Saratoga Business Journal - January 2024

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

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

VOL. 28 NO. 11

★★ The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County ★★

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE

PAID

GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600

JANAURY 2024

www.saratogabusinessjournal.com

Eclectic Lineup of Talented Musicians Slated to Schuylerville And Hoosick Falls Each Receive Perform at the 47th Annual Freihofer’s Jazz Fest $4.5 Million From Capital Region NY Forward

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center will host a two-day jazz festival in June featuring 22 musical groups and 10 debuts.

The 47th Annual Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival will return for a full two-day and two-stage exhilarating festival experience on Saturday, June 29 and Sunday, June 30 at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Featuring a roster of 22 musical groups and 10 festival debuts, the line-up is co-headlined by four premier contemporary artists: Lake Street Dive, Norah Jones, Laufey, and Samara Joy; alongside jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his band N*4Ever, Terence Blanchard Sextet and Coco Montoya. Also highlighting the line-up is the next generation of jazz stars Yussef Dayes, Joey Alexander, Miguel Zenon, Tia Fuller, Theo Crocker, Helen Sung and Sara Caswell, and today’s most electrifying AfroCuban and funk bands Cory Henry, Cimafunk, The New Orleans Groove Masters and Pedrito

Coutesy Spac.org

Martinez Group. From jazz to roots, funk, blues, pop, indie and beyond, the festival will bring its signature blend of world-class artists and ensembles, solidifying its place as an international destination and a ‘must-stop’ on the 2024 festival trail.

“Our 2024 festival has a record number of female headliners, all among the most exciting musicians in the industry today. From young, new sensations like Laufey and Samara Joy, who are bringing jazz to the next generation, to beloved superstars like Norah Jones and Rachael Price, dynamo lead singer of Lake Street Dive, this year’s line-up is over the top with powerful female presence,” says Elizabeth Sobol, President and CEO of Saratoga Performing Arts Center. “As always, we are so grateful to Continued On Page 15

Officials and residents of the Village of Schuylerville display the $4.5 million check from Capital Region NY Forward.

Governor Kathy Hochul has announced Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville as this year’s Capital Region NY Forward winners, receiving $4.5 million each in funding. Building on the momentum of the state’s successful Downtown Revitalization Initiative, the $100 million NY Forward program adopts the same “Plan-then-Act” strategy as the Downtown Revitalization Initiative, which couples strategic planning with immediate project implementation to support a more equitable downtown resurgence for New York’s smaller and rural communities. Applicants submit a vision for their downtown and a slate of transformative projects to achieve that vision. With the Governor’s commitment this year of $100 million each for the Downtown Revitalization Initiative and NY Forward, the State has now

invested a combined total of $1 billion in both programs since their inception.

“Investing in our New York communities means investing in their heartbeat – our downtowns,” Governor Hochul said. “Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville put forth plans to reinvigorate their downtowns, which contribute to making the Capital Region a world-class destination for businesses, families and tourists.”

New York State Secretary of State Robert J. Rodriguez said, “The NY Forward program focuses on the smaller and more rural communities throughout the state who are looking to revitalize their downtowns. These awards to Hoosick Falls and Schuylerville will build upon previous investments to prompt more Continued On Page 15

Stewart’s Shops Plans To Replace Existing Leisure Travel And Meetings Industries In Stores With New Larger Ones At 10 Locations Saratoga County Are On Pace To Top 2023

BY PAUL POST How important is Stewart’s Shops to the upstate economy?

The Saratoga County-based firm spends $50 million per year on remodeling projects, replacing old stores with new ones, and entering new markets in 32 counties from the Canadian border to Newburgh, and southern Vermont to Oswego on Lake Ontario.

“Our territory swells from the outer edges,” Chief Operating Officer Chad Kiesow said.

“We’re very successful when we’re in areas where people understand what we provide.

We’re not your typical convenient store selling snacks, beverage and cigarettes. In some communities we’re a local grocery store. In others, we provide a dining area and a place for people to enjoy our own fresh-made products.”

“Fifty percent of our opportunities come via phone calls from people asking us to locate there,” he said. “The other half, we’re out pounding the pavement looking for communities that need the services we can provide.”

Kiesow joined Stewart’s in 1994 and is chairman of Saratoga Chamber of Commerce in 2024.

With 359 shops and 5,000 full- and part-time employees, Convenience Store News says Stewart’s Shops is the nation’s 18th largest chain,

Stewart’s Shops has planned extensive renovations to some of its convenience stores.

Courtesy Stewart's Shop

and generated $1.7 billion in revenue in 2022 (zippia.com). Industry leader 7-Eleven is the largest convenience store company with more than 12,700 sites.

Stewart’s corporate offices are on Route Continued On Page 11

BY DARRYL LEGGIERI With 2023 in the rear-view mirror, let us take a moment to reflect on what a great year it was-at least in leisure travel, and the meetings industry!

Leisure travel was anchored by many of our major attractions and cultural institutions, such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, Saratoga Casino Hotel, Saratoga National Historic Park, Universal Preservation Hall, Caffe Lena, National Museum of Racing, and the historic Saratoga Race Course.

The track’s summer meet exceeded one million in paid attendance once again.

As for meetings and events, the return of business was fruitful. Not even rising costs, staffing shortages and a possible recession changed meeting planner confidence.

When we look at the numbers for our lodging partners, through November of 2023 year over year, Saratoga County saw steady positive growth.

Over the previous 12 months, demand increased by .5 percent, Occupancy was up .8 percent, Average Daily Rate (ADR) was up 5.9 percent, and Revenue Per Available Room (REVPAR) was up 6.7 percent. The occupancy and average daily rate that our lodging partners were able to command shows a strong return to business, and breaking records for revenue in many cases!

Looking ahead: As we start the new year, we’re absolutely de-

Darryl Leggieri is the president of Discover Saratoga.

Courtesy Darryl Leggieri

lighted and honored to be designated as the official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Saratoga County. We are excited to embark on this journey to showcase the unparalleled beauty, culture, and experiences that our county has to offer. It’s an exContinued On Page 2

2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Economic Outlook 2024 Darryl Leggieri Continued From Page 1

citing time to be taking over the tourism responsibilities because travel is back. Strong domestic leisure travel demand has been the driving force in our post-pandemic comeback, and we expect it to continue and be resilient in the coming year.

More authentic travel experiences will continue to gain share. Visitors want to see the real side of a destination. Wellness, unique rural settings, heritage tourism, and experiential travel (festivals, events, food and craft beverages). They want their own experiences, finding those unique Instagrammable moments.

It’s an exiting time to be taking over the tourism responsibilities because travel is back. Leisure travel will be a priority in 2024 with travelers indicating their number one reason to travel in 2024 will be to rest and recharge.

As for meetings and events we are forecasting another strong year. From an activity perspective, we anticipate that in-person meetings, as well as the number of attendees at those meetings will increase across the board.

With many companies around the world operating with remote work forces or hybrid office environments, the need to bring employees together has never been greater nor more widely recognized. Virtual fatigue is real – attendees want to see each other in person. Organizations also want their customers and employees to meet in person.

This is where Discover Saratoga comes in.

One mission of the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau, operating under the “Discover Saratoga” brand, is to deliver a positive impact on

the local economy by promoting and marketing Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County as a worldclass destination for meetings, conventions, and groups. We serve as a hub that connects visitors with local venues, and the establishments managed by our 500-plus members. As a key economic development engine for our community, we drive millions of tourism and event dollars into our local economy. This makes our community stronger, helping our families, our friends, and our neighbors.

In case you haven’t heard, we are also thrilled and honored to host the Belmont Stakes at Saratoga Race Course June 6-9, 2024! This is a historic opportunity for our region to showcase our world-class attractions, hospitality, cultural arts, and natural beauty to a global audience. We are excited to welcome the fans of the Triple Crown series to experience our vibrant and diverse community. The Belmont Stakes will also have a significant positive impact on the local economy, generating revenue and jobs for our businesses and residents. We are grateful to NYRA for choosing Saratoga as the alternate venue for this prestigious event, and we look forward to working with them to make it a success.

Overall, meetings/events/tourism and their impact on the local economy proved to be strong throughout 2023, and we project it will continue to climb in 2024.

That is the underlying message driving industry predictions for the coming year. Plenty of positivity and great expectations!

Statistics Indicate That Saratoga County Is On A Trajectory Toward Very Strong Economy

BY TODD SHIMKUS, CCE Every month, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce publishes what we call the “Insider’s Report,” a collection of current statistics and trends which tell us how Saratoga’s economy is performing. While the name suggests one thing, the reality is that anyone who is interested in this exclusive information can subscribe to receive the report.

The Insider’s Report is now among our most popular emails with thousands of opens every month and an ever-increasing subscriber base, partly because it is the only place you can now get all this information in an easy-to-read format.

Here is what subscribers learned in our most recent edition: Saratoga County sales tax collections were up 7.6 percent January through November in 2023 versus the same time in 2022, from $144.6 million a year ago to $155.7 million this year. The City of Saratoga Springs has also collected 7.1 percent more in 2023 versus 2022, up from $15.2 million in 2022 to $16.27 million in 2023. These increases in sales tax collections have remained steady all year even as inflation has decreased showing that our local economy continues to expand.

Local hotels across Saratoga County reported RevPAR of $107.61 through the first eleven months of 2023, up 6.7 percent from 2022 when RevPAR was $100.81. Overall, hotel revenues for the first eleven months of this year are up 6.4 percent even as demand is up just .5 percent. The

Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

average daily rate for a room in Saratoga County has been up in all eleven months of 2023 showing a willingness of consumers and visitors to spend more to stay in Saratoga County.

The Greater Capital Association of REALTORS reported that the median sales price of a home in Saratoga County from January through November was $410,000, up 5.6 percent from the same time a year ago when the median sales price was $388,000. This upward trend has been consistent as the number of closed sales and listings has decreased. Within the City of Saratoga, the median sales price of a home year to date is $616,238. This past year marked the first time Saratoga County’s median sales price moved above $400,000 and the City’s above $600,000.

Saratoga County’s labor force totaled 126,800 as of November 2023, up 5.6 percent from the same time one year ago when the labor force was 121,400. As of November 2023, there are 123,200 people employed in Saratoga County and 3,600 unemployed, resulting in an unemployment rate of 2.8 percent. The number employed is up 5,100 from one year ago and the number unemployed is up by 600 people.

Beyond the data, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce hosted more ribbon cutting celebrations in 2023 than we did the year before.

Local bank presidents tell me that they are continuing to see increasing applications for personal and business financing as well as healthy deposits. On Broadway in Saratoga Springs, there is not one first-floor vacancy, and in Schuylerville we look forward to continuing the renaissance of that Village with a $4.5 million economic development grant that we helped prepare.

Best of all, our population - - unlike in most of New York State - - continues to increase as more people choose to live in Saratoga County where you can “Live Like You’re On Vacation.” In fact, this is a mantra that we should be shouting out to the world as people look for safe, healthy, and vibrant places to live, work, and play. Growing our population by attracting talent that can help us to overcome our historic labor shortage is vital and a priority of the Saratoga County Chamber.

Saratoga’s economy appears to be on an upward trajectory. But in Saratoga Springs where the median sales price is over $600,000, we cannot be a “City in the Country” just for the wealthy, which means we must find places to build more workforce housing. Throughout Saratoga County, we will need expanded public transportation to better connect more people with jobs, educational opportunities, health care and shopping, just as CDTA has done with Flex on Demand in Mechanicville, Clifton Park, Halfmoon, and now Stillwater. This can all be done if we just collaborate and remember that we are always Stronger Together.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 3

Employers Seeking Skilled Professionals As Some Southern Saratoga Communities Don't Economies Rebound And Industries Rebuild Boast The Traditional 'Downtown' Mold

BY RENEE WALRATH In 2024, hiring trends will shift as organizations adapt to a changing global workforce and several key themes emerge, offering employers and job seekers a positive outlook. While 2023 started with massive layoffs and continued with that trend throughout the year to cut costs, the hiring trends for 2024 indicate a renewed sense of optimism.

Google research shows that 39 percent of hiring leaders said they plan to increase their financial commitment toward hiring in 2024, and 70 percent of surveyed U.S. job seekers were somewhat or very confident about their prospects of finding new jobs.

As economies rebound and industries rebuild, companies prepare for growth, creating a heightened demand for skilled professionals.

This positive outlook is demonstrated by increased job opportunities across various sectors, creating a favorable environment for job seekers.

Throughout 2023, we’ve seen many companies requiring workers to go back to the office and anticipate more companies to do the same in 2024, with flexibility for remote work on an as-needed basis. Many technological roles will remain remote. While working remote during and post the pandemic, companies noted that Millennials and especially Gen Z were lacking mentor and coaching since they were not working in an office. For us Baby Boomers, it was important for us to learn from our mentors and peers in the office to advance our career. It’s much easier to ask a question when a colleague is sitting right next to you. Listening to other peers in the office discuss a work problem and solving it is how others learn their industry quicker.

