glens falls business journal
Transcription
glens falls business journal
GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 1 GBJ P.O. Box 766 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL VOL. 24 NO. 8 HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600 October 2012 Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce Furniture, Jewelry, Classes And More Are All Boosts Its Membership By 100 In One Month Available At Downtown Charm In Glens Falls “A job well done,” says Dax, the Adirondack Phantoms mascot, to Laura Conway, membership campaign chair, for a spectacular 2012 ARCC membership drive. Courtesy Of Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) just completed its 2012 Membership Campaign with a goal of 50 new members and is thrilled to announce that it has shattered that mark and gained 105 new members. Total membership in the Chamber is now over 1100 businesses. The ARCC is the voice of business in our region and provides exceptional value to its members. This is the message that the Chamber and their volunteers delivered to prospective members during this campaign. This exceptional value of membership resonates on all levels of business, whether a start-up company or a business that has been successful for years. The businesses that joined the Chamber ranged from sole proprietors to the some of the largest companies in the region. “When I was asked to lead a membership team for the drive, as a member of the Board of Directors it was easy for me to say yes,” stated Tom Albrecht from Hilltop Construction, who served as a team captain for the campaign. “I’ve always wished I had joined the chamber when I was growing my business years ago; the value is Continued On Page 16 Kerry Ducey shows some of the many unique housewares, furnishings, jewelry, chocolates and other merchandise available at Downtown Charm. BY PAMELA FISHER The owners of Downtown Charm have had an eventful first year. The gift shoppe opened in December 2011 in the lower level of the Colvin Building, but later moved to 206 Glen St., a space previously occupied by Dog Ate My Homework. According to gift shoppe owners, sisters Kerry Ducey and Alissa Bevivino, having a Glen St. storefront helped draw in new customers. The customers keep returning because of the store’s fun events and their blend of contemporary and vintage-inspired gifts. “We love when a customer says her grandmother owned an item similar to what we carry in our store,” stated Ducey, who also works in medical coding. Bevivino works as a special education teacher for the South Glens Falls district. According to Ducey, the sisters were “inspired by their father’s entrepreneurial spirit,” and when provided with the opportunity to open the store, the family jumped on it. “The store has allowed us to have a project we love that we can all do together,” stated Ducey. Continued On Page 5 Queensbury Dentist Receives 2012 Mastership Union Square’s O’Neills Providing Quality Award From The Academy Of General Dentistry Preschool And Daycare At It’s A Kidz World Dr. Kit E. Burkich, DDS, recently received a Mastership Award from the Academy of General Dentistry, a level achieved by less than 2% of general dentists. Courtesy of Dr. Kit. E. Birkich The Academy of General Dentistry (AGD), a Chicago-based professional association of more than 37,000 general dentists dedicated to providing quality dental care and oral health education to the public, announce that Kit E. Burkich, DDS, MAGD of Queensbury received the association’s 2012 Mastership Award. The award was given during the group’s annual meeting in June in Philadelphia. The award is the highest honor available at the AGD and one of the most respected designations within the profession. To accomplish this goal, Burkich completed 1,100 hours of continuing dental education. As a recipient of the award, Burkich joins more than 2,300 active AGD masters who understand that providing great smiles and good oral health for their patients are the result of going above and beyond basic requirements. “We are proud to honor Dr. Burkich for her commitment to continuing education in her quest to provide quality dental care and oral health education to her patients,” said AGD Continued On Page 3 In renovated Union Square, Tom and Audrey O’Neill established It’s a Kid’s World preschool, where Dawn Condon (rear right) and her staff provide excellent care. BY EVA WEAVER It’s a Kidz World is a childcare and preschool center offering high quality, affordable child care for families in the Glens Falls area. Located in downtown Glens Falls, it is convenient for parents who work at Glens Falls Hospital, Travelers and other downtown businesses. During peak seasons of the summer months, It’s a Kidz World cares for over 80 children, and during the school year they care for approximately 50 children and employ 15 people. At It’s a Kidz World, they are proud of how their staff provides such excellent care for the children. “We receive compliments from parents every day telling us how much they appreciate the teachers and the care they provide,” says owner Tom O’Neill. Having had essentially the same teachers since they opened, It’s a Kidz World knows that continuity is important to the children. Having that stability has allowed It’s a Kidz World to attract new parents, and in turn, offer more services like field trips and regular music and art education classes. Continued On Page 4 2 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OctOBER 2012 E5 Support Services Helps First Response college Assistance Plus Helps to Maximize Agencies comply With Federal Requirements Financial Aid And Minimize college Loans BY MAUREEN WERTHER E5 Support Services of Queensbury offers a vital training and staffing service to local first response agencies in Essex, Warren, Rensselaer, Albany and Saratoga counties. Owner Douglas Wildermuth, a certified paramedic and EMT, decided to start the company two years ago, because many agencies were in violation of the federal law governing the practice of hiring people who have also served in a voluntary capacity in emergency response agencies. As his website states, “E5 Support Services was created to fit the needs of today’s First Response Agencies.” E5 offers consulting, training and staffing and currently employs 5 people who work with 4 different agencies. And the numbers are growing. The laws governing the training and hiring of people for this much-needed community service are somewhat confusing, but, in a nutshell, the Department of Labor laws make it illegal for agencies to rehire their own people for the same job. Still confused? Department of Labor Letter June 19, 2006. NYS Regulation 12 NYCRR 142-3.12 states: “A person may do volunteer work for a not-for-profit organization and also be paid for work with the same organization provided that the services performed in volunteer work are not the same type of services for which he/she is paid. In this situation, a person paid for work as a driver may not perform volunteer work as a driver, and a person paid for work as an EMT may not perform work as an EMT.” The law goes on to explain, “Congress did not intend to discourage or impede volunteer activities undertaken for civic, charitable, or humanitarian purposes, but expressed its wish to prevent any manipulation or abuse of minimum wage or overtime requirements through coercion or undue pressure upon individuals to ‘volunteer’ their services. (c) Individuals shall be considered volunteers only where their services are offered freely and without pressure or coercion, direct or implied, from an employer.(d) An individual shall not be considered a volunteer if the individual is otherwise employed by the same public agency to perform the same type of services as those for which the individual proposes to volunteer.” E5 Support Services can handle Department of Labor issues that agencies encounter, and they also deal with personnel matters to ensure quick resolution to issues that invariably arise. Wildermuth and his staff of certified paramedics, and EMTs are accredited as instructors and coordinators to provide paramedic and EMT training. Among the other services offered by E5 is a thorough interview, evaluation, and background check process to ensure that an agency has the best and most qualified staff. In addition, E5 teaches all paid staff the necessary OSHA requirements, and they invite volunteer staff to train at no additional charge. If you are interested in learning more about how E5 Support Services can help your agency, visit their website at www. E5SupportServices.com or call Wildermuth at 361-0218. He can also be reached at dougwildermuth@e5supportservices.com. BY MAUREEN WERTHER At a time when the cost of a college education is rising at the rate of eight to ten percent each year and the economy is still struggling, there is help available for students and families. College Assistance Plus began in the suburbs outside of Rochester about seven years ago. The company’s founders were retired senior executives who saw a need to help families navigate the college selection and financial aid process. To date, they have helped over 3,000 students and families find the right college at the right cost. In the process, the families have saved millions of dollars. Dan Gorney, a longtime resident of Queensbury, became involved with College Assistance Plus in February 2012 after a 25 year career in the financial services industry. Having learned of CAP during his time as an executive for Met Life, he decided that he would like to help the company expand across New York State. Gorney put four of his own children through college and he understands full well how daunting it can be to find the right fit for the student – academically, culturally, and geographically – while also matching that fit to the parents’ wallets. As he notes, “I’ve already made many of the mistakes that I’m hoping to help others avoid.” He points out that, these days, the average student remains in college between five and five and a half years. Thirty three percent extend their stay as a result of transferring or changing their majors. Less than forty percent of students actually graduate in four years. “These are factual statistics,” says Gorney, “which many families do not know.” Gorney goes on to explain exactly how College Assistance Plus works. It operates as a one-time fee-based program that families can enroll in as early as the student’s sophomore year in high school, continuing through their senior year in college. Other programs help the families and students all the way through graduate school, provided the student remain in the same undergraduate program and main- tain a B average. Beginning in high school, CAP will work with the student and family to research and narrow down college choices to fit their combined academic and financial capabilities. CAP services include helping families find loans, scholarships, and other financial tools that will save them money. Gorney provides a few examples. “We just had a local family whose daughter applied and was accepted early decision to a Rochester college and was also given a small merit scholarship. Because of CAPS’s extensive knowledge of the system, we were able to get the family an additional $3,000 for each of the next four years!” The initial CAP expenditure of $2,500 netted the family a return on investment of $12,500. Gorney goes on to explain that saving money on education is a yearly process. Families and students must file the Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) report each and every year the student is enrolled. “CAP’s job is to make sure the family gets the most money that they deserve, based on the cost of the school and the family’s financial position.” He continues to say, “More than fifty percent of FAFSA submissions contain errors that cost the family money; they often fail to read the fine print, or they don’t always understand what assets need to be included or could be repositioned within the FAFSA report to obtain the best financial result.” Very often, CAP has been able to help families who didn’t think they would even qualify for financial help. “We help families at all income levels,” remarks Gorney, “from $40K up to $250K, and our focus is primarily on private four-year colleges like Siena, RIT, and Lemoyne, to name a few.” Gorney intends to hold a series of 45-minute educational workshops across the region throughout the fall, where families can attend and learn more about the services that he and CAP offer. For more information about the upcoming workshops, visit their website at www.collegeassistanceplus.com or contact Dan Gorney at (518) 