where area entrepreneurs can virtually access not only help, but prepare to access capital investment previously cut-off by geography or lack of local deal volume.

Catherine Hover, founder of Palette in Saratoga Springs, has found Spark Saratoga and Ureeka helpful resources.

“At first, I thought Spark Saratoga would be just another incubator type of platform that over-promised and under-delivered. That’s not the case here,” she said in the release. “They really do care about the upstate economy and giving businesses like mine real answers and solutions. By connecting me to their partner, Ureeka, what I found was a real community Continued On Page 11

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BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Brian Rollo, a leadership coach and cultural business strategist, is re-examining his business model in response to the business climate caused by COVID-19 and challenges employers will face.

“I’m always thinking, ‘What is three steps from now? How is this going to change business for me, and for the people I help?’ There are three key things businesses will need to think about as we move into a new normal,” said Rollo, who does business as Brian Rollo Consulting.

“First, in what way do we bring people back into the office now that we’ve built the infrastructure for them to work remotely. How many and who? Or is it more efficient to allow people to work from home?

Do we build a hybrid workforce?” said Rollo.

“Second, there’s going to be real conversations going forward on social distancing and wearing masks. If everyone is back at work, how do we navigate some staff feeling comfortable attending closely-packed meetings when others don’t? What does that look like? What if some people are more comfortable wearing a mask while others are not, and will that become its own source of unintentional bias?”

“Third, businesses will need to think about sick day policies. In the past, most companies had a set amount of sick days or PTO. If you used up those days, you better be at work whether you’re healthy or not. And if you use PTO, you’re giving up a vacation day. So the unconscious prompt is to come to work sick, even contagious. There’s going to be real liability ahead if your policies encourage employees to come to work sick and it causes someone else to catch COVID-19.”

Rollo spent many years in corporate senior management and HR, managing employees both in-person and remotely.

“From my time on the front lines, in HR and in senior management, I’m trained to see both sides— the employee and the employer. I understand how leadership needs to reduce liability while also keeping people coming to work so they can do what they’re supposed to do. There are two sides to the issue, and companies will need to balance them both. It’s helpful to have a consultant who thinks about these things all the time,” said Rollo.

Rollo said he started to transition his professional services implementation in March, when businesses began closing both voluntarily and by mandate.

“I had to pivot, like many of us. I had in-person engagements that were suddenly canceled. I had business that evaporated overnight. I’ve had to think about what companies need now that they didn’t need before, and about what they don’t need now that they needed previously,” said Rollo.

During the shutdown, Rollo has presented customizable, interactive live webinars on managing remote employees and virtual teams.

Brian Rollo helps businesses through his company Brian Rollo Consulting.

Courtesy Brian Rollo

One of his popular webinars, “Advancing Your Workplace Culture In Challenging Times”, focuses on how businesses can move forward and keep employees engaged during a crisis.

“Webinars implemented for a company are highly customizable to the business. I meet with the leadership team ahead of time to see exactly what they want to get out of it and do my best to make it collaborative so we all arrive at the intended results,” said Rollo.

“If I have 40 people in a virtual room, I can put them out into breakout groups of three or four people for small group discussion. It’s almost easier than if they were sitting in the same room physically,” said Rollo.

Though interactive webinars have been the most tactically relevant transition for Rollo during the shutdown, his main business focus is organizational development consulting, executive coaching and leadership development. Rollo is working on a new leadership coaching program.

“The focus is on helping leaders adapt to this new normal, and adapt to what people need from them.

Oftentimes that is different than what they needed before,” said Rollo.

“Going forward, I want them to know I am there to help them tackle these problems head on. There is a lot of uncertainty businesses have right now. Many feel like they’re in a bubble because they’re trying to solve problems on their own ... An advantage I have is that I talk to so many different people every single day. I’m able to see what’s working and what’s not working,” said Rollo.

Rollo’s website is www.brianrollo.com and his phone is 518-832-9857.

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 11

Learning Center Tutoring Service Can Help SUNY Empire State Expands Its MBA Degree Students In COVID-19 Troubled Times Programs Available Through Online Study

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH At the Saratoga Learning Center, owner Susan Kiley is working to help students meet their educational needs during the upheaval of normal schooling caused by coronavirus pandemic.

The virus temporarily closed schools for a time, then more recently the closing was made permanent for the 2020-21 academic year.

That leaves parents, students and educators in a place that is unfamiliar, trying to navigate through the process of distant learning. Kiley said the nature of her business is to provide that extra support to students, and she said her staff is ready to help.

Saratoga Learning Center is offering additional online tutoring and proctoring services to students due to the COVID-19 virus.

“We are closely following the Center for Disease Control’s guidelines and recommendations on steps we can take to help prevent the spread of the virus, including utilizing the practices of hand sanitizing, social distancing, and masks,” she said.

Kiley said these measures have been put in place to help those students who are now being faced with the obstacles that distance learning can present, especially when it is executed in an emergency fashion like schools around the state have had to implement.

“Distance learning is not for everyone.

We are here for those who need us and we are ready to provide that additional support,” said Kiley.

Kiley said she comes into the office every day to check messages and try to match up parents who are searching for help through her contracted tutors. The one aspect of the learning center that she says sets them apart from most is that they have always, and are continuing, to offer an invaluable one on one tutoring session.

“We feel that there is great value in offering one-on-one tutoring and academic intervention ... We are able to really tailor those lessons, all the way from grades K through 12,” said Kiley.

Spark

Continued From Page 10 of helpers with tangible tools, resources and people committed to my success as a startup and small business.

“I was able to solidify my brand, business and growth plan. It’s been pivotal to my success thus far and will continue to be a vital resource as we grow.”

Nicole Snow, founder and CEO of Darn Good Yarn, said Spark Saratoga “made me feel like I have a lifeline to super smart business minds who want to help me succeed. They’ve

Susan Kiley is the owner of Saratoga Learning Center based in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy Saratoga Learning Center

With so many parents facing the challenges of being able to help children with material they sometimes are not familiar with, while managing their own work from home responsibilities, tutoring services may become a growing asset. Kiley said the center is able to help alleviate that stress.