The demand for technology-related skills like data analysis, artificial intelligence, cyber security, and software development is projected to remain high in demand for 2024.While technical skills remained crucial, soft skills such as adaptability, communication, problem-solving, and emotional intelligence were increasingly valued by employers, especially in roles that require collaboration and interaction. The emphasis on skills over traditional qualifications like degrees is becoming more prominent. Companies might prioritize skills-based hiring practices, focusing on candidates’ abilities and potential for growth.

In 2024, it is important to engage prospective candidates throughout the recruitment process as well as create a positive employee on-boarding experience. Since Millennials make up most of the full-time workforce currently, it is important to understand their needs. Additional learning and development are important to them as well as working for an organization that prioritizes sustainability and corporate social responsibility. Employees want good benefits such as health insurance, vacation, holiday, and sick time as well as a 401k and/or retirement plan. All of these will assist in retaining valuable employees.

Pay transparency has made it necessary for organizations to perform a compensation analysis resulting in salaries increasing late 2022 &

Renee A. Walrath is the president of Walrath Recruiting Inc. Courtesy Walrath Recruiting Inc.

2023. For 2024, most companies are adhering to paying employees equitably resulting in offering fair salaries and retaining employees.

Based on an article in Forbes Magazine of ongoing trends and emerging industries, here are some fields mentioned that might continue to be in demand in 2024: • AI and Machine Learning: With the increasing integration of artificial intelligence in various industries, roles related to AI development, machine learning engineering, data science, and AI ethics could continue to be in high demand.

• Cyber security: As digital threats evolve, the demand for cyber security experts is likely to grow. Roles like cyber security analysts, ethical hackers, and information security managers could remain in high demand.

• Renewable Energy: With a focus on sustainability and combating climate change, careers in renewable energy, such as solar and wind energy technicians, sustainable energy researchers, and green technology specialists, may continue to be promising.

• Healthcare and Telemedicine: The healthcare industry, including telemedicine, digital health, and personalized medicine, is expected to keep expanding, creating opportunities for healthcare professionals, data analysts, and software developers focusing on healthcare applications.

• E-commerce and Digital Marketing: The growth of online shopping and digital marketing strategies is likely to persist, leading to increased demand for e-commerce specialists, digital marketers, SEO experts, and content creators.

It’s essential to stay adaptable and continuously update skills and knowledge to align with evolving market demands, and emerging industries for a successful career in the years to come.

Looking forward to a successful and prosperous 2024!

BY PETE BARDUNIAS Hopefully 2024 is the year that we stop letting the urbanists define what a downtown is in Saratoga County. Many communities seem to look at their development options and needs through the lens of Saratoga Springs: a centralized mixed-use business district with housing, restaurants, mass transit options, sidewalks, and more, with decades of planning and development along the way. In Saratoga Springs this works very well, and all of us who live in this County are fortunate to have such a city to attract the masses for racing season (which this year will include two major meets), or for the arts, cultural festivals, and attractions such as the City Center, the sprawling Spa Park, SPAC, and Universal Preservation Hall.

But should we aspire to do this everywhere?

Take Clifton Park. Decades of planning have been incorporated in developing the form-based code that guides planning for the town, especially in the vicinity of Exit 9. The same thing has been unfolding in Malta in recent years. Yet as readers of this publication know, those towns are very different in design and character from Saratoga.

Is that a bad thing? Some people would say so. In fact, many communities in our county are often derided as being examples of sprawl, or visionless, or even inconsequential, because they don’t match the description that is considered ideal.

Many communities struggle to find identity when identity is staring them in the face. Do we have to define our downtown in the traditional, textbook sense, or can we just accept these communities as they are? Clifton Park’s town center area, as it’s more frequently called, has some of the most wonderful places to shop, eat, work, walk around and recreate in the entire county. The new Town Center Park is adjacent to the business district. There’s more to do just west of Exit 9 than in many of the more traditional-looking downtowns in the Capital Region. Just to the east, Halfmoon is now developing a similar segment of town which will look very much like a town center or downtown area. What about the Town of Milton? Milton is a great community with a unique town center. Forget about definitions; stand by the Town Hall, and go for a walk. It’s interesting how much you can find within a short distance.

There are shops, stores (including the largest NAPA auto parts store in the USA), some places to eat or get ice cream, and a very pleasant town park with trails, all accessible from nearby residential housing of different income levels. And there is an extensive network of sidewalks. No one would ever dare call this a Downtown, yet this section of the Town of Milton contains pretty much everything one would want in a downtown. It’s just packaged differently.

Of course, some communities have downtowns in the more traditional sense, such as Ballston Spa, Mechanicville, Schuylerville, and Waterford. Other communities, like Malta or Wilton, have more of

Peter Bardunias, senior vice president, Capital Region Chamber.

Courtesy Capital Region Chamber

the characteristic of Clifton Park to varying degrees.

How about Charlton? Is there a downtown there?

Well, no. Neither is there one in a town like Galway.

And I am pretty sure their residents are quite happy with the way things are. The rustic nature of the Charlton Tavern or the community nature of Dockstader Field in Galway provide plenty of character for those localities, and as Charlton Supervisor Joe Grasso pointed out recently, Charlton’s business community is bigger than most people would think, enabled by the town’s particular zoning to operate mostly home-based, yet many of the businesses in the town have regional reach in terms of the customers they serve.

As someone who is known for being outspoken and active on social media, it never ceases to amaze me that of all the comments I’ve made over the past 13 years, the ones that created the biggest controversy were when I said how much I love living in Clifton Park, or expressed my delight that you can find a free parking space anywhere in the town at any time of year, even at Christmas. I’ve been accused of looking past the suburban “dystopianism” that supposedly exists in Clifton Park and Halfmoon.

If that’s the case, then I am the biggest advocate for Dystopia that this world has ever seen. I absolutely love living in Clifton Park. With less than a decade standing between me and potential retirement, my wife and I have been investing in our home and we expect that we will have a Clifton Park address the rest of our days. It is my fervent belief that no matter where you live in Saratoga County you can feel proud of your community because you live in some of the best real estate in America, regardless of what your town center looks like.

The Right Insurance...

A Better Experience.

Call: 518.782.0001 Visit: HeritageGrp.com

4 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

A Managed Service Provider May Be The Those In Construction Trades Are Optimistic Answer To Technology Requirements In 2024 That This Year Will Be ‘Back To Normal’

BY MARK SHAW I guess the recession is cancelled. Who knows, right? The world seems a little upside down, but as everyone knows life continues to go on. What we are seeing in the technology space is very interesting as we have, for most intents and purposes, been immune to the economic tides of layoffs and downsizing. Th is did not hold true in 2023, and so far, 2024 is starting off with a bang. Over 24 tech fi rms have already had layoffs in 11 days into this year. The big companies have over-hired during the good times and are trimming now.

Technology is often the canary in the coal mine. What happens there flows down to the more stable and long-term organizations in healthcare and manufacturing.

What does this mean to you and your business? It means that the pendulum is swinging again. The rise of good economic times buoyed by the funds from PPP, EIDL, and for some, the ERC (All government programs through COVID-19) are starting to come to an end. The funds have been used and now we are back to equilibrium. As you look over your staff and study your business trends, you might also fi nd yourself needing to reduce staffi ng to keep moving forward.

One area everyone worried about making any cuts is typically in the technology area.

These people have special skills that are often, in our area, hard to fi nd. You trust your IT person to be making good choices, to be protecting you from threats, and most importantly to just make “IT” work.

But what do you do when the realization that your beloved IT person is moving on to another role, perhaps in another state or country? What if that resource is unable to grow with the big plans you have made for success in 2024. What if they need some help because the day-to-day is burying them to the point their project timelines are slipping?

I can list in the last three years alone how many businesses, from manufacturing to government, have felt the twinge of panic when the person they have relied on for years hands in the dreaded resignation letter.

But instead of considering this a time to panic, consider this a time to make a change that benefits you, your company, and your wallet. Consider the benefits of letting someone else manage your technology that isn’t one person or a small team. What if you could have 24/7 support, someone always ready to answer the call for any technology needs?

What if that group could have people with a diverse set of skills that would be able to cov-

Mark Shaw, president and CEO of Stored Technology Solutions Inc. (StoredTech).

Courtesy StoredTech

er all your needs from A-Z in your company technology wise? What if they could run a new cable for a copier, install updates to your business applications, protect against threats, provide backups to all your mission critical data, help in the case of any security risk and act as you own personal Chief Information Officer?

Th is is what an MSP does. Perhaps you have heard the acronym and wondered what that means. It stands for Managed Service Provider. They handle your technology needs on a day-to-day basis and provide road maps tailored to where you see your business going in not only the next twelve months but looking beyond that horizon to say 3 to 5 years.

You jointly set the pace and the plan for how your business can thrive using the technology in your organization today and dream of what the future could be.

In most cases this is at a price point lower than you could have with just a single employee or even a small team. Now that is something to consider in these more chaotic times.

What is even more powerful is if this partner MSP could work with you without contract or long-term commitments, letting them earn your business every single day. That’s how the best-in-class MSPs work.

As 2024 comes in like lion, if you are in a tough spot trying to fi nd the best way to use technology, cannot afford an IT team to be on your payroll, or are losing your trusted IT resource maybe an MSP is right for you.

BY DOUG FORD It’s that time of year again when we look forward and do our best to make an educated forecast for the year ahead. However, before we can do that, we do need to look backwards to set the stage for the year that lies ahead. As with many other businesses, the construction industry did not break any records nor allow for a lot of optimism, but that was expected. Unlike many other industries the construction industry benefited from people working and staying at home. A lot of unplanned money was invested to remodel, upgrade, and put in home offices to allow for an enjoyable and productive workspace at home while they waited out the COVID pandemic.

2023 was a “wait and see’ year. 2024 is lining up to be a “back to normal” affair for the housing industry. So, what does the year ahead have in store for the construction industry and those that support the trades like Curtis Lumber. I will do my best to break it down but I’m a lot more optimistic going into 2024 than the year we just completed.

However, it’s not all bright and rosy. This year will have many carry-over challenges from last year, but the recent trend indicates a more favorable outlook.

Mortgage rate volatility and uncertainty around the Fed policy along with inflation have all contributed to interest rates that were not affordable or desirable to many that were in the market for a new home.

With these three forces now moving in the right direction and likely to improve they could provide additional relief to those sitting on the sidelines. Locally the medium- to lower-end home categories were impacted more than the higher end and multifamily segments, as would be expected. The forecast for housing is optimistic but hinges on continued moderation of inflation and that the Federal Reserve will continue easing its stance on interest rates.

Building material manufacturers and suppliers have benefited from the slower pace and have been able to catch up, leading to more consistent lead times and a more consistent quality. This has helped to get the build cycle for new homes and construction projects back to normal or very close. This has brought back some efficiencies that were non-existent for the past three years.

Another challenge that is impacting, but not new to the construction industry, is the lack of labor. While some cooling has occurred in the construction labor market the market remains tight. The construction industry continues to struggle to attract younger workers. While workers under the age of 25 comprised 13.6 percent of the U.S. labor force, their share in the construction industry reached only 10.0 percent in 2021.

Meanwhile, the share of older construction workers ages 55+ increased from less than 19.3 percent in 2015 to almost 22.3 percent in 2021. Around 67.7 percent of the construction workforce were in the prime working years of 25-54, compared to 63.5 percent in the overall workforce.

Unfortunately, this issue does not have a

Doug Ford is vice president of Curtis Lumber Company.

Courtesy Curtis Lumber

quick fix and will continue to be a problem for the unforeseen future. The good news is that through the efforts of organizations like the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, students are now becoming enlightened at an earlier age about the lucrative and rewarding careers in the trades.

The Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition was formed six years ago as a joint effort between the Saratoga Builders Association and Curtis Lumber Company.

This Coalition is now a not-for-profit organization that has grown to include over forty related organizations and interested stakeholder from across New York State and the northeast.

Early on it was recognized after considerable research that high school students were not aware of the opportunities the trades offered. Most school counselors were unprepared to speak with students about the various pathways into the trades. After wanting to blame the school counselors, we quickly realized our industry had done a terrible job connecting with the schools, counselors, parents, and students and ultimately, we are at fault. The sole mission of the coalition is to engage with the schools and help them understand the pathways into this industry which are many. We are hopeful the coalition can be an example for others to join in the effort or support the work being done by this group. If you would like more information about the Northeast Construction Trades Workforce Coalition, please reach out to Doug Ford (doug.ford@curtislumber.com or Pam Stott at pams@curtislumber.com.

Like any start to a new year, we can only make projections based on the data we have available to us and recent history. There are always those unknowns that can take us off course but I’m optimistic that we are on a good path to a successful year. We are very fortunate to live in the capital region which continues to be the bright spot in the economy for New York state. Let’s have a great 2024 and make great things happen in Saratoga County and the capital region.

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 5

Saratoga County Will Continue To Experience Warren County Positioning Itself To Combine A Tight Real Estate Market With Higher Prices Unique Lifestyle With Economic Prosperity

BY CECIL PROVOST 2023 was another “interesting” year in Saratoga real estate and home building... but we haven’t had a “normal” year in quite some time, have we?

