By Jim Siplon

Being optimistic about our future, economic or otherwise, seems almost a courageous act at the moment. The seemingly ongoing stretch of natural disasters, economic and geopolitical shocks have given us all pause as we look to an uncertain future. At times like these, we find both solace and confidence for our region…by looking back. Back to a rich heritage of ingenuity, adaptability and a keen understanding of how where we live yields a unique set of advantages associated with this marvelous region. The heritage that birthed a thriving timber and paper sector, a wide variety of manufacturers and a new industry making medical devices. This place had always been somewhere good ideas came to life.

A couple of years ago, I began a deep dive into our areas economic history, with help from a number of likeminded leaders. We researched media and press coverage as well as public records and data, some of it going back to the days of our country’s founding. After amassing this enormous amount of information, we began sifting through it looking for discernible trends, time periods and shifting economic sectors…it was a sometimes overwhelming task.

Some things were evident almost immediately. The role of place was clear from the earliest days of our area with a distinct desire for those who lived elsewhere, primarily New York City but far and wide as well, to come here to enjoy the majesty of Lake George, the Adirondacks and the surrounds. What we now see as tourism was the first great driving force in our economy, sometimes being the majority of economic activity and always at least a third of the overall economic landscape. This is, both chronologically and logically, the first pillar of our areas economy and today represents between 25 and 35% of most objectives measures including employment and revenues. It has been present as along as we have been a place and is also uniquely resilient to automation and AI. It will always be in demand.

The rest of the data was less obvious. The way industries and sectors were identified and tracked changed over time, making direct comparisons harder. The data began to get consistent in the 1980s and has been tracking more than 20 distinct categories of activity with varying levels of impact. After building countless charts with 20-30 bars and hard to discern trends, we took a different take on the work. By looking at where the dollars were coming from, we started to see some clarity. 

The Warren County Board of Supervisors has named Warrensburg Supervisor Kevin Geraghty to chair the Board of Supervisors in 2025, the fourth consecutive year he has been chosen to lead the board. Geraghty was unanimously selected by his colleagues at the January 3, 2025 Board of Supervisors organization meeting.

“I am humbled and honored that my colleagues have the confidence in me to chair our Board of Supervisors again in 2025, and I would like to thank everyone who supported me,” Geraghty said. “We will continue to strive to keep the county in good financial shape in 2025 and the years to follow. 2024 was a challenging year as costs rose and unfunded state mandates increased to impact our budget. Through good planning and hard work, we have been able to balance our budget and keep property tax rates steady while continuing to have the lowest sales tax rate in New York State. I look forward to working with each of my colleagues on the board and all of our great Warren County employees to continue to make Warren County an outstanding place for all who live, work and visit here.”

Supervisor Geraghty was nominated to return as chair at the meeting by Lake Luzerne Town Supervisor Gene Merlino.

In all, 2025 will be Supervisor Geraghty’s eighth year as chair of the board, as he also spent 4 years as chair between 2013 and 2016.

In addition to his time as chairman, Supervisor Geraghty previously served as Warren County Budget Officer for 6 years, and acting Warren County Administrator for 1-1/2 years between 2016 and 2018.

Adirondack Trust Company has announced the appointment of Brian C. Fay, CMA, as the organization’s new Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Fay succeeds Jack Arnold, CPA, who is retiring after serving as Adirondack Trust’s CFO since 2004.

“On behalf of the entire Adirondack Trust family, I want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Jack for his dedicated service and leadership over the past 20 years,” said Adirondack Trust President & CEO Charles V. Wait, Jr. “Jack has played a pivotal role in the Bank’s growth and success, and we wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement.”

“Brian’s extensive 30+ year career in finance and accounting, along with his proven leadership in driving strategic initiatives, make him the ideal candidate to serve as our new Chief Financial Officer,” continued Wait. “His deep expertise in areas such as financial analysis, budgeting, regulatory reporting, and asset-liability management will be invaluable as we continue to enhance our financial operations and support the Bank’s growth.”

In his new role, Fay will oversee all of Adirondack Trust’s accounting and finance functions, including general ledger, accounts payable, budgeting, investment portfolio management, and regulatory reporting. He will also serve as a key strategic partner to the Bank’s executive leadership team.

Most recently, Fay served as Senior Vice President, Chief Financial Officer, and IT Director at Sawyer Savings Bank in Saugerties, NY. In this position, he was responsible for overseeing the bank’s financial and accounting functions, managing daily liquidity, chairing the Asset Liability Management Committee, and overseeing enterprise risk management. Prior to Sawyer Savings Bank, Fay was CFO at the National Bank of Coxsackie and served in various finance leadership positions at RBS Americas and FleetBoston Financial.

With a new year comes new opportunities, and the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has welcomed four new members to their Board of Directors in 2025.

 “The ARCC looks forward to the opportunities that our new board members will bring. Each of our board members bring something unique to the organization, which we are incredibly thankful for,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

 Joining the ARCC Board in 2025 are:

Ryan Haig, Account Executive for Amsure

Ryan Haig is uniquely positioned to champion the ARCC values and initiatives in the North Country business community. He previously served as an Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) intern, employee, volunteer, LADK Alum, mentor, and advisory council member. 

