Jake Van Ness, Author at Glens Falls Business Journal

Jake Van Ness

2231 Articles

LADK Provides Opportunities For Committed Community Members To Improve Their Skills

May 22, 2025

Leadership Adirondack participants tour a dairy facility as part of their leadership training.
Courtesy LADK

By Rod Bacon

A vibrant business community is created because its members are willing to contribute their time and energy to keep improving it.

To set the stage for best practices, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has, since 1991, offered Leadership Adirondack (LADK), a program that brings management personnel together with proven leaders across many business sectors.

Historically, it was offered every year but Covid disrupted that schedule and it is now run every other year. The most recent group is the Class of 2025, which started last fall and graduated this past February. Applications for the Class of 2027 will be accepted in the spring of 2026.

“The reason for the change is that we’ve shifted the program a little bit,” said Tricia Rogers, president and CEO of the chamber. “We’ve made it more of an intense leadership training.”

She noted that due to the more in-depth sessions, which continue to be modified to give attendees the best possible experience, the price has increased slightly over past years. The cost for members of the last class was $3,000, and Rogers foresees the possibility of a slight increase going forward. Non-profits may apply for needs-based scholarships, which are funded by the ARCC Foundation, of up to $300.

An outside leadership professional, who works with a staff liaison, is hired to run the program. Currently, the liaison is Carol Ann Conover, director of events and community engagement. Rogers attends as many of the seminars and tours as her schedule permits.

The Saratoga County Chamber Offers Two Programs To Enhance Leadership Skills

May 22, 2025May 22, 2025

Leadership Saratoga Class of 2025 members listen to program founder and instructor Linda Toohey.
Courtesy of Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

By Rod Bacon

In order for a community to thrive and reach its fullest potential it must develop the strengths and talents of its most important resource–its people.

In 1985, Linda Toohey, then executive vice president of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, lead an ad hoc group of community leaders with the goal of engaging area business people in volunteer activities that would benefit both themselves and the region. Toohey retired in June 2012 and Program Director Kathleen Fyfe led the initiative until 2023.

“Linda’s vision was to develop a program to foster future volunteer leadership throughout Saratoga County,” said Greg Dixon, chief strategy officer, who currently administers it

Those interested in the program must submit a detailed application that is reviewed by the 13-member advisory board. This is followed by an in-person interview with Dixon and up to two advisory board members to determine the level of commitment of the applicants. Up to 24 members of the business community are selected for each class. The application process for the class of 2026 must be completed by May 30. It will open on April 1, 2026 for those interested in joining the next class.

Business Report: Lead Yourself First: The Foundation of Lasting Leadership

May 22, 2025

Rob Shauger, CEO of Blueprint Leadership Development.

By Rob Shauger

Before you can lead others effectively, you must first learn to lead yourself—starting with balance, discipline, and time to think.

In today’s performance-driven business world, leadership is often measured by team metrics, growth curves, and public visibility. But those who’ve led at the highest levels know the secret to sustained influence isn’t external at all—it’s internal. As John Maxwell, one of the most respected voices in leadership, puts it: “The toughest person to lead is always yourself.”

That idea may be uncomfortable, but it’s also incredibly empowering. Before you can inspire others, you must first cultivate self-awareness, discipline, and the emotional stability to lead from clarity—not chaos.

Self-leadership is the often invisible act of managing your energy, decisions, habits, and mindset. Unlike performance reviews or boardroom wins, self-leadership isn’t publicly rewarded—but it shapes everything others see.

Maxwell teaches that everything rises and falls on leadership—and that includes the internal leadership we practice daily. If you don’t have command of yourself, it’s only a matter of time before stress, misalignment, or burnout undermines your ability to lead others.

Self-leadership is about living your values, even when no one’s watching. It’s about showing up with consistency, setting the example, and making decisions rooted in principle. And most of all, it’s about creating the internal alignment that earns long-term trust.

Battle of Saratoga Offers Enduring Lessons For Onsite Leadership Training Program

May 22, 2025

The Saratoga Monument is a key site in the Saratoga Leadership Experience program.
Courtesy SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Rod Bacon

One of the most effective ways to learn something is to immerse yourself as completely as possible in the subject.

Battlefield Leadership, under the guidance of President and CEO Col. (Ret.) Kevin W. Farrell, Ph.D., provides total immersion leadership programs based in history throughout the United States and several sites overseas. Clients attend multiple-day seminars at locations where some of the most significant military decisions were made, influencing the destinies of the people at the locations in which they occurred. Based on the traits of Character, Courage, and Competence, facilitators use the lessons of history to prepare attendees for leadership positions in their companies.

One example is the Saratoga Leadership Experience, in which participants visit the historic battlefield and study the event considered the turning point of the American Revolution. Case studies of Maj. Gen. Horatio Gates, Maj. Gen. Philip Schuyler, and Sir William Howe are used to illustrate key leadership lessons that show attendees how to seize the initiative, align a complex organization, overcome adversity, and defeat complacency.

