Category Archives: Business News

Regal Barbershop In Saratoga Springs Offers Grooming Services In An Upscale Setting

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

George Jacob, right, Sam Jacob, left, and Francois Jacob provide haircuts and other grooming services at Regal Barbershop at 35 Van Dam St. in Saratoga Springs. ©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

It’s a family affair at Regal Barbershop in Saratoga Springs, where the Jacob family is busy at work, making their mark in the business of grooming.

The business at 35 Van Dam St. is jointly owned by three brothers—Joseph Jacob, an attorney with an office in Albany, long with George and Sam Jacob, who both are master barbers.

“George and Sam learned the trade at my father’s barbershop back when they were teens, in Aleppo, Syria,” said Joseph Jacob.

He said George, Sam and their families, immigrated to the United States in October of 2014, after the war conflict had started in Syria. Jacob said they settled initially in New Jersey, and both worked in barber shops in Manhattan and Nyack, N.Y. During this time, they had their eye on any possible opportunities in the Spa City.

“We have been searching for a vacant retail shop in Saratoga Springs, for long time, and we finally found the ideal location,” said Jacob.

Parent Co. Of Upstate Transit Of Saratoga Wins Award From International Organization

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) named Brown Coach of Amsterdam as its 2017 Operator of the Year. IMG unveiled this motorcoach with a collage depicting area travel images.
Courtesy Brown Coach

The International Motorcoach Group (IMG) named Brown Coach of Amsterdam as its 2017 Operator of the Year at the Strategic Alliance and Marketing Meeting’s awards banquet sponsored by Prevost and held at its Nashville, Tenn., service center.

Brown Coach is thee parent company of Upstate Transit of Saratoga LLC.

In December 2005, Upstate Transit of Saratoga was purchased and became part of the Brown family of transportation. Upstate Transit of Saratoga LLC, with over 20 years of tour planning experience, offers chartered bus service, tours and line service in the Capital/Saratoga region.

The award was accepted by Stephen Brown, vice president of Brown Coach, on behalf of his brother Robert, their families, and the team at Brown Coach.

Each year, IMG recognizes one of its own for the honor. The award is based on a criteria of operational excellence, safety performance, best practices, community and motorcoach industry involvement and engagement within IMG.

“Over 17 years ago, we were invited to become a shareholder company of IMG,” said Brown. “Our involvement in the IMG organization has helped Brown Coach achieve many milestones, raise the bar in service excellence, and grow to where we are today. I am truly honored to receive this award.”

Representatives Of High-Tech Firms To Speak At Nov. 16 Prosperity Summit At City Center

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

A leader of an influential semiconductor trade association will deliver a keynote address at the second annual Saratoga County Prosperity Summit to be held Thursday, Nov. 16 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

With a theme of “Exploring the Next Wave of Opportunity for Saratoga County,” the event will also feature comments from CEOs of top technology firms with a presence and impact in the region.

Jodi Shelton, co-founder, president and board director of the Global Semiconductor Alliance (GSA) will speak to attendees about the significant impact and importance of the region’s technology sector, led by the continued growth of GlobalFoundries and its Fab 8 advanced manufacturing facility in Malta.

She will also discuss emerging trends in the worldwide semiconductor market, and highlight opportunities for businesses in Tech Valley and across the Northeast to capitalize on the integration of computer chip technology in nearly every industry.

“We are delighted to welcome Jodi Shelton, a recognized and respected leader in the global semiconductor industry,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “Her perspective will provide vital insight that is perfectly aligned with our focus: ensuring that businesses and the regional economy are well prepared for the next wave of semiconductor-driven economic opportunity and growth.”

Business Report: Educational Assistance Plans

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

Frank Mayer, a member of Bond Schoeneck & King, deals with tax-related matters. Courtesy Bond Schoeneck & King

By Frank Mayer

Many human resources professionals are struggling to fill open positions these days. At the same time, the tuition cost for individuals who are pursuing undergraduate or graduate degrees is daunting. One solution that may be a “win-win” for employers and employees is an educational assistance plan.

An educational assistance plan involves the employer agreeing to pay on behalf of, or reimburse, the employee for tuition costs when the employee is taking certain qualifying courses. If structured properly, employer-paid educational expenses may be excluded from the gross income of an employee if provided to the employee under an Internal Revenue Code, Section 127 educational assistance plan, commonly referred to as a “127 Plan,” or if the expenses qualify as a working condition fringe benefit to the employee, under Code Section 132.

This type of educational assistance is a much greater benefit to the employee, and a better retention tool, if the employee doesn’t have to pay income tax on the amount of assistance they receive.

Section 127 Plan. A properly drafted 127 Plan provides an exclusion of up to $5,250 annually from an employee’s gross income for the payment by an employer of certain educational expenses incurred by or on behalf of an employee. The amount excluded from the employee’s gross income includes the cost of tuition, fees, books, supplies and certain equipment.

While the excludable coursework does not need to be job related, no exclusion is available for education involving sports, games or hobbies (unless the education involves the business of the employer or is required as part of a degree program). In addition, no exclusion is available for the cost of meals, lodging and transportation or any payment for the cost of tools or supplies that may be retained by the employee after completion of a course. A qualifying 127 Plan must be a separate written plan and must satisfy certain employee nondiscrimination requirements.