307-6136. Glens Falls National Bank & trust Earns 5-Star Rating By Leading Ratings Agency Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. was recently recognized as a 5-star Superior bank by the nation’s leading bank rating and research firm, BauerFinancial, Inc. Glens Falls National has earned this designation for the past 22 consecutive quarters. The 5-star rating, awarded in September, indicates Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. is one of the strongest banks in the nation. To earn 5 Stars, banks must excel Correction In last month’s Glens Falls Business Journal, we incorrectly spelled the name of Avon Scherff of the Scherff Insurance Agency. Her name is spelled Scherff and the proper telephone number to reach her is (518) 688-3010. We regret the error. www.tech-ii.com Tech II offers a wide range of video security products designed to meet the security needs of any business. Easy to use Hybrid integration Designed to fit any budget User friendly operation. Call for your free estimate today! “Taking Your Business to The Cloud” IT Services • Telephony • Cloud Computing • Cabling Infrastructure Serving the Glens Falls Region for Over 25 Years Glens Falls 798-3388 Saratoga 587-1565 in areas of capital quality, asset quality and profitability, according to the research firm. “The 5-Star rating tells customers that Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. is deserving of their trust and respect,” said Karen L. Dorway, president of BauerFinancial. Established in 1851, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. currently operates 29 offices in five counties. More information can be found online at gfnational.com. Based in Coral Gables, Florida, BauerFinancial has been reporting on and analyzing the performance of U.S. banks and credit unions since 1983. No institution pays BauerFinancial to rate it, nor can any choose to be excluded. Consumers may obtain free starratings by visiting bauerfinancial.com. GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 3 • Business Report Now You Can Get Fit At Home On Your Own Schedule With Travel 2U Fitness Training • An Early Look At The Possible 2013 Tax Rate Increases By Susan Drislane, CPA Teal, Becker & Chiaramonte, CPAs There are several tax cuts set to expire at the end of this year. All of which could impact the economy and your wallet. As most people know, many of current temporary tax provisions were originally passed back in 2001 and 2003 under President Bush (via the “Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001” and the “Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003”). These favorable tax rates were previously set to increase at the end of 2010 but were ultimately extended for two years as part of the “Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act.” That extension brought us to the current tax year, but here we are in the last quarter of 2012 and many people are wondering what is on the horizon. As such, tax advisors have been busy answering questions such as “What tax issues are at stake, and when do they expire?” and “What is the effect of inaction? What is the outlook?” and of course the biggest concern, “How do I plan?” While there aren’t answers for all of these questions right now, you should know that the following tax rates will automatically increase unless extended by Congress: So-called “Bush” income tax rates Capital gains rates Qualifying dividend rates Estate and gift tax rates and exclusions In addition, there are several other tax policies set to expire or take effect in 2013. Those include: American Opportunity Tax Credit expires Child Tax Credit reduced from $1,000 to $500 per child Reduction in marriage penalty expires Alternative Minimum Tax patch expired in 2011 Estate tax increase Capital expenditure incentives reduced New health care taxes take effect Other items of short duration, known in tax parlance as “extenders” While we wait to hear the final results for the 2013 tax rates, it’s always good to have as much information on hand as possible because being ready for any possible tax changes early can save you the headache of dealing with it later. Marshall & Sterling Insurance, One Of Nation’s Largest, Opens Glens Falls Office BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL Marshall & Sterling Insurance has opened its 15th and northernmost office at 217 Dix Avenue in Glens Falls, according to Jeanne Maloy, vice president. With roots dating back to 1864, Marshall & Sterling is one of the largest independent insurance agencies in the nation. “The North Country has experienced tremendous growth and we are pleased to have a presence here,” said Maloy, who oversees the offices at Glenville, Syracuse, Hoosick Falls and, as of October 8th, Glens Falls. The account executive in charge of the new office is Marianne McCullouch, Maloy said. McCullouch will be joined by a personal lines customer service representative, yet to be hired, and commercial lines account executives who split time between the Glenville and Glens Falls offices. “Even though Marshall & Sterling is a large company, we want to be involved in the communities where our customers live and work”, said Maloy. “This grass roots commitment is an important ingredient in our continued success.” Maloy and McCullouch are already very involved in the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce, and are keeping their eyes on local community and non-profit organizations in Warren and Washington Counties for opportunities to lend assistance, Maloy said. “The Glenville office has been very involved with the Schenectady County Chamber as well as several non-profits and community associations,” Maloy said. “The new office will strive for the same level of support to organizations in the greater Glens Falls area.” An employee-owned company, Marshall & Sterling offers affordable auto, home, business and group benefits insurance. The company has preferred relationships with leading insurance carriers, providing clients with a broad array of competitive choices, according to Maloy. The company specializes in retail and wholesale businesses, as well as service industries, public entities, schools, the hospitality industry, manufacturers, professional, directors’ and officers’ liability, health care, construction, specialty risks, workers’ compensation and surety. Marshall & Sterling Insurance has been recognized by IIABA (Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America) as one of the top “Best Practice Agencies” in the United States and a “Top 10 Best Practice Agency” in New York State. Take a tour of Marshall & Sterling Insurance at www.marshallsterling.com/glensfalls and learn more about coverage and options for businesses and individuals. Want to get fit, but just can’t get to the gym? Jennifer Benson will come to you with a personalized fitness program in your own home. BY BARBARA BREWER LA MERE Jennifer Benson, owner of Travel 2 U Fitness, has been playing sports (soccer, softball, and track) and working out all of her life. When she found that her career in medical device sales just wasn’t leaving her enough time to spend with her boys, she decided to quit and pursue personal trainer certification through the National Academy of Sports. She became certified in February of 2012 and took some time to spend with her sons, practice being a personal trainer to her friends and do some market research on providing in-home personal training services. She learned that Moms like herself with small children welcome the opportunity to learn proper exercise techniques and get fit and looking toned without having to hire a sitter or load the kids into the car. Retired women and others who may be selfconscious about working out in a gym with other people watching are glad to be able to learn fitness techniques in the comfortable learning environment of their own homes. Benson studied nutrition as part of her certification training and she includes information about nutrition, including healthy recipes and articles from fitness and women’s health magazines, as part of her training visits. She may also bring Courtesy Of Travel 2 U Fitness along articles that explain the reasons behind which exercises are included and how they’re done so that a client can understand, “Why you’re doing what you’re doing.” Particular exercises included in a workout depend on the needs and desires of the individual on a case-by-case basis. Initial sessions tend to focus on stabilization and balance, and increasing core strength. Benson offers schedules to accommodate her clients. Some clients opt for two- or threedays-a -week schedules with hour- long sessions. Half-hour sessions are another option. Benson’s availability is primarily from 9am to 2pm weekdays. She is also now offering times between 6pm and 8pm on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. Benson is currently working toward certification as a group fitness instructor. She would like to provide local businesses with opportunities to offer their employees fitness programs that fit into the workday. This could include exercises that people can do at their desks and nutrition information to help keep them healthy employees. She’d also like to teach working Moms about exercises that they can do with their children when they get home. Says Benson, “It’s fun! Travel 2 U Fitness, based out of Benson’s home in Gansevoort, can be reached at 588-0167. Queensbury Dentist Continued From Page 1 President Jeffrey M Cole. “There are more than 169,000 general dentists in the United States and Canada and less than 2 percent of those are masters with the AGD. It’s a remarkable accomplishment for Dr. Burkich.” Burkich graduated from New York Univer- sity College of Dentistry in 1984 and currently practices dentistry in Queensbury. Burkich is a member of the American Dental Association, New York State Dental Association, Upper Hudson Dental Society, and American Association of Women Dentists. 4 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OctOBER 2012 NEXT ISSUE SPECIAL SECTION November Wellness Year-End Tax / Financial Planning Holiday Gift Guide Publication Date: November 12, 2012 Siena Research Poll Indicates consumer Sentiment At 5-Year High For September The New York State Index of Consumer Sentiment increased 4.3 points in September, while the nation’s Index increased 4 points, according to the latest poll by the Siena (College) Research Institute. At 78.2, New York’s overall Index of Consumer Sentiment is 0.1 points below the nation’s Index of 78.3, the group reported. In September, buying plans were up for cars/trucks, 2.1 points to 13.1 and furniture, 3.0 points to 22.8 percent. Buying plans were down for computers, 1.6 points to 16 percent, homes, 0.2 points to 3.5 percent and major home improvements, 1.2 to 14 percent . “Our Index of Consumer Sentiment reached a five-year high this month and rests encouragingly two points above the all-important breakeven mark,” according to Dr. Doug Lonnstrom, professor of statistics and finance at Siena College and SRI Founding Director. “Nationally, future sentiment increased by over eight points while in New York consumers’ expectations rose by almost six and reached the highest level we’ve seen since March 2007. “Today a five-point plurality of New Yorkers expect business conditions to improve over the coming year and twice as many residents think their personal situation will improve as anticipate declines. This is the most optimistic overall numbers we’ve seen in recent years.” Each month since January 1999, the SRI survey establishes an Index for Consumer Sentiment for New York State consumers. This index allows a direct comparison of New Yorkers to all Americans as surveyed by the University of Michigan’s Index of Consumer Sentiment. The SRI survey measures current and future consumer sentiment, which combined provides the overall consumer sentiment. SRI also looks at confidence in New York state by region (metro New York City and Upstate), age, income, gender and party. “Buying plans are up for cars and trucks, and furniture. Furniture plans reached a five-year high while those for cars are just under that mark. More importantly, the rate at which consumers say they will acquire both items has hit the average intent to buy rate of five to six years ago, that until now bygone pre-recession era. Nearly half of state residents say it’s a good time to buy things for their homes and a growing number appear ready to heed their own advice, according to the report. “Concern over the impact gas and food prices are having on their budgets remains high across the state at over 60 percent for each. Overall gasoline worries have