By Susan Ellse Campbell

Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO David S. DeMarco. 

The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said. 

DeMarco said the change was years in the making.

“What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said.

DeMarco explained that since the two banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking.

“Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources to enhance our strategic growth opportunities and provide unparalleled customer service.”

Glens Falls National Bank was formed in 1851 and, like Saratoga National Bank, has a strong presence in the communities it serves. The latter was formed in 1988 and has been a subsidiary of Arrow Financial since its beginning. But the two banks have different charters. 

“As part of the reunification, Saratoga National Bank will technically be merged into Glens Falls Banks. That’s just legal work,” DeMarco said. “The hard part is having everything the same from a back room and marketing perspective.”

Right now, the marketing department has to provide a logo, branding, signage and advertising for two separate entitles, he said. The accounting group has to prepare two separate sets of financial statements, so there will be one call report published after the unification. 

“There is simplification that will result from this, and getting there is not hard, but is going to be a lot of work internally,” he said. 

Started in 1983 in Glens Falls, Arrow Financial is a publicly traded company and as CEO, DeMarco anticipates advantages from the unification for shareholders.

“The investment banking community sees the unification as a big plus,” he said. “I have heard from some people who said, ‘What took you so long?’”

Branches of the banks stretch from Albany to Plattsburgh and some growth has come organically, DeMarco said. There have also been acquisitions of a number of other bank branches, such as Fleet Bank and HSBC in Plattsburgh, and Arrow Financial is about to close on a Berkshire Bank in Whitehall. Other branches have been acquired in Schenectady and Rensselaer counties.

“As a combined entity, we are bigger and can buy more,” said DeMarco. “Strategic growth is the ability to expand our footprint and serve other communities, 

For bank customers, DeMarco said, “Nothing changes but the name, and banks have been changing names for years. None of the staff is changing and none of the buildings are changing.”

How the unification is perceived will depend largely on how Arrow Financial delivers the message, according to DeMarco.

“The keys to that are our people and ability to provide customer service, which we are very proud of,” he said. “I would argue we are known as a bank that gives personal service, delivers value to our shareholders, and supports our communities.”

The combined assets of the banks is $4.2 billion and DeMarco said, “In a way we are getting bigger together, but we’re still the same size.”

The new logo and marketing campaign will soon be rolled out and carry the name “Arrow Bank” in a clean, more modern style than what the banks or Arrow Financial have now, he said. 

“The rebranding focuses on the people, because banking is a people business,” said DeMarco. “What people going into those brick and mortar buildings appreciate about our company is that they know the staff and the staff know them. And that’s not changing.”

DeMarco said he believes the new name will make a newcomer into town who wants a local bank feel that Arrow Bank offers up-to-date resources and technology.

“People bank where they have trust and confidence and comfort,” he said. “It’s reputation that drives where you bank, and if our reputation maintains its current status, we hope it will attract more customers in our current market.”

Unification will make Arrow Bank “stronger and better” in terms of efficiency and productivity, said DeMarco. 

“It’s one bank working for you,” he said. If that sounds like a tagline, DeMarco said the marketing team will be releasing the new tagline shortly along with the new logo.

Glens Falls National Bank has a full service insurance subsidiary, Upstate Insurance Agency, which will become a separate subsidiary of Arrow Financial. Its name will not change.  Depositors can learn more at their local branches.

The post Arrow Financial Corp Unifies Glens Falls And Saratoga National Banks Into Single Entity appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

By Christine Graf

Local lawmakers and citizens are asking state officials to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Comstock. The prison is slated for closure as part of the state’s effort to adapt to a shrinking inmate population and a shortage of corrections officers. 

According to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will be closed by November 6. DOCCS has reported that employees at both prisons will be offered positions at other facilities within the state. 

With approximately 650 employees, Great Meadow is the largest employer in Washington County. The prison’s closure is expected to have a significant economic impact on the county. 

