By Christine Graf
Hudson Valley Community College is responding to the skilled labor shortage in the area and across the state by pursuing plans to build a new $65 million facility for skilled trades education.
The proposed 130,000-square-foot Applied Technology Education Center (ATEC) will allow the college to expand its training of the skilled technical workforce.
A capital campaign is underway, and a concept plan of the project has been prepared by JMZ Architects and Planners of Glens Falls.
Construction of ATEC, a net energy zero building, is in the planning phase. The architectural bidding process will begin in one to two months.
Lake George Survey Indicates There Is ‘A Strong Pent Up Demand For Travel’
Businesses in the Lake George area may be heading into their busiest months of 2020 yet, with almost 62 percent of nearly 6,000 customers surveyed planning to visit in August or the fall, according to an online survey conducted by Warren County Tourism, Mannix Marketing and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The survey results came in as the region continues to experience an unexpectedly strong July.
“The survey confirms that there is a strong pent up demand for travel and Lake George offers just what travelers want,” said Sara Mannix, owner of LakeGeorge.com and Mannix Marketing.
“Survey respondents stated they had the most interest in visiting the beaches, touring the lake on a cruise ship and experiencing the area’s lakes on paddleboards, kayaks and boats. The most desired activity that was not on the lake was outlet mall shopping and Lake George is home to more than 50 outlet stores. Therefore, we anticipate we will see even more visitors as the fall and back-to-school shopping season approaches,” she noted.
ECHL, Including Adirondack Thunder, Plans To Start 2020-21 Hockey Season On Dec. 4
The ECHL Board of Governors, in conjunction with the Professional Hockey Players’ Association, has approved a revised start date for the 2020-21 ECHL Season, which includes the Adirondack Thunder which plays at Cool Insuring Arena.
The anticipated start date is Dec. 4 for a full 72-game schedule. The league did not comment on whether fans will be allowed to attend.
The ECHL 2020-21 Season was originally scheduled to start Oct. 16. Adjustments to the 2020-21 ECHL Schedule will be announced at a later date, officials said.
“We are eager to return to hockey, but at this time we believe this decision is prudent for the safety of our Players, Employees and Fans,” said ECHL Commissioner, Ryan Crelin.
“The ECHL and our Board of Governors are focused on the 2020-21 Season and remain optimistic for the safe reopening of our venues across the continent. We appreciate our partners and fans continued support and patience, as we work together with our venues, local health officials and the members of the PHPA’s Executive Committee toward the safe return of ECHL hockey.”
Ed Bartholomew, Economic Development Leader, Beloved Community Supporter
Edward M. Bartholomew Jr., president of the EDC Warren County and the lead voice for economic development in the Glens Falls/Lake George Region, died on July 21 at the age of 70.
He was responsible for many projects in the county including the Glens Falls Civic Center, a project which he oversaw as mayor in 1979. He continued his economic development efforts right up to his death, officials said.
“Throughout the COVID-19 (pandemic), Ed was a fixture at economic response and recovery meetings and was an integral partner in stabilizing the future of Warren County’s local economy post-pandemic,” said Warren County Administrator Ryan Moore said.
Matthew Fuller, chairman of the county EDC, said Bartholomew was “tireless” in his pursuit of progress and entirely bipartisan in his approach to solving problems.
Fuller said Bartholomew died from complications from a medical procedure.
Personnel Briefs: August 2020
Mannix Marketing announced the addition of Cameron Cardinale to Mannix Marketing as a social media intern for GlensFalls.com.
Cardinale was hired as a social media intern in June, working closely with Liz Sutton, the social media manager at Mannix Marketing.
He drives traffic to local businesses through Instagram and is starting the first Glens Falls TikTok and Reel channels. His goal is to market fun things to do in the Glens Falls region to the next generation.
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Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. announced the appointment of Mark Wolfenden as director of internal audit and senior vice president
‘Dollar Dash’ Offers Various Products Priced At $10 And Less; Also Does Consignments
By Andrea Harwood Palmer
A new discount store has opened at the Mount Royal Plaza at 959 Route 9 in Queensbury.
