Category Archives: Business News

Discover Saratoga, also known as the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau, launched a new website that went live on Oct. 24.

The site, www.DiscoverSaratoga.org, not only showcases the organization’s new brand identity, but will also act as the official Saratoga destination resource for visitors, meeting and event planners, couples planning their wedding, locals and more, bureau officials said.

The website, which was developed by destination marketing firm Simpleview Inc., will also offer more opportunities for members to advertise and promote their businesses via featured listings, strategic ad placement and collaborative editorial pieces, officials said. It has an easier-to-use navigation, is responsive on all devices and has more visuals to further position itself as a platform for individuals and groups seeking information on Saratoga events, attractions, lodging and more.

“We are so excited to launch our new website. The crisp, new appearance reflects our ‘Discover Saratoga’ re-branding campaign, which was launched in May of this year, and offers visitors and planners an invitation to come discover all this great destination has to offer,” said bureau President Todd Garofano.

Higher Logic of Arlington, Va., a business that deals with cloud-based community platforms, has acquired two software companies—Saratoga Springs-based Informz Inc. and Maryland-based Real Magnet Inc.

The acquisitions accelerate Higher Logic’s plans to use broader customer and member interactions as the cornerstone of a life cycle engagement platform, officials said.

Integrating the strength of these two marketing automation solutions with Higher Logic’s engagement and community platform will result in more effective, targeted marketing and better customer interactions. From the initial web visit to renewal and ongoing engagement, the Higher Logic platform will track and manage interactions along each stage of the digital customer experience, according to the company.

“This is a great opportunity to bring together the best of marketing automation and community engagement,” said Joe Tyler, CEO of Informz. “All of our customers can benefit from more targeted and efficient interactions.”

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced in late October the availability of up to $10 million in capital funding to develop and support up to 75 new, community-based medically supervised withdrawal and stabilization beds throughout New York state.

These detox programs provide around-the-clock care to people who are under the influence of alcohol, opioids, or other substances, or suffering from withdrawal, and help stabilize them and connect them to further treatment services.

“The scourge of the opioid epidemic has touched communities in every corner of this state and it is critical that we tackle this problem from every angle, working to reach every New Yorker who needs help,” Cuomo said. “These expanded detox services will help put more people dealing with opioid addiction onto the road to recovery while helping to create a stronger, healthier New York for all.”

“This funding will help provide around-the-clock care for medically supervised withdrawal which is a crucial element in the recovery process,” said Lt. Governor Kathy Hochul, co-chair of the Governor’s task force to combat heroin and opioid addiction.

New York state has launched a New York Green Business program to formally recognize New York businesses operating sustainably and celebrate businesses that are implementing projects that go above and beyond relevant state laws and regulations to preserve and enhance New York’s environment.

NYGB members will benefit from the ability to market themselves as environmental leaders, receiving formal state recognition for their achievements, priority access to technical assistance and experts at the Pollution Prevention Institute, and access to a vast network of sustainability leaders.

“New York leads the nation in furthering environmental protections and supporting renewable energy, and we know that businesses and communities benefit from working together to build a cleaner, greener New York,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The New York Green Business Program will encourage other businesses to pursue sustainable practices, attract new customers and foster sustainable innovation that will benefit everyone.”

To become a member of the NYGB a business must:

• Have a good record of compliance with environmental laws and regulations.

• Make commitments to projects that will lower their environmental footprint.

• Communicate their commitment to sustainability to their customers and employees.

Sustainable business practices include reducing greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, and water use, decreasing the use of toxic chemicals, procuring green products and local products, incorporating zero emissions vehicles into their fleets, installing EV chargers and renewables, and more.

The Town of Ballston has received a $200,000 Microenterprise Grant targeted to small business start-ups, agribusinesses and commercial enterprises with five or fewer employees.

The money comes from the state Community Development Block Grant program. Approved businesses may be eligible for a minimum $5,000 to maximum $35,000 award, according to Ballston Town Board member and program liaison Kelly Stewart.

Each microenterprise business must be either owned by a person of low to moderate income or the project must result in the creation of at least one full-time equivalent position to benefit a low-to-moderate income person. The grant can fund up to 90 percent of the total project cost.

“The micro-enterprise grant program is an excellent opportunity for small businesses in Ballston,” said Stewart. “We look forward to helping entrepreneurs start up or expand their businesses in our town.”

The LA Group in Saratoga Springs is assisting the town in the administration of the grant application process. The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County will provide the necessary entrepreneurial training for recipients of the award.

“The training component of the program that the Chamber will provide is mandatory and is a crucial component to the enduring success of the entrepreneurs who participate in the program,” said Jim Martin, senior planner and economic development specialist for the LA Group.