PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
GBJ 9 Broad Street, #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
VOL. 35 NO. 08
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
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 “Then we realized, if we do this room and make it beautiful, the hallway is still outdated,” Mead said.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.