Saratoga Business Journal - May 2023

Saratoga Springs Water Co. Moves Into Large Arnoff Global Logistics Warehouse In Malta

GlobalFoundries Buys Property It Will Need For Its Planned Expansion In The Future

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

Saratoga Springs Water Co. recently signed a multi-year lease to occupy 75 percent of the space in Arnoff Global Logistics’ new 120,000-squarefoot warehouse in Malta.

Known for its distinctive blue bottles, the 150-year-old water company was acquired by Blue Triton Brands in 2021. Earlier this year, Saratoga Water became one of the sponsors for the television show “Top Chef: World All Stars.”

“We leased space in our warehouse to Saratoga Water for them to be able to maintain inventory of both raw materials and finished product,” said Arnoff Global Logistics President Mike Arnoff. The warehouse is located at the company’s sprawling 40-acre headquarters on Stonebreak Road. Since purchasing the property from Racemark International in 2016, Arnoff Global Lo-

gistics has expanded the campus to include office space, multiple warehouses, and a truck garage. The newest warehouse had a price tag of $15 million.

“Encompassing our campus, we have office space for companies. We have warehouse space to rent, we have Arnoff-managed warehouse space to operate in, and we provide a multitude of different services for our clients in a campus setting,” said Arnoff. “We provide services inside of our buildings so that manufacturers can focus on manufacturing. They can let us do the warehousing, trucking, freight forwarding, and all of the services that go along with logistical performance in the supply chain.”

Arnoff Global Logistics’ growth has been fueled by demand for its warehousing and order

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Construction Companies Are Involved With Projects Large And Small This Season

BY R.J. DELUKE

Construction season this year is seeing a variety of companies in the area involved in numerous projects, sizeable and otherwise, as business moves forward in spite of concerns about the economy.

Mike Munter of Munter Enterprises in Middle Grove said 2023 “had a little bit of a soft start” in the Saratoga area, but “it seems like customers are seeing the growth and needing to expand.”

“There are some supply issues” he said, and the labor pool is still a problem, as companies are trying to fill staffs to meet work loads. But Munter is encouraged by the workforce development initiatives in the area, by groups like BOCES, that are aimed at getting people interested again in the building trades careers.

Jim Dawsey, president of MLB Construction Services LLC, said work in the Saratoga area has slowed a bit, but is still robust in the Capital District in general and northward to the Plattsburgh area.

“We anticipate a very busy summer,” he said. MLB is involved in finishing up renovation and improvement of the backstage area at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The work includes a new commercial kitchen for touring groups. All the dressing rooms and a lobby area

have been renovated. They also built space behind the facility for three more tour buses and a private entry to get to the backstage area. There were also power and data lines set up therein.

The new 3,000-square-foot medical facility

GlobalFoundries Inc. has completed the purchase of approximately 800 acres of additional land adjacent to its Malta manufacturing facility.

With the purchase, which has been in process since early 2022, GlobalFoundries now owns the entirety of the approximately 1,110acre park, formerly known as the Luther Forest Technology Campus.

With this additional land, GlobalFoundries has the flexibility to add manufacturing capacity and expand its footprint in New York state in alignment with customer demand, and provide space for further development with its ecosystem partners, the company said.

The rate and pace of GlobalFoundries’s expansion in Malta will be aligned with market conditions, customer commitments, and U.S.

federal funding from the CHIPS and Science Act, officials said.

“Semiconductors are essential to daily life, and are at the heart of the U.S. economy, domestic supply chains, and national defense. GlobalFoundries stands ready to play a key role in the implementation of the CHIPS Act, which will boost U.S. semiconductor manufacturing by creating a globally competitive framework,” said Steven Grasso, managing director of global government relations at GlobalFoundries.

“This land purchase gives us the space and flexibility we need in the near-term to service the growing market demand for secure, reliable U.S.-made chips. This purchase also represents GlobalFoundries’ long-term commitment to New York and growing the semiconductor eco-

Continued On Page 7

Chamber Of Commerce Honoring Two At Annual Gala Set For Race Track ‘1863 Club’

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will host its annual gala at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course, where the Chamber will honor Dr. William (Bill) Long and Richard Ferguson.

Dr. Long is this year’s Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient and Ferguson as the 2023 Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year.

This newly reimagined event, formerly the Chamber’s annual dinner, will take place on Thursday, May 11. A VIP reception will be held from 4:30-5:30 p.m., followed by general admission beginning at 5:15 p.m.

All are invited to join the Chamber at its premier annual event featuring networking, hors d’oeuvres, cocktails and more.

Long is one of the original founders of CAPTAIN Community Human Services and a significant force in the creation of what is now The Prevention Council of Saratoga County. Throughout his career as a psychologist, he has focused his professional work and volunteerism on creating services to energize and connect the community with the goal of improving the lives of children and families.

“Dr. Bill Long epitomizes what the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award is all about,” Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president Todd Shimkus said. “He’s humble, quiet,

year’s

and yet a powerhouse facilitating discussions that lead to action. When I called him to share that he was selected, he had no idea that he was nominated and he asked me if there was someone else that we could select in his place. This

MLB did this expansion work at the Center for Integrated Science at Skidmore College. Courtesy MLB Construction Services LLC

Dr. William Long is this

Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient. Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

Arnoff Global Logistics celebrated its expansion at 10 Stonebreak Road in Malta with a ribbon cutting, presented by The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Courtesy Arnoff Global Logistics

GlobalFoundries purchased approximately 800 acres of additional land adjacent to its Malta manufacturing facility. Plans are in the works to build a second chip fab facility at some point. Courtesy GlobalFoundries

Personnel Briefs

Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. hired Alina Serradimigni as vice president and branch manager of the Saratoga main office. The bank also announced the announce the promotion of Jeffrey Goliber to vice president and manager, retirement plan services.

In her new role, Serradimigni will oversee daily operations, provide quality customer service and develop banking relationships to help individuals and businesses reach their financial goals. She brings more than 10 years of banking experience to the position.

The Republic of Moldova native attended Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in banking and finance.

Serradimigni currently lives in Glens Falls and is an active member in her community. She serves as Vice President of St. George Orthodox Church and Treasurer of Adirondack Greek Festival Committee.

Goliber is responsible for managing the Retirement Plan Services department in the Wealth Management Division, including managing and coaching staff, overseeing the sales process to drive business results and ensuring exceptional customer service. He is also responsible for the administration of individual retirement plans and qualified retirement plans.

Goliber has 27 years’ experience in banking and retirement services. Since joining Saratoga National in 2019, he has successfully held several leadership positions within Retirement Plan Services.

The Ballston Lake native attended SUNY

As Dance Lab Grows, Plans Are In The Works For A Move Into A New, Larger Facility

Potsdam, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in economics.

He lives in Wilton and is an active member in his community. He serves as treasurer and chair of the finance committee for the Franklin Community Center, Inc. in Saratoga Springs.

* * *

Julie & Co. Realty announced that Katie Travis is the newest member of its brokerage in Saratoga Springs.

Travis, of Saratoga Springs, was raised in Southern California, where she received her associate’s degree in communications and Bachelor of Science degree in psychology,. She has developed extensive experience investing and managing properties, renovating homes, as well as working with Veterans Administration loans over the last 13 years.

* * *

The Friends of the Ulysses S. Grant Cottage announced the retirement of its executive director Steve Porto.

Porto has been with the organization for almost five years, after 14 years as director of parks and recreation at Gavin Park in Wilton.

At Grant Cottage, he oversaw the renovation of the site Visitor Center and expansion of the gift shop, pursuing partnerships with state and local officials and businesses and the state fostering the historic site’s brand, leading successful Grant bicentennial celebrations and helping the National Historic Landmark on the path to

Continued On Page 15

BY JILL NAGY

Even as a child taking ballet lessons, Mary Beth Besler knew that she wanted to own and operate a dance studio. Eight years ago, she abandoned her “backup career” as an accountant and signed the lease for her first studio as the Dance Lab in Ballston Spa.

She quickly outgrew that studio space and, three years ago, moved to her current location at 538 Maple Ave. (Route 9) in Wilton. Within a year, even that space grew too small, but the COVID pandemic hit and she stayed put. By 2020-21, the dancers began to return and Besler began to search for a new site.

She sought a new location and she knew she wanted to remain on the Maple Avenue corridor, a location that was convenient and had great visibility. Last month, she closed on the purchase of a 4.76-acre piece of land at 604 Maple Avenue and is awaiting the necessary permits to begin construction.

“We already have the approvals. We are just waiting for the permits,” she explained.

The new facility will be a 5,000-squarefoot building with space for three studios, a viewing area for parents to watch their students, some office space, and plenty of parking. If all goes as planned, the new building will open in September 2025.

“I am keeping my fingers crossed,” she said. “I’m really excited. I can’t wait to see people dancing in the space. Community support has been amazing.”

The larger building will allow Besler to accept more students and introduce additional styles of dance. Currently, Dance Lab

offers classes in ballet, hip hop, jazz, pop, and musical theater. The studio has about 400 students, mostly children, and a teaching staff of ten.

“I love working with kids,” Besler said, but also pointed out that working with adults is a different kind of experience that she also likes.

As head of the Dance Studio, “my hours are 24/7,” Besler said. Generally, she teaches in the evenings, using the daytime hours for administrative tasks and paperwork. She has also been raising two children, one of them born at the same time that she signed the lease for her first studio space.

Besler said she had strong support for the new building from the Small Business Development Center at the University at Albany.

“I could never have started a project of this magnitude without their help,” she said, “They were beyond amazing.” The center is a nonprofit organization and their advice is free.

Although she has had her own dance studio for only eight years, Besler has been teaching since she was 18 years old and assisted with teaching since the age of 11. She has danced at concerts, recitals, and as part of the Sienna College dance team but, she said, was never a professional dancer. She always knew she wanted to teach.

