GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL • JANUARY 2026 • 1
GBJ 9 Broad Street #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
GLENS FALLS BUSINESS JOURNAL
VOL. 38 NO. 04
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JUNE 2026
Regional Leaders Discuss Development And Lake George Gears Up For Busy Summer The Multibillion-Dollar Lake George Economy With Festivals, Attractions And Events
Panelists discuss tourism, development, housing and the region’s multibillion-dollar economy during the Spring Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake George on June 16. BY ANN DONNELLY The Lake George region boasts a thriving, multibillion-dollar economy, but sustaining that momentum requires tackling affordable housing shortages, navigating complex development regulations and expanding the yearround experiential economy. Gina Mintzer, executive director of the Lake George Regional Chamber and CVB, moderated the Spring Economic Outlook Breakfast at the Courtyard by Marriott Lake George on June 16. Themed “Where Tourism Meets Development,” the event featured a panel of finance, real estate and economic experts who provided key insights into the region’s fiscal health. Jim Siplon, president of EDC Warren County, set an optimistic tone, noting that the re-
Courtesy Lake George Regional Chamber
gion’s economic base is historically and quantitatively spectacular. “Our economy is a $5 billion GDP economy,” Siplon said. “More than a billion of the $5 billion of value that gets produced here is directly attributed to what we call the experiential economy.” Siplon, who has led the EDC for six years, added that Warren County is one of the few places in New York seeing a net influx of taxpayers, with 3,000 more people filing returns in 2023 than the previous year. Dave DeMarco, who has served as president and CEO of Arrow Financial Corp. for the past three years, echoed this sentiment. “It’s been a very stable period for us, for our history, which speaks to the economic growth trends Continued On Page 5
The village of Lake George welcomes visitors with lake views and cruise boats, attractions that help anchor Warren County tourism as festivals, concerts and other events fill the summer calendar. BY PAUL POST Thousands of motorcyclists roared into Lake George recently for Americade, ushering in what promises to be an extremely vibrant summer tourist season. The highly anticipated June 30 opening of Shepard Park’s new performance stage is expected to be a major attraction, with events every day of the week. But first, the next big event on tap is the 10th annual Adirondack Wine & Festival, set for Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, at Charles R. Wood Park’s Festival Commons. “We host over 120 wineries, breweries, distilleries, cideries and artisan food trucks,” said Sasha Pardy, Adirondack Winery and festival owner. “In the first year we had 40 vendors and 2,500 attendees, generating
Paul Post
3,300 room nights with a $374,000 economic impact. This year we expect 139 vendors and 6,000 attendees for a $3.5 million impact.” “Over the last 10 years the economic impact is more than $21 million, with 50,000 attendees and 43,000 room nights,” she said. “We’ve also donated $117,000 to Big Brothers Big Sisters, Soroptimists and SUNY Adirondack Foundation.” Tourism, largely centered around Lake George, is one of Warren County’s three main economic drivers, along with health care and a combination of manufacturing and small business. Local officials discussed trends and new summer season features during a recent virtual Media Day hosted by the Lake George Continued On Page 11
Sasha Pardy Recognized Among New Adirondack Regional Chamber Of Commerce York’s Women To Watch In Hospitality Adds Lindsey Kenna To Leadership Team BY PAUL POST Sasha Pardy’s childhood home in New Hampshire was always the one friends wanted to visit, and her welcoming parents were “second parents” to many other cahildren. Hospitality was ingrained in her at a young age, and the trait has proved invaluable in life and business. Pardy and her husband, Michael, co-own Adirondack Winery and Extreme Heights Cidery, and she owns the Adirondack Wine & Food Festival, scheduled for Saturday and Sunday, June 27-28, at Festival Commons in Lake George. On June 2, Pardy was recognized as one of the New York State Restaurant Association’s “10 Women to Watch” in Hospitality at the 2026 Women in Hospitality Conference at Google St. John’s Terminal in New York City. “For me, hospitality is where it’s at,” she said. “That’s what I’ve been doing for 18 years. It gives me joy to bring people together, whether it’s throwing a party or hosting one of our many events. The reason we do them is we want to give people joy. I think we do that well.” The 10 honorees were cited for leading the hospitality industry forward through innovation, leadership and impact. They are women “who seem to do it all and do it with excellence,” while inspiring others to follow their example through resilience, vision and dedication, the Restaurant Association says. During the conference, Pardy met and net-
Sasha Pardy, co-owner of Adirondack Winery, was named a 2026 hospitality Woman to Watch. Courtesy Adirondack Winery
worked with industry leaders and keynote presenters such as Lilia & Misi chef and founder Missy Robbins; Crane Club Executive Chef and partner Melissa Rodriguez; and Culinary Agents CEO and founder Alice Cheng. Sasha and Michael, a Washington County naContinued On Page 10
The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has named Lindsey Kenna programs and partnerships manager. “Lindsey brings a strong background and a fresh perspective that aligns perfectly with the ARCC’s mission, values and vision for the future. We are thrilled to have her join us during this exciting time of growth,” said ARCC President Tricia Rogers. Kenna previously spent two and a half years with the Lake George Association, where she supported environmental stewardship initiatives through education, community outreach and regional collaboration. She also worked with the organization from 2017 to 2020 as an environmental educator. “I am incredibly excited to join the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and be part of an organization so dedicated to supporting our local businesses and communities. Having grown up in Lake Luzerne and spent much of my career working throughout this region, this opportunity is especially meaningful to me. I look forward to building relationships, supporting the Chamber’s mission, and continuing to contribute to the community I care so deeply about,” said Lindsey Kenna. Kenna also is a licensed Realtor with knowledge of the local community and regional housing market. She has built relationships throughout the Adirondack region and supports the growth of local businesses and organizations. Outside of work, Kenna enjoys walking, swimming and kayaking. Last year, she purchased an
Lindsey Kenna joins the Adirondack Regional Chamber as programs and partnerships manager. Courtesy ARCC
1850s house that is a renovation project. The chamber serves Essex, Warren, Washington and northern Saratoga counties. Its mission is to support the business community through advocacy, education, connection and collaboration. Provided by Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce; edited for style and length.