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Saratoga Builds On Belmont Tourism Gains As Festival Returns Downstate BY PAUL POST Belmont Stakes Racing Festival transformed June into one of Saratoga County’s strongest tourism months, with record hotel bookings and sales tax revenue during its three-year run in the Spa City. But the prestigious event will return to New York City next year following completion of a major Belmont Park construction project designed to rejuvenate the historic downstate track. Saratoga officials already are working hard to build on the worldwide exposure the Belmont Stakes generated in an effort to maintain tourism industry momentum. Next year’s 250th anniversary of the 1777 Battles of Saratoga, a major turning point in the Revolutionary War, is expected to attract visitors from around the globe. “The timing of our Saratoga 250 celebration is ideal as we bring visitors here to be a part of this historic event,” said Todd Shimkus, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce president. “We maximized the opportunity that came with hosting the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival and we’re exploring other options for next year.” Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri said, “The strength of Saratoga County has always been the diversity of our tourism product. Belmont was an extraordinary chapter in our story, but it’s far from the final one. Visitors come here for world-class racing, arts and culture, outdoor recreation, meetings and events, and our rich history. As we look ahead to the 250th anniversary of the Battles of Saratoga, we have another incredible opportunity to welcome visitors from around the world and showcase the turning point of the American Revolution. Our job is to keep building on that momentum.” “Business, community, economic development stakeholders as well as local and regional partners in government meet on a regular basis to collaborate on what economic opportunity, including the Battles of Saratoga 250, will benefit Saratoga County and the Capital-Adirondack Region in 2027. Stay tuned!” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. A new report cites key highlights of the Belmont festival’s impact during its three years in
Thoroughbreds race at Saratoga Race Course, where the Belmont Stakes Racing Festival helped boost tourism, hotel bookings and sales tax revenue during its three-year run in Saratoga Springs. Courtesy NYRA
Saratoga Springs (2024-26). For example, June 2026 hotel revenue per available room reached a record $193.46 in the city and $158.19 countywide. This represented a 37.2% increase over 2023 in Saratoga Springs and a 34.6% increase throughout the county for the same period. Also, sales tax collections this June were more than $2 million in Saratoga Springs and $18.62 million across the county. During the festival’s three years, Saratoga Springs obtained more than $6 million in June sales tax collections, while the county collected nearly $52 million, both substantially higher than pre-pandemic and recoveryyear totals. In addition, national television broadcasts averaged 3.6 million to 3.8 million viewers, providing exceptional exposure for Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County in June. These positive results have carried over into the current Saratoga Race Course meet, which continues through Labor Day on Monday, Sept. 7. The blockbuster 14-race Whitney Day program on Saturday, Aug. 8, generated $46,866,128
in all-sources wagering handle, the second most ever behind the all-time Whitney Day record of $49,651,341 set last year. This year’s program was highlighted by Sovereignty’s victory in the 99th running of the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes. The 1 1/8-mile race for 4-year-olds and up was a “win and you’re in” qualifier for the Grade 1 Breeders’ Cup Classic at Keeneland this fall. Paid attendance was 40,422, with on-track handle of $8,021,319. The Whitney was telecast live on FOX as part of FOX Saratoga Saturday, which culminates with a Travers Day episode on Saturday, Aug. 29, when Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes champion Golden Tempo tries to nail down Horse of the Year honors with a Travers Stakes victory. New York Racing Association and Churchill Downs recently announced a new six-race “Thoroughbred Championship Series” scheduled to begin next year at Saratoga, Churchill and Belmont Park. The series establishes a season-long championship for America’s top 3-year-old thorough-
breds. It will consist of the Kentucky Derby on May 1, the Belmont Stakes at Belmont Park on June 5, the Matt Winn Stakes at Churchill Downs in July, the Jim Dandy Stakes at Saratoga in late July or early August, the Travers Stakes at Saratoga in late August and a championship race at Churchill in September. A unified points system is designed to encourage the nation’s leading 3-year-olds to compete against one another more frequently. In addition to individual race purses, a $5 million prize pool will be awarded based on the final standings, which will also provide owners and trainers with meaningful financial incentives to remain active throughout the championship series. Each race will be broadcast to a national television audience. The NYRA races will air on FOX, while Churchill Downs races will air on NBC. CDI and NYRA will work collaboratively on the series’ rules, nominations process, marketing, sponsorship, wagering opportunities and television distribution. Broadcast, sponsorship and commercial partnership details will be announced as agreements are finalized. “This series is designed to showcase the sport’s best 3-year-olds across a season-long championship, elevating our biggest events and creating the next generation of fans,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA president and CEO. “The return of the Belmont Stakes to a newly transformed Belmont Park makes this an especially exciting moment for our sport. Together with Churchill Downs and our television partners, we are building on tradition to carry the excitement of these marquee races through the entire season.” “The Thoroughbred Championship Series will extend the excitement of the sport across a fivemonth season,” said Bill Carstanjen, Churchill Downs CEO. “The Kentucky Derby introduces millions of fans to a new generation of thoroughbred stars each year, and this series gives those fans a reason to stay engaged with the sport’s biggest stars throughout the season. By connecting these premier events through one championship, we’re creating a season-long storyline that benefits the future of thoroughbred racing.”
Siena Poll Finds Online Sports Gambling GlobalFoundries Names Grant McEwan To Viewed Negatively Across New York State Lead Its New York Manufacturing Facility Thirty-nine percent of New York state residents say online sports gambling is bad for New York, while 22% say it is good for the state and 31% are in the middle, according to a Siena Poll released Wednesday. One in four New Yorkers said they placed a bet of any size on a sporting event in the last year. Among bettors, 84% used online sportsbooks, 54% bet with friends or family, 41% bet with casinos and 24% bet with bookies. Residents were closely divided on whether online sportsbooks should be allowed to advertise during televised sporting events, with 44% in favor and 43% opposed. Fifty-two percent said commentators discussing potential bets and odds during live games is bad for sports. Views varied by age. Half of residents 50 and older said online sportsbooks should not be allowed to advertise during televised sporting events, compared with 36% of those under 50. Sixty-two percent of those 50 and older said live betting commentary is bad for sports, while 44% of residents under 50 said the same. Among residents under 50, 27% said online sports gambling is good for New York, 33% said it is bad and 34% were in the middle. Among those 50 and older, 46% said it is bad for the state, 29% were in the middle and 16% said it is good. “We are seeing a generational gap in those who participate in and support sports betting,”
Associate Director of Data Management Travis Brodbeck said. “Not only are many young New Yorkers placing bets of their own, but they also view the issues surrounding sports betting through a different lens than older residents.” Bettors and nonbettors also differed. Fiftynine percent of sports bettors disagreed with restricting online sportsbook advertisements during televised games, while 45% of nonbettors agreed with restrictions. Forty-nine percent of bettors said commentary on live odds and bets during games is good for sports, while 57% of nonbettors said it is bad. Forty-nine percent of sports bettors said online sports gambling is good for New York, compared with 14% of nonbettors. Forty-five percent of nonbettors said online sports betting is bad for the state. Participation was higher among men than women, 37% to 14%. Fifty-three percent of men ages 18 to 49 said they placed a bet on a sporting event in the last year. Among all New York sports bettors, 84% used online sportsbooks, including 92% of male bettors ages 18 to 49. The poll was conducted July 1-8 among 814 New York state residents. It has an overall margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points, including design effects from weighting. Provided by Siena Research Institute; edited for style and length. Details at www.Siena. edu/SRI/
GlobalFoundries (Nasdaq: GFS) has appointed Grant McEwan as general manager of its semiconductor manufacturing facility in Malta, New York. McEwan will lead dayto-day operations at the site, which employs approximately 2,500 people and supports U.S. chip production. The facility produces semiconductor technologies for high-performance and security-critical applications and is a designated U.S. Department of Homeland Security site and a Trusted Foundry. McEwan has more than 30 years of semiconductor industry experience across manufacturing, engineering and global operations. He joins GF from NXP Semiconductors, where he most recently led global operations strategy and sustainability and oversaw construction of a new 300mm joint venture fab in Singapore. He previously held leadership roles at NXP and Freescale Semiconductor. The New York site produces semiconductors for automotive, aerospace and defense, data center and smart mobile device markets. It is part of GF’s U.S. manufacturing base and supports Quantum Technology Solutions, the business GF launched in 2026 to scale domestic manufacturing for utility-scale quantum computing. McEwan succeeds Hui Peng Koh, who is moving into a role focused on GF’s quantum technology roadmap and growth strategy. McEwan holds an MBA in technology man-
Grant McEwan, general manager GlobalFoundries' facility in Malta, N.Y.
of
Courtesy GlobalFoundries
agement from the University of Phoenix and a bachelor’s degree in electrical and electronic engineering from Glasgow Caledonian University. Provided by GlobalFoundries; edited for style and length.