A Utica native, Besler received her accounting degree from Sienna College and is a CPA.

More information about the Dance Lab is available at thedancelabsaratoga.com. The telephone is 518-306-5009.

This is a rendering of what will be the new home for the Dance Lab in Wilton. Owner Mary Beth Besler hopes to move into the facility in 2025.

New NAPA Auto Parts In Milton Designated A Large-Format Store For The Company

Veteran-Owned Company Hinny Hard Seltzer To Provide Its Product At Minogue’s Stores

Saratoga Auto Supply has opened its newest NAPA Auto Parts location in Milton.

The majority of NAPA Auto Parts stores are owned independently by local community members. In Milton, the new store is owned by the husband and wife team of Jeff and Veronica Shorr as part of the Saratoga Auto Supply Group.

The Saratoga Auto Supply Group was established in 2014 and now consists of five NAPA Auto Parts locations across Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

The group also operates four additional private parts supply stores for large clients including DA Collins Companies, the Romeo Auto Group and Rowland Street Garage.

Saratoga Auto Supply also supports over 30 locally-owned and operated auto repair shops in Saratoga County under its NAPA Auto Care banner as well.

The new 16,000-square-foot NAPA location in Milton is the first NAPA location in the United States to be designated as a largeformat showcase store and it is being used by NAPA as a model to test design concepts NAPA hopes to launch in select markets across the U.S., according to company officials.

The store features an 8,000-square-foot showroom, a pair of interactive two-car garages displays, a Milwaukee Tool Zone, the

Chemical Guys Vehicle Detailing Center, and it offers free EV Charging Stations onsite.

In addition, this location provides inhouse Valspar automotive paint mixing and houses a dedicated NAPA Direct Call Center to support its 600-plus wholesale customers in Saratoga County.

Officials said that with over $2 million in parts inventory in their on-site warehouse, it is now the largest Auto Parts store in Saratoga County.

NAPA has also collaborated with the Saratoga Auto Museum and other car enthusiasts to proudly launch NAPA’s “Best Show on the Road” to display a rotating cast of classic and antique cars from local collectors on the showroom floor.

The new NAPA Auto Parts Milton facility has already created 10 new full-time jobs with another eight to 10 new positions expected over the next 24 months.

At a recent ribbon cutting event, sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Saratoga Auto Supply Group recognized the many organizations and partners throughout Saratoga County that contributed to this project, including Munter Enterprises, Saratoga National Bank, Paone Architecture, the town of Milton and the Saratoga County IDA.

Minogue’s Beverage Centers has an arrangement with Hinny Hard Seltzer to carry its variety 12-pack of hard ciders.

Hinny Hard is now available at all four Minogue’s Beverage Centers, including Saratoga Springs, Malta, Queensbury, and Wilton.

“We are thrilled to have established a partnership with Minogue’s,” said Tim Nickels, founder of Hinny Hard Seltzer. “As a fellow U.S. Army vet, Angelo and his team share similar values and a commitment to serving and supporting our veteran community.”

Hinny Hard Seltzer, which officially launched in January of this year, is now available in 70 locations, including retailers, bars and restaurants, across upstate and central New York. The company said that number is rapidly growing.

Hinny, which is being sold as a variety 12-

pack at retail locations, comes now in four flavors, including blueberry mint, bourbonflavored, cranberry and black cherry. Summer flavors, including grape and pink grapefruit, will be introduced in the coming weeks.

“We are thrilled to offer Hinny Hard Seltzer,” said Angelo Malone, general manager of Minogue’s Beverage Centers. “It’s a great product and we are confident that it will be well received by our customer base.”

For more information on Hinny Hard Seltzer, visit hinnyhardseltzer.com.

Formally established in 2021 in Clyde, N.Y., Hinny Hard Seltzer is a veteran-owned business dedicated to producing seltzers in bold and distinct flavors. For information regarding sales, distribution, contact Tim Nickels, tnickels@ hinnyhardseltzer.com.

Saratoga Auto Supply opened its newest NAPA Auto Parts location in Milton in April and held a ribbon cutting event with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Courtesy Saratoga Auto Supply Group

Angelo Malone, general manager of Minogue’s Beverage Centers, left, and Tim Nickels, founder of Hinny Hard Seltzer, pose with a stack of the hard seltzer products.

Courtesy Hinny Hard Seltzer

Palette Building In Broadway In Saratoga Is Home To ‘Beauty Bar’ Hair, Makeup Services

BY JILL NAGY

A dozen years ago, Catherine Hover started a business called Paint and Sip in Saratoga Springs, a place where people could, as the name suggests, paint pictures and sip wine. Within a year, she added additional studios, which she has since sold.

The sales proceeds went into Palette, a woman-focused co-working and incubator space, also in Saratoga Springs. Palette was founded in 2019 and expanded in 2020. Palette spawned several other businesses, some owned by Hover and others, partly financed by her.

Recently, Palette outgrew its space and moved to new quarters. Those quarters, down the street at 480 Broadway, have also grown tight and Palette has rented two more nearby offices.

Their previous space, at 493 Broadway, became the Beauty Bar at Palette’s, run by Fawn McClintock. McClintock did the buildout for the salon but, until she is fully on her feet, Palette will hold the lease on the space and provide further support to the fledgling business that opened in March.

The Beauty Bar can be reached at heylady@palettecommunity.com.

An aesthetician, Tina Cross, has a business offering facials also in the former

Palette building. Palette has also fostered Micropolitan Matchmakers, the new business of Gabby Fisher and Becky Daniels in Schenectady that opened in February.

Other businesses created through Palette include Small Packages, an e-commerce business preparing small gift boxes and baskets, accompanied by handwritten notes. Palette member Riham Laruffa owns that business.

Marcella Hammer, the chief operating officer of Palette, said the role of business incubator was not part of the original plan for Palette. It grew from the co-working project.

“It’s just so natural for us to support women,” she said, “It’s organically become a theme, which is so cool.”

All of the owners of the newly hatched business are members of Palette. Currently, the organization has 257 members, Hover said. They have 28 partner spaces throughout the United States. When members travel, they can plug in the their laptops and go to work at any of the branches.

Despite being a successful business and creator of businesses, Palette tries to keep things light.

“Our entire culture is very playful,” Hover said, “We don’t take ourselves very seriously.”

The Beauty Bar at Palette’s is run by Fawn McClintock who did the buildout for the salon, also known as Fawn MUA. It is a new glam destination for women on the go. ©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

Plans For Refurbishing The Rip Van Dam Go From Apartments To Condominium Units

Local Tourism Group Among Organizations Getting Grant Funding Th rough The State

More than $14.2 million will be awarded to 30 tourism partners through the New York state EDA Tourism Partner Sub-Awards Grant Program.

This federal COVID-19 recovery funding, made available through the U.S. Economic Development Administration, was awarded to New York state to support the post-pandemic recovery of the State's travel, tourism and outdoor recreation sectors.

Among those receiving fund will be the Capital-Saratoga Region Tourism Association, which will receive $750,000 to highlight outdoor vacation opportunities to new domestic and international audiences, and target meetings and conventions focused on cutting-edge industries.

Empire State Development's Division of Tourism competitively sub-awarded the funding to Destination Marketing Organizations throughout the state for tourism marketing projects based on the Division’s EDA grant focus areas: outdoor recreation, international tourism, and travel trade including meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions, amateur sports and group travel.

New York by supporting small businesses, creating jobs, and investing in our local economies.

“The recovery from the pandemic has spurred a newfound demand for travel, tourism, and outdoor recreation throughout the state, and this vital $14.2 million of funding that I pushed to include in the American Rescue Plan will accelerate that economic recovery and allow us to come out of the pandemic even stronger than we were before.”

State Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand said, “Every year, New York draws millions of tourists from across the country and the world. This federal funding will help us attract even more, I thank the EDA for this award and will keep working to bring home more resources to develop our tourism sector.”

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

When business partners Michael Dubb and Larry Roth began redevelopment of the historic Rip Van Dam in downtown Saratoga Springs, they planned to build apartments in the 200,000-square-foot building.

After conducting extensive market testing, they changed course and now plan to market the 79 available units as condominiums.

“It became apparent to us that there was a pretty strong need for this type of living,” said Dubb, founder and chief executive officer of the Beechwood Organization, a large developer of residential, single-family and multi-family housing in New York state. “We collected a list of several hundred people who are interested.”

Many of those who have expressed interest in the condominiums are local residents who have raised their children and are looking to downsize.

“There was also a lot of interest from people from New York City, Boston, Louisville, Lexington, and more places than I can remember,” said Dubb. “Saratoga is such a destination. A lot of people think of it in terms of the track, but Saratoga means a lot to so many people because of all of the tourist attractions and places to visit that are close by.”

The project’s offering plan has been submitted to the state Office of the Attorney General. No sales contracts can be signed until the plan is approved.

“In the interim we have submitted and received approval to do test marketing which is what we’ve been doing. Right now, we have the ability to discuss with people our plans, and we hope to have approval from the Attorney General for the offering plan in July,” said Dubb. “We will put together brochures, displays, and a web site that will show the different the floor plans and all of the ameni-

ties not only within the apartments but within the buildings.”

Condominium owners will have access to the amenities and five-star service available to guests of the Adelphi Hotel. As part of the $75 million redevelopment project, The Adelphi and the former Rip Van Dam will be connected and operate as one entity.

“You will be able to get room service, maid service, and even turn-down service,” said Dubb. “You will be able to arrange that through the hotel.”

In addition to the 79 condominiums, the building will include luxury hotel rooms, underground parking, a spa, a state-of-the-art gym, meeting rooms, and a business center. The condominiums and new hotel rooms will be finished to the same high standards as the hotel rooms at The Adelphi.

