Queensbury Plaza Adds Three New Businesses As Leasing Momentum Builds
BY PAUL POST
Three new firms are coming to Queensbury Plaza on Upper Glen Street, triggering interest from other retailers that could fill the site’s remaining vacancies.
Construction is underway for a 7 Brew drivethrough-only coffee kiosk, a Burlington clothing store will occupy the former Joann Fabrics and Crafts space, and a Mexican restaurant, Mi Rancho Alegre, is taking over the former Red Lobster site.
“The business climate in Queensbury is quite strong right now,” said Michael Palumbo, chief operating officer of Rochester-based Flaum Management Co., the plaza’s owner. “Tourism in that area seems to be growing, driving traffic up there. That’s what is prompting these tenants to be looking for new locations. I think our shop-
ping center is probably the most well-positioned in Queensbury.”
“We’ve got some other nationals looking at the plaza now, so we’re working on a couple deals for the last few vacancies,” he said. “Having the right mix of tenants, visibility and positioning — all of these things go into site selection by nationals and even the regionals.”
7 Brew and Burlington are expected to open by early summer, with Mi Rancho Alegre coming online around Labor Day. The three firms combined are expected to create at least 40 new jobs.
Arkansas-based 7 Brew, founded in 2017, is one of the country’s fastest-growing drivethrough beverage brands, featuring items such as coffees, shakes, smoothies, teas, fizzy sodas,
Continued On Page 9
Siena Research Institute Reports New York Consumer Sentiment Lowest Since 2022
The New York State Index of Consumer Sentiment fell to 65.6 in the first quarter, down 3.2 points from the fourth quarter of 2025, according to the Siena Research Institute. The reading is the state’s lowest since June 2022.
Siena said New York sentiment remains above the national index of 53.3, which rose 0.4 points. New York’s current index slipped 0.4 points to 63.3, while the measure of future expectations dropped 4.8 points to 67.2. Siena said future confidence in New York is at its lowest level since October 2013 and that the overall index has been below the breakeven point of balanced optimism and pessimism for five straight quarters.
“While the national Index of Consumer Sentiment rose slightly, mostly driven by the sharp increase in the current sentiment, New York’s overall Index dropped by 3.2 points,” according to Travis Brodbeck, SRI’s Associate Director of Data Management.
“In New York, the drop in the Index is driven by the steep decline in future confidence, the Index of Consumer Expectations, which is at its lowest point since October of 2013. Both in New York and nationally, there was at least a 2.9-point drop in future confidence. In New York, confidence in the future dropped across all demographic groups with the most dramatic decline among Republicans dropping 14.1 points to 74.9.”
Siena said buying plans were mostly un-
Log
Jam Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years Of Consistency And Economic Impact
BY STAFF WRITER
For 50 years, consistent management and operations have made The Log Jam Restaurant a landmark destination restaurant and steady economic contributor in one of New York’s most seasonal tourism markets.
“My biggest thing is consistency,” said Tony Grecco, who has spent nearly four decades with the business and more than 30 years in a management role. “I want people to know when they come, what they’re going to get, and it’s going to be the same every time.”
That consistency has translated into scale. The restaurant seats approximately 250 guests and, during peak August demand, turns tables three times per night while averaging about 600 dinners.
Lunch service adds another 300 to 400 customers daily, bringing total volume to between 800 and
1,000 patrons on a typical summer day.
The menu remains rooted in steakhouse tradition, with custom-cut steaks prepared in-house alongside seafood and fish offerings. That consistent approach to quality, combined with the restaurant’s signature salad bar, has helped define its identity for generations of customers.
In a tourism-driven market like Lake George, where seasonal fluctuations can challenge staffing, pricing and operations, that level of sustained volume carries broader economic implications.
The Log Jam supports a workforce of roughly 100 to 130 employees during peak periods, with a core group of about 50 to 60 returning year after year. Many have been with the restaurant for 15, 20 or even 25 years, including kitchen staff, dishwashers and front-of-house employees. The business
Continued On Page 11
Downtown Glens Falls Liquor Store Opens After Lengthy Licensing Process
changed. Intentions to buy a home fell 1.0 percentage point to 9.9%. Plans to buy a car or truck declined 0.7 percentage point to 18.3%, and major home improvement plans edged down to 22.1%. Plans to buy consumer electronics rose to 41.6%, and plans to purchase furniture increased 5.6 percentage points to 30.1%.
Siena reported that 79% of New Yorkers said food costs were having a very or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition, and 51% said the same about gasoline prices, up five points from last quarter. Utilities were cited as a very or somewhat serious impact by 75%, up five points.
“Gas prices are up and so is the number of New Yorkers who say that gas prices are having a serious impact on their financial condition”, Brodbeck said. “To ensure we are capturing the evolving situation impacting the budgets of New Yorkers, we took two additional measurements on the seriousness of gas prices. First, we conducted an online poll of 389 state residents in late March and found that 70% say that gas prices are seriously impacting their financial condition. In our survey of New York’s registered voters released earlier this week, 64% of voters said that gas prices are having a somewhat or very serious impact on their financial condition. The trend from these three measurements shows that as geopolit-
BY CAROL ANN CONOVER
Tim Ortiz spent four years, a small fortune in rent and a detour through the state Legislature before he finally made his first sale at Glens Falls Liquor, the downtown storefront he had long envisioned filling a conspicuous gap in the city’s retail landscape.
Ortiz, a musician and longtime resident of downtown Glens Falls, opened the shop on Glen Street in early March 2026 after signing a lease in July 2024 and paying full rent every month through a protracted licensing process. The store occupies a small, carefully curated space, where Ortiz said he deliberately chose not to expand into a larger adjacent unit.
“I wanted to open a business in Glens Falls since I live downtown, and I started thinking about what the area didn’t have yet,” Ortiz said. “What it didn’t have was a place to buy a bottle of wine or liquor downtown.”
The idea came to him after late nights playing gigs. The nearest option, he said, was a drive to another local store just outside town.
“Literally one night well, a few nights, I wanted to get a bottle of something after a gig, but everything around was closed,” he said. “So I thought, there should be a liquor store here. Why don’t we have a small liquor store?”
the State Liquor Authority initially denied his application over a proximity is-
He filed for the DBA “Glens Falls Liquor” four years ago. What he did not anticipate was that the licensing process would require an act of the state Legislature. After
Tim Ortiz poses inside Glens Falls Liquor, his new downtown shop on Glen Street. Glens Falls Business Journal
Construction is underway on a new 7 Brew drive-thru coffee kiosk at Queensbury Plaza on Upper Glen Street, one of three businesses set to join the shopping center as leasing activity builds.
The Log Jam Restaurant Rt. 9-149 in Lake George marks 50 years as a landmark dining destination, with steady operations and a long role in the region’s seasonal hospitality economy.
Business / Personnel Briefs
NBT Bank announced that Tesha Mihaly has joined the company as Vice President and Mortgage Loan Originator, serving customers throughout the North Country region.
Mihaly will guide borrowers through the home financing process, reviewing financial profiles, explaining mortgage options and supporting customers from application through closing. She will work with NBT Bank’s home lending operations team.
A lifelong member of the Bolton Landing community, Mihaly brings more than 16 years of mortgage experience in the North Country. Prior to joining NBT Bank, she served as a Residential Mortgage Officer at Arrow Financial Corporation.
Mihaly serves on the Board of Directors for Pine Knolls Alliance Church, the Wiawaka Center for Women and the Children’s Committee of Warren County.
