Glens Falls Business Journal - November 2021

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NOVEMBER 2021

Price Chopper Merger With Tops Markets Is Owner Of Healthcare Software Company Complete; Stores Will Keep Brand Identity Buys Pilot Knob Marina On Lake George Price Chopper/Market 32 and Tops Markets have announced the closure of their merger announced earlier this year.

Under the terms of the agreement, anniunced Nov. 8, the two companies will be managed locally by their respective leaders and continue to be referred to by their established brand identities, but will be owned and overseen by a new parent company, Northeast Grocery Inc. Scott Grimmett, current president and CEO of Price Chopper/Market 32, will lead the new parent company.

He will also serve on its board of directors as will Frank Curci, former Tops Markets chairman and CEO. The agreement virtually doubles the two independent chains’ collective footprint in the Northeast, with a total of nearly 300 stores.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“We’re appreciative of the FTC’s diligence in reviewing this merger and grateful to have received all of the necessary approvals,” said Grimmett. “Now, we can dedicate ourselves to bringing these two storied grocery chains together, leveraging best practices, developing new opportunities and finding efficiencies that will help us continue to deliver distinctive shopping experiences,” The regulatory review process by the FTC mandates the divestiture of 12 of the combined companies’ stores, all Tops locations. Food distributor C&S Wholesale Grocers has been approved to purchase all 12 stores, which will be operated by GU Markets LLC, an affiliate of C&S Wholesale Grocers. C&S will continue to recognize the union workforce at these locations.

“We believe that this merger will be a positive for our membership, preserving union jobs and strengthening the company’s prospects into the

This is the Tops Market store in Warrensburg.

That chain has merged with Price Chopper.

Terry Williams

foreseeable future,” said Frank DeRiso, president of the UFCW Local One. “We are pleased that we have an agreement with the new owner and they are committed to retaining all of the existing union jobs and contracts. This merger will benefit both consumers and union members.”

Blaine Bringhurst will serve as president of the Price Chopper/Market 32 business and John Persons as the president of the Tops Markets business. Dave Langless, the chief financial officer of Tops, will serve as the parent company’s CFO. Northeast Grocery Inc. will be headquartered in Schenectady, as will Price Chopper/Market 32. Tops Markets will retain its headquarters in Williamsville, N.Y.

John Donnelly and his wife, Christine, owners of a Massachusetts healthcare software company, purchase Pilot Knob Marina on Lake George and its sales outlet on Rt. 149 in Lake George.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Pilot Knob Marina, one of the oldest marinas on Lake George, was purchased by Massachusetts healthcare software company owner, John Donnelly and his wife, Christine.

The marina is located in Pilot Knob while the sales outlet is located at 655 Route 149 in Lake George.

Donnelly said he has always been drawn to boating. At one time, he and his wife owned a home on Harris Bay. His father also lived in Lake George for 20 years.

“I’ve been around boats my whole life.

I’ve sailed. I’ve done ocean racing. I’ve done powerboating. Being around boats is really a passion of mine,” he said. “My wife and I have been talking about buying a marina for a number of years, and we aren’t getting any younger and are in our 50s.”

When the opportunity arose to purchase Pilot Knob Marina from Nick Barber and Mike Smith, the Donnelly’s jumped at the opportunity. Barber and Smith operated the Continued On Page 10

Minogue’s Beverage Center Business Now Arts District Of Glens Falls Launched; Will Owned And Operated By Saratoga Eagle Stretch From Chapman Museum To The Hyde

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Less than one month after celebrating the 100th anniversary of Minogue’s Beverage Center, owner John Minogue sold his business to brothers Jeff and Paul Vukelic, owners of Saratoga Eagle.

The decision to sell was a difficult one for Minogue, and Jeff first approached him about purchasing the business about 16 months ago.

“When I was first approached by Jeff about the possibility, I was in a position where I really didn’t have a succession plan but I wasn’t totally committed to selling the business at that time,” said Minogue. “It ended up making a lot of sense to me. Selling my business after having been in it myself for fifty-five years was a personal thing for me. There’s a lot of family history, and I’ve had some emotional feelings about the business leaving the family but there really weren’t any options for me.”

Minogue and Vukelic have known each other for many years, and Minogue’s has been one of Saratoga Eagle’s largest customers.

Minogue and the Vukelic brothers have much in common, and both operate family businesses that were established by their bootlegger grandfathers in the 1920s.

“I know the business will be well taken care by selling to Jeff,” said Minogue. “They are a class operation.”

According to Jeff Vukelic, he has always respected the way in which Minogue operated his business. It was because he knew that none of Minogue’s children were interested in taking over the business that he asked Minogue if he

Minogue’s Beverage Center was sold to brothers Jeff and Paul Vukelic, owners of Saratoga Eagle. would consider selling it to him.

“I asked him if he would consider selling, and he said, ‘You are the only person I would consider selling to,’” said Vukelic. “It was a nice honor. I’m proud and excited that he’s entrusted that to us. And we’re keeping the name Minogue’s. He’s letting me keep the name which says a lot about him and a lot about his trust in us to let us carry on that name.”

Saratoga Eagle services 13 counties stretching from Albany to the Canadian Continued On Page 10

The Arts District of Glens Falls is making progress with its multifaceted launch of an arts trail stretching from the Chapman Historical Museum to the Hyde Collection Art Museum and Historic Home.

Plans include banners, bike racks, sidewalk stamps and public art to connect the 10 arts destinations and 14 arts organizations that comprise the Arts District.

Sponsorship opportunities are available for elements of the arts trail.

Bright blue bicycle-shaped bike racks will be placed at the 10 arts destinations, and opportunities are still available. Sponsor names will be integrated into the wheel of the bike. The cost is $750 per bike rack for a two-year sponsorship, or $1500 per bike rack for a ten-year sponsorship.

There will also be a large Adirondack chair placed at the roundabout.

People who donate $100 can become an official Arts Hero. The Arts District is sending out pins to each Arts Hero who donates $10 or more to 10 different arts organizations in Glens Falls, including the Arts District of Glens Falls, in the year 2021. Donations are tax-deductible.

Donations can be made online at www. artsdistrictgf.com/hero.

“Wear it with pride. Your pinholder status means that we will email you our monthly Arts Bulletins and it earns you access to special privileges, deals and sneak peeks with Arts District organizations,” said Bethanie Lawrence, executive director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum and part of the Arts District of Glens Falls.

Launched in 2015, the Arts District of Glens

The Arts District is sending out pins to each Arts Hero who donates $10 or more.

Courtesy Arts District of Glens Falls

Falls was created by 14 nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Glens Falls with the goal of downtown beautification aimed at enhancing the cultural experience of this art-centered district and encouraging visitors to our City.

In addition, they have been working with the City of Glens Falls on a public art trail as part of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative.

The project must be completed by Oct. 31.

Visit www.larac.org/opportunities for more information, or call Candice Frye, executive director of LARAC, at (518) 798-1144.

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

Nash Beauty Bar In South Glens Falls Is A One-Stop Shop For Hair And Skin Care •

Nash Beauty Bar at 125 Main St. in South Glens Falls is operated by Jade Leonbruno. The business offers a wide variety of hair and skin care services.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Jade Leonbruno says working alongside her sister, running her own business, is like a dream. But today, that’s what she is doing.

She operates Nash Beauty Bar at 125 Main St. in South Glens Falls. It is a one-stop shop for hair and skin care.

Leonbruno said after working in a chain hair salon business for 11 years, she was ready for a change. When the opportunity presented itself, she decided to take a leap of faith.

“I love what I do. I love making people feel happy and most of all I love being free to be as creative as I have grown to be.⁣ I want to set new limits and push myself to grow ... I always knew I wanted to evolve as a hairstylist in one way or another. This opportunity came up and I ran with it,” she said.

The business offers a wide variety of hair and skin care services, specializing in “lived in” colors such as balayages, foilayage and babylights. She also does haircuts, styling, Olaplex treatments, teeth whitening, body sculpting, lash lifts and tints, body waxing, and facials. They also provide high-end sculpting services such as radio frequency skin

Courtesy Nash Beauty Bar

tightening and ultrasonic cavatation.