In local residential real estate, although interest rates and prices both jumped, the demand continued to exceed the listing inventory in 2023. Homeowners with 3 percent fi xed rate mortgages aren’t selling unless necessary (and that won’t change anytime soon). So, when a new listing hit the hotsheet in 2023 we saw immediate activity, multiple offers, rapid sales, and higher prices.

Although the number of closed sales was relatively low due to limited inventory, our median sale price increased nearly 10 percent in 2023, the average market time was only 24 days (in my experience 90 days is “normal” in our area, and I’ve seen it as high as 130 days), and most sellers got full price or better (our historical average is 96.5 percent). In a “normal” year the higher prices and interest rates would have made selling a home more difficult, but demand is so overwhelming in our area that the only listings that don’t sell in 45 days are the ones that are grossly overpriced.

As a result, many potential home buyers turned to my new construction. Every good builder and subcontractor in our region is buried with work. Our company, Saratoga Construction, received an unprecedented number of new customer inquiries in 2023 (well over 100 per month), and shattered our previous records for both number of home sales and total sales volume, despite much higher construction prices and interest rates. (Construction costs were up about 10 percent in 2023).

Thankfully, most of the supply chain issues that we experienced during the pandemic have been resolved, but there’s still a huge shortage of skilled workers in our area.

So what’s ahead for us in 2024 and beyond?

In my opinion, these trends will continue for several years. The National Association of Realtors and the National Association of Home Builders both predict 30-year mortgage rates will retreat to something like 6.25 percent in mid-late 2024, which will stoke even greater demand. That’s better than the 7.75 percent peak that we saw in 2023, but probably won’t convince most homeowners sitting on a 3 percent mortgage to sell, so resale inventory will remain tight and bidding wars/price escalation will continue. The coming expansions of both Albany Nanotech and Global Foundries will bring another wave of affluent home buyers into Saratoga County. As a result, demand for resale homes and new construction will continue to be “off the charts.”

As I write this on January 10th, Saratoga Construction is nearly booked for 2024 and we have several projects in planning for 2025.

We’re now receiving price increase announcements from our material suppliers for 2024.

Chuck Ciaccia 30 years

Jude Gosh 35 years

Cecil Provost, is the owner of Saratoga Construction and Saratoga Modular Homes.

Courtesy Saratogaphotographer.com

Lumber prices seem to have stabilized but siding, drywall, insulation, roofing, concrete, cabinetry, wire, pipe, etc., are all going up 5 percent-10 percent in Q1. NAHB predicts overall costs to increase 6 percent-7 percent in 2024.

(The historical average is 3 percent-4 percent per year). Customers are always asking me if/ when I think the construction costs will come back down, and my response is “I don’t see that happening, unless the whole world blows up”.

Affordability continues to be a huge challenge, especially for first-time buyers. I have three children ages 15-21, and if I wasn’t able to help them out as a Realtor and builder I don’t know how they could afford to buy a home or live here after college. Our region is experiencing (and will continue to experience) many of the same challenges as Boston MA, Austin TX, San Jose CA, and other areas where the economy suddenly booms with high-tech jobs. I founded our sister company, Saratoga Modular Homes, in 2008 so that we could offer qualitybuilt homes at affordable prices because as a former soft ware engineer I knew what was coming when it was announced that AMD was coming to Luther Forest. Saratoga Construction now offers all types of home construction (traditional stick-frame, modular, panelized, log and timber, SIP panel), but all of those costs have risen dramatically. I’m hoping that our local and state government leaders will develop some creative programs to stimulate affordable housing development.

So as we begin 2024, welcome to the “new normal” in our region. My advice to our customers is don’t be in a hurry to sell, but if you’re going to be a buyer then sooner is better than later. Prices are going to continue climbing, inventory is going to remain tight, and housing demand is going to outpace supply locally for years to come.

Dave Weiss 24 years

Spencer Agan 26 years

Dennis Choiniere 49 years

OVER 164 YEARS COMBINED EXPERIENCE

Since 1945 Eastern Heating and Cooling, Inc. has been serving commercial and industrial customers through Upstate New York, Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont with designs, installation and maintenance service.

When faced with difficult complex problems, experience matters

Mechanical Design Service & Maintenance Facility Automation Services Sheet Metal Fabrication

easternheatingcooling.com 518-465-8878

Quality People. Building Solutions

A Division of

BY JIM SIPLON A wise mentor once told me, “If you can’t explain what you are doing and why you are doing it to your Grandmother, you don’t really understand your work like you think you do.” I have thought of that advice often as I am asked to help others understand the accelerating pace of change facing our business and collective communities. How would I explain to my now departed grandmother, a wise and kind woman who had lived through the Spanish Flu pandemic, the Great Depression and two World Wars by the time she was 35, what we do in our quest to position our area for long term success and have it make sense?

Perhaps by sharing the same ideas I do with our business and public leaders when I meet with them to discuss what economic development is and why it matters to them…we work together to build sustainable communities, and the economies that drive them. In this context, sustainability is an broader ambition than the somewhat more narrow environmental one that it is often used to describe. The Oxford Dictionary defines sustainability as “the ability to be maintained at a certain rate or level.” In other words, we endeavor to create working communities that have what they need to keep going, to endure and hopefully thrive.

For a long time, we associated our role in this ongoing challenge as advocates for the investments needed, such as public infrastructure and attractors of employers. The idea was that critical assets such as roads, power, water and sewer systems would attract new or entice existing employers to create jobs that would, in turn, underpin our local economy with wages and our municipalities with tax base. While that is still true, we have learned that it is only part of the work that must be done to chart a path toward long term success.

Employers need more than roads and sewers. They need workers in a world where the overall population is aging and the workforce shrinking. Those workers in turn need housing to move into, transportation and child care, among other things. Increasingly, our economy also needs to acknowledge and meet the emerging needs of micro-business and individuals to attract this often unseen part of our overall panorama - things like broadband and entrepreneurial support to help these newer parts of our economy and community also contribute and thrive. More deeply engaging these often unseen but vital new residents and micro businesses is a key area of investment for us.

This dynamic and ongoing process is playing out everywhere. We are not alone as we look at how to attract people as well as companies. Fortunately, we live in an area that is attractive to so many and has been for almost all of the history of the state and nation. Our natural resources, the physical beauty and richness of our area have been draws since the time of Hamilton, where the lyrics of the musical’s songs refer-

Jim Siplon, president, CEO, EDC Warren County.

Courtesy Jim Siplon

ence summering upstate around Lake George.

The advent of the Adirondack Park further enhanced our appeal.

Adding these assets and the efforts to both share them and protect them as new conduits of economic development is part of our evolving role here at the EDC. We began to lay this vision out at our annual luncheon in October, in partnership with the brilliance of Dr. John Kelly, father of both IBM’s Watson and the groundbreaking Jefferson Project, and Dr. Marty Schmidt, the President of RPI and shepherd of MIT’s remarkable Kendall Square biotechnology emergence. The EDC is also now teaming with the Lake George Association in bringing the voice of business to the work they do. Together with all of them, the EDC is looking to build on the remarkable work to protect Lake George and the plethora of fresh water that is all around us. Our role in this exciting premise is to not only build new, investable channels of economic development that will continue that work, but to also help cement our region as a leader in this emerging space in a way that leverages our unique location as an asset rather than a constraint.

As I might say to my grandmother, we seek to build, maintain and grow not only our businesses but our communities as we also work to protect what makes us special. What we do has a lot of moving parts but at its core it’s about people and the place we share. It’s about understanding and developing what both the people and the place need to thrive not only today, but tomorrow. If we do it well, we will live in a place that is sustainable in both an economic and environmental sense that can continue with unique prosperity. The challenge is big and there is room for many as we work together to build sustainable communities and an economy that works for all-come join us.

6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

The Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce Names Chad Kiesow Chair Of Its Board

Personnel Briefs •

• Roohan Realty has announced that Laura Creazzo has joined the team as a Licensed Real Estate Salesperson.

Ms. Creazzo was born in Kansas and has lived in five different U.S. states, Holland, and Germany as her dad is a retired Army Major. She graduated summa cum laude from Thomas University with a B.S. in Interdisciplinary Studies.

Before moving to Saratoga Springs in 2023, she spent 11 years in Enterprise, Alabama, where she owned a bakery and a real estate brokerage, Wiregrass Home Heroes.

Over the last three years she has had 166 successful real estate transactions and has been an active real estate investor. She specializes in residential real estate and is certified in military relocation. She has four children, enjoys spending time with family and going to the theater.

Ms. Creazzo can be reached at 518.796.4399 or laura@roohanrealty.com.

Roohan Realty, a tradition of excellence and trust since 1969, is now celebrating 54 years of successfully serving the community’s residential and commercial property needs. Located at 519 Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs, Roohan Realty is the largest locally based and family-owned real estate company in the area with over 50 professionally licensed agents. *

*

*

The Arrow Family of Companies has announced the appointment of Annette Reitano as Senior Vice President, Director of Marketing and Communications for Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company and Upstate Agency, LLC. In her new role, Ms. Reitano is responsible for the management of marketing, com-

munications and community engagement, and the development of strategies to support revenue generation, brand awareness, reputation management and other market opportunities.

“We are excited to welcome Annette to our Arrow Family of Companies,” said President and CEO Dave DeMarco. “With more than 30 years of seasoned experience in communications and marketing, she will undoubtedly contribute to our continued growth and shared success.”

Ms. Reitano most recently served as Director, Digital Marketing & E-Commerce of Price Chopper / Market 32 / Tops Friendly Markets. Prior to that, she worked in various marketing roles for Overit Media, The DPX Companies, Globalspec.com, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and UNISYS Corporation. She began her career with CATALINK Direct, Inc. (formerly Computerware) in Philadelphia, PA. Ms. Reitano earned a bachelor’s degree in quantitative business analysis with a minor in consumer marketing from The Pennsylvania State University. She is active in the community, serving as President, Board of Directors of the Schuylerville Community Theatre, social media administrator and other support for the Prospect Hill Cemetery in Schuylerville and has newly joined volunteer efforts at Capital Region Today Community Television. *

*

*

EXIT Realty Empire Associates’ Jennifer Vucetic was recently awarded RPAC Sterling R Hall of Fame Recognition by National Association of REALTORS®.

RPAC’s Major Investors form an exclusive and dedicated community of REALContinued On Page 7

Chad Kiesow, Chief Operating Officer at Stewart’s Shops Corp., has been elected the 2024 Chair of the Board of Directors of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Kiesow assumed this role on January 1, 2024, after Amy Smith of Saratoga Arms Hotel completed her one-year term as Chair of the Board and now becomes the Immediate Past Chair.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to lead the Saratoga County Chamber’s Board of Directors in 2024, a year that will undoubtedly be historic as our community prepares to host the Belmont Stakes this coming June,” Kiesow said. “Beyond working to maximize the economic and promotional opportunity for Saratoga resulting from this historic event, the Chamber will continue to be a visible and vocal promoter and advocate for our many small locally owned businesses via our SCORE small business counseling program, the Upstate of Business news segment in partnership with WNYT, and our award-winning Love Our Locals campaign. While Saratoga’s economy has outperformed many other communities in Upstate New York, we realize that the number one challenge facing local employers across every sector is our historic labor shortage and that is why the Chamber will focus much of its time and resources in 2024 on talent recruitment via our online Job Zone and expansion of our Live Like You’re On Vacation talent recruitment campaign.”

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce’s Board has a total of 27 members. The Chair Elect for 2022 is Randy Metevier of BKind Strategies, who will become the Chair of the Board in 2025. The 2024 Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Board of Directors is Melissa Johnson of Target Distribution and the 2024 Treasurer and Secretary is Eric Hennessey of UHY Advisors.

New members include Matt Cudemo of Saratoga Casino Hotel, Andrea Litchfield of Impact Athletic Center and Dan Graham of

Chad Kiesow, Stewart’s Shops COO, is this year’s Saratoga Chamber Board Chairman.

Courtesy Stewart's Shop

SM2 Development, all appointed to a oneyear term, as well as Michael O’Connell of Adirondack Trust Company, who was elected for a three-year term through Dec. 31, 2026.

Additional members continuing their service on the board in 2024 include Heath Ames of Cantina; John Rogan of Saratoga Eagle; Tara Pleat of Wilcenski & Pleat; Sue Commanda of Hudson River Community Credit Union; Jill VanKuren of Saratoga Hospital; Terri Stripling of Ten80 Education, Inc.; Nil Ghoshal of Polyset; Najja Thompson of New York Thoroughbred Breeders, Inc.; Paul Loomis of Gilbane Construction; Chris Lyons of AIM Services; Alexandra Gutelius of Clifton Park Halfmoon Library; Tom Bellhouse of West Point Thoroughbreds; Andy Wise of Saratoga National Bank; Dennis Kiingati of Hamlet & Ghost; Melissa Ward of New Ward Development; Vince Laurenzo of Quick Response; Dave Rosenberg of Brix Wine & Liquor; and Maggie Fronk of Wellspring.

www.accustaffny.com

Heather Rafferty

Award-Winning Web Design & Development Agency

A local staffing partner with world-class resources • Temporary Assignments • Temp-to-Hire Jobs • Permanent Placement

518-869-8523

Mesha Brewer

Contact Chris Archibee (518) 743-9424 x208

Chris@MannixMarketing.com

CONTACT ME FOR A FREE MARKETING CONSULTATION READY TO GROW YOUR BUSINESS?

