Adirondack Studios Celebrates 50 Years Of Innovation And Global Impact
BY ROD BACON
For 50 years, a local company has captivated audiences around the world across live entertainment, theme parks, museums and more. Adirondack Studios (ADKS), founded in 1975 as Adirondack Scenic, has grown from a startup operating in a 6,000-square-foot building in Warrensburg to a company headquartered in a 126,000-square-foot production facility in Argyle, with additional locations across the U.S., Europe-Middle East, and AsiaPacific
The founding principals were Thomas Lloyd, Christopher Detmer and Walter Blake, who met in college and became friends. Postgraduation, the two worked several seasons together at Lake George Opera, and it was those summer productions that inspired them
to go into business together. They chose the North Country as the site for their new company, Adirondack Scenic, .
To make ends meet in those early years, the company created scenery for theater and opera productions upstate and in the city. Their first large-scale endeavor was The Bugs Bunny Follies, a touring show featuring Looney Tunes characters, that launched in 1976 and toured through North and Latin America over the next few years.
“The Bugs Bunny Follies launched a pattern that continues today, where we secure a client relationship that lasts for years or even decades through multiple projects,” said Clara Rice, ADKS Director of Global Marketing.
That philosophy has served them well,
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North Creek Will See Resurgence With Help From A New $10.1 Million Wastewater Plant
BY PAUL POST
Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin next month on a $10.1 million municipal wastewater treatment plant in North Creek that’s expected to spur considerable business investment.
Town of Johnsburg officials signed contracts March 7 with Jersen Construction Group of Waterford, William J. Keller & Sons Construction Group of Rensselaer and Stilsing Electric, Inc., of Rensselaer to build a facility on vacant land adjacent to Town Hall.
On Feb. 10, Warren County Board of Supervisors voted to award the town up to $250,000 per year in occupancy tax funding for 10 years, if needed, to help pay for the project. However, no occupancy tax money has been paid. The hope is that the town will come up with alternative funding sources so it will not be needed. The occupancy tax is a guarantee so that all funding was in place, allowing the town to sign construction contracts and begin moving forward while additional funding applications are pending.
Johnsburg Supervisor Kevin Bean said $3.5 million worth of state grants have been applied for.
Several development projects, including hotels, are proposed in and around North
Creek contingent on the treatment plant’s completion, which is expected this fall before the 2025-26 ski season gets under way.
Among other things, the plant will handle sewage from a major redevelopment of Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl that’s scheduled to open this fall highlighted by a new lodge, chairlift and zipline. A hotel is planned there as well.
“This treatment plant project will allow us to preserve the water quality of the Hudson River, which is vitally important to our community, while serving as a catalyst for business expansion and economic development,” Bean said. “If we are ever going to see a resurgence in North Creek, this plant is going to help it happen.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Kevin Gerraghty of Warrensburg said, “It’s been a long journey for the Town of Johnsburg to move forward with this important project, and the Warren County Board of Supervisors was gratified to be able to assist the town. This wastewater treatment plant will protect Warren County’s environment and lead to more economic activity and tourism in northern Warren County, which is a win-win for residents of all corners of our beautiful county.”
Tariffs Threaten The Future Of New York’s Thriving Maple Industry And Local Businesses
BY PAUL POST
Trump Administration tariffs, scheduled to take effect April 2, threaten to undermine New York’s thriving maple industry as most of the equipment producers need is manufactured in Canada.
In addition, much of the syrup consumed in New York City comes from Quebec, the world’s biggest maple producer, because upstate New York sugar makers can’t make enough to meet demand. If tariffs boost the price of Canada’s syrup 25 percent, American producers might charge the same, possibly generating more short-term revenue, but discouraging sales over the long run as consumers grapple with constantly rising food prices.
“That’s certainly not one of our goals,” said Mary Jean Packer, marketing manager of Mapleland Farm in Salem, Washington County.
Canadian maple equipment manufacturers are sending tractor-trailers across the border now and stockpiling it in northern Vermont warehouses, to keep from losing business from U.S. customers after tariffs take effect.
“As long as you have the equipment now you’ll be fine, but it could be hard to get into the business if suddenly the cost of equipment is 25 percent higher,” Packer said. “Maple is a relatively easy agricultural crop to get started with. To be viable all you need is 100 taps, collecting and boiling it with a small evaporator after coming home from an off-farm job. There aren’t many agricultural pursuits that you can get started with such a low cost of entry.”
Meanwhile, area producers are gearing up for this month’s popular Open House Weekends that generate about one-third of annual sales and attract crowds that boost local economies. Such events promote and educate people about the industry, and the value of maple as a healthy food choice.
Thurman Maple Days, with five participating producers, brings thousands of people to Warren County each year, filling a tourism gap between Lake George Winter Carnival and the summer vacation period.
“We’re drawing people from New Jersey, New
York City, Massachusetts and surprisingly, we even get people from Vermont coming to visit and from all over western New York,” said Randy Galusha, Toad Hill Maple owner.
Thurman’s maple celebration began March 15-16 and is held over three weekends continuing through March 29-30.
Many visitors plan overnight stays and patronize area restaurants and retail shops in addition to boosting sales for sugar makers and other nearby businesses that take part in Maple Days such as Martin’s Lumber, TEF Braids, Rustic Acres Farm & Bakery and Nettle Meadow farm, famous for its award-winning goat cheese.
Activities include pancake breakfasts, guided sugarhouse tours, wagon rides, vendor and craft fairs and a chance to sample delicious maple products such as donuts, chili, candies, cream and syrup.
“Maple Days is the first large event leading us into the summer season,” county Tourism Director
George A. Ferone Is Honored With J. Walter Juckett Award At ARCC Annual Dinner
On the evening of March 7, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) hosted a celebration in honor of George A. Ferone, the recipient of the 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award, at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.
With 300 guests in attendance, the event kicked off with a cocktail hour, offering a selection of delectable hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and ample opportunities for networking and reconnecting
The program, led by ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers, featured a highlight of the Chamber’s impact in 2024, as well as accolades to board members, community partners, and volunteers. New York State Senator Dan Stec, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Assemblyman Matt Simpson took the stage to present an adopted resolution to Ferone, and proclamations from Warren & Washington counties were mentioned in the remarks.
The award presentation was made by Paul Scimeca, President & CEO of Glens Falls Hospital. Scimeca highlighted accomplishments over the many years that Ferone has been involved with Glens Falls Hospital and its Foundation.
The evening’s most poignant moment came
when Ferone took the stage to deliver an emotional speech, thanking his community and, most profoundly, his wife of 47 years, Tricia Rogers stands with George A. Ferone, who was presented with the J. Walter Juckett Award.
Amanda Blanton photo
Steam rises from the sugarhouse at Maple Valley Farms, Corinth, NY
Adirondack Studios provided scenic fabrication for “How to Train Your Dragon,” part of the DreamWorks Animation Zone at Motiongate Dubai.
Courtesy of Adirondack Studios
Deal Structure
In the sale of a business, deal structure is equally as important as price. Typically it is outlined in a written document, agreed to by both parties. These can take the form of a letter of intent, memo of understanding, expression of interest, or term sheet.
Typical terms include: The agreed-upon amount the buyer will pay for stock or assets of the business; Whether or not working capital will be included in the sale; How and when the purchase price will be paid (such as cash at close, installments, seller notes).
It outlines how liabilities and risks are divided between the buyer and seller, and it also identifies conditions that must be met for the deal to close (such as regulatory and financing approvals, transfer of customer and employment contracts).
The deal can also include contingent notes or earn-outs, which are becoming increasingly common as a way to mitigate risk to the buyer, and provide an upside to the seller.
Once the terms have been negotiated, an M&A attorney incorporates them into the closing documents, with the buyer’s attorney usually writing the first draft. By clearly defining terms, conditions, and contingencies, you are on your way to a smooth and successful M&A transaction.
ThielGroup is a business advisory service providing brokerage, M&A, and valuation services in upstate New York and New England. Interested in discussing how we can help you sell your business? Give me a call. I have been selling companies for over 20 years!
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Make-A-Wish Chapters Complete Planned Merger
Make-A-Wish Vermont and Make-A-Wish Northeast New York have announced the completion of their merger into one regional chapter. The unified organization will continue under the leadership of Jamie Hathaway, who has served as President and CEO of MakeA-Wish Vermont for the past decade. Th is unification creates a single chapter serving Vermont, the Adirondacks, Lake Champlain region, and the Capital Region of New York, serving a community spanning 20,000 square miles.
The merger formalizes a successful partnership that began nearly two years ago when the chapters began operating under shared leadership. “By unifying our chapters, we are enhancing our ability to serve wish children and their families across our communities,” says Jamie Hathaway, President & CEO. “Our combined resources and expertise allow us to grant wishes more efficiently while maintaining the personal touch that makes each wish special.”
