Saratoga Business Journal - July 2021

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

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

VOL. 26 NO. 05

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Arnoff Global Logistics Seeks To Expand Its Spa City Motor Lodge, With Exterior And Headquarters In Malta As Business Grows Interior Renovations, Open On Broadway

Approximately 125 of Arnoff ’s 200 employees are based in Malta where the company has invested more than $16 million during the past five years, the company says.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Arnoff Global Logistics is seeking approval to expand its 40-acre Malta headquarters, the former home of Racemark International.

The fifth-generation, family-owned moving, storage and logistics company has been in business for 97 years and has a satellite location in Duchess County. They relocated to Malta almost five years ago after outgrowing their Albany headquarters.

“We decided to buy the property and create what we call a logistics campus where companies can come to us with a logistics requirement or a logistics problem,” said company president Mike Arnoff.

Approximately 125 of Arnoff ’s 200

Courtesy Arnoff Global Logistics

employees are based in Malta where the company has invested more than $16 million during the past five years, he said.

“We renovated the existing 70,000-squarefoot building on the site that was vacant and we’ve since expanded that building twice to about 175,000 square feet. We also built a truck garage on the property,” said Arnoff.

“Encompassing our campus, we also have office space for companies. We have warehouse space to rent, we have Arnoffmanaged warehouse space to operate in, and we provide a multitude of different services for our clients in a campus setting.”

The proposed expansion has a price tag Continued On Page 11

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Spa City Motor Lodge, a 42-room motor inn located at 413 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, opened in June after undergoing major renovations.

Formerly known as the Downtowner, the hotel was purchased in 2017 by Lark Hotels, a hotel management and development company located just outside of Boston. The company paid $4.55 million for the property and has invested an undisclosed amount in renovations.

“We love the idea of breathing new life into these great memory maker properties. I think that if you look at Spa City Motor Lodge, it’s really an iconic roadside motel that just happens to be in the best location in Saratoga Springs,” said Blood. “We’ve always been focused on amazing locations, and I can’t think of a more amazing location than downtown Saratoga Springs. You can walk out the door and do almost anything that you want to do.”

After Lark purchased the property in 2017, renovations to the interior of the hotel were made. The most recent renovation included upgrades to the HVAC system, a refresh of the interior, and an entire exterior renovation. The company worked with Phinney Design Group of Saratoga Springs and Sano Rubin Construction of Albany.

The hotel was closed during the six months that the renovations took place.

“Guests are responding very well, and we’ve been getting good feedback. And our neighbors are saying ‘thank you’ for the exterior renovation.

That’s been the one missing piece that hasn’t had a refresh in a long time. The façade was not attractive and it had no curb appeal,” said Blood.

“We’re so excited that we were able to do that and get it open for the summer.”

Blood described 2020 as a “terrible” year for the hotel industry as a whole but said his company’s properties are experiencing a huge surge in bookings for July and August.

The Spa City Motor Lodge in downtown Saratoga Springs.

“This year, our pace at nearly every property is ahead of where we were in 2019 at the same time,” he said.”

Lark Hotels has more than 30 hotels in its portfolio, the majority of which are located in New England and the northeast.

“For all of the pre-pandemic years, we focused very squarely on the upper upscale market— individualized lifestyle hotels that are in iconic destinations,” said founder and president Rob Blood.

During the COVID lockdown, Blood said he began feeling nostalgic about the road trips he took with his parents and sister when he was young. He has fond memories of staying in motor lodges throughout the country during the 1980s. After the lockdown was lifted, Blood noticed a market shift in the hotel industry as people began to travel again.

Continued On Page 3

Breakfast At The Track Returns; Giveaways, Visitors Center On Broadway Open After Other Events Are Also Scheduled By NYRA Months Of Closure Due To The Pandemic The New York Racing Association, in conjunction with the Capital District Transportation, announced on July 6 the return of a summer tradition— breakfast at Saratoga Race Course.

In mid-June, with growing adult vaccinations among adult New Yorkers, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced the removal of COVID-19 protocols and restrictions for nearly all activities and industries, including outdoor sports and entertainment venues. Accordingly, NYRA opened all sections at Saratoga Race Course at 100 percent capacity.

Breakfast at Saratoga welcomes guests to enjoy a morning meal on The Porch of the Clubhouse at Saratoga Race Course while the thoroughbreds train on the main track. Breakfast is held daily from 7-9:30 a.m. and is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.

There is no breakfast on Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 28 and Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6.

NYRA also announced a attractions, entertainment and events for the season.

“We are excited to welcome everyone back for the 2021 Saratoga racing season,” said Jonathan Scherzer, CDTA director of marketing. “We’re expecting full trolleys and a lot of excitement for the meet as the Capital Region resumes all the special events we have come to enjoy. There is so much history and tradition surrounding Saratoga

Breakfast at Saratoga takes place on The Porch of the Clubhouse.

Race Course. There just isn’t a better place to be this summer.”

The morning breakfast buffet is $20 for adults and $12 for kids under 12 years of age. Admission is free during breakfast hours. NYRA TV analyst and handicapper Anthony Stabile, who also serves Continued On Page 14

After months of closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center opened July 8.

“We couldn’t be happier to reopen the Visitor Center,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga. “With summer travel heating up and COVID-19 restrictions lifted, it’s critical to have a place in our community where locals and visitors alike can go to gain important information about our city. We’d like to thank Mayor Meg Kelly, Commissioner Michele Madigan, and the entire City Council of Saratoga Springs for making this possible.”

The Heritage Area Visitor Center has adjusted its hours to Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Unvaccinated individuals are asked to maintain social distancing and wear a mask while inside the building.

“After more than a year of being closed, we are pleased to reopen the Heritage Area Visitor Center,” said Mayor Meg Kelly. “Welcoming all our visitors and community members is a true joy. Thank you to Discover Saratoga for their willingness to open and provide this important service.”

Discover Saratoga has plans to offer community programs at the Heritage Area Visitor Center throughout the summer, including the Summer Concert Series in historic Congress Park. This free, family-friendly event

The Saratoga Springs Heritage Area Visitor Center on Broadway has re-opened. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

will take place Sundays in July through July 25 and Tuesdays in August (Aug. 3-24) from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Guided walking tours are available Tuesday through Saturday starting at 10:30 a.m. outside the Heritage Area Visitor Center and are led by Continued On Page 13

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

Keville Handcrafted Chocolates In Malta Sells Locally And Also Ships Around The Country

Personnel Briefs •

First New York Federal Credit Union announced that Brandon Talar has joined its Lending Department as a mortgage loan originator Talar is responsible for new residential mortgages and identifying, developing, and maintaining a network of business relationships for the credit union. He will meet with prospective borrowers, analyzing credit and financial data and determining borrower financing objectives and goals.

His work experience includes Lia CJDR as a finance manager; NorthStar Chevrolet as a finance director/sales manager; Goldstein Auto Group as a finance manager and Northeast Acura as a sales associate.

* * * NBT Bancorp Inc. announced that Scott A. Kingsley has been appointed executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Kingsley will join NBT’s executive management team and be based at the company’s headquarters in Norwich, NY. He brings 35 years of experience to his new role, including 16 years as a member of the leadership team at Community Bank System, Inc. where he served as chief operating officer and prior to that as chief financial officer.

Kingsley started his career with PricewaterhouseCoopers and was employed there for eight years before joining the Carlisle Companies, Inc., a large publicly traded manufacturer and distributor, where he served first as corporate controller and then as chief financial officer of

•

its Carlisle Engineered Products operating division.

A Certified Public Accountant, Kingsley earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting at Clarkson University. He is a community leader and volunteer, serving on the Crouse Health Foundation Board of Trustees and on the Audit and Finance Committee for the Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. He also volunteers with OnMyTeam16, a nonprofit organization supporting children in the fight against cancer, and is currently training for the 2021 Boston Marathon as part of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute team.

* * *

Skidmore College has appointed Anita JackDavies and Christopher Barnes to two key diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) leadership positions.

Jack-Davies is Skidmore’s deputy chief diversity officer and inaugural director of The Center at Skidmore. She joins Skidmore from the faculty of arts and science at Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario, Canada, where she served as assistant dean of equity, diversity, inclusion and indigeneity.

She will work with divisional representatives across campus, partner with colleagues in Student Affairs and support affinity groups; coordinate the annual In It series; and support the Racial Justice Initiative.

She formerly served as director of strategic partnerships and development at Ryerson Continued On Page 6

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Rosemary Keville, owner of Keville Handcrafted Chocolates, now has a shop in Malta, the start of which was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH For Rosemary Keville, candy is more than a sweet treat.

As owner of Keville Handcrafted Chocolates, a state-certified Woman Owned Business Enterprise, Keville specializes in making bonbons, caramels and buttercrunch, all of which hold a special meaning for her.

She said her affection for the candies comes from visits she once took with her parents to Ireland, where they were originally from. She remembers her mom’s love of black licorice and the caramels that her dad looked forward to.

Keville said her father was a master carpenter who taught her how to pay attention to details. As he was starting to find chewing more difficult, she decided to learn how to make the candy in a fashion that he could enjoy.

“I learned to make a soft version for my dad, and I also started making buttercrunch for my mom, something that she loved,” she said.

She is also the owner of Keville Insurance, another Certified Women Owned Business Enterprise. She has been involved in insurance and risk management for over 20 years. At one point, she started bringing the homemade candies to her clients and from there the interest in her handmade treats started to spiral.

Keville Handcrafted Chocolates is located

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

at 100 Saratoga Village Boulevard, Suite 42, in Malta. Opening in that space was over a year in the making.

She said before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, the chocolate company opened a production space and built a shop in Malta. The pandemic didn’t allow for Keville to open to the public, but she networked to bring in business.

She said she is a firm believer in “what you put out into the world is what you get back” and she is always looking to make connections with people and help them where she can.

“I genuinely want to help who I can, and it is amazing how one thing leads to another once you start putting yourself out there,” said Keville.

The networking approach has brought in business that extends as far as California.

Much of the company’s business comes from large-event orders. Batches of handmade chocolates are often shipped all around the country.

“I really am excited to see this grow, and to see what happens,” said Keville.

Keville Handcrafted Chocolates is available online at www.facebook.com/ kevillechocolates, by phone at (518) 400-8000 or info@kevillechocolates.com. A website will be launched at a later time. The shop is open from 1-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, as well as by appointment.

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 3

The Children’s Museum At Saratoga Will Critically Acclaimed ‘Saratoga Live’ TV Move To A New Home At The Lincoln Baths Show Returning To Air 2021 Horse Racing

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT The Children’s Museum at Saratoga will move into a portion of the Lincoln Baths in the Saratoga Spa State Park this fall.

The museum is located at 69 Caroline St., in Saratoga Springs which has been its home for about the last two decades.

It serves 30,000-40,000 visitors annually and has reached its capacity of 8,000 square feet, said museum Executive Director Sarah Smith.

“With the move to the Lincoln Baths, the museum will be doubling its space to 16,000 square feet. We will be turning a fabulous building in the New York State Park back to public use,.”

It has been unoccupied for several years.

“We are so thankful to the community for supporting The Children’s Museum over the years,” Smith said, “and, we are so excited to grow again.”

Months prior to the start of the coronavirus pandemic, the museum board of directors underwent a strategic plan initiative that included taking another look at an old idea to have the museum inhabit the Lincoln Baths.

After a lengthy study, the board agreed the timing was right.

The new location will have ample parking and easier access off Northway Exit 13.

Envision Architects PC of Albany and Bonacio Construction of Saratoga Springs will design and renovate the space, respectively.

According to Smith, the museum mission has remained constant for three decades, that is “educating children through play.” Legacy interactive exhibits including the Fire Truck, Grocery Store, Spa Little Theater and The Bank will be moving to the new location touting 8,000 indoor square feet, plus 4,000 square feet of outdoor courtyard.

Today, a child’s curiosity also can be piqued at museum’s Veterinary Clinic, STEM Room, Creation Station, Congress Park and The Bandstand. Three new exhibitions will be introduced in Spring 2022 including: The Farm that will educate children about the locally grown food, The Ice Cream Parlor, and Boating that will feature with boating and water safety.

By the spring, there will be new programs and interactive exhibits that will be expanded

The Lincoln Baths building will become the home of The Children’s Museum at Saratoga. to serve children up to age 13. Previously, the museum focused on children up to age 8.

Additionally, the new space will feature a Parent Resource Room. “We all know children don’t come with a manual,” said Smith. “We will have many resources on-hand to help new parents and caregivers learn about the immense value of ‘education through play.’”

Recently, museum launched a capital campaign with a goal of raising $3 million over the next 12 months to help fund the move and expansion.

Last month, the museum reopened after being closed 15 months due to the pandemic.

