Glens Falls Business Journal -

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

April 23, 2025April 23, 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.

“We want to build it back up to what it used to be,” Mike Romeo said about the Saratoga Springs car market.

Aviation Mall Employing Creative Solutions To Counteract The Loss Of Stores And Shoppers

April 23, 2025

Aviation Mall adds attractions like ADK Karting to boost traffic and revitalize its space.
Courtesy Glens Falls Business Journal

By Paul Post

Aviation Mall is gearing up for a second half-century of business with a go-kart racing attraction for local families, summer vacationers and serious competitors alike.

Scheduled to open Nov. 1, ADK Karting Experience is the newest in a series of sports, fitness and entertainment-type tenants, as the 50-year-old mall reinvents itself in the face of 21st-century consumer demands.

“When you have a very large facility to maintain with costly utilities, insurance and the like, you have to take on opportunities that might not be traditional,” said James Griffith, mall general manager. “We’ve always looked at different uses for getting people in the shopping center because that’s how we’re measured by our tenants. They want to know, ‘What is your foot traffic?’”

“We welcome anything, whenever we can justify that it brings more traffic,” he said.

ADK Karting will occupy the 80,000-square-foot former Sears space at the east end of the mall, near the Food Court.

Aviation Mall was a major, region-wide retail shopping destination when it opened in October 1975 with JC Penney, still there, and Denby’s as anchors. Caldor and Sears joined not long afterward, but later closed in addition to The Bon-Ton, which replaced Caldor.

Target, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Ollie’s Bargain Outlet are anchors now along with JC Penney, but filling smaller spaces with retail tenants has been a challenge for malls across America, including this one.

“You can’t run away from it, online buying is how people make their purchases now,” Griffith said.

Loans From Washington County Local Development Corp. Support Businesses In Area

April 23, 2025

By Paul Post

A $35,000 loan helped Argyle Cheese Farmer finish its plant when the firm started out 18 years ago.

Whitehall-based Hogwash Cleaning Solution got $150,000 to buy new equipment for its existing business and another $200,000 more recently to purchase a new building.

The popular eatery Grumbellies’ move from Fort Ann to a former Glens Falls National Bank building in downtown Fort Edward has been made possible with $200,000 to acquire the building.

These are among the dozens of small businesses that have flourished with loans from Washington County Local Development Corporation that’s provided $20 million to firms, with an amazing 92 percent success rate, since its founding 40 years ago.

“Small business is really the engine of Washington County’s economy,” LDC President and Executive Director Deanna Derway said. “We don’t have the big industry that some of our neighboring counties do, so they created us to address that burgeoning small business sector.”

The original pool of money came from federal Community Block grants.

“There’s been no money added to it since then, just the interest on loans we get back from businesses,” Derway said. “That’s the money we use to help the next business down the road. It’s a revolving loan fund.”

Loans range anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000, but can go higher with approval from a seven-member review committee and the county Board of Supervisors.

Almost three dozen loans are currently under contract.

“We are a $5 million dollar corporation and have four different revolving loan programs, each with its own set of guidelines,” Derway said.

Business Report: State Of The Economy And Markets

April 23, 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%.

The first trading days of 2025 saw the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index (S&P 500) advance from 5,868 at the beginning of the year, to an all-time high of 6,144 on February 19. Following this apex, the S&P 500 hit correction territory, declining 10% to 5,521 on March 13. More recently, the index has shown strength, advancing just over 3% from this 2025 low.

Registration Opens For May 3rd Warren County Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event

April 23, 2025

Volunteers unload hazardous materials during a previous Warren County collection event. The next drop-off is scheduled for May 3 in Queensbury, with free disposal available for registered residents.
Courtesy Warren County

Registration has opened for Warren County’s first household hazardous waste collection event of 2025, scheduled on Saturday, May 3.

Warren County residents who would like to get rid of hazardous materials such as cleaners, paint, pesticides and other household chemicals can do so at no charge on May 3 at Queensbury Highway Department, 742 Bay Road, Queensbury, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Residents who sign up will be able to safely dispose of materials such as antifreeze, pesticides, gasoline, paints, household cleaners and fluorescent light bulbs at no cost at this household hazardous waste collection, which is being overseen by Warren County Department of Public Works.

The Warren County event staff will not be able to accept munitions, automotive oil, batteries, asbestos, pharmaceuticals, infectious waste or tires.

