Glens Falls Business Journal - June 2022 by Saratoga & Glens Falls Business Journal

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GBJ P.O. Box 766 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

VOL. 34 NO. 04

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JUNE 2022

Many Improvements Planned At Adirondack Adirondack Wine & Food Festival Returns To Camping Village By New Ownership Group Lake George After 2-Year Pandemic Hiatus BY CHRISTINE GRAF The 67-acre Adirondack Camping Village in Lake George has been purchased for $4.5 million by Athena Real Estate, a company based in Orlando, Fla., and founded by Siena College graduate Richard O’Brien. Located less than two miles from the Village of Lake George, the family-friendly campground, features RV sites, camping cabins, and single tent campsites. It now operates under the name Lake George Camping Village. Athena Real Estate is a private real estate investment firm that invests in manufactured home communities, RV parks and resorts, and selfstorage facilities. Prior to founding Athena in 2004, O’Brien, a CPA, was CFO for a multi-billion-dollar real estate investment trust. He also worked in the commercial real estate division of GE Capital Corp., and it was there that he developed an interest in real estate investment. “It was while working in the commercial real estate arm of GE that I discovered these niche property types,” he said. “We invest in properties across three sectors—self-storage, manufactured home communities, and RV parks. RV parks is my favorite sector. I think of it as outdoor hospitality, and from my hospitality experience, I try to bring high guest satisfaction to our properties. When we buy a property, we will improve it and try to make it the best it can be.” The company’s RV parks are operated under the name of Applebrook RV Parks, and although the majority are located in Florida, Gansevoort’s Saratoga RV Park was added to the company’s portfolio in 2018. For O’Brien it was a coming home of sorts. “I’m from downstate, but I went to Lake George in the summers when I was in college at Siena and

Interior of one of nine rental cabins on site. More units are planned in the future. Courtesy Lake George Camping Village

vacationed there with family. I have many fond memories from that time,” he said. “For me, the attraction of the Adirondack Camping Village property which was renamed Lake George Camping Village is its location. It is close to the Northway and it’s 1.7 miles to the Village of Lake George. There is also very strong demand for the property.” Many improvements are planned for the campground which has numerous on-site amenities including a lodge, heated pool, game room, playground, basketball court, and sand volleyball court. Among the property’s approximately 175 camp sites are some that offer full hook-ups for water, electricity up to 50 amps, sewer and cable TV. Continued On Page 3

Following a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will return to Lake George on Saturday and Sunday, June 25 and 26. The event will feature more than 120 of New York wineries, distilleries, breweries, cideries, artisan food producers, food trucks and more at the Lake George Festival Commons at Charles R. Wood Park in Lake George Village. Organizers of the family friendly event said over 7,700 attendees are expected this year. “Two years ago, we didn’t know when we’d be able to hold this festival again,” said Sasha Pardy, who founded the festival in 2014. “We are 100 percent committed to bringing our guests the experience they have come to know and love over the years: sampling the state’s best craft beverage and food products with beautiful Lake George as their backdrop.” The last Adirondack Wine & Food Festival was held in June 2019. Over 6,700 guests attended, with 73 percent of attendees saying they planned a trip to the Lake George area specifically to attend the festival. Tickets for this year’s festival are selling at a record pace. “This tells us our event has been missed and we look forward to giving our attendees an experience they’ll never forget,” Pardy said. She said the 2022 festival is expected to generate 4,745 overnight stays in the area and produce a $3.6 million economic impact on the region. “As the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival returns from their pandemic hiatus, the event is attracting even more new and different visitors,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The event producers have been very strategic in their growth plans that enhance the Lake George vacation brand of unique experiences. Because of their efforts, the

The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival is June 25 & 26 at the Lake George Festival Commons. Courtesy Adirondack Wine & Food Festival

festival continues as a substantial economic engine for the region adding tremendous impact to the area.” For a third time, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks (BBBS) will return as the festival beneficiary. A portion of every ticket sold is donated to the organization that provides mentorship, tutoring and experiences to youth in Warren, Washington, and northern Saratoga counties. BBBS raised $15,000 at the 2019 festival. “It has been a long two years for everyone,” said Bill Moon, CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks. “Opportunities to come together to have some fun while also helping our kids are more important than ever before.” Continued On Page 11

Lake Association Gets $300,000 Grant To Not Enough Emphasis In Schools About Share Its Water Protection Model With Others Building Trades Careers Is Industry Problem The Lake George Association has been awarded a $300,000 grant from the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to share its model for success with freshwater researchers and communities around the world. “What an incredible honor and opportunity,” said LGA board chairman Jeff Killeen. “For the William Randolph Hearst Foundation to recognize the tremendous advancements we are making in freshwater protection at Lake George and how our model can benefit water bodies around the world is both deeply humbling and incredibly energizing.” LGA president Eric Siy said the LGA, supported by the science and technology of The Jefferson Project and the highly targeted research and analysis of the Lake George Waterkeeper, “has created a culture of commitment among regional public officials, businesses, and property owners toward Lake Protection that is delivering breakthrough results in water quality. “With the generous and visionary help of the William Randolph Hearst Foundation, we are now poised to share our success with others and play an even more meaningful role in protecting the world’s most important natural resource, our finite fresh water supply.” Over a multi-year period, the LGA will utilize the Hearst grant to: • Expand the research being undertaken by The Jefferson Project environmental research collaboration at Lake George, Chautauqua Lake, and Skaneateles Lake to better understand the causes of harmful algal blooms (HABs), the reasons why some HABs become toxic, and the best ways to

prevent them, and share that knowledge worldwide. • Create world-class educational resources and events for scientists, researchers and freshwater advocates, focused on the world’s most significant freshwater threats and how they are being successfully addressed at Lake George. • Expand a digital personal protection platform now being built for use by Lake George property owners into a global engagement tool, including an online technical forum for anyone in the world to ask questions and learn the latest on freshwater protection work, as well as guidance from practitioners employing the LGA Lake Protection Model. Over the past decade, the LGA’s science-tosolutions approach to freshwater protection has engendered the robust support of state and local government leaders, property owners and the regional business community, the organization said. Major accomplishments include creation of a strong aquatic invasive species prevention program; a best practices program for reducing the use of harmful winter road salt; and programs to facilitate improvements in wastewater and stormwater management. Now in development is perhaps the most meaningful direct protection program in LGA history, officials said, calling on property owners, businesses and organizations in the Lake George watershed to become Lake Protectors by taking direct protective actions on their properties to better control stormwater and wastewater and accelerate the progress of protection.

BY PAUL POST Unlike the Marines, area builders need a whole lot more than “A Few Good Men.” A severe nationwide labor shortage is being felt locally, too, as understaffed firms can’t keep up with customer demand. Several factors have contributed to the labor shortage. First and foremost, many skilled workers have aged out of the industry and there hasn’t been enough emphasis put on showing kids the careers this field has to offer, builders say. At Glens Falls-based VMJR Companies, laborer, carpenter and mason apprentice jobs start out at $16.98, $19.46 and $23.33 per hour, respectively. The worker can obtain journeyman status within five years, which pays $30.86, $35.40 and $38.69 per hour, respectively, plus supplemental benefits for each position. “We have a core group of 35 field employees and are having a difficult time hiring skilled masons and carpenters,” president and CEO Victor Macri said. “Plus, for office operations we could use two more project managers and project engineers and another administrative assistant. We’ve been searching for over a year to fill these positions.” Builders do everything possible to find new employees, from traditional techniques such as newspaper ads and job fairs, to newer online strategies including LinkedIn and ZipRecuriter. “Networking and word-of-mouth are still best,” Macri said. “We pride ourselves on the

Workers install playground equipment at Abraham Wing Elementary School. Paul Post

culture we create for our employees, which helps sell it to others. There’s no easy way to search for employees. You just hope you get lucky.” Four years ago, the Saratoga Builders Association launched a Construction Industry Task Force comprised of builders, suppliers and officials of the area Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex (WSWHE) Board of Cooperative Education Services (BOCES) with the stated mission of “encouraging Continued On Page 9

2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022

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Personnel Briefs

Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. has hired Karney Manning as branch manager of the Chestertown office. In his new role, Manning will oversee daily operations, provide quality customer service and develop banking relationships to help customers reach their financial goals. He brings five years of banking experience to the position. Manning is a member of the Sons of The American Legion and currently serves as chaplain. He is also the former president of the Saint Rose Chapter of the American Marketing Association. Manning has a bachelor’s degree from the College of Saint Rose and is from Silver Bay, N.Y. *

Arrow Financial Corp. recently promoted three senior leaders to the position of executive vice president of its two subsidiary banks, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. Michael Jacobs was promoted to executive vice president and chief information officer, Christine Snow was promoted to executive vice president and director of customer experience and Marc Yrsha was promoted to executive vice president and director of relationship banking. Jacobs will continue to oversee all Information Technology services and support. He has 20 years of IT financial services experience and is active in his community as a board member of Tri-County United Way. Jacobs has a bachelor’s degree from Siena College and currently lives in Ballston Spa. Snow oversees all customer operations and support. She has more than 40 years of retail

