Glens Falls Business Journal

Warren County Seeks Input From Businesses to Better Pair Youth With Employers in Area

December 19, 2023

The Warren County Department of Workforce Development is seeking assistance from Warren County business partners to help meet the needs of local youth.

The goal of this new effort is to increase the number of youth engaged with businesses so young people are able to gain valuable work experience and connect with business mentors.

A brief online survey has been created to increase business participation in Warren County programs that help prepare youth for the workforce and make it easier for businesses to connect with young people.

The Department of Workforce Development already offers many engaging programs for youth, including but not limited to a career mentor program, internship placement, Summer Youth Employment Program, high school job fairs, GED class, business field trips and training programs.

Workforce Development staff are seeking additional help from businesses to bridge the gap between youth and local industries and/or careers.

Business Report: Keeping Compliant: 4 Changes to 2024 Payroll

December 19, 2023

Martin Patrick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP is HR Consultant Practice Leader at GTM HR Consulting, Inc.

By Martin Patrick, SPHR, SHRM-SCP

As we approach the start of the new year, key updates to the way you manage your business payroll are on the horizon. Here’s a closer look at four of these changes and how they will affect both employers and employees.

1. Salary Threshold for Certain Wage Protections:

On March 13, 2024, the salary threshold for certain wage protections will increase from $900 to $1,300 per week.

Right now, employers are exempt from some requirements when employing workers in executive, administrative, or professional capacities and whose earnings exceed $900 per week.

These include paying clerical or other workers “not less frequently than semi-monthly;” obtaining the advance, written consent of employees before paying wages via direct deposit; and being guilty of a misdemeanor for failing to provide benefits or wage supplements within 30 days after they are due.

The exemption from these requirements will now apply to employees with earnings that exceed $1,3000 per week.

Employers should review their current payroll practices and make any adjustments to help ensure compliance. For example, an employer could increase employee compensation to meet the new threshold or ensure that employees below the threshold are no longer exempt from these employer obligations.

2. Paid Family Leave Contributions:

90th Anniversary of North Creek Snow Train Represents Historic Milestone in Winter Sports

December 19, 2023

The 90th Anniversary Celebration of the North Creek Snow Train Marks a Historic Milestone in Adirondack Winter Sports.

This season marks the 90th anniversary of the Snow Train that brought skiers to North Creek, kickstarting generations of winter tourism in the area. Business owners, historians, and ski enthusiasts are commemorating this historic event.

The North Creek Snow Train’s inaugural voyage in 1934 transported 378 skiers from Schenectady to North Creek, kick starting the region’s winter sports tourisim attractions. This year, in collaboration with the Town of Johnsburg, Gore Mountain, The Tannery Pond Community Center, The North Creek Depot Museum, The Johnsburg Historical Society, Revolution Rail Co., Cunningham’s Ski Barn, ski enthusiasts, esteemed historians, artists, devoted residents, and local business owners, the area unites to honor the rich legacy of this remarkable train.

Throughout the 2023-2024 snow season an array of curated events will illuminate the vibrant history and cultural significance of the North Creek Snow Train. These events include walking history tours of the train station and North Creek Ski Bowl, screenings of vintage films, presentations, concerts, artwork exhibitions, fun races, and commemorative giveaways, among other activities. Barkeater Chocolates is making a Snow Train chocolate bar and Upper Hudson Coffee is branding the Roosevelt Roast with the Snow Train logo. The full schedule of events is currently in development, with additional information forthcoming.

The Sienna Statewide Poll of Holiday Spending Plans Shows Mixed Results Among New Yorkers

December 19, 2023

Forty-eight percent of New Yorkers plan to spend less than $500 on gifts during this holiday season, according to a new statewide survey of consumers released December 7 by the Siena College Research Institute (SCRI). Sixteen percent of all state residents, including a third of those making $100,000 or more, will spend more than $1,000 this season. Over half, 51 percent, will conduct either between 50 percent-75 percent (29 percent) or between 75 percent-100 percent (22 percent) of their holiday shopping online this year. Over half, 54 percent, will buy gift cards for some on their holiday list.

