Saratoga Business Journal

VOL. 29 NO. 6

Arrow

Financial Corp Unifies Glens Falls And Saratoga National Banks Into Single Entity

BY SUSAN ELLSE CAMPBELL

Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO David S. DeMarco.

The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said.

DeMarco said the change was years in the making.

“What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said.

DeMarco explained that since the two

banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking.

“Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources to enhance our strategic growth opportunities and provide unparalleled customer service.”

Glens Falls National Bank was formed in 1851 and, like Saratoga National Bank, has a strong presence in the communities it serves.

The latter was formed in 1988 and has been a subsidiary of Arrow Financial since its beginning. But the two banks have different charters.

“As part of the reunification, Saratoga Na-

Continued On Page 13

Plans Are Now Underway For An Exciting New Year’s Celebration In Saratoga Springs

While most Saratogians are busy enjoying popular summer entertainment options like SPAC and the track, some event organizers are focused on one of the Spa City’s most popular winter events. Saratoga New Year’s Eve, originally called First Night and for a short time Saratoga New Year’s Fest, will offer residents and visitors a fun way to ring in the new year in downtown Saratoga Springs. The two-day event will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2024, and Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2025.

New this year, Proctors Collaborative will partner with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, Discover Saratoga, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the City of Saratoga Springs to present Saratoga New Year’s Eve. Proctors Collaborative will assist in securing entertainment acts to be featured at its Saratoga Springs venue Universal Preservation Hall as well as the Saratoga Springs City Center on New Year’s Eve.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Saratoga County Chamber, Discover Saratoga and the Saratoga Springs City Center and deepen our connection with the vibrant community of downtown Saratoga Springs,” said Teddy Foster, director of Universal Preservation Hall. “This collaboration not only enhances our cultural offerings but also integrates us further into the fabric of this wonderful city. We look forward to many exciting events and opportunities together.”

Local company Death Wish Coffee is once again supporting this community event by returning as a presenting sponsor of Saratoga New Year’s Eve.

While Controversial, ProcellaCOR Is Deemed Effective At Controlling Saratoga Lake’s Milfoil

BY PAUL POST

Chemical applications have eliminated Eurasian watermilfoil in problem areas of Saratoga Lake, saving considerable money and providing better recreational conditions for boating, swimming, fishing and paddle sports, which contribute to the local economy.

“Milfoil rapidly takes over a lake,” said Cristina Connolly, Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District executive director-administrator.

“Years back this lake was pretty much all milfoil. It was so bad you could almost walk across the lake. It out-competes the native plant species and native wildlife and their habitat.”

But in 2020 and 2021, the district hired a private firm to treat the worst sites (54 and 32 acres, respectively) with a chemical called ProcellaCOR, which has been used in hundreds of lakes throughout the country since the U.S. Environmental Protection

Agency approved its use in 2017.

“It was very successful and we have not needed to do another treatment since then,” Connolly said. “It targeted the milfoil and allowed the native plants to thrive and out-compete any milfoil that was there. To this day we do regular vegetative assessments and one large annual one where we hire a consultant. Milfoil is now minimal. There was no reason to do another treatment this year. We’ve been very, very happy with it.”

Small patches of milfoil are still present in some places, but not large enough to warrant additional applications. “But we keep our eye on it,” Connolly said.

ProcellaCOR, manufactured by Indiana-based SePro Corporation, kills plants with a hormone that plants absorb, causing them to grow too rapidly and die off within a few weeks. Plants turn

Entrepreneurial Couple Has Expanded Their Many Offerings By Opening Eggs On The Run

BY ANN DONNELLY

At the heart of Malta, New York, a historic landmark is serving up more than just memories. The 450 E. High location, once the home of the Wiggins-Collamer family, has evolved over time, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of its current owners, Doug Dockendorf and Shelly Walker. Their latest venture, Eggs on the Run, is a testament to their commitment to not only offering delicious food but also transforming a historic landmark into a vibrant community hub.

The concept of Eggs on the Run was born during a winter vacation in Florida in 2023. Dockendorf, an entrepreneur at heart and owner of Priority Electric, saw an opportunity to enhance the offerings at 450 E. High. Their vision? A unique ‘hybrid’ eatery experience – quick yet upscale, with the ambiance of a dine-in restaurant but the convenience of grab-and-go.

“Customers were coming into The Coffee Bar, located inside Finishing Touches, and asking if we had food,” explained Walker.

At that time, their offerings were limited to cookies, brownies, and biscotti. Having already established a successful coffee bar in 2022, they were eager to expand their culinary horizons. The introduction of Eggs on the Run in May 2024 proved to be a winning formula.

Saratoga National Bank is one of the subsidiaries of Arrow Financial Corporation that will be rebranded under the new corporate plan.

Courtesy of Arrow Financial Corporation

Students learn the importance of native aquatic vegetation aboard the Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District’s floating classroom.

Courtesy of Saratoga Lake Protection and Improvement District

The secret to their success lies in a carefully curated menu, designed in collaboration with a chef friend. Breakfast takes center stage, featuring classic options with a touch of French

Universal Preservation Hall is the site of some entertainment during Saratoga New Year’s Eve. Courtesy of Saratoga New Year’s Eve

Eggs on the Run offers a menu of delectable breakfast treats for busy people.

Personnel Briefs

Roohan Realty has announced that Peggy King has joined the team as a licensed real estate salesperson.

After a long career in the insurance industry, Ms. King is transitioning into the dynamic world of real estate. With a wealth of experience and a passion for customer service, she is poised to bring a fresh perspective and unparalleled dedication to the real estate industry.

Having spent 24 years working for State Farm, she has perfected her skills in customer relations, negotiation, and financial analysis – all invaluable assets in the realm of real estate transactions. Her background ensures that clients will receive comprehensive support and expert guidance throughout their buying or selling journey.

Ms. King was born and raised in Tennessee and studied voice performance at Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia. Since becoming a Saratoga County resident 28 years ago, she has become very active in the local theater community.

Julie & Co. Realty has announced that Nicole Buck is the newest member of their brokerage in Saratoga Springs. Buck was born and raised in Saratoga Springs, and returned home to raise her three children.

She returned to the workforce, first at the Saratoga Senior Center then at Skidmore College.

She is an active volunteer in the community and enjoys spending time playing pickleball, golf, and hiking local trails.

She holds a B.S. in Chemistry from Boston College and an MBA from the University of Central Florida.

As a long-time resident of Saratoga Springs, she possesses an in-depth understanding of the local neighborhoods, schools, amenities, and market trends.

* * *

The Arrow Family of Companies has announced the appointment of Valerie Patrenets to branch manager of the Glens Falls Main Office for its subsidiary bank Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company.

Patrenets is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the branch and meeting the financial needs of the community.

She has seven years’ experience in banking, most recently serving as branch manager of the Saratoga National Bank Corinth Office.

Before her time with Glens Falls National Bank, Patrenets served as branch manager and float personal banker with Ballston Spa National Bank.

The Corinth native attended SUNY Oswego.

* * *

Tri-County United Way has announced the promotion of Laura Jensen to the position of director of community engagement.

Ms. Jensen’s promotion reflects her commitment to Tri-County United Way’s mission and her proven ability to advance the organization’s goals of creating lasting, positive impact. Ms. Jensen looks forward

Continued On Page 14

RPI Autism Researcher Juergen Hahn Elected To European Academy Of Sciences And Arts

Juergen Hahn, Ph.D., professor and head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI), has been elected to the prestigious European Academy of Sciences and Arts for his outstanding and sustained impact on science and society. He will be formally inducted into the organization in 2025.

Hahn is the first RPI faculty member to be elected to this academy, an international organization of top scientists, artists, and decision makers that includes 38 Nobel laureates. With its deep scientific and technical knowledge, this network of experts is also a resource for government leaders shaping policies and initiatives that impact their communities.

“This election is a well-deserved recognition of Juergen’s international contributions, visibility, and the impact of his work in the area of human health,” said Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering.

“It is nice to be recognized among such a distinguished group and represent RPI in an international forum,” Hahn said.

New members of the European Academy of Sciences and Arts must first be nominated by their peers and then evaluated and elected by the Academy.

Hahn has been widely recognized for his contributions to autism spectrum disorder research.

One of his ongoing research projects uses artificial intelligence and machine learning techniques to look for patterns in blood samples of children with autism. In a 2017 study, Hahn and his colleagues found that children with an autism diagnosis have significantly different metabolite levels in their blood compared to children who are developing typically.

Building on this research, Hahn will use these AI tools to uncover metabolite differences between children with an autism diagnosis and those who have developmental delays unrelated to autism.

In a 2023 study, Hahn’s team used AI tools to analyze years of biomedical data from people living in a facility where they receive aroundthe-clock care. They found a possible connection between sleep, gastrointestinal health, and two potentially harmful behaviors often associated with profound autism: self-injury and aggression. Next, the team will analyze data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic to understand how the rigid routines of lockdown affected these patterns.

In addition, Hahn is working on a project to use AI to predict whether a residential facility will be a good fit for someone with autism disorder who needs 24/7 care.

“It is often diﬃcult for doctors to distinguish between young children with autism spectrum disorder and those with developmental delays. It’s often only until the child is several years old that a more definitive diagnosis can be made. With our work, we hope to enable earlier and more precise diagnosis of these conditions,” Hahn explained.