leveled but are more likely to effect Republicans, Upstaters and lower income residents. Food concerns, while high amidst the bacon scare, remain lower than they were at this point a year ago,” according to Dr. Lonnstrom. The report said 61 of all New Yorkers say that current gasoline prices are having a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their financial condition. Sixty-five percent of state residents indicate that the amount of money they spend on groceries is having either a very serious or somewhat serious impact on their finances. Forty-nine percent of state residents say that both gasoline and food prices are having either a somewhat or very serious impact on their finances. The SRI Index of Consumer Sentiment was conducted in September 2012 by random telephone calls to 800 New York State residents over the age of 18. As consumer sentiment is expressed as an index number developed after statistical calculations to a series of questions, “margin of error” does not apply. Buying plans, which are shown as a percentage based on answers to specific questions, do have a margin of error of + 3.5 points, according to Lonnstrom. Kidz World Daycare Continued From Page 1 December Non Profits Retirement Planning Holiday Gift Guide Publication Date: December 10, 2012 Call Today To Reserve Space (518) 581-0600 Fax: (518) 430-3020 It’s a Kidz World’s goal is to offer hope and stability to children and families, while also providing high quality childcare and preschool services in the Glens Falls area. It’s a Kidz World currently offers daycare and preschool services for children from infancy to 12 years of age. Owners Tom and Audrey O’Neill are longtime supporters of both the Wood Theatre and ice hockey at the Civic Center. Several years ago they helped build the stage of the theatre and they continue to support the Civic Center, despite the various changes in teams. Being avid sailors, The O’Neills enjoy spending time at area lakes. The O’Neills are also the owners of Union Square Properties, LLC in Glens Falls, NY. Union Square is a former textile mill, located in the heart of downtown Glens Falls, which has been redeveloped into a hub of commerce that houses everything from a spa and a café, to a renowned marketing firm and physical therapist. Union Square is also the current home of It’s a Kidz World. “Hard work, a strong focus on due diligence and a willingness to face challenges are traits we have always fostered, personally and professionally, and those traits have proven, consistently, to be a model for success,” says Tom. The O’Neills believe that the keys to success in any business are to take care of your customers first and to work hard every day to do that. “There are no easy pathways to success, and it requires hard work and ongoing focus. However, building and growing a strong business that supports the community is very rewarding,” says Tom. O’Neills say that at It’s a Kidz World, each day presents new challenges. Working to create a quality product that serves the community, it’s important to maintain a constant focus on how they can better serve parents’ and families’ changing needs. It’s a Kidz World has recently joined the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. They are located at 24 Pine Street, Glens Falls. For more information, call 798-8820, email dawn@itsakidzworldgf.com, or visit their website at www.itsakidzworldgf.com. GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • OctOBER 2012 • 5 New ARcc Leadership Adirondack class Platinum transportation Group Limo & Bus Grows By Five Participants For 23rd Year Service Formed From Merger Of Local Firms The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) announced its Leadership Adirondack class for 2012-2013. Leadership Adirondack is a longstanding program of the Chamber, now in its 23rd year. Due to the past success of the program, the Leadership Advisory Council approved the addition of five more participants. This year’s class spans the gambit of businesses in the region from large manufacturing companies to nonprofits, tourism, and educational sectors. “We are very pleased with the number and diversity in this year’s class,” said Peter Aust, ARCC president/CEO. This year’s class met each other and past alumni on Sept. 19 at a get-acquainted event hosted by the Chamber. The program will end with a graduation celebration on Feb. 21. A list of participants and companies represented in the 2012-2013 class includes: • Adirondack Trust Company - Marc Yrsha • Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Southern Adirondacks, Inc. - Susan Jones • C.R Bard - Ryan Davidson •Fort Hudson Health System, Inc. Nasar Islam • Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center - Rhonda Sullivan •Glens Falls Hospital Foundation Karen Rappleyea •Glens Falls National - Bank & Trust Co. -Josh Engel • Great Escape Theme Park LLC - Andrew Meader , Eric Rentz • Irving Tissue - Fred Baxstrome • Keena - Josh Coons • NBT Bank - Misty Gauthier, Kathy Donnelly • Parks Heritage Federal Credit Union - Lynette Matt • Sagamore Resort - Lori Rehm • Southern Adirondack Tobacco-Free Coalition - Pam Fisher • SUNY Adirondack – Rachael Hunsinger-Patten • TD Bank - Kerri Healy • Tribune Media Services - Jennifer Casolaro, Kevin Driscoll • Tri-County United Way - Meredith Hastings • Umicore Technical Materials N.A. Inc. - Jalane Lord Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce - Morag Rosa In addition to a two-day leadership/ management session, class members will attend the eight sessions on the topics of agriculture; arts, history and tourism; corporate citizen/board of director ; education/work force development; health care system; economic engines ; communications and marketing; and government and legal systems Participants will also learn how nonprofit organizations help make a stronger community, officials said, where participants will gain a better understanding of the needs and challenges these organizations face. Each participant is required to attend a board of directors meeting of a local non-profit organization and report on it during the session on board of directors responsibilities. Participants will individually perform a “day of caring” for a non-profit group, as well as complete a meaningful project as a group. Graduates of the program agree to continue to strengthen their community involvement once the program is completed. Chamber officials said they are excited to start this year’s program. Each year the class brings a wide range of talent together to make a difference in the community. For more information on how a company can be part of the Leadership Adirondack 2013-2014 class, contact the Chamber at 798-1761. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce is a not-for-profit, member-based business organization. It is an advocate for the economic success of its 1,000 member businesses, representing in excess of 23,000 people predominantly in Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties. Its website is www.adirondackchamber.org. Downtown charm Continued From Page 1 BARBARA BREWER LA MERE Chris Cook and Bill Deuell concluded a deal earlier this month creating a merger of Pristine Limousines, the business that Cook had operated for six years, with Platinum Transportation Group. The business will be known under the name of Platinum Transportation Group, but not affiliated with other national or regional transportation groups bearing the name Platinum, they said. Cook started out working for a friend’s limousine company, decided it was fun, and decided to make it a full-time job. Deuell has been in the transportation business since his retirement after many years at Finch Paper. He has business experience from working with his wife’s business, Adirondack Quilting, located in The Shirt Factory on Cooper Street in Glens Falls. Platinum Transportation’s fleet includes four limousines, two Cadillac De Villes, two GMC Yukon SUVs, and a party bus. The Cadillacs and the Yukons serve the purposes of transportation to airports, medical appointments, or other situations where a limo might be a little more than what’s required, but an upgrade from what many taxi companies have to offer. Golf outings to Saratoga National or the Highland have proven popular events for which Cook’s and Deuell’s transportation services have been requested, they said. The spacious and comfortable party bus allows up to 22 people to be transported safely to and from parties, sporting events, casinos, and bachelor/ bachelorette parties. It features stereo sound, DVD players, laser lights, hardwood floors, and a roomier, walk-in ride. It’s another option for Continued On Page 6 FLOOR MAT SERVICE NORTHCOUNTRY JANITORIAL,INC. Est. 1974 By The Montesi Family A third sister is the designer of Nick’s Knacks Jewelry, a customer favorite offered in the shoppe. The store also features handbags, kitchen items, unique children’s merchandise, and wooden decorative signs, to name a few. Ducey reported the store is always on the lookout for new merchandise and proudly showcases products such as lotions, soaps, and Barkeater Chocolates from local artisans. Recently, the store featured another local favorite: hometown hero Jimmer Fredette. On September 19th, Downtown Charm hosted a book signing of “The Contract” by Pat Forde. The book chronicles Fredette’s journey from Glens Falls to his professional basketball career with the Sacramento Kings. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce recommended Downtown Charm as a retailer for the book after being contacted by Fredette’s representatives. Fans had the opportunity to meet Fredette and his wife, Whitney, at the event, which took place at the Glens Falls Civic Center. Ducey reported the store carried 250 signed copies, and has since sold out. “We were thrilled,” stated Ducey. “And the event brought a lot of new traffic to our store.” Downtown Charm has also partnered with Muddy Boots Décor, designers of re-purposed and refinished furniture pieces. The two stores initially began as separate neighboring retail spaces, but soon discovered they complemented each other. The partnership is leading to new endeavors. “Starting November 2012, our store will be the exclusive retailer of Maison Blanche La Craie Paint in Warren, Washington, and Rutland counties.” Based out of Dallas, the company offers specially formulated paint for furniture, cabinetry, and trim. It can also be used to top off any existing furniture finish, without the need for stripping, sanding, or priming. Ducey reported the paint is unlike anything she has ever seen before, and she is excited to share her discovery with the Glens Falls region. The store’s website features a “31 Days to Maison Blanche La Craie Paint” blog discussing project ideas and before and after pictures of refinished furniture. Starting early 2013, Downtown Charm plans to host a series of classes in which customers can bring in old pieces of furniture they are looking to transform. Participants will have access to all paints, waxes, and tools during the class, and “will have the chance to make something unique and beautiful.” As the store approaches its first anniversary, Downtown Charm will be open during Stewfest on October 20th, the “Boo 2 U! Trick or Treat” event on October 27th, and Hometown Holidays from November 30th until December 1st. All events take place in downtown Glens Falls. Ducey credits The Downtown Glens Falls Business Improvement District (BID) for creating events that attract families to Glens Falls’ stores and eateries. “We love that downtown supports one another,” stated Ducey. For more information about Downtown Charm, call 636-3136, or visit downtowncharmgf.com. The store is also on facebook at www.facebook.com/downtowncharm, and on twitter @DowntownCharm. 