 Ryan earned his associate’s degree in business administration from SUNY Adirondack and a bachelor’s degree in business from Skidmore College. Having achieved his Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation, Ryan now serves as a trusted advisor at Amsure, providing risk management services for commercial clients primarily in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga counties. His connection to a variety of businesses throughout the geographical footprint of the ARCC positions him well to understand the unique needs of the ARCC business community. As an active member of the ARCC, Ryan is passionate about creating community and modeling servant leadership. Ryan has personally experienced the continuous generosity of this business community that has benefitted him both personally and professionally, an experience he wishes to share with others. 

Maurice “Mo” O’Connell, HR Specialist with Adirondack Studios

Maurice “Mo” O’Connell has over 35 years of experience in various aspects of Human Resources, Business Development, Theatrical Administration, Museum Management, Event Creation, Civic Service, and Volunteer Coordination. His extensive local career includes Museum and New Business Development for Adirondack Studios, General Manager/Director of the National Museum of Dance and Hall of Fame, and House Manager at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC).

 Mr. O’Connell has actively participated in the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and he is a well-known entity with local business leaders and not-for-profit agencies. His involvement can also be attributed to being an advocate and host to the ARCC Leadership Adirondack program and a panelist for the joint ARCC and SCCC venture titled “Building Belonging” held at SUNY Adirondack a few months ago.

 He is a past President of Lakes to Locks Passage (the Lakes to Locks Passage is designated as a New York State Scenic Byway, a National Scenic Byway, and an All-American Road), as well as Past President of the Friends of US Grant Cottage on Mount McGregor. He has been involved with many other local civic and not-for-profit organizations, including the Feeder Canal Alliance.

By Paul Post

Area non-profits have until January 31 to apply for a portion of the $1.76 million raised by Stewart’s Shops’ annual Holiday Match program.

Customers of the company’s more than 350 stores donated over $883,500 between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day.

The company has doubled those donations, penny for penny with no administrative fees, meaning hundreds of non-profit children’s organizations will benefit as money is distributed in coming months.  

“We’re really thankful to all of our customers and thankful to all of our shop partners for doing a really great job collecting donations,” said Jennifer Frame, Stewart’s director of corporate philanthropy.

This year’s Holiday Match total was down from the more than $2 million raised last year because there were five fewer collection days, as Thanksgiving came later than normal.

“But collections per day were really strong considering how tough the economy is,” said Robin Cooper, company spokesman. “It was tough for a lot of people financially, but they still gave.”

By Paul Post

Cameron’s Deli, at 446 Dix Avenue in Queensbury, plans to unveil a major expansion this spring featuring a large building addition and six fuel pumps.

The popular eatery and convenience store is located at the busy intersection of Dix Avenue (Route 32), a heavily traveled corridor linking Glens Falls and Hudson Falls, and Queensbury Avenue, also known as “Airport Road.”

Cameron’s Deli is a franchise, operated by Samer Makhlouf, who leases it from property owner Ibrahim Jamal, who purchased the building and 1.35-acre site four years ago from Kurt Jaeger and Jay Salmon, for $800,000.

“We’re doing well because we bring in everything customers ask for,” Makhlouf said. “We try to keep everything fully stocked. If anybody asks for something we try to get it. They can find anything they want here.”

An addition to the 4,100-square-foot store will create space for more food, grocery and car care items along with indoor seating. At present, outside picnic table seating is only available warm weather months.

Gasoline will be sold under the Cameron’s name, not a large industry brand such as Mobil, Gulf or Sunoco.

By Ann Donnelly

In the heart of the Adirondack foothills, Kingsbury Printing Co., Inc. is undergoing a transformation. After over three decades of leadership by founders Bob and Jan Bombard, the reins have passed to the next generation. Daughter Victoria Bushey, VP of Finances, and her brother, Jason Bombard, Production Manager, are steering this well-established printing company into a future that honors its rich history while embracing the industry’s evolving demands.

The story of Kingsbury Printing began in 1986 when Bob Bombard, a seasoned printer, and his wife Jan, a talented designer he met while working at another printing company, joined forces to establish Franklin Press. Facing a trademark challenge from another company, they wisely rebranded as Kingsbury Printing, rooting their identity in their local community. 

Victoria Bushey has witnessed the dramatic changes in the printing industry firsthand with her exposure to the business starting as a child. “As a young adult, I worked summers,” she says. “When I was younger, days off from school, I’d come in and help my mom in the dark room.” She officially joined the family business in 2006 after graduating college. As an office manager, she gradually took on increasing responsibilities, from managing digital equipment and graphic design to overseeing the company’s finances.

By LEE COLEMAN

The Luxury Box has opened a 2,200-square foot expansion with new food and drink offerings and the largest indoor golf facility in the town of Queensbury.

Located at 1042 Route 9 between Queensbury Cigar and Adirondack Audio & Video, The Luxury Box addition includes a dedicated indoor golf area that expands the already ample number of golf suites.

“We’re excited to bring something truly unique to the Queensbury community with this new expansion,” said owner David Brindle.

“Our goal has always been to create a space where people can enjoy a memorable time, and with the new indoor golf facility and expanded food and drink options, we are able to elevate that experience even more,” he said.

The Luxury Box suites also offer other sports options such as soccer, hockey, bowling, baseball, and even shooting on simulators.

The new expansion includes Bo Dizzlez Pizza operated by Cleveland Robinson, who also owns a food truck under the same name. Food offerings include subs, fried chicken and pizza.