Hours are 9 a.m. to noon, Tuesday through Saturday. It is operating at a limited capacity with COVID-19 safety protocols in place.

Masks are required since children are not vaccinated.

The museum employs five full-time staff, three part-time summer workers and is presently mentoring a student intern from Skidmore College. Pre-pandemic, the museum had 300 members. It presently has 85, with a hope of rebuilding that base.

To become a member and for more details about The Children’s Museum, visit www. cmssny.org or call (518) 584-5540.

Spa City Motor Lodge Continued From Page 1

“What’s so interesting about the last year is that motels went from having some kind of stigma to having a little bit of cache,” he said.

“Because people were seeking to control their own experience a little bit more during COVID, and motels have exterior entrances and tend not to have a lot of interior public space.”

Although Lark Hotels already owned the Downtowner, Blood recognized an opportunity to expand the company’s portfolio by purchasing additional mid-range properties.

“Recently we launched a new brand called Bluebird by Lark which is focused on making design forward travel accessible for families,

groups of friends, adventure-seeking couples, and individuals at more of a mid-scale market pricing,” he said.

For it’s Bluebird properties, the company is focused on acquiring mid-century motor lodges, ski lodges, surf shacks, and other properties that are in need of renovation. Spa City Motor Lodge is the flagship location for Bluebird by Lark, but properties in S. Yarmouth, Massachusetts, and Stowe, Vt., are scheduled to open this summer.

A fourth property in Hunter, N.Y., is expected to open in 2022.

For more information visit www. bluebirdhotels.com and www.larkhotels.com.

The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) and FOX Sports have announced the return of Saratoga Live, the critically-acclaimed and award-winning television show providing in-depth coverage and analysis of the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course.

Presented by America’s Best Racing and Claiborne Farm, Saratoga Live will provide full card coverage of nearly every race day to a national audience on the FOX Sports family of networks.

The 2021 summer meet, which will mark the return of fans to Saratoga following the lifting of COVID-19 protocols in New York state, will feature 76 stakes worth $21.5 million in total purses highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday, Aug. 28, NYRA said.

Season six of Saratoga Live will offer fans the most extensive and comprehensive coverage yet with more than 220 hours of live programming during the 2021 summer meet, which runs from Thursday, July 15 through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 6. With the exception of Whitney Day, Travers Day and Labor Day weekend, which feature a first post time of 12:30 p.m., Saratoga Live will begin at 1 p.m.

FOX broadcast network (FOX) will present a special opening weekend show on July 17 highlighted by the 83rd running of the Grade 1, $500,000 Diana. For the third consecutive year, FOX will air the Grade 1, $1.25 million Runhappy Travers on Saturday, Aug. 28 as part of 6.5 hours of Travers Day coverage on FOX and FOX Sports.

“Nothing tops a summer day at Saratoga,” said Michael Mulvihill, FOX Sports executive vice president, head of strategy and analytics.

“With the world’s greatest racing meet back in front of full crowds, we couldn’t be more excited to celebrate with an opening weekend special on FOX featuring the Diana Stakes. Our expanded coverage across FS1 and FS2, bookended with the Runhappy Travers in August, gives horseplayers a full summer of action and highlights our unique partnership with NYRA.” NYRA and FOX Sports began their collaboration in 2016 during the first season of Saratoga Live, when FS2 aired 80 hours of live coverage of the summer meet. Since then,

NYRA and FOX Sports announced the return of the Saratoga Live television series. coverage of horse racing on FOX Sports has grown considerably each year. In 2020, FOX Sports aired more than 700 hours of horse racing coverage and analysis on its family of networks.

In addition to daily national coverage on FOX Sports, 2021 will see the addition of SNY as a regional NYRA broadcast partner. SNY viewers can look forward to eight consecutive weekends of racing from Saratoga, with coverage of Saratoga Live to kick off on Saturday, July 17, and continuing Saturdays and Sundays through Aug. 29.

“The continued growth and expanded reach of Saratoga Live reflects the sustained excellence of the summer meet at Saratoga Race Course,” said Tony Allevato, NYRA chief revenue officer.

“It’s our privilege to present the most extensive and comprehensive racing coverage in the country on FOX Sports and SNY, and we are looking forward to a spectacular summer at the Spa.” The 2021 Saratoga Live broadcast schedule can be found at www.nyra.com/saratoga/racing/ tv-schedule.

For more information about the 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course, visit NYRA.com.

4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

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Schneider Leaves Prosperity Partnership For State Economic Development Position

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Shelby Schneider, president and CEO of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, has resigned from that organization, accepting a position as deputy director of New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).

It is not known what the group will do regarding Schneider, who began her career at SCPP as the director of business retention and expansion.

Her economic development resume also includes 13 years spent working at Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC).

She took the helm at SCPP in January 2020 following the departure of Marty Vanags.

Vanags resigned after facing criticism for his high travel expenses as well as what some supervisors considered a lack of accomplishments.

During her tenure as CEO, Schneider was involved in ongoing discussions related to a merger between SCPP and SEDC. These discussion came to an abrupt halt in September after SEDC publicly expressed concerns that the partnership had illegally accessed and shared confidential SEDC Zoom meetings.

Prosperity Partnership board member Kevin Hedley issued a statement stating that claims that SCPP had acted improperly were baseless and unsubstantiated. He also said SEDC was not “acting in the best interest of Saratoga County Economic Development.” After realizing that his goal of merging the two organizations was not possible, Hedley resigned from the board.

Four members of the SEDC board also resigned as a result of the controversy. They were Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone, land-use attorney Matt Jones, Adirondack Trust Executive Vice President Michael O’Connell and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus.

SCPP is funded by proceeds from the county’s hotel occupancy tax and has received approximated $4.5 million in funding since it was established in 2014. The organization’s mission is “to secure sustainable jobs and capital investment by attracting new business to the county and retain existing businesses by assisting them to grow.”

Due to concerns that the roles and responsibilities of the Prosperity Partnership and SEDC were overlapping, a county economic development committee chaired by Clifton Park Supervisor Phil Barrett drafted a unity agreement for the two organizations in 2019. The unity agreement was subsequently approved by the board of supervisors.

“We developed revised roles and responsibilities for the partnership as well as how that relationship would complement other economic development partners of the county including SEDC,” said Barrett. “There were discussions through what was called the unity committee to try to eliminate duplicative efforts of the two organizations and eliminate any competition that was occurring between the two organizations.”

According to Barrett, discussions related to combining SCPP and SEDC came to a halt after the incident regarding the viewing of the ZOOM meetings.

Shelby Schneider has accepted a new position as deputy director of NYSEDC. “That was a successful process and we were fairly close to coming to a resolution, but that unfortunately resulted in those talks ceasing immediately. And they have not started up again. I’m not sure if that is still a possibility.

It is unknown at this point. But if there is an opportunity to continue to work in that direction, I think that would be a positive move.”

Barrett said that room occupancy tax has declined dramatically due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, SCPP funding has been slashed. In order to reduce operating costs, SCPP downsized its office space.

In January, they relocated from the Stewart’s office complex to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce Building on Clinton Street in Saratoga Springs.

“Last year, the bed tax receipts were down significantly. Although we expect a rebound in the second half of 2021, we will be down for the year compared to pre-COVID numbers,” said Barrett. “Whenever you have a significant reduction in revenue for programs, that obviously precipitates a complete review of county operations. In this case it would be in the area of economic development.”

He remains hopeful that SCPP and SEDC will be able to repair their fractured relationship and that talks will resume. He believes it would be in the best interest of the county.

“Overall, our goal is to have an economic development program that will produce results at the smallest expense to the county,” said Barrett. “If there are efficiencies that can be reached through partnerships and working together, those opportunities should be reviewed and pursued. We do that in any county business.”

It will be up to the board of the Prosperity Partnership to decide how to move forward following Schneider’s departure. Barrett said no decisions have been announced and that he wishes Schneider well in her new position.

“We are all very happy for her,” he said. “It’s always great to see people excel and better their careers as they progress.”

Dennis Brobston, SEDC president, declined comment.

Chamber Official Is Chair Of Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Board Denise Romeo, executive vice president of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, was elected chair of the board of directors of the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC).

“Mechanicville is in the heart of Saratoga County and MACSC is the heart of Mechanicville,” said Romeo. “It is a privilege to work with MACSC’s dedicated board members as well as MACSC dynamic executive director, Megan Quillinan. I know our work at the center makes such an impact on community members from the very youngest, to the many seniors who regularly rely on MACSC services.

“I look forward to making a positive difference for even more people living in and around the wonderful City of Mechanicville.

Romeo, Chamber executive vice president for nine years, also has a long-time focus on helping Saratoga County active military and veterans through the Chamber’s Veterans Business Council.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has nearly 2000 members and offices in both Saratoga Springs and Clifton Park The Mechanicville Area Community Services Center mission is to improve the lives of area residents through family support, empowerment, recreation and education with a goal to promote healthy relationships between families and the community at large.

For more information visit mechanicvilleacsc.org.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 5

State REDC Grant Program, Absent During Pediatric Occupational Therapy Practice In COVID Year, Returns With July 30 Deadline Malta Treats Patients From Infancy To Age 21 New York state has launched Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off a new decade of economic development in a post-pandemic recovery.

The program, which has helped fund many development projects in the region, did not operate during 2020.

The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources, officials said. The Consolidated Funding Application opened May 10, enabling businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and the public to apply for assistance from dozens of state programs for job-creation and community development projects.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 30, at 4 p.m.

To date, through the competition, the Capital Region REDC, which includes Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, has been awarded $673 million for 933 projects.

“The COVID pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our state, but now is our time to build back better and stronger than before and create a New York that serves our children and their children and their children,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “It’s going to be hard. It’s always hard to do what has never been done before. But after what New Yorkers have been through this part year, there is no challenge they can’t meet today.

“We’ve done this before and it’s worked tremendously well, but it’s more important this year than ever before because the stakes are higher this year than ever before.”

Over the past 10 years, the Regional Economic Development Councils have revitalized the state’s economy through a community-based and performance-driven approach to economic development. This year, the state will again leverage the expertise of the REDCs to invest $750 million in strategic, regional efforts to drive the recovery in every corner of the state.

“As we enter the 11th round of this initiative and as the state continues to move forward following the devastating effects of the pandemic, we are committed to this bottom-up approach to foster regional partnerships and make strategic investments,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development

Councils. “New York has seen tremendous growth in all 10 regions through the REDCs.” Round XI includes core capital and tax-credit funding that will be combined with a wide range of existing agency programs totaling approximately $750 million. The core funding includes $225 million in grants and tax credits to fund high value regional priority projects. The budget also makes over $525 million in resources from state agencies available to support community revitalization and business growth consistent with the existing REDC plans through the CFA process.

Officials said in order to be responsive to the immediate needs of the development community and as the state is making crucial investments to generate economic activity, the $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development will be made available to projects on a continuous and competitive basis this round.

The Regional Councils will identify and recommend priority projects that will be eligible for up to $150 million in capital funds on a rolling basis, meaning projects will be reviewed throughout the round.

An emphasis will be placed on project readiness and alignment with each region’s strategic plan.

Additionally, projects within each region will also be eligible for a share of $75 million in Excelsior Tax Credits to help attract and grow business in the region.

Projects from all 10 regions submitted through the CFA will be eligible for over $525 million in other state agency funds, which are available on a set timeline. Regional Economic Development Councils will review these projects and provide scores that reflect how well a project aligns with a region’s goals and strategies.

Officials said the REDC process continues to improve the state’s approach to economic development, creating regional strategies for bottom-up, economic growth and streamlining the funding application process.

To date, through the REDC competition, more than $6.9 billion has been awarded to more than 8,300 job creation and community development projects consistent with each region’s strategic plans, which project to create and retain more than 240,000 jobs statewide.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Amy Catalfamo, OTR/L, has opened a pediatric occupational therapy practice called sensory tOT spot at 3 Hemphill Place, Suite 104, in Malta.

Catalfamo began the business venture two and a half years ago, as a community-based mobile therapist. She travelled to day care centers, preschools and homes to see clients.

She moved into her Malta location in March.

“At this point, it felt like the right time to open a brick and mortar location,” said Catalfamo. “It’s always been my dream, to open a practice of my own to meet the needs of kiddos in the community.”

Catalfamo sees patients from infants to 21 years. She utilizes numerous therapy techniques and follows a “family-centered, child-directed and therapist-guided practice model.”

Catalfamo said she always knew she wanted to work with children. Her mother operated a home daycare while she was growing up. It was her mother who suggested she go to school to become an occupational therapist.

Catalfamo completed her undergraduate work at Russell Sage College. She attended Sage Graduate School for her doctorate degree in occupational therapy, working at her mother’s daycare while attending school.

