Saratoga Business Journal - May 2022

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

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOL. 27 NO. 03

HH The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County HH

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MAY 2022

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AMC’s Purchase Of Seven Bow Tie Cinema GlobalFoundries Has $117M Pact With U.S. Theaters Includes Saratoga Springs Site Department Of Defense For Work In Malta

This Bow Tie Cinema theater in Saratoga Springs is one of seven purchased by AMC Theatres, said to be the largest theatrical exhibitor in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East.

AMC Theatres, said to be the largest theatrical exhibitor in the U.S., Europe and the Middle East, has finalized a deal with Bow Tie Cinemas to purchase and operate seven locations including its theaters in Saratoga Springs.

Bow Tie has other facilities in upstate New York, Connecticut and Annapolis, Md. Marquis 16, Royale 6, SoNo 8 (formerly Regent 8), Majestic 6 and Landmark 8 join the AMC circuit in the Connecticut market.

Adam Aron, chairman and CEO of AMC, said the acquisition “is exciting for AMC, our shareholders and many moviegoers in the northeastern United States. Our theatre acquisition strategy makes AMC a better and stronger company as we move forward on our glidepath to recovery. Acquiring these locations is especially notable for our expansion in Connecticut, where we are more than doubling our presence. We are encouraged to bring the magic of AMC to more and more theatres across the country.”

Officials said the acquisition more than doubles AMC’s presence in the state of

Connecticut. In addition, AMC adds Saratoga Springs 11 in upstate New York and Annapolis Mall 11 in Annapolis, Md. AMC intends to retain all theatre associates at the newly acquired theatres.

AMC remains in active discussions with other property owners regarding additional locations.

Upon reopening, guests at these locations can expect many of AMC’s most popular programs and amenities, including AMC Stubs, a world class loyalty and subscription service that includes AMC Stubs A-List, officials said.

In addition, Marquis 16, Royale 6, SoNo 8, Majestic 6, Landmark 8, and Annapolis Mall 11 were renovated in recent years and include all-recliner seating. Saratoga Springs 11, Marquis 16, Majestic 6 and Annapolis Mall 11 offer a PLF experience.

For more information about the transition and the AMC experience guests can visit the FAQ page on AMC’s website at www. amctheatres.com/bow-tie-cinemas.

AMC has approximately 950 theatres and Continued On Page 4

SPAC Partners With 2 Businesses For Media Buying, PR And Public Affairs Initiatives Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) is partnering with LIFT Marketing and The Martin Group to assist with paid media strategy, media buying, public relations and public affairs initiatives.

Leveraging the nationally significant programming and unique experiences SPAC provides, the collaboration aims to grow national and international awareness for SPAC, while promoting Saratoga as a year-round cultural tourism destination for travelers craving authentic, immersive arts and nature experiences, officials said.

SPAC designed its engagements with LIFT and The Martin Group to advance both artistic and business objectives, cultivating interest in the arts it features, uplifting the region’s creative communities and fueling ticket sales and tourist visits.

“Saratoga Springs is an incomparable destination for world-class arts. From the city’s vibrant downtown with scores of museums,

art galleries and live music venues to SPAC’s internationally recognized festival of music and dance, visitors can immerse themselves in arts, culture, and exquisite nature. And yet, it is still undiscovered by many cultural tourists,” said Elizabeth Sobol, president and CEO of SPAC. “Our partnerships with LIFT and The Martin Group will expand our team’s capabilities to reach more people and new audiences who are craving these experiences.”

The Martin Group is an award-winning, integrated communications agency with offices in Albany, Buffalo and Rochester. Engaged to provide public relations and public affairs services, The Martin Group will collaborate with SPAC’s internal teams to continue driving awareness of SPAC as an emerging cultural tourism destination that welcomes travelers looking to reignite their love of new experiences.

By focusing on outlets in nearby major Continued On Page 14

GlobalFoundries in Malta has a government contract with the Department of Defense to ensure access to 45nm SOI semiconductors critical to the department’s strategic systems.

As part of the nation’s effort to sustain the microelectronics manufacturing capability necessary for national and economic security, and in support of an executive order entitled America’s Supply Chains, the U.S. Department of Defense has awarded a $117 million agreement to GlobalFoundries.

GlobalFoundries, headquartered in Malta, will transfer its 45 nanometer (nm) silicon-on-insulator (SOI) semiconductor manufacturing process from its Fab 10 facility in East Fishkill, to its Fab 8 facility in Malta, the defense department announced in a press release.

The effort is a follow-on from an $8 million award issued last year through which GlobalFoundries conducted initial engineering baseline activities for the transfer.

Federal officials said the agreement will ensure access to 45nm SOI semiconductors critical to

Courtesy GlobalFoundries

Department of Defense strategic systems.

The agreement is the latest collaboration in the longstanding partnership between the Department of Defense and GlobalFoundries to provide silicon-based semiconductors for defense aerospace applications.

“GlobalFoundries is proud to be a longtime supplier to the U.S. government, and we remain deeply committed to meeting the semiconductor technology needs of the Department of Defense, as well as the technologies so critical to our national security,” said company CEO Tom Caulfield. “The strong public-private partnership demonstrated with this new supply and tech transfer agreement is an excellent example of the impact federal collaboration and investment in semiconductor manufacturing can have on strengthening domestic supply chains. Our partnership boosts Continued On Page 14

L. Clifford Van Wagner Will Receive Joseph Dalton Award At Chamber Annual Dinner L. Clifford Van Wagner was named the 2022 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient and will be honored during the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s 103rd annual dinner on May 17.

He will also be joined by Julie Stokes who received the award in 2021. This will be the first time in two years the Chamber has hosted its annual dinner in person. Due to the pandemic, Stokes was unable to accept her award in person last year and will be appropriately recognized this year.

Currently the director of pharmacy at Wesley Health Care, Van Wagner first joined Wesley in 1976 and became the director of pharmacy in 1978.

He joins a distinguished set of past recipients, Steve Sullivan (2018); Tom Roohan (2019); John Munter, Sr. (2020); and Julie Stokes (2021) as award recipients.

“It’s my great pleasure to congratulate and honor Cliff for his outstanding service and dedication to Saratoga County for more than 40 years,” said Todd Shimkus, Chamber president. “Cliff’s servant leadership, extensive community involvement, and gracious support of many organizations throughout the county exemplifies and solidifies his passion and commitment to making Saratoga County a great place to live, work, and visit.”

L. Clifford Van Wagner is the 2022 recipient of the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award.

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

During his tenure, Van Wagner has provided for Wesley residents, patients, and staff through leadership and service but has also been the project coordinator for $28 million worth of expansions and renovations, including the addition of Woodlawn Commons.

Continued On Page 7

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

Personnel Briefs

Saratoga Springs Man Named M&T Bank’s Regional President For The Capital Region •

• The Adirondack Trust Co. announced it has named Bobbi Jo Lucas as senior vice president, chief retail banking officer.

Lucas joined the bank in April and is responsible for the administration, growth, and efficient operation of the bank’s retail network, including oversight of the bank’s 14 branches in Saratoga and Warren counties.

Prior to joining Adirondack Trust, Lucas’s 30-year career focused on retail banking and management. With more than 14 years of leadership at Fift h Third Bank, she provided direction to 82 financial centers across six regions in eastern Michigan.

During her tenure there, she also played a lead role in retail staff recruitment, hiring, and development.

Lucas earned her bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kaplan University, and a business diploma from the Center for Banking Education.

She has served as an executive board member for the Boy Scouts of America—Water and Woods Council; committee co-chair for the Flint Institute of Art’s Art on Tap Event; past president of the Genesee Valley Rotary; board member for the Genesis Hospital Foundation, and more. *

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NBT Bank has named Ruth Mahoney as regional president for the Capital District and North Country.

Mahoney will assume this new position in addition to her role as executive vice president and

president of wealth management with responsibility for NBT’s brokerage, trust, investment and corporate retirement services businesses.

The bank also announced that David Krupski, who has served as regional president for NBT since 2012, is being promoted to chief of staff for NBT’s Commercial Banking Division.

In this new enterprisewide position, Krupski will provide executive leadership for new lending initiatives and expansion efforts in addition to overseeing NBT’s agricultural lending and Pennsylvania commercial banking portfolios.

Mahoney joined NBT in August 2021 and has more than 30 years of industry experience, including wealth management, private banking, retail banking and regional leadership.

She serves as co-chair of the Regional Economic Development Council, as immediate past chair for the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce, and as a board member for Albany College of Pharmacy, Albany Medical Center Health System and New York State Teachers’ Retirement System.

Krupski has over 35 years of experience in banking and joined NBT in 2004. A resident of Clifton Park, he currently serves on the board of directors for the Rensselaer County Regional Chamber of Commerce and formerly held board positions with The United Way of the Greater Capital Region and the Center for Economic Growth (CEG). *

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Scott D. Hollins was named assistant vice president, commercial portfolio manager at Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB).

Hollins will act as a liaison between the Continued On Page 14

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Charles Pinckney of Saratoga Springs was recently named M&T Bank regional president for New York’s Capital Region, a market where the bank has grown its local deposit share while remaining the area’s top commercial mortgage lender.

M&T Bank has a branch in Clifton Park.

Pinckney will take on the added regional leadership responsibilities while remaining in a senior role supporting commercial real estate, middle market, healthcare and not-forprofit businesses.

“Charles has made a substantial impact for our customers and communities in his 14 years with M&T. He has helped companies throughout the region secure funding and adopt customized solutions to launch big projects and new initiatives, remaining focused on ensuring his work contributes to inclusive growth and strengthens the community,” said Mike Keegan, M&T Bank’s executive vice president and head of community banking.

“Our unique community model empowers local leaders to combine their banking expertise with a deep understanding of their region in order to deliver a differentiated customer experience and uplift our communities. With his local knowledge and personal commitment to making a difference in people’s lives, Charles will be an outstanding leader for this region.”

Under its local engagement model, M&T separates the geographic areas it serves into community regions led by regional presidents.

Because they know their communities best, these regionally based teams work to create differentiated strategies to serve their markets, aiming to combine the capabilities of a large institution with the care and empathy of a neighborhood bank. They also make decisions locally about community activities, grants and lending.

Officials said Pinckney will play a critical role in executing this community banking model, the release said. He will serve as a convener for the community, bringing together diverse stakeholders to explore and address regional challenges.

