Category Archives: Business News

Schneider Leaves Prosperity Partnership For State Economic Development Position

July 12, 2021July 14, 2021

Shelby Schneider has accepted a new position as deputy director of NYSEDC.

By Christine Graf

Shelby Schneider, president and CEO of Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, has resigned from that organization, accepting a position as deputy director of New York State Economic Development Council (NYSEDC).

It is not known what the group will do regarding Schneider, who began her career at SCPP as the director of business retention and expansion.

Her economic development resume also includes 13 years spent working at Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC). She took the helm at SCPP in January 2020 following the departure of Marty Vanags. Vanags resigned after facing criticism for his high travel expenses as well as what some supervisors considered a lack of accomplishments.

During her tenure as CEO, Schneider was involved in ongoing discussions related to a merger between SCPP and SEDC. These discussion came to an abrupt halt in September after SEDC publicly expressed concerns that the partnership had illegally accessed and shared confidential SEDC Zoom meetings.

Prosperity Partnership board member Kevin Hedley issued a statement stating that claims that SCPP had acted improperly were baseless and unsubstantiated. He also said SEDC was not “acting in the best interest of Saratoga County Economic Development.” After realizing that his goal of merging the two organizations was not possible, Hedley resigned from the board.

Four members of the SEDC board also resigned as a result of the controversy. They were Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Angelo Calbone, land-use attorney Matt Jones, Adirondack Trust Executive Vice President Michael O’Connell and Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus.

Chamber Official Is Chair Of Mechanicville Area Community Services Center Board

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Denise Romeo, executive vice president of The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, was elected chair of the board of directors of the Mechanicville Area Community Services Center (MACSC).

“Mechanicville is in the heart of Saratoga County and MACSC is the heart of Mechanicville,” said Romeo. “It is a privilege to work with MACSC’s dedicated board members as well as MACSC dynamic executive director, Megan Quillinan. I know our work at the center makes such an impact on community members from the very youngest, to the many seniors who regularly rely on MACSC services.

“I look forward to making a positive difference for even more people living in and around the wonderful City of Mechanicville.

Romeo, Chamber executive vice president for nine years, also has a long-time focus on helping Saratoga County active military and veterans through the Chamber’s Veterans Business Council.

State REDC Grant Program, Absent During COVID Year, Returns With July 30 Deadline

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

New York state has launched Round XI of the Regional Economic Development Council initiative, officially kicking off a new decade of economic development in a post-pandemic recovery.

The program, which has helped fund many development projects in the region, did not operate during 2020.

The 2021 funding round includes more than $750 million in state economic development resources, officials said. The Consolidated Funding Application opened May 10, enabling businesses, municipalities, nonprofits and the public to apply for assistance from dozens of state programs for job-creation and community development projects.

The deadline for applications is Friday, July 30, at 4 p.m.

To date, through the competition, the Capital Region REDC, which includes Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, has been awarded $673 million for 933 projects.

“The COVID pandemic has taken a tremendous toll on our state, but now is our time to build back better and stronger than before and create a New York that serves our children and their children and their children,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “It’s going to be hard. It’s always hard to do what has never been done before. But after what New Yorkers have been through this part year, there is no challenge they can’t meet today.

“We’ve done this before and it’s worked tremendously well, but it’s more important this year than ever before because the stakes are higher this year than ever before.”

Over the past 10 years, the Regional Economic Development Councils have revitalized the state’s economy through a community-based and performance-driven approach to economic development. This year, the state will again leverage the expertise of the REDCs to invest $750 million in strategic, regional efforts to drive the recovery in every corner of the state.

“As we enter the 11th round of this initiative and as the state continues to move forward following the devastating effects of the pandemic, we are committed to this bottom-up approach to foster regional partnerships and make strategic investments,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul, chair of the statewide Regional Economic Development Councils. “New York has seen tremendous growth in all 10 regions through the REDCs.”

Facing Pandemic Challenges, SPAC Makes Major Improvements And Opens For 2021

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Saratoga Performing Arts Center has undergone many physical changes since is last saw a performance in 2019, pre-coronavirus pandemic.

Elizabeth Sobol, SPAC president and CEO, reflected on the challenges and opportunities presented by 2020 and looked ahead to its reopening in 2021, at the SPAC board of directors annual meeting in June.

Following a year of a shuttered amphitheater stage due to the COVID-19 pandemic, SPAC will welcome back all three resident companies—New York City Ballet, The Philadelphia Orchestra and Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center. On the last weekend in June, it hosted the Freihofer’s Saratoga Jazz Festival and concerts presented by Live Nation have returned.

“On Monday, May 18 of 2020, SPAC did the unthinkable. In the middle of glorious high spring weather, after 53 continuous years of presenting on our beloved and legendary stage, we cancelled an entire season and left the doors to the amphitheater locked—a profound and solemn acknowledgement during some of the darkest, early days of the pandemic,” said Sobol.

“And yet, here we are. After what now seems an eternity, the amphitheater is open, the lawn is thick and green.”