As with all the organization’s offerings, this two-day program is facilitated by a leader with extensive knowledge of the subject. Chief Operating Officer Adrienne M. Harrison, Ph.D., holds a doctorate in Early American History and has written extensively on subjects related to the American Revolution. She is a graduate of the United States Military Academy at West Point who has spent 20 years as a military leader and private sector executive.

Hilltop Sees Steady Work Ahead With Commercial, Residential Projects Despite Industry Challenges

May 22, 2025

A rendering shows a new Sunoco service station in Rexford, one of several commercial projects underway by Hilltop Construction Company amid fluctuating material costs and labor challenges.
Courtesy Hilltop Construction

By Paul Post

A new service station in Rexford, a Stewart’s Shop in Plattsburgh and dining hall at the Luzerne Music Center.

These are among the many commercial projects on Hilltop Construction Company’s work schedule as it tries to navigate uncertain economic times of rising prices and potential supply chain issues related to the current tariff situation.

“We’re very diversified in what we do and what we can do to help deal with that situation,” co-owner and Vice President Dan Washburn said. “If one sector pulls back the other might not. We get a good mix to help deal with that.”

Commercial work, which accounts for half the company’s revenue stream, is primarily focused on an area from Albany to Lake George, although Hilltop is one of the main firms Stewart’s calls on for remodelling and new store construction projects throughout the region.

It’s nearing completion of a new Stewart’s Shop at the corner of Glen Street and Sherman Avenue in Glens Falls, and is also renovating and expanding a store at the north end of Saratoga Lake, just over the Fish Creek bridge, on Route 9P.

Other upcoming projects include remodeling Anytime Fitness gym in Hudson Falls, and putting a new façade on Glens Falls Tile & Supplies on Dix Avenue.

F.H. Alexander Lines Up More Than The Usual Construction Projects For Commercial Clients

May 22, 2025

The interior of the restaurant, Paper & Pencil in Ticonderoga, showcases the craftsmanship of F.H. Alexander, Inc., a Schaghticoke-based construction firm.
Courtesy F.H. Alexander, Inc.

By Susan Elise Campbell

F.H. Alexander, Inc., the Schaghticoke based commercial construction company, has a full docket for the summer.

Owner Frank Alessandrini said that over the course of business since 1991, his company has become known for building restaurants, convenience stores, and retail spaces, and for renovating hospitals, schools, libraries, and other business and medical spaces.

“But this year is a little bit unusual for us,” Alessandrini said. “We are doing more and smaller projects than in past few years.”

“This trend is not an overall indication of the general economy or the business,” he said. “It’s just what we have landed.”

Starting mid-May, there are two projects for COARC, the Columbia County chapter of The ARC NewYork. One is an addition and a renovation and the other is a smaller renovation, he said.

Also starting soon are some interior renovations for Greenwich Library.

“They are modernizing a number of rooms,” said Alessandrini. “We have done a half dozen projects for them over the years and they are a good customer.”

There have been other recent library projects. The company put a sizable addition onto the Valley Falls Library and did a project with Easton Library. Alessandrini said he has been working with Schaghticoke Library recently to secure a grant to move the entire library to the lot next door.

Munter Enterprises Continues To Produce Quality Commercial Projects In The Region

May 22, 2025

A rendering shows the new 5,000-square-foot clubhouse at Ballston Spa Country Club, including a patio overlooking the 18th hole, dining and bar areas, locker rooms, and a commercial kitchen for event catering.
Courtesy Munter

By Rod Bacon

The skilled craftsmen at Munter Enterprises have plenty to keep them busy for quite some time. The Middle Grove-based construction company is in the midst of several projects, is finishing up others, and has still others in the planning stages.

According to Vice President Mike Munter, one of the more interesting projects for which they hope to break ground soon is a new branch for the Hudson River Community Credit Union. The 2,500-square-foot building in Greenwich will include a drive-thru and state-of-the-art Interactive Teller Machines (ITMs). Munter worked with Paone Architecture of Saratoga Springs for the building’s design and Verity Engineering, D.P.C. of Troy for site design. All approvals are in place and a June ground breaking is planned.

“This project is very interesting because of the demographic in the area,” said Munter. “For the Amish community there will be a hitching post and water hydrant in the parking lot for the horses.”

Another local project is for a firm relocating from Albany to a 15,000-square-foot building on Pierce Road off Northway Exit 10 in Clifton Park. Munter Enterprises is renovating the building for Kinsley Power, a company that supplies a variety of backup generator systems. They carry industrial and residential generators as well as cogeneration and battery storage systems. That project is underway and will be completed in June.

