Glens Falls Business Journal - October 2023

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OCTOBER 2023

Renovations At Heritage Hall Inside Cool Arrow Family Of Companies Opens Its new Arena Could Bring In More Events, Revenue Offices On Glen Street In City Of Glens Falls

Cool Insuring Arena GM Jeff Mead, left, and Glens Falls Coalition co-founder Ed Moore, stand in Heritage Hall, which underwent a $1 million makeover this summer.

BY PAUL POST Newly renovated Heritage Hall got off to a strong start by hosting the recent third annual Sandy’s Clam Bar Reunion, featuring popular local bands to benefit Operation Santa Claus.

The event space at Cool Insuring Arena was given a $1 million makeover this summer , highlighted by new flooring, ceilings, walls and electrical wiring along with multi-colored lighting and a stone countertop bar. A new storage room was created at the west end of the room so table and chairs no longer have to be kept behind curtains in the hallway.

“It’s a multi-purpose room for whatever someone envisions,” said Jeff Mead, arena general manager. “The plan is to host weddings, business events, chamber mixers, birthday parties, comedy shows. Anybody who has an

Paul Post

event, we’ll work with them. We’re also going to show Thunder away hockey games on new 70-inch TVs. There will be a full bar and menu to order from.”

The project was paid for with public and private dollars including $500,000 from Warren County and $200,000 from the City of Glens Falls, the building’s owner.

“Then we realized, if we do this room and make it beautiful, the hallway is still outdated,” Mead said. “It wouldn’t have the same ‘wow’ factor. So we redid the halls as well.”

That $200,000 effort required additional fundraising. Half was paid for by the Glens Falls Coalition, a group of business leaders formed in 2015 to operate the arena. Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation provided $35,000, Continued On Page 13

Company Proposes Motorcoach Campground With Cabins At Old Golf Course In Moreau

BY PAUL POST A Latham-based firm’s proposed green energy project would combat climate change while helping people enjoy the great outdoors at a former golf course property in northern Saratoga County.

U.S. Light Energy has a plan for a solar array combined with a 146-site motor coach campground and 26 cabins at the 203-acre former Tee Bird South Golf Club on Route 197 in Moreau, about four miles from Northway Exit 17.

The 5-year-old company has already built 15 generating stations across New York in the booming solar industry, with more than twice that in various stages of permitting and construction both in and out of state.

“It’s an exciting project,” said Michael Fingar, the firm’s chief operating officer. “It gives us an opportunity to take advantage of more land than we typically would. The property is well situated to do something pretty dynamic. We hope to begin work late next summer or fall if everything goes well.”

The proposed project, costing up to $20 million, is currently before the Moreau Town Planning Board, which is charged with making a recommendation to the Town Board about its viability. If viewed favorably by the Town Board,

the project would go back to the Planning Board for final site plan review, where details are scrutinized.

U.S. Light Energy’s first project was in Clifton Park. It also has developed generating stations in Texas and Pennsylvania, and is seeking entry into other Northeast markets as well.

A National Grid transmission line cuts through the Moreau golf course site, which went out of business 12 years ago. The proposed solar array would be set back on the rear part of the property, out of view from the highway or nearby homes. Electricity would go onto the grid, a requirement of the state’s Community Solar Program, and wouldn’t power the campground directly.

Motor home sites and cabins would be located toward the front, on Route 197. Plans also call for a 1.2-mile multi-use recreation trail that could be used year-round for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.

Motor home use would likely be seasonal, from late spring to early autumn. But by having cabins, the campground could be used yearround, Fingar said.

“We’re supporting the green energy movement and combating climate change on one side Continued On Page 15

The Arrow Family of Companies recently opened its renovated corporate headquarters that houses administrative and operational support for Arrow Financial Corp.

The Arrow Family of Companies recently opened its renovated corporate headquarters at 250 Glen Street in downtown Glens Falls.

The multi-year, multi-million-dollar investment includes the Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. Main Office branch and lending offices that are now open to customers.

The building also houses administrative and operational support for Arrow Financial Corp. and its family of companies, which includes Glens Falls National Bank, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. and Upstate Agency, LLC. “The completion of this multi-year renovation project is more than just a revitalization of our bank and offices. It’s an investment in the future of our customers, our employees and our communities,” said President and CEO Dave DeMarco. “Our 172-year history is in Glens Falls, and we are so proud to contribute to the ongoing revitalization of the city’s downtown.

“As we look to the future, this space will help us enhance the customer experience and show our team how much we value their expertise and collaboration.”

Extensive upgrades were made throughout the building. Aging equipment was replaced

Courtesy Arrow Corp.

with new energy-efficient systems, including a full overhaul of electrical and HVAC. The newly renovated space includes solar panels, rooftop green space, energy-saving lighting and water-conserving plumbing, helping to reduce the environmental footprint of the company.

The main office branch of Glens Falls National Bank has also reopened right in the center of downtown. After operating out of a temporary space next door, the branch is in its permanent home at 250 Glen St. Approximately 280 of the more than 500 employees company wide are based out of Arrow’s downtown campus. Upgrades to workspaces include sit-to-stand desks and ergonomic chairs standard for all employees, increased natural light, a new employee café and break rooms, and increased physical security measures.

JMZ Architects and Planners PC of Glens Falls led the renovation along with MLB Construction of Malta as general contractor and many local subcontractors, who all ensured the building’s historic elements were maintained while updating the overall design.

To learn more about the headquarters, visit gfnational.com/hello.

ARCC Business Expo Being Held November 8th At The Queensbury Hotel The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is once again hosting their annual Business Expo, On Wednesday, November 8th from 4 – 7:00 pm at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls. The event will take over most of the first floor of the hotel space. This business showcase will feature over 80 businesses and nonprofits from the tri-county region.

Attendees can expect product demos, food and beverage samples, and opportunities to connect and network with regional businesses.

“This is one of our favorite events of the year,” said ARCC Marketing Director Amanda Blanton. “The rooms are literally buzzing

with excitement and energy! Think of it like a mixer with a hands-on opportunity to learn about the amazing businesses and nonprofits in our region.”

The event grows every year, especially after the amazing renovations completed on the Adirondack Ballroom at The Queensbury Hotel. The newly expanded space allows for more exhibitors with unique options for displays.

Last year the Expo featured a golf simulator, and a boat to tour in the parking lot.

The event is free to attend and open to the public. Attendees can enter to win door prizes with a business card. Whether you’re a business, consumer, or both – there is plenty to discover at the 2023 ARCC Business Expo.

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

Business Briefs

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The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce will hold an economic outlook event on Tuesday, Nov. 7 from 7:30-9:30 a.m. at the Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls.

This event is sponsored by NBT Bank and attendance is free for ARCC members.

Kenneth J. Entenmann, CFA, and chief investment officer and chief economist at NBT Bank, will be the guest speaker. His topic will be “Should I Stay or Should I Go? Waiting For The Imminent Recession That Has Yet To Happen.”

He will talk about how the Federal Reserve’s policy will impact the equity and fixed income markets, as well as the potential for a recession.

Entenmann has more than 35 years of investment management experience and is a chartered financial analyst. He earned his B.S. in applied economics and business management from Cornell University and his M.B.A. from the University of Rochester’s William E. Simon Graduate School of Business Administration. In his current role, he oversees more than $9 billion in assets under management and administration in trust, custody, retirement, institutional and individual accounts.

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The Adirondack Thunder announced that the annual Thunder 5K Run/Walk to benefit the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation is set for Sunday, Oct. 15, at 9 a.m. at Cool Insuring Arena.

The 5K race will begin at the arena and continue down Glen Street.

Proceeds will go toward renovations at Cool Insuring Arena, which is over 40 years old this year, and in need of some upgrading The First 100 registered participants will receive a long sleeve T-shirt.

People can register for the event at runsignup. com/Race/NY/GlensFalls/5KThunderRun . * * *

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The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Syracuse-Upstate New York District Office has officially launched the call for nominations for the 2024 National and District Small Business Week Awards, including the annual Small Business Person of the Year Award.

This annual event aims to recognize the contributions of small businesses nationwide. Last year’s winners included businesses located in Albany, Syracuse, Central Square and Sherburne New York.

Visit the SBA’s dedicated website at www. sba.gov/nsbw to download forms, criteria, and guidelines for submitting a nomination. The Syracuse-Upstate New York District Office Nomination Guidelines and district awards categories can also be found on SBA’s dedicated website at www.sba.gov/national-small-business-week/ district-office-awards.

The SBA Awards given in celebration of National and District Small Business Week include the following: Syracuse-Upstate New York District Small Business Week Categories: Small Business Person of the Year (National and District), and Small Business Exporter (National and District) Local District Awards: Minority Small Business Champion or Business of the Year, Veteran Continued On Page 4

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The Killington World Cup Foundation (KWCF) has recently awarded 31 grants totaling $270,000 to Northeast area nonprofits in nine states for the upcoming ski season. The West Mountain School (WMS) it is one of the recipients.

The grant award will help fund the WMS Building For The Future capital campaign for the race building expansion at West Mountain slated to begin this summer.

Those who would like to contribute to the Building For The Future can contact WMS Vice President Sara Montgomery at West Mountain.

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Annual 5K Race Raises $3,000; Proceeds Going To The Lake George Land Conservancy

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Approximately 500 runners finished in the seventh annual ADK 5K in Lake George, a record for the race since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, organizers said.

Approximately 500 runners finished in the seventh annual ADK 5K, a record for the race since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, organizers said.