Leonbruno works as the beauty bar’s hair expert while her sister, Gennah, a licensed esthetician, provides the facial and body skin care services. It is a partnership that she said makes work that much more enjoyable.

“I’m happy to have someone familiar with me along on this journey. She is an esthetician and rents a room from me and runs her business, Sculpted by Gennah,” said Leonbruno.

Next month, Leonbruno plans to add two more stylists to her team.“I can’t wait to have more girls in the salon,” she said.

Looking ahead Leonbruno said if the business takes off, she may need to relocate to a bigger space, but right now she is enjoying her location.

“The space we are in is small, so of course down the road I would love to grow, add more clientele and more girls to our team in a bigger space. It would be so much fun to create and design another beautiful salon in a new environment, one day,” said Leonbruno Nash Beauty Bar is currently operating by appointment only. People can book an appointment online at thenashbeautybar.com.

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Personnel Briefs

The editors of Graphic Design USA have announced the winners of the American Graphic Design Awards for 2021, among those a graphic design and marketing consultant from Queensbury.

Jake Van Ness of Graphic Precision won for the design created for Simon’s Heating & Cooling, also of Queensbury. The design created was a direct mail piece specifically used for Every Door Direct Mail and was created to list the services provided by Simon’s. Working with the client, it was decided on to make the design resemble a pizza menu with the services listed as “entrees” and the add-ons available listed as “appetizers.”

“It is wonderful to be recognized by peers in the graphic design industry and to specifically have this unique design in the spotlight on a national stage,” said Van Ness.

Graphic Precision is an independent graphic design and marketing consulting business created in 2007 and Van Ness has over 20 years of experience in the graphic design, printing and marketing industries. His business specializes in graphic design for print including direct mail, stationery, publication design, marketing collateral, package design and branding.

* * * Associates of Glens Falls Insurance announced the hiring of its newest commercial lines account manager, Lisa DeWitt.

Mrs. DeWitt holds a New York state insurance agents’ license and has been an active member of our local insurance community for over 30 years, in a variety of commercial insurance roles.

She has also earned the Certified Insurance Service Representative (CISR) designation.

Mrs. DeWitt lives in Fort Ann.

* * * Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. announced that Kristi Manning has been promoted to regional operations manager for the Adirondack Region.

In her new role, Manning will be responsible for overseeing and implementing operational procedures and controls for 14 offices located throughout Warren, Essex and Clinton counties with the goal of delivering a great Customer Experience.

She joined Glens Falls National Bank in 2003

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as a travelling teller and most recently was branch manager of the Exit 18 office.

Manning is involved in the community as treasurer of South Queensbury Volunteer Fire Company and Auxiliary and serves as co-captain for the bank’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s team.

She grew up and lives in South Glens Falls.

* * * Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP announced that Jennifer Thomas has joined the firm as an associate.

Thomas obtained her Juris Doctorate from St. John’s University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Siena College.

Prior to joining the firm, Thomas was an associate with Wollmuth Maher and Deutsch in New York City where she focused her practice on complex commercial litigation and arbitration in both State and federal court.

Previously, she was a judicial intern for the Hon. Debra Freeman, United States magistrate judge for the Southern District of New York.

Additionally, Thomas was a legal intern with the Securities and Exchange Commission in New York City.

Thomas joins the Firm’s Litigation and Appeals Group.

* * *

The Adirondack Council has welcomed back Raul “Rocci” Aguirre after an eightmonth absence, noting that the former conservation director will now assume the role of deputy director for the environmental organization.

Aguirre had left the council in January to take on the role of executive director of advocacy, policy, and science at Scenic Hudson, based in Poughkeepsie. After eight months at the Hudson Valley organization, a combination of family and personal circumstances led Aguirre and his family back to the Adirondacks.

The Adirondack Council’s previous deputy director, Diane W. Fish, retired from the staff in February and joined the council’s board of directors in July.

Aguirre will be focused on improving organizational capacity and strategic planning efforts, among other efforts as the council embarks on a new phase of growth and engagement on key environmental issues.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021 • 3

Michael Murray’s Bailiwick Marketing Warren County Administrator, Area Resident In Glens Falls Focuses on Digital Aspects Get Awards From Lake George Chamber

Murray is the owner and creative director of Bailiwick Marketing In Glens Falls, a digital marketing firm that officially opened its doors Oct. 29.

BY ANDREA HARWOOD PALMER Michael Murray has launched Bailiwick Marketing, a digital marketing agency based in Glens Falls.

Murray is the owner and creative director.

The firm officially opened its doors Oct. 29.

Bailiwick Marketing focuses on the website as the marketing base. Adjacent marketing avenues and concepts work in conjunction with the website, said Murray. However, the website should always be the home base.

“There’s social media marketing, content marketing, email or list-building marketing – these three are the predominantly successful campaigns used in marketing, and they are all important. And to be successful, they’re all tied together at the website. Because Bailiwick Marketing has such a strong background with all these facets of marketing, it just makes sense for the marketing and the website to go together,” said Murray.

His background and education is in architecture. As a self-described “technology geek”, he shifted his career toward CAD management, customization and training for the computer-aided design software and processes utilized by architects. After finding himself burnt out, he pivoted toward marketing and web design.

Murray began building websites as a hobby to relax after a long day. In 2007, he got serious about it, taking on professional clients and exclusively focusing on web development and marketing for small businesses.

He was a professional camera man for a cross country motorcycle adventure documentary. He road his motorcycle across the U.S., entirely offroad. He filmed the entire thing, marketing the documentary and marketing efforts under his business Unseen Voice Productions. Following this project, Murray launched Motorrad Media, focusing on marketing and branding in the adventure motorcycle space until 2015.

Motorrad is the German word for motorcycle.

Murray grew up in Greenwich, Ct. He spent

Andrea Harwood Palmer

20 years in Boulder, Colo. In 2015, he decided to move back to his New England roots and rebrand his web development company.

Simultaneously, a long-time friend asked Murray to assist in building a start-up company in Glens Falls. Murray was hesitant, but agreed.

What began as a short-term gig with a timeline of one year turned into what is now six years of living and working in Glens Falls.

Murray continued developing websites for friends on the side.

When the COVID pandemic hit and then continued to dragged on, he decided it was time to revisit his original plans to bring his marketing and web development firm to Glens Falls. He decided on the name Bailiwick for the rebrand.

“I’ve always enjoyed the question, ‘What’s your bailiwick? What are you passionate about? What are you good at? What lights you up?’ The reason that question is important in the marketing sense is that it helps position a company to showcase their strengths. A business isn’t just about nuts and bolts and numbers. It’s about the people behind it,” said Murray.

“I often find that people are caught off guard by the question,” said Murray. “They say, ‘Well, I don’t know’.’ The truth is, they always know.

They just haven’t found a way to put it into words. I help them put it into words.”

Murray worked with SideKick Creative to develop the logo for Bailiwick Marketing.

“I moved up to Glens Falls around five years ago. Of all the places I’ve lived across the country, Glens Falls is the place where I feel the most comfortable. It’s the place where I’ve met the most people personally and professionally.

It just has a good vibe up here,” said Murray.

Bailiwick Marketing is based out of Glens Falls and works nationwide. The website is www.bailiwickmarketing.com. Michael Murray, Creative Director, can be reached at Michael@BailiwickMarketing.com and 518290-1428.

NELSON CHARRON

Back-Flow Experts

Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore is the recipient of the 2021 S.T.A.R. Award.

Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

Sandy DeKleine, former receptionist of the Lake George Chamber, received the Sapphire Award.

Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

highlighting the Chamber’s activities for the year.

The Chamber manages the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, the TasteNY Market at the Adirondacks Welcome Center, and the Village of Lake George Information Center.

The evening program included keynote speaker Mark Mulholland, co-anchor of WNYT NewsChannel 13, who spoke about his own personal history of growing up in Whitehall and working in his family’s restaurant.

DANIEL LEVO

OWNER

Master Plumbers

Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore, was honored by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce as the recipient of the 2021 S.T.A.R. Award.

Also, Sandy DeKleine, Diamond Point resident and former receptionist of the Lake George Chamber, was honored with the Sapphire Award.

The awards were presented at the chamber annual dinner in October at the Queensbury Hotel.

