Category Archives: Business News

Bike Party Returns To Henry Street In June With A Race, Parade, Family Activities, More

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Bike riders enjoy themselves at last year’s Henry Street Bike Party, organized by the Henry Street Business Group. It will take place again on June 16 between Lake Avenue and Caroline Street.

Nicole DeHaven, Two Danes Photography

Business owners on Henry Street Saratoga Springs will hold the second annual Henry Street Bike Party from noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, June 12.

It will feature an adult big wheel race, a kids bicycle parade and story ride in Congress Park, a bike decoration contest and exhibit, a bike rodeo, free bike helmets and safety gear, bicycle stunts and tricks contest, live surf rock music, food, drinks, vending and more.

All activities are suitable for the entire family, organizers said.

Officials said this year’s event seeks to attract bike enthusiasts of all ages, and aims to promote bike culture, safety and expanded citywide programs to support bicycle-friendly initiatives.

A block of Henry Street, between Lake Avenue and Caroline Street, will be closed to traffic beginning at 7 a.m. that day.

Persistence Pays Off For Tom Stock, A Local Photographer Marking 25 Years In Business

May 5, 2016November 8, 2017

Tom Stock, a Gloversville native, started his local photography business in 1991 and never looked back. He celebrates 25 years in business in 2016.

By Maureen Werther

Tom Stock recalled an exact moment just like it was yesterday. He was driving home after a long day of work–a 16-hour day, to be precise–when he found himself driving behind a new, bumble bee-yellow Jeep with a bumper sticker that read, “If you’re not the lead dog, the view never changes.”

That bumper sticker was the impetus Stock needed to become his own boss.

Born and raised in Gloversville, he moved to Delaware after graduating from Syracuse University and began working for a commercial and industrial photography company. While he was doing the kind of photography that he loved, he realized that he needed to be working for himself.

Two months later, after doing extensive market surveys, he packed his equipment in his car and drove to Saratoga Springs, where he set up shop. He hasn’t looked back.

Stock recalled that in January of his first year in Saratoga, his business earned a whopping $6. But he was undaunted. His mother phoned him to tell him about jobs she saw in the classified ads. He would tell her, “Mom, I already have a job.” Her reply would be something like, “How many hours did you spend today doing photography?”

His answer, he said, was: “I’m working on my business.”

County Job Retention Initiative Unveiled By Two Chambers, Saratoga Prosperity Partnership

April 7, 2016November 8, 2017

Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, speaks from a podium at Shmaltz Brewery in Clifton Park where the Business First Saratoga initiative was announced.

Courtesy Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, along with the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Southern Saratoga County, announced on March 29 the details of their new Saratoga County business retention and expansion initiative they have dubbed Business First Saratoga.

Through problem-solving and advocacy, Business First Saratoga serves local business owners by developing relationships to better understand the opportunities and challenges of doing businesses in our region, the three organizations said in a news release. Some areas that this program can assist businesses with are workforce development, financing, international markets access, government regulations, resources for small businesses, and utilities.

“When people think of economic development, they often think about the big attraction projects. While that’s incredibly important, we also need to pay attention to the businesses that are already here in Saratoga County, whether they’ve been here for a year or are a multi-generational business,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “A program like Business First Saratoga is an organized and deliberate way to build the foundation for our region’s future growth.”

The Partnership first outlined its intention to launch a business retention and expansion initiative in its two-year economic development plan, the Saratoga Strategy, released in December. In that plan, the Partnership also identified potential partners for the initiative and has since undergone training with both the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Southern Saratoga County.

“Our Chamber’s board of directors voted unanimously to approve our participation in the Business First Saratoga initiative because we believe in pulling out all of the stops to help local employers to succeed, grow and thrive,” said Todd L. Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

“We believe working together with our partners in this venture and other organizations that might join us in the future will help us to open more doors and to close more deals creating more jobs and investment in Saratoga County.” he said. “To win in economic development these days, you must first win by helping existing local employers to take advantage of new opportunities or to overcome challenges individually and collectively and that’s what this initiative promises to do.”

Gov. Cuomo Signs Law Boosting Minimum Wage, Establishing 12-Week Paid Family Leave

April 7, 2016November 8, 2017

The newly approved New York state budget includes a minimum wage increase that is the result of several compromises.

Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo on April 4 signed legislation enacting a statewide $15 minimum wage plan and a 12-week paid family leave policy.

For workers in New York City employed by large businesses (those with at least 11 employees), the minimum wage would rise to $11 at the end of 2016, then another $2 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2018.