Officials said the event brought about 1,000 people total to Lake George, counting spectators who came to cheer on friends and family. People came from 11 states including Florida, Arizona, and Wisconsin to run the race on Sept. 16. There was also an international runner from Quebec.

The race—part of the Great American Brewery Runs Series—began and ended at Adirondack Pub & Brewery with a familyfriendly party afterward complete with music, beer, lawn game zone, and more.

Many participants make a weekend out of the event.

“It was great to see all the runners enjoying one of the most beautiful 5Ks in New York state. It was also exciting to see how many of the Adirondack Brewery staff ran in it. A great day for everyone,” said Adirondack Pub & Brewery owner John Carr.

This chip-timed certified USATF 5K has grown steadily over the years and was one of the few 5K races that was allowed to take place during the COVID-19 pandemic with health and safety measures in place, leading to broader exposure of the race and its continued growth.

“It was a perfect race day and a beautiful weekend at Lake George. We are already looking forward to next year’s race on September 14, 2024,” said Carl Ewald, executive

director of Great American Brewery Runs.

The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC)—an organization dedicated to protecting the land around the lake in order to preserve Lake George for future generations—was chosen as the beneficiary.

Nearly $3,000 was raised.

Over the years the ADK 5K has raised more than $10,000 for charity.

“The Lake George Land Conservancy is honored to be the charity beneficiary of the ADK 5K,” said LGLC Executive Director Mike Horn. “This is a great event, and a fantastic way to raise awareness of and support for our work to protect the land that protects Lake George. Many thanks to Carl Ewald and the Great American Brewery Runs team for including us in the event, to the Adirondack Pub and Brewery for hosting, and to our volunteers who helped out on race day.”

The LGLC is an accredited, nonprofit land trust based out of Bolton Landing, dedicated to working with willing landowners and other partners to protect the world-renowned water quality of Lake George and to permanently preserve the natural, scenic, historic and recreational resources of the Lake George region.

Adirondack Pub & Brewery is a microbrewery located at 33 Canada St. in Lake George. Established in 1999, Adirondack Brewery brews fresh craft beverages including ales and lagers, hard cider, seltzers, lemonades and teas, and its non-alcoholic offering, Bear Wizz Root Beer.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 3

Access Anvil Corp. In Washington County Spooky Season Returns To Six Flags Great Acquires Overhead Door Co. Of Glens Falls Escape With Annual ‘Fright Fest’ Activities

Access Anvil Corp. in Greenwich has acquired the Overhead Door Co. of Glens Falls and Overhead Door Co. of Hudson River Valley.

Access Anvil officials said the acquisition was completed Sept. 25.

“This strategic move marks a significant milestone in Access Anvil’s journey, enhancing its capabilities to serve both residential and commercial customers,” the company said in a statement.

Officials said Overhead Door Co. has been a trusted name in the garage door industry for over a century, building its reputation on reliability and quality.

With this acquisition, Access Anvil Corp. strengthens its position in the market by adding two of the over 450 distributors in North America to its portfolio.

“The acquisition aligns perfectly with The Fort Miller Group’s vision, celebrating 75 years in business this year,” the company said. “It underscores the company’s commitment to diversify its product offerings while keeping jobs local and contributing to the economic growth of the communities it serves.”

Overhead Door Co. of Glens Falls has been serving its community for more than 30 years, and Access Anvil “is eager to build upon the excellent reputation it has earned during that time. Furthermore, this acquisition enables Access Anvil to expand its presence in the Hudson River Valley, reinforcing its commitment to local engagement,” the statement said.

“Access Anvil is honored to have been entrusted with the continued success of these well-established businesses,” said

Courtesy Fort Miller Group

Rosario Gallo, president of Access Anvil “We are excited to leverage the expertise and legacy of Overhead Door Co. and to further enhance our ability to serve our valued customers, both residential and commercial. This acquisition ref lects our dedication to providing top-quality products and services while contributing to the growth of the communities we operate in.”

Access Anvil Corp. currently operates two lines of business: Anvil Fence and Scott System. Anvil Fence a leading commercial fence and gate contractor, serves both residential and commercial customers.

Scott System manufactures urethane formliners, unique concrete form work and thin brick inlay systems to the construction industry nationally and internationally.

With a commitment to excellence and a dedication to customer satisfaction, Access Anvil has established itself as a trusted name in the industry and is excited to bring its experience and expertise to the Overhead Door business.

For more information, visit www.accessanvil.com and www.scottsystem.com.

The Fort Miller Group, with 75 years of experience, is a group of companies committed to innovation, diversification, and local community support. It operates across various industries, always striving to exceed customer expectations and contribute to the well-being of the regions it serves.

In addition to Access Anvil Corp., The Fort Miller Group’s list of companies includes: Fort Miller Precast, The Fort Miller Service Corp., and TYMETAL.

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Six Flags Great Escape is running its annual Fright Fest during the Halloween season.

Courtesy Six Flags Great Escape

urdays in October have a trick-or-treat trail, boo bingo, a scavenger hunt, arts and crafts, spooky fireside tales and a monster meet and greet.

Also, 2024 season passes are now available, officials said Pass holders can enjoy the rest of 2023 and all of 2024 with perks including unlimited visits, parking, discounts on food and merchandise all season long, skip-the-line passes and more. 2023 daily ticket holders can upgrade tickets to a season pass for only $19.99 during a visit.

For more information, visit sixf lags.com/ greatescape.

business

2023

This is a staff photo at Overhead Door Co. in Glens Falls. The company was recently acquired by Access Anvil Corp. located in Greenwich.

Six Flags Great Escape has transformed into a chilling scream park for its annual Fright Fest during the Halloween season.

The park’s celebration is back for its 25th year and features new entertainment, enhanced scare zones and the brand-new Hell Block VI. The high energy event delivers an experience that will leave guests with goosebumps, officials said.

People can go to Thrills by Day at Boo Fest, with family-friendly activities on Saturdays and Sundays. At 5 p.m., there is Frights by Night.

The all-new Hell Block VI attraction, populated with terrifying prisoners, expands the Fright Fest experience with a fourth haunt location.

Guests at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge & Indoor Water Park can enjoy the lodge Boo Fest with themed activities for the entire family on Fridays and Saturdays in October.

At Hell Block VI, “dangerous monsters have escaped their cells after a prisoner revolt. Daring guests traverse the terrifying prison to reengage the security system and keep deranged prisoners from the outside world,” said a company news release. There are increased fog, sinister lighting, “bloodchilling sounds and creepy props.”

Scare zones feature n-park entertainment with frightful themed dances and shows.

Boo Fest theme park highlights include a kids 12 and under costume contest, monster mash interactive dance parties, a trick-or-treat trail and a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt, as well as a new hay maze, themed story time, and arts and crafts.

Lodge highlights on Fridays and Sat-

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November 8th I 4 - 7:00 pm The Queensbury Hotel 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to discover, connect, and network at the 2023 ARCC Business Expo.

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Bring your business cards.

4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance Extends Visitor Center Season Through October 29th

AUTUMN GIVING MATCH CAMPAIGN

Join our eleventh annual campaign to help our local nonprots and Adirondack Trust will match all donations made by October 31st.

WAYS YOU CAN HELP DONATE

at any Adirondack Trust branch or online at atccf.org.

REGISTER

for An Evening of Autumn Giving, October 17th, Caneld Casino.

Ticket proceeds will support the campaign and be matched!

VISIT

our business partners during the month of October to take advantage of their special promotions that support the campaign.

Please visit atccf.org to learn more about the campaign and this year’s business partner’s great promotions.

Media Partners

The Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund is a 501(c)(3) nonprot organization.

Your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by the law. No goods or services are provided in exchange for your donation.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 2000 Business Of The Year

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce 9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Editorial: RJDeLuke@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen Associate Editor R.J. DeLuke 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 Andrea Harwood Paul Post

The acclaimed Visitor Center will be open Friday through Sunday 10 am to 4 pm. Free guided tours of the site are offered Saturdays at 11 am.

Courtesy Battlefield Park Alliance

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance is marching through its second season of operating the park’s highly acclaimed Visitor Center by extending its season through the end of October, while also encouraging the public to keep exploring the site’s natural beauty and unique place in American history.

“September and October are spectacular months to trek around our battlefield,” said Bruce M. Venter, Alliance trustee and author of “The Battle of Hubbardton” and other books on early American military conflicts. “A crisp autumn day is a good time to get out for a walk.”

People will be able to see the Lake George Battlefield Park Visitor Center’s new additions, including the 1758 Abercromby campaign diorama. Then they can hike through the battlefield and view the remains of Fort George and other remnants of the French & Indian War and the American Revolution.

Continuing through Oct. 29, the Battlefield Park Visitor Center, 75 Fort George Road, Lake George, will be open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Battlefield Park Alliance will continue to host free guided tours of the

site each Saturday in September and October, beginning at 11 a.m.

Additional special programs being sponsored by the Alliance in the coming weeks include: • Thursday, Sept. 21, 7 p.m., Fort William Henry Conference Center, “The Battle of Lake George: Clash of Empires, 1755 “, a presentation by historian John-Eric Nelson, co-sponsored by the French & Indian War Society at Lake George.

• Sunday, Oct. 8, 1 p.m., Lake George Battlefield Park, the dedication of a new historical marker describing Carleton’s Raid in 1780, with a tour led by Alliance trustee Pat Niles of places in the park associated with the raid.

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance is a volunteer-driven organization of individuals who have an abiding interest in the Lake George Region’s critical role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. It manages the Battlefield Park’s Visitor Center and sponsors events throughout the year that educate the public about the site, the Lake George Region, and its history.

