Month: July 2017

Bill Passed In NYS Assembly That Could Help Local Casino Compete With Other Casinos

July 7, 2017July 7, 2017

Legislation passed in the State Assembly is aimed at helping Saratoga Casino Hotel compete with others, particularly the new Rivers Casino about 20 miles away in Schenectady.

Legislation was passed in the State Assembly that is aimed at helping Saratoga Casino Hotel compete with other casinos, particularly the new Rivers Casino about 20 miles away in Schenectady.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner of Round Lake announced the passage of legislation she co-authored with state Sen. Kathy Marchione of Halfmoon to help the casino make capital improvements.

“By increasing the opportunity for local gaming facilities to reinvest earnings, upgrade facilities and expand, we’re helping them to remain at the forefront of a competitive gaming marketplace statewide,” Woerner said. “This bill will allow Saratoga’s casino to create new construction jobs in our area, enhance the experience of patrons and ultimately attract more visitors.”

She said under current law, smaller gaming facilities with fewer than 1,100 gaming machines are able to use 4 percent of their net wins to make capital improvements, while medium-sized facilities cannot.

The new legislation would increase the threshold for small and medium gaming facilities to 1,900 terminals to help level the playing field, Woerner said.

New Homewood Suites Hotel Opens On South Broadway, Saratoga Springs; Features 113 Suites

July 7, 2017

This Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs opened on June 20 at 3368 South Broadway. The hotel has 113 suites, ranging from studios to one- and two-bedroom units.
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Maureen Werther

The Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs opened on June 20 at 3368 South Broadway, on the property that was formerly home to Weathervane Restaurant.

It is a venture of Turf Pioneer South Broadway LLC and .

The four-story hotel has been in the works since 2013 and taken four years for approvals and construction. The cost of the project came in at approximately $20 million, nearly double what owner Mike Hoffman originally estimated in 2013, when the project was still in the planning and approval stage.

The property had originally been zoned for medical/office/professional development and Hoffman requested a change to tourism-related business district designation.

The upscale Hilton-brand hotel has 113 suites—ranging from studios to one- and two-bedroom units—an indoor pool and hot tub, a basketball court, a fire pit and two grills for guests to barbecue. The hotel will also offer a shuttle service for guests who want to dine in Saratoga Springs.

Homewood Suites are known as upscale extended-stay “home away from home” hotels that offer fully equipped kitchens for people who are planning to stay for longer than normal one- to two-night hotel stays.

Group Proposes Turning Former Prison Into A Modern, High-Tech Energy Research Park

July 7, 2017

Mark Adams is president of Global Energy Research Associates in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy Global Energy Research Associates

By Maureen Werther

A Saratoga Springs company has submitted a proposal to Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) outlining an ambitious two-phase plan to convert the vacant Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility into an energy research park.

It would include several small power plants and surrounding infrastructure representing a $2 billion investment, said Mark L. Adams, Ph.D. and CEO of Global Energy Research Associates (GERA) based at 340 Broadway.

In 2014, in response to the declining prison population, the state closed the medium-security prison, resulting in a loss of 320 full-time jobs with an estimated loss of $14 million in annual wages. The state is working through ESDC to find buyers for the site. They are offering an $8 million incentive package as part of its effort to attract bidders.

GERA’s plans include the creation of a two-phase energy and research development facility, using a nuclear-powered internal engine, which Adams said is the only prototype of its kind. The internal engine is powered using radioactive waste material and creates no exhaust. The engine serves a dual purpose of disposing of radioactive waste in a clean and efficient manner, while producing its own energy.

“There is no ancillary waste with this system,” said Adams, adding that GERA’s engine operates at efficiencies greater than 70 percent.

Saratoga Regional YMCA Board Of Directors Names Andrew Bobbitt As The New CEO

July 7, 2017

New CEO Andrew Bobbitt has nearly 25 years experience with YMCA organizations.
Courtesy Saratoga Regional YMCA

The Saratoga Regional YMCA board of directors has named Andrew Bobbitt, formerly CEO of the Fox Valley Family YMCA outside of Chicago, as the organization’s next chief executive officer.

“Andrew has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to the YMCA organization, and as a result has a broad array of skills and tremendous capabilities,” said Alysa Arnold, president of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors. “With dozens of community leaders applying for the CEO position from around the country, the competition certainly was fierce.

“However, Andrew’s long-term experience providing cause-driven strategic leadership, his proven track record managing multi-million dollar budgets and projects, his ability to create a positive experience for association members and staff, and his passion for the YMCA’s mission and charitable endeavors made him stand out from the rest.”

At his former position in Plano, Ill., Bobbitt was responsible for a $4.2 million YMCA with multiple branches serving more than 20,000 members and employing more than 200 staff.