In 2020, with generous funding from Live Nation, Empire State Development, and the state Parks Recreation & Historic Preservation, SPAC completed its major new capital project, The Pines@SPAC.

The project restored park-like aesthetics to the grounds and opened up original site lines from the Route 50 gate to the Victoria Pool. It provided for new and expanded restrooms and concessions areas and new measures for safety and security.

Erbessd Instruments, Vibro-Laser Move Into Building In Downtown Glens Falls

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

By Lisa Balschunat

For six years, CEO Michael Howard ran his industrial equipment monitoring sensor businesses out of his home. First it was in South Glens Falls, then Queensbury. Now he is able to move his business to space at 19 Exchange St. in Glens Falls where he plans to cultivate business roots for years to come.

His two companies, Erbessd Instruments Technologies Inc. and Vibro-Laser, make equipment that assists over 2,000 clients worldwide in monitoring vital equipment, machines and engines, for companies and educational institutions including Aircoil, Amazon, Google, Harvard University, Halifax Fan, McGill University, Pfizer and the U.S. Navy.

Erbessd Instruments also supplies several local manufacturers in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties.

“It’s hard for me not to geek out when I talk about the business and our capabilities,” he said. “Also, to be grounded in downtown Glens Falls is great. There’s a lot happening here and we want to be a part of it.”

There is presently ample space in Erbessd’s new location for its technical labs, think tank space, creative offices, teleconference center, shipping and additional square footage to accommodate future growth. Erbessd leases the 2,500-square-foot building from Patten Property Development with a future option to buy.

Erbessd Instruments, with its patented, compact high-tech sensors, diagnoses equipment and machines remotely before they become a problem, malfunction or create catastrophic damage or loss.

‘Resilience Garden’ Celebrates College’s Efforts Community To Battle Through Pandemic

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Local officials pose at the Resilience Garden in Saratoga Springs, celebrating the compassion and courage of the Empire State College community during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Courtesy Empire State College

SUNY Empire State College has completed what it calls a Resilience Garden, celebrating the compassion and courage of the college community during the COVID-19 pandemic and honoring all New Yorkers impacted by COVID-19.

Last fall, college staff and administration planted dozens of Asiatic lilies at the entrance of 113 West Ave. in Saratoga Springs. The lilies were donated to the college by Lisa Johnson, a project coordinator at SUNY Empire.

The unveiling was attended by local dignitaries state Sen. Daphne Jordan, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner and Todd Shimkus, president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. SUNY Empire student Elaine Caruso-Roberts and Interim Assistant Vice President for Advancement and Interim Executive Director of the Empire State College Foundation Sue Epstein, Ph.D., also spoke at the ceremony.

The dedication coincided with the reopening of SUNY Empire’s physical locations and the return of its faculty and staff throughout New York state. During the pandemic, SUNY Empire moved to a fully online model to serve its students and keep their goal of earning a college degree within reach. The college is now poised to resume its online, in-person, and hybrid learning model for the fall term.

SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea said, “In March 2020, we sent our students, faculty, and staff home due to the increasing threat of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the time, we didn’t know how long we’d be apart or how we’d be impacted. This garden is a beautiful and lasting symbol that represents the resilience of our college community and communities across New York state. We look forward to welcoming back our students, faculty, and staff, which will add vibrancy to cities and towns across the state and help revitalize communities emerging from the pandemic.”

Adirondack Thunder Will Play Games At Full Capacity; Hires SeatGeek As Ticket Vendor

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

With the state relaxing pandemic safety guidelines, the Adirondack Thunder says all 2021-22 home games at Cool Insuring Arena will be played at full capacity with no restrictions.
Courtesy Adirondack Thunder

The Adirondack Thunder announced that all 2021-22 home games at Cool Insuring Arena will be played at full capacity with no restrictions.

The move followed the state’s lifting of COVID restrictions, as numbers of those with coronavirus steadily dropped.

“We are thrilled that we can welcome our great fans back into our building this season,” Adirondack Thunder President and Cool Insuring Arena General Manager Jeff Mead said. “This is a long time coming for not only our organization but for our fantastic community who came together to help everyone get through this devastating time. We look forward to seeing a sold-out Cool Insuring Arena on October 23.”

The Adirondack Thunder’s home opener on Saturday, Oct. 23, will mark 593 days since the last game (March 10, 2020, vs. Worcester). The Thunder host the Newfoundland Growlers at Cool Insuring Arena to kick off the 2021-22 season.

The organization also announced a multi-year partnership with SeatGeek, the ticketing platform, to become its primary ticketing partner.

“We are excited to work with SeatGeek to help revolutionize the way that our fans access and buy tickets,” Mead said. “SeatGeek’s technology is state-of-the-art and I think our fans will enjoy using it tremendously.”

Starting this fall, fans attending Thunder games or any other Cool Insuring Arena event will use SeatGeek’s technology for a streamlined user experience to buy, transfer and scan their tickets and use mobile tickets to stay contactless upon entering the building. Fans are also encouraged to download the SeatGeek app on their personal devices for an easier way to access, transfer and pay for tickets.