Now is the perfect time to get ahead of the competition and put a strategic plan in place.

WHEN JUST USING A SHREDDING SERVICE IS NOT ENOUGH. OUR FACILITY IN CLIFTON PARK IS THE ONLY AAA CERTIFIED SITE IN THE CAPITAL DISTRICT.

Our clients documents are shred right in Saratoga County.

In Business 29 Years Family Owned and Operated Archiving Services Available 748 PIERCE ROAD, CLIFTON PARK, NY 12065 P: 518-877-4060 | F: 518-877-4062 | WWW.3NDD.COM

Mannnix Ad for SS SBJ & GFBJ.indd 1

12/15/20 2:32 PM

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 7

Artificial Intelligence Useful Tool That Must Be The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association Tempered With Authentic Human Connection Elects Curtis Lumber’s Doug Ford Chairman

BY NEAL SANDIN Artificial Intelligence (AI) has evoked both fear and excitement in the past year over its impact on the marketplace, economy, and our everyday lives. As a market researcher, my job is to discover ways for businesses, brands, and employees to add value to their interactions with consumers. However, in the face of a tool like AI that promises to expand in scope, reach, and capability in 2024 and the years to come, this can seem to be an insurmountable challenge.

AI has moved into the popular culture and become democratic, thanks in large part to two key strengths. First, its uses and output are novel and exciting. Users now have more impact and control over this tool, with surprising, useful, and often eye-opening results. It can generate video, images, research papers and summaries, seemingly in the blink of an eye.

Secondly, but perhaps even more importantly, it is convenient, as programs like ChatGPT have demonstrated. It is easily accessible and user friendly. Anyone can make something entirely novel in just a few minutes while walking down the street with a coffee in one hand and a smartphone in the other.

With these advances, there is also controversy. In 2023, the use of AI was one of the main points of contention in the 2023 writers’ and actors’ strikes. In addition, Marvel faced backlash for using AI during the credits of Secret Invasion. Book publishers have also been criticized for using AI for book covers, as was the case with Fractal Noise by Christoper Paolini.

Much of this is depicted as not supporting creatives, and that is certainly a significant factor.

However, there is more at play.

It is perhaps not coincidental that the rise in AI seems to correspond with the rise of the “Loneliness Epidemic.” More and more Americans across all ages and demographics are experiencing a sense of isolation, often with devastating effects. AI, a machine that responds to the user, may offer a sense of connection that so many need, fueling its popularity and uptake.

Within my own industry of market research, we are primarily interested in the subjective –

Neal Sandin, President of 643 Research is a fullservice qualitative market research company.

Courtesy 643 Research

how people perceive, understand, and react to the world around them. Facts may matter, but perceptions and emotions are what drive behavior. Several AI tools promise to write my research reports for me in a matter of minutes, a process that normally is quite time consuming.

While certainly convenient, my career would come to a quick end if I did not add value by (at the very least) adding my own insights.

These all highlight the greatest weakness and shortcoming of AI - its perceived lack of authenticity. In fact, Merriam-Webster’s Word of the Year 2023 is “authentic.” This reflects the desire for something true, something that has meaning. After all, when we watch an actor on TV or in a movie, we want to believe that they are feeling the emotions they are portraying.

Even an animated movie is only as good as its voice actors.

It also shows a desire for connection, for community. It is these human connections that bring so much value to our lives, and we feel the pain of their loss, a reason why this Loneliness Epidemic is so devastating for so Continued On Page 14

Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 6

TORS® whose financial contributions play a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape of the real estate industry. These Major Investors are entitled to participate in the RPAC Recognition Program, enjoying specific benefits and accolades that acknowledge their steadfast support of RPAC. Distinguished among this group are the Hall of Fame members, comprising individuals who have demonstrated remarkable commitment to RPAC by investing a cumulative lifetime amount of at least $25,000. The induction of Hall of Fame members takes place annually at the May REALTORS® Legislative Meetings & Trade Expo. Notably, President’s Circle investments contribute towards achieving Hall of Fame status.

The benefits bestowed upon Hall of Fame members include the placement of their name plaques on the RPAC Hall of Fame wall situated on NAR’s Washington, D.C. building rooftop. In addition, these

dedicated individuals receive a personal plaque commemorating their installation and recognition pins featuring the prestigious Hall of Fame designation.

Over the past 17 years,Vucetic has demonstrated unwavering dedication by actively participating in various local committees under the Greater Capital Association of REALTORS® and at both local and state levels with the Women’s Council of REALTORS®. Her commitment extends to leadership roles, notably serving as the 2022 President of the New York State Association of REALTORS®. She consistently contributes to committees and advocates for real estate issues at both state and national levels.

Amanda LaForte, Director of Operations at EXIT Realty Empire Associates, commends Vucetic’s hard work and commitment as a REALTOR®. This well-deserved recognition ref lects the culmination of Jennifer’s efforts.

The Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) has announced the election of Doug Ford, of Curtis Lumber Company, as the new Chair of the association. This election occurred during NRLA’s annual business meeting, coinciding with the LBM Expo at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn. Ford assumes the role following the two-year tenure of Nick Kuiken from Kuiken Bros. Inc. as Chair.

As a seasoned member of the NRLA and the Lumber and Building Material Dealers Foundation (LBMDF), Ford brings a wealth of experience and understanding of the industry to his new leadership position. With a passionate commitment to workforce development initiatives, he will help set the goals to support NRLA’s mission to enhance the business success of building material suppliers spanning from Maine to Washington, D.C. Rita Ferris, President of the NRLA, expressed gratitude to outgoing Chair Kuiken.

“Nick, alongside the Executive Committee and Board of Directors, has been a driving force behind NRLA’s extraordinary journey over the past two years. His dedication to the prosperity of the NRLA will be a legacy for future generations. Combined with this year’s record-breaking education initiatives, the expansion of our federal lobbying presence through the American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA), and a steady membership, the NRLA is noticeably stronger.”

In a statement, Kuiken remarked, “While my term may be ending, my commitment to our industry and this mission remains steadfast. I am confident this association is well positioned to thrive in the future, thanks to the collective efforts of our exceptional team and under the leadership of incoming Chair Doug Ford, who will continue a deep-rooted dedication to our LBM industry.”

During Ford’s inauguration as Chair, Rich Keating of Curtis Lumber Company com-

Doug Ford is vice president of Curtis Lumber Company.

Courtesy Curtis Lumber

mended Ford, expressing his sincere belief that he is the perfect person for the position.

Keating highlighted Ford’s legendary participation, engagement, and numerous contributions to the NRLA while on the Executive Committee.

Ford, appreciative of the opportunity to serve as Chair, stated, “It is an honor and a pleasure to serve as your NRLA Chair for the next two years. I have had an amazing career, and I’m looking forward to giving back to an industry that has given so much to me and my family. I would like to extend a special thank you to the Curtis family and the entire Curtis Lumber organization for allowing me this opportunity to serve as your Chair. I would also like to acknowledge Nick Kuiken for his leadership over the past two years and for positioning this organization for continued growth and service to its membership.”

8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

NEXT ISSUE

SPECIAL SECTION

Office / Human Resources Employment Legal / Accounting Construction Planning Publication Date: February 15, 2024

Bank / Asset Management Women In Business Economic Development Corp

Publication Date: March 7, 2024

Call Today To Reserve Space:

(518) 581-0600

Fax: (518) 430-3020 SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

Card Catalog

Superior Customer Service Competitive Rates Tax Filing Direct Deposit Consult Now Garnishment Services 401(k)/Simple IRA Reporting Workers' Comp "Pay by Pay"

518-363-0600 priorityonepayroll.com

YOUR PAYROLL, OUR PRIORITY

WOMAN OWNED, LOCALLY SERVICED

Saratoga Closet, An Upscale Consignment And Bridal Boutique, Relocates To The Wilton Mall

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Glens Falls native Eliza DeRocker has relocated Saratoga Closet, an upscale consignment shop and bridal boutique, to the Wilton Mall. Prior to opening in the mall in mid-December, Saratoga Closet was located at 38 Van Dam Street in Saratoga.

A graduate of the Fashion Institute of Technology, DeRocker has extensive experience in the fashion industry. In addition to working as a handbag designer for Chanel, she had her own line of handbags and worked as a stylist for Lily Pulitzer.

Around 2013, she returned to the Capital Region where she opened Glens Falls Bride and Gown at 56 Glen Street. Six months later, she opened Saratoga Closet on Van Dam Street. Albany Bride and Gown was followed by a bridal shop in Charleston, South Carolina.

All four stores were closed during the early days of the pandemic and after COVID restrictions were lifted, DeRocker found it almost impossible to staff her New York stores.

“No one wanted to come back to work,” she said. “I lost everybody. I held on as long as I could.”

It was due to a lack of employees that she closed both the Albany and Glens Falls bridal stores. After her Charleston store sustained flood damage on two separate occasions, she closed that store as well. Then, in January 2023, she was notified that the Van Dam Street building that she was leasing was being sold.

“They gave us ten days to move,” she said.

“I ended up taking a temporary space, but there was nothing downtown available.”

Her temporary space on Circular Street did not meet her needs, prompting her to relocate to the Wilton Mall in a space located next to Bath and Body Works.

According to DeRocker, business at the mall has exceeded her expectations.

“We’re doing well. We’re selling a lot of vintage fur coats and a lot of wedding gowns. We have a lot of bridal appointments set up for January.”

Saratoga Closet sells both new and gently used wedding gowns, and custom ordered wedding dresses are also available.

“We can actually get custom ordered wedding gowns delivered to your house in a week for some of the wedding gown brands that I carry,” said DeRocker. “It just depends on the brand. Customers can also order prom gowns.”

The store also carries a wide selection of consignment inventory which includes clothing as well as high-end designer bags and shoes. Much of the store’s consignment inventory is brand new with the tags still attached.

With the exception of vintage fur coats, DeRocker primarily accepts consignment fashions from the past two to three years.

She keeps up with all of the current fashion trends and new designers.

“I’m looking for things that are current.

I basically buy things that I would want to wear,” she said. “I’m also really picky with

Eliza DeRocker displays consignment items available at Saratoga Closet in the Wilton Mall..

Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

the wedding gowns. They have to be in perfect condition and from 2021 or later.

When I started the business ten years ago, I thought vintage gowns would sell, but they didn’t.”

Consignment items are evaluated on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only. For items priced under $100, the consigner receives 40 percent of the sale price. Consigners receive 50 percent of the sale price for all items priced over $100. Payments are made via Venmo at the end of each month.

There is no set time limit for how long an item is able to remain in the store. Unsold merchandise is either returned to the consigner or donated to Treasures Thrift Shop where all proceeds benefit Saratoga Hospital.

Saratoga Closet also sells inventory online through their Facebook page. For those who live locally, online purchases can be delivered.

“If you can’t get to the mall, I will drop it off at your house,” said DeRocker.

By February, DeRocker expects to have seven part-time employees. Retired Fashion Institute of Technology professor Pam Zuckerman will be coming on board to assist with the buying side of the business.

Plans are also in the works to launch an online platform called OnceLovedGowns. com. Through the web site, people will be able to buy and sell used wedding gowns.

DeRocker is also considering opening a pop-up store in Florida this winter. She is also exploring the possibility of opening a bridal shop in Manchester, Vermont.

For the time being, she will be focused on rebranding and rebuilding her business.

“I’m looking forward to a new beginning,” she said. “This is the biggest location I ever opened. It’s huge. It’s beautiful inside, and the lighting is great. Security is great, the parking is great, and so is the local mall management. If I need anything, they come right over.”

The store is open during mall hours: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m,-8 p.m; Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

"Locally Run Since 1981"

COPIERS PRODUCTION PRINT PRINT MANAGEMENT .03¢ B/W Copies .25¢ Color Copies

Everyday Low Prices NO Surprises

WWW.SEELEYOFFICE.COM

WWW.SEELEYOFFICE.COM Full Service Print, Copy & Direct Mailing Center

518-371-4649

Fax 518-371-1554 PrintGraphicsShop.com

12 Fire Road Clifton Park, NY 12065

printproduction@aol.com

Ashtin Givens agivens@seeleyoffice.com 518.894.2638

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 9

Businesses Are Seeking More Qualitative Trading Card Hub Started At The Shirt Results From Their Marketing Expenditures Factory, Now Has Multiple Mall Locations

BY SARA MANNIX To best predict the leading stories of 2024, we must first look at and understand what happened in 2023.

Mannix Marketing has relationships with many other digital marketing agencies. In 2023, for the first time in a decade, we saw agencies that have been in business for years simply close their doors. Web development agencies were hit especially hard. Although a number of factors contributed to this, chief among them were that the easy money policies from 2020-2022 went away. Businesses these agencies served started to demand marketing that returned results. Under the increased spotlight some agencies struggled with showing returns.

