Tech, Manufacturing, And Small Business Growth Drive Warren
And Saratoga County Development
BY PAUL POST
Interest in available Warren County shovel-ready sites is at its highest point in recent history. The key is matching prospective investors with the property they need.
Quite often, firms don’t have to be sold on features such as reliable infrastructure and high quality of life. They come because of prior familiarity with the area.
“It’s generally relationships that lead people here,” said Jim Siplon, Warren County Economic Development Corporation president. “They’re referred by somebody they do business with, they’ve been to our area or have a connection to someone in our area. For example, the medical device industry, the Sheridans and Phil Morse, they chose to build that industry here because they had some connection to the place. It’s those relationships that tend to generate the most impact, more than purely listings.”
Queensbury Industrial Park near Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, Tech Meadows in West Glens Falls, and large privately-held parcels off Big Bay and Corinth roads near Exit 18 are prime development sites in Warren County.
“Right now we have more than 60 active business inquiries,” Siplon said. “That’s as high as it’s ever been since I’ve been on the job five years. We continue to be bullish about it. Most are from this area, but some are from other parts of the country and world.”
Last month, a prospective food-related business visited Warren County.
“It was a combination of place and access to some of the raw materials they would use,” Siplon said.
Glens Falls was once a hub of heavy industry, not only paper mills, but other large employers that have shuttered their doors, most recently the former Lehigh Cement Company that closed in 2023 after 130 years of operation. Across the Hudson River, the
Mega Storage NY joins new commercial projects fueling regional growth, on Corinth Road.
large former Essity paper mill lies idle in South Glens Falls.
But the days of chasing similar firms to locate here are long gone, Siplon said.
“What we have to do is go after things that have 20, 30, 40 people,” he said. “We have more than 15 breweries, distilleries and wineries in our area now. If you look at the growth of that sector against the loss of traditional manufacturing jobs they’re almost equal. That doesn’t mean that people from Lehigh are working for Northway Brewing now. But we are seeing a move from large, concentrated industrial entities to smaller more craft-oriented businesses.”
Prime Arrow, one of many new cannabis firms to locate locally, purchased a nineacre property last year on Stone Quarry Road in Queensbury, near the Army Na-
New York’s ‘Two-Apple Season’ Delivers Exceptional Flavor And Strong Yields
call
BY PAUL POST
Industry leaders call it a two apple season.
“The color and flavor this year are phenomenal, where if you have one apple it’s so good you immediately reach for another one,” said
Cynthia Haskins, New York Apple Association president. “If you haven’t tried a new crop apple yet, go out and buy some. They really are good.”
New York is the nation’s second-leading apple producer, surpassed only by Washington state; a $2.1 billion industry that supports nearly 12,000 jobs, a Cornell study says.
The impact is especially important to rural small towns and hamlets where farms are located, as there are 150 you-pick destinations that draw huge crowds on autumn weekends. Visitors quite often patronize other small business, too, such as retail shops and convenience stores
during fun family outings.
A recent Warrensburg Apple Festival gave a variety of local vendors a chance to market their products in this Adirondack town.
In Argyle, Washington County, McWhorter’s Orchard owner Mel McWhorter said, “We’re very, very busy. We’ve got a lot of activity. Traffic through the building here is very good. Ninety percent of our business is from Warren and Washington counties, but I always look at the address when people pay with checks. We get customers from Crown Point to the Schoharie Valley and some from Poultney, Vt.” Bowman Orchards in Rexford, southern Saratoga County, is a full-fledged agritourism destination featuring a “Stalked: Haunted Corn Maze” and extensive children’s play area with
On Page 10
Adirondack Thunder’s Home Opener Kicks Off Promising Year For
BY PAUL POST
The Adirondack Thunder, under new Head Coach Sylvan Cloutier, can’t wait for the puck to drop at their Saturday, Oct. 25 home opener against the reigning Kelly Cup champion Trois-Rivieres Lions.
A successful season, and a wide variety of upcoming non-hockey events, would bolster Harding-Mazzotti Arena’s fiscal bottom line and enhance its positive impact on the downtown Glens Falls economy.
“Hopefully in 2025-26 we have a great year on and off the ice with the team and big events; a great season where we can invest all the money back into the building,” said Jeff Mead, Thunder president and arena and general manager.
The 46-year-old arena has seen a series of major capital upgrades in recent years, but needs a whole new ice plant, engine room, and ice rink boards and glass, costing an estimated $5 million, he said.
Tough, speedy forward Matt Salhany, returning to Adirondack after five years in Europe; defenseman and former South Carolina Stingrays captain Jacob Graves; and 15-year ECHL veteran Justin Taylor are among a core group that Cloutier is counting on heavily to provide leadership for the team’s younger players.
“Character, commitment, hard work,” Cloutier said. “We wanted guys with a high compete level and people that want to buy in
Team And Community
coming into our community,
ARCC Celebrates Business & Commitment To Community At Annual Business Awards
Nearly 270 people attended the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual Business Awards breakfast at The Queensbury Hotel, celebrating the businesses and organizations that strengthen the region.
One of the event’s highlights was recognizing the contributions of 45 nominees before announcing the 2025 award winners.
Winners of the 2025 ARCC Business Awards were:
• Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year: Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center — A community entertainment center known for hosting fundraisers and collecting donations to support local causes.
• Large Business of the Year: ADNET Technologies — A leading IT solutions provider with an 86–90 percent employee retention rate and a “work-from-anywhere” culture that promotes productivity and satisfaction.
• Professional Business of the Year: FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth P.C. — A regional law firm founded in 1936 that operates under the motto “Power in Team.”
• Large Nonprofit of the Year: Silver Bay YMCA — A retreat and conference center that has provided more than $1.4 million in community benefits through its programs and services.
• Small Nonprofit of the Year: The Hyde
Collection — A world-class art museum committed to expanding access to art education, workshops, and hands-on activities for all ages.
• Rookie Business of the Year: Skin Renaissance Studio — A serene wellness space offering restorative treatments de
Rows of ripening apples at a New York orchard reflect what growers
a “two-apple season,” marked by exceptional color, flavor, and strong yields across the state.
Adirondack Thunder Head Coach Sylvain Cloutier prepares for his first season behind the bench.
Courtesy Adirondack Thunder
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Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce
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Saratoga Regional YMCA Appoints Allison D’Antonio As Chief Executive Officer
The Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors has announced the appointment of Allison D’Antonio as the organization’s new Chief Executive Officer. A seasoned YMCA leader with nearly 15 years of experience across multiple sectors of the organization, Ms. D’Antonio brings unmatched expertise and a proven record of impact at a critical time for the SRYMCA’s expansion.
Since joining the Saratoga Regional YMCA in 2017, D’Antonio has served in several key leadership positions, including Vice President of Operations and, most recently, Interim CEO. In these roles, she has advanced major operational improvements, strengthened member and staff experiences, and guided the organization through a period of significant transition and growth.
“Allison’s deep understanding of the YMCA mission and her proven leadership across multiple areas of our organization make her the ideal person to lead us into the future,” said Scott M. Peterson, Chair of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors. “This is an exciting time of growth for the SRYMCA, and we are confident in Allison’s ability to expand our reach and deepen our impact across the region.”
“It’s a tremendous honor to serve as CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA,” said Allison D’Antonio. “The Y has been at the center of my professional and personal life for many years, and I’ve seen firsthand the impact it makes in the lives of families across our region. Now, more than ever, we are working to ensure that the SRYMCA continues to serve as a bedrock of the community where people of all ages and backgrounds come together for connection and movement. I’m excited to lead our incredible team of dedicated employees and execute on our mission to grow our reach even further.”
