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GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

Adirondack Thunder Raises Record $60,016 For Randy’s Fund During Cancer Weekend

Fans write messages on the ice at Harding Mazzotti Arena during the Adirondack Thunder’s annual Stick it to Cancer weekend, which raised a record $60,016 for Randy’s Fund at Glens Falls Hospital. Courtesy Paul Post

The Adirondack Thunder, an ECHL affiliate of the New Jersey Devils and Utica Comets, raised a record $60,016 during its annual Stick it to Cancer weekend Feb. 27-28 at Harding Mazzotti Arena.

The total surpassed the $37,323 raised in 2025 by more than 60%.

Proceeds from the weekend’s games against the Maine Mariners and the Trois-Rivières Lions benefited Randy’s Patient Assistance Fund at Glens Falls Hospital’s C.R. Wood Cancer Center, which helps cover treatment needs for cancer patients.

“We could not be more thrilled with the outcome of this year’s Stick it to Cancer weekend to support Randy’s Fund at Glens Falls Hospital,”

said Adirondack Thunder President Jeff Mead.

“We thank the local community for showing up in a big way to benefit an invaluable cause during one of our most anticipated events of the year.”

Fans could paint the ice after Friday’s game with a $10 donation, and the team wore special Stick it to Cancer jerseys that were auctioned after Saturday’s contest. A 50/50 raffle was also held during both games to benefit Randy’s Fund.

The Thunder return home Wednesday, March 18 to host the Mariners at 7 p.m. at Harding Mazzotti Arena. Tickets are available at ECHLThunder.com or 518-480-3355.

Provided by Adirondack Thunder; edited for style and length.

J. Reid Menswear Continues To Provide Quality Clothing From New Location On Glen Street

BY ROD BACON

A haberdashery that has kept men looking their best for over 60 years has a new location.

J. Reid Menswear is now at 174 Glen Street in Glens Falls, just two doors away from where they’ve been serving customers for the past five years.

“It’s important that I stay on Glen Street,” said owner Jeffrey Ives. “This store is a small business that specializes in serving the community.”

Ives purchased the multi-story building, which previously housed the local office of Albany-based Aeon Nexus Corporation, for $750,000. He worked with Leslie D’Angelico and Zane Smith at Arrow Financial Corporation on the small business loan. His real estate agent was Christine McKee of Hunt Real Estate ERA.

Improvements were done by Argyle-based StraightUp Concrete & Renovations, owned by Jack Ash.

The menswear company was founded in 1965 by Seymour Segan as Jonathan Reid, named after his son, Jonathan Reid Segan. The store was located in Queensbury’s Northway Plaza. In 1975, he opened a store in Saratoga Springs’ Pyramid Mall and soon after relocated his original store to the Aviation Mall. Throughout the 1980s and ‘90s he expanded his business to include 12 stores in New York state, Vermont, and Massachusetts. The elder Segan retired in 1994 and turned the business over to his son, who downsized it to focus on the Glens Falls and Saratoga Springs markets.

Jeffrey Ives provides quality clothing and personal service at J. Reid Menswear.

“Within six months of starting work I knew I was going to buy it,” said Ives, who joined the company in 2000. “I didn’t know when and I didn’t know how, but I knew I was going to. So I started keeping a log of everything that worked and everything that didn’t. I did that for fifteen years so the day I bought it I was ready. I knew exactly what I wanted to do.”

Great Escape Included In $331 Million Sale Of Six Flags Theme Park Portfolio

BY PAUL POST

Great Escape, one of the area’s oldest tourist attractions and largest seasonal employers, is expected to maintain regular operations following its sale to Kansas City-based EPR Properties.

The $331 Million deal includes six other Six Flags theme parks in the U.S. and Canada.

Founded as Storytown USA by the late Charles R. Wood in 1954, the amusement center was renamed Great Escape in 1983. Thirteen years later, Wood sold it to Premier Parks, which later purchased Six Flags and adopted its name.

“This move allows Six Flags to concentrate on the parks that we believe offer the greatest opportunities for growth and long-term success,” company President and CEO John Reilly said. “Since joining the company, I have been clear that Six Flags’ earnings power has been under-realized. This transaction will simplify our portfolio, strengthen our balance sheet

and position us to execute with greater clarity and discipline.”

The transaction is expected to close by the end of the first quarter or the beginning of the second quarter.

Great Escape will maintain the Six Flags brand in 2026 and honor all season passes sold, including multi-park pass privileges at other parks within the Six Flags portfolio.

“From a regional tourism perspective, we are confident that the park will continue to operate successfully and remain a vital attraction for families visiting the Lake George area,” said Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce. “The new ownership group already has a presence in New York’s attractions industry through Enchanted Forest Water Safari in Old Forge.”

“We believe this experience positions them well to operate the park with energy and en-

Adirondack Regional Chamber Awards Jacky Touba For Community Museum Leadership

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) welcomed 260 guests at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing, N.Y., for its annual dinner celebration Friday, March 6, 2026. During the event, the chamber honored Dr. Jacquiline “Jacky” Touba with its 37th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award.

The program included a resolution presentation by Senator Dan Stec and Assemblyman Matt Simpson, and a proclamation presentation by Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner. The boards of supervisors of Warren and Washington counties also prepared proclamations for Dr. Touba. A video tribute highlighted Dr. Touba’s accomplishments, including the creation of the World Awareness Children’s Museum in Glens Falls, N.Y.

In her remarks, Dr. Touba thanked family and friends and spoke about working together as a community. She said J. Walter Juckett was among the first donors during fundraising for the children’s museum. With more than 50 years as an artist, Dr. Touba drew on her work as a college professor and her world travels to help children and adults explore a diverse world through interactive play and learning.

J. Walter Juckett Award honorees include George Ferone, Robert Nemer, Dr. John

Business / Personnel Briefs

Fenimore Asset Management has hired Carina Trudell as senior operations associate and Jim Haley, CFP®, as senior director, the fi rm said.

Trudell, a Voorheesville resident, has 25 years of investment industry experience and previously was vice president and head of corporate onboarding and experience at Goldman Sachs Ayco.

“We are very pleased to have Carina on the team,” said Liza Baran, Director of Shareholder Services & Operations. “As Fenimore continues to grow and evolve operationally, Carina will be integral to our strategic vision and adoption of new technologies to better serve investors.”

Haley, who is based in South Carolina, has nearly 30 years of experience and works with individuals, families, nonprofits and institutions. He previously served in management at Dividend Assets Capital.

Founded in 1974, Fenimore manages $5.06 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025, through its Cobleskill and Albany offices.

Provided by Fenimore Asset Management; edited for style and length.

North Country Media Network, a multimedia podcast network based in Glens Falls, New York, has launched and is accepting applications for a limited “Founding Member” cohort, the company said.

Founder Ann Donnelly said the network provides studio or mobile recording options

and handles production, editing and publishing.

NCMN will accept one participating expert per industry for the cohort, offering category exclusivity, the release said.

Founding Members who commit to a sixmonth weekly podcast schedule under the Authority Pro package will receive top placement in network listings, preferred monthly pricing and waived start-up fees.

Professionals can inquire by emailing ann@northcountry.media.

Provided by North Country Media Network; edited for style and length.

The Saratoga Showcase of Homes will celebrate its 30th anniversary this fall with events scheduled for Oct. 3-4 and Oct. 10-11, according to the Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee.

The four-day tour, held over two weekends, will feature new construction by regional, award-winning builders, the release said.