“We have received calls from parents whose children may just be learning to read, some who are in college level math courses in the high school. Specifically, I worry about students who are classified as special education, those students on the spectrum, this may be an especially difficult time for them,” said. Kiley.

Kiley said they service students from the entire region.

“We see kids from Clifton Park to Schuylerville, from the Capital District north,” said Kiley.

The center is also offering students daily AP online review, in addition to prep for the tentatively scheduled ACT and SAT exams.

The center is located at 120 West Ave, Suite 103, Saratoga Springs, or online on Facebook @saratogalearningcenter or satatogalearningcenter.com.

delivered on their promise to help companies like mine by connecting us to the best of the best talent by bringing a partner with the caliber of Ureeka to the region.

“I had a question on navigating my marketing strategy through the COVID crisis.

I had an invaluable coaching with a Ureeka business coach within 48 hours of creating my profile. This does not happen to small businesses. Usually I’m calling in a favor or strapping my cash. Ureeka is like that super smart connected friend that just really wants to help.”

More information about Spark Saratoga is available online at sparksaratoga.com.

SUNY Empire State students take advantage of online study programs. The college has added seven new concentrations to its online MBA in Business Management program.

SUNY Empire State College announced seven new concentrations in its online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Business Management program aimed at providing the skills needed to enter growing fields like healthcare management, IT management, global trade, innovation and entrepreneurship, and more.

The new concentrations have received approval from SUNY and the state Department of Education.

SUNY Empire’s graduate business programs have seen an 80 percent increase in credits taught from the 2016-2017 academic year to the 2019-2020 academic year. SUNY Empire expanded its areas of study for MBA candidates to allow them to tailor their program to suit their interests, and in response to employers’ growing needs, officials said.

In addition to the existing concentrations in management, international business, and human resource management, students now will be able to choose among marketing, innovation and entrepreneurship, healthcare management, nonprofit management, project management, information technology management, and global finance and investment concentrations.

SUNY Empire’s 36-credit hour MBA in Business Management program is delivered entirely online, providing

f lexibility and convenience for working professionals and adult learners.

“SUNY Empire’s new online MBA concentrations ref lect what we see in the constantly changing business environments in New York State and around the globe,” said Empire State College President Jim Malatras. “These focused concentrations will help our students prepare to advance their careers in growing and emerging fields, while helping to meet workforce demand for skilled professionals in these areas.”

“The unprecedented expansion of our MBA in Business Management program to 10 concentrations is an example of how the School for Graduate Studies continues to expand our educational offerings to meet the individual needs of students and employers,” said SUNY Empire State College School for Graduate Studies Dean Nathan Gonyea. “Through this change, we are offering students the ability to concentrate in high-demand areas like healthcare management, project management, and information technology management.”

Full-time enrollment for students who want to complete the program in 20 months requires enrolling in nine credits per term and in 3-to-6 credits during the summer. Part-time students may complete the program in 27 months. The college also offers an MBA in healthcare leadership and an M.S. in finance.

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12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

P-Tech Program Offered Through BOCES Skidmore Business Competition Won By Helps Address Local Skilled Labor Shortages Students Who Started A Bakery Business

BY CHRISTINE GRAF New York State P-TECH (Pathways in Technology Early College High School) programs have been designed to address critical skilled labor shortages that are impacting manufacturing and technology companies throughout the state.

Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex Board of Cooperative (WSWHE BOCES) was the first to offer the program locally. It is called Southern Adirondack P-TECH. “We were one of the first 16 cohorts (partnerships) in New York state to receive a sevenyear grant to create the program. We received the grant in 2013, and that was a planning year for us.

Our first cohort of students started in 2014 and are graduating this year,” said Kim Wegner, lead coordinator for Innovative Programs at WSHWHE BOCES. “There wasn’t a lot of guidance. It was a thought and idea based off a program that launched in 2009 at a school in Brooklyn. (The state) decided they wanted to expand program across state. There were some guidelines, but we built the program as we moved through it. Where we are today is not where we were six or seven years ago.”

Each of the New York State P-TECH partnerships features a three-way alliance that includes local school districts, local businesses, and one or more SUNY or CUNY educational institution.

Southern Adirondack P-TECH partners with SUNY Adirondack and local businesses and school districts. The program is currently offered to students at Saratoga Springs, Queensbury, Hudson Falls, South Glens Falls, Corinth, and Hadley Luzerne school districts.

P-TECH is a six-year program that offers an integrated high school and college curriculum with a heavy emphasis on STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). Students who complete the program receive a Regent’s diploma, an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, and industry-specific credentials. The program is offered at no cost to students.

“There is no cost for anything right now,” said Wegner. “Their textbooks are paid for, a laptop is issued to them in junior year, and their college tuition paid as long as they stay within degree program.”

There are two degree programs—called pathways—for students to choose from. The advanced manufacturing pathway leads to an AAS in either electrical technology or mechatronics.

The information technology/computer networking pathway results in an AAS in either networking or cybersecurity. Students choose their pathway when they are juniors in high school. It is not until they are seniors that they choose from the two degrees options within their selected pathway.

The P-TECH application process begins when students are in 8th grade. Those who are accepted into the program officially begin the program in 9th grade but are required to attend a one-week one summer STEM camp after completing 8th grade.

During 9th and 10th grade, P-TECH students remain at their home schools but are required to

complete 25 hours of bridge activities.

“These are basically extended learning opportunities that mostly take place after school or on Saturday,” said Wegner. “They all project based off of two pathways. The bridge activities were designed to prepare students for college classes they will take in years three and four of the program. The curriculum was developed for them to learn skills they would need before they started taking college courses.”

During their junior and senior years of high school, P-TECH students spend half of the school day at SUNY Adirondack’s Saratoga or Queensbury campus. While on campus, they take college classes taught by SUNY Adirondack professor. They also receive lab instruction from BOCES instructors.