D’Antonio’s YMCA career extends well beyond Saratoga. She previously held roles with the Capital District YMCA and the Alliance of New York State YMCAs, where she directed the statewide healthy living portfolio. Her expertise spans operations, childcare, fundraising, facilities, membership, and health and wellness — giving her a
comprehensive perspective on how to strengthen the Y’s impact in the communities it serves.
Her appointment also marks a historic milestone as the first woman to lead the Saratoga Regional YMCA. This transition comes at a pivotal moment for the Y, which has recently acquired the Glens Falls YMCA and is preparing to launch expanded programming and capital improvements.
Deeply rooted in the community she now leads, D’Antonio lives in Saratoga Springs with her husband, Ryan, and their three children, Will, Ben, and Brooke. As both a YMCA professional and parent, she brings not only experience but also a personal commitment to ensuring the Y continues to serve families with excellence.
The Saratoga Regional YMCA looks forward to building on its strong foundation and achieving new levels of growth and innovation under D’Antonio’s leadership.
Allison D’Antonio has been named chief executive officer of the Saratoga Regional YMCA.
Courtesy YMCA
Kashi Sushi Offers A Variety Of Asian Dishes Rooted In Japanese And Chinese Traditions
BY ROD BACON
Two entrepreneurs well versed in Asian cuisine have expanded their business with the opening of Kashi Sushi in Queensbury, their second restaurant in the region. The first was Soho Asian Bistro in East Greenbush, which they opened in 2019.
Business partners Henry Ni and Michael Lin both have extensive experience as restaurateurs, having worked in Asian establishments for many years. Ni was a sushi chef for 16 years at various restaurants, most recently in Connecticut, before opening Soho Asian Bistro.
They are joined in the enterprise by Jay Lin and Kong, who oversee daily operations at the East Greenbush venue.
According to Ni, the cuisine is Asian, meaning the dishes are rooted in Japanese and Chinese
traditions. These include a variety of soups and salads, appetizers, sushi and sashimi, regular and chef-special rolls, yakitori Japanese barbecue, and hibachi diners.
Ni said that since the restaurant opened on August 1 the response has been very good, which he attributes in part to strong tourist season in Lake George.
“We’ve slowed down a little since then but we’re still busy,” he said.
Kashi Sushi employs 12 people, eight of whom are chefs.
The restaurant is open seven days a week from 11 a.m.-10 p.m. It is closed 3:30-4:30 to give the staff a break.
It is located at 900 Route 9 in Queensbury, the former site of Uno Pizzeria.
Host Emergency Preparedness Training October 21
Responding well during a disaster or emergency requires training and preparation, and it could mean the difference between life and death.
An upcoming free training session organized by Warren County Office of Emergency Services will provide Warren County residents with the information and supplies they need to properly respond to disasters like floods, fires and severe storms. Registration is open, but space is limited.
Warren County will host a session through the New York Citizen Preparedness Corps Training Program on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office training room, 1400 Route 9, in Queensbury.
The New York Citizen Preparedness Training Corps Program will provide attendees the knowledge and tools to prepare for emergencies and disasters, respond accordingly, and recover as quickly as possible to pre-disaster conditions. New York State National Guard personnel will serve as course instructors.
Herzog Law Firm Expands Into Queensbury With New Fourth Office Location
Herzog Law Firm PC has opened a new office at 719 Bay Road in Fowler Square, its first permanent location in Warren County. The expansion adds to the firm’s existing offices in Albany, Saratoga Springs, and Kingston.
Managing Partner David Kubikian said the new office strengthens Herzog’s ability to serve the North Country. “For years, we have given educational lectures at senior centers and helped hundreds of families through our Saratoga Springs office,” he said. “Being in the community day in and day out will be a game changer. Every day we help neighbors preserve their assets and ensure their life’s work passes according to their wishes.”
The firm specializes in estate planning, elder law, and real estate. Kubikian said Herzog attorneys will continue to provide guidance on Medicaid planning, wills, trusts, and other matters important to families planning for the future.
Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, welcomed the firm’s expansion. “Herzog Law Firm’s decision to open in Queensbury reflects their long-standing commitment to the region and the strong demand for their services,” she said. With Queensbury, Herzog now operates four offices across upstate New York.
Participants will be advised on how to properly prepare for any disaster, including the development of a family emergency plan and how best to stock up on emergency supplies.
“This informative program will cover how to develop a family emergency plan, what emergency supplies should be acquired prior to a disaster and numerous other important details to make sure Warren County residents can respond well when disasters occur,” said Ann Marie Mason, Warren County Director of Emergency Services.
Each family that attends will receive a free emergency preparedness kit in a backpack, which will be ready to be used at a moment’s notice.
There is no charge to attend, but attendance is limited to 50 people and registration is required. To register, click here. Those who can not attend this training can find online versions here.
Thank you to our partners with New York State and the Warren County Sheriff ’s Office for making this training possible.
Henry Ni, co-owner of Kashi Sushi in Queensbury, prepares fresh rolls rooted in Japanese and Chinese traditions. The restaurant opened August 1 at 900 Route 9, offering sushi and hibachi. Glens Falls Business Jouranl
Herzog Law principals Daniel Glaser, Managing Partner David Kubikian, Jane-Marie Schaeffer, and Phillip Vaccio celebrate the opening of Herzog Law’s fourth Capital Region office at 79 Bay Road in Queensburry.
Entrepreneurial Women
Lisa Boucher Channels Her Martial Arts Mastery Into Empowering Small Business HR Solutions
BY ANN DONNELLY
Lisa Boucher, founder of HR Ninja, has built a unique business model that successfully merges decades of human resources experience with the discipline of martial arts. Based in Hudson Falls, Boucher established HR Ninja in May of this year, offering strategic guidance, compliance assistance, and project management primarily to small businesses and nonprofits.
The memorable name of her company directly reflects her dual passions. Boucher has worked in the human resources world for over 25 years. However, she explained the "Ninja part" of the name: "I'm a sixth degree black belt in Taekwondo and I have my own martial arts school in Hudson Falls and I've been doing that for over 30 years".
Boucher fi nds that the lessons learned in martial arts translate directly into business consulting. She noted that both fields require tough conversations necessary for growth and development.
"A lot of what I've learned from one can show up in the other. And so one of the things in the HR world is having hard conversations," Boucher said. "We do a lot of that in the martial arts world because when you're training and growing individuals, sometimes you have to have hard conversations with them when you see so much potential on how to get that out of them and help them to be their best".
Boucher’s varied professional background provides her with a holistic understanding of business operations. Her four-year degree is in accounting, and she holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the College of St. Rose. She initially worked as an accountant in the local mining industry, handling payroll and accounts payable, before being asked to step into the HR director role. "I just loved it. I loved working with people," she recalled of her transition to human resources.
Th is broad operational experience—including running other small businesses and assisting her husband with his company for over 30 years—is what Boucher sees as her competitive advantage. "I understand more than just your human resources," Boucher stated. "I understand the operations side, not just the HR side. So I understand when we make an HR change, it affects more than just the HR side of your business, which is important".
HR Ninja’s core clientele is typically businesses with 50 or fewer employees. These organizations often cannot afford a full-time human resources employee and rely on exist-
ing staff to manage essential functions, which can lead to challenges with policies, compliance, and time-consuming projects.
Boucher and HR Ninja function as a project guide or a reliable sounding board. Her services include managing payroll conversions, recruiting, onboarding, training, and open enrollment. She emphasizes the benefit of utilizing fractional expertise. "That's where fractional people can come in. You're not adding a salary to your team. You're not worried about the benefits, but you're getting an expert for those hours that really gives you that base you need," she explained.