For workers in New York City employed by small businesses (those with 10 employees or fewer), the minimum wage would rise to $10.50 by the end of 2016, then another $1.50 each year after, reaching $15 on Dec. 31, 2019.

SEDC 'Advance Saratoga' Plan Has Target Of Creating 9,000 Jobs, Expanding The Economy

April 7, 2016November 8, 2017

By R.J. DeLuke

The Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC) has launched Advance Saratoga, a five-year action plan that continues to accelerate economic growth in our county.

Advance Saratoga, SEDC said in a statement, “is our private-sector-driven plan for continuing to accelerate economic growth in Saratoga County.” It is a five-year plan with a budget of $3.5 million for which the agency is raising funds to support the effort.

A kickoff reception was held April 6 at the Holiday Inn in Saratoga Springs.

“In putting together the Advance Saratoga initiative, we first looked back at the economic development success stories that helped make Saratoga County the hub of activity it is today,” said SEDC President Dennis Brobston. “You tally up the numbers and see that SEDC has played a role in the creation of more than 17,500 jobs. Projects we’ve been involved in generate over $34 million in tax revenues every year. And the cumulative investment of these projects total more than $13 billion.

“That’s the environment Advance Saratoga comes out of. But this is about more than our rich past. It’s about the future of Saratoga County. This is the private-sector plan that takes our economic development success and elevates it to the next level.”

SEDC projects it could generate 9,460 new direct and indirect jobs, $352 million in new payroll and more than $15 billion in capital investment.

“Through our Advance Saratoga initiative, we are asking private-sector SEDC members to commit to continuing their investment, taking our economic development efforts to the next level,” the agency said.

“Since our founding in 1978, SEDC has positioned Saratoga County as an ideal place to grow a business, invest in the future and create jobs. In that time, SEDC has assisted with more than 200 successful business attraction, retention and expansion projects, accounting for more than 17,000 new jobs, millions of dollars in annual tax revenue and $12 billion in business investments.”

SEDC said its plan is targeted to five industry sectors “that have proven track records of success in our region and/or complement existing businesses. These success stories — combined with SEDC’s worldwide relationships, bold new marketing strategies and tactics, and the financial and intellectual capital of our private-sector partners — will ensure that Saratoga County remains a premier destination to invest and grow a business for years to come.”

The agency said the aim of Advance Saratoga is to aggressively sell Saratoga County’s world-class assets with a new, highly targeted marketing campaign; accelerate highly strategic and targeted job creation and retention program to generate the highest possible return on investment; and build and strengthen Saratoga County’s capacity to expand economic opportunity.

Targeted industries are semiconductor manufacturing and supply chain, light manufacturing, corporate headquarters and warehousing/distribution.

SEDC said those sectors “will be made vividly aware of our many advantages: a highly educated and skilled workforce, build-ready real estate, in-place infrastructure and competitive incentives.”

Chamber of Southern Saratoga County Hands Out Awards, Reviews Its 2015 Achievements

April 7, 2016November 8, 2017

Southern Chamber Dinner photo Hc.jpg

Three generations of DeCrescentes receive the Chamber of Southern Saratoga County’s Angel Award from new Chamber board chairman Josh Spain and Chamber CEO Pete Bardunias.Courtesy Chamber of Southern Saratoga County

The Chamber of Southern Saratoga County (CSSC) highlighted achievements and presented awards at its annual dinner on March 31 at the Hall of Springs at Gideon Putnam Resort, attended by 326 people.

“I’m honored to be the chairman this year,” said Josh Spain of Momentive Performance Materials. “With our great staff, dedicated volunteers and a diverse membership, it’s easy to see why this chamber is accomplishing so much.”

Pete Bardunias, celebrating five years as president and CEO, said, “We’ve made many things happen together as a community and what’s fueled our growth has been the generous financial support of our major partners and sponsors as well as the dedicated and active involvement of every member of this chamber.”

Bardunias said the past five years have seen membership jump 15 percent, from 927 members to 1066, making it the third largest chamber of commerce in the Capital Region and among the largest in New York state. During that time span, the chamber’s revenue has grown 25 percent, reversing negative trends and reeling off a four-year streak of finishing “in the black.”

He said the money has been reinvested, allowing for projects such as maintaining historic Lock 19 in Vischer Ferry, work at the Brookside Museum, the creation of the three Community Business Alliances and more.”

Eight awards were given out to members.