“When I graduated, I got my first job working with elderly patients in a nursing home,” she said.

“It was totally opposite of where I thought I would land. I learned a lot and grew a lot.”

Catalfamo transitioned into adult care and eventually found her way back to pediatrics after having her first son. She worked for an early intervention agency for five years before deciding it was time to go out on her own.

“Kids are just so fun and so full of joy,” she said.

“The smiles, the fun moments, the glimmers in the eye. The rewards you get from being part of all

The occupational therapy practice sensory tOT spot is open in Malta. the big and little accomplishments. Something as simple as a child being able to button their pants or open their own juice container. We make a big deal out of every milestone.”

Catalfamo’s office is currently located on the backside of the building, but she is moving to a larger space in the front of the same building on Aug. 1.

“I’m where I’m meant to be. I love pediatrics,” said Catalfamo. “I love building relationships with families and caregivers. You really become entwined in the family unit. It’s a privilege to have families open up to you like that.

Her website is www.sensorytotspot.com, and the phone number is 518-952-0920. Email can be sent to info@sensorytotspot.com

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 2

University in Toronto. She holds a Ph.D. and master’s degree, with concentrations in cultural and policy studies, from Queen’s University, as well as bachelor’s degrees from the University of Western Ontario (Althouse College) and the University of Toronto (Victoria College).

Barnes is the director of the Office of Student Diversity Programs. He comes to Skidmore from the University of Redlands in Redlands, Calif., where he served as a resident director in Residential Life and was involved in Title IX and restorative justice work.

Barnes will provide strategic visioning for the office, relaunch the OSDP Mentor Program, provide advising and support to OSDP clubs and organizations, and partner with the Campus Life and Engagement team and The Center to strengthen DEI support and programming at Skidmore.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from McPherson College and a Master of Science degree in education from California Baptist University. He is currently enrolled in the Doctorate in Leadership for Educational Justice program at the University of Redlands.

* * * Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild awarded $1,500 scholarships to five area high school seniors: Cristina DeMeo of Saratoga Springs, Lauren Fowler of Malta, Ava Herzog of Saratoga Springs, Riane Richard of Clifton Park, and Alexis Sutphin of Queensbury.

All were selected for their combination of academic achievements, community service and a desire to pursue a career in healthcare. Four participated in SSOAR: Students Sharing Opportunities and Responsibilities. The summer volunteer program gives area youth an opportunity to gain firsthand experience by providing compassionate customer service in a healthcare environment.

DeMeo, of Saratoga Springs High School, volunteered with SSOAR and at Glens Falls Hospital throughout high school. She participated

in the Summer Fellowship Program of The RNA Institute at the University at Albany and used the knowledge she gained in bioinformatics to create an award-winning project, “A Differential Gene Expression and Alternative Splicing Analysis of ALS-Causing Mutations.” DeMeo will attend Harvard University.

Fowler, of Ballston Spa High School, participated in the highly selective New Visions Health Careers Exploration Program. She volunteered at an elder care facility and as a SSOAR volunteer in Saratoga Hospital’s Alfred Z. Solomon Emergency Center. Fowler will study nursing at the University of Vermont.

Herzog, of Saratoga Springs High School, was a volunteer with SSOAR, a junior volunteer at Glens Falls Hospital, a counselor at Camp Invention and a volunteer at Double H Ranch. She was involved in biology research at Skidmore College and was named a Regeneron Science Talent Search Scholar for her project, “The Effect of the Retinal Degeneration Mutation rd1 on Circadian Locomotor Activity and Nesting Behavior in Mice.” Herzog will attend Stony Brook University as a student in the Scholars for Medicine B.S./M.D. program.

Richard, of Shenendehowa High School, volunteered with a variety of community service organizations. Her most significant contributions were to Northeastern Association of the Blind at Albany, where she helped visually impaired teens and children during group activities. She also organized video story times during the pandemic.

Richard will major in biochemistry at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Sutphin, of Queensbury High School, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and impressed Saratoga Hospital providers during her time as a SSOAR volunteer. One Saratoga Hospital physician cited Sutphin’s commitment, empathy and positive attitude—wonderful attributes for a future nurse. Sutphin will study nursing at Adirondack Community College.

Saratoga Hospital Volunteer Guild has awarded scholarships since 1990 to help high school seniors in the region pursue careers in healthcare.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL 2002 Business Of The Year

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

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

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

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

Owner’s Decision To Open Native Sun Flowers In Halfmoon Became ‘A Dream Come True’

Timmy Jones operates Native Sun Flowers on Route 9 in Halfmoon, where people can find hanging baskets, herbs, perennials, annuals, houseplants, bedding plants and more.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH It was almost 20 years ago that Timmy Jones developed a business plan at SUNY Cobleskill as part of the curriculum. At the time, he came up with the name of his business—Native Sun Flowers.

Jones eventually put that plan to work and his dream is now reality. He operates Native Sun Flowers on Route 9 in Halfmoon, where people can find hanging baskets, herbs, perennials, annuals, houseplants, bedding plants and more.

His passion for horticulture runs deep and can be found in all the detail he has laid out for the business, including the logo. He said the meaning of the yellow and orange floral symbol stems from his Zia Pueblo people background.

Jones has 30 years of experience as a greenhouse grower. He began his career in 1991 working for the NYU Langone’s Rusk Rehabilitation in New York City. He said he worked in a small tropical greenhouse that was built specifically for hospital patients’ horticultural therapy.

“After working for several years at the hospital I decided to move to upstate. I moved to Schenectady and found a job working for a small mom-and-pop greenhouse in Niskayuna,” said Jones.

After moving to the Capital Region, he enrolled in the horticulture program at SUNY Cobleskill, graduating in the spring of 2003 with a bachelor’s degree in plant science. After graduating, he moved to New Hampshire,

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

working for Pleasant View Gardens where they grow the Proven Winner brand of plants. He also gained experience working in Connecticut and New Jersey before returning to New York.

In 2020, Jones was diagnosed with cancer.

It became a time to reflect on what his goals were. He said while recovering from surgery, he decided to pursue his dream and open his own small greenhouse business.

He said he found a perfect place in Halfmoon, which happened to be available to lease.

“This was my dream come true,” said Jones.

Jones owns Native Sun with his wife Marcia Galka, a master gardener. He said through the support of Galka and some close friends, he was able to have the business up and ready for this year’s growing season.

Jones wants his customers to feel a different type of customer service when they visit. He wants them to feel free to ask for help with what they are purchasing and how to care for it.

“Business has been a little slow, but steady, as we continue to build up our clientele. It is our goal to offer the highest quality plant material in the area,” said Jones.

The shop has hanging baskets, Proven Winner annuals and bedding plants, grasses, herbs, perennials and vegetables. They will also do window boxes.

Native Sun Flowers is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. They are located at 1470A Route 9 in Halfmoon. The website is www. nativesunflowers.com and the phone is (518) 280-4424.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 7

Couple Opens A ‘Nothing Bundt Cake’ Facing Pandemic Challenges, SPAC Makes Franchise In Clifton Park, Their Second Shop Major Improvements And Opens For 2021

This Nothing Bundt Cake shop in Clifton Park is the second location for owners Matt and Melissa Gleason. It sells 10 flavors of cake, including a gluten-free option and a rotating seasonal flavor.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH It was love at first bite for Nothing Bundt Cake franchise owners Matt and Melissa Gleason.

“My husband’s family lives in Baton Rouge, La., and they all raved about the Nothing Bundt Cakes there,” said Melissa Gleason. “His mom sent us a white chocolate raspberry cake and that was all it took. The cake was amazing.”

She said it was after trying the mini-cakes a few years back that she started thinking of how she could bring it into the area.

The first one was in Albany in 2017. The two opened a second location of their bakery business in March in the Clifton Park Center Mall.

She said the franchise does demographic studies and helps select the locations.

“In Albany, we renovated an existing space and in Clifton Park we moved into a brand new space. We looked into opening one because there were none in New York ... We are aiming for Saratoga next,” said Gleason.

Gleason said they worked with a franchise approved architect to give the bakeries the same look and feel, with the layout in each bakery being very similar. The locations also have consistent cake size options and flavors.

“We have cute retail samples and cake displays. We carry four sizes of cake, our smaller bundtinis, which come by the dozen, our individual bundtlets, and our eight- and 10inch cakes,” she said.

“All of our cakes are frosted with our signature cream cheese frosting. We have 10 flavors of cake, including a gluten-free option and a rotating seasonal flavor that we bake every day. We own our bakeries individually, but we bake the same recipes as every other location

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

right down to the brand name of ingredients. A cake in California will taste exactly the same as a cake in New York.”

The most popular flavors, Gleason said, are chocolate chip and white chocolate raspberry.

They make cakes for any size event including fundraisers, weddings, showers and birthdays.

Gleason has a background in IT, but after being a stay-at-home mom for 11 years, she knew she didn’t want to go back to a traditional desk job. She felt the bakery opportunity was a perfect fit.

“The franchise concept is great because you are trained on every aspect of baking and running the bakery and they provide ongoing support,” said Gleason.

When they first started in Albany, she said, the business didn’t have brand recognition so they worked to build the brand between marketing and events. They currently have over 20 employees in each bakery who help to bring the cakes to food-and-wine events, craft fairs and farmers markets.

“It is so fun to see someone try our cake for the first time and be amazed. Our cake brings joy to people and it makes me love what I do,” said Gleason.

Founded in 1997 in Las Vegas, NV. Bundt Cakes has nearly 300 franchise locations in the U.S. and Canada. The other New York locations are Utica and Poughkeepsie.

The Clifton Park Nothing Bundt Cakes store is located at 309 Clifton Park Center Road, in Store 9. Hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They are closed on Sunday.

A full menu is online at nothingbundtcakes. com/bakery/ny/clifton-park.

Saratoga Performing Arts Center has undergone many physical changes since is last saw a performance in 2019, pre-coronavirus pandemic.

Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC president and CEO, reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by 2020 and looked ahead to its reopening in 2021, at the SPAC board of directors annual meeting in June.

Following a year of a shuttered amphitheater stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SPAC will welcome back all three resident companies—New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. On the last weekend in June, it hosted the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival and concerts presented by Live Nation have returned.

“On Monday, May 18 of 2020, SPAC did the unthinkable. In the middle of glorious high spring weather, after 53 continuous years of presenting on our beloved and legendary stage, we cancelled an entire season and left the doors to the amphitheater locked—a profound and solemn acknowledgement during some of the darkest, early days of the pandemic,” said Sobol.

“And yet, here we are. After what now seems an eternity, the amphitheater is open, the lawn is thick and green.”

In 2020, with generous funding from Live Nation, Empire State Development, and the state Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, SPAC completed its major new capital project, The Pines@SPAC. The project restored park-like aesthetics to the grounds and opened up original site lines from the Route 50 gate to the Victoria Pool. It provided for new and expanded restrooms and concessions areas and new measures for safety and security.

In addition, it provided new spaces for gathering outside of the amphitheater: The Julie Bonacio Family Pavilion; The Pines Terrace; and the Nancy Di Cresce Education Room at The Pines, SPAC’s first year-round space for education and community outreach.

“Nowhere is SPAC’s transformation more dramatically evident than in the presence of our new Pines@SPAC facility,” said Sobol. “The project began with the intent to replace aging concessions and bathroom facilities, but quickly expanded its scope to align with our new mission.

“To accommodate our growing education program, the Nancy Di Cresce Education Room serves as our first year-round indoor gathering space,” she said. “And as part of our role as a communal gathering place, the beautiful Julie Bonacio Family Pavilion has now become the beating heart of our Pines campus.”

SPAC’s season kicked off on June 5, 2021 with its signature education event, The Adirondack Trust Company Festival of Young Artists, celebrating the artistic achievements of more than 200 local student dancers, singers, musicians, poets and visual artists. At the meeting, the festival’s 2021 Outstanding Artist Winner in Literary Arts, Pallavi Datti, recited her poem “Unvanquished.”

Another highlight of SPAC’s educational programming for 2021 will be NYCB workshops.

Additionally, SPAC will once again partner with National Dance Institute (NDI) and Double H Ranch to bring a series of virtual dance workshops to the campers. Approximately 250 campers will participate in the workshops, which are designed to incorporate NDI’s award-winning dance pedagogy into inclusive classrooms where children of all abilities can dance and perform.

SPAC welcomed five new board members.

Carl DeBrule has over 22 years of experience in business, operations and technical leadership experience driving high performance teams and operational innovations. His current role is with Johnson and Johnson Corp. as vice president global applications development engineering processes and testing.

Sean Leonard is currently chief investment officer and partner with Graypoint LLC with 13 years in finance. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Buffalo and his MBA from University of Albany.

