Saratoga Business Journal

Girl Scouts Of NENY Celebrate U.S. Mint’s Release Of Juliette Gordon Low Quarter

April 21, 2025

A display of commemorative Juliette Gordon Low quarters, released by the U.S. Mint and celebrated by Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York and NBT Bank.
Courtesy Girl Scouts of Northeastern NY

During a special celebration recently members of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) and NBT Bank celebrated the release of the United States Mint’s Juliette Gordon Low quarter, part of the fourth and final year of the American Women Quarters Program.

“The significance of honoring our Girl Scouts founder in this manner is not lost on any of us. We’re grateful to the U.S. Mint for this recognition,” said Brenda Episcopo, CEO of GSNENY. “Most importantly, our Girl Scouts can see that the values we hold and the lessons we live are respected and important in today’s society. We are proud not just because our founder is being honored, but also because it is a reflection on the good that Girl Scouts does for our members and our communities.”

The American Women Quarters Program highlights trailblazing women from across the country who have left a lasting impact on American history through their contributions to civil rights, public service, science, the arts and more. Juliette Gordon Low founded the Girl Scouts of the United States of America in 1912. What began as a small group of 18 girls has since grown into a global sisterhood of approximately 2.5 million members.

“As the bank that proudly supports the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, we are honored to present the new Juliette Gordon Low quarter,” said Sarah Halliday, NBT Bank President of Commercial Banking. “Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy is a testament to the power of vision, courage and determination. As we celebrate her contributions, we are reminded of the importance of inspiring and empowering young girls to achieve great things.”

Business Report: State Of The Economy And Markets

April 21, 2025

Michael Brodt, Senior Vice President, Wealth Management Director at Adirondack Trust.

By Michael Brodt
Quarter 1, 2025

During a radio address on his hundredth day in office, on June 12, 1933, our 32nd President, Franklin D. Roosevelt, coined the term “First 100 Days.” Since then, the first 100 days of a presidential term are closely watched and widely talked about. We typically see a flurry of activity during these first 100 days; these first 100 days have proven to be active indeed.

The early part of President Trump’s second term has been largely dominated by talk of tariffs, resulting in a highly volatile stock market, desperate for answers on how potential trade wars might impact our U.S. economy. While the implementation of tariffs (and, in return, the retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods) should not come as a surprise, the magnitude of the tariffs and the inconsistent message from Washington is certainly causing angst.

U.S. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently said that tariff increases would likely result in a slowing of the U.S. economy and a delay in the progress being made toward lower inflation this year. However, he did say that the expectation would be that the tariff-related impact on the economy would be transitory and work its way through quickly.

After a series of interest rate cuts during 2024, the Fed left rates unchanged at both its 2025 Committee meetings, indicating that it is too early to tell the full impact of higher tariffs on inflation and economic growth. The Fed’s outlook for 2025 economic growth was adjusted to 1.7% from 2.1% and its outlook for inflation to 2.7% from 2.5%.

Romeo Auto Group Expands Into Saratoga Springs With Ford And Subaru Dealerships

April 21, 2025

Romeo Auto Group has purchased Saratoga Ford and Saratoga Subaru, bringing its family-owned dealership network to Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

By LEE COLEMAN

The Romeo Auto Group has moved into the Saratoga Springs market with the purchase of Saratoga Subaru and Saratoga Ford, both located just off Northway Exit 15.

“We are super excited to add Subaru to our dealerships,” said Mike Romeo, who will be dealer principal of the two dealerships purchased from the Mackey Auto Group on March 24.

The transaction comes just three months after Romeo Auto Group bought Whiteman Chevrolet on Dix Avenue in Glens Falls, now called Romeo Chevrolet.

The Romeo Auto Group has dealerships in Glens Falls, South Glens Falls and Queensbury as well as five dealerships in Kingston operated by Mike’s older brother Joe Romeo.

Mike Romeo said the group currently has a Ford dealership in Kingston but did not have a Subaru dealership. The auto group owns Romeo Toyota on Broad Street in Glens Falls, Carriage Traders on Saratoga Road in South Glens Falls, and the Romeo Auto Outlet on Quaker Road in Queensbury.

Education Foundation Funds Student Projects

April 21, 2025

The Ballston Spa Education Foundation (BSEF)has announced the recipients of its 2025 grant awards. This year, BSEF received eight innovative proposals from across the district. After careful review, five projects were selected for funding, totaling $8,798.97. While not every request could be supported in this cycle, applicants were provided with constructive feedback and encouraged to reapply in the future.

