Business Report: Avoiding Chimney Fires

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Jamie Wallace is the owner of Chimney Heroes of Saratoga Springs.

By Jamie Wallace
Chimneys are like septic systems. No one thinks about them until there’s a problem.
They are especially ignored in second homes and rental properties. A chimney can be a dangerous thing to forget, one that can cost you the loss of property and/or life. There are some simple steps you can take to drastically reduce your chances of ever becoming a statistic.
Step 1: Have your chimney inspected every year, even if you hardly use it. Chimneys change like children grow. Water, settling, and time will continue to alter the flue system.
Having your chimney inspected annually, and swept when needed, is the requirement given by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 211, Standards Codes for Chimneys, Fireplaces, Vents, and Solid Fuel-Burning Appliances.
Step 2: Hire a qualified company with certified employees from the Chimney Safety Institute of America (CSIA). There is no regulation for the chimney trade in New York state. Anyone can go and buy some brushes from a hardware store and call themselves a chimney sweep.

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Business Report: New Technology Is Changing The World

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By Jeanne Dion
Mr. Electric of queensbury
As a consumer, both in business and for your home, there has never been a time as exciting as now. With the transition from fluorescent and filament light bulbs to LED lighting, and the evolution of the IoT (Internet of Things), the world in which we live has changed forever.
For the typical home, each and every light that is converted from a conventional one to LED consumes on average 20 percent less power; and is able to be turned on and off by a switch, or an app, and even voice. Wireless and smart technology has enabled a plethora of options to turn on, off, dim, or monitor power consumption of just a single light, receptacle, or whole home with some simple navigating within an app.

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Business Report: Insurance Concerns For At-Home Offices

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Courtesy Northern Insuring Agency

By Melissa Davidson
2020 has been unlike any year before it. Did you ever think that your four-legged friend would be your new co-worker? Or you’d become a full-time teacher while your children learned from home?
For many people, COVID-19 required you to work from home instead of the office. Maybe it has been more cost effective to be able to work from home, but are you sure your type of business is covered by insurance while doing so?

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Business Report: Is Title Insurance a Four-Letter Word?

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Daniel B. Wade, attorney with Ianniello Anderson PC in Glens Falls. Courtesy Ianniello Anderson PC

By Dan Wade, Esq.
We’re all familiar with auto insurance, health insurance and homeowner’s insurance, but what do you know about title insurance? Do you know if you’re covered?
Owning a home is likely the biggest investment you’re ever going to make. And like most homeowners, the “American Dream” comes with a mortgage attached. It’s safe to bet that as the mountainous stacks of papers were being shuffled around during your real estate closing, you may not even remember that you purchased title insurance for the lender.

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Succession Summit To Be Presented By ARCC’s Women’s Business Council Sept. 28

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The Women’s Business Council of the ARCC will present a Succession Summit on Wednesday, Sept. 23, accessible via Zoom.
It will run 8:30-9:30 a.m.
Succession and continuity planning are key business activities that frequently take a backseat to growing revenues, trimming costs, or running day-to-day business operations, ARCC said in a new release.
It is intended for community leaders, business owners, executives and others. This virtual event is free and open to all members of the ARCC.
A panel of four, will be monitored by Michael Bittel, ARCC president/CEO and an employee of the USDA New York State Farm Service Agency Committee.
Topics will include:

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Business Brief: September 2020

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Tripadvisor, the world’s largest travel platform, has announced that the Hyde Collection is a winner of a coveted Travelers’ Choice (formerly Certificate of Excellence) award.
Travelers’ Choice winners are calculated based on reviews and opinions collected on Tripadvisor over the last year, taking into account both the quantity and quality of reviews. Such awards are given only to those attractions that land among the top 10 percent of all listings worldwide.

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Business Report: What You Don’t Know Can Be Costing You

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Warren Evans is a partner with the ReWire Group LLC. Courtesy ReWire Group LLC

By Warren Evans
During the lockdown, there is some good news.
Pollution levels during the height of the pandemic lockdown fell dramatically because of the lack of economic activity and the interruption of worldwide travel.
The question is this: As we recover from the pandemic, is there anything we as individuals can do to maintain these low pollution levels with little or no sacrifice?
We believe the answer is yes, it is possible. On a personal level, while you were locked down you probably noticed many great things about your home, on the other hand, if you’re like me you also saw a lot of things you needed to fix or change. You can start out by getting a home comfort and energy assessment and completing the recommended solutions. That’s the way each of us can begin to lock in some of the benefits of the low pollution levels we saw during the lockdown and help to achieve an overall sustainable and resilient global recovery.

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SUNY Adirondack Securing Transfer Of Students Into Potsdam Arts, Theater Programs

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New agreements between SUNY Potsdam and SUNY Adirondack are paving the way for smooth, guaranteed transfers of Adirondack graduates into Bachelor of Art degree programs in theatre and arts management at Potsdam.
The SUNY Potsdam baccalaureate programs in theatre and arts management will open their doors to all Adirondack graduates holding associate degrees in humanities and social science, as well of those holding individual studies degrees, officials said.
The agreements were finalized in July by SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Kristine Duffy and SUNY Potsdam President Dr. Kristin G. Esterberg.
“We are proud to partner with our colleagues at SUNY Potsdam to add more direct transfer pathways for our students interested in the theatre arts. We share a commitment to advancing a student’s education through small classes, rigorous support and high-quality faculty,” said SUNY Adirondack President Dr. Kristine Duffy.
SUNY Adirondack and SUNY Potsdam are working together to give individual attention to students who are interested in this opportunity—including advising and degree planning support—to help students take appropriate coursework and stay on track for timely degree completion, with two years at Adirondack and two at Potsdam.
Application fees are waived, and qualified students will have access to transfer scholarships as well.

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New Vertical Milling Machine At Doty Will, Help Company Compete In Global Markets

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This new vertical milling machine purchased and installed for $1 million will allow Doty Machine Works to take on larger jobs. Jeremy Geroux, programmer machinist, mans the equipment.

By Christine Graf
Doty Machine Works has invested $1 million to purchase and install a vertical milling machine that will allow the company to take on larger jobs.
The Fort Edward machine shop was founded in 1951 and purchased by Elizabeth Miller in 2014. Since that time, she has invested approximately $5 million in equipment and building renovations.
Miller is also the owner of Miller Mechanical in Glens Falls.
According to Miller, the company has purchased six new machines in five years. The purchase of the vertical milling machine will allow Doty Machine Works to expand its customer base. The machine is so large that a new foundation had to be poured to support its 120,000-pound weight.

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State Has Plan To Fix Home Of Suffragette Susan B. Anthony In Washington County

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The home on Route 29 in Battenville, where Susan B. Anthony lived for a time. Courtesy New York State Parks and Recreation

On the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, which gave women the right to vote, the state is involved in an effort to stabilize and preserve the childhood home of prominent 19th century women’s rights activist Susan B. Anthony in Washington County.
The work at the 1832 two-story brick home on Route 29 in Battenville, where Anthony lived from ages 13 to 19, includes repairs to the roof, masonry and drainage, as well as mold remediation and water damage.
“New York has been the birthplace to many of the progressive movements that have left an indelible mark on our society while pushing the nation forward and particularly for women’s suffrage, which began at Seneca Falls and included legendary New Yorkers such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and so many more,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “As we commemorate the 100th anniversary of women gaining the right to vote, we must also recognize there is more work to be done.”

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