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banking experience and previously served as board member for Hope House and Literacy Volunteers of America. Snow has a bachelor’s degree from Russell Sage College and currently lives in Clifton Park. Yrsha oversees the retail banking network, business services including cash management and municipal banking, retail lending, small business lending and business development. He has more than 17 years of diversified banking experience. He is active in his community serving as vice chair of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Council of Business Advisors for the Lake George Association, and Warren County Local Development Corp. and Lake George Regional Planning Board loan review committees. He is a graduate of Castleton State University and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2013. He currently lives in Queensbury. The company also recently promoted five leaders to senior vice president at Glens Falls National Bank and Saratoga National Bank . They include director of information systems and support Wendy Brust, director of compliance and risk Leslie Munger, director of wealth management Tracey Norman, director of indirect lending Dan Segrell and director of residential lending Ginny Sullivan. Brust oversees the IT applications department and support team. She has more than 30 years in the banking and information technology industry. She currently serves on the board of the Veterans and Community Housing Coalition. She has an associate’s degree from SUNY Adirondack and lives in Ballston Spa. Munger leads corporate enterprise risk management and oversees information security, fraud, community reinvestment and regulatory compliance. She has more than 35 years in the financial services industry and Continued On Page 13

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Magnet Transport Group Provides Cargo, Freight Services Through All North America

Drew Trombley, left, and his stepfather, entrepreneur Mark Miller, have formed Magnet Transport Group for businesses seeking to move their product around the region and across North America. As an entrepreneur and part-time truck driver, Mark Miller observed a trucking industry trend that he saw creating an unnecessarily heavy workload for Capital Region businesses. He saw a promising opportunity for his next business venture. More and more businesses were turning to freight brokers and “load boards,” online marketplaces where companies could search for carriers to ship their products. “Why would they go through all that when they could just call a local trucking company and work directly with the owners?” said Miller. Enter Magnet Transport Group, the Kingsbury-based business started by Miller and his stepson Drew Trombley to provide cargo and freight solutions to businesses seeking to move their product around the region and across North America. Magnet offers FTL (full truckload) and LTL (less- than-truckload) service, as well as flatbed, step-deck, and hotshot deliveries. They have expertise in carrying over-sized loads, both long and wide. “In more than 30 years of building businesses, my experience has been that people prefer to work with people they know, like and trust,” said Miller, who purchased an Americlean residential pressure washing franchise in 1986 and grew the business into Performance Industrial, a commercial and industrial cleaning, painting and flooring system contractor, which he sold

Courtesy Behan Communication

to his daughter-in-law, Karen, and son, Bill, just months before starting Magnet. “Magnet has something that no other company has. It has me and Drew, and when we say we’re going to do something, we do it. Our motto is, ‘Exactly as promised, the first time, on time, every time. Period.’” Miller has had a love of long-haul trucking and a commercial driver’s license since shortly after graduating from high school when he hit the road for the first time. He put long-hauling in his rearview mirror in 1986 and purchased the Americlean franchise in order to spend more time at home with his young son, but the itch to get back on the road resurfaced in his later years at the helm of Performance Industrial. He began driving on a part-time basis for a friend who owns a trucking company, including a series of three trips that brought him to all 48 continental states. “I realized I didn’t want to just drive a truck, I wanted to start and grow another company,” he said. When Miller told his stepson his idea, Trombley quickly expressed interest in partnering with him. Trombley had been driving professionally for several years and was enthused by the idea of building a business. For more information about Magnet Transport Group, call (518) 769-0205 or email info@ magnettransportgroup.com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022 • 3

Stewart’s Foundation Donation Will Help Women Start ‘(g)row for kids’ Business In Renovation Of SUNY ADK’s Sports Facilities Glens Falls, Providing Retail Items And More

Dr. Kristine D. Duffy, president of SUNY Adirondack, in the center, holds a ceremonial check from the Stewarts Foundation, with Stewart’s employees and college oﬃcials standing by. Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Foundation, has donated $75,000 to SUNY Adirondack for the college’s athletics facilities renovation project. “The Dake Family Foundation and Stewart’s Shops are among the college’s most generous corporate donors and, once again, they have lent their generous support to the college and our community,” said Dr. Kristine D. Duff y, president of SUNY Adirondack. “Their commitment to the communities they serve is unsurpassed and greatly appreciated.” The donation will go toward replacing the college’s playing fields with a turf surface, part of a plan approved by the college board of trustees in 2019, but delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The work, when completed, will help extend the playing season for sports including soccer, baseball, lacrosse and softball, and allow the region to attract tournaments during the off-season, bringing tourists to the region. “Having a state-of-the-art turf facility improves the training and competition experiences for our current Timberwolves, and helps our coaches attract and recruit high-caliber student-athletes,” said Zach Schwan, director of athletics at the college. The project is the latest in a series of renovations targeting SUNY Adirondack’s athletics facilities. In early 2020, the college repaired the roof of the gymnasium and replaced the

Courtesy SUNY ADK

basketball court. In 2021, a large room adjacent to the gym was repurposed and now has a workout facility, including batting cages, and equipment for strength and cross training. Stewart’s Shops Foundation President Susan Dake said Stewart’s Shops “is committed to sharing with all our shops’ communities. This turf field will help to attract athletes to SUNY Adirondack and improve the aesthetic of the campus. This donation is an important part of our commitment to the communities we serve.” Dan Cook, manager of the Bay Road Stewart’s Shop; Sheri McGarr, Stewart’s district manager; and members of Stewart’s staff and marketing team presented a ceremonial check to Duff y; Schwan; Rachael Hunsinger Patten, the college’s chief advancement officer and executive director of SUNY Adirondack Foundation; and Marc Morin, director of facilities at the college. The $5.7 million project, which includes dugouts, bleachers, a press box and a scoreboard, is also supported by SUNY Adirondack Foundation; the state; Adirondack Housing Association, which owns and operates the college’s Residence Hall; the Faculty Student Association; and other donations. There are still opportunities for namingright donations. To learn more, contact SUNY Adirondack Foundation at 518-743-2243 or foundation@sunyacc.edu.

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL When Hillary Williams and Melanie Weber were pregnant with their first children, they used to walk and talk about their hopes and dreams. The new moms parlayed their conversations and friendship into a support group for parents, and now have a retail kids shop called (g)row for kids at 18 Exchange St. in Glens Falls. “We want to always live like we have children in tow,” Weber said. “That means knowing which restaurants have changing tables and what shops make it easy to bring strollers.” Noticing that “Glens Falls didn’t have many classes available for parents,” the pair formed a collaborative they call “row” after the names of their two baby boys and the common first letter of their last names, Weber said. “row” would become a resource for parents like them. “Our mission is to grow connections among parents and the community,” said Williams. “We make all caregivers feel welcome no matter which child-rearing book they are using.” There are dozens of ideas Williams and Weber have to create more resources for people learning “how to be parents” and to support their specific needs, according to Weber. That could be a stroller walk around downtown after the retail store closes for the evening or storytelling on the weekend. Or how to prepare for adventures hiking or camping with the family, to name a few that are appearing on their website, growforkids.com, right now. Williams and Weber are partnering with professionals and experts to better educate expectant and new moms. Some classes include prenatal yoga, postpartum education, and baby-led weaning, and according to row’s co-owners, many more are to come. Through the kids boutique (g)row, which opened May 27, Williams and Weber are selling “curated cuteness for kiddies. Everything in the

Adirondack Village Continued From Page 1

“We have already updated the WiFi and plan to make improvements to the sites and would also like to bring in more cabins to the property and evaluate the potential for expansion. Today, we have nine cabins at the property, and we have demand that outstrips what we have available,” said O’Brien. “We were highly occupied during Memorial Day and we are getting calls every day for seasonal sites and cabin rentals. We feel very good about our property and hope that it continues to improve for the guest.” According to O’Brien, Applebrook RV Parks experienced increased demand since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Melanie Weber, left, and Hilary Johnson Smith, are the owners of (g)row for kids. Courtesy (g)row for kids

store is picked with a purpose. Products are made locally or in the U.S., are eco-friendly and practical.” For example, a coloring book for the car with magnetic pieces the kids cannot lose is more practical than the old-fashioned kind. “We can be a resource for what moms need and what they don’t need,” said Williams. “These are items that work for their life, not just add clutter.” With (g)row, the co-owners have built something they said is “more than a store. It is a collection of hand-selected items that will truly help make your parenting journey easier and more enjoyable. All products are of the highest quality to make sure families can pass them down to future children or future generations,” she said. The business website is www.growforkids.com. “In general, we saw higher demand for outdoor hospitality. There certainly has been a return to nature, and RV sales and boat sales have gone up tremendously. People are thinking about friends, family, and nature and RVing is a big part of that.” The company continues to look for new investment properties and is particularly interested in expanding with the local area. “We continue to look to grow in the Capital District—Saratoga, Lake George, Warren County, and Albany County,” said O’Brien. “We are a nationwide buyer of RV parks but concentrated on the East Coast, from Florida up to New York.” For more information, visit www.lakegeorgecampingvillage.com or www.applebrookrvparks. com.

