Saratoga Business Journal

Van Patten Golf Course Sold; New Owners Plan To Make The Course And Grounds Elite

August 12, 2021

The porch of The Vista at Van Patten Golf Course overlooks the premises.
Courtesy Van Patten Golf Course`

By Christine Graf

Van Patten Golf Club in Clifton Park was recently purchased by business partners Lance Orcutt and Roland Mann, owners of Executive Group in Amsterdam.

The pair took over operations of the golf club on July 7.

Longtime owners Robert Van Patten Jr. and his wife, Kathy, decided to sell the course in order to spend more time with their children and grandchildren. The club was built in 1968 by Van Patten’s father, local builder Robert Van Patten. In 2002, the public course was reconfigured, and a 15,000-square-foot banquet hall, The Vista, was added to the property.

According to Orcutt, he became interested in purchasing the golf club after Neil Cherkosly of Upstate Appraisal Services made him aware that the property was for sale.

“He sent me all of the information and it looked really great on paper. That prompted me to ask for a meeting with the Van Pattens, Robert and Kathy. We had a great conversation and walked the property. Seeing what they did with the property in the years that they owned it was impressive.”

As a result of that one meeting, Orcutt and Mann offered the full asking price for the property. Their offer was accepted by the Van Pattens, who received four other offers for the club.

“It was a straight up business transaction. I saw a terrific value in the property itself. It’s a profitable business that in my opinion has the ability to be much more profitable,” he said. “It wasn’t being sold because of an inability to be profitable or because it fell into disrepair.”

Construction Of Integrated Science Center At Skidmore Is Proceeding On Schedule

August 12, 2021

Construction progresses on the East Wing of the Center for Integrated Sciences at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs. MLB Construction is managing the project.
Courtesy Skidmore College

As the second phase of construction for Skidmore’s Center for Integrated Sciences advances on schedule this summer, President Marc Conner helped commemorate an important milestone in the raising of the project’s East Wing.

Skidmore officially celebrated the completion of the North Wing in late March during an outdoor, socially distanced ceremony.

The Capital Region’s own MLB Construction is managing the project, currently overseeing about 20 different contractors on site.

“This is a great day as we continue to see incredible progress in this game-changing project for Skidmore’s students, faculty and staff,” said Conner. “These beautiful, well-equipped new facilities are expanding learning and research opportunities not only in the sciences, but between and among so many areas of study at the college.”

The East Wing and the renovation of the newer portion of Dana Science Center comprise Phase II of construction and are slated to open in time for the fall 2022 semester.

The East Wing will be home to the IdeaLab makerspace, a core component of the CIS project that represents the spirit of integrative learning at the heart of this largest academic initiative in the College’s history, officials said. As a hub of collaboration and interdepartmental synergy, students and faculty will work collaboratively and across disciplines in the new space to explore creative solutions to some of today’s pressing issues.

Developers’ Plans For Rip Van Dam Include Combining It With Adelphi Into One Facility

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021

The exterior facade renovation of the Rip Van Dam hotel in Saratoga Springs was done earlier this year. The interior of the existing on-site restaurant, Salt & Char, was renovated and is now open.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Christine Graf

Long Island developer, thoroughbred owner, and NYRA board member Michael Dubb has partnered with The Adelphi Hotel owner Larry Roth to return the 128,000-square-foot Rip Van Dam Hotel in the heart of downtown to its original grandeur.

Built in 1840, the Rip Van Dam, is located at 365 Broadway next to The Adelphi Hotel at 353 Broadway in Saratoga Springs. The $50 million renovation and expansion project has received site plan and design review approval and is awaiting an architectural review.

“I never really had intended to get involved in real estate development in Saratoga, but two projects found me. I didn’t find them,” said Dubb.

In addition to the Rip Van Dam project, Dubb is also in the process of developing 53 lots in Oak Ridge, a luxury housing development located just five minutes from the track.

“I thought the land was so beautiful that I just couldn’t pass it up,” he said.

SEFCU And Cap Com Credit Unions Make Plans To Merge; Finalizing Set For 2022

August 12, 2021

The boards of directors of the CAP COM and SEFCU credit unions approved on July 28 a “merger of equals,” creating “a Capital Region-headquartered financial and community powerhouse” that will become fully integrated next year.

The newly combined entity will be renamed to reflect the respective histories and common values of both organizations, which are rooted in the credit union philosophy of “People helping People” for all stakeholders, officials said.

According to the companies, merging SEFCU and CAP COM is supported on three critical criteria: dedication to employees and their careers; value to our members and their communities; and the ability to succeed in a marketplace that is expected to see significant change and the consolidation of like-minded credit unions.

SEFCU also recently bought the office building along Route 9 in Malta near Ellsworth Commons where a SEFCU branch is located, as well as Ellis Medicine offices.

SEFCU paid $3.8 million for the building at 2537 Route 9 in Malta, according to a deed filed in the Saratoga County clerk’s office.

Business Report: Goatopia?

August 12, 2021

Rose Miller is president of Pinnacle Human Resources LLC.

By Rose Miller

We found a cool place to vacation in Rhode Island this year. The owner calls it Goatopia. She has created a little slice of heaven beside the Sakonnet River.

She is a former dancer who took her dance studio and her artistic style to create a unique and comfortable guest house for visitors.

The house is surrounded by beautiful gardens where she also tends to chickens and goats daily. The goats have names and you can tell the Billy because he stands proudly on the tallest stump in the pen.