While 23 percent of state residents say that their finances are improved from this time a year ago, 44 percent say that their finances are unchanged, and nearly a third, 31 percent, say that they are worse off. Half of all New Yorkers say that all of their holiday spending combined, food, gifts and any other holiday spending will have a somewhat (34 percent) or very (15 percent) serious impact on their financial condition. One in five New Yorkers say that they will pay the bills for holiday spending over a period of time that could extend well into 2024.

“Nearly two-thirds of New Yorkers, regardless of how hard the spending will hit their wallet, are excited about the coming season. But, with one-third already feeling economic headwinds, half say ‘I’ll spend on food, gifts, decorations and parties but it’s gonna hurt’,” said SCRI Director, Don Levy. “Among New Yorkers making 50K or less, over 40 percent are worse off today financially than a year ago, nearly half hope to spend less than last year, and 62 percent say even with watching their spending, the holiday bills will hurt.”

A quarter of New Yorkers say that they believe in Santa Claus, down from 39 percent a year ago and tied for the all time low in this Siena survey with 2020, the pandemic year. Seventy-three percent plan to put up a Christmas tree in their home but by over two-to-one, 69 percent-31 percent, they prefer artificial to real. Half, 50 percent, say that they are hoping for snow for the winter holidays while 29 percent prefer not to shovel and 21 percent will take whatever comes.

Saratoga Race Course Slated to Host Belmont Stakes to Allow for Belmont Park Construction

December 19, 2023

The area will see a significant economic impact when the Belmont Stakes comes to the Saratoga Race Course this summer to allow for construction at Belmont Park.

By Paul Post

Spa City merchants say track season is like having a second Christmas time because of all the extra business it generates.

Now they’re gearing up for yet another huge windfall with the announcement that Saratoga Race Course will host the June 6-9 Belmont Stakes Festival, which is expected to have a direct $37 million economic impact and generate untold future tourism by creating worldwide media exposure for one of thoroughbred racing’s most historic events.

The third leg of racing’s Triple Crown is moving upstate because of ongoing construction and renovations at Belmont Park in Queens. “That it gives us the opportunity to really showcase our area to people who have never been here before,” said Deanna Devitt, president of the 200-member Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association.

And excitement surrounding the Belmont Festival is expected to generate momentum and boost attendance for the regular, 40-day racecourse season that begins on Thursday, July 11.

“Just very, very excited for this opportunity. We can’t wait,” said Marianne Barker of Impressions of Saratoga, a popular Broadway gift and souvenir shop.

Local business leaders have already begun meeting to make sure Saratoga gets the biggest bang for its buck from this unprecedented opportunity, which Saratoga Chamber of Commerce President Todd Shimkus has likened to the Super Bowl.

Mr. Bill’s Carhop will Be Jumpin’ Year Round With Takeout and Delivery Service

December 19, 2023

Mr. Bill’s Carhop in South Glens Falls is staying open this winter for the first time ever under new owners Mike and Beatrice Greenough.
Paul Post photo

By Paul Post

The name is the same, but Mr. Bill’s Carhop has a new year-round takeout and delivery service under owners Beatrice and Mike Greenough, who purchased the popular South Glens Falls eatery on August 31.

They’re giving the business a complete makeover, from new menu offerings to a newly-paved parking lot and a safer, more welcoming children’s playground. In place of large red-and-white umbrellas out front, plans call for a covered pavilion to keep customers dry when it rains, and hosting twice-monthly car and bike shows along with Elvis-type live entertainment next summer.

“I really want to make this a fun place in South Glens Falls to go,” Beatrice said.

The venture is right in tune with her entrepreneurial husband’s mindset.

Forget the Gym Membership—It’s time to Commit to Cybersecurity For The New Year

December 19, 2023December 19, 2023

Reg Harnish is CEO of OrbitalFire Cybersecurity.

By Reg Harnish

It’s that time of year when many of us start evaluating the past year and what goals we want to aspire to in the next. And although cybersecurity might not have as much allure as a six-pack (depending on who you ask), it’s crucial for your business’s well-being.

With an estimated $3.1B in losses and rising from cybercrime–whether from financial fraud, ransomware, or breach– it’s important to understand the sheer scope of the challenge. Although small businesses are increasingly adopting and investing in cybersecurity, 62% of small businesses are affected by cybercrime because the reality is that the bad guys are getting better faster than we are.

