Glens Falls Business Journal

A Leading Advocate Of The Arts In Glens Falls Is Honored With J. Walter Juckett Award

March 17, 2026

Dr. Jacquiline Touba, the founding director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum, stands in front of an exhibit on Thailand, one of many depicting art and culture around the globe.
Glens Falls Business Journal

By Rod Bacon

Dr. Jacquiline S. Touba, the founding director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum, was the recipient earlier this month of the 37th J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award.

It was presented at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s annual dinner on March 6 at the Sagamore Resort in Lake George.

“Even though I got the award it really belongs to so many people who have participated and supported the museum over the years,” said Dr. Touba. “Some have served on the board of directors, others have volunteered. They’ve helped in so many ways to make it a success.”

A precursor to the museum was the International Arts and Culture Association, established in 1985 to formalize participation by a group of community arts leaders in the International Festival of the Adirondacks. In 1988 the group started the International Youth Art Exchange to share children’s artwork from around the world. In 1995 they applied for a charter for a museum, which absorbed the assets of the association. After years of moving from place to place the board of directors was able to purchase the building at 89 Warren Street, where the museum is currently housed.

East End Rising Effort Advances With Survey On Glens Falls Revitalization

March 17, 2026

By Paul Post

Plans call for a survey of residents, business owners, developers and lenders as a next step in long-range efforts to revitalize the City of Glens Falls’ East End.

The area encompasses roughly four square miles from Ridge Street east to the Queensbury town line and from Dix Avenue south to the Hudson River.

An East End Rising steering committee is seeking inclusion in the state’s Brownfield Opportunity Area program, which would open the door to a variety of funding and technical assistance.

The panel held its second meeting March 5 at Abraham Wing Elementary School with about three dozen residents on hand.

The survey seeks to obtain input from a cross section of stakeholders about ways the East End could be improved.

Committee members also plan to make a walking tour of sites considered prime for economic development. Several parcels have more than 3 acres each, and more than 6,000 cars per day travel both Dix Avenue and Warren Street.

The East End has an eclectic mix of single-family, multifamily, small retail and old industrial buildings spread across deep-rooted ethnic neighborhoods comprised largely of descendants of Irish and Italian immigrants.

The East End also has the greatest concentration of arts venues in the city, from the renowned Hyde Museum to Troy Shirt Factory, which is home to dozens of arts studios and craft vendors.

The Hyde’s Chief Executive Officer John Lefner said Glens Falls may have the “strongest small-city arts and culture sector in the country.”

Washington County Pursues Economic Growth After Loss Of Major Employer

March 17, 2026

By Paul Post

Washington County officials are pursuing several efforts to strengthen the local economy, from industrial development to tourism initiatives tied to America 250.

But the county faces one overriding challenge.

“The loss of our single largest employer, Great Meadow prison, continues to impact the local economy,” said Laura Oswald, county director of economic development. “We are currently working on several initiatives that aim to foster the growth of private-sector industries to mitigate the loss of 659 public-sector jobs as well as working with the state to find possible solutions for redevelopment of the site.”

“The governor has proposed a constitutional amendment that would facilitate redevelopment of prisons within Forest Preserve communities, but unfortunately Great Meadow is not among those proposed for inclusion, which severely limits redevelopment options.”

County officials recently secured approval from Empire State Development to establish a land bank.

A land bank allows the county to acquire, manage and return distressed, county-owned or donated properties to productive use, reducing blight, stabilizing property values and creating opportunities for housing and community development.

The program would not apply to Great Meadow but could help revitalize other sites throughout the county.

“A land bank allows us to turn challenges into opportunities and position our county for sustainable growth,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Robert Henke of Argyle.

Lake George Protection Efforts Could Spark New North Country Industries

March 17, 2026

A sweeping view of Lake George highlights the natural resource that Warren County leaders say could help spur new North Country industries tied to water quality, invasive species control and sustainability.
Courtesy EDC

By Paul Post

Eurasian milfoil, a harmful aquatic invasive species, might have a new use as compost or an ingredient in fertilizer.

Trucks could be modified with a device that works with brine and rock salt to reduce the amount of salt on highways that impacts lakes and streams.

These are just two examples of potential business opportunities that would support ongoing efforts to protect the North Country’s natural resources.