Proceeds from the 2026 event will benefit Rebuilding Together Saratoga County and Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington Counties. Last year, $66,000 was raised for the two organizations, and the Saratoga Builders Association has contributed nearly $1.7 million to local charities through the event.

Builders and sponsors interested in participating can contact Executive Director Barry Potoker at 518.366.0946 or bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org. More information is available at www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com.

The Saratoga Builders Association, Inc. is a professional trade association whose membership includes builders, developers, remodelers, suppliers, subcontractors, fi nancial institutions, architects, engineers, realtors and attorneys in Saratoga County, according to the release.

Arrow Financial Plans Acquisition Of Adirondack Bancorp In $89 Million Deal

BY PAUL POST

Glens Falls-based Arrow Financial Corp. expects to double its geographic territory with the proposed $89.1 million acquisition of Utica-based Adirondack Bancorp, which has 19 branch offices from the Mohawk Valley north to the Canadian border.

“Part of our strategic plan is mergers and acquisitions,” Arrow President and CEO Dave DeMarco said. “To continue to provide shareholder value in our business, you have to grow. We’re celebrating our 175th year. The timing couldn’t be better to find a willing partner to join forces.”

“We’ve been actively looking for a bank or banks that fit our mold, a community-based bank that looks, feels and acts like we do,” he said.

Adirondack Bancorp serves the same types of communities as Arrow, which makes the deal a good one culturally, DeMarco said.

But with $4.5 billion in assets, Arrow is much bigger than Adirondack ($942 million in total assets) and offers a broader range of services including wealth management and insurance. Based on financial results as of Dec. 31, 2025, the combined company would have pro forma total assets of $5.4 billion, total deposits of $4.8 billion and total gross loans of $4.1 billion.

When completed, the merger would make Arrow upstate New York’s fourth-largest community bank, ranked by assets.

The deal, subject to regulatory approval, is expected to be finalized by the end of the second quarter. Under the terms of the agreement, Adirondack shareholders will receive a combination of stock and cash upon closing of the merger. Each outstanding share of Adirondack common stock will be converted into 1.8610 shares of Arrow common stock plus $18.72 in cash.

Based on the closing stock price of AROW common stock of $34.43 as of Feb. 25, 2026, the per-share implied consideration value is $82.79.

Arrow currently has 575 employees and 38 branches from Albany to Plattsburgh.

Adirondack Bank has 200 employees and offices in Oneida, Herkimer, Franklin, Clinton and Essex counties.

In January 2025, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Co. and Saratoga National Bank and Trust Co. officially unified and rebranded as Arrow Bank. The merger combined the two Arrow Financial Corp. subsidiaries to streamline operations.

But it also gave the company a new identity, making it easier to enter new markets. “The new brand has been very well received,” DeMarco said. “This will continue that evolution of a growing bank. We want to get this one under our belt, close it, assimilate people and move forward with serving customers in their communities. At the same time we could continue to look for opportunities that make sense financially and culturally align with the way we do business.”

The Central New York market is especially attractive because of major economic development projects taking place there.

Last April, Chobani broke ground on a $1.2 billion plant in Oneida County that’s expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs. In addition, Micron is building a $100 billion, 1,400-acre “megafab” near Syracuse. This semiconductor facility is the largest private investment in New York history and will create 50,000 total jobs (9,000 direct) with construction of four facilities lasting until 2041. Adirondack Bank branches will be rebranded to Arrow in the coming months.

“Much like we’ve done with our own company, we’ll be taking a look at branch optimization,” DeMarco said. “There might be a branch or two close to each other that we can consolidate into one.”

“The front customer-facing staff will all be retained,” he said. “In these types of mergers and acquisitions there is duplication of effort. So there will be some back room, support-type roles that will be eliminated. We’re evaluating what people do and we may have roles here at Arrow they could fill. We’ll be doing all we can to keep as many positions as possible.”

Rocco F. Arcuri Sr., Adirondack president and CEO, will stay with Arrow as regional president and will join the Arrow board of directors. “Aligning our two community banks will create a more robust organization equipped for the future while benefitting our customers who will have the local support they expect with access to more products, services and locations,” he said.

Unlike some much larger banks with a specialized customer base, Arrow strives to “meet all the financial needs that a community has,” DeMarco said. “We take care of individuals, small business, nonprofits and municipalities, and we try to support communities philanthropically and with volunteerism. That’s what makes us different. Adirondack Bank is just the same. It’s a perfect fit.”

Lagoon Restaurant Partners Purchase Village Mall Property In Lake George

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER

The partners behind one of Lake George Village’s most recognizable waterfront restaurants have added a new chapter to their story, acquiring the Village Mall — the 50-year-old retail complex on Canada Street where their business was born.

Joe Mondella, Mark French and John Grillo, equal partners in GNSD Enterprises LLC, recently completed the purchase of the Village Mall in the village of Lake George. The trio opened The Lagoon restaurant inside the mall in 2018, leasing from the Quirk family, which previously owned the property.

“As we opened the business and started running the restaurant, we quickly realized that the location — right on the lake in the heart of Lake George — had just a ton of potential,” Mondella said.

From its original single-level footprint, The Lagoon has expanded to occupy six of the mall’s 16 storefronts, adding a second kitchen and patio on the lakeside level below. The partners installed a pizza oven, built out a prep kitchen and remodeled the bar as they invested steadily in the space they did not yet own.

“Without owning the property ourselves, it seemed like: are we going to continue to invest in this property that we don’t own?” Mondella said. “After a really short period of time, we said to ourselves, if we’re going to invest all this money and we’re going to be here, it would really be in our best interest to own the building.”

The acquisition coincides with approval of Downtown Revitalization Initiative funding from New York state, which carries requirements that will reshape the mall’s exterior. Under the DRI terms, the partners must renovate the facades on both the Canada Street and lakeside faces of the building.

“Yes, it’s old and it has charm, but it definitely could use that facelift,” Mondella said of the building. “We’re excited to be able to do that.”

A central aim of the state funding, Mondella said, is helping make Lake George a year-round destination — a goal that aligns directly with how The Lagoon has operated since opening. The restaurant has remained open 12 months a year, seven days a week, even during the slow winter months when much of the village goes dormant.

“The faster we can get started on the first phase — the Lagoon side of things — the faster we’ll be able to generate capital ourselves and fund the entire renovation,” Mondella said. The DRI funding must be used within five years.

The renovation will proceed in phases, with the lakeside deck expansion and building winterization at the top of the list. Mondella noted that the current structure lacks adequate insulation — an issue that is literally felt by guests.

“There are a lot of times you come into our dining room and people are wearing their winter coats because the building isn’t insulated,” he said. “Completely winterizing the entire building will be part of what we do.”

The goal is to have the first phase of renovations completed by next winter, with the full project wrapped up within one to three years. The partners said they do not intend to let the full renovation extend beyond that window.

Ten storefronts on the street level remain available to rent or continue operating.

Current tenants include gift and souvenir shops, a candy store and a jewelry store, with at least one tenant having operated in the mall for 30 to 35 years. Mondella said the new owners want existing tenants to stay.

“We want to make the place look as nice and be as inviting as it can,” Mondella said. “We’re open to all ideas. We’re really trying not to get too committed to anything because we’re just not there yet.”

When asked about the possibility of adding outdoor-recreation retail — such as hiking or fishing gear — to complement the lakeside setting, Mondella said the group is taking things one step at a time, with the restaurant and lakeside improvements as the foundation.

Mondella acknowledged that operating year-round in a summer-dominated resort town is not easy and said he draws inspiration from neighbors who have already made it work, including Adirondack Winery, Capri Pizza, Adirondack Brew Pub, the Garrison and the Lighthouse.