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It may have been the economy that first impelled Kelly to change emphasis from new houses to retrofits. Whatever the motivation, the company he owns, Kelly Homes and Electric out of Queensbury, is now helping a growing market of seniors who want to stay in their homes live more comfortably and safely. “What’s new about our business is our focus on bathroom renovations for the aging population and the handicapped,” said Kelly. Most new homes are now built with 36inch doorways to accommodate wheelchairs and at least one walk-in shower. Older include a pedestal sink that a wheelchair can fit under, a higher-sitting toilet, and high-end faucet levers that are easier to use than knobs. Some homeowners on constant oxygen worry about what they would do if there were a power outage for a protracted period of time. For these, or for that matter any family that wants peace of mind, Kelly is offering affordable back-up generation. “We can supply an outlet to a panel that controls up to six circuits for the heat, refrigerator and lighting,” said Kelly. “This is a 4,500-watt portable unit with an electric start battery for only $1,500, fully installed.” The generator runs for eight hours on four gallons of gasoline. At the current price per gallon, that’s about 16 dollars for peace of mind. The capacity of this unit is such that an average family in the average-sized home can be comfortable – and they won’t have to forego their electronics while power is being restored, Kelly said. Another focus for Kelly Home and Electric’s recent rebranding is retrofitting commercial spaces with high-efficiency lighting. National Grid offers different programs from time to time that provide incentives to office building owners who want to go green and convert to Energy Star products, he said. “The higher efficiency lighting can save 75 percent on electricity costs,” he said. “We perform an energy audit on the space, change out the ballasts and install the new CFL fluorescent bulbs.” The rebate programs can be so generous that the retrofit practically pays for itself, especially if the client chooses to install LED bulbs. These are the most expensive but also save the most energy, and there is no hazard because LED products contain no trace of mercury. For the past 15 years Kelly Homes and Electric has renovated many HUD homes in Glens Falls, Hudson Falls and Argyle as part of their community development efforts. Work performed includes roofing, siding and window replacement. The company is EPA-approved to remove or encapsulate lead paint if found in older buildings. S o m e o f K e l l y ’s p r o j e c t s i n c l u d e Summit Heights housing development in Schenectady; Solomon Heights in Queensbury; and La Rose Gardens apartment complex in Glens Falls. Kelly also provides commercial building property maintenance. Learn more at www.kellyhomesandelectric.com or contact Steve Kelly directly at 793-3022. Courtesy Of Kelly Homes & Electric homes provide more challenges for seniors, which is why Kelly said he is specializing in affordable renovations that enable homeowners to better navigate the houses they raised their families in or retired to. The largest expense might ordinarily be the bathtub replacement, Kelly said. But there is no need to remove it altogether. For as little as $800, Kelly can install the Safeway Safe Tub, which converts an existing tub with a leak-proof door. The bathtub can still function as such, or be used as a shower. “No more stepping over the side of the tub,” he said. “There is a moveable seat we add to the tub area, plus handrails and fixtures designed with an older or handicapped person’s limitations in mind.” The bathroom build-out might also GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL C.T. Male Associates, Engineering, Adds 7th Land Surveying Office In Mechanicsburg, PA C.T. Male Associates Engineering, Surveying, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, which has offices in Glens Falls, is continuing to expand its operations and has opened an office in Mechanicsburg, Pa. “Demand for our firm’s expertise in surveying services has led to this strategic decision” said Ed Garrigan, vice president of the firm’s land services division. “We are providing a variety of services to firms in Pennsylvania. Our new office in Mechanicsburg will provide us a central location to conduct business, reinforce our commitment to clients and deliver high-quality services in a timely manner to meet project deadlines.” C.T. Male is a full service consulting firm offering architecture and building systems engineering, civil engineering, energy services, environmental services, survey and land information services. The firm’s headquarters is located in Latham, with branch offices in Glens Falls, Highland, Johnstown, Red Hook and Syracuse in New York state, in addition to the new branch in Mechanicsburg. McPhillips Insurance Agency Opens Lake Luzerne Office In Glens Falls Nat’l. Bank 2000 Business Of The Year Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce P.O. Box 766 • Saratoga Springs, New York 12866 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Editorial: PeterM@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com Publisher Harry Weinhagen Editor Peter Miller Editor Emeritus Rod Bacon Sales and Customer Service Harry Weinhagen Peg Bacon Production Manager Samantha Bacon-Racine Contributing Writers Lisa Balschunat Raymond Brown Susan Campbell Pamela Fisher Ann Hauprich Barbara Brewer LaMere Jill Nagy Katie Navarra Eva Weaver Maureen Werther Glens Falls Business Journal is published monthly, the second week of each month, by Weinhagen Associates, LLC and mailed to business and professional people in Warren and Washington counties. Glens Falls Business Journal is independently owned and is a registered tradename of Weinhagen Associates, LLC, P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, New York l2866 (518) 581-0600. Glens Falls Business Journal is a registered tradename in New York. Glens Falls Business Journal has been founded to promote business in Warren and Washington counties and to provide a forum that will increase the awareness of issues and activities that are of interest to the business community. Subscription price is $25.00 per year. Third class postage paid at Glens Falls, New York. Rights to editorial content and layouts of advertising placed with Glens Falls Business Journal which are the creative effort of its contractors, and printing materials supplied by Glens Falls Business Journal are the property of Glens Falls Business Journal and may not be reproduced by photographic or similar methods, or otherwise, without the specific authorization of Glens Falls Business Journal. McPhillips Insurance Agency has opened a new office – its fifth in the region – inside Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co.’s Lake Luzerne branch. The expansion marks McPhillips’ return to Lake Luzerne, where it operated for a decade until consolidating its Lake Luzerne and Warrensburg operations in 2009, company officials said. The new site is staffed by lifelong Lake Luzerne resident Annemarie Powers, who will provide the same customer service and property and casualty insurance products available at McPhillips’ other locations. Agency President Paul McPhillips indicated that space inside the Glens Falls National branch not only allows McPhillips Insurance to more directly serve its existing clients, but also provides bank customers convenient access to insurance services. “It’s nice to have a footprint in the community with an office where people can stop in if they have a question,” McPhillips said. “It is great to be back to Luzerne, great for Annmarie to be back in her hometown, and great to join with the bank.” Hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. The office is located at 15 Main Street. For more information, call 696-2000. McPhillips Insurance Agency is a division of Glens Falls National Insurance Agencies, LLC, which is a subsidiary of Glens Falls National Bank. McPhillips has offices in Glens Falls, Schroon Lake, Warrensburg, Greenwich and now Lake Luzerne. Platinum Transportation Continued From Page 5 wedding party transportation with lots of space to accommodate dresses and flowers, etc., all in one vehicle. Cook recommends making reservations as much as five to six months in advance for major events like weddings or large events for which many people will be seeking transportation. For smaller special events, reservations a couple of weeks in advance should ensure availability of transportation. Platinum also offers an alternate number on its answering machine, which can be called in the event of an urgent need for transportation. For example, if someone’s boss says an out-of-town meeting has been rescheduled for two hours sooner and an earlier flight is necessary, requiring an earlier ride to the airport. That number will send an e-mail to Cook’s and Deuell’s phones. Deuell is owner of the newly configured company. Cook is its manager. Platinum Transportation Group is located at 206 Glen St., Glens Falls. They can be reached at 743-1710. The address of a website currently under construction will be platinumtransportationgroup.com. Correction In last month’s Glens Falls Business Journal, we incorrectly reported the name of Lt. Col. John “Jack” Swift as John “Jack” Smith in the article about Freddie Senser-Lee’s Botanicals Blossoming on the Bikeway. We regret the error. GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 7 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL SPECIAL SECTION Entrepreneurial Women One Business Just Wasn’t Enough; So This Entrepreneurial Woman Launched Another Joan Durett, seated, and the staff that makes her business successful: (l to r): Melissa Durett Clapper, Vanessa Stangle, Ashley Sawyer, Christine Paddock, and Cindy Jenks. BY EVA WEAVER Sometimes, adversity really pays off. After losing her job as a bank payroll manager due to a merger, Joan Durett had difficulty finding a new job. So she started her own company from the basement of her home. Durett Business Management Corporation, now located at 182 Ridge Street in Glens Falls, is a local payroll company serving approximately 210 local businesses in the Warren, Washington, Saratoga, Essex, & Clinton Counties of New York. Striving to offer one-on-one personal assistance with payroll and bookkeeping needs, Durett Business Management Corporation offers payroll processing, including paychecks, direct deposit, payroll deductions, tax filing, quarterly reports, year-end reports with W-2s, and more. They also offer Health, Dental, Supplemental, Workers’ Compensation, and Disability & Liability Insurances through payroll deduction or pay on your own. Joan and her team offer QuickBooks training to help companies manage their paperwork and “in our office” audits. They also highly recommend using their tax filing service to ensure that payroll taxes are processed in an accurate and timely manner. In addition to owning Durett Business Management, which employees 9 people, Joan purchased a small pub 4 years ago. Next Door Pub is located on Hudson Avenue and offers “great pizza and a friendly atmosphere” and employees 4 people. Joan is a wife of 46 years, a mother to three children, a grandmother of 12 children and the great grandmother of 5 children. “My family and the great blessing of owning and operating two successful businesses are my proudest accomplishments,” says Joan. In her spare time, Joan enjoys family, walking, volunteering and traveling. Joan also has been a Big Sister to a young man named Porter for the past 7 years. She is a board member on Family Services of Glens Falls, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, parish council Member at St. Mary’s Church, an ambassador for the Adirondack Chamber of Commerce, a mentor at Harrison Avenue School and has also served on the board for Kiwanis and the United Way. Joan’s keys to success are to work hard, have dedication to your mission and to surround yourself with a wonderful team of people, and she offers this advice to women who are trying to start their own business: “Go for it! But be prepared for a great deal of dedicated time to make it work. Never think that it will not work.” Contact Joan Durett and Durett Business Management Corporation at 182 Ridge Street, Glens Falls by phone at 793-7236, via email at durbus@durett.com or visit their website at www.durett.com. Recovery Sports Grill Opened In Malta In September And In Glens Falls In October BY BARBARA BREWER LA MERE The Recovery Sports Grill chain is expanding rapidly. Its parent company, BBL Hospitality launched the chain six years ago at a location across from Albany Medical Center dubbed “The Recovery Room.” The Sports Grill tag came with expansion toward the 12 locations that will comprise the Recovery zone by January 2013 (including three out-of-state in Virginia, West Virginia and New Jersey). Local area Recovery Sports Grills include locations in Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Colonie, Troy, and Malta. There is also a location in Verona, NY. A Queensbury location, set to open on Upper Glen Street on October 23 will be one of the chain’s largest, with plans to include a game room. A Guilderland location in the former 20 Mall will open shortly thereafter. The most recently opened Recovery Sports Grill, opened in September, is located in Malta at 2537 Route 9, next to Ellsworth Commons. General Manager and ”Head Coach” of the Malta