Category Archives: Business News

Tech II Business Services In Saratoga Is Acquired By ADNET Technologies Firm

June 12, 2023

ADNET Technologies (ADNET), a managed IT services, cloud, and cybersecurity provider with offices in Rocky Hill, Conn., and Albany, has acquired Tech II Business Services (Tech II), a Saratoga Springs-based managed IT firm.

This strategic partnership brings together two teams of IT professionals to create a regional technology services company that combines national capabilities with a human-centered approach.

Officials said that by joining forces, ADNET and Tech II will accelerate the combined company’s growth in New York’s Capital Region and across the Northeast, while also creating significant opportunities for their employees and clients.

“Our decision to bring Tech II into ADNET Technologies was inspired by the strength of Tech II’s talented team of technologists, technical staff and administrative support members,” said Christopher Luise, CEO of ADNET Technologies. “Attracting, developing and retaining technology talent is the lifeblood of managed IT services providers—enabling innovation, accelerating our growth and ensuring outstanding customer service. With this acquisition, we gain access to new talent and resources that will enable us to serve our current and future clients even better in the Capital Region and beyond.”

ADNET will retain all Tech II employees and will continue to actively recruit additional technology professionals, as it ramps up local growth efforts.

Tech II CEO Daniel Bardin will join ADNET as general manager, allowing him to bring expanded solutions to clients and grow the firm’s regional operations alongside current ADNET General managers Ronald Gibson and Erin Peterson, vice president Lynette Maffei and Luise.

“We’re excited to unite the ADNET and Tech II teams. Together, we’ll bring national capabilities and local market understanding to help our clients implement technology solutions that drive business outcomes,” Bardin said. “Tech II’s clients will continue to be served by the same outstanding IT professionals while securing access to ADNET’s extensive network of resources and partners.

“Joining ADNET also provides our team with access to new pathways to opportunities for professional development and growth. The potential is immense for us as we bridge together our two firms.”

Indulgence Bakery In Saratoga Springs Specializes In Cakes, Cupcakes And Cookies

June 12, 2023

After selling baked goods online that she prepared in a rented kitchen, Alex Gaertner opened Indulgence Bakery at 63 Putnam St. in Saratoga Springs in a space that also has a coffee station.

By Jill nagy

A new bakery in Saratoga Springs has opened on Putnam Street.

After several years of baking in a rented kitchen and selling online, Alex Gaertner opened Indulgence Bakery at 63 Putnam St. The official opening took place in May.

Much of her business is still done online, but Gaertner said she wanted to be able to meet and talk to her customers, so she opened the shop.

She also plans classes, workshops, and parties at the new space.

House specialties include custom cakes, cupcakes, and sugar cookies.

Now that wedding season is getting into full swing, she and her staff are also creating a lot of wedding cakes. Indulgence has four employees, including Gaertner: bakers, a decorator, and someone to take orders and look after the online business.

In addition to the baked goods, Indulgence has a coffee station. Seating is outside on the patio where there are four chairs and a ledge to perch on.

Three Honored At Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce Reimagined Gala Event

June 12, 2023

Area businesses people gathered at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce gala dinner event in May at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course.

Three special honorees were recognized at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce annual gala in May at the 1863 Club at Saratoga Race Course.

Representatives from area businesses and nonprofit organizations attended the gala, which this year was a newly reimagined event replacing the former annual dinner. The new trackside venue offered guests the chance to experience one of the New York Racing Association’s newer luxury facilities, located at the clubhouse turn of the race course.

Honored were 2023 Joseph Dalton Community Service Award recipient Dr. Bill Long, 2023 Impact Sector Volunteer of the Year Richard Ferguson and the Chamber’s immediate past chair of the board Tara Anne Pleat of Wilcenski & Pleat PLLC.

The gala also serves as a networking opportunity for event goers.

“Beyond the celebration and recognition of Tara, Bill, and Rich for their tremendous volunteer efforts, this gala is meant to be a powerful and productive networking event for the organizations who sponsored and the individuals who attended,” Chamber President Todd Shimkus said. “This is one of the Chamber’s signature events and an important fundraiser for our organization, so I want to thank NYRA, Mazzone Hospitality, our sponsors, and attendees for continuing to support the work we do to help our members and the community to succeed, grow, and thrive.”