“We really believe we’re kind of all in this together,” he said. “We all want Lake George to be successful, and there’s plenty to go around if we are.”

He also tempered expectations, noting that smart businesspeople have tried and chosen to close in winter before. “We’re putting ourselves out there and taking a risk, and we’re going to do everything we can to make it successful,” Mondella said. “But we’re not guaranteed to be successful with this either.”

The Village Mall is on Canada Street in the village of Lake George, with lake-facing access on the lower level. The Lagoon can be reached at lagoonlakegeorge.com and is active on Instagram and Facebook.

J. Reid Menswear

Continued From Page 1

In August 2015, he purchased the business for $160,000.

The first thing he did was close the Saratoga Springs store. He explained that since he had worked for years in more than the flagship store he had built up a strong following among men who wanted his expertise when it came to dressing for success.

“I was essentially competing against myself,” he said. “People in Saratoga were coming to Glens Falls looking for me.”

While he has five employees to handle the day-to-day tasks, Ives does all the buying for the store. He carries men’s suits and accessories with labels like Maxman, Manzini Uomo, Mantoni, London Fog, and Florsheim, and stays abreast of changing fashion trends. Over the years he has added chinos, jeans and sweaters to accommodate those who want a more casual look. Suits cost between $295 and $795. Shirts and ties run around $50 and shoes around $140.

Ives takes pride in the fact that customers get personal attention. He has trained his staff to emulate the approach to customer service he has developed over the years.

“Some of my customers don’t know exactly what they’re looking for so we collaborate and I make suggestions based on what he needs the clothing for, the price, and quality of the garments,” he said.

While he and his staff custom fit the purchases, master tailor Karen Hamel, who has been with the company for 40 years, does all alterations on-site.

The store also offers tuxedo rentals through Tuxedo By Sarno, of Scranton, Pennsylvania. From April through Halloween they deliver tuxedos five days a week.

“I probably rent 2,500 tuxes a year,” Ives said.”

He also has them for sale, which are supplied by one of the companies from which he gets his suits.

For years, J. Reid Menswear was the official clothier of the men’s basketball coaching staff at Siena University. When head coach Jamion Christian took a similar job at Bryant University in Smithfield, Rhode Island, he continued to patronize the shop.

“I drive to Rhode Island and suit up his staff,” Ives said. “The relationship is the same, he just moved to a different team.”

Ives believes in giving back to the community that has supported him through the years. He donates to the Adirondack Thunder, the Charles R. Wood Theater, the Adirondack Theater Festival and The Open Door Mission.

He is very positive about the future of Glens Falls.

“I think the city has experienced a great revitalization over the past several years,” he said. “There is a commitment to bringing businesses back to downtown.”

As for the future, he has no immediate plans to grow beyond his store on Glen Street but he hasn’t ruled anything out.

“I think there are opportunities south of Glens Falls, and I might explore them later,” he said.

Ives, who grew up in Fort Edward, earned a degree in psychology from Siena University and later a graduate degree from The College of St. Joseph in Rutland, Vermont.

In addition to operating the menswear shop he collaborates with the New York State Department of Corrections doing psychological evaluations of inmates.

For further information about how J. Reid Menswear can help you dress for success, log on to jreidmenswear.com.

Publication Date: April 9, 2026

Publication Date: May 7, 2026

GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL

2000 Business Of The Year Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce

9 Broad St. Glens Falls, NY 12803 (518) 581-0600 • Fax: (518) 430-3020 • www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Editorial: RJDeLuke@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Advertising: HarryW@glensfallsbusinessjournal.com

Contributing

BY JEFFREY SHAPIRO

For many local businesses, Google reviews function as a public trust score that can influence whether a customer chooses one company over another. Because online reviews play such a significant role in consumer decisionmaking, regulators have increasingly focused on preventing review manipulation.

In response to widespread abuse, the Federal Trade Commission’s Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (16 CFR Part 465) took effect Oct. 21, 2024. The rule gives the FTC a new enforcement tool: the ability to seek civil penalties for knowing violations.

This column outlines the rule’s primary prohibitions and offers practical compliance steps for businesses.

What Does the Rule Cover?

The rule targets specific review-manipulation practices across platforms, including Google Business Profiles, Yelp, industry directories, retailer sites and social media. It focuses on fake or false reviews or testimonials, improper incentives, insider reviews without disclosure, review suppression, review hijacking (repurposing reviews) and fake indicators of influence such as followers, likes and views.

The rule prohibits creating, selling, buying or disseminating reviews or testimonials that are fake or false, including reviews from people who did not have the claimed experience. This can include fabricated Google reviews, AI-generated reviews presented as genuine consumer experiences or reviews from individuals who never used the product or service.

One important nuance of the rule is that it does not appear to ban incentives for reviews across the board. Instead, 16 CFR § 465.4 prohibits providing “compensation or other incentives” in exchange for, or conditioned (expressly or by implication) on, a review that expresses a particular sentiment (positive or negative). As a result, offering a discount only if a customer leaves a positive Google review is likely prohibited.

The rule text does not separately define “incentives,” but it uses the broad phrase “compensation or other incentives.” The FTC explains that § 465.4 targets incentivized reviews only when the incentive is tied to a required sentiment. Any attempt to implement a review incentive program should be reviewed by an attorney.

The rule also restricts certain insider reviews and testimonials that fail to clearly disclose material connections. This can arise when a business asks staff to “help our rating” or when friends and family are encouraged to post reviews without disclosing the relationship.

The rule also targets practices that suppress negative reviews, including conduct that misrepresents that displayed reviews reflect most or all reviews when negative reviews are being filtered out. It also addresses suppression through unjustified legal threats

or similar tactics.

Repurposing reviews from one product or service to another can also be deceptive, particularly where the product or service is materially different. This most often arises with multilocation businesses, rebranded offerings or situations where reviews are migrated to a different service page in a way that changes what the review appears to reference.

The rule also targets the sale or purchase of fake indicators of social media influence, such as followers, likes and views, when used for commercial purposes. While this may sound limited to social media, it can also affect local businesses that promote themselves using influencer endorsements or engagement metrics.

What Are the Consequences of Noncompliance?

The FTC has emphasized that the rule allows the agency to seek civil penalties for knowing violations. FTC enforcement materials warn that penalties can be substantial and may accumulate quickly on a per-violation basis.

Practical Compliance Steps

To reduce risk, keep review practices simple: ask customers for honest feedback, not just positive reviews; avoid discounts or perks tied to a five-star rating; and establish a clear rule that employees, owners and family members should not post reviews (or must disclose the relationship if they do).

If you use a marketing vendor, confirm that the vendor is not buying, filtering or fabricating reviews. When a negative review appears, respond professionally and try to resolve the issue rather than silence it.

Jeffrey B. Shapiro is an attorney in the Capital Region who helps businesses navigate legal compliance and reduce regulatory risk. He provides practical, day-to-day guidance so business owners can stay focused on running and growing their companies.

Katy’s Wine And Whiskey Bar Opening In June On South Street In Glens Falls

BY CAROL ANN CONOVER

A new chapter is being written for South Street. Katy’s Wine & Whiskey Bar, a sophisticated yet approachable destination for wine lovers, whiskey enthusiasts and anyone seeking an elevated evening out, is expected to open in June at 46 South St., in a building dating to the 1890s that has been gutted and rehabilitated by developer Chris Patten.

Behind the venture are two partners who bring complementary strengths: Bill Dingman, a two-decade veteran of the Glens Falls restaurant industry, and Katie Foster, a local real estate agent and wife of the building’s developer. Together, they are betting that the momentum building along South Street is ready to support something new — a bar that is refined without being pretentious, social without being rowdy.