Leslie Motter, president and CEO of MakeA-Wish America, added, “Th is merger reflects our core value of community, showcasing the benefits of working together to have the greatest impact possible on the children and families we serve. We congratulate the teams in Vermont and Northeast New York on this achievement and are confident that this new chapter will deliver hope and joy to even more children battling critical illnesses.”
The unified chapter maintains two Wishing Spaces: the Vermont location at the Vermont Teddy Bear Factory in Shelburne, and the Dr. J. Peter McPartlon Wishing Space in Saratoga Springs, New York. Both locations continue to serve their communities, ensuring every child in the region has access to Make-A-Wish resources within ninety minutes of their home.
While the merger is now official, the organization’s websites, social media, and other programs will be integrated over the next few weeks. Th roughout this transition, all wishgranting activities continue uninterrupted.
The Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau Welcomes Brian Mulligan
The Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LGRCVB) has announced the hiring of Brian Mulligan as its new Event Sales & Services Specialist. In this role, Mulligan will focus on promoting the Lake George Area (Warren County) as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, sporting events, and group tours. His responsibilities include building relationships with event planners, showcasing the area’s diverse venues, and supporting the successful execution of group events.
The LGRCVB, a division of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, works in partnership with Warren County Tourism to attract year-round group business, helping to drive economic impact through conferences, conventions, and large-scale events.
Mulligan brings extensive experience in sales, customer service, and business development. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh and has held leadership roles in high-volume retail and hospitality settings. Most recently, he served as Store Manager at the Lake George Outlets, where he was recognized as Top Sales Manager for 2023 for the Upstate District. His background includes working with national and international clientele, team development, and operational management—skills that will translate well into fostering relationships with event planners and driving group business to the region.
“Brian’s strong background in sales and customer relations, combined with his understanding of the visitor experience, makes him an excellent fit for our team,” said Gina Mintzer,
Juckett Award
Continued From Page 1
Carol, for her steadfast support throughout his distinguished career.
Th roughout his 44 years with Tribune Media Services, Ferone not only achieved
Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB. “His ability to build meaningful connections with clients and industry partners will help us continue positioning the Lake George Area as a premier meeting and event destination.”
In his new role, Mulligan will be responsible for engaging with event organizers, assisting with sales and marketing initiatives, attending trade shows, and ensuring exceptional service for groups choosing Lake George as their destination.
professional success but also dedicated much of his time to community service, including his role on the board of Glens Falls Hospital, as interim president of the ARCC and his involvement with various boards and committees. His commitment to making a difference has left a lasting impact on the region.
Brian Mulligan is the new Event Sales & Services Specialist at LGRCVB.
Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council’s June Festival Expected To Be Best In History
BY ROD BACON
The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) is gearing up for its 54th June Arts Festival, which will be held the weekend of June 14-15 in Glens Falls City Park.
According to Philip Casabona, who wears the multiple hats of Executive Director, Gallery Curator, and Festival Director, it is shaping up to be one of the largest in the council’s history.
“We are expecting an estimated 160 artists, five to 10 non-profits, and 10 mobile food units,” he said. “We estimate that last year we had approximately 15,000 attendees.”
This is LARAC’s largest fund-raising event of the year. Exhibitors pay $300 for a 10-foot by 10-foot booth and $580 for a 10-foot by 20-foot booth. LARAC is responsible for all promotion and organizing of the event. The artists keep 100 percent of the revenues from anything they sell. While exhibitors literally come from all over the country, the majority are from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Vermont.
In addition to the tri-county region, the festival, which is free to the public, attracts attendees from the Hudson Valley and several New England states. While figures have not been kept on the economic impact of the festival on the area, Casabona is convinced it is significant. Amy Collins, director of tourism and business development for the city, concurs.
“With people, especially the exhibitors, coming from a distance the lodging establishments and restaurants definitely see increased business during that weekend,” she said. “Even those just making a day of it patronize local restaurants and bars.”
Exhibitors expected this year include soap and body products, fabric and fiber, food, photography, authors, pet products, glass artists, fine art, wood working, pottery, metalworks, and floral works. Prices typically range from $5 to $15,000.
“While many artists exhibit at the festival year after year, there are typically 30-40 new artists at each one.
“Many returnees have been attending for 10 years or more, with a handful coming for over 30 years,” said Casabona. “Eric Melito, the owner of One on 1 Designs, has come every year since 1988.”
To satisfy the hunger and thirst of attendees a variety of food vendor trucks are strategically located throughout the festival grounds. While plans are still being solidified, several vendors have committed to attend this year. These include Green Mountain Concessions, The Mac Factory, Alltown Fresh, Sugar Shakers, The Mason Jar, and Upstate Coffee.
Musical artists also keep things jumping. While
LARAC’s staff is still creating this year’s schedule, 2024’s roster presented 20 artists on two stages over the course of the weekend. These included Northern Borne, Bravely, Alan Epstein, PR Project, Hudson River Ceili, Mark Rabin & The Lovely Missus, Carolyn Shapiro, Travis Gray/David Rockower, Jason Irwin, John Dillon, Skinder + Sage, Cosby Gibson & Tom Staudle, Lucas Garrett, and Kari Bertrand.
Planning for the festival, which takes nine months, is done by Casabona with the help of Alyssa O’Neill, director of community outreach and grants, and Diane Swanson, program coordinator. Along with a team of volunteers, these three coordinate all aspects of the festival both before and during the event.
Casabona, who has been with LARAC for 12 years, holds a bachelor of fine arts degree with a concentration in photography from SUNY Oneonta. He worked in retail and did free-lance photography work before landing at the council as a volunteer. He was soon hired part-time as festival coordinator, later advancing to his present positions. He is also a practicing artist.
As a Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) site LARAC receives funding from the New York State Council of the Arts (NYSCA). They apply for funding on the grounds that there are enough artists and arts organizations in the area to make a positive cultural and economic impact. This year and next they will receive $100,000 from state and federal sources, which helps underwrite the work of artists in Warren and Washington counties. In addition to this they get money to help pay the salary of the person who grants that money out.
LARAC also has a Winter Arts Festival, scheduled this year for December 7 at the Queensbury Hotel. Now in its 37th year, it generally draws around 60 artists and attracts 3,000-4,000 attendees. Sponsorships make it free to the public.
“It’s a scaled-down June but it did allow us to buy the building we’re in, a beautifully restored Victorian carriage house in downtown Glens Falls,” said Casabona. “We’ve been in it for 29 years.”
The building, which has a retail shop, is open seven days a week offering workshops and seven exhibitions a year in the Lapham Gallery. There is one juried exhibition each year as well as one members-only exhibition. Judges for the juried shows in recent years have included Ann Larsen, Jenny Hutchinson, Diane Swanson, and Ronn T. Mattia.
Casabona hopes to expand the June festival in the future to 175-180 artists and more food trucks if patronage will support it.
“We’re looking to expand to a total of 190-200 artists and food vendors,” he said.
Proposed 400-Unit Apartment Complex in Lake George Gains Community Support
BY LEE COLEMAN
Gross Electric Inc.’s plans for a 400 unit apartment complex on Route 9N near Northway Exit 21 in Lake George have received a favorable reception from town and school district officials.
Joseph P. Gross, company president, said he wants to build one- two- and three-bedroom apartments on 30-plus acres where a Ramada Inn was once located. Gross purchased the property 10 years ago and leveled the former hotel in recent years for liability reasons due to ongoing vandalism at the old structure.
“I feel it will be an asset and a positive for the community,” Gross said. Town officials feel the same way.
“I’m getting a warm reception from the Town Board and school district,” he said.
The project would provide affordable apartments for young families just getting started. It would allow
the families to be close to work in lake businesses and businesses to the north, he said.
Current housing in the town and village of Lake George is out of reach for many young families and people working in local businesses. “It would be an economic boost to the area,” he said.
The Lake George Central School District is “in dire need of students,” Gross said.
He said the Lake George school district has excellent academic ratings but diminishing student enrollment numbers. Adding 200 families with school age children to the district through the planned apartment development would be a big plus for the district, Gross said.
At last week’s town planning board meeting town officials said they have heard many favorable comments about the project. Even if the project brings a couple dozen students into the school district it
Continued On Page 5
Glens Falls City Park will be filled with people who appreciate fine arts and crafts at LARAC’s 54th June Arts Festival.
Courtesy of LARAC
Gross Electric employees gather at the company’s Big Boom Road facility as the company expands its impact with a proposed local workforce development. Courtesy Gross Electric
Hudson Headwaters Opens Pharmacy In Moreau To Serve The Local Community
Hudson Headwaters Health Network announces the opening of Hudson Headwaters Pharmacy at Moreau, conveniently located off Exit 17 of I-87 (the Northway) and adjacent to Moreau Family Health. This new community pharmacy is open to everyone, regardless of whether they are a current Hudson Headwaters patient.