For more information, visit www.lakegeorgebattlefield.org.

Business Briefs

hold a fall book sale in the Community Room with a selection of materials for children, teens, and adults on Friday, Oct. 20, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and on Saturday, Oct. 21, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Plastic bags will not be available so people are asked to bring their own bags.

Continued From Page 2 Small Business Champion or Business of the Year, Women in Business Champion or Business of the Year and Rural Small Business Champion or Business of the Year.

The Upstate New York District Office must receive all nominations by electronic submission no later than 4 p.m. on Dec. 7. To obtain additional information, contact Jeffrey Boyce at Jeffrey.

Boyce@sba.gov.

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WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space celebrated five years of supporting local entrepreneurs and business owners on September 30, with an Open House at 237 Glen St., Glens Falls. WorkSmart provides entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners with a collaborative workspace membership model for furnished offices, shared workspaces and meeting spaces designed to increase productiv* * * - ity. For information contact info@worksmartgf. com.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 5

Eddy’s Eats, A New Food Service At SUNY Funds Available To Warren And Saratoga County Adirondack, Offers Locally Sourced Food Residents To Open Registered Home-Based Childcare

Eddy’s Eats offers counter service from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday at SUNY Adirondack, featuring a Smoothie Lab and bagels from Glens Falls Bagels.

SUNY Adirondack has a new food service offering on campus, giving students and staff more meal options.

The grand opening of Eddy’s Eats was held Sept. 13 on the campus.

Eddy’s Eats offers counter service from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, featuring a Smoothie Lab and bagels from Glens Falls Bagels.

Eddy’s Eats also provides three on-campus vending options, Just Baked, Costa Coffee and Byte.

“Eddy’s Eats responds to evolving preferences of our diverse community, saying goodbye to the traditional and ushering in an era of innovation for the Scoville dining option,” said Carrie Black, director of auxiliary services for the Faculty-Student Association of SUNY Adirondack.

Just Baked holds frozen products including White Castle burgers, cinnamon buns, potstickers, bar buns, breakfast sandwiches and cakes that are heated in a microwave.

Costa Coffee has more than 200 barista-style drink combinations, using freshly ground coffee. Byte is a cooler with a selection of cold

Courtesy SUNY Adirondack

products from Jack & Olive, including specialty sandwiches, wraps, protein packs, parfaits and more.

“This important addition provides another resource for students, allowing them more food options,” said Jacob Carpenter, president of Student Senate.

Carpenter was part of a student government effort that last year surveyed students about food service on campus to better gauge need. Students, particularly those who live on campus and work off campus or participate in athletics, reported difficulty in securing food when they returned to campus after the dining hall closed.

“The results showed there was a want and need for more food options,” Carpenter said.

“With this, students will never have to worry about not being able to get food after hours.”

For convenience, Just Baked and Byte machines are offered in the vending area on the first floor of the Residence Hall.

“The FSA, Student Senate and Chartwells worked together to redefine our campus dining experience and create Eddy’s Eats as a cafe that embraces change and evolution,” Black said.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Residents of Warren and Saratoga County may be eligible to receive funding to help defray the costs of opening registered home-based childcare businesses.

Funds have been made available through a $205,000 federal grant that was obtained by a bi-county task force comprised of representatives from Warren County Workforce Development, Saratoga County Workforce Development, the Southern Adirondack Child Care Network, and Brightside Up. The grant focuses on in-home providers because home-based childcare businesses tend to be more successful in rural areas.

Start-up costs for these businesses are also significantly lower than for child care centers.

“Our goal is to open 10 home-based childcare centers in Warren County and 10 in Saratoga County,” said Warren County Director of Workforce Development Liza Ochsendorf.

According to Ochsendorf, many Capital Region communities are so desperately in need of licensed child care providers that they are considered child care deserts.

“Glens Falls is one of the biggest deserts we have, but there are child care deserts all over the two counties and throughout the nation.”

The Center for American Progress defines a child care desert as “any census tract with more than 50 children under the age of 5 that contains either no child care providers or so few options that there are more than three times as many children as licensed child care slots.” An estimated 51 percent of Americans live in child care deserts.

The child care industry was especially hard hit by the COVID pandemic, and approximately 1 in 5 centers went out of business as a result of the pandemic. Others were kept af loat only because the CARES

economic stimulus package provided them with emergency funds.

The Century Foundation think tank estimates that over 70,000 daycare providers throughout the country will be in danger of closing when stimulus money dries up at the end of September. If this happens, it could leave more than 3 million children without child care.

New York and Texas are the states that will be the hardest hit, and in New York, an estimated 6,000 daycares are at risk of closing. More than 250,000 children will be left without care which means that one of their parents will be forced to leave the workforce. The resulting economic impact would be significant to the state.

“Between 2019 and the beginning of 2022, we lost 40 percent of the slots in regulated child care in Warren, Washington, and Hamilton counties,” said Lynn Sickles, executive director of the Southern Adirondack Childcare Network. “The hope of this funding is that it will provide incentive for those who are interested in working with children and love children to open home-based childcare businesses. We will provide them with start-up assistance—not just with funding to help them open, but support from our staff during the licensing process. We can also help them with the paperwork.”

Those who sign up for the program will work with a child care specialist who will assist them with the entire process.

Through the workforce development offices, program participants will have access to free business development trainings that are designed to help them run a successful business.

Funds from the grant will be used to pay for state mandated trainings as well as laptops, toys, books, and recess equipment. All purchases will be made through Continued On Page 12

Rick Gallup General Manager Document Solutions of the North Country Reads

6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Entrepreneurial Women CultureTalk Corporate Assessment Tools Take Mobile Meditation Studio Partners With Crossroads Difficult Subjects And Make Them Easy To Explain Way, Brings Meditation To Schools And Businesses

BY CHRISTINE GRAF When leaders of the Veterinary Services division of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) were tasked with improving the agency’s internal culture, they turned to CultureTalk for help.

CultureTalk, a Saratoga Springs-based company, was founded by sisters Theresa Agresta and Cynthia Forstmann. The USDA is among a long list of companies and agencies from around the world that have utilized the CultureTalk Platform to measure and define workplace culture.

Organizational culture refers to the values, beliefs, attitudes, systems, and rules that outline and influence employee behavior within an organization.

“It’s common for people to talk about culture, but a lot of people don’t fully understand it,” said Agresta. “It is more often found in the ‘unwritten rules’ than the things that have been spelled out.

CultureTalk can take something that is difficult to define and make it easy to talk about.”

The sisters came up with the idea for CultureTalk while working together on their first joint venture, brand development company Allegory Studios.

“Cynthia and I developed a niche and expertise in brand development,” said Agresta. “Very early on, we discovered the impact that measuring culture had on the development of an authentic brand. When we were working with a business to differentiate and brand them, the culture was the piece that really stood out to us.”

“If you are selling services, a lot of what you offer is similar to your competitors. It’s your people and your culture that really differentiate you, and that can be why a prospective client might choose your business.”

Agresta said that she and Forstmann recognized that many companies struggled to make their culture tangible, meaningful, and actionable.

“They can’t connect the dots between the culture they want to cultivate and the specific leadership and team behaviors that will get them there. They struggle to get employees engaged and connected around the culture in a way that employees can rally behind.”

In 2015, the sisters began developing an assessment tool to measure an organization’s culture by using an archetypal framework that draws on the work of Carl Jung. Jung identified universal archetypes, symbols or patterns that are present in the collective unconscious of all humans. By developing an understanding of these archetypes, Jung believed it would be possible for individuals to gain insight into the human psyche and better understand themselves and others.

“It’s a storytelling framework,” said Agresta.

“The framework provides a common language to define the desired culture and allow leaders and

Theresa Agresta is one of the leaders at CultureTalk in Saratoga. teams to identify necessary shifts. It also connects the behaviors of leaders and individual contributors with strategic initiatives.”

CultureTalk developed two validated assessments, one that measures the personality of individuals and another that measures organizational culture. Companies can utilize one or both of the assessments.

“Certified practitioners conduct a culture audit,” said Agresta. “It includes the organizational assessment and a series of one-to-one interviews.

One or more workshops are run to validate the outcomes of the survey and to create a culture profile. The process generates a lot of authentic, honest conversation.”

While that may sound intimidating, Agresta assures employees and company leaders that they have nothing to fear. Employee feedback is entirely anonymous, and the purpose of the culture profile is not to criticize the leadership team.

“CultureTalk answers the questions ‘Where are we today, and how is that moving us forward or holding us back?’” she said. “Now that we can see where we are, we can identify where we want to go and design an action plan to get there.”

That is what Agresta refers to the “So what? Now what?” aspect of the platform. She said that is what differentiates CultureTalk from its competitors.

“There are other tools that measure culture and personality, but what differentiates us is the ‘So what? Now what?’ part that is very actionable.

There’s a lot you can do to make the outcomes sustainable and shareable– there’s a sticky factor to it.”

More than 160 people in 22 countries have Continued On Page 7

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BY CHRISTINE GRAF Since launching The Mobile Meditation Studio in September 2022, owner Kayla Craft has been travelling to schools and businesses throughout the Capital Region in a school bus that she transformed into a meditation studio. She recently partnered with Crossroads Way, Inc., a non-profit with a mission of “Helping Kids Along the Way.” Tax-deductible donations made through the nonprofit will be used offset the cost of bringing the bus to high schools in underserved communities.

According to Craft, the partnership with Crossroads Way materialized after Katie MacDougall established the Glens Falls non-profit earlier this year.