Chris Mackey has 34 years of diversified wholesale and retail automotive experience and success in the management and development of all aspects of franchised retail automobile dealership operations. He received his Bachelor of Science degree from Boston College.

Dr. L. Oliver Robinson is the superintendent of schools for the Shenendehowa Central School District. He has worked in education for 26 years.

He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Brown University and both his Master of Science and Ph.D. from the SUNY Albany.

©2020 Saratoga Photographer.com

Tracy L. Ward Regional Branch Manager Capital Bank Reads

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name

Closing Price 06/18/21

Closing Price 06/25/21

Albany Int’l

87.66 92.25 88.8 86.56

Arrow

36.18 36.61 35.96 36.05

AT & T

26.65

Ball

79.19 82.81 81.83 84.79

Ballston Spa National Bank

55.00 55.00 60.00 60.00

Bank of America

38.78 41.62 41.15 40.04

Best Buy

107.63 113.05 115.65 110.86

Citizens Bank

44.25 47.33 46.05 45.31

28.89

Closing Price 07/02/21

29.23

Closing Price 07/09/21

28.45

Espey

14.90 15.80 15.05 14.96

General Electric

12.78 13.16 13.39 13.16

Hilton

123.72 124.84 126.81 126.05

Home Depot

302.61 313.63 322.70 322.09

Int’l Paper

59.23 60.68 61.32 62.24

Key Corp

19.93 21.26 20.72 20.17

Lowe’s

186.88 192.66 195.71 195.33

Martin Marietta

335.32 359.29 349.59 357.92

M&T Bank

162.45 160.69 161.27 155.14

McDonald’s

229.62 232.42 233.63 235.68

National Grid

64.08 64.64 64.45 65.71

NBT Bancorp Inc.

36.16 37.36 35.59 34.78

Plug Power

29.17 31.85 32.48 29.39

Quad Graphics

3.28 4.25 4.16 3.89

Starbucks

109.70 113.04 114.97 117.47

Sysco

74.71 77.04 77.75 76.14

Latham Group Inc 29.48 30.39 31.18 30.33 Target

230.53 240.55 246.58 248.58

The TorontoDominion Bank

70.01 71.30 70.59 68.06

Kaspien Holdings

24.27 24.35 23.80 22.11

Trustco Bank

34.26 35.35 34.04 33.25

Verizon

55.82 56.38 56.44 56.07

Walmart

141.75 142.03 141.85 140.75

This list of quotations is provided through the courtesy of Robert M. Schermerhorn, CFP®, Saratoga Financial Services, Securities offered through LPL Financial /Member FINRA & SIPC, located in Saratoga Springs, NY. www.SaratogaRetire.com

•

Business Report Witnessing The Recovery

BY STEPHEN KYNE, CFP For anyone with an economics background, the last year has been an interesting opportunity to witness the theories and accepted tenets put to the test.

We’ve seen an unprecedented shutdown of much of the private sector, a displacement of workers in nearly every sector, a breakdown of the supply chains providing the basic necessities of everyday life, and a massive taking from future taxpayers to help keep businesses and households afloat while government agencies debate a myriad of policy solutions of varying efficacy.

At its core, what this year has shown us is that economies are far too large an infinitely interconnected to be manipulated with precision: every policy has unintended consequences. Some of these turn out to be beneficial, and some to our detriment.

Because the economy was in such a strong position prior to the pandemic, we believe the timeline and breadth of the recovery will be relatively short and wide. Had we been in an economic downturn at the end of 2019, we would be singing a very different tune.

The U.S. government pumped $5 trillion into the economy last year in an effort to help households and businesses bridge the pandemic.

While the intention is laudable, it is not without consequences. This money will need to be paid back at some point, with interest, by our children and grandchildren. Expect future tax rates to consequently be higher than today.

Having increased the money supply by 30 percent in just one year, the economy is now awash in cash, and is ripe to experience higher rates of inflation than many of us have seen in a very long time.

For over a decade, inflation has been extremely tame, but that is unlikely to last. Cases in point: the price of gas is up over 20 percent from prepandemic levels, and used cars are up 30 percent while clothing is up 7 percent. Higher inflation hurts the most economically vulnerable among us, including low-income families and the elderly, and may further exacerbate social inequities we are purportedly committed to quelling.

A lack of supply is also working to drive up prices. Everything from chicken wings to motor vehicles are seeing steep prices increases due to strained supply chains and heightened demand.

While some of this is simply due to a lag from the time production resumes to when consumers receive goods, a large part is also due to a lack of the most basic resource in production: labor.

There are some who will say that the current unemployment benefits are not high enough to replace lost wages, and therefore cannot be a disincentivizing workers from returning to work.

That simply isn’t true. Even if we grant that benefits are not high enough to replace earnings in every case, for the remainder we need to acknowledge that there is a benefit derived from just not doing anything. In other words, for many, the sum of the benefit derived from staying home, and the benefits received from the State is higher than the benefit of returning to work. While that’s well-intentioned, it’s not helpful to the recovery.

If I’m wrong, you won’t see any improvement

•

Stephen Kyne, CFP, partner at Sterling Manor Financial LLC in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy Sterling Manor Financial LLC

in unemployment figures as benefits wind down.

Furthermore, since we’re paying people to stay home, potential employers are not competing for labor at the market rate, they are competing with the State for labor at a subsidized rate. As a result, we’re seeing huge increases in wages for traditionally low-paying jobs.

Many fast food restaurants in our area are offering more than $15.50 per hour to start, and teen employment is at its highest level in decades as teens happily take jobs from those still sitting on the sidelines. Higher input costs yield higher output prices.

Markets are efficient, sometimes painfully.

These issues will generally work themselves out on the macro level, but that means many may be left worse off in the wake.

As unemployment benefits wane, a glut of labor is likely to hit the workforce, which could actually end up driving down wages in many sectors, especially for workers in lower-skilled positions. With prices likely to increase for some time, these workers will be even more greatly impacted.

While we don’t expect the hyper inflation of the 1980s, we do expect higher inflation than many have ever experienced. At some point, sooner than many anticipate, the Fed will need to raise interest rates, which will have a cascading effect through the economy. As the cost of borrowing increases, businesses will be less able to build or upgrade factories and equipment to increase production. The cost of home ownership will continue to rise.

It’s not all doom and gloom, and we think the coming year should continue to improve for most, but we are concerned about the long-term well-being of those who may be less able to adapt to what could be a rapidly changing economic landscape.

With all of the changes we’re sure to experience as the recovery picture becomes more clear, it’s as important as ever to make sure you work closely with your CFP to chart your path through the recovery, and to capitalize on opportunities wherever they may be. Your commitment to your goals doesn’t change, but your strategy may need to.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 9

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

50 Plus

After Pandemic Problems, Travel Agencies Housing For 50 And Over Demographic Are Finding People Are Anxious To Get Away Puts Focus On Quality More Than Size

BY CHRISTINE GRAF According to the United Nations World Tourism Organization, 2020 is on record as the worst year ever for global tourism. Worldwide travel revenues decreased by $1.3 trillion and are not expected to return to pre-pandemic levels until 2023.

This applies to older people seeking getaways from work or retirees with time on their hands.

“I’ve been in business for 47 years, and this is the worst thing I’ve ever seen,” said Ed Plog, president of Playbill Travel in Saratoga Springs. “I’ve been through airline defaults, fare wars, 9/11, and the Great Recession, and I’ve never experienced anything as bad as this for the industry.”

Plog said he is “ecstatic” that business is beginning to rebound and that his company’s specialty cruises are once again in high demand.

Because of the widespread COVID-19 outbreaks on cruise ships at the beginning of the pandemic, the cruise industry has been especially hard hit.

Before that, it was one of the fastest growing segments of the global tourism industry. Although cruises attract people of all ages, they have always been especially popular with the 50-plus demographic.

At Live Life Travel in Saratoga Spring, owner Anne Gordon said business is booming.

For her clients that are in the 50-plus demographic, the company arranges a lot of what Gordon described as “celebration travel.” For example, she recently planned an anniversary trip to Iceland.

“We do a lot of 50th and 40th anniversaries, and we’re doing a lot more 50th birthdays. We’re also getting a lot of requests for multi-generational trips to the Caribbean for next February break and April break. Families are so ready to vacation again, ” she said. “Everything we do is very unique to each client. Our agency doesn’t have anything pre-packaged.”

At Heber Travel in Queensbury, owner Stacie Baxter said bookings are strong. She has spent much of her time in recent months booking and rebooking trips that were canceled because of the pandemic.

“My age group which is 65 and above is saying, ‘If we can go, let’s go. We’re not going to have another chance,’” she said. “If you’re 70 years old, you might not have another five years to travel. But the bothersome point is that other people are not respecting other people at airports.”

Baxter is referring to the uptick in aggressive

Anne Gordon of Love Life Travel in Saratoga Springs says her business is booming. behavior that is taking place at airports throughout the country, and she is especially concerned about how it could impact her older clients. The Federal Aviation Authority is investigating more than 2,500 cases of violence, the majority related to disputes over mask mandates.

Playbill Travel chartered two ships for its January 2022 Playbill Broadway Cruise Collection cruise, Broadway on the Nile, and both ships are fully booked. Bookings are also strong for their Broadway on the Mediterranean cruise in September 2022.

“We charter luxury ships—usually three or four a year—and we bring on Tony-winning Broadway stars, and they perform on board the ships,” said Plog. “Each night, one star will do a showcase performance and then they are on board the ship and mingle with the guests and go on the tours with us.”

Playbill Travel is a subsidiary of Playbill, publisher of the iconic Playbill theater magazines.

Because the cruises are advertised in the publication, they attract the interest of theater goers from all over the country.

“We get people in their 30s and 40s, but the majority are 50-plus. The oldest you would see is early to mid-80s, but the majority are in the sixties and early seventies,” he said. “These folks are Continued On Page 17

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL The 50-plus demographic looking to make their next move in housing is seeking specific amenities and they are willing to wait for and pay for what they want, accoding to those in the industry.

“I work with many at different stages of the 50-plus demographic and they are an active group,” said Cindy Quade, broker and owner with Signature One Realty Group in Malta.

“They are looking to scale back on the size of their next home, but not the amenities,” Quade said. “Some don’t mind even larger parcels as long as there is minimal maintenance to them.”

A single-family home that is maintenance free, and ideally on one level, is the market that her clients are looking for but that is under-served, according to Quade At The Glen at Highland Meadows, there is typically a waitlist for the independent living arrangements that Eddy Senior Living offers, said Andrea Hebert, executive director of the Queensbury facility.

“The particular size, location or layout of the apartment or cottage they like may not be available when they apply,” said Hebert.

But prospective residents can transition into that retirement community early by joining The Stoddard Club, by which Hebert said applicants can come for dinner and participate in social activities before they move in.

Said, Quade, “New construction is designed for the traditional growing family, and seniors do want new construction,” she said. “At the same time, they do not want to sacrifice one-level living and low maintenance, which is more important to them than square footage.”

“As far as amenities, they want granite countertops, fireplaces, hardwood floors and a neighborhood,” she said. “There are some unique neighborhoods in Ballston Spa with a community, clubhouse and pool, but it is difficult to get it all.”

A typical neighborhood today has one acre to one-and-a-half-acre lots, which can appeal to an empty nester, she said At The Highland, any individuals are taking more time and waiting longer to downsize or enter independent living, a trend that Hebert said is not local but national.

“The population of seniors has increased as baby boomers continually age,” she said.

Cindy Quade, principal broker, owner Signature One Realty Group in Malta. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

“But people are also healthier longer and more wellness-focused in general, even working longer.

This is why we are building a new wellness center and pool, to focus on keeping our residents healthy and independent as long a possible.”

Now in its 20th year, The Glen markets its services to seniors who are researching and making a decision about their next residence.

Hebert said decisions have been driven more and more by their adult children.

She said some residents lived and worked in the Glens Falls area all their lives, some had long vacationed at nearby Lake George, and some have relocated to be closer to their children and their families.

“Our seniors want to have their children on board and agreeing on what is the best option,” she said.

Leaving a financial legacy may factor in. The Glen at Highland Meadows is an entrance feebased community with a spectrum of rental options.

“Typically the fee is paid by the resident selling their home, all or part of which is refundable when leaving the community and depending on the pricing option selected,” Hebert said. “The return of the entrance fee can contribute to their legacy.”

Continued On Page 17

Securities & advisory services offered through LPL Financial, a registered investment advisor, member FINRA/SIPC

Your Path, Your Journey, Your Destination Let us help you build a confident retirement.