Kilcoyne Farms Eyes Building A New Meat Processing Plant; Workforce Could Triple

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

By Lisa Balschunat

Fifteen years ago, Cody Kilcoyne’s father Patrick established a small cattle farm in Lake Placid to provide quality beef to families and restaurants in the area with “delivered to your door” service.

What began as a small cattle farm with modest acreage and a handful of customers has grown into a farm that works with USDA processors to serve hundreds of restaurants, hospitals, private establishments and schools throughout New York state.

Kilcoyne Farms moved from St. Lawrence County to Hudson Falls four years ago. The family now has plans to construct its own processing facility on Ferguson Lane at the Airport Industrial Park, where Warren-Washington counties share land ownership.

“We are in the application phase with the Warren Washington County Industrial Development Association (IDA) to purchase 20 acres of land and build a 25,000- to 35,000-square-foot processing plant,” Kilcoyne said. “We looked at other locations with existing buildings, but this option will work best. It includes public water, sewer lines … And, we can build from scratch without having to retrofit an existing structure.”

He said his farm is presently working with a USDA planner and designer and is hoping to soon receive final approval for a bank loan.

Paone Architecture of Saratoga Springs, has been secured for the project design and Munter Enterprises, of Middle Grove will construct the plant.

Once funding is secured and the IDA application process moves forward with anticipated approval, Kilcoyne hopes to break ground in the summer of 2022.

“When we get the new facility up and running to maximum capacity,” Cody said, “we’ll be able to process 200 cattle and 100 hogs per week.” All of the cattle are New York state sourced and processed, and contain no hormones or antibiotics, Kilcoyne said.

He said constructing an $8.1 million facility in the industrial park makes good business sense.

“There are only about 800 USDA processors in the country,” Cody said. “We put about 1,000 miles a week on our trucks to get our cattle to our processor in Croghan, in Lewis County. A plant in the industrial park would cut down our delivery time from three-and-a-half hours to 15 minutes. This location will give us the opportunity to expand into the grocery market based on sheer geography.”

Lake George Chamber Offers Digital Passes To Tour Craft Breweries In The Adirondacks

July 12, 2021July 12, 2021

Data gathered through a digital pass for craft breweries can help the Chamber spot trends.
Courtesy Lake George Chamber of Commerce

Craft beverage drinkers can gain access to special offers and the chance to win Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail swag through a new digital passport offered by the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB.

“The craft beverage industry is a year-round attraction that ranked high in consumer traveler surveys distributed by our destination partners to gain insight into what people are looking for when they visit our area,” said Chamber Executive Director Gina Mintzer. “We feel this is an offering that will help visitors find what they’re looking for and gain more visibility for our local craft beverage scene.”

The passport is being marketed to a targeted demographic that mirrors the organic traffic to adkcraftbev.com, which draws many website visitors from out of the area. The top location from out of the area is New York City.

The digital passport was developed through Bandwango, a company that develops digital passports for destinations around the U.S. and Canada. It provides a simple way for the Chamber to analyze redemption and usage data, spot trends and track leads that can help measure economic impact of programs like this.

“We chose a digital passport because we liked the ease of updating the passport throughout the year, the fact that we could continue to interact with users of the passport digitally, analyze data and react to trends,” Mintzer said. “We also like that it can be accessed on a smartphone and isn’t something additional that consumers have to remember to carry with them. We also wanted something that would be simple for the craft beverage makers and their staff to participate in.”

This passport currently features 15 craft beverage producers (with more to be added) in Essex, Warren, Washington and Saratoga Counties. These producers craft local wine, beer, hard seltzer, hard cider, spirits and soft drinks, she said.

Artisanal Brew Works Continues To Expand; Destination Restaurant/Brewery Is The Goal

June 17, 2021

Kurt Borchardt is the co-owner of Artisanal Brew Works which has a taproom at 615 Maple Ave. He has plans to create a 10,000-square-foot, sit-down restaurant and brewery.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Kurt Borchardt is hoping to make his craft brewery, which he is moving to a new location, more than just a place to have a beer.

His vision includes beer, food and maybe even a hike. Borchardt said he wants the new Artisanal Brew Works to be more of a destination spot.

He plans to convert the former Cole’s Collision Center at 617 Maple Ave. in Saratoga Springs into a 10,000-square-foot, sit-down restaurant and brewery.

“Our goal is to bring in both beer enthusiasts, as well as families. The new site ties into the Palmertown Range, which will have some great trails for hiking. We really want it to become a destination,” said Borchardt.

Right now, they are operating out of a temporary location at 615 Maple Ave. on the Cole’s Collision site and are in the process of having the water and sewer pipes upgraded so that they can proceed to the full expansion and use the entire property.

The first location for the brewery was on Geyser Road. Food trucks were at the microbrewery, but that changed after a neighbor complained to the city. That prompted Borchardt to look for something that would allow him and his partner to build the brewery they envisioned.

“I was just done after that. I knew it was time to find a spot where we make the business into what we wanted,” said Borchardt.