“We teamed up with them to be able to identify school districts that may not have the funds to have the bus come to them. We want to make the bus accessible to schools that don’t have the resources. This is a way for local businesses and the community to help more kids have access to these services.”

To date, The Mobile Meditation Studio has visited high schools in numerous school districts including Gloversville, Hudson Falls, and South Glens Falls. It has also been utilized by BOCES and SUNY Adirondack.

The bus provides what Craft describes as a respite for often over-stressed teens. During a bus meditation session, high school students are taught breathing exercises and mindfulness strategies. When practiced, these techniques can be effective in helping individuals manage stress.

When the bus travels to a school, students can sign up for 15 or 30 minute meditation sessions.

The length of the sessions are determined by the school, and with shorter sessions, more students can be accommodated. To minimize the time that students are out of class, most schools opt for 15 minute sessions. The bus can be booked for either a half or full day.

“Even with 15 minutes sessions, it is still impactful. None of the kids want to get off the bus. They say that they feel calm, peaceful, and not as stressed out. When I renovated the bus, I thought about each detail. I asked myself how I could create a calming space that was accessible to everybody,” she said. “And, it’s not just for the kids. It’s also for faculty and staff as well.”

Although donations through Crossroads Way are earmarked towards bringing the bus to underserved school districts, opportunities are available for private pay clients to bring the bus to their place of business. On average, Craft brings the bus out about two times a week.

“We really hone in on school systems, health care workers, and first responders,” said Craft.

“We also go to business and corporations. The focus is identifying anyone who has a lot of stress

Kayla Kraft uses this converted bus to bring meditation to schools and businesses. and anxiety and is looking for tools to help with emotional regulation. People can use the tools that they learn on the bus and utilize them in everyday life.”

The bus accommodates six people at a time, and during each session, Craft teaches Kambal meditation using weighted blankets. Weighted blankets have been shown to increase serotonin and dopamine which can help to calm the nervous system and improve mood.

“This form of meditation is done laying down, and you find a very comfortable position. You are guided through a breath work practice and a guided meditation body scan,” she said.

According to Craft, she dreams of the day that she can have a fleet of busses operating throughout the United States.

“Our hope is that we can make an impact by having busses all over the country. We want to make this accessible for every human even the ones who are reluctant to try. The hardest part can be to get people on the bus because they aren’t really sure what is going to happen on the bus as far as spending time with themselves. And, then, the then hardest thing is to get them off the bus because they don’t want to leave.”

In addition to operating The Meditation Bus, Craft owns and operates the yoga studio Grounded on Glen Street. She is also preparing to launch and subscription-based online meditation website. Through the web site, she will offer meditations that range from 5 to 30 minutes in length.

For more information, visit themobilemeditationstudio.com and groundedonglenst.com

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 7

President of Hunt Companies Inc., Has Received Several Awards and Recognitions In 1986, Dennis Hunt started Hunt Construction Services in Argyle, N.Y., locally constructing residential and light commercial projects. When Hunt’s daughter, Amie, was old enough to get her work permit, she started working in the office with her mother, Cindy Hunt. She also spent evenings working alongside her father, watching and asking questions, learning how to read plans and skills needed in the building industry. Now, Amie Gonzales is President of Hunt Companies, Inc. (HCI) and has received several awards and recognition for her work leading that company.

After high school, Gonzales received an Associate’s Degree in Photographic Technology from Herkimer Community College. She returned to the family business. managing more minor projects. She was approached by an Army recruiter. After some thought, she enlisted in the Navy, where her father had served. She wanted the challenge that the service would bring. “I understood that they need to break you to build you up. I had always wondered if I could do it,” she says.

As a Mass Communications Specialist, Gonzales managed teams in the daily production of multimedia news stories. Her final deployment involved documenting counter illicit trafficking operations with 25 news stories and over 900 photographs. Her work then being published in more than 12 media outlets within the Department of Defense and external media outlets. While excelling at her position, she earned a Bachelor’s Degree through Excelsior University.

Early in her Naval career, she met and married Juan Gonzales. The couple spent much time apart, with each deployed at different times.

After eight years of service, having achieved the rank of First Class Petty Officer, she left to create more stability for her family, which now included a young son, Ethan. They lived in Tampa, Florida, where Juan was stationed.

Amie worked remotely for the family business while using the GI Bill to get an MBA in Project Management from Strayer University.

When Juan retired after more than 20 years of service, they decided to move back to Argyle, and both joined the family business. Until then, the company hadn’t had a dedicated Project Manager, with Dennis Hunt doing it all. Juan, who had earned an MBA during active service, and Amie used the skills and knowledge they had gained in the Navy and their studies to put together a plan to move the business into the future more strategically. They created a clear six to seven-year succession plan so her parents could retire, knowing the family business was in good hands.

Gonzales became President and Project Manager, Juan took on the new role of Chief Financial Officer, and her brother, Jason, Vice President and Operations Manager, oversees the team. Their plans for the future include a focus on that team. She said, “Manpower is

Amie Gonzales is President of Hunt Companies, Inc. (HCI).

Courtesy HCI

always the challenge. This industry has a lot of turnover, especially during the pandemic. We have a young group, and we want to take care of who we have. Grow and train, build a team strong enough for the future.”

They now hold an annual forum to review every aspect of the business with the team. The initial meeting was one day, and it now runs for four days and includes expert guest speakers.

These sessions are also an opportunity to listen to employee feedback. “We’ve created policies from things we’ve heard. Our employees and their families are important to us, “ said Gonzales. As well as paying significant contributions toward health insurance and 401K savings, “we teach them about the importance of savings and retirement planning.”

While the pandemic heavily impacted the construction industry, HCI only shut down for two months and still paid their employees 40 hours per week and benefits during that time.

By 2015, the business had come to specialize in work for fast food franchises, and in that year, McDonald’s had a change in leadership and put all building projects on hold with little notice. “We had to pivot work into residential, remodel, maintenance and repairs, and look for new customers,”said Gonzales. They started working more with Taco Bell and other fast food franchises as far west as Syracuse. “We needed to get smarter about money and what we do with that. Juan’s ability to compartmentalize makes him a good strategy guy,” says Gonzales.

“Long-term planning means stability for the company and its employees, with no layoffs.”

Since 2019, HCI has donated over $205,000.00 to 50+ local organizations. “We do what we can when we can. Community gives us so much. We want to give back where we work and where our team lives,” says Gonzales.

Support for veterans is one of the causes closest

to the Gonzales’s hearts. “When you leave the service, you need space. There are programs to help those coming out. Some are stubborn and don’t want to ask for help, but are more willing when it comes from another veteran.”

Gonzales is the Second Vice Commander of the Argyle American Legion Post 1518, is active in the Queensbury VFW Auxiliary, and had the honor to co-host the Department of New York Gold Star Mother’s annual memorial service at the Strand Theater during their 86th Convention earlier this year. She also serves as Advisor for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Veteran Business Network.

Amie also stresses the importance of continuing education. “There is no age limit to learn. Community college is a big source for that,” she says. She currently sits on the SUNY Adirondack Board of Trustees as a Vice Chair (2020-present), is the Chair of the SUNY Adirondack Audit & Finance Committee, Chair of the SUNY Adirondack Trusteeship Committee, and is a member of the SUNY Adirondack Personnel Committee. In addition to the degrees she earned, she received a Women in Leadership Certificate from Cornell’s SC Johnson College of Business and a Certificate in Business Strategy from Cornell’s SC Johnson Graduate School of Management.

Amie is also a 2019 graduate of the Association

of General Contractors, Future Construction Leaders of New York State program.

HCI received the 2018 Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year Award. Amie has also received several awards in her own right. Family is the key to success. “We have the strength and stability of a corporation with the heart and feel of a family business.” One might think that working together can strain a marriage. “Being in the service early in our relationship, we spent so much time apart, so we appreciate our time together. We are as much alike as we are different.”

Gonzales offers three essential pieces of advice for other women in business.

“Always be willing to ask for advice. You don’t always need to go through it the hard way. Someone already has, and you can learn from them. Chambers of Commerce are there to help women and vets. Attend when you can, soak up the information, and make connections.”

“Self-doubt holds you back. I still have those moments, but I push through them. Girls and boys should learn this in school.”

“You can lead and still have a heart. I am a heart-led leader.”

Find more information on Hunt Companies, Inc. at www.huntcompanies.net.

CultureTalk

use the individual assessment for every hire and they put each person’s archetype profile icons on their name plates. They are an example of a company that is using the system to the fullest.”

Certified CultureTalk consultant Michael Cruz worked to implement the program at the tech company, and Kristina Mobilia, StoredTech’s director of people, completed the Culture Talk certification program.

Within the Veterinary Services division of the USDA, CultureTalk trained 13 individuals. The division’s leadership team has been extremely pleased with the engagement and results.

“The USDA is extremely appreciative of the outcomes they’ve achieved with CultureTalk. They share that this is actively moving them forward,” said Agresta.

CultureTalk has a number of certified consultants in the Capital Region. For more information, visit www.culturetalk.com.

Continued From Page 6 completed the CultureTalk certification program which enables consultants and practitioners to validate assessments and implement solutions.

The company also trains internal HR and talent management teams.

The platform has received rave reviews including from Queensbury-based IT company StoredTech. In 2022, Stored Tech was recognized by the Times Union as one of the best places to work in the Capital Region.