Hahn’s other area of research focuses on improving quality of life for people with autism disorder who live in residential facilities.

“Every facility is different, and it can be very hard on residents and their families to have to move around a lot to find the right one. If we can combine the institutional knowledge of people who work at residential facilities with data-driven insights, we could help people find the environment that is best for them,” Hahn said.

Hahn has led the Department of Biomedical Engineering through a period of strong growth in students, faculty, and research. For example, this year, thanks to Professor Hahn’s efforts, RPI established a new master’s program in biomedical engineering data science to meet the intensifying industry demand for graduates with that skill set.

Juergen Hahn, Ph.D, is head of the Department of Biomedical Engineering at RPI.

Courtesy of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Gennaro’s Pizza Boasts Completely Revamped Menu Featuring Freshly Prepared Selections

BY JILL NAGY

Alex Rodriguez made good use of the COVID lockdown by brainstorming ideas and improvements to reconfigure his restaurant, Gennaro’s Pizza, as well as revamping his menu.

One big change planned was making space for him to bake. Beginning earlier this year, he now bakes fresh focaccia bread and club rolls every day, along with fresh cookies.

The menu features 20 specialty sandwiches, named after cities in Italy and Spain. The sandwiches, on freshly baked focaccia bread, feature fresh mozzarella cheese, imported deli meats, new takes on chicken and eggplant parmigiana, fresh pesto, and fresh vegetables, peppers, and chilis. The menu includes several vegetarian options as well. All are priced at $15.

“Everything is either homemade or imported using very high-end ingredients,” Rodriguez said.

Pizza remains the mainstay of Gennaro’s, however. A new sweet and spicy pizza includes Calabrian chilis and hot honey to flavor a mix of pepperoni, soppressata, and mozzarella. The most popular of the new offerings, according to Rodriguez, is a sausage and kale pizza that begins with a béchamel sauce, made to order for

each pizza, and finishes with a flourish of kale toward the end.

Rodriguez moved to Saratoga and took over the restaurant in 2018. Gennaro’s will deliver within a seven-mile radius; Mealio takes over from there.

No one named Gennaro is involved in the business. Rodriguez explained that it is a take on the name of one of the first Italian immigrants to open a restaurant in the United States and appears in many restaurant names.

Rodriguez got his start in the hospitality business in 1995, owning and operating a neighborhood bar and grill in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village. Later, he owned, operated, or partnered in nearly 20 restaurants, including Greenwich Brewing Company, 121 Fulton Street, Sushi Samba, and Bocadillo. Most recently, he was the COO of a national hospitality group based in New York City before moving to Saratoga. His wife, Carina, also got her professional start working in restaurants and is currently an event planner.

Gennaro’s is located at 16 Marion Avenue in Saratoga Springs. The full menu and other information can be found at gennarospizzaparlor. com.

Clients Enjoy Soothing Therapeutic Relief At The Adirondack Foot Sanctuary In Saratoga

BY JILL NAGY

Tired feet have a new place to seek relief: the Adirondack Foot Sanctuary at 6 Phila Street in Saratoga Springs. The spa, owned by Christina Frasier, offers foot soaks and massages, accompanied by essential oils, as well as scrubs, warm wax treatments and head, neck and shoulder massages.

Frasier has a similar facility in Lake Placid as well as a business in Bend, Oregon. She expanded into Saratoga Springs, she said, because it is a larger town and business is less seasonal than in Lake Placid. She operated the Lake Placid center for six years. She opened in Saratoga Springs at the beginning of 2024.

“I love being an entrepreneur,” she said. She also loves what she does. “My first love is hands-on.”

Frasier describes her method as “heartcentered,” kind and loving. It is therapeutic touch and massage, concentrating on feet and lower legs. But, she emphasized, she does not try to diagnose problems.

There are a number of add-ons available, including a dead sea salt scrub; a warm wax treatment meant to hydrate the skin; and head, neck and shoulder massage. The sanctuary also offers couples treatments, two pairs of feet sharing a basin.

Frasier said that she developed the concept of the Foot Sanctuary when she was teaching in Asia.

The treatments are listed and illustrated on the webpage AdirondackFootSanctuary. com. For now, Frasier is dividing her time between Lake Placid and Saratoga Springs. She has three other therapists in Saratoga and six in Lake Placid.

She said that she has had a massage license for 27 years and that her extensive experience includes 10 years teaching at Central Oregon Community College.

The facility in Saratoga Springs is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday, and from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. on Saturday.

Every morning, seven days a week, you'll find Alex Rodriguez baking fresh focaccia bread for Gennaro's specialty sandwiches.

Saratoga Business Journal

An enticing list of relaxing massage procedures awaits clients at the Adirondack Foot Sanctuary in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy of Adirondack Foot Sanctuary

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • HarryW@saratogabusinessjournal.com • www.saratogabusinessjournal.com

Editorial: rodbacon@saratogabusinessjournal.com

Advertising: HarryW@saratogabusinessjournal.com Press Releases: pressreleases@saratogabusinessjournal.com

Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen

Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon

Sales and Customer Service

Harry Weinhagen Mary Longley

Production Manager Graphic Precision

Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Ann Donnelly Jill Nagy Christine Graf Paul Post Saratoga Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each

and mailed to business and professional people in Saratoga county.

The Leadership Saratoga Program Recently Completed Four Projects For Area Non-Profits

The award-winning Leadership Saratoga program recently completed four impactful projects for area non-profits and is currently seeking project ideas for the upcoming Class of 2024-25.

Sponsored by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the program is dedicated to the development of leaders who will serve their communities today and in the future. As part of the program, the class assists up to four area non-profit organizations to help enhance or re-envision programs, operations and strategies key to their future success.

The Class of 2024, which recently graduated, completed the following projects: Saratoga Pride:

Saratoga Pride is an aﬃliate of the Pride Center of the Capital Region, a 501(c)3 organization. An allvolunteer organization, Saratoga Pride has served the LGBTQ+ community and allies for more than 15 years. Leadership Saratoga class members helped to create a strategy to expand County-wide programs and opportunities for effective partnerships with businesses and non-profit organizations aligned with the mission of Saratoga Pride. Additionally, Leadership Saratoga helped Saratoga Pride expand its public library partnership program in Saratoga County, helping to serve local LGBTQ+ communities and allies.

Our Lodge Foundation:

Our Lodge Foundation’s primary purpose is to support Frederick Allen Elks Lodge #609 (F.A. Lodge) – a Black international fraternal organization - in their philanthropic efforts, as well as the sustainment and upgrade of the building, located on Beekman Street in Saratoga Springs. Our Lodge Foundation’s works to support this nearly 100-year-old local organization, while bringing greater visibility and interaction with the Lodge and invigorating Saratoga’s African American community, as well as other groups. Leadership Saratoga helped Our Lodge Foundation with a communications, outreach and development strategy that could be executed by volunteers for the organization, helping Our Lodge Foundation to enhance its capabilities in myriad ways.

Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar:

Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar is a not-for-profit organization that assists students from Saratoga Springs High School in graduating from high school and attending and graduating from college or other technical higher learning programs. As part of the program, each student is provided resources and connections to support their success, including partnering with a mentor from the business community. Leadership Saratoga helped Saratoga Sponsor-a-Scholar to re-envision and update its mentor handbook and provided additional consulting on mentor recruitment.

by Weinhagen

LifeWorks:

Since 2005, LifeWorks (formerly Saratoga County EOC) has conducted an annual photography workshop and exhibit titled “Estamos Aquí” (We Are

Here) and hosted an annual celebration of the photographers and new photos with the goal of providing the resources and platform for self-representation for Latinos in Saratoga. Leadership Saratoga provided research, planning and strategy for LifeWorks for a potential expanded community showcase of Latino art and culture coinciding with the annual reception for “Estamos Aqui.”

The impact these projects have made on the nonprofit community for nearly four decades is immeasurable.

Cindy Swadba, volunteer for Saratoga PRIDE, said, “The Leadership Saratoga project team was amazing to work with. Their collective talents helped us to make important strategic decisions and connections to further our cause. We are forever grateful for their guidance and engagement with our volunteers and mission.”

Lezlie Dana, president of Our Lodge Foundation, said, “As a relatively new non-profit, Leadership Saratoga helped us in many ways. The project team really leaned in to make a difference for our mission and we express our sincere gratitude for the insight, guidance and energy. The team helped us to move forward and to make connections that were invaluable.”

Non-profits serving Saratoga County are encouraged to submit a project proposal detailing their organization’s needs for consideration for the upcoming class year, which begins in September.

In past years, Leadership Saratoga groups have successfully completed projects such as marketing assessments, community engagement outreach plans, event planning, educational programming, awareness campaigns and website redesigns.

Proposals are reviewed by a subcommittee of the Leadership Saratoga Advisory Board, which selects up to four projects for groups within the incoming class to complete as part of the nine-month-long program.

An extra perk of the program for selected organizations is being highlighted at the Leadership Saratoga Alumni Breakfast, where four decades of community leaders gather to hear about the valuable efforts of the class in making a difference for the impact sector.

Project proposal applications should be submitted to Leadership Saratoga by Friday, Aug. 23, 2024. Organizations will be notified in early September of their status.