Boucher often steps in when businesses are being reactive rather than proactive, helping them mitigate fi nancial exposure related to non-compliance, such as failing to provide written notice for changes in pay rates.
"I think most of them are handling it well, but it's more reactive rather than proactive. When you bring the HR person in, they can step back and take a look and say, “Here are some small things we can do proactively to line you up for success".
The complexity of the human resources landscape, which includes intricate legal dances around issues like the Family and Medical Leave Act and state-specific paid sick time, means employers need careful guidance. Beyond compliance, Boucher advises on ancillary benefits that cost the employer nothing but provide greater peace of mind for
Hot Yoga Studio Owner Builds Community, Finds Peace After Strenuous Career
A life-long career in the fast-paced, high-stress restaurant industry was taking its toll on Serena Smith. For 10 years, she owned a restaurant, a job she says was “sucking the life out of me”. She’d worked every position, from cook to dishwasher to bartender, and the constant hustle left her with little time for herself. But a new path, one she discovered by chance, was about to lead her to a calmer and more fulfilling life: hot yoga.
Hot yoga is a form of yoga practiced in a heated room, with temperatures typically ranging from 95°F or higher. The benefits of hot yoga include increased flexibility, which allows you to get deeper into stretches, improved circulation, and enhanced strength and endurance. There are also detox benefits and immune system support.
Smith’s journey with hot yoga began around 15 years ago, when she was a dedicated CrossFit and obstacle course racing enthusiast who had started to experience a shoulder injury due to lifting and overusing her body without adequate stretching. Her sister, a fan of Inferno Hot Pilates and Hot 26 yoga classes, asked Smith to try it just one time. “I was skeptical,” Smith says, “but I tried a class, and I was hooked.”
While some people come to Hot Yoga Queensbury for the physical benefits, Smith finds the mental and emotional advantages to be the most significant. She credits her practice with providing stress relief, mental clarity, resilience, and mood-boosting effects, in addition to helping her with her sleep. “That is what’s so beautiful about yoga for me, it’s a journey inward. It really helped me manage my stress level while I was in the fast-paced world of the restaurant industry, where you’re always on the go. I didn’t really k now how to relax, breathe, and pause. Those words weren’t in my vocabulary at the time.”
Just before the pandemic, Smith became a certified yoga instructor after initially obtaining certification to teach Pilates. In 2022, she purchased Hot Yoga Queensbury from its previous owner, becoming the third person to own the studio, which has been in business for about 15 years. Having previously taught at the studio, Smith was already familiar with the business and its members, which made the transition smoother, as she focused on introducing herself as the leader rather than just an instructor.
“It’s quite an honor to lead this community,” says Smith. “Some of these people I’ve known for almost a decade now. Because of the time you get to spend with people and how you get to know them, yoga can be really emotional. We’re definitely a community here, and we share a lot about ourselves. ”
Hot Yoga Queensbury offers a variety of classes, though most are heated due to popular emand. The studio offers Vinyasa, Yin, and Hot 26, the original hot yoga style created by Bikram, which consists of 26 postures and two breathing exercises. The studio also offers Inferno Hot Pilates, a fusion of mat-based Pilates and Tabata, utilizing timers for timed repetitions accompanied by music and low lighting. They hold from three to five classes a day, seven days a week, with the schedule available on the studio’s website, hotyogaqueensbury.com.
Under Smith’s leadership, the business has expanded its offerings beyond the studio walls. They organize events and collaborations, such as “Yoga on the Farm” and “Yoga on West Mountain.” The studio also organizes retreats, with a trip to Maine in November and two sold-out trips to Portugal planned for next year. Smith’s ultimate dream is to one day own her own retreat center, possibly in the Adirondacks. She recently completed a 300-hour
Lisa Boucher, HR Ninja founder, brings arts discipline to HR consulting in Hudson Falls.
Courtesy HR Ninja
Serena Smith, owner of Hot Yoga Queensbury, builds community through wellness and balance.
Kara Magoolaghan Helps Mission Focused Clients Build Smarter Greener Capital Projects
BY ANN DONNELLY
Kara
Magoolaghan,
principal of KMCG LLC and Chief Sustainability Officer of the Mulford Corporation, has built a strategic consultancy dedicated to navigating the complexities of capital projects. KMCG LLC primarily assists mission-driven clients—including nonprofits, government agencies, and small businesses—in building resilient and sustainable structures without compromising their core programming or missions.
Magoolaghan’s core value lies in acting as the comprehensive owner's representative, providing specialized expertise for organizations often described as "understaffed". The fi rm’s purpose is so that clien to put aside their day jobs to learn all about construction when they want to do a capital project". KMCG's scope is broad, covering everything "except for design and construction". The fi rm guides clients through procurement, secures the right designers and construction partners, manages extensive documentation for permitting and approvals, coordinates construction management, and assists with complex financial processes, helping clients “build their capital stack” by coordinating with funders and securing investors.
One of KMCG’s most impactful functions is serving as a “translator,” simplifying the specialized language consultants use. Magoolaghan notes that many professional consultants—architects and engineers—speak "a totally different language," making it difficult for clients to grasp project specifics. Th is specialized support is vital for smaller, nonprofit partners, where owners' representation is often missing compared to the for-profit sector. KMCG currently works heavily in affordable housing but aims to expand into community centers, such as YMCAs and PALs.
The actual impetus for starting KMCG was specifically to help build green buildings and foster resilience. Magoolaghan, a Certified Passive House Designer, argues passionately that old buildings are not equipped to handle the future. "We need to change the way that we build so that we can prepare for what's coming," she asserts. The goal is to “build the most resilient and sustainable buildings possible so that they last longer, so that they're more comfortable, and so that they're equipped to handle the changing climate that we have”. Th is high-performance approach offers significant economic benefits, particularly for affordable housing clients who often retain maintenance costs. Magoolaghan highlights that if developers "put in that extra investment at the front end, you'll pay less in utility costs at the back end", a crucial saving given that utility and insurance costs have risen "astronomically" in New York state.
In 2025, KMCG undertook several projects in collaboration with the Municipal Housing Authority for the City of Yonkers (MHACY),
The Mulford Corporation, and The Fresnel Group. MHACY is the fourth-largest housing authority in New York State and the largest landlord in Westchester County. The partnership recently worked on developing two new affordable senior-living developments in Yonkers, built to passive house standards: a 4-story, 60-unit modular construction project for seniors called "La Mora," and an 8-story, 92unit “The Willow,” still under construction. They are also working on the complete decarbonization of an existing 415-unit affordable housing development, “Palisade Towers,” a project with an estimated cost of $30 million, driven by the need to replace the failed gas system with all-electric infrastructure to support new electric domestic hot water (DHW), heating, and cooking systems. In June 2025, Magoolaghan spoke on “Building Resilient & Sustainable Affordable Housing” at the New York State Housing Authority Directors Association (NYSHADA) Spring Conference. As a Yonkers-native, Magoolaghan has earned significant recognition in the region, including being named a “Notable Leader in Sustainability” in 2024 by Crain’s New York Business and a “Rising Star 40 Under 40” in 2025 by the Westchester Business Council.
Magoolaghan's career path demonstrates an intentional pursuit of purpose and "ground-level decision making". After studying mechanical engineering at Binghamton University, she initially worked as a government contractor on nuclear reactors for the Navy’s submarines and aircraft carriers. She quickly realized the defense-focused work was "very bureaucratic and slow-moving, which is not my speed at all". Th is realization spurred her to pivot into building systems engineer-
Adirondack Salt Cave Brings Healing And Harmony To Downtown Glens Falls
PAUL POST
BY
Dana Russell has no trouble attracting people to her Glens Falls business, Adirondack Salt Cave LLC.
