New York state farms generated $5.7 billion in revenue in 2017, according to a report released in August by State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli.
“Agriculture is an essential part of New York’s economy,” DiNapoli said. “Farms generate billions of dollars in sales, provide jobs and enhance our quality of life. But farmers face challenges including fluctuating milk prices, threats from a changing climate and disrupted trade relations. We need to build on our previous actions to make sure that agriculture can thrive in the Empire State for generations to come.”
SUNY Empire State College To Assist 2020 Census By Providing Computer Lab Access
To help ensure an accurate, complete count in the 2020 census, SUNY Empire State College will open available computer labs at the college’s more than 30 locations all across New York state.
For the first time, the 2020 census will be conducted through an online questionnaire. This change in process may present significant obstacles for many residents who may have limited internet access or limited experience with digital interfaces.
One of the cornerstones of American democracy, a complete and accurate count of every resident in New York state will help ensure fair representation in federal government and equitable funding from federal programs, particularly to communities most in need, officials said..
47th Annual Adirondack Balloon Festival Comes To The Region September 19-22
Courtesy Adirondack Balloon Festival
Balloons will take to the skies again in the Glens Falls/Lake George area when the Adirondack Balloon Festival takes place Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 19-22.
It will be the 47th annual event.
It kicks off at 4:30 p.m. on Sept. 19 at Crandall Park in Glens Falls with a musical performance by the Lustre Kings. A block party featuring live music, balloon baskets on display, a car show, and kid’s activities will be held in the park from 6-9:30 p.m.
A flight of balloons will go up at 5:15 p.m.
Events continue through the weekend at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport in Queensbury.
Flight times are approximate and all activities are weather permitting. There is no smoking, no dogs allowed, and no drones or remote control aircraft are allowed.
On Friday, at the airport, gates open at 3 p.m. A craft fair will be hosted by Zonta with 50-plus vendors, kid’s activities and food vendors.
On Saturday, a “big balloon breakfast” will be held from 5-10 a.m. From 5-7 a.m. food vendors will be open for business. There will be a craft fair hosted by Zonta, kids activities, including bounce houses, as well as crafts and games. A flight of up to 100 Balloons will be at 6:30 a.m.
Musical performances by Pluck & Rail will take place 2:30-4:30 p.m.; a musical performance by The High Peaks Bluegrass Band 5-7 p.m.; and a flight of up to 100 Balloons at 5 p.m. At 8 p.m. will be “Lighting Up The Night – Airport Moonglow” with , 30-plus balloons.
NYRA: 2019 Meet At Saratoga Race Course Had Record Handle,Topping $700 Million
Courtesy NYRA
For the first time in history, the New York Racing Association Inc. (NYRA) generated more than $700 million in all-sources handle during the 2019 meet at Saratoga Race Course, which was conducted over a five-day race week and included the cancellation of a full Saturday card of racing.
NYRA officials said Wagering from all-sources totaled $705,343,949 an increase of more than $46 million, or 7 percent, over last year when racing was conducted for the full 40 days during a six-day week. This year’s handle eclipsed the previous record set in 2017 by nearly $29 million or 4.2 percent.
‘Queen Of Saratoga,’ Marylou Whitney Is Honored By NYRA, City For Philanthropy
©2019 Saratoga Photographer.com
The New York Racing Association, Inc. (NYRA) are honoring the legacy of esteemed thoroughbred owner and breeder, celebrated philanthropist and National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame inductee Marylou Whitney, who died at the age of 93 on July 19.
In tribute to Mrs. Whitney’s passion, commitment and dedication to both racing and the community, the Clubhouse entrance at Saratoga Race Course, which serves as the gateway to the Spa from Saratoga Springs, was officially be named the “Marylou Whitney Entrance.”
Flanking the entrance are two jockey statues adorned in the Eton blue and brown silks representing the classic colors of Marylou Whitney stables. The statues commemorate the 2004 victories of Mrs. Whitney’s colt Birdstone in the Belmont Stakes and Travers Stakes.