“We built labs on campuses for the career and technical education part of the program,” said Wegner. “The IT lab has routers and switches and cables. The advanced manufacturing lab has 3D printers, lathes, thermoforming machines. They get to practice on all of the technology in the lab so that if they go out on a job shadow or an internship, they have seen all of that before.”

Students also have opportunities to complete internships with some of the many local companies that are part of the Southern Adirondack P-TECH partnership. For example, Wegner mentioned a student who did an internship at Praxis Technologies, a metal injecting molding company located in Queensbury. The student is now working at Praxis part-time and has been offered a job upon graduation.

“Our industry partners also give students challenges to work on. They give them a problem to solve. Those types of industry challenges have been invaluable,” said Wegner.

This year’s 8th grade P-TECH recruitment was in full swing when the COVID-19 pandemic brought things to a halt. As part of their extensive marketing campaign, program representatives conduct information sessions at local schools as well as at SUNY Adirondack. Because those efforts have been temporarily suspended, this year’s application deadline has been extended to May 30.

“It’s up to districts to decide how they recruit and who they offer the spots to. We provide guidelines of who the target students are for this program. If you look at the P-TECH model that it is put out by the state, they are looking for socioeconomic disadvantage, first familial college, minorities, academic difficulties—things like that,” said Wegner.

“We are targeting that forgotten middle—that kid with the 80 average. That kid that if they were engaged—if they found a passion for one of these technologies field--that it would ignite a fire in them and that they would want to be in school and do better. We’ve seen it happen multiple times.”

Although the program is in the last year of its seven-year, $2.3 million grant cycle, Wegner said they have been promised funding for the 20202021 school year.

Continued On Page 13

Maya Ling, left, and Emily Egan won the Freirich Business Plan Competition at Skidmore College for the bakery business they created called Coven.

Skidmore College student entrepreneurs were awarded more than $50,000 in prizes recently in the 10th anniversary Freirich Business Plan Competition.

First prize of $20,000 cash went to Maya Ling ‘20 and Emily Egan ‘20 for their bakery business, Coven.

Self-described “natural leaders, entrepreneurs and doers,” Ling and Egan met during their first year at Skidmore in the dining hall, where they bonded over their shared love of food, college officials said. They grew their passion into an herbal bakery and lifestyle brand that focuses on core values of quality local ingredients and community.

Coven baked goods are infused with herbs, flowers and spices. Current cookie flavors include rosemary dark chocolate, lavender orange, cardamom ginger and hibiscus black sesame. In addition to creating delicious treats, Coven also engages with customers on online platforms to share recipes, cooking tutorials and articles to “generate a community excited about a healthy and fun lifestyle,” said Egan.

“When we decided to enter the competition, we could never have imagined that we would end up where we are now,” said Ling. “We have never pursued something more ambitious, and have never felt more accomplished than we do now.”

Ling and Egan plan to move to Portland, Maine, after graduation and use the competition funds to start Coven Bakery, said college officials.

Izaak Cohen ‘20 took second place and $10,000 cash for Z’s, a lifestyle accessories brand. Third prize of $5,000 went to Novilhelha Moleni ‘22 and Ha Linh Nguyen ‘22 for Natural Glow, a hair and beauty brand. Dylan Telano ‘23

Courtesy Skidmore College

received fourth place and $2,500 for VoyceMe, an online marketplace connecting unpublished writers with readers.

“In this highly unusual circumstance, virtual engagement allowed us to continue to recognize the incredibly hard work the students have put into this project,” said economics professor Roy Rotheim, who is handing off his longtime role of competition coordinator to Cathy Hill, teaching professor of management and business.

Freirich recently announced he will fund an endowment that will allow the competition to continue in perpetuity, pledging $500,000 toward the college’s goal of a $1 million fund.

Finals judge Rich Wartel has decided to join in that effort with a pledge of $100,000.

“The Business Plan Competition over the past 10 years has exceeded all of my expectations,” Freirich said. “I want every student who has ever dreamed about starting a business to have the opportunity at Skidmore.”

In addition to providing winning teams with cash prizes, the competition gives student entrepreneurs the opportunity to develop and improve their business ideas through workshops, coaching, mentorships, feedback and practice sessions.

The experience begins each September with a call for entries and a series of workshops to help students prepare for semifinal presentations held in February. Over 60 percent of students who enter the competition are nonbusiness majors.

Over the past decade, more than 350 students representing 225 enterprises have participated in the program that Skidmore President Philip A. Glotzbach says “exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit at Skidmore.”

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 13

Personnel Briefs

Knitt LLC Hopes Its Online Service Will Help Nonprofits Get Funds During COVID Crisis

Tully Rinckey PLLC announced that Michael P. Murray has joined the firm as chief marketing officer.

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He will be responsible for building and implementing innovative marketing and public relations strategies that support the firm’s growth plan, and support the attorneys across the firm’s practice areas and industry specializations.

Murray brings over 20 years of professional services marketing experience. Prior to joining Tully Rinckey, he served as the director of marketing for Whiteman Osterman & Hanna. He also served as marketing manager for BST & Co., CPAs. He has also previously served as assistant zone marketing manager for State Farm Mutual Insurance Co. in Ballston Spa. His background includes advertising, direct marketing, web site development, social media and email marketing, business development, proposals, collateral, press releases, and database management.

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Due to current circumstances related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Adirondack Health Institute’s Enrollment Assistance Services and Education (EASE) team has stopped seeing clients in person, however, continues to offer health insurance enrollment assistance via telephone.

In addition, NY State of Health has extended a special enrollment period for uninsured individuals who need to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan. The period runs through June 15. Those who have lost coverage must enroll within 60 days. Enrollment in Medicaid, Child Health Plus, and the Essential Plan is open year-round.

Morgan Stanley announced that Kathleen Grasmeder, managing director, portfolio management director, financial advisor in the firm’s Glens Falls and Oneonta Wealth Management offices, has been named to Forbes Magazine’s list of Top Women Wealth Advisors for 2020, listed on forbes.com.

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mindful about making these connections.”

