PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
GBJ 9 Broad Street, #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
VOL. 36 NO. 6
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
AUGUST 2024
Arrow Financial Corp Unifies Glens Falls And Legislators And Community Members Resist Saratoga National Banks Into Single Entity Closing Great Meadow Correctional Facility
Glens Falls National Bank, formed in 1851, will increase its presence in the communities it serves following the rebranding under the Arrow Financial Corporation banner.
New York State Representative Carrie Woerner (2nd from left) stands with members of the Public Employees Federation at a rally to keep Great Meadow Correctional Facility open.
Courtesy of Arrow Financial Corporation
BY SUSAN ELLSE CAMPBELL Arrow Financial Corporation has finalized plans to unify its two banking subsidiaries and is soon to reveal a new logo and signage under which the two financial institutions are being rebranded, announced parent company president and CEO David S. DeMarco. The 37 branches of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Company will be named Arrow Bank going forward, he said. DeMarco said the change was years in the
making. “What we are doing is different from an ordinary bank merger, as Arrow Financial already owned these two community banks,” he said. DeMarco explained that since the two banks have different back offices, the systems behind their operations have to become one to achieve the efficiencies the parent company is seeking. “Sharing the same ‘back room’ is more efficient than two banks doing the same functions independently,” said DeMarco. “This will free up resources Continued On Page 4
Courtesy of the Public Employees Federation
BY CHRISTINE GRAF Local lawmakers and citizens are asking state officials to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison in Comstock. The prison is slated for closure as part of the state’s effort to adapt to a shrinking inmate population and a shortage of corrections officers. According to New York’s Department of Corrections and Community Supervision (DOCCS), Great Meadow Correctional Facility and Sullivan Correctional Facility in Sullivan County will be closed by November 6. DOCCS has reported that employees
at both prisons will be offered positions at other facilities within the state. With approximately 650 employees, Great Meadow is the largest employer in Washington County. The prison’s closure is expected to have a significant economic impact on the county. New York State Representative Carrie Woerner (AD-113) is part of a bi-partisan group of legislators calling upon Governor Kathy Hochul to reconsider the decision to close Great Meadow. “The closure of that institution will have signifiContinued On Page 15
New Owners Bring Fresh Energy To A The Alpha Win Annual Lake George Triathlon South Glens Falls Dining Institution Is Scheduled For Labor Day Weekend BY ANN DONNELLY A local culinary power couple has taken the reins of a beloved South Glens Falls eatery, injecting new life into a decades-old establishment. Jenny and Chris Dore recently acquired The Peppermill Family Restaurant, a popular diner with a solid local following. The Dores brings a wealth of experience to their new venture. Chris, a Saratoga native, is a seasoned chef with a background in fine dining and restaurant management eager to put his culinary stamp on the menu while preserving the restaurant’s classic charm. Jenny, a nutritionist from Queensbury with a passion for wellness, plans to infuse the business with a healthconscious approach without compromising taste. The couple met when Chris worked in the kitchen at Druthers in Saratoga, and Jenny worked “front of the house.” Chris’s culinary training started in childhood, “we used to make tortellini, ravioli, and fresh pasta in our kitchen.” His journey then brought him to wash dishes in local restaurants, toss pizzas, and then two years at the Culinary Institute of America. After Druthers, he helped with the opening of Max London’s and became Executive Chef at The Gideon Putnam Hotel. He strengthened his management skills as Culinary Director of Wheatfields, including the restaurants in Saratoga, Clifton Park, BWP (Beer, Wine, Pizza), and 2 West Bar and Grill both in Saratoga. “All that has led to owning our own business, says Chris. “All the prerequisites of being an owner were checked off. This is a natural next step.” Previous owners John and Vicky Osakowicz, who opened The Peppermill 33 years ago, can now retire knowing their beloved restaurant and loyal customers are in good hands. Chris Dore reached out to Nic Ketter of Realize
Chris and Jenny Dore stand in the newly acquired The Pappermill Family Restaurant. Courtesy of Peppermill
Brokers in Glens Falls in search of a suitable property, but the search slowed when the pandemic hit. When the Osakowicz’s contacted Ketter about selling their restaurant, he recognized a perfect match. “The previous owners established the strong foundation,” says Chris. “We can carry it on, add our touches to it, adding to the legacy, a transition into the new era.” “Our staff is our greatest asset,” says Jenny. “We want to empower them to provide exceptional service and create a positive work environment.” In the month since the transition, the Dores have Continued On Page 4
Alpha Win’s 18th Annual Lake George Triathlon - a weekend of endurance and fun - is returning to the shores, bikeways, and streets of Lake George over Labor Day weekend, Saturday August 31 - Sunday, September 1. Standing by the motto, “A Distance For Everyone®,” the Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon features Sprint, Olympic and Long Course triathlon distances, coupled with aquabike and duathlon options. The competition is set to be fierce with the Northeastern Collegiate Triathlon Conference in attendance, bringing together some of the most prominent collegiate tri-athletes in the region. This event joins Alpha Win’s extensive calendar of New York offerings, including the Saugerties Triathlon, Hudson Valley Triathlon, and Hudson Valley Marathon. The races begin on Saturday morning at 7 a.m. sharp at Million Dollar Beach with the Long Course wave start. The Alpha Long Course is a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike, and 13.1-mile run. After Saturday’s races, participants and supporters are invited to enjoy an exclusive dinner aboard Lake George Steamboat Company’s Mohican, at 6:15 p.m. This excursion can be purchased during race registration. The races continue Sunday morning, with the Alpha Sprint kicking off at 6:30 a.m. This is a 750-meter swim, 12.4-mile bike, and 3.1-mile run. Awards for this race will be handed out at 9:00 a.m. The final race, the Alpha Olympic, will start at 7:10 a.m. This is a 1,500-meter swim, 24.8-mile bike, and a 6.2-mile run. Race Director Tommy Struzzeri believes the endurance industry is primed for a company
The biking leg of the triathlon attracts athletes from throughout the region. Courtesy of Alpha Win Lake George Triathlon
like Alpha that will help people of all abilities get into racing. “We are excited to welcome athletes back to the beautiful shores of Lake George for an enjoyable weekend of racing. The Lake George Triathlon combines experienced athletes and new people to the sport. I can’t wait to see a variety of athletes achieve their goals as they cross the finish line”, said Struzzeri. Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, Continued On Page 13