For Dingman, the opening carries personal significance. He got his start in the industry at 14 at the Lake George Pancake House and went on to spend eight years as general manager of Bistro Tallulah — a restaurant he credits as one of the catalysts for the revitalization of the Glens Falls dining scene. He has since managed Morgan and Company, Raul’s Mexican Grill, Craft on 9 and Forged, among others.

“Bistro Tallulah was one of the catalysts for sort of the revitalization of Glens Falls, of the Renaissance of the dining scene in the area,” Dingman said. “I was at the beginning of what felt like a real revitalization — and to now be opening an establishment of my own right here in this downtown setting is a bit of a full-circle moment.”

This is Dingman’s first ownership stake after 20 years in the industry. He will continue in his current role as district operations manager at Spot Coffee while the restaurant ramps up, with his responsibilities expected to evolve as Katy’s finds its footing.

Foster began her career 13 years ago waitressing at the Log Jam in Lake George. Now a mother of three, she credits her latest opportunity to South Street development activity that began in 2016 with a $10 million Downtown Revitalization Initiative grant.

“It’s inspiring to have the development on South Street bringing all the new businesses and all the new energy,” she said.

The partnership itself has roots stretching back years. Dingman is best friends with Foster’s husband, Chris, and the two men have talked for years about opening a place together. When the opportunity arrived with the South Street building, Foster joined as a collaborator.

“Now that we actually have the opportunity, we have this beautiful lot, we have the building, and it was just a fantastic idea we

could do together,” Foster said.

While the bar’s full name is Katy’s Wine & Whiskey Bar, the partners expect it to be known simply as “Katy’s.” The beverage program will feature a curated wine list and a more extensive whiskey selection, along with a full bar.

“It’s not about creating just a place to drink,” Foster said. “It’s about creating an environment for social events — a sophisticated space for people to really have fun, for date nights, business meetings, girls’ nights.”

The food menu will lean into shareable, tapas-style plates, with a smaller section of more traditional entree-style offerings. The approach is deliberately social: smaller portions, more variety, designed for the table to graze and linger.

The atmosphere is being designed to match. Foster described the vibe as “dark and moody” — intimate lighting, intentional upholstery, every detail considered. Entertainment will be quiet and atmospheric: think a solo pianist or guitarist tucked into a corner window that overlooks the intersection of Elm and South streets, where passersby can see in.

“We wanted something refined, but not intimidating,” Dingman said. “I love that every detail — down to the lighting, the upholstery — is intentional. It’s immersive.”

The bar will seat approximately 25 at the bar itself, with a total capacity of 70 seats. The partners do not plan to be a late-night destination; the kitchen is expected to stop serving around 9 p.m., with the bar closing around 10 or 11 p.m.

Both partners spoke at length about their vision for service culture — warm and engaging, knowledgeable without being stuffy.

“We want a staff that puts hospitality first — really the core meaning of that word,” Dingman said. “I always think of this area as blue collar with white collar tastes. We’re good old-fashioned working folks who can be inspired to enjoy the finer things. I want to take care of those folks. I want them to remember that hospitality is not dead.”

Foster, who said she plans to be on the floor herself as much as possible, echoed that priority.

“Warm, engaging, detail-oriented but professional — those people are hard to find,” she said. “But I’m willing to mold people, to shape what they already know. I love waitressing. I want to be there, talking tables, giving that presence and that good feeling.”

Dingman emphasized that a tight frontof-house and back-of-house relationship will be foundational. “That teamwork is

Lake George Regional CVB Posts Record 2025 Results, Boosts Shoulder-Season Demand

The Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau, the group-business marketing arm of Warren County and the Lake George Area, reported its 2025 year-end results, citing gains in sales activity, digital engagement, room nights and estimated economic impact.

Performance indicators presented at the most recent Occupancy Tax Committee meeting show the bureau exceeded annual targets for lead generation, booked business and economic impact.

In 2025 year-to-date results, the bureau reported 196 leads generated and 127 confirmed bookings, representing 41,485 booked attendees and 33,701 room nights. The bureau estimated the booked business generated $53 million in economic impact.

On the digital side, the bureau reported 155,112 website visits to MeetLakeGeorge.com and 4,984 total social media followers.

Data shared by Warren County Tourism showed strengthening across hotel and shortterm rental markets in 2025, particularly outside peak summer months. Hotel occupancy improved to about 54% in 2025. Short-term rental revenue increased more than 8% year over year, with low-season short-term rental revenue rebounding close to 18% after a decline the previous year. Short-term rental bed tax collections rose from $2.26 million in 2024 to $2.45 million in 2025.

According to Visa Analytics, 45% of visitor spending in 2025 occurred during shoulderseason months, matching peak-season performance.

“These results reflect the strategic, intentional work of our team to attract business that supports a year-round tourism economy,” said

Gina Mintzer, Executive Director of the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau. “By focusing on meetings, sports, and group travel, we’re driving meaningful economic impact while supporting partners during shoulder seasons.”

Throughout 2025, the bureau cited targeted sales outreach, participation in regional and national trade shows and placements in industry publications serving the meetings, sports and group travel markets. The convention services team provided planner support that included referrals, booking coordination, welcome materials, on-site assistance and customized microsites, according to the release. The bureau also highlighted partner collaboration with regional venues and service providers through sales initiatives, trade show representation and cooperative marketing programs.

Tyler Herrick, President of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, noted: “The CVB plays a vital role in bringing visitors to the Lake George Area when businesses need it most. Their focus on group travel and events directly supports our members and strengthens the local economy.”

The bureau said it will continue focusing on strategic growth, partner advocacy and expanding year-round group visitation in Warren County.

About the Lake George Regional Convention & Visitors Bureau: The bureau is the group sales division of the Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB and focuses on meetings, sports, weddings and group travel in Warren County. Learn more at meetlakegeorge.com. Provided by Lake George Regional Chamber of Commerce & CVB; edited for style and length.

WCLDC And EDC Release Schedule For March Board And Committee Meetings

March 17, 2026 – WCLDC Audit & Finance Committee Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite, 201, Glens Falls at 1:00 p.m.

March 19, 2026 – WCLDC Monthly Board of Directors Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite 201, Glens Falls at 11:00 p.m.

March 19, 2026 – WCLDC ANNUAL Board of Directors Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite 201, Glens Falls immediately following the Regular Board of Directors Monthly Meeting

Continued On Page 11

March 24, 2026 – EDC Audit & Finance Committee Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite 201, Glens Falls at 4:00 p.m.

March 25, 2026 – EDC Monthly Board of Directors Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite 201, Glens Falls at 8:00 a.m.

March 25, 2026 – EDC ANNUAL Board of Directors Meeting to be held in person at 11 South Street, Suite 201, Glens Falls immediately following the Regular Board of Directors Monthly Meeting

Women in Business

Habitat For Humanity Expands Efforts To Address Regional Housing Shortage

BY ANN DONNELLY

When Sharon Horton took over as executive director of Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties in June 2025, she brought extensive nonprofit experience and a deeply personal understanding of the power of homeownership. Today, she is leading the organization through a critical period of expansion to address a severe regional housing shortage.

The need for affordable housing in the area is dire. According to Horton, “Warren County’s overall housing vacancy rate is 3.6%, and the rental vacancy rate is an exceptionally low 0.4%, well below the 5% threshold that signals a housing shortage. Nearly 47% of renter households in the county are cost-burdened, and affordable rentals priced at levels accessible to minimum-wage workers are almost nonexistent.”