2 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026
Roohan Realty Promotes Dan Roohan To Vice President As Third Generation Leads
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Roohan Realty has promoted Dan Roohan to Vice President, marking the third generation of Roohan family leadership at the Saratoga Springs brokerage founded by his grandfather, John T. Roohan, in 1969. The company is led by his father, President and Broker/Owner J. Thomas “Tom” Roohan. Tom Roohan earned his real estate license in 1979, joined the company and became President and Broker/Owner in 1998. The brokerage moved from 48 Union Avenue to 519 Broadway in 2002 and expanded from primarily residential sales to residential, commercial and new construction real estate across eight counties in New York’s Capital Region. Roohan Realty has more than 40 real estate associates and eight professional staff members. Before joining Roohan Realty, Dan Roohan spent 10 years as a Logistics Manager coordinating environmental cleanup operations for Triumvirate Environmental in Astoria, New York. He returned to Saratoga Springs with his wife, Lindley, and their daughters, Charlotte and Nora. Dan Roohan worked with the company’s property management and maintenance team during high school and college. Over the past seven years as a REALTOR®, he earned his Associate Broker license, represented residential buyers and sellers and helped sell commercial properties totaling nearly $50 million. He oversees personnel and has led technology and procedural changes while working with the leadership team on marketing, commercial real estate, technology and operations. Dan Roohan completed the Leadership Saratoga Program in 2023 and serves on the boards of Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund Advisory Committee. He also coaches girls’ lacrosse and supports Lindley’s involvement with Com-
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Dan Roohan, left, vice president of Roohan Realty, with his father, president Tom Roohan. Courtesy Roohan Realty
plete Streets, Vision Zero, Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park and the Saratoga Bike Bus. “It was a great day when Dan joined us at Roohan Realty. His friendly demeanor, his sense of humor, his technological skills, and his problem-solving abilities have been a real bonus for us all,” Tom Roohan said. As Vice President, Dan Roohan will focus on modernizing and digitizing company processes and improving operational efficiency. “I am excited about this new leadership opportunity and the chance to put my ideas into action as we continue taking Roohan Realty to the next level of service for our clients and our community,” Dan Roohan said. Provided by Roohan Realty; edited for style and length.
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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026 • 3
Spa City Car Drivers With
Rental Targets Local Saratoga County Chamber Will Connect Job Lower-Cost Rentals Seekers With More Than 50 Local Employers
BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL Spa City Car Rental Inc. opened in December 2025 to provide residents of and visitors to the Saratoga community with a local small business option for their car rental needs. Located in a family-owned commercial space at 360 Maple Ave., owner Jacqueline Ernst said she got the idea for the business because her mother had run a car rental out of that same building about 25 years ago. “After talking to some neighbors and other Saratoga residents, I made the decision to target local people and offer a more affordable option than the competition,” she said. “I’m trying to keep in the $55-per-day range by starting with a lower base rate which I can change at different times of the year,” she said. “Clients must stay within a 100-mile radius and the rate covers an average 100 miles a day over the rental period.” Ernst is competing with a national chain in the area, but the challenge does not intimidate her. She said she offers quality rental cars at a significant discount. “As a business owner I have that option to set my rates lower than the national companies as they adjust their prices, but without the other fees those companies often add on,” she said. The cost of a rental can get pricey while a car is in the repair shop without the right insurance coverage or add up as tourists drive around visiting local sights, Ernst said. Ernst may lack the buying power of a wellestablished corporation, but that doesn’t mean her fleet of six sedans and compact SUVs is old or mechanically inferior. She is getting both business advice and oversight from her father, a mechanic and owner of K. J. Sterns Towing. “Not everybody needs a brand new car to travel locally,” she said. “But everybody likes to save. My cars are a little older but they’re nice-looking, good cars.” Ernst has also gotten help from the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and fellow business owners, as well as her insurer and the insurance company whose coverage she sells to clients. She has also gained knowledge from the school of “trial-and-error,” she said. For example, she started her pricing schedule lower but raised it to be closer to competitive rates. She also realized she needs strict policies like other businesses impose. She started out requiring a $100 security deposit, but she now collects the standard $500. “I don’t want to be in a situation where a car is abandoned or impounded by the police and I have to cover the costs,” said Ernst. “The reality is, no one protects you. You have to do it yourself.” One good piece of advice she received was to trust her instincts. “Don’t be afraid to use your intuition when working with people,” she said. “If something doesn’t feel right, don’t question yourself. It’s okay to turn people away or to ask more questions.” Ernst describes herself as a trusting person who finds she uses some of the same skills in her
Jacqueline Ernst, owner of Spa City Car Rental in Saratoga Springs, offers local rentals. Courtesy Spa City Car Rental
new business as she used in her prior career as a fourth-grade schoolteacher. She has a master’s degree in special education and literacy from the University at Albany, but after some years decided that path and being far away from her family weren’t right for her. “You need the same people skills running a business as teaching, and the same patience and empathy that applies,” she said. “You also need good organization.” Teachers bring a lot of work home that extends their workday. Similarly, there is paperwork to do both for the business operations and the cars, she said. “There is no principal or other person telling you to get your work done, so you need that same drive and focus and work ethic,” she said. As her business grows, Ernst plans to increase her fleet with some newer cars. Her immediate goal is to do more advertising and face-to-face networking, specifically with local repair shops, auto body shops, hotels, airports and train stations. “You can plan a trip but you cannot plan when you are going to have a breakdown,” she said. “That’s the tricky part. Buy maybe at different times I can run a special to build new business.” Ernst did not expect she would “get a rewarding feeling” renting cars, as that was the part about working with children that she enjoyed most, she said. Moreover, she was not used to working with adults other than parents and fellow teachers. “I look at things through a different lens now as a business owner,” said Ernst. “As a teacher you portray yourself as gentle and kind. In business, that may make you appear easily taken advantage of.” Visit spacitycarrentalsaratoga.com for renter requirements, details about vehicle options and more information.
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Job seekers will connect with local employers on Sept. 10th at a Saratoga County job fair offering career opportunities, recruiter access, networking and resources at Empire State University. Job seekers exploring new career opportunities can attend the Saratoga Job Showcase, which will feature more than 50 employers representing construction, manufacturing, energy, finance, banking, technology and other industries. The showcase is scheduled for 10 a.m. to noon Thursday, Sept. 10, at Empire State University, 113 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs. It is open to the public, admission is free, and attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their current resume. Attendees can make in-person connections with recruiters. Free professional headshots will be offered on site, along with a LinkedIn training session. A networking reception will begin an
Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce
hour before the showcase. The Saratoga Job Showcase is presented by Empire State University, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber, Empire State University Veterans and Military Resource Center, New York State Department of Labor, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation and Saratoga County Workforce Development. More information, including a full list of participating employers, is available at www.saratoga.org/jobshowcase. Provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce; edited for style and length.
