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Month: April 2016

County Job Retention Initiative Unveiled By Two Chambers, Saratoga Prosperity Partnership

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017
Job Retention Initiative Hc.jpg

Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, speaks from a podium at Shmaltz Brewery in Clifton Park where the Business First Saratoga initiative was announced.

Courtesy Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, along with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, announced on March 29 the details of their new Saratoga County business retention and expansion initiative they have dubbed Business First Saratoga.

Through problem-solving and advocacy, Business First Saratoga serves local business owners by developing relationships to better understand the opportunities and challenges of doing businesses in our region, the three organizations said in a news release. Some areas that this program can assist businesses with are workforce development, financing, international markets access, government regulations, resources for small businesses, and utilities.

“When people think of economic development, they often think about the big attraction projects. While that’s incredibly important, we also need to pay attention to the businesses that are already here in Saratoga County, whether they’ve been here for a year or are a multi-generational business,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “A program like Business First Saratoga is an organized and deliberate way to build the foundation for our region’s future growth.”

The Partnership first outlined its intention to launch a business retention and expansion initiative in its two-year economic development plan, the Saratoga Strategy, released in December. In that plan, the Partnership also identified potential partners for the initiative and has since undergone training with both the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Southern Saratoga County.

“Our Chamber’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve our participation in the Business First Saratoga initiative because we believe in pulling out all of the stops to help local employers to succeed, grow and thrive,” said Todd L. Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“We believe working together with our partners in this venture and other organizations that might join us in the future will help us to open more doors and to close more deals creating more jobs and investment in Saratoga County.” he said. “To win in economic development these days, you must first win by helping existing local employers to take advantage of new opportunities or to overcome challenges individually and collectively and that’s what this initiative promises to do.”

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Gov. Cuomo Signs Law Boosting Minimum Wage, Establishing 12-Week Paid Family Leave

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

The newly approved New York state budget includes a minimum wage increase that is the result of several compromises.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on April 4 signed legislation enacting a statewide $15 minimum wage plan and a 12-week paid family leave policy.

For workers in New York City employed by large businesses (those with at least 11 employees), the minimum wage would rise to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2018.

For workers in New York City employed by small businesses (those with 10 employees or fewer), the minimum wage would rise to $10.50 by the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2019.

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SEDC 'Advance Saratoga' Plan Has Target Of Creating 9,000 Jobs, Expanding The Economy

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

By R.J. DeLuke

The Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) has launched Advance Saratoga, a five-year action plan that continues to accelerate economic growth in our county.

Advance Saratoga, SEDC said in a statement, “is our private-sector-driven plan for continuing to accelerate economic growth in Saratoga County.” It is a five-year plan with a budget of $3.5 million for which the agency is raising funds to support the effort.

A kickoff reception was held April 6 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs.

“In putting together the Advance Saratoga initiative, we first looked back at the economic development success stories that helped make Saratoga County the hub of activity it is today,” said SEDC President Dennis Brobston. “You tally up the numbers and see that SEDC has played a role in the creation of more than 17,500 jobs. Projects we’ve been involved in generate over $34 million in tax revenues every year. And the cumulative investment of these projects total more than $13 billion.

“That’s the environment Advance Saratoga comes out of. But this is about more than our rich past. It’s about the future of Saratoga County. This is the private-sector plan that takes our economic development success and elevates it to the next level.”

SEDC projects it could generate 9,460 new direct and indirect jobs, $352 million in new payroll and more than $15 billion in capital investment.

“Through our Advance Saratoga initiative, we are asking private-sector SEDC members to commit to continuing their investment, taking our economic development efforts to the next level,” the agency said.

“Since our founding in 1978, SEDC has positioned Saratoga County as an ideal place to grow a business, invest in the future and create jobs. In that time, SEDC has assisted with more than 200 successful business attraction, retention and expansion projects, accounting for more than 17,000 new jobs, millions of dollars in annual tax revenue and $12 billion in business investments.”

SEDC said its plan is targeted to five industry sectors “that have proven track records of success in our region and/or complement existing businesses. These success stories — combined with SEDC’s worldwide relationships, bold new marketing strategies and tactics, and the financial and intellectual capital of our private-sector partners — will ensure that Saratoga County remains a premier destination to invest and grow a business for years to come.”