Robert Schermerhorn, CFP® (518) 584-2555 www.SaratogaRetire.com 18 Division Street, Suite 305, Saratoga Springs

10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Construction

With Business Booming, KB Engineering And Companies Find Work Is Plentiful, But Delays Consulting Moves Into Offices In Burnt Hills In Material Deliveries Creates Problems

KB Engineering and Consulting, PLLC, after more than a decade working out of a home-based office, has moved into a suite of offices at 105 Lake Hill Road in Burnt Hills. ©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

BY JILL NAGY The company’s recent move to new offices in Burnt Hills was a “game changer” for KB Engineering and Consulting, PLLC, after more than a decade working out of a homebased office, according to owner, Kurt M. Bedore, PE. The firm now occupies a suite of seven offices with a conference area and an executive office for Bedore. He estimated that he currently has about 50 projects underway.

They actually planned the move a year ago but the pandemic caused postponement of the official opening to this spring.

Bedore now expects his growing company to outgrow the space in another year or so. A physical therapy practice previously occupied the space. In fact, they were clients, with KB working on the renovation and expansion of the therapists’ new building.

Recently, the company has been “unbelievably busy” and Bedore would like to add a couple of more engineers to his present staff of four but, like so many other skilled workers, they are hard to find. He

especially needs draftsmen skilled in using computer-assist design (CAD). He feels that he offers competitive salaries—$40-$60,000 to start for a junior engineer—and working conditions.

He sees a number of reasons for the increased business aside from the general uptick in the economy. People had projects “on hold” during the height of the pandemic but are now ready to get going.

With people spending more time at home, many private septic systems were overloaded and the owners now need emergency replacements. At the same time, many of the new buildings constructed on the SUNY campuses during their tremendous growth period in the 1960s and 1970s are showing their age, he said.

Other current projects include a public observatory at Tupper Lake, upgrades of the winter sports facilities at Mt. Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, upgrades to the Corrections Academy in Albany (a $40 million project just completed), redevelopment of the Tupper Continued On Page 18

BY JILL NAGY Construction work in the area appears to be back on track, though labor issues are still a concern.

“We’re close to having work scheduled out for about a year,” Tom Albrecht of Hilltop Construction in Hudson Falls estimated.

Similarly, Rob Holbrook of V&H Construction in Fort Edward, noted that his company is booking work for the first quarter of 2022. Both do projects throughout the Saratoga, Glens Falls and North Country area.

“If you are thinking about a project, you probably should act sooner rather than later,” Holbrook advised.

Both also have similar complaints: a shortage of skilled workers looking for jobs and rising prices and long delays in obtaining materials, including appliances.

Albrecht said business is “fabulous” but there is a “very healthy” shortage of materials and escalating prices. Special order items can take four to 10 weeks to arrive. That delays normal timelines.

V&H, for example, is a dealer for Butler preengineered buildings, mainly steel storage and similar structures. Holbrook is experiencing long delays because steel is in short supply and he expects steel prices to increase by about 10 percent a month for the rest of the year.

Lumber prices have also been increasing but that trend seems to be leveling off, he said.

Both companies build a combination of residential and commercial structures. V&H also act as construction managers, working with sub-contractors.

V&H is just completing the renovation of a former bank at 237 Glen St. in downtown Glens Falls. They are also renovating the second floor ballroom at Sun Castle, a wedding and events venue; building a warehouse in Greenwich, and a doing work on a car dealership in Warrensburg.

Summer can be a slow time of year for construction, Holbrook said, but this year “opportunities keep coming in. It’s pretty amazing.”

They were even able to work during the lockdown early in the pandemic. That project was the Common Roots Brewery in South Glens Falls.

The company also builds a lot of individual

V&H Construction says his company is booking work for the first quarter of 2022. houses, including lakefront vacation homes, but, so far, no subdivisions.

Hilltop’s schedule includes new Stewart’s Shops in Ballston Spa and Utica, a steel building in Queensbury, and custom homes, including lakefront homes on Lake George and lake Luzerne. Their projects are mainly in the Glens Falls area and Albrecht estimated there is a fairly even split between residential and business projects.

So far, Holbrook said, his company has not had to turn down any work for lack of employees.

However, he worries that some projects in the next month or so could be a problem.

V&H has been in the construction business for 27 years. Currently, they have 25 employees.

He sees his biggest challenge keeping a good labor force, especially experienced employees.

Hilltop has been in business for 45 years and they have 32 people on their staff, including five family members. Albrecht, the president and CEO, has been doing construction work since he was 19 years old. He has no immediate plans to retire.

“I enjoy what I do,” he said, “When you love what you do, you don’t work a day in your life.”

He calls his work “building people’s dreams.”

V&H can be reached at 518 746-1520.

Hilltop’s phone is 518 798-0338.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 11

Arnoff Global

Landscaping Design Company ‘Jessecology’ Now Can Offer Large Trees For Projects

BY JILL NAGY “Landscaping can be both beautiful and good for the environment,” said Jesse Peters, a landscape designer and builder whose business, Jessecology, specializes in sustainable design using native plants raised in her own gardens and greenhouse in Ballston Spa. “We focus on sustainability and habitat restoration,” she explained.

Peters, a Skidmore College graduate, has been doing landscaping for 15 years.

She has seen an uptick in business with the pandemic and has a waiting list for the company’s services. She believes that people who are spending more time at home want to make their surroundings more beautiful and relaxing. “They love the chemical-free option,” she added.

She has seen a growing demand for rain gardens, a fairly new approach to storm water management. A rain garden is planted with plants that don’t mind getting wet. They hold on to storm water and allow it to slowly seep into the ground instead of running off.

“It’s one of our favorite types projects to work on,” she said.

In addition to the perennial flowers and bushes from her greenhouses and nursery, Peters can now include large trees in her projects thanks to an affiliation with Eric Parisi and Don-Mar Landscaping and Greenhouses in Ballston Lake.

Parisi has been a landscaper for 30 years and his family has been in the business for 60 years. He has a tree nursery, but also buys native trees on the wholesale market. Trees include birches, hemlocks, maples and oaks.

Planting a big tree is one of the best things a person can do for the environment, Peters said, noting that a single white oak can support 256 species of butterflies. A 15-20 foot tree, which would be five to 10 years old, can add $900 to $1,000 to the landscaping bill.

While a more formal business arrangement may be in their future, for now, Parisi and Peters are “sharing services,” she said.

Peters also has two employees whom she refers to as design apprentices.

Most of the work Peters does is at people’s homes. She also does some landscaping on school campuses, parks, and other public

Chuck Ciaccia 27 years

Jessecology can now includes large trees in landscaping projects.

Courtesy Jessecology

spaces.

“We love public work,” she said. She sees a trend toward less lawn and more trees, bushes and perennials. She aims to plant “what is beautiful and good for the environment.”

A favorite plant of hers is mountain mint, a native perennial that flowers for several months. She also raises seven to nine different asters. Occasionally, she will also plant vegetable gardens, but she said she prefers to specialize in flowers.Jessecology also does a limited amount of “hardscaping,” the pathways and patios that are often part of a garden landscape, “but we prefer the plants.”

Beginning this fall, the company will also sell its native plant seeds on a wholesale basis to architects, engineers, and others. She thinks she will be the only local source for native plant seeds.

“Everything will be grown right in our gardens,” she said. There are no immediate plans for retail sales to the general public but, she said, that is a possibility for the future.

Jessecology does not have a retail store. She attends some festivals and plant shows and “would love to do retail in the future.”

Client intake is via the company’s website, jessecology.com. The telephone number is 518 -932-1991

Jude Gosh 32 years

Dave Weiss 21 years

Continued From Page 1 of $18.7 million and would include the construction of two buildings. If approved, an estimated 45 new jobs would be created over the course of the next three years.

In order to offset the cost of the project, the company has applied for various tax incentives through the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency.

“We have about 18 vacant acres of the original 40 that we bought, and we are interested in building a 130,000-squarefoot warehouse building, and the next phase would be a second building of about 50,000-square-feet that could be either warehouse or office space or something in between,” said Arnoff. “We’ve already done a lot of site work, and we’re in the final design phase. Are we going to get concrete in before winter? It would be great, but I don’t know if that will happen.”

The proposed expansion is being fueled by demand for Arnoff ’s warehousing and order fulfillment services. These operations account for one-third of the company’s revenue.

“There is a lot of interest from clients who like the idea of being in an environment where there are a lot of different logistics services being provided. We provide storage services of all different shapes and sizes and solutions for storing and fulfilling orders,” said Arnoff. “We have some customers who just rent space and manage their inventory with their own employees.

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 f leet of trucks.”

As an example, Arnoff referenced a Canadian auto parts company that sells its products in the United States.

“We act as his U.S. warehouse, so he doesn’t have to have any staff here. We provide all of the services in our controlled environment.”

The remaining two thirds of Arnoff ’s revenue is split evenly between residential moving/storage and the transport of what Arnoff described as “sensitive” shipments.

“We focus our attention on family moves and executive relocations both locally and worldwide. We are also experts on moving things that require sensitive handling— things like semi-conductor equipment, museum exhibitions, and hospital equipment. Things that are very sensitive and very valuable. This evolved from our experience with moving personal effects of families such as pianos and antiques. That’s become a big part of what we do.”

As the company continues to expand, Arnoff said they plan to remain a fixture in Saratoga County.

“I have two sons and a nephew who are fifth generation, and I’m here to guide, direct, and lead,” he said. “We are very proud to see the company continue, and I believe that we will continue for many years to be a locally present, family-owned business.”

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12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

SPECIAL SECTION

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

Office/Technology Trends SUNY Empire State Among Colleges That Use AI, Utilizing It For Financial Aid, Admissions Higher education institutions are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence as a helping hand in major decisions like admissions and counseling, but AI is still serving as an assistant, not a full-time employee.

The promise of AI in higher education is that it can help administrators make smarter decisions through its ability to quickly scan large amounts of data for relevant markers. While seeking to retain more students in light of the coronavirus pandemic and to find new students in a diminishing pool of prospects, higher education institutions are using AI to save time, freeing humans up to do work that requires critical thinking or face-to-face interaction.

SUNY Empire State College, which was founded on an online, distance-learning model, historically received more than 110,000 calls a year from students seeking answers on topics like financial aid or admissions. The university, where the majority of learners are between 25 and 49, first adopted an online chat feature in 2019.

That online chat system was updated to an AIpowered chatbot this year, named “Blue” after the college’s bird mascot. Since last year, officials said call center volume is down about 30 percent, said Mary Austin, director of the university’s student information center, while the number of inquires through online chat has skyrocketed.

Since students seem to be engaging more with the updated chatbot, that frees up staff to make big-picture decisions about what information the university is offering on other platforms. If there are multiple questions about an aspect of financial aid recorded through the chatbot, for example, that can be addressed through updating the website with some more information or a video, Austin said.

“It’s kind of like booking a concert or booking a cruise. Technology has solved these problems significantly,” said JeanCarlo Bonilla, the chief analytics officer at Element451, a higher education software company. “It’s just that now these decision trees in these AI products can come to us directly.

So I can send you a text message saying ‘Would you like to book something with me?’ and then it just guides you through the process.”

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In a report published in March by the Chronicle of Higher Education, CIOs said technology needs to enable students—specifically first-generation students who aren’t as familiar with higher education—to find answers they need.

“Make it as easy as one, two, three,” University of Tulsa CIO Paige Francis said in the report. “In my past few institutions, we had an entry page for students: Here are the things you need to do to get started. Easy, clear. Refocus the portal integration to make sure that no matter where your students enter, they can get what they are looking for.”

By reducing workload through AI, employees can be more authentic in their responses to students, as well, said Doug Paetzell, an executive with Sprinklr, a customer-management software company. The company recently released Sprinklr for Higher Education, which scans for keywords and questions on social media platforms like Reddit, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

One of the areas where this can be helpful is crisis management. Because the software can scan multiple platforms for these keywords, employees would find out sooner about an on-campus safety threat or problem because it would be flagged as soon as it started picking up steam on social media.

Higher education is also using AI to predict problems on the horizon, which comes down to scanning a large amount of data.

AI can digest all the information involved with a student’s journey through enrollment and flag where students are lost so that recruiters or admissions officers can adjust support for that step of the process, officials said. Amid universities’ ongoing efforts to retain students, a renewed focus is to retain students who’ve been especially challenged by the pandemic. AI can mark which students are struggling.

Element451 is working on how to address biases in their software, Bonilla said. AI models work from previous decisions and information, and humans still need to set the indicators for student success and intent. Adjusting for historical biases in algorithms, like whether a program has historically admitted more of a certain gender, can help the AI better do its work.

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•

Business Report Technology Trends For 2021

BY MARK SHAW Well with all the signs pointing to COVID-19 being behind us, companies of all shapes and sizes are deciding what the future will hold for them when it comes to where and how to operate.