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Kuma Ani Targets October Opening For Downtown Saratoga Restaurant BY SUSAN ELISE CAMPBELL The Asian fusion restaurant franchise Kuma Ani is coming to Saratoga Springs, just off Broadway at 23-25 Division Street. According to coowner Eric Li, the eat-in or takeout restaurant is on track to open in October. With locations in Troy, Colonie and Latham, this is the fourth Kuma Ani that Li and Tommy Huang have opened together. The longtime friends came up with the name nearly a decade ago, Li said. “The name translates to Bear Brothers in Chinese,” because according to Li, their size is “large for Chinese men.” “We like to have fun,” Li said. The Saratoga menu offers ramen, ban mein and donburi items, many not found elsewhere in the Capital District or even the state, Li said. A sushi chef with a background in Asian food, he has assembled an extensive menu of Chinese, Japanese and Korean dishes, including some of his own creations. “These authentic dishes could be found in an Asian restaurant, but usually only in ethnic communities,” said Li. Thus, most people are not familiar with the types of dishes they can now taste at Kuma Ani. Li grew up in New York City among competitive ramen shops. When he and Huang first partnered, their food court ventures featured sushi. “But hiring and maintaining a sushi chef is not easy,” he said. “More importantly, the quality is not consistent or up to our standards when there is a high turnover of chefs.” Preparing ramen does not require such a specific skill, and there is greater control over ingredients and preparation, which appeals to Li as “an ideal category of food.” So the partners shifted their menu to ramen, he said. “I like noodles, I like noodle soups, I like ramen,” he said. “It’s good to work in the cuisine you have a passion for.” Li said the Chinese know how to use flour to make noodles that became more mainstream among the working class because of food shortages at the end of World War II. The typical diet had been rice and fish. But authentic ramen is nothing like the instant ramen available at U.S. grocery stores. From a central location, noodles are handmade using a ramen machine, and broths are cooked for hours every week. Many sauces are also made centrally and distributed with fresh noodles to Kuma Ani locations. Vegetables are prepared and meat is cut at each restaurant, where chefs can adjust spices to customers’ palates, Li said. “Customers can taste the difference in the freshness and quality of our dishes,” said Li. “A
Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon
Kuma Ani dish is fulfilling and our portions are bigger than other Ramen restaurants, too.” Li said “a good percentage of customers who are familiar with Ramen are ready to try other dishes,” such as the soboro don ground pork rice bowl, cheese mein and gochu jiang mein made with Korean hot chili paste. These are among Li’s original dishes found only at Kuma Ani. Li and Huang are using a local contractor on the Division Street renovations “with a good reputation and who has done many restaurants in the area,” Li said. Li has chosen décor featuring Asian-inspired burned cedar wood reminiscent of a Japanese home. He commissioned the Japanese craftsman used at the other locations to create a unique art installation. The restaurant will seat 30 to 40 people inside. Customers will order and pick up food at the counter and seat themselves. There is no wait service or automatic tip added to the bill, which Li said is intended to keep the cost “affordable.” “Our core value is, eat good food at a reasonable price,” he said. The restaurant will sell beer and wine, plus Japanese tea, San Pellegrino and carbonated drinks. They will also add Bumble Tea, crafting their own brew for milk- and fruit-based drinks. “We are not using powdered mixes, but blending fresh ingredients,” said Li. “When quality matters, you can taste the difference.” The partners expect hiring challenges and want to keep staffing within the local community. They are also prepared for seasonal swings in customers at the Saratoga Springs location. “You can’t run a business based only on tourists and college students,” Li said. “So while we expect decreases after the summer and track season, we anticipate increases among local clientele.” Li hopes building name recognition in Saratoga Springs may launch their growing brand into two more locations in the area, “once we are sure we can support those locations.” People in Maryland, Georgia and the Carolinas have expressed interest in franchises there. But Li said he and Huang would seek opportunities in Delmar, Schenectady and perhaps Massachusetts and Connecticut first. “We will continue to make all our own food here in the Capital District,” said Li. “For consistency we prepare centrally, for freshness we prepare locally.” Kuma Ani at 23-25 Division Street in downtown Saratoga will be open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. April through November, and six days a week December through March. For more information about Kuma Ani’s story, menus and business opportunities, visit kumaani. com.
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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026 • 5
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Workplace / Security Employees Want More Than A Desk, They New York Fire & Security Expands Want A Workplace Worth The Commute Protection Through Access, Camera Systems BY DOROTHY ROGERS-BULLIS For years, we designed offices around the work. Today, we have to design them around the people doing the work. That may sound like a subtle change, but it is reshaping the workplace in very real ways. Employees have experienced a different way of working. They know they can answer emails, write reports, join a video call and complete focused tasks from almost anywhere. So if we are asking people to come into an office, the office has to offer something they cannot get sitting alone at a kitchen table. The workplace now has to earn the commute. I do not believe that means making every office look like a living room or fi lling it with trendy furniture. It means thinking much more carefully about what people need during the course of a workday and giving them choices. One person may need quiet, concentrated space at 9 a.m., a collaborative project area at 11 a.m., a private room for a video call after lunch, and an informal place to meet with two coworkers later in the afternoon. A well-designed office should support all of those activities. For many years, workplace planning followed a predictable formula: private offices around the perimeter, workstations in the center and conference rooms down the hall. That model was built largely around hierarchy and assigned space. Today’s workplace needs to be built around movement, interaction and function. One of the biggest changes we are seeing is the growth of smaller, more flexible spaces. Not every conversation needs a 12-person conference room. Employees need touchdown areas, two- and four-person meeting rooms, project rooms, phone rooms, comfortable collaboration areas and places where a quick conversation can happen naturally. Those spaces make the office more useful, but they also create something much harder to replicate remotely: human connection. At the same time, we need to acknowledge where open office design went wrong. Removing walls did not automatically create collaboration. In many cases, it simply created noise and distraction. Acoustics, privacy and zoning have become critical elements of good workplace design. Collaborative spaces should feel energetic, while focused work areas should allow people to concentrate. Technology, lighting, materials, furniture and architectural elements all have to work together to create those different environments. Flexibility is equally important. Busi-
Dorothy Rogers-Bullis, owner of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga. Courtesy drb Business Interiors
nesses change too quickly to build an interior that can function only one way for the next 15 years. Teams expand, departments reorganize, technology changes and work patterns evolve. We are increasingly designing with movable components, adaptable furniture and interior systems that can be reconfigured rather than demolished and rebuilt. At drb Business Interiors, our work with Falkbuilt Digital Component Construction is part of that evolution. It allows us to think about walls and interior architecture as adaptable components rather than permanent obstacles to future change. We are also seeing a stronger residential and hospitality influence in commercial interiors. Softer seating, warmer lighting, natural materials, plants, rugs and more comfortable gathering areas can make a workplace feel welcoming rather than institutional. But comfort cannot come at the expense of performance. A commercial workplace still needs excellent ergonomics, durability, technology, acoustics and easy maintenance. The workplace is also an increasingly important expression of a company’s culture and brand. Employees and clients should understand something about an organization the moment they walk through the door. Materials, graphics, color, lighting and the way spaces are arranged can communicate who a company is without turning the office into a Continued On Page 11