He will also be an advocate for the region externally and internally within the bank, ensuring the bank’s executives understand the needs of their community and regional economy. And, he will remain close to the bank’s customers as a leader on the commercial banking team, continuously improving the local customer experience.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the Capital Region as M&T Bank’s regional president,” Pinckney said. “Our bank’s unique

Charles Pinckney, M&T Bank regional president for New York’s Capital Region. strength is the way we combine our robust capabilities with the engagement model of a community-based organization. In the new leadership role, I will rely on this strength as we collaborate with our customers and community partners to create positive change and foster inclusive economic growth.

“The Capital Region has many unique strengths of its own—from our vibrant innovation ecosystem to our growing creative economy—and I am looking forward to leveraging M&T’s capabilities to help our hometowns grow even stronger.”

During his 14 years with M&T, Pinckney has gained a depth of commercial banking experience. He served in the roles of team leader and commercial relationship manager prior to his promotion to senior group manager for commercial real estate, healthcare and notfor-profit businesses.

Pinckney has long been an active member of both the M&T and Capital Region communities. He is the chair of the Center for Disability Services Commercial Services Advisory Board and a member of the center’s governing board of directors. He was previously a member of Union College’s Community Scholars Executive Committee, and in 2016, the Albany Business Review named him to its 40 Under 40 list.

In the Capital Region, M&T Bank employs 300 people, operates 12 branches and maintains a regional headquarters in Albany, providing local management, administrative and charitable direction.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 3

Annual Wesley Gala Will Be The First Of ‘Studio 219,’ A New Hair Salon In Saratoga, Events In 2022 Marking Its 50th Anniversary Offers Many Services For Men And Women The Wesley Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Wesley Community, will host its annual gala at the Lodge at Saratoga Casino Hotel, 1 Nelson Ave., Saratoga Springs, on Saturday, May 14, from 6-10 p.m.

This year’s event, part of a year-long series to commemorate 50 years of service, will mark the first in-person gala for The Wesley Community since 2019.

Presented by The Adirondack Trust Co. this year’s theme is “Golden Gala,” a tribute to Wesley’s 50th year as a vital nonprofit organization supporting seniors in the community. Founded in 1972, The Wesley Community was established as a long-term senior care community and has steadily grown into a continuum-of-care campus featuring independent and assisted living apartments, compassionate skilled nursing and memory care services.

“The Wesley Community has been providing exceptional senior care and services for five decades and we are excited to celebrate our rich history with the return of our annual gala,” said community CEO J. Brian Nealon. “This exciting event will provide valuable funding to support Wesley Health Care Center and allow us to continue to evolve to bring high-quality care to our families and friends for generations to come.”

The first in a series of celebratory events planned for 2022 as part of its 50th anniversary, the Golden Gala will have music and entertainment. Guests are welcome to dress in cocktail attire for the occasion.

Proceeds will support the ongoing renovations of the Springs Building at Wesley Health Care Center. Fundraising for this project was temporarily paused during the global pandemic to allow staff to focus exclusively on delivering the best possible care to residents. The goal of the renovation project will be to provide home-like comforts and welcoming surroundings for the longterm care residents who live at the Springs building.

The honorary chairs of this event are Gary and Aimee Dake, who have been longtime supporters of The Wesley Community.

Wesley Foundation board members Geriann Eddy and Timothy Busch spearheaded the planning efforts.

“We are excited to chair the event and feel very fortunate to have an asset like Wesley in our community to provide continued care for our Seniors,” said Aimee Dake.

“Ensuring there is a high-quality residence which allows individuals to age in place is essential to retain and attract interested and involved seniors to our greater Saratoga community,” Gary Dake said. “My own mother being a resident of Wesley’s Independent Living gives me peace and comfort.”

Adirondack Trust Co. recently presented a $10,000 donation to the foundation in support of the 2022 gala.

“Adirondack Trust is glad to be the presenting sponsor for the gala’s return this year,” stated President and CEO Charles V. Wait, Jr. “We are also pleased to be a part

Ashtin Givens

The Wesley Community, shown here, will benefit from an annual gala on May 14.

Courtesy The Wesley Community

of the continued efforts to raise funds to support the second phase of renovations at the Springs Building of Wesley Health Care Center, Wesley’s oldest nursing home building.”

Other major sponsors for the gala are Marshall & Sterling Insurance, Angerame Architects, Saratoga Casino Hotel, The Fort Miller Group, Ray Martin & Crescent Hill Partners. Additional Sponsors include Allerdice Building Supply, Bonacio Construction, Fine Affairs, D.A. Collins Companies, MLB Construction, Gary and Aimee Dake, Longfellows Inn and Restaurant and Olde Bryan Inn. Tickets for the Golden Gala can be purchased for $150 per person or $250 per couple. Reservations are required and can be made by phone at 518-691-1420 or at www. thewesleycommunity.org/gala.

Other events that will pay tribute to The Wesley Community’s 50th anniversary include: • Share A Step for Seniors, June 2430, a week-long fitness initiative offers participants the opportunity to raise funds for The Wesley Community while working toward a fitness-oriented goal, such as running, walking, hiking or completing a long bike ride. Participants track their workouts, share their progress on social media and encourage friends and family to support their efforts.

• Saratoga 9 and Wine, Aug. 9 at Saratoga Lake Golf Course. The third annual golf fundraiser is a fun afternoon tournament featuring nine holes of scramble-format golf with wine-and-spirits tasting along the course.

• Wesley’s 50th anniversary celebration, Sept. 20 at the Saratoga City Center. The ceremonial event will honor and reflect on The Wesley Community’s 50 years of service after opening its doors for the first time to residents in September of 1972.

More details on each of these celebratory community events throughout the year can be found at www.thewesleycommunity.org/ wesley-foundation/special-events.

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Courtesy Studio 219

A new hair salon opened in Saratoga Springs in the newly renovated space at 219 Broadway.

Studio 219 offers a full array of hair color services, men’s and women’s haircuts, and experienced hair and makeup stylists.

The owners are Charles Basil and John Letki. Basil has over 30 years of experience in salon services. He formerly owned Imaginary Hair on Central Avenue in Albany for 25 years.

Letki has over 30 years of experience in business, including owning a former location in New York City.

The two-person team has transformed the “just off Broadway” space themselves, with a focus on creating just the right setting to premiere their unique-style salon to Saratoga, they said.

“We have spent months restructuring the interior space to offer a metropolitan boutique salon feel,” said Basil, chief operator at Studio 219.. “We’ve brought in state-of-the- art equipment such as a new color machine that cuts down processing time at a ratio of one minute for every seven needed to retain vibrant color results.

“Once we completed the inside, we concentrated on having the outside facade attract our clientele to a welcoming space

they can feel comfortable and relax in. We look forward to serving the Saratoga area with our expertise in the hair and beauty industry.”

Letki said the goal is “to revive your vibe. To accomplish that, we have brought together an extraordinary team of experienced, highly trained stylists to help you look and feel amazing. We are excited to become partners with the business community here and to carve out our space just off Broadway in Saratoga. Both Charles and I appreciate the collection of talented beauty industry professionals we now join, and we look forward to showcasing what we add to the landscape.”

The stylists specialize in hair designs for proms, weddings, and special events.

A variety of framed artwork, signed by celebrity artists such as John Lennon and Bob Dylan, provide an eclectic interior décor style. These distinctive art objects are also available for purchase in the store as well as on the business website at www. studio219saratoga.com.

The salon is open Mondays 11 a.m. to 4 p.m; Tuesdays through Fridays, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

People can make an appointment online or by calling 518-306-6767.

4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

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Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund Donates To Nonprofit Groups In The Region The Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund has awarded Lend-A-Hand Grants to 35 local nonprofit organizations.

The bank will match what the community has given during the Autumn of Giving campaign conducted by the fund. The effort brought in $70,295.86.

Grant awards were provided to the following organizations: • 4-H Cornell Cooperative Extension, for the renovation of the 4-H Training Center outdoor arena bleachers.

• After the Fire, to help families in Saratoga County who suffer loss due to a fire, by providing gift cards for supplies and personal items.

• Amorak Youth, to help with music tutoring costs related to the update and repair of donated musical instruments.

• Battenkill Community Services Inc., for Adaptive Yoga equipment.

• The Ben Osborn Memorial Fund Inc., to provide personal hygiene kits for local school children in need.

• Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks Inc., to help support the ability to recruit, screen, train, and support One Child and One Mentor and the families with whom they are matched.

• Bikeatoga, to help provide free bicycles, helmets, safety equipment, locks, and maintenance to all, without question.

• Books in Kid’s Hands Corp., to purchase new books twice per year for children in the area.

• Camp Abilities Saratoga, to transform the grant it receives into life changing experiences.

Camp Abilities Saratoga campers become physically active while gaining the selfconfidence needed to face life’s future challenges.

• Caritas DBA Nearcare, to provide respite for caregivers, companionship, transportation to medical appointments, and assistance with errands for seriously and terminally ill individuals and their families.

• The Charlton School, to support its Therapeutic Arts program, which will allow the school to bring in a visiting artist in the field of dance and/or photography to supplement the vibrant therapy program from which students benefit.

• C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, to allow the continuation of the program focusing on marginalized members of our community, specifically low-income youth in the Saratoga Springs community.

• Family Service Association of Glens Falls, Inc., to help children in low-income areas purchase new shoes.

• First Baptist Church of Ballston Spa’s Summer Lunch Program, to help families experiencing food insecurity by providing lunches during the months of July and August, when free or reduced-price lunches are not available through the school system.

• Flutters of Hope Inc., to support the ButterflyWish Baskets, which provides care baskets and financial support to individuals struggling with eating disorders and seeking treatment.

• Franklin Community Center Inc., to support the 17 efficiency apartments— affordable rental units for individuals—due to the lack of availability of low-income housing within Saratoga Springs.

• Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, to cover the cost of materials and labor for the renovation of the roof on an existing home that is being rehabbed in Corinth.

• Nipper Knolls Equine Center, to care for and feed specially trained therapeutic horses, and to help recruit and train volunteers for the program.

• Saratoga Bridges, to support its artists with opportunities to take classes at its Creative

Endeavors Art Center, and virtually through Zoom, which are taught by professional artists and Skidmore College students.