The agency said the aim of Advance Saratoga is to aggressively sell Saratoga County’s world-class assets with a new, highly targeted marketing campaign; accelerate highly strategic and targeted job creation and retention program to generate the highest possible return on investment; and build and strengthen Saratoga County’s capacity to expand economic opportunity.

Targeted industries are semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain, light manufacturing, corporate headquarters and warehousing/distribution.

SEDC said those sectors “will be made vividly aware of our many advantages: a highly educated and skilled workforce, build-ready real estate, in-place infrastructure and competitive incentives.”

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Chamber of Southern Saratoga County Hands Out Awards, Reviews Its 2015 Achievements

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

Southern Chamber Dinner photo Hc.jpg

Three generations of DeCrescentes receive the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County’s Angel Award from new Chamber board chairman Josh Spain and Chamber CEO Pete Bardunias.Courtesy Chamber of Southern Saratoga County

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County (CSSC) highlighted achievements and presented awards at its annual dinner on March 31 at the Hall of Springs at Gideon Putnam Resort, attended by 326 people.

“I’m honored to be the chairman this year,” said Josh Spain of Momentive Performance Materials. “With our great staff, dedicated volunteers and a diverse membership, it’s easy to see why this chamber is accomplishing so much.”

Pete Bardunias, celebrating five years as president and CEO, said, “We’ve made many things happen together as a community and what’s fueled our growth has been the generous financial support of our major partners and sponsors as well as the dedicated and active involvement of every member of this chamber.”

Bardunias said the past five years have seen membership jump 15 percent, from 927 members to 1066, making it the third largest chamber of commerce in the Capital Region and among the largest in New York state. During that time span, the chamber’s revenue has grown 25 percent, reversing negative trends and reeling off a four-year streak of finishing “in the black.”

He said the money has been reinvested, allowing for projects such as maintaining historic Lock 19 in Vischer Ferry, work at the Brookside Museum, the creation of the three Community Business Alliances and more.”

Eight awards were given out to members.

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New Mexican Restaurant, Blue Agave, Occupies Space Near Race Track That Was Once Leon's

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

BlueAgave-Hc-L.jpg

Owner Brad Smith, left, is the owner of Blue Agave Cantina at 135 Crescent Ave. in Saratoga Springs. He hired Patrick Longton, right, as executive chef.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Maureen Werther

Blue Agave Cantina opened in mid-March at 135 Crescent Ave., the site of the former Leon’s Restaurant.

Brad Smith is the new owner and Patrick Longton is the chef.

Native Saratogian Smith received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and his master’s degree from UNLV School of Hospitality. His credentials include managing some restaurants in Las Vegas, including Wynn, Bobby Flay’s Mesa Grille and three of Wolfgang Puck’s restaurants.

In 2011, Smith returned to Saratoga and worked for DZ Restaurants for a period of time, before becoming part owner in 2014 of the Mexican Connection. Blue Agave is his latest culinary adventure. He said he is excited about his collaboration with Longton.

Longton has an American/French culinary background, but when he and Smith got together to talk about Blue Agave, “It was like two musicians jamming and feeding off each other’s passions,” said Smith. The menu is “kind of like Bobby Flay meets Rick Bayless.”

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Warren Tire Plans To Build New Facility In Halfmoon, Its 16th Location In The Region

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

Warren Tire-Hc.jpg

Warren Tire Co. will build a 7,200-square-foot store at 159 Stone Quarry Road, just north of the Crescent Bridge, about two miles from this store in Clifton Park.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Warren Tire will build a full-service automotive repair shop in Halfmoon, about two miles from its long-standing shop at the corner of Routes 9 and 146.

The 7,200-square-foot store, with eight service bays, will be built at 159 Stone Quarry Road, just north of the Crescent Bridge. It could open this fall.

The location, on the west side of the road, is still a wooded lot. It is near two competitors: Adirondack Tire and The Tire Warehouse. Bob Kellogg, owner and president of Glens Falls-based Warren Tire, said he wasn’t targeting the other businesses when he picked the site.

“We were just looking for a spot in Halfmoon or Clifton Park to secure our future there,” he said.

