Glens Falls Business Journal

Business Report: Use AI To Be More Productive

July 22, 2024

Sara Mannix, president and CEO of Mannix Marketing.

By Sara Mannix

I belong to a group of leaders who are utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) every day to make their work more effective and more efficient in an ethically responsible way. We have used AI to create flyers, design presentations, write software code, debug code, and even create movies. And at Mannix Marketing we have built CustomGPTs that perform functions based on our own knowledge bases and rules, and we have discussed and drawn up guidelines about the ethical use of AI.

We have reached the point where if you aren’t using AI in your work, then you are falling behind your competitors who have mastered using the latest breakthrough technology.

The good news is that it isn’t hard to get started and become familiar with some AI tools that can make your life easier. One of the simplest ways to get started with AI is to use ChatGPT.com, a tool that can provide detailed answers in a conversation-like format (its responses build upon the questions and answers that precede them, so no need to start from scratch as a conversation is in progress, or even if you need to come back to it). Here are a few simple ways I have used ChatGPT or other AI tools to help you think about how you can use them.

Business Report: Develop A Process For Problem Solving

July 22, 2024

Michael Cruz is president of Lighthouse Advisors LLC in Queensbury.

By Michael Cruz

Technology Will Not Help…

IF, you are using it to mask your problems. Too many times people see an issue or a problem, and they want to find a quick fix. Don’t. It doesn’t work.

The best implementations of technology have only one thing in common. They are all based on automating a good process. Bad technology implementations often exist because you automated a bad process.

In order to address these business issues, you need to follow a formula. First, define the problem. I also refer to this as ‘What problem are we solving?’ Be clear. Make sure that you are addressing the underlying issue. Don’t fall into the trap of treating the symptoms of the problem. Think about the impact of the problem going away. It is important to make sure everyone agrees on what you are trying to fix. A written statement describing the problem assures we all are working on the same one.

Next, spend time imagining the solution. What do you really want to happen? When you take the time to examine the whole issue, you may see things that you miss when focusing too narrowly. You probably should flow chart the ideal process. Pictures tell stories. That will help you figure out what might be missing. And, help you figure out who else might be affected. Resolve both of those issues. Most importantly, ask “Why do we do it this way?” All too often we fail to reimagine the process. Stay away from the curse of ‘that’s the way we have always done it’.

Hilltop Construction Company Continues To Thrive In A Highly Competitive Industry

July 22, 2024

Hilltop Construction recently completed this custom home in Cleverdale on Lake George that features hand-hewn barn wood beams and an outdoor kitchen.
Courtesy of Hilltop Construction

By Paul Post

Hilltop Construction thrives in a challenging, competitive industry with a mix of commercial and custom home residential projects.

It’s a strategy the Queensbury-based firm has followed since its founding in 1976.

“We try to be diversified in what we do, which helps in different economic environments,” co-owner Dan Washburn said. “If the residential market is healthy and commercial isn’t, we’ve got the residential side to work with and vice versa. It makes it easier to adapt to ever-changing conditions that affect different industries.”

“Business is really good now on both sides,” he said. “We’ve got a solid workload into spring of 2025.”

This summer, Hilltop is doing everything from a ZZ Mobil Mart convenience store in Malta to a passive solar home in Brant Lake and a new Stewart’s Shop in Hoosick.

Washburn handles commercial projects while his brother-in-law, Tom Albrecht Jr., oversees residential development. Washburn, his wife, April (Treasurer/Office Manager), and Tom Jr.purchased Hilltop several years ago from its founders, Tom Albrecht Sr. and his wife Cindy.

Munter Enterprises Continues To Exceed Expectations On A Wide Variety Of Projects

July 22, 2024

A Munter Enterprises crew uses a crane to move materials at the Waters Edge project.
Courtesy of Munter Enterprises

Staff Writer

Munter Enterprises, based in Middle Grove, is a leading family-owned general contractor offering commercial, industrial, design-build, and project delivery services throughout the Capital Region.

Several large commercial and industrial projects are underway and progressing toward completion this year. One notable project is for Equal Vision Records, an independent record label based in Albany, New York, and MerchNow, their sister company, which produces wearables and promotional branded merchandise for bands and artists.

The recently purchased building is in Albany’s South End at 400 South Pearl St., where Munter Enterprises is implementing improvements to bring the building into code compliance for storage and racking requirements. The project includes interior modifications to the production and warehouse areas, as well as minor renovations of the office space. A unique aspect of the project is the addition of a 20×40 boiler room designed to house modern steam boilers essential for the production of vinyl records, which have seen a resurgence in popularity over the last decade.

“I may be dating myself but I didn’t realize how the ‘record’ industry has rebounded and its actually very cool to understand what goes into to physically making a vinyl album,” said Michael Munter, vice president of Munter Enterprises.

“On a larger scale, we’re nearing the finish line on the Soleno project. They’ll be in full production by late August,” said Munter.

Ensure Consistency

July 22, 2024July 22, 2024

Job Interviews are common practice and one of the most critical components of any hiring process. Yet, hiring managers will often take freedom with the interview process and the questions they ask. While they may seem innocuous and are often common practice, asking an interviewee personal characteristic questions may be viewed as discrimination, as...

Many Non-Profit Agencies Depend Heavily On The Volunteer Efforts Of Local Senior Citizens

July 22, 2024

Kimberly Sopczyk, executive director of Family Services of Glens Falls, relies on volunteers.

By Christine Graf

Volunteering is vital to the economy, the estimated economic value of volunteer work in America exceeding $120 billion. With volunteer rates and hours on a steady decline for the past 20 years, local non-profits are relying more than ever on the 50-plus demographic.

