Category Archives: Business News

Empire State College Institutes Bachelor’s Degree Program In Addiction Studies

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SUNY Empire State College is launching a Bachelor of Science in addiction studies program it says is the first of its kind.
It is intended to help address the urgent need for qualified substance use disorder treatment specialists in New York state and around the nation, officials said.

Students will be able to complete the unique B.S. in addiction studies degree online, face-to-face, or through an individualized blend to fit the busy lives of working professionals.

Enrollment opens in the spring of 2020.

Data from the 2016 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) said a significant gap between the 21 million Americans in need of substance misuse treatment and the 3.8 million who actually received it. This means that only 18 percent of those who needed help were receiving it, officials said.

According to recent estimates by the U.S. Department of Labor, employment in the addictions field is expected to increase by 20 percent over the next 10 years. Further, various organizations report that the need for professionals with bachelor’s degrees and Credentialed Alcoholism Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certifications is on the rise.

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Economic Index: Warehouse And Logistics Industry Has Big Impact On Area Counties

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Tim Feemster of Foremost Quality Logistics speaks at the warehousing/logistics session.

The Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, a Saratoga County-based economic development organization, unveiled in July the inaugural Saratoga County Warehouse and Logistics Index, which it says portrays a thriving industry that employs nearly 2,000 people and generates an annual economic impact of $166 million in the county.

Officials said with nearly 100 transportation and warehousing operations, employment in Saratoga County rose from 1,470 jobs in 2001 to 1,772 in 2017, an increase of 21 percent. Meanwhile, the average annual wage grew from $36,221 in 2007 to $46,755 in 2018, a 29 percent increase that eclipses the Capital Region, New York state, and national averages.

Additionally, the Index illustrates a regional economic stimulus that is even greater, officials said. Working with the Saratoga, Warren, Washington Workforce Development Board, Warren County EDC and Washington County Economic Development, the Saratoga Partnership identified a $220 million annual economic impact and nearly 2,500 warehousing and logistics jobs across Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

“Saratoga County is home to a booming warehouse and logistics sector that provides increasing job opportunities and significant economic impact,” said Marty Vanags, president of the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership. “Working with our partners in Warren and Washington counties, we are committed to providing the assistance companies need to ensure this important regional industry continues on an upward trajectory.”

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Washington County LDC, ARCC Are Seeking Nominations For Annual Business Awards

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The Washington County Local Development Corp. (WCLDC) and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) are currently accepting nominations for the Washington County Business Awards.

The award recipients and nominees will be honored at a luncheon on Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Christ the King Center, 575 Burton Road, Greenwich.

Nominated businesses must meet the following criteria:

• An established Washington County business with over two employees.

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State Extends Law Supporting Women And Minority Owned Businesses Enterprises

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Gov. Andrew Cuomo in July signed a law that reauthorized the Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) program for five more years.

He aid it will ensure ongoing and meaningful participation of MWBEs in contracted state projects. The reauthorization of the law includes enhancements that will enable even more MWBEs to participate in and benefit from the program.

“The extension and expansion of New York’s nation-leading MWBE program will help ensure our economy is reflective of our values and of our diverse talent pool,” Cuomo said. “Diversity is New York’s greatest asset, and by signing this measure into law we will empower more women and people of color to participate in State contracts and continue our aggressive program to make contracting even more inclusive.”

“We are breaking down barriers for aspiring entrepreneurs and providing opportunities to ensure the growth and success of minority and women owned businesses,” said Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “The renewal and expansion of our robust MWBE program advances New York’s nation-leading MWBE goals as part of our overall efforts to promote diversity. We are committed to encouraging and supporting minority and women owned businesses across the state, creating jobs and strengthening the economy.”

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Business Report: Changes To NYS SEQRA Regulations

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Sarah Lewis Belcher is senior counsel with Bond, Schoeneck & King.

By Sarah Lewis Belcher, Esq.
Anyone who has undertaken a project in New York State since 1978 has at least some familiarity with the state Environmental Quality Review Act (SEQRA). All state and local governments must comply with SEQRA by considering the environmental impacts of projects before they are approved.

So, if your project must be approved by a governmental entity, the SEQRA process must be completed.

The regulations implementing SEQRA were recently revised by amendments that took effect Jan. 1. These were the first amendments since 1996 and will change the landscape of SEQRA review in some significant ways that projects applicants should understand.

The SEQRA process differs depending on how a project is classified. A Type I project requires a Full Environmental Assessment Form (FEAF) and if, based on that form, the project is likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment, an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) must be prepared. Type II projects are not subject to the SEQRA process, so the time to obtain governmental approvals can be substantially reduced.