“The hardest thing is getting people up and out,” she said. “Nobody wants to leave.”
The firm’s soothing environment—walls made from blocks of beautiful peach-colored Himalayan salt—relaxing music and halotherapy, which promotes respiratory health and combats allergies, skin conditions and COPD, keeps clients coming back time after time.
“A lot of people come in after work and just need that Zen, that decompression from everything,” Russell said. “When they walk through the doors they’re just so happy to be here.”
A Warrensburg native, she’s been a licensed massage therapist for 18 years. But in 2016, a friend convinced her to visit a salt cave in Vermont. After finding a suitable space in the Union Square building at 11 Broad Street, she decided to create one of her own.
A former garment factory, the 126-year-old structure oozes with history and character. “We love it here,” Russell said.
Soon, a truck delivered four tons of Himalayan salt from Pakistan, procured through a New Jersey supplier, and a Texas firm spent eight weeks designing and building the site. Adirondack Salt Cave was open for business.
The “cave” is a 300-square-foot room with 12foot ceilings that replicates the microclimate of deep natural salt caves. When lights are dimmed, the backlit Himalayan salt wall creates a mesmerizing glow.
“It’s a wow factor when you walk in,” Russell said.
Health benefits are derived from a halogenerator that emits pharmaceutical-grade dry salt into the air.
“People are here for an hour. We give them neck wraps, they’re covered with blankets and they recline back, listen to meditative music and breathe in salts,” Russell said.
One group nicknamed the “Salty Seniors” visits two or three times per week. Some sessions have special offerings such as a cello sound experience, yoga or halo acupuncture and meditative hypnosis.
When not busy at the Salt Cave, Russell is likely found at her other small business, Tranquil Massage
Energy Healing, also in Union Square with its own entrance.
Russell has completed over 1,000 hours of clinical and classroom training at the Center for Natural Wellness School of Massage Therapy in Albany. Her skill set includes Therapeutic Reflexology, Himalayan Salt Stone Massage, Swedish Massage and Pregnancy Massage.
A standalone energy session at Tranquil Massage includes Reiki infusion, energy work and sound healing. One of the most unique offerings is vibrational sound therapy. When Tibetan bowls, placed on the client, are tapped, the vibrations and sound reinstate wellness and healing.
“We all run on frequencies,” Russell said. “With vibrations of the bowl it brings your body down to the cellular level.”
Prior to becoming a licensed massage therapist, she worked as a special education teacher’s assistant at Prospect School and Queensbury Elementary School. In many ways, Russell brings those same skills to her current entrepreneurial pursuits.
“It’s educating people about wellness,” she said.
Kara Magoolaghan helps mission-driven clients build smarter, greener capital projects.
Dana Russell, owner of Adirondack Salt Cave, brings wellness and harmony to Glens Falls. Glens Falls Business Journal
Commercial Real Estate
Shovel Ready
Continued From Page 1
tional Guard center, in order to build a 30,084 square foot building for growing, processing and distribution.
And more than a half-dozen coffee shops are doing brisk business in Glens Falls and Queensbury. Kru Coffee, which has a retail shop near Centennial Circle in Glens Falls, has plans for a coffee roasting and canning facility at Tech Meadows where it recently bought property.
“They’re working diligently to begin construction as soon as possible,” said Jeff Flagg, City of Glens Falls economic development director.
About 30 acres of land are still available at Tech Meadows, which is owned by the City of Glens Falls Local Development Corporation. The city is considering a zoning change there, to expand potential uses at the property.
The two largest privately-held shovel ready development sites in Warren County are those owned by the Barber family surrounding the former Native Textiles building off Corinth Road, and another by Gross Electric owner Joseph Gross on Big Ray Road. Brookfield Power built its operations center at the latter.
Siplon said Warren County EDC helps the owners market such properties.
“Sometimes we find them, sometimes they find them themselves,” he said.
Both Warren County EDC and Saratoga Economic Development Corporation partner with many other agencies including Empire State Development to market and promote sites for development.
Technology, spurred by GlobalFoundries’ massive complex at Luther Forest Technology Campus, is at the forefront of Saratoga County’s economic development.
“But there’s also the supply chain that supports advanced manufacturing,” said Greg Connors, SEDC president. “And life sciences, healthcare facilities, light manufacturing, distribution and logistics are all very much in high demand here. There is a level of uncertainty with respect to making one’s next investment, not just here, but throughout the nation. The economy isn’t as robust as we’d like and there’s investor uncertainty in the marketplace.”
“But I’m a glass half full individual, I’m very optimistic about the economic future here in Saratoga County,” he said. “We’re ready to help anybody who’s ready to make an investment.”
More than a dozen prime, shovel-ready development sites are available in the county, a combination of industrial property, raw land and existing buildings.
“It depends on the particular investor and their timeline,” Connors said. “If they’re interested in a greenfield site, there’s an aggressive regulatory review process in every municipality that adds time to a project. If more interested in getting started as soon as possible, they’d probably be directed to an existing building. There are many listed for sale throughout the county and region.”
A Center for Economic Growth map (viewer.mapme.com/Albany) shows all types of development sites in the Capital Region.
Through August 31, SEDC had enabled more than $275 million in new investment in Saratoga County this year alone.
“That investment contemplates the creation of approximately 500 full-time job opportunities, approximately 225 retained jobs and the creation of hundreds of temporary construction jobs,” Connors said. “That’s not just optimism, but evidence of a great time to invest in Saratoga County.”
Greenfield-based Munter Enterprises owns several parcels in WJ Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, ranging in size with the largest about 15 acres. All parcels have access to major utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electric.
“We try to attract companies that require a large utility load due to the existing utility structure capacity, so that typically leans towards manufacturing,” said Mike Munter, the firm’s vice president. “We have steady interest and some inquiries that are presently in the process of analysis. We are well into the process of obtaining planning board approvals for a 120,000-square-foot spec industrial building on a 12-acre site on Skyward Drive in the park.”
Two firms, Soleno and AgroChem, are currently located on Munter parcels and a
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The Glens Falls Region Is Experiencing A Resurgence Of Commercial Real Estate
BY ROD BACON
According to area professionals, the commercial real estate market in the region is, while somewhat challenging, doing well.
In Glens Falls, there has been a significant resurgence of activity in this segment of the market. Projects by Bonacio Construction on South Street and one in conjunction with the Galesi Group on Hudson Avenue have led the way but other development has contributed as well. Developers like Chris Patten and Tim Barber have helped shape the look of the area.
Craig Darby, an associate with Albanybased CBRE Upstate NY, has brokered deals in Glens Falls for years.
On September 30, Behavioral Health Services North Inc. closed on a +/-8,800-squarefoot office building at 25 Willowbrook Road in Queensbury.
Native Partners’ owner Tim Barber sold approximately 10 acres at 377 Corinth Road in Queensbury to F.W. Webb Company, which is constructing +/-90,000-square-foot showroom/office/warehouse facility.
Barber is building an addition to the former Native Textiles facility at 24 Native Drive. The building houses multiple warehouse tenants.
Currently on the market for $2,900,000 is 3 Highland Avenue in Queensbury, a property zoned commercial/light industrial being offered by F.W. Webb. According to Darby, who is representing the seller, multiple commercial/industrial uses are permitted.
“All of this activity is very positive for Glens Falls and the region in general,” said Darby. “We are defi nitely experiencing an improving economy and a renewed interest in developing viable projects in the area.”
Tom Roohan, owner of Roohan Realty in Saratoga Springs, said that the increase in interest rates post-Covid is making it difficult for investors to purchase commercial properties.