New York State Representative Carrie Woerner (AD-113) is part of a bi-partisan group of legislators calling upon Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow.

“The closure of that institution will have significant economic impact on the surrounding towns as well as the county as a whole. I think the decision to close Great Meadow was made without consideration of many factors that would have argued against closing Great Meadow,” said Woerner. “The goal that DOC has is to address the overall staffing shortages they have in the system, so they are trying to retain as close to 100 percent of the staff as they can by relocating them to other facilities. In Washington County and the surrounding region, there are only two facilities—Great Meadows and Washington Correctional.”

Although Washington Correctional, a medium-security prison located directly across the street from Great Meadow, is expected to absorb 60 to 70 Great Meadow employees, the majority will most likely be transferred to facilities in Coxsackie or Fulton County.  

“If you live in Fort Ann, it would take you one hour and forty-seven minutes to get to Coxsackie. Fulton County is more two hours away,” said Woerner. “In other parts of the state, there are more facilities clustered together, so you can have a reasonable expectation that people would be able to transfer from one facility to another without having to disrupt their family life, without having to move—all of those things that will be necessary with the closing of Great Meadow.”

“If the overall goal is to improve security across the system, it seems to me that picking Great Meadow works against achieving that goal,” she added.

Woerner also mentioned that Washington Correctional relies on Great Meadow for power and water, something that should have been considered when making the decision. 

“That linking between Great Meadow and Washington Correctional seems to have been ignored,” she said. “So, they will never be able to fully shut down Great Meadow unless they invest millions of dollars in building comparable water and heating infrastructure at Washington Correctional.”

Great Meadow also provides the medical facilities utilized by inmates at Washington Correctional.  If Great Meadow is closed, Washington Correctional inmates with medical issues will be have to be taken by van or ambulance to Glens Falls Hospital.

“Now you’ve got added costs—officers will have to take time away from their normal post, and care in a hospital is expensive. That doesn’t make any sense,” said Woerner.

Great Meadow also has a specialized mental health facility, one designed to provide treatment to inmates with long- and short-term mental health issues. 

“Our New York state correctional system as a whole needs mental health facilities. You have that already at Great Meadow. So, why not turn that into a system-wide or a northeast region resource that can be helpful in meeting the needs of incarcerated individuals with mental illness?” asked Woerner. “That would make all of the facilities safer, and it would leverage the investments the state has already made in building out these facilities.  

According to Woerner, inmates at Great Meadow are also part of an industry program, one that produces the soap used at correctional facilities throughout the state. 

“Again, you have a resource that’s there and working–one that’s producing a product that every facility uses. Now, they are going to have to recreate that somewhere else, incurring additional costs,” she noted.

Woerner said she is hopeful that Governor Hochul and officials at the DOCCS will revisit the decision to shutter Great Meadow.

“As far as I’m concerned, it’s not over until it’s over. We have to keep raising these questions and making the point that this facility is not well situated to being closed, It has many things to offer that with some thought could benefit the entire system. So, I think we need to keep raising these points, highlighting the things that Great Meadow does and can offer to the entire system.”

Joining the call to keep Great Meadow open is Fort Ann’s Kaylin Nabozny, the wife of a Great Meadow corrections officer and the mother of two young sons.  Nabozny spearheaded a Change.org petition, one that has garnered more than 4,500 signatures.  

“By organizing this, I’m trying to do the right thing and hoping to communicate with the officials who made this decision. It was a bad decision on their part,” Nabozny said.

In addition to mentioning the issues cited by Woerner, Nabozny explained that Great Meadow has the state’s largest Intermediate Care Program (ICP), a residential mental health program for seriously mentally ill inmates. 

“There’s a waiting list of people at other facilities who need to be on ICP. So, what does the state plan on doing with our population of ICP individuals? Where do they plan to send them?” she asked. “We also have a medication assistant treatment program that addresses opioid use disorder. As you can imagine, the individuals in this program cannot have a lapse in treatment. Where is the state’s action plan showing how these individuals are going to be transferred without a lapse in treatment? Where are they going? Is there room for them?”