Embarking on a cybersecurity strategy can seem daunting, but at the core, we believe that cybersecurity success comes from doing the absolute minimum necessary to achieve your business mission. At a high level that means understanding how cybersecurity is affecting and contributing to your mission, and proactively and methodically thinking about how to apply controls (whether HIPAA, PCI, or other industry regulations) to:

Protect your intellectual property

Combat cybercrime

Minimize disruption and loss

Protect against reputational issues

To understand how cybersecurity can best contribute to your mission, follow these 8 recommendations:

Newlogiq Provides Cutting-Edge AI Solutions to Small and Mid-Sized Businesses in Region

December 19, 2023

Jeff Oskin has launched Newlogiq to offer AI solutions to area businesses.

By Christine Graf

After spending more than a decade at the helm of Jolt Consulting Group, Jeff Oskin sold the IT consultancy firm in February 2022. By that time, his company had grown exponentially and had a staff of 50 employees.

“I grew that company both organically and through acquisitions,” he said. “We did IT consulting, specifically sales force implementation consulting work for service-oriented organizations.”

While operating Jolt, Oskin also began working as an executive coach, establishing a peer advisory group for executives in the Capital Region.

“Many of the most well-known executives in the Capital District are in that group,” said Oskin.

After selling Jolt Consultancy, he established Newlogiq, a business that provides cutting-edge AI consulting solutions to small and mid-sized businesses.

“I wanted to continue this entrepreneurial bent,” he said. “When I was contemplating my next move, I ultimately landed on going to market with a consulting company that sat at the intersection of three things: people, process, and technology.”

“From the people side, it’s helping organizations through executive coaching and leadership development—helping that next generation leader to develop skills to help them elevate their capabilities so as to improve the overall health of the company they work for.”

When referring to process, Oskin said he has long been a believer that technology should support business process.

“I believe AI—artificial intelligence—is a huge opportunity moving forward for organizations to leverage technology to simplify, automate, and streamline business processes.”

Mahoney Alarms Provides the Full Range of Residential, Commercial, Industrial Services

December 19, 2023

Many of the 49 employees of Mahoney Alarms Inc have been with the company for more than 20 years, making it a true family enterprise.

By Christine Graf

World War II veteran Raymond Mahoney, Sr., was working as a Glens Falls City fireman when he founded Mahoney Alarms in the 1950s. On his days off, he operated the alarm business out of his basement. Nearly 70 years later, his son, Kevin Mahoney, serves as president of the company which is headquartered at 15 Cooper Street in Glens Falls.

Mahoney can’t say for sure exactly when he started working for his father at the family business. He remembers riding his bicycle to repair telephone pole alarm boxes when he was a teenager.

Mahoney Alarms is a true family business, and its staff of 49 employees includes Mahoney’s sister, Colleen McGuirk, his cousin, Benjamin Chapman, and his son, Kyle Mahoney.

“It’s a family business, and it’s treated as a family business,” said Mahoney. “We have very, very long-term employees, and they are as much of a family member as my own family.”

The Saratoga Builders Association Donates the Showcase of Homes Proceeds to Local Charities

December 19, 2023

Habitat for Humanity and Building Together Saratoga were the recipients of the proceeds of the Showcase of Homes sponsored by the Saratoga Builders Association.

The Saratoga Builders Association prented proceeds totaling $70,000 from the 2023 Saratoga Showcase of Homes to Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. The Saratoga Builders Association announced that the total contribution to local charities from this area’s premiere new home tour event is now over $1.5 million.

The 2023 edition of the Saratoga Showcase of Homes had nine homes from 11 builders on tour this year – Belmonte Builders (2), DeGraff Bloom Custom Homes, DSG Construction & Remodeling, Kodiak Construction (2), R & M Homes, Whitbeck Construction, and Witt Construction. R & M Homes won the People’s Choice Award for Executive Home and Witt Construction won the People’s Choice Award for Luxury Home. This year’s event attracted over 2,500 visitors to these new homes, which were on display over two weekends. In what has become an autumn tradition in the area, the Saratoga Builders Association is dedicated to this long running show being an integral part of the fabric in the fall season.