“The Warren County Housing Needs Study identifies significant gaps for households earning 0–50% and 50–80% AMI, particularly those seeking affordable starter homes and ownership opportunities below $300,000,” Horton shared. “These shortages are especially acute in communities outside Queensbury and Glens Falls. Also in Hudson Falls in Washington County. The combination of near-zero vacancy, long waiting lists, rapid absorption, and rising costs demonstrates a clear and urgent unmet need for affordable homeownership opportunities in our region.”

To address the crisis, Horton is leaning into Habitat’s core purpose, “to bring people together to build communities, homes, and hope.”

Her path to Habitat was shaped by personal adversity and a strong desire to serve. Horton began her career as a general manager in the hospitality industry before transitioning into nonprofit work with the American Cancer Society in Florida, the American Heart Association in New York and later serving as statewide executive director for the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

“Although I loved my role and I loved the people I interacted with ... I almost felt like it was too close,” Horton said. She sought a role with “boots on the ground, more grassroots digging into the people,” which led her to Habitat.

Horton understands the families she serves because she has been in their shoes. As a former single mother of three, she remembers the life-changing experience of buying her fi rst home.

“I knew how I felt after that happened, the feeling of sitting in my home that I worked

hard to build, to get to that stage in my life and feeling empowered,” Horton said. “That investment in yourself and your family, the legacy that you leave for your children, I know how that feels. So, that really is a passion for me.”

Habitat serves hardworking families making between 50% and 80% of the area’s median income. Participants must demonstrate fi nancial readiness, have a clear housing need and invest “sweat equity” hours into building homes or working at the local ReStore.

Under Horton’s leadership, the affi liate is evolving its construction strategies to address rising costs and weather delays. The organization is shift ing toward modular homes that arrive with the shell complete and airtight, allowing volunteers to focus on fi nishing work such as painting, landscaping and installing hardware. Th is year, the organization is building three homes — one in Warrensburg and two in Hudson Falls.

One of the Hudson Falls projects will be a “Women Build,” an initiative Horton is particularly passionate about that reflects her desire to help women in need.

“I just always felt a calling to serve,” Horton said. “They passed along that gift of service to me, and I just feel like I need to pay it forward. It just fi lls my soul.”

For more information on Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties, visit glensfallshabitat. org.

Sales Director Builds Business Th rough Community Ties At Saratoga Casino Hotel

BY ANN DONNELLY

Colleen Carlson’s career at Saratoga Casino Hotel began long before the property added a luxury hotel, a premier steakhouse or a busy casino floor. At 15, Carlson sold race programs at the harness track where her mother also worked. Today, as director of sales, she oversees a thriving corporate and events business built on the property’s decades of expansion.

"I have a long history here," Carlson said. "I started here when I was 15 years old, selling programs. I moved up the line and worked in the press box, doing all sorts of interesting things. It's like home to me being here."

The property’s evolution has reshaped Carlson’s sales portfolio. Years ago, the on-site restaurant Fortune’s regularly hosted 350 guests for lunch and dinner. Today it operates exclusively as a private-event space, reflecting the venue’s broader focus on large-scale hospitality.

"Through the whole changeover of getting a hotel, casino, it's been a great ride," Carlson said. "When we got the hotel, it made it more interesting. It really ramped up everything."

Carlson now oversees multiple event spaces across the Saratoga Casino Hotel campus, including conference rooms, a ballroom, Morton’s The Steakhouse and the Vapor nightclub. A standout venue is The Lodge at Nelson and Crescent avenues, featuring a dark green exterior and Adirondack-style woodwork. A large tent installed on a stamped-concrete slab outside The Lodge allows the property to host larger weddings and galas.

"I do love the galas, and we use Vapor for special events too," Carlson said, noting regular events like the Saratoga Builders Association showcase and the AIM Services Gala. "Vapor is a really driving factor in business."

The range of spaces attracts corporate conferences, CSEA groups and holiday parties from across New York, including Westchester, Long Island and Buffalo. Even the property’s expansive parking lot occasionally becomes event space, such as when a Porsche club held a gathering at the resort.

Despite the steady demand, Carlson relies on an unconventional sales strategy. Rather than aggressive cold-calling, she builds relationships through deep community involvement and nonprofit work with organizations such as Jake’s Help From Heaven, Saratoga Sponsor a Scholar and the Saratoga Hospital Foundation. In 2025, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce honored Carlson with the Joseph Dalton Community Service Award.

"I find for me, I don't really go out seeking business, which doesn't make sense in a way for my role, but I'm involved in a lot of non-profit organizations," Carlson said. "I have to tell you, I have

joined committees, I attend the events, and a lot of times they end up being here because they know me."

Carlson said the company’s philanthropic culture reinforces that approach. Each Giving Tuesday, Saratoga Casino Hotel donates $120,000 to local organizations, distributing $10,000 to 12 nonprofits.

"It's really enriched my life, and it's brought us business. It's a nice pairing," she said. "Going to events and joining with non-profit organizations really opens up a world where I don't go out asking for business. It kind of just organically happens. It is working."

The strategy, combined with the property’s amenities and banquet team, continues to drive strong demand and repeat bookings. Carlson is currently covering her own responsibilities while filling in for a sales manager on maternity leave.

"My head's gonna pop off. I am so busy," Carlson said about her overflowing email inbox. "Right now, I’m in the thick of getting conferences ready for spring. I think it's just because we have a really full package here. We have a lot of repeat business. We have a great banquet team, and we, honest to God, have incredible food. So they keep coming back for that."

Whether coordinating a corporate retreat or booking entertainment for a gala, Carlson credits her longevity to genuine enthusiasm for the work.

"I guess you just need to enjoy it to be doing it," Carlson said. "I love what I do."

For more information on Saratoga Casino Hotel, visit saratogacasino.com.

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

BY ROD BACON

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

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

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

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

The museum is home to over 15,000 items focusing on cultural diversity and international art. The collection includes more than 7,000 pieces of children’s art and over 8,000 cultural artifacts such as clothing, musical instruments, toys and dolls from approximately 140 countries. Its cultural exhibits immerse children in the music, home and family life, and fashion of societies around the world. Its outreach programs allow them to experience hands-on learning using objects from the museum’s collection, and its outreach initiative brings virtual and interactive programs directly into classrooms. There are also assembly programs and tours presented under the guidance of museum educators.

Dr. Touba was instrumental in establishing the Arts District of Glens Falls. She said the concept behind the initiative was to have a connection among all the arts organizations in the city that would lead to collaboration among them.

“We started a walking tour from one organization to another, and that more or less defined the district,” she said. “It starts with the

Chapman Museum and goes to the Crandall Library, then to LARAC, the Park Theater, the Civic Center, the Children’s Museum and then the shirt factory where there are a lot of artists. We want to encourage people who visit Glens Falls to experience all the arts venues rather than simply visiting one.”

Dr. Touba retired from her leadership position at the museum in 2013 but she volunteers there every Wednesday. She explained that it is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays for cleaning and changing of the exhibits if necessary.

Born in Syracuse, her family moved to the Capital Region where she grew up in North Troy. She earned her undergraduate degree in sociology from Syracuse University, a master’s in sociology from Purdue University, and a doctorate in sociology and city planning from that institution.

She taught sociology in Iran for 13 years but returned to the area in 1980 due to the Iranian Revolution. She has traveled extensively, visiting Morocco, Turkey and most of the European countries, as well as studying and working in the Netherlands. As a teen leader for Rotary International she took a group of students to India. She has also presented papers in Japan and Sweden.

