Category Archives: Business News

More than 180 students from Career & Technical Education programs at WSWHE BOCES participated in a hands-on gas safety demonstration, hosted in collaboration with National Grid’s Gas Safety Team and UDig NY.

As part of a unique opportunity to kick off the unofficial start of “digging season,” students from 11th and 12th grades enrolled in construction trades, heavy equipment operation, environmental conservation, and HVAC-R programs took part in a real-world demonstration of the 811 safe digging process.

The multi-day event gave students a complete look at what goes into underground utility safety – from the initial ticket request to the final excavation. Over the course of the week, students learned to locate and mark underground gas lines, observe how excavators verify those markings on job sites, and properly expose lines to prevent accidents.

       From the Classroom to the Job Site:

Preparation began a week prior when students prepped the field, carefully digging a trench to specific dimensions. With tape measures and rakes in hand, students executed the kind of detailed work required in real job settings.

Adirondack Brewery has announced the release of its first non-alcoholic beer, Northern Altitude (N/A), a refreshing beverage that captures the essence of a juicy IPA. With a slight bitterness and a touch of lactose for added mouthfeel, Northern Altitude is designed to be highly drinkable.

Crafted with a blend of premium malts, including Pale, Crystal, Red Wheat, Flaked Oats, and Cara Pils, and complemented by a hop profile featuring Mosaic, Alora, and Citra, Northern Altitude delivers a flavorful experience that does not compromise on taste. This launch comes at a time when the non-alcoholic beer market is experiencing significant growth. In 2024, the Brewers Association reported that NA beer sales experienced a significant rise, with scan dollar sales increasing by over 30 percent year-over-year.

Adirondack Brewery Owner John Carr emphasizes the brewery’s commitment to innovation, stating, “Our brewers are always working to put out great products for all beverage drinkers. With Northern Altitude, we are excited to offer something fresh that aligns with current trends while maintaining the quality our customers expect.”

By Rod Bacon

For 50 years, a local company has captivated audiences around the world across live entertainment, theme parks, museums and more. 

Adirondack Studios (ADKS), founded in 1975 as Adirondack Scenic, has grown from a startup operating in a 6,000-square-foot building in Warrensburg to a company headquartered in a 126,000-square-foot production facility in Argyle, with additional locations across the U.S., Europe-Middle East, and Asia-Pacific

The founding principals were Thomas Lloyd, Christopher Detmer and Walter Blake, who met in college and became friends. Post-graduation, the two worked several seasons together at Lake George Opera, and it was those summer productions that inspired them to go into business together. They chose the North Country as the site for their new company, Adirondack Scenic, .

To make ends meet in those early years, the company created scenery for theater and opera productions upstate and in the city. Their first large-scale endeavor was The Bugs Bunny Follies, a touring show featuring Looney Tunes characters, that launched in 1976 and toured through North and Latin America over the next few years. 

“The Bugs Bunny Follies launched a pattern that continues today, where we secure a client relationship that lasts for years or even decades through multiple projects,” said Clara Rice, ADKS Director of Global Marketing.

By Paul Post

Trump Administration tariffs, scheduled to take effect April 2, threaten to undermine New York’s thriving maple industry as most of the equipment producers need is manufactured in Canada.

In addition, much of the syrup consumed in New York City comes from Quebec, the world’s biggest maple producer, because upstate New York sugar makers can’t make enough to meet demand. If tariffs boost the price of Canada’s syrup 25 percent, American producers might charge the same, possibly generating more short-term revenue, but discouraging sales over the long run as consumers grapple with constantly rising food prices.

“That’s certainly not one of our goals,” said Mary Jean Packer, marketing manager of Mapleland Farm in Salem, Washington County.

Canadian maple equipment manufacturers are sending tractor-trailers across the border now and stockpiling it in northern Vermont warehouses, to keep from losing business from U.S. customers after tariffs take effect.

“As long as you have the equipment now you’ll be fine, but it could be hard to get into the business if suddenly the cost of equipment is 25 percent higher,” Packer said. “Maple is a relatively easy agricultural crop to get started with. To be viable all you need is 100 taps, collecting and boiling it with a small evaporator after coming home from an off-farm job. There aren’t many agricultural pursuits that you can get started with such a low cost of entry.”

