The utilization rate for Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBE) on state contracts increased to 29.13 percent during the 2018-2019 fiscal year, achieving the highest rate in the nation, state officials said.
In total, MWBEs won more than $2.93 billion in state contracts during the 2018-2019 fiscal year, officials said.
“In New York, we know that diversity is a strength, not a weakness. And when we empower minority and women-owned businesses to compete for state contracts, we create a better New York for all,” Gov. Andrew Cuomo said. “Our nation-leading utilization rate reflects the unmatched pool of MWBEs in the Empire State and our concerted efforts to create a more equal playing field for these companies.”
“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 is advancing New York’s nation-leading MWBE goals, with the utilization rate climbing to 29.13 percent. We are committed to encouraging and supporting minority and women owned businesses across the state, creating jobs and strengthening the economy as part of our overall efforts to promote diversity.”
Danielle Kresge Opens Elle Salon In South Glens Falls Offering A Variety Of Services
by Andrea Palmer
A new beauty salon has opened at 125 Main St. in South Glens Falls.
Danielle Kresge began taking clients in August and had a soft opening on Sept. 7.
“It’s something I’ve wanted to do my whole life, since I was a kid,” said Kresge. “My aunt had a salon and I grew up around that environment. I always had a fascination with hair. I went to beauty school right after high school, and have been doing it ever since.”
Kresge has been in the industry for nine years, most recently working at a salon in Saratoga Springs.
“I knew I wanted to do my own thing and create my own environment, where clients could feel relaxed. I wanted to create a space where I could give each client individual attention and care,” said Kresge. “I want a calm and relaxing atmosphere.”
Kresge moved to the area in 2018 from Florida, to be close to family. She is originally from Scranton, Pa., and currently lives in Glens Falls.
Business Report: Businesses Can Be Protected From Divorce
By Tammy J. Arquette, Esq.
Small business owners typically put in many hours per week to operate and sustain the success of their company. They make investments of money, time and sweat equity.
They take on debt. And they utilize various experts to assist in the operation of the business, from accountants and lawyers to insurance and real estate professionals. Statistically, 50 percent of all marriages end in divorce, but when you add the stress of building a business, the strain on the marriage may be too much to bear.
Sometimes the best offense to protecting business asset is a good defense planned out when circumstances are still favorable and amicable. A classic example is the effect of a divorce on a small business.
The Domestic Relations Law defines marital asset as “all property acquired by either or both spouses during the marriage and before the execution of a separation agreement or the commencement of a matrimonial action, regardless of the form in which title is held, except as otherwise provided” in a separation agreement. This means that a business venture that is started during the marriage is subject to equitable distribution in the divorce process.
And a business that was commenced before the marriage is also at risk to the extent that it appreciated in value during the marriage.
C&L Mechanical Provides Services For Industrial, Commercial, Residential Clients
By Rachel Phillips
After throwing the idea around for several years, two local union officers decided to try their hand at running their own plumbing business.
C&L Mechanical Corp. is a veteran-owned business that specializes in the piping industry from residential plumbing and HVAC systems, to industrial and commercial piping system installations. Nelson Charron and Dan Levo, who have a combined 40 years of experience between them, launched their business in September.
Based in Moreau, the business services Northeastern New York, from Albany to the Canadian border. Services include plumbing system installations and repairs, backflow prevention, residential and industrial steam and hydronic heating system installation and repairs, fabrication as well as weld inspections. The company is also signatory with Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 773 in Glens Falls to provide manpower when needed.
Charron said the personal approach he and Levo take for each project makes their business stand out among their customers.
“Every client we have, is visited by both owners, and both have input on the project from start to finish,” said Charron. “We will both follow up after project completion for a debriefing, to see if the customer is happy and how things are working. Most importantly, we shake hands, and thank each customer personally.”
Exhibit Features Paintings By Picasso, Others, Runs At The Hyde Through January 5
Courtesy The Hyde
“Picasso, Braque & Léger: Twentieth Century Modern Masters,” is the new exhibit that opened Oct. 6 at The Hyde Collection, 161 Warren St., Glens Falls.
This exhibition of more than 100 prints by the three modern masters examines their relationships with post-World War II writers, playwrights, and poets, and the artists’ dedication to creating imagery that interpreted modern texts.