Some 12 businesses and 14 nonprofits began testing the features of Knitt via an online beta site. After feedback, some features and functions were taken in a different direction to make them more userfriendly or to better match their needs as a result, she said.

“Feedback was very positive,” Munter said.

“Comments were that it is intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing. They see the value in what Knitt is providing.”

When New York first went “on pause,” because of the coronavirus, Munter said she saw that both sides of Knitt’s prospective user base “would need support ... some businesses might not be able to open again.”

As companies shuttered or moved personnel to at-home workers, it became a challenge to reach business owners and spread the word about the value of using Knitt.

“Time is of the essence because of COVID-19,” Munter said. “Nonprofits and businesses will be in desperate need in the next year.”

Munter and her partners are talking about pricing their service with a focus on getting as many users as they can, as soon as they can.

“We will do promotions and incentives to get businesses to join us and to be a part of our journey,” she said. “The net of Knitt is filtering out and pairing a likely donor with a likely nonprofit,” she said. “Knitt will roll out to the Capital region, but its reach has the potential to go far beyond.”

Visit www.getknitt.org for more information.

FO R

BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Knitt LLC, the entity that brings together nonprofit groups and companies having a common mission, is hoping its online matchmaking service about to go online will have a strong positive impact on helping people during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The landscape for charitable giving and receiving changes every day as the COVID virus lingers,” said founder Lisa Munter, who has served on the boards of a number of local nonprofit organizations.

“Events the nonprofits hold to maintain funding are being cancelled or postponed,” she said. “They desperately need to reach out to offset these losses.”

On the giving end, companies all over the state are also facing financial constraints, hindering their ability to make donations.

“Businesses have been generous helping where they can,” she said. “They want to do good while being protective of themselves in this economic environment. The quandary now, and perhaps for six to 12 months or more, is that company donations are shrinking while nonprofits are starving,” she said.

Typically, nonprofit groups take the first step in reaching out for funding, she said.

However, businesses also want to reach out to organizations “where they can see the impact of their donations.”

Knitt is the resource where both sides can meet and make “personal connections while reducing the noise of blind communications by mail or cold calling,” Munter said.

“After several months of beta testing, we are ready to go full steam ahead as that resource,” she said. “Users should think about starting over, starting fresh, to redefine and be more

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14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Health / Community Services Stewart’s Shops Offers Funds To Help Hudson Headwaters Renovated Women’s Nonprofit Groups During The Current Crisis Center Has More Comprehensive Services Stewart’s Shops, which has a longstanding history of giving back to nonprofits in local communities, has started a fund to help.

“During these difficult times, the need is even more prevalent” to help nonprofits, a company news release said. “The coronavirus virus has impacted different groups in different ways.

Stewart’s is encouraging nonprofits impacted

by COVID-19 to reach out for additional help for sustainability. Grants will be given on a case by case scenario as they come in. There is no deadline for submission.

As of April 30, the company reported nearly $200,000 in grants had been awarded.

With an increased demand on services, many nonprofits are experiencing strains on budget, staffing and resources. “Whether you are a food pantry feeding families in need or a concert venue/ theater uncertain about the future with ticket sales on hold for an indefinite time; there is no doubt that these current circumstances are difficult for everyone,” the company said.

“While we realize there are many resources today for frontline organizations, we have always been committed to help make our shops’ communities strong by supporting local nonprofits in many areas such as the arts, education, recreation and health,” the company said.

Requests for funds should be submitted at least three weeks prior to an event a group may need help with. Requests should be submitted at www.stewartsshops.com/online-

donation/?action=search.

Groups will receive an email notification that the application has been submitted for review. The company reviews requests daily, Monday through Friday, and prioritizes responses by closest event date.

Those with questions can call (518) 581-1201, ext. 2190.

Among the grant recipients so far was At Home Independent Care Inc., whch received money for gowns, face shields and face masks. They also anticipate additional expenses for wages related to overtime costs and COVID differential payments.

The Johnsburg Food Pantry requested funding for food as the demand had dramatically increased, stressing their budget, Stewart’s officials reported.

CAPTAIN Community Human Services Inc. received support to address the dramatic increase to their emergency food pantry, meal delivery program to school-age children, as well as their senior citizen support program.

With some help from Stewart’s St. Peter’s Hospital Foundation will procure 50,000 N-95 masks and 100,000 surgical masks that protect frontline workers, preserving their ability to serve the community.

The Hyde Collection in Glen Fals is also an organization that is receiving a grant, according to the company.

“These are just a few examples of how Stewart’s supports our nonprofits within our communities,” the company said.

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BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Women’s Health, part of the Hudson Headwaters Health Network, reopened its doors on April 6 following months of interior renovation.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mental health and behavioral therapies have been added, and care management ensures that patients have all the services

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

Courtesy Hudson Headwaters Health Network

and links to social programs they may need, according to Denious.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020 • 15

Saratoga PLAN Conservation Group Gets Hudson Headwaters Finds Telehealth Largest Ever Donation For Trail System Work Network A Big Help During Pandemic

A $500,000 from the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund will help develop a 20-mile trail system through the Southern Palmertown Range, pictured here.

Saratoga PLAN recently received its largest private cash gift ever—$500,000 from the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund for producing the Friendship Trails System.

The donation will underwrite the planning, design and stewardship of more than 20 miles of publicly accessible, permanently conserved trails in the 40,500-acre Southern Palmertown Range, an ecologically important area that stretches north from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs to the Hudson River, and is bordered by routes 9 and 9N, on the east and west, respectively.

Saratoga PLAN aims to design Friendship Trails that will provide enjoyment through an inclusive spectrum of outdoor activities: walking, running, wheelchairing, dog-walking, mountain-biking, horseback-riding, birdwatching, botanizing, forest-bathing, crosscountry skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, and learning about nature and local history.

The group will announce new trail segments as they open to the public over the next several years, beginning in late 2020 if public health restrictions are lifted.

“The Palmertown Range forms the southeastern-most corner of the Adirondacks.