NBT Bank and its parent company, NBT Bancorp Inc., are headquartered in Norwich, NY. NBT Bancorp had assets of $16 billion as of Dec. 31, 2025, and trades on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol NBTB. Member FDIC.
Provided by NBT Bank; edited for style and length.
The Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health will honor Sybil Newell , chief executive officer of RISE Housing and Support Services, as its 2026
Citizen of the Year at the Annual Mental Health Matters Benefit on Saturday, April 18, 2026, at the Saratoga-Wilton Elks Lodge.
Newell is being recognized for her commitment to strengthening mental health services and expanding access to supportive housing across Saratoga County. She has worked with individuals facing homelessness, mental illness and substance use challenges.
Since becoming executive leader at RISE in 2016, Newell has overseen growth in programs, community partnerships and housing efforts that serve hundreds of people each year. She has also worked in direct mental health support and held roles in frontline services and state government before returning to lead RISE.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Skidmore College and a master’s degree in Community Psychology from Sage Graduate School.
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by the Saratoga County Citizens Committee for Mental Health,” said Newell. “This work has always been about the people we serve and the belief that everyone deserves stability, dignity, and the opportunity to rebuild. I’m proud to be part of a community that continues to come together to support mental health and housing solutions.”
The Annual Mental Health Matters Benefit brings together community members, advocates and service providers to raise awareness and support for local mental health initiatives. More information and event registration are available at https://www.scccmh-saratoga.org/general-news/2026-mental-health-mattersbenefit. Information about RISE is available at https://www.riseservices.org/.
Provided by RISE Housing & Support Services; edited for style and length
ADKX Celebrates Hochschild Honorees At July 25 Benefit Gala In Blue Mountain Lake
Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX) will hold its annual Benefit Gala and Harold K. Hochschild Award ceremony Saturday, July 25, from 5 to 9 p.m. at the museum in Blue Mountain Lake, New York. The fundraiser highlights the museum’s service to Adirondack communities and honors its annual Hochschild Award recipient.
The 2026 recipients are Dick Beamish and Adirondack Explorer Magazine. The award honors the museum’s founder, Harold K. Hochschild, whose interest in the Adirondacks and its people and environment helped inspire the museum and the creation of the Adirondack Park Agency.
For more than five decades, Beamish has advocated for the Adirondack Park. A longtime summer visitor to the region, he became the first communications director of the Adirondack Park Agency in 1972 and traveled the state to explain the need for planning and protection. His accounts of the agency’s early years are preserved in the ADKX archives as part of an oral history collection donated by author Brad Edmondson.
Beamish launched Adirondack Explorer in 1998 as a nonprofit news magazine covering the park’s natural and human communities. Its mission: “to inform and influence, to identify problems and solutions, to help shape public opinion and policy.”
ADKX Trustee Nancy Keet said, “Dick Beamish’s vision and unwavering commitment have strengthened understanding of the Adirondacks for generations, and Adirondack Explorer continues that vital work every day. Their dedication to thoughtful dialogue, environmental stewardship, and community storytelling reflects the very ideals Harold Hochschild championed. We are honored to recognize Dick and the Explorer with this year’s award, and we look forward to celebrat-
Seina Research
Continued From Page 1
ical events unfold, New Yorkers are saying that they feel the pain at the pump.”
Siena said 51% of New Yorkers described their utility bills, including heating and electricity, as not too or not at all affordable, compared with 46% who said the bills were very or somewhat affordable. Siena said 55% reported
ing their extraordinary impact at the 2026 Gala.”
ADKX Executive Director David Kahn said, “We are grateful for Dick Beamish and Adirondack Explorer’s decades of dedication to the Adirondack Park. Their commitment to thoughtful reporting and community engagement has made a lasting difference, and we’re delighted to honor them at this year’s Gala.”
Tickets and contributions are available through the ADKX website.
Provided by Adirondack Experience, The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake (ADKX); edited for style and length.
keeping their thermostat lower or higher than comfortable because of utility costs, 34% paid a utility bill late or paid only a partial amount, 29% borrowed money or took on debt, and 17% contacted a local official.
The Siena University Poll was conducted March 3-14, 2026, among 810 New York State residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.6 percentage points. Visit www.siena.edu/sri/cci.
Provided by Siena Research Institute; edited for style and length.
Dick Beamish, founder of Adirondack Explorer, is pictured as a 2026 Hochschild honoree.
NYS Bans Employment Credit Checks
BY AMANDA SMITH, ESQ.
With “little to no evidence” indicating a correlation between credit history and job performance, a new law will ban employers, labor organizations or employment agencies from conducting consumer credit checks on employees or potential new hires.
Employment Consumer Credit Checks
In today’s job market, the majority of large employers use credit checks as part of their hiring process and in how they treat their existing employees, the bill’s text states, adding that in addition to lacking any such meaningful correlation, a Federal Trade Commission study indicates that as many as one in four consumers may have a “material error” in their credit report.
Signed into law by Gov. Kathy Hochul, the text of the bill states that because millions of Americans have errors in their credit reports, it puts them in a lower credit risk tier, whether they are aware of any errors or not. Many New Yorkers, through no fault of their own, have less than ideal credit histories that may stem from issues completely unrelated to their job performance or capabilities, making them disadvantaged because employers are using credit reports to determine if they are worthy of a job or a promotion, according to the bill.
Further, the bill states that there is “little to no evidence that shows a correlation between credit history and job performance.”
No More Consumer Credit Checks for Employees, Prospective New Hires in New York State
Effective April 18, 2026, New York state will not allow employers, labor organizations or employment agencies to conduct consumer credit checks on most employees or potential new hires.
The new law will prohibit an employer or potential employer from using a job applicant or employee’s consumer credit report in his or her decision to:
• hire;
• terminate;
• promote;
• demote;
• discipline;
• compensate; or
• set the terms, conditions, or privileges of employment.
What Employers Need to Know
Once seen as a litmus test for an employee’s potential responsibility or trustworthiness, credit history may now be identified as a potential source of bias. The law, however, creates a new avenue for employment discrimination claims if credit history is requested or used improperly.
Therefore, employers should be aware that the new law bans credit checks for employees and potential employees, amending New York’s General Business Law to substantially restrict the use of an applicant’s or employee’s credit history in employment decisions, unless they fall within
a handful of narrowly defined exceptions.
Except for specific exemptions, employers may not request or use credit history when making hiring, compensation or employmentcondition decisions for most employees or job applicants. According to the bill, exceptions may include:
• police officers or peace officers;
• positions requiring bonding or security clearance;
• high-trust financial roles;
• roles involving regular access to trade secrets;
• persons in a position having signatory authority over third-party funds or assets valued at 10,000 or more or that involve a fiduciary responsibility to the employer with the authority to enter financial agreements valued at $10,000 or more on behalf of the employer;
• persons in a position with regular duties that allow the employee to modify digital security systems established to prevent the unauthorized use of the employer’s or client’s networks or databases.
Employers should not underestimate the scope of this change, and be aware of the new law limiting credit checks on employees and applicants, and also have an understanding about which positions may qualify for exemption from the new law. What was once a routine part of background checks is now largely off-limits, and missteps could carry legal consequences.
A knowledgeable employment attorney can help you gain an understanding of the unique difficulties each workplace conflict presents and work toward a solution that benefits you.
Adirondack Thunder Faces Lions In Crucial Fan Appreciation Weekend Series
BY PAUL POST
Playoff-bound Adirondack Thunder had a franchise-record 18 sellout crowds this year, with one home game left heading into the regular season’s final weekend, April 17-19.
A three-game attendance mark of 15,375 was set during the Friday-to-Sunday, March 2729, weekend, surpassing the previous record of 14,869.
