Battle Of Saratoga Offers Enduring Lessons For
On-site Leadership Training Program
BY ROD BACON
One of the most effective ways to learn something is to immerse yourself as completely as possible in the subject.
Battlefield Leadership, under the guidance of President and CEO Col. (Ret.) Kevin W. Farrell, Ph.D., provides total immersion leadership programs based in history throughout the United States and several sites overseas. Clients attend multiple-day seminars at locations where some of the most significant military decisions were made, influencing the destinies of the people at the locations in which they occurred. Based on the traits of Character, Courage, and Competence, facilitators use the lessons of history to prepare attendees for leadership positions in their companies.
One example is the Saratoga Leadership Experience, in which participants visit the
historic battlefield and study the event considered the turning point of the American Revolution. Case studies of Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, and Sir William Howe are used to illustrate key leadership lessons that show attendees how to seize the initiative, align a complex organization, overcome adversity, and defeat complacency.
As with all the organization’s offerings, this two-day program is facilitated by a leader with extensive knowledge of the subject. Chief Operating Officer Adrienne M. Harrison, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Early American History and has written extensively on subjects related to the American Revolution. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point who has spent 20 years as a military leader and private sector executive.
Continued On Page 9
Foreverly House Is First In Region Designed To Assist Veteran Mothers With Children
BY ROD BACON
An idea floated at a breakfast meeting at Shirley’s Diner in Saratoga Springs six years ago has finally come to fruition.
Three local residents -- Cheryl HagePerez, Ray O’Conor and Tiffany LeAndrea -- were planning the annual Veterans’ Ball, a fund raiser for the Ballston Spa-based Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.
Eventually, the conversation turned to the unmet needs of veterans. LeAndrea, an Air Force veteran with two children, mentioned the fact that there wasn’t a facility where veteran women in similar situations could find housing and support services while they are making the often difficult transition from the military to civilian life.
“Later that night Ray called me and said ‘We need to do something for veterans in this situation’,” Hage-Perez said. “That’s how Foreverly House started to take shape.”
The inspiration for the name came from a song entitled “Foreverly” penned in 2017 by local singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin.
Foreverly House is comprised of two separate living spaces, each with its own entrance and each featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, pantry, and laundry room, ensuring pri -
vacy and comfort for the families. It will welcome its first residents June 1.
“Beyond housing, Foreverly House provides on-site counseling and facilitates access to essential services, empowering
Saratoga Gears Up For Belmont Festival With Concerts, Celebrities, And $11M In Purses
BY PAUL POST
Excitement in the Spa City has reached a fever-pitch for the upcoming five-day Belmont Stakes Racing Festival from June 4-8.
The Grade 1, $2 million Belmont has all the makings of a classic showdown between Kentucky Derby winner Sovereignty and runner-up Journalism, who broke through a crowded field to capture the May 17 Preakness in dramatic fashion.
“This will be a great race, maybe a blockbuster!” said veteran handicapper Mike Campanile, a frequent visitor to the Spa Oval.
The festival will have 27 stakes races and purses totaling more than $11 million, the richest purses and highest number of stakes offered since the festival’s inception in 2014.
But excitement at the track is only part of the fun, which begins on Wednesday, June 4 (7-10 p.m.) with a Belmont on Broadway concert in downtown Saratoga Springs featuring Gin Blossoms, an alternative rock band whose single, “Hey Jealousy,” became a Top 25 hit; and the Uprooted band that includes Michael Glabicki, original singer-guitarist with the former Rusted Root, which sold more than three million albums.
Broadway will be closed from Van Dam Street to City Hall, allowing concert-goers to party in the street.
The very next night, Sports Illustrated is bringing its acclaimed Revel at the Races event to the Belmont Stakes for the first time. Taking place at The Night Owl at 17
Continued On Page 12
CEG Names A Seasoned Professional As Its Chief Economic Development Officer
The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) has announced the selection of Heather McDaniel as chief economic development officer. This key position, which reports to CEG’s president and CEO Mark Eagan, is responsible for development and implementation of strategies and initiatives to drive regional economic growth and broad-based prosperity.
McDaniel has more than 20 years of experience in economic and community development. She most recently served as president of Ithaca (NY) Area Economic Development. She has served the organization for 18 years. McDaniel was hired as an Empire Zone coordinator in 2007, becoming director of economic development services in 2008, and vice president in 2014. She served as president for the last seven years. Prior to Ithaca, she worked in cooperative housing and redevelopment in New York City and began her career with Cushman Wakefield in Los Angeles.
“Heather brings balanced experience as a collaborative and results-oriented economic development leader,” said Mark Eagan, president and CEO, Center for Economic Growth. “She joins a strong team, which positions us well as we advance strategies to help the
Capital Region realize its true economic potential.”
“I am thrilled to embark on this exciting journey at CEG and contribute to the advancement and development of the Capital
Heather McDaniel, chief economic development officer at The Center for Economic Growth (CEG). Courtesy CEG
Ray O’Conor is joined by coalition staff at the grand opening of Foreverly House. Courtesy Veterans/Comm. Housing Coalition
Dornoch (#1), with jockey Luis Saez aboard, leads the field at Saratoga Race Course during the 2024 Belmont Stakes. Saratoga Springs will host the five-day 2025 Belmont Stakes Racing Festival.
Courtesy Amira Chichakly
A Revolutionary War-era cannon overlooks the Hudson River Valley from Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater, N.Y. which is explored during the Saratoga Leadership Experience.
Courtesy SaratogaPhotographer.com
Personnel Briefs
The Marques Law Firm, PLLC will open a new office in Clifton Park this June, expanding its presence in the Capital Region and enhancing access to its estate planning, tax, and probate services.
Founded by attorney Michael M. Marques, the fi rm focuses on helping clients protect generational wealth, navigate complex tax regulations, and plan for business continuity.Mr. Marques was recently named to the 2025 Elite Lawyer list and recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.
Marques is a graduate of Assumption University and Albany Law School. His legal background includes roles at the New York State Attorney General’s Office, LaMarche Safranko Law and Kiepura & Associates, P.C. Mr. Marques has recently expanded his fi rm across New York and Massachusetts, advising clients on advanced estate planning and tax matters. To learn more, visit www.marqueslawfi rm. com. #
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, has announced that Christian M. Coyne has joined the fi rm as of counsel in the Business, Corporate and Commercial Practice Group.
Coyne will advise clients throughout the business lifecycle, focusing on corporate structuring, equity and debt fi nancing, fund formation and governance. Known for his strategic insight and practical approach, he is a trusted advisor to founders and investors in the emerging companies sector.
He brings nearly 10 years of experience representing a broad range of clients—from startups to global fi nancial institutions—in complex transactions, including mergers and acquisitions, venture capital deals and general corporate matters. Prior to joining the fi rm,
Coyne practiced in San Francisco, advising startups and growth-stage businesses. He previously served as counsel at O’Melveny & Myers LLP and as a senior associate at Hogan Lovells US LLP. He began his legal career at Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP.
Coyne earned a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, summa cum laude, from the University at Albany and a Juris Doctor from Duke University School of Law, where he served on the editorial board of the Duke Law Journal. He is admitted to practice in New York and California.
Franklin Community Center has added two new staff members whose experience and enthusiasm will strengthen the organization’s mission of supporting individuals and families across Saratoga County.
Ally Dennison has joined as operations coordinator. A Greenfield resident originally from Fulton, N.Y., Dennison brings a background in both human services and administration. She fi rst connected with Franklin Community Center as a volunteer while sharpening her grant writing skills and was inspired by the organization’s comprehensive, resourcedriven approach to community support.
In her new role, Dennison will oversee daily operations, assist with development initiatives, and contribute to improving the center’s overall efficiency.
Julianna Luciano has been appointed volunteer and events coordinator, a new position created to accommodate growing interest from community members eager to support the center’s work throughout the year.
A lifelong Saratoga Springs resident, Luciano has an extensive history in public service.
Continued On Page 14
GlobalFoundries’ Jean Blunt Receives 2025 MAKE Award For Manufacturing Excellence
Recently, the Manufacturing Institute (MI)—the workforce development and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers—honored Jean Blunt from GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) (GF) at their annual MAKE Awards. Blunt, director of manufacturing operations at GF Vermont, has been named a 2025 Honoree for her exemplary leadership in manufacturing, science, technology, engineering and production. She is one of 130 recipients recognized with this prestigious honor.
Over the past 35 years, Jean Blunt has made significant contributions to the semiconductor industry. As the director of manufacturing operations at GF Vermont for the past five years, Jean has built a production-control team that increased quality output by 40 percent. She then took on the management of the 600-employee manufacturing organization, introduced the first mobile robot to production and achieved the highest operator productivity and manufacturing quality performance at the site. Jean is also dedicated to coaching and mentoring emerging leaders and has served as the executive sponsor for the Community Engagement Team at GF Vermont. Under her leadership, participation in employee engagement has notably increased, with volunteer hours up by 300 percent and total attendance at events rising by 60 percent last year.
“I feel powerful when I help others grow in their careers, use my passion to build a positive workplace culture and make a meaningful impact in the community,” said Blunt. “It is truly an honor to receive MI’s Honoree Award, and I am grateful for the opportunity to further support the manufacturing workforce.”
These prestigious annual awards recognize employees who have excelled in their careers and showcase leadership across all levels of the manufacturing industry, from the factory floor to the C-suite.