According to Nabozny, if the state had chosen to close Washington Correctional, Great Meadow would have been able to take on that facility’s inmates and correctional officers. 

“This would have been the ideal merger if what they wanted to do was consolidate resources and relieve staffing issues,” she said. “They should have closed Washington and brought everyone across the street to Great Meadow.”

Nabozny said families of Great Meadow employees are understandably concerned that their loved one may be transferred to a prison more than two hours away. 

“We own our houses here. Our kids go to school here. It’s not sustainable for husbands or wives to drive two hours to work, and then work eight or sixteen hours and then drive two hours home,” she said.

Nabozny’s husband coaches youth soccer and t-ball, and other corrections officers volunteer on the town board or as firefighters, EMTs or scout leaders. 

“They are active, vital members of our community,” she said. “And, we’re not going to have that anymore.”  

The post Legislators And Community Members Resist Closing Great Meadow Correctional Facility appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

By Ann Donnelly

A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following.

The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a health-conscious approach without compromising taste.

The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga. 

“All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.”

Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands. 

Chris Dore reached out to Nic Ketter of Realize Brokers in Glens Falls in search of a suitable property, but the search slowed when the pandemic hit. When the Osakowicz’s contacted Ketter about selling their restaurant, he recognized a perfect match. 

“The previous owners established the strong foundation,” says Chris. “We can carry it on, add our touches to it, adding to the legacy, a transition into the new era.”

“Our staff is our greatest asset,” says Jenny. “We want to empower them to provide exceptional service and create a positive work environment.”

In the month since the transition, the Dores have established a great rapport with the existing customers and the staff, which have all stayed on. 

“It really has been a family restaurant,” says Chris. “The culture that thrives throughout the employees has been great. Already, there’s a good vibe between everybody and their understanding of who we are and what we want to do.”

The staff includes the Osakowicz’s son, Jasiu. “He’s absolutely amazing and he wants the business to succeed,” says Chris. “He’s been a huge help in the transition to get us really off on the right foot.”

The couple’s decision to purchase The Peppermill, located on the busy intersection of Saratoga Avenue and Main Street, the main artery through South Glens Falls to the bridge to Glens Falls, was driven by a desire to be a part of and contribute to the local economy. 

“We fell in love with the community here,” says Jenny. “There’s a real sense of togetherness, and we want to be part of that.”

The Peppermill’s menu will continue to feature the existing classic fare, but the new owners plan to introduce seasonal specials and healthier options to cater to a broader range of tastes. They also envision hosting community events and partnering with local businesses to create a vibrant hub for the community.

As the couple settles into their new roles, they are optimistic about the future of The Peppermill. 

“We see endless possibilities for this business,” says Chris. “We’re committed to making The Peppermill a place where people can come together to enjoy great food, good company, and a warm, inviting atmosphere.”

The community is eagerly anticipating the new chapter of The Peppermill and is excited to see what the future holds under the leadership of Jenny and Chris Dore.

The Peppermill Family Restaurant is located at 110 Main Street in South Glens Falls.

Their Website is https://peppermillsgf.com/

Jennie Dore Nutrition and Wellness can be reached at https://jenniedore.com/ 

The post New Owners Bring Fresh Energy To A South Glens Falls Dining Institution appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

Alpha Win’s 18th Annual Lake George Triathlon – a weekend of endurance and fun – is returning to the shores, bikeways, and streets of Lake George over Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 31 – Sunday, September 1.  

Standing by the motto, “A Distance For Everyone®,” the Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon features Sprint, Olympic and Long Course triathlon distances, coupled with aquabike and duathlon options. The competition is set to be fierce with the Northeastern Collegiate Triathlon Conference in attendance, bringing together some of the most prominent collegiate tri-athletes in the region. This event joins Alpha Win’s extensive calendar of New York offerings, including the Saugerties Triathlon, Hudson Valley Triathlon, and Hudson Valley Marathon.