A list of previously completed projects can be found on the Leadership Saratoga website at www. leadershipsaratoga.org/explore-program/previousprojects.

The next Leadership Saratoga class runs from September 2024 to May 2025.

More information about Leadership Saratoga and how to submit a project proposal is available at www. leadershipsaratoga.org.

Our Lodge Foundation is one of several non-profits that benefitted from the expertise shared by the 2024 class of Leadership Saratoga. Courtesy of Leadership Saratoga

BY KARLA WILLIAMS BUETTNER

Forty years ago, two theater lovers named Jonathan Foster and Susan Miller founded a company that, ever since, has been committed to presenting affordable theater in Saratoga Springs. Over the past four decades, that group – Home Made Theater -- made a name for itself, not only in the Spa City, but in the Capitol Region and beyond. How? By producing quality community theater, but with a professional edge.

Because we’ve used locally sourced actors and hundreds of volunteers, both behind the scenes and backstage, our shows have made all involved feel like part of a family. That doesn’t always happen in community theater. Often, the people involved in these types of productions become friendly for two to three months and then lose contact with one another. Home Made Theater is different.

Our family ties have bound us to do the same thing that Mr. Foster and Ms. Miller intended for Home Made Theater, namely, presenting quality theater at affordable prices. Over the past 40 years, Home Made Theater has produced over 175 plays and musicals, including regional premieres, and has held performances at Caffe Lena, the Spa Little Theater at Saratoga State Park, the Dee Sarno Theater at Saratoga Arts, the Saratoga Music Hall and The Mansion Inn, among others. It has afforded hundreds of young actors the chance to gain experience through its highly successful and well-regarded Youth Conservatory and Summer Camp. We have also offered plenty of youngsters the chance to see live theater via our school field trip programs.

We are inclusive too. We were the fi rst in the region to designate at least one performance to be sensory friendly, so all affected by sensory processing challenges can enjoy the same entertainment in a comfortable environment.

Home Made Theater has also had a presence in the life of the community. We have participated in the Victorian Street Walk on Broadway, “Art in the Park” at Congress Park, the Fall Festivities hosted by the Saratoga Downtown Business Association, and the Saratoga Book Festival Literary Marketplace, just to name a few.

We believe in playing this important role in the community because, according to the group Americans for the Arts, 86 percent of Americans believe arts and culture is important to their community’s life and 79 percent of the American public believe that the arts are important to their community’s businesses, economy and local jobs. COVID taught us that; how many of us were glued to our televisions or computers or phones, aching for entertainment that would help us forget, just for a little while, the fact that we were living in an unprecedented global pandemic?

While the community-at-large may realize how crucial the performing arts are to a fulfi lling life during these post-pandemic times, we recognize that everyone’s discretionary income is at a premium and this has caused a fi nancial issue for many theater companies, including us. As a result, in May of this year, the Home Made Theater Board of Directors made the diﬃcult decision to let go of its paid staff and change its business model to an allvolunteer-run company. We were faced with a choice - dissolve this beloved, decades-old and highly regarded company or change the business model. The vote was unanimous – we were not going to let Home Made Theater fall by the wayside.

Since July 1, 2024, the Board and many of its family of volunteers have stepped up to keep this theater not only alive, but producing quality events and shows. Has it been easy? Absolutely not. Is it worth it? Absolutely. We are resolved to never abandon the mission entrusted to us by our founders.

Where are we now? To kick off our “2024 Mini Season,” Home Made Theater is thrilled to present two performances of a brand-new murder mystery entitled “High School Reunion 2024: Burying the Past: A New Life for Grinnen Barret High” at The Mansion Inn in Rock City Falls on Saturday, October 19th. Afterwards, on December 6th, 7th, and 8th, we’re ringing in the holiday season at the Saratoga Music Hall with “A Holiday Cabaret.” All information on auditions and tickets, as well as ways to donate, is on our website www.homemadetheater.org.

With the help of the public, we look forward to another 40 years of Home Made Theater. As we’re often fond of saying, nothing is better than homemade!

SARATOGA’S BEST SOCIAL SCENE! Perfect location in the heart of the city’s entertainment district. Five floors of fun including live entertainment floors, the famous Boom Boom Room to dance the night away, private room for your next event and the area’s most visited rooftop bar with views of the historic downtown. Strong business revenues and a 3,000+ member mug club that keeps patrons coming back year after year. Opportunity to expand the food service, event business and merchandising sales. Two kitchens on premises. Call Anne & Cindy today and join in on the excitement downtown!

Karla Williams Buettner, Esq; secretary & past board president of Home Made Theater. Courtesy of Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes

Environment / Development

Approaching The Half-Century Mark, The LA Group Delivers Imaginative Landscape Design

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

As the LA Group prepares to celebrate its 50th anniversary later this year, the company continues to expand its footprint throughout the United States. Established in 1974, the Saratoga Springsbased landscape architecture and civil engineering firm has a staff of 39 employees and small oﬃces in Ithaca and Pittsburgh.

“We started out as a local shop in Saratoga but have really bolstered our experience nationally,” said Chelsea LaMarco, marketing manager. “We do a lot of federal work with the government—specifically with the Department of Veterans Affairs.”

As part of that work, the LA Group was enlisted as the site designer and landscape architect for a major expansion of the historic Arlington National Cemetery, one that transformed a diﬃcult steeplysloping and wooded 30-acre parcel into a shrine to honor those who have served our country.

The firm was also chosen as the prime consultant and designer for Western New York National Cemetery, tasked with designing a new national cemetery in Pembroke, about 15 miles east of Buffalo. The project involved master planning, project management, construction administration, and co-

ordination of a large sub-consultant team.

In addition to performing work at governmentowned cemeteries, the LA Group partners with municipalities and organizations to revitalize or expand community and historic cemeteries. For example, when working with the Riverside Cemetery in Rochester, the firm incorporated a “green burial” section into the property, one that was designed to reduce the cemetery’s environmental impact.

“We also do a lot of work for the National Park Service and a few other large government agencies,” LaMarco said, citing the Niagara Falls State Park Transformational Initiative as one of the LA Group’s park services projects.

As part of that project, the LA Group provided landscape architectural services for the design of a $65 million facility upgrade at Niagara Falls State Park. Upon completion, the firm received seven design awards from various architecture, engineering, and construction industry organizations.

The LA Group also performed work for the parks department at the Olana State Historic Site in Hudson, providing detailed site design and environmental permitting for improvements made at

Continued On Page 7

ProcellaCOR

Continued From Page 1

brown, stems swell up, burst, fall over and rot.

The optimal time is mid-May to mid-June when plants are large enough to absorb the chemical, but still small enough to avoid a huge biomass of dead plants on the lake bottom.

Treatments are much less costly and are more effective than DASH (diver assisted suction harvesting) programs and mechanical harvesters, and faster acting than herbicides such as Sonar, which may take up to 90 days to kill the nuisance aquatic weed.

The state Department of Environmental Conservation approved ProcellaCOR’s use in 2019. It was first used in the Adirondacks at Minerva Lake a few years ago and it’s been applied to several other Warren County water bodies such as Lake Luzerne, and Lake Sunnyside and Glen Lake in Queensbury.

In late May 2023, the Town of Luzerne spent $36,000 for an application around Lake Luzerne’s perimeter, a $16,000 savings from the previous year’s $52,000 DASH project, which must be done annually as milfoil grows back. The town saved another $52,000 this year because milfoil has been almost totally eradicated.

Deputy Supervisor Jim Niles, who has a degree in environmental science, oversees the town’s milfoil management program.

“From a performance standpoint we’re very, very happy,” he said. “We haven’t seen any negative side effects. There’s been no damage at all to native plant species that we can tell. Divers say the fish community looks the same.

Divers did a video in early July and found two live milfoil plants, very small ones.”

A series of tests at multiple sites, following treatment, determined that ProcellaCOR’s compounds had completely broken down and weren’t detectable in the water after 24 days, he said.

The main reason for combating milfoil is its impact on the environment and ecological systems. But there is a definite economic benefit, from a recreational tourism perspective as well, Niles said.

“It’s hard to put a number on it, but we think it would be huge if we didn’t take care of that lake especially for a small town like ours,” he said. “The loss of just 100 tourists is significant.”

“It really was a risk-benefit decision,” Niles said. “The benefit list was pretty obvious and pretty long. We had no known risk. It was really a no-brainer.”

But not everyone is convinced about ProcellaCOR.

The non-profit Lake George Association waged a lengthy legal battle, trying to prevent the Lake George Park Commission from using the chemical, which was finally applied this year at Blair’s Bay and Sheep Meadow Bay. Both sites are in northern sections, on the east side of the lake.

The LGA and Park Commission have worked closely over the years on many fronts to protect the lake from various threats. The LGA contributes $140,000 each year to a roughly $400,000 milfoil containment program using divers. This is the first time an herbicide of any kind has been used to combat the weed in Lake George.

LGA Waterkeeper Chris Navitsky has concerns about ProcellaCOR’s effectiveness in Lake George

and alleged potentially harmful side effects.

“First of all it’s not a crisis, milfoil is not taking over the lake,” he said. “It’s not preventing recreation. There has been an effective management tool (DASH) for a number of years. There’s no need for a drastic change.”