We see the need for marketing agencies to provide demonstrated proof of their value as a trend that continues into 2024. For a web design and development company, this means they need to know that their clients will no longer be satisfied with just a pretty website. Websites will have to play a vital part in generating new leads and achieving company goals.

And we have seen this firsthand. At the same time some web development agencies have been closing their doors, the demand for search engine optimization (SEO) and paid search services has increased. Why? Because SEO and paid search marketing allow a business to be found by the customer who is searching for the exact product or service they offer. As businesses tighten up their marketing budgets, they will be more focused on results-oriented marketing that is both predictable and reliable. SEO and paid search are easy to justify in a marketing budget as both are trackable to the return on ad spend.

Conversion rate optimization (CRO) will also be a major focus for businesses in 2024. CRO means increasing the likelihood someone will convert from a browser to a buyer. As search results now incorporate more answers to search questions in their results, it’s possible that fewer people will land on any given website in the future. This means that converting those that reach your website becomes increasingly important.

All the online data a business needs to make informed decisions about their website and their business will be tracked on marketing dashboards. In 2023, many marketers were forced to switch to a new website analytics platform to make decisions - GA4. This is a powerful tool, but it is very different from what many people have been using for website analytics over the past 15 years. In 2024, the agencies that survive will be experts in reading and understanding the data, and possess the ability to showcase it to clients in a way they can understand and make decisions from.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) will change the way we work (you were waiting for that one, weren’t you?). Smart companies are leveraging AI to be more efficient in most, if not all, of their departments. How your business chooses to use AI is critical. Agencies and their clients must be aware of the advantages and limitations that AI has when it comes to marketing. AI is not a copywriter. AI is not a marketer. AI is not a designer.

AI is a tool. SEO companies need to work closely with their clients to create meaningful, unique and ground-breaking content. Content that AI produces simply won’t return results, as what it

Sara Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix Marketing.

Courtesy Mannix Marketing

outputs can only incorporate what has been developed already.

Make no mistake, this is great news. SEO and marketing has changed for the better. It means higher quality websites that deliver trackable results. Now that AI can build a website and write generic content , it means there is no need for lower quality, low cost agencies and designers that just put out a beautiful website with no marketing strategy behind it.

We can’t talk about marketing in 2024 without talking about the pivot we expect to see when it comes to social media marketing. As you may know, social media marketing drives top of mind awareness and purchase intent. In 2024, a strategy that includes influencer marketing and ‘collabs’ is key. Collabs are when two or more parties get together to promote a product or service (think Nike and Michael Jordan promoting Air Jordan sneakers). Collabs are not usually cheap, but when done well the result can provide a significant impact on a business’s overall market share.

Recently, singer Rihanna’s beauty brand did a collab with her rapper husband A$AP Rocky.

He rapped on Instagram about a line of lip balm.

The result? The press went wild for the collab, and so did fans.

For businesses that are looking to create more value from their marketing, collabs may be the solution. On Instagram, when two parties do a collab on an Instagram reel, that reel will be shown to both of their audiences, which increases engagement and views exponentially. Meta is putting a lot of focus on making reels a force to be reckoned with for brands. Smart marketers will find like-minded partners and produce a collab.

At Mannix Marketing, we have used collabs very successfully with micro and nano influencers to build awareness for Winter’s Dream. The results of these were millions of additional views of promotional content in our target downstate markets.

Influencer Marketing is today’s Word of Continued On Page 14

Chad Phinney, owner of Trading Card Hub, shown at his Aviation Mall store location with a few of the Pokemon cards he has available.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Twenty-four-year old Queensbury native Chad Phinney was just 19 years old when he opened Trading Card Hub in the Shirt Factory in Glens Falls. At that time, he was selling sports trading cards on eBay. “I was buying cards and reselling them, and I started making a lot of money doing it out of my parents’ basement. It just grew and grew until it got to the point where I had so many cards,” he said.

“My store originally sold just sports cards, but everyone wanted Pokémon, so I started getting into that.”

After about one year in business, Phinney found himself in need of a bigger space. He relocated his store to the Aviation Mall, and the following year, he considered relocating for a second time to the Wilton Mall.

“When I was renegotiating my rent for Aviation, I was in talks with Wilton. I ended up getting a good deal at Aviation and Wilton, so I decided to keep Aviation and open a second store at Wilton,” he said.

“A lot of the people who come to our Pokémon card trading events live in Saratoga, and they had been asking for a store there.”

Trading Card Hub is an official Pokémon store, and its Aviation Mall store hosts a popular Friday night Pokémon trading event, one that typically attracts more than 100 trading card enthusiasts. Plans are in the works to establish a similar event at Wilton Mall on Saturdays.

“Our trade event is free, and we get all ages—from little kids to older collectors with high-end collections. When they come, they can trade with each other or trade with us. All of the cards we have in our store are available for trade,” said Phinney.

“We’ve really built a community, and a lot of kids look forward to Fridays and beg their parents to come. Parents love bringing their kids because it gets them off their electronics.”

Trading Card Hub’s 1,500-square-foot

Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

Wilton store is staffed by 3 employees. The Aviation Mall space is twice the size and has 7 employees.

“We opened at Wilton Mall on November 16th, but it’s still a work in progress,” said Phinney. “We’re putting in more shelving and waiting on our store front sign. We’re trying to fill it with more product, and right now, it’s doing about half the business that Aviation does.”

In addition to offering collectible cards for sale and trade, Trading Card Hub sells new cards in sealed packs and boxes. The store also sells video games, drinks, and packaged snacks.

According to Phinney, demand for Disney’s newly-released Lorcana trading cards has been so strong that Trading Card Hub recently added a Sunday Lorcana trading card event to its calendar.

“On release day, we had a line going through the mall of people waiting to get them. I didn’t expect that many people, and a lot of them were older females which are a different clientele for us. There are a lot of big Disney fans out there.”

When it comes to ideas for new businesses, the young entrepreneur has many projects in the works. He plans to open a donut store as well as an indoor miniature golf course.

“I always have ideas,” he said. “I’ve found ways to make money since I was young.”

Phinney’s entrepreneurial spirit emerged when he was a teenager, and he made money by reselling video game promotional codes that were found on bags of Doritos and cans of Mountain Dew. He remembers a time when his mom’s kitchen was filled with 1,000 bags of Doritos and just as many cans of Mountain Dew. “I was doubling my money,” he said. “I would pay $3 for a bag of Doritos and then go on eBay and sell the code for $6.”

For more information, visit www.tradingcardcenter.com

10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

Coworking And Flexible Spaces Significant Entrepreneur’s Restoration Of Brill Manor Turns Part Of Office Trends In The Coming Year Historic Home Into Wedding And Events Venue

BY DOROTHY ROGERS-BULLIS The keyword in workspace design for 2024 is going to be “flexibility.” Employees and employers alike are looking for solutions that give them an array of design, construction, and furniture options to choose from. A few examples: Operable walls for multi-use spaces In today’s work environment, putting 22 chairs around a conference table and only using the room for that one purpose is a waste of space and ultimately money. Instead of dedicating office square footage to a single function — like a large conference room — a more cost-effective option is to find multiple ways to use that same space, and operable walls are one simple solution. These walls are easy to move and can be reconfigured to utilize a space in many ways. Turn an area into a multifunctional space for work, meetings, dining, parties, or even a multimedia room.

Recreate your downtown office at home Few good things came out of the pandemic, but many employees would argue that there is one: the flexibility to work from home. More and more people are working remotely or in a hybrid environment where they are in the office for part of the week and working from home the remainder. Given that an increasing number of work hours are being spent in home offices, people are putting a greater emphasis on functionality. In some cases, hybrid workers are even recreating their “downtown” office at home, using the same furniture and design esthetic so that on a video call, customers wouldn’t know if they are at home or in the main office.

Coworking for the win Working from home isn’t a dream come true for everyone, however, which is why flexible coworking spaces are an increasingly popular solution for a variety of scenarios. For people who were compelled to work remotely full-time — but who don’t relish solitude — coworking offers the benefits of an in-person work community at a reasonable cost. Coworking can also be an option for companies with leases

Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, owner of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs.

Courtesy drb Business Interiors

coming to maturity that aren’t ready to make the leap to full-remote. The flexibility of a coworking space enables them to rent only as much space as they require — perhaps even allowing two hybrid workers to share one desk on alternating in-person workdays. It’s also an ideal, economical solution for scaling a new or growing company. Learn more about Saratoga CoWorks at saratogacoworks.com.

As we head into this new year, we at drb Business Interiors are cognizant of the opportunities and challenges created by this desire for flexibility with work and office design.

Companies must design their work spaces and policies around what is best for their business but also remain mindful of how they can retain top employees and grow at the same time. It’s a delicate balance.

If you would like to discuss flexible solutions to your business’s workspace design challenges, while meeting the needs of your top asset — your employees — contact us at drbbusinessinteriors.com or call 518.306.5233.

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.saratogabusinessjournal.com

Editorial: rodbacon@saratogabusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@saratogabusinessjournal.com Press Releases: pressreleases@saratogabusinessjournal.com Publisher & Editor Harry Weinhagen

Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Mary Longley

A complete restoration has turned Brill Manor in Wilton into the area’s newest wedding and events venue.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF In what has been his largest endeavor to date, local entrepreneur Michael Blaauboer has completed the restoration of The Brill Manor. Located at 683 Saratoga Road in Wilton, the property is one of the area’s newest wedding and event venues.

Originally known as the Brill House, the home was built in 1850 by John Brill. The 31acre property has changed hands many times over the years, and many locals remember it as the Pepper Turkey Farm. Famed LPGA golfer Dottie Pepper grew up there, and her father, former Major League Baseball Player Don Pepper, ran the farm after his father died.

“Dottie’s parents have been extremely generous in sharing details of the property with me,” said Blaauboer.

In late 2020, Blaauboer acquired the historic property, one that had been neglected for years. The house was in a state of disrepair, obscured by overgrown foliage that rendered it invisible from the road.

Because the property was purchased at a time when COVID mandates were in place, Blaauboer embarked on the restoration project with help from just a few friends and family members.

“We started working at the beginning of 2021, and we were there every single day from 7 a.m. to around midnight,” he said. “My goal was to complete the restoration by summer of 2021.”

According to Blaauboer, the project piqued the interest of many members of the community.

“Because there was so much interest in the property, we would have about three people a day curious about what we were doing,” he said.

It was because he wanted to preserve the manor’s character and historic integrity that Blaauboer worked with the Town of Wilton during the restoration process.

“I worked closely with (former town histo-

SARATOGA QUALITY HARDWARE & LUMBER

Production Manager Graphic Precision Contributing Writers Susan Campbell Jill Nagy Christine Graf Paul Post

Saratoga Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Saratoga county.

Saratoga Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, 9 Broad St. #7, Glens Falls, NY 12801 (518) 581-0600. Saratoga Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York.

Saratoga Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Saratoga county and to provide a forum that will increase the awareness of issues and activities that are of interest to the business community. Subscription price is $25.00 per year. ird class postage paid at Glens Falls, New York.

Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Saratoga Business Journal which are the creative e ort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Saratoga Business Journal are the property of Saratoga Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Saratoga Business Journal.

rian) Karen Strack James and the team there,” he said. “I wanted to bring the house back to as much of the original character, and we really took our time in trying to get it right.”

In addition to renovating the home, Blaauboer installed a new parking lot and began renovations on the four barns on the property.

Two of those barns—The Bordeaux Barn and the Bourbon Room—serve as venue spaces that can be rented for weddings, parties, and other events.

“The house can accommodate 50 or 60 people for events,” he said. “We can have up to 99 people for weddings and also offer other types of events such as bridal showers and bachelorette weekends.”

Couples can host their wedding receptions in an event tent that is erected on the property for special events. The elegantly furnished Bordeaux Room features a bar and dance floor, and an outdoor fire pit measuring eight feet by eight feet provides a cozy gathering spot for guests. Every wedding package includes the exclusive use of the house overnight, and the property offers a picturesque setting for wedding ceremonies.

“We had an amazing wedding where a couple exchanged their vows beneath a towering oak tree at the rear of the Brill,” said Blaauboer.

The Brill Manor has curated a list of preferred caterers and provides a variety of affordably priced, all-inclusive wedding packages that encompass the use of the house, barns, wedding tent, as well as tables and chairs.

“My goal was to craft an entertaining and distinctive experience reminiscent of Saratoga,” said Blaauboer. “I want to offer people a memorable and enjoyable time--to unwind and let the property’s uniqueness speak for itself. It’s only when you set foot on the premises that you truly grasp its exceptional qualities.”

For more information, visit www.thebrillmanor.com.

Premium Lumber and Unsurpassed Customer Service “Start with Quality, Quality Hardware!”

Expert electrical service.

110 Excelsior Ave Saratoga Springs, NY

518-584-9180

518.389.7411 MrElectric.com/Queensbury Locally Owned and Operated Franchise

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 11

Career Jam, a company that has inspired over 16,000 students in the Capital Region to explore diverse career pathways, has launched a significant expansion with the establishment of a nationwide non-profit organization, The Student First Project, Inc., in honor of recently deceased company founder and CEO, Ryan Van Amburgh.