The races begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. sharp at Million Dollar Beach with the Long Course wave start. The Alpha Long Course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run.  After Saturday’s races, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner aboard Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican, at 6:15 p.m. This excursion can be purchased during race registration.

The races continue Sunday morning, with the Alpha Sprint kicking off at 6:30 a.m. This is a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Awards for this race will be handed out at 9:00 a.m. The final race, the Alpha Olympic, will start at 7:10 a.m. This is a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run. 

Race Director Tommy Struzzeri believes the endurance industry is primed for a company like Alpha that will help people of all abilities get into racing.  

“We are excited to welcome athletes back to the beautiful shores of Lake George for an enjoyable weekend of racing. The Lake George Triathlon combines experienced athletes and new people to the sport. I can’t wait to see a variety of athletes achieve their goals as they cross the finish line”,  said Struzzeri.

Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, highlighted the impact and uniqueness of events like the Lake George Triathlon Festival in Warren County: “The Lake George Triathlon Festival remains a magnet for athletes and families, generating a substantial economic impact in the region. What sets this triathlon apart is the opportunity for participants to immerse themselves in the finest natural elements of our area. They can relish swimming in the pristine waters of Lake George, cycling along scenic routes through upstate New York, and completing the run through the Village of Lake George.”

Alpha Win has also announced its official charity partner, Lake George Land Conservancy. The LGLC protects the land within the Lake George watershed to preserve the world renowned water quality of the lake. 

“We’re honored to once again be the beneficiary of Alpha Win’s Triathlon. This great event perfectly showcases the beauty of Lake George, its mountains, and the clean water that the LGLC works to protect. We are grateful to Alpha Win, and the athletes who choose to donate to the LGLC, for their support of our mission to protect the land that protects the lake”, said Sarah Hoffman, communications and outreach manager.

Sponsors for this event include Xterra and Trek Saratoga, in addition to several regional partners including; Warren County Tourism, Glens Falls Hospital of Albany Med Health System, Luxury Lake George Vacations, Adirondack Brewery, Northern Living, Elevation Medical Aesthetic, and more listed on their race page.

Athletes interested in competing are encouraged to register online before Saturday, August 31, by visiting alpha.win. Volunteers are also requested to assist with various set up, race day and post-race support. All volunteers will receive a free t-shirt and will be provided with food and beverages during their shift. Those interested in volunteering should e-mail info@Alpha.win with their availability.

The post The Alpha Win Annual Lake George Triathlon Is Scheduled For Labor Day Weekend appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

Ms. Jensen’s promotion reflects her commitment to Tri-County United Way’s mission and her proven ability to advance the organization’s goals of creating lasting, positive impact. Ms. Jensen looks forward to continuing to bring her expertise to Tri-County United Way to help drive the organization’s mission of strengthening communities its service area. 

A resident of Queensbury, Ms. Jensen holds a master’s degree from Marist College and a bachelor’s degree from SUNY New Paltz.

*      *     *

Maria College, a private, co-educational Catholic college founded by the Sisters of Mercy, has announced the appointment of four new members to its board of trustees.

The new trustees — Sister Jude Kapp, RSM (Rensselaer); Helen Figge, Ph.D. (Slingerlands); Angela C. Dominelli, Ph.D. (Schenectady); and, Karen McKenna, RN, BSN — will each serve three three-year terms. They will guide the college’s direction, expand course offerings, build corporate partnerships, and enhance resources to strengthen the student experience.

Since August 2011, Sister Kapp, RSM, has served as a pastoral associate at Blessed Sacrament Parish in Albany, managing the food pantry, visiting the elderly and sick, and overseeing RCIA and adult confirmation programs. Previously, she was math department chair at Catholic Central High School in Troy and Notre Dame High School in Elmira.