According to Dubb, seasonal condominium residents will have the opportunity to earn an income stream from their property.

“If they want to get income from the apartment when they aren’t using it, we will be able to rent it out through the hotel. They never have to be involved with whoever is renting it,” he said.

Available condominiums vary in size from studios to three-bedroom, and the building will also feature two penthouse units.

“We think we will have models for people to look at this coming fall, and people who buy from plans and don’t wait for the models can buy at preconstruction pricing,” said Dubb. “We are hoping for move-ins in spring of 2024.”

With the addition of the new hotel rooms in the adjoining building, the Adelphi will expand its number of rooms from 32 to 65. Thirteen of the additional rooms will become available by June 1, and the remaining 20 rooms are expected to be ready for occupancy by Aug. 1.

“With our breathtaking views and landscapes, vibrant arts and culture, thriving business community and more, New York is proud to welcome visitors from all over the world to experience what our state has to offer,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. "

U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said the state’s travel and tourism industries “are the beating heart of our state, and this critical funding creates a unique opportunity for the federal government to boost tourism across

U.S. Rep. Paul Tonko said the awards “are a direct result of that careful, impactful planning and will help to further boost the economic strength and vibrancy of our Capital Region and state. I look forward to seeing how these deserving awards further bolster our local economy and benefit residents and visitors alike.”

Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said the state “is rebuilding and revitalizing its vibrant and vital tourism industry. The funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration will help I LOVE NY and other tourism organizations throughout the state promote targeted activities and engage new visitors, supporting tourism's continued revival."

Renovation of the former Rip Van Dam hotel in Saratoga Springs continues, but plans have changed from transforming it into apartments to creating condominiums. ©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

2002 Business Of e Year

e 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 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, 9 Broad St. #7, Glens Falls, NY 12801 (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. ird 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 e ort 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.

Chamber

Continued From Page 1

was in spite of the fact that he has made significant contributions to our entire county and its residents for 50 years.”

Ferguson, in addition to his professional role at Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co. & Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co., has served with numerous local organizations over the past 30 years, exemplifying the spirit of the Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year award.

He has worked in various roles with organizations such as Leadership Saratoga, SCORE, CAPTAIN Community Human Services, Homemade Theater, Wellspring, the Saratoga Regional YMCA, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation, the Saratoga Springs Community Development Citizen Advisory Committee, the Epilepsy Foundation Northeastern New York and many more.

“When I shared with Richard that he had been selected to receive the Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year award, he was wearing a Leadership Saratoga jacket. He too had no idea that he was nominated for this award and was humbled to have been selected,” Shimkus said. “His volunteerism has benefitted a wide range of impact sector organizations in 2022 and for years prior too, and I’m thrilled we get to recognize him for all of the time, talent, and treasure he has given to our community.”

Registration for the gala is available online at saratoga.org, along with further information.

The gala is sponsored by Ironglass Productions, Hoff man Car Wash, Adirondack Trust Co., CAPTAIN Community Human Services, MLB Construction Services, Rockefeller Capital Management, ADKtechs, AIM Services, Bond, Schoeneck & King, BPI Mechanical Service, Broadview Federal Credit Union, Capital Bank, Community Bank, D.A. Collins Com-

Arnoff Warehouse

fulfillment services which account for one-third of its revenue. The fifth-generation, family owned company also offers residential moving and storage services as well as logistical services for the transport of items that require special handling.

“We have some customers who just rent space and manage their inventory with their own employees,” said Arnoff. “We also have customers where we manage their inventory for them in our facility. We get all the orders, we pick the orders via our warehouse management systems, and we pack it and ship it however they want it shipped. We work with 10 different freight companies and have our own fleet of trucks.”

Arnoff Global Logistics is now moving forward with plans to build an additional warehouse on their campus. The Town of Malta recently granted approval for the construction of a 110,000 square foot building. If all goes as planned, the $15 million warehouse will take one year to complete.

“We’re still working on our plans for the build-

panies, GlobalFoundries, JPMorgan Chase, National Grid, Phinney Design Group, River Pools, Saratoga Eagle, Saratoga National Bank & Trust Co., Saratoga Springs City Center, Ballston Spa National Bank, BBL Construction, Bonacio Construction, CEFO Advisors, Crown Castle, Curtis Lumber, Lemery Greisler LLC, Mazzone Hospitality, Performance Industrial, Pioneer, Polyset, Pursuit, Saratoga County Capital Resource Corporation, Saratoga Springs FiberCity, Stewart’s Shops, The Adelphi Hotel, Turf Hotels, UHY Certified Public Accountants, West Point Thoroughbreds and Wilcenski Pleat Law.

Anyone interested in sponsorship packages can email Andrea Cole at acole@saratoga.org.

ing. We’re evaluating our financing opportunities and the design for the building,” said Arnoff. “It could be offices and warehouse, or it could be all warehouse. That’s part of the design phase that we are in now. We’re trying to determine what the needs of the region are.”

According to Arnoff, he doesn’t rule out future expansion but said space on the Malta campus is limited.

“We could probably fit another couple of smaller buildings, and that will be part of the next design phase. We will be looking at what more can we do on the property that we own.”

Next year, Arnoff Global Logistics will be celebrating its 100th anniversary, a milestone reached by an estimated 0.5 percent of companies. In the United States, there are only about 1,000 companies that have been in business for 100 years or longer.

“To celebrate 100 years in business is going to be very, very exciting for us,” said Arnoff. “And we have three members of the fifth generation that are working very hard to continue to provide quality services to our customers both local and worldwide.”

Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the competition and put a strategic plan in place. Contact Valleri James 518-935-3209 Valleri@MannixMarketing com READY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS? Mannnix Ad for SS SBJ & GFBJ.indd 1 12/15/20 2:32 PM

Richard Ferguson is the 2023 Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year.

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

A Full Slate Of Summer Activities Planned At West Mountain Ski Area In Queensbury

BY PAUL POST

Snow is still melting off the slopes and West Mountain already has a full slate of summer activities planned including a brand-new Sunday farmer's market (9 a.m. to noon) from June 4 to Labor Day Weekend.

"There's really not a lot on this side of town in terms of grocery shopping. I know how successful the Glens Falls Farmer's Market is and thought was a good opportunity to have one in Queensbury and another way of bringing people to the mountain," said Sara Montgomery, who co-owns the resort with her husband, Spencer.

Vendors will offer farm, food, jewelry, art and floral goods and products.

Bread maker Rachael Lujbli currently belongs to the Lake George Farmer's Market, but not Glens Falls—which is held Saturdays on South Street—so the West Mountain event is opening doors for her to a whole new customer base.

Rachael's Breads most popular items are sourdough, cinnamon buns and cookies.

"People are going to find healthier and more local products when they go to a farmer's market," she said. "Everything I have is organic so I feel like it's the perfect market for me."

West Mountain will have its own farm stand featuring King Brothers Dairy products and pies from the well-known Smith's Orchard Bake Shop in Ballston Spa, which get shipped throughout the country.

"Our fall festival started small and has grown over the years, so I'm hoping the Farmer's Market does the same," Montgomery said. "It's gotten a lot of publicity, a lot of shares on social media. People seem to be very excited about it."

The market is the latest of several efforts West Mountain has taken to become more of a year-round destination, helping boost the area's tourism industry and drive the local economy.

A Music on the Mountain summer concert featuring Jukebox Rebellion is set for 6-10 p.m. on Saturday, July 1, including a large fireworks display. Scenic chairlift rides will also be available in addition to cornhole games and children's activities. Admission tickets are required and advance purchases are recommended.

West Mountain's five-acre Aerial Treetop Adventure Park is one of most popular outdoor recreational attractions in summer, with six high-ropes courses for all different ability levels, from beginners to advanced. The experience begins with a chairlift ride to the mountaintop park where guests are outfitted with helmets and harnesses and take part in a safety clinic before tackling the treetop courses comprised of features such as rope spider webs, zip lines and log waves.

Tickets include two hours in the park and chairlift rides up and down the mountain, about three hours total.

Once again, West Mountain is also hosting threeand five-day Outdoor Adventure Camps for children and young teens ages 6-15 during July and August. Activities are held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, with a Camp Care add-on option from 3-4 p.m.

County History Exhibit Will Begin On May 20

The trustees and staff of the Saratoga County History Center invite residents and tourists alike to celebrate the storied history of Saratoga County in a new exhibit at Brookside Museum entitled “Saratoga County: Our Home!”

The exhibit, which opens May 20, takes guests on an immersive, artifact-rich journey spanning four centuries of Saratoga life, business, and nature.

The exhibit fi lls three large rooms in the historic Brookside Museum, itself a cherished relic of local history from the early years of Saratoga resort life.

“Saratoga County: Our Home!” features scores of priceless artifacts from Brookside Museum’s vast collections, including a Bible printed in Amsterdam in 1718, an 1804 tin chandelier from the present Medbery Inn, a windowpane etched by Washington Irving during his Ballston visit, a section of the 1832 railroad track from Schenectady to Saratoga, and a roulette wheel seized in a 1950 police raid.

Kids take part hiking, climbing and organized games designed to strengthen their bodies and minds under the guidance of camp counselors. Early registration is encouraged because space is limited. It can be done online at westmountain.com/camps.

People of all ages are welcome to take part in other special activities such as mountain biking, hiking and mountaintop yoga classes.

The bike park has over 25 cross-country and downhill trails to try out. Guests may bring their own bikes or rent them, which can be done online. Protective gear is also available. There's an option for buying a picnic lunch as well.

