The workforce is undergoing a generational shift. Job seekers’ expectations are evolving, and companies need to evolve with them. Numerous trends are cropping up for 2024-2025, yet three themes are continually emerging that appeal directly to the future workforce. First, offer employees a comprehensive health plan that goes beyond standard health insurance. Expand wellness...

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.