Ms.Figge, BS, PharmD, MBA, CPHIMS, FHIMSS, FACHT, and Certified Six Sigma Black Belt, is a prominent healthcare leader and futurist. Dr. Figge has held roles on various national healthcare IT boards, including the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society and National Association of Health Data Organizations. She has received the FedHealthIT 100 Award and other accolades. Dr. Figge is currently the chief strategy officer at MedicaSoft and an executive in residence at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences.

 Dr. Dominelli had a notable career at Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (ACPHS), serving as dean of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences from 2013-2016, after being interim dean since 2012. Previously, she was associate vice president of institutional effectiveness and associate dean for academic affairs at ACPHS. Her earlier roles included product development, pharmacy management, and clinical support.

Maria College is expanding its board after years of rising enrollment and growth. The Class of 2024 featured a diverse array of graduates, including those achieving bachelor’s degrees in nursing RN-BS completion, health and occupational sciences, healthcare management, psychology, and liberal arts. 

The post Personnel Briefs: August 2024 appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

The Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB has announced key staff updates that reflect the organization’s commitment to enhancing member services and supporting the local business community. These strategic changes include new hires and promotions that will drive marketing initiatives, member engagement, and overall community presence.

Megan Seeley was promoted to marketing director at the organization. Previously, she served as the marketing manager of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, where she was instrumental in promoting the region to group business in the form of conventions, meetings, sports events, weddings, motorcoach group tours, and more. 

In her new role, she oversees the marketing and communications efforts for chamber members as well as consumer and group tourism markets with the Convention & Visitors Bureau. As marketing director, she will develop overall marketing strategies for the chamber and the LGRCVB, oversees the marketing plans for both organizations, and manages the promotion of chamber and member events. She is also responsible for maintaining the chamber’s presence in the community through participation in events and committees. 

“I am thrilled to lead our marketing team and develop initiatives that will elevate tourism and strengthen our community connections. Working with growing audiences is incredibly exciting, as it allows us to introduce more people to the beauty and charm of the Lake George region. Together, we can showcase all that this area has to offer, from stunning landscapes to vibrant local businesses. I look forward to collaborating with our team and community to create memorable experiences for visitors and foster a thriving tourism industry,” said Seeley. 

The chamber has welcomed Molly Fitscher as the new marketing coordinator for the Convention & Visitors Bureau. Fitscher holds a bachelor of fine arts from Alfred University and a media arts certificate from SUNY Adirondack. 

Her previous experience includes roles as a design intern at Black Dog and a marketing intern at Park Street Hospitality, where she excelled in creating mockups, redesigning menus, and developing brand identities. 

At the LGRCVB, she will collaborate with the marketing director to execute comprehensive marketing plans, create and place paid advertisements, manage social media, update digital platforms, and craft engaging email marketing campaigns.

“Molly Fitscher brings a fresh perspective to our marketing efforts as the new marketing coordinator,” said the executive director. “Our organization looks forward to enhancing our marketing strategies with our refreshed team.”

Angela O’Reilly brings a diverse career background and a passion for customer service to her role as membership manager. Her career journey has included roles in the hospitality, cosmetology, banking, and construction industries. 

“Angela O’Reilly is dedicated to making each member feel like an integral part of our community. She is excited to build strong connections and ensure our members thrive,” stated Gina Minzter, executive director at the LGRCC&CVB. 

As membership manager, O’Reilly plans and executes a business membership sales and retention plan. She works closely with the chamber staff to ensure member engagement. She conducts business interactions, follows up on membership inquiries, and communicates the chamber’s value to prospects.

The post The Lake George Chamber Of Commerce Announces Promotions And New Hires appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

By Jill Nagy

Some horse-crazy young girls grow up to be horse-crazy women. Two them are Sharon Capraun, owner of Dancing Horses, who recently moved to Lake George, and Connie Welsh, her pony wrangler.