Scenic chairlift rides begin operating on Monday, June 5, giving people a chance to hike numerous mountaintop trails such as Crow's Nest that leads to the Hudson River Valley Overlook. Hikers are welcome to hike on ski trails. The summit affords panoramic views from Lake George and the Southern Adirondacks to Vermont's Green Mountains. Picnic options are available.

Beginning on Sunday, June 4, Hot Yoga Queensbury is offering 60-minute Vinyasa Flow classes at the mountain summit.

West Mountain will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends through July 2 and seven days per week beginning July 3 through September 3. For information go to www.westmountain.com or call (518) 636-3699.

This winter's with little natural snow was a major challenge for ski operations.

"It definitely was slower than the two previous COVID years, but despite the weather we persevered and it was still a strong season," Montgomery said.

West Mountain is still going through the approval process for a proposed $85 million mixed-use development called Woods at West Mountain. Plans call for a 60-80 room hotel, 64 condominiums, 32 two-unit duplexes and 52 custom homes surrounding a new high-speed chairlift in a village-type setting with a full-service ski store, coffee shop and restaurant.

The most recent object is a “wafer,” a GlobalFoundries disk holding microchips. Over a hundred historic photographs place the objects in context, along with interpretive text that discusses 13 geographic, economic, and social forces that helped shape the county.

Museum officials said it is the comprehensive exhibit to tackle the broad sweep of county history in the 58 years of the museum’s existence. It was made possible with funding from the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors.

Additional support was provided by The Adirondack Trust Co., Munter Enterprises, and Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family.

Reopening after winter closure, Brookside Museum is nearing completion of major restoration and stabilization funded by its members and friends.

The exhibit, which will be ongoing, may be visited 1-5 p.m. daily, except Monday.

Brookside Museum is located at 21 Fair-

GlobalFoundries Continued From Page 1

system that supports both GlobalFoundries’ world-class manufacturing facility in Malta and the regional semiconductor cluster envisioned by the CHIPS Act,” he added.

GlobalFoundries employs approximately 2,500 people in Malta and to date has invested more than $15 billion in the facility.

The company is one of the world’s leading semiconductor manufacturers.

Last year, GlobalFoundries received local approval needed to go ahead with the construction of a second major building on its Malta property. Officials said the billion computer chip factory will cost $6 billion to $8 billion. It comes as the computer chip industry worldwide has expressed the need to increase capacity to overcome a semiconductor shortage.

In another boost to the project last year, Congress passed legislation to increase U.S. semiconductor manufacturing known as CHIPS and Science Act, a semiconductor incentive, scientific research, and technological competitiveness bill to designed bring manufacturing back from overseas to places like Upstate New York.

“GlobalFoundries is redefi ning innovation and semiconductor manufacturing by developing and delivering feature-rich process technology solutions that provide leadership performance in pervasive high growth markets,” the company said in a statement. “GlobalFoundries offers a unique mix of design, development and fabrication services. With a talented and diverse workforce and an at-scale manufacturing footprint spanning the U.S., Europe and Asia, GlobalFoundries is a trusted technology source to its worldwide customers.”

For more information, visit www.GlobalFoundries.com.

ground Ave., Ballston Spa, four blocks from Route 50 at the west end of Front Street. Admission is free.

For information telephone 885-4000 or visit brooksidemuseum.org.

West Mountain’s Aerial Treetop Adventure Park is a popular outdoor attraction.

Courtesy West Mountain

Construction

Witt Construction Plans To Build 31 Custom Homes On e East Side Of Saratoga Lake

Investors Still Being Sought For A ordable Housing Project On Putnam St. In Saratoga

BY PAUL POST

A Spa City builder hopes to break ground late this summer on the rst of 31 custom homes, priced at $1 million and up, on the east side of Saratoga Lake.

Witt Construction owner John Witt says Phyllian’s Blu , a 111-acre conservation subdivision with a unique agriculture component, will “be the nicest project in the county by keeping the rural character of the town of Saratoga’s farmland.”

He said more than 61 acres will be kept as green space in perpetuity, with no new buildings allowed. Nearby Old Tavern Farm will use most of this to expand its thoroughbred breeding operation in addition to planting a new vineyard to go along with its existing cut ower business.

“We have 2,000 vines on order that will be planted in May and will grow our winery operations to meet the capacity of the additional vines,” said Nicole Borisenok, Old Tavern Farm Winery owner. “ is site is also home to our 24,000 cut owers that we plant each season to supply local farmers markets and businesses in

our community. By the time we are done, it will be a beautiful farm and agricultural site.”

e property was previously home to a farm and been vacant for about 80 years, Witt said. ere is an old farmhouse and historic barn on site, surrounded by elds of rye and owers. So Witt and Old Tavern together are in e ect bringing an old farm back to life.

“ e vineyard will be a visitor’s dream and an asset to our local economy, bolstering agritourism and as another amenity for residents,” Witt said.

Several di erent varieties of New York grapes will be grown, and the vineyard is expected to create a number of new farm-based jobs.

Homes will be constructed on roughly oneand-a-half-acre lots, with each lot having its own individual site plan that contains storm water run-o . e development will connect to the county sewer system on Route 9P. Each home will have its own well water.

e rst homes should be completed by late summer or early fall 2024 and the entire proj-

e owner of Putnam Resources LLC is continuing to accept proposals from private investors to move the project along.

e group has partnered with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Saratoga County, and the city of Saratoga Springs to take advantage of state and private funding sources and other initiatives geared toward increasing the amount of workforce and a ordable housing available in the state.

e project—Putnam Commons, at 53 Putnam St., Saratoga Springs—is a private-public endeavor that will transform a cleaned-up brown eld in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs into residential condominiums o ering homeownership opportunities for members of the local workforce.

e property is across the street from the Saratoga Springs Public Library.

e developers have guaranteed that at a minimum 30 percent of the units in the building will be o ered at a price a ordable for buyers earning 80 percent of the average median income of the area. Driving the project is a collaboration of entities with common goals of ameliorating the prevailing shortage of workforce housing in the Spa City.

In addition to the slate of invested partners, Putnam Resources’s team includes First Fair eld Associates LLC, Saratoga City Center, Roohan Realty, BBL Construction Services, Witt Construction, HBT Architects, Sustainable ComfortJe ery Love, Fusion Systems Engineering, DPC

- Mark Cambria, 260 Structural EngineeringDale Meszler, Principal, Environmental Design Partnership,Brian Osterhout, P.E., Young/Sommer LLC, Sterling Environmental Engineering PC, and Yepsen & Pikulski, Public A airs.

“ anks to the extraordinary talent of our team, this once environmental hazard and eyesore will be a model for attractive environmentally sustainable, all-electric, mixed economic level housing,” said Jason Letts, a principal of Putnam Resources. “We are particularly excited by how it will advance social equality through a ordable home ownership.”

“We are extremely grateful to the local and state government o cials who have shown unwavering support,” added Letts.

“ e shortage of a ordable and workforce housing is especially noticeable in a city like

is is a rendering of one of the homes to be built by Witt Construction at Phyllian’s Blu , a 111-acre conservation subdivision on Saratoga Lake.

Courtesy Witt Construction

is vacant lot on Putnam Street in Saratoga Springs will be the site of an a ordable housing apartment complex funded by a local investment group.

©2023 Saratoga Photographer.com

drb Business Interiors Uses Falkbuilt Products For Digital Component Systems

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

It was while working to construct the interior of a third Saratoga CoWorks Space at 92 Congress St. in Saratoga Springs that owners Dorothy Rogers-Bullis and Dan Bullis fi rst discovered Falkbuilt, an interior digital component construction company.

They were so impressed with the company that they now operate Falkbuilt’s Northern New York branch as part of their own commercial design and furniture company, drb Business Interiors.

“Falkbuilt was the solution that we were looking for,” said Rogers-Bullis. “We wanted better acoustics, better design, and faster lead times.”

Had they not used Falkbuilt for the interior buildout at 92 Congress St., she estimated that the work would have taken four times as long.

Founded in 2019, Calgary-based Falkbuilt has 450 employees and more than 90 branches in North America, the Middle East and India. The interior construction manufacturing company uses next-generation technology to manufacture components efficiently and precisely in their factory. Falkbuilt systems are being utilized in hospitals, offices, and even a research station in Antarctica.

Described as “conventional construction on steroids,” Falkbuilt’s digital component construction combines proven interior construction methods with technology. Its ECHO software, a cloud-computing platform, connects with the technological platforms that are commonly used in conventional construction. The soft ware also utilizes industry-standard design and engineering tools.

“Falkbuilt combines technology and construction to make a quicker, more streamlined, efficient, sustainable end result,” said RogersBullis. “We’re doing prefabrication on the interior, and nobody else is doing that. It’s engineered, off-site construction.”

According to Rogers-Bullis, using Falkbuilt drastically speeds up the interior construction process.

“As opposed to, say, three months for an inside buildout, we can do it within weeks,” she said.

Falkbuilt systems typically arrive just five weeks after being ordered, and the components are precut and manufactured offsite for easy installation.

Rogers-Bullis and her team work closely with each client during the design process which utilizes 3D modeling soft ware. Falkbuilt is 100 percent customizable and seemingly endless design options. Customers are also able to make design modifications right up until the time of production.

Putnam Street

Continued From Page 8

ours with such a vibrant economy,” said Saratoga Springs Mayor Ronald Kim. “This project checks all of the boxes. It is a green building, offers affordable home ownership and it is located right downtown close to public transportation. We feel confident about the upcoming requests for approvals.”

In total, the project is expected to cost close to $ 12 million to complete. Grants from the Empire State Development Fund, Housing and Community Resources, NYSERDA, as well as tax credits for the brownfield cleanup, will aid the investors

Construction Season

Continued From Page 1

on the backstretch at Saratoga Race Course is complete. It is being operated by Saratoga Hospital, which moved staff in late April. There, care is available for the numerous backstretch workers.