Olde Saratoga Coin In Saratoga Is Purchased By Owner Of Northeastern Fine Jewelry

June 12, 2023

The owner of Northeastern Fine Jewelry has purchased Olde Saratoga Coin, which has a storefront on Broadway in Saratoga Springs and in Colonie. Both stores are being upgraded.

The owner of Northeastern Fine Jewelry, a destination for fine jewelry for more than four decades, has purchased Olde Saratoga Coin and upgraded his new stores.

Olde Saratoga Coin has storefronts at 1593 Central Ave. in Colonie and 385 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“Coins have always been one of my passions and how we got our start in business back in 1980,” said Ray Bleser, owner of Northeastern Fine Jewelry. “Our original store was Northeastern Coin Gallery in Schenectady. For me, returning to my roots is deeply nostalgic, intensely gratifying and truly exciting.”

In its heyday, Northeastern Coin Gallery carried an inventory of hard-to-find currency, jewelry and estate pieces. In 1985, the business was reincorporated as Northeastern Fine Jewelry, which has evolved into one of the Capital Region’s leading, independently owned jewelers, featuring an extensive selection of world-renowned brands, diamonds, engagement rings, wedding bands, watches and estate items.

Northeastern Fine Jewelry will continue to operate under its own banner with three locations in Albany, Schenectady and Glens Falls, according to Bleser.

Owner Of Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center Named Proprietor Of Year By National Group

June 12, 2023

Doug Bohannon will be honored by the Bowling Proprietors Association of America in June.

The Bowling Proprietors Association of America (BPAA) has named Doug Bohannon of Queensbury its 2023 National Proprietor of the Year.

Bohannon, along with his wife Alison, own Kingpin’s Alley Family Fun Center in South Glens Falls along with Kingpin’s Alley in Latham.

Bohannon is a native of Glens Falls and is a 1985 graduate of Glens Falls High School. He has been in the bowling business for the past 25 years.

In 2013 Doug and Alison purchased their first bowling center in South Glens Falls. Over the past 10 years, the center has been transformed from a traditional bowling alley into a modern family fun center.

Bohannon credits his success primarily to his previous employer, Bowl New England, from which both of his centers were purchased.

“Having worked for one of the industry leaders for 13 years prepared me for what owning my own center would be like”, Bohannon said. “The knowledge and insight that I gained during my time with Bowl New England has been invaluable in growing a successful business.”

Bohannon is no stranger to award recognition as his South Glens Falls business was awarded the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Small Business of the Year in 2018. Also, in 2018 he was named the New York State Bowling Proprietor of the Year.

Micro Brews, Nonprofits Among Those Who Can Apply In Latest Grant Funding Round

June 12, 2023

New York state has opened the application period for Round XIII of the Regional Economic Development Council Initiative.

Round XIII includes core capital grant and tax-credit funding combined with a wide range of programs from 10 state agencies, including $150 million in grant funds from Empire State Development, available to projects on a continuous basis.

The councils are encouraged to support projects that advance or address strategic State priorities—including green buildings and sustainable development, child care, distressed communities, and innovative public-private partnerships; those projects, will be eligible for additional award funding.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 28, at 4 p.m. Open enrollment programs are not subject to the July 28 deadline and will continue to accept applications on an ongoing basis until funds are exhausted.

Officials said new this year, two new micro programs will award capital grants to support New York state craft beverage manufacturers and non-profit organizations, and a new $30 million Challenge competition will award $10 million to up to three regions to implement creative solutions to tackle persistent barriers to economic growth.

Also, for the first time since 2015, the councils will be tasked with updating their strategic regional economic development plans.

United Ag & Turf, United Construction & Forestry Now Operate Under One Roof

June 12, 2023

Store manager Patrick Mullahey poses at United Ag & Turf and United Construction & Forestry, businesses that are now both located at 20 Deere Lane in Clifton Park in one large retail store.

By Christine Graf

United Ag & Turf and United Construction & Forestry are now located under one roof in a brand-new facility located at 20 Deere Lane in Clifton Park. The 27,000-square-foot retail store is located just a short distance from Northway Exit 10.

Prior to relocating, United Construction & Forestry was located at 14 Crossing Boulevard in Clifton Park. The store operated as Nortrax before being acquired by Fernandez Holdings in 2021. Fernandez Holdings’ portfolio includes both United Construction & Forestry and United Ag & Turf.