Funded Projects for 2025 Include:

Gordon Creek M.O.V.E. Room Coffee Cart

A student-run coffee cart designed to develop fine motor skills, social interaction, and basic business operations. The initiative uses assistive technology to ensure inclusivity and builds on the success of a similar program previously funded at the Middle School level.

Birch High School

Special Education School Store

Led by 12:1:1 Life Skills students and the Ballston Buddies Club, this project enhances business education through hands-on experience managing a school store. It offers real-world business learning while engaging the wider school community.

Outdoor Expression Swing

at Gordon Creek

RISE Launches Saratoga County’s First Extended-Care Addiction Recovery Program

April 21, 2025

Sybil Newell, executive director of RISE Housing and Support Services, speaks at the launch event for RISE Above, Saratoga County’s first extended-care addiction recovery program.
Courtesy RISE Housing and Support Services

By Susan Elise Campbell

A new program by RISE Housing and Support Services is the first residential rehabilitation facility in Saratoga County that enables those recovering from substance abuse to extend care for an additional three to six months.

Called RISE Above, people who have come out of a standard 28-day rehabilitation program can enter RISE Above voluntarily to continue getting the help they need to reintegrate into life and gain independence, according to Sybil Newell, RISE executive director.

“Saratoga County has had no residential treatment facility for people struggling with sobriety until now,” said Newell. “I’ve looked forward to this program for forever.”

Alcohol abuse is the most common addiction RISE treats, but Newell said opioid addiction is the biggest issue in the county. She said that a growing number of people with addiction are dependent on multiple substances.

“Addiction is such a multi-faceted disorder,” she said. “And it can affect anyone. It is not limited to socio-economic or mental health conditions.”

Whether starting a journey of recovery or continuing one, Newell and her associates at RISE say a continuum of the care is “life saving” because of the “alarming rate of relapse” following rehabilitation.

Bridging Medicine And Law: Dr. Carrie Barber’s Specialized Consulting Empowers Legal Teams

April 21, 2025

Dr. Carrie Barber provides expert medical legal consulting for complex healthcare cases.
Courtesy Barber Medical Legal Nurse Consulting LLC

By Ann Donnelly

In the complex world of medical legal cases, having an expert who understands the nuances of both the medical and legal fields is invaluable. Dr. Carrie Barber, founder and principal medical legal consultant of Barber Medical Legal Nurse Consulting, LLC, brings a unique and powerful perspective to this specialized area. With 25 years of nursing experience and a wealth of qualifications, including a Doctorate of Nursing Practice and certification as a nurse midwife, which she passionately still practices, Barber has carved out a niche that blends her extensive clinical knowledge with risk management expertise.

Barber’s journey began with a deep commitment to women’s healthcare, working in labor and delivery and serving as a nursing professor. However, her move into independent consulting in September 2021 allowed her to leverage her varied experience. “My previous work roles have been the milestones that have taken me to this point in my career where I have been able to develop an independent and dependent medical legal consulting practice,” Barber explains.

Her ability to view cases from multiple angles—medical, nursing, and hospital administration—makes her an exceptionally valuable asset to her clients. This comprehensive understanding allows her to provide in-depth analysis and support in complex cases, particularly those involving maternal, neonatal, and fetal birth injuries and wrongful death.

Transitioning from hospital administration and academia to entrepreneurship presented its challenges. Barber candidly admits, “I was naive to the ongoing marketing and networking and the need for just constant efforts to connect with potential clients.” However, she quickly learned the importance of persistence and networking, dedicating specific days to marketing and networking. LinkedIn has also proven to be a valuable platform for her, connecting her with clients nationwide.

Saratoga Spine Care’s Integration Into Saratoga Hospital Will Improve The Patient Experience

April 21, 2025

Saratoga Spine Care, located at 31 Myrtle Street in Saratoga Springs, is now part of Saratoga Hospital and the Albany Med Health System.
Courtesy Saratoga Business Journal

By Rod Bacon

On April 21, Saratoga Spine became part of Saratoga Hospital and by extension part of the Albany Med Health System.

The practice sold its building at 31 Myrtle Street in Saratoga Springs to the hospital in March, 2024, but has continued to provide services there since the sale. It has been renamed Saratoga Spine Care and the same level of quality care will still be available, according to Allie Curran, director of marketing & communications at Saratoga Hospital.