site, Mike Derway describes Recovery as a full-service, sports-themed, family-friendly restaurant with a menu he defines as “upscale, casual American fare.” With 30 TVs in the house, Derway assures sports fans, “If something is televised, they would be able to watch it.” This includes events featuring local high school, college, and professional teams. Tammy Wilcox will be the manager at the new Queensbury location. Mike Derway joined the Recovery team two years ago, coming with credentials from several years at O’Toole’s in Queensbury and having opened Johnny Rocket’s, across from The Great Escape in 2008. The Recovery menu describes its restaurant as “a sports bar and way more.” Chicken, burgers, and wings served have never been frozen. Beyond the typical Hot, Medium, and Mild options for wing sauces, there are Cajun, Thai Chili, and Margarita choices. Asked for the customer favorite, Derway was quick to respond, “The wings – definitely the wings . . . and the chicken tenders.” Turkey breast and ribs are roasted in-house daily. Artisan rolls are baked fresh specifically for Recovery. House-made soups, stew, and chili are available. Burgers, including sliders, are available with a variety of toppings, as are turkey and veggie burgers. There is a great assortment of meal salads including Ahi Tuna, Empire Steak, and Turkey Cobb among others, as well as a variety of sandwiches. Strip steak, grilled salmon, fish & chips, and chicken and steak alfredo entrees are available. Beverages, including over 50 beers, specialize in New York State brews. There is a $2.99 children’s menu, and takeout is available. Recovery is proud to serve the community with a variety of sponsorships and its Dining to Donate program. Any group can pick a night on which individuals presenting a Dining to Donate card can have 15% of their meal cost donated to the group’s charitable cause. Check out Recovery Sports Grill’s website at www.recoverysportsgrill.com. Susan Stone, Owner North Country Coffee Café Reads GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL 8 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 SPECIAL SECTION GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL Office / Technology • Business Report The “Cloud:” The great business equalizer! BY MARK SHAW We have all seen the Microsoft commercial where the mom cannot get her kids to sit still for a photo and she says “to the cloud” suddenly the picture is perfect. Everyone is well behaved and all smiles for the camera. Grandma and Grandpa love the family photo and everyone is happy. I don’t know about you, but even as a technology geek, I had no idea what this was telling me. Does the cloud make kids behave? Does it fix my photos? What in the world is Microsoft trying to say. This is not how I understand the cloud to work and it did not show any real business value. I was lost at what concept it was trying to display. It did do one thing; it put the term cloud in the everyday vernacular for millions of people. But what is it? What is this “cloud” thing and how does it help me the small business owner? Is it secure? Can I put everything I have in the cloud? Just bottom line it for me, do I need it or not? These are questions we hear every day from many of our new and some of our long term clients who are just starting to take notice of this technology. Clients are wondering when they buy their next upgrade of hardware and software, how it will come in to play and will it impact them? In essence, the cloud is letting businesses of all sizes and all geographies leverage technology that was once only available to large multi-national organizations. For example, this means the high powered Microsoft Exchange email system which was once limited to large companies with a technology department, is available directly from Microsoft for a fraction of the price, no IT skills needed, and can be licensed in a set as small as one user. This is really a game changer for us small business owners! It means finally all our calendars, our emails and our contacts can be • Mark Shaw, StoredTech Courtesy Of Stored Tech seen from any device anywhere. Ever wanted to have the calendar on your smartphone be in sync with the one on your desktop? “To the Cloud!” Have you been in a hotel center and wanted to read your emails and grab a client’s information to call them about a meeting? “To the Cloud!” Have you ever needed to connect with your employees and get their input on a project while meeting with that big client? “To the Cloud!” Finally the technology is starting to work like people do, not the old way of feeling like we are working for the machines. We are able to break free from the desk and enjoy a drink on the beach with all the tools we need to do business from anywhere at any time. Thank you, cloud. This same cloud technology is being used by Microsoft, Amazon and thousands of other players in the technology arena. These proContinued On Page 11 • Business Report • How Can A Managed Print Solution Help Your Business? BY RICK GALLUP What are some of the most expensive items you use every day in support of your business? Bottled water or coffee for your office? What about gas and oil? While these items are not cheap, the cost to your organization is relatively low compared to printer ink. At over $30 per ounce, printer ink is one of the most expensive liquids on the planet. Do you have a strategy to manage such a valuable resource? Industry analysts estimate that choosing the right managed print Solution can reduce print cost by up to 30 percent. At the same time, a managed print Solution will free up valuable time for your staff. There is no need to manage multiple vendors, purchase orders and printer supplies inventory. By allowing your service provider to handle printer problems, you are able to focus running your business. In a typical “unmanaged” environment, a printer is selected by examining the specifications, the price, and that is about it. The cost of operation is usually unknown. It is very possible that saving just a small amount of money on the purchase price of the printer, will cost several times that amount in supplies over the life of the device. When purchasing a car, there is a big sticker in the window that tells you the gas mileage. If only we had the same information when purchasing printers for the office. “Our goal is to eliminate all desktop printers, and send all prints to the large multifunction unit down the hall. We are planning on going paperless soon anyway.” While this statement may work for some organizations, it is not always realistic. The convenience of being able to print something on a piece of paper without making a trip across the office is still an important part of office productivity. A combination of multifunction copiers and desktop printers, that are strategically placed, is usually the best option. This will help you maximize productivity, and minimized print costs. A good managed print solution will accomplish this. How does this work? A good managed print solution uses a combination of software, services and proven best practices. Using software to monitor the printers, the service provider can automatically send supplies to the customer before they run out. This eliminates the need to stock up, or pay overnight shipping charges, when the printer is goes down, and there is no toner in stock. Usually a managed print solution includes break/ fix service. If you don’t have someone in the office experienced in printer repair, there are three options Rick Gallup, Document Solutions of the North Country Courtesy Of Document Solutions Of The North Country when you have a problem. You can change the cartridge (before the machine calls for one) and hope the problem goes away. You can pay someone else to come in and fix the printer. Or, you can throw it away and buy a new one. Now what do you do with the cartridges that have become obsolete? You can see the benefit of a solution that includes repair service. How much does this cost? This is the best news yet. Often times the solution can be implemented at no cost to you. An assessment will help determine the cost and efficiency of each printer in the office. Usually there is no need to replace printers, simply examine volumes and cost. Some printer relocation may be recommended to make sure the printers with the lowest cost of operation, are in areas that generate the most volume. If you would like to update some of the devices, you have data that will help you make an informed decision. “Our company has a sustainability objective.” A managed print solution can help you achieve this goal. A successful office assessment will uncover opportunities to reduce the number of devices and reduce the number of pages printed. By doing this, you are using less paper, less electricity and sending less waste to the landfill. In summary, a managed print solution can help your organization in a number of ways. There are financial, environmental and productivity benefits. Very often these are achieved with little or no upfront costs. For more information, contact Rick Gallup, Document Solutions of the North Country at 792-9101 x302. GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 9 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL SPECIAL SECTION Commercial / Residential Real Estate Listings, Sales, And Volume Trending Up In VanAernem Realty Sees Strong Demand For Glens Falls Commercial Real Estate Market Residential Real Estate In North Country Mark Levack cites several recent large transactions as evidence that the commercial market in the Glens Falls region is picking up. By Jill Nagy It’s not exactly a boom but Glens Falls realtor Mark Levack sees the commercial real estate market “trending positive.” He recently sold properties languishing on the market for years and he has potential tenants competing for storefronts in downtown Glens Falls. Banks are lending again and new businesses are creating new jobs. In Queensbury, a large equipment dealer on Big Boom Road renewed its lease and this time the lease includes an option to buy the property. This was despite the fact that snow plows are a big part of the tenant’s business and there was little demand for snowplows during last year’s almost snowless winter. A 45-lot subdivision plot in South Glens Falls -- ”one of the last remaining undeveloped parcels in the village,” he said -- is under contract and Levack expects that sale to close by the end of the year. After some three years on the market, a 24unit apartment complex in Warrensburg just sold. Similarly, a restaurant building on Route 9 in Queensbury that had been vacant for two years will soon reopen as a smoke shop. Levack said he was “fielding two proposals on a downtown Glens Falls storefront,” when a call came in on another line: another inquiry about that same property. A group of oral maxillofacial surgeons re- cently opened a new office in Glens Falls and hired 15 people to staff the expanded practice. Apparently, the better times are not confined to the North Country. Levack talks with colleagues in Saratoga and “they have informed me that things are busy. The pulse is definitely quickening.” Although there are still bargains to be had, Levack sees most sellers getting their asking price or close to it when they sell. “We sell real estate even in a down market,” he said, “Sellers may not get their price but we make sales.” However, in recent months, there have been more activity, more sales, more interest, and more sellers getting their price, he said. Helping to fuel the uptick is the greater availability of credit. “People want to blame the banks for a lot of the problems in the economy right now but I don’t think that is justified,” he said. For a buyer who has money for a down payment and sufficient income, he finds, “banks are very aggressive and want to lend.” He sees a “very aggressive and very competitive market “ and “amazingly low commercial interest rates.” He said people re able to borrow at less that 4 percent interest. On the whole, he finds, the banks’ business has also picked up. Levack, “a born and bred Glens Falls native,” Continued On Page 12 The residential real estate market is “on the move” according to Tom Van Aernem (standing) and Howard Denison of Van Aernem Realty & Associates of Hudson Falls. BY SUSAN E. CAMPBELL A report from The New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) released September 19th confirmed that the state of real estate in New York is on an upward trajectory in nearly every market segment. “Especially in mid-priced single family homes do we see the market here on the move,” said Tom VanAernem of VanAernem Realty and Associates in Hudson