When Roaring Brook Ranch had to close because of its owner’s illness, Capraun moved from Schroon Lake with 20 horses, a handful of ponies, and a petting zoo, to look after the property and operate her business. 

Many of the horses were rescues from “not very good places,” Capraun said. Others were purchased at auction. While she may buy horses, Cabraun does not sell them. 

“When I get them, I keep them,” she said, “They‘re not going anywhere.” 

Capraun is 73 years old and retired. 

“As long as I can get up on a horse, I’ll be here,” she said. “I can’t see myself ever having enough of horses.”

Capraun and her staff—mainly friends and relatives—take out groups of five or six people at a time for trail rides. Most of them are first-time riders and they receive a quick course in riding basics. Each trip is accompanied by two guides, one in front and the other bringing up the rear. On a typical day six our seven groups will go out. In extremely warm weather, however, the horses only go out in the early mornings. Trail rides are on the Roaring Brook’s approximately 300 acres, some of it hilly, and none of the trails are manicured.

Welsh runs a pony camp for small children. The youngest are led around on a lead while older ones can ride in a fenced-in ring. 

The star of the petting zoo is a pot-bellied pig that recently gave birth to piglets.

The Roaring Brook property became overgrown over the winter. 

“We cleaned it up and put in flowers. After all, we are women,” Capraun said. 

If she is able to keep her business at the Roaring Brook site, she would like to add an indoor riding ring so that people can ride in the winter. She would also like to add programs for the handicapped. For now, however, she hopes to earn enough money from trail rides and children’s camps to be able to keep her horses over the winter after paying a portion of the proceeds to the property owner.

People are also welcome to “come up and just hang around, pet the horses, feed them carrots,” Capraun said. Capraun said, She also invited people to ride their own horses to the property and camp out. “I keep an open mind,” she said.

Welsh, like Capraun, has always worked around horses. “I always had horses in my life,” she said, “I always loved horses.”  In addition to having been “a typical horse-crazy girl,” she has a degree in animal husbandry from SUNY Cobleskill. 

Capraun has worked at dude ranches, riding stables, the Saratoga Race Course.

Dancing Horses opened officially with a ribbon-cutting and open house conducted by the Lake George Chamber of Commerce.

Dancing Horses is located at 2206 Route 9 in Lake George. Their email address is dancinghorses2022@gmail.com.

The post Dancing Horses Is Opened At The Roaring Brook Ranch By A Pair Of Equine Enthusiasts appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

By Ann Donnelly

A new dining option is proving to be a hit in the heart of the Adirondacks. The Guac Box, a fast-casual Mexican eatery, has quickly become a local favorite since its April opening. 

The restaurant, owned and operated by Adam and Kayley Geiser, offers a unique blend of authentic flavors and convenient service. 

“We have seen strong demand from locals and visitors traveling through the town to Gore and further north,” says Adam Geiser. “People had been looking for something different.”

An actual family operation, Kayley, runs the front of house, while Adam operates the kitchen with solid support from his father, Darren, who has decades of restaurant experience. Adam, who has had a passion for Mexican food for most of his life, has 14 years of experience in the restaurant business, most recently in Bolton Landing at Frederick’s and Cantina 32.

The Geisers offer a “fast-casual” experience that resembles an authentic taqueria. Customers order at the counter and receive their food in takeaway boxes. Initially, they did not offer table service, but as 70 percent of the business is for takeout, they now offer it to those who wish to eat in and enjoy the charming atmosphere.

The ongoing menu includes the staples of Mexican fare, including nachos, tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and more, but they level up the quality with fresh ingredients. 

“Everything is fresh and mainly sourced locally,” says Geiser. “No GMO, additives, or unnatural colors.” 

They also offer daily specials that prove to be very popular.

Unfortunately, you cannot enjoy a Margarita while dining in. “There just isn’t enough room for a bar,” says Geiser, “But that hasn’t stopped people from coming.” 