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“As a community health center, providing comprehensive access to health care is at the heart of our mission,” said Tucker Slingerland, M.D., CEO of Hudson Headwaters. “Like our urgent care centers, the pharmacy welcomes everyone. As the only pharmacy located near the busy Exit 17 corridor, our Pharmacy at Moreau offers access and convenience while supporting the overall health of our community. When you fi ll your prescriptions with us, you are helping to advance our nonprofit mission to ensure highquality, local health care for all.”
Hudson Headwaters Pharmacy at Moreau accepts Medicare and most commercial insurances. Medicaid approval is still pending and may take up to six months. Medicaid patients wishing to transfer their prescriptions can reach out to the Hudson Headwaters pharmacy team who will notify patients once the approval process is complete.
“We’ve already received a great response from the community,” said Sara Vogel, PharmD/RPh, pharmacy manager. “Many patients of Moreau Family Health enjoy the convenience of having a pharmacy right next door, but our services are for everyone—even those outside the area. For added convenience, we offer delivery services.”
Hudson Headwaters Pharmacy at Moreau offers unique benefits such as assistance navigating potential barriers to care, like prior
authorizations and insurance coverage. In addition to prescription medications, the pharmacy stocks a selection of over-the-counter treatments for cough and cold, first aid, vitamins, digestive aids and more. Network patients have the added benefit of thorough care coordination between their care teams and pharmacy services. Hudson Headwaters patients may also benefit from the Network’s access to non-profit programs that can help them save money on prescriptions.
“Our pharmacy team is highly knowledgeable and stays up to date on the latest treatments to provide personalized, high-quality care,” said Vogel. “Whether you’re transferring prescriptions or starting fresh, our team is here in-person, or by phone, to make the process easy.”
Hudson Headwaters patients may request to switch pharmacies by sending a message to their providers via the Patient Portal. Patients can also call their Hudson Headwaters health center and select the prompt for prescription requests to leave a detailed message for their care teams. A ribbon cutting celebration is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. on Friday, April 4, co-hosted by the Adirondack, Saratoga and South Glens Falls chambers of commerce.
Hudson Headwaters Pharmacy at Moreau is located at 1305 Route 9, Gansevoort, NY. Contact the pharmacy team by phone at 518203-3547. Open hours are Monday – Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The pharmacy is closed for lunch 12:30 – 1 p.m. Automated phone and website systems are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Learn more at https://hhhnpharmacy.org and view a virtual tour of the pharmacy at https:// bit.ly/PharmacyAtMoreauVirtualTour.
9 Broad Street #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
The Hudson Headwaters Health Network opens a community pharmacy in Moreau to expand access to affordable medications for all.
Glen Square Marks Opening Of Rhode IslandBased Ocean State Job Lot With Ribbon Cutting
BY PAUL POST
A crowd of well-wishers braved freezing temperatures recently for a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Queensbury’s newest retailer to town.
An Ocean State Job Lot store, at Glen Square on Upper Glen Street, is the Rhode Island-based company’s 153rd location in a territory that encompasses all of New England, New York, Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
It’s also the retail chain’s northernmost site in New York, joining three other Capital Region stores in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Schenectady.
“This is great!” customer Jim Northrup said. “It’s good to have a place like this instead of people doing all their shopping on Amazon. It contributes to the tax base.”
The 30,000-square-foot space, adjacent to Uncommon Grounds coffee shop, was previously occupied by Big Lots.
Ocean State’s motto is “Brand name merchandise at closeout prices.”
Shoppers find an ever-changing array of merchandise including grocery items, garden tools, outdoor furniture, household goods, pet supplies and seasonal lines from Christmas ornaments to beach wares, at highly competitive pricing.
“Prices here are very reasonable,” said Darleena Ball of Moreau. “I found a suitcase for $40. Gain laundry detergent is $24 over at Hannaford; $15.99 here. So that was a good deal.”
She and her husband also enjoyed free coffee and donuts courtesy of Dunkin, to help celebrate the grand opening.
The new outlet has created jobs for almost 50 people, led by Bill Mapes, who is managing a store for the first time. He’s been with the company for three-and-ahalf years, most recently at its Ballston Spa site on Doubleday Avenue (Route 50).
“We offer great value to customers, great deals,” he said. “You never really know what you’re going to get.”
Ocean State Regional Director James Hines calls it “adventure shopping.”
“When you walk in you don’t necessarily know what you’re going to find,” he said. “We’re a closeout retailer. Our core merchandise remains the same, but we get a lot of good buys, so a lot of things change. When you come in, you never know what you’re going to see or what you might need. You might come in for one thing and end up filling a cart with 10 others.”
Queensbury officials are especially pleased about Ocean State’s presence as another generator of sales tax revenue, which totaled more than $12 million last year, comprising roughly 46 percent of the town’s revenue for General Fund operations.
But such positive news is tempered by the recent announcement that a highly popular Joann Fabric and Crafts store, directly across the street, is scheduled for closure.
The Ohio-based company is going out of business and closing 800 stores including others in Clifton Park and Colonie.
Many of the nation’s largest retailers have been greatly impacted by the rapid growth of online shopping, especially since the COVID pandemic that encouraged such trends.
JCPenney, for example, agreed to close nearly one-third of its stores after filing for bankruptcy protection during the
The Adirondack Thunder Setting Attendance Records With Strong Support From Area Fans
BY PAUL POST
The Adirondack Thunder set a three-game franchise attendance record of 14,869 during a March 8-10 weekend series against the Wheeling Nailers, highlighted by a crowd of 5,426 that turned out for Country Night festivities.
The Thunder have already had 13 sell-outs and are expected to surpass last year’s regularseason total (14) with six more home games on tap including Stick it to Cancer Weekend (March 28-29) and Fan Appreciation Weekend (April 11-12).
More than 900 season tickets, almost half this year’s total (2,150), have already been sold for next year including 90 new customers
The Thunder won’t make this spring’s Kelly Cup playoffs, but are battling hard to build momentum for a successful 2025-26 campaign. Adirondack’s beat Wheeling, one of the ECHL’s top teams, twice with shutouts including a dramatic 1-0 victory in overtime.
“Finishing strong and competitive is very important to the team and our fan base,”
Thunder President Jeff Mead said. “For the players, it allows them to continue to showcase their talents to the organization and for future opportunities. To our fans, we need to make sure they are aware that we understand it’s our job and obligation to give 100 percent until the very end.”
Coach Pete MacArthur said, “Sometimes you can only go as far as your fan base will carry you. If we don’t have the fans here, we literally don’t have a team. We need them to always stick by us. There may be weeks, months, years where it doesn’t go the way any of us want it to, but it’s not going to stay like that forever. So we’ve just got to stick together.”
The Thunder have the second-highest average attendance figure (4,521) in the seven-team North Division, surpassed only by Norfolk, and have brought more than 130,000
fans to downtown Glens Falls this season.
On Stick it to Cancer Weekend, players will wear special themed jerseys that will be auctioned off to raise money for Glens Falls Hospital’s CR Wood Cancer Center. There will be a T-shirt giveaway for the fi rst 1,000 adult fans on Saturday.
Players will also wear special jerseys during Fan Appreciation Weekend with prizes given out all weekend, and a jersey auction on Saturday, the season’s fi nal home game.
“The unwavering support of our fans this season is a testament to the heart and spirit of this community,” Mead said. “We couldn’t be more grateful for the energy, passion and enthusiasm they brought to Cool Insuring Arena. Truly the best fans in the entire ECHL.”
Gross Electric
Continued From Page 3
would make very positive impact, one town official said.
“So far there have been no stumbling blocks,” Gross said. He said the planning board members made some “reasonable requests” such as including some recreation areas in the plans.
“Right now I’m getting all positive, constructive ideas,” Gross said.
Another suggestion is linking the project with walkways to the downtown.
Gross said he hopes to get full project approval from the town by this fall. Ground breaking would be in the winter of 2026 and full build out by 2028.
Gross started Gross Electric Inc. in 1994 out of his garage when he was 28. He and his sons have grown the business into the largest industrial and commercial electrical contractor in the Capital District. The company has a 135,000 square-foot facility off Big Bay Road in Queensbury where between 40 and 50 employees make modular, pre-fabricated electrical systems for large businesses throughout the region.
than 150. Gross Electric has done electrical work for the Global Foundries semi-conductor plant in Malta and the new Beech-Nut food processing plant in Amsterdam, among other large industrial and commercial customers.
“”We are constantly looking at multiple projects up and down the east coast,” he said.
