By Stephen Kyne

The year 2018 was an interesting year in the financial markets, to say the least. Characterized by all-time highs in stock indices, two whipsaw corrections, and a nearly 20 percent decline to cap the year off, the year was anything but boring. As it stood at close of business on Dec. 27, it looks like we’re going to end the year down, barring any last-minute surprises.

So, what happened, and where do we think the economy is headed?

First, to be absolutely clear, we do not think a recession is imminent, or even likely for at least another 12-18 months. That may seem contrary to what you are seeing on the news, but the news exists more for ratings than it does to inform Remember, nobody watches the news to see the house that didn’t burn down.

The economy is exceedingly strong, and most factors point to continued strength going into the new year.

By Mark Shaw

Last year we spoke about everything as a service. That is absolutely the case today. From phone systems to access control you can truly have access to all the latest technology in a monthly service fee.

This eliminates the need to purchase anything. Your business can gain access to the same technology used by the Fortune 500 without any major capital outlay.  This model will continue for the foreseeable future and if you have not already been reaping those benefits, talk to your technology department or company today.

In 2019 the focus is going to be hyper-active around security—security at every level in your business. From physically on the doors and entry points backed up by cameras, to your data on every device. We have been bombarded by news of firms being hacked, held at ransom, or even shut down due to breaches.

By Gina Mintzer, CMP, MHA

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & Convention and Visitors Bureau, is continuing the focus on three main areas that collectively boost the economic vitality and sustainability of the region that began throughout 2018

Those areas are: enhancing member and partner participation and engagement;  increasing Lake George area year-round visitation, and expanding the CVB.

Throughout 2018 we were focused on these areas and accomplished quite a bit toward our goals.  To name a few, the Chamber took on the Adirondack Craft Beverage Trail and has re-energized the initiative that began several years ago with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.  This program now has 25 producers on the trail and a robust marketing campaign in and out of the market to drive visitors and overnight guests.

  We are grateful to serve all involved for this year-round effort that is not “lake centric” and is a truly regional program, that involves producers from northern Saratoga to Lake Placid.

By Edward Bartholomew

Through key initiatives and corroborations, EDC Warren County continues our mission of going forward in 2019 as the county’s primary and full-time advocate for sustainable economic development.

EDC is most appreciative of support from Warren County and  municipalities, the private sector,  other key stakeholders, our federal  legislators; U.S. senators Chuck Schumer, Kirsten Gillibrand, Congressperson  EliseStefanik and state legislators; state Sen. Betty Little, and state Assemblyman Dan Stec.   

An example of EDC’s key planning and initiative undertaken in 2018 was the preparation of two applications and advocacy to Gov. Andrew Cuomo for his recommendation and subsequent approval by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s designation for two Warren County communities as federal opportunity zones:  Town of Johnsburg-North Creek and the western portion of the City of Glens Falls.