Clients Come For Healing But Can Leave Spiritually Uplifted At Ageless Acupuncture

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

Bridgette Shea is the owner of Ageless Acupuncture in Saratoga Springs which offers acupuncture and various other types of Eastern medicine. ©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Rachel Phillips

After years of working as a yoga instructor, Bridgette Shea, owner of Ageless Acupuncture in Saratoga Springs, felt that it was time for a change.

Though she loved helping people heal physically and spiritually, she wanted to work one-on-one with her clients. Due to her interest in obtaining a deeper understanding of how the body works from an energetic perspective, she said she was drawn to Ayurvedic medicine. However, like yoga, it wasn’t licensed or recognized by the medical community. Opening up an acupuncture clinic afforded her the opportunity to make her aspirations a reality.

Shea’s business has been in Saratoga since 2009. She had been operating out of her home, but has opened a clinic at 2 Franklin Square in Saratoga Springs.

Shea said despite many people’s assumptions, acupuncture isn’t scary.

“Though you may feel the needles, it won’t hurt. If you feel any discomfort, the needles can be removed immediately,” she said.

Many of her clients come in for stress relief and relaxation.

“The intention behind the clinic is to create a space where people can come in and relax, because relaxing is a big part of the healing process … A lot of people come in the door with very physical complaints, but even they are surprised when leaving at how spiritually uplifted they feel.”

Ellis Medical To Build Outpatient Surgery Unit

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

By Jill Nagy

An outpatient surgery center may soon join Ellis Hospital’s medical center in Clifton Park.

The hospital applied in September for a Certificate of Need from the state Department of Health to build the $13.6 million facility. The certificate is needed to allow construction of the center to commence.

Plans call for a multi-specialty ambulatory surgery center in a building at 105 Sitterly Road, adjacent to the emergent care facility that opened in 2012, hospital officials said. The two buildings would be connected.

Initially, the new facility would have two operating rooms on the first floor with room for future expansion to four operating theaters. A second floor would have medical offices. The total building would be just over 40,000 square feet.

Ellis Hospital, a Schenectady-based facility, would build and own the new building and its equipment and lease them to Ellis Ambulatory Surgery Center LLC, an entity owned jointly by the hospital and physicians practicing in the new surgical center, officials said.

‘Compliments To The Chef’ Sells Cookware Out Of A New Saratoga Location On Railroad Place

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

Paul Reardon, co-owner of Compliments to the Chef, moved his business back to downtown Saratoga Springs, occupying space at 33 Railroad Place. ©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Paula and John Reardon have been serving up quality cookware options to customers for over 13 years. They recently moved from their Marion Avenue location to Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs, a move they said so far has been great for business.

While they remain in Saratoga, John Reardon said the move is bringing new life to the business they love. The business was once located on Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“Paula and I missed downtown Saratoga and decided to explore coming back home. Our search ended when we found Railroad Place. It is a perfect size for our concept and brings together both the tourists and the Saratoga locals which is what Compliments to the Chef needs to thrive,” said Reardon.

The Reardon’s purchased Compliments to the Chef from Dave and Andrea LaFrance in July of 2004. They sell high quality cookware items to their “foodie friends” who have been loyal customers, he said.

Reardon said the new locations reflects their efforts to always sell the finest, most innovative tools in the industry.

Label Registration Eased For NY Beverage Makers

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

New York state has enacted legislation to remove barriers for businesses in New York seeking brand label registration for alcoholic beverages.

“By removing the paper requirement and providing an electronic option for companies to register for brand labels, we’re building on this work, breaking down more artificial barriers for businesses, and helping to ensure the continued strength of this state’s beer, wine, cider and spirits industry,” said Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Currently, the law requires brand label registrations to be filed by certified mail, registered mail or overnight mail.

Under the bill, the Alcoholic Beverage Control Law will permit brand label registration applications to be submitted electronically and filed every three years, rather than every year. The bill also permits the authority, or third party, to charge a processing fee for electronic submissions.

“Since day one, this administration has worked to cut red tape, lower costs and roll back burdensome regulations in order to foster more growth, more jobs and more economic activity in New York’s burgeoning craft beverage sector,” said Cuomo.

Tourism Website Shows A New Brand Identity

November 1, 2017November 13, 2017

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.

‘Taverna Novo’ Will Open Next Year, Offering Italian Dishes In Rustic Beekman Street Pub

November 1, 2017November 2, 2017

Under new ownership, this Beekman Street location will become Taverna Novo.
©2017 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Jeff and Patty Novo’ will open a new restaurant in early 2018. They want people to feel one thing—at home.

Their vision for the pub-style place, Taverna Novo at 62 Beekman St., is a comfortable atmosphere where people will feel at home while enjoying quality food and drinks.

Patty Novo said “taverna” is traditionally a small, rustic tavern where guests may stop, get a warm meal and a glass of beer or wine. She said the intent is to create an Italian equivalent to a British pub.

“We want it to feel like a cozy place to stop in to. We want people to feel at home,” she said.

The location was formerly Beekman Bistro, owned by friends of the Novos, Tim Meaney and chef Dan Spitz. Jeff Novo said Spitz will be working with them as a consultant for the menu. The menu will focus on traditional, authentic rustic Italian dishes.

“We are still working the menu … It will have wood-fired pizzas, with the oven in the dining room, and authentic Italian dinner plates. There will be a new bar when you walk in,” he said.