Technology is at the forefront of that on so many levels. From working from home needs to the new levels in which cyber security is playing a part to protect all of us, these shifts will become the way we work going forward.

We are seeing companies have three main strategies. The first being bringing people back to the office. We are, after all, social creatures, and this makes sense. The next is everyone will stay working from home. The last being a blend of the two: some work from home and some in office days.

All three of these trends provide different needs for organizations. Going back to the office in many ways is the most secure, everyone is behind the security devices managed by IT professionals, and each have a single-entry point to protect all the employees and their devices. This is what the playbook for firms have been for years.

In the completely remote work from home situation IT Support and Cyber firms alike are changing the way they support these companies.

Let’s also be clear these firms should not be the same, mind you. Your internal or external IT support should NEVER be your cyber security firm. If you don’t believe this, watch the news, and study the new laws being introduced globally.

A separation of church and state is coming and if your IT firm says it can do cyber security, RUN. They are lining their pockets and exposing you.

Supporting a fully remote workforce is more costly in terms of IT use to ensure that all the employees are secure. We were all forced to adopt the model and did it with a lack of caution in many cases. VPN is not enough to ensure that you are safe. Your employees are often sharing the same internet with their kids’ and spouses’ devices: phones, tablets, and game systems (i.e.

XBOX).

Your company’s data is being mixed in with home activities. Your company laptop is sitting on the same network as a potentially unprotected device. If this remains the trend, you as an

•

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

employer of let’s say 20 people need to be aware that you are no longer protecting one network but 21 networks—one for each employee and one for your office or cloud-based servers. You have made your attack surface for the bad guys dramatically greater. Thus, leading to the large uptick in all the cyber-crime you are seeing today on the news and elsewhere.

In the hybrid model you now have people either needing two devices or one device they travel back and forth to work with. As the CEO of your company, you will have to decide if you pay for a WFH setup, allow their personal computers on your network, or provide laptops for all.

If you go with the laptop option, you need to make sure you add layers of protection in case it gets lost or stolen. You need to protect yourself from potential exposure from that employee carrying around your company asset. In the Microsoft 365 suite there are several measures you can take to add security to these devices.

Regardless of which option you choose of the new complexion of your organization you need to consider the impact and how best to manage it. The trend for the rest of this year is clear – the world of work has changed, you changed with it, now it’s time to evaluate those changes.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 13

‘Saratoga Pure Water Systems’ Offers Clean Erbessd Instruments, Vibro-Laser Move Water Systems To Businesses In The Area Into Building In Downtown Glens Falls

Cameron LaBarge is a sales representative with Saratoga Pure Water Systems which opened during the COVID-19 pandemic. The company sells water filtration systems to businesses.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Saratoga Pure Water Systems is a new company working to bring clean, safe, and economical drinking options to businesses, small and large.

Owner Richard O’Brien said the need for such a service became especially critical during the height of the pandemic.

“We started the idea last March when COVID hit. I had a friend who started a similar business and he was a mentor. I learned about the product and really believed in it. COVID brought on an additional layer with the interest in getting clearer purer drinking water to people,” he said.

O’Brien has a background that includes years in sales so he felt confident when he dove into opening his own business. He said the product basically sells itself, and he can back that up with the 100 percent retention he has built and maintained with customers.

“We give a free seven-day, risk-free trial, and every one of those trials has turned into a customer. We can bring a solution to every prospective customer,” said O’Brien.

As owner of Saratoga Pure, he is a

Visitors Center Continued From Page 1

experienced guides. Tours can be booked online at www.walkingsaratoga.com, by phone at (518) 832-3796 or by email at walkingsaratoga@gmail. com. The cost is $20 per person and children under 12 are free. Tours are appropriate for the entire family.

For more information, please visit

©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

bottleless water and ice cooler dealer. He said the system is not only cost effective but also environmentally friendly.

He said they offer a single-source water purification system that takes tap and well water through nine stages of filtration, including reverse osmosis. The process is finished by adding healthy minerals into the water.

Because the water coolers are bottleless, it eliminates the need for delivery people, installation, cleaning, lifting heavy jugs or storage of large water jugs and bottles. He said the systems can be found in places like car dealerships, where a company wants to supply clean water to not only its employees, but customers as well.

Currently, the company only services businesses, but he said they are looking to eventually branch out into residential contracts.

Saratoga Pure Water Systems is located at 40 Farm to Market Road, Building 3, Unit 13 in Halfmoon. The company can be reached at 518-323-7500 or online at www.saratogah2o. com. discoversaratoga.org/saratoga-springs-visitorcenter.

Discover Saratoga, known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, is a key economic development engine for this community; our mission is to contribute a positive impact on the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a worldclass destination for meetings, conventions, and groups. For more information about Discover Saratoga, please visit discoversaratoga.org.

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT For six years, CEO Michael Howard ran his industrial equipment monitoring sensor businesses out of his home. First it was in South Glens Falls, then Queensbury. Now he is able to move his business to space at 19 Exchange St. in Glens Falls where he plans to cultivate business roots for years to come.

His two companies, Erbessd Instruments Technologies Inc. and Vibro-Laser, make equipment that assists over 2,000 clients worldwide in monitoring vital equipment, machines and engines, for companies and educational institutions including Aircoil, Amazon, Google, Harvard University, Halifax Fan, McGill University, Pfizer and the U.S. Navy.

Erbessd Instruments also supplies several local manufacturers in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.

“It’s hard for me not to geek out when I talk about the business and our capabilities,” he said. “Also, to be grounded in downtown Glens Falls is great. There’s a lot happening here and we want to be a part of it.”

There is presently ample space in Erbessd’s new location for its technical labs, think tank space, creative offices, teleconference center, shipping and additional square footage to accommodate future growth. Erbessd leases the 2,500-square-foot building from Patten Property Development with a future option to buy.

Erbessd Instruments, with its patented, compact high-tech sensors, diagnoses equipment and machines remotely before they become a problem, malfunction or create catastrophic damage or loss.

The company offers vibration analysis and monitoring, equipment balancing, on line monitoring systems, wireless triaxial accelerometer that are cloud based and universally adaptable, as well as sort-bearing suspensions for balancers, dynamic balancing

machines and laser alignment systems.

“Erbessd develops state-of-the-art innovative technologies,” Howard said. “We provide our clients with complete diagnostic services, or the high-tech equipment for companies to self-diagnose with our data support and analysis. Vibro-Laser provides laser precision measurements and alignments.”

The two companies operate together, but also provide services independently depending on a client’s preferences or requirements.

Additionally, the company supplies the custom-built turbocharger balancing machine and dynamic balancing machine and the soft bearing suspensions for a “build your own” balancer machine, numerous wireless accelerometers, thermographic cameras and the El Share Ace laser alignment system.

“We are all about machine health,” said Howard. “We are behind the scenes making sure a client’s equipment—on a military aircraft, for example—is running efficiently and effectively.”

Under the leadership of Howard, a retired U.S. Air Force operations specialist and former GE Turbine employee, the Erbessd team is encouraged to capitalize on their careers by thinking well outside of the box.

“I think making the most of each day is a way for our team to strive to expand on our technical knowledge and become innovators of new technology,” he said.

Erbessd and Vibro-Laser also has offices in Mexico City, Europe and Canada. It employs five people in Glens Falls, including three engineers. This summer the company also is mentoring a Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) student intern from South Glens Falls High School.

For more details, demo software, updates and tools go to www.erbessd-instruments. com or call 518-874-2700.

14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

Breakfast At Track Continued From Page 1

as the host of Breakfast at Belmont, will provide commentary and conduct interviews with trainers and connections during Breakfast at Saratoga.

Mornings at Saratoga also welcome fans to go behind the scenes with a free, guided backstretch tram tour, courtesy of CDTA. Tram tours run from 7:30-9 a.m. and depart from the Clubhouse entrance approximately every 15 minutes. Tours are available on a first-come, first-served basis and are 45 minutes in length.

Tram tours are not offered on Runhappy Travers Day and Labor Day. “In addition to world-class thoroughbred racing, fans this season will once again enjoy an outstanding lineup of entertainment and events designed to enhance an afternoon at Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA Senior Director of Communications Pat McKenna. “This will be a summer to remember and we very much look forward to welcoming fans back to Saratoga for a reunion like no other.”

The 2021 Saratoga summer meet will include: Berkshire Bank Family Sundays, featuring a wide variety of free family-friendly activities, games, attractions and educational activities each Sunday at the Berkshire Bank Family Zone.

Military Appreciation Day, Thursday, July 22.

All veterans and active-duty military will receive free Grandstand admission with military ID. Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund Awareness Day, Saturday, July 31. Saratoga Race Course will have autograph signings and photo opportunities as part of Permanently Disabled Jockeys’ Fund (PDJF) Day Across America.

Fabulous Fillies Day, Thursday, Aug. 5 will honor local breast cancer survivors while supporting To Life!, a Capital Region nonprofit organization which provides personalized breast cancer education and support services.

Saratoga Cooler Bag Giveaway, presented by Saratoga Casino Hotel, Sunday, Aug. 15. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

Runhappy Travers Day, Saturday, Aug. 28. The card will include seven stakes. Gates open at 7 a.m.

Saratoga fleece hoodie giveaway. Free with paid admission, while supplies last.

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‘Resilience Garden’ Celebrates College’s Efforts Community To Battle Through Pandemic

Local officials pose at the Resilience Garden in Saratoga Springs, celebrating the compassion and courage of the Empire State College community during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Courtesy Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College has completed what it calls a Resilience Garden, celebrating the compassion and courage of the college community during the COVID-19 pandemic and honoring all New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19.

Last fall, college staff and administration planted dozens of Asiatic lilies at the entrance of 113 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs. The lilies were donated to the college by Lisa Johnson, a project coordinator at SUNY Empire.

The unveiling was attended by local dignitaries state Sen. Daphne Jordan, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. SUNY Empire student Elaine Caruso-Roberts and Interim Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the Empire State College Foundation Sue Epstein, Ph.D., also spoke at the ceremony.

The dedication coincided with the reopening of SUNY Empire’s physical locations and the return of its faculty and staff throughout New York state.

During the pandemic, SUNY Empire moved to a fully online model to serve its students and keep their goal of earning a college degree within reach.

The college is now poised to resume its online, inperson, and hybrid learning model for the fall term.

SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea said, “In March 2020, we sent our students, faculty, and staff home due to the increasing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, we didn’t know how long we’d be apart or how we’d be impacted.

This garden is a beautiful and lasting symbol that represents the resilience of our college community and communities across New York state. We look forward to welcoming back our students, faculty, and staff, which will add vibrancy to cities and towns across the state and help revitalize communities emerging from the pandemic.”

Woerner, of Round Lake said, “Even at the height of the pandemic, SUNY Empire continued to enable its students to pursue their education. Now, as their employees return to work, the college has made time to recognize the spirit of optimism that enables New Yorkers to persevere. It comes at the perfect moment, as we begin our recovery from the pandemic.”

Shimkus said planting of the garden “has not only enhanced the beauty of our community but also called to mind the strength and resolve that is in the heart of all New Yorkers.”

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 15

Adirondack Thunder Will Play Games At Full Kilcoyne Farms Eyes Building A New Meat Capacity; Hires SeatGeek As Ticket Vendor Processing Plant; Workforce Could Triple

With the state relaxing pandemic safety guidelines, the Adirondack Thunder says all 2021-22 home games at Cool Insuring Arena will be played at full capacity with no restrictions.

Courtesy Adirondack Thunder

The Adirondack Thunder announced that all 2021-22 home games at Cool Insuring Arena will be played at full capacity with no restrictions.

The move followed the state’s lifting of COVID restrictions, as numbers of those with coronavirus steadily dropped.

“We are thrilled that we can welcome our great fans back into our building this season,” Adirondack Thunder President and Cool Insuring Arena General Manager Jeff Mead said. “This is a long time coming for not only our organization but for our fantastic community who came together to help everyone get through this devastating time. We look forward to seeing a sold-out Cool Insuring Arena on October 23.”

The Adirondack Thunder’s home opener on Saturday, Oct. 23, will mark 593 days since the last game (March 10, 2020, vs. Worcester).

The Thunder host the Newfoundland Growlers at Cool Insuring Arena to kick off the 2021-22 season.

The organization also announced a multiyear partnership with SeatGeek, the ticketing platform, to become its primary ticketing partner.

“We are excited to work with SeatGeek to help revolutionize the way that our fans access and buy tickets,” Mead said. “SeatGeek’s technology is state-of-the-art and I think our fans will enjoy using it tremendously.”

Starting this fall, fans attending Thunder games or any other Cool Insuring Arena event will use SeatGeek’s technology for a streamlined user experience to buy, transfer and scan their tickets and use mobile tickets to stay contactless upon entering the building. Fans are also encouraged to download the SeatGeek app on their personal devices for an easier way to access, transfer and pay for tickets.

