Saratoga Business Journal

New Technology Allows ‘Rocket Recycling’ To Process Hundreds Of Cans Per Minute

April 11, 2022

Tyler Russell, owner, and Allegra Christidis, store manager, pose inside Rocket Recycling in Glens Falls, a can and bottle redemption center that can process hundreds of items per minute.

By Paul Post

An entrepreneurial Saratoga Springs couple has turned a widespread labor shortage to its advantage by adopting state-of-the-art technology to open a new can and bottle redemption center.

The business, called Rocket Recycling, welcomed its first customers on March 11. It is located at a former Stewart’s Shop building at 255 Ridge St. in Glens Falls.

“It’s all about speed, getting people in and out quickly and being super efficient,” said Tyler Russell. “Our tagline is the ‘Fastest Redemption Center in the Galaxy’.”

He owns the firm with his wife, Julia.

“We just saw an opportunity to do something a little different, using equipment to differentiate ourselves from other places like this,” Russell said. “We’ve been kicking this idea around for several years. The biggest problem today is labor, the same as any industry.”

By surfing the internet, the Russells found an Elmira-based firm, JK Peris, Inc., which specializes in recycling equipment. Such technology eliminates long lines and reduces the need for hiring employees.

Mint, A New Restaurant in Glens Falls, Specializes In Fresh Farm-To Table Dishes

April 11, 2022

Johanna von Geldern, right, owner of Mint, with general manager Brandi Michal.
Paul Post

By Paul Post

A new Glens Falls restaurant is specializing in farm-to-table dishes featuring fresh food sourced from throughout the region.

Johanna von Geldern and her daughters, Katriel and Cagney Houlihan, welcomed their first patrons to Mint, at 80 Warren St., on April 8. She previously owned Sweet Beet Bistro in Greenwich, which closed in March 2020 when COVID-19 hit.

Her focus on serving the highest quality, fresh food remains unchanged.

“With COVID, it just kind of re-emphasized the importance of healthy eating and knowing where food comes from,” von Geldern said. “We became part of the food revolution, reducing carbon footprint, and teaching people about ingredients we were learning about, too.”

“It kind of evolved organically because we’re surrounded by so many farms and artisans,” she said. “We saw this abundance of beautiful food around us.”

The eatery is housed in the former Mailings Made Easy building, owned by Glens Falls developer Peter Hoffman. Its elegant atmosphere reflects the owners’ commitment to providing a rewarding experience for each guest.

Paintings by Glens Falls artist Susan Beadle adorn the walls. A long, black banquette from the State Capitol in Albany gives the main dining room a flair of historic ambiance. In summer, a large glass door will open onto a spacious outdoor dining patio.

Vested Veteran Grill In Corinth Gives Some Of Its Proceeds To Help Veterans With PTSD

April 11, 2022April 19, 2022

Ellie Stultz is the front end manager at Vested Veteran Grill in Corinth.

Updated business name correction – 4/19/22

by jill nagy

The Vested Veteran Grill at 126 Maple St. in Corinth honors the owners’ military service and helps other veterans and active duty service members.

The grill has been open since last June and was preceded by a catering operation, still active, that started in April 2018.

Allen Lapelle and his wife, Kendie, and a staff of 10 operate the grill and catering service. Other partners are Jennelle Hoffman, Tyler Kirchhoff—who is also the building landlord—and Jason Shippee.

One-tenth of the profits from the catering business are donated to an organization that assists veterans with PTSD.

Lapelle said he is “big on community.” He was especially pleased to host the Corinth High School girls’ basketball team when they celebrated winning the Adirondack League championship. In another bow to the community, the Grill serves locally roasted Engine 3 Coffee.

Lapelle was born and raised in the area. He spent five years in the U.S. Air Force, until 2014. Straight out of the military he took a job cooking. Then, he decided to learn more and signed on for programs at BOCES and the Culinary Institute. He served internships at Yaddo, in Saratoga Springs, and at a restaurant in New Orleans.

“I’m new to the game. I’m still learning a lot,” he said.

The grill is open from 7-11:30 a.m. Tuesday to Sunday for breakfast. From Wednesday to Sunday, they remain open for lunch until 2 p.m. Then, the restaurant closes for an hour to prepare for dinner, which is served from 3 to 8 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday.