BY ROD BACON According to FBI crime data, burglary, defined as unlawful entry into a structure with the intent to commit a crime, has historically accounted for between 1.1 million and 1.4 million reported incidents per year in the United States. Commercial properties, including retail establishments, offices, warehouses and service businesses, account for approximately 35% to 40% of that total, suggesting roughly 385,000 to 560,000 commercial burglaries occur annually in the U.S. Statistics compiled by the Office of Justice Programs, a component of the U.S. Department of Justice, show that commercial buildings without security systems are 4 to 4.5 times more likely to be burglarized than those with active alarms or surveillance. Glens Falls-based New York Fire & Security has been helping entrepreneurs prevent theft from and damage to their buildings since 1946. The company provides state-of-the-art systems that address any type of security breach or fire hazard to a business. “Security has a common theme, whether it’s for an office, warehouse, or retail business,” said Vice President Seawn Eggleston. “It’s about protecting property and the people in the building.” When he does an initial assessment for a client, the vulnerability he most often encounters is door access. He said there have to be protocols in place to control who is entering and exiting a building. A very effective solution is installing a door access system consisting of card readers. A digital card can be assigned to an employee’s cell phone so they don’t have to have a physical card. That allows them access because they have credentials. The credentials can be customized to allow them access to only certain parts of the building or entry only at certain times. If an employee leaves the company, the privilege can be easily canceled. For vendors or regular visitors to the business, the cards can be tailored to allow access only during certain times or through certain doors. In all cases, a trackable record of people accessing the building is created. In addition to door access, there are cameras, which, according to Eggleston, are often the first thing customers ask about. “Cameras are an important part of a complete security installation, but they must be
A New York Fire & Security technician services an alarm control panel for a local client. Courtesy New York Fire & Security
strategically placed,” he said. He explained that placement and elevation are key. Cameras in entryways are important, but they shouldn’t be placed too high or all they capture are the tops of people’s heads, thus not getting a good identification of the intruder. As an interesting anecdote, Eggleston said that thieves will often change articles of clothing to hide their identities, but they almost never change their shoes. “An intruder might change his shirt or put on different pants after committing a burglary but will usually keep the same shoes on, so it’s a good idea to place cameras so they will capture the feet,” he said. Eggleston recommended having all security systems checked by a professional at least once a year to ensure they are functioning properly. Camera lenses should be cleaned, the network video recorder (NVR) evaluated, door contacts checked and all batteries given a load test. The price of a security system varies widely depending on the size of the building and specifically what the client wants monitored. An adequate system can be installed for approxiContinued On Page 11
6 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026
Development Saratoga, Warren And Washington Counties West Mountain Developers Target 2027 Advance Key Development Investments Groundbreaking For Destination Resort BY PAUL POST Economic development officials are quite optimistic looking ahead to 2027 as significant private and public investment remains strong throughout the region. In Saratoga County, a five-year (2020-2025) study identified 54 approved projects representing $2.9 billion in private investment that created or retained more than 5,100 jobs. Most recently, the city of Saratoga Springs granted Phase 1 site plan approval for Regeneron’s $2 billion project at Grande Industrial Park. The Tarrytown-based firm, a global biotechnology leader, is converting the former Quad/ Graphics plant at 56 Duplainville Road into a major drug manufacturing facility. Primary contractors are Munter Enterprises of Middle Grove, building out the industrial park workspace, and Wainschaf Associates, a Rensselaer-based construction firm handling portions of the massive site overhaul. The more than 1 million-square-foot facility is scheduled for completion in June 2033, creating 1,000 new full-time jobs in addition to employment for 500 design and construction workers. The project will more than double Regeneron’s manufacturing capacity in the state and represents the latest in a series of major life sciences investments across New York, reinforcing the state’s position as a national leader in pharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing. Elsewhere, GlobalFoundries recently named a new general manager for Fab 8, and new capital investment has been underway at the MaltaStillwater site for the past 18 months. Also, $300 million under the federal CHIPS and Science Act will expand GlobalFoundries’ development of photonic semiconductor chips, critical to the future of AI and high-performance computing. “We are also working daily under non-disclosure agreements with several companies and capital investors on projects contemplated in Saratoga County, all focused on our major economic development sectors,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. The study was prepared for SEDC by Camoin Associates and considered the direct, indirect and induced impacts of 54 projects approved by the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency, Clifton Park IDA and MechanicvilleStillwater IDA. Other 2025 highlights included county IDA
approval of 146 Marketplace, a 20-acre mixeduse, neo-traditional project in Halfmoon featuring retail, office and restaurant space alongside 328 workforce-priced apartment units, and construction of a new 125,000-square-foot beverage distribution center in Halfmoon for the largest independent Coca-Cola bottler in the U.S. Also, the Clifton Park IDA approved 26 Woods Road DCG, comprising three speculative flex office-warehouse buildings totaling 57,360 square feet just east of Northway Exit 10. Buildings range from 7,200 to 26,400 square feet. In Warren County, health care, tourism and the arts are extremely high priorities. Hudson Headwaters Health Network and Glens Falls Hospital together employ almost 4,000 people. “We’re supporting a number of efforts, but perhaps the most meaningful is one to support the 340B Drug Pricing Program, which is the funding mechanism that supports rural healthcare development not only Warren County, but throughout northern New York,” said Jim Siplon, Warren County Economic Development Corporation president. A federal initiative created in 1992, 340B requires drugmakers to sell outpatient medications, such as blood pressure pills, at reduced prices to health care organizations that quite often serve low-income, uninsured or vulnerable patients. The savings allow these medical providers to stretch tight budgets and provide more services in underserved areas. “Most of Hudson Headwater’s 26 facilities were built on the back of 340B,” Siplon said. “So making sure it’s protected and sustained is a huge effort on our part.” On another front, several multiyear funding efforts are having a transformational impact in various parts of Warren County. Work is nearing completion on a major overhaul of South Street in Glens Falls, thanks largely to a state Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant the city received a decade ago. A separate DRI grant is having a major impact in Lake George, where a new high-tech performance space recently opened at Shepard Park. The facility is hosting numerous events and concerts, highlighted by top-flight bands known throughout the region, attracting thousands of people to the village. In North Creek, a new sewage treatment sysContinued On Page 7
An aerial view shows West Mountain Ski Area in Queensbury, where developers plan The Woods at West Mountain, a $170 million to $190 million year-round resort targeted for a 2027 groundbreaking. BY ROD BACON After five years of planning, design work and permitting — and 14 years of vision and conceptualization since the Montgomerys took ownership in 2013 — The Woods at West Mountain is on the cusp of becoming a reality. “It has always been the plan/solution for the ensured history of West Mountain,” said Spencer Montgomery, an owner and operator of West Mountain Ski Area with his wife, Sara Montgomery, and two partners. After the Queensbury Planning Board approved a zoning change for the ski area to Planned Resort Development, or PRD, in December 2025, things shifted into high gear. While the concept plan for the project has been in place for five years, those who will implement it held a two-day kickoff “envisioning” seminar last month at the ski area. “We had taken the conceptual sketch of the plan and engineering to the town and got it approved,” said Spencer. “Now we’re creating the final site plan, which involves showing them where each building and other elements of the project are going to go.” The Montgomerys wear multiple hats at the ski area. In addition to being an owner and operator,
Courtesy West Mountain
Spencer is a managing member of West Mountain Racing LLC. Sara is the general manager of the ski area and program director of West Mountain Racing. Spencer emphasized that he and Sara have two financial partners in the ski area, without whom none of this would be possible and West Mountain would be closed. The architectural firm Bull Stockwell Allen was retained in July to design the project, which is estimated to cost $170 million to $190 million. Headquartered in San Francisco, the firm has an office in Boston that is serving as the hub for the design team. Principal John Ashworth, AIA, LEED AP, and project architect and associate Jake Schirmer, AIA, are spearheading the project. Experienced in developing destination resorts, the firm has designed such prestigious ski areas as Spruce Peak at Stowe in Vermont, the Inn at Sundance in Utah, Bretton Woods in New Hampshire, Mammoth Mountain/Mammouth Lakes in California and Beaver Creek in Colorado, among others. Also brought on board are Queensbury-based Van Dusen & Steves Land Surveyors; Studio A Landscape Architecture & Engineering of Saratoga Continued On Page 7