• Open Door Mission, to purchase food, supplies and other direct expenses for the Hunger Relief Program.

• Operation Adopt-a-Soldier Inc., for postage to send care packages to overseas deployed soldiers.

• Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, to purchase items for Home Safety Kits for 125 homeowners in need. Kits include hand sanitizer, disinfectant, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and many first-aid and disaster-preparedness essentials.

• Roundabout Runners Club, to provide approximately 10 scholarships to youth in Saratoga County (dues and apparel) to learn the lifelong love of running.

• Saratoga Chamber Players, to support the Classroom to Concert program, which enables students to learn how story ideas can be expressed through sound. Students work with professional musicians in the creation of a score, which will culminate in public performances.

• Saratoga County Children’s Committee, to support the Empty Stocking Project, which is the largest program that the Saratoga County Children’s Committee executes each year. Its mission is to embody the holiday spirit by giving local children gifts, clothing, and necessities during the holiday season.

• Saratoga Hospital Foundation for Saratoga Community Health Center, to support immediate and long-term health needs for low-income patients through its Nutrition Rx Program.

• Saratoga Pride, an affiliate of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, to support the Annual Pride Festival in June 2022.

• Saratoga Sponsor-A-Scholar, to provide students with tools they need, such as graphing calculators, to further their education and improve their chances of getting into college.

• Saratoga/Wilton Soccer Club, to purchase 25 sets of 6-foot Pugg Goals.

• Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs Inc., to subsidize the cost of the Center’s Senior Bus Trip program.

• Shelters of Saratoga, to purchase nonperishable food items that can be easily consumed in places without access to water and kitchens.

• SNACpack (Saratoga Nutritional Assistance for Children), to help pay for monthly food costs.

The cost of food has risen over the past year, which has caused SNACpack to continue to look for different sources of financial support.

• Soul Saving Station for Every Nation of Saratoga Springs, to help ensure that a robust staff is available at all times as the shelter expands its capacity to help women and women with children.

• The Wesley Community, to provide nutritional food and drinks weekly to children throughout the school year and summer months in the Saratoga Springs School District.

• Veterans & Community Housing Coalition, to support low-income veterans living in our community overcome food insecurity by providing meat, dairy, or produce that will ensure proper nutrition.

“We are so fortunate to have the communities’ support that enabled us to award 35 Lend-A-Hand Grants this year,” said Brian Straughter, Ed.D., volunteer chair for the ATCCF Independent Advisory Committee. “This year, we received 54 grant applications. Although we wish we could fund every request, every year we are fortunate to be able to fund more and more as our community support grows. This year, the awarded grants will support programs for all ages and our communities’ needs as a whole, and will include the areas of the arts, education, health and family activities.”

AMC Purchases Local Theater Continued From Page 1

518.584.5400 | PURDYSWINE.COM | 70-72 CONGRESS PLAZA

10,500 screens across the globe. AMC says it has propelled innovation in the exhibition industry by: deploying its signature powerrecliner seats; delivering enhanced food and beverage choices; and generating greater guest engagement through its loyalty and subscription programs, web site and mobile apps. For more information, visit amctheatres.

com.

Bow Tie Cinemas, North America’s oldest theater circuit started in 1900 and is owned by the third and fourth generations of its founding family. The company will continue to operate theaters in Richmond, Va; New Haven, Ct; Schenectady; Ridgewood, NJ; Basalt, Colo. and Manhattan.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 5

Business Briefs

Exercise Yard At McGregor State Prison Will Be Utilized By Historic Grant Cottage The former Mount McGregor State Correctional Facility’s four-acre exercise yard has been transferred to Grant Cottage State Historic Site, The newly transferred land will accommodate new site amenities, including an outdoor pavilion for programs and events, accessible parking and historical interpretation of the original Hotel Balmoral, the first development on Mount McGregor.

The cottage, on the hotel grounds, was offered as a residence to President Ulysses S. Grant to complete his memoirs at the end of his life. Before his death in July 1885, Grant spent the last five weeks of his life at the cottage, writing his memoirs while battling cancer. The cottage, which has since been linked to the 18th president, became a historic site in 1890 and remains essentially the same as during his stay.

In April, to celebrate Grant’s 200th birthday and promote the opening of the 2022 season, State Parks and the Friends of Grant Cottage unveiled a National Historic Landmark plaque, which is inset into a boulder at the base of the flagpole in front of the cottage.

The site was named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service in January 2021, making it one of only 275 properties to receive the designation in New York state. National Historic Landmarks are historic properties that illustrate the heritage of the United States.

“We’ve seen growing interest in the educational programs and events at this National Historic Landmark,” state Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “This parcel provides room for more visitor services, while helping to preserve the historic site’s landscape setting and integrity. I’m grateful to our state agency partners at the Office of General Services and Empire State Development for making the transfer of jurisdiction a priority.”

Office of General Services Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “The Office of General Services is proud to play a role in the preservation and expansion of the Grant Cottage Historic Site at Mount McGregor. Working with our partners at State Parks and ESD, our combined efforts will increase the opportunities for visitors to learn more about the history of New York State and the nation.”

Hope Knight, Empire State Development acting commissioner and president and

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This residence is where President Ulysses S. Grant went to complete his memoirs.

Courtesy NYS Parks and Recreation

CEO-designate, said historical and cultural attractions, like the cottage, “tell the story of New York’s unique people, places and heritage and are an important tourism draw to the region. As the state continues to drastically reduce its incarceration rate, finding new uses for shuttered facilities like Mount McGregor State Correctional Facility is important for the health and vitality of the communities that surround them and we are thrilled that this parcel will serve as a historical and educational draw to the region.”

Department of Corrections and Community Supervision Acting Commissioner Anthony J. Annucci said, “We are always gratified to partner with our sister state agencies on the goal of benefitting New Yorkers by identifying new uses for parts of facilities that have closed. In this case, we are thrilled to help make the Grant Cottage Historic Site more accessible for visitors.”

“We are grateful to our partners in New York State for the transfer of this land to our National Historic Landmark site,” said Friends of Grant Cottage President Tim Welch. “This acquisition represents an important opportunity to better accommodate our visitors and expand our programming, enabling us to carry out our mission of bringing Grant’s story to a wider audience.”

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Franklin Community Center was awarded two grants in support of its lowincome housing program. The building serves as a safe haven for individuals who may be faced with homelessness, living in substandard conditions or waiting for subsidized housing to become available.

It offers 17 single-occupancy efficiency apartments that serve as permanent, safe housing for low-income adults. The funding assistance will support needed improvements on the 35-year old building, located centrally in downtown Saratoga Springs.

The Troy Savings Bank Charitable Foundation’s community development funding stream issued a grant in the amount of $11,500. The program also received an award of $3,000 from The Glens Falls Foundation in support of the on-going improvements.

These grants, plus an additional $3,000 from the Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund awarded in December of 2021, will help to fill a gap in financial resources for one of Franklin Community Center’s crucial key programs. *

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The Saratoga County History Center is seeking vendors of handmade crafts, antiques and farm products for the annual craft fair on Saturday, June 18, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

No mass-produced or commerciallymade items will be permitted. Spaces are available outdoors, with limited spaces available indoors. This is a rain or shine event.

Contact Beth Silvestri for more information at (518) 885-4000 or bsilvestri@ brooksidemuseum.org

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Brookside Museum is located at 6 Charlton Street, Ballston Spa. *

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NBT Bank has earned a spot on the Forbes World’s Best Banks list released on April 13 and is the highest ranked bank based in New York and the highest ranked bank in Connecticut and Vermont.

NBT is one of only 75 banks in the U.S. to be included on this list, out of the tens of thousands of financial institutions globally that are able to be considered for the recognition.

The rating is based on customer satisfaction. Forbes surveyed more than 45,000 customers around the globe for their opinions on their current and former banking relationships. The banks were rated on overall recommendation and satisfaction, as well as five subdimensions: trust, terms and conditions, digital services, customer services and financial advice. *

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Ballston Spa National Bank (BSNB) opened a new location in Latham at 1202 Troy Schenectady Road, Latham/ The new location replaces the office formerly located at 1207 Troy Schenectady Road. The new office features spacious meeting rooms and ample parking, and a staffed drive-thru banking lane and a self-service drive-up ATM. Small business, commercial banking, mortgage and financial services specialists are available.

Hours are Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon.

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL 2002 Business Of The Year

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

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

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

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

State Grant Funds Will Help Grow Programs Along Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park Part of the $3.4 million in Conservation Partnership Program grants announced by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) will benefit the Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park.

There will be 80 grants funded through New York’s Environmental Protection Fund and will leverage an additional $2.7 million in private and local funding to support projects that protect water quality and farmland, boost public access for outdoor recreation, and conserve open space. The Land Trust Alliance administers the Conservation Partnership Program in coordination with DEC. “We applied for the grant under the Catalyst category”, said Margo Olson, executive director of Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park. “This category is for innovative partnerships and we reached out to Saratoga PLAN. It was a natural outgrowth of past collaborations with them and a great opportunity to further conservation, environmental education, and outdoor recreation in our community.”

The Preserve & Park’s unique partnership structure whereby they do not own the protected lands on which they operate, has allowed them to embrace their role as environmental educators and facilitators to the community’s outdoor recreational opportunities.

Over the past decade, WWPP has worked hard to develop a year-round program of both educational and recreational programming, offering activities to the public with a robust series of programs for local schools, summer programs, afterschool, and other groups in the area. These walks and programs take place on lands owned by DEC, the Town of Wilton, and Saratoga County; the partners of the Preserve & Park.

This grant will have the Preserve & Park working with Saratoga PLAN to develop and present programs on trails on Saratoga PLAN’s properties. They are doing so as part of their work to address climate change, the critical issue of our time. The conservation of lands and habitats is important for the healing of the planet and these organizations are committed to getting people outdoors to increase their connection to our local natural resources.

“People protect and are good stewards to places that mean something to them. They are more likely to support and care about the environment if they have had positive and meaningful experiences in nature,” said Olson.

“This collaboration with Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will drive the positive environmental changes that will be critical in the coming years to solve our climate crisis,” said Maria Trabka, Executive Director of Saratoga PLAN. “While our organizations have separate missions, with PLAN focused on land conservation and WWPP specializing in environmental education, climate change is one that both Saratoga PLAN and Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park share in common. We are excited that their interns will be introducing more people to PLAN’s public preserves to experience and learn about nature, our life support system.”