Cross said his son, Kyle, who has a degree from RPI, runs the day to day operations as company vice president. His son Kevin is in charge of logistics and purchasing.
“I have employees who have been with me for 30 years,” he said.
Continued On Page 10
The company also has an office in Florida and one in Rochester with a total workforce of more
Gross said the business has been very successful and has allowed him a comfortable standard of living including a house on the lake. He said he grew up in “humble” circumstances on John Street in Hudson Falls. He believes the apartment project will be profitable but the main concept is to make a positive impact on the Lake George community.
He said he could just sit back and enjoy his success. But he feels he needs to give something back to the community. “I want to do something to make a difference,” he said.
Joining New York locations in Ballston Spa, Clifton Park and Schenectady, Ocean State Job Lot has opened its 153rd store in Queensbury.
Saratoga Business Journal
Thunder fans bring the energy as they set attendance records.
Courtesy Adirondack Thunder
Women in Business
From Girl Scout Cookies to CEO: Wendy Waldron’s Journey to Entrepreneurial Success
Boardrooms To Backsplashes: Ginny Brandreth’s Entrepreneurial Journey To Glens Falls
BY ANN DONNELLY
Wendy Waldron’s journey is far from conventional. “I’m actually just a grown-up Girl Scout,” she begins, a statement that encapsulates her approach to business: strategic, collaborative, and driven by a desire to “win the game.” Even as a young girl, she understood the power of understanding the rules and working together.
“I sold the cookies, and I sold those cookies by the case because it was easier. And so I won all the prizes. Then, the next year, I taught all my little Girl Scout friends to sell them by the case whenever they could. And then we all won the prizes.”
This early lesson, honed through recordbreaking cookie sales, laid the foundation for her current success as CEO of her own company, WaldronWorks. “We just have to make sure we understand what the rules of the game are,” advises Waldron. “And then stick together and find a way to go win the game. And so, in a way, I’ve pretty much been doing that ever since.”
Her path wasn’t a straight line. After graduating from Colgate University on a scholarship, where she took on an unexpectedly demanding role managing student housing, she ventured to Mozambique, Africa, for a year of volunteer work. This transformative experience broadened her perspective and instilled a deep appreciation for opportunity.
Upon returning, a chance encounter with her future husband at a wedding led her to rural Pennsylvania and a temp job at a healthcare facil-
Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal
ity. “I was at the front desk with a day and a half training, trying to figure out if I pressed F11 or F9,” she recalls. Despite the initial chaos, she quickly rose through the ranks, eventually managing Cardiovascular Services at the Guthrie Clinic.
Her career continued to evolve when she was recruited back home to Queensbury to work at Hudson Headwaters and then the Glens Falls Hospital’s C.R. Wood Cancer Center. Each experience provided valuable lessons in team building, process improvement, and navigating organizational change. By 2018, Waldron realized that her true passion lay in helping businesses thrive, regardless of industry.
“It was just by accident of that temp job that the context of my work was healthcare,” she explains.
“But what I had always done was to build teams and grow businesses and move people together. So I started doing that for local businesses that were not healthcare.” With a “DBA and a dream,”
WaldronWorks was born.
The transition to entrepreneurship wasn’t without its challenges. Waldron faced the initial loneliness of independent consulting and the need to establish her structure and routines. “Partly for me, being independent was pretty lonely,” she admits. She sought out community, finding support and connection through organizations like the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women’s Business Council, which she helped get a strong start as an early member of the Executive
Continued On Page 7
BY ANN DONNELLY
Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel & Co. Kitchens, is a shining example of an entrepreneurial woman. Her journey, a rich tapestry woven with marketing expertise, international experiences, and a sharp eye for opportunity, is a testament to the power of adaptability and networking. Brandreth’s career has been a masterclass in embracing change and leveraging connections, from craft ing hand-drawn package designs to navigating the digital landscape with fi nesse.
Brandreth’s professional life began with a marketing degree from Clarkson University and a rapid ascent in consumer products in Syracuse and Rochester. “It was the most fun time,” she recalls. “The company was dynamic and growing, and I got to see so many different kinds of business. Everything from a little ‘mom and pop shop’ to making presentations at Walmart and Home Depot, and traveling overseas for our business over in Europe.”
Before the rise of digital marketing, this period involved hands-on work with design firms, meticulous package mock-ups, and late-night press runs. “It was just so much work,” she laughs, contrasting it with today’s streamlined digital processes.
Her career took an unexpected turn when she moved to Dublin, Ireland, as a “trailing spouse.” Though initially unable to work, Brandreth quickly found opportunities, first with a relocation agency and then volunteering for Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Camp, a sister camp to Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne. Brandreth notes the stark contrast between her high-paced corporate life, “You went from being at 60 to 70 hours a week as a Product Manager to a housewife in Ireland where the
stores close at five o’clock.”
Upon returning to the US, Brandreth transitioned to B2B marketing, launching a consulting business and fi lling a niche for medium-sized companies needing part-time marketing expertise. “My goal was for them to let go of me and hire somebody permanently,” she explains, emphasizing her commitment to building sustainable marketing departments. Her success was fueled by relentless networking, a skill she considers crucial for any entrepreneur. “If you can get the hang of networking, it’s incredible how business grows,” she asserts, “Just get to network, get to understand, listen to people, fi nd out what they need, and help them.
Brandreth’s connection to the Adirondacks led her to Saratoga and eventually Glens Falls, where she and her husband, Arthur Zobel, opened Zobel & Co. Kitchens in 2016. Zobel, a seasoned kitchen designer, handles the design aspect, while Brandreth manages the business’s back end, including marketing, fi nances, and operations. Transforming a former factory space into a stunning showroom was a yearlong endeavor, showcasing their dedication and vision.
Running a business, especially later in life, comes with its challenges. Brandreth candidly discusses the need to step outside her comfort zone. “One of the things with entrepreneurship is you have to do things you’ve never done before. You have to get out of your comfort zone and fi nally learn a piece of soft ware or whatever it is,” she says. “That’s the difference between being an entrepreneur and not. You’re willing to put yourself in a position where it is not really
Continued On Page 7
Wendy Waldron, CEO of WaldronWorks, brings a strategic and collaborative approach to business growth, drawing on a lifetime of leadership and teamwork.
Ginny Brandreth, COO of Zobel & Co. Kitchens, blends marketing expertise with entrepreneurial spirit, turning vision into reality in the world of custom kitchen design.
Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal
Light & Lens Studio: Fostering Community for Photographers & Other Artists in Glens Falls
BY ANN DONNELLY
In a move sparking excitement among local artists, Light & Lens Studio, opening on Broad Street in Glens Falls later this month, offers a unique space for digital and traditional fi lm photography enthusiasts. Unlike other studios, Light & Lens Studio, founded by the passionate photographer Jess Keller, is not just a rental space but a community hub for creatives.
Keller’s journey to opening this studio is a testament to her love for photography and entrepreneurial spirit. A self-described “hobby photographer,” Keller’s interest in the art form began in her teenage years. “I’ve been interested in photography since I was a teenager,” Keller explains. Her passion deepened during her time at Hofstra University, where she worked in the photo lab, eventually managing it and learning the intricacies of fi lm development in a darkroom.
The inspiration for Light & Lens Studio stemmed from a desire to create a space that offered more than just a studio rental. “I knew I always wanted to start a business, preferably in the art world,” Keller said. “And when it comes to the darkroom and studio, there weren’t places where people could go and rent the space - or even just artistic hangout spaces.” Th is realization fueled her desire to create a space that was both accessible and inspiring.
“The equipment is expensive, setting up a darkroom is… you gotta get the chemicals, you gotta get everything,” Keller noted. She wanted to make these resources more accessible, fostering a community where photographers could share knowledge and inspiration. The studio offers a fully equipped darkroom and a modern studio space with lighting, catering to both fi lm and digital photographers.
A significant aspect of Light & Lens Studio is its commitment to supporting local artists. Keller’s vision includes a gallery space where photographers can display their work. “I’ve always just wanted to be able to display people’s work and support local photographers,” she explained.
“Community is the big part,” Keller emphasized. “I want it to be that people can come in, hang out, and have that artistic conversation.” Th is emphasis on fostering a collaborative environment sets Light & Lens Studio apart from typical rental spaces. “When I was in college, I felt most inspired by just sitting in a space with other artists, even if we’re all working on our own things, getting people’s opinions on it.”
The studio offers a range of facilities, including darkroom and studio rentals by the hour, with plans for a membership model in the future. There are also printers, props, and other accessories available. Keller also intends to offer classes on various aspects of photography, like beginner darkroom techniques, which include developing fi lm and printing on paper, alternative processes, studio lighting, and displaying your artwork. Keller is also planning talks and special events like critique nights.