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026 • 7
West Mountain Continued From Page 6
Springs; and McFarland Johnson, engineering consultants of Saratoga Springs. Legal services are being provided by Thomas West, founding partner of the West Firm in Albany, and Jonathan Lapper, a principal with Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes in Glens Falls. According to Spencer, the project has been approved for “512 doors.” As plans currently stand, that will include approximately 300-340 condominiums, a 60-80-room boutique hotel with 30 associated “Tree House” ski-in-ski-out executive two-bedroom suites, a fitness club/spa and 60-80 single-family homes. Spencer noted that things will change as the project moves forward. Construction will start in the middle of the project and build out from there. The first phase will include Hotel West and Club West, adjacent parking lots, the tree houses and some of the single-family homes. The next phase will be the village, which will offer shops, a restaurant, an organic grocery store, some condominiums, and walking paths around a pond and throughout the resort. Spencer said they have already received some letters from parties interested in exploring opportunities in the village and resort. Subsequent phases will include a new base lodge adjacent to the existing one that will accommodate 300 skiers, more single-family homes and an improved buffer park along West Mountain Road. They are also installing a new high-speed detachable chairlift. Spencer explained that the buffer park will provide a “woods experience” as skiers enter the resort and head toward what is termed the “Holy Grail,” the bullwheel at the bottom of the new high-speed primary ski lift, The Woods Flyer. “Bull Stockwell Allen wanted the flow to come from West Mountain Road,” he said. “Patrons will drive through and there are spokes off the road as
Key Development Continued From Page 6
tem is triggering significant business interest and investment. The town is traditionally a winter destination, thanks to Gore Mountain ski center. But thousands of visitors also pursue fun, warm-weather activities such as tubing, rafting and Revolution Rail Bike rides. Plans are also in the works for a mountain zip coaster ride scheduled to open this fall or early next year. “That will make North Creek even more of a summer destination,” Siplon said. Siplon said EDC, in conjunction with the Warren Washington Industrial Development Agency, is also pursuing an initiative called Mosaic to promote the local arts world, another key contributor to the local economy. There are almost 100 arts entities in Warren and Washington counties. A study is currently being done to assess their economic impact and what best practices can be employed to secure
they go and they end up at the bullwheel.” The ski area encompasses 1,565 acres, 365 of which are in the ski center, with the remainder across the top of the mountain. According to Spencer, The Woods at West Mountain will occupy only 53 acres, 80% of which are on the flat section at the bottom. “There will be some houses meandering up through the woods but they’re designed to be built in that environment” he said. “They will go up the mountain about a third of the way, camouflaged with filtered views and largely invisible from town.” Both Montgomerys are fully involved with the design and permitting process. “I’m constantly on conference calls with the design team and they’ve done multiple site visits,” said Spencer. “Once a week we have an owners’ call and a design call. We’re definitely moving the process forward quickly and are close to the finish line of approvals.” He added that Sara has “assisted in the development with the ‘touch and feel’ and genre of the resort and its features.” The developers are confident they will have the full site plan completed and ready to present to the planning board by October. “We could work through each phase individually but we’re going for full plan approval, which makes more sense for West Mountain and the Town and adheres to State regulations” said Spencer. “We don’t want to segment the development. We want to have everything comprehensively laid out because in the long run that saves time and money. West Mountain needs this sooner than later and that is what the State regulations dictate..” They hope to break ground on the first phase in summer 2027. “This is going to be an amazing, family-focused, year-round resort and a community ‘watering hole,’” said Sara. “It will be a place where families can build memories for a lifetime and locals can connect with their neighbors by walking, hiking, over coffee, having a meal, and of course skiing.” For more information about West Mountain Ski Area and progress on The Woods at West Mountain, go to westmountain.com. and grow that sector. “We want to make sure they’re a sustainable part of our economy,” Siplon said. He also noted EDC’s efforts to engage the area’s “hidden economy,” comprising independent enterprises such as a multimillion-dollar, homebased IT business that supports some of the biggest names in technology. “We’re trying to see what their needs are, why they chose to locate here and how we can make the area more attractive to such firms,” Siplon said. In Washington County, the greatest potential for economic development is Canalside Energy Park, the site of a former GE Hudson River PCB dewatering facility off Route 196 in Fort Edward. Construction is underway on infrastructure improvements with a goal of attracting light manufacturing to the property. Also, the county recently obtained $26 million from the state to upgrade its sewer district, which is expected to spur private investment, including expansion plans at Irving Tissue in Fort Edward.
Jointa Lime Celebrates 175 Years With Focus On Growth, Innovation And Next Century BY PAUL POST One of Warren County’s oldest companies is celebrating its 175th anniversary while looking ahead to its bicentennial as it continues to grow and find new markets. More than 100 employees, customers and community leaders recently honored Glens Falls-based Jointa Lime Company at a gala reception at The Hyde Collection. The event included a documentary on the company’s history and a certificate from Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner recognizing its inclusion in the New York State Historic Business Preservation Registry. “Reaching 200 years is not even a question, in my mind,” said David Collins, D.A. Collins Companies president. “It’s something we’re committed to and focused on. Rest on our laurels? If we did that the future would be questionable, but we reinvest constantly in our people and processes. We continue to explore best practices, cutting edge technology and how we can implement them in the future.” “We look at opportunities to expand the business, not just for the sake of growth, but to expand smartly,” he said. “We look for the next steps are going to carry us into the next 25 years and beyond.” Jointa Lime is a subsidiary of Wiltonbased D.A. Collins, which acquired it in 1988. Irish immigrant John Keenan, an expert in quarrying, stonework and lime production, launched Jointa 10 years before the Civil War with local business leader Halsey R. Wing, a descendant of Glens Falls founder Abraham Wing. Before joining Wing, Keenan mined limestone in Smith’s Basin and burned it in kilns to produce lime shipped south on the Champlain Canal to Albany and New York City markets. In 1851, Keenan joined Wing, an attorney, to build a business around rich lime-
stone deposits along the Hudson River near present-day Warren Street in Glens Falls. Lime was then an essential ingredient for masons. “They didn’t have ready-mix concrete so they used lime for mortar mix,” said John Davidson, Jointa Lime vice president. “Keenan and Wing had numerous kilns, bought out others and with the few they didn’t, formed Associated Lime Companies in Glens Falls, to market product in New York City. Jointa, the highest grade, was desired by all masons.” Lime also neutralized horse manure on city streets, smoothed wire during manufacturing and bleached paper. It remains an ingredient in many products, including toothpaste. By the late 19th century, however, lime had lost favor as a building material after the introduction of stronger, more reliable Portland cement, named for Portland stone from the Isle of Portland in Dorset, England. Jointa Lime adapted by founding Glens Falls Cement Company in 1893, operating it for 10 years and then selling it. The company later reinvented itself by focusing on crushed stone and aggregate production as construction needs changed. “We survived many recessions, depressions, booms and busts,” Davidson said. “With such great people in our offices and quarries we got through it.” Jointa Lime now employs more than 100 people and operates six hard-rock quarries in Washington, Saratoga, Clinton and Essex counties; gravel operations in Saratoga and Washington counties; asphalt plants in Newburgh, Plattsburgh and Saratoga; and ready-mix concrete plants in Saratoga and Glens Falls. The Glens Falls plant operates as Jointa Galusha on Lower Warren Street. The facilities supply D.A. Collins with Continued On Page 11
Retirement Is a Journey. Let’s Walk It Together. With the right plan, the view ahead is even better.