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6 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022

Former Boathouse B&B In Bolton Landing Is Professional Women’s Bowling Association Rebranded As Boathouse Waterfront Lodging Holds U.S Open in South Glens Falls

Owners Joe and Patti Silipigno have discontinued the breakfast aspect as their business in Bolton Landing as it transforms to Boathouse Waterfront Lodging. Boathouse Waterfront Lodging in Bolton Landing, formerly Boathouse B&B, has rebranded itself and established a new website. “It is easy to use, vibrant with pictures and colors, and we feel gives you a great view into our property and about us,” the company said in a new release. For 22 years, the business ran as the Boathouse Bed and Breakfast at 44 Sagamore Road. Owners Joe and Patti Silipigno have discontinued the breakfast aspect as the business transforms to Boathouse Waterfront Lodging. “We are so very excited about this because you will still get to experience this magnificent property and house,” the said in a statement. “For those of you who already have visited, you are already aware of our uniquely named and decorated rooms, the spectacular architecture and history, the grand front porch that hangs directly over the

Courtesy Boathouse Waterfront Lodging

water, all of the rockers on the docks, the fire pit, and our swim area right from the lawn. For our new guests we welcome you into our home and hope that you enjoy your visit.” Visitors can still bring breakfasts with them and enjoy it on the grounds. “Joe and I will still be on the property and cannot wait to get to talk with you and enjoy that morning cup of coffee guiding you to our wonderful area full of activities and places to visit,” said Patti Silipigno. There are refrigerators in all of the rooms. Coffee and tea will be available 24/7 in the great room, which also has a microwave and toaster. The business is close to restaurants, beaches, and shopping in the nearby village of Bolton Landing. It is also within walking distance of the Sagamore Hotel and Resort for fine dining and golf. For more information, visit www.boathousebb. com.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 2000 Business Of The Year

Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce P.O. Box 766 • Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (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 Production Manager Graphic Precision Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Jennifer Farnsworth Christine Gaf Andrea Harwood Paul Post 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. Glens Falls Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York l2866 (518) 581-0600. Glens Falls Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York. 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. Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Glens Falls Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Glens Falls Business Journal are the property of Glens Falls Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Glens Falls Business Journal.

Josie Barnes won the Professional Women’s Bowling Association U.S. Open last year. The 2022 Open is being held through June 21 at Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls. The Professional Women’s Bowling Association’s (PWBA)second major event of 2022 will take place thru June 21 at Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls. This weeklong event culminates with one bowler winning $60,000 live on CBS Sports Network on June 21. The U.S. Women’s Open is the second major championship on the 2022 PWBA Tour schedule. The maximum field size for the pre-tournament qualifier is 64 competitors. Participants in the 108-player field earn their spots primarily through invitations based on their on-lane performances during the previous year. Players also can earn their spot through a pre-tournament qualifier before the start of the tournament. “Bowling enthusiasts throughout the Northeast are beyond excited to have the opportunity to watch these athletes in person,” said Doug Bohannon, owner of Kingpin’s Alley and the president of the NYS Bowling Proprietor’s Association. “We have a very large league bowling base in the Capital Region, and we continue to bring substantial tournaments to this area to provide our bowlers the chance to watch or even participate at a competitive level”. “The PWBA U.S. Women’s Open is a major league event in the sport of bowling. From the nationwide television coverage, athlete and fan visitation and regional support, this is better than a ‘perfect game’ for the Lake George economy. We are thrilled by the level of competition and

Courtesy Professional Women’s Bowling Association’s

economic impact that Kingpin’s Alley continues to bring to the area,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. All qualifying and match-play rounds at the U.S. Women’s Open will be available to watch on BowlTV.com. The stepladder finals of the U.S. Women’s Open will be broadcast live on CBS Sports Network. The 33-year-old Josie Barnes of Hermitage, Tenn., made history last year, as she defeated Singapore’s Cherie Tan, 198-194 at the 2021 U.S. Women’s Open claiming the biggest prize check ever awarded at a professional women’s bowling event. The win was the first major championship, and fourth PWBA Tour title overall, for Barnes, and the $100,000 payday at Double Decker Lanes also included the event’s coveted green jacket and iconic U.S. Women’s Open trophy. This is the first time since 1973 this event has been in New York state. Kingpin’s Alley hosted the Albany Open in June 2021 with Kelly Kulick of Union, New Jersey coming out on top. Local PWBA bowler, Liz Kuhlkin of Schenectady was defeated by Stefanie Johnson of McKinney, Texas at last week’s PWBA Rockford Open. Kingpin’s Alley will also be hosting the Kingpin Masters Tournament on Nov. 5 and 6, providing the winner of this tournament $8,000. For more information on how to get tickets to the PWBA US Open, visit www.kingpinsalley. com.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022 • 7

Farm In Moreau Is Set To Open ‘Dancing Grain Farm Brewery’ In July

Business Briefs

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Adirondack Trust Co. will hold a ribboncutting ceremony with Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce in celebration of its new Lake George Branch at 350 Canada St., Lake George. Mayor Bob Blais will also be in attendance, along with Adirondack Trust banking professionals and other community members. It is set for Friday, June 24, beginning at 8:30 a.m. (rain or shine). At 9 a.m. there will be brief remarks from Adirondack Trust President and CEO Charles V. Wait, Jr. The ribbon will be cut at 9:15 a.m. For additional information, contact Celia Vincek at cvincek@adirondacktrust.com or (518) 584-5844, ext. 2583. *

WestWind Ag invested in processing equipment and expanded planting operations for the production of Dancing Grain Farm Brewery craft beers. The tap room is under construction. BY CHRISTINE GRAF After encountering countless pandemic-related delays, the owners of Dancing Grain Farm Brewery in Moreau hope to open their craft brewery in July. For owner Rachel McDermott, a Cornell University graduate with a degree in applied economics and management, Dancing Grain is more than a business. “For me, it’s a passion project. This is how we secure our family farm for the future,” she said. A farm girl at heart, McDermott grew up on her family’s grain farm, WestWind Ag in Schaghticoke. The farm is owned by her father, James Czub, and uncle, Robert Czub. In 2016, the brothers purchased the 308-acre Moreau property, a former dairy farm, where the brewery is located. McDermott and her husband, attorney Sean McDermott, live in the remodeled farm house on the property along with their two-year old son. Six years ago, McDermott left a successful career as an investment banker on Wall Street in order to join the family business. “I always had a desire to be closer to my roots,” she said. Under her leadership, WestWind Ag diversified operations and invested in new processing equipment and expanded planting operations to include brewers and distiller’s grains—grains that are used in the production of Dancing Grain’s craft beers. “We’ve spent the last three or four years investing in the research and development side of specialty crops like malting barley and distiller’s grains, and now we want to vertically integrate that process and create a destination for these craft beverages where we can grow them on site and create this flavor of our area,” she said. “It’s a sustainable agricultural model, and it’s meant to drive income from the farm from the ground up. You could say from the ground to your glass.” In January 2020, McDermott received approval to move ahead with the craft brewery. She hired local engineer Wayne Kant to help transform the farm’s former tractor repair building into a brewhouse and brewpub. “Wayne and I sat down and came up with a plan for how we wanted the building to look and how we wanted to preserve the original structure while making it usable for our purposes,” she said. The building permit was submitted on March 1st, just two weeks before the state shut down due to the pandemic. “That should have been the first sign that this wasn’t going to be as straightforward and as easy as we had hoped,” said McDermott. Seven months later, with the building permit finally in hand, McDermott was faced with additional challenges. Social distancing requirement limited the number of contractors that could work on the project at any given time. At the same time, lenders were