“A lot of us were spoiled by lower interest rates,” he said. “Low interest rates mean a lower cap rate, which means higher value. That has been frustrating for many people because things they refi nanced are built at a certain interest rate that is no longer available to us. That makes it hard for us to sell the property.”
He noted that interest rates that were as low as 3.75 percent have risen to 6.75 percent or 7 percent, depending upon how much is put down and the quality of the property.
Despite that, some very desirable office space is available in the Spa City. The agency just listed a 2,100-square-foot corner office for
Activity
lease in the historic Van Raalte Mill building at 125 High Rock Avenue. The $6,000- permonth lease is all inclusive except for communication and includes a reception area, conference rooms, kitchen, eating area, and substantial parking. Listing agents are Amy Sutton and Megan Brenensthul.
It is on the market because Marshall + Sterling Insurance consolidated some of its Upstate New York offices in Latham.
“It’s a nice historic building space that is very bright because it’s in a corner of the building,” Roohan said.
The agency’s listings also include an office building on Care Lane in Saratoga Springs and another in Malta.
He said that he didn’t know of anything available in the retail sector on Broadway.
“But there’s always dirt for sale,” he noted. They have a listing for 7.5 acres at the entrance of the Blue Lupine Lane Industrial Park off Ballard Road near Exit 16 in Wilton. Asking price is $609,00.
Roohan said that because of venues like the Saratoga Race Course, Saratoga Performing Arts Center, and proximity to ski areas like West Mountain and Gore Mountain the second home market is strong.
“People can own a condo or a townhouse here and come from nearby places like New Jersey, Boston, New York City or Pennsylvania to enjoy what Saratoga has to offer,” he said.
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Craig Darby of CBRE Upstate NY brokered the deal to sell 3 Highland Avenue in Queensbury. Courtesy of CBRE Upstate NY
Schultz Construction Companies Have Been Exceeding Client Expectations For Over 50 Years
BY ROD BACON
The Schultz family has a long history of providing high quality construction services in the Capital District and beyond.
Between a company started by William J. Schultz in 1970 and another subsequently launched by his son, William M. Schultz, in 2000, clients have benefitted from their expertise for 55 years.
William J. Schultz left his family’s 30-acre vegetable farm in Colonie in 1955 to join the U.S. Navy, where he was trained as a radioman. According to his son, following his four-year hitch he decided he “wanted to do something else with dirt” and took a job with Hoffman Excavating, a utility company in Colonie. He worked there for several years and in 1961 moved to Rosen-Michaels, a precursor to The Michaels Group. The company had its own land development arm called Glenmont Development Corporation and he was its general manager.
“They would buy a parcel of land and it might be wooded or a farm field, and they would hire an engineer to design street layouts and determine the maximum number of houses permitted by zoning codes,” said Schultz. “Then Glenmont Development would do all the land clearing, utility installations, and road construction.”
There was a recession in late 1968 resulting in very little call for new housing starts. Because builders no longer wanted to develop raw land Rosen-Michaels decided not to continue with its Glenmont Development subsidiary.
Always having had an entrepreneurial spirit, he took a leap of faith and started Schultz Construction, Inc. in 1970. He purchased two pieces of equipment from Rosen-Michaels as well as a small dump truck, with which he did road construction and underground utility work for private land developers and builders as well as installing underground utility pipelines for potable water, sewer collection, and drainage systems for municipalities.
His only employee at the beginning was Robert Swartwout, who ran the road grader building roads and doing earthwork.
As his customer base increased the roster included Rosen-Michaels, The Michaels Group, Charlew Builders, Marini Homes, LLC, and Paulsen Development.
He also contracted with municipalities in the Capital District that included the Town of Colonie and the Saratoga County Sewer District. His reach extended to Western Massachusetts and Utica, New York, as well.
At its peak, Schultz Construction employed more than 150 people and had annual revenues of $25 million.
While still a teenager his son came on board. Over the years he helped maintain the heavy equipment, was a laborer on various projects, a cost estimator, project manager, foreman, and marketing manager.
“I enjoyed working for my dad and learned so much that I felt I was capable of continuing on with what he taught me and running a construction company,” Schultz said.
Which is exactly what he did.
“In 1999, my father decided to retire to North Carolina,” he said. “He asked me what I wanted to do and I didn’t hesitate for a minute. I told him I wanted to start my own business.”
He incorporated as W.M. Schultz Construction, Inc. in 2000. During 2001, his first full year in business, he employed nine people and had $2.5 million in revenue.
Between 2001 and 2008 the contracts were evenly divided between site work for local land developers and installing underground utilities for developers and municipalities.
“I call that wet utilities because they were carrying some kind of liquid, whether it was potable water, collecting sewage from housing developments or municipalities, or storm drainage catch basins,” he said. “We were repairing existing systems and installing new ones.”
This business model continued through most of 2008, when there was a housing crash.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average went from a record high of 14,000 points in 2007 to 6,500 points in early 2009.
“A total of 2.9 million homes were foreclosed on and that changed a great deal of our work,” Schultz said.
In 2010 he shifted gears and the company predominantly took on public work.
Schultz said that from 2001 to 2009 the company grew from $2.5 million in annual revenue to $13.1 million. Following the 2010 shift in focus the revenue soared to $21.1 million, the next year it reached $36.3, topping out at $43 million in 2013. Revenue for 2025 is $41 million.
Reading the Market: Why North Country Hotel Deals Are Trending Upward
BY MITCHELL MUROFF MUROFF HOSPITALITY GROUP
As someone deeply rooted in hospitality real estate—having owned and operated multiple franchised hotels across the Northeast and Canada, and now brokering and advising hospitality assets throughout New York State and New England—I’ve witnessed plenty of market cycles. My firm’s nationwide database connects regional hotel owners with serious buyers and investors. Lately, one thing stands out: while the industry has faced its share of headwinds, hotel transaction activity has remained surprisingly steady.
Market Stability and Buyer Confidence
Across much of upstate New York and New England, occupancy levels have softened slightly since their post-pandemic peaks. Still, average daily rates (ADRs) have held firm, signaling that buyers continue to value welllocated, well-run assets even as they become more selective.
Meanwhile, interest rates have started to ease after a long tightening cycle, bringing renewed attention to hotel acquisitions that show clear upside. Financing remains cautious, but deals are getting done—particularly when buyers combine traditional bank debt with other creative lending programs.
Financing and the Role of Local Lenders
In markets like Warren County, Saratoga, and the greater Lake George region, regional banks remain essential to hotel lending. Their familiarity with seasonal demand and tourism patterns allows them to underwrite transactions that larger national lenders might overlook.
Many buyers also rely on SBA 504 and 7(a) loans, which give lenders added protection and allow borrowers to secure 20- to 25-year fixedrate financing on the SBA portion at competitive rates. This structure reduces lender risk while giving buyers predictable long-term debt service—an especially attractive option for smaller or first-time investors.
Even so, banks continue to scrutinize borrowers closely and often require more equity than before. Seller financing can help bridge the gap, though not every owner is willing to extend it.
Regional Hotels Outperform Urban Assets
Since COVID, mid-sized hotels in secondary and tertiary markets have performed better than many urban properties. City and airport hotels are still adjusting to fewer corporate meetings, smaller events, and reduced business travel. In contrast, regional hotels and resorts have benefited from travelers’ ongoing preference for drive-to leisure destinations— places easily reached for short getaways. That lasting shift has been a clear advantage for markets like Lake George, Saratoga, and the Adirondacks.