To be able to expand the programming required by the grant, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park will be bringing on more program staff through adding new, paid internships to recent college graduates in the environmental field, officials said. The young people who are emerging professionals are also an important part of the Preserve & Park’s educational mission.

Working with interns who are the next generation of environmental educators will give them real world experience as they enter their field. Both Saratoga PLAN and WWPP are committed to improving diversity in outdoor spaces. By targeting these internship opportunities to recent graduates who are from communities that are traditionally underrepresented in the field of environmental education and conservation work, progress will be made in addressing disparities and showing the community that the outdoors is for everyone.

The $80,000 received from the grant will be used to support this internship program from May through March 31, 2024.

“DEC is proud to partner with the Land Trust Alliance for this $3.3 million grant announcement, which supports land trusts across the state managing forests, conserving agricultural lands, restoring coastal and wetland areas, and bolstering essential projects in our fight against climate change,” said DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos.

New York’s investment in land conservation and open space supports local businesses, saves taxpayer dollars, and protects public health. The Trust for Public Land found that every $1 invested by New York’s EPF generated $7 in total economic benefits from enhanced tourism, reduced government costs and improved public health.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 7

Saratoga Casino Hotel Owners Buy Magnolia Wind-Chill Factory In Ballston Spa Offers Bluffs Casino & Hotel In Mississippi Ice Cream, Food Off The Grill And Mini-Golf Saratoga Casino Holdings LLC, owner of both Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, and Saratoga Casino Black Hawk in Black Hawk, Colo., has entered into a definitive agreement with Casino Holding Investment Partners LLC to acquire Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel in Natchez, Miss., subject to regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions.

“We are proud to add Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel to our portfolio of gaming assets and further diversify our business,” said Sam Gerrity, Saratoga Casino Holdings CEO. “We are committed to operating first class gaming facilities, and we do that by creating lasting relationships with our guests, team members and the communities that we serve. We look forward to welcoming Magnolia Bluffs guests and team to the Saratoga family.”

Located on the Mississippi River, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel opened in 2012 and features over 450 slot machines, 14 table games, restaurant and bar, sportsbook and a 141-room hotel located off-site in the heart of the city.

“While this was an extremely tough decision for our partnership, it will truly leave our team and valued customers in the best hands possible,” said Kevin Preston, Partner and president of Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel. “Due to the long history we have here in Natchez, it was important for us to ensure we found the right company that has the same values and passion we do for the community and our team members here at Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel.

“We are confident the team at Saratoga will care just as much as we have for the community we’ve operated in for the last 11 years as well as our team members and local businesses that have made such a tremendous impact on our

Dalton Award

Continued From Page 1 On top of his responsibilities as the director of pharmacy and project coordinator, Van Wagner served as Wesley’s corporate compliance officer from 2000 to 2006. He has also been instrumental in fundraising for Wesley and is one of eight steering committee members who’ve helped raise nearly $5 million for construction and renovation of the Springs building, part of Wesley Health Care Center.

Among his extensive volunteer experience is his support of Franklin Community Center. In 2015, he served as the chairman of the fundraising committee for the Center’s expansion of its food pantry. And in 2018, he served as chairman for Franklin Community Center’s $1 million capital fund drive to support an additional expansion to the center. His dedication to the organization was recognized in 2016 when Van Wagner was named the recipient of the Outstanding Service Project Community Award.

Van Wagner served as chairman of the Chamber board in 1995. He has also been involved in the American Red Cross Saratoga County Chapter, acting as chairman of the board from 1987 to 1990; and the Saratoga Springs Zoning Board, holding serving two tenures as vice

Located on the Mississippi River, Magnolia Bluffs Casino Hotel opened in 2012.

Courtesy Magnolia Bluffs Casino & Hotel

operation through the years,” Saratoga Casino Holdings owns and operates Saratoga Casino Hotel in Saratoga Springs, featuring over 1,200 slots, electronic table games, a live entertainment venue, a variety of dining options and bars, live harness racing, and simulcast wagering. The group also owns and operates Saratoga Casino Black Hawk, featuring over 380 slot machines, six table games, a full-service restaurant, bar and a variety of guest services.

It is also a partner with Delaware North Companies in the operation of Gideon Putnam Resort and Roosevelt Baths in Saratoga Springs.

Additional information about Saratoga Casino Hotel can be found at www. saratogacasion.com. chairman.

An alumnus of the Leadership Saratoga Class of 1988, Van Wagner was given the Distinguished Alumni Award in 1991 and is the only recipient of the Leadership Saratoga Alumni Exemplar Award in 2011.

Stokes has spent more than four decades serving Saratoga County, advocating for communities throughout the county through historic preservation, land conservation, and trails planning. Among her many accomplishments, she helped preserve the Canfield Casino in the 1970s; was the first executive director of the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation; served as the founding director of Saratoga PLAN in 2003; has represented the towns of Saratoga and Northumberland on the Champlain Canalway Trail Committee since 2005; and played an instrumental role in restoring Schuylerville’s Canal Towpath.

“Julie has been a vital advocate of our Saratoga County community,” said Shimkus. “From her efforts leading Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation to participating on the Champlain Canalway Trail Committee, Julie’s dedication to making this region as vibrant as possible benefits our residents today, as well as tomorrow.”

For more information on the Chamber dinner, to reserve a table, or become a sponsor, visit https://bit.ly/3Omr4XO.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Husband and wife Brandon and Keely Whalen of Wilton recently opened WindChill Factory, a seasonal ice cream, food, and miniature golf business at 3 Trieble Ave. in Ballston Spa. The f lagship location of Wind-Chill Factory was opened in Ticonderoga in 1996

by Brandon’s father, Bobby Porter. Brandon grew up working at Wind-Chill Factory.

He met his future wife while they were classmates in high school. Keely’s parents, John and Roberta Cooper, own Frenchy’s, a roadside food and ice cream business in Crown Point in Essex County.

“They purchased it when I was two years old, so I literally was born and raised in the industry,” said Keely Whalen of Frenchy’s.

“Brandon was also raised in the exact same kind of business. He worked there all through high school and up until he joined the Navy.”

The couple married in 2015 and lived for several years in Connecticut while Brandon was stationed there They relocated to the Capital Region in 2019 after he was reassigned to the Nuclear Power Training Unit in Ballston Spa where he serves as an instructor.

The Whalen’s have always dreamed of opening their own Wind-Chill Factory location.

“We’ve always said that we wanted to do that,” said Whalen. “Brandon’s getting out (of the Navy) in a year-and-a half, and we saw the place in Ballston Spa and decided to ask if the owner was open to selling.”

The business, Mr. Bill’s, was not for sale at the time. The owner made the decision to sell after being approached by the Whalens.

Before opening Wind-Chill Factory on April 7, they restored the miniature golf course with 18 new greens. They also purchased some new equipment and reconfigured the interior.

“There was a lot we had to do, and it was long process,” she said.”We worked 13 hours a day, and we are both there constantly. I

Brandon and Keely Whalen of Wilton recently opened Wind-Chill Factory. ©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

am there Monday through Friday during the day, and Brandon comes on his way home from work and spends a few hours.”

Wind-Chill Factory is a seasonal business with outside seating. In addition to serving soft and hard ice cream, it offers a grill menu that includes hot dogs, hamburgers, cheese steaks, fish and chips, salads, clams and shrimp.

They also plan to host a classic car show every Wednesday.

The business employs 35, and the number is expected to increase during peak summer months.

“Our Ticonderoga location is very wellknown,” said Whalen. “When people go camping at Lake George, they will drive from Lake George to Ticonderoga just to go there. It’s a very popular Adirondack favorite.”

According to Keely Whalen, “Our long-term goal is to open more locations, but right now we want to make sure our attention is focused on getting this running absolutely as smoothly as possible.”

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8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

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Construction

City Starts Construction Of Saratoga Luther Forest Corp. Proposes A $60 Million Greenbelt Trail That Will Run To Wilton Business Park In The Town Of Stillwater

Construction has started on a portion of the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail running through the High Rock section of Saratoga Springs. Officials say construction is expected to be completed by the fall.

Construction has started on the downtown portion of the Saratoga Greenbelt Trail (SGT), a project that will provide an important connection between downtown Saratoga Springs and Wilton.

City of Saratoga Springs officials say the project will help cement the city’s status as a premier recreation and tourism destination.

Construction is expected to be completed by the fall. The portion of the trail in front of High Rock Park will be completed by the end of the May in an effort to cause the least disruption to the public’s use of the park, officials said.

“We are thrilled to announce the addition of more bike paths in our city,” said Mayor Ron Kim. “The city, and in particular Tina Carton, administrator of Parks, Open Lands, Historic Preservation, and Sustainability, has worked hard over the past few years to make this happen.

It is a testament to this hard work that this project has the enthusiastic support of so many in our community, including Sustainable Saratoga, Bikeatoga, and the Saratoga Farmers’ Market.

“Getting this trail done on an expedited schedule and with minimal disruption to the

neighborhood, including our Farmers’ Market, has been a priority of my office.”

The 10-foot-wide, shared-use, ADA-accessible paved path along High Rock and Excelsior Avenue will extend from the intersection of Lake and High Rock avenues to the existing Northway Exit 15 trail end on Excelsior Avenue.

The project will also construct missing segments of sidewalk on the south side of the streets to create a continuous sidewalk network.

The city will be replacing 49 existing trees with 62 healthy trees better suited for the local environment.

Parking on High Rock Avenue will be restricted during construction.

The construction is supported by grant funding from the state Department of Transportation, the Department of Environmental Conservation Climate Smart Communities Environmental Protection Fund.

For additional information, visit www. saratoga-springs.org/2425/Saratoga-GreenbeltTrail or contact the city Planning Department at 518-578-3550, ext. 2534.

This rendering shows the drive-up area to a business park being proposed by Luther Forest Corp. It would be located near the Luther Forest Tech Campus.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF The history of Luther Forest Corp. dates back to the 1890s when Cailean Mackay’s Scottish ancestors began planting trees in Luther Forest.

Sustainable timber harvesting was the company’s primary business until the 1980s, but forestry now generates just 50 percent of revenue.

Mackay, Luther Forest Corp.’s fifth-generation president, joined the family business in 2013. He is also general manager of Saratoga Lake Golf Club which was built by his father, Alec.