Courtesy Dancing Grain Farm Brewery

hesitant to offer financing to those in the bar and restaurant industries. “All of a sudden, we weren’t able to hire contractors, and financing something in the hospitality industry became virtually impossible. Everything kind of dried up from a start-up perspective,” she said. That’s when McDermott and husband Sean, a co-owner in the business, took matters into their own hands. They purchased a camper, parked it at the farm, and lived there full-time with their baby. “My responsibility was moving forward on the brewery, and his was to work on the house. We kind of divided and conquered these two huge projects,” said McDermott. “We rolled up our sleeves and got to work.” The brewhouse building was gutted, but the original framework was preserved. The bar was built from old beams from the farm’s carriage house and floorboards from the house. “We reused as much material as we feasibly could in order to maintain the character of this place,” she said. “I think we did a really good job.” Faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, McDermott turned to Christian Weber of Common Roots Brewing Company in South Glens Falls for advice. Ultimately, Weber and his father, Bert, purchased a small ownership stake in Dancing Grain. “With their help, we were able to close the financing. That gave us enough liquidity to move forward,” said McDermott. “They also have a load of experience on the craft beer side and were able to help us navigate some of the startup issues we were faced with.” A New York farm brewery, Dancing Grain must source at least 60 percent of its ingredients from within the state. According to McDermott, 60 percent or more of Dancing Grain’s ingredients are sourced directly from their own farm. If all goes as planned, Dancing Grain Farm Brewery will open in July with a limited number of beers on tap as well as crowlers and growlers. Their goal for the first year is to have 12 beers on tap. James Dowell has been hired as head brewer, and McDermott plans to hire between two and five part-time employees. “We are going to grow into our vision which encompasses what I refer to as the family farm legacy. In order to secure our farm for future generations, we need to create more value for community and for our farm family. We are hoping to do that by sharing our farm with the people who love craft beer.” According to McDermott, the project has exceeded its original budget of $300,00 by nearly two-fold. In order to ensure that the bank did not hold the lien on the family farm, she and her husband made a considerable investment in the business out of their own savings. “I didn’t want to risk what my dad and uncle have worked for their entire lives. This is their legacy.”

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The Hyde summer luncheon, honoring David C. Howson and in memory of Charlotte Miller, will be held Monday, July 18, at 11:30 a.m. at The Inn at Erlowest, 3178 Lake Shore Drive, Lake George. Held annually, the luncheon recognizes the late Charlotte Miller’s commitment to the arts. It celebrates such people who, through their service, embody the legacy of Mrs. Hyde to promote and cultivate the arts and education throughout our region. Howson is a dedicated trustee, community partner, and ambassador to The Hyde. The event allows the museum to applaud the significant impact of its volunteers. The celebration also helps sustain The Hyde Collection in our work in every corner of the Museum, from exhibitions and preservation to education and outreach.

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Those attending should reply by Friday, July 1. Questions can be directed to Kate Wilkins at 518-792-1761, ext. 346, or kwilkins@hydecollection.org. *

The Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau will hold another segment of its speaker series 8:30-10 a.m. Thursday, June 16, at The Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge St., Glens Falls. The subject will be strategic meeting and event planning with guest speaker Heidi Longton. Admission is free. Registration is required. The program will commence with a presentation regarding the topic of strategic planning for meetings and events, tailored to the industry and Lake George Area. A question and answer format will follow. As a 33-year industry veteran, Longton has spent much of her career as an event professional where she is best known for her work in associations. During that time, she has served as a department head, director, team lead, and consultant and co-created M3 (Manage, Mentor, Motivate) a curriculum designed for mid-level hotel managers. She is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI), International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE) and Professional Convention Management Association (PCMA). She has been an engaged member of the local MPI chapter since 2004 serving as chapter president in 2015 and has been the recipient of three chapter awards. To register, visit https://form.jotform. com/220894001930146

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8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022

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Officials Say Considering Building Trades Several Companies In Construction Industry As A Career Is Becoming More Common Give Free Tool Bags To High School Grads BY CHRISTINE GRAF As the skilled labor shortage reaches an all-time high, educators and trade professionals are working to eliminate the widespread perception that vocational training is not a viable career paths for students of all academic levels. While a four-year college degree costs an average of $127,000, a trade school degree averages just $33,000. Although college graduates earn an average of $16,900 more than those working in the skilled trades, the pay gap is shrinking as companies pay higher salaries to fill open positions in various trades. Data provided by the U.S. Department of Education indicates that workers with trade school training are slightly more likely to be employed than those with academic credentials. They are also more likely to be working in their field of study and less likely to be burdened by crippling college debt. The amount of student debt in the U.S. has surpassed $1.73 billion. According to Mike Martell, assistant business manager at IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) 236, students and their parents no longer believe that college is the only option. “I think it was the case several years ago where high schools and counselors were really pushing people in the direction of college, but I think that has kind of turned the corner a little bit,” he said. “I believe that more people are realizing that a career in the trades makes sense because you aren’t accruing all sort of college debt. You don’t need to go to college and get a four-year degree in order to get a decent job. People are starting to realize that there is another way that is a viable alternative.” Martell is able to speak on the subject from personal experience. He attended college for several years before deciding to pursue a trade. “I graduated from high school at a time when counselors and pretty much everyone else was telling you that if you didn’t have a college degree, you weren’t going to make anything of yourself,” he said. “I went college because that’s what I was told. I went for a few years, and it wasn’t really something that was panning out for me. I started seeking other avenues. That’s how I ended up coming here.” After joining IBEW, Martell said he was concerned that he didn’t have the necessary skill set to succeed. “I was worried I wasn’t going to be able to hack it. But what it really boils down to is, ‘Do you really want to be here.’ Because that can’t be taught. We

WSWHE BOCES is devoting more resources to promoting the building trades. Courtesy WSWHE BOCES

can’t teach somebody to care and enjoy this line of work. If they come here with the right attitude, we can give them everything else. For me, it was a little out of my comfort zone, but I was given the training, the skills, and the knowledge that I need to succeed. I wanted to be here, so I made it happen.” After joining the IBEW workforce, employees receive on-the-job training while earning a salary. Someone with no experience starts out at $18 an hour and receives an excellent benefit package that includes no-cost health insurance and employer pension contributions. A journeyman wireman earns $45 an hour after completing the IBEW fiveyear apprenticeship program. “Our program is geared toward somebody coming in and staying for their career,” said Martell. “We have a few different pathways and are able to put people to work almost immediately. We sit down with you and evaluate your skill set. If you don’t have one, that’s fine too. You just need to come in with a willingness to learn, work, and be productive. We set you up and classify you appropriately and get you out to work. You get your skills both on the job and through our apprenticeship and training programs.” IBEW’s apprenticeship program is more competitive and accepts students a few times a year. Continued On Page 15

These are among the tools that were loaded into packs and distributed to area high school students pursuing careers in building trades. Curtis Lumber partnered with local companies in the effort. Curtis Lumber has partnered with several local companies in the construction industry to help graduating seniors at WSWHE BOCES and Questar III BOCES in Career and Tech Ed programs. Curtis Lumber has spearheaded an effort to provide over 250 tool bags filled with some starter items in support of graduating seniors at those schools who will be entering the workforce in the areas of construction, heavy equipment, HVAC and welding. Participating companies include Belmonte Builders, Bennett Contracting, Callanan Industries, DeGraff Bloom Customer Builders, DA Collins, Hoosick Valley Contractors, Malta Development, Munter Enterprises, North Atlantic State Regional Council of Carpenters, Otterbeck Builders, Teakwood Builders, Trojanski Builders, Turner Construction, Weyerhaeuser, and Witt Construction. The tool bags will be given to the students through the middle of June. “The trades are in desperate need of

Courtesy Curtis Lumber

labor,” said Doug Ford, vice president at Curtis Lumber. “We wanted to do something to show our support and appreciation for students embarking on a career in the trades.” The multi-company partnership is a continuation of a workforce development task force that spawned out of the Saratoga Builders Association. The group has grown in breadth and depth and now includes over 50 companies around the state. To learn more about Curtis Lumber Co., visit www.curtislumber.com. Established in 1890, Curtis Lumber is an independent, family-owned business that serves eastern, central, and northern New York and Vermont. The company’s 700 employees pride themselves on serving both consumers and professional builders. It’s 23 locations are full-service home centers and building supply yards. It’s f leet of 100 trucks can deliver from Pennsylvania to the Canadian border.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022 • 9