STAR stands for Supporting Tourism Around the Region.

The Sapphire Award was established in 2017 at the Chamber’s 65th Sapphire Anniversary Gala to honor a “gem” in the community.

“I am extremely grateful and humbled by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors decision to present me with the STAR Award,” said Moore. “Tourism is crucial to ensuring Warren County’s economy is strong and that the quality of life for our residents and tourists is vibrant.

Officials said Moore was selected for leading the effort to get the hospitality businesses open successfully throughout the pandemic while navigating the state restrictions and changing guidelines.

“His leadership and collaborative spirit have continued throughout 2021 to procure vaccines, provide daily pandemic updates and more, directly impacting the Lake George regional hospitality industry and the overall visitor experience for the thousands of visitors who enjoy Warren County each year,” the Chamber said..

The award was presented by Frank Dittrich, general manager of the Inn at Erlowest.

“What I admire about Ryan Moore is his knowledge, tireless dedication, openness, straight forward approach and of course a great sense of humor,” said Dittrich. “Ryan seemed to be at the center of everything surrounding our community efforts.”

Chamber officials said DeKleine is committed to the well-being of the community through her frontline interaction with members, residents, visitors, and colleagues. Her efforts impacted the sustainability of many businesses, while she assisted with the J1 Visa Student Connection program, and offered direct referrals to a variety of attractions, activities, and dining. Her work was applauded by many in the business community. Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Chamber presented the award.

The annual dinner included an annual report

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4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

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Dow 36,000

11/15/2021 Update November print edition headline Dow 3,600 corrected to Dow 36,000 in online and virtual editions.

BY KENNETH J. ENTENMANN, CFA Well, we finally made it. The long-ridiculed prediction by James Glassman and Kevin Hassert in their 1999 book titled “Dow 36,000: The New Strategy for Profiting from the Coming Rise in the Stock Market,” has arrived.

It took a lot longer to get here than predicted, but we made it. The market has a habit of humiliating the great prognosticators of the world. But the central premise of the book remains based in the simple math of compounding. According to Wharton Finance professor, Jeremy Siegel, since 1802, equities have produced annual average total returns (including price changes and dividends) of 6.5 percent to 7 percent after inflation. In a recent Wall Street Journal article today, Mr. Glassman does the math, and it suggests we will have a Dow 1,000,000—in 50 years.

Unfortunately for market forecasters, the market never moves in a linear fashion and major disruptions can knock the markets off track, often for prolonged periods. In defense of Glassman and Hassert, few investors predicted the dot.com bubble, the Financial Crisis of 2008 and COVID. Yet here we are—Dow 36,000. The record is clear, there are no 20-year periods where equities posted a negative total return. It is a testament to the power of longterm, discipline investing.

Today, the equity markets have risen to record levels once again. As discussed on my Market Insights blog, these record levels have been achieved by incredible earnings growth, very benign interest rates and massive liquidity. The market is here despite a host of worries; COVID, dysfunctional government and the looming threat of inflation.

The economy slowed in the third quarter, posting a disappointing 2 percent GDP. The market has concluded that this slowdown is indeed “transitory” and was due largely to the August-September Delta surge. Today, COVID cases, hospitalizations and deaths have once again plummeted, which is great news.

And there are indications that the economy is picking up again. This morning, ADP’s private sector job indicator increased by 571,000, easily beating the 395,000 estimate. Importantly, the strongest employment growth was in the hospitality sector. Also, this morning, ISM Service PMI soared, and factory orders increased in October.

Company earnings reports have been strong and have demonstrated that companies can pass price increases along, at least for now. In short, there is plenty of demand out there—and that is a nice problem to have.

With the economy recovering from the Delta slowdown and the employment numbers improving, the Fed now has the cover to begin to change monetary policy.

The recent improvement in employment should allow the Fed to focus on its other mandate, stable inflation. I continue to think the Fed is behind the curve on inflation. The “transitory” inflation goal posts keep getting pushed back; sooner or later it could be a big problem. The Fed faces a dual inflation threat in supply chain disruptions and labor shortages.

Eventually, the supply chain mess will work itself out, but it will take time. I believe it will take longer than it already has. Yesterday, the CEO of the Port of LA reported the number of ships “anchored” in the harbor has increased from 40 to 70. Shortages of key commodities continue to threaten economic growth.

Of course, the semiconductor industry is responding and building more capacity, but that will take time to come on-line. Ford’s CEO announced in their earnings report that Ford expects the shortage to extend into 2023. Does this meet the definition of

Kenneth J. Entenmann,chief investment officer & chief economist with NBT Bank.

Courtesy NBT Bank

“transitory?”

Energy costs are rising as well. New regulations have resulted in less supply of fossil fuels. Policy encouraging renewable energy is great, but it is not ready for prime time. Energy shortages are impacting economic activity around the globe. Politicians are scrambling to boost energy production that their policies constrained. This will also take time. It is unlikely that energy inflation will go away any time soon.

In my opinion, labor shortages will be more persistent. I’ve noted in the past the elevated level of the JOLTS (Job Opening and Labor Turnover) index. There are over 10 million job openings in our economy and roughly 8 million unemployed. This mismatch should be easy to fix, yet it persists.

The expiration of “enhanced” Federal benefits in August-September did not lead to higher labor participation. “Regular” unemployment benefits remain and other policies such as rent moratoriums and enhanced child credits seem to be keeping folks on the sidelines.

But it will take time. Another category impacting the labor force is the “excess retirees over trend” category. Cemblast estimates that 1.5 million people chose to retire when the COIVD crisis struck.

Certainly, robust stock and real estate markets help to boost retirement rates, but the COVID crisis looks to be the main driver of these retirements. It remains to be seen if these folks can really afford to stay in retirement. Regardless, it is unlikely that they will return to the labor force in mass. Next, visas granted to immigrants and non-immigrant temporary workers declined meaningfully during the pandemic. He estimates that around 1 million people are waiting for their employment-based visas.

Lastly, self-employment impacts the labor force.

He estimates nearly 800,000 became self-employed.

This trend saw people leaving manufacturing and agriculture for construction and transportation.

Again, it is unlikely that this trend will reverse materially any time soon. Add it all up, and roughly 6 million people have left the workforce. Will some reenter? Of course, but it too will take time.

Meanwhile, Help Wanted signs will continue to proliferate.

In my opinion, a change in monetary policy is in order to combat more persistent inflation.

The Fed’s Nov. 3 action demonstrates a renewed focus on inflation and the beginning the process of “tightening” policy.

I believe tapering is expected and should not have a major impact. Any increase in interest rates is likely to be modest. Regardless of the change in interest rates, any market reaction will be but a bump on the road to Dow 1,000,000. Investors need to remain patient and disciplined in these challenging times.

This was originally published on Nov. 3 on NBT Bank’s Market Insights blog at www.nbtbank.com/ marketinsights.

Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties.

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

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Year End Tax & Financial Planning Time To Update Your Estate Plan

BY JENNIFER CORCORAN, ESQ. The coming of a new year often has us reflecting back on things we meant to do but did not get done or looking forward to things we wish to accomplish. It is the perfect time to put an estate plan in place or review your existing estate plan for any changes that may need to be made.

In addition, major life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of a child, a death in the family or even an increase or decrease in assets or income warrant updating your estate plan.

You may have had the foresight to create an estate plan to ensure that your assets are distributed the way you want them to be after you are gone. However, each new year brings updates to laws and potential life changes, all of which should be reflected in your estate plan.

What if you don’t have an estate plan? The new year is the perfect time to create one, no matter how many—or few—assets you may have. Among the many benefits, an estate plan can help to protect families with children and ensure that heirs are not overburdened with debts or taxes. A good estate plan, created with the help of a knowledgeable estate planning attorney, allows you to control the distribution of your assets according to your wishes.

It is important that your will is in place and up to date, because without a will, your assets could pass under the intestacy laws to persons you do not intend or wish to receive them. You cannot pass assets to nonfamily members, and your estate cannot make charitable contributions without a will.

If you have minor children, they are not legally able to inherit directly, and your will should include a trust provision to provide for them financially until they are adults in the event that both parents are deceased.

You should also make sure you that you have designated guardians, and that you have not had a change of heart about who will care for them if you die before they turn 18.