As part of the company’s diversification, Luther Forest Corp. has proposed the development of Luther Forest Business Park, a $60 million warehouse and business park in Stillwater.

If approved, it will be built on approximately 62 acres of land owned by the company. Luther Forest Corp. has owned the land for more than 100 years and currently uses it for forestry. In total, the company owns more than 3,000 acres of land.

“It’s going to be a mix of warehouse and office space,” said Mackay. “We like to call them business suites. They are mini warehouses.”

Courtesy Luther Forest Corp.

He said the 1,500-sqaure-feet suites are ideal for local contractors or others who have outgrown their equipment storage spaces. A total of 30 suites will be contained within two separate buildings.

The site’s six additional buildings will contain warehouse space.

“They will vary in size from 45,000 to 160,000 square feet, and they can be divided up into multiple tenants,” said Mackey.

For Mackay, this will be his company’s first warehouse development project. There is a shortage of warehouse space in the Capital Region where demand is high. According to Mackay, many prospective tenants don’t meet the zoning requirements that would allow them to be tenants in the Luther Forest Tech Campus. Mackay’s proposed Luther Forest Business Park would be located adjacent to the campus.

“There has been a constant denial of applicants that would like to be in the Luther Forest Tech Campus including the big Scannell project that was supposed to go in there,” said Mackay. “The tech campus does not have the correct zoning Continued On Page 16

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 9

Common Roots Plans To Build A Second Construction Spending Slumps As Supply Structure With Restaurant, Brewing Spaces Chain, Labor Issues, Stymie Project Demand

BY PAUL POST A smile crossed Bert Weber’s face when a Cape Cod barkeep urged him to check out a new beer made by Common Roots of South Glens Falls.

“It’s really good, you should try it,” the tavern worker said.

Little did he know that Weber and his son, Christian, own the business, which is one of Saratoga County’s fastest-growing craft breweries. “It never gets old when we go to a spot we’ve never been to, walk in and there’s a Common Roots beer on tap,” Christian said.

The Webers have a $3.2 million expansion plan in the works.

Plans call for acquiring a two-acre parcel adjacent to the brewery, at 55 Saratoga Ave., and building a large facility for warehousing, storage, a separate farm-style brewery that will produce wild-mix fermentation beers, and a large restaurant capable of hosting special events such as weddings.

The owners said the project will free up more space in the existing building for additional brewing capacity. The Webers expect to increase production from 8,000 to 12,000 barrels per year. Several new tanks will be added to the main brewery this summer, allowing Common Roots to introduce more new beers, in smaller batches if needed, adding to its already extensive list of 90 different brews.

“We create an annual calendar,” Christian said. “For the most part we’re scheduled to brew 15 new beers every year, or more than one per month. Some stay in the tap room, some go out for distribution.”

The new tanks will occupy space now used for storage in the main building. Temporary off-site storage will be used while awaiting construction of the new facility. Site work is slated to begin by mid- to late-summer.

The new two-acre parcel is on the same side of Saratoga Avenue (Route 9) as the main Common Roots building, but separated by Marion Avenue.

“It will take time for steel to come in and get slabs poured,” Christian said. “We’d like to have it wrapped up by this time next year.”

Primary financing is by Berkshire Bank, although the Webers have obtained $450,000 from Empire State Development, the state’s economic development agency. Funding was approved by the Regional Economic Development Council and includes a $250,000 grant and $200,000 worth of tax credits under ESD’s Excelsior program.

Common Roots must meet certain benchmarks, such as creating new jobs, to obtain the funding.

The new farm-style brewery will have 12 employees, with the new second restaurant adding even more.

Bert Weber said Common Roots has been quite successful in finding qualified, good

Bert Weber, left, and son Christian Weber are expanding their Common Roots business. ©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

help despite a severe labor shortage problem that plagues many businesses. “Our company philosophy is to treat people well and pay them well,” he said. “We have very little turnover. So far, so good.”

“And a craft brewery is still a fun environment to work in,” Christian added. “We have established this community presence, which maybe attracts people to the company, too.”

The Common Roots Foundation, with a 10-member volunteer board, distributed $10,000 last fall to worthy area causes, and a second larger round of funding will be approved this spring.

The Webers launched Common Roots in 2014, with just four beers on tap.

The new expansion is the latest chapter in a comeback story for the brewery, which was completely gutted by fire in late March 2019. The Webers immediately began making plans for a bigger, brighter, more state-of-theart facility with a restaurant, which the old building didn’t have. They had just laid the foundation for a small kitchen when the blaze occurred.

“It’s always been about creating a certain experience when people come here,” Bert said.

“Obviously making a nice, great quality beer is the main goal. But enhancing that with food was always part of the plan, whether it was a food truck or our own little kitchen to create that better experience for customers.”

While cleaning up and rebuilding from the fire, Common Roots operated out of temporary space just down the street.

The Webers encountered another big setback in 2020 when the new building’s planned opening was delayed by COVID-19, which closed restaurants and taverns in major markets such as New York City, and eliminated on-premises taproom sales at the brewery.

Common Roots beer is found in 10 other ▶

Spending on most categories of nonresidential and multifamily construction declined from February to March as contractors struggled to find enough workers and get timely deliveries of materials, according to an analysis the Associated General Contractors of America released on May 2.

Association leaders urged Washington officials to end tariffs on construction materials and widen the opportunities for gaining the skills for rewarding careers in construction.

“Contractors continue to report strong demand for most types of structures, with few owners canceling or postponing planned projects,” said Ken Simonson, the association’s chief economist.

“But worker shortages and supply-chain problems, from lockdowns in China to the war in Ukraine, are slowing project completions.”

The group said construction spending in March totaled $1.73 trillion at a seasonally adjusted annual rate, 0.1 percent above the upwardly revised February rate and 11.7 percent

higher than in March 2021. Private residential construction spending accounted for all the increase in the latest month, rising 1.0 percent for the month and 18.4 percent from March 2021.

In contrast, private nonresidential construction spending slumped 1.2 percent from February, although the March total was 8.5 percent higher than in March 2021. Public construction spending slipped 0.2 percent for the month but increased 1.7 percent from the yearago level.

Association officials said solving the materials and labor supply problems will require both short- and long-term action by officials in Washington. They urged President Biden to end tariffs restricting supplies and raising prices for lumber, steel, and aluminum products. To improve the labor supply, they called for more funding of career and technical education and recognition of a broader range of apprenticeship programs.

states, primarily in the Northeast, but the Webers’ main focus is keeping the local area well-supplied.

The pandemic had at least one silver lining by giving them more time to get new systems up and running. The time of also allowed them to learn how to operate a restaurant, which they’d never done before. A second restaurant in the new facility will have the same menu and beer on draft as the current eatery, but with more space for large parties.

“We want this to be a destination,” Christian said. “We’re fortunate to get tourists from Saratoga and Lake George.”

There’s no mistaking that Common Roots’ main goal is producing high-quality products with a commitment to serving a local customer base. “For us it’s not about volume,” Christian said. “We’ve decided, after these new tanks are put in, that we aren’t growing any more. They’re really to supply our local wholesaler. Most of the beer we produce stays right in our home territory.”

“The brewery is built on community,” he said. “South Glens Falls really accepted us so we want to be that kind of steward back to them.”

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10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

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Health / Community Services Veteran Sashmarie Crowley Started Health, Saratoga Arts Organization Distributes Wellness Business In Franklin Square Space Grants To Organizations In Three Counties

BY JILL NAGY Sachmarie Crowley, a board certified family nurse practitioner, operates Sasha’s of Saratoga, a practice she said is “a care center, not strictly a business.”

Her aim is to help people “stay well and age well,” she said.

Sasha’s offers an eclectic range of services including vitamin injections, botox treatments, spider vein removal, intravenous hydration, chronic disease consultations, and certifications for medical marijuana. She does not offer routine medical care.

Crowley was born in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, but has lived in Saratoga Springs since 2008. She spent 15 years in the U.S. Navy as a hospital corpsman, roughly equivalent to a nurse. While in the Navy, she also earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Sage Colleges. Upon her discharge from the Navy in 2016, she practiced part-time before opening a full-time office at 2 Franklin Square in downtown Saratoga Springs.

Crowley is assisted by two part-time nurses.

She collaborates, at times, with local physicians.

Some of her clients are referred by a primary care physician or medical specialist. Others are word-of-mouth referrals from other clients, and a few find her through Google, she said.

Among her services is providing consultations with patients suffering from chronic conditions.

“We try to pick things apart and get to the root,” she said. Often patients are not getting enough information from their physician or need someone to advocate for them. Crowley takes the time to explain things. After a consultation, she always notifies the client’s specialist or primary care physician.

“We’re small and try to focus on the individual patient,” she said.

Sashmarie Crowley has started Sasha’s of Saratoga located on Franklin Square.

Courtesy Sasha’s of Saratoga

Sasha’s may see 15 to 20 patients a day, Crowley estimated. Generally, “We don’t really follow patients; they come in when they need something,” she said.

Crowley came to Saratoga when her husband, a Naval Medical Clinic off West Avenue in Saratoga Springs. He is now in the Navy Reserves and employed as a physician’s assistant at Conifer Park, an inpatient drug treatment facility.

Sasha’s at Saratoga is open from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays; 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturdays; and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Sasha’s also offers telemedicine and makes housecalls. More information, including fees, can be found on her website, sashasofsaratoga.com, or by telephone at 518-886-8066 or 518-646-1971.

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Saratoga Arts announced the grant recipients for its 2022 Community Arts Regrant Program that supports organizations and individual artists in Fulton, Montgomery, and Saratoga counties.

Some 47 grants totaling $148,500 were awarded to support community- based arts events taking place in 2022.

“We are thrilled to be setting a record this year not only in the amount of funding distributed but also with the number of projects we will be able to fund,” said Charlie Owens, grants and community relations manager. “After years of isolation, it is thrilling to know these funded projects can continue to create art in our communities and, perhaps more importantly, build community through the arts.”

With funding awarded from the state Council on the Arts, Saratoga Arts’ Community Arts Regrant Program supports artists, nonprofit organizations, and government departments in the three counties, in partnership with qualifying organizations and artists, to present arts and cultural programs of high artistic merit in local communities.