“We’re pretty excited about that one,” said Dawsey of the $2 million project.

In Glens Falls, the company completed the renovation of Glens Falls National Bank, which will be the corporate headquarters. The bank had two buildings at 240 Glen St. and next door at 250 Glen St. The $17 million project creates a single 60,000-square-foot building.

It involved a complete renovation and the creation of a new lobby. During the process, staff was moved to a Queensbury office. Those staffers will return to Glens Falls, as well as some from the South Street branch, Dawsey said.

offices for for Contractor Sales Co. in Albany. That structure is 3,500 square feet of sales and administrative space. The company that sells, rents and services earth moving, paving and industrial equipment.

Munter recently finished production floor upgrades and is putting finishing touches on executive offices for Nine Pin Cider in their neighboring and newly acquired 7,000-square-foot building, expanding their footprint in Albany. The company recently renovated the bar and dining area at Druther’s on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“Our ECHO soft ware is 100 percent accurate and allows us to change things in real time,” she said. “I explain to people that Falkbuilt is a platform, not necessarily a product, and we have solutions for your project.”

One of the benefits of using Falkbuilt components is that they are designed to be sound absorbing. They have superior acoustics that allows for greater privacy within an office. The components are also designed for disassembly, and wall systems can be easily reconfigured.

All components are packed flat for shipping, and installation generates almost zero waste. As a result, customers are able to save money on freight and construction material disposal costs.

As part of Falkbuilt’s focus on sustainability, they use high-density fiberboard in place of drywall for their cladding, which is the coating on a structure or material. Manufactured from recycled sawdust and wood shavings, the cladding is biodegradable, compostable, and substantially sturdier than drywall. Cladding is available in a variety of materials including wood grain and faux marble.

Since opening the Falkbuilt branch, drb Business Interiors has been working with customers from around the country.

“Everyone who has a branch can sell to customers anywhere in the world, and right now we’re working on a huge 80,000-square-feet project in the midwest,” said Rogers-Bullis. “I’m also working with contractors and architects in the Albany area that love it. I’m also working on projects in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey.”

For more information, visit falkbuilt.com.

in fulfilling their goal to build an environmentally friendly building with affordable housing in downtown Saratoga Springs.

“This is one of the first projects of its type in upstate New York and a step towards the governor’s goal of having every upstate community increase its housing stock by 1 percent,” said Adam Feldman, executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties, one of two nonprofit partners in the Putnam Resources project. “It’s great to be part of such a cohesive and competent team.”

Putnam Resources LLC is New York-based LLC focused on revitalizing distressed properties utilizing development strategies with a positive social purpose.

At the Knolls Atomic Power Laboratory’s Kenneth Kesselring site, MLB is building a 100foot structure costing $15 million that should be completed by March of next year, Dawsey said. Details could not be released because KAPL is a secure government nuclear site.

The company recently landed a contract to renovate the Jim Dandy bar and restaurant area at Saratoga Race Course. The work will start this fall after the 2023 race meet is completed and will be finished before the opening of the track next year.

The company is also continuing to work on the $95 million expansion of the Center for Integrated Science at Skidmore College, home of the college’s new science and learning center. The project consists of four phases. Phase 3 is expected to be completed in May 2024.

Munter said his company is finishing up work on a 25,000-square foot headquarters for Solar Foundations USA. They are a design and manufacturing facility of solar panel supports.

Munter Enterprises is also building a structure for the Luizzi Brothers in Watervliet. The 120,000-square-foot building will then be leased by Luizzi to Cargill, an American global food corporation based in Minnetonka, Minn. Some of Cargill’s major businesses are trading, purchasing and distributing grain and other agricultural commodities.

Another project is construction of corporate

An 8,000-square-foot expansion at KPM Restoration is also being done by Munter. KPM is a damage restoration company that has been serving the greater Capital Region for over 10 years. Its headquarters is in Mechanicville. Munter will start this fall a 24,000-squarefoot expansion at the Espey Mfg. & Electronics Corp. facility at 233 Ballston Ave, Saratoga Springs. Also on the docket is an expansion project at Tymetal Corp. in Fort Edward that designs and fabricates standard and automatic gate systems.

In the W.J. Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, Soleno Inc., based in Quebec, received approval in March to build a new plant estimated to cost about $22 million, situated on 22 acres. Munter will do that work. Soleno hopes to create 35 to 50 jobs with an average salary of $70,000 per year.

Joe Leuci, owner of Foothills Builders in Queensbury said his company is working on a project at 80 Main St. in Queensbury. The building will have commercial space on first floor and 24 one- and two-bedroom apartments on the top three floors. They will be higher-end rental units with balconies and high-end finishes.

On the first floor it hasn’t been decided yet on how many different tenants. That is “up in the air” as they talk with potential tenants, he said. The project could be completed and for rent by the end of the year.

Leuci has built single-family homes and apartments in Corinth, Queensbury and Moreau. He said there is “high demand” in the Glens Falls-Queensbury area for such apartments. He owns a couple other apartment buildings and there are no vacancies.

He is also working on approvals for a townhome development in Queensbury. Leucci is hoping to transform the former Mead’s Nurs-

Since 1945 Eastern Heating and Cooling, Inc. has been serving commercial and industrial customers through Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont with designs, installation and maintenance service. When faced with difficult complex problems, experience matters

Pictured are digitally designed framing components manufactured by Falkbuilt.

Courtesy drb Business Interiors

Chuck Ciaccia 29 years

Jude Gosh 34 years

Dave Weiss 23 years Spencer Agan 25 years OVER 159 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Dennis Choiniere 48 years

Health / Community Services

Denise Romeo Is Named First Executive Director Of Alliance180 Program For Veterans

Alliance180, a peer-to-peer, purposedriven program that aims to prevent suicide for veterans, first responders and frontline healthcare workers facing the effects of trauma through a transformative equine experience, has hired its first executive director.

Denise Romeo, former executive vice president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, was named to the position.

“Denise brings over 23 years of experience of leadership in nonprofit work within Saratoga County and we are thrilled she has joined our team at Alliance180. There is no doubt Denise will bring integrity and passion to this role,” said Bob Nevins, founder of Alliance180.

She will oversee the day-to-day operations of the organization, as well as organizational strategy, fundraising and community awareness of the power of this program to change lives.

Todd Shimkus, president and CEO of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, said “I had the pleasure to work with Denise for more than a decade. She rose from a vice president to executive vice president in recognition of the leadership she provided within our organization and externally in the community.”

“I am both honored, and humbled, to accept this position,” Romeo said. “Bob Nevins has been a hero of mine since the first time we met over ten years ago. A decorated Army helicopter pilot during the Vietnam War, Bob certainly knows and understands the trauma of war. He knows that suicide amongst those ranks is extremely high and has been determined over three decades to uncover a real, and proven successful, equine experience that re-regulates the autonomic nervous system. It will be my job to carry out both the vision and mission of A180 along with others on our team.”

The methodology at Alliance180 utilizes

the unspoken communication between the veteran and the horse to reestablish the bond of trust, creating a union where horse and human intersect. The organization says it creates a physiological response that participants have often described afterward as doing a 180 or “resetting

The experience offers peer-to-peer interaction, private accommodations and classroom training to learn the language of the horse, and a round-pen interaction with the horse as the final culminating event. Through the lens of the horse, participants learn to communicate with another powerful but very different species, most often resulting in a heightened awareness, changed perspective and renewed outlook.

A180 is provided at no cost to participants. The cost of all accommodations and travelare covered by donors.

The group can be reached at 518-4150206 and its website is www.alliance180.org.

Business Report

Nurses Are Part Of Florence Nightingale Legacy

BY DONNA KIRKER MS RN NEA-BC

Each year National Nurses Week begins on May 6 and ends on May 12, the day that Florence Nightingale was born. Florence Nightingale is known for her selflessness, dedication and commitment to serving others and for revolutionizing nursing as a profession.

Her work was remarkably progressive for the time, utilizing her own data to establish credible evidence upon which actionable conclusions could be drawn. Because of her meticulous work, it was demonstrated that simple sanitation techniques such as handwashing could stop the spread of infectious diseases in hospitals.

Her legacy of compassion and selfless service set the bar high for the nursing profession. Nurses are often recognized for their unwavering commitment and for making sacrifices to serve others during major events and other important health issues. They work extended hours, through the night and often without enough resources to deliver care effectively.

The national shortage of nurses and other healthcare workers that was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic has put incredible strain on the health care system. Many long-tenured nurses left the profession for retirement, while others left the clinical setting choosing less demanding career options.

Those who remained at the bedside have been commended for their resilience. The American Nurses Association (ANA) reminds us “we must see and celebrate our nurses as whole humans, not as a fictitious image of an all-powerful, all resilient hero.” For the past 3 years, nurses have put aside their own needs and feelings to push forward through the pandemic and its aftermath. We must value them and promote their well-being.

It is important to raise the visibility of the critical work that nurses do and foster a greater understanding of the diversity of the nursing profession.

While many people are familiar with the typical aspects of the office, hospital and school nurse roles through personal experience or what is portrayed through television, there is so much more to professional nursing. Nurses are a vital component of our healthcare system and they provide care across all care settings. Nurses serve in the largest urban medical centers and the most rural clinics and patient homes. They serve as administrators, managers, educators, independent practitioners, midwives, anesthetists, researchers, consultants, patient navigators, advocates,

board members, public officials and policy makers among a myriad of other specialized roles.

Nurses collect and analyze data, publish research and write articles to help evolve the body of knowledge that ensures the care we provide is evidence-based.