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8 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
SPECIAL SECTION
Senior Living / Retirement Planning Building Financial Security Begins With Independent Living Gains Appeal Among Planning Today For A Longer Retirement Capital Region Seniors Planning Ahead Retirement planning is one of the most pressing financial priorities for professionals and business owners across Saratoga County and the broader Capital Region. Today, retirement and retirement planning are discussed not as a distant milestone, but as a central strategy for navigating work, family and your business’ role in the region’s shifting economy. Professionals are living longer, working differently and, with 401(k)s replacing pensions, relying more heavily on personal savings than any generation before them. In a community where economic growth continues to reshape opportunity, retirement planning has become a story of foresight, resilience and long-term stability. For many, the journey begins with a clear look at regional economic realities. Saratoga County’s median home price has increased significantly since 2020, driven by population inflows, limited inventory and sustained demand. At the same time, regional health care inflation has outpaced general inflation, making health care costs in retirement a foundational consideration for any viable retirement plan. Those planning to remain in their current homes must account for rising property taxes, insurance premiums and long-term care needs. The narrative of retirement planning is also deeply shaped by the region’s entrepreneurial spirit. Saratoga County’s economy thrives on small businesses, advanced manufacturing, tourism and technology. For these business owners, retirement readiness is inseparable from a comprehensive succession strategy. Very often, a significant portion of an entrepreneur’s wealth is tied directly to the company, making a wellstructured exit strategy — whether through a sale, family transfer or employee ownership — essential to converting decades of hard work into a reliable, long-term income stream. However, retirement planning is not only about numbers; it is about defining the retirement lifestyle you aspire to. Today’s retirees are redefining what life after full-time work looks like. Many choose to transition into part-time consulting, volunteer with local nonprofits or remain active in the regional business community, while others focus on travel and family. This personal vision ultimately dictates future expenses and how much income will be required to sustain your desired standard of living. With local life expectancy now exceeding 81 years, retirees may spend nearly three decades drawing on savings. Investment and tax strategies must adapt to support this longevity. Portfo-
Kristina W. Vaselewski, vice president, Wealth Management Group, Capital Bank. Courtesy Capital Bank
lios must balance stability with enough growth to outpace inflation, mitigating volatility while preserving purchasing power. Furthermore, coordinating withdrawals among traditional 401(k)s, IRAs and Roth accounts is critical to minimizing lifetime tax liabilities and maximizing net income. Health care planning has similarly become a decisive factor in long-term financial security. Out-of-pocket medical costs continue to rise, and the average annual cost of assisted living and nursing home care in New York represents a substantial risk to accumulated wealth. Incorporating supplemental insurance, health savings accounts and dedicated long-term care planning early in the retirement planning process helps mitigate these substantial vulnerabilities. Ultimately, retirement planning is an ongoing process rather than a one-time event. Markets shift, tax laws evolve and personal circumstances change. Regular updates and annual plan reviews ensure that financial strategies remain aligned with your personal goals. By approaching retirement with the same diligence and foresight that drives day-to-day business success, professionals and entrepreneurs can secure a resilient future that allows them to enjoy the rewards of their work while continuing to contribute to the vitality of the community.
BY CAROL ANN CONOVER Nearly 80% of adults 50 and older want to remain in their own homes and communities as they age, and that same principle of choice — not obligation — is shaping how and when Capital Region seniors move into independent living, according to a regional advocacy group and two local providers. “People overwhelmingly want to age in place, and they deserve the supports to make that possible,” said Cam Cardinale, director of external affairs for Southern Adirondack Independent Living, known as SAIL, a Glens Falls-based nonprofit serving older adults and people with disabilities across 17 counties. “At the heart of independent living is consumer choice. Every person has the right to decide where and how they live.” SAIL served more than 7,000 people across 17 counties last year, providing more than 20,000 services that help people remain independent, Cardinale said. That same emphasis on choice is showing up locally, where Warren and Saratoga county providers say more residents are moving in deliberately and early rather than waiting for a crisis. About 25.9% of Warren County residents were 65 or older in 2024, compared with 21.3% in Saratoga County and 18.9% statewide, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates compiled by USAFacts. At The Glen at Hiland Meadows in Queensbury, an Eddy Senior Living community, executive director Andrea Hebert said residents entering every level of care — independent living, enhanced assisted living and memory care — have been arriving older over the community’s 25 years. “People are just waiting longer to get to each level of care,” Hebert said, “and people are healthier longer, which is a positive thing.” More residents are also planning ahead instead of waiting for a crisis. “We’ve had people move in and say, ‘I do not know why I didn’t do this sooner,’” she said, “and we have people who tell others who are considering residency: Do it now, don’t wait.” The reasons residents give for moving vary, Hebert said, but often center on “the home maintenance piece of it” along with “wanting to stay as independent as possible, wanting to stay healthy and wanting to socialize.” She recalled a couple who moved into one of the Glen’s cottages together after the wife began experiencing memory loss and later transitioned to memory care. Her husband still lives in a private independent living cottage. “He goes to see her every day in her memory care space, has breakfast with her,” Hebert said, then returns to “tinker with his old car.”
At Prestwick Chase in Saratoga Springs, a 55-and-older rental community with no entrance fee or endowment, director of sales Kellie Postlethwaite said the waiting list keeps growing. “Active adults are realizing they would like to be living maintenance-free than with the burdens of owning a home,” she said. Residents increasingly are moving to be closer to family and to make the decision themselves. “I have more and more residents realizing they do not want to wait until someone is forcing them,” she said. “They would like to make the decision.” Giving up home maintenance is often the biggest relief, she said. “It has become increasingly hard to find people to do handyman work and are reliable,” Postlethwaite said. “Kids today are not helping out their neighbor with snow removal or mowing.” Cottages tend to draw couples and residents still working, while apartments attract residents who want to be close to the community’s activities, she said. Prospective residents often arrive with misconceptions, Postlethwaite said. “The biggest misconception is that the general public does not understand the difference between independent living, assisted living, enhanced care and nursing home care,” she said. “They often think it will be more like assisted living, when in reality it is more like college: a meal plan, activities, housekeeping and maintenance, and an apartment to escape into.” Building those social ties is activities director Amy Tichenor’s focus. The best-attended offering, she said, is a dinner group that heads out to local restaurants. “It gives residents an opportunity to meet new people, socialize in a relaxed setting, and enjoy a meal together outside of the community,” Tichenor said. “I think it resonates because it encourages friendships.” New residents are welcomed with a breakfast and a standing Friday Social, Tichenor said, while resident-led games including mahjong, poker, bridge, bingo and contract rummy have become anchors of daily life. “These regular gatherings bring residents together to enjoy friendly competition, share conversations, and build lasting friendships,” she said. As incoming residents skew younger, she added, interest has broadened beyond card games to outings and events “that encourage connection and an active lifestyle.” At The Glen, Hebert said the appeal of independent living remains rooted in autonomy. “People are going to make a change,” she said. “Don’t wait for something to happen. Be proactive.”