A will should also make provisions for the disposition of your “digital assets,” such as social media, online banking and shopping accounts such as Amazon.

It is also important to designate beneficiaries and backups for all of your

Jennifer Corcoran is a partner with Tully Rinckey PPLC. Courtesy Tully Rinckey PPLC

retirement and pension accounts, annuities and insurance policies. Without designated beneficiaries, these assets could wind up in the courts or with someone you did not intend.

Additionally, the creation of advance directives, such as a power of attorney or health care proxy, ensure that you have a plan in place should you require assistance even while you are alive, and avoid the potential expense and delay of needing to have a court appoint someone to make these decisions for you.

A power of attorney allows an individual of your choice to handle your financial matters for you if you are not present or available to, or if you are incapacitated. New York state’s power of attorney form was updated in June of 2021, so be sure the form you are using was created after June of this year.

A health care proxy allows someone to make health care decisions for you in the event that you are not able to make them yourself. If the last year and a half has taught us anything, it’s that your health can be fleeting and fragile, and it is important that you have appointed the person that you want to make those decisions on your behalf.

Without a health care proxy in place, New York state law authorizes a hierarchy of blood relations to make those decisions, and it may not be the person(s) that you would choose.

CARES Act Encourages Charity Donations

BY PATRICK J. DIGGIN During the COVID-19 pandemic the CARES Act provided for expanded deductibility of charitable contributions to encourage taxpayers to give to charities during 2020. In December 2020, the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act (TCDTR) was enacted which expanded and extended many of these provisions into 2021 to incentivize continued charitable giving through the end of the year.

The expanded benefits allow individuals who elect to take the standard deduction and ordinarily do not qualify for charitable contribution deductions, to deduct up to $300 ($600 for married taxpayers filing joint returns) for cash donations to qualified public charities.

For individual taxpayers that itemize their deductions, the expanded benefits increase the deduction limitation, ordinarily limited to up to 60 percent of the taxpayer’s adjusted gross income (AGI), up to 100 percent of AGI so long as the charitable contributions are made in cash to qualified public charities during 2021.

If excess contributions are made over the 100 percent limit, the donor may carry these excess deductions forward for up to five subsequent tax years, however the enhanced deductibility is set to expire after 2021.

Corporate taxpayers also saw an increase in deduction limits from the ordinary limitation of up to 10 percent of taxable income to 25 percent.

Additionally, businesses donating food

Patrick J, Diggin, CPA, is a partner at UHY LLP. Courtesy UHY LLP

inventory for the care of the ill, needy, and infants may qualify for an increase in deduction limits from 15 percent to 25 percent of income providing the ordinary food inventory donation qualifications, standards, and other requirements are met. The 25 percent limit for C corporations is based on taxable income, whereas the 25 percent limit for other businesses such as partnerships, S corporations, and sole proprietorships, is based on their aggregate net income for the year.

For a description of recordkeeping rules for substantiating gifts to charity as well as details on the percentage limits and qualifying charity rules, see IRS Publication 526, Charitable Contributions.

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6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Health & Wellness

Kettlebell Workouts Helped Ryan Carpenter Lose Weight And Open A Fitness Business

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Ryan Carpenter is the owner and founder of Simple Strength and Conditioning, a kettlebell gym that he says has given him direction both physically and mentally.

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH For Ryan Carpenter, the kettlebell is more than a fitness tool. As the owner and founder of Simple Strength and Conditioning, a kettlebell gym, Carpenter has found that it has given him direction both physically and mentally.

The former U.S. Marine said his fitness operation, at 110 Main Street, Midtown Plaza in South Glens Falls, has been met by the public with an enthusiasm that helps to keep him inspired and driven.

He said when he left active duty with the Marines he struggled to connect with a fitness program. When he found himself making poor nutritional decisions, he decided it was time to focus on his fitness and his diet. It was during that time that he found the kettlebell.

“I started in 2015. I was 335 pounds ... I knew I needed to change, so I started slowly by just refining my diet and doing easy simple workouts. As I started to lose weight, I branched out with my workouts and was introduced to kettlebells,” said Carpenter.

Courtesy Simple Strength and Conditioning

Carpenter credits his mentor Chris Abbott, a gym owner who he said gave him the opportunity to become a coach and prepared him for certification. Once COVID hit, Abbot had to close his gym, Kettlebellworks, and it was then that Carpenter made the decision to open a location in South Glens Falls. Since first opening in July, Carpenter, a Strong First certified trainer, said he has worked with people from all different backgrounds, something he loves doing.

“I use simple, but effective, exercises through the use of kettlebells that have proven to make people stronger and leaner while having a low impact on the joints. I have clients from 13 years old all the way to 78 years old. I love to teach and see people achieve their goals,” said Carpenter.

He offers drop-in workouts and people can also purchase a packages ranging from five classes to an annual rate.

There hours are 5-7 p.m. Monday thru Friday; and 8-10 a.m. Saturday.

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Business Report We Are Regenerative Machines

BY MARY BETH MCCUE, RD, CDN, IFNCP Being conscious of choosing healthy lifestyle practices has probably never been as critical as it is today. Eating “clean” is commonly promoted in mainstream media; but what does this mean and why is it important?

Eating organically raised foods, free of contaminant’s and pharmaceuticals is foundational for “clean eating”. Based on the science published on sustainable farming, and on regenerative, holistic medicine; eating clean foods may be the most critical lifestyle choice for people to live their healthiest and most successful life.

Like integrative and functional medicine, the organics industry is mainly consumer driven and in rapid growth. Humans are literally at the verge of new life everyday, at every meal and every thought. How is this so ? Our choices determine the state of potential new life, renewed health, because our cells are constantly turning over and renewing. What we feed ourselves will determine “everything”.

No matter what personal health challenges or goals one has, eating clean needs to be part of the ongoing process. The most nutritionally dense, safe, toxin-free foods that support the lowering of inflammation and stress in the body PLUS support a healthy immune and digestive system come from clean foods.

These factors are all focal points for maintaining health, and vitality.and are critical to the recover from any chronic condition from losing weight (toxins store and hold in fat stores), to those with anxiety/depression, cardiovascular, immune, diabetes, GI conditions and more.

Sometimes facts are so simple, and yet, profound. Toxins in our environment, more importantly in food, negatively impact every cell and system in our body. This happens in unique ways for each individual. The process of eliminating toxins, is referred to as “detoxification”. Toxins in our environment have increased, especially since the World War II era.

There are many nutrition or metabolic “pathways” (reactions) in the body that keep the body “running, clean and healthy.” Nutritional compounds from foods support these pathways; and the detoxification pathways are critical.

Every cell is always detoxifying, as are each of the main detoxification organ system: the gastrointestinal tract, kidney, liver and skin.

Choosing foods that are clean and organic includes food raised without toxic chemicals pesticides and herbicides, genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and antibiotics or hormones.

Pharmaceuticals are used in methods to raise protein-based food sources such as meats and eggs because it is lower in costs, and quicker in production for the industry, but at the cost of health for consumers.

Organically raised foods are sustainable lifegiven foods for the earth and our bodies because they are grown and raised without the use of synthetic herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizers, or bioengineered genes (GMOs) and result in foods much more dense in nutrients for from the organic soil used.

Mary Beth McCue of Saratoga Nutrition is a certified nutritionist and registered dietician.

Courtesy Saratoga Nutrition

As a result, the plants are able to naturally developed a robust immune system, which directly supports our immune system when we eat them. More and more, people are learning the significance of the immune system which is mainly in the GI system.

Choose a better path for your body and your life. Achieve more balance by “collaborating” with the root source in natures balance. Nature allows us to tap into the magnificent potential of our bodies in multiple profound ways.

1. Choose regional organic foods at yearround farmers markets, Co-op Food Markets, and grocers that sell organic foods that have been harvested at the time the foods are ripened with high levels of flavor and nutrients. This high complex carbohydrate foods deliver the cleaning forms of antioxidants, phytonutrients and energy for all cells.

2. Consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Farm 3. Eat more real whole foods, and avoid processed.

4. Choose in the best way that you can to purchase healthier meats, poultry, eggs, fish, wild game and other protein rich foods that are antibiotic and hormone free, organic, and raised in their natural habitat. These can be found in different types of grocers and on local specialty farms. These foods provide the healthiest protein products that support the rebuilding, repairing and maintaining of our amazing human bodies.

5. Avoid genetically modified organisms (GMO) in foods, which is estimated to be in the majority of foods in conventional grocers.

Most of these foods have been treated with the chemical Round-up.

6. Cook more home cooked meals from scratch.

7. If you eat out of your home, start to explore the businesses that practice a more “farm to table” system.

8. Start where you can with improving the way you eat. Enjoy food, and expand your horizons in variety. Have fun trying new foods and recipes.

9. Never seek perfection, especially when enhancing your lifestyle

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021 • 7

Mental Health Experts Say COVID-19 Has Outcast Athletics In South Glens Falls Has Added Significantly To Patient Caseloads Programs For Young Athletes And Adults

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Local mental health practitioners are struggling to meet the tremendous demand for services that has been triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The need encompasses all age groups, and pediatric health experts have labeled the mental health crisis among children as a national emergency.

Licensed psychologist Dr. Debra Pietrangelo, founder of True North in Glens Falls, has been practicing for more than thirty-five years and describes the current need for mental health services as “unbelievable.”

“We are turning people away every day,” she said. “Sometimes 20 to 30 a day. We’ve always had to turn people away, but it’s worse than ever before. I have ten clinicians, and wish I had space for more. There are not enough practitioners out there to meet the need.”

According to Dr. Erin Christopher-Sisk, Ph.D., founder and clinical director of ECS Psychological Services in Saratoga Springs, the need has never been greater.

“In my almost 20 years of being in practice, I have never seen the volume of need that we see and have seen over the past year-and-a-half. Every provider I know is booked solid. Our mission has always been to keep up with needs of community, so we just continued to try to hire therapists and expand staff. We were at seven or eight full-time staff members before the pandemic, and we are now at 20.”

The need is so great that Dr. Catherine Ushchak opened a private practice in Saratoga Springs in August. Although new to private practice, she has been practicing as a general psychiatrist and child and adolescent psychiatrist for 25 years. Many of her school-aged patients have had difficulty returning to in-person learning.

“What I’m seeing in my practice across age the spectrum is that those kids who have had some anxiety are finding it hard to transition back into school,” she said. “The longer you aren’t in school, the harder it is to get back. So there’s an urgency for parents to get kids back in school as soon as possible.”

Pietrangelo believes that the surge in demand for mental health services is fueled by several factors.

“We’re seeing so much anxiety from the pandemic and also from the political divide in the country. It has created schisms in families and friendships, and I think people are depressed about that,” she said. “Anxiety and depression often go hand in hand.”

Many individuals who were able to manage their anxiety and depression before the pandemic experienced a dramatic increase in symptoms.

“Maybe they had some manageable anxiety or low levels symptoms of depression prior to the pandemic, but they were able to manage. The stress of the pandemic—the isolation—it just tipped the scale,” said Sisk. “Even people who didn’t have any significant anxiety or depression are experiencing it because of the isolation and the fear of being around people.”

Although working from home was a blessing for many, it added to the sense of isolation that many experienced.

“There is a value to just being around another human being that you don’t get on the screen or on the phone. You don’t get the full value of exchanging that positive energy and that social connection,” said Sisk.

She encourages her patients who are working remotely to maintain their pre-pandemic routines.

“Even though you don’t have to get dressed for work, do it anyway. Make sure you take a shower.

These are the basics that help us hang onto the routine that we had before all this happened,” she

Dr. Debra Pietrangelo is a licensed psychologist and founder of True North in Glens Falls. said.

The pandemic has been extremely difficult for many of Ushchak’s elderly patients, especially those who live alone.

“I’m seeing a lot of a sense of isolation and a struggle with ‘Where am I safe, and when will I be safe to go out?’” she said, noting that patients of all ages are asking these same questions. “One of the difficulties is that no one has the answer. I try to help people figure out what is going to work for them because it’s different for each person.”

Pietrangelo takes a similar approach with her clients who are asking the same questions.

“I’m trying to help them find a balance between the level of safety that they need in order to be comfortable and resuming activities that bring them joy and pleasure. There’s a middle ground someplace, and I help them to find that middle ground,” she said. “And one of the big things I recommend for people is creativity. Finding the beauty in the world and using your hands somehow to create art or music or poetry or to sew or to wood carve or whatever it is that you enjoy doing.”

The equine-assisted therapy component of Sisk’s practice has been especially beneficial during the pandemic. ECS Psychological partners with Therapeutic Horses of Saratoga to provide Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) services to clients of all ages. Sisk and her husband, Jim, are racehorse owners who founded the nonprofit in 2018 with their own retired racehorses.

“Equine therapy has been a blessing during all of this because it allowed us an outside avenue for treatment, and it has allowed people to be active and outside,” she said. “It works in almost any treatment situation. What we do is get people to come in and have a conversation first about what they want to improve in their life, and that helps us figure out how we can use the horses to accomplish that.”

In recent years, all three practitioners have observed a reduction in the level of stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment.

They agree that it is helpful when public figures including Simone Biles speak publicly about their own struggles.

“There was a lot of shame surrounding seeking mental health support,” said Sisk. “The more that public figures share their own stories, it really helps break down those barriers.”

“I have seen over the years that more people who may have been resistant or reluctant have opened up to it because they know other people who are getting therapy,” said Pietrangelo.” Some people have a really hard time facing their own

A ribbon cutting was held recently at Outcast Athletics, now located inside the Chase Sports Complex, 22 Hudson Falls Road, Suite 36, South Glens Falls.

Courtesy ARCC

BY JENNIFER FARNSWORTH Outcast Athletics of Glens Falls is a business described by owner Adam Walker as a personal growth center disguised as a functional fitness facility.

Walker recently moved his business inside the Chase Sports Complex, 22 Hudson Falls Road, Suite 36, South Glens Falls. He said it is a perfect space to provide fitness training to area residents.

“We were looking for a place to make a permanent home, and this is it. This space gives us the opportunity to really be able to meet the needs of those who come to us. It just suits us,” said Walker.

Renovations were needed, including the addition of a rubber floor, new paint, and a shower and bathroom installation. Since Walker started in the fitness business three years ago, he said he finally feels like the pieces are all coming together.

“I feel like our new location allows us to really build that camaraderie with our clients that is so important. It allows us to get in the trenches and get to work, but still have fun while doing it,” said Walker.

Services provided by Outcast Athletics are

tailored for all ages, with classes that range in skill levels and fitness needs.

“We have people working with us from ages 8 to 70. What is most important to us is that people feel comfortable in their routine. We have classes for young athletes that are really tailored for their development and attention spans,” he said. “For adults, what is most important to us is performance based training, so for someone who comes in looking to just lose weight, we try to change that mindset to what are the obtainable goals from week to week. That’s how we see results.”

Walker said Outcast is not a one-size-fitsall program. The classes may focus on strength training through weights and resistance, but they also might have a game of volleyball, or you may find Walker and his clients playing a game of basketball.

He said his experience as a high school athlete and Glens Falls Greenjackets football player is what led him on his fitness path. He feels the current health and wellness system is flawed, hoping that his business can help shed new light on what it means to feel healthy.

The business can be reached at 518-415-6483.

emotions and their own shadows. That’s just really difficult for them. But I do think that the more that public people talk about it and bring it into our awareness, it helps everybody.”

Ushchak encourages anyone who is struggling

with mental health issues to reach out for help.

“There are certainly people with lots of different training who are there to help,” she said. “It takes everyone working together supporting each other caring about each other. It takes a village.”

8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

Holiday Shopping

Holiday Festival Of Lights Returns To Village Decorated Electric Boxes Become The Most Of Lake George From Nov. 27 To Dec. 31 Visible Aspect To City’s Arts Trail Thus Far

The Holiday Festival of Lights will take place along Canada Street in Lake George. People can see decorated storefronts on Canada Street and a huge light display in Shepard’s Park.

Events to a T reprises its successful Holiday Festival of Lights along Canada Street in Lake George, from Nov. 27 to Dec. 31.