Labor Issues

Continued From Page 1 young people and adults to consider a career in the construction industry by bringing an awareness to the benefits associated with it.” WSWHE serves 31 school districts in a five-county region including Saratoga, Warren and Washington.. Subsequent meetings with school superintendents, principals and guidance counselors revealed a major lack of awareness about construction trades opportunities and misconceptions surrounding the work such as being too physical, offering low pay and requiring extra-long work days. Next, the Task Force held a variety of activities for students such as letting them handle and experiment with tools, hosting a Career Day, visiting construction sites and having BOCES students build a “tiny house” that was featured during the association’s annual Showcase of Homes. Such efforts proved valuable by exposing kids to jobs that might not have considered otherwise. Boucher said it’s critical for builders to present their companies as one that offers growth and opportunity to new workers. “We offer full benefits including paid vacation, paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, a 401K plan, matching contributions, health insurance premium payments and competitive pay,” he said. Argyle-based Hunt Companies Inc. does a great deal of construction work for franchise brand restaurants such as McDonald’s and Taco Bell. At full capacity, the business employs 25 people, but currently has just 16, including one part-timer. “For the construction industry as a whole, hiring was a problem before COVID started,” company president Amie Gonzales said. “Once COVID hit that exacerbated it. It defi nitely limits the amount of work we can take on at one time. With a full crew we can usually do multiple jobs simultaneously. Now we have to be very selective, not just the size of the job, but the time frame, too.” Gonzales said building trades give any young, willing worker a chance to go as far as they want to. “As long as you have the drive and want to do this we can train you, we can give you the skills,” she said. “There is a career path in the construction industry. It depends on the individual. Th is really is all skill-based. If you can do the work and excel at it, we don’t have a set time frame. You don’t have to be here four years. If you learn it we can move you right on up through.” “During the 1980s, 1990s and early 2000s, they were encouraged to go to college, regardless of whether or not that was going to benefit them,” said Matt Whitbeck, owner of Whitbeck Construction in Wilton. “So there’s

this big segment of the population that feels that if they aren’t using their diploma for something, it was a waste, even though they’re taking on jobs they’re not passionate about or care about. They take them just to pay back student loans.” In addition, COVID helped give rise to a whole new type of employment that is much less demanding than construction. “A lot of people are getting by with driving for Uber and making food deliveries,” Whitbeck said. “You can pick your hours. You don’t have to get out of bed at 6 a.m. every day. You don’t have to work in the hot sun. You just drive your car and turn on the air conditioning. If you don’t feel like working that day you don’t, because you don’t have to clock in or out. It’s just an easy job. You can fulfi ll the qualifications with little or no education or effort.” Whitbeck Construction owner Matt Whitbeck, of Wilton, said his fi rm, which specializes in new home construction and remodeling, is about 50 percent understaffed. “Both my business partner and I are in the field, working a lot, just to try to keep jobs moving ahead that have been booked and scheduled for well over a year,” he said. Jesse Boucher, president of Wilton-based Kodiak Construction, said “We currently have 12 staff and work with another dozen trade contractors to construct new singlefamily homes. We’re lacking support staff, the general labor that can help move materials around, pick-up materials from the store, and clean and organize job sites. Each of our trade contractors could use another three to five guys on their teams as well.” “Before 2020, it was possible to construct houses in five to six months,” he said. “We are currently requesting seven to eight months to provide more time for smaller crews to complete the work.” Offering a competitive wage, making students at all grade levels aware of rewarding career possibilities, and using the latest technology to make work easier, will help solve the industry’s labor shortage problem, builders say. “Working conditions are impacted by the weather and the work is very physically demanding,” Boucher said. “People who stay in construction have a passion for creating new things and providing high-quality craft smanship. Incorporating new technology helps keep people interested. “For example, battery-powered tools have reduced the need for hauling heavy lead cords and generators for daily tasks. Cloud servers have made it easier to get information from the office to the field. Younger generations want to see efficiency improve, so becoming more efficient helps keep workers engaged.”

Dr. Turina Parker Becomes WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent And CEO The Washington-Saratoga-Warren-HamiltonEssex BOCES has named Dr. Turina Parker as the new WSWHE BOCES district superintendent and chief executive officer. Parker has been assistant superintendent for educational and support programs for the WSWHE BOCES. She is set to begin her official duties as district superintendent on Aug. 16. She replaces James Dexter, who is retiring in August after 12 years of service to WSWHE BOCES. “Dr. Parker has demonstrated the ability to lead and work cooperatively across the region,” WSWHE BOCES President John A. Rieger said. “We are confident that Dr. Parker will build on our successes, fulfill our strategic plans, and provide a vision that will take the organization to the next level and provide even stronger support and opportunities for the education of our children and the school districts that we serve.” With a career spanning 20 years, Parker is an experienced school district leader, with a passion for leading and supporting schools. She previously served as Director of Day Treatment and Principal at St. Catherine’s R. & E. May School in Albany, where her experience also included serving as the coordinator for curriculum and assistant principal. She has served as assistant superintendent for educational and support programs for the past 14 years, including serving as principal for special programs, executive principal, and executive director for educational and support programs. Her leadership experience includes directing the Early College Career Academy, as well as the school support services, personnel development, and employment training for adults divisions of WSWHE BOCES. She serves as a member of the Saratoga-Warren-Washington Workforce Development Board, and has maintained responsibilities for supporting students and leading principals, central office administrators and instructional personnel and classified staff. Additionally, Parker teaches graduate students as an adjunct instructor at SUNY Plattsburgh. “I am honored to serve the BOCES in this new capacity,” she said. “As district superintendent, I plan to nurture our valued partnerships with the component school districts and the community to provide opportunities for student success and local workforce development.” Parker earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Master of Science degree in educational

Chuck Ciaccia 28 years

Jude Gosh 33 years

Dr. Turina Parker, WSWHE BOCES district superintendent and chief executive oﬃcer. Courtesy WSWHE BOCES

administration, and Master of Science degree in curriculum development and instructional technology from SUNY Albany. She earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Walden University. She is an alumnus of the state superintendent development program through SUNY Oswego. She lives in Ballston Lake with her husband and has two daughters. Officials said the search for a new district superintendent began in early 2022. The search process was guided by feedback received through a community survey which drew nearly 200 responses from area board of education members, school administrators, BOCES employees, students, community members and others. During the search process, Parker interviewed with the WSWHE BOCES board as well as with the superintendents of the component school districts, and other stakeholder groups. She was one of four candidates interviewed for the position. She also recently met with the state Commissioner of Education for a final interview and assessment of her qualifications and experience. As BOCES district superintendents serve a dual role acting as both the chief executive officer of a local BOCES and as the regional representative of the Commissioner of Education, the approval of the commissioner was required.

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

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Business Report What Investors Can—And Can’t—Control

BY MEGHAN MURRAY As an investor, you can easily feel frustrated to see short-term drops in your investment statements. But while you cannot control the market, you may find it helpful to review the factors you can control. Many forces affect the financial markets, including geopolitical events, corporate profits and interest rate movements – forces beyond the control of most individual investors. In any case, it’s important to focus on the things you can control, such as these: • Your ability to define your goals. One area in which you have total control is your ability to define your goals. Like most people, you probably have short-term goals—such as saving for a new car or a dream vacation—and long-term ones, such as a comfortable retirement. Once you identify your goals and estimate how much they will cost, you can create an investment strategy to help achieve them. Over time, some of your personal circumstances will likely change, so you’ll want to review your time horizon and risk tolerance on a regular basis, adjusting your strategy when appropriate. And the same is true for your goals. They may evolve over time, requiring new responses from you in how you invest. • Your response to market downturns.

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Meghan Murray, financial advisor with Edward Jones Financial. Courtesy Edward Jones Financial

When the market drops and the value of your investments declines, you might be tempted to take immediate action in an effort to stop the losses. This is understandable. After all, your investment results can have a big impact on your future. However, acting hastily could work against you. Continued On Page 11

Business Report Pros And Cons Of Alternate Investments

BY DAVID CUMMING, CFP, RICP, CRPS In today’s dynamic market environment, some investors may be looking beyond stocks and bonds for other options for investing their money. This search for other options may lead to alternative investments. Alternative investments are investments outside the stock and bond markets, and may include real estate, private equity, hedge funds, digital assets, and may include investments offering to these financial instruments such as cryptocurrencies, commodities, precious metals and art or collectibles. These types of investments tend not to be correlated to the performance of stocks and bonds, and may offer the potential for higher returns, but typically with higher risk. Here is an overview of what you need to know before investing. Potential upsides of alternative investments: • Potential reduction in overall volatility. Since their performance are historically low to moderate correlation with market indices, alternative investments may help to reduce overall volatility within a portfolio of traditional investments. • Diversification. Alternative investments typically help provide diversification across different markets, strategies, managers and investment styles.

David Cumming, senior VP, financial advisor, Morgan Stanley in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy Morgan Stanley

• Potential for increased performance. Like any investment, the rate of return for alternative investments is not guaranteed. However, according to a study called “The Rate of Return on Everything, 1870-2015,” which looked at performance across 16 advanced economies over a period of 145 years, residential real estate Continued On Page 11

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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022 • 11

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Business Report Bear Markets Signal Leadership Changes

BY STEPHEN KYNE, CFP During times of economic uncertainly and market volatility, we are often reminded that fear is generally a greater motivating factor than greed. It is during these times that prognosticators of doom gain traction, and individual investors make unwise choices out of fear of losing it all. While nobody can be certain of what the future holds, we can look to the past for clues and, in doing so, temper our reaction. Downturns, like the one we are experiencing, generally signal a change in market leadership supported by structural changes in our lives. At the beginning of the pandemic, we saw a decline in stock indices of about 30 percent as the economy shut down, and investors had to survey the landscape for opportunities. It quickly became apparent that the pandemic was going to last longer than most expected, and that meant the closure of brick-and-mortar shops, restaurants, and offices. The only way the situation would be tenable would be to shift huge parts of our lives online. For months, you could buy a bicycle from Amazon, but not from Joe’s Bike Shop. The huge and almost instantaneous structural shift favored large national retailers with a strong online presence, and sufficient ordering and distribution channels. It favored companies that allowed us to remain productive in our occupations from anywhere. It favored restaurants that already had online ordering, and forced others to catch up or perish. An entire generation that largely feared technology was forced to adopt it in order to check in with their doctors. We were fed endless options for streaming entertainment. Last year, as the pandemic began to wane, we saw some semblance of normalcy. People were going out to dinner again, neighborhood stores were reopening, workers were returning to the office, Pelotons became coat racks, and we walked away from our televisions to picnic and see friends. Structurally, our lives and the economy were correcting, and we’re seeing that reflected today.