Why Owners Sell—and What Buyers Seek Hotel owners sell for many reasons: upgrading from independents to franchised hotels,
retiring, or redirecting capital into new ventures. Operational factors also matter. Owners who manage several hotels within driving distance can better control staffing and expenses, while those relying on third-party management firms often face higher overhead and reduced margins. In smaller markets, direct or closely supervised management typically yields stronger NOI and a healthier bottom line.
Market Experience and Perspective
Over the years, I’ve represented numerous hospitality owners throughout the Lake George region and the Adirondacks, guiding them through transactions of all sizes. Beyond Lake George, I’ve handled hotels and resorts across New York, Massachusetts, and Maine, reflecting the diversity and resilience of the Northeast’s lodging market.
Our firm is also involved in larger projects, including the Hudson Yards Hotel in New York City, a 105-room “urban resort” currently offered for sale, and an 1,140-acre mountain resort under agreement near Whiteface Mountain—one of the largest mixed-use hospitality opportunities in the Adirondacks.
Because I’ve been both an operator and an advisor, I evaluate properties through an operational lens. I look beyond stabilized NOI to analyze expense structure, capital needs, and management efficiency, along with comparable sales, revenue-per-room multipliers, and cap rates—key indicators of a property’s true potential.
While I don’t represent clients in a legal capacity, my background as an attorney helps me guide them through the complexities of hotel transactions with greater confidence. I assist in reviewing Letters of Intent, Purchase & Sale Agreements, and deal structures, working closely with counsel to ensure clarity and efficiency.
Looking Ahead
Buyers today are focusing on fundamentals—consistent cash flow, sound operations, and potential for performance improvement. Many successful deals include creative financing or some level of seller participation, while properties with strong management and clear upside continue to attract the most attention. Overall, the regional hospitality investment market remains active, particularly for wellrun assets with realistic pricing. With interest rates trending downward and buyer confidence returning, both sellers and investors have reason to be optimistic about the months ahead.
Mitchell Muroff is the founder and principal of Muroff Hospitality Group LLC, a boutique real estate brokerage and advisory firm specializing in the sale, acquisition, and valuation of hotels, inns, resorts, and hospitality assets throughout the Northeast.
Visit www.muroffhospitality.com or contact mitch@muroffhospitality.com for more information.
W.M. Schultz Construction specializes in complex water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Courtesy W.M. Schultz Construciton
Dennis Choiniere
Former GE Hudson River Site Poised For Redevelopment As Canalside Energy Park
BY PAUL POST
An 80-acre former dewatering site for General Electric Company’s Hudson River dredging project is being readied for sale, with hopes of attracting an employer that would provide up to 100 jobs.
“We’re taking a very good site and making it world class,” said Chuck Barton, Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency CEO. “Our goal is to find one large, well-established company to develop it for commercial activity. I’ll boldly predict that we’re going to sell that site before the end of 2026. It’s the type of site that will generate at least 50 jobs and more likely well over 100.”
Potential uses run the gamut from manufacturing devices for renewable energy components to distribution, storage and warehousing for a wood products firm.
Now called Canalside Energy Park, the property is just off Route 196 on the Champlain Canal in Fort Edward. IDA took over ownership after GE’s dredging was done.
It’s listed for sale with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Blake, Realtors for $8 million.
A large electric substation and transportation by rail, barge or truck are valuable features. “I would call it 75 percent shovel ready,” Barton said. “We’re in the process of expanding water capacity and adding sewer capacity.”
When completed, this could prompt firms previously hesitant about buying the site to make a firm commitment.
“Several companies are doing due diligence,” Barton said. “As we market the property, different buyers come with different needs.”
Funding for infrastructure upgrades come from state and federal sources including a $4.7 million FAST NY grant under Empire State Development, and the Northern Border Regional Commission, a federal-state program to boost economic activity in the most distressed counties of New York, Maine, Vermont and New Hampshire.
Two options for sewer service are being ex-
plored. One is a possible connection to Washington County Sewer District, about 1,000 yards to the south.
But officials are also considering potential for an on-site treatment plant.
“One of the buildings has all the power needed for an on-site facility,” Barton said.
Two buildings on the property have 40,000 and 25,000 square feet.
For the past two years, the site has been used as a staging area for construction crews building the Champlain Hudson Power Express, a 339-mile buried high-voltage transmission line that will deliver 1,250 megawatts of hydropower from Canada to New York City. The project, developed by Transmission Developers Inc. and owned by Blackstone, is expected to become fully operational next spring.
The 10-member IDA, New York state’s only bi-county IDA, negotiated a payment-in-lieuof-taxes agreement that will provide $269 million over 30 years to 16 school districts and municipalities in Washington County.
“That’s going to be a huge win for Washington County when the line is activated,” Barton said.
Of the 80 acres at Canalside Energy Park, 30 are within the village of Fort Edward and 50 are in the town. So any firm seeking to buy and develop the site will be fully vetted by the IDA, the town and village, Barton said.
Elsewhere, the IDA is actively marketing remaining property at Airport Industrial Park in Kingsbury, a short distance northeast of Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport.
“There are eight lots that we have combined as one 26-acre site for sale,” Barton said.
Because of wetlands restrictions, only 12 acres are developable, but the site already has a full complement of water, gas, sewer and electric.
“So it’s very attractive,” he said. “We have somebody actively doing due diligence right now. I’m cautiously optimistic that we’ll be selling it within the next year.”
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employees.
"When we support an employee's home life, they're more stable at work. They're more likely to be there and be more present, which is important," she noted. She stresses that, despite common belief, HR involves gray areas: "People think HR is black and white rules and regulations, and reality is every situation is different."
In addition to her consulting work, Boucher co-runs the HR Cafe with Lauren Gomes Atwood, Director of Human Resources at Ascend Mental Wellness. The monthly meeting, often held at Crandall Library, is a dedicated space for networking, sharing ideas, and peer support for anyone who "touches HR in any way".
HR Cafe addresses the burnout common
in the human resources field, which lacks internal support. "Everybody comes to HR for support, but where do we go? So now by creating this network and this group, we can rely on each other in those moments," Boucher shared.
Looking ahead, Boucher remains committed to her community.
"I just want to impact our local community as much as possible... I just want to see our community thrive and be happy," she affi rmed. Boucher serves her clients remotely, but she is ready to be hands-on for local businesses, stating, "If they have a business and they want me to come with my boots on and my hard hat, I'm in".
For more information on Lisa Boucher and HR Ninjas, visit lisaboucher.com.
Hot Yoga
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yoga teacher training in Thailand, which will enable her to lead her own training programs in the future.
Smith is a firm believer in the power of community, and she credits her dedicated team of instructors for the studio’s longevity and success. They are a “huge asset” to building the community, with some having worked at the studio longer than she has. With over one hundred active members, Hot Yoga Queensbury continues to thrive as a locally owned business, not a chain or franchise. Smith acknowledges the fear of business fluctuations, especially in an industry where gym memberships are often the first thing people cut when times get tough. Still, she chooses to focus
on her passion and trusts that it will work out. For Smith, her love for hot yoga is not just a job; it’s a passion she gets to live every day. “I have to pinch myself every day to realize that this is actually my life and that I get to do something I’m passionate about,” she said. “They say if you do what you love, it doesn’t feel like work. And I finally understand that statement.”
Hot Yoga Queensbury is located at 119 Quaker Road, Queensbury. They are hosting a free open house on November 15, featuring complimentary classes, snacks, pass specials, and giveaways. For details on class schedules and booking, visit the studio’s website at hotyogaqueensbury. com.
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Thunder
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cord in 2024-25, averaging about 4,500 fans per game, and season ticket sales are already head of last year’s total (2,150). Four of the arena’s five suites have been purchased by corporate clients and a fi ft h, made available game by game, is almost sold out, too.