After her return to the area she taught at Skidmore College but her experiences overseas convinced her that children needed to be introduced to other cultures at an early age.

“That was the motivation for starting the children’s museum,” she said. “It was a way of continuing my interest in sociology and world cultures.”

Dr. Touba is not idle in retirement. She has a studio in The Shirt Factory where she paints, creates pen-and-ink drawings, and authors children’s books. She has done a series on dance around the world as well as a book on Persian miniatures. She is currently finishing one based on Ruslan and Ludmila, a folktale from Ukraine.

Dr. Touba is married to Dr. Riza Touba, an engineer who owns Griffin’s in Hudson Falls. They have a daughter, Susan Wagner, and three grandchildren. Susan traveled from Oregon to attend the ceremony.

For more information about the World Awareness Children’s Museum log on to worldchildrensmuseum.org.

East End Rising Effort Advances With Survey On Glens Falls Revitalization

BY PAUL POST

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The East End could become even more “art centric,” a place for artists to have home-based businesses, by rezoning some neighborhoods to attract such entrepreneurs.

But 60% of East End residents are renters, well above average, and some residents said already high rental fees would rise further if the area becomes a trendy arts district, making it unaffordable for lower-income people.

Warren County has one of the state’s oldest populations, largely because there isn’t enough affordable housing for young families to stay here.

Following the formal meeting, committee members welcomed input from the audience. Concerns centered on two main areas — pedestrian and traffic safety, and residential complaints about conflicts with business neighbors.

Bethanie Lawrence, executive director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum, said three parked cars on Warren Street near her site have been hit by passing vehicles in recent weeks. She also cited the need for increased pedestrian safety because children sometimes walk from her site to The Hyde when weather permits.

Other residents voiced major concerns about noise and large truck traffic passing through neighborhoods, sometimes during early morning and evening hours.

A separate group, the East End Action Committee, meets at 10 a.m. the first Saturday of each month at Rock Hill Bakehouse & Café, 18 Curran St., for people interested in improving quality of life in this part of the city.

Eighty-six sites across New York state have already obtained Brownfield Opportunity Area designation, leading to significant redevelopment. In Broome County, for example, an abandoned Endicott-Johnson factory was converted into a residential complex.

An application seeking inclusion in the BOA program is expected to be submitted late this year or in early 2027 after the committee finishes creating a strategic plan for revitalizing the East End.

Historically, the program focused on brownfield sites but has evolved over time to also look at opportunities for investment and revitalization of underutilized sites. Through this program, underutilized sites are transformed from liabilities into community assets.

The intent of the BOA program is to undertake neighborhood-scale plans rather than focus on a single underutilized property. While not all properties in the BOA study area are brownfields, vacant, underutilized or abandoned, looking at the neighborhood scale acknowledges that the presence of these nearby sites may impact investment in the larger community.

The East End Rising committee’s next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, May 5.

For information, go to www.eastendrising. com.

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Economic Development Corporations

Washington County Pursues Economic Growth After Loss Of Major Employer

BY PAUL POST

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

But the county faces one overriding challenge.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The county also launched a new economic development website that centralizes key business and workforce resources. The site gives small-business owners and entrepreneurs access to support services and resources while connecting job seekers and employers with workforce programs, training partners and job opportunities.

It also features short videos highlighting local employers.

Another major development opportunity is Canalside Energy Park, the site of a former PCB dewatering facility off Route 196 in Fort Edward. The property, owned by the Warren-

Washington Industrial Development Agency, has undergone major infrastructure upgrades with additional improvements planned to prepare it for a large-scale industrial user.

Approvals to enhance the site’s water connection are expected this spring, with construction anticipated this summer and fall. Early engineering work has also begun on a new natural gas connection with National Grid.

“As infrastructure planning advances, Canalside Energy Park is becoming one of the region’s most promising opportunities for largescale investment and job creation,” said Chuck Barton, the IDA’s chief executive officer. “With strong state and federal support and excellent regional partnerships, we are positioning the site to attract a major company to Fort Edward and Washington County.”

The IDA has retained Berkshire Hathaway Blake Commercial Realty to market the site to potential users.

Tourism also holds significant untapped economic potential in Washington County, and officials are working to expand that sector.

“In addition to continuing to promote our shops and restaurants, we are making efforts to increase tourism by marketing our numerous short-term rental options that include traditional bed and breakfasts, glamping sites, farm stays and more,” Oswald said. “Between the hundreds of short-term rentals and various agritourism experiences, we are perfectly positioned to accommodate today’s traveler who values authentic experiences and sustainable travel. In turn, these overnight guests will support the shops and restaurants.”

The county is also supporting the Washington County 250th Commemoration Committee as the nation prepares to celebrate America’s 250th birthday. Several events have already taken place, with more planned.

The committee hosted events throughout 2025, including Living History Weekend, and Washington County participated in the Henry Knox Noble Train of Artillery reenactment in December.

For 2026, organizers are planning a History Festival at the Washington County Fairgrounds on July 11-12. The free immersive event will offer educational and family-friend-

Lake George Protection Efforts Could Spark New North Country Industries

BY PAUL POST

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

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

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

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

The EDC is collaborating with other entities such as RPI, the Darrin Fresh Water Institute

and the Lake George Association to develop ideas that could be presented to the state for economic development.

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

“I want to add natural resources to that portfolio,” Siplon said.

The immediate goal for 2026 is to define specific investable business ideas that would be presented to the state for support.

This could be in the form of grants, tax breaks or direct efforts by the state to attract new firms to the North Country.

“One of the most important things to remember is that economic development isn’t year to year,” Siplon said. “It requires ongoing support and consistency for a long time. For example, the Downtown Revitalization Initiative in Glens Falls took 10 years to come to fruition.”

“But that $10 million, through the challenges of COVID-19 and mayoral changes, has led to

Continued From Page 8

another $50 million investment that’s had a dramatic effect; hundreds of new housing units and an entire new commercial corridor. The place has become a better version of itself. That same kind of activity is what’s happening in North Creek.”

A new wastewater treatment facility, scheduled for completion this year, has made $40 million worth of investment possible in North Creek.

This includes a $25 million new ski bowl, a $10 million overhaul of the former Phoenix Hotel, and several smaller projects.

A New Jersey property developer is pursuing plans for a schnaps micro-distillery.

Eventually, a zip coaster thrill ride will be built near the new ski bowl, attracting thousands of summertime visitors to North Creek, complementing the winter ski season.

The treatment plant has been made possible in part with occupancy tax from the county.

“It’s already generated the kind of leverage and return that shows it to be a wise investment,” Siplon said. “Any time we can put a million or $2 million to work and generate $40 million in outside investment, it’s always a good decision. All of these things were dependent on having a wastewater system. It couldn’t have happened without it.”

Elsewhere in Warren County, plans are moving forward for West Mountain’s proposed $200 million ski-and-stay village in Queensbury.

The project, called Woods at West Mountain, would be located near the Northwest Base Lodge.

Plans call for a 60- to 80-room hotel and conference center, 64 condominiums, 32 two-unit duplexes and 52 custom single-family homes surrounding a new high-speed chairlift in a village-type setting with a full-service ski store, athletic club, coffee shop, grocery market and restaurant.

That effort, combined with work going on in North Creek and downtown Glens Falls, represents more than $300 million in economic development, and many other smaller projects are

taking shape throughout the county as well.

“It’s a staggering amount of money and it came together because we stayed the course,” Siplon said. “We provide the continuity that helps us get to those difficult places that require years and years of ongoing effort.”