That was followed by back-to-back crowds of 5,231 and 4,851 on Saturday and Sunday, April 11-12, for an incredible five straight sellouts at the 4,800-seat Harding Mazzotti Arena.
“It’s amazing, how great the fan support is for such a small community,” Thunder President Jeff Mead said. “It’s pretty unbelievable when half your home games are sell-outs.”
The Thunder drew 156,316 fans, averaging 4,466 per game, or 93 percent of the arena’s capacity, with one home game left in the regular season on Friday, April 17.
“These fans are passionate,” Coach Sylvain Cloutier said. “They love the game. There’s no place like it in minor hockey. They come out and support us every weekend. They’re the best.”
Forward Matt Salhany said Kalamazoo’s Matt Knuble couldn’t believe the large crowd that showed up for the game on Sunday, March 29, because attendance for Sunday afternoon games is usually much lighter at most arenas, especially when a big crowd turned out the night before.
“When he lined up opposite me, he looked around and said, ‘This is incredible’,” Salhany said.
The Thunder will play either Wheeling or Maine in the first round of the playoffs, depending on where they finish in the standings. Every series is best-of-seven. Regardless of the opponent, Games 1 and 2 will be on the road Saturday and Sunday, April 25 and 26.
Games 3, 4 and 5, if necessary, will be at home on Wednesday, April 29, and Friday and Saturday, May 1 and 2. Games 6 and 7 would be on the road again, if needed.
The Thunder entered the final weekend in
fourth place with three games left, one point behind Reading, which had just two games remaining.
If Adirondack passes Reading and finishes third, it will face the second-place Maine Mariners in the first round. Otherwise, it will play North Division champion Wheeling.
The Thunder fared much better against Maine, going 10-2-2-1, than against Wheeling, where they went 1-3, this year.
“The Mariners play a heavy, physical style game, similar to ours,” Cloutier said. “Wheeling plays a more wide-open game, relying a great deal on their goalie.”
“Whoever we play it’s going to be tough,” he said. “But anything can happen in the playoffs. Wherever we start, I like our chances.”
But there’s no question Adirondack struggled down the stretch.
Since Feb. 27, when it was in first place, the
Adirondack Thunder players celebrate during a regular-season home game in Glens Falls.
Courtesy Adirondack Thunder
A Partner at Tully Rinckey PLLC, Amanda focuses on Employment and Labor Law.
Courtesy Tully Rinckey, PLLC
Moreau Commons Revitalizes Former Auto Site Into New Business Destination
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BY ANN DONNELLY
After sitting vacant for 12 years, the prominent property at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 197, formerly home to Suzuki and Auto World, is seeing new life as Moreau Commons. Th is high-traffic site, north of Northway Exit 17, sits at a strategic “gateway” to the town of Moreau, South Glens Falls and Vermont, serving as a visual anchor for the community. An estimated 32,000 cars pass through the intersection daily, making the revitalized hub a focal point for the Route 9 corridor.
The site has a deep historical footprint before being reimagined by developers Ben Alden and Brian McKenzie, owners of Executive Property Services. McKenzie said the building’s evolution was gradual over several decades, with the original structure serving as a gas station that was eventually built around as the business grew. It later transitioned to an RV business and eventually became Auto World, selling cars and motorcycles, before falling into disuse for more than a decade.
The project began when Alden, also the owner of Platinum Protective Coatings, searched for a new location to expand his business, which specializes in accessories and spray-on truck bed liners such as Patriot Liner. Partnering with McKenzie — a builder with extensive experience in steel framing and drywall — the duo chose to rehabilitate the existing structure rather than pursue costly new construction. McKenzie, who hand-crafted the building’s identity through custom metal fabrication and design, said that despite years of neglect and water damage, the property had “good bones”.
The extensive renovation involved stripping the building to its “skeleton” to fi x structural damage, rewire the entire space and install new sheetrock throughout the interior. Alden credited McKenzie with the creative execution of the space, noting that the building’s unique aesthetic comes entirely from McKenzie’s vision. McKenzie handled the intricate fabrication, from the brass lobby signage to the custom lighting and metal prints in the barbershop.
As public interest grew during development, the owners pivoted from their origi-
nal plan to create a multitenant “destination place” designed for community synergy. Alden emphasized the need for flexibility in the development process, noting that a broader move was ultimately better for the town’s growth. Th is strategy allows customers to benefit from multiple businesses in one visit. For example, the shared lobby allows clients waiting for an appointment at Upstate Barber Co. or Salon V to step into the common area to grab a coffee or a bagel from Stinky’s Coffee, which all moved into the development in December 2025.
In March, ADKtechs, a B2B technology company, moved into its newly developed two-floor offices, and Alden and McKenzie continue to seek businesses to fi ll the remaining one or two available spaces. They are selectively looking for businesses that will “jive” with the existing group to create a complete destination.
The success of Moreau Commons is rooted in a relentless work ethic the owners call “the grind”. Best friends for years, Alden and McKenzie credit their success to mutual trust and a willingness to communicate openly. They maintain the property themselves, doing the unglamorous work required to keep the hub running, including plowing the parking lot together at 4 a.m.
The partners offered advice to the next generation of business owners, stressing the importance of capital and resilience. McKenzie emphasized the value of early sacrifice, noting his father’s advice to save money when young to remove fi nancial worry later. Alden said entrepreneurs must be ready for their vision to shift as they grow. They suggest always having a “Plan B,” or even a “C” and “D,” in case projects do not go as expected.
While they continue to look for fi nal tenants who will “jive” with the existing group, Alden is also searching for a new home for his coatings business, keeping the door open for the duo’s next development. McKenzie remains the creative force behind the physical aesthetic, and Alden continues to look to his partner’s ability to create and build. Together, they have turned a 12-year vacancy into a gateway to opportunity for the people of Moreau.
Moreau Commons now occupies the former Auto World property on Route 9 in Moreau, transforming a long-vacant site into a new multitenant destination for businesses at a prominent gateway location.
Ann Donnelly Photo
Marine Technology Program Launches Workforce Pipeline For Boating Industry
BY PAUL POST
From Schroon Lake to the Mohawk River, thousands of boat owners hit the region’s waterways for outdoor summer fun each year.
But keeping craft in good operating condition can be a challenge.
The first five graduates of a new Marine Technology Program, designed specifically for adults, were recognized during the recent Great Upstate Boat Show at Afrim’s Sports Complex in Queensbury.
“Completing this program is a milestone and we’re excited to recognize the growth, accomplishment and potential each of you has demonstrated,” said Michelle Stockwell, Employment Training for Adults administrator. “This achievement reflects not only on your hard work and dedication, but also your commitment to learning valuable skills that will hopefully open doors in the marine industry. Over the course this program you have gained hands-on experience, developed technical expertise and built the confidence to take the next step in your ca-
reers.”
The 145-hour course, held evenings at the BOCES Southern Adirondack Education Center in Kingsbury, trained participants to become entry-level marine service technicians, learning skills such as basic electrical, basic engine theory, seasonal boat preparation, shrink-wrapping, safety, trailering and trailer repair.
The graduates, taught by instructor Brian Foster, are Jon Valastro, Nathan Winslow, Steve Mittler, Tannery Kennedy and Svitozar Zakhariia from Ukraine. Stockwell presented each one with certificates.
“The marine business is a cornerstone of our local economy,” said Joel Holden, Eastern New York Marine Trades Association executive director. “We have tens of thousands of boats in our backyard. They all need to be maintained properly, for safety purposes as well as enjoyment. This is a gateway to getting that done.”