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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026 • 9
Dawson Apartments Expands Independent- RLGC Law Group Explains How Families Living Options For Saratoga County Seniors Can Prepare Secure Access To Digital Assets
The Dawson Apartments in Halfmoon offers 124 independent-living units for adults 55 and older, expanding senior housing options in Saratoga County, honoring Korean War veteran Robert W. Dawson. BY CAROL ANN CONOVER The Dawson Apartments, a 124-unit independent-living community for adults 55 and older, opened June 1 as the third senior housing property developed by Clifton Court Property Management in the region, adding to the local supply for older adults who want to downsize without giving up autonomy. As of early August, about 42 of the 124 oneand two-bedroom units were leased, mostly to residents 60 and older, said Emily Cross, who oversees leasing and management for Clifton Court’s senior communities. The Dawson follows an earlier Clifton Court property in Half Moon and Kings Isle Senior Living in Stillwater, which opened in 2024. Waiting lists at both communities pointed to continued demand, said Chris Dawson of Clifton Court Property Management. “The fact that we have waiting lists at the other two properties, and we filled up the Kings Isle one rather quickly, showed us that there was still a need for it in the area,” he said. About 21.3% of Saratoga County residents were 65 or older in 2024, compared with 18.9% statewide, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates compiled by USAFacts. Warren County’s figure is 25.9%. The Dawson is structured to support independence rather than provide care. Each apartment has private access within a secured building requiring a code to enter, with no curfew, Cross said. The community provides water, sewer, waste and snow removal, central air and an in-unit washer and dryer, along with a fitness room, library and community room with kitchen access. Free transportation is available as needed for appointments and errands. There is no meal program, though residents can arrange outside services such as Meals on Wheels, and no entrance fee or endowment is required. That independent-living model is also the community’s biggest point of confusion for newcomers, Cross said. “Quite a few people have come to our senior living community
Courtesy Dawson Apartments
thinking it was an assisted living where we had care on the site,” she said. “That was the biggest misconception, and we’ve had to help correct prospective residents seeking various types of senior living.” The Dawson also carries a family tribute. The community sits on Walke Way, named for the USS Walke, the Navy destroyer on which Robert W. Dawson, the community’s namesake, served during the Korean War. Dawson, a Purple Heart recipient who was 94, was Chris Dawson’s grandfather. The building’s logo pairs the Purple Heart with an image of the elder Dawson, and a mural of the Walke hangs in the foyer alongside plaques and photographs documenting his Navy service. “It will be veteranthemed community for sure,” Chris Dawson said. The tribute also includes a veterans’ rent discount on two-bedroom units, although anyone may apply regardless of military status. The timing of the opening carried its own weight for the family. “The Dawson opened up on June 1, which was ironically the day that we laid him to rest,” Chris Dawson said. Robert Dawson had a longtime friendship with Bruce Tanski, Chris Dawson’s father-in-law, and was known as a volunteer firefighter. “All that kind of just came together, that he was a good candidate for a building named after him,” Chris Dawson said. “Plus, with it being senior housing — he was the oldest guy we knew — it just made it a natural fit.” A ribbon-cutting originally planned for Aug. 20 has been postponed to October, with a new date to be announced. Chris Dawson said the delay will allow more family members to attend, including an uncle who is a retired Air Force general and can speak about his father’s military service, along with Robert Dawson’s widow, who lives locally. The event, which will include tours, is being organized with the Capital Region Chamber and veterans advocate Michelle Viola-Straight and will be open to the public. More information is available at dawsonofhalfmoon.com.
BY DEBRA A. VERNI We live our lives on computers and online, storing assets digitally. If you died tomorrow, could your family get into your physical and online accounts? If your funeral needed to be planned tomorrow, how would they do that? Are all your photos on your phone or computer? Who knows your passwords? Cellphones can help or hinder loved ones trying to access personal and financial accounts. Some cellphones offer facial recognition or biometrics, such as fingerprints, to sign in, and some applications can use those methods instead of a password. What happens when “facial access” or biometrics are no longer available? The best thing you can do for your loved ones is give them a list of your assets and passwords, or at least tell them where to find the information they need after you die or become incapacitated. When my mom passed away, my sister and I flew to Missouri to wrap up her estate. My sister asked if I had the garage code because my aunt had locked the house and taken the keys after my mom’s death. Luckily, my mother had given me the garage code, so we were able to get into the house. We collected all of mom’s electronics, computers, cellphone, iPad, etc., and then looked blankly at each other because neither of us knew how to access them. As you know, the devices only give you a few attempts at the passcode and then they lock you out. We decided that the code from the garage was the key. We tried various combinations of the numbers from the garage code, and luckily for us, they worked. We were able to access all my mom’s accounts and personal information and contact account holders, friends and family. As I said, we were lucky; most people are not. For those who think there is a website where you can fi nd a list of all your loved one’s assets and digital information, or that you can access their information with a Power of Attorney if they are incapacitated or a death certificate after they die, that is simply
Debra A. Verni, senior counsel at RLGC Law Group, advises families on estate planning. Courtesy RLGC Laaw Group
not true. However, your loved one’s email account is an important tool for discovering assets and accessing accounts. Password reset links, financial notices and subscription billing all flow through email, making it a hub for identifying and managing services. Your loved ones will need access to your financial and utility accounts, such as your Cable TV, Cell Phone, Google account and streaming accounts, so they can shut them down after your death. Most, if not all, of these accounts will not let you discontinue them without the password. Some will let you discontinue them with a death certificate if the person is deceased or a Power of Attorney if the person is incapacitated, but most companies will not. There are ways to prepare for the unexpected. Apple and Facebook offer a digital legacy contact option, and Google has an inactive Continued On Page 11
10 • SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026
REGIONAL STOCKWATCH
7 Brew Set To Open Clifton Park Location As Capital Region Expansion Continues
PROVIDED BY: ROBERT SCHERMERHORN, CFP
18 DIVISION ST.-SUITE 305, SARATOGA SPRINGS, NY 12866 (518) 584-2555
SECURITIES OFFERED THROUGH: LPL FINANCIAL / MEMBER: FINRA AND SIPC
Stock Name
Closing Price Closing Price 7/10/2026 7/17/2026
Closing Price 7/24/2026
Closing Price 7/31/2026
Closing Price 8/07/2026
Albany International
72.57
74.54
75.49
74.51
62.71
Arrow Financial
40.60
41.56
39.45
39.84
39.40
AT & T Inc.
21.13
21.81
24.13
23.25
23.79
Ball Corporation
61.69
62.71
63.84
64.90
63.45
Ballston Spa Bancorp, Inc
75.00
76.80
76.80
78.25
79.99
Bank of America
59.67
61.27
62.05
61.95
63.17
Best Buy Co., Inc
82.80
85.41
85.43
86.26
82.00
Citizens Financial
70.34
72.39
71.88
71.65
72.67
Espey Manufacturing & Electronics Corp
59.92
57.32
57.33
59.17
62.54
GE Aerospace
359.27
348.83
353.73
360.07
370.08
Hilton Worldwide
335.48
321.32
324.97
320.49
317.60
The Home Depot, Inc.
343.30
338.87
332.98
331.96
355.62
International Paper
37.93
37.56
42.16
40.83
41.58
KeyCorp
23.30
23.55
22.65
22.59
22.73
Lowe’s Companies
211.63
208.73
207.64
207.81
223.35
Martin Marietta Materials, Inc.
577.72
562.59
559.60
525.14
548.57
M&T Bank Corporation
242.34
249.24
249.60
246.26
250.45
McDonald’s
274.60
267.71
264.76
270.64
274.48
National Grid Plc
82.59
83.99
82.30
79.97
80.88
NBT Bancorp Inc.
50.28
52.45
52.38
52.65
52.66
Plug Power Inc.
2.23
2.17
2.09
2.06
2.18
Starbucks Corporation
106.01
105.49
103.25
105.25
105.58
Sysco Corporation
73.83
81.69
83.11
85.24
84.29
Latham Group, Inc.
6.15
5.89
5.50
5.38
7.48
Target Corporation
135.14
135.14
136.78
144.49
149.70
Toronto-Dominion Bank
120.53
120.53
119.78
119.92
121.31
Trustco Bank Corp NY
54.48
54.48
57.35
56.98
55.09
Verizon
42.12
42.12
46.38
46.81
47.06
Walmart Inc.
113.90
113.90
109.47
111.20
111.85
*Data sourced from Morningstar **Stock investing includes risks, including fluctuating prices and loss of principal. This is for informational purposes only and not intended to provide specific advice or recommendation for any individual.