This years’ grant recipients were celebrated at the annual Community Arts Celebration at Saratoga Arts, 320 Broadway, Saratoga Springs.

Officials said an estimated 25,000 community members, 5,500 youth, and 1,500 artists will directly participate in these grant-funded events occurring throughout 2022.

Recipients include: Adirondack Center Stage, Inc., Corinth, $5,000; Ballston Spa Community Band, Ballston Spa, $5,000; Maria Riccio Brye, Amsterdam, $2,500; Wanda Burch, Fultonville, $2,500; Colonial Little Theatre, Inc., Johnstown, $5,000; C.R.E.A.T.E. Community Studios, sponsored by Saratoga Springs Public Library, $5,000; Dance Flurry Organization, Waterford, $5,000; Allyson DeRusso, Clifton Park, $1,800.

Foothills Arts Council, Inc, Amsterdam, $640; Friends of the Saratoga Springs Public Library, $5,000; Full Grain Art Magazine, sponsored

by Glove Cities Arts Alliance, Gloversville, $5,000; Fulton County Center for Regional Growth, Gloversville, $5,000; Glen Conservancy, Fultonville, $5,000; Glove Cities Arts Alliance, Gloversville, $3,000; Gloversville Neighborhood Improvement, Gloversville, $3,000; Greene, Jonathan, sponsored by Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, Inc., Saratoga Springs, $5,000; HFM Prevention Council (Creative Connections Clubhouse) Johnstown, $1,000; Rumara Jewett, Malta, $2,500; Johnstown Arts & Music Inc. Johnstown, $5,000; Junior Youth Program of Canajoharie, Canajoharie, $2,061.96; Mohawk Valley Chorus Scotia, $3,000; Music on Mainstreet, Canajoharie, $5,000; Byron Nilsson,

Saratoga Arts awarded grants totaling $148,500 to support arts events in 2022. ©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

Fultonville, $2,500; Quintocracy, sponsored by Saratoga Springs Public Library, $5,000; Sacandaga Valley Arts Network, Northville, $4,950; Saratoga Shakespeare Co. , Saratoga Springs, $5,000; Saratoga Springs Arts District, Inc. $5,000.

Schuylerville Public Library, $1,500; Senior Citizens Center of Saratoga Springs, $5,000; Southern Saratoga Art Society, Inc. Clifton Park, $1,000; The Glove Theatre, Gloversville, $5,000; The Marshall House, Inc., Wilton, $2,830; Town of Ballston Library, Burnt Hills, $2,240; Michael Tondreau, Gloversville, $2,500; Malta Parks and Recreation Department, $5,000; Village of Ballston Spa, $5,000; Village of St. Johnsville, $4,000; Williams, Hannah, sponsored by Glove Cities Arts Council, Gloversville, $3,000, and Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park, Wilton, $2,775;, $1,200; The mission of Saratoga Arts is “to enrich the region by cultivating a vibrant arts community and by ensuring that the arts are accessible to all.” Annually Saratoga Arts creates dozens of exhibition and sales opportunities for visual artists at their location and beyond through the Art in Public Places program and Art in the Park. Our classes and workshops reach over 1,200 adults and children each year.

Through presentations, rentals of the Dee Sarno theatre, and First Thursday performances: a range of live music and theatre presentations reach audiences in the center and on the streets of Saratoga Springs. Through the Community Arts Regrant Program it distributes more than $100,000 from the state Council on the Arts directly to local artists, schools, and not-for-profit organizations in Saratoga, Fulton, and Montgomery counties.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 11

New Owners Of Irresistible Nutrition In Marissa Broadley Becomes Director Of Waterford Experience A Growth Spurt Infection Prevention At Saratoga Hospital

Timothy Van Sleet and Candace Rockefeller, a husband and wife team, own Irresistible Nutrition at 53 Broad St., Waterford. They say social media postings have helped grow the business.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Business is going smoothly for the new owner of Irresistible Nutrition at 53 Broad St. along Waterford’s historic canal.

Timothy Van Sleet purchased the tea and smoothie bar in February and attributes the rapid growth of the business to social media marketing and support from his family of entrepreneurs, he said.

“Irresistible Nutrition was always a tea shop, a beautiful store in a charming town,” Van Sleet said. “But when I took over, our social media postings drew thousands of views and many visitors are now regulars.”

Van Sleet was working at FedEx at the time his wife, Candace Rockefeller, was having their second child. After maternity leave he became a stay-at-home dad while Candace re-entered the work force.

Once he and Candace decided to go into business for themselves, Van Sleet set his sister to work finding an existing business to purchase. He was determined he “didn’t want to work for the man but to be the man.”

“My mother owns Unbeatable Nutrition on Hoosick Street in Troy and my twin sisters operate it,” he said. “She was always an entrepreneur and had a real estate business and a book shop.”

It was Van Sleet’s sister who taught him how to make lit teas, which have energy boosting ingredients, he said. She also located a business for him to invest in.

“Four days later I was purchasing a tea shop,” he said.

Irresistible Nutrition operates not as a franchise but as a nutrition club, which is the Herbalife business model for its line of nutritional supplements, protein shakes, weight management programs and related products.

“The club means you sign up to become a coach, have home parties, give out samples and use other ways to market the products and teach people about direct sales,” he said.

According to the corporate website, Herbalife’s mission since 1980 has been to “improve nutritional habits around the world with great-tasting, science-backed

©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

nutrition products.”

Van Sleet said he posts a different “tea of the day” on the shop’s Facebook and Instagram pages, and customers enjoy seeing what f lavor is coming up that day. He also has some fun thinking up different colorful teas for changing themes like Earth Day or Superhero Day. “There is something for everybody,” he said. “Our typical customer is not a certain kind of person and you don’t have to be a health freak to come here.”

Some are boaters from the nearby marina, park visitors, canal walkers, and others who will be spending more time outdoors as the weather warms and the town celebrates the opening of the canal and other community events, said Van Sleet. Others come into town to shop or do business.

“Caffeine-free drinks are healthy alternatives and great for kids, too,” said Van Sleet. “There are no sugars or caffeine in the ingredients, which is much healthier for kids playing sports.”

“I learned from first-hand experience that our teas and shakes are good for hydration before or after a workout,” he said. “They also replenish the body’s electrolytes.”

Herbalife produces all its protein powders from organic, plant-based ingredients, which make the shakes a healthy choice for a quick meal, he said.

“A protein shake is a good option for meal replacement,” he said. “It is better than fast food because you are filling up with good nutrition.”

With Candace working in the shop, Van Sleet has achieved his goal of keeping the family close, especially with the couple’s five-year-old and one-year-old coming into the business on weekends.

“My kids’ favorite drinks are the teas, especially Rainbow Tea because of the vibrant colors,” he said. “They like to mix up the colors like the characters from Paw Patrol. But they enjoy the way the shakes taste, too.”

Search Irresistible Nutrition on Facebook and Instagram, open daily, for more information.

Marissa Broadley was promoted to director of infection prevention at Saratoga Hospital. She will be responsible for infection prevention and control at the hospital’s more than 20 locations.

The Ballston Lake resident has 13 years of experience in infection prevention in roles of increasing responsibility. Most recently, she was manager of infection prevention at Saratoga Hospital, a member of the Albany Med Health System.

With her system colleagues at Albany Medical Center Hospital, Columbia Memorial Health and Glens Falls Hospital, as well as partners at other Northeastern New York hospitals, Broadley has played an integral role in the region’s response to infection prevention challenges throughout the pandemic, officials said.

“Marissa has been a go-to resource and leader on our team during an often-frightening time,” said Dr. Richard Falivena, vice president and chief medical and physician integration officer at Saratoga Hospital. “She has worked closely with public health officials and her counterparts at other organizations, identifying and communicating best practices to ensure optimal protection for patients and staff. Our hospital and community benefit enormously from her dedication and expertise.”

A graduate of Binghamton University, Broadley also has a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Dominican College in Orangeburg, a master’s in public health from New York Medical College in Valhalla, and a master’s in adolescence education

Marissa Broadley was promoted to director of infection prevention at Saratoga Hospital.

Courtesy Saratoga Hospital

from Mercy College in Dobbs Ferry.

She is a registered nurse and is certified in infection control and epidemiology.

Broadley is a member of the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology and serves on its National Conference Committee.

She is the treasurer of the Northeastern New York chapter of APIC.

12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Education/Training/Personal Development Skidmore College Creates Fund To Support Office Of Strategic Workforce Development Creativity, Entrepreneurship, Innovation Created To Help Meet Needs Of Employers Skidmore College has created a $10 million initiative in support of its longstanding commitment to a liberal arts experience rooted in creativity that prepares students for thriving professional and personal success.

Officials said a $5 million one-to-one matching pledge along with additional matching gift s created the Sands Family Foundation Initiative for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship at Skidmore College.

A century ago, Lucy Skidmore Scribner founded Skidmore College with the vision that it would help students connect the power of their minds and their hands in a new model of liberal education, college officials said. That ambition takes a dramatic step forward with the new initiative, said college President Marc C. Conner.

“Th is extraordinary gift celebrates what Skidmore has always done—nurture creativity and prepare students for life after graduation—and moves us forward in our ability to offer the very model for a 21st liberal arts education,” Conner said.

“The essence of innovation and entrepreneurship is an eagerness to be bold, take risks, look at tough problems with fresh eyes, and be unafraid to fail—the hallmarks of a great liberal arts education. Th is gift from the Sands Family Foundation emphasizes the incredible impact that our commitment to developing exceptional creative and critical skills can have on students,” said Conner.

Rob Sands, a Skidmore business major graduate who is executive chairman of the board of directors of Constellation Brands, explained his personal commitment to this gift .

“At Skidmore, I gained the fundamental knowledge to become a successful attorney and businessman along with an invaluable set of life skills,” he said. “The Sands Family Foundation Initiative promises to support and grow these aspects of the education I experienced at Skidmore—exactly the kind of education I believe our world needs. We are so excited to spearhead the expansion of entrepreneurial thinking for all Skidmore students, and my hope is that, through this support, students will use their talents upon graduation to create or grow new ventures

Rob Sands, a Skidmore graduate, is chairman of the board of directors of Constellation Brands.

Courtesy Skidmore College

from the Capital District to Rochester and beyond.”