Gina Peters and her husband opened the store on July 24.
“We are here to serve the community. We’re not a franchise or a big corporation. We’re here for the local community and the surrounding area. We are a $10 or less store, because we wanted quality products in here. We also consign local artisans in the store, and we encourage people to buy local,” said Peters.
“The people we’ve had come in have been very encouraging and supportive. Day by day, our customer base in increasing,” she said.
The store carries cleaning and kitchen supplies, home and bath items, health and beauty items, toys, home décor, party items, electronics, pet supplies and hardware. There is also a small grocery section that is expanding and they are working on a small auto section.
Old School Pest Control In South Glens Falls Specializes In Removing Various Insect Pests
By Jill Nagy
John Herbaly wants old-fashioned service and reliability to be the hallmarks of his new business, Old School Pest Control LLC in South Glens Falls.
After 20 years working for other companies, Herbaly opened his own business on June 1. So far, it is a family enterprise.
Daughter Skylar designed the company’s logo, an owl wearing a mortarboard, sitting on a branch. Her sister, Larissa who loves owls provided the inspiration for that logo, ,her father said.
They are still too young to work, he said, but the girls are learning the business. His wife, Lisa, on the other hand, runs the office. If things continue to go well, he expects to add another employee next year.
Sen. Betty Little Confirmed A Member Of Olympic Regional Development Authority
State Sen. Betty Little has been nominated by Gov. Andrew Cuomo and confirmed by the Senate as a member of the Olympic Regional Development Authority.
She was one of several appointments made on July 24.
“The COVID pandemic was a stress test on governments across the country, but New York showed what it means for government to perform for the people it serves,” Cuomo said. “The new additions to our team bring a wealth of expertise and knowledge that will be invaluable as we work to build back better from the COVID crisis and continue our record of delivering bold, progressive accomplishments for the people of New York state.”
Little is serving her ninth term as a state senator representing the residents of the 45th Senate District, which is comprised of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Warren and parts of St. Lawrence and Washington Counties.
She is not seeking re-election to another term.
Jim Siplon Named Interim EDC President; Search On For A Permanent Replacement
The board of directors of EDC Warren County has named board member Jim Siplon as interim president following the unexpected death of Ed Bartholomew in July.
“We know we cannot fill Ed Bartholomew’s shoes and his legacy will endure here at EDC forever,” said board Chairman Matthew Fuller. “We also know that, if Ed were here, he would tell us to keep moving forward and get the work done. Jim Siplon will help our board ensure that the many critical economic development projects that Ed was spearheading continue to move forward. There is so much work to do, and we will do it together and in Ed’s honor.’’
EDC will begin a search for a new president in the coming months.
“This is a critical time for EDC and our community, especially as we seek to help local businesses and municipalities recover from the economic damage of COVID-19,’’ said Fuller. “That recovery mission was so important to Ed, and we are fortunate to have in Jim an experienced executive, board member and community leader who can step in to continue the business-support initiatives and assistance programs that Ed was leading.’’
Oak Tree Pediatric Dentistry Opened On Aviation Road In Queensbury By Dr. Lewis
By Andrea Harwood Palmer
Oak Tree Pediatric Dentistry opened on Aug. 3 at 365 Aviation Road in Queensbury.
Dr. Jamie Lewis, originally from Pennsylvania, opened the practice.
“I had been working at the Smile Lodge in Clifton Park,” said Lewis. “I wanted to branch out on my own and create something a little different, a little more personal, a little more family-oriented. I wanted to get to know my patients better.”
Oak Tree is located in the space previously occupied by dentist Dr. Jennifer Shin. Shin sold her practice last year and relocated to New Hampshire with her family. Lewis purchased the property about a year ago, and renovated it to his specifications.
“I’d been looking for property for awhile. It’s always been a dream of mine to own my own practice, and run it the way I want to. I wanted to be able to treat patients the way I would want my kids to be treated,” said Lewis.