“It’s rare to find a leadership opportunity providing such a high quality of life paired with an outstanding, fiscally-sound Y that vibrantly and successfully serves many unique communities,” Bobbitt said. “I pride myself on my ability to bring people together to create a culture of camaraderie effectuating a highly successful and efficient operation. I’ll bring plenty of energy to the tasks before me and will strive each day to develop a culture that builds capacity, grows the Y, partners with other stakeholders and not-for-profits in Saratoga County, and builds strong relationships with facility members, staff, members of the organization’s two boards, volunteers and community leaders.”

Hoffman’s Opens Its Third Car Wash In Saratoga County On Route 50, North Of Ballston Spa

July 7, 2017

Hoffman’s Car Wash opened this location on Route 50, just north of Northline Road, in April. It is the company’s third one in Saratoga County and 22nd location overall.
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Maureen Werther

Hoffman’s Car Wash opened the company’s 22nd location this year on Route 50, just north of Northline Road.

The car wash at 2214 Ballston Ave. is the company’s third location in Saratoga County.

Prior to the new opening, the closest Hoffman car wash facility for residents in Saratoga Springs, Ballston Spa and Malta was the Wilton location at Northway Exit 15.

Hoffman’s Car Wash invested between $2.5 and $3 million into the Route 50 location. According to Tom Hoffman Jr., CEO of Hoffman’s Car Wash, the company had hoped to have the facility open in December. But extensive designing, engineering and traffic studies had to be completed before the project was given the green light by the city of Saratoga Springs.

City officials wanted to make sure that installing a car wash along the Route 50 corridor would not cause adverse traffic conditions, said Hoffman.

Personnel Briefs: July 2017

July 7, 2017

Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs PC has hired Caitlin Newton as a senior pension specialist.

A graduate from The College of Saint Rose, Newton earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in public communication with a concentration in public relations, advertising and marketing.

She has over six years of experience in 401(k) account management and client services administration.

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Phinney Design Group has hired three additional members to its team.

Brennan Drake was hired as the architect/design technology coordinator. As an architect, he will help the firm in designing and managing projects from inception to completion.

Having a history with BIM (Building Information Modeling), Drake will help develop the office’s digital graphic standards for both presentations and construction documentation.

Drake received his Master of Architecture degree from Boston Architectural College and Bachelor of Science in architectural technology at Alfred State College.

He is an active member of American Institute of Architects Eastern New York Chapter, and joined the Saratoga Springs Preservation Foundation as a board member.

Katelyn Mulry was hired as an architectural designer and sustainability coordinator. She will add to the firm’s experience in the architectural field with a focus on “green” building design strategies and environmentally sensitive construction methodologies.

Mulry received her Master of Environmental Building Design degree from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology.

She was previously employed as an intermediate architect at the Spector Group Architects in New York City. She has previously been involved in design renderings for a variety of projects, including Deutsch Inc., Vayner Media, Hudson Yards and a new Uber headquarters.

Ashley Pezze was hired as an interior designer. Pezze will help with both residential and commercial interior needs.

Pezze received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in interior design from Rochester Institute of Technology and an Associate of Science degree in liberal arts and sciences from Monroe Community College. She was previously employed at Vargas Associates as an interior designer and a relocation manager.

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Dr. Kyle Osborn has joined Saratoga Hospital Medical Group/Primary Care Milton.

Dr. Osborn has extensive experience as a primary care doctor, including four years as an active duty family physician in the U.S. Air Force. Most recently, he was in practice with Niskayuna Family Medicine.

A graduate of Colgate University, he earned a medical degree from State University of New York Upstate Medical University in Syracuse. He completed an internship and residency at St. Joseph’s Hospital Center, also in Syracuse. He is board certified in family medicine.

Loon Meadow Farm In Greenfield Center Has Horse-Drawn Carriages For Special Events

July 7, 2017

Beth and Steve Podhajecki, owners of Loon Meadow Farm, ride in one of their carriages.
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Liz Witbeck

Weddings are among the most celebrated events in people’s lives. Some people spend thousands of dollars to create a lifelong memory.

One way to make the celebration memorable is to incorporate horse-drawn carriage rides, adding to the level of romance and drama.

Beth and Steve Podhajecki, owners of Loon Meadow Farm, have been working in the horse and carriage industry for 35 years. People contact them to add their services to special occasions.

The Podhajeckis previously owned and operated the business in Norfolk, Conn. In 2016, the couple decided to move back to Greenfield Center, where Steve is originally from.

“We both wanted to move here,” said Steve. “We were looking at combining our passion of horses with our plans for the future.”

“People don’t do these horse and carriage rides just to get from point A to point B,” said Beth. “They are doing it to make a dramatic effect. You are trying to create a special effect that will enhance the event.”

