New York state has funding to help fruit and vegetable farmers join the New York State Grown & Certified program. Some $1.5 million is available through the Environmental Protection Fund to help farms implement an agricultural environmental management plan and a reimbursement of up to $1,000 is available for growers who participate in a...
Businesses See Energy Costs As A Concern; SEDC Assessment To Address Future Needs
Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) is coordinating a strategic assessment of energy use in the Capital Region corridor from eastern Albany north through Saratoga County to Warren and Washington counties.
Increased demand for electricity and natural gas have contributed to the price fluctuations affecting diverse employers’ competitiveness and consumer rates, including small and larger businesses as well as institutional users, SEDC officials said.
“We are focused on keeping our region competitive so we retain businesses and attract investment to drive future job growth,” said Dennis Brobston, SEDC president. “In large part due to the region’s recent economic development successes, increased demand for electricity and natural gas has resulted in our area, especially the zone north through Saratoga County. Large and small businesses have flagged energy cost as a concern.
Franklin Center’s ‘Project Lift’ to Expand Its Services To Two More Elementary Schools
Franklin Community Center will expand its Project Lift program to include Division Street and Lake Avenue elementary schools.
It is now operating in all six of the Saratoga Springs City School District elementary schools.
Project Lift is a free after-school prevention program operated by Franklin Community Center that offers a safe, caring and structured environment for youth in grades 1-5. Center officials said its approach heightens children’s social and emotional competence, improves decision-making skills, offers lessons on the prevention of tobacco, drugs, alcohol and bullying, boosts self-esteem and helps strengthen the bond between child, family, school and community.
John Baker Is Bidding Emotional Goodbye To Gaffney’s, A Business He Has Run For 35 Years
©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com
By R.J. DeLuke
Gaffney’s, a landmark Saratoga Springs restaurant and bar, has changed hands and with that transaction, the owner is riding off to the ski slopes after investing 35 years of his life in the business.
SEDC: Two Proposed Projects Being Pursued Could To Lead To 130 New, 69 Retained Jobs
Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) is coordinating eligible proposed investment and job creation incentives for two separate firms totaling $21 million in new investment. Combined, it could lead to 130 new and 69 retained jobs in the county, agency officials said, pending approvals by local and state agencies. SKS Bottle & Packaging Inc., founded...
‘Behind The Scenes’ Efforts In Economic Development Projects Shown At Summit
Courtesy Saratoga Prosperity Partnership
By R.J. DeLuke
“For us it’s about bringing in a greater general awareness and knowledge about the mechanics of economic development,” said Marty Vanags, president of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, about the Saratoga County Prosperity Summit held Nov. 10
“The more people that understand that, the more we can corral resources toward that effort when the time comes,” he noted.
About 100 people attended the summit, a mix of public and private sector representatives, supervisors and town council members, business leaders and others.
President Of Saratoga Springs City Center To Retire After Being At The Helm For 33 Years
©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com
By Maureen Werther
Mark Baker traveled from his home state of Wisconsin in 1983 to help break ground at the Saratoga Springs City Center.
The center opened one year later and now, 33 years later, Baker is retiring as president and executive director, a role he has held during his entire tenure there.
Under his stewardship, and with the help and support of the Saratoga City Center Authority and the city of Saratoga Springs, the center has expanded to offer more than 32,000 square feet of meeting and convention space and reached an all-time high benchmark of 310 days of use in 2016.
“We are so fortunate to be in the city of Saratoga Springs, which is nationally recognized,” said Baker.
Annual Showcase Of Homes Raised $70,000 In 2016 For Two Nonprofit Organizations
Courtesy Showcase of Homes
The Saratoga Builders Association recently presented proceeds totaling $70,000 from the 2016 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to two nonprofit organizations.
Checks were presented to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties.
Showcase officials said the total is the highest amount raised in the past five years. The Saratoga Builders Association has now contributed over $1 million to local charities from the home tour event.
Skidmore College Arts Planning Group Has Grants For Saratoga Springs Arts Programs
The Skidmore College Arts Planning Group has a new program designed to directly support arts organizations in the Saratoga Springs community, with over $42,000 in grants available for the 2017 calendar year. Under the new program, 501(c)(3) nonprofit community arts organizations located in the Saratoga Springs area—including Greenfield, Malta, Ballston Spa, and contiguous communities—may...
Adirondack Trust Co. Has A Record-Setting Year With $4.4 Million In U.S. SBA Lending
The Adirondack Trust Co. announced that 2016 has been a record-breaking year for its lending through the U.S. Small Business Administration. Bank officials said that for the year ending Sept. 30, Adirondack Trust Co. approved 56 SBA 7(a) loans, amounting to more than $4.4 million. In 2015, the bank approved a then-record of 38...