Nurses are privileged to experience some of the most critical moments in their patients’ lives. They educate and explain unfamiliar procedures or treatments to alleviate patient fears. They are the voice for the patient who cannot speak or advocate for themselves.

In the most difficult times, they know when to offer comfort, hope, or a silent presence to those who are suffering. Expert nurses have an intuitive way of knowing what needs to be done based on their knowledge and experience. These skills are developed and refined over years of caring, exposure to diverse patient conditions, and the nurse/ patient relationships that are formed.

These caring moments are a sacred gift between the patient or family member and the nurse, and they strengthen our commitment to the profession.

National Nurses Week reminds us how important it is to appreciate, recognize, and genuinely thank nurses for the care and contributions they make to the health and well-being of their patients and community.

It’s an opportunity to showcase their work and share their stories. I am so grateful for the many colleagues, mentors and patients who have shaped my personal journey as a nurse, and I am immensely proud of our profession.

"Locally Run Since 1981"

Denise Romeo is former executive VP of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Donna Kirker, VP patient services and chief nursing officer, Saratoga Hospital.

AIM Services Opens New Facilities Offering Day Programs For Traumatic Brain Injuries

Albany Medical Center First In Region To Get

Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Verification Status

The American College of Surgeons (ACS) has verified Albany Medical Center as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.

Saratoga Hospital is part of the Albany Med heath care system.

The Massry Family Children’s Emergency Center, which opened in 2018 as the region’s only designated pediatric emergency department, is the referral center for all seriously ill and injured children in a 25-county area of northeastern New York and western New England. Physicians in the center are fellowship-trained and board-certified in the specialty of pediatric emergency medicine.

The Level 1 verification is the highest a hospital can attain and comes after a rigorous review by the ACS Committee on Trauma to ensure the hospital is meeting all aspects of trauma care, prevention, rehabilitation, and more.

“The comprehensive and expert care provided to pediatric trauma patients at Albany Medical Center is second to none,” said Dr. Dennis P. McKenna, president and CEO of the Albany Med Health System. “As the region’s only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, we are demonstrating our commitment to elevate the level of critical and emergency care provided to our youngest patients.”

injuries,” said Dr. Mary Edwards, division chief of pediatric surgery and medical director of the Pediatric Trauma Program. “In the pediatric emergency center, parents, caregivers, and families place their trust in us. Our physicians, nurses, and staff strive every day to continue to earn that trust when these serious injuries occur.”

Factors that qualify a hospital for a Level 1 verification from the ACS include 24-hour availability of care from surgeons, prevention and public education efforts in surrounding communities, continuing education of trauma program members, and the establishment of a comprehensive quality assessment program.

The verification makes Albany Medical Center the eighth Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in New York state. Albany Medical Center’s adult emergency department is also a verified Level 1 Trauma Center by the ACS and is the busiest in New York state.

Pediatric patients seen in the emergency department have easy access to the Bernard & Millie Duker Children’s Hospital, the region’s only one. Located at Albany Medical Center, the 125-bed facility is devoted exclusively to the medical needs of infants, children, and adolescents.

BY PAUL POST

A new facility offering day programs for people with traumatic brain injury, Alzheimer’s and dementia is now open, after a three-year delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

STRIVE, which stands for Supportive Techniques for Rebuilding Independence & Vital Experiences, is a program of nonprofit AIM Services that supports people with developmental and intellectual disabilities, including those with traumatic brain injuries and those looking for nursing home transition or diversion.

STRIVE is for people in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, but participants may also come from the immediate Capital Region along with Fulton and Montgomery counties as well.

AIM is headquartered at 4227 Route 50 in Wilton, near the intersections of Old Gick and Ingersoll roads. Previously, STRIVE was housed at a somewhat remote location in Fort Edward, which presented transportation obstacles for many people.

But just down the road from its main facility, AIM found a new home for STRIVE, a former Human Society building that was renovated to provide a convenient, comfortable setting for the services STRIVE provides.

“This additional space and the expansion of these programs will not only enhance the job skills and vital life experiences for those we support, but as the programs continue to grow in their success we’re empowering the future employees and job candidates that will bolster our community’s economy,” said Bo Goliber, AIM chief development and communications officer.

A March 22 ribbon cutting was held to mark the new site’s opening at 4255 Route 50, only a quartermile from AIM headquarters. Ceremonies were led by Heather Harple, AIM’s assistant director of DOH services who manages the STRIVE program; and AIM CEO Chris Lyons.

“We’re trying to get the word out to get people in the door,” Harple said. “This new location is much more central to people in the Saratoga area. It’s much easier for people using Medicaid transporta-

tion to get here. STRIVE’s goal is to help people who have had a traumatic brain injury to regain skills for independent living so they aren’t forced to go into a skilled nursing facility.

“And then we’ve also opened it to people with Alzheimer’s or dementia. The focus for those people is maintaining their cognitive skills.”

STRIVE is available to anyone faced with these challenges who are on the Traumatic Brain Injury or Nursing Home Transition & Diversion waiver under the state Health Department. But there’s also a private-pay option for short-term assistance.

For example, a family might need help caring for a loved one for just a couple of hours, while they’re out in the community doing errands and can’t bring the loved one with them. STRIVE provides this type of support at significantly less cost than paying a private aide, Harple said.

The $30,000 building renovation was done in-house by AIM’s maintenance team, funded by AIM’s organizational budget and a grant from Business for Good. This grant, which AIM obtained in 2021, was designed to bolster employment services programming and other services that enhance employment skills and opportunities.

The building that houses STRIVE is actually divided into two sides, for two different programs, with a goal of creating collaborative services for the people AIM supports.

The automatic doors at STRIVE were paid for by grants from William Gundry Broughton and Cloudsplitter.

The other side of the building is being renovated for a new career center for AIM’s Supported Employment Program. This center has office space for employment services staff, and also provides a place to hold seminars, trainings, meetings and classes for the people that AIM supports in its various Employment Services programming.

The spacious new facility has a large room for gatherings and bigger groups. There’s also an area with a television and couches; a more closed off learning area; two offices and a “zen zone” quite space that gives people a place to relax.

Activities range from simple socialization to cre-

“Our trauma services provide a safety net for patients who sustain serious and life-threatening

ative workshops. Because the effects of traumatic brain injury and dementia vary greatly from person to person, individual programs are tailored to individual needs.

Once enrolled, STRIVE attendees ultimately decide which types of programming they are most interested in. Some examples may include financial literacy, medication management, tech literacy, wellness, nutrition and creative arts. Programs are flexible and scheduled based on participant interest.

“Everything we do is participant driven,” Harple said. “If people want to come every day that’s fine. Some people don’t feel that they need that level of support and maybe only want to come one or two days per week. Participants are the ones driving the program.”

The new STRIVE facility also hosts monthly workshops that provide access to life-enriching ex-

The children’s hospital is staffed by over 140 physicians trained in 40 subspecialties.

periences and social group gatherings. These have been well-attended and are usually in partnership with other community partners such as Saratoga Paint and Sip, and Wax ‘n Wix Candle Making Studio.

STRIVE also hosts monthly traumatic brain injury support group sessions in partnership with the Brain Injury Association of New York State. Formed in 1979, AIM’s mission is supporting the “power of potential” in people of diverse abilities. Through community-based services, advocacy, and education, dedicated professionals focus on supporting people in achieving their personal goals, while promoting self-confidence and independence.

For more information about STRIVE visit www. aimservicesinc.org/services/strive. Harple may be contacted at (518) 450-2893 or hharple@aimservicesinc.org.

Heather Harple, center, assistant director of DOH services at AIM Services, talks with clients at the organization’s new STRIVE facility in Wilton.

Saratoga Photographer.com

Education/Training/Personal Development

Skidmore College Hires New Vice President For Communications And Marketing

Elizabeth Stauderman, a communications expert and strategic adviser with decades of experience in public affairs and external relations, will join Skidmore College as vice president for communications and marketing.

She takes the job effective on June 1.

As chief communications officer, Stauderman will champion a bold vision for promoting Skidmore and its mission through compelling and innovative marketing and communications efforts.

“Elizabeth brings exceptional depth and breadth of experience that will bolster the work of the Office of Communications and Marketing here at Skidmore,” said Skidmore President Marc C. Conner. “Her passion for the liberal arts, commitment to collaboration, and keen attention to the ever-evolving opportunities and challenges facing higher education will support the college as we continue to adeptly share our unique story, distinctive value, and dedication to creative thought.”

Stauderman formerly served as vice president for communications at the University of Rochester from 2015 to 2022, overseeing all media, public relations, and communications matters, including strategy and crisis communications. Previously, she held multiple positions at Yale University, including chief communications officer and special assistant to the president.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in history from Yale University and a Master of Studies in Law from Yale Law School.

At Rochester, Stauderman developed and implemented the university’s first-ever strategic communications plan and messaging architecture, oversaw a redesign of its website, and worked with partners across campus to foster a collaborative communications ethos. She led a

team responsible for content, media relations, digital strategy, internal communications, crisis communications, creative services, publications, strategy and digital assessment, and sports information.

“The creative energy and optimism on campus is evident in the students, faculty, and staff I have already met, which only increases my enthusiasm for the work ahead,” said Stauderman. “I’m also looking forward to exploring all that Saratoga Springs and the surrounding area have to offer.”

Stauderman’s appointment follows a national search that began in January and was supported by Storbeck Search.

For more information, please see Skidmore College’s full story regarding the appointment.

Are You A Humble Sales Leader

BY ALAN VANTASSEL

In today’s business landscape, it is far too common to have bosses who yell, threaten and micromanage their way to the top—at the expense of their employees.

Anyone who has ever worked for someone who has exhibited these characteristics will tell you that it is not an effective management style. These types of leaders lose a lot of trust and potentially, their workforce.