“They were one of the first clients locally to embed the system,” said Agresta. “They began by measuring and defining their culture. They also

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8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

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Commercial / Residential Real Estate Simons Heating & Cooling Relocates To New Hogwash Cleaning Solutions Specializes In Headquarters, 121 Warren Street in Glens Falls Residential & Commercial Exterior Cleaning

President Dave Simons, left and Operations Manager Jason McCormack, right stand in front of the new Simons Heating and Cooling headquarters located at 121 Warren Street in Glens Falls.

Hogwash Cleaning Solutions, established in 2009 continues growth with the addition of sandblasting, which has brought a lot more work.

BY PAUL POST Simons Heating & Cooling Inc. in Glens Falls, which serves customers from Ticonderoga to Albany, recently moved into new headquarters with over three times more space to accommodate its rapidly growing business.

“We have 11,000 square feet compared to 3,000 at our old location,” said founder and coowner Dave Simons. “Everything is under one roof now from sales staff to warehousing and we own this building, whereas we were renting before.”

The 28-employee firm recently moved from 47 Main St., Queensbury, to the former Glens Falls K9 building at the corner of Warren Street and Oakland Avenue in Glens Falls.

“It was real important to us to have great visibility from the road at a four-way intersection where people stop and see us,” said Jason McCormack, co-owner and director of operations.

“Most HVAC companies don’t have walk-in traffic where people can go into a showroom and discuss with a salesperson about what’s new on the market and what’s trending, or just simply come in and schedule a service appointment.”

“We want to attract people to come to our

BY CHRISTINE GRAF It was while working full-time as a financial service representative at a local bank that Sacha Lewis took a part-time weekend job at Hogwash Cleaning Solutions, a company she now owns. The Whitehall-based business, one that specializes in residential and commercial exterior cleaning, was established by Lewis’ husband, Andrew Lewis, in 2009.

Lewis enjoyed working at Hogwash so much that she purchased the company from Andrew in 2015. Andrew has remained with the company as an employee, and the couple married in 2021.

“After I took over, I revamped everything. We are now better than we ever were, and we became an LLC in 2018,” said Lewis.

Hogwash had approximately 500 regular customers when she took ownership of the business.

Since that time, Lewis said they have expanded their client list to include 4,000 individuals and businesses.

“Every year, we add more customers, and we just expanded into sandblasting. That division has brought in a lot more work for us in a different avenue.”

Hogwash performs both soft washing and power washing using EPA-certified solutions that kill algae and mold. Soft washing and power washing can be used to clean roofs, siding, concrete pool decks, gutters, and other surfaces.

The company also offers air duct and dryer cleaning services and recently expanded its log

building, not just be another warehouse they drive by,” he said. “We’ll have signage out front with special offers so people can notice it and come in.”

Simons said the approval process for moving to Warren Street went quite smoothly as city officials were glad to see the vacant property repurposed. The site has ample parking for customers, employees and company service vehicles.

“We’re pleased to welcome Simons Heating and Cooling Inc. to Warren Street,” Mayor Bill Collins said. “It shows the continued interest in businesses locating in Glens Falls.”

Simons and McCormack hope to open an unrelated retail business in a separate, small building closest to the intersection of Oakland Avenue, possibly a liquor store or cannabis dispensary. Another developer reportedly has plans to build a new apartment or town home complex on vacant property adjacent to Simons Heating and Cooling, further improving the Warren Street corridor.

The company’s move was made possible in part with a portion of money in the city’s Small Continued On Page 12

washing division.

“We wash logs, sandblast them, stain them, chink them, and do log repair,” said Lewis. “We focus primarily on log homes, but we can do wood siding as long as its hearty enough to handle an abrasive blasting material. Cedar is too soft, so for that, we would use a different form of cleaning service.”

When it comes to cleaning log homes, Lewis warns home owners to be wary of who they hire for the job.

“If you don’t know what you are doing, you can cause damage,” she said. “When we wash a log home, we use a special process and procedures, and we do get a lot of referrals for that.”

Hogwash has specialized equipment and recently invested in a new media blasting machine.

The machine propels abrasive materials at high speeds against a surface to remove contaminants such as paint, rust, grease, scale and other accumulated deposits.

“It brings the surface down to bare wood so that it can be prepped and ready for new stain.

Blasting is a much easier process than trying to do a stripping process with a chemical stripping agent. Our machine can also wet blast, so we can do commercial projects. We recently wet blasted all of the rebar in a parking garage in Lake George so they could repaint it.”

Although the majority of Hogwash’s customers are residential, their commercial customer base Continued On Page 9

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 9

Real Estate Professionals Say Strong Demand For Homes Outpaces The Existing Inventory

BY PAUL POST Area realtors say the fourth quarter heading into 2024 continues to be a strong seller’s market as demand far outpaces inventory for prospective homebuyers.

Tim Combs, of HUNT Real Estate in Glens Falls, said, “Everybody is getting more money for their houses. People looking to sell are getting a lot more money if everything is maintained. If you want to get full value for your house, a lot of people are doing little projects before they sell to make them more attractive.”

“Smart buyers can find housing quicker in this market by using tools like getting pre-qualified, which means you’re ready to make a deal,” Combs said. “A lot of buyers go out there and just start looking at houses and they don’t even know how much they can purchase. Once they look at a house and fall in love with it, they have to wait until their financing is approved.”

“It seems that there’s been a decline in homes coming on the market during the past year because many people who are at lower interest rates are holding back, they don’t want to have to buy a house at a higher rate,” said Janet Besheer, of Equitas Realty in Saratoga Springs. “They’re just backing off. So there are fewer sales. We have a lot of disappointed people.”

The good news for sellers is that prices remain high. “$500,000 is the new 300,000,” she said. “Homes in general are selling at 3.3 percent over list price.

That’s huge. The actual median sale price in the Capital Region has climbed to more than $300,000.

We’ve always been in the low- to mid-$200,000s.

So it’s going up. There’s been a real up-tick in home prices in Saratoga County and Warren County around the lakes.”

“Even in places like Granville and Argyle that used to be a little too far out for buyers, in Washington County, they’ve seen a major up-tick in purchasing,” she said. “Lake Luzerne became a hot spot during the past three years. Houses fly off the page there as well. So the market has moved out.”

Pending sales throughout the Capital Region declined 9 percent this summer while closed sales dropped more than 26 percent and total inventory was down 28 percent.

Mortgage rates are currently over 7 percent, more than double the 3 percent level of a few years ago.

“That’s causing a certain portion of the market to step back and say, ‘I’m not going to buy now, we’re going to stay put’,” Besheer said. “Others say, ‘We’ll wait till interest rates come down.’ Well that might be a long wait.”

Meanwhile, prices continue to escalate.

“It’s hard for empty nesters to retire, sell and buy in this market,” said Melissa Cartier, of Saratoga Springs-based Cartier Real Estate Group LLC. “They’re getting a lot for their property, sure, but to purchase at such a higher price point? I don’t know.”

“It’s a really tough time for buyers,” she said. “It’s not fun for them. Lots of people have been looking

Real estate professionals in the region say it is a tough market for buyers. six months, a year. One buyer I know moved out and rented for a full year before finding a house.”

Some people are so anxious to buy that they’re waiving inspections, which she strongly discourages. “We like to see people be confident in what they’re buying,” Cartier said. “We try to have our buyers be more completive in other areas, like giving the seller more time to move out, not just throwing caution to the wind.”

The situation, at least in part, is a byproduct of the COVID-19 pandemic when large numbers of downstate residents moved north, finding they could work remotely from home in more relaxed, comfortable communities. Homes started getting snapped up as soon as they came on the market, creating stiff buyer competition that caused prices to skyrocket.

“The main people getting hurt were first-time home buyers who couldn’t get a home either because there was so much competition or they just weren’t ready,” said Roohan Realty owner Tom Roohan, of Saratoga Springs. “They just got out of college, just got married, had just entered the workplace and were still getting their savings together and thinking about buying a house with interest rates at 3 percent. Now all of a sudden interest rates are twice that or more and they can’t get as much house as they could have early on. Those are the real victims, I think.”

Cartier said, “We encourage people to stretch their geographic areas when looking, to not be in the most competitive places, and to be open to doing updating.”

Homes that sell the fastest, for the highest price are those that don’t need any work. But quite often a solid house that needs a little updating can be purchased for much less. “Let’s try to get you in at your price point,” Cartier said. “You can do cosmetics down the road.”

Most new home construction in the Capital Region is high-end, so buyers shouldn’t expect to see much affordable housing come on the market

any time soon.

“I don’t see much changing,” Cartier said. “I think lenders are going to have to offer promotions to help people want to sell and buy. A lot of home owners that bought with 3 percent loans don’t want to sell because they’re afraid to buy at 7 percent.

Trustco is now offering a ‘split the difference’ initiative that gives rates in the middle. Lenders are going to have to do things like that because people can’t justify doubling their interest rate unless they really need to buy, really need to move.”

Anyone who can pay cash has a decided advantage.

“If you don’t have cash you must definitely speak to a couple of lenders to find out what you can safely afford. That’s the first thing,” Besheer said. “Next, engage a buyer-agent to be your guide.

Have them show you properties you can afford so you become familiar with the inventory. That way, if you have to make a quick decision, you can because you understand what you can get for your money. You can buy a house and be happy without second-guessing yourself for the rest of your life.

But you have to be ready to move, you have to be

ready to take the plunge.”

“You also have to be prepared to go over the asking price,” she said. “That’s another reason to have a knowledge of the inventory in your area, and have someone who can say to you, ‘I think this is still a good buy even if you go over’.”

Roohan said people might have to adapt to a “new normal” in the marketplace and adjust their expectations accordingly. “Interest rates are higher, but I think we were spoiled for a period there,” he said. “When I first entered the real estate business fixed rate mortgages were 17 percent. I hope we don’t ever see that again, but I think interest rates have sort of stabilized.”