“The acquisition will greatly benefit the services we are able to offer our patients throughout the region,” she said. “Furthermore, it strengthens Saratoga Hospital’s commitment to serve the people of the Saratoga region by providing them access to excellence in healthcare in a supportive and caring environment.”

In addition to its Myrtle Street location Saratoga Spine has offices at 7 Murray Street in Glens Falls and 16 Degrandpre Way in Plattsburgh. The Plattsburgh location will remain the same but the Glens Falls office has been moved to 161 Carey Road in Queensbury, Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s location.

The Success Of Benson’s Pet Centers Aided By Strong Commitment Of Extended Family

April 21, 2025

NYS Senator Jim Tedisco presents a plaque commemorating the 25th anniversary of Benson’s Pet Center’s Wilton store to President Ryan Kramer, Sr. as family members and staff look on.
Courtesy of Benson’s Pet Centers

By Rod Bacon

Entrepreneurship is all about seizing the day. When someone with an entrepreneurial spirit recognizes a viable business opportunity they act upon it.

What started as a small fish room inside Benson’s Pet Shop in Wilton’s Pyramid Mall in 1992 has grown over the past 33 years to a family-owned-and-operated business with eight locations in the Capital District, Upstate New York, and Massachusetts.

As a youngster Ryan Kramer became interested in aquatics and his father, Frank, bought him his first fish tank when he was 12. His interest in fresh-water fish never waned and 10 years later he had the opportunity to purchase multiple fish tanks from a Ballston Spa store that was getting out of that area of the pet business. Shortly thereafter, he walked into the mall’s pet store looking for fish. There were none. The owner, a self-described “dog guy” who had named the store after his pet beagle, Benson, suggested that Ryan set up his fish tanks in an unused section of the store. He sold fish and fish supplies.

The Town Of Greenfield Welcomes Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market To The Community

April 21, 2025

Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch (holding pizza) stands with (from left) Walt Brownell, George Goss and Tony Ippoliti, the owner and staff, respectively, of Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market.
Photo by Jenn Ginley

By Rod Bacon

When Walt Brownell realized there was a dearth of pizzerias and grocery stores in the Town of Greenfield he filled the void by opening Vicki’s Pizzeria & Market.

“There were no pizzerias in the immediate area and the only nearby store selling groceries is a Stewart’s Shop in Greenfield Center. People have to go to Saratoga Springs or Corinth to find a large grocery store,” said Brownell. “Our grocery department is fully stocked with most items a household needs.”

This includes a large variety of deli meats, Cabot cheeses, milk, bread, cereal, soap and paper products. Also available in the deli department are wings, smoked brisket, corned beef, and breakfast sandwiches. For $12 customers can get a foot-long, fully stacked sub.

“We’re new to the grocery business so we’re taking suggestions from customers about what they’d like us to add to our inventory,” Brownell said.

The pizzeria offers 24-cut, 12-cut, and six-cut Sicilian pies, as well as medium and large New Yorkers. Prices range from $11 to $24.

The Still At Speckled Pig To Bring Craft Spirits And Elevated Pub Fare To Ballston Spa

April 21, 2025

A rendering of The Still at Speckled Pig, a new distillery and gastropub set to open next to the popular Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in Ballston Spa.
Courtesy Speckled Pig

By Susan Elise Campbell

Three years after opening The Speckled Pig Brewing Co. in the heart of Ballston Spa, the owners set their sights on the building next door and another business venture to build their brand: The Still at Speckled Pig.

Partners RJ Elliott, Randy Elliott, Kelly Delaney Elliott, Larry Heid, and Mary Jo Heid were keenly interested when the owner of Jim’s Garage at 17 Washington Street approached the Elliotts last summer with an offer to sell, according to Larry Heid.

“We were kicking around ideas to increase our revenue stream with a new restaurant. I loved the idea of spirits because if you’re a good brewer, you can be a good distiller,” said Heid, who was a home brewer when he joined the Elliott Family to launch Speckled Pig.

The partners hope that come this July, The Still will be selling its own brand of vodka, gin, rum, and, after it has aged two or more years, whiskey and bourbon.

Speckled Pig was the first company in the Village to craft their own beer onsite and to serve their own label on tap. Now with The Still at Speckled Pig, customers will be able to sip on spirits and craft cocktails, eat elevated pub food, and see through to the distilling equipment where the liquor in their glass was made, Heid said.