“I am thrilled to congratulate Jean on her MAKE Honoree Award! She is an exceptional and innovative leader who leads by example and consistently makes a positive impact at GF and throughout Vermont, both in business and community engagement,” said Ken McAvey, general manager, GF Vermont. “Along her 35-year career, Jean has built strong relationships, improved the workplace for her teammates and encouraged lifelong careers in manufacturing. Her unwavering dedication to her employees, team, community and business outcomes are the driving forces behind their success. We are deeply grateful to have Jean’s outstanding service and leadership and look forward to her future achievements at GF.”
The MI MAKE Awards gala, held on April 24 in Washington, D.C., honored 100 industry leaders (“Honorees”) and 30 rising stars (“Emerging Leaders”) who were nominated by their companies and recognized for their
GlobalFoundries’ Jean Blunt recognized nationally for excellence in manufacturing operations.
Courtesy GlobalFoundries
Old World Gourmet Market Brings Diverse Culinary Traditions Of NYC To Saratoga
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
A specialty grocery store such as Saratoga has never seen is soon to open at 3078 Route 50 in Wilton. According to owners John and Maria Biagini, the magnitude of the space, the wide variety of fresh foods and in-house dishes prepared, the volume of local and imported products in stock, plus authentic Brooklyn bagels, make this market unique.
The Biaginis designed their newest venture in the style of the markets that dot New York City with flavors from around the world. This is the food to which they have long been accustomed. Maria lived in Brooklyn all her life and was a school teacher by profession. John was always in the food business, and the couple spent summers in Saratoga before joining other downstaters who now call this community home.
“We always said that if we ever decide to leave Brooklyn, this would be our place to live,” said Maria. “But when we moved into our new house, we didn’t think we would open this market within only a year and a half.”
The catalyst? They missed the food in the city, and traveling to pick up their favorite bagels and ethnic dishes to put it in their freezer “was getting to be a little too much,” she said.
“I’ve opened plenty of stores and we always felt a store like Old World Gourmet was needed here and would do well,” John said. “It’s a total different concept.”
Before COVID hit, Biagini had leased space in Brooklyn, Queens and Long Island intending to open a number of specialty stores in those competitive markets, he said.
“The pandemic stopped us dead in our tracks and we thought, this was not meant to be. Let’s move on,” he said.
Biagini said the couple did not come here with the intention of starting a store, but “to relax for a while,” having been in the food business “a long time and watching how the industry has changed price-wise, qualitywise and service-wise.”
“What we want to do is bring that quality back with exceptional food and service,” he said.
The concept is, there is one way in, one
way out, and the customer strolls through experiencing the décor and aromas of New York City’s neighborhood markets. These are time-tested Italian, Greek, Spanish, Asian and other recipes from Europe, Asia and Africa, cooked by a team of specialty chefs.
“We have a French chef, a Mexican chef, an American chef, and then we have me,” said Biagini.
“You walk in and there is a full line of fresh poultry, then a full line of fresh meats, and then fresh fish,” said Biagini. “Then there are counters with breads made in Brooklyn and our 12 kinds of old-fashioned salads, which are total service, not a salad bar where you serve yourself.”
Next is 24 feet of prepared foods, such as store-made ravioli, stuffed pork chops, and their own sauces, plus pizza and Mediterranean gyros. Another 18 feet of hot foods, a produce case, dairy case, and frozen foods are displayed. All the fresh foods are packaged for take out to cook, reheat or freeze at home.
“We sell our own prepared food that is put in our freezer if it doesn’t sell cooked within two or three days,” he said. “We also put together homemade main courses with side dishes, like Swanson did with frozen TV dinners in the old days.”
Finally, the grocery section has a “huge variety of foods that people could not find up here” were it not for Old World Gourmet, said Biagini. “Other stores have these items but you may have to go to Schenectady or Albany to find them.”
But one thing that can’t be found elsewhere locally is an authentic Brooklyn kettle bagel.
This unique store has their dough made in Brooklyn, par-cooked and shipped up to the market to be boiled and served fresh.
“The best bagels are boiled, not steamed,” John said. “Our bagels and our pizza dough are made with Brooklyn water, which tastes great. Without Brooklyn water, it’s just not the same.”
Like their Saratoga residence, the market was designed by the Biaginis and Maria’s mother. Some of their design decisions include classic white subway wall tile, black
Continued On Page 15
Tech Company cb20 Moves Into Broadway Office, Builds On Rapid Growth And Hiring Surge
The IT and managed services firm cb20 purchased Suite 101 at 268 Broadway, just south of Congress Park, and moved in at the end of April.
According to CEO and president Chris Pickett, this 30-year-old company was rebranded in 2020 when he acquired it, fueling its growth and the need for larger spaces for employees and clients.
Five years ago when Pickett and his coowners moved the business, then named Computer Professionals International, from Schenectady to Federal Street in Saratoga, there were 20 on staff. This year the count will surpass 100, he said.
Moreover, while the average IT competitor has an average growth rate of five or six percent annually in terms of gross revenue, Pickett said cb20 is growing well over 50 percent a year.
Purchasing both their office and warehouse spaces was central to the company’s “plan for a more permanent solution,” said Pickett.
“We have a commitment to long-term growth, and owning rather than leasing properties means we are here to stay,” he said.
Continuum Commercial Realty was the buyer’s representative on the purchase of the warehouse on 9 Old Stonebreak Road in Malta this January, said Pickett.
cb20 is a technology firm that has responded to the needs of businesses for more cloud based services, which is reflected in its name change in 2020. It is “a ‘people first culture,’ because in the IT and audio visual industry, the people make it happen every day,” Pickett said.
“The service of our people is the foundation of our being able to acquire new customers and take market share from our competition to drive our growth,” he said.
Customers are one of two different types and both are growing. There is a group of large Fortune 500 companies for whom the
company does specific things that its internal IT department does not. The other is the group of Capital Region companies who outsource all IT services to cb20.
Technology and the ways businesses use technology are in constant change, and Pickett said that delivering services “that are different from what customers were receiving allows the company to compete and grow.”
“Like everybody, we use technology for communication, as well as to support the remote hybrid workplace we have,” he said.
“We’re also using all our tools to support ourselves and protect ourselves from all the cybersecurity risks out there, which everybody should be worrying about because they are real,” he said. “And we do the same for our customers through the work we do every day.”
In 2024, cb20 began investing in the New England market, and now plans to have a satellite office in the Boston area sometime during the second half of this year, he said.
Pickett said they are always recruiting staff to support both the Saratoga and Boston-based offices. The firm won a Best Place To Work designation from Albany Business Review every year from 2019 through 2024 and a Top Place To Work award from Times Union from 2021 through 2025.
“cb20 has a tagline, ‘An Experience Above,’ and that’s what we are trying to make this place for our customers, our employees, and for the community where we serve and live,” he said.
“We want to be different and be a place people are proud to work at,” he said. “In the culture we have created, we listen to them and they are not afraid to speak their ideas. They will be heard.”
Pickett also said the firm “tries to do what we say we are going to do every single day,”
Learn more at cb20.com.
Workers prepare display cases beneath bold signage in the fresh food section of Old World Gourmet Market, a new specialty grocery store set to open June 11 in Wilton.
Courtesy Old World Gourment Market
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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL
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Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen
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Production Manager Graphic Precision
Contributing Writers
Susan Campbell Lee Coleman Ann Donnelly Jill Nagy Paul Post
The Professionals At Bug U Pest Control Keep Homes And Yards In Region
BY ROD BACON
The advent of spring ushers in warmer weather and the promise of outdoor family gatherings. It also brings the annual invasion of pesky insects and other pests that can dampen the fun of such events. A business serving Warren and Saratoga counties in New York and parts of Western Vermont can ensure that these invaders are vanquished and the party can be one to remember fondly.
Started as a one-man shop in 2008, Hudson Falls-based Bug U Pest Control has grown to include eight technicians and a significant number of clients, many of whom have been utilizing its services since the beginning.
“I started in the business in 1998 with a national pest control company,” said owner Brent Brewer. “That’s where I got my initial training, and I discovered I was good at it and enjoyed the work.”
While he and his team work year round, Brewer is coming into his busy season, which runs from April through October. He said warm weather brings out the pests most likely to concern homeowners and business people. These include mosquitoes, wasps, carpenter ants, termites, ticks and fleas.
The Bug U technicians use both traditional and eco-friendly products to deal with these intruders. According to Brewer, the traditional products that have been developed over the years are safe and last longer after application than those that are eco-friendly. He noted that some clients simply prefer the latter and there are situations where they are required. For example, if treatment is being done close to water or a runoff area eco-friendly products are required by law.
The company offers clients seasonal contracts to ensure pests are kept at bay. Eco-friendly products need to be applied once a month while traditional ones can be done every other month because they are micro-encapsulated and time released.
Different application methods are used depending upon the pests with which the technicians are dealing. For mosquitoes they use a backpack fogging system that emits a fine mist that covers almost everything within the perimeter of a customer’s yard. They are careful to avoid any blooming bushes so they don’t interrupt the pollination of the bees. They also use a truck-mounted system to apply a fan shaped application on the foundations and a pinstream for cracks and crevasses.
For ant infestations inside the home technicians use a max force bait gun that injects the ant bait into cracks and crevasses. This keeps it out of the way of pets and children and there are no fumes.
Rodents are another type of pest with which Bug U deals. Technicians do a complete inspection
MAKE Award
Continued From Page 2
innovation, dedication, contributions and good counsel.
The evening highlighted the story of each Honoree and Emerging Leader, including their leadership and accomplishments in manufacturing. Honorees were further rewarded with access to a two-day leadership development conference in Washing-
of the home or commercial building, identifying their nesting and feeding places, and devise a plan to eliminate them from the property.
