Category Archives: Business News

By Doug Ford

As we look ahead to 2026, the Saratoga, Warren, and Washington County region continues to stand out as one of the stronger construction markets in upstate New York. While 2025 delivered steady but cautious growth, the year ahead makes one thing increasingly clear: opportunity alone will not drive success. Our ability to meet demand, deliver projects, and sustain economic growth will depend largely on whether we have the workforce to do so.

Construction activity in 2025 reflected resilience across much of the region, even as growth came in slower than many originally anticipated. Residential development remained strongest in communities such as Saratoga Springs, Malta, and Clifton Park, where demand for multifamily housing, townhomes, and mixed-use projects continued to rise. Population growth, quality-of-life amenities, and proximity to employment centers helped support activity despite higher interest rates and a more disciplined lending environment.

At the same time, economic and political uncertainty caused some private projects to remain on the sidelines. Developers were more cautious, delaying starts while monitoring financing costs, regulatory conditions, and broader market signals. Tourism — particularly in the Saratoga market — continued to serve as a stabilizing force, driving renovation and expansion projects tied to hospitality, entertainment, and seasonal housing.

Beneath these market dynamics, however, a more pressing issue came into even sharper focus in 2025: the shortage of skilled labor. Across the construction trades, workforce availability increasingly dictated project schedules, costs, and overall capacity. While demand for construction services remained relatively stable, the lack of skilled workers limited how much work could realistically be delivered.

Southern Adirondack Independent Living announced the expansion of its services in the Capital Region with the opening of a new Albany County office at 1873 Western Ave., strengthening the organization’s presence across New York’s North Country and Capital Region.

Founded in Glens Falls in 1988, SAIL serves 17 counties, providing support that empowers people with disabilities and older adults to live independently in their communities. The Albany office follows SAIL’s award of the Capital Region contract for the Regional Resource Development Center for the Nursing Home Transition and Diversion Waiver and Traumatic Brain Injury Waiver, contracts the organization also holds in the Adirondack Region.

“This expansion builds on the work we’ve been doing in the North Country and allows us to reach more people across the Capital Region who want to live independently,” said Tyler Whitney, executive director of SAIL. “Our focus is on removing barriers and providing the supports people need to live with dignity and choice.”

By Ann Donnelly

When visitors walk into the building at 12 E. Washington St. in Glens Falls, the first thing they notice is the scent. For Kevin Kroeze, owner of the Use Less Store, that sensory experience is just the gateway to a business model designed to change how the community consumes everyday goods.

The shop, which opened in early October, is centered on a concept Kroeze calls a “refillery”. It is an effort to provide Glens Falls with a sustainable alternative to the “buy-and-toss” cycle of modern retail.

“The Use Less Store is built around the centerpiece there, which is the refillery,” Kroeze said. “And that’s where we have bulk products—cleaners, shampoo, conditioner, you know, body care items like that. You can just bring in your empty container and refill it rather than buy another container to recycle and throw out”.

The store’s inventory extends beyond liquids. Kroeze stocks a variety of non-toxic plastic replacements, including shampoo bars, solid dish soap, and laundry detergent sheets. The shelves also feature glass straws, wood utensils, and bamboo cutting boards.

By Carol Ann Conover

For more than half a century, the name Aroxy Cleaners has been synonymous with fabric care in the region. While many businesses struggled to navigate the changing tides of the late 20th century, this family-owned dry cleaner has maintained a steady presence by leaning into its roots and prioritizing speed.

The business traces its lineage back to the late 1960s. Rick Poladia, the current family member at the helm, recalls that his father and uncle took over operations around 1970. Originally part of a different franchise, the family added a single letter to the name for legal purposes, transforming “Roxy” into “Aroxy”—a moniker that has remained on the storefront ever since.

“From 1970 up to now, it’s been in the family,” Poladia said. Today, Rick and his sisters continue the legacy, operating out of their central location on State Route 9.

While the business once operated multiple branches, the family eventually consolidated to a single, high-efficiency location. This move allowed them to maintain a tighter grip on quality control and turnaround times, which Poladia identifies as a core facet of their success. In an era of automated service and delayed shipping, Aroxy Cleaners prides itself on same-day service for customers in a pinch. Poladia notes that they often handle unexpected emergencies, ranging from last-minute wedding attire and funeral garments to suits needed for job interviews.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has announced the promotion of Ava Kanninen to Director of Membership Development. After 10 years in the wine and spirits field, Ava took her energy and enthusiasm to fulfill the role of Membership Manager for the ARCC in January 2023.

“One of the things that was a joy to learn in my time at the ARCC was how much talent there is in our region,” said Kanninen. “I didn’t realize that we were creating, developing, and manufacturing so many things here until I started in my role at the Chamber.”

At the Chamber, Ava cultivates meaningful relationships and fosters business growth throughout the Adirondack region. With a passion for shared success and a commitment to strengthening local businesses, she plays a key role in driving membership engagement and regional collaboration.

“Ava’s role at the Chamber has evolved into developing meaningful relationships with our members by focusing on engagement and retention,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “She will serve as a liaison to build community, demonstrate value, and foster collaboration.”