“So we’re in really good shape on the business side of things,” Mead said.
The arena fi nished the 2024-25 fi scal year in the black on June 30, but revenues were down a bit because the Thunder didn’t reach the playoffs, unlike the previous season’s run to the Eastern Conference Finals.
However, a long list of popular promotional nights is on tap, sure to boost attendance considerably. Opening Night will include a number of giveaways by Harding-Mazzotti law fi rm, which won the arena’s naming rights this summer.
Th is fall’s highlights alone are Halloween Night (Oct. 31), Thanksgiving Eve (Nov. 26), Military Appreciation Night (Nov. 29) and Teddy Bear Toss Night (Dec. 13), followed by a New Year’s Eve celebration with a 3 p.m. game against the Maine Mariners.
Thunder players wear special-themed jerseys for some games that are sold in postgame auctions. On March 28, they’ll wear colorful green-and-gold John Deere jerseys on Country Night.
Upcoming non-hockey events include the Adirondack Stampede rodeo, New York State girls high school volleyball championships, and a fun night with stand-up comic Jeff Leeson in Heritage Hall on Nov. 15.
The arena will kick off 2026 with a New Year’s Day appearance by the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters, who are marking their 100th anniversary of entertaining fans and spreading goodwill.
Comedian Jeff Dunham will be at the arena on Wednesday, Feb. 11.
The winter schedule also features Section II boys basketball and wrestling championships, and Mead said concert plans are in the works in addition to a three-day, weekend kids show in June.
“We think this could be a good year for the arena in terms of major events,” he said.
In addition, local officials are working hard to bring the state high school basketball championships back to Glens Falls.
The three-day event, held each March, was wrested away by Binghamton, which has it for two more years. The tourney attracts thousands of players, coaches and spectators from around the state, providing a major boost to local business during a normally slow time of year.
Mead said the tourney’s absence hasn’t hurt the arena much fi nancially because the building is made available rent-free to the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. “But it’s a huge negative impact to the community; for the hotels, retail stores, restaurants and bars,” he said. “That’s why we’re going to fight so hard to get it back. We think Glens Falls is the perfect place for it. It’s just a source of pride for our community.”
Bids for the next three-year contract will be submitted in 2026. If Glens Falls wins, the tourney would be here from 2028 to 2030.
As always, several upgrades and improvements have been made to the arena in preparation for the year ahead. The Adirondack Hockey Hall of Fame is in the same location, but has been changed so that all inductees can be honored. Previously there wasn’t room enough for all the plaques.
Commercial Real Estate
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Tom Savino, another associate at CBRE Upstate NY, agrees with Roohan, calling the Saratoga County economy “vibrant.”
“If we have an issue at all it is sometimes the lack of inventory, both industrial and office, for purchase,” he said. “There’s a bit of a drought there, but there are leasing opportunities and for the most part they are above normal in terms of activity.”
He noted that even during Covid leasing activity in Saratoga Springs did not slow down drastically. He and fellow associate Eric Simonds were the leasing agents tasked with fi lling 85,000 square feet of office space in Congress Park Center at 321 Broadway when Goldman Sachs relocated to Latham. With the exception of 10,000 square feet that currently has a lease out for review, they met that goal.
“Location is key in real estate and downtown Saratoga Springs is a prime example of location driving demand,” said Savino.
Like Roohan, he noted that virtually no available retail space is available on Broadway.
“The fi rst floor of Congress Park Centre is retail and it’s completely full,” he said. “If I had more space I could sell it if it was on Broadway.”
In suburban markets there has been some redevelopment of the larger malls that has resulted in increased activity. He said this is at least partly due to quick-serve restaurants opening.
He has seen a softening in the industrial sector due to the absorption of space. Quad Graphics was purchased by biotechnology company Regeneron and Cascades Tissue by scrap metal recycler NHKelman Inc., removing these buildings from the market.
“In that sector we don’t have a lot of inventory for purchase,” he said. “There is some inventory for lease but we’re seeing it slow down in favor of purchase.”
Advokate Marks 15 Years Of Creative Growth With Community Celebration In Glens Falls
Advokate, the Glens Falls-based marketing, communications, and design agency founded by Kate Austin, marked its 15th anniversary on Oct. 17 with a celebration and client showcase at its offices on Glen Street.
The open house drew members of the business community, local leaders, and clients from across the region. Attendees enjoyed refreshments from Rock Hill Bakehouse Café, live music by Stories Told, and DJ entertainment by All We Do Is Epic! The event also featured maple syrup sampling from Candy Mountain Maple, door prizes, giveaways, and displays from Advokate clients.
Remarks were offered by representatives of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce, New York State Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, and Austin herself, who thanked the community for its long-standing support.
Founded in 2009, Advokate began as a “honey-do” service for artists and has grown into a full-service agency offering branding, graphic and web design, digital marketing, videography, jingles, creative consultation, social media training, public relations, and startup support.
“We really grew in response to the community’s needs,” Austin said. “When clients asked if we could do something, we almost always said yes—and over time, those requests became new services. We love that no two workdays are ever the same.”
Austin has been an active contributor to regional arts and business initiatives, serving on the Glens Falls Business Improve-
ment District Board, the World Awareness Children’s Museum Advisory Committee, and the Arts District of Glens Falls Planning and Marketing Committees. She also hosts monthly meetings of the Glens Falls Collaborative.
“Advokate wouldn’t exist without our clients, team members, and the incredible Glens Falls community who have supported us from day one,” Austin said. “This milestone was a way to celebrate them as much as our own journey.” Learn more at www. advokate.com.
Come join us as the widely anticipated 2025 EDC Annual Luncheon this year features the Innovative and compelling insights of Greg Tehven, CEO and Cofounder of Emerging Prairie of Fargo, North Dakota.
Greg has been a leader in the Walton Award-winning revitalization of Fargo’s approach to economic and community development over the past decade. He brings a unique accomplished voice to the concepts of economic development utilizing existing assets and resources building on the regions’ inherent strengths.
“Let’s create a community we all want to live in. Let’s create the community we want to be part of” - Greg Tehven
Purchase tickets here: https://paybee.io/@edcwc@7
Keynote Speaker: Greg Tehven, Emerging Prairie of Fargo
Kate Austin, center, celebrates 15 years of creative growth with her Advokate team.
Courtesy Advokate
Shovel Ready
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third, Ambrave Corp., is currently building a 35,000-square-foot building scheduled for completion next summer. Ambrave designs and manufactures advanced tactical gear for military special operations forces and law enforcement under the brand Direct Action, and for outdoor enthusiasts under the brand Helikon-Tex.
Quebec-based Soleno, which uses recycled plastic to make large water pipes for use under roads, recently opened a $22 million high-tech manufacturing facility with 50 new jobs. AgroChem makes hygiene solutions to support the dairy industry.
Several years ago, Munter Enterprises purchased a 27-acre former golf driving range near Exit 17 in Moreau for $1.6 million. The site was expected to see rapid development once new municipal sewer
service was installed, but there’s been no movement to date.
“We have received multiple inquiries, but nothing that has any merit at this time,” Munter said. “We plan to focus more on this parcel for commercial use in the near future as it has great access to and visibility from the Northway. Nothing happens overnight and an area like that will take time to develop, but it has started.”
“If you drive the (Route 9) corridor, many new businesses have popped up and older ones are investing in their properties,” he said. “As the other old properties turn over there is much greater potential for broadened uses now with the sewer in place. It may not be apparent to many yet, but the sewer undoubtedly increased the value and potential for the corridor tremendously.”
Kiss: French Drink: Russian Eat: American Wednesday thru Saturday 4:30 - 9pm
Reservations recommended
rides.
