Category Archives: Business News

By Christine Graf

Almost 80 years ago, the Dake brothers opened their first Stewart’s ice cream shop in Ballston Spa. Today, Stewart’s Shops has 357 stores and more than 5,000 employees on the payroll.

Each year, the company spends approximately $50 million to purchase property, build new stores, and renovate existing stores.

“For the last five to ten years, that has been our model,” said Robin Cooper, public relations manager for Stewart’s Shops. “We identify which stores don’t have the food-to-go option—the pizza, the sandwiches, the soups. That’s been our growth area, and that’s what customers seem to be wanting more of. Some of our older stores may have been renovated but may not have been expanded to the level where we can add some of those things.”

When expansion isn’t possible, the company sometimes purchases nearby property, building a new store and shuttering the old one. That was recently the case for the small shop located at the corner of Watervliet-Shaker and Old Loudon Roads in Latham. Expansion of the store, one built in 1981, was not possible, and there was no adjoining property available for sale.

“There wasn’t property to be had to expand at that site,” said Cooper, noting that a new shop, one that is expected to open before the end of the year, is being built 1.5 miles away at 956 Loudon Road.

The company plans to sell the property on the corner of Watervliet-Shaker and Old Loudon Road, and several buyers have expressed interest in purchasing it.

In recent years, Stewart’s has sold several of their old locations after building new stores in the vicinity. The one at 16 Round Lake Road in Malta was purchased by Kimberly Salerno, who opened a law office in a former Stewart’s location. The building sat empty for several years after a new store was built on property directly across the street. Before opening her office in late 2022, Salerno completely renovated the building, both inside and out. Just a few miles north at 2505 Route 9 in Ballston Spa, another former Stewart’s Shop was transformed into La Lume Hair Salon. Owner Shannon Ramirez spent more than $1 million to purchase and renovate the building.

By Paul Post

Developers of a proposed, highly controversial biochar facility anticipate a fall groundbreaking, pending approval of required permits by the state Department of Environmental Conservation.

 But the Moreau Town Board is seeking a moratorium on all new construction within industrial zones, which could block the project.

 Saratoga Springs-based Saratoga Biochar Solutions says it will take legal action if the town succeeds with such efforts.

 “We would absolutely file an Article 78 complaint if it comes to that because it’s unlawful, it’s arbitrary, it’s capricious; it’s targeting one company,” said Ray Apy, CEO, founder and owner of the Saratoga Springs-based firm. “It’s absolutely illegal.”

 However, opponents concerned about potential environmental hazards, say they’ll file suit to prevent construction if the company obtains the air quality and solid waste handling permits it needs from DEC.

 “Yes, that is definitely a consideration,” said Tracy Frisch, chair, Clean Air Action Network of Glens Falls. She said her organization has already retained San Francisco-based Earthjustice, a high-profile national non-profit that’s dedicated to litigating environmental issues.

Frisch said 55 local, state and national organizations are supporting efforts to stop construction of the proposed $45 million facility at Moreau Industrial Park, in the northeast corner of town.

As Warren County, New York, approaches its 211th anniversary on March 12, 2024, the community is embarking on a collaborative initiative to document this historic day through a unique and inclusive photo project. Residents of Warren County are encouraged to participate by capturing a snapshot of their lives on this special day.

The project, organized by the Warren County Historical Society, invites individuals of all ages and backgrounds to share a glimpse of their daily activities on March 12, 2024. Whether it’s a quiet moment at home, exploring local landmarks, or participating in community events, each photograph will contribute to a collective visual narrative of the day. The staff  at the Warren County Historical Society will select the best photos and stories for the book. Selected photos and stories will also be placed on the Society’s Web site and Facebook Group.

These photographs will be compiled into a commemorative book, accompanied by historical information provided by the Warren County Historical Society, creating a time capsule that reflects the vibrancy and diversity of the community. The aim is to celebrate the unique stories that make up the history of Warren County and provide a lasting record for future generations.

Despite the rain a crowd of close to 700 people gathered in Lake George on Saturday, March 2nd for Adirondack Pub & Brewery’s 12th Annual Barrel Fest.

“With a bonfire that big, it doesn’t even matter. It’s like rain next to the sun,” quipped Adirondack Pub & Brewery Owner John Carr.

Barrel Fest was a resounding success, drawing nearly 700 attendees despite the inclement March weather. Craft beverage enthusiasts reveled in the camaraderie of the event, celebrating the artistry of craft brewers and vendors. The Lake George Volunteer Fire Department ensured safety throughout the festivities, tending to the giant bonfire and iconic “burning man.”

“We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who joined us,” Carr said. “The spirit of our craft beverage community is unparalleled, and we’re honored to be part of it.”

Sixty-seven percent of Upstate New York CEOs say business conditions are getting worse while 29% say they are staying the same and only 4% believe conditions are getting better according to the 17th annual Upstate New York Business Leader Survey from Siena College Research Institute (SCRI) sponsored by the Business Council of New York State, Inc, UHY Advisors, Inc. and HVEDC. Only 18% of CEOs expect the economy to improve in 2024 while 55% see worsening conditions in the next year.

Twenty-nine percent, down from 38% last year and 47% two years ago, predict increasing revenues in 2024 while 21%, down from 26% a year ago and 34% two years ago, anticipate growing profits in the year ahead.

The index of CEO Sentiment, computed by considering all CEOs assessment of both current and future conditions across New York and within their industry sector is down 8 points reaching the lowest point this survey has found since the all-time low in 2008.

Twenty-nine percent of CEOs, down from 33% last year and 44% two years ago, plan to increase the size of their workforce this year, but again this year 80% say that there is not an ample supply of appropriately trained local workers. And for the second consecutive year, 75% are having difficulty recruiting for their open positions. Asked to assess the quality of recent applicants on seven job skills, large majorities of CEOs give negatives grades on each: realistic about compensation (77%), work ethic (73%), initiative (73%), writing skills (69%), professionalism (67%), verbal skills (60%) and technical skills (60%). While 26% describe New York’s workforce as an asset to doing business here, a majority, 51% say the workforce is a detriment to succeeding here in New York.

“Despite increasing consumer sentiment, lessening inflation and recent stock market gains, the CEOs of Upstate New York are decreasingly positive about business conditions and fewer than 1 in 5 expect a rebound this year,” said Siena College Research Institute Director Don Levy. “Troubled by the lack of suitably trained workers and feeling as though neither the federal or state government contribute to their success, CEOs expect a year of lower revenues and profits.”