“My crystal ball says, ‘If you’re sitting on the sidelines and want to do something, get off the bench because although you might be unhappy about interest rates, they aren’t bad in an historical context,” he said. “More people are coming to market with their homes. They sat on the sidelines a little bit. They couldn’t make a decision about what to do. Now they’re making those decisions.

We’re hoping our listing inventory for prospective purchases keeps growing a little bit.”

Hogwash Cleaning

not quite as extensive.

“We will travel as far north as Plattsburgh and as far south as Broadalbin for washing,” said Lewis, noting that her company uses a proprietary cleaning solution that is both environmentally friendly and effective. “There are other companies that just spray water, and that’s not going to give you the same results.”

Hogwash uses different ratios of ingredients based on the material that is being cleaned. For example, a different solution mix is used for vinyl siding versus cedar siding.

“And, if you have oxidation, there is a whole different solution that we used,” said Lewis. “There really is some chemistry involved to figure out the ratios.”

For those looking to hire an exterior cleaning company, Lewis advises choosing someone who has experience.

“Your home is your biggest investment, so you want to hire someone who knows what they are doing. You don’t want to hire someone just because they are the cheapest because you could end up getting damage to your home. I advise people to ask questions to see how knowledgeable they are about what they are doing. You also need to make sure that they are insured.”

For more information, visit www.hogwashcleaners.com

Continued From Page 8

has grown in recent years. Lewis’ staff has expanded to include six seasonal full-time employees in addition to her and Andrew.

“We are a seasonal business, and we typically operate from April to November. During the winter, we can do indoor commercial media blasting,” said Lewis. “We used to do labor support for mill shutdowns, and our employees would go out of town to Maine and New Hampshire to help with mill cleanings. Sometimes they did abrasive blasting or power blasting, but because of COVID, last year and the year before were very slow in that avenue. We’re hoping that will pick up again.”

At one time, Hogwash also offered snow removal during the winter. It was discontinued due to the high cost of insurance.

When asked about her plans for the future, Lewis said she is focusing on growing the log division.

“I would like to keep expanding our log division so that we can go farther out of town with it. Right now, we’ve been working in a 4-hour radius, and I would like to do some more work out of town.”

For washing services, the company’s radius is

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Office / Tech

Empire State University To Launch Degree U.S. Awards GlobalFoundries A $3.1 Billion, Program In Digital Media Arts In 2024 10-Year Contract To Make Secure Chips Empire State University has launched a bachelor’s degree in digital media arts to prepare students for careers in graphic design, content creation, web design, and digital storytelling.

The program provides students with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the rapidly evolving world of digital media, officials said.

Students can enroll in the digital media arts program at SUNY Empire beginning spring of 2024.

The program is designed to be flexible, accommodating both full-time and part-time students, as well as transfer students. Employing the “learner as producer” model, students will learn by doing while receiving personalized support and guidance from mentors and faculty with expertise in the field. The duration of the degree program will vary depending on individual course load and prior credits.

The fully online BA or BS in digital media arts features a cutting-edge curriculum offering courses such as media and visual literacy, digital art and design, information design, digital painting and web publishing.

Officials said SUNY Empire’s digital media arts program comes as a result of the rise of digital consumption by the emerging generation of digital natives. According to a study published about digital skills for career progress, the number of jobs requiring digital skills is predicted to increase 12 percent by 2024. This future-focused program prepares students for careers that are in demand now and in the years to come.

Dr. Thomas P. Mackey, professor of arts and media in the School of Arts and Humanities, said, “We are excited about the launch of the innovative BA and BS program in digital media arts at Empire State University. This is a oneof-a-kind program at SUNY that is fully online and prepares students to produce their own digital media art and design projects.

“This is a transfer-friendly program for students interested in advancing their careers

Empire State University will have a new bachelor’s degree in digital media arts.

Courtesy Empire State University

in a wide range of fields that involve the sophisticated and collaborative production of digital media in today’s connected world.”

Dean of the School of Arts and Humanities dr. Nicola Allain, said the school “is thrilled to offer these new bachelor’s degrees in digital media arts under the leadership of Tom Mackey.

These build upon the strengths in the arts and media department and provides cutting-edge skills and knowledge in high-demand fields.

Students will leave the program ready to navigate the challenges of changing technologies and evolving employment expectations.”

For more information about applying, visit www.sunyempire.edu/admissions/ associate-bachelors.

Founded in 1971, Empire State University empowers learners from diverse backgrounds to achieve their educational goals. SUNY Empire’s 97,000 alumni are teachers, nurses, entrepreneurs, and leaders in their communities and their fields. Visit www.sunyempire.edu for more information.

The U.S. Department of Defense has awarded GlobalFoundries a new 10-year contract for a supply of securely manufactured, U.S.-made semiconductors for use across a wide range of critical aerospace and defense applications.

With an initial award of $17.3 million tin September and an overall 10-year spending ceiling of $3.1 billion, the new contract provides the Department of Defense and its contractors with access to GlobalFoundries’ semiconductor technologies manufactured at its U.S. facilities.

GlobalFoundries also announced it is seeking federal funding to expand its ability to produce semiconductors and modernize its U.S. facilities, including its property in Malta.

The GlobalFoundries facilities in Malta are Department of Defense-accredited to the highest security level, Trusted Supplier Category 1A, which implements proven stringent security measures to protect sensitive information and manufacture chips with the highest levels of integrity to ensure they are uncompromised.

In addition to secure chip manufacturing for Department of Defense systems used on land, air, sea, and in space, the new contract provides the Department of Defense and its contractors with access to GlobalFoundries’ robust design ecosystem, IP libraries, early-access to new technologies in development, quick and efficient prototyping, and full-scale volume manufacturing.

The contract was awarded through the Department of Defense’s Defense Microelectronics Activity (DMEA) Trusted Access Program Office (TAPO).

“GlobalFoundries is proud to begin this new chapter of our decades-long partnership with the U.S. government, and to continue serving as the leading supplier of securely manufactured essential chips for the U.S. aerospace and defense industry,” said Mike Cadigan, chief corporate and government affairs officer at GlobalFoundries. “This partnership provides Department of Defense programs with ‘front-door access’ to advanced technologies in a way that is scalable and highly efficient. For this work, GlobalFoundries is accredited to provide the right level of security required for each program, from GlobalFoundries’ industry leading GlobalFoundries Shield protections, to strictly export controlled handling (e.g. ITAR), to the highest level of accredited microelectronics manufacturing security on the planet, Trusted Category 1A.” The new contract is the third sequential 10-year contract of its kind between the Department of Defense and the Trusted Foundry business team at GlobalFoundries and is the latest milestone in the longstanding partnership between the department and the company.

Regarding facility expansion, Steven Grasso, the company’s senior director of global government affairs, said GlobalFoundries has submitted applica-

The U.S. government awarded GlobalFoundries a contract for secure computer chips.

Courtesy GlobalFoundries

tions to the CHIPS Program Office to participate in the federal grants and investment tax credits enabled by the U.S. CHIPS and Science Act. “This federal support is critical for GlobalFoundries to continue growing its U.S. manufacturing footprint, strengthening U.S. economic security, supply chain resiliency, and national defense,” he said.

The $280 billion CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 aims to stimulate investment in the country’s semiconductor industry in order to boost the nation’s economy and compete with China.

Officials said the company is redefining innovation and semiconductor manufacturing by developing and delivering feature-rich process technology solutions that provide leadership performance in pervasive high growth markets.

U.S. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said in a statement that GlobalFoundries’ application, puts the company one step closer to expanding its manufacturing abilities in New York.

“I applaud GlobalFoundries for submitting their CHIPS application, because I know its powerhouse workforce and the Capital Region is the place to build the future of our semiconductor industry, which Secretary [of Commerce Gina] Raimondo saw firsthand when she visited the facility in 2021 at my invitation,” he said. “We have only scratched the surface of what Upstate New York will mean for domestic and global semiconductor manufacturing for generations to come.”

The company announced in May that it bought 800 acres in Luther Forest Technology Park, where its Saratoga County campus is located. The company plans to build a second factory in the park that would be over 600,000 square feet.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 11

•

Business Report Cybersecurity Awareness Month

It’s October, which for those in the technology field means it is Cybersecurity Awareness Month.

Since 2004, Cybersecurity Awareness Month has been designated as a time to raise awareness regarding the impact of cybersecurity. Given the devastating impact of cybersecurity attacks, a month does not seem enough. The year 2023 has seen a drastic inf lux of not only an increase in attacks, but also large payouts to ransomware operators.

No matter the size of an organization, it is a target. No organization is safe from threat actors. Just look at the recent ransomware attacks affecting MGM Grand and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. While these large organizations handle money, casinos are not normally on the list for threat actors until now.

With the increase in attacks and potential costs to organizations, now is the time to focus on basic foundational questions.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month is a popular time for routine tips or practices, but they warrant constant reminders.

Traditional guidance holds that organizations should follow several time-tested practices to help protect themselves. They include: • A safe and secure password.

• Utilize multi-factor authentication when possible.

• Data encryption.

• Routine data backup.

• Keep your devices updated.

• Report phishing attempts.

From a tactical perspective, these practices have a significant, positive impact on protecting an organization. Although important, organizations also need to focus on the foundational aspects of their cybersecurity.

Regardless of size, they should focus on addressing basic questions before undertaking a significant investment in cybersecurity defenses. Not focusing on the basics could cause organizations to spend too much money, incorrectly prioritize efforts and create a false sense of security.

