As someone who has sold businesses for over 20 years (including my own), the most common question I get asked is, “What is my business worth?” The honest answer is that value is very buyer dependent, as all have varying motivations. However, the bedrock of business value is cash flow. There are many types...
The Adirondack Pub & Brewery Expands Its Facility Along With Craft Beer Offerings
Adirondack Pub & Brewery celebrated completion of its expanded brewing operation with a ribbon-cutting ceremony recently.
In its 25th year of business, Adirondack Pub & Brewery has expanded its footprint with a new 3,000-square-foot addition adjacent to the pub, bringing the total size to approximately 15,000 square feet. This expansion, which includes new equipment to increase brewing capacity and meet the rising demand for diverse craft beverages, was made possible by funding from the State Development Craft Beverage Micro Grant Program.
Among the new offerings introduced since the expansion is a canned hard strawberry lemonade called “Cliff Jumper.” Beyond its variety of beers, the brewery has also launched a selection of beverages that include canned hard lemonades and teas, hard ciders made from New York State apples, hard seltzer, and the popular Bear Wizz Root Beer.
John Carr, owner of Adirondack Pub & Brewery said, “We are incredibly grateful to the state of New York and Empire State Development for this generous grant, which helps support economic growth and jobs in the Lake George Area. This has been instrumental in helping us expand our operations and continue to craft high-quality beverages right here in Lake George. This grant not only allows us to meet the growing demand from our customers but also reinforces our commitment to contributing to the local economy and community.”
Adirondack Pub & Brewery, established in 1999, is open year-round and supports a variety of jobs in the Lake George Area. State and local officials joined at the ceremony to speak to the economic impact of this brewery expansion on the local economy. The brewery was also presented a joint citation by State Sen. Dan Stec and Assemblyman Matt Simpson’s offices.
A Wide Variety Of Luxury Watercraft Is Available Through Comitti North America
Courtesy of Comitti North America
Since 1956, family-owned shipyard Comitti has been building bespoke, heirloom-quality boats in Lake Como, Italy, that are prized by discerning yachtsman, families and superyacht owners alike for their timeless lines, Italian craftsmanship and high level of customization. Now, these elegant runabouts and tenders, which range from 22 feet to 42 feet, are being offered exclusively in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean through newly formed distributor Comitti North America, headquartered in Saratoga Springs.
Among the models Comitti North America is introducing to the North American market year are the new 25’8” One 780 and 32’6” Isola 33, as well as a “super custom,” bespoke version of the popular Venezia 28 model paying homage to Comitti and many of the most coveted European runabouts from the ’60s and ’70s. Each of these models is now making its U.S. debut. Comitti North America also has several other Comitti models located in the U.S. available for viewing by prospective dealers and retail clients.
The Tri-County United Way’s VITA Program Honored With An IRS Hall Of Fame Award
The Tri-County United Way VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program has been honored with the National IRS “Hall of Fame” Award, a testament to its exceptional contributions and unwavering support for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes.
Chosen from 14 national nominees, Tri-County United Way’s VITA program distinguished itself through its remarkable service, community impact, and dedication to financial stability.
For over 20 years, the Tri-County United Way VITA program has operated 13 sites across Warren, Washington, and Northern Saratoga counties. During the 2024 tax season, 27 tax preparers and 15 appointment takers volunteered over 3,100 hours, preparing more than 2,000 tax returns. Their efforts generated $3.1 million in federal and state income tax refunds for the local economy and saved taxpayers over $700,000 in preparation fees.
The VITA program’s excellence was recognized by its in-house training, offering 24 hours of classroom or self-study instruction, available at flexible times. This year’s innovative outreach included local media interviews, print media outreach, and ads in several prestigious media outlets including the 50th Adirondack Balloon Festival program, which boosted volunteer recruitment and community engagement.