Falls. The New York State housing market sales reached a 26-month high during the month of August, based on sales of single-family homes, condominiums and townhouses, according to NYSAR. Transactions increased eight percent from July and nearly four percent compared to August 2011. The report stated that August is “a typically busy month in the seasonal market,” quoting NYSAR chief executive office Duncan R. MacKenzie. However, other positive signs yearto-date could be found in the steady monthly growth in closed sales (up 6.8 percent) and pending sales (up 15.7 percent), as well as stability in the median sales price ($225,000). In the communities of Washington and Warren Counties where VanAernem lists homes, prices are slightly lower that the median selling price quoted in the report. “The trend here is that three-bedroom houses priced at the $150,000 to $175,000 range are more active,” said VanAernem. “That would equate to a $200,000 home in Saratoga county.” VanAernem believes strongly that buyers are getting good value for their money in the North Country. “People have a tendency to say taxes are higher in Washington County,” he said. “When they buy here, they find taxes are higher for an equivalent home that they would pay 10 or 15 percent more for across the river. So that is the choice a buyer makes.” Said MacKenzie in NYSAR’s state-wide report, “We continue to see the market moving toward a balance between buyers and sellers as inventory declines due to a decrease in new listings and increasing sales.” VanAernem agrees that a depleted inventory, along with low mortgage rates, has contributed to the overall health of the market for existing homes. His firm does not sell much new construction. “There is an axiom that when interest rates are low, material costs for brand new homes are high,” he said. “There is more value for the average buyer in a home that is already built and landscaped and costs 10 or 20 percent less.” With low rates and plenty of mortgage money to go around, there may be no time better to buy real estate, VanAernem said. “A few years ago banks were stretching the Continued On Page 11 10 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 After A Long Period Of Little Or No Growth, Residential Property Sales In Lake George The Pace Has Picked Up In Recent Months Southern Basin Outpacing Northern Areas By Pamela Fisher Throughout the Capital District, a vast amount of office space sits vacant. Still, Robert Sears, a Realtor in Queensbury, is optimistic the market is gaining momentum in the Glens Falls region. Sears is vice president of Prudential Blake Commercial Realtors and has more than 23 years of experience in commercial real estate. “I think we are very lucky in this area,” said Sears. “The down times economically are not as dramatic as they are in many areas of the country. Our growth is on a continued basis.” Richard Ferro, principal broker and manager at Prudential Blake Commercial Realtors, is also optimistic. He reports a substantial upturn in commercial sales over last year and cites regional statistics from the Commercial Industrial Real Estate Brokers that show the first eight months of 2012 is up by 29 percent over the same period in 2011. Even more striking, he said, is that the 2012 level is 6 percent higher than the boom year of 2007. “Length of time on the market is also showing significant improvement,” said Ferro. Sears said the commercial properties that are selling are principally under a stress situation, so they are purchased at a very competitive price, making it a great time to buy. Though many properties remain on the market, Sears is hopeful for the future. “As far as the Glens Falls region goes, the market has been at somewhat of a status quo for the last couple of years. Pace has picked up over the last two months. I’m seeing more people looking at the possibility of expanding in their businesses or buying another building Continued On Page 12 Dan Davies of Davies~Davies & Associates Real Estate says the Lake George southern basin has seen the largest sales increase since the economic downturn. BY MAUREEN WERTHER Known as the “Queen of American Lakes,” Lake George is a favorite destination of people from all over, and it is a fortunate and select few who get the opportunity to realize the dream of home ownership on this natural wonder. Sharon Davies is a 7th generation Lake George native, whose family obtained property through a land grant from King George II. As a person with a comprehensive knowledge of the area and its properties, Sharon decided that it would be exciting to sell real estate. She began by helping secure properties for her friends and entered into a partnership with John Owens thirty years ago. The firm has been a consistently high performer in real estate ever since, with over a billion dollars in sales since 1978. It would seem that real estate runs in the family, as does a vast knowledge of and love for the region. Dan Davies, of Davies ~ Davies & Associates Real Estate LLC, became a partner in the business with his mother immediately after graduating with a degree in Finance in 1989. Dan is also an avid diver and advocate of preserving and safeguarding the cleanliness and integrity of the land and water. Dan has taken over the day to day operations of the firm and agrees that, while business has not yet returned to the levels enjoyed in 2006, the limited supply of properties on Lake George, coupled with its high desirability, are key to keeping property values high. Dan notes that, in addition to the obvious attraction of living on Lake George, “there’s just so much lake front out there, after all. So it’s a supply and demand situation.” Davies’ clientele come from a broad area encompassing the northeast, as well as people from different parts of the country looking for a private spot to escape from the rat race. Dan notes that, typically, the bulk of their clients come from northern New Jersey, Connecticut, and Westchester, as well as Albany and the Capital Region. Areas of the lake that have seen the biggest increase in sales since the economic downturn include the southern basin; that is, the area from Northwest Bay to the end of Pilot Knob. Dan notes that this area has been much more active than the northern basin. Pricewise, the fastest selling listings fall within the $700K to $1.5 million dollar range, and there continues to be a multi-year supply of listings in the $2 million plus range. Davies~Davies & Associates is also a strong player in the secondary markets, including Queensbury, Glen Lake, and other lakes in the region. While movement in these markets is still slower than it had been in 2006, things are beginning to move in a more positive direction and there is improvement. Dan stresses, however, that the jumbo loans Continued On Page 12 Commercial and Residential Services Lockout Services Lock Changes Key Replacements Security Systems Reliable Locksmithing Service for 24 years with a 30 year background in law enforcement. Serving New York and Vermont GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 11 • Business Report The “Cloud” Continued From Page 8 • Benefits Of E-Commerce For Small Businesses BY JENNIFER MANZ Today, consumers are bombarded with options to research and buy. With faster internet speed, iPads and smart phone mobile device usage exploding, it is now easier than ever for consumers to research and buy online. Because of this, there are a lot of benefits to get in front of a consumer with an e-commerce solution on your website. This will give you another stream of business your way and put your brand and products in front of your audience. E-commerce simply involves a transaction online. It allows the consumer to exchange goods and services electronically across the internet. E-commerce is beneficial for both B2B and business to consumer. Below are some of the reasons why a small business could benefit from an e-commerce solution. Low Cost to Set-up and Maintain: Instead of having to have a huge brick and mortar shop and all the staff and expenses to maintain, the cost of a website with an e-commerce solution would be significantly less. The staff requirement would be much more minimal with an ecommerce shopping cart since the transactions would be handled electronically. 24/7 Accessibility: With an e-commerce solution, consumers can browse your inventory, research and purchase online at anytime, anywhere. This keeps your store hours open around the clock! For consumers, this is also much more of a convenience for them as they would not have to leave their house to purchase exactly what they are looking for. This also widens your consumer base as the customer does not have to be located in your locale; with an e-commerce solution, you can reach consumers across the globe. Better Customer Loyalty: With an e-commerce shopping cart solution, you can include as much detail as you want about the products. Jennifer Manz, Mannix Marketing This is very helpful for a user – they can get information about your company, about the products, how your products are unique to other competing brands, add reviews, video demos, and more. This all lends itself to providing great customer experience. There are also solutions out there that allow customers to set up an account with your website, thus keeping track of all their past purchases and information, making it easier for them to purchase from you again. Excellent Customer Data: You can collect incredible amounts of data about your customers, the products they like, their email addresses (to remarket to them) and more with an e-commerce solution. You can use this information to know what products are your best sellers, who your repeat customer is, consumer buying habits, what customers were searching for when they found your website and more. Level the Playing Field: With online e-comContinued On Page 12 Residential Real Estate Continued From Page 9 limits. But if you work hard to get good credit, mortgage money is readily available,” he said. Eventually rates will creep back up, according to VanAernem. “But we won’t see these low rates again for a long, long time, if ever.” As population growth travels up the Northway, more and more apartment complexes and multi-family homes are being built around Glens Falls and Kingsbury and other communities, which VanAernem said are filling up right away. Rents are going higher and higher, too, thanks to the simple rule of supply and demand. Part of that demand for rentals is coming from prospective buyers sitting on the sidelines, still nervous to invest in a home after what the market experienced in recent years. “Someone paying 750 or 800 dollars a month for rent could turn that money into a $100,000 mortgage,” he said. “But people don’t want to make a mistake or buy an overpriced home.” Now more than ever, price is driving the market and VanAernem said it’s best when the agent is honest with the seller about expectations. “A client may be asking, ‘Why isn’t our house selling,’ while price is the whole story today,” VanAernem said. “A five percent decrease in price can get you fifteen percent more qualified buyers looking at the property.” VanAernem Realty sees a slow but steady climb ahead for real estate. “We are very positive and excited,” said VanAernem. “We have been through the worst. We’re on our way back.” Visit VanAernem Realty at 77 Main Street in Hudson Falls or meet the team and see their listings online at www.vanaernemrealestate.com. viders are opening their datacenters to small businesses giving them access to technology that was out of their reach just a few years ago. Today a company can leverage the power of multiple datacenters spread out globally like never before. You can store data on the Amazon S3 cloud in the US, EU or Asia Pacific ring all redundant and all accessible from anywhere. This provides great data security and global accessibility to the small and medium businesses everywhere. Is it secure? That is one of the top concerns for any company who wants to use cloud services, and if you think that is a concern for you, imagine the level to which your large providers like Microsoft and Amazon go to ensure the data is safe. A single breach for them would be devastating to their business model. But as with anything else, you want to make sure that any cloud provider you work with meets all the standards you would hold any other vendor to. Do your own due diligence here; everyone is jumping on the cloud bandwagon, and you need to do the proper research. Be sure you always ask the following questions to anyone selling you cloud services that pertain to storing your data in case of a disaster: “Where is my