Business Briefs: April 2021

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NBT Bank is hosting a webinar series educating business leaders on the latest information surrounding all facets of addressing cyber threats from awareness to prevention and response.

Presenters include NBT Bank director of information security Terra Carnrike-Granata, director of cash management and government banking Margaret Scopelianos, information security manager Andrew Frisbie and NBT Insurance Agency president Tucker Lounsbury.

The events are free to attend, and guests may join one or all sessions.

“Are You Covered? Proactive Controls You Need Now” will be held on Friday, April 23. It will outline how to integrate cyber liability insurance into your cybersecurity program while also leveraging banking controls to protect financial assets.

“After A Breach: Effective Incident Response on Friday,” will be held April 30. The team will share the fundamentals of incident response planning, and tips on how to respond to a ransomware attack or an email account takeover in Microsoft 365.

“Cybercrime Survivors: Stories & Lessons Learned” is schedule for Friday, May 7, and will feature a virtual roundtable hosted by all four of our presenters. The team will discuss valuable lessons from actual cyber-attacks, as well as answer questions submitted on topics from cybersecurity to cash management and more.

To register, visit www.nbtbank.com/CybersecurityRSVP.

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Ferraro, Amodio & Zarecki, CPAs, a forensic accounting, business valuation and business advisory firm and Hudson Forensic Solutions, a boutique forensic firm, have announce a merger.

The union, designed to provide the Hudson Valley with expanded services in business valuations, fraud and financial investigations, economic damage analysis, litigation support, expert testimony, as well as business growth consulting, exit planning and investment banking services.

As a result of the merger, FAZ, based in Saratoga Springs, now also operates out of White Plains, covering Westchester County and the entire Hudson Valley.

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Developer Seeks Permission For Condos, New Marina And Restaurant On Saratoga Lake

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A development group is proposing a mixed-use condo development on about 8.7 acres of land on the south short of Saratoga Lake in the town of Malta.

The South Shore Marina Proposed Planned Development District was presented to the Town Board on Jan. 25,

Sophia Maruso, the owner of Plan & Site Consulting LLC located in Ballston Lake, representing to principals of the New York Development Group addressed the board outlining plans, which are preliminary at this point.

The Formal application could be made in the coming weeks, the  development group said.

Geoffrey Booth and Jeff Knox are the principals in the group.

Two- and three-story condominium buildings and a public kayak and canoe launch are included in the project. The developers are under contract to purchase nine parcels totaling 8.7 acres from Joe and Tony DiDonna, owners of the marina and restaurant South Shore Marina on Saratoga Lake. If approved, they will be demolishing all the existing structures and starting anew.

The land is near the intersection of Route 9P and Plains Road (County Road 108). The PDD concept proposes mixed uses consisting of 96 condominium units in five buildings, a marina, a 4,000-square-foot restaurant and potentially associated amenities such as clubhouse, fitness center, and public access to the lake with parking, according to Town Board minutes of the session.

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Stillwater Scheduled To Get Low-Interest Funds For Water Pump Station Work

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The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation Board of Directors has approved more than $48 million in grants, interest-free loans, and low-cost loans to support vital drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects across New York state, including two local projects.

The 2022 Enacted Budget adds a $500 million appropriation to support clean water, raising the state’s total investment to $4 billion and continuing to fulfill the state’s $5 billion clean water commitment, officials said.

“Clean water and functioning water infrastructure are essential parts of the standard of living and qualify-of-life for all New Yorkers, and towns and villages across the state have an ongoing need for wastewater treatment plants and water tanks that needs to be filled,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “The newly enacted budget dedicates $500 million to support clean water initiatives which increases our investment and brings the state closer to fulfilling its commitment to New Yorkers. These projects will underscore our pledge to help protect the environment and the health of New York’s residents and families.”

Environmental Facilities Corporation President and CEO Joseph Rabito said, “By approving these grants and low-cost financing for critical water infrastructure work, the EFC Board of Directors has ensured that communities statewide can cost-effectively undertake important projects that help protect our precious water resources.”