The undeveloped acreage of this semi-wild woodland provides climate-resilient habitat, replenishes streams and lakes, our source of clean drinking water, and fosters a sustainable forestry and tourism industry,” said Maria Trabka, executive director of Saratoga PLAN. “Fast-growing local populations and visitors to the area will be able to enjoy a permanently conserved wilderness experience within easy access of their homes and lodgings.”

Kim Elliman, president and CEO of the Open Space Institute (OSI) said the grant “will support the development of a recreational trail network within Saratoga County that will provide people with a place to enjoy nature and wildlife while also creating a vital protected corridor for wildlife habitat and movement. The trail system has been recognized as a top priority by business owners, partners, and outdoor recreation

Courtesy Saratoga PLAN

interest groups, and this funding will help make that goal a reality,.”

OSI has been collaborating with Saratoga PLAN on projects in the Palmertown Range for several years.

Anthony J. (Tony) Izzo, one of three donoradvisors to the Sarah B. Foulke Charitable Fund, which is administered through the Community Foundation for the Greater Capital Region, said the impetus for the gift came from Sarah Blackwell Foulke, a Skidmore graduate and an attorney who practiced in Saratoga County, and “was a kind, giving, compassionate and courageous woman with an outgoing personality, strong spirit, and a great heart and soul. She sought respite and restoration in the woods, enjoying the company of her friends and four-legged companions. The Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails project embodies Sarah’s enduring love of Saratoga Springs, nature, dogs, horses, and the power of friendship ... We hope that our donation will inspire others to donate their time and money to Saratoga PLAN projects for the benefit of present and future generations of Saratoga County residents and visitors.”

Seven municipalities, two state agencies, two conservation organizations and one educational institution make up the Southern Palmertown Guidance Committee. They have strategized since late 2019 on how to enhance conservation, recreation, and compatible economic development in the Southern Palmertown Range.

The committee identified the need for a master trails plan as a necessary next step and its top goal for 2020. The committee will soon release a Request for Proposals in order to select a trail planning firm to create a master plan and trail design standards for the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails. Saratoga PLAN will contract trail designers to ensure that the trails both fit in with the master plan and align with the vision of landowners who have agreed to share their land with the public.

Continued On Page 18

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If anything good comes from the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth will fall into that category, Hudson Headwaters Health Network Chief Medical Informatics Officer Dr. Kevin Gallagher said.

“I think this is an exciting time in health care and a really great opportunity for us to redesign our care delivery,” he said in an interview about the organization’s telehealth program, which expanded rapidly to accommodate COVID-19 concerns and social distancing guidelines.

“I think we’re just at the tip of the iceberg with how we can get creative with this.”

Hudson Headwaters Community Relations Manager Jane Hooper said the network was planning to introduce telehealth this year over a number of months, but the pandemic dramatically upped that time line.

Gallagher joined Hudson Headwaters March 2, and just days later telehealth became the main focus of his work as the organization had to start addressing how to minimize COVID-19 exposure for patients and providers.

He and other network leaders started meeting in the main conference room and mapping out how to deploy virtual visits. They discussed information as it came, including regulation changes that made different platforms more accessible and certain services billable.

Officials said the group created and tested out the virtual appointment process, and made sure they understood the documentation requirements and that staff knew how to support the program. For example, front office staff needed to learn how to talk patients through the process of downloading apps for the telehealth appointments in case they were not familiar with those programs, and nurses and providers had to know how to interact with patients via telehealth.

Within a matter of weeks, the program was up and running across all of the network’s 19 community health centers, with behavioral health providers, social workers, primary care doctors, pediatricians and obstetrician/ gynecologists doing virtual visits, Gallagher said.

Hudson Headwaters providers currently conduct telehealth appointments to monitor patients with well-controlled high blood pressure, diabetes and asthma, and to do adult medication checks and follow-up visits.

“You really can do a lot of chronic disease

management, medication adjustments and some acute issues can be handled as well,” Gallagher said.

Hooper said patients who have video appointments are sent emails with links to Zoom meetings. At the appointed time, they log in and a nurse or medical assistant checks them in before the physician comes in for the meeting.

“It’s super convenient; nobody needs to leave their homes,” Hooper said.

Both Hooper and Gallagher emphasized that people should access care if they need it.

“One of the biggest things we don’t want to have happen is for people to delay care because they’re afraid to leave the house or that they’re going to get sick if they do, and then have something catastrophic happen with their chronic disease,” Gallagher said.

Telehealth visits present an alternative to in-person visits, Hooper said, adding that the organization is taking precautions at its health centers, including the use of masks and the institution of barriers that block staff off from patients.

Certain components of an examination, like taking vital signs, are limited by video visits, Gallagher said. But skin or musculoskeletal issues are still diagnoseable via video.

“We can see where they’re having a problem, you can guide them on some certain diagnostic maneuvers,” Gallagher said.

Hudson Headwaters emphasized that providers should use good clinical judgment as the outcome of a video appointment might still be an in-person visit, what they now refer to as “brick and mortar” medicine.

“There’s still a ton of value in doing a video visit if it leads to an in-person visit or if you direct someone to an urgent care center because they need a different level of evaluation,” Gallagher said.

He said patients have responded positively to the program and specifically mentioned essential workers who have been able to do their appointments during a break at work rather than losing half a day to see their providers.

Patients at all the Hudson Headwaters health centers are now able to self-schedule video appointments through the organization’s website. Staff monitors the “reason for visit” field to make sure that a video visit is appropriate for patients’ needs.