Keller’s journey to Glens Falls is a story of serendipity. Originally from New Jersey, In May 2020, she and her partner were looking for a change of pace and a closer connection to nature. Keller, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, was offered a position in this area, and the rest is history. Then, when Keller was
looking for a studio location, the perfect space opened up directly across from her day job.
Keller’s commitment to affordability is evident in the studio’s pricing structure. “I wanted to make it affordable, and the way of doing that was like making it affordable for others. I have to make it affordable for myself fi rst,” she explained. Th is approach aims to make the studio accessible to a wide range of photographers.
Keller’s resourcefulness and dedication have been instrumental in bringing her vision to life. From sourcing equipment at estate sales to receiving generous donations from fellow artists, she’s built the studio with a keen eye on affordability. “I don’t want to make people rent the darkroom or the studio for a ton of money. We’re artists. We don’t have a lot to spare,” she explains.
The studio offers hourly rentals for the darkroom and studio space, with plans to introduce a membership model. Keller’s flexibility extends to accommodating individual needs, even outside of regular operating hours.
“I’ve had a lot of people that have been interested and waiting for the place to open,” Keller says, expressing her excitement for the studio’s potential. She’s actively engaging with the community through social media and a monthly newsletter, providing updates on the studio’s progress and fostering a sense of anticipation.
As Light & Lens Studio prepares for its grand opening, Keller focuses on building a sustainable business that serves the local artistic community. “I’m hoping, though, that as time goes on and people see the space,” she said, “the word will get around.” With its unique blend of traditional and modern photography resources, Light & Lens Studio is poised to become a cornerstone of the Glens Falls arts scene.
The public is welcome to Light & Lens’s Grand Opening Weekend celebrations. A Ribbon Cutting Ceremony by the Adirondack Regional Chamber takes place on Friday, March 28, 2025, from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., with celebrations continuing on Saturday, March 29, 2025, from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Light & Lens Studio is at 130 Broad Street, Unit 5, Glens Falls. For more information, visit Light & Lens Studio’s website, www. lightandlensgf.com.
Wendy Waldron
Continued From Page 6
Committee.
Waldron credits her parents for modeling a strong work ethic, but her drive also comes from another source, “I just get bored easily, and I really need challenges, and I need to be learning. Some of it is excitement about, ‘Look at this big, beautiful world.’ And I choose to live in a lovely corner of it where my family’s been forever. But it really is just a tiny little corner up here in our mountains. So I think for me, it’s always also been about just finding what’s next and what the world has to offer.”
However, she also recognizes the importance of building structure around those ideas. “I know, for example, that I’m not great at following through,” she acknowledges, emphasizing the need to surround herself with people who complement her strengths.
To provide her clients with a proven framework for success, Waldron became a Certified EOS Implementer. She explains that EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) provides “simple, practical tools in a process that’s been proven by thousands of companies. We’re talking about nuts and bolts, how to lead, how to manage, how to grow an organization in such a way that you are a little less frazzled and you get more results. You don’t feel stuck at the plateaus along the way. You know how to move past them. You have tools to use.“
Waldron’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, particularly women, is practical and encouraging. “Lean into people who can help you, and don’t lean into the people who don’t know,” she advises. She recommends seeking mentors, taking business courses, and building a solid business plan. Most importantly, she stresses the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support your goals. “Hang out with people who think it’s normal and cool and fun, not those that are going to reinforce this big change, but rather reinforce where you’re headed. Find ways to make new paths forward in your life.”
Ultimately, Waldron’s story is one of continuous growth, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of opportunity. From selling Girl Scout cookies to leading successful businesses, she embodies the entrepreneurial spirit, proving that anything is possible with determination and a willingness to learn.
For more information about Wendy Waldron and EOS, visit www.eosworldwide.com/wendywaldron.
Mary Longley
131 River Street Hudson Falls, NY 12839
518-744-7791 mlongley10@yahoo.com
Ginny Brandreth
Continued From Page 6
what I want to do or really what I enjoy doing, but this is going to move me forward. Because you’re responsible for everything.”
Brandreth’s involvement in the community extends beyond her business. She’s currently the Chair of the Women’s Business Council (WBC) of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC), which she praises for its supportive environment. “It’s worth the time that we put into it,” she says. She notes the strong community support for entrepreneurs in Glens Falls, emphasizing the ARCC’s welcoming atmosphere and the collaborative spirit of the WBC.
What is her secret for working successfully alongside her spouse? “If someone had told me in 2015 that I was going to work with my husband, work out with my husband, do grocery shopping with my husband, do everything with my husband, I’d be like, ‘No, I will eat him alive. It’s not going to work.’ But it has. I stay in my lane. I can’t design. When he tries to get in my lane, I’m like, ‘Back up!’”
Brandreth hopes to see Zobel & Co. Kitchens continue to thrive far into the future, possibly with her daughter Sarah taking over the reins. She appreciates the flexibility of entrepreneurship, allowing for spontaneous day trips and a less rigid work-life balance. When asked for advice for aspiring female entrepreneurs, her message is simple: “Just do it. Jump in. You don’t know until you try.” She stresses the importance of research and resource gathering, encouraging women to embrace the unknown and pursue their dreams. “Every time I’ve done that, I haven’t regretted it once.”
Ginny Brandreth’s story is a testament to the power of resilience, adaptability, and community. She exemplifies the entrepreneurial spirit, proving you can realize any dream with passion and perseverance.
Zobel & Co. Kitchens is located at 11 Broad Street, Glens Falls. To fi nd out more about the company, visit https://zobelandco.com. To fi nd out more about the Women’s Business Council of the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, a supportive community for female entrepreneurs, visit www.adirondackchamber. org. The council provides a platform for women to network, share experiences, and learn from each other, fostering a collaborative and empowering environment for business growth.
Jess Keller will host the Grand Opening of Light & Lens Studio on March 29th at 130 Broad Street. Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal
Economic Development Corporation
Warren County Economic Development Corp. Uniquely Positioned To Drive Growth In Area
BY PAUL POST
Jim Siplon came to Glens Falls to help launch a new company, Just Water, which recently celebrated its 10th anniversary.
In the process, he fell in love with the area and is now a driving force for its short- and long-term economic health and vitality.
“A lot of people look at the Adirondack Park as an economic liability,” said Siplon, Warren County Economic Development Corporation president. “I take a contrarian view. We have one foot inside the park and one foot outside. That is a really unique strategic place to be. Look south to Saratoga and the Capital District and we have connections to much bigger things like the chip fab industry. Take the same drive north and you can be on Lake George, skiing at Gore Mountain or atop of one of the 46 High Peaks.”
“That’s a tremendous opportunity,” he said. “We have to figure out how to leverage our location. That’s going to require investment in infrastructure such as broadband, thinking about where we want additional housing, investing in assets that attract new residents and young people because we have an aging population, and taking care of existing businesses. That combination of things is what we’re constantly working on.”
The non-profit EDC has a nearly $1 million budget derived from local government and membership fees paid by employers from small, one-man firms to Glens Falls Hospital, which has the area’s largest workforce. EDC offers a variety of programs, services and funding to help new firms get started and bolster those already here.
It’s also a conduit that opens doors to an even wider array of benefits, such as state grants and tax credits, working in partnership with similar entities such as Capital Regional Economic Development Council, the Center for Economic Growth, Innovate 518, Glens Falls and Warren County Industrial Development Agencies and Warren County Local Development Corporation, which Siplon also leads.
Among recent high-profile projects, EDC is deeply involved with the current redevelopment of South Street in Glens Falls, where EDC is headquartered in the Empire Theater building. It also did a great deal of behind-the-scenes work, helping AngioDynamics keep some jobs locally, after initially planning to exit Warren County altogether.
But EDC’s efforts extend throughout the county. It played a vital role in helping Lake George obtain a $10 million state Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant.
In North Creek, work is expected to begin soon on a $10.1 million wastewater treatment system that will serve the local business district and Gore Mountain’s North Creek Ski Bowl project featuring a new lodge, chairlift and zipline. A hotel is planned for the site as well.
EDC was a major player in helping secure approvals and funding for the project. “We worked on that for four years,” Siplon said. “It’s finally coming to fruition. Without this system, none of the businesses on Main Street could expand or make modifications because they’re too close to the river, and no large-scale hotel could be built. It’s stymied development for that part of our county’s economy.”
Once completed, it’s hoped the new treatment system will trigger significant business investment in North Creek.
The three main pillars of Warren County’s economy are tourism, the service industry led by healthcare, and manufacturing.
“We have the largest hospital between Albany and Montreal, a span of 200 miles,” Siplon said.