Holden said he is hopeful the new marine trades course will have the same positive results as a similar apprentice program of-
Arrow Family Of Companies Invests $1.05M In 2025 Giving, Expands Volunteer Impact
The Arrow Family of Companies said its 2025 community giving totaled $1,054,048, the fi rst time it exceeded $1 million in annual donations. The total includes $931,360 in corporate contributions to 424 organizations and $122,688 in employee contributions.
Arrow said 330 employees, representing 57% of its workforce, volunteered 13,705 hours with community organizations, up 13% from 2024. The company said it supported 694 organizations through donations and volunteer service and has donated more than $4.3 million in the last seven years.
Nearly half of Arrow’s giving in 2025 was Community Reinvestment Act eligible, supporting initiatives focused on fi nancial
empowerment, housing stability, workforce and regional economic development, arts and culture, health care and basic community needs.
Arrow said its Th ankful Campaign directed $100,000 to after-school and mentoring programs. In the fourth quarter, it distributed an additional $38,000 through its branch network to local food pantries following disruptions in SNAP benefit payments.
Arrow Financial Corp. is headquartered in Glens Falls, New York, and is the parent of Arrow Bank National Association and Upstate Agency, LLC.
Provided by Arrow Family of Companies; edited for style and length.
fered by UA Local 773 Plumbers & Steamfitters.
A second course for prospective marine trades workers is planned in October.
“We are an aqua-related tourist economy,” state Sen. Dan Stec said. “That’s a lot of boats. It also means a lot of parts and hopefully things that don’t go bump in the night. But when they do, it’s very expensive. So having people who know how to take care of things, maintain things, put them back on the water correctly is very important.”
“It’s great to see when our educational institutions and industry come together to address a need that’s hopefully going to make everyone’s boat owning and operating experience more positive,” he said.
Assemblyman Matt Simpson said, “This is a prime example of why it’s important to invest in the BOCES program. They’re training our workforce right here that we need locally.”
Employment Training for Adults is a division of BOCES and offers programs for people seeking careers in fields such as law and public safety, manufacturing, technology, health care, construction, business management and transportation.
Stockwell credited the Marine Trades Association, Saratoga Economic Development Corp. and the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board for their support in helping make the new course possible.
“Starting a program from scratch is never easy,” she said. “But with the guidance of industry experts and the commitment of our partners, it became a shared effort that is both achievable and meaningful. Together we have built a program that not only trains students, but develops our local workforce, ensuring the marine industry has skilled professionals for years to come.”
Stockwell said Foster’s guidance and dedication as instructor were essential to the program’s success. “He inspired students to strive for excellence,” she said.
“Students, congratulations!” Stockwell said. “You should be proud of the effort, dedication and skills you’ve developed throughout this program.”
Thousands of people visited the fourday boat show, held Thursday, March 26, to Sunday, March 29. Twenty dealers were represented in addition to several lifestyle vendors.
The New York State Canal Corp. had a booth encouraging boaters to travel its 524mile system, including the Erie and Champlain canals.
Glenn Kelsey, co-owner of Queensburybased Dax Powersports, said the new adult marine trades course is a much-needed program.
“We don’t care how old a person is if they want to work and learn,” he said. “Sometimes maturity is a good thing because they’re a little more centered on what they want to do.”
Kelsey said the trades offer rewarding, good-paying jobs in many fields that students, parents and school officials sometimes overlook or do not realize.
Dax Powersports is a year-round business that sells and services Jet Ski-type watercraft, snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles.
“I’ve owned the business jointly for 23 years and we’ve never laid an employee off in all those years,” Kelsey said. “It’s a nice clean job because you’re dealing mostly with new products. BOCES has been a funnel for us. We take on kids in a work program while they’re still studying. It’s a great gateway for them to come into the business.”
“We get a lot of new machines that aren’t fully built or set up, so entry-level technicians deal with used, refurbishment and building new,” he said. “It’s a really great way for them to get hands-on experience, dealing with all the equipment and ancillary things that go with the process like operating a forklift.”
The new adult marine trades course gives Dax Powersports and many other employers a new source for hiring much-needed workers.
“We’re looking into that avenue for sure,” Kelsey said.
For more information about Employment Training for Adults, visit www.etaprogram. org.
Graduates of a new adult Marine Technology course pose with instructor Brian Foster. From left are Svitozar Zakhariia, Jon Valastro, Nathan Winslow, Foster, Steve Mittler and Tannery Kennedy. Paul Post Photo
Entrepreneurship
Capital Region SBDC Provides Free Support For Small Businesses At Every Stage
BY CAROL ANN CONOVER
Whether drafting a first business plan, breaking into a new market or handing off a company built over decades, business owners can get help from the Capital Region Small Business Development Center. The service is free, with no time limit and no agenda.
“We have no agenda, we have nothing to push, we have nothing to sell,” said Greg Chanese, assistant director of the Capital Region SBDC. “So, at the end of the day, we’re just here to support you as a small business.”
The SBDC is a national program funded by the U.S. Small Business Administration. It distributes money to every state. In New York, that funding goes through the State University of New York system. The Capital Region center is housed at the University at Albany under the Massry School of Business. There are 20 SBDC centers in New York, and the program has operated for more than 40 years.
Chanese, who has been with the center for six years, said the Capital Region office serves between 1,000 and 1,300 businesses annually. The center currently has four full-time advisers; Chanese also carries an advisory caseload as part of his role as assistant director and said he hopes to bring on a fifth full-time adviser in the near future.
Services are available at every stage of a business’s life. The center’s support reaches well beyond startups. Aspiring entrepreneurs can get help with business plans, financial projections or testing an idea’s merit. Established businesses can work with advisers on expansion, refining operations or pivoting to a new model. When it’s time to step away, the center helps owners prepare for a sale or buyers structure an acquisition.
“There’s really no stage of a small business where we can’t assist,” Chanese said.
One long-standing client has worked with the center for 20 years. Chanese said continuity is common, and the center does not limit the number of meetings or set timelines for client relationships.
“We’re here to help you for as long as you need our help,” he said.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of the service. Chanese said client information, business ideas and financials do not leave the office, which he described as important for entrepreneurs who may be protective of a new concept.
“One of the things that we like to do is not usually be out in front,” he said. “It’s the business that should be out in front.”
The center uses an honest assessment approach, even for business ideas that may not be viable. Because the SBDC does not charge for its services, advisers can give candid feedback. This includes steering someone away from a potentially costly path.
“Being able to talk to somebody openly and honestly about that to save them the time, energy, effort, and sometimes funds of making a poor decision... is better than saying, ‘ No, let’s go, let’s make this happen,” Chanese said. “The worst thing that we think could happen is to have somebody get a loan but not be able to pay that back because the business wasn’t viable.”
Beyond one-on-one advising, the center offers educational workshops and training sessions on topics ranging from business accounting and marketing to artificial intelligence and startup basics. Sessions are available both in person and online. Training offered by all 20 statewide centers is available at nysbdc.org.
The SBDC is also an approved resource for New York state’s Self-Employment Assistance Program, or SEAP, which supports unemployed residents looking to start a business. SEAP participants must complete sessions with a qualified business counselor, which the SBDC provides.
The center’s service area covers approximately 8,000 square miles, stretching from Warren and Washington counties in the north to Columbia and Greene counties in the south, east to the Vermont and Massachusetts borders, and west through Fulton, Montgomery and parts of Schoharie County. Meetings are available in person at satellite locations throughout the territory and virtually via Zoom.
