Month: June 2017

Zumiez, Known For Lifestyle Brands Focused On Action Sports, To Open At The Outlets

June 15, 2017

Zumiez, surf and snowboard apparel, surf, footwear and accessories retailer at the Outlets of Lake George on Route 9.

Zumiez, a skate, surf and snowboard apparel, footwear and accessories retailer opened in May at the Outlets of Lake George, 1415 Route 9.

The Outlets is a recently expanded, 102,000-square-foot shopping center serving the Adirondack Mountains region.

The new 3,000-square-foot Zumiez store is located in the center’s west side, near LOFT.

“As Zumiez is known for its exciting and on-trend merchandise collection for young men and women alike, we are thrilled our newest brand will make its debut in the center just ahead of the summer seasonal and back-to-school shopping seasons,” said Sobert Realty Corp. President Corey Shanus. “As we continue to expand our store collection to offer shoppers access to the brands they want most, we look forward to announcing the names of additional brands that will soon call the Outlets at Lake George home.”

NY State Of Health Agency Says More Than 3.6 Million New Yorkers Enrolled In Program

June 15, 2017

NY State of Health, the state’s official health plan Marketplace, today released detailed demographic data on the more than 3.6 million New Yorkers who enrolled in a health plan through the close of the fourth open enrollment period on Jan. 31.

Approximately 18 percent of the state’s population (nearly one in five New Yorkers) enrolled in a health plan through NY State of Health as of the end of the 2017 open enrollment period, officials said. The success of NY State of Health has resulted in a significant drop in the state’s uninsured rate, from 10 to 5 percent between 2013 and 2016, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“New York State has been a national leader in enrolling people in high quality, affordable health insurance since its inception,” said state Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker. “The latest numbers offer further proof that the Marketplace is vital to the state’s health care system, providing consumers with the health coverage they need.”

“This past open enrollment period was our busiest yet, demonstrating that New Yorkers want and need affordable health insurance coverage,” said Donna Frescatore, executive director of NY State of Health. “Enrollment increased in every corner of the state, showing that we’re successfully reaching consumers and meeting consumer demands.”

NY State of Health 2017 Open Enrollment Report Highlights include:

• 3.6 Million New Yorkers Enrolled

• The 18 percent of the state’s population enrolled as of Jan. 31 represents a net increase of nearly 800,000 since January 2016, when 2.8 million people were enrolled.

AHI Gives Out $1.4 Million In Grants To Support Innovative Health Care Projects

June 15, 2017

Adirondack Health Institute Chief Administrative Officer Kate Clark (right) presents an award to Glens Falls Hospital’s Theresa Alvaro, center, and Cathleen Traver.
Courtesy AHI

Approximately $1.4 million has been awarded by the AHI Performing Provider System (AHI PPS) to partner organizations in the Glens Falls region to undertake innovative health care projects.

Innovation grant funding, part of the state’s Delivery System Reform Incentive Payment (DSRIP) program’s efforts to fundamentally restructure the Medicaid system, will support the implementation of five progressive projects involving Glens Falls Hospital, Hudson Headwaters Health Network, Fort Hudson Health System, the Open Door Mission, and Warren-Washington Association for Mental Health, officials said.

All told, more than $3.9 million was awarded to 10 organizations in five North Country regions (St. Lawrence County, Saranac Lake/Essex County, Fulton County, Plattsburgh, and Glens Falls).

“Each of the awarded Innovation Grant projects in the Glens Falls region align with the overarching DSRIP goal of population health and an integrated delivery system,” said Margaret M. Vosburgh, CEO of Adirondack Health Institute.

Officials said many of the projects in the five-region PPS focus on improving behavioral health outcomes through a wide range of initiatives, including the establishment of a program to increase access to psychiatric providers via live, face-to-face, interactive telepsychiatry services in the Glens Falls region.

Albany Med Creates Preventative Health Plan Targeting Business Execs With Busy Schedules

June 15, 2017

A new concept in preventive health care was unveiled at Albany Medical Center in May.

The only program of its kind in the region, the Executive Health Program was designed to allow busy business executives to tap into Albany Med’s extensive medical expertise, but with the personal attention and setting more reminiscent of a fine hotel than a hospital, officials said.

The program is housed in a newly constructed suite at Albany Med.