16 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

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

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42.13 23.95 27.46 62.17

47.81 28.77 30.73 69.94

48.00 26.35 31.23 70.20

46.60 26.11 29.71 65.27

51.14 28.50 29.90 65.61

47.00 20.03 53.48 16.94 17.45 6.73 55.94 178.70 29.37 9.07 82.20 169.51 91.67 160.33 51.22 32.27 3.35 2.09 63.05 39.50 92.57

48.00 24.86 65.99 22.11 18.40 7.14 68.45 201.53 34.17 12.01 95.31 208.19 114.75 183.70 56.50 34.97 3.82 3.01 73.88 49.59 104.20

48.00 23.28 70.40 19.52 18.70 6.84 75.62 209.42 31.85 10.81 198.87 198.87 105.48 186.10 56.96 31.71 4.52 2.56 77.10 50.31 113.42

48.00 22.18 71.88 20.24 18.51 6.26 71.37 212.18 31.13 10.90 98.75 177.35 105.06 184.02 58.13 31.21 4.40 2.64 75.58 53.08 107.82

48.00 23.08 72.26 21.42 19.01 6.50 72.03 218.57 33.91 11.07 104.46 186.59 107.20 182.66 57.36 31.81 3.92 3.37 73.79 52.76 108.23

39.44 3.29 4.92 54.70 119.48

43.07 3.75 5.86 57.44 121.80

40.54 4.24 5.37 58.46 132.12

38.90 4.11 5.49 57.93 129.44

40.56 4.37 6.18 56.83 122.92

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Adirondack Trust Hopes Cuomo Will ‘Keep An Open Mind’ About Opening Race Track With the status of this year race meet at Saratoga Race Course up in the air, and indications being that horses will run, but fans won’t be allowed in, local businesses are concerned about the economic implications.

Racing season has a huge impact on local businesses—restaurants, hotels, bars, downtown shops, employees at the track and many more. Regarding that, officials at Adirondack Trust Co. released a statement in conditions as they exited on May 1st.

That statement follows: “Gov. Cuomo ... expressed doubt about the advisability of opening major attractions like the Saratoga Race Course, saying gatherings of large crowds might impede efforts to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

An attraction like the Saratoga thoroughbred racing meet would draw fans from across New York and from neighboring states, he said, and potentially spread the virus.

Cuomo is absolutely correct in placing the health and safety of all New Yorkers as his top priority. With respect to welcoming the public this summer at the Saratoga thoroughbred race track, we hope he will keep an open mind. The circumstances of this pandemic change rapidly and conditions could change for the better sooner than expected. With robust public health protections in place, it may still be safe to open to the public, at least on a limited basis.

Thousands of workers, business owners, nonprofits, municipal governments and others depend upon the Saratoga thoroughbred race track, and thus we would respectfully ask Cuomo to withhold judgment for now and give the New York Racing Association time to draw up careful plans—subject to state approval—that would allow a limited number of fans to attend racing consistent with all of the safety protocols put in place to protect New Yorkers from this pandemic.

Examples of such plans could include limiting the number of seats and/or entry tickets sold, marking and monitoring designated viewing areas to ensure proper social distancing, plexiglass screens, mandatory temperature checks and masks, and, of course, changes in backstretch housing and strong protections for workers, strictly enforced.

Many businesses have adapted to new protocols like these, and we presume that NYRA has plans to do the same. In the end, the decision about whether to allow spectators should be made through the same fact- and

data-based approach the governor has wisely used to manage the state’s response so far.

We agree that public health protection must come first, and in the event that it is demonstrably unsafe to allow the public at the track this summer, it is important for us to keep things in perspective. Saratoga has survived worse, and it will survive this.

Saratoga and the track survived the Civil War and the Great Depression. During World War II, racing was suspended for three years, and in the 1950s, casino gambling was shut down.

The great people of this community came together during each of these challenges, and Saratoga will continue to thrive once the pandemic has run its course.

There will be significant pain. We have already lost far too many loved ones to this terrible disease, and the economic effects of this virus will disproportionately affect areas such as ours that depend on tourism. But we will get through it together.

The Adirondack Trust Co. has more than adequate resources to help our customers through this difficult period, and we are committed to deploying those resources quickly and efficiently for our customers.

We’ve already been working hard through the Small Business Administration’s Paycheck Protection Program, securing over $90 million in funding for local businesses and nonprofits. This is the largest infusion of capital into the greater Saratoga area in history. We’ve also been helping our customers through a generous loan deferment program for our businesses and a forbearance program for individuals affected by this pandemic. We will continue to look for ways to help and will work with local leaders and groups to do this.

Finally, it’s important to remind everyone that there are many reasons to visit Saratoga Springs. To name a few, there’s the Spa State Park, the Saratoga Battlefield, Saratoga’s wonderful and healthy springs, the most unique natural geyser in the United States east of the Mississippi, historic Congress Park and the Canfield Casino, Caffé Lena, and a newly renovated Racing Museum slated to open in July. Why not come to Saratoga and enjoy all the city has to offer in a more relaxed manner and still enjoy televised Saratoga Racing, the best in the world, from the comfort of your first-class Saratoga accommodations?

In closing, Saratoga is strong. We will get through this together, and we will be even stronger once this is all over.”

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Business Registrations

The Honest Handyman Robert Mander 730 Hudson River Road Mechanicville 12118

Over the Rainbow Childcare Kaitlin Briner 18 Barbara Mac Drive Corinth 12822

Food Insecurity Solutions Buffa Benore 209 Wilton Commons Drive Gansevoort 12831

Olympic Pest Control James Crocetto 21 Woodmint Place Malta 12020

Kaydeross Performance Solutions Donald Conn 958 MacArthur Drive Ballston Spa 12020

Lacar Electrical Larry Carter 376 Charlton Road Ballston Spa 12020

Happy Willow Designs Hillary Wendell 3 Clerion Ave. Clifton Park 12065

LD Daily Golf Laura Daily 24 Mohawk Trail Clifton Park 12065

Quinn Educational Consulting Pamela Quinn 35 Quail Court Saratoga Springs

Nothing Fancy Catering Dennis Bailey 485 Lakeside Ave. Northville 12134

TLW Roadside Assistance Ted Whitelaw 1 Tamarack Lane Clifton Park 12065

Moonstone Forest Amanda Lomanto 275 Angel Road Greenfield Center 12833

Malta Coin and Collectibles Frederick Bader 30 Miller Road Ballston Lake 2019

Full Throttle Wood Carving Johnathan Acors 3 Sequoia Drive Ballston Spa 12020

Rockwell Photography Gillian Rockwell 547 Sherman Road Ballston Spa 12020

Toga Tile and Stone Emil Onzo 7 Kaatskill Way Ballston Spa 12020

Cletus’s Cleans Clinton Beyers 109 Wall St. Schuylerville 12871

Whymzworks Deborah Leahey 16 Deerfield Place Ballston Spa 12020

Carlini Construction Services Christopher Carlini 125 Shippee Road Corinth 12822

Melissa Ferguson Image Artistry Melissa Ferguson 133 Schuyler St., Apt. C Victory Mill 12884

