Glens Falls Business Journal

Hospitality Group’s Projects On Glen And Park Streets Will Add Vitality To Downtown

September 19, 2022

Ben Miller, operations manager for Park Street Hospitality, says the building at 126 Glen St. in Glens Falls will eventually be renovated, but may soon have a tenant on an interim basis.
Glens Falls Business Journal

By Christine Graf

A local business has plans in the works to further strengthen Glens Falls as vital part of the North Country economic engine.

Business owner and preservationist Elizabeth Miller recently purchased 126 Glen St. for $845,000. A former Saratoga Springs teacher, she is the owner of Doty Machine Works in Fort Edward and Miller Mechanical in Glens Falls. She has already invested millions of dollars to renovate several historic properties in the city including Park Theater and 15 Park St.

Her newest property at 126 Glen St. was built in 1890 and was the former home of Look TV. The 11,500-square-foot building will require a significant investment, and her property development company is working with city officials to apply for funding through Restore New York. The Restore New York Communities Initiative provides municipalities with financial assistance for the revitalization of commercial and residential properties.

According to Miller’s son and business partner, Ben Miller, operations manager for Park Street Hospitality, “The building needs a lot of work. It needs a similar amount of work to what the building at 15 Park St. has needed. We don’t have firm plans for a full gut and renovation right now. We have a tenant who is interested in renting the ground floor in as-is condition and putting a business in there.

Adirondack Regional Chamber To Host B2B Event Oct. 19 At Queensbury Hotel

September 19, 2022

People browse exhibitor booths at a previous ARCC B2B Expo at the Queensbury Hotel.
Courtesy ARCC

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) will hold its B2B Expo on Wednesday, Oct. 19, from 4-7 p.m. at The Queensbury Hotel, 88 Ridge Street in Glens Falls.

The showcase event encourages networking within the business community. It features exhibit booths from regional businesses, as well as food samples, drink specials and door prizes.

“The ARCC Business Expo is a favorite event of our members and business community. We are really looking forward to this event, as it’s a great opportunity to showcase our businesses. I would encourage everyone to stop by and discover new businesses and reconnect with old friends,” said Tricia Rogers, ARCC president and CEO.

The business showcase features 80-plus regional businesses on display, with plenty of opportunities for networking. It is free to attend, with fees to exhibit.

ARCC Members can register to exhibit on the ARCC website at www.adirondackchamber.org/events.

Visitors are encouraged to bring plenty of business cards, Rogers said.

Paul Scimeca Named President And CEO Of Glens Falls Hospital, Replacing Shugrue

September 19, 2022

Paul Scimeca was named hospital president and CEO after serving in an interim role. ©2022 Saratoga Photographer.com

Paul Scimeca, who has served Glens Falls Hospital for three decades, was named the hospital’s president and CEO after serving in an interim role since Jan. 1. Glens Falls Hospital is a member of the Albany Med Health System.

He succeeds Dianne Shugrue, who retired in December 2021.

Announcing Scimeca’s appointment to staff, Glens Falls Hospital Board of Governors Chair George Ferrone said, “Over his 33-year career at Glens Falls Hospital, Paul has learned every aspect of our clinical and administrative operations. He is respected and admired not only for the depth and breadth of his health care knowledge, but also for his commitment to the Glens Falls Hospital teams he leads, and the communities they serve.”

“Paul was the unanimous choice of our Board for good reason,” Ferrone added.

Scimeca earned a bachelor’s degree in planning from New York University and a master’s degree in health services administration from Russell Sage College in Albany. He has held positions of increasing responsibility since joining Glens Falls Hospital in 1989 as communications manager.

Scimeca was promoted to director of community services in 1994 and executive director of Adirondack Medical Services in 2000. He later became vice president of physician practice and community health, overseeing the hospital’s 16 primary and specialty care practices, and led the development and implementation of the hospital’s community health programs.

Personnel Briefs: September 2022

September 19, 2022

Brown Brothers Automotive, an automotive sales, and repair shop in Hudson Falls, has hired Scott Seeley as a sales associate.

Seeley comes to Brown Brothers Automotive with 20-plus years of experience in the automotive industry.

He has held a variety of positions within the industry, including general sales manager and director at Della, general sales manager at Evia, general sales manager at Nemer, and more.

Since 2002, Seeley has specialized in credit acceptance and helping people get loans.

Seeley moved to Warrensburg from Maine and graduated from Warrensburg Central School District in 1990. He currently resides in Queensbury.

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The Hyde Collection announced John Lefner as its new chief operations and development officer. He became the organization’s Chief development officer in January 2021 and will retain that position in addition to the newly formed role of chief of operations.