Visitors and locals alike can see decorated storefronts on Canada Street and a huge light display in Shepard’s Park in Lake George. There is no cost for the event.

“The lights are best enjoyed when it’s dark out, after 5 p.m.,” said organizer Letizia Mastrantoni, owner of Events to a T. “Many businesses have pledged to remain open for extended hours this December and especially on weekends. Several area hotels are offering packages for overnight stays at family-friendly pricing. You can enjoy the lights by walking or driving by.”

The festival also features several standout events which are ticketed: the Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess Show, the Ha-Ha-Holiday Comedy Show and a Holiday Artisan Market. Advance tickets for those are required. Tickets can be purchased and information can be found at www.eventstoat.net.

Family-friendly live music, dance performances, entertainment can be found Saturdays, Dec. 4, 11 and 18, in Shepard’s Park from noon to 4 p.m., free to attend.

The Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess Show is Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Holiday Inn, featuring holiday music favorites. There will be time for photos and autographs, crafts, singing and dancing. Showtimes are at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person.

Courtesy Events to a T

The Royal Snow Sisters Holiday Princess dinner theater and meet and greet on Saturday, Dec. 4, at 5:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. The $30 ticket price includes an entree, dessert, and non-alcoholic beverage.

The Ha-Ha-Holiday Comedy Show is Friday, Dec. 10, at the Marriot Hotel on Canada Street, for ages 18 and up.

Showtimes are at 7:30 and 9 p.m. The cost is $20.

Holiday Artisan Market is Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 18 and 19 at Fort William Henry Resort Carriage House, with more than 50 artisan vendors offering handmade items and beautiful and unique gifts.

People can sample food, take a free picture with Santa, enjoy free arts and craft activities for kids provided by local nonprofits; and take in live entertainment.

There is a small fee to attend, with proceeds benefiting local charitable organizations.

Lake George’s popular Light up the Village Celebration is on Saturday, Nov. 27, in Shepard’s Park, starting at 3 p.m. with a live sing-along at 5 p.m. by Bobby Dick and Susie Q and lighting the village up at 6 p.m. This event serves as the kick-off for the Lake George Holiday Festival of Lights.

Events to a T, specializing in wedding and event planning in the Adirondack and Capital Region, is owned and operated by Mastrantoni. Celebrating its fifth year in business, Events to a T provides events of all sizes and budgets. She can be reached by email at eventstoat123@gmail.com or call 518-796-3917.

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This is one of the seven electrical boxes along the Arts Trail in Glens Falls, commissioned by the Arts District of Glens Falls. Shelley Fairbanks designed the one pictured.

The Arts District of Glens Falls has completed the most visible piece of its Arts Trail to date, with seven electrical boxes along the trail featuring painted murals by artists.

A call went out in September and the projects were completed in October. This piece of the Arts Trail is made possible by the Touba Family Foundation.

“This is only the beginning,” said spokesperson Chad Rabinovitz, former artistic director of Adirondack Theatre Festival and co-owner of The Candy Space in Lake George. “We have major plans for public art, from large-scale murals on buildings to statement sculptures. You won’t be able to come to Glens Falls without knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that this is a place that loves the arts.”

Artists chosen for the electrical box project were Hannah Williams, Shelley Fairbanks, Rodney Allen Bentley, Olga Aleksandrova, Kevin Clark, Stephanie Vaus and Leah Hofgesang.

Also in the works is a Rain Art public art project—quotes from literature, chosen by the Teen Center at Crandall Public Library, spray painted onto the sidewalk outside the library with clear paint so the quotes are only visible when it rains.

Other components of the project to establish an Arts District, seven years in the making, include banners demarking the border of the Arts District, a website at www. artsdistrictgf.com, both of which are already completed. Coming soon, people can expect to see sidewalk stamps around the border of the Arts District, and bike racks that will soon be installed at the 10 arts destinations representing 14 arts organizations within

Courtesy Arts District of Glens Falls

walking distance from one another.

“We have three museums within a mile of one another,” says Arts District Administrator Kate Austin-Avon of Advokate LLC. “Jenny Hutchinson and I pulled together a few of arts organizations in 2014 and we started meeting monthly to collaborate, realizing that we are a bigger magnet when we join forces, and Dr. Jacquiline Touba had the idea to connect us with a physical trail.”

So far, funding has come from the Glens Falls Foundation, the Touba Family Foundation, and several individual donors.

Establishing the Arts District was part of the Glens Falls Downtown Revitalization Initiative’s plans, and a fundraising campaign to bring the art to life is now underway, under the umbrella of LARAC (Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council) nonprofit group. Donations are taxdeductible.

Sponsorships of $1,000 are available for a large Adirondack chair to be installed at the heart of Downtown Glens Falls, featuring a cityscape of Glens Falls by Anthony Richichi.

These sponsors will be thanked with a plaque mounted on the back of the chair.

Sponsorships remain for the bright blue bicycle-shaped bike racks that will be placed along the trail. Two are already claimed by the Adirondack Cycling Advocates. The $750 level sponsorship earns a logo cut into a metal plate in the bicycle wheel for two years, or the $1,500 level earns the placement for 10 years.

Additional sponsorships are available for large scale murals and sculpture that are planned. Interested groups can contact Austin-Avon by email at kate@advokate.net or (call 518) 353-2121.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021 • 9

Inclusive Effort Urged Center Gets Grant For Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce To Boost Broadband Site Improvements Staff Wins Annual Henry Crandall Award EDC Warren County, recognizing the vital role broadband plays—not only in economic development but in critical aspects of everyday life such as education, health care, and connection—has brought together a community of carriers, elected officials, nonprofit groups and citizens to help improve access in the north country.

In the fall of 2020, EDC assisted private internet provider Slic Network Solutions to gain an easement on county-owned land to install a switch cabinet capable of servicing fiber expansion in multiple rural towns. This 200-mile fiber expansion project brought broadband to more than 1,700 unserved rural homes in the towns of Johnsburg, Warrensburg, Thurman, and Stony Creek, plus another 1,000 homes were given access to other internet providers.

This called for a large survey to learn what local households are experiencing and what areas of the county have the greatest need.

EDC Warren County commissioned and completed a comprehensive Broadband Assessment and Survey in the first quarter of 2021. The completed survey identified five unserved areas in Warren County.

The project started conversations across county lines pointing out the need for more progress.

Continuing the effort, EDC Warren County has developed a multi-county, multi-provider collaboration called the North Country Broadband Alliance that works to pursue federal grant funding.

The alliance consists of local leaders and government officials working together with six Adirondack counties and four private internet providers.

Officials said the alliance has filed for the first of several federal grants to address unserved and underserved homes in mostly rural mountainous areas.

Beth Gilles, executive director of the Lake Champlain-Lake George Regional Planning board was the point person coordinating regional data and mapping.

Sara Frankenfeld, Warren County GIS administrator, was also instrumental in the progress made thus far.

Hamilton County is the lead county on the grant application.

“Working in a collaborative effort made us more competitive for the grant as this is the first of its kind in our region,” said Jim Siplon, EDC Warren County president.

“Forming the alliance just made sense.

We all have the same need. Broadband is no longer a luxury, it’s a necessity that will help us sustain our region,” added John Wheatley, EDC Warren County vice president.

The National Telecommunications Information Administration grant application was filed in August.

The total homes that would be covered in

The Moreau Community Center has received a $50,000 grant to develop job training programs and make facility improvements through a philanthropic initiative launched earlier this year by Spectrum.

The Spectrum Community Assist program is a five-year, $30 million initiative that aims to revitalize local community centers and invest in job training programs in underserved rural and urban communities serviced by the utility company.

“Community centers like Moreau Community Center are hallmarks of our neighborhoods, where people go for support, shared experiences and develop new job skills or find new employment,” Rahman Khan, vice president of community impact for Charter Communications, parent company of Spectrum, said in a statement.

The company aims to provide support to 100 community centers in 41 states by the end of 2025.

Through a partnership with Rebuilding Together of Saratoga County, a nonprofit organization that provides free home repairs to those that can’t afford them, the interior of the Moreau Community Center will be revamped.

Work includes landscaping, painting, building shelves and desks and tackling other interior projects throughout the community center. In addition to the funds, Spectrum will provide the center with upgraded internet speeds of one gigabyte at no charge through the end of the program, according to a news release.

