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VOL. 34 NO. 11
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HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
JANUARY 2023
Stec: 2023 Needs To See New York State Start World University Games In Lake Placid Will Reducing Taxes, Fees For Small Businesses Have Major Economic Impact On The Region BY SEN. DAN STEC As state lawmakers head into the 2023 Legislative Session, we must chart a better direction for our state and communities. Years of neglect and poor state planning, combined with the aftermath of the pandemic, have led to an exodus of New Yorkers from our state and fewer opportunities for existing residents and business owners to prosper. Given the uncertain economic outlook nationwide, it only makes sense for New York state to offer small businesses some sorely needed financial breathing room by reducing the taxes and fees that drive up costs and make it harder for them to stay open, much less grow and develop. During a time of increased energy and supply costs, it’s incumbent upon state government to not exacerbate these problems. Last year, the state comptroller released an audit on the Department of Labor’s unemployment insurance assessment surcharge. It revealed that billions in improper payments from businesses and overpayments to New Yorkers were issued, due to poor oversight and an antiquated system. This is deeply troubling, and I’m looking to remedy this situation moving forward. First, we must take steps to shore up the infrastructure and operations at the DOL to ensure further waste and fraud is prevented. Offering financial remuneration to small business owners for their overpayments, which only exacerbated the economic difficulties they faced during the pandemic and its aftermath, is also essential. With the decrease in taxes, there must also be a decrease in state spending. For too long, New York state government has treated business owners and residents as an ATM for its costly, often ineffective bureaucracy and agenda. Instead of funneling money into topdown initiatives and controversial economic development programs, financial resources are better left in the hands of those who actually create jobs and opportunities in our communities.
Sen. Dan Stec’s 45th District includes Warren and Washington counties. Along with affordability, state government must ensure expanded opportunities for economic growth. Crucial to that is finally making affordable, high-speed broadband and cell phone service a reality. Last year, I helped to pass a repeal of a costly fiber-optic tax that made it near-impossible for broadband to be installed in rural communities in our region. With that eliminated and an ongoing state investment, this should be the time to finally ensure 100 percent (or close to that mark) broadband access. Having it is an essential tool for new and developing businesses alike, connecting them to potential customers and resources they may not otherwise have access to. Ideally, our economy should reflect our local character and attributes. For the North Country and Adirondacks, that means taking advantage of our natural resources and beauty. Continued On Page 10
Gore Mountain will host skiing and snowboarding competitions at the World University Games. Some 1,443 athletes, representing more than 540 universities and 46 nations will participate. BY PAUL POST The Lake Placid-based, January 12-22 World University Games are having a direct economic impact on the entire North County including Warren County as Great Escape Lodge in Queensbury is the official athlete village for 200 people taking part in freestyle ski events at Gore Mountain. This includes athletes, coaches, delegates and officials from more than two dozen countries. “We worked closely with community and state leaders to provide a bid for the opportunity to host this amazing event,” said Jennifer Mance, resort marketing and sales manager. “We’re honored for the opportunity to provide a fantastic experience for visiting athletes. While the popularity of our property
Paul Post
is year-round given our indoor waterpark, we are proud to support this event along with our entire region and believe it will have a positive impact for many businesses in our area for the duration of the Games.” Equally if not more important for Warren County tourism, ESPN will broadcast competition around the globe, providing priceless exposure that pays dividends by attracting visitors for years to come. “North Creek has seen increased advertising and marketing that will have a lasting impact, long after the Games,” said Jon Lundin, Olympic Regional Development Authority spokesman. “On January 18, the resort and community will receive nationwide exposure from ESPN2’s live broadcast of slopestyle skiContinued On Page 16
Stewart’s Shops Annual Holiday Match Marc Yrsha Of Glens Falls National Bank & Program Amasses $2M For Area Nonprofits Trust Is ARCC Board Chairman For 2023 The 2022 Holiday Match Program conducted by Stewart’s Shops has raised over $2 million for local children’s organizations, the company said. From Thanksgiving Day through Christmas Day, Stewart’s customers donated $1,011,281 to the program. Each individual donation was doubled by Stewart’s Shops. With no administrative fees, 100 percent of the funds benefit local, nonprofit children’s organizations. “We are continually amazed by the generosity of our customers. We are proud to double their gifts allowing us to share more with our communities. These gifts have the power to accelerate progress where it’s needed most and support projects and services that can fuel real change in our communities,” according to Jennifer Frame, Stewart’s Shops director of corporate philanthropy. Some 1,716 children’s organizations received funding from last year’s Holiday Match campaign.The grants help children all year long. All local children’s charities are encouraged to apply for funding from the Holiday Match program. Organizations can apply online through Jan. 31. All groups applying must be locally based, benefit children under 18, and be a qualified, charitable 501c3 organization. All the funds will be allocated in March, the
The Stewart’s Shops 2022 Holiday Match program raised $2 million for area nonprofits. Courtesy Stewarts Shops
company said. Stewart’s Shops and customers have raised over $36 million since 1986 through the holiday program.
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) has selected Marc Yrsha as chairman of its board of directors for 2023. ARCC also announced the addition of four new members to its board of directors in 2023. Yrsha is executive vice president and director of relationship banking of Glens Falls National Bank & Trust Co. “The ARCC plays a critical role in our region by championing the needs, ideas and goals of our business community. I am very appreciative of the opportunity to chair this great board of highly engaged volunteers and work alongside the tremendous team at the ARCC,” Yrsha said. “Together, we will continue to be the local leader supporting, educating, advocating and delivering for the members of the ARCC and our business community. Thank you to all the members of the ARCC. We appreciate you,” he said. “The ARCC is so fortunate to have a board that is dedicated to the organization and our business community. We are grateful for past board members’ service and excited to welcome on our new board members. We can achieve so much together,” said ARCC President and CEO Tricia Rogers. The new board members are Ray Agnew, Bill Moon, Paula Traina and Daniel W. Washburn.
Marc Yrsha, chairman, Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce board of directors. Courtesy ARCC
Agnew is vice president for hospital and community engagement at Glens Falls Hospital, taking on that role in February 2020. Previously he served Continued On Page 15