Lefner brings extensive experience in operations and leading mission-driven organizations, having previously served as district executive director at Capital District YMCA, director of operations at Saratoga Independent School, and assistant director of operations at Double H Ranch.

During his career, he facilitated association-wide strategic plan priority areas of mission awareness and advancement. He also served as an organizational values steward in identifying the values and competencies that represented the organization. Throughout his career, Lefner has shaped several nonprofit’s strategic plans and policy initiatives and reorganized the operations and fundraising infrastructures for successful outcomes.

Lefner will work closely with staff and the board of trustees, and staff to set strategic goals for longevity and growth. He will also support the long-term plans for expanding the impact of the museum’s mission.

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The Adirondack Thunder has hired Rob Lippolis as the team’s broadcaster and director of communications.

Lippolis joins the Thunder after spending last season with the Federal Prospects Hockey League’s Binghamton Black Bears, where he was selected as Broadcaster of The Year.

He also called games for the American Hockey League’s Syracuse Crunch, Hershey Bears, and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins during the 2021-22 season. Prior to that, Lippolis served as the play-by-play broadcaster for the AHL’s Binghamton Devils from 2017 – 2021 and was part of the radio broadcast of the 2019 AHL All-Star Challenge.

During the 2020-21 season, Lippolis was on the call for four National Hockey League games for the New Jersey Devils. Prior to joining the pro ranks, Lippolis was with the United States Hockey League’s Omaha Lancers and North American Hockey League’s Corpus Christi IceRays. He attended Oswego State University.

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Warren & Washington IDA Names Charles R. Barton As Its First Chief Executive Officer

September 19, 2022

Charles R. “Chuck” Barton, CEO, Warren & Washington Industrial Development Agency.
Courtesy Warren & Washington IDA

With a goal of expanding and enhancing services to existing and prospective new businesses and fully capitalizing on opportunities at its Canalside Energy Park in Fort Edward, the board of directors of the Warren & Washington Industrial Development Agency appointed Charles R. “Chuck” Barton as its first chief executive officer.

The IDA began considering such an appointment earlier this year as interest in its services and the park have been steadily growing and requiring greater levels of staff attention, officials said. IDA Chairman David O’Brien, town of Hampton supervisor in Washington County, has been serving as de facto CEO for several years in a volunteer capacity. But he and his fellow board members felt that a full-time chief executive could take the organization to new levels of success.

“The opportunities for the IDA to help retain and expand existing local businesses and help new businesses start or relocate here have never been greater than in today’s economic climate, and we are thrilled that Chuck will lead us into this new era of service to our region,” O’Brien said.

“Chuck’s vast experience in business management, finance, and manufacturing gives him a deep understanding of the challenges faced by companies today and how the IDA can best serve them. Chuck also brings to his new role a strong commitment to community service in general and economic development in particular, as evidenced by his service as a volunteer board member with our IDA and before that with EDC Warren County.”

“Regional cooperation and coordination on economic development are essential to our counties’ long-term success, and I can say from personal experience that Chuck epitomizes that collaborative spirit,” said Jim Siplon, president of EDC Warren County. “It was my pleasure to work with Chuck when he was a board member at EDC, and I look forward to collaborating with him in this exciting new role.”

Adirondack Wine & Food Fest Officials Say Attendance At June Event Topped 6,800

September 19, 2022

Attendees tasted wine and other products at the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival in June that returned in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to COVID-19.
Courtesy Adirondack Wine & Food Festival

After a two-year hiatus due to COVID, the 2022 Adirondack Wine & Food Festival returned in June. Organizers said more than 6,800 people attended.

Officials estimated the event had a $4.1 million economic impact on the Greater Lake George Region.

The festival was held Saturday, June 25, and Sunday, June 26, at Charles R. Wood Festival Commons in the Village of Lake George.

The sixth-annual event sold out with over 4,000 attendees on Saturday, despite a weekend of unusually high temperatures.

“After two years off due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we weren’t sure what to expect; so we were thrilled when we sold out Saturday before the weekend hit, especially considering the 90 plus degree temps we had,” said Sasha Pardy, festival owner and co-owner of the Adirondack Winery in Lake George.

“I am so proud of the impact this event has on the economy of the Lake George region and our small family-owned producer vendors. I am looking forward to doing it bigger and better yet again next year,” she said.

‘Spirit Halloween’ Store In The Aviation Mall Provides Funds For Hospital Kids’ Programs

September 19, 2022

Spirit Halloween in the Aviation Mall specializes in costumes, décor and accessories for children, teens, and adults, as well as providing the greatest selection of exclusive animatronics.
Courtesy Aviation Mall

Spirit Halloween has opened in the former TJ Maxx space at Aviation Mall in Queensbury.

Spirit Halloween specializes in costumes, décor and accessories for children, teens, and adults, as well as providing the greatest selection of exclusive animatronics. Guests are encouraged to shop early and celebrate all season long, the company said.