The friendly, straightforward presentation and service mean that people are not intimidated and can enjoy their food in a relaxed atmosphere.

“We are grateful for the support of the people and businesses of Warrensburg,” says Geiser. “We have always loved the area and are glad we have been able to bring something people want and appreciate. I have never been in a restaurant where so many people said ‘Thank you.’” 

He also notes that some customers come in multiple times a week.

The future is bright for The Guac Box. They are now available to cater outside events and parties and hope to do more. They are also considering setting up a food truck service to take their “fast-casual” on the road.

The Guac Box, is located at 3915 Main Street in Warrensburg.

The post Mexican Eatery Using Quality Ingredients Gets Off To A Strong Start In Warrensburg appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

Ticonderoga’s epic history and signature stories are highlighted through innovative story telling on a grand scale, historic trades, daily soldiers’ life programs, new and permanent premier museum exhibitions, Fife & Drum performances, thrilling weapons demos, boat cruises, endless outdoor activities, captivating special events, and premium exclusive experiences.

A new 2024 Heroic Corn Maze design offers six acres of fun as visitors navigate towering stalks of corn using history clues related to Fort Ticonderoga to guide them. The maze is divided into two phases, giving guests the chance to gain confidence in the smaller maze before tackling the main maze. The average journey will take from 20 minutes for the first phase and up to an hour for the second phase. 

The Family Guided Tour provides a kid-friendly overview of all of the exciting things to do during a visit. In addition to the tour, the new family scavenger hunt, In His Majesty’s Service, gives families a chance to work together to complete tasks as they explore Fort Ticonderoga and receive rewards for helping the soldiers with their daily duties. 

A 75-minute narrated boat cruise aboard the Carillon tour boat lets visitors explore what lies beneath Lake Champlain in some of the most archaeologically rich waters in North America while they are surrounded by breathtaking lake views, commanding mountains, and the majestic fort. The tours feature an energetic narration of Ticonderoga’s epic story as one of North America’s most strategic strongholds and places the iconic fort into a larger context as part of the imperial struggle for the continent in the 18th century.

Officials at Fort Ticonderoga recently announced a new schedule of premium programs and tours. Visitors will have the opportunity to go behind-the-scenes, tour the fort before and after hours, and delve deep into Ticonderoga’s epic history and natural beauty. 

A new experience, A Date with Brown Bess, allows visitors to go beyond the exhibit cases with Fort Ticonderoga Curator Dr. Matthew Keagle and handle original rare weapons from Fort Ticonderoga’s Museum collection. 

The full list of premium programs can be found by visiting https://www.fortticonderoga.org/experience/premium-experiences-and-tours/.

“We look forward to continue welcoming thousands of families where the learning is easy and memories are made of historic proportions,” said Beth L. Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO. “New offerings bring visitors into Fort Ticonderoga’s epic story through hands-on activities, programs, and exhibitions that ignite the spark for families and the joy of learning together while gaining a deeper understanding of our nation’s past and its meaning to us today.”

In addition to daily programs in August, mark your calendar for upcoming signature events.

September 14-15 | Battle Reenactment: 1777 Brown’s Raid :

Observe an exciting two-day battle re-enactment highlighting the epic 1777 Brown’s Raid with different experiences each day. An attack led by patriot Colonel John Brown will take British troops garrisoning at Fort Ticonderoga by surprise 247 years later during the upcoming real-life action adventure.

 October 5 | Heritage Harvest & Horse Festival

Bring the whole family to the Heritage, Harvest & Horse Festival for a full day of autumn fun set in the midst of the King’s Garden heirloom apple trees and the beautiful Adirondack landscape. Discover the importance of horses and other working animals throughout history during exciting demonstrations. Meet friendly farm animals, stroll through a farmers market featuring local food, beverages, and crafts, participate in family fun activities, tackle the six-acre Heroic Corn Maze, and be sure to purchase some harvest vegetables and plants from the historic King’s Garden.