Research support is another resource available to SBDC clients. Chanese, a University at Albany employee, can access the
Mannix Marketing Marks 30 Years Of Digital Growth And Regional Impact
BY STAFF WRITER
In 1996, as most businesses were only starting to consider websites, Sara Mannix was already asking how to get found online. The uncertainty of the digital world gave Mannix a unique chance.
Now in its 30th year, Mannix Marketing is known as one of the Capital Region’s top digital marketing fi rms. The company stands out by offering full-service digital marketing and owning popular regional media sites. Th is approach gives Mannix Marketing an edge and helps it stay relevant serving 1,500 clients and a staff of about 30 employees.
Sara Mannix built her foundation for entrepreneurship before the internet became widespread. She graduated summa cum laude from the University at Albany with a double major and spent two years studying in Spain and Italy.
After graduating, she moved to New York City and had to choose between two very different career paths.
“I had two job offers: to work in the stock market or at a fashion house as their marketing and PR person,” Mannix said. “Knowing I couldn’t work in the stock exchange upstate, I took the marketing job and fell in love with marketing.”
When she returned to the area, Mannix worked at West Mountain Ski Area and later at Fort William Henry Corp. in Lake George. It was during this time in the mid-1990s that she fi rst discovered the internet.
“In 1995, the internet was just becoming a thing, and I worked with an agency to build my fi rst website,” she said. “I asked them, ‘How do you get us found in the search engines AltaVista, Excite, and WebCrawler?’ They said, ‘Nobody knows how to do that; that’s up to you.’”
Mannix took the challenge seriously. Soon, Fort William Henry was showing up at or near the top of search results for terms like “Lake George hotels,” “Lake George motels,” and “Lake George lodging.”
“And people from other businesses started calling me and asking if I could help them get found as well,” she said. “Th at is how Mannix Marketing started.”
Starting an internet business in the mid1990s was a big risk.
“When I told people I was leaving my job to start my own business on the internet, they told me it was a fad,” Mannix said. “They said I shouldn’t throw away a good career for something that may not exist in a few years.”
Even though people doubted her, she moved forward. Th at choice ended up shaping the company’s future.
Once the company was established, it grew beyond just serving clients and started building its own regional websites. These sites were fi rst made to promote local destinations and share information, but they have since become popular platforms for both residents and visitors.
Mannix Marketing runs two main businesses. The agency side helps clients with search engine optimization, website development, and digital strategy. The company also owns a group of regional websites, including Saratoga.com, Albany.com, GlensFalls.com, CliftonPark.com, LakeGeorge. com, and Adirondack.net, that attract millions of visitors each year.
Th is model helps local businesses get better search visibility and appear on regional sites that reach targeted audiences. It also supports tourism in places like Saratoga Springs and Lake George, where fi nding information online is important for destination travel planning.
As technology changed, Mannix went from being hands-on to leading the company through different stages, including early search engines, mobile technology, social media, and now artificial intelligence.
Th roughout all these changes, the company’s main focus has stayed the same.
“At the end of the day, it’s still about helping businesses get found,” Mannix said.
Th at idea, along with Mannix’s readiness to make bold moves in a new field, has shaped the company’s path. What started
Sara Mannix, founder and CEO of Mannix Marketing, leads the award-winning digital agency. Couresy Mannix Marketing
REALIZE Brokers Use Tech, Tailored Service To Disrupt Regional Real Estate Market
REALIZE Brokers co-founders Nic Ketter and Spencer Bray are growing their Glens Falls firm with a technology-driven, client-focused approach to residential and commercial real estate services. Glens Falls Business Journal
BY ANN DONNELLY
In an industry that often clings to older, traditional methods, REALIZE Brokers co-founders Nic Ketter and Spencer Bray are rewriting the rules of real estate in the Glens Falls region. By integrating advanced technology and prioritizing a highly customized, client-centric model, the duo is shifting how local properties and businesses are bought and sold.
Bray, a Glens Falls native with a background in aviation, and Ketter, a Queensbury native who previously worked on emerging technology at General Electric, did not take the standard path into real estate. After meeting at a local cigar bar and bonding over a common interest in cryptocurrency, the two launched a side business flipping computers and electronics. That entrepreneurial drive led them to launch REALIZE Brokers five and a half years ago.
While they embrace digital innovation, their foundation rests heavily on traditional relationship-building. They continue to grow their network organically through face-to-face interactions, from local lunches to networking on the golf course.
“If someone interacts with you and they have a good experience, then the next time you see them, they’re gonna be friendly,” Ketter said.
Their primary disruption strategy stems from rejecting the standard approach to property listings. While many traditional agents simply upload a property to the Multiple Listing Service and allow it to syndicate automatically to third-party platforms, REALIZE Brokers goes further.
“We custom-build our own property page,” Ketter said. “Then, you can incorporate other details that you can’t fit into the template of the MLS.”
By leveraging premium visual marketing and virtual 3D modeling, they ensure potential buyers understand a property’s layout before setting foot inside. Ketter said failing to use new technology puts traditional professionals and their clients at a disadvantage. Providing buyers with easily digestible information during a highly emotional financial decision improves the purchasing experience and prevents them
from becoming overwhelmed.
This customized approach extends to their fee and service structures. Rather than strictly following industry-standard rates and packages, REALIZE Brokers uses a flexible “value map” to tailor its services to each client’s specific needs and desired privacy.
“We have a very, very white-glove premium service that’s client-centric,” Ketter said. “I would say that’s the biggest differentiator.”
This approach has made the brokerage a growing force in regional commercial real estate and business brokering. When the owners of The Peppermill, a local staple, wanted to retire after more than 30 years, they required discretion to avoid panic among staff and customers. Bray and Ketter drafted a business valuation, used nondisclosure agreements and privately connected the sellers with a qualified buyer, completing the transaction without disrupting the business.
They also brokered the sale of the Green Harbor Mansion, a 3.3-acre historic property on Lake George that sold for $6.5 million and is now slated to become a high-end event venue.
Operating during a period of market fluctuation has further proven their model. During the COVID-19 pandemic, an influx of out-of-town buyers and low interest rates caused the regional housing market to boom. Today, the market is constrained by low inventory, as many homeowners are reluctant to sell and lose their low mortgage rates. Despite this lull in residential turnover, the firm’s diverse portfolio spanning vacant land, residential and commercial properties, and apartment leasing keeps it agile.
Internally, the firm is also disrupting the traditional real estate employment model. REALIZE Brokers avoids the conventional “eat what you kill” agency environment, which often leaves new agents fending for themselves. Instead, Bray and Ketter maintain a small, tight-knit team, including agents Matt Rafferty and Megan Durkin, who oversee specific revenue verticals such
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university’s research library and digital databases. The center’s research librarians can also pull market data, industry benchmarks and other information, then explain the findings to clients.
“Rather than just sending it over without explanation, we like to go over it because again, this is something that you might not be familiar with,” Chanese said.
The center draws clients largely through referrals — from lenders who send prospective borrowers in need of a business plan, from economic development organizations and workforce development centers, and from business owners who have worked with the center and passed the center’s name along to colleagues.
“We do say that we are one of the best kept secrets for the small business community,” Chanese said, “but at the same time, we’re not slow — there is a steady stream of clients.”
The center recently participated in a legislative day at the state Capitol, meeting with elected officials to underscore the
program’s reach and value. Chanese said the reception was positive across party lines and that the center’s bipartisan standing has helped it preserve stable funding through successive budget cycles.
“When you’ve been around for over 40 years, and you’re something that makes people relatively happy... and it’s a support system rather than anything else, we seem to be OK,” he said.