To a lesser extent the company takes care of wildlife like raccoons and skunks. They are humanly trapped and relocated to a safe place.
“Insects and rodents are pretty much our bread and butter,” Brewer said.
He considers himself fortunate that most of his technicians have been with him for years.
“Customers are happy to see the same technician come back when they need service,” he said. “They trust him and feel confident that he will keep their pest issue under control.”
Bug U is licensed by New York state and Vermont in the various pest categories with which they deal. In addition, the technicians, all of whom have been trained by Brewer, are certified in their areas of expertise. They must take refresher courses every three years.
Brewer himself completed online courses in Termite Biology and Control through Texas A&M University and Urban and Industrial Pest Management through Purdue University. A member of the National Pest Control Association, he is certified by Green Pro, Quality Pro and AIB.
He is a strong believer in giving back to the community. He prepares dinners at a local church and supports annual Thanksgiving dinners. He donates books and gifts to local nursing homes as well as supporting charities like Operation Santa Clause and the South Glens Falls High School Marathon Dance.
For more information about how Bug U can stop pests from bugging you, go to bugupestcontrol.com.
ton, D.C., in the days leading up to the evening awards gala.
GF’s facility in Essex Junction, Vermont, near Burlington, was among the first major 200 mm semiconductor manufacturing sites in the world. Today, around 1,800 GF employees work at the site. Built on GF’s differentiated technologies, these GF-made chips are used in smartphones, automobiles, and communications infrastructure applications around the world.
Bug U owner Brent Brewer leads a team that can eliminate pests from homes and businesses. Courtesy
Home Upgrades Made Easier At Quality Design & Remodel Center In Clifton Park
Quality Design & Remodel, recently opened its state-of-the-art design center in Clifton Park. The 6,000-square-foot facility represents a significant evolution from what people expect from a typical home remodeler. This new design center is their next step in changing how homeowners feel about the remodeling experience by streamlining many of the more cumbersome aspects of home renovations and providing a hands-on design experience that homeowners will love, all under one roof.
Quality Design & Remodel’s Clifton Park Design Center enables direct collaboration between clients and expert designers. It eliminates the previously time-consuming, multi-location process of selecting cabinets, flooring, countertops, and more with its interactive design areas, multiple kitchens (including a fully operable gourmet kitchen), functional bathroom displays, and hundreds of premium product options showcasing the firm’s expansive selection. The Quality Design & Remodel Team built and installed everything in the design center so homeowners can see firsthand the craftsmanship they’ll get for their projects.
“We built our new design center to take our client experience to the next level,” said Gregg Biche, founder and president of Quality Design & Remodel. “When clients walk in, they’ll immediately understand how our company is different and what a high-level design and remodeling firm can achieve for them. This space provides a curated, guided experience that empowers every client to bring the home of their dreams into reality – truly the best part of our job.”
Located at 1745 Route 9 in Clifton Park, the design center is the only facility of its kind in the Capital Region’s residential construction and remodeling industry. It is specifically built to walk homeowners
through a streamlined design and remodeling process. Every design style, investment range, and current trend a homeowner could want is present here. To help manage the hundreds of samples, they integrated a custom app that allows their designers to navigate clients through an extensive online sample database in realtime using large touchscreen monitors.
“This space fundamentally transforms the client experience,” said Nicole Gurney, Project Designer at Quality Design & Remodel. “Instead of asking clients to imagine possibilities from small samples tucked away in cabinets, we can walk them through fully realized spaces, touch functional fixtures, and make selections in a thoughtfully planned process. It will make designing clients’ projects more tangible, efficient, and fun for them.”
The expansion into Clifton Park follows the company’s successful growth from its other design center in Delmar, New York. They have made a seven-figure investment in the purchase and renovation of this new location, enabling Quality Design & Remodel to better serve their current clients. With the new facility, they expect to take on an estimated 30% more projects within the next two years.
“This expansion is an investment in our future, positioning us to serve our clients better while fueling our ongoing growth,” Biche added. “By pushing ourselves to provide the highest quality of design and remodeling in the Capital Region, we will continue to improve our industry, change how homeowners feel about it, and most importantly, help more people than ever before know what it’s like to come home to quality.”
For more information about Quality Design & Remodel or to schedule a consultation, visitqualitydesignremodel.com.
5 Key Tourism Trends NE Destinations Can’t Ignore
BY JOE LEGAULT
As 2025 approaches, destination marketers across the Northeast — including Upstate New York — must navigate a travel landscape shaped by economic caution and international uncertainty. Recession fears are prompting more selective spending, while Canadian visitation continues to wane, influenced by unfavorable exchange rates and new tariffs. For destinations that have long depended on cross-border traffic, the challenge is clear: how to attract more local and regional visitors without compromising experience or revenue.
Fortunately, travelers aren’t simply cutting back — they’re rethinking what makes a trip meaningful. Many are now favoring slower, more intentional experiences that align with the strengths of Northeast destinations. For tourism professionals — including DMOs, lodging providers, and tour operators — these five trends present opportunities to capture emerging demand and deliver value in a shifting market.
Travelers are increasingly drawn to noctourism, or nighttime experiences that offer intimacy, affordability, and a break from daytime crowds. Whether it’s stargazing hikes in the Catskills, sunset paddles on Adirondack lakes, or full-moon yoga under the stars, these low-light adventures deliver a sense of wonder. Destinations can capitalize on this interest by packaging meteor shower viewings, lunar eclipse events, and guided night outings, while promoting lodging that highlights dark-sky settings and peaceful environments.
“Calmcations” — trips centered on peace, quiet, and digital disconnection — are gaining traction among travelers burned out by screen time and sensory overload. The Northeast’s wooded retreats, lakeside cottages, and cabin rentals make it a natural destination for this trend. Forest bathing in the Adirondacks or unplugged weekends in the Berkshires appeal to visitors seeking low-cost mental resets. To meet this demand, businesses should market screen-free amenities, bundle wellness offerings like yoga or spa services with overnight stays, and highlight locations where serenity is the main attraction.
Rising costs are fueling the slow travel movement, where visitors stay longer and engage more deeply with local culture and environment. From multi-day bike tours in the Hudson Valley to immersive food-focused getaways in Saratoga or Vermont, travelers are opting for depth over distance. This gives an edge to destinations that can promote extended stays, local artisan experiences, and scenic, walkable downtowns. Emphasizing longer itineraries and partnering with farms, guides, and makers for bundled activities will encourage travelers to stay and spend.
Milestone-based getaways — travel driven by life events like big birthdays, anniversaries, and retirements — are replacing far-flung splurges with thoughtful domestic escapes. Instead of international trips, travelers are booking celebratory experiences closer to home. Romantic weekend
retreats, girlfriend getaways, or custom-curated private tours can all serve this growing segment. Destinations that offer personalized touches — such as local welcome gifts, private experiences, or small VIP upgrades — can help these moments feel memorable without extravagance.
Solo and small-group travel is surging as people seek autonomy, clarity, and low-pressure connection. Many are traveling alone not for isolation, but for restoration and genuine engagement. The Northeast’s quiet trails, creative workshops, wellness events, and safe, small-town festivals are perfect for this demographic. Destinations should develop itineraries that cater to solo travelers, promote small-group experiences like culinary classes or farm tours, and market these options as lowstress but highly rewarding.
Looking ahead to 2025, destination marketing efforts must adapt to shifting traveler values and behaviors. To stay competitive:
- Reallocate advertising budgets to prioritize local and regional visitors over international markets.
- Use interest-based targeting — such as ads tailored for solo travelers, milestone celebrations, or wellness seekers — instead of relying on broad demographics.
- Refresh website and content assets to highlight trend-aligned experiences, from quiet getaways to hands-on local adventures.
- Build bundled packages with other small businesses that pair lodging with activities like night hikes or farm-to-table dining.
- Share authentic traveler experiences through video, blog content, and testimonials to build trust and inspiration.
These trends reflect a broader cultural pivot toward meaningful, value-rich travel — and the more destinations align with that mindset, the stronger their appeal will be in 2025 and beyond.
Quality Design & Remodel’s new Clifton Park Design Center features interactive kitchen displays and premium product selections, offering a hands-on remodeling experience for Capital Region homeowners. Courtesy Quality Design & Remodel
Joe Legault, Digital Marketing Strategist and Senior Editor at Mannix Marketing.
Courtesy Mannix Marketing
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
Construction
Munter Enterprises Continues To Produce Quality Commercial Projects In The Region
BY ROD BACON
The skilled craftsmen at Munter Enterprises have plenty to keep them busy for quite some time. The Middle Grove-based construction company is in the midst of several projects, is fi nishing up others, and has still others in the planning stages.
According to Vice President Mike Munter, one of the more interesting projects for which they hope to break ground soon is a new branch for the Hudson River Community Credit Union. The 2,500-square-foot building in Greenwich will include a drive-thru and state-of-the-art Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). Munter worked with Paone Architecture of Saratoga Springs for the building’s design and Verity Engineering, D.P.C. of Troy for site design. All approvals are in place and a June ground breaking is planned.
“Th is project is very interesting because of the demographic in the area,” said Munter. “For the Amish community there will be a hitching post and water hydrant in the parking lot for the horses.”
Another local project is for a fi rm relocating from Albany to a 15,000-square-foot building
on Pierce Road off Northway Exit 10 in Clifton Park. Munter Enterprises is renovating the building for Kinsley Power, a company that supplies a variety of backup generator systems. They carry industrial and residential generators as well as cogeneration and battery storage systems. That project is underway and will be completed in June.