And unlike relatively quiet and much smaller Saratoga Lake and Lake Luzerne, even the bays within Lake George have significant currents, which could carry ProcellaCOR beyond treatment zones before it kills milfoil.

Navitsky said most tests on ProcellaCOR during the EPA’s approval process were done by the manufacturer in controlled laboratories rather than realworld conditions.

“This has only been around for seven years,” he said. “It takes time for studies to be done properly. The EPA did not confirm that this was a selective growth hormone. Some research is starting to come out that says this does have impacts on native plants. It clearly does kill milfoil. We aren’t doubting that. But since it is a growth hormone it’s taken up by all vascular plants and some non-vascular plants. There could be impacts to native plants and macro invertebrate animal communities.”

In small doses, those less than approved treatment levels, ProcellaCOR could actually act like a fertilizer and contribute to milfoil growth if the chemical migrates to other parts of the lake, he said.

But Park Commission Executive Director Dave Wick said there is no scientific evidence to support such claims. He said this year’s treatments have been highly effective at killing off milfoil at considerable cost savings.

The Commission will continue its DASH program and complement it next year with ProcellaCOR at high priority sites where milfoil is densest, possibly Sunset and Harris bays, he said.

The chemical has been approved by the EPA, DEC and Adirondack Park Agency and there are no restrictions for its use related to drinking water, swimming, fishing or lawn watering, Wick said.

The LA Group collaborated on the design and creation of the Campus Green, an outdoor gathering space for students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Courtesy of SaratogaPhotographer.com

Young people closely examine Saratoga Lake’s native aquatic vegetation.

Courtesy Saratoga Lake Protection District Improvement District

Hilltop Construction Company Continues To Th rive In A Highly Competitive Industry

BY PAUL POST

Hilltop Construction thrives in a challenging, competitive industry with a mix of commercial and custom home residential projects.

It’s a strategy the Queensbury-based firm has followed since its founding in 1976.

“We try to be diversified in what we do, which helps in different economic environments,” coowner Dan Washburn said. “If the residential market is healthy and commercial isn’t, we’ve got the residential side to work with and vice versa. It makes it easier to adapt to ever-changing conditions that affect different industries.”

“Business is really good now on both sides,” he said. “We’ve got a solid workload into spring of 2025.”

This summer, Hilltop is doing everything from a ZZ Mobil Mart convenience store in Malta to a passive solar home in Brant Lake and a new Stewart’s Shop in Hoosick.

Washburn handles commercial projects while his brother-in-law, Tom Albrecht Jr., oversees residential development. Washburn, his wife, April (Treasurer/Oﬃce Manager), and Tom Jr.purchased Hilltop several years ago from its founders, Tom Albrecht Sr. and his wife Cindy.

The new 5,000-square-foot ZZ Mobil Mart is scheduled for completion in early August and is located on a parcel at 2429 Route 9, in Malta, previously occupied by a small Getty station. The site is just south of Dunning Street, near Luther Forest Technology Campus, making it an attractive place to stop for the thousands of workers at GlobalFoundries’ huge semiconductor plant. Features include new state-of-the-art gas pumps, a deli, pizza store and expanded beer cave.

Hilltop is no stranger when it comes to convenience store projects. The Stewart’s Shop in Hoosick is the 75th new store it’s built for the company in addition to more than 50 other large upgrades at various shops.

Work is slated to begin August 5 and be completed by early October. Aside from its ability to do jobs quickly and eﬃciently, Hilltop has a deep commitment to detail and highly-quality workmanship, ethics and etiquette, making it a highly reputable company, which generates significant business.

“We don’t do a whole lot of advertising,” Washburn said. “Work comes because we’ve been in business since 1976 and we’ve got a reputation that speaks for itself. With most of our work, clients seek us out.”

Also, Hilltop has strong working relationships with many of the tri-county area’s architectural firms, who quite often refer clients to Hilltop when it comes time to build a new home or do a business expansion project.

Among its many jobs, the firm is currently

nearing completion on a new distribution warehouse for Garvey Hyundai on Dix Avenue, in Queensbury. The 7,000-square-foot, pre-engineered steel building was manufactured by Kirby Building Systems.

Hilltop is also doing a big oﬃce renovation and updating facilities at a U.S. Department of Agriculture building in Greenwich.

On the residential side, in addition to the Brant Lake passive solar home, Hilltop will start a custom lake home in Cleverdale on Lake George and a “Mountain-Modern” home in Stony Creek. Work was recently completed on a new custom home on Lake George, in Cleverdale, featuring unique construction with hand-hewn barn wood beams and an outdoor kitchen

“Residential projects are always interesting,” Washburn said. “What’s neat about the custom home aspect is that they’re all different. You get to work with a lot of different products and manufacturers. There are new products always coming out. It’s always evolving. With custom homes people want the latest and greatest. The home we did just recently on Lake George has old wood beams tied into the architecture, which adds a lot of class.”

The company employs about three dozen people. In addition to its many projects, the firm’s owners are starting to do more to encourage young people to consider careers in trades. They are working with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks on an event that will highlight all the great jobs this industry has to offer.

“It’s a physical job, but it’s a very rewarding job,” Washburn said. “There’s a great sense of accomplishment at the end of the day when you can see what you’ve built with your own two hands. When you go home at the end of the day, you’re probably tired, but you can see something done and for the right personality that is very rewarding.”

Dan started working construction during the summer of 1995 where he found a passion for the building industry. That passion led him to Hilltop Construction in 1998.

April has kept the oﬃce organized and running smooth since 2004. She handles day-to-day operations from phone calls and emails to human resources and accounting.

Tom Jr. joined the family business full-time in 1998. After four years of training under Hilltop’s top foremen, he was promoted to foreman and started running his own crew.

Fourteen years later, he transitioned to project manager, learning to bid projects, track job cost and similar duties.

Tom and Dan began running the day-to-day operations of scheduling jobs, employees and bidding in 2012. From that point on the company doubled in size to where it is today.

LA Group

Continued From Page 6

the historic home of famed Hudson River School painter Frederic Church.

“Locally, we also work a lot with the park service on trail rehabs and other work in the parks,” said LaMarco. “We also work quite a bit with local developers on just about any project you can think of.”

For a project that is currently underway with Bonacio Construction, the LA Group was selected to provide site design, landscape architecture, engineering, and municipal and environmental permitting service for the Brookmere Resort. The resort is currently under construction on the former Longfellows site in Saratoga.

“We’ve also been working on a project at the Adelphi hotel,” LaMarco said. “We are assisting the team for the Rip Van Dam portion of work – handling site planning, land use approvals, site/civil engineering, and liaison assistance with various city departments. Essentially, we became an integral part of the design team to guide a very complex project through the process, all while the hotel remained open.”

Within the local educational realm, the LA Group collaborated on an initiative to create the Campus Green, an outdoor gathering hub for students at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences. The project garnered both local and national recognition, winning a Merit Award from the New York Upstate Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. It was also featured on the cover of a national publication, Landscape Architect and Specifier News.

One of the LA Group’s longest running relationships has been with New York’s Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA). For more than four decades, the firm has partnered with ORDA on numerous projects including a recent $100 million renovation of the Lake Placid Olympic Center. The scope of that project included the replacement of the outdoor Olympic speed skating oval and timing building, a new pedestrian gateway plaza overlooking the oval, extensive architectural improvements to the Olympic Center, a new arrival courtyard and a new pedestrian plaza at the 1932 Olympic Arena.

The Construction Summer Camp To Educate Girls

The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, in conjunction with Whitbeck Construction and WSWHE BOCES, recently held its inaugural Construction Summer Camp for middle school girls, aimed at breaking down gender barriers in the construction industry and fostering a new generation of empowered builders.

“By collaborating with local schools, businesses and legislators, we aimed to promote the trades as a viable and rewarding career option for the next generation,” said Doug Ford, the president of the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition.

The camp took place July 22-26 at the Whitbeck Construction Education Center, 4728 Route 50 in Gansevoort. The girls had the opportunity to engage in hands-on activities and learn how math, technology, science and design apply to construction. They toured homes under construction by Witt Construction, and also toured the Pellette Stone Corporation Quarry & Plant.

The camp concluded on July 26 with a “Construction Olympics” followed by an opportunity for the students, parents, industry partners, and the media to hear from Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and others on this unique summer camp.

The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition’s mission is to educate, inspire and connect people in pursuit of rewarding careers in the trades, driving economic growth while building and sustaining local communities. What started as a small task force within the Saratoga Builders Association (SBA) in Saratoga County along with the support of Curtis Lumber leadership has grown into a force that extends beyond its initial members. Today, it includes individuals with varying professional backgrounds, all united in a mission to dispel misconceptions and educate about the facts.

Hilltop Construction recently completed this custom home in Cleverdale on Lake George that features hand-hewn barn wood beams and an outdoor kitchen.

Courtesy of Hilltop Construction

Mary Longley

Senior Living / Retirement Planning

Bouchey Financial Group Provides Advice Aimed At Ensuring Comfortable Retirement

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

Although the U.S. economy remains strong, August’s job report has some Wall Street analysts worried. Economists expected 175,000 jobs to be added to the U.S. economy, but data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported the jobs number to be 114,000. Unemployment also inched up, rising from 4.1 percent to 4.3 percent.