Family Services Association of Glens Falls, a non-profit agency that provides services and support to families in crisis or in an emergency situation, relies heavily on a small team of volunteers, most of them retired. The agency serves Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga counties.

“We help people that are in situations that are beyond their resources,” said Executive Director Kimberly Sopczyk. “We pride ourselves on being kind and offering assistance and support. Our volunteers play a large role with that.”

Volunteers staff the agency’s full-service food pantry, one that operates Monday through Friday.

“We consider it an emergency food pantry because you don’t need an appointment,” said Sopczyk. “You can either call that day and arrange a visit or stop in.”

According to Sopczyk, the agency also relies on volunteers to help with Feet First, an annual event that takes place in August.

“We assist low-income families with purchasing new school shoes for their children to return to school in the fall. Our tagline is that we want all children to put their best foot forward. Our goal is to serve 450 this summer,” she said.

Senior Demographic Is Now Opting For Full-Service Travel Advisors When Planning Trips

July 22, 2024

Stacie Baxter at Heber Travel sees people taking extended month long trips.

By Christine Graf

Americans are traveling in record numbers, with the United States aviation industry reporting that 2023 was its busiest year ever. Local travel advisors expect 2024 to be another banner year for travel, particularly among the age 50-plus demographic.

At Heber Travel Services in Queensbury, sales manager Stacie Baxter said many of her clients in the 50-plus demographic are venturing to far-off destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Africa, and Australia.

“People are traveling more, and they are taking month-long vacations instead of one-week vacations. A lot of older people are traveling, and my oldest this year is 95, and he’s going to Europe,” she said.

Many of Baxter’s clients are opting for ocean or river cruises or a combination of land and sea vacations. Others are choosing to travel to countries from which their ancestors emigrated, their interest often fueled by genealogy research.

“I see a lot of older people wanting to go back to their roots,” she said. “They may go and spend a month there.”

Regardless of the destination, when working with agents at Heber Travel, clients receive personalized attention.

The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council Announces Community Arts Grants for 2024

July 22, 2024

The Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council (LARAC) has announced the recipients of its Community Arts Grant program for 2024.

Local artists and organizations will receive $100,000 for arts programming taking place throughout Warren and Washington Counties in 2024.

This grant opportunity is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrant Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature and administered by LARAC. The Community Arts Grant is a re-grant program that provides financial assistance for community-based arts activities.

The goal of the Statewide Community Regrant (SCR) program is to provide quality arts programming to all of Warren and Washington Counties; assist emerging arts organizations; support the artistic expression of Warren and Washington County’s diversity; and make arts programming accessible to under-served audiences.

For 2024, six Individual Artists will receive $2,500 to produce new work, three of them being Serena Kovalosky of Washington County for her project “Moving Mountains: The Mustard Seed Project,” Jenny Hutchinson of Warren County for her project “Collaborative Public Mural: The Community Gardens,” and Daniel Costello of Washington County for his project “The Old Man in the ICU.”

Saratoga Springs Harbor Freight Joins Glens Falls And Clifton Park As Third Area Location

July 22, 2024

Harbor Freight Tools opened its new store in Saratoga Springs on July 13.

The Saratoga Springs store, located 3064 Route 50, will be open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday.

Over 75 million customers, from professional contractors and technicians to homeowners and hobbyists, come to Harbor Freight to find the tools and equipment they need to get the job done. The company has a world-class team of engineers and experts in all tool categories to ensure that its tools meet or exceed industry standards and deliver unsurpassed value.

The store stocks a full selection of tools and equipment in categories including automotive, air and power tools, storage, outdoor power equipment, generators, welding supplies, shop equipment, hand tools and much more. The

The new store is the 66th Harbor Freight Tools store in New York state. The company, which hired locally, has brought between 25-30 new jobs to the community.

Business Briefs: July 2024

July 22, 2024

Aviation Mall has announced the inclusion of 518 Grapplers, a facility offering wrestling programs for area youth.

Jen Bromley, owner of 518 Grapplers, explains the evolution of their wrestling facility: “Our journey started in 2020 with wrestling practices in our basement with Head Coach Heath Bromley. As interest grew, we launched the Queensbury Grapplers, an off-season wrestling program through Queensbury Parks and Recreation. This initiative, catering to students from 1st to 12th grade, complemented the in-season “Mat Rats” youth wrestling program for grades K-6. Due to the limited availability of school facilities, which were often occupied by other sports, concerts, plays, and school activities, we recognized the need to create our own space to accommodate the growing interest in wrestling,” she said.

“The Queensbury Grapplers program quickly became a hub for young athletes from surrounding areas, including Warrensburg and Glens Falls, who shared our passion for expanding local wrestling opportunities. Our primary goal is to provide year-round wrestling opportunities without the need for long commutes, as the nearest off-season wrestling programs are in Malta, which was not feasible for many families. By offering flexible options such as monthly dues and drop-in rates, we made off-season training more accessible and affordable for parents,” she concluded.

518 Grapplers is located next to the former Sears space in the mall. For more information, email 518grapplers@gmail.com.

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The Fall 2024 SEED Program is now accepting applications.

The SEED Loan Program is a character-based loan fund developed in partnership between Broadview Federal Credit Union and the University at Albany’s Small Business Development Center and School of Business. The program provides 10 weeks of entrepreneurial training after which the participant is eligible to pitch for a character-based loan of up to $35,000.

.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 2024 program is planned to be virtually via the Zoom platform. 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.

Throughout the program participants are supported by a dedicated business advisor from the Small Business Development Center, a dedicated MBA consultant to assist them in developing their business model and an entrepreneurship professor from the University at Albany’s School of Business.

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