Museum officials said all three artists, lured by rich history and thriving culture, moved to Paris, the center of the art world. There, Picasso (1881–1973) and Braque (1882–1963) began to experiment with their artwork, ultimately initiating Cubism.
They were joined by Léger (1881–1955), and the trio ushered in the art movement, which shattered traditional depiction of the natural world at one moment in time and space from a single vantage point. The effects were felt throughout Europe, impacting painting, sculpture, architecture, music, and literature.
Six Flags Great Escape Resort In Queensbury To Add New ‘Adirondack Outlaw’ Attraction
Courtesy Six Flags Great Escape Resort
Six Flags Great Escape Resort in Queensbury announced its newest attraction for 2020, Adirondack Outlaw.
The ride “will have guests catching maximum airtime and experiencing 360-degree rotations of heart-pounding excitement,” the company said in a news release. “The head over heels exhilaration of Adirondack Outlaw whips riders through the air at speeds of 50 miles per hour, as it swings 16 stories high over The Great Escape theme park.”
Finch Paper Joins Forces With French Paper Co. To Provide Array Of Uncoated Paper
A Michigan-based paper company is partnering with Finch Paper Holdings, based in Glens Falls, io a move that will broaden the services of the local company.
The partnership is with French Paper, which manufactures premium custom paper for graphic arts, printing, packaging, writing, text, cover, specialty, and gift applications.
Together, the companies will offer customers a superior array of fine uncoated paper products, company officials said.
Finch Paper is a vertically integrated paper manufacturer specializing in high-bright, uncoated papers for North American printing and converting markets.
Construction of ‘The Market’ On South Street To Begin In Summer, End In 2021
Courtesy EDC Warren County
Three buildings in Glens Falls will be demolished for the construction of The Market, a 10,000-square-foot, one-story glass-and-brick building to be used for the year-round farmers market and community events.
Scheduled to be razed are the former Juicin’ Jar at 49 South St., the former OTB building at 51-57 South St. and the former Daily Double at 59-63 South St.
Plans were unveiled in August. The cost of the project is estimated at $2.5-$3 million. Requests for qualifications from interested developers will go out either late this year or early next year, city officials said.
Fairfield By Marriott Inn & Suites Opens Near Northway Exit 18 In Queensbury
Andrea Palmer
By Andrea Palmer
The new Fairfield by Marriott Inn & Suites Queensbury is open for business at 21 Big Boom Road in Glens Falls, just off Exit 18.
The 77-room hotel opened on Sept. 7.
It will operate as a Marriott franchise, owned by Adirondack Gateway Development LLC and managed by Spruce Hospitality Group of Glen Falls, the same group that owns and operates the Queensbury Hotel.
Tyler Herrick is the president of Spruce Hospitality Group, owned by Herrick and business partner Zachary Moore. The group also manages the hospitality entities owned by Ed Moore, creator of the French Mountain Commons outlets in Lake George and owner of the Queensbury Hotel among other properties.
As co-owner of Spruce Hospitality, Herrick acts as general manager for both the Queensbury Hotel and the Fairfield Inn & Suites.
“This is the most up-to-date design package offered by Marriott. It also goes back to the original founding of the Marriott brand, taking a page out of the design book of the Fairfield farm in Washington DC. This is where the Marriott family would often stay,” said Herrick.
Warren County Historical Society Opens Museum Within Queensbury Headquarters
Courtesy Warren County Historical Society
The Warren County Historical Society has officially opened a museum with a new display, “Warren County 360: Celebrating Place and People,” at its headquarters, 50 Gurney Lane, Queensbury.
The exhibit, a product of two years of research and design, depicts the evolution of Warren County through the lens of cultural geography, showing how the natural resources of the region led to the development of its economy and society.
The display was made possible through the financial support of the Warren County Board of Supervisors, the Town of Queensbury, the Champlain Valley National Heritage Partnership, the Touba Family Foundation, NBT Bank, Hank’s Quality Flooring, Steve Bascom of Edward Jones, and several members of the society’s board of trustees.
An exhibit of Warren County postal history from 1813 to 1920, curated by Trustee Stephen Matte of Queensbury, is on display in an adjoining gallery.