Start by asking questions within the organization itself. The questions should be discussed between information technology staff and business leaders on a routine basis. Asking these questions regularly helps the organization refocus their efforts relative to the emerging threats. Knowing the answers to these questions helps form the foundation of everything that comes next in building and maintaining cybersecurity programs.

Start with a few specific questions along the lines of: 1 . What assets (i.e., computers, servers, data) does the organization possess? The question of an organization’s assets is probably one of the most important. Almost every cybersecurity

•

Christopher Conklin, VP, Chief Information Security Officer, Chemung Canal Trust Company. framework begins with understanding assets. Organizations will struggle protecting themselves if they don’t know how many devices need anti-virus or if they deployed to 100 percent of the device scope. Further, organizations may not detect adversaries creating devices on their network.

2. How important are these assets to your mission? Understanding the importance assists the business in prioritizing efforts to protect those assets. You should start with what matters most because those assets will most likely be a threat actor’s target.

3. How many users are there and what data do they have access to? Understanding who has access to what helps you understand the risk each user presents.

Knowing the data required by a user can help organizations set access control rights so data isn’t accessible by unauthorized users.

4. Where is the organization’s data coming from and where is it going?

Understanding the f low of data helps determine where an attacker might target or what areas need added protection. It’s also important knowing the data’s path can help spot potential exfiltration by ransomware operators.

5. How are you training and educating users regarding cybersecurity? More and more, education is becoming the best line of defense. This is in large part because phishing remains one of the top entry points for cyber attacks. There are several solutions on the market to help combat phishing, but there isn’t one that stops 100 percent of the attempts. Making sure employees know what to look for in a potential phishing e-mail goes a long way.

6. What is your plan when something bad happens? It’s inevitable. Security tools will be bypassed or someone will click on a phishing email. Organizations need a plan and they need to ensure employees understand it. Having a plan will

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help organizations respond and recover much faster. Further, it could help avoid reputational harm.

Many solution providers use Cybersecurity Awareness Month as a beacon to sell their products. There is usually an emphasis on how their products can stop threat actors. If only it were that simple. Some providers will also use fear, uncertainty, and doubt to promote their product. The cost of these products can be significant.

Spending an exorbitant amount of money doesn’t guarantee safety. Regardless of where you are in the cybersecurity maturity, you are not alone. There is a tremendous amount of free guidance available online. More importantly, there is a fair amount of free help available with risk assessments, penetration tests, or vulnerability scans. There are four organizations that offer free help.

1. The New York State Cyber Incident Response Team (CIRT) is a division of Homeland Security. CIRT aids with risk assessments, tabletop exercises and phishing assessments. CIRT can also help an organization plan its efforts.

2. The Federal Bureau of Investigations (FBI) offers help at the regional level.

Regions across New York State have local FBI offices. The FBI offers a wide variety of guidance. Additionally, the FBI also collaborates with InfraGard to help protect various sectors against cyber threats.

3. The Center of Internet Security (CIS) provides controls and benchmarks to improve and harden IT infrastructure. As a bonus, CIS also offers control mapping to help organizations meet regulatory requirements.

4. The Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) hosts information on its website regarding best practices, threat advisories and a variety of educational tools. Organizations can also partner with CISA for vulnerability scans.

Cybersecurity can be very complex and costly to organizations. This is in part

due to the almost constant emergence of new threats. New tools are built in response to the threats, always putting the good ones behind. Offered guidance may also change as the industry changes.

The fundamental questions, however, are not likely to change because they form the basis of an organization’s approach to protecting itself. These questions must be routinely addressed before investments are made.

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

Continued From Page 5

Wellness Year-End Tax / Financial Planning Holidays Publication Date: November 9, 2023

Non-Profits Retirement Planning Holidays

Business Recovery Fund, designed to help firms recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The property purchase, building renovation and relocation was an 18-month-long process.

The building’s gleaming interior looks virtually brand new following an extensive makeover to flooring, ceilings and the installation of new phone and HVAC systems. In one section, new walls were framed up to create a quiet room for sales staff to work from, with cubicles of their own.

Friends and fellow Lake George High School alumni, Simons and McCormack are went their separate ways after graduation, but teamed up several years ago to lead the company together.

Simons learned the industry from his father, who had a similar business in Connecticut where the family lived before moving to Warren County. He also took BOCES heating, ventilation and air conditioning classes in high school.

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enrollments throughout the year,” said Ochsendorf.

Recruitment is challenging due to the nature of the childcare industry where workers have been historically undervalued and underpaid.

“They work hard, they work long hours, and they are underpaid,” said Sickles.

“They are very underrecognized as the professionals that they are. Childcare providers are boots on the ground. They are essential to workforce development and economic development, and they are just not being recognized.”

Warren County residents who are interested in applying for funding can call Warren County Career Center at 518-7430925 or Southern Adirondack Child Care Network at 518-798-7972. Saratoga County residents who would like to apply can call Saratoga County Career Center at 518-8844170 or Brightside Up at 518-426-7181.

Continued From Page 8

Call Today To Reserve Space

Closing Price 09/01/2023

the workforce development offices, and participants will receive training, ongoing support, and mentorship through the Southern Adirondack Child Care Network and Brightside Up. “This funding may appeal to stayat-home parents, educators, or anyone looking for a career change who has a passion for helping children. The grant also provides opportunities for informal child care providers to upgrade their services to become licensed businesses,” said Ochsendorf. “This isn’t just about babysitting. It’s early childhood education, and they will be learning skills that will allow them to be early childhood educators.”

The four participating agencies are actively recruiting applicants for funding.

Several individuals have already applied and are in the process of completing necessary paperwork.

“Trainings are constant and we accept

Simons Plumbing and Heating

Publication Date: December 8, 2023

Stock Name

Childcare

SPECIAL SECTION

NEXT ISSUE

Closing Price 09/08/2023

Closing Price 09/15/2023

Closing Price 09/22/2023

Closing Price 09/29/2023

93.33

86.36

85.47

85.74

86.28

18.02 14.65 54.93

17.65 14.40 52.09

18.25 15.23 51.68

16.92 15.12 49.54

17.02 15.02 49.78

51.00

50.67

53.00

53.00

53.00

28.98 75.27

28.36 73.23

28.84 71.47

27.64 69.25

27.38 69.47

28.63

27.37

27.96

26.56

26.80

17.50

16.90

15.47

16.50

16.15

114.24

111.72

115.49

111.17

110.55

151.00 333.08

154.12 328.71

154.41 321.40

147.59 305.73

150.18 302.16

35.19 11.56 232.51

34.63 11.25 231.29

34.24 11.72 220.02

34.07 10.61 210.49

35.47 10.76 207.84

457.39 125.76

438.09 121.78

425.13 129.30

406.38 124.27

410.48 126.45

280.94 62.90 34.78 8.51 5.29 98.00 70.29 3.71 125.52

279.22 63.17 32.75 7.96 4.98 95.28 69.95 3.16 123.69

278.23 64.23 32.80 8.52 4.96 96.23 71.02 2.70 123.05

272.22 63.36 30.83 7.43 4.95 93.68 68.63 2.46 112.60

263.44 60.63 31.69 7.60 5.03 91.27 66.05 2.80 110.57

61.23 0.12 28.99

59.12 0.13 27.69

62.11 0.12 27.62

60.64 0.20 26.67

60.26 0.21 27.29

34.86 161.57

33.45 163.77

33.79 164.64

33.28 162.35

32.41 159.93

*Data sourced from Morningstar **Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. This is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for any individual.

Then he went to work for Queensbury-based Northern Mechanical Services before launching out on his own, first operating from his house and storage units, then setting up shop on Main Street in Queensbury near Northway Exit 18.

McCormack’s background is in management. He managed different companies including a commercial landscaping firm with 40-plus employees in California. “But Dave and I had always kept in touch. I had recently gotten married, wanted to raise a family and decided it was time to move back to the East Coast. We got to talking about what this business needs to grow and what I could bring to the table, so we partnered up and that’s where we are today.”

Like many successful young entrepreneurs, they were faced with the challenge of finding good people they could delegate duties to and trust them to do a good job.

More To Read . . . More Leads For You.

(518) 581-0600 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Washington County New Business Registrations SEPTEMBER Wolf’s Garage 2313 Lick Springs rd.

Argyle, NY 12809

Adirondack Safe Haven 34 Juckett Dr. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

Straight Arrow Python 33 Catherine St. Fort Ann, NY 12827

Quarry Properties 116 Oak St. Hudson Falls, NY 12839

MKP Landscaping 9 Marion St. Fort Edward, NY 12828

Nostalgic Machine Works 3579 County Route 30 Salem, NY 12865

Lacross Industries 5082 State Route 149 Granville, NY 12832

Big Reds Landscaping 101 S. Williams St. Whitehall, NY 12887

Elite Services and Hauling 7767 State Route 40, Apt. 2 Hartford, NY 12838

Lumaniro Meadows 374 Deweys Bridge Rd. Whitehall, NY 12887

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 13

Re-Brand of Queensbury-Based Lawn Care Co. Includes New Logo And A New Website

Thatch and Thatch Jr. are characters on the new logo of the Lawn Care Co., which has rebranded and has a new website and new marketing campaign.

The Lawn Care Co., based in Queensbury, announced a new rebrand including the introduction of new mascots—Thatch and Thatch Jr.—as well as the launch of a new website designed to enhance user experience and customer engagement.

The company is owned by David Whitbeck and offers lawn care, fertilizer programs, and pest control services to clients in the Capital District.