Wine & Food Fest Continued From Page 1

Volunteers from BBBS will be selling spring water bottles, sponsored by Blue Triton Brands. The organization also operates the drop-off/pick-up tent, where guests can “check” the beverages and foods they purchase at the festival until they are ready to leave. Throughout the weekend, attendees can view special events at the festival’s Culinary & Cocktail Tent. There will be culinary demonstrations by the festival’s official celebrity chef, Eric Hudson of Hudson’s Private Chef Services. Kelli Hatin, owner of Mixaritas, and guest mixologists will make craft cocktails prepared from vendors’ ingredients. There will even be Iron Chef-style cooking competitions with ingredients from festival vendors. The festival will have live entertainment for the first time this year. Attendees will see “wandering” entertainers across the festival grounds throughout the weekend, including Magician TJ Clancy, a West African drum circle from Rural Soul music studio, dance performances from Dynamic Dance Works, and stilt walker/ aerialist Jessica Black. The festival will also have VIP cabanas both days. The “glamping tents” are provided and sponsored by the Adirondack Safari glamping campground in Warrensburg, and their mobile glamping company, Glamp ADK. This year’s festival will feature 24-plus wineries, 15-plus distilleries, more than three breweries, four cideries, three meaderies, 10-plus food trucks, 25-plus artisan food vendors, four non-alcoholic beverage producers, and 10-plus craft and specialty vendors. In addition to one- and two-day tasting tickets, VIP, designated driver, and underage tickets are available (children under 15 years old are free). DD and underage attendees may sample artisan foods and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as have access to food trucks and all festival activities. Additional family friendly offerings include a Kids’ Activity Tent sponsored by Fun Spot, a natural playground and skate park at the venue, and a photo booth operated by On the Spot Photos. Tickets will be available at the door. The event website is adkwinefest.com.

Can—And Can’t—Control Continued From Page 10

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

We are experiencing higher inflation than we’ve seen in two generations, and interest rates are rising substantially for the first time this century. There is a war in Europe that is forcing the world to reconsider its strategic sourcing of energy. The stock markets are digesting competing information as it attempts to find direction and opportunity. Remember, the markets don’t care about good and bad on an absolute basis. Those terms are meaningless. Markets care about better and worse, on a relative basis. Money flows happen from areas of less opportunity to areas of more opportunity. Right now, markets have largely decided that those companies that made our lives bearable during a pandemic, don’t necessarily present the same upside potential during more normal times. As a result, the NASDAQ is down 23 percent, year-to-date, as of June 6. For the most part, those companies aren’t any different than they were, it’s the world that changed. Those companies aren’t necessarily bad, markets believe they’re just relatively less good.

For example, you could sell investments that still have solid fundamentals and are still appropriate for your needs. If you can avoid decisions based on short-term events, you may help yourself in the long run. • Your commitment to investing. The financial markets are almost always in flux, and their movements are hard to predict. If you can continue investing in all markets—good, bad or sideways—you will likely make much better progress toward your goals than if you periodically were to take a “time out.” Many people head to the investment sidelines when the market tumbles, only to miss out on the beginnings of the next rally. And by steadily investing, you will increase the number of shares you own in your investments. And the larger your ownership stake, the greater your opportunities for building wealth.

• Your portfolio’s level of diversification. While diversification itself can’t guarantee profits or protect against all losses, it can help greatly reduce the impact of market volatility on your portfolio. Just how you diversify your investments depends on several factors, but the general principle of maintaining a diversified portfolio should govern your approach to investing. It’s a good idea to periodically review your portfolio to ensure it’s still properly diversified. The world will always be filled with unpredictable, uncontrollable events, and many of them will affect the financial markets to one degree or another. But within your own investment world, you always have a great deal of control – and with it, you have the power to keep moving toward all your important financial objectives.

Alternative Investments Continued From Page 10

provided the best returns. Potential downsides of alternative investments: • Illiquidity. Alternative investments tend to be private, rather than public, and they are generally less liquid, typically with reduced liquidity ranging from monthly to 12+ years, so they may be difficult to exit and your money may be tied up for an extended period of time. • Lack of regulation. Alternative investments are not regulated and are not subject to reporting requirements. In addition, the underlying assets of alternative investments are often difficult to value, which leads to challenges in pricing and price transparency. • High minimum investments. Many alternative investments carry high minimum investments, and may not be available to all investors. In addition, alternative investments

generally carry higher fees. • Complexity. Alternative investments are often complex instruments and may require a higher level of due diligence. If you are considering alternative investments, you also want to be sure that you research and understand the potential tax implications associated with them. In the past, alternative investments were reserved for the domains of institutional and high-net-worth investors. However, in recent years, alternative investments have grown in popularity and are making their way into the portfolios of individual investors. Like all investments, alternative investments come with both benefits and risk. Before taking the leap into this sector, consult a financial advisor with experience in alternative investments who can help you determine whether this type of investment is right for you.

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Hudson Headwaters Begins Implementing A ‘Well Child’ Seeks To Promote Mental And New ‘Team Care’ Patient Care Model In Area Emotional Well Being For Area Children

At Hudson Headwaters’ West Mountain Campus in Queensbury, shown here, the organization launched a new model of patient care. Hudson Headwaters Health Network has launched a new model of patient care at the West Mountain Campus in Queensbury and at its Moreau Family Health. Known as team care, the cutting-edge approach is designed to deliver more personalized care for patients and improve work-life balance for health center staff. Officials said in the team care model, each patient continues to have their primary care provider, but in addition, they are also assigned to a team of providers, nurses and administrative staff. The entire team gets to know the patient so even if their primary care provider is unavailable, the patient can count on consistent, personalized care during their visit. The phone system, check-in and other processes have also been updated to provide a more efficient and streamlined experience. Core teams are supported by behavioral health providers, care managers, clinical pharmacists and other specially trained staff. The model is designed to put the patient back at the center of their health care, according to Hudson Headwaters “This launch follows years of learning from innovative organizations that have successfully transitioned to team care,” said Hudson Headwaters CEO Dr. Tucker Slingerland. “Though the new model of care is a

Courtesy Hudson Headwaters

big undertaking, we are building a better, sustainable system that benefits everyone. This approach is a result of patient and staff feedback and will enhance the patientprovider experience.” “This is truly a win for the patient and a win for the staff,” said Dr. Bill Borgos, chief medical officer. “The modern health care experience has become complex, with much time spent filling out forms, documenting care and navigating computer systems. The team care model emphasizes human connection and enables more uninterrupted time to answer questions and build relationships.” Officials said Hudson Headwaters West Mountain campus is the first to transition to the new model. To support the change, West Mountain-based primary care doctors and staff are now located at West Mountain Family Health, previously known as West Mountain Health Services, Building 2. West Mountain Specialty Care, previously known as West Mountain Health Services, Building 1, now houses services and programs including the Hudson Headwaters HIV/Ryan White program, hepatitis C program, the Homeward Bound/Pathways program for seniors as well as nephrology, podiatry, neurology, sports medicine, skin lesion evaluation and rheumatology services.