data going? Where is it being stored? and How quickly can I retrieve it?” If you cannot get your hands on your data in a time effective manner, all the disaster recovery value fades very quickly. The best data vaulting puts your data within reach and in multiple locations using encryption before the data leaves your site. Taking a few moments upfront to understand the provider’s solution can save you frustration, time and money later. Having a disaster recovery plan that leverages the cloud and puts your data in multiple locations means your company is less likely to suffer a devastating blow if your location is hit with any major disaster like fire or water damage. Many insurance companies are asking clients about their “DR” or Disaster Recovery plan and will consider a lower premium if you can prove you have a plan in place. That plan is often one that uses the cloud to store your company`s most critical data. The one thing people most often overlook in their leap to the cloud is bandwidth. Bandwidth is the speed at which you can connect from your office to the cloud to do everything cloud related. You will want to speak with your internet provider and be sure that anything you want to use in the cloud can be supported by your current internet speed. Sometimes the cloud will require so much bandwidth for a certain application that is it NOT cost effective to put that part of your business into the cloud. Other times you may find out that the internet provider in your area cannot provide you with enough speed to make the cloud a reality for you just yet. The key here again is to do all the research, or better yet partner with the right firm who can do it for you. Knowledge is the key here; understanding all the variables and how they work toward success can be tricky. In conclusion, the cloud is here, it’s not going away, and it will continue to make everyone’s life easier. As a small business you can now use the cloud to compete with the big guys on a level playing field. Small startups are able to suddenly land on a global stage like never before. If you have an idea, there are resources in the cloud to make it a reality in a very short time. It is a great time to be in technology and even better for businesses to increase productivity and reduce costs by stepping into the cloud. There are some amazing ROI stats that show the cloud saving businesses thousands a year on computer and server hardware, not to speak of the monies spent to maintain these environments. Servers are disappearing from small businesses all over the area, and I for one have not heard anyone upset that the little box in the closet is missing! Mark Shaw is president of StoredTech, 40 Dix Avenue, Glens Falls. He can be contacted at 793-1111 or via the website: www.storedtech.com. 12 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 Levack Real Estate REGIONAL STOCKWATCH Stock Name Closing Price 9/14/12 Continued From Page 9 Closing Price Closing Price Closing Price 9/21/12 9/28/12 10/5/12 has been selling real estate since 1985. He, his younger brother, Page, and a partner from Albany, opened Levack Real Estate in Glens Falls in 1988. The company now has four brokers and some part time support staff. “Our goal is to hire two new brokers in the near term,” he said. He recently helped one of them re-activate his real estate license. The trend is “absolutely up,” he said, whether one looks at the number of transactions or the number of dollars changing hands. Levack Real Estate is located at 33 Park St. in Glens Falls. The telephone number is 793-7600. Albany Int’l 22.78 21.80 21.97 22.08 AMD 3.90 3.60 3.37 3.22 Angiodynamics 12.30 12.33 12.20 12.51 AT & T 37.26 38.08 37.70 37.86 Arrow 25.46 24.69 25.00 25.02 Bank of America 9.55 9.11 8.83 9.32 Boston Scientific 5.82 5.79 5.74 5.76 Citizens Bank 20.55 19.87 19.61 20.10 CR Bard 102.23 104.74 104.65 105.60 First Niagara 8.42 8.24 8.07 8.41 Commercial Real Estate General Electric 22.11 22.53 22.71 23.12 Continued From Page 10 Home Depot 59.46 59.42 60.37 63.20 IBM 206.81 205.98 207.45 210.59 International Paper 35.52 35.51 36.32 36.81 Kadant 24.52 24.04 23.19 24.01 KeyCorp 9.04 8.91 8.74 8.88 Lee 1.50 1.44 1.48 1.50 McDonalds 91.70 93.71 91.75 91.00 National Grid 55.55 55.83 55.36 56.30 NBT Bankcorp 22.12 22.53 22.07 22.15 Proctor & Gamble 69.16 69.42 69.36 69.63 Staples 12.21 12.36 11.52 11.63 Target 64.67 64.44 63.47 64.18 Time Warner Cable 44.71 45.90 45.33 46.18 TD 84.25 83.96 83.34 83.86 Trustco Bank 5.89 5.91 5.71 5.82 UPS 73.68 71.88 71.57 73.10 Verizon 44.53 45.64 45.57 47.05 Walmart 74.50 74.45 73.80 75.13 Friday closing quotes for local stocks of interest provided by Thompson ONE courtesy of Pamela Green, Financial Planning Specialist and Paul Hebert, Financial Advisor with the Global Wealth Management Division of Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC, member SIPC in Glens Falls, NY, phone 518-793-4181. The information contained in this article is not a solicitation to purchase or sell investments. Lake George Real Estate Continued From Page 10 are still a lot harder to qualify for, with banks continuing their close scrutiny of potential home buyers. “For example,” he says, “selfemployed persons continue to have a hard time obtaining a mortgage. They are a big part of our market and it’s very difficult for them to buy unless they are able to pay cash.” He also notes that trends in buying and renovating have changed markedly in the past few years. Whereas in the mid-2000s, people were buying up properties with small homes and then demolishing them to build mansions, the past few years have seen a movement away from that trend. “That type of buying and renovation has really slowed down,” he notes, “and to open up a new business.” Sears has several commercial listings throughout Glens Falls and Queensbury. They include vacant space in Stone Plaza, located on Dix Avenue. He also represents Fairfield Professional Park, located on the corner of Walker Lane and Bay Road, offering 16 onehalf to two-acre subdivided lots approved for professional offices. Other listings include 103 Warren St. (formerly Explore!), as well as 1043 and 989 Route 9 in Queensbury. Sears also credits Global Foundries for impacting commercial real estate beyond Saratoga County, though its reach to Glens Falls is subtle so far. “I think Global Foundries has a very strong impact, but for this region specifically it has not evolved to the point where you can really show a marked improvement of the commercial people are putting up more humble homes.” The reasons for this are twofold: the economy and tighter lending restrictions are the most obvious reasons; but, local regulations have also been an integral factor in the clamping down of giant development on the lake and in the surrounding environs. “We want to preserve the green space, the waters, and the overall integrity of the place,” says Dan. If you are interested in finding out more about Lake George real estate, you can contact Dan Davies at 656-9068 or visit their website at www.davies-davies.com. You can also learn more about the rich history of Lake George by going to www.lakegeorgechamber.com. activity as a result,” Sears said. “Going forward, I think it will have an impact in the next couple of years for this area.” Ferro referred to one property that was recently sold in only 32 days. “And the discrepancy between the asking price and the selling price is coming closer. Sellers are less inclined to unload a property at any price, as they might otherwise be in a very slow market.” Ferro says he is very bullish on the Capital Region commercial market, and it’s not all because of Global Foundries. There is a great deal of new construction – hundreds of thousands of square feet –happening around SUNY Albany’s nanotech campus, as well. To reach Sears at Prudential Manor Homes Realtors, call 793-7940. To contact Ferro at Prudential Blake Realty, call 464-0870, ext. 2212 or visit www.prublakecommercial.com. Benefits Of E-Commerce Continued From Page 11 merce, if you have the right search engine optimization (SEO) on you website to get your store found for keywords related to your product, you can compete with other competing brands – even national / multi-national brands. Search engine optimization is extremely important and needs to be a big factor when searching for the right solution. Afterall, your e-commerce will not be successful unless consumers can actually find your website on the internet. Jennifer Manz is director of digital marketing at Mannix Marketing in Glens Falls. She can be reached at 743-9424 or at www.mannixmarketing.com. Business Registrations • Washington County GG Consulting Gloria G. Gillman 355 Dean Road Hudson Falls 12839 Washington County Dairy Supplier Richard Perry Lane III 451 Opallo Road Fort Johnson 12070 Armor Roofing Rosanna D. Lollo 496 County Route 6 Clemons 12819 SG Rockhill Productions Stephen F. Douglas Jr. 748 Spraguetown Road Greenwich 12834 Ruperts Treasure Chest Rupert Tomkins 79 Main Srteet Granville 12832 • Artfull Vagabond Productions Cynthia Matte Whitehall 12887 Compound Masters Drywall Lynn J. Canale 32 Fiarview Lane Hudson Falls 12839 Hair on Wheels Nicolette Gabrielle Hammond 75 Cedar Ridge Way Fort Ann 12827 J L Custom Communications Continued On Page 14 GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 13 • Personnel & Business Briefs Adirondack Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery recently opened an office in Glens Falls. The practice provides oral surgery procedures including wisdom teeth removal, dental implants, teeth-in-an-hour, bone grafting for dental implant placement, and the treatment of facial trauma, facial injury, fractured jaw, TMJ, cleft lip & cleft palate, impacted teeth and tooth extraction. Adirondack Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery serves upstate New York communities from offices in Albany, Clifton Park and Glen Falls. The Glens Falls office is located at One Broad Street Plaza, Broad Street. * * * Two Washington County Toastmasters stepped up to the challenge of competing in the Fall 2012 Area 71 contest, held in September, both attaining top-three placement and one heading to the next level of competition. Sandy Buxton of Fort Edward achieved third place in the humorous speech contest and Bill Lupo of Hudson Falls took second place in the speech evaluation contest. Lupo moved on to the Division G speech contest. “We’re very proud of Sandy and Bill for representing our Washington County Toastmasters in the contest and of their accomplishments,” HollyAnn Carbino, vice president of education stated. Washington County Toastmasters meets at the Annex II Building, next to the Washington County Cornell Cooperative Extension Building, 415 Lower Main St., Hudson Falls, NY, on first and third Wednesdays at 7 p.m. * * * Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc. of Clifton Park and Glens Falls announced the addition of Beth Sullivan as a commercial insurance marketing manager. Sullivan was previously employed by Centerplate Inc. as an event manager. She is a licensed insurance broker and previously worked for 17 years at Weller, Marcil & Greco Inc. in Schenectady and White Plains as a commercial property and casualty broker. Jaeger & Flynn Associates, Inc. is a provider of insurance, employee benefits and human resource support services. * * * C.T. Male Associates, Engineering, Surveying, Architecture & Landscape Architecture, P.C. announced the addition of Cullen O’Brien as a project development manager in the company’s business development group. O’Brien will be responsible for securing • new business for the variety of services offered by C.T. Male. Prior to joining C.T. Male, he was the business development manager for Safway Services, where he sought and secured bridge and related engineering suspension projects. Additionally, he was the business development manager for Bovis Lend Lease LMB Inc., where he directed marketing and business development initiatives for the private and public construction sectors. O’Brien earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from SUNY Oswego. He is a member of the Queensbury High School Dollars for Scholars and Junior Achievement. * * * * We’d like to promote your commercial & residential property. Call us, 581-0600. • * Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company announced the promotion of Laurie A. LaFountain to senior vice president and head of the bank’s Trust and Investment Division. LaFountain joined the bank in 1981 as a trust clerk and has held several positions over the years, including trust operations supervisor and employee benefits officer. She was promoted to manager of the Retirement Plan Services Department in 1996, vice president in 1998, and senior vice president in 2007. Active in the community, LaFountain is vice President of the Warren County SPCA board of directors and a member of the Wings Falls Quilt Guild. She is a graduate of South Glens Falls High School and earned an associate’s degree in liberal arts from Adirondack Community College. Ms. LaFountain also attended the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans’ certified employee benefit specialist program, the American Society of Pension Professionals and Actuaries’ certified pension consultant program, the New York State Bankers Association employee benefit trust school, and the Cannon Financial Institute employee benefit certification program. A native of South Glens Falls, LaFountain resides in Gansevoort. • Available Commercial & Residential Properties * Darlene Olivieri Raynsford has been named the new Director of Communications, Marketing and Public Relations at Glens Falls Hospital Raynsford comes to Glens Falls Hospital with more than ten years experience in organizational communications, marketing, and social media. She has worked in both the higher education and health care fields, having held positions at the University at Continued On Page 14 John Hayes and Amy Sutton of Roohan Realty are listing agents of this historic brick building in Saratoga Springs. It has been totally redone and is in great location on Beekman Street. The main floor of this beautiful building is used as a bar on the left and a ceramic studio on the right. It has all new wiring; plumbing, heating and cooling and most of the kitchen appliances remain with the building. It also includes 1200 SF of space on the 3rd floor that is ready to finish and the 2nd floor flat is living space. Priced to sell ~ please call John or Amy for more information. Offered for $895,000. 