For Chanese, the work is personal. He grew up in the region, lives there now and wants to see the area remain a place where small businesses can thrive — and where his own children might one day choose to stay.
“I want to make sure that the Capital Region stays a great place for people to live, work, and play,” he said. “And how you do that is having a great small business community.”
The Capital Region SBDC is located at the University at Albany. To get started, visit capitalregionsbdc.org for more information and to complete the client intake forms.
Publication
TechFirst Insurance Agency Focuses On Service While Leveraging Technology
BY ANN DONNELLY
After decades in the insurance industry, navigating family business dynamics, corporate consolidation and shifting market trends, Kevin O’Brien could have easily coasted into retirement. Instead, he co-founded a new venture to blend modern technological efficiency with oldfashioned, face-to-face service.
O’Brien, co-owner of TechFirst Insurance Agency, launched the business in 2023 alongside local entrepreneur Mark Shaw. The agency is located at 543 Queensbury Ave., Queensbury, NY 12801, and can be found online at techfirstInsurance.com. For O’Brien, the move represents the culmination of his extensive career and a deliberate response to an industry increasingly dominated by private equity firms.
A veteran of the industry, O’Brien spent nearly a decade at Travelers before joining his father’s agency, founded in 1957. He was later recruited to Glens Falls National Bank, now Arrow Bank, to consolidate several local acquisitions into what is now Upstate Agency.
pays ransoms in Bitcoin, but also provides a marketing team to manage reputational risk and public relations following a breach.
Now back to carving his own path as an independent agent, O’Brien said TechFirst Insurance Agency aims to combine strong service with the benefits of technology to offer a “gold seal” client experience by removing the paperwork of the 1980s and 1990s while remaining deeply tied to the community. “We simply want to be more consumer-friendly, because there are more tools out there to make it easier for the customer,” O’Brien said.
However, he emphasized that technology will not replace the personal touch required when disaster strikes. With access to 12 to 15 carriers, O’Brien works to match clients with the right coverage and pricing — a stark contrast to private equity-owned firms, which he said often prioritize investor returns over personalized care.
“With private equity, those investors want to make sure they get a return on their money,” O’Brien said. “We like to come to your house. We like to help you with your claim. Do you want an ‘AI check’ or do you want a check coming from a person?”
In an era of automated claims, O’Brien said he urges clients to call him first before reaching out to the carrier after a minor incident, such as a fender bender or hitting a deer. He prefers to evaluate whether paying out of pocket is more cost-effective than risking a long-term premium hike, noting that a driver with multiple incidents in seven years can raise red flags for underwriters.
One of the most pressing modern risks O’Brien helps businesses navigate is cybersecurity. O’Brien warned that hackers target vulnerabilities regardless of a company’s size. “They’re just knocking on your digital door,” he said. Modern cyber insurance now covers everything from system recovery and ransoms to public relations and reputational risk management.
He said modern cyber insurance not only helps recover hijacked computer systems and
O’Brien also pointed to external factors driving up property insurance costs, particularly a shortage of skilled tradespeople and supply chain disruptions. He noted that house fire repairs can sometimes take up to a year and a half, driving up replacement costs. He praised local educational institutions, such as SUNY Adirondack and BOCES, for reviving trade programs to build the next generation of workers.
Despite his reliance on modern tools, O’Brien maintains a classic, professional presence. He still wears a tie several times a week, a rarity that occasionally leads to mistaken identity at local convenience stores. “I’m often mistaken for a cop,” O’Brien said.
Beyond insurance, O’Brien is a passionate advocate for local businesses and community organizations. He mentors new business owners through the Startup ADK program at SUNY Adirondack, advising them that success requires time management, passion and a solid support team.
O’Brien is equally dedicated to the region’s nonprofit sector. A recipient of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award — an honor he shared with his brother John — he has served on numerous boards, including the local United Way, and volunteers with the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. He stressed that nonprofits are not just charities, but vital economic engines for the region that generate revenue, payroll and taxes.
Ultimately, O’Brien anchors his life and career in three core principles: building strong business relationships, giving back through nonprofit work and trusting a higher plan beyond his control.
For new entrepreneurs, O’Brien advised building a solid support team and bracing for a two- to four-year growth period before a startup stabilizes. “And make sure you return phone calls.”
Kevin O’Brien, co-owner of TechFirst Insurance Agency, co-founded the business in 2023.
Belmont Stakes Festival Brings
Racing, Entertainment And Economic Boost To Area
BY PAUL POST
World-class racing and top-flight entertainment will deliver a significant economic boost as the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival returns to Saratoga for a third and final year.
The 158th Grade 1, $2 million Belmont Stakes headlines five days of racing from Wednesday, June 3, to Sunday, June 7.
Off-track events add to the draw, including a free Belmont on Broadway concert featuring Fitz and the Tantrums with special guest Vertical Horizon from 7 to 10 p.m. in downtown Saratoga Springs.
“Belmont on Broadway has really become the heartbeat of the week,” Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri said. “It brings a critical mass of people downtown, creates energy for our businesses and showcases the very best of Saratoga Springs. It’s a perfect example of how tourism and community pride come together to create real economic impact. It also shows the world that Saratoga can deliver a world-class experience, and our community shows up in a big way to make it happen.”
Los Angeles-based Fitz and the Tantrums deliver a high-energy mix of indie pop and neo-soul, known for hits such as “MoneyGrabber,” “Out of My League” and “HandClap.” The band’s dual lead vocals and dynamic stage presence make it a staple on major festival circuits.
Vertical Horizon, a multiplatinum alternative rock band formed in Washington, D.C., rose to prominence with late-1990s and early2000s hits, including “Everything You Want,” and continues to draw audiences with energetic live shows.
A ticketed VIP show featuring comedian Chelsea Handler is also scheduled at Universal Preservation Hall. She hosted “Chelsea Lately” on E! from 2007 to 2014 and “Chelsea” on Netflix from 2016 to 2017.
“Belmont Stakes Racing Festival generates tens of millions in economic impact while driving visitation during what is usually a nonracing timeframe,” Leggieri said. “What’s most exciting is how it’s evolved into a full destination experience filling hotels, supporting small businesses, and introducing Saratoga to new audiences that we can convert into future visitors.”
The festival includes 25 stakes races worth $11.075 million, including 10 Grade 1 races among 18 graded stakes.
“It’s a huge economic win, not only for Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County, but the entire Capital Region,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. “At an estimated $9 million impact per day, when applied to this year’s 51 days of racing, the economic impact will be close to one-half billion dollars in just a short 90-day period.”
Saratoga will host the Belmont Stakes for a third straight year while a reimagined Belmont Park undergoes construction ahead of its scheduled Sept. 18 reopening on Long Island.
on Broadway poster promotes Saratoga’s free June 3 concert during Belmont week.
The track will also host a 46-day summer meet, beginning with the July 4 Racing Festival from July 3 to July 5, followed by four-day racing weeks from July 9 to July 26 and a return to fiveday weeks starting July 29.
“The racing festivals are not only an almost three-month opportunity to support the hospitality and tourism industry, but it also, for the third year in a row, introduces Saratoga County to an international audience,” Connors said.
“For those visitors who read, watch, listen or visit during the racing festivals, their interest in making their next capital economic investment is a tangible byproduct of what Saratoga Springs, Saratoga County and the Capital Region can offer as a result of the Belmont Racing Festival and NYRA's annual world-class thoroughbred racing.”
The summer meet concludes with a six-day stretch from Sept. 2 through Labor Day, Sept. 7.
Beginning next year, the Belmont Stakes and July 4 Racing Festival return to Belmont Park, while Saratoga resumes its traditional 40-day meet.