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Wesley Health Care Center In Saratoga Reinstates In-Person Family Visitations

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In-person family visitations have been reinstated at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs. They can have 40-minute sessions Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

In-person family visitations have been reinstated at the Wesley Health Care Center in Saratoga Springs.

Wesley Health Care Center is welcoming families for 40-minute in-person visits with residents Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Families can register online through The Wesley Community’s website. All visits must be scheduled in advance.

In-person family visitations at the senior care facility were temporarily paused in accordance with New York state health and safety rules and regulations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Throughout the pandemic, Wesley has kept families connected through outdoor window visits and virtual visits. Wesley expanded its Life Enrichment staff and technology to help facilitate more than 3,000 online visits since the pandemic began. Wesley has also provided opportunities for compassionate care visits amongst residents and their families.

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Childcare Center Serving Track Backstretch Community Should Be Open This Summer

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The Belmont Child Care Association erected this sign for the new childcare center for families and children of the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course that will open this summer.
Courtesy NYRA

The Belmont Child Care Association says its new childcare center serving families and children of the backstretch community at Saratoga Race Course is scheduled to open this summer.

The 4,300-square-foot center will be located on the Oklahoma side of the Saratoga backstretch. Funded by Michael and Lee Dubb, the facility will be named Faith’s House in honor of Faith Dubb, mother of BCCA founder and board chairman Michael Dubb.

Faith’s House will provide child care and early education programs for infants, toddlers and preschool-aged children. The center will be open seven days a week from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. to accommodate the schedules of backstretch workers and horsemen.

“All working parents deserve to know that their children are being cared for in a safe, healthy and enriching environment during the workday,” said Dubb, who is a prominent thoroughbred owner in addition to his work with the BCCA. “We are thrilled to extend this important program to the hardworking families of the Saratoga backstretch community, who provide a vital service to the racing community.”

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State Expands Tax Credits For Participants In NY State Of Health To Reduce Plan Expenses

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New York state has expanded tax credits available through NY State of Health, New York’s health plan marketplace.

The expansion will result in more New Yorkers being eligible for financial assistance and the further reduction in health insurance premiums in New York state, officials said.

Through the American Rescue Plan, which President Joe Biden recently signed into law, increased tax credits are available to more than 150,000 consumers who are already enrolled in coverage, further lowering health care costs.

In addition, in June 2021, NY State of Health will for the first time expand tax credits to tens of thousands of additional New Yorkers with higher incomes who, before the American Rescue Plan, did not qualify for financial assistance to lower the cost of premiums, officials said.

It was also announced that the 2021 Open Enrollment Period will be extended through the end of this year. The announcements come on the 11th anniversary of President Obama signing the Affordable Care Act into law.

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MVP Partnership Helps Business Health Plans

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MVP Health Care and The University of Vermont Health Network announced the launch of a partnership between the two local nonprofit health care organizations in order to offer a patient-focused, physician-designed Medicare Advantage health insurance plan to better meet the needs of residents of Vermont and northern New York.

Services for this plan is expected to begin on Jan. 1, 2022.

“With a shared mission of creating innovative solutions and sustaining healthy communities, MVP Health Care and the UVM Health Network will enthusiastically co-create a health plan that supports stronger relationships between members and physicians, and will positively impact the communities we serve,” said MVP Health Care President and CEO Christopher Del Vecchio. “By reinforcing vital provider relationships, focusing on improving the lives of people in our communities, and leaning on the patient-centered missions of our two organizations, we will make health insurance more convenient, more supportive and more personal.”

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Matt Snyder Follows Grandfather’s Footsteps, Handcrafting Brooms With 1800s’ Equipment

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Matt Snyder makes brooms in the family tradition at Snyder’s Brooms in Saratoga.

By Christine Graf

Matt Snyder is proud to call himself a second generation broom maker.

