The Saratoga Builders Association will be awarding two $1,000 student scholarship in 2019.
One is the SBA Scholarship award and the second is the Bob Best Memorial Scholarship award.
The organization makes these cash scholarships available annually to students who are planning to pursue a construction industry education.
These scholarships are open to any high school senior or college undergraduate in Saratoga County who is planning to pursue a construction education at a two- or four-year accredited college or university or to students who would like to purchase tools and/or equipment for employment/career or to start a business in the construction industry.
AARP Offering Grants For Community Projects
AARP has opened applications for the 2019 AARP Community Challenge grant program to fund “quick-action” projects that spark change across the country.
Now in its third year, the program is part of AARP’s nationwide work on Livable Communities. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to several thousand dollars for larger projects.
“The AARP Community Challenge helps local leaders and organizations make immediate improvements that benefit residents of all ages. With direct support from AARP, communities are able to make quick changes and inspire long-term progress,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP Chief Advocacy and Engagement Officer.
Business Briefs – March 2019
FASTSIGNS of Saratoga Springs, a local sign and visual graphics provider, was recognized as a top performing center at the 2019 FASTSIGNS Convention held in Orlando, Fla.
Owned by Rick Bult, FASTSIGNS of Saratoga Springs received a Mentor Recognition Award. The award recognizes a seasoned franchisee who serves as mentor to a new franchisee for the first six months of operation. The seasoned franchisee is thanked for their dedication, leadership and providing real-world experience.
Hub For Holistic Fertility, Pregnancy Services, KindNest, Opens In Ballston Spa
Courtesy KindNest
KindNest, a hub for alternative, holistic fertility and pregnancy services and resources, is a new business in Ballston Lake.
Sarah Denio, founder of KindNest, 1 Rosell Drive, said the business grew from her personal experience navigating fertility challenges, including pregnancy loss, on her way to becoming a mother of two daughters.
Saratoga Eagle Sales Adds A Distributorship
By Greg Hitchcock
Saratoga Springs-based Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service is acquiring family owned Plattsburgh Distributing, a distributor of Budweiser, Rolling Rock and energy drinks in the North Country.
Terms of the sale were undisclosed.
“It’s a great opportunity to grow our business,” Saratoga Eagle president Jeff Vukelic said. “It’s a family owned business, and we felt a lot of synergy there.”
Saratoga Eagle Sales & Service is also a family owned and operated business founded in 1933.
Tickets On Sale For ‘The Stretch’ At Race Track; Officials Say Its 2018 Debut Was Successful
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) as opened the sale of full-season ticket plans at The Stretch for the 2019 meet at Saratoga Race Course.
The Stretch, which debuted in 2018 and is located in the grandstand at the Top of the Stretch, is a private hospitality area featuring modern and upscale amenities in a casual environment with breathtaking views of thoroughbreds rounding the final turn.
Reserved seating options at The Stretch available for seasonal plans include middle dining tier tables ranging from six to eight seats; reserved bar seats; and premium reserved seats. Full-season plans can be purchased exclusively through the NYRA Box Office by phone at (844) NYRA-TIX, via email at boxoffice@nyrainc.com or at www.nyra.com/saratoga.
CEG Official: Area Counties Seeing Good Economic Growth Compared To Other Areas
Courtesy CEG
By Greg Hitchcock
Saratoga County has taken its place as an economic powerhouse trending to continue growing into 2019, with nearby Warren and Washington counties benefiting from this growth.
According to data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis, U.S. Department of Commerce, 17 counties in New York state had employment gains from June 2017 to June 2018 with Saratoga County having the largest gain up 2.7 percent.
“All three counties have grown their private sector over the last five years with GlobalFoundries kicking off this growth,” said Andrew Kennedy, president and chief executive officer of the Center for Economic Growth, an economic and business development agency serving as a primary point of contact for businesses interested in growing in or moving to the Capital Region.
Saratoga County IDA Helps New And Existing Businesses Fund Important Projects
©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Christine Graf
The Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency, a public benefit corporation created to encourage the construction and expansion of industrial and commercial facilities, is a key cog in the economic development efforts in Saratoga County.
Since beginning operations in 1980, the IDA has approved financing arrangements for 119 projects.
“Those are the ones that have been approved and assisted financially. There have been a number that have not even been considered,” said IDA Administrator Michael Valentine. “There is an application process, a review process and certain standards that somebody coming in needing assistance has to go through.”
County Airport Among Those Getting Grants For Development, Modernization Projects
©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com
New York state is putting $23.6 million in infrastructure funding to support safety enhancements, modernization of facilities, operational improvements and local business development at 31 airports statewide.
These projects are funded through the state Aviation Capital Grant Program initiative and complement the Upstate Airport Economic Development and Revitalization Competition, which provided $200 million to modernize airports across Upstate.
“New York’s airports represent the front door to our local communities and are critical to facilitating tourism and business development,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “A world-class airport is crucial to regional economic growth, and by investing in the modernization of our local airports we are creating vibrant communities where people want to live, work and play.”
Local Woman Uses Restaurant Experience To Create ‘The Food Florist’ In Ballston Spa
©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Christine Graf
Three years ago, Tricia Nussbaum opened The Food Florist in Ballston Spa. She described her business as a mobile food company.
The Food Florist food truck she operates is available to go to farmers markets, local schools and businesses. She also sells frozen, oven-ready meals at a retail locations. All food is made from scratch with a combination of local, organic, and all-natural ingredients, she said.