The Podhajeckis currently own five horses, which have been specially trained for carriage work. Some of the most common events that the horse and carriage rides are used for include weddings, funerals, parades, proms and other festivities.

Valentino’s Hair Salon Occupies New, More Intimate Space In The Fresh Market Plaza

July 7, 2017

Fawn Williams, forefront, owner of Valentino’s Hair Salon, poses with some of her staff.
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Valentino’s Hair Salon, in its new Fresh Market Plaza location, is not just a place to get a quick cut and color.

Shop owner Fawn Williams said after being in Wilton Mall for 12 years, she knew it was time to make a change. She said the move is reflective of the soul of the business, and being outside of the mall has been a positive change.

The new location provides Williams and her staff a place to flourish. Their passion for people is part of their success.

“We knew it was time to leave. I have been in this industry my whole life, so I can sense when an opportunity seems right. When the opportunity arose to move into the new space, I thought to myself, ‘You can do this,’” said Williams.

The new space is about 2,000 square feet, which is actually smaller than the previous space. But Williams said it is more intimate. She said she and her staff like to get to know their customers and the new space allows for that connection.

She said a grand opening held late last month brought in a lot of familiar friends, as well as many new faces.

Valentino’s is known for the $10 Tuesday haircut, which Williams said is something they are continuing.

Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership Has Created Advisory Group For Tech Companies

July 7, 2017

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, the county’s designated economic development agency, announced in June a step forward in advancing its innovative Next Wave Center project.

That step is the formation of an advisory council made up of national and regional technology and business executives to guide the center’s development, launch and operation.

Officials said the Next Wave Center is a physical location that would house companies in the semiconductor supply chain, advanced manufacturing, nanotechnology and clean energy industries. In addition, it would provide education and technical training, a range of business support services, and include a co-working space to serve companies in a wide variety of complementary and collaborative businesses.

The Next Wave Advisory Council will be chaired by Dr. Gary Patton, chief technology officer and senior vice president, worldwide research and development for GlobalFoundries.

The council will provide invaluable guidance and counsel to the Saratoga Partnership and community leaders on the feasibility of the Next Wave Center and other economic development opportunities, officials said. The council will offer input on issues ranging from the scope and level of tenant and program development to leveraging the investment made by GlobalFoundries and New York state in the semiconductor industry to attract additional jobs and companies to Saratoga County.

“GlobalFoundries will provide industry leadership in advanced semiconductor manufacturing to help direct this project and continue to build the ecosystem of supply chain companies that are vital to high-tech growth in the region and state,” said Patton.

“We are thrilled to advance the Next Wave Center through the expertise and guidance of world-class business and technology executives who are committed to expanding economic and workforce development opportunities in Saratoga County and beyond,” said Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership President Marty Vanags. “Under the leadership of Dr. Gary Patton, we look forward to developing a premier space to serve emerging technology companies, and to provide critical training and services that prepare individuals and businesses to grow and prosper.”

The Next Wave Center was identified as a key initiative in the Saratoga Partnership’s Saratoga Strategy. It would provide short-term flex space as a landing pad for companies working with GlobalFoundries, while also serving as a launch pad for those firms to grow their business relationships in the region.

Soteryx, A Data Analytics And Cybersecurity Company, Opens Office In Saratoga Springs

July 7, 2017

By Maureen Werther

In Greek mythology, Soter was the god of safety, preservation and deliverance from harm. When Shaun Wiggins, George Dew and Sam Wiggins decided to start a cybersecurity and data analytics firm, they borrowed from the Greek myth to give their company, Soteryx, its name.

With backgrounds in the military, CIA clandestine services and law enforcement, the three men are positioned to offer cybersecurity, risk management, and crisis response, as well as data analytics, audience engagement and business intelligence.

Shaun Wiggins and George Dew met and became friends during their time working for the CIA and they talked about opening their own company back in the late 1990s. Sam Wiggins also worked with the CIA in clandestine services, but moved to law enforcement, working with the Department of Defense and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) before becoming associate administrator of the EPA’s Office of Homeland Security. He is now the executive vice president and president of Soteryx’s Business Intelligence Division.

In 2016, the three men decided it was time to start a venture and they acquired a small public relations firm in the Albany area. The company that emerged, Soteryx, works to help businesses “better engage” by more effectively utilizing data to achieve their goals.

According to their company’s website, Soteryx employs a “four-pillared platform that includes date security, data analysis, data-driven engagement, and data intel.”

Soteryx recently relocated its eastern U.S. office to 18 Division St. in Saratoga Springs. In addition to the Saratoga office, the company has locations on the West Coast, in Latin America and Europe. They work with businesses that use a network of computers and store or transmit confidential information.