The local economy has three main sectors — tourism and hospitality, health care led by Glens Falls Hospital and Hudson Headwaters, and a third group comprised of various categories from retail and light manufacturing to professional services.

“We focus very much on the emerging areas of growth, people who are able to do what they do anywhere and choose to do it here,” Siplon said. “They’re not necessarily remote workers. They’re people who provide critical services like financial or creative services. And they want to live in a place where they can balance work and other things, and this is a really attractive place.”

The concept of protecting natural resources to provide economic as well as environmental benefit fits perfectly with this strategy.

“Lake George is probably the single greatest economic asset we have,” Siplon said. “It’s the thing that we’re known for. It’s got worldwide identity. Tourism is the thing it's best known for, but it affects all sectors.”

“Lake George is viewed as one of the most pristine water bodies in the world,” he said. “It’s a great example of what happens when a community commits itself to protecting a resource like that. But the knowledge base that’s gone into it has never been converted into more enterprise and more business.”

Efforts to control harmful algal blooms, invasive species, stormwater and the impact of septic systems; these are things that not only affect Lake George, but every community that has freshwater resources, Siplon said.

“We should be trying to take the knowledge and experience we have and turn that into successful business that can help not only here, but other places,” he said. “Ninety two percent of Warren County is in the Adirondack Park and a large portion of Washington County, too. North of us, Essex and Hamilton counties are entirely within the park. This is not just about us. It’s about the entire northern New York economy.”

Great Escape

Continued From Page 1

thusiasm,” she said. “Great Escape has long been a cornerstone of our region, and we expect it will continue to deliver the high-quality guest experiences visitors enjoy.”

When it fi rst opened, Storytown primarily catered to young children with themed attractions such as Cinderella, Alice in Wonderland and Mother Goose. Ghost Town and Sheriff “Windy” Bill McKay entertained generations of families.

As it evolved, the center added a large wave pool, water park and six roller coasters including the Bobcat, a wooden coaster introduced two years ago.

Great Escape employs about 1,500 people each summer in addition to year-round staff. The sale includes Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Water Park.

“The current staff includes many long-time employees with deep roots and a strong commitment to the property’s legacy,” Mintzer said. “In this economic climate, many companies acquire businesses specifically for the talent involved. Knowing the market is essential and the team being acquired is just as important as the brand.”

Founded in 1997, EPR Properties is a real estate investment trust that operates amuse-

ment parks, movie theaters and ski resorts in the U.S. and Canada.

The other Six Flags parks it purchased are Schlitterbahn Galveston, Six Flags St. Louis, Michigan’s Adventure, Valleyfair in Minnesota, World of Fun in Kansas City and La Ronde in Montreal.

Charlotte, N.C.-based Six Flags will continue to operate another 34 parks in 23 locations throughout North America. It also manages an amusement park in Saudi Arabia.

The company has made a concerted effort to streamline operations following its 2024 merger with Cedar Fair L.P.

“Six Flags Great Escape significantly contributes to our local economy, employing a large seasonal workforce of both local residents and international students,” Mintzer said. “Each year, the park hires hundreds of employees across operations, food service and entertainment, particularly during the peak summer season and Fright Fest.”

“We look forward to continuing our collaborative work with the park’s leadership to ensure it remains a strong contributor to tourism, employment and the overall visitor experience in the Lake George region,” she said.

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

BY PAUL POST

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

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

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

Other capital projects include, but are not limited to:

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

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

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

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

“SEDC is focused on a number of economic sectors for new capital investment,” said Greg Connors, the entity’s president.

These fields include, but are not limited to, 21st-century advanced manufacturing, ad-

vanced manufacturing supply chain, life sciences, agriculture and equine, light industrial, distribution/logistics/warehousing, and more traditional manufacturing, commercial and health care, as well as arts, tourism and recreation.

“The locations are throughout Saratoga County where the necessary infrastructure such as water, wastewater, energy and transportation exists or is easily extended and provided,” Connors said. “Saratoga County is a great place to live, work, play and make one’s next capital investment. We are open to informing, educating, and enabling all forms of investment opportunities.”

“In SEDC’s view, the Capital Region has a robust cross-section of both traditional and what some may consider non-traditional capital investment opportunities,” he said.

SEDC, of course, played a major role in GlobalFoundries’ decision to locate in Saratoga County, and it is heavily involved with the company’s ongoing expansion plans, including another $12 billion chip manufacturing plant that would create 1,000 full-time jobs and thousands of construction jobs when work begins.

The project is supported financially by the federal CHIPS and Science Act as well as state Green CHIPS legislation.

“Their decision when that expansion will take place remains consistent with their public statements on this topic to date,” Connors said. “It is important to note that GlobalFoundries U.S. continues to make substantial investment in their Fab 8 corporate headquarters in Saratoga County. The relocation of their packaging operations from Dresden, Germany, to Saratoga County and the new investments to upgrade their sophisticated tooling have been ongoing over the last 18 months. So their investment in Saratoga County and the Capital Region has been a continuous work in progress.”

Fish On Fridays!

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

BY PAUL POST

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

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

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

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

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

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

La Stella was previously located in the historic Flat Iron building in downtown Norwich and earlier this year moved a short distance to the much larger former Otis Library, a three-story brick structure built in 1850, directly across from City Hall.

Burrows also owns La Stella Pasta & Pastry, an Italian-inspired bakery.

On March 20, he’ll be honored again with the Jason Vincent Memorial Service Award, presented by the Norwich Events Organization during its annual gala at the Norwich Holiday Inn. The award recognizes individu-

Maple Producers

Continued From Page 12 ly activities including living history demonstrations,

and food vendors.

Whitehall will also host a Naval Heritage Weekend on Oct. 2-3 as part of the America 250 celebration. The event will highlight the community’s shipbuilding legacy and Benedict Arnold’s fleet, connecting visitors to the origins of the U.S. Navy and Whitehall’s role in maritime history.

It will feature tours, nationally recognized speakers, family programming and community celebrations.

Looking beyond 2026, Oswald said Washington County has growth opportunities across several sectors. “Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with room to expand valueadded products,” she said. “Manufacturing

als who give back through volunteerism and are always willing to step in when help is needed.

La Stella has been voted Best Italian Restaurant multiple times by The Day, a southeastern Connecticut media outlet, and the Southeastern Connecticut Community Choice Awards. In 2021, the Chamber of Commerce honored La Stella with its Business of the Year Award.

Prior to owning La Stella, Burrows worked for the restaurant group owned by University of Connecticut women’s basketball coach Geno Auriemma, starting as a restaurant manager before advancing from general manager to director of operations overseeing six locations.

“My goal has always been to build an Italian restaurant group that leads with heart, one that feeds the less fortunate, embraces giving and charity whenever possible, and treat both staff and guests like family,” he said.

and advanced production remain our largest industry sector and continue to thrive, particularly in metal fabrication, paper, mineral and wood products. Healthcare and wellness services are growing to meet community needs, including the recent opening of Hudson Headwaters in Salem.”

Retail also remains a key part of the local economy, supported by a strong network of small businesses.

“The manufacturing, retail and healthcare industries currently account for close to 60 percent of all jobs in the county,” Oswald said. “Additionally, entrepreneurial enterprises are gaining traction, providing opportunities for innovative startups and service-oriented companies. The new Economic Development web pages provide resources for all of these sectors.”

More information is available at https:// washingtoncounty.fun/doing-business/.

Katy's Wine and Whiskey

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fundamental. If you want to get the academic side of it, I see it as a structural part of a successful business — in restaurants or any industry. Communicating an effective vision and connecting all the interconnected parts of your business is how you produce really good results.”