The company has two projects in the WJ Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs. Under construction is a 35,000-square-foot, approximately $6 million, building for a tenant in the warehousing and distribution sector that Munter said he can’t disclose at this time. Site work, which was done by W.J. Morris of Saratoga Springs, started last month and they estimate completion of the project in 2026.
Subcontractors for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work have not been chosen. Munter Enterprises will do the concrete work, steel erection, and insulated panel envelope installation.
Also in the industrial park is a 120,000-square-foot proposed warehouse on a portion of a 12.4-acre property at 20 Skyward
F.H. Alexander Lines Up More Than The Usual Construction Projects For Commercial Clients
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
F.H. Alexander, Inc., the Schaghticoke based commercial construction company, has a full docket for the summer.
Owner Frank Alessandrini said that over the course of business since 1991, his company has become known for building restaurants, convenience stores, and retail spaces, and for renovating hospitals, schools, libraries, and other business and medical spaces.
“But this year is a little bit unusual for us,” Alessandrini said. “We are doing more and smaller projects than in past few years.”
“This trend is not an overall indication of the general economy or the business,” he said. “It’s just what we have landed.”
Starting mid-May, there are two projects for COARC, the Columbia County chapter of The ARC NewYork. One is an addition and a renovation and the other is a smaller renovation, he said.
Also starting soon are some interior renovations for Greenwich Library.
grant to move the entire library to the lot next door.
“The project is in the application and fundraising process,” he said. “They got the phase one funds to buy the lot, but they also need a grant to physically move the building.”
“The library building sits on a high bank that will ultimately slide into the Hoosick River,” he said.
Also underway is a fast food restaurant in Schenectady and crews are also working in Moreau and Glens Falls. Two Dunkin’ Donuts projects in Clinton County are also scheduled for summer.
“Summer will be busy and a little hectic for us,” he said.
F.H. Alexander has a tight-knit operation that Alessandrini said people enjoy working for.
“The people who stay, stay,” he said. “We generally only lose people to retirement.”
“We value independence but also expect people to respect the company,” he said. “It’s a smaller sized construction company but we have the infrastructure to do large projects.”
“They are modernizing a number of rooms,” said Alessandrini. “We have done a half dozen projects for them over the years and they are a good customer.”
There have been other recent library projects. The company put a sizable addition onto the Valley Falls Library and did a project with Easton Library. Alessandrini said he has been working with Schaghticoke Library recently to secure a
Whether a half-million dollar project or five to 10 million, the company aims to give “a better experience for our clients, and a better work environment for our employees.”
Alessandrini said his son, Frank H. Alessandrini IV, is on board as project manager and that the team is always on the lookout for skilled help.
Learn more at fhalexander.com.
A rendering shows the new 5,000-square-foot clubhouse at Ballston Spa Country Club, including
The interior of the restaurant, Paper & Pencil in Ticonderoga, showcases the craftsmanship of F.H. Alexander, Inc., a Schaghticoke-based construction firm.
Courtesy F.H. Alexander, Inc.
Quick Closings On Malta’s Town Homes Are Sign Of A Healthy Real Estate Market
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL
That the fi nal 10 townhouses in the Thompson Farms development are expected to sell soon is one indicator of a healthy residential real estate market in Malta, as well as all of Saratoga County, according to Cindy Quade, owner of Signature ONE Realty Group.
The twin townhomes were built by Michaels Group Homes, with whom Quade has collaborated for more than 35 years, she said. Michaels Group is a third generation, quality homebuilder.
The last street developed in the complex is a cul-du-sac with 12 townhomes. Fift y percent of those homes sold within two weeks of coming to market, she said.
“Some clients waited for the cul-du-sac to open, but all the lots are great,” Quade said, The land was a working farm on East High Street in Malta, where the Thompson Farms silo still stands.
“Townhomes are maintenance free and appeal to a wide market, not just empty nesters,” said Quade.
With a starting price around $450,000, Quade said fi rst-timers and other buyers fi nd they have the flexibility to get into a new, affordable home and to upscale some of the plans and features if they so choose.
The project has 58 side-by-side townhomes, two to a building, and with all the options homeowners would have with a single family home. Quade said Michaels Group in particular offers “a lot of flexibility of design, and some people are adding sunrooms, fi nishing basements, and doing upgrades such as that.”
Malta has a small town ambiance and a strategic location minutes south of downtown Saratoga. It has easy access to Clifton Park and to everywhere, being right on Northway exits 12 and 13, she said.
There are 250 businesses right in the community, including medical, day care, banking, and all types of shops and services. Plus, Malta’s parks, recreation and many other amenities are a large draw to Thompson Farms, along with the maintenance free aspect of this neighborhood, she said.
Signature ONE itself has offices in the heart of Malta’s business district. Quade said the town “has undergone a little bit of growing pains,” and that the town board is “very tight and does a lot of good work,” from her decades of professional experience.
“They are very cognizant of the town’s growth and development, keeping the commercial buildings downtown and the residences sprawling off of that,” she said.
“It takes some time to get a neighborhood approved, but the town of Malta is trying to be very friendly with builders, and being sensitive to the type of growth they have for the residents,” she said. “Growth is so important for a community to survive in today’s market.”
The last few units of Thompson Farms may be subject to a price increase, Quade said, and that prices in the Malta area are volatile for all builders right now.
“Construction costs are a strain on builders and on homebuyers who want to get into new homes,” she said. “And there is an extremely
low inventory of homes on the market, which drives up resale prices.”
Some people have an appetite for the benefits of new construction versus resale. These include energy efficiency, all new systems, and the opportunity to customize and personalize their home, she said.
“Th roughout the Capital Region, construction is vibrant, and builders are putting up homes even though costs are high,” she said.
“Nationally there is a downturn in residential real estate, but this area is protected in that we are slower to have those market shifts,” she said. “It is the region itself that keeps the growth and the desirability to live here strong.”
Quade said that one may observe more townhouses being built in the area, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the town favors them. Land use is a function of what is put in front of the town by developers.
“Having that density of a townhome where you can take your lot and put two structures on it, builders can get a better return,” she said. “It may be more feasible to build residences that way when costs are rising.”
There is a benefit of density to the town as well, such as less road maintenance. She said with Malta’s small footprint and limited space to develop, density increases the tax base.
“And high tax revenue benefits everybody,” she said.
“There is a place in this community for townhomes, and there is a place for single family individual home sites, and there is a place for larger plotted homes,” said Quade. “The town can’t control what comes across their desk, but they can control to a large degree what gets pushed forward.”
“Malta has a great group of people and the leadership by Town Supervisor Cynthia Young is fantastic,” she said. “She has been in this community a very long time, is very savvy, and has an open ear.”
“You can never make everybody happy,” Quade said. “We will wait and see how things play out.”
Learn more at signatureonerealtygroup. com.
Hilltop Sees Steady Work Ahead With Commercial, Residential Projects Despite Industry Challenges
BY PAUL POST
A new service station in Rexford, a Stewart’s Shop in Plattsburgh and dining hall at the Luzerne Music Center.
These are among the many commercial projects on Hilltop Construction Company’s work schedule as it tries to navigate uncertain economic times of rising prices and potential supply chain issues related to the current tariff situation.
“We’re very diversified in what we do and what we can do to help deal with that situation,” co-owner and Vice President Dan Washburn said. “If one sector pulls back the other might not. We get a good mix to help deal with that.”
Commercial work, which accounts for half the company’s revenue stream, is primarily focused on an area from Albany to Lake George, although Hilltop is one of the main firms Stewart’s calls on for remodelling and new store construction projects throughout the region.
It’s nearing completion of a new Stewart’s Shop at the corner of Glen Street and Sherman Avenue in Glens Falls, and is also renovating and expanding a store at the north end of Saratoga Lake, just over the Fish Creek bridge, on Route 9P.
Other upcoming projects include remodeling Anytime Fitness gym in Hudson Falls, and putting a new façade on Glens Falls Tile & Supplies on Dix Avenue.
“Realistically, we can do almost anything,” Washburn said. “We’ve got a lot of things in the pipeline. You put estimates out and the next thing you know you’re going at it. We’re on pace to do the same business we did last year. I don’t see a huge increase, but we can get a phone call tomorrow for a $3 Million job that changes ev-
erything. I think that’s true of the construction industry as a whole.”
“The outlook is pretty favorable,” he said. “We’ve got several projects already lined up for 2026.”
Before COVID, the price of building materials was quite stable, but quickly skyrocketed because of supply shortages, prompting some developers to delay or scale back construction plans.
In some cases, contractors got caught in a bind as the end cost of projects became higher than the price customers were quoted, cutting into the builder’s profit margin.
“It started going out of control, there was no way to deal with it, so construction firms began putting clauses in contracts to protect them,” Washburn said. “It’s carried over to the present. Now you’ve got tariffs thrown into the mix.”
“We are getting some phone calls and emails about the uncertainty of pricing with tariffs, which is a delicate topic with customers and the jobs we currently have going on,” Washburn said. “We try to plan ahead, to lock in pricing on the products we need in the immediate future. But there is defi nitely a lot of uncertainty with that. We haven’t had somebody call and say we aren’t doing a project because of tariffs. But whether they’re having those conversations internally … it’s a defi nite possibility.”
On another front, many contractors have been challenged with a severe labor shortage in the building trades. Numerous efforts are taking place to educate young people, boys and girls both, about a full range of rewarding and good-paying jobs from plumbers and electricians to high-tech design personnel.
A rendering shows a new Sunoco service station in Rexford, one of several commercial projects underway by Hilltop Construction Company amid fluctuating material costs and labor challenges.