Meanwhile, area producers are gearing up for this month’s popular Open House Weekends that generate about one-third of annual sales and attract crowds that boost local economies. Such events promote and educate people about the industry, and the value of maple as a healthy food choice.

On the evening of March 7, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) hosted a celebration in honor of George A. Ferone, the recipient of the 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award, at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing. 

With 300 guests in attendance, the event kicked off with a cocktail hour, offering a selection of delectable hors d’oeuvres, champagne, and ample opportunities for networking and reconnecting

The program, led by ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers, featured a highlight of the Chamber’s impact in 2024, as well as accolades to board members, community partners, and volunteers. New York State Senator Dan Stec, Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, and Assemblyman Matt Simpson took the stage to present an adopted resolution to Ferone, and proclamations from Warren & Washington counties were mentioned in the remarks.

The award presentation was made by Paul Scimeca, President & CEO of Glens Falls Hospital. Scimeca highlighted accomplishments over the many years that Ferone has been involved with Glens Falls Hospital and its Foundation. 

The Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau (LGRCVB) has announced the hiring of Brian Mulligan as its new Event Sales & Services Specialist. In this role, Mulligan will focus on promoting the Lake George Area (Warren County) as a premier destination for meetings, conferences, sporting events, and group tours. His responsibilities include building relationships with event planners, showcasing the area’s diverse venues, and supporting the successful execution of group events.

The LGRCVB, a division of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB, works in partnership with Warren County Tourism to attract year-round group business, helping to drive economic impact through conferences, conventions, and large-scale events.

Mulligan brings extensive experience in sales, customer service, and business development. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from SUNY Plattsburgh and has held leadership roles in high-volume retail and hospitality settings. Most recently, he served as Store Manager at the Lake George Outlets, where he was recognized as Top Sales Manager for 2023 for the Upstate District. His background includes working with national and international clientele, team development, and operational management—skills that will translate well into fostering relationships with event planners and driving group business to the region.

By Rod Bacon

The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) is gearing up for its 54th June Arts Festival, which will be held the weekend of June 14-15 in Glens Falls City Park.

According to Philip Casabona, who wears the multiple hats of Executive Director, Gallery Curator, and Festival Director, it is shaping up to be one of the largest in the council’s history.

“We are expecting an estimated 160 artists, five to 10 non-profits, and 10 mobile food units,” he said. “We estimate that last year we had approximately 15,000 attendees.”

This is LARAC’s largest fund-raising event of the year. Exhibitors pay $300 for a 10-foot by 10-foot booth and $580 for a 10-foot by 20-foot booth. LARAC is responsible for all promotion and organizing of the event. The artists keep 100 percent of the revenues from anything they sell. While exhibitors literally come from all over the country, the majority are from  New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Florida, and Vermont.

In addition to the tri-county region, the festival, which is free to the public, attracts attendees from the Hudson Valley and several New England states.

While figures have not been kept on the economic impact of the festival on the area, Casabona is convinced it is significant. Amy Collins, director of tourism and business development for the city, concurs.

“With people, especially the exhibitors, coming from a distance the lodging establishments and restaurants definitely see increased business during that weekend,” she said. “Even those just making a day of it patronize local restaurants and bars.”

By LEE COLEMAN

Gross Electric Inc.’s plans for a 400 unit apartment complex on Route 9N near Northway Exit 21 in Lake George have received a favorable reception from town and school district officials.

Joseph P. Gross, company president, said he wants to build one- two- and three-bedroom apartments on 30-plus acres where a Ramada Inn was once located. Gross purchased the property 10 years ago and leveled the former hotel in recent years for liability reasons due to ongoing vandalism at the old structure.

“I feel it will be an asset and a positive for the community,” Gross said. Town officials feel the same way.

“I’m getting a warm reception from the Town Board and school district,” he said.

The project would provide affordable apartments for young families just getting started. It would allow the families to be close to work in lake businesses and businesses to the north, he said.