Benefit Shift
The workforce is undergoing a generational shift. Job seekers’ expectations are evolving, and companies need to evolve with them. Numerous trends are cropping up for 2024-2025, yet three themes are continually emerging that appeal directly to the future workforce. First, offer employees a comprehensive health plan that goes beyond standard health insurance. Expand wellness...
Arrow Financial Corp Unifies Glens Falls And Saratoga National Banks Into Single Entity
By Susan Ellse Campbell
Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO David S. DeMarco.
The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said.
DeMarco said the change was years in the making.
“What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said.
DeMarco explained that since the two banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking.
“Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources to enhance our strategic growth opportunities and provide unparalleled customer service.”
Glens Falls National Bank was formed in 1851 and, like Saratoga National Bank, has a strong presence in the communities it serves. The latter was formed in 1988 and has been a subsidiary of Arrow Financial since its beginning. But the two banks have different charters.
Legislators And Community Members Resist Closing Great Meadow Correctional Facility
By Christine Graf
Local lawmakers and citizens are asking state officials to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Comstock. The prison is slated for closure as part of the state’s effort to adapt to a shrinking inmate population and a shortage of corrections officers.
According to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will be closed by November 6. DOCCS has reported that employees at both prisons will be offered positions at other facilities within the state.
With approximately 650 employees, Great Meadow is the largest employer in Washington County. The prison’s closure is expected to have a significant economic impact on the county.
New Owners Bring Fresh Energy To A South Glens Falls Dining Institution
By Ann Donnelly
A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following.
The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a health-conscious approach without compromising taste.
The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga.
“All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.”
Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands.
The Alpha Win Annual Lake George Triathlon Is Scheduled For Labor Day Weekend
Alpha Win’s 18th Annual Lake George Triathlon – a weekend of endurance and fun – is returning to the shores, bikeways, and streets of Lake George over Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 31 – Sunday, September 1.
Standing by the motto, “A Distance For Everyone®,” the Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon features Sprint, Olympic and Long Course triathlon distances, coupled with aquabike and duathlon options. The competition is set to be fierce with the Northeastern Collegiate Triathlon Conference in attendance, bringing together some of the most prominent collegiate tri-athletes in the region. This event joins Alpha Win’s extensive calendar of New York offerings, including the Saugerties Triathlon, Hudson Valley Triathlon, and Hudson Valley Marathon.
The races begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. sharp at Million Dollar Beach with the Long Course wave start. The Alpha Long Course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run. After Saturday’s races, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner aboard Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican, at 6:15 p.m. This excursion can be purchased during race registration.
The races continue Sunday morning, with the Alpha Sprint kicking off at 6:30 a.m. This is a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Awards for this race will be handed out at 9:00 a.m. The final race, the Alpha Olympic, will start at 7:10 a.m. This is a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run.
Race Director Tommy Struzzeri believes the endurance industry is primed for a company like Alpha that will help people of all abilities get into racing.
The Lake George Chamber Of Commerce Announces Promotions And New Hires
The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB has announced key staff updates that reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing member services and supporting the local business community. These strategic changes include new hires and promotions that will drive marketing initiatives, member engagement, and overall community presence.
Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the organization. Previously, she served as the marketing manager of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she was instrumental in promoting the region to group business in the form of conventions, meetings, sports events, weddings, motorcoach group tours, and more.
In her new role, she oversees the marketing and communications efforts for chamber members as well as consumer and group tourism markets with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. As marketing director, she will develop overall marketing strategies for the chamber and the LGRCVB, oversees the marketing plans for both organizations, and manages the promotion of chamber and member events. She is also responsible for maintaining the chamber’s presence in the community through participation in events and committees.
“I am thrilled to lead our marketing team and develop initiatives that will elevate tourism and strengthen our community connections. Working with growing audiences is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to introduce more people to the beauty and charm of the Lake George region. Together, we can showcase all that this area has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant local businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our team and community to create memorable experiences for visitors and foster a thriving tourism industry,” said Seeley.