Otis Named Corporate Responsibility Officer, Community Relations Manager At KeyBank

April 11, 2022

Tamika Otis has 15-plus years of leadership and program management experience.
Courtesy KeyBank

KeyBank has named Tamika Otis its corporate responsibility officer and community relations manager for the Capital Region and Central New York markets.

Otis has more than 15 years of leadership and program management experience and will oversee KeyBank’s broad community engagement strategy.

Officials said this includes Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) compliance and execution of KeyBank’s National Community Benefits Plan in the Capital Region. Since 2017, KeyBank has invested more than $666 million in Albany and the surrounding region through this plan, supporting small business and home lending in low- and-moderate income communities, affordable housing and community development projects, and philanthropic efforts targeted toward education, workforce development, and safe, vital neighborhoods.

Group Reservations Are Available At Race Track Hospitality Areas For Upcoming Season

April 11, 2022

The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced that full-space reservations for its newest hospitality venue, the Paddock Suite at Saratoga Race Course, are now available for groups of up to 80 guests.

The Paddock Suite, an expansive, permanent structure featuring a climate-controlled lounge, bar and balcony overlooking the historic saddling area, will feature prominently among the many group hospitality options available for reservation this summer at Saratoga Race Course, officials said.

Full-space group reservations are also open for the Stella Artois Spa Verandas; 1863 Club, including The Rail, Resorts World Legends Hall, and Luxury Suites; Big Red Spring Tent and the Festival Tent.

Located adjacent to Shake Shack, the Paddock Suite will offer panoramic views of the backyard and paddock from within an enclosed lounge that will sit above the newly renovated Post Bar. The latter area, a popular open-air gathering spot for racing fans formerly situated beneath a temporary canopy, will continue to be accessible to all guests, ages 21 and over.

Group reservations for the Paddock Suite include admission, choice of food platters, non-alcoholic beverages, coffee and tea, tax, gratuity and race program. Open bar packages can also be purchased.

“We’re thrilled to introduce the brand-new Paddock Suite this summer, on the heels of the successful debut last year of the Stella Artois Spa Verandas and opening of the 1863 Club in 2019,” said Kevin Quinn, NYRA vice president of sales and hospitality. “NYRA is committed to investing in the future of Saratoga Race Course with the addition of these new hospitality and dining venues that honor the history and traditions of Saratoga.”

Chowderfest Returns To Saratoga Highlighted By Music, Activites, Sampling On March 26

March 14, 2022

Crowds jam downtown Saratoga Springs for the Chowderfest event in 2019. COVID put the outdoor, downtown event on a hiatus, but it returns this year on Saturday, March 26.

Discover Saratoga will present Saratoga Chowder Fest ‘N Tour the week of Saturday, March 19, through Saturday, March 26.

The main event will be the traditional Chowderfest celebration 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 26. This event is coordinated by Discover Saratoga and presented by Saranac and White Claw.

During the preceding week, chowder lovers will have the ability to dine-in or purchase pints and quarts to-go at participating locations.

“While we’re eager for a full return to normalcy, health and safety remain our top priority,” said Discover Saratoga President Darryl Leggieri. “For this reason, we’ve decided to make Saratoga Chowder Fest ‘N Tour a week-long event. This will allow those who may not be comfortable with crowds the opportunity to enjoy chowder all week long.”

The events on March 26 will include live entertainment and family-friendly activities throughout downtown Saratoga Springs. Event goers can try $2 (4 ounce) samples of chowder and vote for their favorite.

“We encourage visitors to come to Saratoga Springs and make a weekend out of it with special hotel rates offered at participating locations,” said Leggieri. “People travel from all over the region for the taste of chowder done right, and to experience the excitement of Saratoga.”

Multi-Year, $6M Rehabilitation Project Is Ongoing At Saratoga National Historical Park

March 14, 2022

The Saratoga Battlefield in Stillwater preserves the site of the Battles of Saratoga.
©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

Saratoga National Historical Park will begin a $6 million multi-year project to rehabilitate the interpretive battlefield experience. The work is being funded through the Great American Outdoors Act.

Park officials said the project focuses on improving accessibility and interpretation of the Saratoga Battlefield. The work includes rehabilitating the parking areas and pathways at all tour stops to address deferred maintenance, improve accessibility, and replace aging waysides exhibits to enhance the interpretation experience of the battlefield.