Two-Apple Season
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Its popular Farm Store has a wide variety of goods from donuts, kettle corn and candy to fresh produce, baking mixes and countrythemed ornaments.
“It’s open till Christmas, then we take a short break and are back up in mid- to late-January,” owner Kevin Bowman said. “There’s a big push on the hard cider side this year. People seem to really be enjoying that.”
This fall’s statewide harvest is expected to total about 30.5 million bushels, similar to last year. The apple industry has a direct economic impact through farming and indirectly through processing, packaging, storage and the growing craft cider sector.
In July, the state awarded the Apple Association $1.5 million for two promotional initiatives. The first focuses on consumer marketing through social media, digital advertising and media outlets. A second program supports instore promotions, merchandising, cooperative advertising and retailer engagement to drive increased sales and visibility of New York apples.
One of the entire agriculture industry’s major concerns, not just apple producers, is the impact of Trump administration immigration enforcement. All kinds of farms rely heavily on foreign workers to handle tough, physically-demanding jobs that many Americans refuse to do.
Increased enforcement may cause labor shortages, resulting in higher labor costs, crop losses and increased food prices for consumers. Supply chains are also disrupted and farm profitability is threatened.
While there’s a long-term push for automation, it cannot fully replace the current labor force.
Bowman said he might eventually use robotic apple picking machines to harvest some of his orchard. “We’re headed in that direction,” he said. “We’re not ready yet.”
For robotics to work, farms have to replace older tall trees with shorter, high-yielding trellistype trees.
pick customers don’t need ladders. It’s easier for them. They just pick the lower branches.”
Bowman’s has six workers under the H-2A program, a temporary visa program that allows farms to fill seasonal jobs with foreign help if there aren’t enough domestic workers available.
“We have zero concerns with ICE (U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement) because we do it the legal way,” Bowman said. “I don’t understand why other people don’t. If everybody did it the legal way there wouldn’t be any concerns. It costs a lot of money. That’s why some people don’t do that. But some things are more important than just the money.”
“We have a friend who’s an ICE agent,” he said. “We ask him how they know which farms to go to. He said, if they don’t have legal workers, that’s where they go. It’s all on the computer.”
Haskins, the Apple Association president, said she hasn’t heard of any cases in New York where immigrant apple pickers have been late arriving for this year’s harvest.
“That doesn’t mean that it hasn’t happened,” she said. “I just haven’t been notified.”
But some immigrant workers, both undocumented and legally authorized, are now hesitant to work and stay home following news of raids, which has shrunk the pool of available and reliable labor.
In June, ICE raids on farms in California and Pennsylvania led to significant crop losses as workers stopped showing up for work.
Bowman said other types of government intervention are more of a concern to his operation. “The biggest thing is increased regulations from every angle,” he said. “That is probably more of challenge than the weather.
Several years ago, the state enacted new overtime pay requirements for farmworkers. But if farms can’t afford to pay such higher wages, laborers don’t work as long and earn as much as they used to.
But Clifton Park, where Bowman’s is located, is so heavily developed that there’s very little available land to expand and plant more trees.
OPEN 5 DAYS!
“So we need to grow a little bit taller trees,” Bowman said. “This year our workers are picking the tops of trees with platforms. Our you-
Much of this year’s crop has already been harvested, but later apple varieties such as Melrose, Jonagold, Northern Spy, Red Delicious, Ida Red and Spy Gold are still available. “Everybody seems to have their preference and navigate to their favorite apple, for either eating or cooking,” MacWhorter said. “We stay open till the crop is gone and we don’t have any problem getting rid of them.”
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charge.
• Community Champion: Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls — Celebrating 100 years of service, the civic group organizes community fundraisers to support children and families locally and around the world.
The ARCC credited the event’s success to months of preparation by volunteers and staff. The Chamber said it remains committed to spotlighting businesses and organizations that make the region a better place to live and work.
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Clients during this period included the New York State Department of Transportation (NYDOT), the New York State Office of General Services (NYOGS), and various municipalities in the Capital District and Western Massachusetts.. Due to the labor-intensive nature of the work the number of employees swelled from 90 to 160.
In 2015 the company underwent what Schultz describes as a “strategic marketing shift” toward what he calls “complex and demanding work.”
“Opportunities presented themselves to reconstruct and expand wastewater treatment plants and potable drinking water facilities, and we’ve been doing that since 2015,” he said. Th is type of work requires fewer workers than were previously needed so the number of employees has shrunk to 26 in the office and 47 in the field.
Among the company’s core values, worker safety is very high on the list. Schultz shared a story that illustrates this. An engineer who was working with a company crew witnessed something that he said he hadn’t ever seen in his 25-year career. A crew installing an underground utility was digging a ditch to a depth of nine or 10 feet. To do this an excavator drags a trench box behind it to ensure the earthen walls don’t collapse. As the excavator moved forward a worker noticed a tool had been left behind in the trench. Rather than allowing the worker to get into the unsupported
section of the trench, the excavator operator backed the machine up so the worker could safely retrieve the tool while standing in the trench box. Th is took approximately 15 minutes but the safety of the worker made the delay worthwhile.
Th is is just one example of why the company has achieved Safety Training and Evaluation Program (STEP) Diamond status from Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) National. It has also been recognized by the Northeastern Subcontractors Association (NESCA) with a Gold Safety Award for achieving 86,580 man-hours worked in 2024 with no lost workday incidents.
Community involvement includes participation in the Franklin Community Center’s snack-pack program as well as its backpack program before school starts. They are also working with Sleep in Heavenly Peace to build 20 beds in their shop.
To address what many consider a growing problem, they support the Building Hope Th rough Action (BHTA) program of the New York State Office of Mental Health. They collaborate with industry partners Harrison & Burrowes Bridge Constructors, Pike Construction Services, Laborers Union Locals 157 and 190, and the Plumbers & Steamfitters Union Local 7 to promote best practices in suicide prevention and mental health support.
For further information about the company go to wmschultz.com.
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ing, focusing on high-performance standards such as LEED and Passive House.
Th is pursuit of meaningful work is deeply rooted in her past; her mother was a prisoners’ rights lawyer, instilling an early commitment to community involvement and service. Magoolaghan demonstrated this dedication at age sixteen by raising money to help build a school in Ghana, traveling with her family to observe and volunteer. Continuing this path toward impactful decision-making, she subsequently earned a law degree from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, realizing that lawyers are present at "all of those tables where critical decisions are made”. When she moved back to New York, she launched KMCG in 2023.
In a major life pivot, Magoolaghan relocated to Glens Falls with her husband, real estate professional Matt Rafferty, in May of 2023, seeking a "slower pace of life". While she still
maintains client relationships and continues to succeed in Westchester County, the move represents a personal and professional shift.
Magoolaghan describes the experience of entrepreneurship as "kind of the wild west out here," noting that there is no "playbook" and constant agility is required. Yet, she fi nds immense satisfaction in the work, particularly when solving clients' problems. She values that she gets to explore, innovate, and “really decide like how you want to live your life, which is really cool”.
In addition to running KMCG and developing investment properties with her husband, Magoolaghan plans to open a shopfront on South Street in Glens Falls in early 2026, showcasing a curated collection of homewares, gifts, and food.
For more information on Kara Magoolaghan and KMCG LLC, visit https://www. kmcg-ny.com/.
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Naughton
Discover I Connect I Network
November 5th I 4 - 7:00 pm The Queensbury Hotel 88 Ridge Street, Glens Falls
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce invites you to discover, connect, and network at the 2025 ARCC Business Expo FREE to attend. Bring your business cards.