Registration is required, and closes April 30. These events typically fill quickly.

Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union Expands Reach, Prioritizing Community Over Profit

April 23, 2025

By Ann Donnelly

Saratoga’s Community Federal Credit Union, a local institution with deep roots dating back to 1945, is embarking on an ambitious expansion, extending its services to Fulton, Montgomery, Warren, and Washington counties. This move marks a significant step for the credit union, also known as Saratoga Federal, which has historically served the Saratoga community, starting as an organization for Saratoga teachers.

The credit union’s recent approval to expand its charter reflects a commitment to serving underbanked communities, a core principle emphasized by its governing agency, the NCUA. The decision to extend services northward comes from the organization’s desire to provide essential financial services to areas where traditional banking options may be limited.

According to Don Denofio, Saratoga Federal’s President and CEO for nearly 20 years, “The regulators were saying, get into places where there’s no banking because that’s where we can make a difference as an organization.” This philosophy underscores the credit union’s dedication to serving individuals who may not fit the stringent criteria of traditional banks, particularly those with lower credit scores or limited financial histories.

Unlike banks, credit unions operate on a member-owned model, where customers are shareholders, not just account holders. This structure allows for a more community-focused approach, reinvesting profits into the members through lower fees, competitive loan rates, and higher savings rates. While the gap between credit union and bank offerings has narrowed in recent years, the fundamental difference remains: credit unions prioritize member benefit over maximizing shareholder profits.

Expanding into the four new counties will be facilitated through a network of shared branches and ATMs, partnering with existing credit unions and retail locations like Price Chopper and Stewart’s Shops. This strategy provides members with convenient access to banking services without the immediate need for physical branches. The credit union is also implementing a 24/7 phone and online lending service to enhance accessibility further.

RISE Above Program Fills Critical Gap In Addiction Recovery Services

April 23, 2025

Sybil Newell, executive director of RISE Housing and Support Services, speaks at the launch event for RISE Above, an 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.”

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

April 23, 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.

Hudson Headwaters Opens PACE, Alternative To Nursing Home Care Welcomes First Participants

April 23, 2025

PACE at Hudson Headwaters, located on Larose Street in Glens Falls, offers a new model of care to help seniors age in place by providing coordinated medical and social services in a state-of-the-art facility.
Courtesy Hudson Headwaters Health Neck

Hudson Headwaters Health Network announces the opening of PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) at Hudson Headwaters, located at 38 Larose Street, Glens Falls and adjacent to Hudson Headwaters Glens Falls Family Health. PACE is a community-based program that provides and pays for coordinated medical and social services to qualifying individuals ages 55 and older who may otherwise be nursing home eligible. PACE at Hudson Headwaters’ service area covers parts of Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

“PACE is an opportunity to help vulnerable seniors age in place safely at home and in their communities. We’re excited for our region to have this model of care, which allows greater choice, independence and dignity for participants and their caregivers,” said Tucker Slingerland, M.D., Hudson Headwaters CEO. “While our journey has been long to reach this milestone, we extend our thanks to the New York State Department of Health on behalf of our communities, including the many participants and their families who will personally benefit from this program.”

ADK Karting Experience Will Offer Indoor Road Race Track In The Aviation Mall This Fall

April 23, 2025

By Paul Post

Jeremy Treadway has just the thing for people who feel the need for speed.

His new ADK Karting Experience attraction, scheduled to open this fall, will have a more than quarter-mile-long, indoor road race type track with cars that go up to 50 mph.

It will occupy the 80,000-square-foot former Sears store that closed in 2018 at the east end of Aviation Mall, near the Food Court.

“We’re going to be able to cover a wide range of people,” Treadway said. “We want it so an enthusiast like myself who raced professionally for years can get in and be excited, but we also want to adjust the speed of cars enough so a family can get in and not worry about the kids getting hurt.”

Competitive leagues will be organized for experienced drivers.

“We also want to be a tourist-type destination so that when people come to the area they can say, let’s go to ADK Karting, we can spend a rainy afternoon there and enjoy ourselves,” he said.

In addition to racing, the entertainment-themed complex will have six simulators that let people feel like they’re behind the wheel in a NASCAR race or competing in one of the world’s most famous international circuits. Future plans call for glow-in-the-dark string bowling and a café area.