“In June 2024 and 2025, we saw annual increases in sales tax collections at the county and city level as well as increases in revenue per available room at lodging facilities,” said Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president. “Hotel leaders are already chatting with us about how to replace this business in June 2027, which tells the economic value of having been able to host the Belmont Stakes Festival at Saratoga for these three years.”
“Beyond this, our community has seen extraordinary coverage not just of Saratoga Race Course, but of the many amenities that make Saratoga a great place to visit,” he said. “Our community has been promoted around the
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lemonades and energy drinks. The company has locations in 38 states.
Its new modular building will occupy a previously empty parking lot area fronting Upper Glen Street on the left side of the plaza’s main entrance. 7 Brew currently has 16 stands in upstate New York, mostly in central and western New York, but including three in Schenectady, Colonie and Johnstown.
New Jersey-based Burlington Stores has 1,150 locations in 46 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico. The new Queensbury site is part of an aggressive growth plan that saw the company aim for about 100 new stores last year alone.
Burlington Stores is best known as a leading off-price retailer with brand-name merchandise offered at significant discounts, typically ranging from 20% to 60% below department store prices. In 2014, the company was rebranded from Burlington Coat Factory to Burlington Stores to emphasize a much broader range of products.
The former Joann Fabrics site was one of 800 stores the company closed last May because of bankruptcy. Burlington will take up 19,000 square feet, which includes all of the former Joann store and a portion of the former Tuesday Morning store.
Mi Rancho Alegre currently has restaurants in Syracuse, Rochester, Hudson and Lake Katrine. Its menu includes, but is not limited to, tacos, burritos, fajitas and other meat and seafood dishes wrapped in tortillas.
Diners are greeted by tortilla chips, red salsa and complimentary warm bean dip.
“We had to be sensitive to tenants in the food business already in the plaza — Jersey Mike’s, Olive Garden, Dave’s Hot Chicken, Daifuku Japanese restaurant, Good Vibes 518 Nutrition and Moe’s Southwest Grill,” said Palumbo. “Mi Rancho Alegre doesn’t really compete with any of them. It’s a little similar to Moe’s, but not the same. The Moe’s operator was fine with it.”
Burlington already has stores in some of the other shopping centers Flaum Management operates in upstate New York. “Burlington is a great anchor,” Palumbo said. “I think they’re going to do great things there. With (former tenants) Joann’s and Tuesday Morning going bankrupt, we were very sensitive about coming up with the right tenant mix to stabilize the property long term.”
Palumbo said his firm fielded inquiries about the 6,700-square-foot Red Lobster site from several potential tenants, including some not in the food business.
“Given the building’s layout and its location as an outparcel, we determined that a restaurant use remained the most appropriate and highestquality fit for the space,” he said. “Ultimately, the process involved evaluating multiple interested parties and selecting a tenant that aligned with both the physical characteristics of the site and our broader merchandising strategy for the center.”
Red Lobster shuttered its doors in the third quarter of 2024 after the company filed for bankruptcy. It had been a plaza tenant since the 1980s.
“We’ve got a couple small spaces left, and we’ve had some great inquiries now that we’ve announced Burlington and Mi Rancho Alegre,” Palumbo said. “So we’re pretty excited. We do have relationships with most of the national retailers. Sometimes it’s just timing — who’s looking and when they’re looking.”
Belmont
Courtesy Belmont Stakes
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Thunder went 5-12-4 and just 2-7 on home ice during that span before the final weekend.
Adirondack is the ECHL affi liate of the AHL’s Utica Comets. If Utica doesn’t make the playoffs, several players who spent considerable time with the Thunder this year could return to bolster Adirondack’s playoff roster.
Forwards Tag Bertuzzi and Dylan Wendt, and defensemen Luke Reid and Jackson van de Leest, made significant contributions before being called up to Utica in recent weeks.
Cloutier said there’s a good chance the first playoff round will go seven games, considering how strong Wheeling and Maine are. But he’d like nothing better than to clinch the series before Adirondack’s faithful fans in Glens Falls.
“We owe our fans some wins at home,” he said.
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world as a place that all fans of horse racing must visit, and my expectation is that this will help us expand visitation for years to come.”
The New York Racing Association will raise purse levels nearly 14% across all categories during the Belmont Festival and summer meet.
Opening day features New York-breds, with six $200,000 races including the Mike Lee, Bouwerie, Commentator, Critical Eye, Kingston and Mount Vernon.
Purse increases for state-bred races will take effect during the festival and continue through the summer meet, with maiden special weights at $100,000, first-level allowance races at $105,000 and second-level allowance races at $110,000. New York-bred 2-year-old maiden special weight races will run for $115,000.
The Belmont Stakes is one of six Grade 1 races scheduled for Saturday, June 6, and will again be contested at 1 1/4 miles due to Saratoga’s track configuration.
Additional races include the Grade 1, $1 million Hill ‘n’ Dale Metropolitan Handicap; the Grade 1, $1 million Resorts World Casino Manhattan; the Grade 1, $500,000 Jaipur; the
Grade 1, $500,000 Woody Stephens presented by Mohegan Sun; the Grade 1, $500,000 Just a Game presented by Resolute Racing; and the Grade 3, $400,000 True North.
Tickets are available at BelmontStakes.com.
Fans can also attend “Belmont Toast the Turn,” a 21-and-over hospitality experience offering track access, a clubhouse viewing area and two alcoholic beverages, with additional food and drinks available.
Tickets cost $150 on June 5 and $250 on Belmont Stakes Day, June 6, and are available at gofevo.com/group/BSRFtoastturnG.
The summer meet will feature 20 Grade 1 races among 73 stakes worth more than $23.575 million. Highlights include the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 29 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Aug. 8.
The 2026 Saratoga condition book will be released in June.
“Each summer, Saratoga Race Course stands at the center of the racing world,” said David O’Rourke, New York Racing Association president and CEO. “The 2026 season will be particularly special as we celebrate the fi nal Saratoga edition of the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and honor America’s 250th anniversary at one of the country’s most historic sporting venues.”
Glens Falls Dining Guide
The Glens Falls Region Dining Guide! With so many great restaurants, Glens Falls NY dining is a not-to-be-missed experience! Search for cafes, coffee shops, bakeries, lunch spots, restaurants offering nearly every type of cuisine, and more.
The Docksider Restaurant
298 Glen Lake Road Lake George, NY 12845
www.docksiderrestaurant.com
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.
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Jack's American Bistro
730 Upper Glen Street Queensbury, NY 12804 www.jacksamericanbistrony.com
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.
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Park & Elm
19 Park Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 www.parkandelm.com
Mint
80 Warren Street Glens Falls, NY 12801 www.mint518.com
Enjoy seasonally fresh fare and exquisite cocktails in a relaxed atmosphere at Mint in Glens Falls. The upscale yet casual restaurant supports local farms and artisanal crafters to be able to use fresh, thoughtfully raised, in-season ingredients.
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Morgan & Co. Restaurant
65 Ridge St Glens Falls, NY 12801 www.morganrestaurant.com
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!
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Radici Kitchen & Bar
26 Ridge St Glens Falls, NY 12801 www.radicikitchen.com
Park & Elm is a multi-concept eatery with a gourmet market, delicatessen and fine dining restaurant located in downtown Glens Falls. Enjoy an elevated dining experience, grab breakfast or lunch or shop the market for local goods.
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Experience the authentic taste of Italy with a modern, upscale flair at Radici Kitchen & Bar in Glens Falls. This intimate eatery focuses on scratch-made cuisine, blending traditional techniques with contemporary flavors for a sophisticated outing.