Saratoga Springs Hotel Occupancy Rates Rose In 2015, Annual Tourism Bureau Report Says

April 7, 2016September 13, 2019

Demand for hotel rooms, and hotel occupancy rates, were both at higher levels in 2015 than the years before, officials of the Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau said at its 31st annual meeting and dinner held on March 16 at the Saratoga Springs City Center.

In addition to highlighting the successes of 2015 and their initiatives for 2016, the bureau welcomed new members of the board of directors and Executive Committee.

A crowd of 175 members, government officials and others attended.

Bureau officials highlighted the 2015 annual report, noting that despite Saratoga County seeing a slight decrease in occupancy percentage because of new hotel inventory in Saratoga Springs and the county, overall demand and revenue were up significantly.

In Saratoga County, according to the report, demand for rooms was up 7.2 percent in 2015, over 2014. Revenue from hotel night stays was reported at $106.5 million in 2015, versus $96.5 million in 2014.

Occupancy rates, the report said, were at 68.7 percent in 2015, down 1.6 percent from 2014.

In Saratoga Springs, demand was up 10.2 percent from the previous year, according to the report. Revenue was as $71.3 million in 2015, 12.4 percent higher than the $63.5 million in 2014. Occupancy rates reached 69.2 percent, 4.9 percent above 2014, when the rate was 66 percent.

At the Saratoga Springs City Center, the report said the number of conventions/events held in 2015 was 420, versus 326 in 2014. That translated to an 80,185 room nights, compared to 66,191 in 2014. Estimated economic impact was reported at $29.5 million for last year, compared to $23.7 million in 2014.

StoredTech Opens Office In Albany Business Park

April 7, 2016November 29, 2017

By Maureen Werther

Mark Shaw, president of Stored Technology Solutions, has a simple and straightforward business philosophy.

“When clients ask for a product or service, we don’t like to say ‘no,'” he said.

So, when his company, Stored Technology Solutions, began receiving repeated inquiries from their customers for a training space, he decided it was time to give them one.

Storedtech offers clients a “comprehensive portfolio of voice, data, and video solutions,” according to its website, and the company’s rapid expansion is a result of being responsive to the needs of its customers.

Saratoga Springs Will Be Site Of Conference For Housing, Economic Development Officials

April 7, 2016November 8, 2017

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Saratoga Springs Mayor Joanne Yepsen will host the third annual Strengthening Cities, Communities, and Homes Summit, a day-long gathering of housing and economic development professionals.

Also hosting will Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehan; Amsterdam Mayor Mike Villa, Glens Falls Mayor John “Jack” Diamond, Schenectady, Mayor Gary McCarthy, Plattsburgh Mayor James Calnon and Troy Mayor Patrick Madden.

The summit is schedule for 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 11, at the Hilton Saratoga, 534 Broadway.

“This year’s summit is targeted toward introducing and enhancing working partnerships focused on housing and community development,” said Yepsen. “The agenda for this important summit promises to be outstanding, with exceptional keynote speakers and multiple break-out sessions.”

“This summit truly exemplifies a model of federal, state and local governments partnering with the private sector to create stronger and more vibrant communities,” she said. “It is partnerships such as these that not only allow us to present a successful summit but to tackle national issues on a local level, such as ending veteran homelessness.”

Inaugural SaratogaUnCorked Wine And Food Festival To Envelope Opening Of Track Season

April 7, 2016November 29, 2017

Saratoga UnCorked Hc.jpg

Saratoga UnCorked, logo depicted here, will be a multi-day celebration of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, wellness and entertainment held for the first time in July.Courtesy Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau

Townsquare Lifestyle Events in Saratoga Springs, in partnership with the Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau (SCTB), announced plans to hold a wine and food festival in July.

Saratoga UnCorked will be a multi-day celebration of fine wine, gourmet cuisine, wellness and entertainment, officials said. It will serve as a kick-off to the racing season at Saratoga Race Course and give travelers and locals a chance to experience what the Spa City has to offer.

Organizers said the event will feature hundreds of artisans, including renowned chefs, sommeliers, vintners, brewers, distillers and local producers.

It will run July 20-24. The track opens July 22.

“We are thrilled to partner with the SCTB to launch Saratoga Uncorked, said AJ Bodden, Vice President, Townsquare Lifestyle Events. “There is no place better than Saratoga in the summer to host this world class, epicurean-focused event, showcasing the city’s most appealing and unique assets. We are extremely fortunate to have such unique and diverse attractions to offer and it’s a great honor to be involved with bringing new visitors to the area.”