Month: August 2023

Business-To-Business Expo Set For Oct. 12

August 7, 2023

The Saratoga County Business-to-Business (B2B) Expo will be held at a new location this year on Oct. 12, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announced.

The annual expo will be taking place within the Saratoga Spa State Park at the Gideon Putnam Resort. It will host exhibits from 3:30-6 p.m., with a post event mixer for our exhibitors from 6-7:30 p.m.

The event attracts attendees representing a wide range of private, nonprofit and public sector organizations. This is traditionally the region’s largest B2B networking event of the year, Chamber officials said.

““We’re moving this event as part of our effort to try something new to the Gideon Putnam, where they have lots of space for exhibit booths and table-top displays,” said Todd Shimkus, Chamber president.

“At this venue, we can reduce the price for small businesses to participate with a table-top display while also allowing firms with elaborate trade show exhibits to set up as well. The goal is to make this one of the best values for any company looking to make new connections with other businesses.

Famous Horse Racing Statue Finds Home In Saratoga, Donated By Churchill Downs

August 7, 2023

Churchill Downs Inc. in Kentucky donated this “Against All Odds,” bronze statue, which now sits on Union Avenue at the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame.

Visitors to Saratoga Race Course this season may have noticed a new statue in front of the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Union Avenue.

Churchill Downs Inc. donated “Against All Odds,” an inspiring bronze statue by Edwin Bogucki, as part of the museum’s permanent collection.

“Against All Odds” depicts the photo finish victory of Hall of Fame horse John Henry with Hall of Fame jockey William Shoemaker in the irons as they ran down The Bart in the shadow of the wire in the running of the inaugural Arlington Million on Aug. 30, 1981, the first thoroughbred race to boast a purse of $1 million.

Under the guidance of Hall of Fame trainer Ron McAnally, John Henry captured a second Arlington Million as a 9-year-old in 1984 and was ultimately selected as Horse of the Year following both victories. The statue was originally unveiled in 1989 at Arlington International Racecourse in Arlington Heights, Illinois.

“It is a great honor to make this gift to the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame in memory of the late Richard Duchossois, where it will be prominently displayed and enjoyed by racing fans for many years to come,” said Bill Carstanjen, CEO of CDI. “Much like Mr. Duchossois, ‘Against All Odds’ represents perseverance. May it serve as an inspiration to horses and humans alike that with courage and determination, what seems impossible can be achieved.”

High-End Cabinet For Choice Bourbon Is Among Upgrades At Purdy’s In Saratoga

August 7, 2023

Jaclyn Shyptycki stands in front of a cabinet at Purdy’s that holds high-end bourbons.

By Paul Post

Brandan Greczkowski said he hears strong reactions from customers almost every day to Purdy’s Discount Wine & Liquor’s sheer size and the new specialty cabinet it installed, stocked with vintage wines and rare bourbons.

“The business is just fun,” said the 46-year-old Greczkowski. “Customer service is huge. Customer service, keeping things in stock and store appearance are the three things I tell everybody to focus on. It’s quite easy. If you can base yourself on those three key points it’s a successful business.”

The same drive and energy he brings to his business helped Greczkowski reach the 2000 Summer Olympics in judo, in addition to being a three-time U.S. national champion in the sport.

He co-owns the store, located in Congress Plaza in Saratoga Springs, with his wife, Kristen, a former U.S. National Team speedskater. Greczkowski been running it since Kristen’s mother and former long-time owner, Gail Brophy, died in 2020.

“She was my mentor. She knew it all. She taught me how to buy and save a penny when buying,” Greczkowski said.

The store also has a new website, offering online sales and delivery that’s expanded the firm’s reach beyond Saratoga Springs. The service was initiated in April 2022 and has reached new heights almost every month since then.

“We haven’t even chipped the top of the iceberg with online sales,” Greczkowski said.

This part of the business is overseen by marketing and operations director Jaclyn Shyptycki, who came on board 18 months ago.

Saratoga Arts Gets State Funding To Help Support Renovation Project At Its Building

August 7, 2023

Saratoga Arts is planning a $2 million renovation of its building on Broadway.

Saratoga Arts has received a $766,000 grant from the state Council on the Arts to help support a revitalization project.

The grant is part of a record total of capital project funds being disbursed by NYSCA, which totals over $42 million to 144 projects across New York state.

The Arts Center is planning a $2 million renovation whose scope is to stabilize and upgrade the entire building with an eye toward energy conservation and efficiency. It will replace old ineffective systems, install energy-efficient windows, address numerous drainage and roofing issues, upgrade power and reconfigure classroom spaces of the art center to provide indoor/outdoor access.