The partners say community connection is central to their plan. They intend to participate in Take a Bite Wednesdays, collaborate with the farmers market located across the street, and take part in downtown block parties and seasonal events. The Adirondack Thunder and year-round Glens Falls tourism, they said, all work toward their vision.

“The momentum is in our favor, the development is in our favor,” Dingman said. “There’s a lot of great pieces to the puzzle that would inspire any entrepreneur to invest in Glens Falls and want to be part of that business environment.”

Foster said she is keenly aware of the importance of visibility. “I want to make sure everyone knows we’re there. I really want to be very social, very out there,” she said, noting that a nearby establishment had struggled in part because of limited public awareness.

Two doors down, another new bar, Judd’s Tavern, is also set to open, offering a complementary but distinct atmosphere — TVs and a late-night vibe — that the partners say will serve a different crowd.

The space at 46 South St. dates to the 1890s and was formerly home to a dry cleaner. Foster said she has an original black-and-white photograph of the building from that era that she hopes to display

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cluding the Adirondack Welcome Center between Northway exits 17 and 18 northbound. Maple samples will be available there from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. each Thursday in March. The Welcome Center will also host a “From Sap to Syrup” event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, March 20.

Visitors may sample maple products and there will be educational and interactive displays. Samples of maple lattes and locally made maple hot cocoa will be sold on site.

“Marketing is working,” Campbell said. “People are using that natural sugar instead of artificial sweetener.”

About 25 percent of his farm’s syrup and valueadded products such as maple creams and candies

somewhere inside — perhaps as part of a small visual history of the space.

The building has been gutted and the interior rebuilt and customized. Foster praised both the planning board process and the construction phase as smooth. “Working with the planning board was so easy — they were unanimously supportive of the concept,” she said. “And my husband has added a lot of details we wouldn’t have thought of ourselves.”

Dingman noted that parking in downtown Glens Falls remains a challenge for the business community broadly. “The policies seem inadequate,” he said. “There needs to be a reimagining of how we approach this issue with all the stakeholders at the table — restaurants are the lifeblood of the city and they deserve a seat at that table.”

The team plans a soft launch with family and friends prior to opening to the public, allowing time to train staff and refine the menu before a wider debut.

“It’s a completely brand-new business — not moving one location to another,” Foster said. “We’ve got to train everyone, bring everyone in, and build a whole new menu. Easing into it allows for feedback and the chance to really hone the team.”

Hiring is underway. Prospective employees can reach out directly by email at katy@ katyswineandwhiskeybar.com or bill@ katyswineandwhiskeybar.com. An Indeed account and social media presence are also forthcoming.

Katy’s Wine & Whiskey Bar is located at 46 South St., Glens Falls. For updates, follow the restaurant’s social media channels as they launch in the coming weeks.

are sold locally. The rest goes to numerous retail outlets such as gift shops, orchards and restaurants including several of New York City’s finest dining establishments.

“New York continues to be a top maple producer in the U.S. and our producers continue to make some of the finest, most innovative maple products in the country that contribute greatly to our economy,” state Agriculture Commissioner Richard Ball said. “I encourage New Yorkers to find a nearby, local producer hosting during Maple Weekends and join in this timeless tradition. This is truly one of the best times of year, as we gather with our communities across the state to support our maple producers.”

For a complete listing and more information about Maple Open House events go to: https:// www.mapleweekend.com/.

For information about Thurman Maple Days go to: www.thurman.com.

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Maple Producers Prepare For Open House Weekends And Agritourism Visitors

BY PAUL POST

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

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

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

“We’ve kind of become known as the Maple Capital of New York,” said Randy Galusha, owner

of Toad Hill Maple Farm. “What we’re practicing is agritourism. People get to see our farms and learn about the history of maple sugaring. It’s one of the shoulder seasons when not a lot of other things are going on.”

The Lake George Chamber of Commerce says off-shoulder hotel bookings increased dramatically last year, reflecting ongoing efforts to make the region a more year-round tourist destination.

According to Visa Analytics, 45 percent of visitor spending in 2025 occurred during shoulder-season months, matching peak-season performance and signaling a more balanced annual tourism cycle.

Maple Days is one of many events contribut-

ing to such trends, and interest is expected to be especially strong this year. “It’s been a long, cold winter,” Galusha said. “People are suffering from cabin fever. So if we get a nice sunny day people will come out in droves. They’re just looking to get outside and do something. We take them on wagon rides through the woods; they get to see animals at other farms.”

Maple open house events in Thurman are held three consecutive weekends from March 1415 to March 28-29. The townwide celebration is highlighted by a self-guided tour to five different producers including Valley Road Maple, which holds pancake breakfasts; Nettle Meadow Farm, renowned for its award-winning cheese; Martin Lumber; and a Maple Craft Fair.

“It’s really grown tremendously,” Galusha said. “Last year we really knocked it out of the park in terms of attendance and sales.”

This year’s extremely cold, snowy winter has been in stark contrast to recent milder seasons and is good for production, said Helen Thomas, president of the New York Maple Producers Association.

“We all prefer a winter like this one as the snow cover and cold temperatures are good for the trees,” she said. “But as maple producers usually say, We’ll give you our prediction in May!”

Galusha explained that deep, freezing temperatures tend to increase sap’s sugar content. On the flip side, cold weather keeps sap from running, which hinders production.

“It’s hard to get your shelves all stocked in anticipation of maple weekends, but we’ve been working on it,” he said.

Ideal sugar-making conditions are warm days with temperatures in the 40s and 50s followed by cold nights down to about 25 degrees. This cycle creates pressure within trees that makes sap flow.

A deep snowpack such as this year’s helps cool things down at night.

“If we had bare ground and 60 degrees I’d really be worried,” said Tim Monica, a fifth-generation producer at Maple Valley Farm in Corinth.

Business has been so good the past few years that he plans to acquire two new sugarbushes this summer and more than double his operation from

2,600 taps to nearly 6,000 taps. “After COVID, everybody’s been going back to more natural things, anything they can get from a local producer,” he said.

In addition to on-farm sales, Maple Valley syrup is sold at popular outlets such as King’s Dairy in Northumberland, Smith’s Orchard Bake Shop in Charlton and Saratoga Winery in Saratoga Springs, whose chef uses maple in a variety of dishes. Monica also sells products at the Saratoga County Fair and farmers markets in Glens Falls, Saratoga Springs and Chestertown.

In addition to its tourism benefits, maple production is especially important for rural communities by providing additional income to smaller, family-run operations.

Monica runs Maple Valley Farm with his daughter, Abigail, and his brother, Scott. He learned the business from his late father, Don, who began making syrup as a young boy with buckets hung from trees and worked at night to boil sap with light from kerosene lamps.

Monica still uses a wood-fired evaporator but has added reverse osmosis technology that removes much of the sap’s water content. This reduces the time needed to boil sap into syrup so he does not have to burn as much wood.

Dave Campbell runs Mapleland Farm, which has 19,000 taps on more than 600 acres in Salem, Washington County. He is also president of the roughly 50-member Upper Hudson Maple Producers Association.

The industry in New York is growing 7 percent annually, fueled by increased demand both domestically and globally from countries such as China and Japan. New York has produced more than 800,000 gallons of syrup in six of the past eight years including a record-high 846,000 gallons in 2024.

Production has more than quadrupled since 2001 (193,000 gallons) thanks in part to state funding for marketing and research and legislation that has opened some state-owned land to sugaring.

Taste NY markets promoting maple are set up at key locations throughout the state this month in-