“The Executive Health Program was developed for individuals whose time is at a premium but understand the importance of being proactive about their health,” said Kevin Leyden, senior vice president for Business Development and Strategic Partnerships at Albany Medical Center. “It offers access to an outstanding team of health care professionals who can diagnose and evaluate medical problems and formulate preventive strategies.”

According to Dr. Nathan Mitkoff, medical director of the program, it provides “a comprehensive health evaluation, including a cardiac stress test, blood test and uranalysis, history and physical, and discussion of results. Optional services are also available, depending on the patient’s needs. Best of all, tests can be completed in several hours and most results shared during the appointment, which lasts about two hours—again respectful of our patient’s limited time.”

Local Plumbers Union State-Of-The-Art Training Center Key To Filling Jobs In Region

June 15, 2017

At the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 773 training center in Queensbury, instructors teach the current technologies for the fast-changing industry. Here, they work in a ‘clean room’ setting.
Courtesy Local 773

By Maureen Werther

For the 450 members of Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 773, the outlook regarding the future of jobs is good. Its state-of-the-art training center in Queensbury continues to prepare journeymen for the fast-growing list of jobs in and around the region, union officials said.

Located at 37 Luzerne Road in Queensbury, the team of expert instructors and support staff at Local 773 serves seven counties that span from Saratoga County to the Canadian border. They provide qualified pipefitters, welders, plumbers, HVAC workers and fire-suppression experts to industries ranging from commercial and light industrial to high-tech companies such as GlobalFoundries.

The $5-million facility was built in response to the rapid increase in apprenticeships the union experienced seven years ago, officials said. It was located on Bluebird Road in South Glens Falls but was no longer able to accommodate the union’s growing membership.

“Our members decided to invest in growing,” said Nelson Charron, marketing representative for Local 773 and longtime member of the union.

Organization Formed To Help Upstate NY Masonry Contractors Market Their Trade

June 15, 2017

Masonry contractors in Upstate New York have formed a new organization to assist in marketing their trade.

The Upstate Masonry Institute (UMI) is the contractors’ new outreach division with the mission to advocate, educate and promote use of masonry in construction projects that span from the Capital Region to Syracuse in the west and up to the U.S-Canadian border.

Upstate Masonry Institute was designed and is dedicated to improve the overall utilization of masonry materials of all types in the Upstate New York area in commercial, industrial and institutional construction projects, officials for the new organization said.

“UMI is here to represent the masonry industry by educating the developers, owners, architects, engineers and contractors involved in the success of masonry construction applications, providing the knowledge and means of increasing efficiency and productivity in masonry, and advocating the increased use of brick, block and stone,” the group said in a news release.

Business Report: Dryer Vents, Chimneys: The Ugly Truth

June 15, 2017

Jamie Wallace is owner of Saratoga Chimney Sweep in Wilton.
Courtesy Saratoga Chimney Sweep

By Jamie Wallace

Chimneys and dryer vents are a mystery to many homeowners and even experienced contractors. Both vent flammable or toxic gases to the exterior of your home, and both are horribly ignored.

This information is especially important when living in or managing apartments or condos.

Let’s start with dryer vents. There are codes and standards for how they are built. Many times, a heating element in the dryer will fail, causing the need for replacement. In some cases the dryer was never the problem, it was incorrect installation of the vent or heavy lint accumulation. This essentially overworks a dryer and shortens its life span significantly.

In 2010, the National Fire Protection Agency (NFPA) stated that over 15,000 dryer vent fires occurred in the U.S. due to dirty dryer vents.

The good news is: it is 100 percent preventable.

The NFPA also recommends a dryer vent be inspected and cleaned as needed on an annual basis, which would drastically reduce risk. When an experienced professional comes out to service a dryer vent, they should also make sure it was installed properly. There should be no vinyl hose connections, no PVC venting, and certainly no screws holding it all together, which act like lint catchers.

Advice For New Business Ventures: Be Sure There Is Cash On Hand To Keep Things Afloat

June 15, 2017

Paul Dowen is a managing partner of Whittemore, Dowen and Ricciardelli LLP.
Courtesy Whittemore, Dowen and Ricciardelli, LLP

By Jennifer Farnsworth

The best advice Paul Dowen, a managing partner of Whittemore, Dowen and Ricciardelli, LLP in Queensbury, can give to business owners is pretty simple: Have cash.