“We provide healthcare and specialized services
Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Touts Region’s Rich History And Lifestyle Options
BY PAUL POST
Saratoga Economic Development Corporation leveraged its million-dollar budget to help bring $177 million worth of new investment to Saratoga County, create 651 new full-time jobs and retain 214 more, last year alone.
The roughly 250-member, non-profit entity strives to attract and support large and small business alike in all sectors of the local economy.
Vibrant downtowns and a high quality of life with diverse recreational and cultural offerings continue to attract employers. But SEDC President Greg Connors says assets such as Saratoga County’s rich history, the Hudson and Mohawk rivers on its borders, and proximity to the Adirondack Park have considerable potential, too, for boosting the local economy.
“We really run the gamut of being able to support economic sectors that are familiar to Saratoga County and some of the ones that may not be as familiar such as life sciences, industries that support thoroughbred breeding, farming and agriculture,” he said. “Renewable energy has emerged, too, and of course the 21st century advanced manufacturing supply chain.”
“Many of the projects we continue to work on, we work under a non-disclosure agreement,” Connors said. “Investors don’t want their presence to be known during early stages of the investigatory process for obvious reasons. But we’re anticipating significant interest. Our job is to take that interest to investment.”
SEDC’s budget is comprised of member dues, county funding and public utility and state grants.
While there have been many successes, with more on the horizon, SEDC also partners with other agencies to tackle business challenges such as workforce housing, labor shortages, access to abundant, reliable energy sources and providing adequate water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure.
“All of that is on our agenda every day to make more available throughout the county to make it an even better place to invest,” Connors said.
Last June, Mechanicville-Stillwater Industrial Development Agency authorized Dakota Partners to develop and own Hudson Heights Apartments, a 120-unit affordable housing
community in Stillwater. All households residing in the community must be income qualified and apartments will be targeted to households between 30 percent and 90 percent of the county’s median income.
“It’s for the general workforce – a teacher, a nurse or if GlobalFoundries needs people, too,” IDA Chair Sally Herrick said. “It will benefit locally because there’s not enough affordable homes to buy for people who want to stay in this area. People are getting priced out of that market. They don’t want to move, so we wanted to make sure that local people who want an affordable place to live have that option.”
“We also wanted to make sure there’s a place for people moving into this area because of a job,” she said. “New York State was a big partner in it.”
With regards to labor needs, Connors said, “It’s a heavy lift; something all of us are going to have to be invested in.”
Toward that end SEDC collaborates with area colleges, high schools and agencies such as the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce to expose young people to careers as electricians, plumbers and HVAC technicians that are vital to future development.
“We need the support and assistance of all
Continued On Page 11 Continued On Page 11
Warren County EDC President Jim Siplon is helping to lead the region to a secure economic future.
Courtesy of Warren County EDC
SEDC President Greg Connors is optimistic about Saratoga County’s future.
Courtesy of SEDC
Banking / Asset Management
BY DAVID KOPYC
Asset management is a critical component of financial planning, particularly as individuals transition from their working years to retirement. The strategies used to manage assets during these two life stages are inherently different due to varying financial goals, risk tolerance, and income sources. Understanding the key differences in managing assets during retirement versus working years is essential for long-term financial success and peace of mind.
During the working years, the primary focus of asset management is growth. Individuals in their 20s, 30s, 40s, and even 50s are typically in the accumulation phase of their financial lives. The primary sources of income during this period are wages from employment, business ventures, and any passive income streams. The goal is to grow wealth, save for future milestones such as purchasing a home, funding education, and eventually accumulating enough savings to retire comfortably.
In the working years, individuals tend to have a higher risk tolerance. Since they are still years or even decades away from retirement, they can afford to take on more risk in their investment portfolios. This often translates into higher allocations in stocks, mutual funds, or other growth-oriented investments that carry more volatility but offer higher returns over time. Investment strategies might focus on assets that have the potential for long-term capital appreciation, such as equities, real estate, and business ventures.
During the working years, individuals contribute regularly to retirement accounts, such as 401(k) s, IRAs, or pensions. These contributions help to build the foundation for future retirement income. The strategy in this phase is to maximize contributions, particularly by taking advantage of employer matching contributions to retirement accounts. For individuals who want to maximize their retirement savings, it’s often advised to contribute the maximum allowable amounts to retirement accounts each year.
The idea is to build a large enough nest egg, which, when compounded over the years, can grow significantly and provide a reliable source of income upon retirement. Investment choices during this period are typically more aggressive to maximize growth potential, as the horizon for withdrawals is far off.
Diversification plays a key role in asset management during the working years. The idea is to spread investments across various asset classes to reduce the overall risk of the portfolio. A working individual may have investments in stocks, bonds, real estate, and alternative assets, such as private equity or commodities. Maintaining a well-diversified portfolio ensures that if one sector underperforms, others may compensate for the loss.
As individuals approach retirement, their asset management strategy begins to shift. Retirement marks a transition from the accumulation phase to the decumulation phase, where the goal changes from growing wealth to protecting and using the wealth that has been built over the years. As people stop earning a regular salary, the focus shifts to creating a steady stream of income that can support them throughout retirement.
In retirement, individuals typically reduce their exposure to high-risk investments. With fewer years left to recover from potential market downturns, capital preservation becomes the priority. While growth remains important to offset inflation, retirees are generally more conservative with their investments. Many shift a larger portion of their portfolios into bonds, dividend-paying stocks, and other incomegenerating assets that are less volatile. This strategy seeks to maintain the purchasing power of retirement savings while reducing the risk of substantial losses that could compromise retirement plans.
In retirement, the focus moves from contributing to savings to withdrawing from them. The goal is to make withdrawals that are sustainable throughout the retirement years, typically guided by a withdrawal strategy. One of the most common strategies is the
“4% rule,” where retirees aim to withdraw no more than 4% of their retirement portfolio each year. This approach is designed to ensure that the portfolio lasts for the average retirement duration of 30 years or more.
However, the 4% rule is not one-size-fits-all. Factors such as lifestyle choices, inflation, healthcare costs, and market performance must be considered when planning withdrawals. Some retirees may decide to withdraw a fixed amount, while others may choose a dynamic withdrawal approach that adjusts based on the performance of their investments.
Retirees must ensure they have multiple sources of income to support their lifestyle. For many, this includes Social Security, pensions, and income from investments. Bonds and annuities are also common tools for generating predictable income streams. Annuities, for instance, provide regular payments for a set period or for the rest of an individual’s life, offering peace of mind that essential expenses will be covered. Dividends from stocks and rental income from real estate investments are also popular choices for retirees seeking passive income.
Tax planning becomes even more crucial in retirement. Retirees often have multiple accounts with different tax treatments, including traditional IRAs, Roth IRAs, taxable investment accounts, and employer-sponsored plans. Understanding how withdrawals will be taxed—whether as ordinary income, capital gains, or tax-free distributions—can have a significant impact on a retiree’s overall financial picture. Effective tax strategies, such as tax-loss harvesting or Roth conversions, can help minimize the tax burden and preserve more wealth in retirement.
As individuals age, healthcare becomes a more significant concern. Medical expenses in retirement can be substantial, especially with the rising cost of healthcare services and the possibility of needing long-term care. Retirees must consider how to manage these costs, including supplementing Medicare with private insurance or purchasing long-term care insurance. This requires careful planning to ensure that healthcare expenses don’t eat into retirement savings.
Managing assets during the retirement years differs significantly from the working years, with a focus on capital preservation, income generation, and risk mitigation. During the working years, individuals focus on building their wealth through high-risk, growth-oriented investments, while retirees prioritize securing a steady stream of income and protecting their savings from market volatility.
Understanding these differences and strategically adapting your asset management plan as you transition from working to retirement is key to ensuring financial stability and achieving long-term goals.
Morgan Stanley (NYSE: MS) recently announced that The Table Rock Group based in Glens Falls has been named to Forbes Magazine’s 2025 list of America’s Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams.
Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Management Teams ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices, client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms.
“I am pleased that The Table Rock Group is representing Morgan Stanley,” commented Dean Wallace, Market Executive of Morgan Stanley’s Glens Falls office. “To be named to this list recognizes The Table Rock Group’s professionalism and dedication to the needs of their valued clients.” Morgan Stanley Wealth Management, a global leader, provides access to a wide range of products and services to individuals, businesses and institutions, including brokerage and investment advisory services, financial and wealth planning, cash management and lending products and services, annuities and insurance, retirement and trust services.
David Kopyc, president of Retirement Planning Group LLC in Saratoga Springs.
The professionals at Glens Falls-based Table Rock Group have been recognized
by Forbes Magazine.
Continued From Page 5
pany projects nominal U.S. retail sales will rise 4 percent in 2025, “a strong outlook given a stagnant consumer
and other negative factors such as diminishing consumer savings, potential trade disruptions and rising credit card delinquencies.