This place got me thinking about how employers tend to their flocks. As employers, we have a responsibility to understand who works for us and what we want people to do for us. Results can be achieved when understanding how employee traits translate into achieving goals.

But here’s the thing. Do you need a herd of goats or do you need a flock of sheep? They may look all the same but there is big difference.

Business Report: Renovations Can Inspire A Return To The Office

August 12, 2021

Dorothy Rogers-Bullis is owner and president of drb Business Interiors in Saratoga Springs.

By Dorothy Rogers-Bullis

If the past year has taught us anything, it’s that life requires flexibility. We’ve all had to make adjustments both large and small in order to cope with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Businesses in particular have had to pivot and in many cases reinvent the way they operate in an effort to keep their doors open and ensure employees and customers are safe.

For many companies, the initial solution was to allow certain employees to work from home. Of course, this wasn’t an option for some industries like restaurants, medical practices, and grocery stores. But for many office-based businesses, employers and employees managed to make working from home “work” through a combination of technology and ingenuity, and oftentimes, a whole lot of patience.

Meetings and conversations that used to be done face to face were moved to video conference. Workers figured out new platforms and software, working out the kinks as they went. They stacked up piles of books to get their computer at the right height, found their most flattering lighting, and tidied up their workspace to get it camera-ready.

Herzog Law Marks 75th Year of Serving Clients

August 12, 2021

This year marks Herzog Law Firm’s 75th year of serving the Capital Region, Hudson Valley and the North Country.

Created by World War II veteran Jacob Herzog in 1946, Herzog Law Firm has evolved through the years as has the community it has served. Notwithstanding these changes, it has kept its core value of providing exceptional legal services to its clients in place, the firm says.

“Whether by representing local banks, colleges, and corporate clients regarding mergers and acquisitions, or small businesses in their day to day needs and succession planning, Herzog has served as a steady hand guiding local businesses,” said a new release about the company.

Several decades ago, Herzog Law Firm began to develop their Estate Planning, Elder Law, and Estate Administration practices which, through the years, has had thousands of families and individuals as clients.

Empire State, MVCC Have Transfer Pact

August 12, 2021August 12, 2021

SUNY Empire State College and Mohawk Valley Community College came together July 13 for a ceremonial signing of six Pathways Transfer Articulation Agreements.

“Each year, approximately 42 MVCC students transfer to SUNY Empire to attain an advanced degree, and our most recent data shows that one-year retention rates for these students are the second highest among transfers from all SUNY community colleges,” SUNY Empire Officer in Charge Nathan Gonyea said. “That’s something we can both be proud of.”

“MVCC and SUNY Empire State College both have a proven, steadfast dedication to our respective student populations,” MVCC President Randall VanWagoner said. “We are thrilled to celebrate an expanded and strengthened transfer partnership that involves the creation of student-friendly pathways from an associate degree at MVCC through a master’s program at SUNY Empire State College.”

Business Briefs: August 2021

August 12, 2021

The Adirondack Trust Co. Community Fund continues to accept grant applications from eligible nonprofit charities until the submission deadline of Aug. 31.

Grant information and application forms may be obtained from the Adirondack Trust Company Community Fund website at ATCCF.org.

The fund was established in 2009. The primary mission is to perpetuate the spirit of giving that is integral to the quality of life in our region by providing flexible options for planned giving. The resulting yearly Lend-A-Hand Grants help improve the quality of life and address issues of common concern in the area.

In 2020, the Community Fund awarded 37 Lend-a-Hand Grants to local nonprofit organizations.

Since the inception of the Autumn of Giving Match Campaign in 2013, the Lend-A-Hand Grants program has provided more than 235 grants, totaling nearly $462,000 to local nonprofits. Grant awards have supported programs in such diverse areas as veterans outreach, STEM education, summer lunch programs, wildlife education, homelessness prevention, youth services, the arts, and more.

Grant recipients will be announced by the Fund’s Independent Advisory Committee in December. The Community Fund welcomes nonprofit organizations to apply for grants that represent new and creative programs.

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National Commercial Solar Harnesses Energy For Businesses And Homes In New York

August 12, 2021

Brent McDevitt is the founder and president of National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., which has an office in Queensbury. The company has simplified the process of going solar for businesses.
Lisa Balschunat

By Lisa Balschunat

National Commercial Solar Advisors Inc., with its office in Queensbury, is harnessing energy for businesses and residential properties in New York state, New Jersey and Vermont, and has its sights on Florida next, according to president and founder Brent McDevitt.

Established in 2019, the company has simplified the process of “going solar” for businesses, communities and public organizations by providing customers with a comprehensive proposal and package that makes the process seamless. With nine years of experience in the solar industry and previously aligned with Apex Solar, McDevitt said that he “knew the industry would pop” and wanted to be a part of it.

“When businesses invest in commercial solar energy they can significantly reduce their operating costs and potentially save tens of thousands of dollars over time,” McDevitt said. “This allows businesses to free up cash flow to use in other areas, and of course, utilize a green energy source that is good for the environment.”

Solar panels do not require any additional maintenance to a building or property and McDevitt stated that most systems are guaranteed for up to 25 years.

“Businesses who invest in solar energy receive a 26 percent federal income tax credit and 100 percent bonus depreciation” he said. The company offers customers looking to go solar with a total package of upfront services including a comprehensive proposal, site visit, design plans, state and federal application assistance through to a final contract.