Additionally, the company will donate 25 laptops to support the community center’s training and technology programs.

Donna Nichols, executive director of the Moreau Community Center, said the partnership will provide “much-needed” services to the community.

“Moreau Community Center is thrilled to be partnering with Spectrum to provide muchneeded services in our community,” she said in a statement. “Strong partnerships are the basis of getting things which impact people positively done.”

Earlier this year, the Moreau Community Center received a grant through Lowe’s to renovate its community kitchen. Construction for that project is currently in progress. the NTIA grant application was more than 3,000 across Warren, Washington, Essex, Hamilton, Franklin, and Clinton counties, with an anticipated total investment of $20 million.

EDC is the economic development engine for Warren County, New York, attracting new businesses to the area, and helping existing ones expand. EDC offers one-stop solutions for businesses seeking introduction to the county and its resources and for finance, real estate, workforce and development related assistance.

BY JILL NAGY Michael Bittel, president and CEO of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce said “this just blew me away” when his organization was named this year’s winner of the Henry Crandall Award.

The award was presented by the Crandall Public Library on Oct. 13.

“I am humbled that the entire team has been recognized,” he said.

The Crandall Award recognized the organization for its activities throughout the COVID pandemic, including providing accurate information in a timely manner and encouraging connections between businesses and government entities, including assistance in accessing government relief programs such as the Paycheck Protection Plan, the Small Business Administration, and recommendations from state and federal health agencies.

The breakfast meeting at the Queensbury Hotel, where the award was presented, is also a major fundraiser for the library, which hopes to raise more than $40,000 to help support its programs and services.

Bittel’s team—Tricia Rogers, Amanda Blanton, Carole Ann Conover, and Karen Mattison—has been working full-time throughout the pandemic, some of them in the Chamber’s offices and others from home. Bittel said it is the first time that the

award has recognized an entire team rather than an individual.

Bittel thanked his team and the 21 members of the chamber’s board of directors, as well as its and its 23 “ambassadors,” volunteers who help get out the word about chamber events.

“The community as a whole came together as one in these difficult times,” he said.

The ARCC has been in existence for more than a century as an advocate for businesses in the Adirondack region.

Bittel has been president and CEO of the chamber for three and a half years.

Past recipients of the award include the late Judge Richard J. Bartlett of Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes law firm; Christopher Scoville, former owner of Scoville Jewelers and Glens Falls advocate; state Sen. Betty Little; retired Warren County Family Court Judge John Austin; Ed Moore,Sr., owner of French Mountain Commons, Log Jam Outlets, and the Queensbury Hotel; Sally and Tom Hoy, past Crandall Public Library Trustee and retired Arrow Financial Corp. and Glens Falls National Bank CEO; retired State Supreme Court Justice David Krogmann; Dr. Kathleen Braico, co-founder of Adirondack Pediatrics; and Mark Behan, president and founder of Behan Comminutions.

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10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

Minogue’s Beverage Continued From Page 1

border. Vukelic is CEO of Saratoga Eagle Sales and Service in Saratoga Springs, and his brother, Paul, is CEO of Saratoga Eagle’s parent company, Try-It Distributing near Buffalo.

“Between 2005 and today, we’ve made five acquisitions to acquire other markets and increase our footprints,” said Vukelic.

“Minogue’s is our sixth acquisition.”

Minogue’s was purchased by Pivo Partners, an LLC that was established by the brothers specifically for this purchase. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed, but the real estate involved in the transaction sold for $7.27 million.

Vukelic has hired former Price Chopper and Hannaford manager Angelo Malone to manage Minogue’s four locations in Queensbury,

Saratoga Springs, Wilton, and Malta.

Minogue’s 35 employees will be retained, and investments will be made to the stores.

“It’s more of a refresh. We’re going to bring in some new lighting and some new flooring and refresh the stores that way,” he said. “We’d like to expand down the road but right now our focus is to get into these stores and get to know the people and get to know our customers and provide great service and a great selection.”

Minogue plans to spend his retirement traveling with his wife and spending time with his children and grandchildren. Suddenly having so much free time on his hands has been quite an adjustment for him.

“I’m like a fish out of water,” he said. “Don’t know what to do with myself each day.”

Pilot Knob

Continued From Page 1

GLENS FALLS RESTAURANTS DINING & NIGHTLIFE GUIDE Welcome to the Glens Falls Region Dining & Nightlife Guide! With so many great restaurants, Glens Falls NY dining is a not-to-be-missed experience! Search for cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, lunch spots, nightlife spots, restaurants offering nearly every type of cuisine, and more.

Looking for casual dining in Queensbury? Check! To-die-for cafe treats? Check! Restaurants serving fresh and delicious seafood in Glens Falls? Check! Come back often for new listings as well as new Glens Falls dining specials and deals.

Morgan & Co. Restaurant 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 Docksider Restaurant Lake George, NY Open year round on Glen Lake in Queensbury, The Docksider Restaurant features lunch and dinner with a fireplace for winter and a great deck for outdoor dining overlooking the water.

Peppermill Family Restaurant South Glens Falls, NY Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. the Peppermill is a true family-run restaurant.

Allow John, Vicky and sons to show you why the Peppermill Family Restaurant in South Glens Falls has been serving the community for over 27 years.

Lake George Boardwalk Restaurant & Marina Lake George, NY The Famous Boardwalk Restaurant and Marina in Lake George Village offers dining downstairs for dinner with full menu, and open-air deck with lighter fare, and a boathouse deck from where you can have your drink and enjoy the beauty of Lake George 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.

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!

99-year-old marina since 1986. Pilot Knob is a Chaparral boat and Arctic Cat power-sports dealer.

“It’s a great little marina that’s got a big heart and a lot of potential,” said Donnelly.

“They aren’t allowing any more marinas on the lake, so you’ve got this gem that’s been there since 1922. They (Barber and Smith) owned it for 35 years, and it was time for them to pass the baton. I promised them I would keep the torch lit.”

According to Donnelly, one of the marina’s greatest assets is its staff of six full-time employees including longtime employees Ann Clugstone and Ron Ristau.

“All of the employees are equally dedicated and talented and have been there a long time.

That’s what kind of drew me to it. There is such a great crew that I felt could help us grow the business,” he said.

In addition to the marina and the retail store, the purchase included a three-bedroom lakefront home and two additional parcels of land located off Pilot Knob Road in Fort Ann. The parcels are used for indoor and outdoor boat storage.

“There is a lot of land that came with the purchase,” said Donnelly. “I saw an opportunity to increase boat sales as well as boat storage.”

According to Donnelly, he will be making a “sizable” investment in the marina in the coming years.

“It’s going to take a substantial investment to get this marina to where I want it which is storing lots of boats, servicing lots of boats, and having a destination that people want to come to,” he said. “Boats are very expensive, and you want your boat taken care of very well. When you spend $100,000 on a boat, you want to make sure that it’s stored in a place

where it’s going to be dry and secure, and you want to make sure it is serviced by the best technicians.”

Donnelly plans to expand the training that Pilot Knob employees receive. He also expects to more than double his staff by next year.

“I met with them and told them that education is one of most important things for us,” he said. “We’re going to focus on different certifications that we can get for our employees, and my goal is to expand the 18 employees next summer. I want to hire the best people and create the best work environment for them.”

In addition to improving the marina’s gas dock, Donnelly will also add a commissary that sells snacks and drinks. He has owned the marina for less than one month but can envision what it will look like ten years from now. By that time, he and his wife also hope to own their own house on the lake.

“The words that I would use are refined Adirondack,” he said. “Picture an Adirondack experience. That’s what we are trying to shoot for. The buildings and marina will fit into the Adirondack atmosphere and fit in with that Adirondack theme.”

Donnelly’s company, FrontRunner HC of Plymouth, Mass., provides soft ware that enables healthcare facilities and independent labs to facilitate building.

“We primarily focus on data automation and date integrity,” he said. “We developed a product called LabXchange which automates the data entry for a lot of the COVID testing that the nation is dealing with right now. We’ve been focusing on really helping the nation deal with the COVID crisis. Our company has seen incredible growth.”