Guided by the principle that “a rising tide carries all ships,” Ava is dedicated to enhancing regional prosperity and nurturing a thriving, interconnected business community.

“I love what I do, and I am so excited to expand my role and take on more responsibility with the organization”, Kanninen added.

By Paul Post

Five weekends of frosty revelry are on tap as Lake George Winter Carnival has a full slate of activities planned for North Country residents and visitors alike.

The fun starts Saturday, Feb. 7 with outhouse races, a Jeep parade and fireworks and continues through March 7-8 with a Chillin’ and Choppin’ lumberjack competition.

“We do it to give back to the community and to promote tourism,” said Jessyca Darrah, co-chair with Nancy Nichols, of the all-volunteer Winter Carnival Committee. “The intent is for local businesses to make money. We need more of the community to step up and get involved. We’re always looking for volunteers. We want to grow the committee, we want more people actively involved.”

Now in it’s 64th year, Winter Carnival is the mainstay of ongoing efforts to promote more year-round tourism not only in Lake George, but throughout Warren County. Recent efforts such as Ice Castles at Charles R. Wood Park, and Winter’s Dream at Fort William Henry, have had short-lived runs due largely to mild winters the past few years.

By Carol Ann Conover

Homeowners looking for personalized design guidance rather than off-the-shelf solutions now have a new local option with the opening of a collaborative home design and improvement showroom on Upper Glen Street.

Tim and Michelle Schultz are launching a multi-brand showroom at 704 Upper Glen St. that brings together custom window treatments, interior design services and energy-efficient replacement windows and doors. The space unites Gotcha Covered of Saratoga, Designs on Glen and Window Depot of the Adirondacks, offering what the owners describe as a consultative, one-on-one alternative to the stock selections and self-guided experience typical of big-box retailers.

The concept is designed to help homeowners make cohesive decisions that balance aesthetics, performance and budget, rather than purchasing products in isolation. Clients can work directly with experienced professionals to evaluate everything from fabric and light control to insulation value and window performance.

“We’re really focused on the personal side of design,” Tim Schultz said. “Big-box stores serve a purpose, but many homeowners want guidance tailored to their space, their home and how they live. That’s what we’re providing here.”

The Log Jam Restaurant, a longtime Lake George dining institution, will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special First Pour Celebration on Wednesday, January 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., marking five decades of locally owned hospitality, community connection and Adirondack-inspired dining.

The anniversary event will debut Log Jam Spruce Lager, a signature craft beer brewed locally in collaboration with Northway Brewing Co. in Queensbury. The First Pour event will be the public’s first opportunity to sample the spruce lager on draft.

Guests attending the celebration can expect live music by Jordan Dyer and Megan Houde, along with beer and appetizer specials. The spruce lager will be available year-round at The Log Jam, with cans and four-packs launching soon. The First Pour event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste it fresh from the tap.

“Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone for our restaurant and our team,” said Tony Grecco, Manager of The Log Jam Restaurant. “This event is a way for us to honor an exciting collaboration, celebrate with our amazing customers and kick off a year of 50th Anniversary celebrations.”

By Ann Donnelly

For James Lenhart, the path to business ownership in the fitness industry began not in a corporate boardroom, but in a small high school weight room in Ticonderoga, New York. Today, as the owner-operator of Anytime Fitness franchises in Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, Lenhart is using his background in kinesiology and professional strength training to help a new generation of Adirondack residents reach their physical goals.

Lenhart’s interest in fitness was sparked at age 14 when his physical education coaches suggested he visit the weight room to improve his performance in baseball and football. He quickly noticed the “positive impact” on his body and decided to pursue a career helping others experience similar changes.

“I thought I would love to do something like this and help people,” Lenhart said.

He attended SUNY Cortland, a school renowned for its physical education and kinesiology programs. He earned a Bachelor of Science in kinesiology, a field he defines as the “study of human movement.” During his college years, Lenhart secured a strength and conditioning internship with the New York Jets, followed by another internship at the University of South Florida in Tampa.

By Rod Bacon

Ownership of O’Connor Construction has passed to the fifth generation of the family.

On December 18, President Pat O’Connor finalized the purchase of the 120-year-old company from his uncles, Kevin O’Connor and Brian O’Connor.

“Several years ago my uncles came to me and said ‘You’re the next one to take over if you want to’ so I’ve been preparing for this for quite some time,” said Pat.

The $4 million transaction was brokered by Nic Ketter of Glens Falls-based Realize Brokers. Edward P. Fitzgerald of McPhillips, Fitzgerald & Cullum LLP represented the sellers. Kara I. Lais of FitzGerald Morris Baker Firth PC represented the buyer.

The sale included equipment and real estate at company headquarters at 147 Meadowbrook Road in Glens Falls.

Pat said he feels well prepared for his new role. He joined the company in 2014 after working for a few other contractors in the area. He rose through the ranks, eventually being named vice president. This required he take on more responsibility, which gave him additional experience and insight into company operations. He also earned an associate degree in construction technology from Hudson Valley Community College and a bachelor’s degree in construction management from SUNY Delhi.