Leadership Development
Leadership Capital Region Program Prepares Participants To Support Their Communities
BY ROD BACON
People who are successful in business have a deep understanding of the dynamics of the communities in which they live and work, and they support them to the best of their ability.
To ensure that their members have the best chance to achieve these goals, the Capital Region Chamber offers Leadership Capital Region, a program designed to provide participants with all the information necessary to fully understand the needs and goals of their communities and offer strategies to successfully attain them.
“It’s an extremely impactful experience for the participants who go through it and for the non-profit that is the beneficiary of the class project,” said Sami Gowen, director of talent development, who administers the program.
Since its advent in 1987 over 1,500 business people from the eight counties the chamber serves have gone through the program. Many graduates have gone on to serve on the boards of directors of area companies or moved into management positions within their own firms.
The program begins with a two-day overnight retreat in early fall. Eight subsequent sessions are held from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the first or second Friday of each month from October through May, followed by a graduation ceremony in June.
Currently, the overnight retreat is held at The Lodge at Schroon Lake, a historic venue owned and restored by Sonny and Julie Bonacio, An-
drea Crisafulli, and Alan Ayers.
Each of the eight sessions has a different theme that covers an important issue in the Capital Region. According to Gowen, the first session is devoted to economic development to “set the landscape of where our region is and where we are looking to grow.” Subsequent meetings address the non-profit community, workforce development, education, arts and culture, diversity-equity-inclusion, and community health, among others. Last year over the course of the program participants heard from over 100 different presenters, guest speakers, keynote speakers, panelists, and breakout discussion facilitators.
“We’re giving them access to individuals they might not have access to otherwise,” she said.
Participation at the retreat, which is scheduled this year for September 24-25, is mandatory, as is the full-day closing session. Two emergency absences from the monthly sessions are permitted. Registration for this group, which is the Class of 2026, is closed. Registration for the Class of 2027 opens in March 2026.
Costs to participate are $2,600 for small, community-based chamber-member nonprofits and self-employed individuals; $3,200 for chamber members; and $3,700 for nonmembers.
Scholarships to defray these costs are available from two sources. The Alumni Committee, which hosts happy hours after each session to maintain connections with class members,
holds raffles to help fund the scholarships. Their goal is to raise $2,000 over the course of the year. The chamber matches that amount.
This year 45 of the 58 community members who applied were accepted into the program. Only four requested financial help.
In addition to the eight day-long sessions, the program includes what Gowen describes as “experientials.” Participants are required to attend seven of these outside of class time. The idea, Gowen said, is to provide a “deep dive” into the workings of the venue they visit.
One of the more exciting ones, in her opinion, was a trip to GlobalFoundries, where they were given a tour guided by Pradip Singh, the chief manufacturing officer at the facility.
area in which it is located. This year’s project is a complete renewal of the Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region’s community gardens in Arbor Hill. Class members will clear land, pour soil, assemble beds, and plant vegetables in 15 gardens that will make healthy food available to underserved residents of Albany. They also have a goal of raising $25,000 in community support.
“It’s not every day that the public gets to put on the ‘bunny’ suits and tour the chip fab,” she said.
According to Pete Bardunias, the Capital Region Chamber’s senior vice president of community advancement and representative of The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, an affi liate of that chamber, the leadership program is a way to help businesspeople understand more about the fabric of the region, both as employees and leaders of their companies.
Each year they visit the 109th Airlift Wing of the New York Air National Guard where they tour an LC-130 that transports personnel to the Antarctic for Operation Deep Freeze.
“Prior to Covid they used to take us for a flight,” Gowen said. “We haven’t been able to get that back on the table yet but I’m working on it.”
Gowen tries to match the experientials with the topic being discussed at that week’s session. For example, if the group is exploring non-profits the trip will be to an area non-profit organization where they will meet with the executive director and learn about the challenges facing the organization.
“It makes a difference when they are more grounded in what the big picture is throughout the region,” he said. “It makes them better community citizens.”
Mark Egan, president and CEO of the Capital Region Chamber, echoed this sentiment.
““We can’t take community leadership for granted,” he said. “We started this hands-on community immersion program in 1987 to help ensure a strong pipeline of informed and engaged citizens to work to help our Capital Region communities be the best we can be. To date, the program has graduated more then 1,500 area residents from diverse backgrounds and diverse industries from throughout the region who are engaged in helping us build a better community.”
She noted that she has scheduled 50 experientials this year so there is plenty of opportunity to get information from area business people. Each class is required to complete a service project designed to have a lasting impact on the
For more information about Leadership Capital Region go to capitalregionchamber.com, click on Business Resources, then Education and Training, then Leadership Capital Region.
The class of 2025 chose to revitalize the gardens at Trinity Alliance of the Capital Region in Arbor Hill as its community service project.
Courtesy of Capital Region Chamber
The Saratoga County Chamber Offers Two Programs To Enhance Leadership Skills
BY ROD BACON
In order for a community to thrive and reach its fullest potential it must develop the strengths and talents of its most important resource--its people.
In 1985, Linda Toohey, then executive vice president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, lead an ad hoc group of community leaders with the goal of engaging area business people in volunteer activities that would benefit both themselves and the region. Toohey retired in June 2012 and Program Director Kathleen Fyfe led the initiative until 2023.
“Linda’s vision was to develop a program to foster future volunteer leadership throughout Saratoga County,” said Greg Dixon, chief strategy officer, who currently administers it
Those interested in the program must submit a detailed application that is reviewed by the 13-member advisory board. This is followed by an in-person interview with Dixon and up to two advisory board members to determine the level of commitment of the applicants. Up to 24 members of the business community are selected for each class. The application process for the class of 2026 must be completed by May 30. It will open on April 1, 2026 for those interested in joining the next class.
Participants must make a significant com-
Battle of Saratoga
Continued From Page 1
The leadership qualities of a cross section of historical figures are highlighted in other onsite experiences offered. These include patriots at the Alamo, Antietam, the Boston Campaign, Chickamauga, Cowpens, Gettysburg, the Hudson Valley, Pearl Harbor, and Washington’s Crossing.
Overseas seminars explore the events at Malta, Normandy, the Battle of the Bulge, Vimy Ridge, Waterloo, and the entry of the United States into World War I.
There are two Experiential Programs: Held in Dearborn, Michigan, The American Innovation Experience looks at great business “disruptors” like Henry Ford, Nikola Tesla, Thomas Edison, Cornelius Vanderbilt and the Wright Brothers. Another experience, held in North Carolina’s Outer Banks, focuses on the Wright Brothers and includes Glenn Curtiss, and Otto Lilienthal.
and Theme-Based workshops, which are shorter than the on-site experiences but still provide extensive information about military leaders, historical figures, and events that had significant influences on world history.
The Open Enrollment programs allow interested parties to get a taste of what the company offers. Currently, there are two on the schedule; one in Gettsyburg, Pennsylvania, set for July 23-25, and the other in Chattanooga, Tennessee, on November 5-7.
“Open enrollment programs are available for individuals and small teams to sign up for,” said Harrison. “The difference is that with a mix of participants, they don’t get the customization that we provide to clients who contract with us for their own program, but for individuals and small teams who would not otherwise be able to experience one of our programs, it still is a life changing experience.”
mitment of time and energy to the program. Attendance at the two-day opening retreat, scheduled for September 21-22 at a Saratoga County venue, is mandatory, as is the closing reflection on April 29, 2026. Class members must attend at least 80 percent of the 13 half-day sessions as well as participate in the group project completed outside of class.
Topics presented during the sessions include issues facing human services organizations, effective board governance, empowered leadership, ethical dilemmas, educational leadership, fund-raising and philanthropy, economic development and quality of life, financial oversight and overhead, government, strategic planning, communications, and technology.
Presenters and panelists from the community include government officials, board of education members, school superintendents, business executives, and non-profit board members and executive staff.
Some of the non-profit organizations that have been helped by past classes are Lifeworks Community Action, Our Lodge Foundation, Saratoga Pride, Saratoga Sponsor-AScholar, The Academy for Lifelong Leaning, Captain Human Services, Friends of Saratoga Spring Public Library, Wellspring, and Habitat for Humanity, among others.
Projects chosen by the class of 2025 will
Venue-Based Experiences examine how Charleston, South Carolina, played a role in both the Revolutionary and Civil War periods. The Lincoln Experience in Springfield, Illinois, studies the influence the 16th president had on history. The National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas, is the site of a study of how the actions and decisions of key leaders shaped the outcome of World War II in the Pacific. Finally, the Space Race Experience highlights the influence people like Neil Armstrong and John F. Kennedy had on making the United States a leader in space exploration.
An offering entitled Championing Diversity & Inclusion: The Integration of Professional Baseball, held in Cooperstown, New York, tells the story of the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers and how Pee Wee Reese supported his teammate Jackie Robinson, the first black player in the major leagues’ modern era.
The Hidden Figures Experience focuses on the African-American women at NASA-Katherine Johnson, Dorothy Vaughan, and Mary Jackson--who were instrumental in the launch of astronaut John Glenn into orbit.
There are also Battle-Based, Leader-Based,
For those looking for an intensive experience there is the Leadership Journey, a 12-18-month program that includes multiple experiential seminars and continuous engagement with facilitators and the team.
There is also an extensive roster of keynote speakers that can be booked by clients as well as executive coaching services provided by people from the top ranks of Fortune 100 companies.
The military historians, all of whom are West Point graduates, have served in the military and have extensive knowledge of the subjects they present. These include Kevin Farrell, Steve Barry, Pilar McDermott, and Adrienne Harrison.
“We assign facilitators based on historical expertise and best industry fit/expertise for the client,” Harrison said.
