Driven by the arrival of two significant water quality threats on Lake George over the past year—harmful algal blooms and the hemlock wooly adelgid—more than 50 area businesses and business organizations have joined together to sign a historic compact declaring their “united commitment to protecting the lake that means so much to all of us.”

The Business Compact on the Economic Imperative of Protecting Lake George was spearheaded by the Lake George Association’s Council of Business Advisors and presents data on the lake’s regional economic impacts and the water quality challenges that threaten them.

It also spells out ways in which the business community will work together for lake protection.

The compact can be signed by any business or organization that values the fundamental role the lake plays in the economic health of the region and the regional quality of life, the association said. It can be viewed online and signed at LakeGeorgeAssociation.org/Business-Compact. 

The first 58 signatories endorsed the compact within a week of its development.

Ed Bartholomew, former mayor of Glens Falls and president of EDC Warren County who died in July of 2020, was honored after the disc golf tournament on Friday, Sept. 17, in Crandall Park, presented by the EDC.

The event was a  benefit for the new Edward M. Bartholomew Jr. Memorial Fund.

The Edward M. Bartholomew Jr. Memorial Fund, informally called “The Ed,” was established in August by EDC Warren County and the Bartholomew family to honor the EDC’s former president and Glens Falls’ former mayor, carrying forth his legacy of dedication to public service, his passion for the community, and his enthusiasm for economic development by investing in the next generation of leadership.

The Ed provides funding for paid internships for students, veterans, and people with differing abilities at Warren County nonprofits and small businesses, matching interns with internship locations twice yearly.

It is overseen by EDC Warren County and the Bartholomew family along with an independent appointee from the

For the first time in its history, the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course generated all-sources wagering handle of more than $800 million, the New York Racing Association (NYRA) announced.

Having established the new record on Sept. 1, with five racing days remaining in the season, the 2021 summer meet ended with all-sources handle of $815,508,063, a 15.6 percent increase over the prior record of $705,343,949 set in 2019, officials said.

With paid attendance totaling 1,046,478, and excluding 2020 when fans were not permitted due to the COVID-19 pandemic, 2021 marked the sixth consecutive season of more than 1 million in paid attendance at Saratoga Race Course. Average daily attendance during the 40-day meet was 26,162.

“Thanks to the energy, enthusiasm and support of the best fans in horse racing, the 2021 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course has been a tremendous success,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “This has been a summer reunion like never before, and we’re especially pleased that the return of fans has translated into strong business for downtown Saratoga Springs and the entire Capital Region community. The summer meet at Saratoga is as strong as at any point in its storied history.”

By Christine Graf

Attorneys Michael O’Connor and Elizabeth Little of Little & O’Connor Attorneys PC of Glens Falls have merged their practice with FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth PC. 

Both attorneys and their paralegals have made the move to 68 Warren St. where FitzGerald Morris is headquartered. Prior to the merger, the firm employed 14 attorneys and a total staff of 32. 

According to FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth managing partner John Aspland Jr., he and O’Connor have been friends for many years. The idea of merging firms began to take root 10 years ago.

“We had some communications about 10 years ago where we started discussing some of the synergies between what he does and what we do and the clients that we have that have some common interests. We started that conversation and occasionally over the years revisited the discussion. He is an icon in the local legal community and has some fantastic clients that are very active,” Aspland said.

They recently revisited the idea and after determining that a merger would enable them to better serve their clients, they decided to move forward. The agreement was finalized on July 8 and took effect Aug. 1.

Glens Falls Hospital President and CEO Dianne Shugrue will retire Dec. 31 after a 14-year career at Glens Falls and 40-year career in health care. 

Paul Scimeca Sr., vice president and chief operating officer, has been named interim president and CEO. 

Shugrue led the hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic, through significant financial challenges, a historic affiliation with Albany Medical Center and national health care accreditation. 

“Dianne Shugrue took over as president and CEO of the hospital at a crucial time,” said Glens Falls Hospital Board of Governors Chair George Ferone. “Her steady, courageous leadership, collaborative and personal approach and deep knowledge of health care have paid huge benefits for this hospital and this community. She has been a fierce advocate for our physicians, nurses, staff, community and the institution itself. ”

Dr. Chris Mason, president of the Glens Falls Hospital Medical Staff, said Shugrue “has experienced many challenges during her tenure, from navigating the uncharted waters of COVID19 to leading the institution through a major affiliation. This visionary leadership has helped Glens Falls Hospital maintain critical services for the community and provide opportunities for collaboration with partners in the Capital Region. Glens Falls Hospital has a tremendous future ahead due to Dianne’s foresight.”

Tiki Tours has added a new 30-foot tikied pontoon boat to its fleet. 

The second boat allows Tiki Tours to offer more trips to meet growing demand, the company said. 

“Tiki Tours has seen tremendous growth in the last few years and is excited to add another vessel on Lake George,” said Tiki Tours co-owner Gregory Teresi. “This 30-foot tikied pontoon adds a whole new level of comfort to the Lake George experience. We want to thank the Lake George Beach Club, the Village of Lake George, the Lake George Park Commission and the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce for their continued support.”