Tourism is so important to New York state’s economy, that without it households would be paying $1,100 more in taxes annually, according to the top state tourism official.
Ross Levi, executive director of tourism for Empire State Development, made the statement in his remarks at the EDC Warren County’s annual lunch held n May at the Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury.
Lake George Land Conservancy Grant Will Help The Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy
The Lake George Land Conservancy (LGLC) has been awarded two grants, totaling $78,220, from the 2019 Conservation Partnership Program.
Administered by the state Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the Land Trust Alliance, this year’s round of grants totaled $2.25 million awarded to 47 nonprofit land trusts across the state.
Of the grants, $40,000 will be used to implement recommendations identified within the recently completed Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy, such as the creation and installation of new signs, parking lots, kiosks and other improvements to the LGLC’s preserves within the Town of Bolton.
The Bolton Recreational Hub Strategy is a comprehensive compilation of stakeholder interviews, inventory of existing trails and public spaces, and recommendations for future recreational opportunities within Bolton, prepared by The Chazen Companies.
Owner Of Sky Zone Trampoline Park In Queensbury Building Second In Clifton Park
by Christine Graf
The owner of Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Queensbury, as well as other businesses in Glens Falls and Fort Edward, is building another Sky Zone Trampoline Park in Clifton Park.
Owner Rusty Saunders is investing $1.5 million in the facility at Clifton Park Center.
It is scheduled to open in August. It will occupy 23,000 square feet of mall space, situated between Regal Cinemas and Boscov’s.
Saunders also owns R.S. Masonry in Fort Edward and Action Equipment and Supply in Glens Falls. He became interested in opening a Sky Zone franchise after taking his daughter to one of the company’s parks in Florida.
Renovated Motel Gets Transformed Into Warrensburg Inn & Suites On Main Street
By Jill Nagy
After a year of work, Steven Madden has transformed a rundown motel on Main Street into the Warrensburg Inn and Suites, 12 units on five acres at the base of Hackensack Mountain.
The decor is rustic—cedar logs and patchwork quilts, but the usual amenities are included, including WiFi.
The indoor renovation work is just about completed, according to Madden. He is getting ready to do the exterior painting and landscaping. He plans a sandpit and playground for children and a horseshoe pitch area for the grownups. He said that he will do a grand opening when that work is done.
Fifth Annual Adirondack Wine & Food Fest To See A Record 120-Plus Vendors In Late June
Courtesy Adirondack Wine & Food Festival
The Adirondack Wine & Food Festival will return to the Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in Lake George on Saturday, June 29, and Sunday, June 30.
The fifth annual, family friendly wine and food tasting event will feature a record 120-plus vendors, according to Sasha Pardy, festival owner and co-owner of the presenting sponsor, Adirondack Winery in Lake George.
It includes producers of New York state wines, craft beverages, artisan foods, 11 food trucks, arts and crafts and more.
“Our festival keeps growing and that gives us a better opportunity to highlight more of the amazing wines and foods New York state has to offer,” said Pardy. “We have worked so hard to bring new and improved experiences to both days of this year’s festival and we are so excited to bring those aspects to new attendees and our most passionate and loyal guests who travel to the Lake George area year after year for our event.”
Drum Corps International To Bring Its Event To East Field In Glens Falls In July
Courtesy Drum Corps International
Having returned in 2018 after a five-year hiatus, Drum Corps International’s Marching Music’s Major League will return this summer to East Field in Glens Falls.
The drum corps has been a Glens Falls tradition since 1981.
The Glens Falls Music Academy Showcase, is set for Monday, July 22, at 7 p.m.
“It’s been my intention with the Music Academy to help elevate musical cultural awareness in our region, and this is a way to expose a ton of kids and adults to a high caliber musical experience in an approachable and exciting way,” said Chris Reed Jr., owner of the Glens Falls Music Academy.
“My hope is that every kid from every band program and dance company in the region will come. This really is a spectacle. You can’t understand it until you see it,” he said. “I remember seeing Adirondack Drums when I was 12 years old and loving it. Every kid who’s in middle or high school band right now will hopefully come to this and be inspired—maybe even audition for one of the northeast Drum Corps.”
The open corps lineup for 2019 currently includes the Raiders of Burlington, N.J.; the 7th Regiment of New London, Conn.; the Legends of Kalamazoo, Mich.; the Spartans of Nashua, N.H.; and Southwind of Mobile, Ala. Additional teams may be added.
AngioDynamics To Sell Its NAMIC Brand, Use Cash To Reduce Debt, Invest In Its Future
Courtesy AngioDynamics
AngioDynamics Inc., a provider of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices for oncology, vascular access, and peripheral vascular disease, has entered into an agreement to sell its NAMIC fluid management portfolio to Medline Industries Inc. for $167.5 million.
The transaction consists of AngioDynamics’ NAMIC brand and its extensive offering of manifolds, contrast management systems, closed fluid systems, guidewires, disposable transducers, and interventional accessories. Additionally, AngioDynamics’ primary Glens Falls manufacturing facility, including all related manufacturing jobs and the sales and marketing teams that support the NAMIC business, will be acquired by Medline as part of the transaction.
Executive Director For Tourism To Speak At Annual EDC Warren County Luncheon
Courtesy EDC Warren County
Ross D. Levi, executive director of tourism for Empire State Development, will deliver the keynote address at EDC Warren County’s 20th annual luncheon on Thursday, May 30, at Six Flags Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury.
“Tourism and hospitality are major economic engines for Warren County during every season of the year. In the Adirondack Region, tourism is now a $1.4 billion industry supporting over 21,000 jobs. Warren County represents $600 million or approximately 42 percent of that total. We are excited that Ross Levi will speak to us on the economic impact of tourism and important trends,” said Ed Bartholomew, president and CEO of EDC Warren County.
In addition to the keynote address, the program will also include remarks by Rebecca Wood, the new president of Six Flags Great Escape Resort in Queensbury, as well as an update on EDC initiatives and recognition of other activities in Warren County and the region.
Insurance Company Extends Contract For Naming Rights At The Cool Insuring Area
Cool Insuring Arena has entered into a two-year extension with Cool Insuring Agency to keep the name of the building intact through at least July 2024.
Cool Insuring Agency originally entered into a five-year agreement in July 2017, when the former Glens Falls Civic Center was re-named for the first time in the building’s history.
“It just makes sense, we committed to the naming rights two years ago as a community support initiative,” Cool Insuring Vice President Jack Bieniek said. “The Coalition continues to deliver on their promises to turn the building into a catalyst that will benefit not only the city of Glens Falls, but the greater Warren and Washington counties, along with local residents and businesses. Cool Insuring Agency is delighted to be a part of this successful effort.”
Saratoga Hospital To Proceed With Building New Medical Facility Near Northway Exit 18
Courtesy Saratoga Hospital
By Susan E. Campbell
Saratoga Hospital is proceeding with plans to construct a medical building at Exit 18 following unanimous approval by the Queensbury Planning Board at its April 30 meeting.
“The Planning Board process is now complete,” said a spokesperson for Saratoga Hospital. “The site plan has been approved and a SEQRA negative declaration prepared.”
With no environmental issues to address, the next step is to submit final design plans to the town’s building department. Then demolition can begin at 124 Main St. in Queensbury, site of the former Carl R’s Mexican Restaurant.