By R.J. DeLuke

The relatively new president and CEO of AngioDynamics, the medical device manufacturer with operations in Glens Falls and Queensbury, said when he took the reins of the company last year, he saw there was a need for some changes to be made if the company was to continue to compete in the hyper-competitive field it operates in.

But Jim Clemmer did recognize the company has strong core values and a great knowledge base within the company, he told the audience gathered at the annual luncheon of EDC Warren County on June 27 the at Great Escape Lodge.

“I’m proud of the quality of the people in our plant,” he said. But he is challenging his work force to be more innovative and efficient.

He said when the federal Affordable Care Act came into being “it woke up the industry” because it brought many more patients into the health care system.

The medical device industry “had gotten a little slow. People lost their edge and efficiency. ACA was “a wake-up call.”

“We’re adapting to that,” said Clemmer. While competition in the industry is very strong, “challenges become opportunities if you’re willing to accept them.”

He is confident that the people at AngioDynamics will do just that. He said the talent at the local company is its most important aspect. And the company will embark on more leadership training for its staff to help them meet the challenges, and also to ensure workers continue to grow with the company, and thus with the local community.

Legislation was passed in the State Assembly that is aimed at helping Saratoga Casino Hotel compete with other casinos, particularly the new Rivers Casino about 20 miles away in Schenectady.

Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner of Round Lake announced the passage of legislation she co-authored with state Sen. Kathy Marchione of Halfmoon to help the casino make capital improvements.

“By increasing the opportunity for local gaming facilities to reinvest earnings, upgrade facilities and expand, we’re helping them to remain at the forefront of a competitive gaming marketplace statewide,” Woerner said. “This bill will allow Saratoga’s casino to create new construction jobs in our area, enhance the experience of patrons and ultimately attract more visitors.”

She said under current law, smaller gaming facilities with fewer than 1,100 gaming machines are able to use 4 percent of their net wins to make capital improvements, while medium-sized facilities cannot.

The new legislation would increase the threshold for small and medium gaming facilities to 1,900 terminals to help level the playing field, Woerner said.

By Maureen Werther

A Saratoga Springs company has submitted a proposal to Empire State Development Corporation (ESDC) outlining an ambitious two-phase plan to convert the vacant Mt. McGregor Correctional Facility into an energy research park.

It would include several small power plants and surrounding infrastructure representing a $2 billion investment, said Mark L. Adams, Ph.D. and CEO of Global Energy Research Associates (GERA) based at 340 Broadway.

In 2014, in response to the declining prison population, the state closed the medium-security prison, resulting in a loss of 320 full-time jobs with an estimated loss of $14 million in annual wages. The state is working through ESDC to find buyers for the site. They are offering an $8 million incentive package as part of its effort to attract bidders.

GERA’s plans include the creation of a two-phase energy and research development facility, using a nuclear-powered internal engine, which Adams said is the only prototype of its kind. The internal engine is powered using radioactive waste material and creates no exhaust. The engine serves a dual purpose of disposing of radioactive waste in a clean and efficient manner, while producing its own energy.

“There is no ancillary waste with this system,” said Adams, adding that GERA’s engine operates at efficiencies greater than 70 percent.

The Saratoga Regional YMCA board of directors has named Andrew Bobbitt, formerly CEO of the Fox Valley Family YMCA outside of Chicago, as the organization’s next chief executive officer.

“Andrew has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to the YMCA organization, and as a result has a broad array of skills and tremendous capabilities,” said Alysa Arnold, president of the Saratoga Regional YMCA Board of Directors. “With dozens of community leaders applying for the CEO position from around the country, the competition certainly was fierce.

“However, Andrew’s long-term experience providing cause-driven strategic leadership, his proven track record managing multi-million dollar budgets and projects, his ability to create a positive experience for association members and staff, and his passion for the YMCA’s mission and charitable endeavors made him stand out from the rest.”

At his former position in Plano, Ill., Bobbitt was responsible for a $4.2 million YMCA with multiple branches serving more than 20,000 members and employing more than 200 staff.

“It’s rare to find a leadership opportunity providing such a high quality of life paired with an outstanding, fiscally-sound Y that vibrantly and successfully serves many unique communities,” Bobbitt said. “I pride myself on my ability to bring people together to create a culture of camaraderie effectuating a highly successful and efficient operation. I’ll bring plenty of energy to the tasks before me and will strive each day to develop a culture that builds capacity, grows the Y, partners with other stakeholders and not-for-profits in Saratoga County, and builds strong relationships with facility members, staff, members of the organization’s two boards, volunteers and community leaders.”