The primary business facilitators, who come from a range of backgrounds, are Mike Chibbaro, Jim Czupil, Tim Reese, and Dianne Falk.
To learn more about how Battlefield Leadership can help your company become the best it can be go to battlefieldleadership.com.
the course of our bank’s history,
plans, goals, and dreams reach their destination. Whether you need a business loan, help with financial planning, or access to your accounts 24/7, we’ll make sure to get you there.
Leadership Saratoga Class of 2025 members listen to session instructor Linda Toohey, who founded the program and is still actively involved as a presenter.
Courtesy of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
The Entrepreneur Boot Camp Helps Business People Attain Next Level Growth
BY ROD BACON
Those with an entrepreneurial spirit always want to go to the next level, which usually means starting a business or improving an existing one.
Through the Entrepreneur Boot Camp, offered through the Capital Region Chamber, these goals can be attained.
The chamber is one of 26 regional, non-profit economic development organizations designated as Entrepreneurship Assistance Centers (EACs) that are funded by Empire State Development.
According to Laura Mann, vice president of business resources and the program’s administrator, the chamber has served as the Capital Region’s EAC for over 25 years. She noted that the program was created under Gov. Mario Cuomo, initially as the Entrepreneurship Assistance Program (EAP), in 1987. The chamber received funding intermittently from 1995-1999, but since then has been supported every year.
“We have consistently been awarded funding by NYS ESD for this program, and have consistently been recognized and awarded by NYS as one of their top-performing EAC centers,” she said.
The Boot Camp is a 60-hour course held over 10-12-weeks with classes that meet twice a week at the chamber offices in Albany. Each session features business experts addressing topics critical to the growth of successful enterprises including accounting, legal, market research, real estate, taxes, insurance, payroll, cash flow, marketing, and social media, among others.
Participants develop a business plan, and toward the end of the course present the plan to a panel of judges. The winners of the business plan competition receive a $3,000 cash grant from Sunmark Federal Credit Union, a $1,500 cash grant from Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP, a one-year chamber membership, office equipment from Repeat Business Systems, an education package from Schenectady County Community College and two computer training courses from MicroKnowledge. Schenectady County Community College and the Capital Region Chamber have a unique agreement in place
that allows students enrolled in the Business Administration A.A.S. program or the Entrepreneurship Certificate to take the chamber’s Entrepreneur Boot Camp for college credit.
“This is an intensive course that provides a great deal of information, expertise and support to entrepreneurs with their business planning and business start-up,” Mann said. “It is for new and existing businesses.”
Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis and remains open until all seats are full. A maximum of 25 attendees are accepted for each session. Registration for the next class, which runs from September-November, is currently open. All interested parties are welcome to apply; one does not have to be a chamber member to participate. The cost is $550 per person.
“We do not have dedicated funds for financial assistance but we do try to work with entrepreneurs that have a demonstrated financial need,” said Mann.
There is no formal vetting process but Mann holds an in-depth meeting with potential participants before each session starts.
“The course is rigorous and this initial meeting helps both myself and the entrepreneur to better understand where they are in their business planning process so that they can make the most of the class,” she said.
There are 40-50 local business people providing expertise and support for each class. These include attorneys, CPAs, insurance, finance, banking, and marketing professionals, as well as those who discuss presentation, communication, organizational development, and sales skills.
There are also representatives from community entrepreneur resource partners such as the Small Business Development Center, SCORE, Community Loan Fund, Tech Valley Center of Gravity, and the STEAM Garden who provide support, mentorship and expertise to the classes.
For further information about this program go to capitalregionchamber.com, click on Business Resources, go to Education and Training, then to Entrepreneur Boot Camp.
Business Report
Lead Yourself First: The Foundation of Lasting Leadership
BY ROB SHAUGER
Before you can lead others effectively, you must first learn to lead yourself—starting with balance, discipline, and time to think.
In today’s performance-driven business world, leadership is often measured by team metrics, growth curves, and public visibility. But those who’ve led at the highest levels know the secret to sustained influence isn’t external at all—it’s internal. As John Maxwell, one of the most respected voices in leadership, puts it: “The toughest person to lead is always yourself.”
That idea may be uncomfortable, but it’s also incredibly empowering. Before you can inspire others, you must first cultivate selfawareness, discipline, and the emotional stability to lead from clarity—not chaos.
Self-leadership is the often invisible act of managing your energy, decisions, habits, and mindset. Unlike performance reviews or boardroom wins, self-leadership isn’t publicly rewarded—but it shapes everything others see.
Maxwell teaches that everything rises and falls on leadership—and that includes the internal leadership we practice daily. If you don’t have command of yourself, it’s only a matter of time before stress, misalignment, or burnout undermines your ability to lead others.
Self-leadership is about living your values, even when no one’s watching. It’s about showing up with consistency, setting the example, and making decisions rooted in principle. And most of all, it’s about creating the internal alignment that earns long-term trust.
One of the biggest threats to self-leadership is poor work-life balance. In our hyperconnected world, it’s become normal for leaders to respond to emails at midnight, skip vacations, and fill their schedules to the brim.
But hustle, when left unchecked, turns toxic. A leader constantly working in the business, but never stepping back to work on it, risks leading from exhaustion—not from vision.
Maxwell emphasizes the “Mirror Principle”: the first person you must examine is yourself. If your days are filled with endless doing, but you’ve lost time for thinking, rest, or reflection, your leadership edge will dull. Emotional fatigue sets in, creativity suffers, and eventually, trust erodes—both your trust in yourself and others’ trust in your direction.
An overlooked discipline of great leaders is getting away to gain clarity. Maxwell often encourages leaders to “pause to reflect, not to escape.” Strategic disconnection is not a luxury—it’s a leadership necessity.
Time away from day-to-day operations—
whether a solo afternoon retreat, a quarterly strategy day, or a quiet thinking session—allows leaders to rise above the noise and reconnect with the bigger picture. In this space, innovation happens. Priorities get clarified. Values get re-centered.
Leaders who schedule time to reflect don’t just lead better; they lead longer. When you work on the business—not just in it—you identify what matters most, cut what no longer serves, and begin leading proactively instead of reactively.
Maxwell teaches that “You cannot improve what you do not understand.” Self-awareness is the first step toward better self-leadership. That means asking:
- Am I living aligned with my values?
- Am I reacting or responding?
- Is my calendar reflecting my real priorities?
Discipline plays a critical role here, too— not just the discipline to work hard, but the discipline to pause, reflect, and realign. Sometimes the most courageous act of leadership is to say no to more work and yes to the habits that keep you grounded.
Great leaders lead from within. Maxwell calls this “leading from the inside out.” These leaders don’t depend on charisma or control. They lead through clarity, character, and calm. Their influence isn’t manufactured— it’s earned.
When a leader is aligned personally, the organization often follows. Teams don’t just mimic words; they model what they see. Leaders who are grounded, consistent, and present create environments of trust and high performance.
Rob Shauger, CEO of Blueprint Leadership Development.
Restoration Pros Open Duct Kings To Tackle Mold, Dust, And Dryer Vent Fire Hazards
BY LEE COLEMAN
Duct Kings, a new business specializing in professional air duct cleaning, dryer vent cleaning and mold removal, has opened at 5 Knabner Road in Mechanicville.
James Kennedy, owner of KPM Restoration, and Dan Kirchner started the business eight months ago and serve Saratoga County, Albany County, Schenectady, Troy, and southern Warren County.
“Being in the restoration world, we have seen many fires that have started due to clogged dryer vents. This is an easily preventable issue,” said Kirchner, who did work for Kennedy’s fire and water restoration business.
“Along the same lines we have done many restoration projects on properties with mold, water and fire damage. The air ducts in these properties are affected and need to be cleaned for healthy air quality,” he said.
“We are fully licensed, certified and insured. We serve residential homes, businesses and institutions with the same dedication to quality and attention to detail,” Kirchner and Kennedy said in a joint statement.
“Our commitment is simple: to provide exceptional service that ensures the air quality and safety of your property,” they
said.
Kirchner said it took Duct Kings a couple of months to develop a good system that is now in place. The company employs a three-person field tech crew and one office person. “We are looking to add another service van and another field tech team,” he said.
He said that regular air duct cleaning improves the indoor air quality. People sometimes get sick because of clogged air ducts and associated mold and dust. Kennedy and Kirchner recommend that residential and commercial air duct systems be cleaned every two or three years.
Using the example of a 2,000-square-foot home, Kirchner said a duct cleaning would cost approximately $700. A dryer vent cleaning costs $99.
When a home’s ducts are cleaned on a regular basis it decreases the home’s energy bills because the furnace runs more efficiently. “Over the course of three years, the home would save $700 on energy bills,” Kirchner said.
For more information on Duct Kings see: info@ductkingsny.com.
KPM Restoration, which been in business for more than a dozen years, is also located in Mechanicville.
SPAC Launches $17.5 Million Four Seasons Campaign Ahead Of 60th Anniversary
The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) has announced a $17.5 million capital campaign titled Four Seasons ahead of its 60th anniversary in 2026. The initiative, the largest fundraising effort in SPAC’s history, will fund a $12 million renovation of the historic Spa Little Theater and support expanded year-round programming.
The campaign’s lead gift of $1 million comes from Stewart’s Shops and the Dake Family. Additional funding includes $4.2 million from New York State through Empire State Development and the most recent state budget. Renovation plans, developed in partnership with New York State Parks, aim
to modernize the 500-seat theater while preserving its historic character and acoustics.
The project will add new seating, ADA accessibility, an upgraded HVAC system, a bar/ café, community room, and expanded artist and audience amenities. Groundbreaking is scheduled for September 2025, with completion anticipated in fall 2026.
