SBJ 9 Broad Street #7 Glens Falls, NY 12801
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
VOL. 27 NO. 07
HH The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County HH
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
SEPTEMBER 2022
www.saratogabusinessjournal.com
Amtrak Expands Its NYC-Rutland Service, NYRA: Saratoga Race Course Attendance Adding Saratoga Springs, Burlington Stops Tops Two Million For 7th Straight Year
The Ethan Allen Express route, run by Amtrak, travels between Rutland and New York City daily and now includes stops in both Burlington and Saratoga Springs. The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Lake Champlain Chamber of Commerce, is promoting the expanded service offered by Amtrak’s Ethan Allen Express and a route that connects Saratoga Springs to Burlington, Vt., Officials said it provides residents with a more convenient way to travel between both cities for business and pleasure. The Ethan Allen Express route, run by Amtrak, travels between Rutland and New York City daily and now includes stops in both Burlington and Saratoga Springs. Service of the expanded Ethan Allen Express officially began on July 29 with a celebratory event at Burlington’s Union Station. The expanded service will depart Burlington daily at 10:10 a.m., arriving in Saratoga Springs at 1:55 p.m. The service will depart Saratoga Springs
Courtesy Amtrak
daily at 5:56 p.m., arriving in Burlington at 9:55 p.m. “This expanded service will not only increase tourism between these two great cities but encourage residents to take advantage of what both vibrant regions have to offer in terms of year-round events, activities, and unique attractions,” said Todd Shimkus, president, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce. Saratoga Springs attractions such as the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC), Live Nation, the Saratoga Casino Hotel, UPH, Caffe Lena, the National Racing Museum, and the historic Saratoga Race Course are just a few of the many venues Burlington residents will now be able to enjoy. “Burlingtonians are known for their love of the arts and nature, and for their diversity Continued On Page 14
Irad Ortiz Jr. captured the Angel Cordero Jr. riding title as the jockey with most wins at Saratoga Race Course in 2022. NYRA reported a record $878.2 in overall handle this year. The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced that all-sources wagering handle surged to a record $878.2 million during the recently completed 2022 summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course. The figure eclipsed the previous record of $815.5 million established in 2021, by 7.7 percent. The 2022 meet ended Labor Day. The record setting 40-day meet generated average daily handle of $21,955,299, which is also the highest such figure in the history of Saratoga, according to NYRA. On-track handle, which includes New York residents wagering via NYRA Bets, was $152.3 million, or 10.5 percent higher than the $137.8 million wagered on-track in 2021. Paid attendance in 2022 was 1,075,586, which is the seventh consecutive season with paid attendance north of 1 million, excluding 2020 when fans
Courtesy NYRA
were not permitted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, officials said. Average daily attendance was 26,890. “This summer’s record handle, incredibly strong attendance and the highest ever viewership of Saratoga Live on FOX Sports demonstrate the enduring and expanding appeal of Saratoga Race Course,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “NYRA extends our thanks and appreciation to the fans who visited Saratoga this summer or watched and wagered from home. We thank our owners, trainers and backstretch community for their dedication and commitment to the horses that make it all possible summer after summer here at the Spa.” The summer featured 417 races, including 218 on dirt and 199 on the turf. Inclement weather forced 16 races off the turf. Average field size was Continued On Page 16
Clifton Park Man Named Executive VP And Saratoga County Chamber Of Commerce To Chief Administrative Officer At Pioneer Host B2B Event In October At City Center Pioneer, a financial institution in the Capital Region with offices in Saratoga County, has appointed Thomas Signor of Clifton Park as executive vice president and chief administration officer. In that role, he will oversee all bank operations, including deposit and retail loan operations, compliance, risk, information technology, security, and facilities management. Prior to joining Pioneer, Signor spent 16 years at Kinderhook Bank, rising from internal auditor to executive vice president and chief operating officer. In that position, he provided oversight and management of the operations, retail loan servicing, IT, compliance, electronic banking, and facilities departments. In addition, he served as bank secrecy officer; oversaw construction and fit-up of five new bank branches; researched, recommended and implemented new technology offerings for customers and employees; and developed and led the integration process for the bank’s acquisition of Patriot Federal Bank. “We are delighted to welcome Tom Signor to the outstanding executive team at Pioneer,” said Pioneer President and CEO Tom Amell. “With recognized expertise and demonstrated leadership in all facets of community banking, a proven
Thomas Signor, Pioneer executive vice president and chief administration officer. Courtesy Pioneer
record of integrity and innovation, and a strong commitment to impeccable customer service, he will be a tremendous asset to our organization and our clients.” A licensed CPA, Signor was previously a shareholder at the accounting firm of Pattison, Continued On Page 13
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce will hold its 2022 B2B Expo on Thursday, Oct. 6 at Saratoga Springs City Center. The networking event attracts attendees from a variety of industries, representing the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. “Every year, we look forward to hosting our annual B2B Expo and providing organizations throughout the county with the opportunity to network and hopefully build lasting, collaborative working relationships,” said Todd Shimkus, Chamber president. The Expo is open to local businesses and the public from 3:30-7 p.m. Attendees will have the chance to interact with fellow business professionals to grow their network and find future potential partnerships. The Chamber said over the years, the B2B Expo has become the premiere networking event, gathering professionals and organizations from across the Capital Region together in one space. Attendees are encouraged to register ahead of time. Active Chamber members will enjoy complimentary admissions. Attendance for the general public and others will be $5 and a business card collected at the door.
The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce B2B Expo is set for Oct. 6 at City Center. Courtesy Saratoga Couny Chamber of Commerce
“We invite everyone in the Saratoga region to join us for what is sure to be a day full of impactful networking with organizations and professionals from across a variety of industries,” said Shimkus. “We’re grateful to our sponsors and would like to thank them Continued On Page 13