By R.J. DeLuke

The New York Racing Association continues to invest money into Saratoga Race Course, in an effort to draw younger fans. It is also proud of the way it has worked with local businesses to enhance the economic viability of the track and the city.

Those were among the messages NYRA CEO Chris Kay relayed at a breakfast meeting of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, held at the National Museum of Racing on the eve of the opening of this year’s meet.

The following day, NYRA reported that Saratoga Race Course saw an all-sources handle of $20,332,051, a 14.47 percent increase over the 2016 opening day total.

Kay cited the 2015 study that showed the race track had an economic impact in the county of $237 million. There hasn’t been a study since, but he said, based on the number of new hotels and the price increases at restaurants, he estimated that economic impact has probably grown to $245-$250 million.

Regarding current investments, Kay said an improved children’s playground area “is as important and as strategic a capital improvement as we will ever make when it comes to the sustainability of our organization and, therefore, the sustainability of the Saratoga economy.”

Over the years, he noted, many people became fans because they visited the track with their parents and had fond memories that brought them back. Today, that is not necessarily the case; so, getting younger fans to perpetuate the attendance at the track is important.

Other changes this year, he said, include technological enhancements that more than doubled the facility’s Wi-Fi capacity; the Saratoga debut of NYRA XP, a new all-in-one Saratoga mobile app that provides all kinds of information as well as streaming of live races; and the unveiling of a restored historic paddock pari-mutuel building.

Saratoga County Attorney Stephen M. Dorsey was elected president of the County Attorneys’ Association of the State of New York (CAASNY) during its recent annual meeting.

The association is an organization that represents counties across the state, and helps foster effective government and promotes the science of law.

“It is an honor to serve as president of this esteemed and impactful association,” Dorsey said. “It means a great deal that my work as Saratoga County Attorney has enabled me to take my experience to this statewide organization. I am looking forward to contributing to this group, as well as learning from my colleagues and peers from around the state.”

The association is made up of county attorneys and their assistant county attorneys from throughout New York state. CAASNY centers its attention on constructing professional relationships among county and New York City corporation counsel attorneys in New York state.

Guy Mastrion, entrepreneur and creative industry veteran with more than 30 years of experience in brand development, digital strategy, advertising, design, photography and film for global brands, was appointed the ninth F. William Harder chair of business at Skidmore College.

Mastrion is founder and chief creative officer of Brandforming, a multidisciplinary creative organization with expertise in design, campaign and digital work dedicated to the creation and transformation of brands. The firm’s clients represent myriad industries including health and wellness, financial services, entertainment, transportation, consumer/packaged goods, food and beverage, travel, automotive and fashion brands, college officials said.

He is also a founding member of Watershed Bridges, a unique network of partner firms established by experienced industry veterans, and dedicated to connecting for a change in healthcare communications.

Prior to founding Brandforming, Mastrion was a co-founder and chief global creative officer of Palio-Ignite, a worldwide healthcare advertising agency helping to establish and grow inVentiv Health. Palio-Ignite was headquartered in Saratoga Springs and grew to have offices in New York City and Irvine, Calif., plus a network of global agency affiliates.

Guy has also held senior creative positions at leading advertising agencies including Saatchi & Saatchi, Bates Worldwide, McCaffrey McCall Partners, Dancer Fitzgerald & Sample and McCann Erickson.

“Guy brings a wealth of practical knowledge, industry expertise, and creative energy to thinking about advertising, branding, and marketing communications,” said Caroline D’Abate, chair of the Department of Management & Business at Skidmore College. “He sees connections between business, psychology, the arts, sciences, history, and so much more, and he brings these connections to life in relevant ways for his clients. We foresee Guy Mastrion becoming an influential and impactful part of the Skidmore community.”

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Robert Bucher Jr. of Design Logic Architects PC is behind a $21 million, 30-unit condominium project in Saratoga Springs.

He said the residential space promises to be something different than Saratoga Springs has seen before. He said the luxury, high-end property will be a crowd pleaser for residents and its neighbors as well.

Construction is scheduled for the spring of 2018 at the 128 Henry St. property that is currently vacant. The project is being reviewed by the Planning Board, but Bucher said no variances are needed for the parcel.

The five-story building will include a parking garage, floor-to-ceiling glass and a first floor art gallery.

“The art gallery and lighting around the building will be spectacular,” said Bucher.

“The condos will be more contemporary than Saratoga is used to. My vision is to create something that is different than the average condominium,” he said.

He said he is hoping to have the residencies filled by the fall. The project has already drawn a lot of interest from people looking to purchase a condo.

Bucher said they will be priced between $599,000 to $830,000.

He said he researched the condo market in Saratoga Springs before he began creating his vision to set the Henry Street location apart from all the current properties in the area.

“It’s a perfect location in a really, really cool part of the city,” said Bucher.