Advance Tech Service Corey Hall 155 Wood Road Ballston Spa 12020

Ronda’s View Storage Facility Scott Salvatore 10 Park Ave. Stillwater 12170

Sofia Grace Craftspirations Teena Shields 42 Brickyard Road Mechanicville 12118

Absolute Painting And Restorative Services Salvatore DaBiere 11 Worden Drive Saratoga Springs 12866

Backwoods Charm Christopher Gerard 22 North High Street Ballston Spa 12020

Always on the Glow Amanda Neron 4372 Route 9N Porter Corners 12859

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National Hotel Association Says Some 70 Percent Of Staffs Laid Off Or Furloughed •

This chart provided by the American Hotel & Lodging Association shows the sharp decline in occupancy rates. It has led to massive layoffs in the industry. Many hotels have temporarily closed.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association released data today showing that 70 percent of hotel employees have been laid off or furloughed as eight in 10 hotel rooms across the nation remain empty.

As the crisis, the impact to the travel industry is nine times worse than the 9/11 tragedy, with forecasted occupancy rates for 2020 hitting record lows worse than rates in 1933 during the Great Depression, the AHLA said.

“With the impact to the travel industry nine times worse than September 11, the human toll of this public health crisis has been absolutely devastating for the hotel industry. For the hotel industry our priority is rehiring and retaining our hardworking employees who power our vibrant industry,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “Hotels were one of the first industries affected by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover.

“The CARES Act was an important first step with a lot of supportive measures for the hotel industry, but we need Congress to make important changes to the program to reflect the current economic reality and help the employees in the industries that have been impacted the most.”

Due to the dramatic downturn in travel, properties that remain open are operating with minimal staffing, said the AHLA. On average, full-service hotels are using 14 employees, down from 50 before the crisis. Resort hotels, which often operate seasonally based on the area’s peak

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tourism months, averaged about 90 employees per location as of March 13, but are down to an average of five employees per resort.

The key findings of the report include: • Impact to travel industry nine times worse than 9/11. (Tourism Economics) • 50 percent revenue decline (projected) for entirety of 2020 (Oxford Economics) • Eight in 10 hotel rooms are empty. (STR) • 2020 is projected to be the worst year on record for hotel occupancy. (CBRE) • Forecasted occupancy rate for 2020 worse than 1933 during the Great Depression. (CBRE) • 70 percent of hotel employees laid off or furloughed. (Oxford Economics and Hotel Effectiveness) • $2.4 billion in weekly lost wages due to the crisis (Oxford Economics and Hotel Effectiveness) • Nearly 3.9 million total hotel-supported jobs lost since the crisis began (Oxford Economics) As travel halted in late February, the hotel industry took immediate action to work with the White House and Congress to help hotel industry employees and small business operators, which represent 61 percent of hotel properties in the U.S. “The hotel industry is at a critical juncture. We need more resources to survive this unprecedented time,” said Rogers. “Additional funding is vital for small business owners across America, including tens of thousands of small business hoteliers, to help them keep their doors open and rehire and retain millions of employees.”

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P-Tech Program Continued From Page 12

“We got informed by the governor—pre COVID—that all Cohort 1 schools were going to receive the same amount of funding for 2020-2021 as they did in 2019-2020. We are expecting to get funding again next year,” she said.

When asked about the success of the program, Wegner said, “We had two students from Hudson

Falls who really transformed their lives. Had it not been for this program, they might not have gone to college. They are graduating with their associate’s degrees and they are employed. Any time you have that, it’s a success. We are getting better every year at making sure that we are getting the right students in the program and better at the development of the program.”

For more information, email: kwegner@ wswheboces.org or visit www.sadkptech.org.

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She and her husband have been selling the products made from family recipes for almost 19 years. They are available in hundreds of stores across the country and internationally. The products are all simple and all natural, using locally sourced ingredients, something Camarro said sets their products apart.

“I remember being in the store at one time and looking at the back of a chocolate dip

and seeing so many unnatural ingredients, thinking, ‘This is not chocolate,’” she said.

Camarro said one of her goals during the “pause” is to work on things like her website.

“I am usually used to having no time, so I guess with life slowing down a bit, it’s a good time to do it.”

Sundae’s Best offers its product through online orders and curbside pickups. She recommends calling ahead for orders to (518) 584-4036.

The business website is sundaesbest.com.

Saratoga PLAN

Continued From Page 15 Officials said the master plan will create design standards for public access points, orientation kiosks, designated parking areas, trail markers, and trail surfacing materials for different terrain and uses. Volunteers, organized

by Saratoga PLAN, will play a role in helping designers by scouting and ground-truthing site features. Nearby amenities for trail users such as lodging, food, gas, bike rentals, and attractions will be promoted through the project which is expected to provide an economic boon to

the area in a respectful way that preserves the natural integrity of its forest community.

Saratoga PLAN will set aside a portion of the gift to ensure continuation of the Sarah B. Foulke Friendship Trails. Once the master trail plan and site-specific designs have been completed, Saratoga PLAN and the Palmertown partners will work together to seek additional funds to acquire easements for the trails, surrounding woodlands, and for trail construction and maintenance.

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20 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2020

Anxiety Over 2020 Tourist Season Continued From Page 1

We aren’t going to run the way we always have even when we get back to the new normal.”