For more information, visit www.pilotknob. com

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.

Raul’s Mexican Grill Glens Falls, NY Enjoy everything Mexican at Raul’s Mexican Grill in downtown Glens Falls, where the ingredients are always fresh and the margaritas always flowing! From the tortilla chips to the tacos to the churros, everything on the menu is created with care.

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.

Massie’s Restaurant South Glens Falls, NY Serving exceptional Italian-American cuisine, Massie’s Restaurant is the perfect spot for dinner with your family, friends, or a date in South Glens Falls, NY.

The Silo Queensbury, NY We hate to brag, but The Silo has a reputation for being one of the best places in the region for breakfast, lunch and delicious cider donuts.

Looking for jewelry and gifts? The Silo is also the area’s largest retailer of Ed Levin Jewelry

10 McGillis Public House Lake George, NY Located in the heart of Lake George Village, 10 McGillis Public House is a chef owned and operated farm-to-table restaurant. Their menu changes almost daily in order to serve dishes made with the freshest ingredients.

Downtown City Tavern Glens Falls, NY Downtown City Tavern in Glens Falls is renowned for their wood-fired pizza, to-diefor chicken wings, craft beer choices, and the inviting atmosphere. They’re open daily for takeout, delivery, indoor dining, and outdoor dining.

The Bullpen Tavern Glens Falls, NY The Bullpen Tavern in downtown Glens Falls offers a sports bar atmosphere with a state-ofthe-art entertainment system and some of the best wings you can find in the North Country.

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

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Available Commercial & Residential Properties

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021 • 11

4 Crestwood Drive, Greenfield Center $746,900 Award-Winning New Construction by Kodiak Construction. Modern Farmhouse w/ 3 beds, 2.5 baths, office & mudroom on 2.54 acres, Saratoga Springs School District. Custom eat-in kitchen w/ large island, navy & white cabinets & quartz countertops. Walk-in pantry w/ shelving & storage, microwave countertop & enclosed by a barn door entry. Floor-to-ceiling nickel gap trim fireplace, accented by timber mantle & 6 matching floating shelves. 2nd floor space-saving laundry station w/ lower & upper cabinet storage, clothes hanging space & enclosed by oversized double barn doors.

Master suite w/ walk-in closet, ceramic tiled shower, double vanity & water closet. 2 car attached garage, screen porch, stamped concrete patio & finished landscape package. Taxes are estimated.

Listing Agent: Jeana Labas | 208.360.1175 jeanarlabas@gmail.com

12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • NOVEMBER 2021

Two Groups Join Forces To Offer Computer Adirondack Winery’s ‘Drink Pink’ Events Coding Training Programs To Unemployed Raises Nearly $15K For Breast Cancer Group SUNY Adirondack and SaratogaCanCode have joined forces to offer free computer coding education and training programs to serve unemployed and underemployed New York residents.

Funded through a state Department of Labor grant, the partnership will enable coding instruction in two popular courses— Front End Web Development and Python for Data Analytic —to serve up to 45 people.

SUNY Adirondack’s Workforce Readiness Academies Program (WRAP) provides free training opportunities for residents of New York state. Included in the program are customized services based on participant need, such as career coaching, academic advising, job-search skills, and accessing resources such as emergency child care and technology support.

The 12-week computer coding programs are offered virtually through SaratogaCanCode, which is part of CanCode Communities, a nonprofit organization dedicated to building a trained software workforce throughout upstate New York and beyond.

“We’re seeing such success with the summer cohort of students who are about to finish their IT boot camp training,” said Caelynn Prylo, Assistant Dean for Continuing Education and Workforce Innovation at SUNY Adirondack. “This program is truly transformational for the participants. With the workforce changes we’ve seen over the past year, more people than ever can benefit from this high-impact training program, expanding their skills and securing employment in a high-demand field and strengthen our region’s pool of trained, talented tech professionals.”

“We are delighted to partner with SUNY Adirondack to deliver computer coding education and training that is truly changing lives,” said Annmarie Lanesey, founder and CEO of CanCode Communities.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to provide motivated individuals with pathways to exciting careers in the tech industry, and to build our tech workforce to support the rapid expansion of the digital workplace.”

The Front End Web Development course gives students hands-on practice building pieces of code to connect user experience into back-end processes. Through lectures, individual assignments, tutorials and projects, students will establish solid foundations in key programs for frontend developers, including HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, jQuery, JavaScript/jQuery and

Github.

Officials said the course might be of particular interest to graphic designers and beginning programmers. It meets virtually two nights a week in three-hour sessions.

In the Python for Data Analytics course, students will learn fundamental programming concepts using Python as a tool for collecting, analyzing and visualizing data.

Officials said no programming experience is necessary, although those with experience who are interested in learning new languages and applications are welcome. Students will learn variables, data structures, loops, conditionals and other basics of programming, as well as delve into Python Libraries for data analysis and basic statistics to learn data interpretation techniques. The class meets virtually two nights a week in three-hour sessions.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, New York state has an unemployment rate of 7 percent, among the highest in the country. The state’s underemployed rate—those who work fewer than 35 hours a week but want to work full time and are available to do so—is 16 percent.

Those interested in learning more, including whether they qualify for these free programs, can visit www.sunyacc.edu/ great-futures-it-careers-start-here.

CanCode Communities is a nonprofit organization founded in 2016 as AlbanyCanCode to develop nontraditional talent and advocate for a vibrant, inclusive tech talent pipeline in upstate New York.

Operating on a stakeholder engagement model, the organization designs and delivers workforce training courses and hands-on K12 coding programs in alignment with the needs of employers, educators, talent and the community. The overall mission is to shift mind-set about who can work in technology; to remove cultural and economic barriers to joining the tech workforce; and to establish and promote pathways to tech careers throughout the region. Learn more at www. cancode.org.

SUNY Adirondack is a community college with a growing campus that is part of the nation’s largest university, the State University of New York. With locations in Queensbury, Glens Falls and Wilton, it offers courses in person and online; on-campus housing at the Queensbury campus; and serves students via credit and continuing education programs.

he Adirondack Winery’s annual Drink Pink breast cancer awareness fundraiser brought in a record $14,800 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Adirondacks.

Courtesy Adirondack Winery

The Adirondack Winery ninth annual Drink Pink breast cancer awareness fundraiser brought in a record $14,800 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Adirondacks, organizers said.

During the month of October, a portion of every purchase made at Adirondack Winery was donated to Making Strides.

With the support of its customers, the winery was able to raise nearly $3,000 more than the initial $12,000 goal it set in September.

“We are once again honored to be the top fundraiser of our local Making Strides celebration,” said Adirondack Winery President and co-owner Sasha Pardy. “This disease has touched far too many people and our Drink Pink fundraiser gives us an amazing opportunity to give back to our community and support this incredible organization.”

Adirondack Winery was the f lagship sponsor of the local Making Strides event in Glens Falls on Oct. 24. Together, dozens of teams raised $50,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of the Adirondacks.

Making Strides is an event held across the country, organized by the American Cancer Society.

Over the past nine years, Adirondack Winery has raised over $80,000 for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer of

the Adirondacks during its Drink Pink fundraiser.

The winery raised funds this year in a variety of ways, including the sale of over 1,100 bottles of its Drink Pink Berry Breeze, a limited-edition version of its mixed berry rosé that has a pink cap and label. Much of the donation was also raised via the sale of raff le tickets, for wine, accessories and prizes generously donated by winery partners and supporters.

The winery also held two Uncork and Craft Events where attendees could enjoy wine glass candle-making with Wax ‘n’ Wix and wine glass painting with Adirondack Sip and Canvas.

Officials said next year’s 10th annual Drink Pink Fundraiser may be its biggest one yet as the winery is currently expanding its Queensbury winemaking facility and building a new tasting room there.

The new 14,000-square-foot facility will include outdoor seating, wine by the glass, winery tours, a private room for the fundraiser’s crafting events and more.

Drink Pink sponsors included Waterloo Container, True Brands, Wax ‘n Wix, American Oak Distillery, Lake George Steamboat Company, Boardwalk Restaurant, Creations by DM, Holiday Inn Express Queensbury, Barkeater Chocolates, and The Log Jam Restaurant.