The Student First Project’s vision is to transform students’ lives by prioritizing their needs, aspirations, and potential. The organization will not only fund existing initiatives through Career Jam but also establish parallel programs in the near future.

Aarika Van Amburgh, Ryan’s wife, has been named Executive Director and will be leading the organization and carrying forward the Van Amburgh family values of community and education.

“It’s become more and more evident every day that my husband, Ryan Van Amburgh, impacted the lives of many. I can see clearly how his loving, humble, and generous service to others will have a lasting impact on generations to come,” said Aarika Van Amburgh.

The decision to launch The Student First Project came as Ryan was battling mesothelioma cancer along with other health complications during the past year. Ryan’s family launched a campaign to fund the nonprofit on December 21, 2023, while a hospice nurse was at their house admitting Ryan.

The goal was to allow Ryan the opportunity to witness the realization of his dream for the non-profit while he was still alive.

Unfortunately, Ryan passed away at home on

Christmas Day with his wife, Aarika, and two children, Carter, 17, and Sophie, 16 in February, by his side, along with their closest family and friends.

The Van Amburgh family believes that The Student First Project will preserve Ryan’s legacy and progress his vision into the future. A life so beautifully lived deserves to be beautifully remembered.

In the last seven years, Career Jam has left a lasting impact on the Capital Region’s workforce development pipeline. Over the fall, the company had a dedicated team of professionals who successfully ran two Career Jam events, showcasing commitment to the initiative’s continued success.

The expansion aims to take this success to other regions of New York State and beyond. The Student First Project, Inc. will play a pivotal role in achieving Career Jam’s goals by invigorating parallel programs and enhancing their nationwide presence.

The Career Jam team, alongside the Van Amburgh family, invites the community to support The Student First Project, Inc. through financial contributions. Donations will help fund initiatives that prioritize students’ needs, aspirations, and potential, ensuring that every student has equal access to quality education and opportunities.

Online donations can be securely made through Zeffy at: https://rb.gy/y0ne9r. Contributions can also be made by checks payable to ‘The Student First Project, Inc.’ and mailed to The Student First Project, Inc., 1252 Saratoga Road, Ballston Spa, NY 12020. The organization also encourages supporters to share this opportunity with their networks.

SA

LE

COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES R

S. Broadway Land NY-9 | Saratoga Springs, NY $5,950,000

Exciting development opportunity in a fantastic location across from the Saratoga State Park and just minutes to Downtown Saratoga Springs! Zoning of the 59.12 acres allows for many different uses and includes 1394.49 of frontage as you are driving into Saratoga.

Possibilities are endless! Call Amy and set up an appointment to tour the property today!

Amy Sutton |518.527.3564 | alsuttonone@gmail.com

LE

said. “We take advantage of traffic that’s already on the road, which is why we place stores where we place them. We take people off the road and put them back on.

“But social media is giving everyone a louder voice. Planning boards want to make sure they have everything addressed that they’re hearing from the community. Sometimes it only takes a comment from one or two people. The whole social media effect has caused the approval process to slow down.”

In addition to direct and indirect economic impact, Stewart’s benefits area communities with an annual Holiday Match program, which this year raised more than $2 million for area children’s charities. The company has matched the more than $1 million customers donated between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day. Funds will be distributed to hundreds of nonprofit children’s organizations throughout New York and Vermont by March 31.

“Even during uncertain economic times, our customers continue to amaze me with their generosity,” Kiesow said.

Including this year’s tally, the Stewart’s Holiday Match program has raised more than $38 million since its inception in 1986. Because Stewart’s does not charge any administrative fees, 100 percent of those funds are re-distributed into the community.

Last year, the program benefited 1,939 local nonprofit children’s organizations. Stewart’s is accepting applications for Holiday Match funds through Jan. 31. Organizations can apply online at stewartsshops.com. All applicants must be a locally based, 501c3 charitable group that benefits children.

Even more towns, villages and cities will benefit as Stewart’s territory expands. “It’s tougher to break into fully developed communities that have a long history such as Utica where the prime corners are already taken,” Kiesow said.

“You aren’t going to find a nice corner lot that readily. It forces us to be very selective on our site selection, especially outside the Capital District where our name and products aren’t as well known.”

So far, Stewart’s hasn’t moved into Western Massachusetts, but Kiesow said it’s a possibility sometime down the road. “Any time you break into a new state you have to deal with new regulations, tax filings and different laws,” he said.

“Western Massachusetts is something we’ve certainly looked at over the years, but haven’t pursued. I do see that as very likely in the future, but not yet.”

Because it’s a convenience store company, Stewart’s has electric vehicle fast-charging stations at 12 locations including Route 9 in Ballston Spa, near Exit 13.

“Our installations are owned and financed by Tesla and/or by New York Power Authority,”:Kiesow said. “Site selection is dictated mostly by proximity to highway traffic and site conditions. The average charger spends 20 to 30 minutes at our shops and are able to enjoy the services we provide such as rest rooms, snacks, prepared foods and an ice cream treat.

There is certainly EV growth, but we see the runway to adoption to be much longer than the government and media are projecting.”

SA

9, just south of Northway Exit 13 in Malta.

Last year, the firm completed a $6 million, 60,000-square-foot expansion of its large distribution and manufacturing facility off Route 9N in Greenfield, where dairy and hot and cold food products are processed and prepared.

“We’re currently in front of the Greenfield Planning Board with another expansion plan that will take us out three to five years,” Kiesow said. “It’s a $6 million to $7 million investment, modernizing equipment and expanding our footprint to make sure we remain efficient.”

Founded in 1945, the company’s early success was built around fresh milk and ice cream.

It still gets milk from a network of about two dozen local dairies.

But lifestyles and consumer buying habits have changed dramatically in recent years.

“There’s no question that traditional three square meals a day is a thing of the past for most people,” Kiesow said. “Most folks are extremely busy and have a grab-and-go mentality.

So we focus on providing those types of items, whether it’s a cold sub, salad or frozen takehome meal they can pop in the microwave.”

In 2023, Stewart’s built shops at new sites in Gouverneur, Middletown, Utica and added a second one in Oneonta. It also replaced four old stores in Scotia, Lake Placid, Frankfurt in the Mohawk Valley and Great Bend, Jefferson County.

Kiesow said Frankfurt is a classic example of Stewart’s filling a void to meet a community’s need.

“There was a small family-run grocery and deli whose owners wanted to retire and had no succession plan,” he said. “It was a community without a grocery store, so it was a great fit for us. We expanded our location there and the amount of grocery products we carry in that store to help fill that niche.”

This year, plans call for replacing 10 existing shops and moving into four new locations -- the former Grandma’s Pies site on Central Avenue in Colonie, Wellness Way in Latham, Highland (Ulster County) and a second shop in Middletown (Orange County).

Three of the 10 rebuilds are in Saratoga Springs at the corner of Lake and Weibel avenues (scheduled to open April 23), South Broadway and Marion Avenue. Others are on Glen Street in Glens Falls, Pine Plains, Hoosick and Hoosick Falls, Glenmont, Worcester (Otsego County) and just off Thruway Exit 21 in Catskill.

Such projects also boost the economy by providing jobs and work for area contractors. Stewart’s has its own large, in-house team drafters and designers.

But it relies heavily on three local firms for most of the actual building. These are Hilltop Construction Company of Queensbury, EMCO Construction Company of Malta and Franco Construction Services in Ballston.

Stewart’s hires other firms for jobs in the far reaches of its territory.

Kiesow said the widespread use of social media has slowed the municipal approval process in some communities, as officials try to address public concerns such as traffic impacts.

“We do not tend be a traffic generator,” he

FO

Continued From Page 1

Career Jam Launches The Student First Project To Honor Firm Founder Ryan Van Amburgh

FO R

Stewart's Shop

4284 NY-50 | Saratoga Springs, NY $1,100,000

INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY: Three year old 5,000SF flex building located on a busy Route 50 in a development zone. Sitting on 4.48 acres this building is fully leased with long term tenants, generating over $83,000 annually. Plenty of room on site to expand an additional 5,000SF. Additional 6+ acre adjoining parcel also for sale. Call Cindy or Anne today!

Cindy Hollowood | 518.207.7682 | Anne O’Toole | 518.207.5090

12 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL

SPECIAL SECTION

Health & Fitness

Capital Cardiology Associates Expands Saratoga Hospital Anticipates an Exciting 2024 as Presence with New Saratoga Springs Location the Backbone of a Lifelong Care Center is Planned

Dr. Nicholas Kondo stands in front of Capital Cardiology’s new office location at 34 Congress Street, Suite 103, in Saratoga Springs Courtesy Saratoga Chamber of Commerce

BY JILL NAGY Capital Cardiology Associates opened an office at 34 Congress Street in Saratoga Springs last fall, with a formal ribbon-cutting in December. This is the practice’s sixth office in the Capital Region.

The Saratoga office is a temporary location. In the fall of 2025, they expect to move into a new multi-speciality practice in a new building near the Wilton Mall. The Wilton location will also include a cardiac urgent care walk-in office, a “hallmark of Capital Cardiology,” according to Dr. Lance Sullenberger, the chief operating officer and a 15-year veteran of the practice.

Dr. Nicholas Kondo, a long-time Saratoga cardiologist, is at the new Saratoga office for three-anda-half days a week. Other physicians from other offices will rotate in as needed. In Dr. Kondo’s absence, a nurse practitioner, nurses, and other medical personnel will be available. Some of the staff members have transferred to Saratoga from other offices; others are new hires. The office is equipped for diagnostic imaging. Dr. Kondo is currently accepting new patients, according to the organization.

Dr. Kondo practiced in Saratoga with another medical group for more than 20 years, Dr. Sullenberger said. When he left that practice in 2021, a contractual non-competition clause prevented him from practicing in Saratoga for a year, so he was in Capital Cardiology’s Clifton Park office for a year before returning to his home turf.

Capital Cardiology has its main other offices in Albany, Troy, and Clifton Park. An office in Cairo is manned by doctors rotating in from other offices and there is one doctor in an Oneonta office. A seventh office is scheduled to open in Niskayuna later this year.

Both the Albany and Clifton Park locations include urgent care walk-in centers. The one in Albany has been in operation for about eight years, Dr. Sullenberger estimated; the Clifton Park office has had such a center since it opened last May. He termed the urgent care facilities “one of the unique things” about Capital Cardiology. Typically, they are staffed with critical care nurses and equipped with medical imaging and other diagnostic equipment. As an alternative to a hospital emergency room, he noted, the urgent care centers specialize in evaluating possible cardiac problems and can require less waiting time than an emergency room.

Saratoga patients needing hospitalization are presently treated at St. Peter’s Hospital in Albany.

Talks are in progress with Saratoga Hospital for those patients to be treated there, Dr. Sullenberger said.

According to their publicity, Capital Cardiology Associates recently received recognition as a 2023 Top Workplace and also received a Bestie Award for best medical specialist.

The new office is located at 34 Congress Street, Suite 103. The telephone number is 518 292-6000.

Their website is www.capitalcardiology.com.

PROUDLY REPRESENTING THE WASHINGTON COUNTY BUSINESS COMMUNITY Washington County Local Development Corporation County Municipal Center 383 Broadway, Fort Edward, NY 518-746-2292 • info@wcldc.org • Loan programs for possible financing • Business training programs • Start up, expansion and relocation assistance • Commercial shovel-ready site information

Visit us at WCLDC.org Like us on Facebook

The Washington County LDC is an equal opportunity leader, provider and employer.

We take care of you so you can take care of business!

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL The strategic focus of Jill Johnson VanKuren since she took over the helm of Saratoga Hospital as president and CEO in September 2022 has been on establishing a Center for Successful Aging that meets the needs of the community’s growing population of seniors. At some time during the third quarter of 2024 the Hospital will be switching over to a new electronic medical records system that VanKuren said “will provide the backbone” for a comprehensive center that brings together services supporting seniors along a continuum of care throughout the aging process.

“Albany Med is about to start their implementation of a new medical records system in the first quarter,” VanKuren said. Then affiliates under the Albany Med Health System will follow.

Saratoga Hospital is slated to integrate its records around October, she said, and “that is the Hospital’s main focus for this year.”

“This implementation has actually been several years in the making for us,” according to VanKuren. “It is more difficult than one might think to transition to a new EMR on face value, much less to do it as a large system with many different perspectives melding into one.”

But for VanKuren, the change means more than just coming under an improved EMR that reaches across the entire Albany Med network, she said.

“It’s the basis of my strategy as a new leader in developing the Center for Successful Aging,” said VanKuren. “This is a collaborative, interdisciplinary model of care as people age that starts with integrated medical recordkeeping among those disciplines.”

The concept of the Center for Successful Aging is similar to the way the industry provides care in the oncology arena, VanKuren said, and what is good for cancer patients can be good for the full continuum of care from pediatrics through geriatrics.

“We surround the cancer patient with all the different specialists and services they may need, try to keep them in one place and bring all the services to them,” she said. “The success in the patient’s care is this interdisciplinary approach where you get various opinions about the plan of care and then implement the plan as a team.”