Although the Holiday Inn has remained open, they have closed their restaurant and bar and have furloughed their entire food and beverage team. Numerous banquets and meetings that were scheduled to take place in their 10,000-square-foot-meeting space have been cancelled. They do not plan to reopen their restaurant until late May at the earliest.

“We are open, but there is very little business to be had,” he said. “That’s why the Hilton, the Gideon Putnam, the Saratoga Casino Hotel and others have closed their doors. But, we have been partnering with the city and Mayor Meg Kelly to house Code Blue.”

Code Blue Saratoga provides emergency shelter for homeless people. The organization typically offers its services between Nov. 15 and April 1, but has extended operation due to COVID-19. “If it wasn’t for that, we wouldn’t be open,” said Tuohy. “It’s mutually beneficial. It’s great for the city, but it’s also allowing the hotel to stay open.”

“We are listening carefully to the governors guidance as well guidance from the New York State Gaming Commission,” said Saratoga Casino Hotel’s Brannigan. “We are developing a plan that will focus on the safety of our guests, team members, and the community. When they say it’s okay, we want to be ready to open the doors as soon as possible ... We are cautiously optimistic, but we don’t think it’s going to be in May, but would love to see it in June.”

Brannigan said the Saratoga Casino Hotel hopes to resume harness track racing as soon as possible. She expects it will initially take place just a few days a week without spectators. They also plan to resume weddings at The Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel as soon as the state allows. Some couples who have weddings booked during the summer and fall have already decided topostpone.

Both Brannigan and Tuohy said their hotels depend heavily on the Saratoga Racetrack season. If the track reopens without spectators, summer occupancy rates would plummet. Both hotels are typically at maximum occupancy during track season.

“We certainly hope that is not the case as that is the demand driver in the market for everyone,” said Tuohy. “This hotel long term is solvent and will be financially viable.

I worry about small businesses—not just

hotels—but all of the small businesses that rely on track to drive their revenues.”

“We are guarded about how this is going to transpire as a season, but I think that we’re going to be the fortunate ones because of the radius we are from New York City, and Boston, and New Jersey,” Taormino said.

“I think we have that unique environment where people will be able to come and feel a little safer than normal.”

Taormino said industry experts are advising hotels to expect an occupancy rate of 15-30 percent during the month they reopen. Staff efforts are on cleaning, “going into the room, spraying it down, stepping out of the room, going back in, cleaning it, and wiping every single thing down one more time before we exit.”

Dunham’s Bay Resort has received cancellations as well as new bookings for the summer tourism season. Eighty percent of the people who had rooms booked for Americade in early June rescheduled their bookings to the new July 21-25 dates. “I feel very positive about that,” he said. “I also feel positive about moving forward. I lived on Long Island during 9/11, and we got through that and came out on the other side. We will endure this.”

“We might be wearing masks for the next year. No one knows,” Mintzer said.

“Everybody is thinking about how to revamp traffic flow. For example, how does Natural Stone Bridges and Caves come up with a way to make their trails one-way in and one-way out? How will Six Flags be lining people up from ticketing to getting on a ride? These are the conversations that are happening. There are just so many unknowns related to mass gatherings.”

According to Tanya Tobias-Tomis, executive director of Lake George Arts Project, she remains hopeful that the Lake George Jazz Weekend will take place on Sept. 19-20 outdoors in Shepard Park. It is the nonprofit’s largest event.

The Lake George Arts Project’s largest fundraiser, Bands and Beans, that was scheduled for the end of March was canceled.

The organization’s operating annual budget is just under $200,000. In addition to receiving income from fundraisers and contributions from local businesses, they receive revenue for the sale of art in local galleries. If galleries are not open, they will lose additional revenue. Because all of their programs and events are offered at no cost, they receive no revenue from ticket sales.

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Business Registrations

Chillo Life Luis Torres 24 Lonesome Pine Trail Gansevoort 12831 Paint Parties by Nicole Nicole Busch 525 Maple Ave. Ballston Spa 12020 Saratoga Educational Excursions Jamie Gargano 29 Herkimer Street Victory Mills 12884 Spa City Cello Demetria Koninis 272 Grand Ave. Saratoga Springs 12866 Something Secret Boutique Jonie McCleary 9 Fairview Road Hadley 12835 Kassanova Books Mary Lynn Kass 18 Garden Drive Clifton Park 12065 TLC Total Look Center Tracy Corlew 433B Geyser Road Ballston Spa 12020 Quality Home Solutions Joshua LaRock 8 Adirondack Road Hadley 12835 Snoproblem Thomas Grisanti 2611 Old Mill Road Galway 12074 “We aren’t really quite sure what it will mean. We will do our very best to avoid having it negatively impacting the programs we present. We aren’t interested at all in cutting salaries for artists. That is core to our mission. We also want to offer the same quantity of programming, so we don’t want to cut programs,” she said. “We are hoping to find new avenues for support.”

Nonprofit arts organizations will require new ways to engage audiences

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Shiny Bins Cleaning Service Brandon Hanna Dominick Refino 72 Thimbleberry Road Malta 12020 Ironforged Associates Deborah Snyder 92 Buffer Road Moreau 12828 Saratoga Paver and Block Co. Joshua Russo 1427 Saratoga Road, Apt. 32 Ballston Spa 12020 Krishna Roofing Sergey Smolovik 29 Alpine Approach Ballston Lake 12019 Ellesimm Photography Lisa Simmons 433 Geyser Road Saratoga Springs 12866 Campology Candle Co. Christine Valade 35 Lee St. Mechanicville 12118 Lawn Legend Daniel Woodrow 6 Devon Court Clifton Park 12065 All Things Gutter Anthony Maldonado 15 James Drive Waterford 12188 Erthwellness Deborah Baas 4 Sequoia Drive Ballston Lake 12019 “There’s also a very real fear that we won’t be able to do the things we do best,” she said.

“We are all in unchartered territory, and we are all bearing the weight of sustaining an organization when we have never had to deal with an impact this wide and coming from this many angles ... Non-profits are very good at adapting to one of those attacks at a time but have no experience with something so wide reaching. But, we will be stronger after this.”