“In the last several weeks, we have had some weaker than expected economic data,” said Ryan Bouchey, chief investment oﬃcer at Bouchey Financial Group, an investment management company with 20 employees and oﬃces in Saratoga Springs, Troy, Boston, and Florida.

“People have been getting high yields on money markets and cash—in some cases over five percent-but with some of this weaker than expected economic data, the anticipation now is for the Fed to lower rates by seventy-five basis points to one hundred basis points before the end of the year,” he said.

The anticipated rate decrease will impact investors whose fixed income strategies have relied on high yield money markets and short-term CDs

“2022 was a terrible year for fixed income, but during the last twelve to eighteen months we’ve been at the highest level for fixed income yields in twenty years or so,” said Bouchey. “It was a great opportunity to lock in intermediate to longer- term rates, but that’s not going to work heading into 2025. In the current environment, those folks who have been sitting on cash–trying to get the highest yield–need to start thinking about what their longer-term strategy is. Because it’s pretty imminent that the Fed will be cutting rates.”

For individuals at or near retirement, Bouchey recommends a 60/40 portfolio. Considered the standard-bearer for individuals with a moderate risk tolerance, the portfolio consists of 60 percent stocks and 40 percent bonds. Historically, the 60/40 portfolio delivers strong long-term returns.

“Sixty/forty is the standard benchmark portfolio for a retiree. Even as someone is approaching retirement, I think you need to take a long-term time horizon. You can’t get too conservative. You can’t panic when the market gets volatile,” he said. “Stocks over time are a lot less risky than bonds and cash when you look at the growth and when you look at what fixed income and cash does relative to inflation over long periods of time. I think it’s all about the right mindset, the right time horizon, and protecting those short-term cash needs that you have or that volatility that you may not expect.”

At Bouchey Financial Group, financial advisors recommend to their clients that they set aside two years of distributions in conservative holdings.

“The biggest risk is selling out of positions that are down in a bear market,” said Bouchey. “That will really impact the longevity of your funds, so it’s really important to have two years’ worth of distributions set aside conservatively. That way, if you have cash flow needs from your portfolio, you can live on that.”

According to Bouchey, not everyone who is nearing retirement opts for a conservative portfolio.

“We take the approach that even if people are over 50 or even retired that they don’t necessarily need to be in a much more conservative portfolio. It really depends on what their goals are,” he said.

For example, he said that some clients are interested in passing their wealth down to their children.

“For them, their time horizon isn’t twenty or thirty years. It may be forty or fifty years. In that case, they want that pot of money to grow as much as it can.”

With an investment threshold of $500,000, Bouchey Financial Group provides full-scale portfolio management, investment management, complex financial planning, retirement planning, and tax planning. The firm also host a radio show, Let’s Talk Money, on 810 WGY. The live call-in show is broadcast at 10 a.m. on Saturdays and 8 a.m. on Sundays. For more information, visit www.bouchey.com.

Senior Citizens Are The Largest Demographic Buying Well Equipped Recreational Vehicles

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

More and more Americans are taking to the roads in RVs, with upwards of 45 million people vacationing in RVs this summer. More than 11 million households own recreational vehicles, and approximately 1 million Americans live in their vehicles full time.

According to industry statistics, RV sales are strongest among the 55-64 age group, this demographic representing 20 percent of all sales. Millennials (ages 18-34) come in second, accounting for 15 percent of purchases. Tied for third at 13 percent are the 65-plus age group and the 35-44 age bracket.

“Age 50-plus is the sweetest spot for us for sure,” said Andy Heck, president of Alpin Haus. “But 35 to 50 is also doing well. Th ings do tail off at 65-plus.”

Established by Heck’s father, Bud Heck, and his friend John Daly, Alpin Haus opened its fi rst store in Amsterdam in 1964. Today, the family-owned business has 275 employees spread across six locations. Stores offering RVs are located in Amsterdam, Saratoga, Orange County, and Oak Ridge, New Jersey.

“We started as a ski shop and then got into selling RVS. Then, we added swimming pools and in the late 90s, we started adding locations,” said Heck.

Alpin Haus entered the RV business in 1967, initially selling pop-up trailers. As the industry evolved, they expanded their offerings, adding

luxury vehicles to their large inventory.

“The RV lifestyle has changed over the years, and we’ve been part of that growth,” said Heck, noting that “roughing it” is a thing of the past. “Whether it’s an entry-level travel trailer or a large motor home, they are all so nice.”

In recent years, RVs have become more technologically advanced. Many are now equipped with LED and smart climate control technology, solar panels, and integrated entertainment systems. Manufacturers also offer a wide range of interior design choices, ones that feature innovative space-saving solutions and slide outs.

“Slide outs give you a lot more living space, and they became big during the 2000s,” said Heck. “Now, it’s tough to fi nd RVs without slide outs.’

When it comes to bathrooms, he said the sky’s the limit.

“Some of these RVs have nicer bathrooms than people have in their house. They are pretty impressive,” Heck said.

At Alpin Haus, RV prices start at $14,900, topping off at around $500,000. The company’s biggest sellers are travel trailers in the $25,00035,000 price range. Entry-level motor homes are also popular, the vehicles priced at $79,000 and up. Financing is available for all models, and RVs can be rented at the company’s Amsterdam location.

Alpin Haus offers a large variety of makes

Recreational vehicles fitting a variety of lifestyles and budgets are available at Alpin Haus’s four locations, a family business currently operated by Andy Heck.

Courtesy of Alpin Haus

Ryan Bouchey, chief investment oﬃcer at Bouchey Financial Group.

Courtesy of Bouchey Financial Group

Business Report

Retirement Plans For Small Businesses In NY

BY CHRISTOPHER K. KELLY

Small business owners in New York face many decisions each day. Being part of a community bank, it’s not uncommon for us to be involved in conversations on how to best attract, retain, and take care of employees in terms of compensation, health benefits, vacation, and retirement. This last item, retirement and financial security, is an increasingly common topic of interest. In our discussions with workers in New York, most understand there is a need for them to be saving for retirement. They know that people are living longer (meaning income will be needed for a longer period of time), Social Security benefits will not meet their income needs, and health insurance in retirement will be a significant expense. These conversations often lead to two questions: (1) Does the employer offer a retirement plan and (2) Does the employee have the capacity to make saving for retirement a priority in their budget?

Over the past several years, there has been an increased effort at the state and federal levels to help small businesses provide their employees access to a retirement savings plan. Small business owners have a variety of retirement plans to choose from, including: 401(k), 403(b), Profit Sharing, Pension Plans, SIMPLE IRAs, and SEPs. Each of these programs offers its own set of features, requirements, varying complexity, and administrative costs. Knowing which type of retirement plan to implement is not an easy task, and often leads to no selection at all. The result is that many workers in New York are still not covered by an employersponsored retirement plan.

In an effort to give more employees access to a retirement plan, many state governments have developed their own programs. While these retirement programs differ by state, the common features include: mandates for businesses to participate based the number of employees, automatic enrollment for employees to save 3 to 5 percent of their pay into a Roth IRA, the ability for an employee to opt-out of saving, designated investment options, and low administrative fees.

In New York, Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation in October 2021 that will require private sector employers that have been in business for at least two years with 10 or more employees to offer some type of employer-sponsored retirement program. If an employer does not currently offer a retirement plan, the employer will be required to register and participate in the New York State Secure Choice Savings Program (SCSP).

In the SCSP, any employee age 18 or older with W-2 compensation in New York is eligible to participate. Once the employer registers for the SCSP, the employees will automatically enroll and start saving after-tax contributions from their paycheck into a Roth IRA. Employees may voluntarily change their savings rate and have the right to opt-out of the program at any time. Employees will have the option to select or change their investment strategy, but will be placed into a default investment if no election is made. Money in the Roth IRA grows tax deferred and qualified distributions from the Roth IRA will be tax free in retirement. Remember, a qualified distribution occurs if the employees takes a distribution from the Roth IRA after age 59.5 and after the Roth IRA has been open for five years.

As of today, the SCSP is still being developed and a required enrollment date has not been established. For more information about the SCSP and to review current developments, we encourage employers to visit www.securechoice.ny.gov.

Christopher K. Kelly, AIF®, QPFC, QKA®, CEBS; Sr VP, Retirement Services Mgr; Capital Bank.

While we support and advocate for more people to save for retirement, registering to participate in the SCSP might not be the best option for your business or your employees. Knowing that this requirement might soon apply to your business, now might be the right time to take another look at implementing a new retirement plan of your choosing. Here are a few key items to consider:

• The SCSP invests in a Roth IRA with current annual contribution limits of $7,000 for those under age 50 and $8,000 for those age 50 or older. By contrast, 401(k) plans offer employees to save at higher limits of $23,000 for those under age 50 and $30,500 for those age 50 or older.

• The SCSP does not allow for any type of employer contribution. 401(k) plans can be designed to include an employer match and/or a profit sharing contribution each year. An employer that provides for some type of contribution to help employees save for retirement is a great incentive to attract and retain employees.

• While the SCSP will be designed with low administrative fees, recent legislation created tax credits to offset the cost of starting a new retirement plan and additional tax credits if employer contributions are made. When the tax credits expire, plan expenses and employer contributions can be tax deductions for your business tax return.