Since reopening Spa Little Theater in 2022, SPAC has hosted over 100 events and 35,000 guests. The revitalized venue is expected to further enhance Saratoga’s cultural and economic vitality. For more information, visit: www.spac. org
Garnet River: Evolving From Staffing & Consulting To Cutting-Edge AI-Powered Soft ware Applications
In the center of the city of Saratoga Springs, Garnet River, a business solutions company, is making waves far beyond the Capital Region. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this summer, the company is harnessing cutting-edge IT and AI, as a developer of groundbreaking software applications.
At the forefront of their innovative offerings is Consa, an ambient AI note-taker designed for the behavioral health industry. Megan Christiana, Healthcare Solutions Consultant at Garnet River, explains that Consa records the entire therapeutic session and generates notes in the standard SOAP format, a structured method for recording patient encounters. But Consa goes beyond simple transcription. It analyzes vocal biomarkers, providing clinicians with behavioral intelligence insights that can help identify potential issues before they escalate.
“It’s very exciting,” Christiana says, highlighting the technology’s ability to help clinicians maintain eye contact with patients, fostering a more engaging and attentive therapeutic environment. “You get to give your patient 110% of your attention.”
Consa addresses a critical need in the behavioral health sector, particularly for Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs) nationwide. These clinics face stringent filing deadlines, and Consa streamlines the notetaking process, ensuring clinicians can focus on patient care. “Getting notes done faster is a big win for everybody,” Christiana emphasizes.
Beyond healthcare, Garnet River offers other innovative solutions. Quidi, from “Quick Document Intelligence”, leverages AI to automate processing documents like invoices and credit card statements, eliminating manual data entry. This technology is applicable across diverse industries, from manufacturing to any business dealing with paper or email invoices.
Another application, Hindsight365, tackles the challenges of employee reviews. This platform allows managers to input feedback throughout the year, mitigating bias and providing a comprehensive overview of employee
performance. “You can input data from an entire year, and eliminate some of that bias,” Christiana explains.
The inspiration behind these applications stems from Garnet River’s consultative approach. Listening to clients’ needs, they can identify common pain points and develop tailored solutions. “Most of the products we’ve created have come out because of one conversation and one request from one client,” Christiana says.
While Garnet River serves clients nationwide, it maintains a strong presence in the Northeast, prioritizing hands-on, in-person support. Their client base spans small businesses to large corporations, demonstrating the flexibility and adaptability of their software solutions.
The development of Consa exemplifies Garnet River’s agile and responsive approach. A client request sparked the initial concept, and a functional application was ready within months. “He cranked this out,” Christiana says, praising developer Shayne Pendergast. “And when we confirmed that this will become a product, everyone got all hands on deck.”
The integration of Voicesense, a partner company, into Consa further enhances its capabilities. Voicesense provides the vocal analytics that enable Consa to detect subtle emotional cues. Christiana shares a personal anecdote, highlighting the technology’s accuracy in identifying her hidden stress levels during a product test. “It called me out so personally!”
Garnet River’s commitment to innovation and client satisfaction positions them as a key player in the evolving landscape of business solutions. Their applications, particularly Consa, are not just tools, but transformative technologies that enhance efficiency and improve lives. As they continue pushing the boundaries of AI and software development, Garnet River is solidifying its reputation as one of the nation’s tech innovators, based right here in Saratoga Springs.
For more information on Garnet River, their products, and services, visit https://garnetriver. com. For details on Consa, visit https://www. consa.ai.
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Maple Street, this event is headlined by multi-platinum rapper G-Eazy and offers a high-energy evening of live music, hospitality, and immersive brand activations that bring fans closer to the sports moments they love.
Revel at the Races comes to Saratoga following its second annual production at this year’s Kentucky Derby.
Tickets are on sale at BelmontStakes. com/Revel.
New York Racing Association is giving casual and serious fans alike more opportunities to experience first-hand, up-close looks at the world’s greatest equine athletes.
Public access to the Oklahoma Training Track has been expanded, allowing fans to see morning workouts. The Oklahoma track’s Whitney Viewing Stand is now open to the public from 7-10 a.m. Wednesday through Sunday right up through the Belmont festival.
Beginning June 9 and continuing through Labor Day, the viewing stand will be open daily from 7-11 a.m. Pedestrians may access the Oklahoma Training Track via Gate 21 off East Avenue. But vehicles are not permitted on the property at this time.
This year’s schedule is expected to generate a record $450 million economic im-
pact as an all-time high 49 total days of racing are planned.
Following the five-day Belmont festival, NYRA will host a special July 4th Racing Festival at Saratoga from Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6.
The 40-day summer meet will open Thursday, July 10 and continue through Monday, September 1. After the summer meet’s four-day opening week, racing will be held five days per week, Wednesdays through Sundays, except for closing week when the 2025 season concludes on Labor Day Monday.
The Belmont is being held in Saratoga for a second straight year because of ongoing construction of a new and reimagined Belmont Park, scheduled for completion in 2026.
Numerous other off-track events are planned in addition to Belmont on Broadway and Revel at the Races. For example, the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, has several activities slated during the festival including a Belmont Gala at Canfield Casino on Thursday, June 5 and a Belmont Bites & Brews event on Friday, June 6, with food trucks and a variety of beers to choose from.
For a full listing of events go to: www. discoversaratoga.com.
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veteran mothers to rebuild their lives while keeping their families intact,” said HagePerez, executive board liaison for the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.
It cost approximately $800,000 to build and was paid for by grass-roots fund raising efforts and community support from Stewart’s Shops, Business For Good, and the South Glens Falls High School Marathon Dance, among many others. The Veterans’ Ball, now in its 10th year, raises approximately $80,000 from each event.
Local businesses also stepped up and provided an array of in-kind services and supplies. These included design/architecture by Dan Sanders and John Muse, surveying by Bill Thompson, project management by Trinity Construction, counter tops from Granite & Marble Works, and appliances from MJG Appliances, among others.
“These communities and business people we work with are so generous to our veterans,” said Hage-Perez. “It’s amazing and very much appreciated.”
The coalition has approval to build four more units and they have secured funding for two. The new units will be adjacent to Foreverly House.
While the women and their children could stay in coalition housing permanently, experience indicates that they will not. Hage-Perez said they want to be indepen-
dent and have their own home and a stable environment for their children.
To help them achieve their personal goals each woman is assigned a case manager who helps them find a path forward. Case managers assist them in getting a job, returning to school, applying for disability, and resolving any medical issues they or their children may have. They also act as a liaison between the mothers and the schools to ensure the children have a stable educational environment. The coalition has linkage agreements with the Veterans Administration, legal aid, Wellspring, and Saratoga Hospital to provide the necessary services.
While all of the coalition’s facilities are in Saratoga County, it administrates a variety of veterans’ programs in Warren, Washington, Fulton, Montgomery, Schenectady, and Schoharie counties. While Foreverly House is the only facility in the region specifically designed to assist single veteran mothers and their children, the coalition board of directors is discussing the possibility of building one in Warren County.
“The board is very much in favor of more development and we will be looking outside of Saratoga County,” said Hage-Perez.”
For more information about the services offered by the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition go to vchcny.org.
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benefit the Wilton Fire District, Ballston Area Community Center, American Cancer Society-Capital Region, and Pitney Meadows Community Farm.
Tuition for this year’s class is $2,750. Merit-based scholarship assistance is available through the Linda G. Toohey Scholarship Program and the Pamela Polacsek Scholarship Program. The chamber’s Veterans Business Council offers need-based fi nancial assistance to veterans or those currently serving in the military.
Another program administered by Dixon is Saratoga Institute of Management, a collaborative initiative with Empire State University. Started in 2019 by Kathleen Fyfe under the leadership of Chamber President Todd Shimkus and the board of directors, it was suspended during Covid and reactivated last year.
“We took what we learned from that experience and relaunched a streamlined program this year with the support of 2024 Board Chairman Chad Kiesow and current Board Chairman Randy Metevier,” Dixon said.
Registration for the spring 2025 session is closed but Dixon envisions the next track will start in early 2026.
“Final dates have not yet been determined but we will take information from interested participants and add them to a notification on a rolling basis,” he said.
Pre-Covid about 60 people went through
the program in three tracks. Th is year track one had 20 participants and track two had 21.
“We’re very excited to have it make such an impact on the relaunch,” Dixon said.
He explained that the framework of the program is blend of soft skills, such as coaching and motivating employees, understanding leadership styles, self-exploration of values, communication skills, and technical skills around managing and leading workforce.
“Th is training is really designed for newor-soon-to-be managers who may have an expertise in their area of work but have not had formal training in many of these areas... areas that will be critical to their success in a managerial role and the success of their team,” Dixon said.
According to him, the instructors have decades of experience in their respective fields and are able to provide valuable insight into what constitutes an effective business leader. He noted that sessions are typically a blend of lecture and case studies.
The cost per employee per track is $945 for chamber members and $1,445 for nonmembers. Financial support comes from the original funding provided by the Saratoga County Capital Resources Corporation and the Saratoga County Foundation.
For further information about these programs go to saratoga.org, click on About, and then on the program with which you are interested.
Lasting Leadership
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If you want to strengthen your self-leadership, consider adopting these habits:
1. Schedule Strategic Getaways – Block out time each quarter to step away, reflect, and assess what’s working—and what’s not.
2. Protect Boundaries – Don’t let urgency erode your energy. Set end-of-day rituals and protect your personal life like it’s part of the job—because it is.