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BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL By educating and supporting children, their families, and teachers, Melissa Seale, PMHNP/BC aims to promote mental and emotional wellness for the entire community system around Glens Falls. According to Seale, the need for pediatric psychiatry is even greater in the North Country than the nation in general, and she is facing the challenge through her new private practice, Well Child Pediatric Psychiatric Services. Seale is a board-certified nurse practitioner who said she is “very vested in the mental wellness of the Glens Falls community. I live here, raise my family here, and want to give back.” The practice is less than two months old and appointments have filled quickly, she said. Many patients followed her from Glens Falls Pediatrics, which she joined after starting her career at the Center for Children and Families, also based in Glens Falls. Well Child is Seale’s first independent practice. Seale said she knew of one behavioral center in the area with a wait list of 500. “Pediatric psychiatry is gaining more focus as a discipline,” she said. “The pandemic has been a huge stressor in adults and the effects have trickled down to kids in the form of anxiety and depression.” Practices are facing a growing litany of issues ranging from toddler tantrums to school shootings, she said. “Because of social media and all the news outlets, I see kids inundated with negative information,” said Seale. “Bullying has long existed. But children used to be able to go home and escape it. Not today.” “Social media disconnects young people from the face-to-face interaction that human beings need,” she said. “Even parents are on the phone more, disconnected from their children.” Seale said they are seeing a rash of mood disorders in children from the use of electronic devices and video games. “But reactions to taking those things away are extreme, like withdrawal from an addiction,” she said. Well Child is at this time an all-female practice with Seale as the nurse practitioner who diagnoses the child and a licensed social worker on staff, Tia Ruggiero, with whom she collaborates to prepare a care plan. “I diagnose and prescribe, but our schedule does not allow me time for treatment or therapy,” Seale said. “Tia takes over and we work together to determine wellness goals for the child, sharing these with the family and sometimes the school so all involved

Melissa Seale, PMHNP/BC, aims to promote mental and emotional wellness in children. Courtesy Well Child Pediatric Psychiatric Services

can work together toward these goals.” Seale said the practice sees patients from age three to 18 years old and that it does not just work with the children, but also closely with the family system. “We may need to educate the parents and involve the whole family to get the child the support they need,” she said. Consequently, the initial consult is with the parents or caregivers and then with the child alone, as the practitioner builds trust and a working relationship using a range of tools, said Seale. “There’s a playroom and a sensory room where the child’s treatment is through play,” she said. “We use a variety of tools to teach patients how to manage their behaviors, to deal with anxiety, and not be scared of their emotions.” Seale said her practice is “not so much a focus on mental illness as on dealing with the state of mental wellness.” “We have changed the focus to bring them to a functioning state,” she said. “It is good for children and for adults to practice this focus.” Seale is formalizing plans to get the broader community involved in mental wellness, too. Seale is offering regularly scheduled parenting classes and a series of blogs with links to relevant topics, including dealing with traumatic events, pets as therapy, music therapy, the benefits of nature, and many others. She is planning a trauma group specifically for adolescents. And because there are not enough providers like herself, she is reaching out to schools to help educators Continued On Page 14

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Essity Study: Post-Pandemic, Workers Expect More Eco-Friendly Office Work Environment U.S. employees have high expectations for green office spaces and expect more eco-friendly practices from their employers, according to new research released by hygiene and health company, Essity, which has nearly 350 workers at its paper mill in South Glens Falls, its converting facility in Greenwich and its distribution center in Saratoga. The company recently conducted a survey of employees who have returned to the office at least part-time since COVID-19 and found that the majority of employees (75 percent) say they want a more environmentally-friendly office. The research also found that those surveyed have become markedly “greener” than before the pandemic began. Just over half of employees working from an office (51 percent) say they became more eco-conscious while working from home during lockdown periods. Another 46 percent say they feel more aware of how ‘green’ their workplace is then when they worked in the pre-pandemic office. In fact, more than half (58 percent) feel their office is ‘shamefully eco-unfriendly’, with onethird (34 percent) believing the introduction of eco-friendly practices within their workplace is usually an afterthought. “Working from home and in their personal spaces during the pandemic increased employees’ attention on what it takes to create environmentally friendly workplaces and employers should take note – especially those looking to retain and attract talent in this market,” said Don Lewis, president of Essity’s professional hygiene business. “Our research shows that as many as four in ten employees prioritize companies based on their sustainability reputation and actions when looking for a new job. Increasing eco-friendly priorities in the workplace and empowering employees can create a greener office while helping drive employee engagement.” The Essity survey found that a majority of employees working in the office (71 percent) feel it is essentially the employees themselves

who are leading the charge to make sustainable changes in the workplace rather than management. Over half of employees (51 percent) believe their employers need to better communicate the ways they intend to address sustainability in the workplace. On top of that, 56 percent think their employees could be doing more to turn their office into an ‘eco-friendly’ place. Asked who should be responsible, reactions were mixed. Roughly one-third of survey respondents pointed to employers (32 percent), and nearly as many (28 percent) pointed to employees or a 50/50 shared responsibility between both employers and employees (27 percent), representing an opportunity for companies to get their employees involved. “As employers continue to struggle to attract and retain talent, they ought to consider how they can appeal to their workers,” said Am Bellcourt, vice president of communications, professional hygiene, Essity North America. “Our survey found that sustainability is often overlooked. Amid the pressure to deliver workplace flexibility, competitive salaries and benefits, and in-office perks, employers often disregard the importance of sustainability in the workplace – and their employees are noticing. Creating a more sustainable workplace leads to better outcomes, for your employee base and our planet.” As sustainability becomes a top priority for employees, employers can implement and communicate simple, eco-friendly changes around their offices to meet “greener” employee expectations Tork, the professional hygiene brand from Essity, helps employers reassure employees that both their hygiene needs and sustainability expectations are being met in a way that is visible to employees. The survey was conducted online within the U.S. by OnePoll on behalf of Essity office workers who have returned to the office at least some of the time.

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 2

currently lives in Gansevoort. In her Wealth Management role, Norman oversees the investment, trust and retirement services departments. She has more than 25 years of experience in the industry. She has a bachelor’s degree from Siena College. She lives in Schaghticoke. Segrell oversees the company’s indirect lending program with auto dealers. He has more than 30 years of experience with the company in customer service and lending. Segrell has a bachelor’s degree from SUNY Plattsburgh. He volunteers with Tri-County Literacy as a tutor and lives in Queensbury. Sullivan oversees the residential mortgage lending department. She has more than 35 years of experience with the company primarily in credit administration, consumer and residential lending operations. Sullivan serves on the boards of HomeFront Development, counties of Warren and Washington Industrial Development Agency and Civic Development Corp., and is an active member of the Zonta Club of Glens Falls. She has an associate’s degree from SUNY Adirondack and lives in Hudson Falls. *

* Associates of Glens Falls Insurance announced the hiring of Jennifer Collins as a commercial lines account manager. Collins holds a New York State Insurance Agents’ license and has

been an active member of the local insurance community for over 30 years in a variety of commercial insurance roles. Collins lives in Argyle. Established in 1967, Associates of Glens Falls is an independent insurance agency specializing in all types of personal and commercial insurance. The AOGF agents service clients locally and across the United States. *

NBT Bank announced that Karen Sastri has been named Chief Diversity Officer. This appointment marks the next milestone for NBT’s diversity, equity and inclusion efforts, with the designation of the role of Chief Diversity Officer on a full-time basis. As Chief Diversity Officer, Sastri provides continuity for NBT’s established DE&I initiatives and will work with leadership to establish new programs and best practices, focusing on recruitment, retention and development. Sastri joined NBT Bank in 1996 and has extensive experience in training and development and employee relations. She earned a bachelor’s degree from University of Albany and holds a strategic Human Resources Business Partner certification (sHRBP). Sastri is active in the community, serving as a board member for the Chenango United Way and Dollars for Scholars, as well as a member of the Norwich Boys Soccer Boosters. She also previously served on the Board of Directors for the United Way of New York State.

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Agency To Provide Nursing Staffing To Area Hospitals To Help With Shortage Issues A new staffing agency will provide contract nursing staff to the hospitals and facilities of the Albany Med Health System, including Saratoga Hospital and Glens Falls Hospital. The Albany Med Health System (AMHS) Staffing Alliance was formed in April of 2021 as an affiliate of the VNA of Albany and became fully operational in October of 2021. Its mission is to provide a strategic source of contract nurses exclusively for the Albany Med health system’s facilities to fill temporary staffing gaps, and to provide flexible, temporary work schedules that meet individual and system needs. “The AMHS Staffing Alliance is an appealing option for nurses who are interested in an Albany Med Health System hospital or facility but due to their current situations, prefer temporary nursing assignments instead of a permanent position,” said Susan Larman, RN, CEO of VNA of Albany. “Interested candidates can work with a dedicated team to help find flexible work schedules with their choice of these four highly reputable hospitals that make up the Albany Med Health System. It is a mutually beneficial opportunity for the candidates and the System

facilities.” The AMHS Staffing Alliance differs from private staffing agencies in that it is not focused on supporting multiple customers in several markets. “As part of the Albany Med Health System, the Staffing Alliance is able to develop close working relationships with each of our System hospitals and is more closely aligned to our mission,” said Dr. Dennis P. McKenna, president and chief executive officer of the Albany Med Health System. “This strong understanding of our needs as a System helps to facilitate a smoother onboarding process for nursing assignments while enabling each hospital to fulfill its staffing needs.” The AMHS Staffing Alliance is recruiting registered nurses locally, regionally, and nationally for assignments within our System hospitals. For the local candidate seeking a short-term assignment, it is a unique opportunity to remain in their community and choose the hospital that best meets their needs without having to travel outside the area. For more information about nursing opportunities in the Capital Region, visit amhsalliancecareers.org.