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has also maintained a 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching for more than 30 years, along with health and other benefits, helping reinforce its ability to retain employees in a high-turnover industry.
“We have employees who have been here 15, 20, 25 years — not just servers and bartenders, but cooks and dishwashers,” Grecco said. “It’s really building a team. The people are what make it.”
That long-term workforce stability provides continuity in a sector often defined by turnover, while also supporting local employment across a mix of full-time, part-time and seasonal roles. In many cases, those roles span generations, with family members working at the restaurant over time.
“I have whole families that have worked here,” Grecco said. “We have generational employees and generational customers.”
The restaurant’s customer base reflects its position within the region’s tourism economy. In addition to local patrons, it draws visitors tied to summer travel, the Saratoga racing season and the nearby outlet shopping corridor, which expanded the area’s visitor mix over time.
Grecco credits much of the operation’s longevity to a management philosophy centered on consistency, respect and internal development.
“I can teach people the job,” he said. “I can’t teach people to respect each other and be friendly. That’s what you have to find.”
All of the restaurant’s managers began in entrylevel roles and advanced over time, reinforcing operational knowledge and maintaining a consistent approach to service.
“It doesn’t happen overnight,” Grecco said. “It’s a building process of finding the right people and creating that culture.”
A defining feature of that experience is the restaurant’s salad bar, which includes roughly 40 items prepared largely in-house. While many restaurants have eliminated similar offerings, the Log Jam has maintained and refined its approach
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sue with a nearby church, Ortiz sought help from elected officials. The mayor at the time had already provided a strong letter of recommendation supporting the application, citing the city’s interest in more retail downtown, and the city board had approved the project.
With the SLA denial in hand, Ortiz turned to the governor’s office, which directed him to pursue a legislative remedy.
State Sen. Dan Stec’s office stepped in and worked with Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner on a bipartisan bill to address the situation.
“Dan Stec’s office proposed a bill with Carrie Woerner — our Assemblywoman — and they led a bipartisan effort to push it through. It passed the Senate and Assembly and was signed into law,” Ortiz said.
The process moved faster than Ortiz and his attorney had expected.
“That took a while, but not as long as I thought — maybe six months from beginning to end,” he said. “The elected officials’ offices were so helpful. They were calling me all the time: ‘Hey, what can we do? We’re doing this, we’re doing that.’ They were talking to the SLA. They really went above and beyond.”
Ortiz said he had previously seen Gov. Kathy Hochul grant exemptions to other stores in similar circumstances, including a recent case in Hudson Falls, which gave him confidence the path was viable.
“It’s great when your representatives show up when there’s a need like that,” he said. “They worked together and joined forces to support the community, which I think is great.”
Even after the bill was signed, the SLA retained final discretion. Ortiz said the moment the approval email arrived was a relief.
“When I finally got the license, that email was a huge, surprising moment,” he said. “There was a lot of uncertainty and definitely a financial strain.”
Just a few weeks in, Ortiz said the reception has centered on locals who can now walk to the store from nearby homes and
over decades.
“That salad bar is one of the main reasons people come here,” Grecco said. “You can’t really get that anywhere.”
The kitchen has also benefited from long-term leadership. Chef Rod Russo, who has been with the Log Jam for more than 30 years, has helped maintain consistency in food preparation and quality while mentoring the next generation of kitchen leadership.
The COVID-19 pandemic tested the business’s ability to adapt quickly. The statewide shutdown in March 2020 came just before St. Patrick’s Day and ahead of the Easter holiday, leaving the restaurant with significant inventory already in-house.
“We had all this food, and we had to do something,” Grecco said.
The operation pivoted to takeout service almost immediately, launching a new system the next day despite having little prior experience with off-premise dining. What began as a way to utilize existing inventory evolved into a substantial short-term revenue stream, including hundreds of takeout meals for major holidays such as Easter and Mother’s Day.
The experience also led to lasting operational changes, including expanded service hours and continuous kitchen operations throughout the day.
While the business has adapted to changing consumer habits, including lighter menu options and modified service models, Grecco said the core approach remains unchanged.
“You’ve got to keep up with the times,” he said. “But you also have to stay true to what you are.”
That balance between adaptation and consistency has helped sustain the restaurant’s role within the local economy, supporting suppliers, attracting repeat visitors and contributing to the broader hospitality ecosystem.
At its core, Grecco said, the formula is built on people.
“It’s the culture, the camaraderie — that’s why we’re successful,” he said. “You can’t build this overnight. It takes years.”
Reporting includes information provided by the Log Jam and interview responses from Tony Grecco.
apartments. The shop is open until 10 p.m. on weeknights and 11 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
“A lot of the people who come in live right nearby,” he said. “They’re like, ‘Wow, a place we can just walk to and get something.’”
The store carries a mid- to high-tier selection, intentionally limited in scope. Ortiz said buying fewer SKUs in larger quantities allows him to keep prices competitive.
“I don’t want people to come in and think, ‘Oh, it’s a smaller store, so we’re going to pay more,’” he said. “It’s not going to be the cheapest price on everything, but I don’t believe in overcharging.”
Organic and lower-additive options have resonated with younger customers, he said.
“People still want to drink, but they like having options with fewer preservatives or fewer additives they’re concerned about,” Ortiz said.
The store is dog-friendly — a deliberate choice for a neighborhood full of dog walkers — and the shop’s mascot, a dog named Rigby, anchors a weekly Instagram feature called “Rigby’s Treat of the Week.” The store can be found on Instagram at @glensfallsliquor.
“Part of the idea is to let people walking their dogs come in and grab something without being deterred,” he said.
“I picked this spot — I had the option to take a much bigger space next door — but I wanted something smaller that could be run efficiently,” he said. “With less overhead, I can be more competitive on price and pay my employees more.”
Ortiz continues to perform music regularly, including a standing Saturday night engagement at The Garrison and periodic Fridays at The Score. He said the business and the performances fit the life he has built in downtown Glens Falls.
“I’m also trying to provide an experience,” he said. “The store looks great, with artwork on the walls, and it’s not cluttered. Everything is neat and clean — details a lot of liquor stores overlook. We’re looking forward to a busy summer as people discover how convenient we are for both locals and visitors looking for a good bottle at a fair price.”
Glens Falls Liquor is located at 280 Glen St. in downtown Glens Falls.
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as an uncertain opportunity has become a business focused on both service and ownership, letting Mannix Marketing help clients and build its channels to reach people.
Th is approach offers lessons for more than just one company. Getting into a market early can give lasting advantages. Building assets, not just offering services, brings stability. Solving real customer problems helps businesses adjust as industries change.
Looking back, decisions made when the internet was still in its infancy continue to defi ne Mannix Marketing’s position today. In an industry shaped by constant disruption, the company’s combination of early insight, adaptability, and ownership has enabled it to endure, shaping how the region is discovered online.
Reporting includes information provided by Mannix Marketing and interview responses from Sara Mannix.
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as new-construction builds and apartment leasing.
“One of the things we’re very, very conscious of is that anybody who’s going to come and work for us, we want them to be making money,” Ketter said.
By using software tools to automate backend operations, the founders feed leads and support to their agents, ensuring sustainable success.
“We’ve been very methodical about doing that, because we’ve had a ton of different people reach out to us,” Bray said.
Going forward, the co-founders plan to expand their business brokering services while remaining rooted in the Glens Falls community.
“I’m just very bullish on the general area,” Bray said. “We’re kind of seeing this boom in Glens Falls... so I’m very optimistic about overall growth here.”