The best sales leaders, however, are humble bosses who empower their employees, are open to feedback and inspire their team to perform high quality work. They are also aware of their own weaknesses, how those weakness fit with others’ strengths, and they want to improve.

These traits make them focused on “big picture” goals that go far beyond their own corner office.

Current research suggests that placing a spotlight on humble people might yield better business results than putting the boasters on a pedestal.

So, would you consider yourself a humble sales leader?

Quick, answer this question: which of your colleagues are humble? You will be surprised to find out that the answer you gave is likely wrong. Why? Because humble people don’t flaunt that trait. And many people, including pretentious ones, try too hard to be seen as humble and even helpful just to make a good impression on others.

A stable personality trait known as the H Factor has been identified as a consistent personality trait for humble sales leaders. It is actually a group of attributes appearing in some individuals that includes modesty, sincerity, fairness, truthfulness and graciousness. These individuals also avoid bending the rules, manipulating others or behaving in greedy ways.

Being humble doesn’t mean being gullible. There are several ways you can exercise humility to be an effective sales leader:

• Be open to others’ opinions. Humble leaders seek input from others and make decisions that are in the best interest of their team. Employees want to work for someone who values their opin-

ions and advice rather than dismisses them.

• Tend to others’ needs. When team members believe their boss is looking out for the team’s best interest, team performance will increase. This ensures your team has everything they need to do a good job.

• Admit mistakes. Humans make mistakes. Sharing your own missteps and how you recovered from them will help you earn the trust of your team, and your

• Accept ambiguity. Some sales leaders want to control everything. You have to learn when to take charge and when to let go of the reins.

• Let your team do their job. Nothing kills morale more than micromanaging. Humble leaders allow others’ strengths to work for the good of the group without interference.

Being a humble sales leader is striking a balance between leading effectively but steering clear of the limelight. While this may seem contrary to what we see in the media, humility is a core value that boosts performance from both leaders and their teams.

Don’t be surprised if humility is a trait added to HR personality tests and is screened for in the future. Get ahead of the curve and strut your H factor.

Elizabeth Stauderman, Skidmore College VP for communications and marketing. Courtesy Skidmore College Alan VanTassel is Chief Sales Officer at Velocity Sales

Business Report

Managers Still Need Training

BY ROSE MILLER

I was asked to speak recently on the value of training programs. I was excited to speak on this topic because I’ve witnessed many examples of the damage caused by untrained managers, who are not self-aware nor able to embrace a culture of learning.

More managers are being asked to take on daily tasks instead of managing processes. It is a common mistake for managers who are new in the role to fall back on operational tasks because they lack the training to convert their energy into planning and directing from a strategic perspective.

Insecure managers are always in the weeds and micromanage every operational piece of the company. Unfortunately, these behaviors also demonstrate a lack of managerial training and a lack of trust with their staff.

Things can quickly go very badly when a manager is poorly equipped to deal with continual and relentless business issues. Signs begin to emerge. The person becomes abrasive, tends to ignore internal problems, keeps secrets, steals credit for others work, or pass blame for anything that goes wrong.

All these behaviors stem from a deep lack of professional training.

As insecurities rise, the person becomes very defensive, has difficulty accepting any type of constructive criticism and acts like a know-it-all. Their ego won’t let them admit to mistakes. They push decisions off to others, or worse yet, become paralyzed in committing to any decision whatsoever.

Lack of training presents itself in many negative ways. Here are some real-life stories of individuals, who exhibited self-development needs:

• A manager is screaming at an employee so loudly that the entire company hears and shudders.

• A manager secretly labeled as a bully by employees, sends a company-wide email criticizing an employee on their team.

• A manager loses his temper, picks up a chair and throws it at an employee.

• A senior manager embroiled the company in litigation due to promises he couldn’t deliver.

• A manager begins to make up lies to the Board about revenue objectives and fires individuals who report the errors found in the revenue projections.

Luckily, some managers will have an epiphany and begin to realize their deficits are impacting the company’s ability to reach its goals. I congratulate the emergence of self-awareness. Here are some excellent ways to embed a culture of learning.

Managers can:

• Join an advisory, chamber of commerce, or business leadership group.

• Serve on boards and volunteer for officer or committee chair roles on those boards.

• Invest in a professional coach or mentorship program.

• Read self-development books.

• Attend business courses, conferences, and executive workshops.

Some other ways to build a culture of learning are through policies that encourage coaching and professional development goals. Managers must be encouraged to allocate time for self-development and also have someone to turn to when under stress or when in need of problem solving.

A culture of learning, or learning culture, is one

Empire State University Creates New Master Of Public Administration Degree Program

Empire State University has launched its new Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, a degree designed for civil servants and others who aspire to career advancement in public service or the not-for-profit service sector.

Applications are open for the fall 2023 term.

The MPA is a 30-credit master’s degree program that involves 10, three-credit courses and a fi nal project. The program prepares students for careers such as social and community service managers in the public and nonprofit sectors.

The degree will provide students with advanced skill sets that are necessary for supervisory and managerial positions. It will also introduce students to the history of the field, as well as recent trends in public administration. By understanding the interplay of governmental interventions, political factors, and ethical implications, students will be able to analyze, evaluate, and formulate policies.

in which employees continuously seek, share, and apply new knowledge and skills to improve individual and organizational performance. The importance of the pursuit and application of learning is expressed in organizational values and permeates all aspects of organizational life.

An HR business partner will use culture audits and engagement surveys as a tool to determine learning needs. They implement systems for selecting, evaluating, developing, and promoting talent based on their ability to tie learning to company growth.

The culture shift can be supported with regular meetings and an idea portal for all employees to recommend innovations. Anyone remember the story of the 3M line employee who came up with the “Post-It” note idea? Allow employees to present innovative ideas to senior management.

A business environment of constant learning is today’s trend in a rapidly changing world. This type of environment attracts today’s workforce. It begins with the manager leading by example.

A leader who shows others the benefits of being a constant learner rather a boss who is continually trying to convince everyone on how much of an expert they are. In executive coaching circles, we use the label “expert” to someone who is shut off from learning. The person will go on and on about how much they know and do. The coach will respond with, “I can see you are quite the expert.” It’s not a compliment.

Preparation is key in creating an environment for change and self-awareness. First, drop the ego. Second, stop rewarding individuals who suck up and rather allow, and even encourage conflict. If you say the sky is purple- who in the room agrees with you and comments on what a nice shade of purple, it is?

Are they benefiting from agreeing with you and are you removing the people who say, “Wait, what are you saying? The sky is blue, and it’s been blue all day!”

A learning culture rewards individuals who bring new ideas to your company and managers learn how to be ready for a changing workforce, changing market trends, and changing economies.

Rose Miller, SPHR, president, Suite Advice, LLC. rosemiller@suiteadvicellc.com

Graduates of the program qualify for director, coordinator, and management and leadership roles in public and not-for-profit organizations.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in these fields is projected to grow 12 percent from 2021 to 2031, much faster than the average for all occupations. The bureau projects that there will be 18,000

job openings for social and community service managers each year, on average, between 2021 and 2031.

The program accepts a small number of transfer credits.

For more information, visit www.sunyempire.edu/graduate-studies/graduate-degrees/ graduate-liberal-arts-and-science-programs/ mpa-in-public-administration.

Rose Miller, SPHR, president, Suite Advice, LLC.

Get Your Brunch On at These Top-Rated Restaurants in Saratoga

Featuring all of your breakfast and lunch favorites, along with some specials, brunch is arguably the best meal of the week. It’s the ideal time to meet up with family or friends, enjoy a mix of sweet and savory dishes, and brighten up the day with mimosas or a Bloody Mary. If you’re ready to plan your next brunch outing, then check out these 12 great spots in Saratoga.

The Hideaway: Serving Up Food & Drink Specials With a View

Start the day off right with a spectacular view of Saratoga Lake Golf Club when you dine at The Hideaway. Open for brunch on Saturday and Sunday, The Hideaway features a unique mix of menu items for every member of the family, such as avocado toast, chicken and waffles, sugar pearl waffles with berry compote, and an omelette station with various cheeses and fillings to pick from.

Adults can indulge in one of their brunch cocktail specials too, such as the Ultimate Bloody Mary (topped with a fried chicken slider, mozzarella stick, shrimp cocktail, bacon, olives, and celery!).

The Country Corner Cafe: A Cozy Dining Spot in a Historic Building

Head over to The Country Corner Cafe in Saratoga Springs and munch on all of your favorite brunch items in a comfortable dining space. This top-rated cafe welcomes diners for breakfast, brunch, and lunch, and one Google reviewer had the following to say in their 5-star review: “Everything we ordered was hot, fresh, delicious, and well seasoned. It was such an enjoyable experience to sit down and unhurriedly enjoy a nice simple brunch.”

Check out their “breakfast sammies,” eggs Benedict dishes, buttermilk pancakes, and specialty sandwiches like The New Englander (bacon, tomato, and cheese with American or Jalapeno Pepper Jack).

Sweet Mimi's Café & Bakery: Bring Your Appetite to This Local Favorite

From the cozy atmosphere to the excellent selection of sweet and savory menu items, Sweet Mimi's Café & Bakery in downtown Saratoga has everything you could want in a brunch spot. The restaurant changes up the brunch menu monthly, but you can expect to find specials like pistachio pancakes, a strawberries and cream waffle, a grilled banana bread platter, and even smoked salmon “toast” with Norwegian smoked salmon, pickled red onions, and capers. All of their items are either made from scratch or locally sourced, so you’ll be able to taste the freshness in each bite.

The Local Pub and Teahouse: See Why People Rave About This Neighborhood Pub

Whether you’re a fan of coffee, freshly brewed organic tea, or a mimosa with your brunch, The Local Pub and Teahouse has you covered. Located in Saratoga’s historic Dublin neighborhood, The Local is popularly known for offering traditional English and Irish dishes and personal pots of tea to enjoy.