Officials said the project will upgrade the theater enabling a flexible space for film, music, exhibitions, artist talks and lectures and more, all geared to expand accessibility and collaborative work.

“Strengthening our creative sector increases tourism, boosts our economy, and enhances the rich heritage and cultural life of New York state,” Gov. Hochul said of the state grants. “These record grants will support a wide range of diverse and innovative projects at our arts and cultural organizations across the state, helping ensure all who visit will continue to have wonderful experiences for years to come.”

NYSCA Chair Katherine Nicholls said the capital project grants are an investment “from the people of New York to the people of New York and will have positive impact on our communities for many years to come. On behalf of the council and staff, I congratulate Saratoga Arts and look forward to seeing all that will flourish from this project.”

Economic Impact Study Says Saratoga Race Course brings in $3.7M Annually To Area

August 7, 2023

Officials attend a meeting where an IDA economic impact study was unveiled.

The annual summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course generates $371 million in economic activity and supports more than 2,900 jobs across the greater Capital Region, according to the findings of a new study by the Saratoga County Industrial Development Agency (SCIDA) highlighted today by the New York Racing Association.

The report, which was released Monday during a news conference at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center, concluded that the overall economic impact generated by the summer meet has increased by 57 percent since 2014 across the nine-county Capital Region.

The study, based on data from 2021, finds that Saratoga Race Course is responsible for contributing $7.3 million of tax revenue to New York state, nearly $2.4 million of tax revenue to Saratoga County and nearly $2.1 million to Saratoga Springs.

In addition to Saratoga Race Course, the study commissioned by the SCIDA and performed by Camoin Associates analyzed the impact of Saratoga’s major attractions including SPAC, Saratoga Casino Hotel and Saratoga National Historic Park. According to the findings, those four entities generated a total of $647 million in economic impact and 5,770 jobs.

“Horse racing is a powerful engine for the New York economy that supports families and communities in every corner of the state,” said David O’Rourke, NYRA president and CEO. “Nowhere is that more evident than here in Saratoga Springs and throughout Upstate New York, where the popularity and importance of Saratoga Race Course are at an all-time high.”

Hilltop Construction Now Headquartered In Queensbury With New Offices, Warehouses

August 7, 2023

From left, Hilltop Construction co-owners Dan Washburn, April Washburn and Tom Albrecht Jr. stand in the company’s new offices at 21 Casey Road in Queensbury.

by Christine Graf

Hilltop Construction is putting the finishing touches on a new office/warehouse headquarters at 21 Casey Road in Queensbury.

The 10,000-square-foot facility is being built on two lots located in the Airport Industrial Park.

“Our company is growing, and we needed space for expansion,” said co-owner Dan Washburn.

Warren-Washington Industrial Development Agency sold the two vacant industrial park lots to Hilltop Construction for $40,500.

Washburn’s in-laws, Tom and Cindy Albrecht founded Hilltop Construction in 1975. After the couple retired two years ago, Washburn, along with his wife April Washburn, and brother-in-law Tom Albrecht Jr., assumed control of the business.

Hilltop Construction builds custom homes that range in price from $400,000 to $5 million. The homes are located throughout the Capital Region and the Adirondacks.

“We’ve done a lot of work in Schroon Lake, Brant Lake and Lake George,” said Washburn.

On the commercial side, Hilltop has worked on projects as far west as Syracuse. Stewart’s Shops has been a consistent client over the years.

Stormwater Management Work, More Walking Paths Are Part Of Roosevelt Drive Project

August 7, 2023

The state added paths that connect the Avenue of the Pines with the Roosevelt Baths.

A $4.2 million redevelopment of Roosevelt Drive within Saratoga Spa State Park that improves transportation safety within the park is complete, state officials announced.

The project adds pedestrian and bicycling pathways adjacent to the park’s busiest stretch of roadway, which connects the Avenue of the Pines with the golf course, pools, picnic areas, and the Roosevelt Baths and Spa.

“We continue to make significant investments that enhance Saratoga Springs’ status as a world-class recreational, tourism, and historical destination,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said. “These improvements make Saratoga Spa State Park safer and more enjoyable for pedestrians and cyclists alike and will help welcome visitors for the Park’s greenspace, history, and shows for years to come.”

Officials said the roadway was moved away from the park’s classical arcades, making space for a large circular patio. It provides a new gathering place to families and friends to begin their exploration of what the park has to offer.