The company has two projects in the WJ Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs. Under construction is a 35,000-square-foot, approximately $6 million, building for a tenant in the warehousing and distribution sector that Munter said he can’t disclose at this time. Site work, which was done by W.J. Morris of Saratoga Springs, started last month and they estimate completion of the project in 2026. Subcontractors for mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC work have not been chosen. Munter Enterprises will do the concrete work, steel erection, and insulated panel envelope installation.

Ascend Mental Wellness Expands Services To Support Businesses And Address Rising Workplace Stress Levels

May 22, 2025

Supporters take part in a downtown walk organized by ASCEND Mental Wellness to raise awareness during Mental Health Awareness Month.
Courtesy ASCEND

By Paul Post

ASCEND Chief Executive Officer Andrea Deepe wants everyone, but business owners especially, to know that help is only a phone call away.

Her non-profit agency is Warren and Washington counties’ main mental health wellness provider with numerous programs and support services available.

Just about every workplace has some degree of stress, but unsettling geopolitical issues, fast-rising prices and mounting financial pressures have contributed to unhealthy levels of anxiety and depression for many people.

“People are having to make some really difficult decisions now more than ever,” Deepe said. “We’re just all trying to keep up and get it done; just trying to show up for work and be there for our families. It’s a lot for a person to take on, especially when there’s no rulebook or guidebook for these types of life scenarios.”

Large companies and small firms alike should be cognizant of such issues and do their best help employees because as Deepe said, “If you don’t have them, you don’t have your business, so you have to invest in them and that includes mind and body. It makes a significant difference when you have top-down leadership who are invested in their employees.”

Foreverly House Is First In Region Designed To Assist Veteran Mothers With Children

May 22, 2025

Foreverly House provides shelter and support services for female veterans with children while they transition from military to civilian life.
Courtesy of Veterans & Community Housing Coalition

By Rod Bacon

An idea floated at a breakfast meeting at Shirley’s Diner in Saratoga Springs six years ago has finally come to fruition.

Three local residents — Cheryl Hage-Perez, Ray O’Conor and Tiffany LeAndrea — were planning the annual Veterans’ Ball, a fund raiser for the Ballston Spa-based Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.

Eventually, the conversation turned to the unmet needs of veterans. LeAndrea, an Air Force veteran with two children, mentioned the fact that there wasn’t a facility where veteran women in similar situations could find housing and support services while they are making the often difficult transition from the military to civilian life.

“Later that night Ray called me and said ‘We need to do something for veterans in this situation’,” Hage-Perez said. “That’s how Foreverly House started to take shape.”

The inspiration for the name came from a song entitled “Foreverly” penned in 2017 by local singer/songwriter Jeff Brisbin.

Foreverly House is comprised of two separate living spaces, each with its own entrance and each featuring four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a kitchen, dining area, pantry, and laundry room, ensuring privacy and comfort for the families. It will welcome its first residents June 1.

“Beyond housing, Foreverly House provides on-site counseling and facilitates access to essential services, empowering veteran mothers to rebuild their lives while keeping their families intact,” said Hage-Perez, executive board liaison for the Veterans & Community Housing Coalition.

Salem Family Health Opens, Offering Primary Care, Pediatric Services, And Free Nutrition Classes

May 22, 2025

Salem Family Health, Hudson Headwaters’ newest health center, offers primary care, pediatrics, and free nutrition classes in a state-of-the-art facility.
Courtesy HHHHN

Salem Family Health, Hudson Headwaters Health Network’s 26th brick-and-mortar health center, is now open. Located at 1830 County Route 64, Salem Family Health is a 14,300-square-foot building with nine exam rooms for general primary care and three exam rooms designated for pediatrics. Hudson Headwaters has also partnered with Glens Falls Hospital to operate on-site lab services at the center.

“The establishment of Salem Family Health has been a longtime community effort, with many details thoughtfully developed to improve access, convenience and patient experiences for years to come,” said Hudson Headwaters CEO Tucker Slingerland, M.D. “Salem was our first community to experience mobile health in 2021, resulting in numerous patients establishing primary care for themselves and their families, some for the very first time. This demand encouraged our further investment in Washington County. We thank Salem town officials and community members for their ongoing engagement and partnership.”

Salem Family Health opens with 14 employees, including full-time providers, Hunter Southerland, M.D., Jillian Herrington, PNP and Sarah Hyland, FNP. Services include family medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, nutrition counseling, as well as virtual care management and behavioral health services. Future plans include a community pharmacy on-site, and Hudson Headwaters will inform the community once updates are available.

Salem Family Health also includes the Stewart’s Shops/Dake Family Teaching Kitchen, a state-of-the-art space offering patients and community members free nutrition classes. A program series called “Kitchen RX: Cooking for Better Health” will launch in June, with classes scheduled throughout the remainder of 2025. This program series is made possible by the Mary McClellan Foundation.