This approach supports the patient in their clinical life as well as social determinants, such as their access to food, housing, education and other aspects of their lifestyle, she said. The benefits are the breadth of services across disciplines, ease of access, and ease of making appointments.

“The greater utilization of care happens as we grow older,” VanKuren said. “A senior’s whole life can be built around doctor’s appointments, all on

Jill Johnson VanKuren, president and CEO of Saratoga Hospital.

Courtesy Saratoga Hospital

different days and at different places.”

Streamlining these puts less of a struggle on the “sandwich generation” of children caring for their aging parents or accompanying them to appointments, when they have jobs and are also raising their own children, she said.

“Wouldn’t it be nice to coordinate the appointments around one day, so you would only have to take one-half day off of work instead of five little snippets of a day,” said VanKuren. “At the end of that day, the whole team comes together, the same way they do with oncology, sits with you and your siblings and your parents with the x-rays and test results, and says, ‘This is what’s going on and these are our recommendations.’”

These may involve following up with physical therapy, occupational therapy, a nutritionist, at some point recommending getting help at home or bringing in a visiting nurse, and setting up the next appointments, she said.

“And by the way, on your way out you can visit the ‘Farmacy’ and pick up fresh fruits and vegetables,” said VanKuren. “This is a better and different way to deliver care.”

“Once centralized, all medical records and appointment making will be up and running,” she said. “We can begin to share information and have immediate access to an individual’s full medical record.”

“But the willingness to come together and evolve the way we care for patients in a collaborative fashion will make the true difference,” Van Karen said. “To me, that’s what the Center for Successful Aging is, an interdisciplinary working Continued On Page 14

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 13

Experienced Exercise Professionals Planning Significant Upgrades to Glens Falls Hospital To Open 13th Orangetheory Site In Wilton Mall Means Improved Health Care for Residents

Jackie Orr, head trainer at Wilton Mall’s Orangetheory Fitness, anticipates the opening of the franchise’s 13th location.

BY CHRISTINE GRAF Less than 10 years after opening their first Orangetheory Fitness (OTF) franchise in Niskayuna, Paola and Jim Horvath are preparing to open their 13th location. Situated in the Wilton Mall, the 3,100-squarefoot fitness studio is on schedule to open its doors in March. For the Horvaths’ franchise partner, Mike Altieri, the Wilton Mall will be his eighth location.

With more than 1,500 studios in 25 countries, OTF is one of the most well-known fitness franchises in the world. OTF group workouts are specifically designed to boost metabolism and burn fat. The workouts are based on the five heart rate training zones, and all participants wear OTF-provided heart rate monitors while exercising.

“We offer hands down one of the best fullbody, one-hour workouts that you are going to get anywhere,” said Jackie Orr, Wilton Mall OTF head trainer. “It’s a one-stop shop.

You are getting cardio and strength training under the guidance of extremely qualified, experienced personal trainers and coaches.

And, because it’s in a group fitness atmosphere, the energy is through the roof. It’s a lot of fun.”

During the majority of classes offered at OTF, participants rotate between treadmills, water rowers, and strength training stations. Throughout the workout, each participant goes at their own pace based on their individual heart rate response and fitness level. The classes last 60 minutes, and members are able to track their progress through the OTF mobile app. A 50-minute strength class that does not incorporate use of the treadmill or water rower is also available, and all OTF classes are designed for people of all ages and all fitness levels.

“Everybody is coming in at different fitness levels, at different ages, and with different mobility limitations. Everyone has their own station, and no one is paying attention to what somebody else is doing,” said Orr. “I think it’s incredibly important to be empathetic and compassionate to everyone who comes through that front door. Every-

Courtesy Christine Graf

one is on their own journey, and you never know what they are going through. I want to make the hour that you are with me the best part of your day. Because as soon as that session is over, you have real life stress waiting for you on the other side,” Orr noted.

The Wilton Mall OTF will offer more than 50 classes each week. The first class will begin at 5 a.m., and the last class will typically start at 6:30 p.m.

“With your OTF membership, you also have access to live, virtual classes,” said Orr. “You also get access to all of our studios worldwide. You can go anywhere if you are on vacation or traveling for work.”

According to Orr, OTF is unique in that they offer month-to-month memberships.

“If people want to upgrade or downgrade at any time, they have the flexibility to do so. We do not lock you into a year-long contract. We also offer a quit-free guarantee, so if you aren’t getting results, you get your money back.”

“We’re up front and honest, and we don’t have gimmicks. We’re looking to add years to your life, not to cause stress to your life.”

As head trainer at the Wilton Mall OTF, Orr said she will be committed to building a supportive community where all are welcome. She understands how intimidating it can be to come to a fitness studio for the first time and is open when it comes to sharing her own personal fitness journey.

After a 2004 accident claimed the life of her brother, her only sibling, Orr turned to alcohol and food for comfort. Almost a decade later, she stepped foot inside a gym for the first time.

“When I started going into the classes, I stayed in the back. Everyone was incredibly encouraging and supportive, and I ended up becoming more confident,” she said. “I discovered that movement healed me, and that is what led me to wanting to become a personal trainer. I have an incredible need and drive to pay it forward.”

OTF is currently offering pre-sale specials for those who join the Wilton studio before it opens. For more information, call 518-245-6141 or visit orangetheory.com.

At Sterling Manor Financial, we've helped clients successfully navigate through good markets and bad.

Investment Advice & Financial Planning

SINCE

2006

518-583-4040 www.SterlingManorFinancial.com Securities offered through Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Sterling Manor Financial, LLC, or Cadaret, Grant & Co., Inc. SEC Registered Investment Advisors. Sterling Manor Financial and Cadaret, Grant are separate entities.

18 Division Street, Suite 202, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866

BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Looking into the year ahead, Glens Falls Hospital is expanding or introducing several services designed to help improve the experience of being a patient in, or a visitor to, the hospital, according to President and CEO Paul Scimeca.

“We are very proud of the care we provide,” said Scimeca. “We are a safety net for a very large service area, which covers 6,000 square miles of the Adirondacks.”

Many patients funneling down to Glens Falls Hospital from this large region need care for age-related medical conditions, reflecting the demographics of the general population.

Others have behavioral issues to address and few places to go. To benefit this segment of the community, Scimeca said the hospital is in the process of relocating its Behavioral Health Crisis Unit so that it can be expanded from seven beds to 13.

“This unit is part of our emergency department and is moving into an under-utilized space adjacent to the emergency room,” he said.

“We have a significant number of patients, particularly pediatric and adolescent patients, who need crisis care.”

The expanded unit will accommodate that influx of patients who come through the ER with non-medical issues and that are behavioral in nature.

“They may have an acute crisis or some other behavioral health issue to address,” said Scimeca. “The crisis unit brings together the professionals, the social workers, physicians and psychiatrists, who work with that patient to develop a plan to support their care.”

At times a patient has both medical and behavioral issues and in such a case, Scimeca said, the hospital is committed to “making sure we treat the whole patient.”

Another recently relocated program that Scimeca is pleased to announce is the Hearing Center for those who need diagnostic care or hearing aids to be prescribed or fitted, he said.

“This program is now at 101 Ridge Street, a space we rent and which will better serve our growing senior population,” he said. “It’s important to note that our region is primarily a Medicare population. In fact, we are one of the oldest regions in the country, demographically.”

Thus, the Hearing Center is geared toward patients aged 65 years and older. It is centrally located in the heart of downtown, near the hospital, and accessible by public transportation, he said.

“But more importantly, it provides a larger space for accommodating the growing number

President and CEO Paul Scimea, Glens Falls Hospital is expanding its services.

Courtesy Glens Falls Hospital

of patients,” said Scimeca. “This should meet the needs of the region for quite a while.”

Another service the community can access is the relocation and expansion of a community pharmacy within the main campus.

“Right here in the lobby of 100 Park Street we have a pharmacy available as a convenience for patients at the hospital,” he said. “Now anybody can use it and have continuity of care by a pharmacist whether you’re a patient of Glens Falls Hospital or not.”

“The newest piece is that pharmacy hours are expanded to Saturday mornings starting January 6th,” said Scimeca.

“There is not only public transportation straight to the front door, but also, Monday through Friday, valet service can park your car for you while you pick up a prescription or speak with a pharmacist,” he said.

“Again, it makes it easier for our elderly patients to access a pharmacy,” he said.

In the areas of technology and equipment, Scimeca said “we are regularly improving and updating, especially in oncology and cardiology and surgery, reflecting on our community as an aging population.”

The hospital is undergoing a system change with the entire Albany Med Health System as it transitions to a single electronic medical record later this year, he said.

“If you’re a patient anywhere in the Albany Med system you will be able to have a single Continued On Page 14

14 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

Glens Falls Hospital Continued From Page 13

medical record that will go with you and make it easier for caregivers to see your entire profile,” said Scimeca.

“All affiliates have to convert data from existing EMRs into the new format, and our hospital has been working on this for well over a year,” he said. “Albany Med will first go live in March and the other three hospitals in the system will follow in October.”

Scimeca said Glens Falls Hospital has made significant progress in recruitment, despite industry-wide challenges.

“We have been very successful with our nurse residency program, especially within specialty areas of nursing, which allows us to develop the next generation of caregivers,” he said.

“Recruitment is a long-term problem that won’t be solved quickly, but we have had great success and will continue down that path,” he

said.

To make the patient experience better, Scimeca said a new café was opened in the hospital lobby in December. The Park Street Bistro is open seven days a week and provides a place for staff, patients and visitors to get food in an atmosphere different from the hospital cafeteria.

“It has been very well received, has a wonderful menu, and people are really enjoying it,” he said.

In 2023 Glens Falls Hospital brought back its therapy dog program and there are now 20 specially trained and certified dogs supporting patients and staff, said Scimeca.

“These are volunteers throughout the community and the program continues to expand by word-of-mouth,” he said. “The puppies are such a great addition to the team.”

Qualitative Results Continued From Page 9

Mouth marketing. When I first started in marketing clients would tell me their #1 source of new business was Word of Mouth. This is true today, just not strictly in the old-fashioned meaning of the term. In the past the control you had was to create a great product, or offer a terrific service, and ask/hope your customers would tell others.

Now you can do so much more. Social media puts businesses in the driver’s seat of Word of Mouth marketing. You can work with influencers who have a targeted audience to promote your business. You can work with partners to collab and amplify your message. Social media is an art that marketers must master to be successful in 2024.

Moving forward, another investment companies looking to grow will want to make is in video. We have become a nation of people (a world of people, actually) who want our information fast, and video is an ideal way to

do that. Whether your story needs to be told through video webinars or quick clips like those popular on TikTok and YouTube, today’s technology makes it easy to produce what you need. Powerful, easy-to-use tools like CapCut have removed video production obstacles for businesses so they can now easily produce high quality videos at very little cost.

In 2024 budgets will be highly scrutinized, agencies that are not delivering high quality results will go out of business, and those that remain will need to balance the use of AI to be more efficient with their marketing expertise to generate online results. Businesses will develop online partnerships and collaborate with influencers and other partners to further their message. Demand for SEO, paid search and CRO will increase as companies demand results for their marketing spend.

AI In 2024

Continued From Page 7 many.

All of this illustrates an opportunity for brands, employees, and individuals more generally – creating authentic connections. That is what is missing from AI. It may be further refined, but it will never achieve real, human connection, only the appearance of it. As consumers, we often prioritize clothes that are handmade and food that is traditionally prepared. We can even become emotionally connected to mass-produced electronics so long as they have a personal story behind them. Authenticity means human, that a person stands behind and values the product or service they are offering.

A market researcher asks, “What is the story you bring to this product/service? What is your stake? What is your motivation?” - questions that consumers are increasingly asking. These

answers can only come from a living, breathing human being, and they must also be communicated in an authentic way.

This is not to denigrate AI as a tool. It has already helped solve long-standing scientific puzzles and promises to help advance our knowledge far into the future. It can, and certainly will, improve services and products, but in the end, it is a tool.

Authentic human connection is something that we used to take for granted; now, it is a point of distinction. Each interaction, product, service, and touch point needs to add authentic value; something that AI alone cannot provide. AI can help create innovative services and products, solve complex problems, ease backlogs, and streamline workflow, but it does not create or replace authentic human connection.

Saratoga Hospital Continued From Page 12

model.”

VanKureun’s full vision includes a physical building that brings together some higher level specialists.

“These specialists may have offices in the community now or may come up from Albany Med to work with our primary care base and specialty base, and add some services patients would normally have to drive to Albany for,” she said.

Over the years the Hospital had attempted but was not able to get approval to build an ambulatory care center off Myrtle Street. VanKuren said that lot is ideal for the future Center for Successful Aging because of its proximity to the main campus. But if not, she said there is more than adequate space in areas like Malta and Wilton where busy satellites of Saratoga Hospital now reside.

“There is no shortage of possibilities,” she said.

Her vision for a successful aging process starts in the first year of life, when the need for medical services is most intense.

“You are having your well baby visits and getting vaccines, but then the needs slow down through adolescence and early middle age, when it starts to pick up again as we progress into our senior years,” she said.

“So it is supporting families through that journey. As your need for wellness care and interventional medicine increases, we are there every step of the way,” said VanKuren.

