GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • DECEMBER 2025 • 1
GBJ 9 Broad Street #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL
VOL. 37 NO. 11
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
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GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
JANUARY 2026
Despite Its Size, Glens Falls MSA Places Lake George Winter Carnival Plans Five In Top Tier Of U.S. Economic Strength Weekends Of Events And Competitions BY JIM SIPLON, PRESIDENT WARREN COUNTY EDC When I first came to this area more than a decade ago, I was struck by the sense that this was a place that punched way above its weight. It had assets that communities many times its size were lacking like a 400 bed hospital, a professional hockey team and arena, a SUNY college campus, a world-class art collection…I could go on as you know with many more attributes. I tell people who haven’t been here that we are the gateway to the Adirondack Park and the bridge to the Capital Region all at the same time. The federal government developed the concept of Metropolitan Statistical Areas (MSAs) nearly 75 years ago and refined it to the current criteria in the 1980’s. My predecessor Ed Bartholomew and others worked to get this area adopted officially as an MSA as an aggregation of Warren and Washington Counties and ours is one of the smallest in the country…smaller than all but 17%. Put another way, more than 4 out of 5 metropolitan areas in the U.S. are bigger. A recent report from Area Development Magazine and Chmura Economics and Analytics examined economic fundamentals in both every MSA and economic market in the country ranging from the NY-NJWhite Plains MSA (population 11,588,916) to Pecos, Tx (population 10,618). While the study identified many high preforming areas in the South and Western U.S., it also had a surprising and robust set of measures for our modest Glens Falls MSA despite our small size. To summarize the many pages of data
Jim Siplon, president, CEO, EDC Warren County. Courtesy EDC Warren County
and rankings, our Glens Falls MSA is in the top 18% (175 of 949) of all U.S. markets. In the primary category (Economic Strength) our area was in the top 10% nationally (92 of 949), top 6% (5 of 84) of Mid-Atlantic markets and top 4% (3 of 58) of New York and Northern New England markets. The news is not uniformly good though-as one would expect. The major area we lag behind in is our workforce. We know our workforce has been flat or declining for some time and continues to age with a median age approaching 50. We rank in the bottom half Continued On Page 7
New Upper Glen Street Showroom Focuses On Custom Design And Energy Efficiency EDITOR NOTE: NAME UPDATED IN CAPTION FOR OWNERS 1/21/2026 BY CAROL ANN CONOVER Homeowners looking for personalized design guidance rather than off-the-shelf solutions now have a new local option with the opening of a collaborative home design and improvement showroom on Upper Glen Street. Tim and Michelle Schultz are launching a multibrand showroom at 704 Upper Glen St. that brings together custom window treatments, interior design services and energy-efficient replacement windows and doors. The space unites Gotcha Covered of Saratoga, Designs on Glen and Window Depot of the Adirondacks, offering what the owners describe as a consultative, one-on-one alternative to the stock selections and self-guided experience typical of big-box retailers. The concept is designed to help homeowners make cohesive decisions that balance aesthetics, performance and budget, rather than purchasing products in isolation. Clients can work directly with experienced professionals to evaluate everything from fabric and light control to insulation value and window performance. “We’re really focused on the personal side of design,” Tim Schultz said. “Big-box stores serve a purpose, but many homeowners want guidance tailored to their space, their home and how they live. That’s what we’re providing here.” Michelle Schultz brings extensive design and industry experience to the showroom. She previously owned a tile and marble design studio in Clifton Park and later served as a district sales manager for Hunter Douglas, working with dealers across multiple states. Her background allows her to guide clients through complex interior decisions, helping them understand how materials, textures and window solutions interact within a space.
Polar Plunge enthusiasts brace for cold water during last year’s Lake George Winter Carnival. The event begins Saturday, Feb. 7, and continues through the weekend of March 7–8. BY PAUL POST Five weekends of frosty revelry are on tap as Lake George Winter Carnival has a full slate of activities planned for North Country residents and visitors alike. The fun starts Saturday, Feb. 7 with outhouse races, a Jeep parade and fireworks and continues through March 7-8 with a Chillin’ and Choppin’ lumberjack competition. “We do it to give back to the community and to promote tourism,” said Jessyca Darrah, co-chair with Nancy Nichols, of the allvolunteer Winter Carnival Committee. “The intent is for local businesses to make money. We need more of the community to step up and get involved. We’re always looking for volunteers. We want to grow the committee, we want more people actively involved.”
Courtesy Paul Post
Now in it’s 64th year, Winter Carnival is the mainstay of ongoing efforts to promote more year-round tourism not only in Lake George, but throughout Warren County. Recent efforts such as Ice Castles at Charles R. Wood Park, and Winter’s Dream at Fort William Henry, have had short-lived runs due largely to mild winters the past few years. But the return of an “old-fashioned winter” with sustained cold and numerous snowfalls has set the stage for a highly successful 2026 Winter Carnival. “People should pay close attention to our Facebook page and website (lakegeorgewintercarnival.com) because we’re adding more activities as we go,” Darrah said. “The schedule will be updated throughout the month.” Continued On Page 11
Log Jam Restaurant Celebrates 50 Years With Debut Of Signature Spruce Lager
Tim and Michelle Schultz with Sarah Walsh at the new multibrand showroom on Upper Glen Street. Glens Falls Business Journal
Tim Schultz, owner of Window Depot of the Adirondacks, spent more than 25 years in technology sales before transitioning into home improvement. He said that consultative approach carries over naturally into helping homeowners assess window and door options, particularly as energy efficiency becomes a growing concern for older homes common throughout the region. The showroom features interactive displays where visitors can see and feel fabrics, operate motorized window treatments and compare window and door systems firsthand. The location sits across from Mohan’s on Upper Glen Street, an area Continued On Page 11
The Log Jam Restaurant, a longtime Lake George dining institution, will kick off its 50th anniversary celebrations with a special First Pour Celebration on Wednesday, January 21, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m., marking five decades of locally owned hospitality, community connection and Adirondack-inspired dining. The anniversary event will debut Log Jam Spruce Lager, a signature craft beer brewed locally in collaboration with Northway Brewing Co. in Queensbury. The First Pour event will be the public’s first opportunity to sample the spruce lager on draft. Guests attending the celebration can expect live music by Jordan Dyer and Megan Houde, along with beer and appetizer specials. The spruce lager will be available year-round at The Log Jam, with cans and four-packs launching soon. The First Pour event offers an exclusive opportunity to taste it fresh from the tap. “Reaching 50 years is a significant milestone for our restaurant and our team,” said Tony Grecco, Manager of The Log Jam Restaurant. “This event is a way for us to honor an exciting collaboration, celebrate with our amazing customers and kick off a year of 50th Anniversary celebrations.” Founded in 1976, The Log Jam Restaurant is a locally owned and operated dining destination in Lake George, New York, known for its warm Adirondack-inspired atmosphere, fresh salad bar and delicious steak and seafood dishes. The restaurant has been owned
Log Jam celebrates 50 years with its new spruce lager brewed with Northway Brewing Co. Courtesy Log Jam
by David White and his family since 1988. The Log Jam has welcomed locals and visitors alike with a menu rooted in tradition, featuring handcrafted cocktails, locally inspired dishes, and a dedication to exceptional service. The 50th anniversary year will feature additional celebrations and offerings throughout 2026. Learn more at www.logjamrestaurant.com.