PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
GBJ 9 Broad Street, #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
VOL. 36 NO. 12
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
HH The Business Newspaper of Warren and Washington Counties HH
www.glensfallsbusinessjournal.com
FEBRUARY 2025
Cage Wars Packs Glens Falls Arena, Bringing A New Amphitheater Design Promises WorldBusiness Boost And Community Excitement Class Performances And Stunning Views
Cage Wars brought high-energy MMA action to Cool Insuring Arena, drawing thousands of fans for a night of intense battles and big hits. BY PAUL POST A first-of-its kind sports event for Glens Falls drew a large crowd to Cool Insuring Arena while giving local businesses a welcome boost. More than 3,500 people turned out February 7 for Cage Wars, a mixed martial arts fight promotion with more than a dozen bouts on the card. The event was sponsored by Anthony Constantino, founder and CEO of Sticker Mule, an Amsterdambased online custom printing company, who is also seeking the 21st District congressional seat being vacated by U.S. Rep. Elise Stefanik, President Trump’s choice for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. “As far as Cool Insuring Arena is concerned, we did our best just to make it a sporting event and an event that brought people to Warren County and downtown Glens Falls,” General Manager Jeff
Courtesy Paul Post
Mead said. “That’s what we’re all about, bringing people and groups to the City of Glens Falls for entertainment and the business community. From that aspect, it worked out perfectly; 3,500 people came downtown on a Friday night while the hockey team was out of town. They stay at local hotels, go out to dinner before and out to bars afterward.” “The crowd was well-behaved here,” he said. “I’m told when they left our venue they went up the hill and had a good time at a local establishment. Hopefully it was great night for downtown Glens Falls.” Founded by Tim Rankins in 2007, Cage Wars had been held at Rivers Casino & Resort in Schenectady since 2018. But the partnership came to an abrupt end after its last show there on November 1. Continued On Page 10
Rendering of the design for the Shepard Park Amphitheater promises breathtaking lake views, toptier acoustics, and state-of-the-art amenities for performers and audiences alike. BY LEE COLEMAN The design for the new Shepard park amphitheater and bandstand has received positive reviews since the plans were unveiled by AJA Architecture and Lake George officials in late January. “We are endorsing the design, we love it. It will increase attendance and becomes its own art piece,” said Tanya Tobias-Tomis, director of Lake George Arts Project. The former pavilion was destroyed by an early morning fire last June, just before the summer season of events were to begin. A temporary bandstand was erected and the summer season was saved. “With an acoustic-centered design, improved sight lines to both the stage and the lake, and safer, more accessible seating, audiences will enjoy a world-class experience like never before,”
Courtesy AJA Architecture Planning
Tobias-Tomis said. “Artists will benefit from high-quality sound and lighting, green room facilities and muchneeded storage, while key safety upgrades, including lighting improvements in the park, ADA compliant walkways, and wi-fi improvements will enhance the overall experience for all who are visiting the park,” she said. The Lake George Arts Project books most of the events held in Shepard Park. The design was unveiled at a public workshop Jan. 30 at the Carriage House at Fort William Henry. More that 100 attended the event. Lake George Village Mayor Ray Perry said he has heard almost unanimous approval from residents and the arts community. “A good portion of the people said (the design) answered all Continued On Page 11
WSWHE BOCES Awarded Grant From Champlain Mint Restaurant Sprouts New Location, A Hudson Power Express Green Economy Fund Unique Farm-to-Table Gourmet Experience The Washington Saratoga Warren Hamilton Essex Board of Cooperative Educational Services (WSWHE BOCES) is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a $150,000 grant from the Champlain Hudson Power Express (CHPE) Green Economy Fund (GEF). This funding will support the expansion of green energy-focused training within WSWHE BOCES’ Career and Technical Education (CTE) and Employment Training for Adults (ETA) programs, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in industries transitioning to clean energy technologies. The CHPE Green Economy Fund is a $40 million, 20-year initiative dedicated to preparing individuals from disadvantaged communities, low-income backgrounds, and transitioning fossil fuel workers for careers in the green economy. WSWHE BOCES is among the selected organizations receiving funding in this second round of grants, which collectively awarded $745,000 to programs supporting workforce development in clean energy fields. “We are thrilled to receive this grant, which will allow us to expand opportunities for our students and provide training on emerging
green energy technologies,” said WSWHE BOCES District Superintendent Turina Parker. “As industries evolve to incorporate sustainable practices, it is essential that our students are prepared with the skills and certifications necessary to thrive in this growing sector.” Expanding Green Energy Training at WSWHE BOCES The grant will enhance existing programs for high school juniors, seniors, and adult learners by integrating green energy concepts and hands-on training in key industries, including: Automotive Technology: Students will gain access to hybrid vehicle training simulators, helping them understand hybrid and electric vehicle systems, charging infrastructure, and energy-efficient technologies. Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration (HVAC/R): Training will include working with clean energy heat pumps and learning about A2L refrigerants, which have lower global warming potential. Students will also have the opportunity to earn EPA 608 and A2L refrigerant certifications. Continued On Page 10
Mint Restaurant, a well-regarded Glens Falls establishment renowned for its commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients and a delightful dining experience, is now bringing its unique charm to Slingerlands. Johanna von Geldern, the proud owner of Mint Restaurant, along with her daughters Katriel and Cagney Houlihan, is a fervent advocate of sustainable and ethical dining. Her passion for food is deeply rooted in her childhood, where she witnessed her mother’s recovery from a serious illness through a macrobiotic diet. This early experience sparked her lifelong interest in healthy, mindful eating. This concept is at the core of Mint Restaurant. The restaurant passionately prioritizes sourcing ingredients from local farms and artisans, ensuring freshness, quality, and ethical and sustainable practices, fostering a strong connection with the local community. The current menu includes produce from Grazin’ Acres Farm and The Mushroom Shop in Salem, Almosta Farm in Gansevoort, Kilcoyne Farm in Hudson Falls, Jasper Hill Farm in Freeville, Rosemary Acres and Pleasant Valley Apiary in Argyle, Saratoga Gluten Free in Schuylerville, Rock Hill Bake
Mint Restaurant owner, Johanna von Geldern, is expanding her farm-to-table vision to Slingerlands. Courtesy Mint
House in Glens Falls, and Pleasant Valley Flowers in Fort Edward. Von Geldern’s mission is to foster a “safe Continued On Page 5