Ocean State District Manager Patrick Bridgett said the retail industry’s economic climate is “challenging in a lot of ways. There’s a lot of difficulties out there.”
But Ocean State’s discount pricing, similar to Ollie’s Bargain Outlet at Aviation Mall, “makes it a positive environment for us,” he said. “It allows us to do what we do best, offer name-brand items at a reasonable price. We’ve got some pretty high-end items here that we get from other retailers that have canceled orders. It’s a pretty robust environment right now to buy what we buy.”
BY PAUL POST
Don’t let Matthew Killian’s very Irish sounding name fool you.
There’s a great deal of Italian influence in his family, which explains the name of his new restaurant, Buono Notte Café & Catering, opening next month at 6 Maple Street in downtown Glens Falls.
“Not all Italian cuisines are the same,” he said. “Everyone has a different style of cooking. I feel like I can bring a very good Italian ethnicity here. That’s my main goal, to bring in Italian food that we can improve on by adding to what other people have done.”
“We’re using creativity,” he said. “We don’t want to offer the same specials over and over again. What’s going to set us apart is specials like Chicken DiCapo – red-brown sauce, spinach, chicken tender breasts.”
Steak and seafood specials will highlight the menu, too.
The 21-year-old Killian grew up surrounded by good food. His father, Robert, worked at several New York City restaurants and was head chef at the former Orfino’s in upscale Briarcliff, Westchester County.
“Being that close to the city there’s a lot of culinary experiences, a lot of cultural differences,” he said. “I couldn’t find some of the things I found in the city when we moved up here. I began thinking, maybe there’s a way we could bring different styles of cooking to what people here are already offering.”
Inspired by other ethnic-oriented restaurants such as Radici Kitchen & Bar and Mikado, Killian believes there’s room downtown for him to carve out a niche of his own.
But first, he went to the “School of Hard Knocks.”
A Fort Ann High School graduate, he spent five years working at the Boardwalk Restaurant in Lake George.
“That’s a very fast-paced restaurant,” he said. “In summer business is booming. Not a lot of people can make it in Lake George. During COVID they were desperate for help. It was very hard to find people.”
“I was happy to step up and take on more of a learning experience,” he said. “They threw me right on the line after a year of prep work. I started on the salad station, then moved up to doing little things for the head chef like set-ups and baskets. Then I learned to do the grill.”
Killian’s entrepreneurial dream, which is quickly becoming reality, has been made possible by his late grandmother, who left him an inheritance to get started with. Many young men might have used the gift for pleasure or material gain.
For Killian, those things can wait. His grandmother’s generosity is a driving force that makes him want to succeed.
“She said she wanted me to do something with this money, not blow it on a trip to Cancun,” he said. “I’m going to try to make her proud with it. We have pictures of her we’re going to hang up here. I’m going to try to keep her in the restaurant just as much as she was a part of our lives.”
Killian will be the eatery’s head chef and manager “to make sure food comes out 100 percent on point.”
“We’ve found some very good wait staff that we feel can bring a very good homey atmosphere to what we want to accomplish here,” he said.
His family’s move from Westchester County to Washington County was somewhat of a culture shock for Killian, as a young teen. But he quickly embraced the area’s tight-knit, family-oriented lifestyle, which will be a trademark of Buono Notte’s ambience as well.
“It’s been an adventure,” he said. “We’re here to bring people good times and great food that maybe they’ve never tried before.”
Matthew Killian sits at a table at his restaurant, Buono Notte Cafe & Catering in Glens Falls. Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal
Business Briefs
Arrow Bank National Association has announced the promotion of Nicholas Puccia to U.S. Avenue Branch Manager in Plattsburgh.
Puccia is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the branch and meeting the financial needs of the community. He has five years of banking experience, all of which have been dedicated to Arrow Bank, formerly named Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company.
Puccia earned a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Potsdam. The Ogdensburg, N.Y. native is active in the community, supporting Elmore SPCA, Beth’s Furry Friends and Adirondack Coast.
Saratoga Performing Arts Center has announced that it has appointed Jana Gordon as its new Senior Vice President of Development. This new role is part of SPAC’s continued growth and efforts to expand its donor base, build relationships with the community, and support the long-term sustainability of the organization. Gordon will help to raise the visibility of SPAC as a non-profit organization, overseeing all philanthropic activities in alignment with SPAC’s ambitious goals for the future.
“SPAC is a premier, globally recognized venue attracting best-in-class artists and visitors from all over the world. Recruiting a new SVP of development with decades of international arts experience is a critical step in supporting SPAC’s on-going growth and vision,” saysElizabeth Sobol, President & CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “Jana brings with her a wealth of knowledge and fundraising expertise from her past roles at organizations such as the Stratford Festival in Canada, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, and the English National Opera. We look forward to introducing her to our community.”
Jana Gordon is an accomplished, results-oriented leader drawing on expertise in the fields of non-profit management, the performing arts sector, fundraising, and public accounting. Having had an international career with positions at leading organizations in the USA, England, and Canada, Jana is now the Senior Vice President of Development at Saratoga Performing Arts Center.
Jana Gordon shares: “I am thrilled and honored to join the team at Saratoga Performing Arts Center, merging my love and passion for the arts with my skillset in non-profit management and fundraising. I have been fortunate to build a career over the past two decades that brings together donors and philanthropic individuals with cultural organizations from all over the world. I look forward to this exciting new challenge and connecting with the fantastic communities in Saratoga, the Capital Region, and beyond.”
Gordon’s previous roles include Senior Director of Advancement at the Stratford Festival; Executive Director, King’s University College Foundation and Executive Director, Alumni and Development at King’s University College at Western University; Assistant Vice-President, Development & Campaign Director at Wilfrid Laurier University; Director of Development & Donor Rela-
tions at the Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony; Director of Development at the Dallas Symphony Orchestra; and Corporate Giving Sales Manager with English National Opera, among others.
To learn more, please contact Kristy Ventre at kventre@spac.org.
Does your septic system need to be repaired or replaced? Warren County has a program that may be able to help.
Warren County Department of Planning & Community Development has received funding from multiple pools of grant money to repair or replace problematic septic systems. Eligibility for the money depends on location, income, and other factors.
By submitting an application, property owners:
* Get assessed for all available funding sources.
* Help Warren County secure additional funding to expand the program.
* Join a priority waitlist if additional funding becomes available.
Warren County Department of Planning & Community Development has allocated more than $1.3 million to residential septic replace projects since 2021, focusing at first on systems in proximity to waterways. Portions of the latest round of funding can be used for septic systems in any location.
Funding has been made available to the county through a variety of grant programs, and the amount awarded per applicant varies based on from which funding source a project qualifies
Warren County Department of Planning & Community Development has been working with eligible property owners to explain their options. An online application system has been created, which can be found here. Additional information about the program can be found on this website.
Additional applications are being solicited from property owners as Warren County Planning & Community Development seeks more NY State funding.
Said Ethan Gaddy, Warren County Planner: “Preserving our water quality is vitally important to our economy and quality of life. Property owners who may be eligible for this funding should review the application and take advantage of this program to help keep our watersheds clean. Due to program limits associated with the NYSDEC Septic Replacement program, our department is applying for septic replacement funds via alternative programs this year. Submitting an application via the online portal will help us prove that there is a strong demand for additional funding.”
Questions about the program can be directed to the Planning Department at 518-761-6410.
The septic repair/replacement program is a collaboration between the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, New York State Department of Health, New York Environmental Facilities Corporation, the Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board, the Lake Champlain Basin Program and participating counties such as Warren County that administer funding to qualifying property owners.
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for an area as big as some states. We’re really deeply engaged in the healthcare sector to make sure they’re staying competitive and healthy.”
While some heavy industries such as Glens Falls Cement Company have ceased operations, Siplon believes there’s great, untapped potential for new firms to start up that could play a critical role protecting the area’s valuable natural resources.
“There’s a lot of places in the world that are under great stress (fires, drought, rising shorelines),” he said. “New York is not only known for the beauty of Lake George, but as a climate haven. I look at that and say, ‘If we could bring 1,000 people here and most of them were involved with water and forestry resources, that would be perfectly aligned with the place. It would enhance what we are’.”
In a concept Siplon calls the “reverse marketplace,” EDC has already developed models for environmental business opportunities it believes would have a captive market that no one yet has stepped into yet.
“And we’ve already lined up funding if we can find the right people to do them,” he said.
For example, there is a great deal of concern about Lake George water quality issues. An enterprising person could make brine available to private contractors and municipalities as an alternative to rock salt.
There’s also a need to upgrade ailing septic systems. Another possibility would be developing applications in which milfoil and similar invasive species become ingredients for other products, rather than just destroying them.