Some of their weekend brunch items include an Irish breakfast (two eggs any style, Irish bacon and sausage, grilled tomato, and toast), eggs Benedict, corned beef hash, and more. In describing their experience, one Google reviewer stated, “Came by for brunch and loved it…First time...Great friendly staff and great food...Defi nitely looking forward to going back.”

The Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room: Cheers to Marvelous Mimosas

The Saratoga Winery & Tasting Room is more than just a fun spot to discover new wines. They also offer an outstanding brunch on Saturday and Sunday with cheese boards, housemade Belgian waffles, Rosemary’s Biscuit Sandwich, woodfired pizza, and other delicious options. In addition, you can bring your brunch to the next level by getting a full-size Bloody Mary, a full-size mimosa, or a mimosa flight featuring five different mimosa creations. The mimosa flight is perfect for sharing around the table.

BROWSE NEW PRODUCTS WEEKLY!

Prime at Saratoga National: Chill Out with a Sunday Jazz Brunch

Make your next brunch a memorable one at Prime at Saratoga National, which offers a fantastic Sunday jazz brunch with tons of great menu items. Looking for something sweet?

Check out the crème brûlée French toast with warm maple butter. Craving fresh seafood instead? Order a colossal lump crab cocktail or a surf and turf tempura roll with lobster and steak. When the weather is nice, you can eat outdoors on the patio overlooking the beautiful golf course.

The Merc: A Go-To

Spot

for Hearty Brunch Fare and Craft Cocktails

The Merc in downtown Saratoga is one of the city’s hottest brunch spots, and for good reason! Brunch is served every day the restaurant is open, and it includes a massive menu of small plates like truffle fries and crispy Brussels sprouts, salads, buttermilk pancakes and brioche French toast, breakfast burritos and biscuits and gravy, hearty sandwiches, and more. The Merc’s bar can mix you up a craft cocktail too, such as a Bloody Mary, a mimosa (bottomless option is available), an Irish coffee, and other specials.

“The best brunch spot in town,” says one Google reviewer. “Everything on the menu is an incredible value. The food is amazing and the service staff is always on point.”

Hattie’s Restaurant: Satisfy Your Cravings for Fried Chicken and Waffles Done Right

When it comes to fried chicken in the Saratoga Springs area, Hattie’s Restaurant is the place to be. Since opening in 1938, Hattie’s has become famous in the Spa City for serving authentic Southern and Louisiana cuisine in a friendly atmosphere. One of the best times to visit the restaurant is during weekend brunch, as diners can enjoy a wide array of items from the griddle and skillet, as well as house specialties like biscuits and gravy, shrimp and grits, and of course, fried chicken and waffles.

As one Google reviewer notes, “They are known for the chicken and waffles so I ordered that and it was delightful! The fried chicken was crispy and left a crunch into the juicy white meat.”

The Whistling Kettle: Sip Tea & Feast on High-Quality Brunch Items

If you’re in the mood for sweet crepes, savory crepes, or even “scone-wiches”, then you’ll want to stop by The Whistling Kettle for brunch. With locations in Ballston Spa, Schenectady, and Troy, The Whistling Kettle is one of the Capital Region’s best places for brunch, lunch, and dinner. Over the years, Google reviewers have spoken positively about this cafe and tearoom’s eye-catching decor, friendly staff, and tasty menu items. When paired with one of their Tea Quenchers, such as the Pineapple Green Quencher (golden starfruit green tea, pineapple puree, and lemonade), you have the recipe for a perfect meal.

Iron Roost: Meet Up for Sweet & Savory Gourmet Waffles

Take a trip to downtown Ballston Spa for a wonderful waffle-fi lled brunch at Iron Roost. Founded in 2012 by owner Linnaea DiNallo, Iron Roost is a cozy 45-seat restaurant featuring natural lighting, stylish brick and industrial details, and the area’s best selection of gourmet waffles made with the freshest ingredients. Choose from sweet waffles like Lemon Berry (lemon mascarpone, house-made lemon curd, strawberries, and whipped cream) or go the savory route with Okey Dokey Artichoke (scrambled eggs, artichoke hearts, spinach, mozzarella, parmesan, and a waffle wedge).

Note: Iron Roost is open Tuesday - Saturday, and closed Sunday - Monday.

The Flats Restaurant & Tavern: Treat Yourself to Tasty Cuisine and Morning Libations

Located on Grooms Road in Clifton Park, The Flats Restaurant & Tavern offers a delicious Sunday brunch with menu items for every palate. Share a plate of Breakfast Nachos with your group, and then take a look at all the great specials like steak and eggs, chocolate chip pancakes, a French Toast Bake, shrimp and grits, and more. The Flats serves plenty of morning libations too, so you can celebrate this get-together with a classic Bloody Mary, a Paloma Mimosa, a Pear Cosmo, or even a Brunch Sangria.

Witt Construction

Continued From Page 8

ect will likely take five years to build out, Witt said.

The site overlooks the northeast part of Saratoga Lake in the vicinity of Cedar Bluff, Trombley and Wright Roads. Two new roads will also be built, with two cul de sacs within the subdivision.

“What’s nice about this is that every home will be different, but designed to fit in with the environment,” Witt said. “When you drive by you aren’t going to see houses, which are all tucked in. You’re just going to see the farm.”

“They’re all going to be custom homes so the size is really up to the clientele, but I anticipate that most will be about 2,000 square feet,” he said.

Some lots will have sunset views, and some will overlook the farm.

Witt said prospective clients include both retirees who want to build seasonal summer homes, and families that want to move to the Saratoga area.

Witt already owned three of the 111 acres, purchased 103 acres from Bethesda Church of Saratoga Springs, and has a purchase agreement for five adjacent acres.

Construction Season

Continued From Page 9

ery and Garden Center on Ridge Road in Queensbury into 60-plus townhomes.

He said he envisions a “high-end residential community.” The buildings would have many amenities and possibly a community room to be used by the residents. He hopes to get approvals this summer, but did not want to speculate when his company might be able to break ground.

Foothills Builders is also seeking approvals for a housing development on a new road “just south of Corinth.” The road has yet to be named, he said. The preliminary plans call for

He plans to build a new home of his own in the subdivision.

“Phyllian’s Bluff is going to be a phenomenal landscape, which we’re going to beautify and protect as a thriving, healthy environment featuring custom homes,” he said.

The Town of Saratoga Planning Board gave the project preliminary approval in January. Witt said he expects all fi nals approvals from various agencies including the state Health Department to be secured shortly.

As part of the process, a study of the site’s archaeological significance, possibly relating the presence of Indigenous Peoples, was conducted.

The town’s approval involved several specific provisions such as:

• No tree removal permitted on building lots during road construction.

• All work that involves pruning, thinning or felling of trees must be supervised by a certified state forester or arborist and submitted to the town for approval prior to work being done.

Witt said he plans to plant fruit-bearing trees in places where the land is overgrown with scrub plants. To prevent erosion, all material from forestry activity on steep slopes, such as felled trees and brush, will be left in place vertical to the slope.

Only limited crown pruning of trees will be allowed over a 10-year period.

a 39-lot subdivision and on it would be built single-family homes and some duplexes.

Leuci also wants to transform the former Mead’s Nursery and Garden Center on Ridge Road in Queensbury into 77 townhouses.

The single- and multi-family homebuilder fi led preliminary plans to redevelop the narrow, 11-acre lot that was home to the garden center for 70 years before the second-generation business closed in 2019.

Plans call for the construction of 18 four-unit buildings, plus one building with five townhouses.

The project would be located at 361 Ridge Road just south of Quaker Road, a commercial stretch that is home to a Lowe’s home improvement store, restaurants, a Hannaford supermarket and multiple car and truck dealers.

Personnel Briefs

Continued From Page 2

a new strategic plan and the long-term goal of construction of an education pavilion on the summit to carry out their mission of bringing the compelling story of Ulysses S. Grant to a wider audience.

Porto will stay on with Grant Cottage to work on special projects. He is succeeded by Beth J. Merrill.

* * * Upstate Agency, LLC has hired Rebekah Crewell as a risk advisor.

Crewell is responsible for acquiring and retaining commercial clients within the property services, healthcare, nonprofit, construction and municipality segments. In addition to her production responsibilities, she is instrumental in the marketing of complex programs and renewals for the agency throughout the greater Capital Region.

Crewell, a designated small business coverage specialist (SBCS), has nearly 20 years of

local insurance, risk management and marketing experience. Prior to joining Upstate Agency, she spent her career with large global brokerage platforms and regional brokerage fi rms located in the Albany market.

She lives in Wells, N.Y., where she serves as town supervisor.

* * *

Pioneer has hired Todd Shepersky as vice president and insurance agency manager to lead its insurance and benefits division — a new position for the fi nancial institution. In Shepersky’s role at Pioneer, he will oversee the insurance and benefits divisions, with about $3.3 million in revenue, and help to grow those lines of business.

He came to Pioneer from American National out of Glenmont, where Shepersky was the manager of the New England and large account underwriting and risk services teams. His background includes roles focused on commercial and agricultural lines of business. Shepersky has a bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Washington State University and a master’s in insurance management from Columbia University.

For Sale -

Union Square - 48,000 SF restored mixed use building with 85 parking spaces. Home to multiple businesses and unfinished space with approvals for 6 apartments to be built. A must see!

JoAnn Potrzuski Cassidy Lic. Assoc. RE Broker

c: 518.470.3281

Valerie M. Napoli Lic. RE Salesperson c: 518.248.4191

9-15 Broad Street, Glens Falls

$2,350,000