The company includes in its service areas the communities of Glens Falls, Queensbury, Lake George, Warrensburg, South Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs, Wilton, Gansevoort, Ballston Spa, Ballston Lake, Malta, Clifton Park, and Halfmoon.

“When they’re not throwing the ball around, they’re offering tips for a greener lawn on The Lawn Care Co.’s social media and popping up on the website to say hello,” the company said about its mascots, Thatch and Thatch Jr. “You may even see them driving down the street on one of The Lawn Care Co.’s fleet of vehicles.”

As part of the rebrand, the Lawn Care Co. has a new jingle, a musical representation of the company’s

Courtesy the Lawn Care Co.

values and dedication to creating lush, vibrant lawns, the company said.

The rebranding journey also includes a website that reflects the company’s friendliness, professionalism, and dedication to quality and customer satisfaction. It can be found at lawncare518.com.

“It’s now easier than ever to request a quote or to browse The Lawn Care Co.’s services, which include a fertilizer program, insect control, weed control, aeration and overseeding, weekly mowing, spring and fall cleanup, dethatching, slit seeding, mulch and bed maintenance, shrub pruning, brush removal, and irrigation,” a company statement said.

“We are thrilled to introduce Thatch and Thatch Jr. who embody the heart and soul of The Lawn Care Co.,” said Whitbeck, company CEO. “Our rebranding is a testament to our commitment to providing toptier lawn care services while embracing innovation.

“We are so excited to see our new branding out and about, and look forward to serving our clients with the same passion and excellence they have come to expect from The Lawn Care Co.”

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Cool Arena

Continued From Page 1 “We’re pretty close to the amount of money we need to complete the whole project,” Mead said.

The update is viewed as another big step toward bringing people downtown to boost the local economy.

“All these things will enhance the city’s revitalization, which we all know has been amazing the past 10 years,” said Ed Moore, Coalition co-founder. “We have lots of places to eat now, pubs and more and more retail. People love coming here. I just see this building continuing to become a vital part of the community. It was built for that reason and I think it lost its focus. Now the hockey team is doing well, we have junior hockey, too. We’re looking for more sporting events to come here.”

Moore owns the Queensbury Hotel, which opened a large ballroom addition last year.

Instead of competing with each other, newlyrenovated Heritage Hall and the hotel might collaborate to bring events to Glens Falls such as business conventions.

For example, vendors could set up on the arena floor, Heritage Hall could be used for meetings, while the hotel provides lodging and banquet space.

Heritage Hall’s makeover is the latest in a series of major upgrades at Cool Insuring Arena. Last year, six new luxury suites were constructed on the north side of the building for people to view sporting events. They’ve already been sold out for the upcoming Adirondack Thunder hockey season. Mead said future plans might call for more suites or party decks.

“This is part of a long-term plan that will increase our income to do even more things for the arena,” Moore said. “We’re aren’t stopping.

Hopefully we’ll continue to get the support of the community and county.”

Moore said he’d eventually like to see a separate outside entrance to Heritage Hall, accessible with an elevator or escalator, so people can get there directly without having to go through the arena lobby. This project would likely include renovation of the arena’s outdoor

front plaza.

Two years ago, the city paid for a new roof on the building, which first opened in 1979.

Mead said Heritage Hall’s renovation wouldn’t have been possible without such work.

“The walls had water damage from before the roof got replaced,” he said. “It took three weeks just to demolish the old ceiling. It was quite a process. We also demolished the old bar, took it down to the screws and started from scratch.”

In recent years, Thunder locker rooms have been upgraded and a large new video scoreboard was installed over the arena floor, which enhances advertising revenue.

“We’re updating showers right now,” Mead said. “Every year we invest into the hockey facilities to elevate the player experience.”

A $100,000 new Olympia ice machine, used for keeping the ice surface smooth, is on order and should arrive this fall, and plans call for installing new chilling equipment to make sure ice is always solid.

Mead credited many local businesses for bringing the Heritage Hall project to fruition.

Villnave Construction with the Drywall Center did the doors, walls and ceiling. Adirondack Precision Cut Stone did counter tops, JGR Homes built the bar and did trim work, Everything Under Foot did flooring. Adirondack P&M did mechanical work. Better Than New Painting handled painting and architect Ethan Hall donated time and skills to the project.

Curtis Lumber assisted with product for the room.

Rozell Industries did the electrical for the HVAC. Great Electric installed the lighting package in HH. Sounds Solutions did the audio and video system.

Coming off last spring’s late-season playoff chase, more than 1,300 Thunder season tickets have been sold. The team’s home opener is on Saturday, Oct. 28 against Maine.

But many other sports and non-sports events and activities are also on tap including a Division I NCAA basketball game (details announced soon). The girls high school state volleyball tournament takes place in November, followed by Section II boys basketball and wrestling in February, and the state boys basketball tournament in March.

14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

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Morgan & Co. Restaurant

Park & Elm is a multi-concept eatery with a gourmet market, delicatessen, and fine dining restaurant located in walkable downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy an elevated dining experience, grab a breakfast or lunch to go, or shop the market for local goods.

Glens Falls, NY Experience fine American dining in downtown Glens Falls at Morgan & Co. Every dish offers a unique and innovative twist on original recipes. Morgan & Co. also caters events from weddings to reunions and more!

The Grateful Den

Park 26

Glens Falls, NY Park 26 is an innovative restaurant that offers locally-inspired, modern American cuisine that’s perfect for a date night, business dinner or family celebration. Located inside The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.

Glens Falls, NY The Grateful Den offers a different take on traditional pub grub, as well as classic favorites like chicken wings, burgers, and salads. Their menu also includes specialty appetizers, sandwiches, and plenty of craft beer options on tap.

The Log Jam

O’Toole’s Restaurant Pub

Queensbury, NY Whether you’re looking for a relaxed meal or a night of fun and excitement, you’ll want to come to O’Toole’s. We’ve got the best food, drinks and entertainment in the area! Come on in and experience dining at it’s best. We look forward to seeing you.

Lake George, NY An authentic log cabin serving lunch and dinner daily. Featuring signature sandwiches at lunch and succulent prime rib, juicy hand cut steaks, live lobsters, fresh seafood, chicken,and more at dinner. All entrees include our bountiful salad bar.

Mint

Jack’s American Bistro

Queensbury, NY Jack’s American Bistro was the culmination of a lifetime spent in the restaurant business.

After several months of planning in June 2004 the doors were open to a new dining experience in the Glens Falls/Queensbury area.

Fenimore’s Pub

Glens Falls, NY Fenimore’s Pub in the heart of downtown Glens Falls is open daily for lunch and dinner.

Davidson Brothers Restaurant

Glens Falls, NY Located in downtown Glens Falls, Davidson Brothers Restaurant & Brewery is a hotspot for craft beer and food in a laid-back atmosphere.

Glens Falls, NY Enjoy seasonally fresh fare and exquisite cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere at Mint in Glens Falls. The upscale yet casual restaurant works with around 50 local farms and businesses to be able to use fresh, thoughtfully raised, in-season ingredients.

Bogey’s Pub & Grill

Queensbury, NY Bogey’s Pub & Grill at Bay Meadows Golf Course, in Queensbury NY, is not just for hungry golfers! The Grille offers fine Queensbury dining at casual prices!

Courtesy of GlensFalls.com

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Glens Falls and surrounding towns have a variety of casual dining opportunities for every taste, budget and occasion. Find a Glens Falls NY restaurant from the list below.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023 • 15

Moreau Campground Continued From Page 1

of the transmission corridor, and promoting the enjoyment of recreation on the other,” he said.

“The whole idea is protecting the environment.”

The site is only a few miles from Moreau Lake State Park, the state park system’s busiest campground, about midway between Saratoga Springs and Lake George, used by more than 100,000 visitors each summer. For many people, it’s a less expensive way to stay overnight when attending the most popular concerts at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

Quite often, the state park is booked solid during such events. Overflow visitors might find a nearby privately-run campground a convenient option.

And the Moreau site’s proximity to the region’s many vacation-type attractions would make it easy for recreation vehicle owners to come and go as they please. Sites would likely be rented on a short-term basis from several days to a couple of weeks, rather than an entire season, Fingar said.

In recent years, other parties have expressed interest in opening an RV campground in Moreau, although not at this particular site, he said.

A definite business model hasn’t been adopted, but U.S. Light Energy would likely contract with an experienced campground operator to run the resort portion of its project.

Likewise, the company develops properties, but hires outside contractors to install

Expert electrical service.

solar panel arrays. Plans call for 32,000 groundmounted panels.

Fingar said it’s unclear how many construction jobs and how much full- and part-time employment the campground would support.

He described the campground as “luxury” in nature because it would have amenities such as athletic courts, the hiking trail, pavilions, a clubhouse complete with media room, barbecue area and enhanced landscaping, features not always found elsewhere.

The golf course property was purchase by Energy Impact Partners, a Manhattan investment partner of U.S. Light Energy, for $575,000 on Aug. 31, 2020.

This is the first time U.S. Light Energy has attempted to combine two entirely dissimilar uses at one property. The company was forced think outside the box and design a more creative venture because of the site’s infrastructure limitations.

There is no municipal water and sewer, which would have made it difficult to develop a more traditional subdivision with single-family homes or apartment units.

“That really locked us in to a select few uses that we could do,” Fingar said. “We just feel, based on our discussions with consultants, that it’s a need that can be fulfilled by providing this.”

Latham-based C.T. Male Associates is working with U.S. Light Energy to design and help get the project approved.

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16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OCTOBER 2023

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