“We should launch companies here that know how to do those things,” said Jim Siplon, president of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation. “You’ll never site an Amazon distribution center in the Adirondack Park. What we have to do is, beyond tourism, what are things we can invest in that will bring economic value and be aligned with the values of the park. Launching industry around protecting natural resources and having it based here is one of those things.”

The EDC is collaborating with other entities such as RPI, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute and the Lake George Association to develop ideas that could be presented to the state for economic development.

At present, there are 16 different clusters, such as financial services, green energy and chip manufacturing, that the state has identified for investment and to attract companies to launch and conduct business in those fields.

SEDC Spurs Major Capital Investment And Thousands Of New Jobs In Region

March 17, 2026

By Paul Post

Saratoga Economic Development Corp. continued to play a huge role in facilitating major capital investment, leading to thousands of new jobs throughout the area during the past year.

One of the most notable achievements is Regeneron pharmaceutical company’s $2 billion plan to transform the former 1 million-square-foot Quad/Graphics facility in Grande Industrial Park into a large manufacturing site.

Plans call for 1,000 full-time jobs and 500 temporary construction jobs over the next five years.

Other capital projects include, but are not limited to:

· The $48.5 million Coca-Cola investment in Halfmoon, retaining 127 full-time jobs while creating 11 new jobs and 95 temporary construction jobs.

· The $166 million 146 Marketplace investment in Halfmoon, the largest mixed-use project of 2025, calling for a blend of commercial, retail and residential uses with the potential for 385 professional, skilled and semiskilled new full-time jobs and 250 temporary construction jobs.

· In Wilton, the $52 million Wilton Commons mixed-use project is one of two health care facilities enabled in the last 18 months that will address the unmet health care needs of residents in northern Saratoga, southern Warren, Washington, eastern Montgomery and Fulton counties. It is also creating 127 residential units that address much-needed workforce housing.

· In addition, substantial investments in distribution, logistics, warehousing and workforce housing projects have been made in Clifton Park and Stillwater.

Restaurant Owner With Glens Falls Roots Honored For Feeding Those In Need

March 17, 2026

Justin Burrows stands outside La Stella, the Norwich restaurant he owns and operates.
Courtesy Paul Post

By Paul Post

Lessons learned many years ago at a Glens Falls family kitchen are paying huge dividends for a Norwich, Conn., restaurant owner.

Toast Changemakers recently awarded Justin Burrows a $10,000 grant, one of only 15 U.S. businesses chosen, for his firm’s commitment to addressing local hunger and supporting individuals in need.

In 2019, he bought La Stella Pizzeria, an Italian eatery, and since 2022 has given thousands of free “Lefty Special” meals (pizza, pasta, soup or bread) to anyone who calls or walks through the doors to make sure no one goes hungry. They’re named for the late Vincent “Lefty” George of Glens Falls.

“My Uncle Lefty was one of the greatest influences in my life,” Burrows said. “He and my Aunt Barb were recipients of the highly prestigious Jefferson Award. But beyond that they had a home that was open to everyone. As a first-generation Italian-American, he believed wholeheartedly in feeding people whether it was the mayor or someone without a home. He treated everyone the same.”

“Some of my fondest memories are sitting at his table, sharing a meal and listening to his stories including those from his time in World War II,” Burrows said. “He embodied the kind of person I always hoped to become.”

Burrows’ grandparents lived a few doors away on McDonald Street, where Justin’s father, Rob, grew up. Justin, his wife, Kelsey, and their children still make frequent trips to Glens Falls to visit relatives.

Maple Producers Prepare For Open House Weekends And Agritourism Visitors

March 17, 2026

Valley Road Maple Farm’s pancake breakfast is a highlight of Thurman Maple Days, held the last three weekends in March.
Courtesy Paul Post

By Paul Post

Maple producers in Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties are gearing up for Open House Weekends to celebrate the sweetest time of year.

With more than 2,000 sugar makers statewide, New York is the nation’s second-leading producer behind only Vermont, and the industry generates an annual economic impact of about $141 million.

In Warren County, Thurman Maple Days plays an especially important role in generating tourism as the ski season winds down before the onset of summer vacation months.

“We’ve kind of become known as the Maple Capital of New York,” said Randy Galusha, owner of Toad Hill Maple Farm. “What we’re practicing is agritourism. People get to see our farms and learn about the history of maple sugaring. It’s one of the shoulder seasons when not a lot of other things are going on.”