COMMERCIAL PROPERTIES
417 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
FOR SALE | $3,700,000
Prime mixed-use investment opportunity in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs. Situated on the city's most iconic corridor, this high-visibility property benefi f ts fr fi f om exceptional fo f ot traff ffi ff fic and a vibrant mix of restaurants, shops, and attractions. The fi f rst fl f oor and basement are occupied by an established restaurant, while the upper fl f oors fe f ature three residential units. This unique combination of commercial and residential income streams off ffe ff fers strong investment potential in one of the Capital Region's most sought-aft f er destinations. ft
7 Brew employees and supporters gather at the new Queensbury Plaza drive-thru, where the business raised $26,600 in customer donations for Double H Ranch during its soft opening in late July. BY PAUL POST A 7 Brew drive-through-only beverage stand is scheduled to open in Clifton Park next month as the Arkansas-based company expands its reach in upstate New York. Founded in 2017, 7 Brew is one of the country’s fastest-growing chains, featuring coffees, shakes, smoothies, teas, fizzy sodas, lemonades and energy drinks at more than 800 locations in 38 states. It emphasizes fast service from small, prefabricated drive-through stands rather than conventional coffee shops with indoor seating. The new site is a former Taco Bell space in the busy Route 146 retail corridor near Clifton Country Road and Northway Exit 9 in Clifton Park. The property owner and applicant, Hospitality Syracuse Inc., received Clifton Park Planning Board approval last December to subdivide and redevelop the parcel. Plans also call for a new Taco Bell on one portion of the property. 7 Brew will be housed in a compact, 500-square-foot building that includes cooler space and two drive-through lanes, surrounded by new landscaping. Parking will be available for employees, but there is no customer dining room. The location, 811 Route 146, is a strategic choice for the company because Clifton Park is one of upstate New York’s fastestgrowing communities. The brand thrives in such high-traffic suburban areas, where many residents commute to work and school. Construction is underway, although an exact opening date has not been announced. Grand openings are typically
Courtesy Double H Ranch
accompanied by promotions such as free drinks and T-shirt giveaways. The company offers a rewards program for repeat customers, who earn 100 points per drink purchased. At 1,000 points, a free drink of any size is automatically added to the customer’s account, ready to use at any time. Most stores operate seven days a week from early morning through late evening, typically opening around 5 a.m. and closing around 11 p.m. or midnight, depending on local demand. The Clifton Park location is expected to follow the same schedule, though official hours will be confirmed closer to opening. Early morning commuters heading into Albany and late-night students should find this location well-timed. The 7 Brew store in Clifton Park will be its 18th in upstate New York, mostly in central and western parts of the state. Four others are in Schenectady, Colonie, Johnstown and Queensbury, where one recently opened. The 7 Brew website says the Clifton Park location could be a springboard for additional Capital Region openings in places such as Albany, Saratoga Springs and Troy. 7 Brew has more than 800 locations in 38 states. A new store at Queensbury Plaza opened Monday, Aug. 10, following a lateJuly “soft” opening in which cold drinks such as lemonade and iced mocha were given away to attract local customers. During this period, the store raised $26,660 in donations from customers to benefit Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, a year-round camp for children with serious illnesses.
Dan Roohan | Associate Real Estate Broker | (518) 527.7895 Kelly DeMichele | Lic. Real Estate Salesperson | (518) 928.9019
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227 Washington Avenue, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
FOR SALE | $2,500,000
Fantastic, mixed-use investment opportunity in Saratoga Springs! Add this beautifu f lly fu maintained, 7,700 SF asset to your portfo f lio. Built in 2015 on a .36 acre lot, this 2-story fo property off ffe ff fers fl f exible use and currently has two commercial tenants and three residential apartments. Modern infr f astructure including 200-amp electric, central air, natural gas heat, fr and public water/sewer with enhanced accessibility fe f atures add value fo f r medical and profe f ssional tenants. Lighted private parking lot with 17 spaces and carport. fe
Megan Brenenstuhl | Lic. Real Estate Salesperson | (859) 533.1236 Amy Sutton | Associate Real Estate Broker | (518) 527.3564
Let’s start building the future today. Eric Snell
Financial Advisor 34 Congress St Suite 102 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 518-583-7875 EJB-8652F-A-E-AD AECSPAD 29562134
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL • AUGUST 2026 • 11
Workplace Worth The Commute Continued From Page 5
showroom. Wellness has moved into the same conversation. Natural light, access to daylight, movement, comfortable seating, healthier materials and places to decompress are no longer simply amenities. They affect how people feel during the workday and, ultimately, how they perform. The most successful offices I see today are not trying to compete with working from home. They are offering something different. They give employees access to coworkers, ideas, mentoring, energy, collaboration and
a sense of belonging. They provide spaces for both concentration and connection, and they allow people to choose the environment that best supports the task in front of them. The future of the workplace is not about one new product, one new color palette or one new trend. It is about designing spaces that are more responsive to people and more adaptable to change. When we get that right, the office becomes more than a place employees are required to go. It becomes a place that helps them do their best work - and a place they actually want to be.
New York State Fire & Security Continued From Page 5
mately $6,000, but if a highly sophisticated one is required, the cost could reach $30,000. New York Fire & Security is an Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-listed alarm dealer, which means that for many of its customers, monitoring is not done locally. The company contracts with Emergency 24, a firm that has several monitoring stations throughout the country. If something happens to one monitoring station, the calls are automatically rolled over to another one without interruption. “A lot of our customers require that we have redundancy built in and this service provides that,” Eggleston said. The company also offers Total Connect on the majority of its panels, which allows the owner of the system to arm or disarm it from anywhere. In addition to business owners, this can be advantageous to homeowners. Eggleston cited the example of a customer who lives at a distance but has a vacation home
on Lake George. He can access that home’s security system from his electronic device, see what is happening and control the situation. “Obviously, the police or fire department will show up but the homeowner can see what’s going on in real time,” he said. In addition to break-in protection, the company provides environmental monitoring of things like temperature, water spillage and dangerous gases. Eggleston noted that these systems are installed primarily in warehouses and medical facilities where records might be stored in a basement or vaccines in a secure room. Most of these applications are installed by the company’s fire and life safety experts. The company’s service regions include Plattsburgh, the Adirondacks, Lake George and the Albany metro area. For more information about New York Fire & Security, go to nyfireandsecurity.com.
Jointa Lime
scendant of Jointa Lime’s co-founder, for a panel discussion moderated by Hyde board Chair Mark Behan. Keenan traveled from Northern Ireland for the event. Glens Falls Mayor Diana Palmer presented Collins with a proclamation recognizing Jointa Lime’s 175th anniversary. Collins, the third-generation leader of his family-owned company, credits much of its success to the firm’s close-knit camaraderie.
Continued From Page 7 materials for public and private projects ranging from major interstate highway work to hydroelectric facilities that generate clean, renewable power. At The Hyde Collection program, Collins and Davidson joined Richard Keenan, a de-
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Access To Digital Assets Continued From Page 9
account manager option. Facebook and Instagram offer memorialization or removal. Gmail, Outlook and Yahoo each maintain a formal next-of-kin process requiring a death certificate and documentation of the relationship. Google Photos, iCloud and Amazon Photos often hold irreplaceable images, but they are tied to device authentication and two-factor codes, making unauthorized access difficult. Make sure the backup account that the devices will send the two-factor code to is an up-to-date email address or cell-
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phone. When someone dies, their digital footprint does not disappear. Email inboxes, social media profi les and cloud photo libraries hold identity, memory and financial information. It is our job to help those we leave behind. Making a list of passwords and accounts to be shared at the appropriate time will help your loved ones manage your accounts quickly with less stress and grief. Provided by RLGC Law Group; edited for style and length.
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