587.4500 RoohanRealty.com 519 Broadway Saratoga Springs John Hayes Amy Sutton 14 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 Business Registrations Continued From Page 12 Jonathan Lewis Lashinsky 15 George Street Fort Ann 12827 Morgans Lane Woodcrafter Patricia Coutant 35 Morgans Lane Comstock 12821 Charlies Landscaping and Communications Charles Edward waite V 9 1/2 Lincoln Street Granville 12832 OverHall Your Hair Jennifer Lynn Hall 60 Oak Street Hudson Falls 12839 A Touch Above Cleaning Service Dawn Marie Gates 85 John Street #2 Hudson Falls 12839 Battenkill Candles Bethany Jo-Wurster Ives 49 Morehouse Lane Greenwich 12834 Northland Security Brian John Gillis 34 Thomson Road Greenwich 12834 Polis Photography Dean J Polis 197 Rich Road Shushan 12873 Personnel Briefs Continued From Page 13 Albany, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and Ellis Medicine. Raynsford holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from St. Bonaventure University, and a Masters of Science degree in Educational Administration from the University at Albany. At Glens Falls Hospital, Raynsford is responsible for the development and delivery of internal and external communications to key audiences, including employees, community members and the media. Glens Falls Hospital, founded in 1897, is a 410-bed, not-for-profit, community hospital serving a six-county region of Northeastern New York. With 3,000 employees, it is the largest healthcare provider between Albany and Montreal. Too Busy To Keep Up With What’s Going On In The Tri-County Business Community? Business People Dine Out More Often Need To Know What Your Competition Is Doing? To Get A Concise Readable Overview, Subscribe To Glens Falls Business Journal Saratoga Business Journal P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 or P.O. Box 766, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 Go on our website www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com or www.saratogabusinessjournal.com and click on the subscription tab. You may also mail your check in the amount of $25.00 for 12 issues made payable to Weinhagen Associates LLC Name Firm Address City State Zip Code (518) 581-0600 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 • 15 The Peppermill Family Restaurant, owned by John and Vicki Osakowicz, offers a variety of homestyle fresh food served by a staff that is dedicated to pleasing their customers. The Osakowicz’ sons, Kristopher and John Jr., serve as Executive Chefs. The casual setting provides a comfortable atmosphere in which to enjoy a good meal. The diversified menu includes The Peppermill Classic Breakfast, offering large omelettes, pancakes, sausage and bacon, is an excellent start to anyone’s busy day. Lunch includes wraps, freshly roasted turkey clubs, and the very freshest gravies, sauces and soups. Chicken International is just one of the Peppermill’s signature dishes, which is generous in portion and flavor. For senior citizens and children, The Peppermill offers a light fare menu. Accommodations can be made for parties and gatherings of up to 40 guests. The restaurant has been a popular dining spot for local families and visitors for over 18 years. Customers keep coming back to enjoy the family’s culinary offerings and comfortable surroundings. The Peppermill Family Restaurant is located in the Midtown Shopping Center in South Glens Falls. It is open Monday through Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m., and Sunday 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. MasterCard, Visa and Discover are accepted. For further information, call 518793-4606 or log onto www.menumart/ peppermillrestaurant.com. The Log Jam, located at 1484 Route 9 in Lake George, combines a panoramic view of the Adirondacks, superb dining, and accommodating hospitality, and brings it all to visitors and local residents alike. The restaurant is open daily, 363 days a year, for lunch and dinner. Executive Chef Rod Russo has been with the restaurant for over 18 years, bringing consistency, quality and a reputation for using only the freshest ingredients in his culinary creations. Lunch offers plenty of delicious choices, including Adirondack French fries served with zesty horseradish sauce, as well as crab meat mushrooms baked with a crab meat stuffing and served with a Dijon crab sauce. All entrees include an incredible array of salad items from which to choose. Burgers such as The Adirondack are a customer favorite. Sandwiches include pork and turkey melts, Southwest chicken and the Log Jam’s feature—The Rocky Mount. From the Adirondack French dip to the chef’s own crab cakes, the varieties of fresh foods are all cooked to perfection. The kid-friendly children’s menu includes grilled cheese sandwiches, chicken tenders, and bow tie pasta, all offered with a salad bar and potato chips. Dinner appetizers and entrees are all prepared with only the freshest ingredients. Crab cakes, shrimp ‘n bacon, escargo and New England clam chowder are just a few of the delicious selections. The Log Jam’s famous dinner entrees offer succulent roasted Long Island duck, fresh twin lobster tails, loin lamb chops, char-broiled prime rib, filet mignon, steak au poivre and steak teriyaki. The seafood offerings include maple Dijon salmon, lobster tail, and fresh sea scallops. The restaurant can seat 225 diners, and will host private parties and events. The Oak Room can seat 655 and The Greenhouse can accommodate 50. Both rooms can be booked for private parties. Special requests are always welcome for people with specific dietary needs. The Log Jam accepts all major credit cards. Lunch is served between 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m.; dinner is served between 5:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. For more information, visit www. logjamrestaurant.com or call 798-1155. The Docksider, 298 Glen Lake Road in Lake George, is open seven days a week, year round, from 11:30 a.m. Chef Jason Wells prepares an array of homemade appetizers, entrees and desserts to satisfy every appetite. His skills bring patrons back on a regular basis to enjoy his regular favorites and special entree’s. The Docksider is very kid-friendly, with a generous menu for children un- der 10 that offers hamburgers, chicken tenders, personal cheese pizza, spaghetti and meatballs and hot dogs, topped of with ice cream for dessert. Appetizers and soups are generous in portion and include focaccia bread served with garlic oil, potato skins with cheddar cheese and bacon, nachos, shrimp and steamed clams. Soups are all made from scratch and include clam chowder, French onion and soup of the day. Lunch offerings include salads, wraps, quesadillas, seafood, burgers, hot dogs and freshly made hot and cold sandwiches ranging from filet mignon, Reubens and crab melts to deli sandwiches and pizzas. Entrees for dinner include New York strip steak, prime rib and filet mignon, all cooked to perfection. Fresh haddock, scallops, oysters, and fried chicken are available, and all come with soup or salad, vegetable and choice of potato. All menu items are available for dine-in or take-out. Specials are run on a regular basis. The vista from the Docksider is spectacular, with beautiful views of Glen Lake from the deck in season. Patrons are invited to dock their boats and enjoy a deliciously prepared meal with a relaxing lake view. The Docksider’s capacity is 65 diners but swells to 100 with deck seating. The restaurant hosts banquets and private parties with reservations. They accept MasterCard and Visa. For more information, visit www.glenlakedocksider.com or call 518-792-3534. 16 • GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • October 2012 ARCC Membership Celebration Continued From Page 1 All Photos Courtesy Of Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce John Marcantonio, of ARCC, congratulates Tom Albrecht, Hilltop Construction, for having the winning team in the 2012 ARCC membership challenge. far and wide and I would have benefitted from being a member. Now was my time to share those thoughts with others.” Many individuals made this effort a success, led by both John Marcantonio, membership manager for the ARCC and Laura Conway of Cool Insuring Agency. Team captains were Tim Jansen of Well-Dun Air and Water Systems and Tom Albrecht of Hilltop Construction. Their teams were made up of over 45 volunteers of current ARCC members in addition to Chamber board members who not only believed in the mission of the Chamber, but volunteered their time to grow the membership. “We live in such a diverse business community”, commented Laura Conway from Cool Insuring Agency and membership campaign chairperson. “Having the ARCC as the collective voice for all members is integral to business success. The programs and benefits provided to every type of business allow individuals with extensive business experience to be a vital resource to newer businesses in the region”. “The strength of the ARCC is, very simply, its membership,” noted Peter Aust, President & CEO of the Chamber. “Through the dedication of these member volunteers who committed their time and talent to build the membership of the organization, the ARCC is now a much stronger organization that will continue to be the voice of business in our community and provide valuable resources that will ensure that our members grow and prosper.” The Chamber is very appreciative of every volunteer who worked on this month-long effort as well as the sponsors that provided incentives to the volunteers – especially Adirondack Technical Solutions who contributed the grand prize award. A campaign wrap-up event was held to celebrate the success of the campaign at the Next Door Pub on October 11th. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a not-for-profit, member-based business organization. The Chamber is a vigorous advocate for the economic success of its 1,000+ member businesses, representing more than 23,000 people, predominantly in Warren, Washington and Northern Saratoga Counties in New York State. ARCC is dedicated to creating economic opportunity and enhancing the quality of life throughout the Adirondack Region. www.adirondackchamber.org. Dax, Adirondack Phantoms mascot, gives a big ‘thank you’ to Jared Huminston of Adirondack Technical Solutions, who donated the grand prize – a 47-inch flat-screen TV. Some of the hardest workers in the entire Adirondack region: Dax, John, Tom, Jared, and Peter. Success takes a whole team (l to r): John Marcantonio, ARCC; John Pietrangelo, Tech Valley Patent; Tim Jansen, Wel-Dun Air & Water Systems; Jared Huminston, Adirondack Technical Solutions; Tom Albrecht, Hilltop Construction; Dave Caruso, Stewarts Shops; Peter Aust, ARCC President/CEO; and Laura Conway, Cool Insuring Agency.