This month, the Tour Road will be closed during the week to all traffic, including vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles. It will be available on weekends for pedestrian and bicycle use only.

From April 9 through May 27, the Tour Road will be open on weekends only for use by vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. The south entrance parking area will be used as a construction staging area and closed for the duration of the project. The closures are in place for the safety of park visitors and to allow for the work to be completed faster, officials said.

Modern, outdoor exhibits constructed of durable steel, aluminum, and bronze will replace existing waysides that are well beyond their intended design life. In addition to being more cost-effective by requiring less routine maintenance, the new exhibits will include replica objects and convey updated information about the battles, the landscape, multiple perspectives, and the roles of lesser-known participants to better connect visitors with the meaning and importance of the site. The design layouts are geared for easier reading; using added color contrast, appropriate fonts and font size, tactile bronze relief maps, braille, and installation heights that are beneficial for all visitors.

The current Tour Road experience is more than 50 years old, officials said. Despite massive efforts by park staff to maintain the aging infrastructure of the road and tour stops, a significant maintenance backlog has developed.

Jennifer Vucetic Of EXIT Realty Empire Associates Is NYSAR President For 2022

March 14, 2022

Jennifer Vucetic is the New York State Association of Realtors president for 2022.
Courtesy EXIT Realty Empire Associates

Local principal broker and owner of EXIT Realty Empire Associates Jennifer Vucetic is the New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) president for 2022.

She was formally installed Feb. 7 by 2021 National Association of Realtor’s President Charlie Oppler as part of the organizations mid-winter business meetings.

The celebration was held at the Crowne Plaza- Desmond Hotel in Albany.

Vucetic is a 2012 graduate of NYSAR’s Leadership Academy and a 2020 graduate of NAR’s Leadership Academy. She was named Realtor of the year in 2016 by the Greater Capital Association of Realtors, has served as local NS NYS Women’s Council of Realtors president and regional vice president for the National Women’s Council of Realtors.

Vucetic is also an 2019 Realtors Political Action Committee (RPAC) Hall of Fame inductee, 2020 recipient of the Lawernce B. Caldwell RPAC Service Award and currently Region 2 RPAC trustee. She also has several professional real estate designations.

“Jennifer is a valuable member of our team and we offer our warmest congratulations on this appointment,” said Amanda LaForte, office administrator and Realtor of EXIT Realty Empire Associates.

Prosperity Partnership Ceases Operations; SEDC Still Main Economic Development Cog

March 14, 2022

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership board of directors recently voted unanimously to transfer the partnership’s responsibilities to Saratoga County. The county’s Planning and Economic Development Department will assume operational duties, according to the change laid out by Partnership and county officials.

The economic development organization was founded by Saratoga County in 2014. Since that time, more than $5 million in taxpayer funding was put into the agency.

There were few successes and few private-sector jobs were ever credited to the Partnership, according to both media reports and their own progress reports.

The Partnership was formed after the county had a falling out with the Saratoga Economic Development Corp., a private-sector nonprofit with a long track record of success. SEDC refused the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors demand to appoint a member to the SEDC board. As a result, the county ended its funding for SEDC in 2013.

According to SEDC, over the last decade, the agency and its stakeholders helped to create over 1,700 new jobs with over $170 million in payroll while retaining over 2,050 existing jobs at Saratoga County companies.

In 2019, the county brought SEDC back on board and created an alliance between SEDC and the Partnership. The relationship continued to encounter unresolved conflicts.

Personal Brief: March 2022

March 14, 2022

Sterling Manor Financial announces the addition of Gina Sherman, as executive administrative assistant.

Sherman has nearly 30-years of experience.

The firm undertook an extensive search process, combing through more than 100 resumes to fill the position. With an administrative assistant certificate from Mildred Elley Business School, she also holds a paralegal certificate.

She is a longtime resident of Saratoga Springs.

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The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) announces that Tricia Rogers has been promoted to vice president of membership and community engagement.

Rogers has acted as the membership director since September of 2016, bringing in new members and maintaining relationships within the business community.

She serves on the board for the Tri-County United Way, Warren Washington Association for Mental Health, and the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation.She also won the second annual Dancing with the Adirondack Stars competition hosted by Community, Work & Independence Inc. (CWI).

Rogers lives in Hudson Falls.