“To communicate with family members, that access to EMR is very important, where we can share information back and forth more seamlessly with not only the person, but their designated support system as well,” she said. “That interaction is very important to the success of their health.”

VanKuren said “you don’t cut a ribbon over an EMR,” but when the new center occupies its permanent building in the future, it will be worthy of some “celebratory process.”

“It is an exciting year,” VanKuren said. “Despite the pandemic and ongoing workforce challenges, the health care industry is very strong and we are committed to our common goals and serving our community.”

SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2024 • 15

Freihofer’s Jazz Fest Continued From Page 1

Freihofer’s for making this great festival possible.”

“The 2023 festival was a smash success, and we are building off of that with high expectations for 2024,” says Danny Melnick, the festival producer and President of Absolutely Live Entertainment. “We have delivered another incredible lineup of new stars, celebrated legends and rhythms from around the world.”

Headliner Lake Street Dive will make their highly anticipated festival debut on Saturday with their spirited eclecticism and joyously soulful music. As heard on their critically acclaimed album. The Boston-bred band possesses a keen talent for combining sociopolitical commentary with immediately catchy pop gems. Returning following her triumphant festival debut in 2023 is “Silky-voiced rising jazz star” (New York Times) Samara Joy, a twotime GRAMMY winner and the second jazz performer in history to win the award for best new artist.

Returning by popular demand to headline the festival on Sunday is multi-GRAMMY winning singer and pianist Norah Jones, who played the festival in 2019. Named the top jazz artist of the 2000-2009 decade by Billboard, Norah has won nine GRAMMY Awards, including five for her 2002 solo debut, Away with Me. “The one to watch” on Sunday’s line-up for her festival debut is Laufey, a 24-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter whose modern jazz sound has won her both a GRAMMY nomination and millions of fans on TikTok. Her new album Bewitched reached more than 5.7 million streams on its first day and set a Spotify record as the biggest debut for a jazz album. Most recently, Norah and Laufey collaborated on a new two-track single Christmas With You, which was released on November 10.

Music icons returning to the festival include jazz and blues legends Stanley Clarke with his exciting new band N*4Ever, which is a celebration of his long-time collaborator Chick Corea

and their time together in Return to Forever; seven-time GRAMMY winner, two-time Oscar nominee and Opera composer Terence Blanchard with his Sextet, performing the music from his 2005 GRAMMY nominated album Flow, and blues guitar virtuoso and vocalist Coco Montoya. Representing the next generation of jazz talent on the stage is captivating composer and drummer Yussef Dayes, fanfavorite jazz pianist Joey Alexander who will celebrate his 21st birthday at the festival, 2021 Guggenheim Fellow and jazz pianist and composer Helen Sung, and GRAMMY-nominated jazz violinist Sara Caswell.

Highlighting the weekend is also today’s most electrifying Afro-Cuban and funk bands including progressive R&B artist Cory Henry, GRAMMY-nominated Afro-Cuban rockstar Cimafunk for his festival debut, The New Orleans Groove Masters featuring Herlin Riley, Jason Marsalis & Shannon Powell, GRAMMY-nominated Cuban percussionist Pedrito Martinez with his band for his fift h festival appearance, and hard-grooving, soulful crowd-pleaser Olatuja!, which reunites Alicia and Michael Olatuja in music.

In addition to two non-stop days of great music on two stages, fans can also enjoy a host of amenities including a new craft beer tasting village, in partnership with New York State Brewers Association, new and diverse food offerings, a fine arts and crafts fair, and artist CD signings. Guests are welcome to bring in their own food and beverages, as well as blankets, tents and lawn umbrellas. Parking for the event is free. Performances will begin at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 29 and at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, June 30.

“Proud to be title sponsor, Bimbo Bakeries and Freihofer’s Bread are looking forward to another year of great live jazz music in the spectacular Saratoga Performing Arts Center.

See you there,” says Lorraine Hale, Vice President and General Manager, Bread, Buns and Rolls at Bimbo Bakeries USA.

•

Available Commercial & Residential Properties We’d like to promote your commercial or residential property. Call us, 581-0600.

•

Schuylerville And Hoosick Falls Continued From Page 1

public-private partnerships and improve the economic, social, and cultural well-being of each community.”

Once awarded, NY Forward communities are supported by a professional planning consultant and team of state agency experts led by the New York State Department of State (DOS) to develop a Strategic Investment Plan that includes a slate of transformative, complementary and readily implementable projects. NY Forward projects are appropriately scaled to the size of each community; projects may include building renovation and redevelopment, new construction or creation of new or improved public spaces and other projects that enhance specific cultural and historical qualities that defi ne and distinguish the small-town charm that defi nes these municipalities.

The Strategic Investment Plans and projects are driven by a Local Planning Committee, which conducts extensive community outreach and engagement. The DOS also provides expansive technical assistance and capacitybuilding webinars—featuring staff, experts and peers from DRI communities—which are geared toward supporting communities that may have less resources and capacity than larger, more urban communities.

The Village of Hoosick Falls’ NY Forward application focuses on creating safe, walkable and accessible corridors that will serve as transformative connectors among past and future public, private and non-profit projects..

The Village of Schuylerville has experienced a downtown renaissance in recent years, spurred by millions of dollars in strategic public and private investments. The Village’s NY Forward application focuses on efforts to build upon these previous investments and partnerships to increase housing opportunities that will attract more residents; offer new public park and event amenities; create more commercial tourist attractions and overnight lodging; and improve historic signage and wayfi nding. The Village plans to

complete a slate of transformational NY Forward projects that will culminate in 2027 with the Village’s celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the Turning Point of the American Revolution in Schuylerville.

Empire State Development President, CEO, and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Both NY Forward and the DRI highlight the strength and vision of public-private partnerships and economic development that is driven by the communities that best understand their needs and potential.” ”CREDC Co-Chairs Ruth Mahoney, Executive Vice President, President of Wealth Management and Regional President at NBT Bank, and Dr. Havidán Rodríguez, University at Albany President, said, “NY Forward is an economic development booster that is reimagining New York State communities.

Th is funding will help to fully realize our strategic plans for transformative connectors in the Village of Hoosick Falls and to capitalize on the ongoing renaissance in the Village of Schuylerville, drawing more residents and visitors to live, work and play in the Capital Region.”

Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “Th is significant NY Forward award is both a recognition of the historic importance of the Village of Schuylerville and a commitment to its future as a community that nurtures small businesses and growing families. I applaud Mayor Dan Carpenter and the community leaders who crafted the vision represented in the Village of Schuylerville’s application.

And, I thank Governor Hochul for her vision in establishing the NY Forward program to invest in New York’s villages and small cities.”

Schuylerville Mayor Dan Carpenter said, “We are excited for this opportunity to partner with the state to work on the Revitalization of Schuylerville, and to bring some of our economic dreams and goals to fruition. I want to thank the governor and the regional economic development team. We look forward to a great working relationship.”

270 Hall Hill Road | Lake Luzerne, NY $215,000 Welcome to your own private slice of heaven in Upstate New York! Close to Great Sacandaga Lake and located near all four seasons' activities, this property has over 34 acres as well as a single story manufactured 4 bedroom 2 bath home. Twenty minutes from Lake George, with plenty of room to walk/hike in your own backyard! Schedule your showing today!

Laura Creazzo | 518.796.4399

Licensed Real Estate Salesperson

16 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANAURY 2024

Hoffman Car Wash Seeing New Competition As Other Companies Establish Sites In The Region

BY PAUL POST The area’s oldest, most well-known car wash company is suddenly facing stiff competition from a Georgia-based firm that’s entered the market as part of a campaign to double in size, with 500 locations in nearly two dozen states by the end of 2025.

Family-owned Hoffman Car Wash, founded in 1965, currently has 30 centers including a new one on Route 9 near Exit 17 in Moreau and plans to add more sites in Glens Falls, Halfmoon and Bennington, Vermont, this year.

Each new site costs about $7 million to develop including property purchase.

But Tidal Wave Auto Spa recently opened a new facility on Quaker Road, Queensbury, a short distance from a Hoffman Car Wash. And in July 2022 it launched a South Glens Falls site and plans to add another one on Route 9 in Queensbury, where Uno Pizzeria & Grill is currently located.

Founded in 1999 in Thomaston, Ga., Tidal Wave plans to add 19 new sites in New York state including five now under construction at Colonie Center, Poughkeepsie, New Hartford near Utica, Auburn and Niagara Falls.

Tidal Wave founder and CEO Scott Blackstock is close friends with Chick-fil-A executives and models its business practices after the popular chain restaurant’s, said Brandi Michal, operator and managing partner of Tidal Wave’s new Queensbury facility.

“We pride ourselves on Chick-fil-A service or better so we always have someone greeting you with a smile and give you a perfectly clean car in a most attractive business setting,” she said.

But Hoffman’s CEO Tom Hoffman Jr. said his Albany-based company welcomes the challenge. “It makes us a better company,” he said.

“Competition always makes you think about serving customers better. To differentiate yourself from competitors is really the American way.”

Hoffman’s new Moreau car wash building has the same Adirondack-type design as one

Tidal Wave Auto Spa has opened several car washes in the area.

Courtesy Paul Post

first introduced at the corner of Route 50 and Northline Road in Saratoga Springs.

The handsome style, developed by Phinney Design Group of Saratoga Springs, has lighted rooftop cupolas.

“We like to make our places bright and colorful,” Hoffman said. “We have a landscape crew and grow our own flowers in greenhouses in Albany.”

In 2020, Hoffman’s moved into a $5 million new corporate headquarters in Albany. Its territory is from Queensbury to Kingston and in Central New York from Utica-Rome to Binghamton including an Oneonta facility.

A Hoffman-owned subsidiary, innovateITcarwash, writes the software to control the wash process, builds motor control centers and makes the dispensing systems for washing solutions. Hoffman’s also uses a water purifying system to reduce spotting, softens water to help solutions dissolve, and builds its own water recycling equipment.

Conveyor systems are built by Glens Fallsbased Miller Mechanical Services.

“We do the final assembly,” Hoffman said.

Tidal Wave’s website says it’s one of the top five conveyor car wash companies in the country and has made the Inc. 5000 list for America’s fastest-growing companies since 2020. In addition to New York, it plans to expand in Alabama, Tennessee and Pennsylvania this year as well.

“A Tidal Wave recruiter contacted me and within two weeks I was on an airplane down to Georgia, did training, came up here and have been running the ship ever since,” Michal said.

She started out as managing partner of the South Glens Falls car wash and made the lateral transfer to Tidal Wave’s new Queensbury site, which opened Dec. 6.

Those two sites were previously called Smart Wash, owned by Beatrice and Michael Greenough, the new owners of Mr. Bill’s Carhop in South Glens Falls. Tidal Wave completely gutted and remodeled both locations inside and out.

But Hoffman’s and Tidal Wave aren’t the only ones vying for a slice of the car wash pie. Yates Scott Lansing and brothers Ken and Dave Jersen recently opened Buster’s Car Wash near the corner of Route 9 and Stonebreak Road in Malta, a main entrance to GlobalFoundries’ huge semiconductor plant.

The Jersens own Waterford-based Jersen Construction Group. Lansing owns Lansing Engineering, located in the Bluth Building, a short distance from Buster’s, which he and the Jersens developed 13 years ago in the their first business venture together.

The Bluths were a dysfunctional family that developed properties in the popular sitcom, “Arrested Development,” which appeared on Fox and Netflix from 2003-08. Buster’s Car Wash is named for Byron “Buster” Bluth, one of the show’s characters.

Unlike Hoffman’s Adirondack-type architecture, the $4 million Buster’s facility was designed with Tech Valley in mind, giving it a more modern look.

After considerable research, equipment was purchased from industry leader Sonny’s The Car Wash Factory, and the building was done

by Modernwash, which has projects throughout

Hoffman’s CEO Tom Hoffman feels competition is good for the industry.

Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

the country.

All three companies’ new car washes opened for business in December, and all three firms offer unlimited wash packages and fund-raising opportunities for local non-profit groups and charitable organizations.

Hoffman’s currently employs 636 people.

Hiring quality help is one of the firm’s biggest challenges when opening new sites, Hoffman said.

“We primarily hire from within,” he said.

“Through training and education we’re able to develop staff.”

In Glens Falls, a proposed new Hoffman’s is slated for the Steve’s Place restaurant site at 194 Broad St. A spring ground-breaking is anticipated.

A second facility in Halfmoon will be a bit farther south of the current one on Rout 9.

“We look at all kinds of different factors when choosing a location, but mainly a heavy commercial area where there are big box stores, restaurants, grocery stores, population and traffic,” Hoffman said. “It helps to have the experience of owning all these locations, to know what areas work well and which ones don’t. Fortunately we’ve had more winners.”

Track your spending, create budgets, and save for your financial goals from

starts with

WebWise

®

your phone or computer. Whether you’re looking to pay down debt, save for a big purchase,or simply stay on top of your bills, WebWise has the tools you need to get you where you’re going.

Open an account and download the app today.

AdirondackTrust.com/WebWise

Member FDIC