“This kind of innovative programming serves the community and launches new business at same time,” Siplon said.
He also believes there’s almost unlimited potential for successful new business in the trades such as plumbing, HVAC, electrical and construction. As an example, he pointed out that Gross Electric owner Joseph Gross started out in a garage and now employs hundreds of people.
“The trades are one of the fastest ways for people to develop personal wealth,” Siplon said. “There’s almost unlimited demand for it and it’s based on your own work ethic and the level of energy that you’re willing to provide. You could immediately go to work and be part of helping our economy grow. Our goal is to introduce people to those choices as well.”
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our economic development stakeholders starting with the education and building trades communities,” Connors said.
GlobalFoundries’ plans for a second chip fab (8.2) at Luther Forest Technology Campus, an estimated $12 billion project, is expected to create about 1,000 jobs.
“It’s fully approved by the county and towns in terms of land use,”
Connors said. “When the time is right, they need customers to enable that investment, then construction will start. We’re optimistic and prepared to support those investments in any way possible, but it relies on the marketplace.”
He’s also extremely hopeful about Tarrytown-based Regeneron’s future plans for the 1.1 million-square-foot former Quad Graphics plant at Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs. The company develops and manufacturers a variety of prescription medications.
Last September, Quebec-based Soleno company opened a new $22 million high-tech pipe manufacturing facility at Grande Industrial Park. The fi rm uses recycled plastic to make a variety of water management systems for use under roads, in residential areas and in the farming community. It was the company’s fi rst expansion to the U.S. and created 50 new jobs.
In addition to quality-of-life benefits, fi nancial incentives such as sales and mortgage tax exemptions, and the potential for a three-, five-, seven- or 10-year payment-in-lieu-oftaxes agreement entice employers to Saratoga County as well.
“Those types of incentives are very valuable in creating new jobs or retaining jobs that are already here,” Connors said. “Each individual town has its own vision or comprehensive plan about how they want their towns to develop economically.”
Local, regional and state agencies all play important roles. The list includes, but is not limited to Empire State Development, the Center for Economic Growth, Schenectady Metroplex Authority, Warren County Economic Development Corporation, Albany Alliance, Saratoga County Board of Supervisors, Discover Saratoga and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
“We’re all a team,” Connors said. “Their support, encouragement and participation are required.”
Maple Industry
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Heather Bagshaw said. “It brings visitors to other towns in the county that wouldn’t normally receive this level of traffic during this time of year. We are excited to partner with maple producers to provide branded totes and our travel guide so visitors can carry these sweet savory goods home and plan their next trip back to the Lake George Area.”
Warren County Board of Supervisors gave several thousand dollars in occupancy tax money to Thurman Community Association to promote Maple Days.
“All of it goes directly into promotion that brings people to the town of Thurman,” Galusha said. “Lying way out in a rural area like we do it’s always a challenge to get people to come here. We do social media and print media. It brings customers to our farms and they become repeat customers over time. It really has given us a big leg up and helps all of our businesses.
The sugar making season got off to a slow start because of this winter’s extremely cold weather. “The ground was frozen so deep, the trees frozen so solid that they’re going to take a little while to warm up,” Packer said.
Ideal conditions for making syrup are warm days and cool nights, whose pressure fluctuations make sap flow within trees.
“We’ve boiled a couple of times,” Galusha said. “We’ve got syrup, our shelves stocked and we’re anxious to have people come visit. Last year was very good for us. We made the most syrup ever, all very high quality, so we were real happy with last year.”
New York is the nation’s second-leading maple state, surpassed only by U.S. industry leader Vermont. Last year, the state’s sugar makers produced a record 846,000 gallons of syrup.
Taste NY markets on interstate highway welcome centers are highlighting unique local maple products during March. The Adirondack Welcome Center, on the Northway in Moreau, has educational displays from the Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association with information about the history of maple production and modern production techniques.
In Granville, Grottoli’s Maple hosted the first of three maple weekends on March 15-16, continuing through March 29-30. “We have a lot of return customers who come back every
year, but we’re always looking for new people,” Laurie Grottoli said. “My husband, Mike, shows them around the sugarhouse, all the ins and outs of maple sugaring, and we serve a nice maple breakfast.”
“We have people that come up from the Albany area and we actually get people driving through from Vermont, spring skiers, who have found us on the internet,” she said. “We’re right on Route 22 so it’s a good spot to put out signs and flags.”
The sixth-generation Maple Valley Farm, in Corinth, held one Open House Weekend on March 22-23, but takes the next one off so its owners can visit and support other local producers. In addition to on-site business, Maple Valley Farm wholesales some syrup and its product is found at retail locations throughout the area such as Kings Dairy, Saratoga Winery, Smith’s Bake Shop, Chestertown Farmer’s Market and the year-round Glens Falls Farmer’s Market.
The business is run by brothers Tim and Scott Monica whose late father, Don Monica, founded a popular Maple in April community-wide event in Hadley, scheduled this year for 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, April 26. Activities run the gamut from a French toast breakfast to a car, truck and tractor show, food and craft booths, children’s face painting and a petting zoo.
For more information go to: https://upperhudsonmaple.com/ or www.visitthurman.com.
Adirondack Studio
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allowing them to design and produce scenic elements for such domestic clients as General Electric, Walt Disney Imagineering and Universal Destinations and Experiences, Busch Gardens, Six Flags, Dollywood, Google, Christian Dior, and even Wegmans Food Markets in the United States. Overseas they’ve worked for such attractions as Motiongate Dubai, Sea World, Atlantis Resorts, Malaysia’s Genting Highlands Amusement Park, and the Universal and Disney expansions into Asia.
Solid, long-term relationships with these clients has allowed the company’s annual revenues to jump from $8 million to $35 million in just the last 15 years.
In addition to their design and production facility in Argyle, Adirondack Studios has design and production facilities in Orlando and Dubai, as well as a creative studio in Pasadena, California. In addition to the sales teams in each of these locations, the company has sales representatives in Shanghai and Singapore.
Depending upon the requirements of a given project, the total staff numbers 300, of which 125-150 are local to upstate New York.
During its tenure the company has completed over 5,000 projects, a number that increases by approximately 100-150 installations each year.
Recently completed projects include exhibits for the “Body Odyssey” Gallery for The Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, scenic drops for the South Carolina Ballet’s productions of “Dracula” and “The Nutcracker,” Hershey Super Sweet Adventure (with Original X Productions) in Chicago, the Candylicious retail store at Dubai International Airport, chandeliers for Morimoto restaurant at Disney Springs in Orlando and the re-imagination of the Top of the Rock Visitor Experience (with THG Creative) at Rockefeller Center.
Upcoming projects include “Giselle” at South Carolina Ballet, interactive experiences for attractions company Level99, and scenic paint work for one of the most highly anticipated theme parks of the decade.
They have also enjoyed a 30-year working relationship with Wegmans Food Markets, and are completing fabrication and scenic
At NBT Bank, our goal is to help you reach yours.
paint work for several of their upcoming locations. In 2003, former Creative Vice President Louie Allen convinced Michael Blau to join the team. Blau, a graduate of Siena College with a degree in marketing and management and an MFA from Syracuse University, had experience teaching theatrical design at Siena as well as working independently designing water parks around the world.
When Allen convinced him to come on board Blau’s remit was to expand the company’s portfolio, a task he has achieved with great success. He was responsible for establishing a dialog with Walt Disney Imagineering, which opened avenues for work with other theme parks. He also supported work in the Middle East, Malaysia, China, Japan and Singapore.
In addition to his role at ADKS, Blau is a past International Board President of the Themed Entertainment Association, the international non-profit organization that brings together creators of compelling experiences worldwide. For the past 31 years, the organization has produced the Thea Awards, considered the Oscars-equivalent of excellence in the attractions industry. The Adirondack Studios team recently received its 27th Thea Award for its fabrication work on the Fantasy Springs land at Tokyo DisneySea.
Blau sees exciting new opportunities for the company in the future. He said there is a trend in the industry toward more immersive guest experiences. He cited the example of museums offering exhibits that draw the viewer in rather than simply having them passively read the information or look at photos or videos.
To celebrate the company’s 50th anniversary they have launched Make A Scene, a branding and employee culture initiative that underlines its refreshed attitude and ethos.
“The goals of Make A Scene are to enhance recognition of our employees, forge deeper connections between our locations, recruit best-of-the-best talent, and broaden awareness of our accomplishments, services and capabilities to a global audience,” said Rice, who is largely responsible for its creation. “It consists of a series of videos on our people and processes, new social media channels, and a greater range of team members representing us at trade shows, at conferences, and in the media.”
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Sap being boiled in the timber-framed sugarhouse at Toad Hill Farm in Athol, New York. Courtesy of Maple Days