The store at the corner of Routes 9 and 146 is leased property. Most of it sits within the town of Halfmoon and a small portion is in Clifton Park. Although Kellogg recently renewed the lease, he wanted the security of knowing he also owned a building in the town.

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Saratoga Springs Hotel Occupancy Rates Rose In 2015, Annual Tourism Bureau Report Says

Posted onApril 7, 2016September 13, 2019

Demand for hotel rooms, and hotel occupancy rates, were both at higher levels in 2015 than the years before, officials of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau said at its 31st annual meeting and dinner held on March 16 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

In addition to highlighting the successes of 2015 and their initiatives for 2016, the bureau welcomed new members of the board of directors and Executive Committee.

A crowd of 175 members, government officials and others attended.

Bureau officials highlighted the 2015 annual report, noting that despite Saratoga County seeing a slight decrease in occupancy percentage because of new hotel inventory in Saratoga Springs and the county, overall demand and revenue were up significantly.

In Saratoga County, according to the report, demand for rooms was up 7.2 percent in 2015, over 2014. Revenue from hotel night stays was reported at $106.5 million in 2015, versus $96.5 million in 2014.

Occupancy rates, the report said, were at 68.7 percent in 2015, down 1.6 percent from 2014.

In Saratoga Springs, demand was up 10.2 percent from the previous year, according to the report. Revenue was as $71.3 million in 2015, 12.4 percent higher than the $63.5 million in 2014. Occupancy rates reached 69.2 percent, 4.9 percent above 2014, when the rate was 66 percent.

At the Saratoga Springs City Center, the report said the number of conventions/events held in 2015 was 420, versus 326 in 2014. That translated to an 80,185 room nights, compared to 66,191 in 2014. Estimated economic impact was reported at $29.5 million for last year, compared to $23.7 million in 2014.

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StoredTech Opens Office In Albany Business Park

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 29, 2017

By Maureen Werther

Mark Shaw, president of Stored Technology Solutions, has a simple and straightforward business philosophy.

“When clients ask for a product or service, we don’t like to say ‘no,'” he said.

So, when his company, Stored Technology Solutions, began receiving repeated inquiries from their customers for a training space, he decided it was time to give them one.

Storedtech offers clients a “comprehensive portfolio of voice, data, and video solutions,” according to its website, and the company’s rapid expansion is a result of being responsive to the needs of its customers.

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Saratoga Game Station Offers Chances For Kids And Families To Enjoy Pool, Air Hockey, More

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 29, 2017

Game Station-Hc.jpg

Saratoga Game Station opened on March 1 at 18 Geyser Road in Milton.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Liz Witbeck

Marybeth Stacchini knows about teenagers. She has been working with them for the past 15 years as part of her driving school, Marybeth’s School of Driving, located in Saratoga Springs.

An accident at work last year prevented her from continuing to do the driving lessons. Stacchini was at the kitchen table one night playing ping pong, when she came up with an idea for a new business: a venue where children and families could go to play games with each other.

Saratoga Game Station opened on March 1 at 18 Geyser Road in Milton.

The gaming center features table tennis, foosball, air hockey, billiards and darts. Customers come and pay $5 for each hour of unlimited games.

She hopes that this will be a resource of entertainment for adolescents, instead of getting involved with drugs and alcohol. “This gives them a safe place to go.”

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Saratoga Springs Will Be Site Of Conference For Housing, Economic Development Officials

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen will host the third annual Strengthening Cities, Communities, and Homes Summit, a day-long gathering of housing and economic development professionals.

Also hosting will Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan; Amsterdam Mayor Mike Villa, Glens Falls Mayor John “Jack” Diamond, Schenectady, Mayor Gary McCarthy, Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon and Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.

The summit is schedule for 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Hilton Saratoga, 534 Broadway.

“This year’s summit is targeted toward introducing and enhancing working partnerships focused on housing and community development,” said Yepsen. “The agenda for this important summit promises to be outstanding, with exceptional keynote speakers and multiple break-out sessions.”

“This summit truly exemplifies a model of federal, state and local governments partnering with the private sector to create stronger and more vibrant communities,” she said. “It is partnerships such as these that not only allow us to present a successful summit but to tackle national issues on a local level, such as ending veteran homelessness.”

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