According to the company, Spirit Halloween is the largest Halloween retailer in the country with over 1,400 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Celebrating more than 38 years of business, Spirit is a destination for all things Halloween, offering one-stop shopping for costumes, accessories, home and outdoor décor, party goods and exclusive animatronics.

At the heart of Spirit Halloween is the organization Spirit of Children, which brings fun and funding to local hospitals at Halloween and all year round. Since 2006, Spirit of Children has raised over $77 million to support the Child Life departments at hospitals across the United States and Canada to make hospitals less scary for kids and their families, the company said.

Fund Created To Help Area Startup Businesses

September 19, 2022

SEFCU and the SUNY Albany’s Small Business Development Center, School of Business and School of Social Welfare have partnered in a program to provide loans of up to $35,000 for start-up and expanding businesses in the Capital Region.

The SEED Program was developed to provide future and current entrepreneurs with capital to start/expand their business.

In order to participate in the program and be eligible for funding, the applicant and/or business must be located in Albany, Rensselaer, Schenectady, Saratoga, Warren, Washington, Schoharie, Fulton, Montgomery, Columbia or Greene counties.

The Center for Economic Growth (CEG) said selection for participation in the program and loan awards is based on the overall business concept and the character of the applicant.

The program provides participants with the necessary business model development and business skill development to be successful with their business and are supported by a Business Advisor from the Small Business Development Center, a professor and MBA intern consultants from the University at Albany’s School of Business and a peer support network facilitated by the University at Albany’s School of Social Welfare, officials said.

All accepted participants are required to participate in 11 weeks of training prior to their loan pitch. The training classes include business skill development, business plan development, and peer support network.

The fall 2022 program is planned to be virtually via the Zoom and Moodle platforms. Consistent access to a computer is strongly recommended for all participants.

Following the training classes, each of the participants will pitch their concept to the loan committee for funding consideration. The loan decision is based on the character of the application and the overall business concept.

TAP Expanded To Help Part-Time Students

September 19, 2022

New York state has launched a $150 million expansion of its Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) that will provide funding to students pursuing their college degree part-time.

The plan is part of a broader push to invest in public higher education and improve access and affordability for every student.

In 2020-2021, part-time learners comprised 63.5 percent of SUNY Empire’s undergraduate student population, officials said. The TAP expansion provides an additional financial aid option to help alleviate the financial burden for SUNY Empire’s diverse student population, many of whom balance college, work, families, and other responsibilities.

The expansion applies to part-time students enrolled in six or more credit hours.

Part-time students also may be eligible for Aid for Part Time Study (APTS), which provides funding to students enrolled in 3-11 credit hours.

SUNY Empire students enrolling for the Fall 2022 semester can apply for TAP by filling out the federal FAFSA application. TAP awards for students who have already submitted a FAFSA for the 2022-2023 academic year will automatically be adjusted based on number of enrolled credits.

“I want to do more than just care for this state today,” said Gov. Kathy Hochul. “I want to prepare New York for tomorrow. Higher education students not only hold the key for our state, but for their families. A degree changes more than just the life of its holder, it changes the lives of those all around them. Every person who calls New York home should have the opportunity to better themselves and invest in their education.”

SUNY Empire State President Lisa Vollendorf said the college “has been committed to increasing access to higher education by removing barriers to student success. Gov. Hochul’s expansion of New York’s Tuition Assistance Program to include part-time learners helps us further those efforts in service to our diverse and unique student population, the vast majority of whom are earning their degree part time as they juggle personal and professional demands and responsibilities.”

Family Owned Hallwear Shop Moves To New Permanent Spot After Move Forced By Fire

September 19, 2022

Hallwear, which produces screen-printed and embroidered clothing and novelties, has been in business for 26 years and moved recently to new quarters at 76 Lawrence St. in Glens Falls.
Courtesy AARC

By Jill Nagy

Hallwear, a company producing screen-printed and embroidered clothing and novelties, settled into new permanent quarters at 76 Lawrence St. in Glens Falls.

They had a soft opening in August and formally cut the ribbon at the new location Sept. 1.

The company has been in business for 26 years, 20 at the same location. They were forced to move from their long-time home when a fire in a nearby apartment caused extensive smoke damage and some minor dismantling of their shop.

“We got lucky. We were able to save a lot of items,” said Kevin Hall, second generation owner of the business. Before moving out, they held a fire sale at the old location.

The business took up temporary quarters at the Shirt Factory for about a month while looking for a permanent site. The business was interrupted “very little” as they moved into the busy fall season, Hall said.

The company’s customers include area schools and sports teams. Hall said even businesses not on a school schedule seem to like to order in the fall.