Sands Family Foundation member Bill Caleo, a Skidmore business major who went on to attain his master’s degree in theater and is now a member of the college’s board of trustees, stressed the promise of the gift to build on Skidmore’s creative, inclusive, and interdisciplinary education.

“I’m so proud to be able to support my alma mater with this gift ,” he said. “I want the world to see that a Skidmore education is truly the best preparation for the 21st century. Our gift is going to provide programmatic support for the kind of entrepreneurial thinking that is a natural and fundamental part of the college.

Th is will literally enable students to learn how to shape their own future.”

College officials said that at Skidmore, entrepreneurship is an ethos and commitment to helping students think and make with the creativity that the global marketplace demands. The college offers existing programs, such as the Entrepreneurial Artist Initiative, the Skidmore-Saratoga Consulting Partnership, and the Kenneth A. Freirich ’90 Entrepreneurship Competition. It offers collaborative spaces for innovative practice, such as the nascent Schupf Family IdeaLab, Continued On Page 14

A state Office of Strategic Workforce Development has been created that is charged with improving the programs and practices to better align with the needs and priorities of today’s employers.

Gov. Kathy Hochul proposed the new office in her State of the State address earlier this year and committed funding that was approved in the state budget.

The $350 million investment in state funding will support wide-reaching, historic and coordinated investment in workforce development across state agencies and authorities and includes $150 million in multiyear funding for new grant programs that will primarily support employer-driven, high skilled workforce training programs.

“New Yorkers are still struggling to find work and opportunity due to the economic disruption of the pandemic,” Hochul said.

“This issue is personal to me. I’ve seen steel plants close leaving workers with nowhere to go. With our brand new Office of Strategic Workforce Development, we are doubling down on our commitment to help train and connect New Yorkers with the good-paying jobs of the future.”

Empire State Development Acting Commissioner and President and CEOdesignate Hope Knight said the new office will optimize ESD’s relationships with the state’s industries and employers “to generate new opportunities for New Yorkers and encourage regional economic growth. Together with our State University system and our agency partners, we can provide businesses with a talent pipeline to catalyze new investments throughout the state.”

The Office of Strategic Workforce Development will function under Empire State Development (ESD), marking a change in workforce development policy to one that is laser-focused on supporting the labor needs of the state’s highest-growth sectors while producing new economic opportunity for un/underemployed and underrepresented workers. ESD will manage the Office in close coordination with agency partners, including the Department of Labor, the SUNY system, and the City University of New York, among others, with a track record of delivering successful workforce training programs.

The new office will leverage ESD’s relationships with employers throughout the state and its standing as a trusted partner in the business community to help identify employer needs early and train New Yorkers to meet those needs, officials said.

To launch this effort, New York State, in

partnership with the Business Council of New York State, has developed a comprehensive online survey to solicit vital feedback from businesses on the skills required for workers to be successful in today’s complex economy, and how New York can prepare and position its labor force to better serve companies’ needs.

Officials said the demand-driven approach will ensure that New York has access to realtime feedback on in-demand jobs and skills to inform its statewide and regional workforce development efforts.

ESD will work hand-in-hand with the state’s 10 Regional Economic Development Councils, which will engage with local stakeholders and help to identify specific skills and industries to prioritize in each region in the postpandemic economy. The Regional Councils’ local expertise will help ensure each region’s workforce training programs are aware of current and evolving employer needs and allow local training providers to better align their programs to these priorities.

In addition to promoting an industrydriven strategy, ESD will also introduce and administer $150 million in new programs, aimed primarily at meeting high-skilled employer needs to fi ll in-demand jobs and complement the State’s existing workforce development efforts.

This programming will include performancebased grants for workforce training providers that successfully place trainees in quality jobs, flexible operating funds to help providers cover the costs of program administration, and capital funding to allow providers to make essential capital purchases and/or upgrades to their training facilities. To ensure flexibility to meet changing needs, funding will be available on a real-time, continual basis to generate a pipeline of new workers for regionallysignificant industries. As these new programs are expected to launch later this year, the Office will also establish and maintain metrics for tracking the implementation and success of the programs.

Heather Briccetti, president & CEO of The Business Council of New York State, said, “We commend Governor Hochul on overhauling the state’s approach to workforce development to begin with business and industry, and focus on regional- and sector-based workforce solutions for state businesses. The new Office of Strategic Workforce Development will address the growing gap between available jobs and skilled workers, while creating a dynamic workforce skilled for growing industries in the state, and with promising career pathways.”

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•

Business Report Reinveting Oneself

BY ROSE MILLER In my roles as an HR professional, a critical requirement is to keep up with the everchanging landscape of employment laws, HR best practices and workforce stressors.

It’s a lot. But us HR folks are a resilient bunch.

The successful ones are always ready for change.

Reinvention should be embraced to prepare for change.

I was speaking with a peer group of women leaders the other day. I love this group of “power-women”, who come from all walks of life and various careers. They are smart, fun, and empowered. We support each other in many ways, both personally and professionally.

We understand how these things are deeply tied together.

The group’s facilitator often presents topics that are thought provoking and it challenges us learn about ourselves so we can lead with more self-awareness. If you have ever worked with someone who was not at all self-aware, you would fully understand the importance of this exercise.

This month, we were asked the question, “if you could reinvent yourself or change something at this point, how or what would it be?”

It’s a rare leader, who hasn’t reinvented himself or herself several times in their career.

Look at what the last two years have done. Good or bad, we all needed to reinvent various pieces of our lives. Businesses needed to shift and pivot. We all had to flex and change to survive.

Reinvention became survival.

When it was my time to answer, I began to describe my past reinventions as separate windows in time. I’ve had several windows of opportunity that feel so unique to its own time period. I had my window of single years where I could explore who I am and what I wanted to be.

I had an educational window where I had to juggle working while going to school. Where experience cracked open a window, I found that having a good education opened up more opportunities for advancement.

I watched myself go through my career windows, which allowed me to learn and grow professionally. I had the good fortune to experience big city windows in Boston, New York City and Philadelphia. My career led me to work in large scale companies and a small startup. Then I came across a window of opportunity to buy, run and sell a business locally.

I pride myself in keeping the window wide open to learning and growing. Sometimes that means getting a new replacement window.

I always told my sons to learn as much as they could so they can keep their windows of

Small Business Association Creates Training Program For Use By Small Business Leaders •

Rose Miller, SPHR, area HR thought leader, speaker, writer.

Courtesy Rose Miller

opportunity as wide as possible. My oldest son is autistic, and I had to work hard to crack open some windows for him that would otherwise be shut without my advocacy. Successful diversity initiatives are meant to kick open some windows that have been systemically shut. Sometimes, the thing is stuck shut from old paint and outof-date mechanisms. Tools need to be used to pry the window open.

I find leaders create their own windows of opportunity. I found the secret to growth is to keep the window always cracked open to keep the air of new ideas flowing in. Pity the owner that thinks his windows are the only windows in town and closes the window to any new ideas, new ways of doing things or new ways of thinking.

Many fog up their windows with their large egos. They can’t see what’s going on outside. If an owner shuts and locks up all windows, the air will become stale and the company along with its employees will feel like they are suffocating.

And I’m not suggesting that employees should try to fly out of the window the first chance they get, and especially if they haven’t spent enough time sitting in the room. The grass always looks greener from a distance. And never smash a window that you don’t like. You’ll most likely cut yourself.

Reinvention can take many shapes and each window of opportunity can be unique to its time and place. There is nothing wrong with sitting at your favorite window and enjoying the view. That is something we all strive for.

I’m looking forward to my next window of opportunity. I’m not sure what type, shape and size it will be, but I do know it will only be a window where the fresh air of ideas is coming in and there will be an excellent view.

The U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) Upstate New York District Office announced the start of local recruitment for T.H.R.I.V.E. (Train, Hope, Rise, Innovate, Venture, Elevate), a free national training program for small business leaders.

The SBA is currently recruiting small business applicants who have been in business for at least three years; who have annual revenues of at least $250,000; who have at least one employee other than the owner; and who can commit to participating in the six-month program from July 5 to Dec. 16.

“T.H.R.I.V.E. is a unique SBA program that can be instrumental for entrepreneurs aiming to grow or expand their small businesses.

Throughout the course, participants will receive core business knowledge, work directly with a business coach, meet with peers and develop a three-year Strategic Growth Plan,” said SBA Upstate New York District Director Bernard J. Paprocki. “We will select 20 participants for the Upstate New York cohort, and I strongly encourage small business owners who are ready for growth to consider applying for this opportunity by the May 31 deadline.”

T.H.R.I.V.E. provides complimentary entrepreneurship education and training for executives of high-performing small businesses.

Over six months, the executive entrepreneurship training series includes in-person coaching and virtual, self-paced instruction. Paprocki said the hybrid program allows participants to work with a network of experienced subject matter experts in core business topics like accounting, business strategy, marketing, and human resources customized for the unique needs of small business owners.

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“T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined initiative will provide up-and-coming small business leaders with tools, knowledge, and access to the best and the brightest minds in economic development to help them accelerate their growth and help them become competitive in an increasingly global economy,” said Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).

She said T.H.R.I.V.E.’s reimagined design will focus on engagement, problem-solving, and peer-to-peer interaction within the cohorts.

In addition, the new hybrid format promotes an ecosystem of business connections among business peers, government leaders, and the financial community. As a result, T.H.R.I.V.E., Emerging Leaders Reimagined will help build sustainable and scalable businesses that promote economic development within their communities and the U.S. overall.

“Under Administrator Guzman’s leadership of action and outcomes, we are committed to transforming our learning ecosystem to be timelier and more relevant and meet small businesses where they are right now,” said Mark Madrid, SBA associate administrator of the Office for Entrepreneurial Development.