Many retirement plan providers are building their services based on the concept of successful participant outcomes. The idea is to offer a retirement program that helps employees select an appropriate savings rate, encourages increased savings rates over time, and selects and manages an investment strategy to and through retirement. Offering a program that engages your employees can help lead them to better financial security in retirement.

As a small business owner, we recognize that you might not know where to begin. If you want to start a new retirement plan for your business, you might first talk to your current resources. These might include your bank, insurance provider, investment advisor, payroll company, accountant, attorney, or other trusted advisor you work with. Any one of these might be able to offer you a solution or direct you to someone that can explain the different types of retirement plans and help you select a retirement plan provider.

Continued From Page 1

The celebration will kick off with a free outdoor concert on Ellsworth Jones Place, located just outside of the Saratoga Springs City Center, along with a spectacular fireworks display launched from the top level of the City Center’s parking garage. This portion of the event, held from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, is designed to offer a familyfriendly option available to the public at no cost.

Afterward, Saratoga New Year’s Eve ticket holders can enjoy more live entertainment from nationally recognized acts at multiple downtown venues.

Headlining performers and a full entertainment schedule for Saratoga New Year’s Eve will be announced in the coming months, and tickets will go on sale this fall.

The festivities will conclude on New Year’s Day with the Saratoga First Day 5K, a fun and healthy tradition for runners and anyone looking to kick start 2025.

“Collectively, our organizations host, promote, and manage over 500 events per year, which means we know how to throw a party and to bring people together,” said Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“The 6 p.m. fireworks show from the top of the City Center’s parking garage, in particular, has been a big hit with families and drives people into our downtown restaurants and bars early in the evening. Of course, none of this is possible without the sponsor support provided by Death Wish Coffee.”

“As we look forward to Saratoga New Year’s Eve, we are excited to join forces with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Springs City Center, and the City of Saratoga Springs. This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to promoting tourism and enhancing Saratoga County’s cultural vibrancy,” said Darryl Leggieri, president of Discover Saratoga.

More information about the Saratoga New Year’s Fest is available online at saratoganye.com.

Continued From Page 1

flair. The Croque Madame, a decadent ham and cheese sandwich with a fried egg on top, is a customer favorite, alongside the hearty brisket burrito and the timeless bacon and egg sandwich. Prices range from a budget-friendly $3 to $16, ensuring there’s something for everyone.

But Eggs on the Run isn’t just for grown-ups. A dedicated kids’ menu features silver dollar pancakes, fluff y Belgian waﬄes, egg bites, and parfaits, satisfying even the pickiest eaters. Dietary restrictions are also considered, with gluten-free and vegetarian options readily available.

The impact of Eggs on the Run extends beyond the delicious food. It has breathed new life into the entire 450 E. High complex. Customers waiting for their breakfast creations often find themselves drawn into Finishing Touches, Walker’s home decor and gift shop.

Cookies & Cream, their established ice cream shop, has long been a local favorite, but Eggs on the Run has enticed visitors inside to explore the hidden gem that is Finishing Touches. They discover unique home decor items, thoughtful gifts for all occasions, and award-winning fudge and chocolates. Walker’s commitment to supporting local vendors is evident, with a selection of locally-made products lining the shelves.

“Our goal was to create something delicious and special for our community,” Walker explained, and it’s clear they’ve succeeded.

‘The Backyard’ with games like pickleball, a kids’ nook and games, restrooms, and movie night events with a 25-foot movie screen has been a hit, further enhancing the inviting ambiance.

Anyone interested in attending is encouraged to sign up here for regular updates, performance announcements and ticket specials.

Eggs on the Run is more than just a food truck; it’s a testament to this couple’s vision. They’ve taken a historic landmark and transformed it into a vibrant hub, offering delicious food, beautiful decor, and a welcoming space for the Malta community to gather. Finishing Touches, Cookies & Cream, The Coffee Bar and Eggs on the Run are all located at 450 E. High in Malta. For more information, visit https://www. finishingtouchesstore.com/. New Year's Celebration

Workplace / Security

Business Report

Use A Multi-Layered Security Approach

BY DAVID ANDRADE

Why is a multi-layered approach so effective? It’s simple: redundancy. If one layer fails, others are there to catch the slack. It’s like having multiple locks on your door—each one adds an extra level of protection. By combining both physical and network security measures, you’re creating a fortress that’s tough to breach. Your business should be equipped with the right tools and technologies to keep threats out.

For a modern-day business, a robust security system isn’t just advisable; it’s necessary. You are trusted to protect your customers’ sensitive business data, your employees, and your assets.

Network Security:

Cyber threats are becoming more sophisticated and frequent. These attacks present in various forms suh as phishing, malware, ransomware, and direct hacking attempts. The risk of a successful attack leads to revenue loss, downtime, damage to your brand and reputation, and loss of trust from your customers. 80% of all cyber-attacks target the small and midsize business (SMB) market. Even more eye opening is 27 percent of SMBs report that they will be put of business from a cyber-attack. With virtually everything we do being done on computers and machines, we have to protect the systems we use. Firewalls scrutinize incoming and outgoing traﬃc to block unauthorized access, while VPNs encrypt your data to create a secure tunnel for information to travel across public networks while working remotely. Additionally, you need antivirus software, data backups, MFA (multi-factor authentication), employee cybersecurity awareness training, and more. The extensive and complex list of security solutions necessary to protect your IT infrastructure and sensitive business data can seem daunting. A Managed Service Provider (MSP), like StoredTech, will shoulder that responsibility for you.

An IT partner is not about merely about responding to fear of potential cyber threats, but about ensuring readiness before any attack occurs.

StoredTech implements comprehensive solutions and timely incident responses to identify and address threats before they can cause harm. Regular audits and updates are also integral to our approach, ensuring your systems are always equipped to handle the latest threats. We collaboratively build a secure digital fortress for your business, fostering a culture of preparedness rather than fear. In an era where data breaches are increasingly common, demonstrating a commitment to security can set your business apart.

Physical Security:

We are no longer living in the world where you need to have a security guard sit at your front desk to wait for criminals trying to break in. You can now get instant security alerts sent directly to your phone or computer to monitor security systems in real-time. In an instant, an app notifies a user if any unusual activity is detected. This could include unauthorized access attempts, motion detection in restricted areas, or even environmental sensors

Continued On Page 12

The Center For Security Offers Its Customers Sophisticated Or ‘Old School’ Lock Systems

BY CHRISTINE GRAF

For more than two decades, Center for Security has been providing locksmith and security services to residential and commercial customers throughout the Capital Region.

“My father (Tom Walsh) started on his own in the 1990s and then went into business with his partner, Scott Hogan,” said Patrick Walsh, manager and technician at Center for Security.

After outgrowing their first shop in Clifton Park, the business relocated to a larger space at 1659 Route 9 in Clifton Park. The partners later added a second location at 16 Main Street in Queensbury.

The company’s 15 employees have decades of experience, most having been with the company for many years.

“We’ve had the same group of guys working for us for a long time,” said Walsh. “There’s a lot of on-the-job training, and it takes years to learn the ins and outs of locks. You learn a lot of it by being out on the road—learning how to pick locks in different ways.”

Center for Security offers a wide variety of locksmith services, installing and re-keying locks, cutting keys, and assisting customers who have been locked out of their cars or homes.

“We do a lot of automotive lock outs and fit keys to cars when people lose their keys. It’s astounding how many people lose keys and don’t have a backup set,” said Walsh.

For the majority of car lock-outs, Center for Security technicians are able to travel to the customer’s location, performing on-site service. The company has nine service vans, with technicians on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

“We usually have three lock-outs a day, and we drive right out to where the vehicle is,” said Walsh. “But some cars have to be towed back to our showroom—higher end-cars like BMWs.”

BMWs as well as some other luxury cars, are more complicated to unlock than their less expensive counterparts. At the opposite end of the spectrum are some Kia and Hyundai models, ones with keys that don’t have transponders.

“That’s why they are the number-one most stolen cars,” said Walsh.

For those in need of a backup set of car keys, Center for Security offers car key duplication services. Because car key technology is constantly changing, the cost of replacement keys has risen significantly. For some makes and models, replacement keys can cost upwards of $350. Center for Security’s product line includes a large selection of safes and vaults, and the company offers 24/7 emergency safe opening, combination changes, and safe and vault repair. They also sell and service alarm systems, closed circuit surveillance systems, and a full line of handicap door openers, buttons, sensors, receivers, and transmitters. The company also installs commercial entrance doors--aluminum storefront entries and hollow metal replacements. Rounding out their extensive product offerings is replacement glass for commercial and residential customers.

“We’ve expanded so much in the last fifteen to twenty years,” said Walsh when discussing the products and services the company offers.

Although they do sell and install the latest electronic locks for homeowners, Walsh said they recommend “old school” locks for residential applications.

“We tend to tell people to go mechanical because those locks are less likely to fail. We like to stay with the old school locks—ones with keys and deadbolts—because electronics do fail.”

As an example, Walsh said homeowners may find themselves unable to enter their homes when the power goes out or their WiFi isn’t working.

For commercial customers, Center For Security recommends keyless entry systems that feature card access and audit control.

“You can see who scanned in and when. You can also set it up to clock employees in and out,” said Walsh, noting that the technology for these systems continues to evolve.