“As hockey and other events return to full capacity, we can’t wait to kick off a new season with the Thunder and Cool Insuring Arena as partners,” Jeff Ianello, executive vice president of Client Partnerships at SeatGeek. “We’re excited to work with the team and venue to give fans a bestin-class ticketing experience.”

Additionally, the Thunder announced a multiyear contract extension that will keep their affiliation agreement with the National Hockey League’s New Jersey Devils. The 2021-22 season will be the fifth that the Thunder and the Devils have partnered to help develop future NHL prospects.

“The New Jersey Devils have been an outstanding partner since the Thunder moved east,” Thunder Head Coach/Director of Hockey Operations Alex Loh said. “They have committed to help us win and we are excited to develop more of their players as we have in the past. We are thrilled to continue to work with them for the upcoming season and beyond.”

“On behalf of the New Jersey Devils organization, we are pleased to join the Adirondack Thunder in the announcement to extend their partnership as our ECHL affiliate for the 2021-22 season,” New Jersey Devils Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Dan MacKinnon said. “Since the affiliation was officially established five years ago, we have seen firsthand how the Adirondack staff developed and cultivated players for the transition to the American Hockey League. We are all excited to work together next season as the Thunder return to the ice.”

Season tickets for the 2021-22 season are on sal. Call 518-480-3355 or visit ECHLThunder. com/tickets for more details.

BY LISA BALSCHUNAT Fifteen years ago, Cody Kilcoyne’s father Patrick established a small cattle farm in Lake Placid to provide quality beef to families and restaurants in the area with “delivered to your door” service.

What began as a small cattle farm with modest acreage and a handful of customers has grown into a farm that works with USDA processors to serve hundreds of restaurants, hospitals, private establishments and schools throughout New York state.

Kilcoyne Farms moved from St. Lawrence County to Hudson Falls four years ago. The family now has plans to construct its own processing facility on Ferguson Lane at the Airport Industrial Park, where Warren-Washington counties share land ownership.

“We are in the application phase with the Warren Washington County Industrial Development Association (IDA) to purchase 20 acres of land and build a 25,000- to 35,000-squarefoot processing plant,” Kilcoyne said. “We looked at other locations with existing buildings, but this option will work best. It includes public water, sewer lines … And, we can build from scratch without having to retrofit an existing structure.”

He said his farm is presently working with a USDA planner and designer and is hoping to soon receive final approval for a bank loan.

Paone Architecture of Saratoga Springs, has been secured for the project design and Munter Enterprises, of Middle Grove will construct the plant.

Once funding is secured and the IDA application process moves forward with anticipated approval, Kilcoyne hopes to break ground in the summer of 2022.

“When we get the new facility up and running to maximum capacity,” Cody said, “we’ll be able to process 200 cattle and 100 hogs per week.”

All of the cattle are New York state sourced and processed, and contain no hormones or antibiotics, Kilcoyne said.

He said constructing an $8.1 million facility in the industrial park makes good business sense.

“There are only about 800 USDA processors

in the country,” Cody said. “We put about 1,000 miles a week on our trucks to get our cattle to our processor in Croghan, in Lewis County. A plant in the industrial park would cut down our delivery time from three-and-a-half hours to 15 minutes.

This location will give us the opportunity to expand into the grocery market based on sheer geography.”

He said plans include making part of the building an educational facility,. There will also be a commercial kitchen, dry aging room, curing boxes and a smoker.

“We already work with SUNY Adirondack for their butchering class and want to continue that relationship,”Kilcoyne said. “There are many classes at colleges and in butcher departments at grocery stores that teach cutting meat, but few teach how to do whole animal butchering. We’re excited to be able to show students how it’s really done.”

With a small fleet of three trucks, Kilcoyne distributes its products throughout most of the state—north to Lake Placid, south to Putnam County, west to Ithaca in the Finger Lakes and east to Vermont.

During the height of the pandemic when there were limited options for meat processing, he said that “small farms closed the gaps. There wasn’t a meat shortage during the pandemic, though some people thought so. There was a shortage of meat processing services.”

“We had to shift from selling half cows to our customers to making smaller packages of steaks and ground beef,” said Kilcoyne. “Restaurants were closed. We had to adjust our way of doing business. Most of our home deliveries continued.

People were very gracious.”

Kilcoyne presently employs three people, but anticipates tripling the workforce in the future with this new business venture.

His brother-in-law, Jake McLaughlin, is coowner of the farm. His sister, Alicia McLaughlin, manages the finances, and his father, Patrick, is still involved.

For more details about Kilcoyne Farms, visit www.kilcoynefarms.com

16 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

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Business Briefs

The Saratoga Builders Association Inc. announced the awarding of two student scholarships.

One is the annual SBA scholarship for $1,000 and the other is the annual “Bob Best” memorial scholarship for $500.

Luke Baringer of Wilton, a senior at Saratoga Springs High School, won the SBA scholarship.

He will be attending Clarkson University in the fall to study civil engineering and architecture design.

Brendan Lee, a senior at Salem Central School, won the $500 scholarship. She attends WSWHE BOCES at the F. Donald Myers Education Center.

The Saratoga Builders Association makes student scholarship awards available annually to high school seniors or college students who are planning to pursue a career in the construction industry.

* * * Saratoga Mortgage, a service of Saratoga’s Credit Union, is offering a unique outdoor expo to help consumers better prepare and understand the home buying process.

The expo will be held 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, July 10, at Saratoga’s Credit Union’s Ballston Spa branch, 444 Geyser Road, Ballston Spa. The event is open to the public and all are welcome to stop by and meet with representatives to gain knowledge on how each organization plays a role in the home buying process.

Representatives include a mortgage originator, a real estate agent, financial advisor, and home insurance agent who will collectively educate attendees on how they can help new and existing home owners. Each representative will be ready to meet with individuals to discuss their needs. Meet with one or with all representatives and learn how they can help you on your journey.

Reservations are not required.

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Business Registrations • •

Quick Response was honored with the Community Partner Award the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County Salute to Business Awards at the Hilton Garden Inn in Clifton Park on June 17.

A local, family-owned and operated restoration company, Quick Response is very involved in the community. From volunteer/free services provided to first responders and nonprofits, to the annual Christmas display, community spirit is embedded in its culture, officials said.

Fabian Johnston, direct of business development, accepted the award on behalf of the company.

* * * The National Museum of Racing’s Hall of Fame induction ceremony, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6 at Fasig-Tipton, will be open to the public and free to attend.

The ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. and will also be streamed live on the museum’s website at racingmuseum.org.

Public seating is limited and will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The doors will open at 9:30 a.m.

This year’s induction ceremony will honor the Hall of Fame classes of 2020 and 2021. Legendary track announcer Tom Durkin will serve as the master of ceremonies. The 2020 inductees include racehorses Tom Bowling and Wise Dan; jockey Darrel McHargue; trainer Mark Casse; and Pillars of the Turf Alice Headley Chandler, J. Keene Daingerfield, Jr., and George D. Widener, Jr. The 2021 class is comprised of racehorse American Pharoah (a 2013 Fasig-Tipton Saratoga Select Yearling Sale graduate) and trainers Jack Fisher and Todd Pletcher.

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

Learning By Me Daniele LaFleur 2210 Marina Drive Halfmoon 12065

Adam N. Favro and Associates Adam Favro 230 Nelson Ave. Saratoga Springs 12866

Dark Mountain Arts Bryn Reynolds 49 Barrinton Drive Gansevoort 12831

Turning Point Sportswear Rian Richardson Michael Pugliese 19 Cavalry Course Mechanicville 12118

Holly Capasso PhotographyA Holly Capasso 112 Lemont Ave. Corinth 12822 Bag Lady Joyce Bernard 1 Dater Farmway Halfmoon 12065 GC Contracting Ginger Williams 6 Congdon Road South Glens Falls 12803 Harrison Drywall Finishing Anthony Harrison 15 N. Second Ave. Mechanicville 12118 Huebner Development John Huebner 81 Thimbleberry Road Ballston Spa 12020 Jeff of All Trades Jeffrey Barnes 417 North Pines Road, #31 Gansevoort 12831 Hocksox Patricia Isabel Flores Cifuentes 6 Beacon Hill Drive Saratoga Springs 12866 Octane Mobile Services Michael Ostrander 11 Saratoga Ave. Ballston Spa 12020 My Quirky Purple Owl Kristy Fulk 8C Rovanten Park Ballston Lake 12019 SN Training and Sales Samantha Nagy 618 MacElroy Road Ballston Lake 12019 Modified Solutions Cleaning Services Angela Townsend 6301 Blue Heron Way Ballston Spa 12020 ADK Awareness Krista Valla Kaitlin Valla 181 Hatchery Road Gansevoort 12831

Kornerstone Products Victoria Kistol 2307 Ellsworth Boulevard Ballston Spa 12020 Wash on Wheels Trent Griffin-Braaf 37 Dorsman Drive Clifton Park 12065 Saratoga Turf Services Shane Drumm 883 Route 4 Schuylerville 12871 Jen’s Hens Odds and Ends Jennifer Fox 67 Canal Road Halfmoon 12065 Shake a Paw Dog Grooming Danielle Pettit 413 North Creek Road Greenfield 12833 Saratoga Seal Coat Nancy Elliot 49 Lakeside Drive Malta 12020 All Things Trees Brandon Allen 18 Meridian Lane Ballston Lake 12119 Owens Leadership Communications Michele Owens 168 West River Road Schuylerville 12871 Melissa Ann Photography Melissa Ann Ferguson 12 Spring St., Suite 103-1W Schuylerville 12871 Crescent Aesthetics Elizabeth Buzash 2100 Doubleday Ave. Ballston Spa 12020 Grogan’s Contracting Patrick Grogan 114 Gates Ave. Victory Mills 12884 Viele’s Rustic Creations Charles Viele 2435 Route 9 Malta 12020

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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 17

Travel Agencies

Business Registrations •

Dr. Tiff Speaks Consulting Tiffany Powell 202 Fletcher Court Waterford 12188 Fine Lines Lawn Care Nathan Cox 82 Allen Road Porter Corners 12859 DSL Carpentry David Lyons 246 Gurns Springs Road Gansevoort 12831 Finds On Hudson Vincent Romeo 741 Hudson Ave. Stillwater 12170 Tiffany Boyd Realty Tiffany Boyd 1054 Route 29 Schuylerville 12871 Mahogany Ridge Lisa Mitzen 104 Dans View Road Saratoga Springs 12866 Cardinal HRC Jennifer Wagner 49 Wilson Ave. South Glens Falls 12803 Prisco’s Salvy Prisco Heidi Prisco 10 Cambridge Drive Clifton Park 12065

• Susany Cards Susany Celeste 524 Route 9P Saratoga Springs 12866 Sheri’s Salon Suite Sheri Mooney 634 Plank Road Clifton Park 12065 Triple C Ranch Lawrence Curtis 421 Wall St. Schuylerville 12871 Making Melodies Music Camp Samantha Werblow 800 Saratoga Road Burnt Hills 12019 A One Paula Heffernan 148 Lapp Road Clifton Park 12065 Round Lake Doula Cecily Cullinan 18 Prospect St. Round Lake 12151 Mama Bear Handmade Rachel Daniels 133 Lemont Ave. Corinth 12822 Small Engine MD Dean McGeary 8 Locust Lane Clifton Park 12065

Traveling Pet and Nature Photography Becky Roselle 308 N. Fifth Ave. Mechanicville 12118

Pastore Custom Carpentry Michael Pastore 10 Morningside Drive Ballston Lake 12019

Golden Standard Renovations Justin Bisnett 331 Rowland St. Ballston Spa 12020

Backroad Milling Elijah Blackwood 4 Morris Road Edinburg 12134

Sacandaga Rivers Michael Kennedy 156 Potter Hollow Road Galway 12074

Loving Lights Candles Joanne Tedesco 78 Mallards Landing S. Waterford 12188

Masten Excavation Andrew Masten 3471 Boyhaven Road Middle Grove 12850

Kent’s Crazy Horse Kent Daniels 1000 Route 9 Gansevoort 12831

Cloudy and Clear Skin Derrick Benders Autumn Gray 116 W. High St. Ballston Spa 12020

Ground Up Apothecary Chad Currin 5 Southside Drive Clifton Park 12065

Foothills Fungi Society Jeffrey Barnes 417 Northern Pines Road #31 Gansevoort 12831

Continued From Page 9

Melissa Diana Photography Melissa Thornton 14B Meyer Road Clifton Park 12065

diehard theater fans from all over the world.”