His grandparents, George and Ann Snyder, started making brooms in the 1970s after purchasing several pieces of 19th century broom-making equipment at an auction. Matt began working in their broom shop, Snyder’s Brooms, when he was 8 and also traveled with them to arts and crafts fairs where they sold their products.

“I love the brooms and started collecting them when I was adult,” said 34-year-old Snyder. “As soon as I started to see my grandparents get older, I realized that when they stop doing this, that Snyder’s Brooms will no longer exist. I can’t let that happen. I’m doing this to keep it going.”

For that reason, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic when much of the world was shut down, Snyder decided the timing was perfect to establish Snyder’s Handmade Brooms of Saratoga. He started making brooms out of his home and sold them at the Farmer’s Market.

“It was a hit. I ended up selling about 300 brooms last year, and it just started to expand. It went full tilt from there,” said Snyder who works full-time in sales.

“The demand is there because it’s something you can’t get anywhere else in the world. There are some broom makers out there, but they don’t make brooms like we make. The dyed broom corn and the braiding makes them unique. They are functional pieces of art and will last a lifetime.

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Owner Of ‘One Life Tequila’ Partners With Renowned Boxers To Promote Her Product

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Lisa Elovich, a boxing fan, launched a new promotion for her One Life Tequila.

By Christine Graf

One With Life Organic Tequila has partnered with world champion boxers Teofimo Lopez, Larry Holmes, Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, and Maureen Shea Carranza to promote and grow the brand.

The four boxers are equity partners in the Saratoga Springs-based business that was started in 2015 by local resident Lisa Elovich.

“All four are world champions, and each of these boxers really embodies the message of what it means to be one with life which is a message of kindness, compassion, courage, strength, and exuberance,” said Elovich.

Lopez is the current unified lightweight world champion and the youngest four-belt champion in the history of boxing. Hall of Fame heavyweight champion Holmes is best known for his historic defeat of Muhammed Ali.

Mancini is a lightweight Hall of Famer and Shea Carranza is a WBC and IFBA featherweight champion. She was also the main sparring partner for actress Hillary Swank as she prepared for her 2005 role in the movie “Million Dollar Baby.”

By partnering with these elite boxers, Elovich is able to combine her passion for tequila and her love of boxing. Her interest in the sport began in 2004 after she joined a boxing gym to lose pregnancy weight. Her boxing workouts eventually led to what she describes as an “accidental career” as a boxing promoter.

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Family Business And Passion For Craft Beer Survives The Coronavirus Pandemic

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Owners of the Walt & Whitman Brewing Co. continue to grow the business in early 2021.

By Christine Graf

Whitman Brewing Co. has been named one of the country’s top 10 new breweries by USA Today, an honor that came just months after Hop Culture, a leading craft brewing publication, included the Saratoga Springs craft brewer on its list of the 10 best new breweries of 2020.

“To come from a brewery publication was very flattering recognition for our team. It reaffirms that we are on the right path, and hopefully that we can keep growing. We are humbled and excited by it,” said co-owner Will Crager. “It’s a great affirmation that we are moving in the right direction. We are very fortunate to have a great group of people around us who have a lot of expertise and experience and have helped us to have some great early success in just a year-and-a-half of operating.”

Walt & Whitman Brewing Co. is located at 20 Lake Ave. in the former Saratogian newspaper building which is owned by Saratoga Prime Properties. The Crager family, Philadelphia natives who moved to Saratoga Springs five years ago, chose it as the location. Will and his mother, Kathy, are co-owners and sisters Katie, Jane, and Lily are also involved in operations. Craft beer enthusiast and family patriarch, Bill, works full time in the financial sector.

“We had this vision, and for us it was more about experience and building a space that allowed people to come in and enjoy music and share our love for craft beer,” said Kathy Crager.

Just months after the December 2019 opening, the coronavirus pandemic shut down restaurants and bars. The Crager’s were forced to furlough some staff members. They opened for takeout only. After restaurants and bars were able to reopen with reduced capacity, Walt & Whitman’s spacious interior was well suited for social distancing.

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