Mrs. Whitney was inducted into the National Museum of Racing and Hall of Fame on Aug. 2.
NYRA formally celebrated Mrs. Whitney at Saratoga Race Course on Aug. 3, in conjunction with her family’s namesake race: The Grade 1, $1 million Whitney Stakes.
Legislators Address Agriculture Issues, State Minimum Wage, More At ARCC Luncheon
Andrea Palmer
By Andrea Palmer
“It’s a new day in Albany, There are only 3 Upstate New York members in the senate majority,” state Assemblywoman Carry Woerner, said at an Aug. 1 event at the Queensbury Hotel. “We struggle to have the needs of Upstate New York recognized in Senate, especially issues related to agriculture. This is the year we learn to adapt to a new way of working.”
Woerner was one of the speakers at the second annual Lunch with Legislators hosted by the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Also on the panel were state Sen. Betty Little, U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik and state Assemblyman Jake Ashby.
Woerner said it is more important that business people come to Albany to advocate for their priorities. With emphasis on downstate issues, grassroots support is needed.
Wood Foundation Launches Initiative, Makes $1M Available To Innovative Health Programs
The Charles R. Wood Foundation announced a new initiative in which it will provide $1 million to community-based initiatives aimed at improving the health of the population in the region.
The foundation’s board released a request for proposals (RFP) to encourage applicants to collaborate in efforts to improve the health status of the residents and to reduce health care costs. Funding consideration will be limited to organizations serving the New York counties of Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Hamilton, Montgomery, Warren, and Washington.
It will be distributed over the next three years.
Charlene Wood, board chairperson, said the foundation annually reviews over 150 individual applications to support the arts, children, and health services.
Adirondack Regional Chamber Launches Its Women’s Business Council For Members
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has launches a Women’s Business Council (WBC) for its membership.
The council will be inclusive of women business owners, women professionals and sole proprietors, who will use the power of the networking to make a positive impact on their business growth, according to the Chamber.
“The impact of professional women in our region is profound,” said Michael Bittel, ARCC president and CEO. “The ARCC is blessed to bring together and connect so much talent in our area to further benefit our individual members, while more importantly positively impacting their businesses and our larger community as a whole.”
He said WBC members will see and learn from those at the next tier of accomplishment or experience. Unlike referral groups, the “give to get” aspect of the council is more geared toward sharing business knowledge and practical insight than referrals. The benefit of becoming familiar with each other is that it encourages more business among members of the group.
New 12-Passenger Boat Allows Tiki Tours On Lake George To Accommodate Larger Groups
Courtesy Tiki Tours
By Jennifer Farnsworth
Tiki Tours is enjoying a busy summer and to help accommodate its growing business, a new 12-passenger boat is being used.
Kolleen Cormie, manager at Tiki Tours, said the newest boat holds more passengers, allowing for bigger groups to ride together. Cormie said the boat is a perfect compliment to their summer tour business.
“We have been really busy all season. We started in June and will be finishing up in September. Most people notice that our new boat is much bigger than our boats from last year, “ said Cormie.
Hudson Falls Native Opens Mullen’s Pub On Main Street, Next To The Strand Theater
Andrea Palmer
by Andrea Palmer
A new pub is open for business in downtown Hudson Falls.
Mullen’s Pub pub is located at 198 Main St., next to the Strand Theater, where Maxwell’s Pub used to be. Scott Boucher is the new owner and operator.
“I heard Tim and Jane Havens were purchasing the building, but weren’t interested in running a restaurant or pub. I’ve always thought it would be fun and challenging to operate one, so I introduced myself to Tim,” said Boucher. “He mentioned several times he wasn’t looking to make any money on the venture, just wanted to make sure it didn’t turn into a dive bar.
“They, along with others, have invested a large amount of time and money into building up the Strand and the town. So I gave them my word and we worked out a deal,” said Boucher.
He said Mullen’s Pub “is a comfortable, welcoming place to have a drink and a great meal. If you don’t know anyone when you walk in, you’ll definitely make friends before you leave.”