“We embody this approach with T.H.R.I.V.E. Emerging Leaders Reimagined. With this reimagined curriculum building on our rich history, we will expand access to more small businesses, and more locations and increase accessibility through a virtual component. We are energized, mobilized and ready to go,”

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Washington County New Business Registrations Bellabud Farm 13328 State Route 22 Whitehall, NY 12887

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Goodspeed Dumpsters and Cleanouts 13 Broadview Terrace Granville, NY 12832

Paws for Joy Therapy Dog Service 14 Sloan Drive Greenwich, NY 12834

Beatifully Chaotic Boutique 1188 State Route 196 Hudson Falls, NY 12839

Back Forty Farm 263 North Rd. Clemons, NY 12819

Every Layer Counts 268 County Route 54 Schaghticoke, NY 12154

CYA Electrical and General Contracting (Competant yet Affordable) 72 Dick Hill Rd. Granville, NY 12832

Ricks Refrigeration and Plumbing 215 Jerome Dr. Cambridge, NY 12816

JB Equipment Sales 31 Sutliff Lane Salem, NY 12865 Dougs Drywall 225 Broadway Fort Edward, NY 12828

Fitzgeralds Home Improvement Specialist 54 River St., Apt. B Hudson Falls, NY 12839 Tigers Treeworks 17 Baker St. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022

Personnel Briefs

SPAC Initiatives

Continued From Page 2

commercial banking and credit administration departments, manage a portion of the bank’s commercial loan portfolio and be a new resource for current commercial banking customers. In addition, he will be responsible for developing new commercial banking relationships.

Hollins started his career at BSNB in 2016 as a member of the retail banking team. Most recently, he was a credit analyst responsible for supporting the analysis of commercial credit requests and performing functions associated with managing the bank’s commercial loan portfolio.

He earned a bachelor’s degree in fine arts with concentrations in industrial and interactive design from Syracuse University. *

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Tricia Mercer, former executive director of the medical group at Saratoga Hospital, was named as the next president of Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood in Waterville, Maine.

Mercer will also serve as a Northern Light Health senior vice president.

Northern Light Inland Hospital and Northern Light Continuing Care Lakewood are part of Brewer, Maine-based Northern Light Health.

Mercer has served as associate vice president of Northern Light Health’s medical group operations since 2019. Previously, she worked at Saratoga Hospital and was also division administrator at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital in Pittsburgh. *

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Sunmark Credit Union, which has a branch in Saratoga Springs, announced two additions to its executive leadership team as the credit union celebrates 85 years of serving its communities and building brighter financial futures.

Paul Kelly has been promoted from vice president of human resources to chief human resources officer. His responsibilities include leading, designing, and deploying innovative and effective human resources services, policies, and programs that are aligned with the credit union’s strategic objectives.

Continued From Page 1

He oversees talent acquisition and retention, professional development, employee relations, performance management, diversity, and employment practices, as well as organizational development activities, compensation, and benefits administration.

Prior to joining Sunmark Credit Union in December 2020, Paul served as vice president, people and culture, at GlobalSpec. He holds an MBA in human resources information systems from SUNY Albany, and an undergraduate degree in electrical engineering technology from the SUNY Polytechnic Institute.

Johanna Robbins joined Sunmark as chief financial officer. She is responsible for developing and implementing strategic objectives in the areas of finance and accounting, providing executive leadership, strategic vision, and business management to drive overall outcomes to achieve growth and success.

She oversees the accounting, finance, and investment functions, as well as leads asset/ liability management, financial planning and reporting for Sunmark Credit Union.

Robbins has more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, most recently serving as senior vice president of finance for CAP COM Federal Credit Union.

Additionally, she serves as chairperson of the board for Junior Achievement of Northeastern New York. She holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from Le Moyne College. *

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Upstate Agency, LLC, part of the Arrow Family of Companies, hired Chad Mallow as employee benefits practice leader.

Mallow will lead the strategic growth of Upstate Agency’s employee benefits division and drive the ongoing expansion of services within the greater Capital Region. Additionally, he will oversee the servicing and retention of employee and group health benefits programs and group health advisors.

He brings more than 20 years of employee benefits program experience, knowledge and program management to the position. Prior to joining Upstate, he held client manager and account executive roles in local markets and is a licensed Accident and Health insurance agent with New York state.

Mallow has an associate’s degree in communications from SUNY Adirondack College and currently lives in Ballston Lake.

metros and markets across the state as well as strategic national targets, The Martin Group will focus on informing new and existing audiences of SPAC’s unique offerings, ongoing evolution and work to create positive change through consistent storytelling and outreach efforts.

Since 2009, LIFT has worked with hundreds of venues throughout North America to implement marketing strategies and advertising plans to reach new audiences and drive ticket sales. LIFT’s team is comprised of experienced designers, content specialists, web developers and media planners who will work to provide SPAC with custom marketing strategies, integrated media planning and creative campaigns.

With its ability to harness the power of modern media to create dynamic engagements that deliver results, LIFT will give SPAC the tools to target people interested in immersing themselves in arts and cultural experiences, SPAC officials said.

Both agencies are quickly becoming trusted partners and advisors for SPAC, sharing valuable marketing insights, developing and executing expanded communications strategies and serving as an extension of SPAC’s internal teams, said Sobol. Collaboration among LIFT, The Martin Group and SPAC’s other communications partners will amplify their collective communications and marketing efforts, ensuring message cohesion and supporting integration across all activities.

GlobalFoundries Continued From Page 1

the national economy, while also securing a strategic and reliable supply of chips needed by the U.S. government for aerospace, defense, and other mission-critical applications.”

The Department of Defense said the agreement with GlobalFoundries “will strengthen the domestic microelectronics industrial base, as part of the nation’s effort to sustain its semiconductor manufacturing capability necessary for national and economic security. Our agreement will ensure access to 45nm SOI semiconductors critical to Department of Defense strategic systems, and is the latest collaboration in the longstanding partnership between the Department of

Skidmore

Continued From Page 12 the newly created Center for Integrated Sciences, and the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery.

“The Sands Family Foundation Initiative for Creativity, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship will channel support to

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SPAC is a 501c3 charitable organization.

Donations and proceeds from fundraising events benefit the center’s children’s education programs and support the vibrancy of its classical season. For more information visit spac.org.

The Martin Group has extensive experience in several industry verticals, including sports, healthcare, financial services, food and beverage, education, professional services and not-for-profit support. Continually recognized for marketing communications excellence by the American Advertising Federation, the American Marketing Association, the Public Relations Society of America and the Academy of Interactive and Visual Arts, among others, the agency has also been selected as a “Top Private Company” and “Fastest Growing Company” by various regional news publications.

For more information on The Martin Group, visit martingroup.co.

LIFT is headquartered in Saratoga Springs.

Founded in 2009, the agency specializes in sports, entertainment, tourism/destination and lifestyle brands marketing. LIFT provides marketing strategy, audience targeting, integrated media planning and buying and custom creative campaigns. It has orchestrated the launch and marketing programs for hundreds of brands throughout North America. To view work and to learn more about LIFT visit www.LIFTmktg.com @LIFTmktg on Instagram and LinkedIn.

Defense and lobalFoundries to provide siliconbased semiconductors for defense aerospace applications.”

The first chips from the agreement are targeted to begin delivery in 2023.

GlobalFoundries employs nearly 3,000 people at Fab 8 and has invested more than $15 billion in the facility. Its Fab 8 is in compliance with both U.S. International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) and highly restrictive Export Control Classification Numbers under the Export Administration Regulations (EAR).

GlobalFoundriesis working with the U.S. government to secure classified status for Fab 8.

these programs and to similar initiatives in the coming years, further establishing Skidmore as a model liberal arts college for the skills, experiences, and abilities that will help our students thrive in the 21st century,” Conner said.

Founded in 1903, Skidmore College is a private, coeducational liberal arts college of about 2,500 students.

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Baymont by Wyndham

Queensbury - Lake George, New York The Baymont Queensbury/ Lake George has strong financials and has been fully renovated. The restaurant space and meeting room are available to operate or lease out to further increase revenue. The hotel boasts an enormous indoor swimming pool and a huge parking lot that can easily accommodate large buses and trucks. This well-placed hotel boasts facilities to accommodate groups, weddings, social functions and business conferences. Call now to schedule a tour in time for the summer season!

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Call Mitch for details! 617-610-7774 • mitch@muroffhospitality.com

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

FRANCHISE OPPORTUNITY!

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Available Commercial & Residential Properties

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • MAY 2022 • 15

316 Brownell Road, Malta, NY $549,000 This 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath home with nearly 3000 sq. ft. of living space is situated on 10.4 private acres. It includes a 473 sq. ft. bonus room connected to the main house but with a separate stairway for additional access, providing many future possibilities. It features a modern gourmet kitchen and stainless steel appliances, renovated bathrooms, fresh paint and new flooring throughout, new HVAC system with smart thermostat, solid 6 panel wood doors, new garage doors, recessed ceiling lights, and 2nd floor laundry room. A perfect central location - only 4.5 miles to the Saratoga Spa State Park and Saratoga Springs, 4.5 miles to Global Foundries, and 12.5 miles to Clifton Park. Relax during those warm summer days and nights in the screened porch with friends or a good book.

Listing Agent: Gary Squires 518.879.0935 | gsquires@roohanrealty.com

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Luther Forest Corp.

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for the people that have wanted to be in there.

You can’t just have a warehouse with a shipping facility or something like that.”

Scannell Properties recently abandoned plans to build warehouse space in the Luther Forest Tech Campus. Zoning changes would have been

necessary in order for the company to build five warehouses with more than two million square feet of warehouse space.

Mackay is awaiting subdivision and site plan approval from the Town of Stillwater but has already started construction of a through road

in the park. He is cautiously optimistic that construction of phase one of the project could begin in the fall.

“There are always hiccups, but I think it will go fairly smoothly,” said Mackay. “After approvals, building permits and infrastructure, the building suites will go up first. Best case scenario for those would be to have them ready in October or November.”

From start to finish, the project is expected to take three years to complete. Mackay expects to invest upwards of $60 million in the project, and he is working with Lansing Engineering of Malta,

DN Excavating in Castleton-On-Hudson and Franco Construction in Ballston Spa. “The whole point of this project is to prep Luther Forest for a successful sixth and seventh generation,” said Mackay who has a 15-monthold son. “Forestry will always be a part of it, but with the way this area has been growing over the past 10 years or so, it was time to pivot.”

As part of that pivot, in recent years, Mackay devoted considerable time and energy to gaining approval for construction of a 39-lot housing subdivision and 260 apartments. Both projects were sold and are currently under construction.

LIFE IS COMPLICATED. YOUR MORTGAGE SHOULDN’T BE. We’ve been helping our customers navigate the financial complexities of life for well over a century, creating home loan solutions personalized to you and the needs of your growing family. We listen and seek answers to your challenges. We also offer an online application* to save you time. Since we manage all of our mortgages right here, we’re available when you need us.

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