Dowen said the number one thing he tells small business owners, or those looking to open a small business is have enough cash in a reserve.

“I tell people just starting up—hoard your cash, be prepared,” said Dowen.

Dowen said when starting a business, people should not be undercapitalized. They need to figure out how quickly cash can be generated. He recommended having enough cash to live on for three months, so that until a person can be solvent before collecting the first paycheck as a small business owner.

“If you don’t have that, then it is best to wait on the startup,”said Dowen.

For current business owners, he gives similar advice. He warns against purchasing things that won’t help generate a cash flow. Most banks are happy to finance equipment for small business owners, especially items that will enhance the business and generate more equity.

Dowen also advises to have a business plan in writing to serve as a guide to short- and long-term goals. It should be a clear plan that addresses sources of income and the demographics of target customers. Businesses need to know who they are marketing to, because it will greatly affect cash flow.

“That is how you will grow and make money. Ninety five percent of businesses fail because of cash flow,” said Dowen.

Dowen recommended using marketing tools like social media to tap into potential customers. Once that research is done, look to find ways to finance the business. Save as much as possible and make sure the venture can afford to lose money if things don’t go as planned.

Business Report: Financial Gifts, Tips, For New Graduates

June 15, 2017

Breanna Lundy is a financial advisor with Edward Jones Financial in Greenwich.
Courtesy Edward Jones Financial

By Breanna lundy

It’s graduation season again. If your child is graduating from high school or college, you have reason to celebrate. But what should you give to your newly minted diploma holder? You might want to consider offering a combination of financial gifts and tips, which, taken together, could set your graduate on a path toward a successful, independent life.

What sort of gifts and tips should you consider? Here are a few ideas:

• Give a few shares of stock.

Everyone should understand the financial markets and how they work. One great way to encourage this interest is to give your child a few shares of stock. Young people enjoy owning a piece of a company that makes the products and services they like – and the very act of ownership can inspire them to learn more about investing and to ask questions:

What causes the stock price to go up or down? How long should I hold this stock? Should I own several stocks like this one, or is it better to branch out to find new opportunities? Over time, in learning the answers to these and other questions, your child can become familiar with investing and how to make the best choices.

• Encourage your graduate to open an IRA. Your child can open an IRA as long as he or she has some earned income. You might want to suggest that your child consider a Roth IRA, which, at the child’s age and income level, may be a good choice.

With a Roth IRA, children can access their contributions at any time, tax- and penalty-free. They can’t touch the earnings without incurring both taxes and penalties, however, until they reach 59½. But you will want to encourage them to keep the money in their IRA intact, giving it the chance to grow.

• Provide some financial education.

Business Report: Wealth Management From Ground Up

June 15, 2017

Cumming, CFP, RICP, CRPS, is an executive financial services director with Morgan Stanley.
Courtesy Morgan Stanley

By David L. Cumming

During the day, the next generation of wealth is busy building startups or running projects for major corporations. If you are an individual coming into wealth for the first time from a low- to middle-income background, a unique set of challenges presents itself as you attempt to both manage and enjoy your hard earned-wealth.

One of these challenges may be student loan debt. Besides navigating yourself out of debt, it can be tough to navigate relationship dynamics and commitments when you are new to wealth. You may feel an understandable pull to give back to your family and community, but have a hard time balancing these commitments with those of your own self-care and personal investment.

As your financial position improves, it is common to experience guilt and overwhelming feelings as you notice your improved position relative to your family and friends. These feelings can have an impact on how you relate to your family and community and how you understand your role and function in those relationships.

Couple these feelings with others’ new perception of you as a “wealthy” person, and it can be easy to fall prey to a perceived responsibility for others that exhausts your emotional and financial resources.

Here are a few ways to take care of your own financial health as you navigate this exciting but challenging new position of wealth.

Start Saving Now

When we’re young, it is easy to feel as if retirement is a lifetime away. We may spend very little time, if any, thinking about practical ways to prepare for our golden years. “I’ll take care of that in a decade or two,” one might think. But if anything teaches us that the time to start saving is now, it is the importance of compound interest on your retirement contributions.