Fort Ticonderoga and Mount Defiance are open Tuesday-Sunday through October 27 from 9:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased, including Carillon boat tours and premium programs, online in advance by visiting www.fortticonderoga.org  or the day-of at the admission’s booth. General admission tickets are valid for two consecutive days!

The post Educational Opportunities And Family Fun Continue Through Fall At Fort Ticonderoga appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.

By Susan Elise Campbell

For decades, The Bargain Box thrift and consignment store has been a place to hunt for treasure and shop affordably in South Glens Falls. The store has been woman-owned and operated since its beginning more than 50 years ago.

“A woman started it in Ballston Spa and a few years later, in 1973, my aunt bought the business. I took it over from her in 2014,” said current owner Leslie Marciano.

Marciano has “been in love with the store, the people and the work” since she helped out her aunt on Saturdays as a teenager. 

“I would come home with lots of clothes for my pay and think, this is so cool,” she said. 

Thrift and consignment stores offer affordable, gently used merchandise. For some, thrifting is like hunting for treasure, according to Marciano.

“Someone may be looking to match a piece of clothing, piece together a costume, or maybe to ‘dress’ their new home,” she said. 

In addition to clothing, The Bargain Box offers a variety of décor, small appliances, picture frames, personal care items, jewelry, vintage items, small furniture, and more.

“The store is great for college students or new renters on a tight budget,” Marciano said. “And we always have 50 percent off on select tickets.” 

The Bargain Box has a loyal customer base and Marciano describes the store as “a community gathering place where people can shop and hang out with friends and family.”

“Our regulars and locals are so important to thrift stores in the community,” she said. “We all strive to do our best to provide affordable merchandise, a friendly atmosphere, and for us, a fun place to shop.”

“It is a tight-knit community here in South Glens Falls,” she said. “We look out for one another.”

Marciano said that her “whole life was as a caregiver” to her mother, family members and strangers before she began working in the public realm. 

“Coming here I’ve gotten to know my regulars,” she said. Customers share their stories with her and they have “become like an extension” of her family, Marciano said. 

She enjoys providing “old school customer service” and takes “pride in every aspect of the work.”

Marciano said, “I have always loved being my own boss and working at my own pace.” 

To be a success running this kind of business, she said one needs a sense of style and the ability to see the potential in every item accepted.

“You definitely need organizational skills, bookkeeping, to be personable, and to listen to your customers,” she said. “Be compassionate, friendly, patient, and have a sense of humor.”

Marciano said she is “good at organizing” and enjoys staging and making things look appealing to customers.

She believes in being “fluid and marketable and having the ability to change with the times. It’s a lot of work and it doesn’t end when the doors close.”

Marciano works alone for the most part. She has no employees but said a few friends volunteer “to get out of the house” to help her. 

One challenge for Marciano is “trying to stay in that sweet spot for pricing. It’s easy to sell higher-end things in Saratoga for decent prices, but here the price is lower and will take longer to sell.”

She said another challenge is to know when to stop taking merchandise so the shop is not overfull.

The Bargain Box has been on Main Street for more than 30 years and customers have asked her if she might expand.

“The jury is still out,” she said. 

Her advice to new business owners is, “do your homework. It takes a while to get something going and location is key.”

Recently she learned that National Grid has a program for woman-owned businesses. This allowed her to change out all the light fixtures in the store for free.

Marciano donates unsold items to local charities and pet shelters, and to people who come to the store to pick the Free Bin, she said. Last year she donated 60-70 prom dresses to South Glens Falls High School for the girls who could not afford them.

“I love what I do and am so proud to carry on my family’s store,” said Marciano. “I take pride in every aspect of my work here and I hope it shows.”

Visit The Bargain Box at Midtown Plaza, 110 Main Street, Tuesdays through Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.

The post Women Owned And Operated For Over 50 Years The Bargain Box Tradition Continues appeared first on Glens Falls Business Journal.