For more information, visit centerforsecurity. com.

Patrick Walsh, manager and technician at Center for Security in Clifton Park, offers many options for the safety of homes and businesses.

Saratoga Business Journal

David Andrade, president Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).

Courtesy of StoredTech

Workplace

BY RENEE WALRATH

Discussions Must Be Respectful

With the 2024 election drawing near, political tensions have increased and will only grow stronger over the upcoming months. Many Americans are bracing for these divisive political conversations, at home and work.

Although there are always going to be some employees who are eager to share their opinions, a recent study found that over half of workers try to avoid having any discussion of politics in the workplace. That same survey concluded that 51 percent of workers believed that political discussions in the workplace hurt the work environment.

While it should go without saying that the workplace is not an ideal place to have these conversations, it is unrealistic to expect discussions regarding political concerns not to crop up over the next several months. To help navigate political discourse in a professional environment, companies should be proactive in their approach. Ensure there are clear guidelines and expectations put in place to limit or eliminate any excessive political disruptions. Consider these practical recommendations to effectively navigate political conversations in the workplace.

First and foremost, establishing clear policies or boundaries is essential. Formalizing policies set a framework of how conversations should be conducted to ensure no ostracizing of employees.

Professional environments always require mutual respect among all parties. Employers should maintain vigorous anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies to cover any protected characteristics such as race, gender, religion, etc., which often arise in political dialogue.

As mentioned previously, the workplace is not conducive to political discussion. It can evoke strong emotions and lead to heated debates. Establishing that conversations are not allowed in meetings or common areas can go a long way to preventing such disruptions. If employees find themselves in an unwarranted or unwanted political conversation, it is okay to state that they prefer not to have these conversations at work. Moreover, provide regular training on company policies (including discussion of politics), and employees’ rights to keep everyone informed, maintain consistent understanding, and create a positive work environment.

Building off that, it is imperative to create a supportive environment based on professionalism, respect, and empathy. Your policies should ensure your workplace is a safe place for everyone and prevent any political discussions from escalating. Personnel should feel secure expressing themselves without retribution. At the same time, all employees need to be mindful of what and how they are communicating. Employees should be aware that no inflammatory or derogatory remarks will be accepted, regardless of the topic of conversation.

In addition, establishing and maintaining a dress code can also alleviate any undo political stress. Consider setting up policies concerning political attire or messages, and ensure consistent, contentneutral implementation of those policies. Employers need to respond promptly and consistently to any potential policy violations. Although your company may encourage healthy dialogue around political issues, your main concern should be maintaining a respectful culture.

Furthermore, political conversations should be approached from a curious standpoint. If conver-

sations do evolve, encourage a constructive and respectful dialogue among employees. These conversations are about understanding diverse perspectives, not winning debates. The main goal is to share facts and educate. It is okay for team members to share their opinion on matters, as long as it is approached in a manner that does not alienate others. This means active listening, acknowledging others’ perspectives, not making personal attacks, and again no inflammatory remarks.

In addition, avoid making assumptions about another’s political views. Not everyone is going to have the same viewpoint, and that is okay. Once more, these conversations are about informing not trying to change someone’s mind. Entering into discussions of political discourse with an open mind may allow commonalities among peers to be unearthed. Finding common ground can shift the conversation to focus on shared goals and interests. This shift can lead to creating a more collaborative and positive work environment.

It should also be noted that employees should recognize when to walk away from a conversation. If a conversation is becoming too aggressive, walk away. If a colleague persists in their line of dialogue and is creating a hostile environment, this may warrant involving human resources. HR can mitigate conflict; they can offer conflict resolution or other resources to support employees during times of heightened emotions. Additionally, HR can provide training on policies and how to handle sensitive topics.

Navigating the political landscape in the workplace is a balancing act. It requires high levels of professionalism, respect, and empathy. As the election gets closer this balancing act becomes even more critical.

Realizing that these conversations are bound to come up in the workplace allows you to be proactive in how they are handled. There is no one-size-fits-all approach, it is dependent on the employer’s specific situation and culture.

Regardless of the approach your company takes, the ultimate goal is to create safe conditions for all employees where diverse opinions are valued. This can be accomplished by establishing uniform policies, creating a supportive environment, and having an open mind. These steps are critical in keeping a cohesive and harmonious workplace for everyone.

Renee Walrath, president, Walrath Recruiting Inc., Saratoga Springs.

REGIONAL STOCKWATCH

18 DIVISION ST.-SUITE

SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 (518) 584-2555

The Upstate Agency LLC Expands Its Reach In Strategic Partnership With A&B Agency Inc

Upstate Agency, LLC, part of the Arrow Family of Companies, has announced the acquisition of select assets of A&B Agency, Inc., an employee benefits insurance solutions provider located in southern Albany County.

The strategic partnership aligns with Upstate’s core business units, further enhancing its employee benefits solutions and expanding its geographic reach in the Capital Region and south.

“Th is partnership represents more than a business transaction; it’s a union of shared values, vision and passion,” said Douglas Thorn, president and CEO of Upstate Agency. “Having worked with owners Keith and Jennifer MacTavish in the past, I’m confident they’ll bring great expertise to our agency while continuing to serve their valued clients.”

Based in South Glens Falls, Upstate specializes in personal, commercial and employee benefits insurance solutions with a coverage

Andrade

Continued From Page 10

detecting smoke or water leaks. The ability to remotely monitor and manage security settings adds a layer of convenience and control, and ensures a prompt response.

Traditional CCTV systems primarily store data on physical storage devices like hard drives, which had limitations in terms of capacity, accessibility, and risk of damage or loss. A cloud-based video surveillance system offers virtually unlimited storage, improved accessibility, and enhanced security. They also offer upgraded features like facial and license plate recognition.

Access control systems are not just a great tool for visitor management, but to control access to specific areas in your building. Consider the idea that maybe your entire staff shouldn’t have access to your warehouse of inventory if it’s not a part of their job function. Industry compliance regulations and your security policies are also a large part of choos-

area spanning from Albany to Plattsburgh. In terms of revenue, Upstate Agency currently ranks sixth in Employee Benefits and fi ft h for Property & Casualty in the Capital Region as compiled by the Albany Business Review. Dave DeMarco, President and CEO of Arrow Financial Corporation and parent company of Upstate, said, “Th is strategic growth opportunity will enhance Upstate’s reputation as an experienced group of local agents who have their clients’ best interests at heart. With a solid base of insurance operations in the Capital Region, we are excited to expand farther south and showcase our consultative approach.”

Keith and Jennifer MacTavish, owners of A&B Agency, Inc., also expressed their enthusiasm by stating, “We are excited about this opportunity to further enhance employee benefits insurance solutions. We look forward to being a part of Upstate Agency and the Arrow Family of Companies.”

ing your access points. Modern access systems offer detailed logs for every entry point, providing valuable data about who accesses which areas and when. This feature serves as an audit trail that can be analyzed to identify patterns for theft or misuse. As a trusted IT provider, StoredTech offers all of the security solutions you need under one roof. You don’t have to worry about juggling multiple vendors and ensuring your systems can connect to one-another. With the right technology on your side, you’ll have eyes on your business even when you’re miles away.

Threats are not a ‘potential’ problem, but an inevitable reality. It is not a matter of if your business will be targeted, but when. Business owners must stay proactive rather than reactive. Understand your threat landscape and work with a trusted partner to implement these security measures. In the realm of business security, stick with the old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” A multi-layered security approach is not just a strategy; it’s a shield that every business should have. The effectiveness of this approach lies in the partners you choose.

Business Report

The Importance Of An Estate Plan

BY DAVID M. KOPYC, CRPC

The largest wealth transfer in the history of mankind will take place over the next three decades. It is estimated to be in excess of 80 trillion dollars. How will the Gen X and millennials manage this type of wealth and will they be able to work through the options they will need to take to protect these assets and minimize tax liability.

This transfer of wealth will take decades to play out, so most families will have time to take action to develop a plan to maximize their wealth transfer possibly for generations to come. It is critical to have discussions on how this wealth can be utilized for all the future events that will take place in your family’s lives (weddings, college education, charitable intent, future income sources, etc.).

Regardless how big your pot of gold may be, you need to develop an estate plan. A simple Will and beneficiary forms are important, but most of us will probably need to have a Trust or multiple Trusts. Probate is expensive and if you want your money to follow your bloodline, there are options and strategies to take to accomplish this.

There are too many situations with families that ended badly because there was a lack of communication between the family members. It is critical that heirs have open, honest discussions about what they would like from the estate so conflicts do not arise. While these conversations may be difficult and uncomfortable, it’s better to have your wishes known so there is absolutely no misunderstanding.

At my firm, we try to take a very proactive approach to legacy planning so we have a fairly good idea of the family situations and what the parent(s)’ thoughts are about wealth transfer. Blended families make the process a little more complicated, but you can achieve a desirable solution for both families. While this process can be daunting and stressful, it also allows the grantors to take an assessment of where they are. Some are astonished what the true value of their estate may actually be.

A lot of this wealth transfer is held in complicated assets that lack the ability to receive a step up in basis at death. IRA, 401(k), deferred comp, TSP, 403(b), SEP IRA are all pre-tax accounts. There is no step up in basis and as of today there is

Alpin Haus

Continued From Page 8

and models, the majority of which are manufactured by Thor, Winnebago, and Forest River, the three major players in the RV industry. Heck estimates that those three manufacturers make up 90 percent of the industry.