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This is Scarlotta’s Car-Hop in Granville in 1985. The business is seeing loyal customers once again enjoying some of the home style recipes that go back 40 years. BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL With the name restored and the business in the hands of the original owner’s granddaughter, Lauren Barlow, Scarlotta’s Car-Hop in Granville is seeing loyal customers once again enjoying some of the home style recipes that go back 40 years. Over the 10 years that the diner was under different management, Lauren and her husband Wes of Barlow Electric had opportunities to purchase the establishment but the timing wasn’t right, according to Barlow. “My husband has a business and we were raising our children,” said Barlow. “I had always said to the previous owners, please call us first, and when they came to us we were ready.” She remembers not only working at the car hop as a young woman, but also waiting on her future husband. “It was June 13th 25 years ago but I still remember what he ordered,” she said. “Beef and cheddar, fries and lemonade.” Once again Scarlotta’s is a family business with the Barlow’s daughter and son working there, Lauren’s sister on staff, and her brother helping cook, she said. The Barlows were able to purchase the restaurant with a loan from

Courtesy Scarlotta’s

the Washington County Local Development Corporation. “The committee was wonderful,” she said. “[LDC executive director] Deanna Derway helped me with my fear of the unknown by answering every question, day or night,” she said. Scarlotta’s reopened in April after some minor kitchen renovations and an expanded ice cream section, which made the restaurant area slightly smaller, Barlow said. The new menu reintroduced some favorite family recipes from 2008. “Grandma Betty’s meat sauce is back by popular demand, also the homemade sausage sandwich,” she said. “We are also making fresh, six-ounce burger patties and fresh-cut fries, which are a lot of work.” Despite rising food prices everywhere, Barlow said “Scarlotta’s prices are very fair.” “We have had amazing support from the community and these past six weeks have been overwhelming,” she said. “I haven’t had time to think about what’s ahead for the car hop,. We’re going to keep doing the best we can.” Visit Scarlotta’s Car-Hop, open daily at 45 Quaker Street in Granville.

Well Child

Continued From Page 12

Glens Falls Area Restaurants 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.

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.

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.

Birch Bark Eatery

Glens Falls, NY Birch Bark Eatery offers a wide variety of soups, sandwiches, burgers, salads, and baked goods - and it’s all 100% plant-based. They also offer catering!

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.

The Silo Restaurant

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

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.

determine needs in their particular school community. Seale said she has also contracted to consult with BOCES students and that several projects are in earlier stages. One big challenge, though, is “wearing the multiple hats of a business owner.” “I provide and run a business of three other practitioners now, oversee the financials and have responsibilities that someone else used to handle,” said Seale. “But I was willing to take it on to create something to mold into what I thought a

Doc’s Restaurant

Glens Falls, NY Doc’s Restaurant is an upscale restaurant and cocktail bar in the historic Park Theater in Glens Falls, NY. They offer a delicious modern take on classic dishes, along with a hand-picked selection of wines, craft beers, and creative cocktails!

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.

practice should be, which is to help children in achieving mental wellness,” she said. “The future looks bright for what we’re doing,. We are making a dent in the support and education of mental wellness locally when nationally there is a struggle to fill these needs.” Visit wellchild.info for more information about services and accepted insurances and to access the blog. To register for classes or make an appointment, call Well Child Pediatric Psychiatric Services at (518) 480-4002.

The Grateful Den

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 View Restaurant at Dunham’s Bay Resort

Lake George, NY The View Restaurant at Dunham’s Bay Resort in Lake George offers a front-row seat of its namesake bay and an expertly crafted menu that changes with the seasons.

Fenimore’s Pub

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

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022 • 15

Building Trades Continued From Page 8

The five-year, state-certified program combines on-the-job training with more intense classroom instruction. In order to attract members, IBEW attends job fairs and partners with local school and BOCES programs. Local BOCES program graduates are in high demand at IBEW and other unions as companies throughout the region. According to WSWHE BOCES Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Programs Nancy DeStefano, they are devoting considerable resources to promoting the trades among high school students. Their efforts are paying off, and they saw a 10 to 12 percent increase in the number of applications they received this year. Applications are required for students to attend one of their numerous programs. “This is the highest number we have seen in three or four years,” she said. “With that said, it’s important to remember that our student population is decreasing in the region, so we have lower numbers to pull from.” She attributes the increased demand to a variety of factors. “We have done a better job of marketing, and I think the business and the trades have combined their efforts along with us to bring about a greater awareness of what is available in the skilled trades and what opportunities there are for students to start off with solid, well-paying positions with growth opportunities,” she said. As part of their efforts, BOCES has partnered with numerous businesses on promoting CTE (career and technical education). Partners are too numerous to list but include Saratoga Builder’s Association, Curtis Lumber, DA Collins, Fort Miller Corp. and Saratoga Honda. WSWHE is also involved in initiatives to attract more women to the trades. Women make up only about 3 percent of the skilled trade workforce. As part of their efforts, WSWHE produced a video entitled Women in Trades: Empower Your Future that can be viewed on their web site. “We are working towards bringing about greater awareness to students and parents about skilled trades,” said DeStefano. “We have really made a conscientious effort in our marketing during the

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last three years. We have revised our marketing materials to try and attract more students. We also run TV and radio ads to help parents gain a better understanding.” • • DeStefano agrees with Martell that more parWe’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600. ents see the trades as viable career paths for their children. Q) “I think parents have a better� understanding of 0 Q) ts that students what the trades are and the benefi � and entering rJ) can have by attending a CT program Q) directly into a trade field.” rJ) According to a recent survey conducted by 3 0 Group, 80 percent of high StrataTech Education rJ) ..c:: held a positive view of a career school respondents rJ) 0 percent felt that "i More thanz <trades. in the skilled 60 '"d '"d ...__, vocational/trade schools offer more value when compared to� public collegeQ,counterparts. 0their � 1-, ::s i:::l. i:::l.trade workforce in the region As the skilled � i:::l. continues to < as more and more workers <decline reach retirement age, BOCES00will continue to work to attract more students to their programs. -, “We’re headed down the right path to address some of the areas of need in the region,” said DeStefano. “We work with school counselors from our component district on what programs are available for students, and we get feedback from the field. We will continue to do marketing and advertising and continue to partner with businesses on continuing that greater awareness. We will have invitations for younger students in + middle school and early high school to come and visit our programs to pique their interest. Until you see what goes on in a CTE center, you have trouble imagining what it is like. For example, our auto tech labs have four bays with all of the stateof-the-art equipment you see in any car dealership automotive repair shop.” Of WSWHE’s 17 state-approved two-year programs, the heavy equipment and diesel mechanic programs are the most popular. Environmental conservation & forestry and culinary arts are among the diverse list of offerings. “We are a larger BOCES, so we have more programs than a lot of the other BOCES around Strong Financials & the state. All of our programs are strong, and our Newly Refurbished students get very valuable internship programs in their second year,” said DeStefano. “A lot of those Please Check Over Your Proof internships lead to paid work at the endand of mistakes the Sometimes miscommunications can cause an incorrect ad. So please check it over thoroughly- the logo, phone number and address. If you program. For whoorare uncertain what anystudents corrections changes you of may make them on the proof and fax it back. Ifyour ad is not to your satisfaction then we will do our best to make sure i they want to do, CTE program are something they P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 • (518) 581-0600 • Fax (518) 430-3020 should be looking at.”

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16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JUNE 2022

Two Area Solar Energy And Storage Projects Get Funding From New York State Budget New York state has awarded funds for 22 large-scale solar and energy storage projects it says will deliver enough clean, affordable energy to power over 620,000 New York homes for at least 20 years. Of five awards in the Capital Region, two were local, including:

• Fort Edward Solar Farm, where Fort Edward Solar LLC, a Boralex affiliate, will build a 100-megawatt solar facility in the towns of Fort Edward and Argyle, Washington County. • Easton Solar Farm, where Easton Solar LLC, a Boralex affiliate, will build a 20-megawatt solar facility in the town of Easton, Washington

County. As the state’s largest land-based renewable energy procurement to date, these projects will spur over $2.7 billion in private investment and create over 3,000 short- and long-term jobs across the state, officials said. The awards accelerate progress to exceed New York’s goal to obtain 70 percent of the state’s electricity from renewable sources by 2030 on the path to a zeroemission grid by 2040 as required by Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act. Officials said these awards will strengthen the

state’s current pipeline of renewables to power over 66 percent of New York’s electricity from renewable sources. The investments “will put us on a path to making New York a greener place to live while also creating new jobs and spurring economic development,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “These projects will allow us to not just meet but exceed our goal of obtaining 70 percent of our electricity from renewable resources and will further cement New York as a national leader in the fight against climate change.”

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