Month: September 2017

By Liz Witbeck

Propane is said to be one of the most efficient sources of energy. Millions of Americans use propane instead of other heating alternatives.

“Many people like propane because of the versatility,” said Ken Buhrmaster, owner of Buhrmaster Energy Group, which merged with Shaw Propane, 1470 Route 9, Fort Edward, and serves the Lake George Glens Falls region.

Shaw Propane has seen many recent trends in the propane and fuel industry, he said.

“A lot of people are purchasing propane in rural areas,” noted Buhrmaster. “These are people who previously used oil and are making the switch.”

“It is a competitive industry. There are many companies to choose from. There are different types of delivery, types of services,” Buhrmaster said. “There is the ability to choose your own supplies.”

Buhrmaster is the fourth generation in his family to be involved in the energy industry. His family started the business in 1913. They currently serve 12 counties throughout New York state.

Propane is liquefied petroleum gas. It is used to heat the appliances in the home or any other number of uses. It is a valuable alternative to natural gas or heating oil.

By Maureen Werther

Hacker-Craft, a long-time maker of wooden motor boats is in the midst of negotiating a sales agreement that could propel sales of the  sleek mahogany crafts into Europe, doubling its annual production at home.

The iconic vessels have reportedly been a favorite of the wealthy and  celebrities such as Tommy Hilfiger, Donald Sutherland and Rachel Ray.

Erin Badcock, vice president of operations, said the company produced 16 boats in 2016. This year, they have turned out 15 to date and are continuing to work on orders through the end of the year.

The company is still running its operations out of Ticonderoga. However, Badcock said they are still focused on moving the operations south, possibly into Queensbury, to accommodate their potential expansion.

If the European sales deal goes through, it will mean a doubling in annual production for the company. Currently, Hacker employs 27 people full time. Winning new sales abroad would mean the company will hire more people to manage the increase in orders.

By Jill Nagy

Little Caesar’s is in the process of closing its pizza takeout store at South Western Avenue in Queensbury and moving to a new location at 133 Saratoga Ave. , South Glens Falls, in Glengate Plaza.

Manager Rob Seoane said he planned to open at the South Glens Falls location on Wednesday, Sept. 13. The store on Dix Avenue in Queensbury will remain open.

The lease was up on the old location,  Seoane said, and the location had too many drawbacks—mainly a shortage of parking and neighbors, including a bar and hair salon, whose customers tend to stay a while rather than coming and going quickly, thereby freeing up parking spaces.

The new location, in a strip mall, comes with plenty of parking, he said, and neighbors that include other fast food outlets.

Seoane’s two outlets are the only Little Caesar’s locations north of Albany. He opened them in 2011. 

The daughters of Samuel and Eliza Jane Pruyn grew up surrounded by the effects of their father’s generosity and admiring his philanthropic spirit. Mr. Pruyn, the founder of Finch Paper, made significant contributions to the community in education, creation of a water system, and improved housing.

The Pruyn daughters, Charlotte Pruyn Hyde (1867-1963), Nell Pruyn Cunningham (1876-1962), and Mary Pruyn Hoopes (1870-1952), stayed close throughout their lives, pursuing their love of the arts and carrying on their family’s legacy of giving.

The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls, founded on Mrs. Hyde’s dedication to enriching lives with her art collection, has for years benefited from the Pruyn family descendants’ generosity and support. That continued when the museum announced that the Hoopes family has donated $50,000 to kick-start contributions to the annual gala, The Hyde’s biggest fundraising event of the year.