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ADK To Do A Project With Common Energy

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The Lake George-based ADK (Adirondack Mountain Club) has entered into a new partnership with Common Energy, a leading community solar provider based in New York.

With a shared interest in the environment, Common Energy has made a generous investment in ADK’s mission to protect New York state’s public lands and waters, officials said.

Common Energy and ADK will work together to publicly promote steps that individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint, decrease the community’s dependence on fossil fuels, and lower emissions and pollution across New York state.

Neil Woodworth, executive director of the ADK said, “We are excited to work with Common Energy to educate the public about the positive benefits of renewable solar energy. This partnership furthers ADK’s mission to protect New York state’s environment and address climate change.”

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Personnel Briefs: Common Shredding Methods

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Rob Shauger is director of sales and development at ConfiData.

There are many shredding options out here, however not all are created equal.

Some shredders are fairly simple and ideal for everyday bits of paperwork, but not ideal for sensitive documents. Other shredding methods are ideal for destroying highly sensitive or classified documents, but are considered overkill for everyday paperwork.

If you are comparing document destruction services, it is important to understand the common types of shredding methods in order to determine the best method for your needs.

Strip-cut shredding

The most common example of strip-cut shredding is found in your basic office shredder. For this reason, strip-cut shredding is the most common method of document destruction. With this method, paper is cut into long parallel strips.

While it is the most common, and most economical method of destruction, it is also the least secure. The long strips can be carefully reconstructed in order to restore the confidential document.

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Saratoga Wine And Food Festival At SPAC Will Focus On Sustainable Culinary Practices

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A food station caters to attendees at last year’s Saratoga Wine and Food Festival.
Courtesy SPAC

Saratoga Performing Arts Center announced that its Saratoga Wine and Food Festival will return for the harvest season on Oct. 4-5 with a focus on sustainable culinary practices and cultural experiences.

Celebrating the bounty and talent of the region from the Hudson Valley to the Adirondacks, the destination event will feature a new farm-to-table dinner centering around the theme of “Forest Magic.”

The 2019 festival will feature live music curated by Caffè Lena, sculptures by The Hyde Collection, photography by Terri-Lynn Pellegri, food tastings and culinary talent curated by John Sconzo of Rascal & Thorn and Kim Klopstock of Lily and the Rose, chef demonstrations on sustainability, VIP experiences, and design by Colin Cowie Lifestyle.

Presented annually at the end of its classical season, the festival is an epicurean showcase featuring two days of gourmet events highlighting fine international wines, innovative chef-prepared menus, cooking demonstrations and wine seminars, tastings, and art and performance.

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GlobalFoundries Eyes Growth, More Hiring At 10th Anniversary In Saratoga County

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Employees of GlobalFoundries formed the number ‘10’ in the plant parking lot in Malta at an event celebrating the 10th anniversary of the chip plant in Saratoga County.
Courtesy GlobalFoundries

GlobalFoundries Executive Director Tom Caulfield said this is the first year its plant in Malta has stabalized its business model.
He said GlobalFoundries has hired 517 employees at its Malta manufacturing complex this year and the company is searching for another 200 engineers, technicians and support staff.

The hiring spree comes less than a year after the computer chip maker eliminated 450 jobs in the Albany region amid a strategy shift focused on attracting more customers and increasing profitability.

The remarks were made at an event in late July, attended by local officials and business people, to mark the 10th anniversary of the computer chip factory in Saratoga County.

The event was held under a tent in the Fab 8 parking lot and led by Ron Sampson, head of the company’s U.S. manufacturing operations.

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ALDI Company Is Remodeling Former ‘Toys R Us’ Building; Could Be Complete This Fall

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ALDI has plans to open a new grocery store at 708 Upper Glen St. in Queensbury. Renovations on the building began in the spring and should be completed by fall, company officials said.

By Christine Graf

ALDI has plans to open its newest Capital Region grocery store at 708 Upper Glen St. in Queensbury.

The building is owned by Nigro Companies of Albany and was previously leased by Toys R Us.

All of the toy retailer’s leases were auctioned off after the company entered bankruptcy court. ALDI was the winning bidder for the Queensbury location.

Renovations on the building began in the spring and should be completed by fall, company officials said.

Once completed, the store will have approximately 12,000 square feet of retail space and either four or five aisles, the company said. It will also feature open ceilings, natural lighting, and environmentally friendly building materials.

All of their stores are fairly consistent when it comes to layout and design.

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