During COVID, he said his company sold every RV they had on the lot.

“The whole industry saw a huge uptick, and everything we had sold. The factories were shut down for a period of time, so we were struggling with supply. It was slim pickings, and it took a couple of years to get back to normalcy in terms of supply,” he noted.

At the same time that supply chain issues were resolved, sales began to drop, in part because of inflation and rising interest rates.

“Things are tougher right now,” said Heck. “The RV industry has been in a recession for the past two years.”

Although sales of new RVs are lackluster, Heck reports that the used RV market is extremely strong, demand far exceeding supply.

“There’s not enough used inventory, and everything we get we sell,” he said.

Heck remains bullish on the industry, expecting sales to return to normal in 2025, bolstered by government-funded infrastructure upgrades, ones intended to improve access to national parks, forests, and public lands.

“We’re also seeing a lot of multi-generational camping, and because of Instagram and Facebook, more and more people are wanting to visit National Parks,” he said. “People want to get outside and explore.”

David M. Kopyc, CRPC; president, Retirement Planning Group LLC; Malta.

approximately 40 trillion dollars in these types of assets. These are monies that need careful guidance and a plan to be executed pre and post death. Do you want your loved ones to receive a tax liability or a legacy unincumbered by tax? Then it might encompass you taking action in your lifetime to accomplish this.

Real estate can also be a very complicated asset for wealth transfer. The lake house, the ski house, the primary residence that one of the children has a desire to keep. How do you get equalization so everyone is content with the outcome? The bottom line is, communication and open dialogue by all is imperative to have a successful legacy plan that serves all fair and well.

Hopefully this article has helped some of you to take action and build a wealth transfer strategy that will last for decades to come.

Continued From Page 1

tional Bank will technically be merged into Glens Falls Banks. That’s just legal work,” DeMarco said. “The hard part is having everything the same from a back room and marketing perspective.”

Right now, the marketing department has to provide a logo, branding, signage and advertising for two separate entitles, he said. The accounting group has to prepare two separate sets of financial statements, so there will be one call report published after the unification.

“There is simplification that will result from this, and getting there is not hard, but is going to be a lot of work internally,” he said.

Started in 1983 in Glens Falls, Arrow Financial is a publicly traded company and as CEO, DeMarco anticipates advantages from the unification for shareholders.

“The investment banking community sees the unification as a big plus,” he said. “I have heard from some people who said, ‘What took you so long?’”

Branches of the banks stretch from Albany to Plattsburgh and some growth has come organically, DeMarco said. There have also been acquisitions of a number of other bank branches, such as Fleet Bank and HSBC in Plattsburgh, and Arrow Financial is about to close on a Berkshire Bank in Whitehall. Other branches have been acquired in Schenectady and Rensselaer counties.

“As a combined entity, we are bigger and can buy more,” said DeMarco. “Strategic growth is the ability to expand our footprint and serve other communities, For bank customers, DeMarco said, “Nothing changes but the name, and banks have been changing names for years. None of the staff is changing and none of the buildings are changing.”

How the unification is perceived will depend largely on how Arrow Financial delivers the message, according to DeMarco.

“The keys to that are our people and ability to provide customer service, which we are very proud of,” he said. “I would argue we are known as a bank that gives personal service, delivers value to our shareholders, and supports our communities.”

The combined assets of the banks is $4.2 billion and DeMarco said, “In a way we are getting bigger together, but we’re still the same size.”

The new logo and marketing campaign will soon be rolled out and carry the name “Arrow Bank” in a clean, more modern style than what the banks or Arrow Financial have now, he said.

“The rebranding focuses on the people, because banking is a people business,” said DeMarco. “What people going into those brick and mortar buildings appreciate about our company is that they know the staff and the staff know them. And that’s not changing.”

DeMarco said he believes the new name will make a newcomer into town who wants a local bank feel that Arrow Bank offers upto-date resources and technology.

“People bank where they have trust and confidence and comfort,” he said. “It’s reputation that drives where you bank, and if our reputation maintains its current status, we hope it will attract more customers in our current market.”

Unification will make Arrow Bank “stronger and better” in terms of efficiency and productivity, said DeMarco.

“It’s one bank working for you,” he said. If that sounds like a tagline, DeMarco said the marketing team will be releasing the new tagline shortly along with the new logo.

Glens Falls National Bank has a full service insurance subsidiary, Upstate Insurance Agency, which will become a separate subsidiary of Arrow Financial. Its name will not change. Depositors can learn more at their local branches.

Join Capital CFO+ for a six-month intensive course, covering all the topics necessary to truly master the art of Nonprofit Leadership and build your organization from the inside out.

Here’s what we will cover:

For more information or to sign up, please contact Sabrina Houser at sabrina@capitalcfollc.com or 518.350.4020

to continuing to bring her expertise to TriCounty United Way to help drive the organization’s mission of strengthening communities its service area.

A resident of Queensbury, Ms. Jensen holds a master’s degree from Marist College and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz.

Celebrating Over 180 Years of Hospitality in Downtown Saratoga Springs

Maria College, a private, co-educational Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of trustees.

The new trustees — Sister Jude Kapp, RSM (Rensselaer); Helen Figge, Ph.D. (Slingerlands); Angela C. Dominelli, Ph.D. (Schenectady); and, Karen McKenna, RN, BSN — will each serve three three-year terms. They will guide the college’s direction, expand course offerings, build corporate partnerships, and enhance resources to strengthen the student experience.

Dame High School in Elmira.

Ms.Figge, BS, PharmD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, FACHT, and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is a prominent healthcare leader and futurist. Dr. Figge has held roles on various national healthcare IT boards, including the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and National Association of Health Data Organizations. She has received the FedHealthIT 100 Award and other accolades. Dr. Figge is currently the chief strategy officer at MedicaSoft and an executive in residence at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

Dr. Dominelli had a notable career at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), serving as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from 2013-2016, after being interim dean since 2012. Previously, she was associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and associate dean for academic affairs at ACPHS. Her earlier roles included product development, pharmacy management, and clinical support.

Maria College is expanding its board after years of rising enrollment and growth. The Class of 2024 featured a diverse array of graduates, including those achieving bachelor’s degrees in nursing RN-BS completion, health and occupational sciences, healthcare management, psychology, and liberal arts.

Since August 2011, Sister Kapp, RSM, has served as a pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany, managing the food pantry, visiting the elderly and sick, and overseeing RCIA and adult confirmation programs. Previously, she was math department chair at Catholic Central High School in Troy and Notre

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.

Carson's Woodside Tavern

Malta, NY

With spectacular views of Saratoga Lake and the Vermont mountains, our amazing outside patio, deck, fire pits, and bar are the place to be all summer long. Great food, drinks, entertainment, and fun await! Only 7 miles from Saratoga Springs.

Sushi Thai Garden

Saratoga Springs, NY

Experience fine Japanese and Thai cuisine, prepared and presented in an artistic manner, using all fresh ingredients. Open for both lunch and dinner; don't forget to ask about our take-out and gift certificates too!

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Adelphi Wine & Beer Garden

Saratoga Springs, NY

Located at The Adelphi Hotel in downtown Saratoga Springs, the Adelphi Wine & Beer Garden offers sommelier-selected wines, delicious craft beer, and the region’s most inventive and flavorful sushi.

The Saratoga Area Abounds With Great Food & Drink Options

Hospitality Group announced the sale of The Mohican Resort of Lake George and the 8000 square foot Boats by George Storage Building, located at 1545 State Route 9, Lake George, New York. Both properties were owned by Chad Nims (1545 State Route 9 LLC). The entire property is 4.69 Acres and was recently subdivided to sell the motel property (3.75 acres) to Amit & Payal Kumar and the Boat Storage Building (.94 acre)) to George Pensel (Five Star Marina Properties, LLC).

This well-established, long-time familyowned resort boasts 44 units, ranging in size from traditional guest rooms to 2-bedroom suites, condo-like units, townhouses and a newly renovated 4-bedroom home. Additional amenities include sparkling out-

door and heated indoor swimming pools, game room, business center, basketball court, BBQ grills, fitness center, park like setting, gazebo, guest laundry, children’s playground, housekeeping, and more. The Mohican Resort is only minutes to Great Escape, the Lake George Outlets, Millionaires Beach, Cruise Ships, Village of Lake George, Ft. William Henry, restaurants, shopping, bars and local attractions.

Mitch Muroff of Muroff Hospitality Group represented the Seller and secured the Buyers in this exclusive listing. The total sales price was $3,100,000 (2,700,000 for the Motel and $400,000 for the Boat Storage building). and the transaction closed on Tuesday, July 2, 2024, in Glens Falls, New York.

ATTENTION WRITERS

Are you looking for an exciting way to utilize your talent?

Writing for the Glens Falls and Saratoga Business Journals will get you out into the world interviewing interesting members of your community and getting paid for it.

Contact: Harry Weinhagen, Publisher harryw@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Muroff

The Mohican property was subdivided to sell the motel property to Amit & Payal Kumar and the Boat Storage Building to George Pensel (Five Star Marina Properties, LLC).