Before moving to Deere Lane, United Ag & Turf was located on Route 9 in Clifton Park, the longtime home of Hudson River Tractor.

Prior to selling the company in 2020, Hudson River Tractor operated five stores in the Capital Region.

Headquartered in Fairfield, Maine, United Ag & Turf has 42 locations throughout the northeast. In addition to offering a full line of John Deere equipment dealer, they sell and support other brands including Stihl, Honda, Western Plow, and Ariens.

‘Malta Business Works’ Created To Help Local Companies Network, Address Their Needs

June 12, 2023

By Susan Elise Campbell

Malta Business Works is a new organization formed to help promote business in the town.

The group provides a forum for “a collective network of businesses to exchange ideas and talk about their needs and struggles,” said David Rosenberg of Brix Wine & Liquor, an officer of the nonprofit’s five-person board of directors.

According to Rosenberg, there are upward of 300 businesses in Malta. Malta Business Works is reaching as many as possible by piggybacking on the business-to-business calls of one of its member businesses, by word-of-mouth, and by using social media to advertise the event.

“We need a strong membership base to serve the community and help our businesses do business,” he said. “We are letting them know they can be a part of something to support local, grow their business, and meet with other businesses.”

Malta’s businesses represent a diverse group of products and services and range from working from home to a small independent business to large local employers.

“One of the members said something the other day that meant a lot to me,” said Rosenberg. “He said there is no water cooler for him to bounce ideas off of.”

North Country Commons Shopping Center Gets New Look, Working On New Tenants

June 12, 2023

Work is ongoing at North Country Commons, 1206 Route 146, Clifton Park.

By Jill Nagy

North Country Commons, one of Clifton Park’s oldest shopping centers, is in the midst of a major facelift— a new facade and a new layout—and is welcoming new tenants, including a swim school and computer games parlor.

Part of the center, at 1206 Route 146, is a former church that once housed an Albany Public Market. That has been divided into four smaller spaces. The occupant of one of them, Flipside Gaming, opened in November and already has customers lined up every morning waiting for the video and computer game facility to open, according to Howard F. Carr, a broker with Berkshire Hathaway Real Estate, who is managing the center and the renovation project.

Goldfish Swim School, a swim school, already has 600 children signed up for lessons, Carr said. He represents the owners, Whitney Lane Holdings LLC of New York City.

Another tenant new to the center is Clifton Park Beverage Center. The center already has outlets in Colonie and South Troy.

Caruso Builders Plans To Build Townhomes In Malta; Some 68 Units Are Projected

June 12, 2023

By Christine Graf

Anthony Caruso, president of Saratoga-Springs based Caruso Builders, has plans to build townhomes at Sage Estates, a subdivision at 2782 Route 9 in Malta.

Caruso purchased the land for the subdivision for $2.38 million from 3D Lundy LTD, a company controlled by Dean DeVito. DeVito, principal of Prime Companies, first submitted the proposal for Sage Estates to the Malta Planning Board in November 2018. In 2022, he received approval to build 34 two-family homes on the property.

Although this will be the first townhouse project for Caruso, his company has been building homes throughout the Capital Region since 2009. For the past five years, the majority of the projects have been in Saratoga County and downtown Saratoga Springs.

“I mostly do semi-custom to full-custom builds, and we’ve got a very high-end project in phase 2 of Oak Ridge,” he said.

Oak Ridge, an upscale residential development, is located just east of Saratoga National Golf Course. One of Caruso’s Oak Ridge homes, a 3,700-square-foot house located at 23 Jenna Jo Avenue, will be featured in the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes.

Sage Estates will be comprised of 34 two-family residential lots, and there will be several different floor plans for the 68 units that will be available for sale.

He said one of these plans will feature a master bedroom on the first floor, something that is expected to appeal to empty nesters and snowbirds who are looking for a less expensive alternative to living in downtown Saratoga Springs.

“Sage Estates has such nice proximity to downtown Saratoga and SPAC and the Northway,” said Caruso. “It’s going to be a beautiful project, and my plan is to do a slightly higher-end townhome. We’re still working out the details of exactly what will be included in the HOA (homeowners association) — whether it will be a fully maintenance-free exterior.”