Playbill Travel also sells vacations to destinations around the world, and the majority of its customers are over age 50. In recent years, Plog has noticed an increased number of bookings from millennials.

“Over the past five to 10 years, a lot of millennials are using travel advisors. It’s more so that I expected, and I think a lot of it is because they aren’t sure what to do or where to go. It’s a lot easier to have us help them figure it out than figuring it out online.”

Because of the pandemic, Plog has seen an huge surge in interest in travel to the National Parks.

Bookings for travel to Florida, Mexico, and the Caribbean have also been strong.

“It will probably be like that for the rest of the year and into next year,” he said. “The main reason for that is because a lot of Europe is still closed because of the pandemic. They are opening gradually, and I think by the fall that most of Europe will be open. But our Europe business just isn’t there for the summer. In the past, Europe was our biggest product seller in the summer and fall. We do a ton of customized Europe vacations for people.”

Plog expects business to pick up in September and anticipates that travel will rebound significantly in 2022.

Live Life Travel specializes in honeymoon travel and is especially busy working with couples who are planning honeymoons that were postponed due to the pandemic.

“We have a backlog of brides,” she said. “We are so busy that we aren’t even marketing right now.”

Because of widespread layoffs in the travel industry during the pandemic, Gordon said booking travel can be especially challenging. Call centers, hotels, and other travel-related businesses were forced to furlough the majority of their employees, and once travel began to resume, they struggled to restaff their operations.

“Everyone is short staffed,” she said.

Some her clients in the 50+ demographic invested in vacation properties during the pandemic. Because of that, they are unlikely to book travel in the near future.

Because of the pandemic, Gordon said it is especially important for clients to read all of the

terms and conditions of their travel contracts.

Unlike most companies, Live Life Travel issued refunds to their clients who had trips canceled due to COVID-19.

“We now offer insurance to cancel for any reason with some of our companies which is one of the things we did during our downtime during COVID. That’s one of the things I suggest people ask about. There are no more cash back situations,” she said.

According to Heber, some of her customers in the 50-plus demographic are interested in booking a world cruise in 2023. Many of her clients are also booking travel to Europe in the late fall.

“The cruise is 111 days, so a lot of people cannot be gone that long unless they are retired,” she said.

“For Europe, the older demographic waits until September or October. I’ve got people booking river cruises and people who want to go for the Christmas markets.”

Spain’s El Camino de Santiago, Europe’s longest pilgrimage route, has also been popular with Baxter’s older demographic. She has a group booked for October, and they are currently training for the long walking journey.

For those interested in traveling abroad, Baxter advises her clients to be cautious and to avoid traveling to countries that have been slow with vaccine administration. For example, she advises against booking travel to South America any time soon.

Baxter also noted that demand is often exceeding demand for domestic travel, and flights are becoming increasingly difficult to book due to labor shortages. Airlines furloughed employees during the pandemic, and they do not have the staffing required to meet surging customer demand.

“They took so many flights away that they are not seeming to bring back,” she said. “A lot of the seasoned pilots retired when all of this was going down, and they are bringing on new pilots and are training them as fast as they can. It’s the same thing with gate agents and reservation agents. We’re also finding the same thing with tour operators. No one is up to speed, and it will be six to eight months before I think it will all filter out.”

Housing For 50+ Continued From Page 9

Land is at a premium in this part of the country and prices are driven in part by low supply, Quade said her senior clients are willing to pay for the upgrades of new construction now rather than remodel and pay later.

“Most don’t want the hassle of renovating, they just want everything new,” she said. “But no matter the budget, it’s about compromise, and seniors are smart about shopping and pursuing what matters the most for them.”

While some shoppers may be more cost conscious, all want and need something in fairly low supply. According to Quade, depending on where seniors are in the process of their next move, they may be willing to cut back on just about any amenity except maintenance.

“They would rather have now what they want in a beautiful home for the future time when the property and the stairs become problematic,” she

said. “It is a tough market for buyers because of the supply and for builders because of the cost.”

“Each year it becomes a more pressing situation for seniors to find the place where they can free themselves up,” she said. “They have an active lifestyle, they love to travel, but they want to scale back time spent on upkeep in favor of other activities.”

“The residents at The Glen enjoy their active lifestyle and when they travel, it gives them comfort to know their home is looked after 24/7,” said Hebert.

“All the upkeep is taken care of, including clearing snow off their cars and walkways, and checking in on their rooms or cottage,” she said.

“Active seniors and healthy aging are the new buzzwords, but they reflect our mission at The Glen to keep our residents safe and continue being independent members of the aging community.”

18 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

Lake George Chamber Offers Digital Passes To Tour Craft Breweries In The Adirondacks

The Saratoga Area Abounds With Great Food & Drink Options Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County are home to many amazing restaurants featuring a variety of cuisines. The diversity of menus and settings ensures that even the pickiest diner will find something to please their palate.

In addition, downtown Saratoga Springs' nightlife scene is always hopping, whether you are looking for a friendly pub and a pint, some wine and some jazz, or a place to dance the night away. In addition, there are an abundance of craft breweries, wineries, and distilleries to help quench your thirst. Below are some of our favorite restaurants, nightlife hotspots, and craft beverage producers.

The Hideaway Saratoga Springs, NY The Hideaway at Saratoga Lake Golf Club is open to the public seven days a week and features a menu with something for everyone.

Indoor and outdoor seating is available, and they offer a banquet space for weddings and events.

Palette Cafe Saratoga Springs, NY Located right on Broadway in downtown Saratoga, Palette Cafe combines a friendly cafe with an art gallery and coworking space.

Whether you need a coffee boost or a little inspiration, this community-centered cafe has you covered.

Harvey's Restaurant and Bar Saratoga Springs, NY At Harvey's Restaurant and Bar, we are proud to be at the forefront of hospitality in the downtown Saratoga region!

The Brook Tavern Saratoga Springs, NY Just a short walk from the Saratoga Race Course and walking distance from Congress Park, The Brook Tavern is a favorite neighborhood gathering spot nestled at the intersection of Union and Nelson Ave., right in the heart of historic Saratoga Springs.

Caffe Lena Saratoga Springs, NY Caffe Lena has been a Saratoga treasure since 1960. Diverse programming sets the stage for musical discovery and now includes online lessons for guitar, fiddle, banjo, ukulele and voice. Children and adults. Renew your faith in the power of music.

Craft beverage drinkers can gain access to special offers and the chance to win Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail swag through a new digital passport offered by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB. “The craft beverage industry is a year-round attraction that ranked high in consumer traveler surveys distributed by our destination partners to gain insight into what people are looking for when they visit our area,” said Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer.

“We feel this is an offering that will help visitors find what they’re looking for and gain more visibility for our local craft beverage scene.”

The passport is being marketed to a targeted demographic that mirrors the organic traffic to adkcraftbev.com, which draws many website visitors from out of the area. The top location from out of the area is New York City.

The digital passport was developed through Bandwango, a company that develops digital passports for destinations around the U.S. and Canada. It provides a simple way for the Chamber to analyze redemption and usage data, spot trends and track leads that can help measure economic impact of programs like this.

“We chose a digital passport because we liked the ease of updating the passport throughout the year, the fact that we could continue to interact with users of the passport digitally, analyze data and react to trends,” Mintzer said. “We also like that it can be accessed on a smartphone and isn’t something additional that consumers have to remember to carry with them. We also wanted something that would be simple for the craft beverage makers and their staff to participate in.”

This passport currently features 15 craft beverage producers (with more to be added) in Essex, Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties. These producers craft local wine, beer, hard seltzer, hard cider, spirits and soft drinks, she said.

Currently, there are three prizes: Five check-ins, an Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail logo window cling; 10 check-ins, a tote bag designed for bottles; and at all locations, entry into grand prize raffle prize There two prize pickup locations are the

Business Booming Continued From Page 10

Lake ski area, and a lot of housing subdivision work and work for local businesses.

Bedore said in his more than 30 years as an engineer he has seen four or five up and down cycles but “there is always a client out there who needs an engineer.”

Bedore is a graduate of Clarkson University

Nostalgia Ale House & Wine Bar Malta, NY With a wistful affection of the past, Nostalgia brings you back in time with their atmosphere, music, bar, and menu. Views overlooking the lake, fire rings in summer and winter, daily specials, OPEN ALL YEAR and NOW SERVING LIQUOR!

Lake Ridge Restaurant Round Lake, NY Only minutes away from Saratoga Lake, we're the food critics' choice (4.5 out of 5 stars), offering first-rate Continental cuisine in an elegant setting. Exceptional food, great prices and friendly service will keep you coming again and again.

Morrissey's Lounge & Bistro Saratoga Springs, NY Morrissey's Lounge & Bistro in Saratoga Springs is located within The Adelphi Hotel and is the perfect place for good food, drinks, and conversation. They offer an all day menu and three unique dining areas.

Winslow's Restaurant Gansevoort, NY Open since 1948, Winslow's Restaurant is steeped in heritage and tradition. Located just a few minutes north of Saratoga Springs, Winslow's serves up classic American cuisine like steak, grilled pork chops, and oven roasted turkey.

Wheatfields Restaurant Saratoga Springs, NY You can't go wrong with freshly made pasta prepared right on-site using local ingredients!

But Wheatfields is much more than pasta: Patrons rave about the hand-stretched pizza, the salmon entrée, and the fried calamari appetizer, to name a few.

Data gathered through a digital pass for craft breweries can help the Chamber spot trends.

Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

Lake George Village Information Center 1 Beach Road, Lake George, Weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce main office, 2176 Route 9,Lake George, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Participants in the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail tour are Adirondack Pub & Brewery, Adirondack Winery, Argyle Brewing Co. LLC, Battle Hill Brewing Co., Bolton Landing Brewing Co., Common Roots Brewing Co., Cooper’s Cave Ale Co., Hicks Orchard, Lake George Distilling Co., Ledge Hill Brewing Co., Ledge Rock Hill Winery LLC, Mean Max Brew Works, Northway Brewing Co., Paradox Brewing, Slickfin Brewing Co., and, coming soon, Springbrook Hollow Farm Distillery.

The link to sign up for the passport can be found at adkcraftbev.com or lakegeorgechamber.com under the “Attractions” tab.

After people sign up, they will then get a text or email with a link to their passport.

The passport is then ready to use immediately.

There is no app to download. The passport can be saved to the user’s smartphone home screen for easy one-tap access. with a graduate degree in environmental management and policy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He is a retired Air Force officer, still active in the National Guard. Part of his active military service was in the Antarctic but, he said, he was able to work on his own projects in his of-hours.

The new offices are located at 105 Lake Hill Road, Suite 2, at Kingsley Corner in Burnt Hills. The telephone number is 518 280-0046.

The Wishing Well Restaurant Gansevoort, NY Award winning restaurant Serving the Saratoga region's finest selection of premium steaks, live lobsters, fresh seafood & wines.

Stone fireplaces, a piano bar & attentive service are hallmarks of The Wishing Well.

Chez Pierre Gansevoort, NY Experience the very best in French cuisine and fine dining at Chez Pierre Restaurant, conveniently located on Route 9 in Wilton NY, just minutes north from downtown Saratoga Springs.

The Saratoga City Tavern Saratoga Springs, NY Looking for an upscale tavern in Saratoga?

Stop by Saratoga City Tavern in Downtown Saratoga. We have five floors of fun and extraordinary features such as our private rooftop deck. Our venue is the perfect place for a night out in Saratoga Springs!

Courtesy of Saratoga.com

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021 • 19

Available Commercial & Residential Properties

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

PRIME DOWNTOWN GLENS FALLS COMMERCIAL AND OFFICE SPACE AVAILABLE: FROM 250-3500 SQ/FT

335 River Road, Stillwater $699,000 Gorgeous year round waterfront home with 64’ on the Hudson River w/private dock. Enjoy the views from the Trex deck, gazebo & stamped concrete patio w/firepit! This HOME features an open floor plan, solid cherry custom cabinets, granite countertops, pounded copper island, cathedral ceiling w/ wainscoting, gas fireplace, first floor master/huge master bath & walk in closet/laundry room, multi use loft, and huge 2nd flr bedroom! New Roof, new furnace, new tankless HW. Generac Generator!

No need to mow, let the automatic mower do it for you! Only 20 minutes to Saratoga Springs! Travel the Hudson to the North Atlantic Ocean or Lake Champlain and all stops in between!

Listing Agent: Annette “Anny” O’Neill | 518.369.4188 aoneil@roohanrealty.com

1 Civic Center Plaza - Includes off street parking  136 GLEN STREET

OVERLOOKING THE ROUNDABOUT

Includes off street parking.

Let our professional design team create your customized space!

Call Glen Street Associates • 743-8666 Brokers Encouraged

20 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JULY 2021

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