3. Audit Your Week – Ask: Am I investing in things that create long-term value, or just reacting to short-term noise?
4. Build a Morning Routine – Start each day with clarity: a few minutes of reading, journaling, or planning can reset your mindset.
5. End With Reflection – Each evening, take fi ve minutes to ask: Did I lead myself
well today?
John Maxwell reminds us that leadership isn’t just about position or power—it’s about influence. And the fi rst person you must influence is yourself.
Before you cast vision or set goals, check your alignment. Before you scale your team, strengthen your habits. Before you ask more of others, ask more of yourself.
Lead yourself fi rst. Th at’s not just a leadership principle—it’s a leadership foundation.
Rob Shauger is the CEO of Blueprint Leadership Development. Rob is a leadership consultant, speaker, and a certified John Maxwell executive coach who helps business leaders develop high-performance habits grounded in clarity, consistency, and personal growth.
Foreverly House provides shelter and support services for female veterans with children while they transition from military to civilian life.
Courtesy of Veterans & Community Housing Coalition
Personnel Briefs
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She volunteers with the Saratoga County Children’s Committee, co-chairs the Saratoga Mom Prom and previously spent five years as a social studies teacher and class advisor.
Luciano brings a passion for civic engagement and event planning to her new position and said she looks forward to advancing the center’s mission.
“We’re thrilled to welcome both Ally and Julianna to our team,” said Mary Beth McGarrahan, development director at Franklin Community Center. “They bring unique strengths, and their energy and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to grow and serve the community.”
Franklin Community Center offers essential services through programs such as the Food Pantry, Free Store and Project Lift. The organization depends on volunteer support for daily operations and remains committed to expanding its impact across the region.
Learn more at franklincommunitycenter. org.
Saratoga Hospital is pleased to announce the appointment of Allie Curran as its new Director of Marketing and Communications. Curran brings more than a decade of experience in strategic marketing and brand communications, with a strong focus on healthcare and technology.
In her new role, Curran will lead all internal and external communications across Saratoga Hospital and its network of locations. She will play a key role in promoting and enhancing the Hospital’s messaging, driving engagement, and aligning communications with the organization’s mission and values.
“We are excited to welcome Allie to the Saratoga Hospital leadership team, said Jill VanKuren, CEO. “Her innovative mindset and deep understanding of healthcare communications make her an excellent fit for this role.
Most recently, Curran served as International Marketing Manager at 3M/Solventum, where she oversaw global marketing efforts for healthcare IT solutions. Her experience spans brand strategy, digital marketing, internal communications, and international collaboration - skills that will be instrumental in elevating Saratoga Hospital’s voice within the Albany Med Health System and the wider community.
Please join us in welcoming Allie Curran to Saratoga Hospital.
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Region,” said McDaniel. “I look forward to working with the team and stakeholders to ignite a dynamic and prosperous economic future.”
Ryan Silva, executive director of the New York Economic Development Council added, “Heather McDaniel is a talented and accomplished economic development professional. Her skillset, experience, and passion for the work will bring tremendous value to the Center for Economic Growth as they work to accelerate economic opportunity across the region.” McDaniel holds an undergraduate degree
in sociology from the University of California Berkley and a Master of Urban Planning from New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service. A recognized economic development professional, McDaniel holds two designations: Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) and Certified Economic Development (CEcD).
She succeeds Katie Newcombe, who accepted a position last month as state director of Economic Development for National Grid. McDaniel will begin her new role in early July.
Local Franchisees Of Nothing Bundt Cakes Open Saratoga Shop; Plan Further Expansion
BY ROD BACON
When Matt and Melissa Gleason opened their first Nothing Bundt Cakes shop in Albany in 2017 they already had their sights set on Saratoga County. When the Albany shop became successful they implemented their plan by opening a second location in Clifton Park in 2021, but they didn’t stop there. Following a multi-year search they launched their third shop in April in Saratoga Springs.
“We had been working on Saratoga for several years trying to find the perfect spot,” said Matt. “We’re very happy to have landed where we did. It’s right off Exit 15 with lots of traffic.”
The shop offers more then 60 unique cake designs, all topped with their signature cream cheese frosting. They can be customized for special occasions like birthday par-
ties, graduations, anniversaries, weddings, baby showers, teacher appreciation days, and sporting events. Also available is an extensive selection of party supplies like candles, cake toppers, plates and napkins, and decorations, as well as gifts for those being honored by the occasion.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is a franchise operation with more than 600 franchisees running shops throughout the United States and Canada. The Gleasons became interested in it when Matt’s family, who live in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, sent them a cake one holiday. His mother, who is “a little entrepreneurial,” suggested they consider it as a potential opportunity.
“It’s just the joy that comes out of this kind of franchise,” said Matt. “The cake is fantastic, the best cake we’d ever had. And the idea that we could bring that kind of joy to the local community is what attracted us to it. It’s a lot of fun to go to work and give people cake that makes them happy.”
The most popular flavors are chocolate chocolate chip, white chocolate raspberry, lemon, and red velvet. However, the Gleasons get creative by offering seasonal flavors like peppermint chocolate chip for Christmas or pumpkin spice in the fall.
Prior to purchasing the franchise, Melissa was an IT specialist. Matt was in the U.S. Navy before spending 21 years in the data center real estate industry.
Other than baking the occasional birthday cake, neither had any pastry experience. Melissa spent four weeks in Dallas at the franchise’s training facility learning the full bakery operation from baking cakes to frosting to staffing and how to greet guests. For the first eight years she operated the couple’s two shops while Matt continued in his career. With the opening of the Saratoga shop he joined the business full time.
Success is not going to have them resting on their laurels, however. They are working on opening their fourth shop in North Greenbush and have an agreement in place with the franchise to open three more in the Syracuse area. Further down the road they might explore the Glens Falls market.
Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 6 Lowes Drive in Saratoga Springs.
To learn more about the delectable treats that await you, go to nothingbundtcakes. com. To find the three shops currently owned by the Gleasons scroll down to Find a Bakery.
Delectable treats are displayed in the Nothing Bundt Cakes shop in Saratoga, the third for owners Matt and Melissa Gleason.
Courtesy of Nothing Bundt Cakes
Munter Enterprises
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Drive that is currently before the Saratoga Springs Planning Board.
“We’re going in for approval so we have a shovel-ready project within the City of Saratoga Springs on industrial zoned property that has water, sewer, gas, and electric available,” said Munter. “We do not have a tenant lined up but we want to be ready when a tenant or a buyer comes along.”
Munter Enterprises is fi nishing up phase two of a large expansion for Environment One Corporation in Niskayuna, which manufactures and markets pressurized sewer systems and hydrogen generator systems worldwide.
Last year they completed a 30,000-squarefoot production facility addition. Phase two is an approximately 10,000-square-foot dock expansion, with an estimated completion at the end of June.
A project that Munter terms “a fun one” is the new 5,000-square-foot clubhouse at the Ballston Spa Country Club that they are just completing. It was started in October and will be fi nished on schedule.
It includes a dining and bar area, member locker rooms, and a large kitchen designed for preparing food for large events. There is also an approximately 2,000-square-foot patio overlooking the 18th hole. The Munters worked with Dan Loewenstein, president of the club’s board of directors, throughout the planning and construction process.
“It will be a nice addition to the course for the players and members,” Munter said. “They’ve been great to work with and we’re excited for them to have that open.”
For more information about the company go to munterenterprises.com.
Hilltop Construction
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The construction industry is also working with school counselors to help them better understand what it does, and encourage students to consider careers in this field.
Washburn said Hilltop has openings for lead carpenters, superintendents and site work laborers, as the firm began doing this type of work on its own last year.
“Labor is still a problem, but for us it’s getting better,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty solid team that we’ve put together. We’re always advertising, trying to find the next guy. If we had more people we could probably expand, but we’re happy with where we’re at, also.
In addition to commercial projects, Hilltop has a robust residential sector as well.
“We’re doing a ton of work in Brant Lake,
Old World Gourmet
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grate ceilings, track and recessed lighting,
underneath
cases, and gray ceramic tile flooring. John is also a builder, and he is doing the renovation and construction.
Old World Gourmet Market targets “people that appreciate good food and good service,” he said. “We are not directed just to the high end or the low end.”
For the Biaginis, good service means “you can get a butcher to take you to the produce department if you need help.”
Opening was slated for mid-May, but materials deliveries were delayed, as with so many post-pandemic projects. But then, were it not for COVID, the Biaginis would still be in Brooklyn.
Schroon Lake and Lake Luzerne,” Washburn said. “All those markets are booming residentially, mostly from people coming up from the Metro New York area.”
Hilltop employs 36 skilled professionals. “They are the heart and soul that makes this company successful.” said Washburn. Hilltop also does a great deal of subcontracting so 70 or more people might be working on its variety of projects at any given time.
“Being a general contractor with the ability to subcontract out, you can adapt to the workflow,” he said. “The big thing is having a few key employees to help manage and facilitate things. From there it’s reaching out to the sub pool to deal with those ebbs and flows.”
“A first impression is everlasting, so we want to take our time to staff up and do it right,” said John.
Once the market is launched June 11 following the Belmont Stakes, they will offer catering services for groups of five to five hundred, he said, which is just right for company parties or any kind of event. Maria is working on their 32-page catering menu.
The couple has also leased space at 514 Broadway in Saratoga Springs for a small satellite market opening about two weeks later, she said.
“We will do the cooking in the big store and deliver food to Broadway,” she said.
Like the big store, there will be take-out only and no seating. But unlike it, Maria said they may sell coffee to sip with a bagel.
Watch for details about a June soft opening with the public and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