As part of the Park of the Arts initiative, the corridor improvements mark another major milestone in the restoration of the National Historic Landmark campus. The project also expands parking for the Spa Little Theater plus the recreational and cultural attractions of the Roosevelt Campus and provides new EV charging stations.

The new Welcome Terrace, referred to as The Arcade, sits at the entrance of the Saratoga Spa State Park’s neo-classical Roosevelt Campus. It will feature a circle of benches to create the perfect spot for park visitors to socialize, relax, and take in their surroundings, state officials said. For a limited time, people can adopt and dedicate one of these benches.

Group Proposes New Med Center Complex

August 7, 2023

A group of private physician practices are proposing a $70 million medical center and mixed-use development on Route 9 in Wilton.

The proposal was put forth by OrthoNY, Albany ENT & Allergy Services, Schenectady Saratoga Gastroenterology Associates, Capital Cardiology Associates and Community Care Physicians.

Plans call for building a 116,000-square-foot medical center at 611-623 Maple Ave., just south of Minogue’s Beverage Center, along with a 130-unit apartment and commercial development across the street at 631 Maple Ave.

The practices are partnering with Rich Paulsen of Paulsen Development, Lansing Engineering and BBL Construction Services on the project.

The group presented the plans to the Wilton Town Board in July. Plans include a two-story medical center at a cost of $30 million that will feature multiple medical and surgical practices. Services ranging from complex surgery to pediatrics would be available, officials said.

The medical center would be a 116,000-square-foot structure at 611-623 Maple Ave. The 130-unit apartment and commercial development would be situated across the street at 631 Maple Ave. The residential component would include workforce housing among the 10 two-story apartment buildings. The goal is to have market-rate housing for nurses, x-ray technicians and other staff who would work at the medical center and may not be able to afford high rents elsewhere.

The board was told the development would be made up of some traditional apartments and some townhome-style units with garages.

Apartments And Retail Project Eyed In Milton

August 7, 2023

A development group is seeking to construct a four-building retail and apartment complex on 10.5 acres off Route 50 in Milton.

Geoffrey Booth and New York Development Group is seeking town approval for two structures planned for retail use—and two 37,800-square-foot apartment buildings on the west side of Route 50.

The project would be located a short distance south of Route 50 and Northline Road.

The plans submitted to town officials call for the construction of one-story retail buildings and two four-story apartment buildings with a total of 60 apartments and enough parking for 213 cars and trucks.

The developer is working on the project with Yates Scott Lansing and Lansing Engineering of Malta.

“We are proposing a mixed-use development of residential and two retail buildings,” Lansing told the board, according to documents filed with the town.

The first retail building will be approximately 5,400 square feet and is a single-story structure. The second building, a single-story structure, is on the south part of the parcel will be approximately 7,900 square feet.

AARP Study Says Voters Over 50 Can Be Pivotal In Upcoming Elections Across The U.S.

August 7, 2023

Candidates who support the issues most important to Americans ages 50-plus can improve their margin significantly in close 2024 races, according to a new AARP poll.

The poll, which surveyed likely voters from the 40 most competitive congressional districts, found caregiving to be a pivotal top issue for voters 50 and over. Americans 50 and over are the largest—and perhaps the most crucial—voting bloc, said AARP.

While the poll shows that voters 50-plus say candidates’ stances on Social Security and Medicare are very important factors impacting their vote next November (81 percent and 77 percent, respectively), 70 percent of these voters want candidates to support policies to help older adults live independently at home as they age.

Thirty-eight percent of voters are currently caregivers, a number that doubles when those who have been one in the past or expect to be one in the future are included. Democrats have an advantage over Republicans among voters 50-plus on caregiving (44 to 38 percent), but in a generic congressional ballot, more caregivers today vote Republican over Democrat (49 to 38 percent). Over two-thirds (67 percent) of voters 50-plus also rate the cost of prescription drugs as a very important issue, with Democrats leading by just three points (42-39 percent) on their perceived handling of this issue.

“Caregiving and the cost of prescription drugs could very likely be the most important issues of the upcoming election cycle,” said Nancy LeaMond, AARP executive vice president and chief advocacy and engagement officer. “Candidates can’t afford to ignore the issues that matter to the 50-plus—who will likely be the decisive voting bloc in 2024—especially in an election cycle where control of Congress and the White House are both up for grabs.”

In the 2018 and 2022 mid-term elections, the share of voters 50-plus was approximately four times that of voters under 30, (56-15 percent and 59-12 percent, respectively). In the 2020 presidential election, the share of voters 50-plus was nearly three times that of voters under 30 (53 percent-18 percent).