The Lake George Chamber of Commerce says off-shoulder hotel bookings increased dramatically last year, reflecting ongoing efforts to make the region a more year-round tourist destination. According to Visa Analytics, 45 percent of visitor spending in 2025 occurred during shoulder-season months, matching peak-season performance and signaling a more balanced annual tourism cycle.

SLICFiber Accelerates Expansion From North Country To Capital Region

February 17, 2026

A SLICFiber technician installs fiber optic cable as the company expands service from the North Country into Warren and Saratoga counties, bringing high-speed broadband to homes and businesses.
Courtesy SLICFiber

By Paul Post

From Watertown to Waterford, a fast-growing fiber optics firm is giving the region a new alternative for internet and phone service, with television expected to follow soon.

After launching in northernmost New York, St. Lawrence County-based SLICFiber started moving south to Warren, Washington and Saratoga counties and is now in markets such as Lake George, Glens Falls and Ballston Spa.

On Feb. 4 – World Cancer Day – it made a highly visible entry to Mechanicville by installing the first-ever pink fiber-optic cable with plans to donate $25 to local charity for every residential and commercial connection.

“We’ve always been a very community-based organization,” CEO Kevin Lynch said. “Cancer affects a lot of people. This will help families with things like travel and lodging.”

Mechanicville-Stillwater Chamber of Commerce is the first “Pink Drop” customer. Plans call for working with local officials to make the #FiberofHope initiative available in SLICFiber’s entire service area.

Warren County Economic Development Corporation President Jim Siplon said fiber optics is a huge economic game changer, especially in the Adirondacks where broadband has been extremely limited in many places.

Saratoga Casino Opens 85th Harness Racing Season With 150 Dates, $17M Purses

February 17, 2026

Harness racing returns to Saratoga Casino for its 85th season with 150 race dates and more than $17 million in purses, which began Feb. 1 at the Spa Oval.
Courtesy Jessica Hallett

Saratoga Casino Hotel announced the return of live harness racing for its 85th season, beginning Sunday, February 1. The 2026 schedule at the Spa Oval will consist of 150 racing programs running through mid-December, including several Saturday matinee race cards throughout the season.

Horsemen will compete for over $17 million in purses during the season. In addition, the track will host eight New York Sire Stakes programs featuring the best New York bred horses in the state racing for an additional $1.5 million in purses.

“I expect a very strong season of racing,” said Race Secretary Peter Iovino. “The horse population has been abundant the last few years and this gives us the ability to offer a high-quality product for our fans.”

Saratoga Casino’s premier event, the Joe Gerrity Jr. Memorial Invitational Pacing Series, will kick off on Saturday, July 11 with a new format better suited for local horsemen participation. This year, competitors will vie for points in the $20,000 Invitational over seven consecutive Saturdays, with the top point earners advancing to the $100,000 final on Saturday, August 29. Total purses for the Gerrity Invitational series are $240,000.

Harris Poll: Americans Increasingly Favor Skilled Trades Over Four-Year Degrees

February 17, 2026February 17, 2026

Campers at the Girls Construction Summer Camp work together on a framing project under the guidance of instructors, gaining hands-on experience while building confidence in the skilled trades.
Angel Photo & Video www.angelphotoandvideo.com

Staff Report

A new national survey commissioned by the Business for Good Foundation and conducted by the Harris Poll finds a meaningful shift in how Americans view career success, with a growing preference for trade skills training and certification programs over traditional four-year college degrees.

According to the survey, four in five Americans say more people are choosing trade skills training, while 75 percent report that their definition of a “good job” has changed compared to five years ago. The findings are based on a national online survey of 2,085 adults conducted Jan. 13–15, 2026.

The data also show that 75 percent of respondents believe hands-on skills and practical experience matter more than formal degrees for career success in today’s economy. More than three-quarters of respondents said jobs relying on trade or hands-on skills are less likely to be replaced by artificial intelligence, and 78 percent said the stigma around blue-collar or trade work is declining.

“We’re seeing a real shift in how Americans define success at work,” said Maire Masterson, executive director of the Business for Good Foundation. “More and more people are choosing practical skills that can lead to real opportunities. At Business for Good Foundation, we are focused on empowering individuals with the skills needed to build a viable career and to help close the wealth gap in communities across the U.S.”