SBJ P.O. Box 766 Saratoga Springs, NY 12866
SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
VOL. 28 NO. 07
HH The Business Newspaper of Saratoga County HH
PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
GLENS FALLS, NY 12801 PERMIT #600
SEPTEMBER 2023
www.saratogabusinessjournal.com
NYRA Says Saratoga Race Course Generated Spring, Early Summer Weather Events Hurt More Than $1 Million In Attendance Revenue Some Local Apple Growers; Others Survive
Despite a wet summer that forced an unprecedented 65 races off the turf, all-sources handle totaled $799 million with paid attendance continuing a steady climb, NYRA says. The New York Racing Association, Inc. announced that the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course generated more than 1.1 million in paid attendance for the first time since 2018 and nearly $800 million in all-sources handle. Despite one of the wettest summers in history, which forced an unprecedented 65 races off the turf, all-sources handle totaled $799 million with paid attendance continuing its steady climb to 1,105,683. The handle was the third largest in
Courtesy NYRA
Saratoga’s history while this summer also marked the eighth consecutive season with attendance exceeding 1 million fans, officials said. “Thanks to the fans who visited Saratoga Race Course over these 40 days, and all those who watched and wagered from home, the popularity of the summer meet continues to exceed all expectations,” said NYRA President and CEO Dave O’Rourke. “The worldclass racing held here each summer is made Continued On Page 20
Hick’s Orchard in Granville recently opened its you-pick apple business despite a late freeze and early-summer hail storm that caused major losses at many Northeast farms. BY PAUL POST First a late-spring killing freeze. Then a devastating, early summer hail storm. “I’ve heard many, many stories about lots of orchards that had total loss and won’t even be able to do anything with apples this fall,” said Michelle Wilson, business manager of Hick’s Orchard in Granville. “Some got hit double whammy with the hail storm a few weeks after that freeze. It definitely depends on where you were, your elevation and how cold it got.”
Paul Post
But Hick’s, like Saratoga Apple in Schuylerville, is the exception this harvest season, whose you-pick business kicked off on Labor Day Weekend, ushering in one of autumn’s most popular family-oriented outdoor activities. “We do have a crop,” Wilson said. “I think we’re going to be okay.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 31 counties across New York state, including Washington and Saratoga, Continued On Page 4
Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery Is A New Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Establishment Operating In Greenfield Center Selects J. Gregory Connors As New CEO Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery is a new operation at 331 Grange Road in Greenfield Center. A Sept. 1 ribbon cutting event marked the opening of one of the only combined vineyards and winery in the area. At the event, Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery debuted its Amish-built, timber frame barn, a 720square foot facility that sits on the 140-acre farm, including seven acres of vineyards and a large horse farm on the property that dates back to 1802. The winery and vineyard will have a limited calendar of hours this fall and will hold a Harvest Party that is open to the public on Sept. 23. The event will feature grape harvesting starting at 10 a.m., followed by evening of food from Mama Mia’s of Saratoga, a cash bar and music from the Greenfield band Nymbis. The business will host a variety of other private parties throughout the year. Starting next spring, the winery will be open for business and tours with more regular hours. For more information or to book, contact 417-849-6692. The new business joins the already-established Fossil Stone Farm, an equestrian operation that opened in 2016. “It is a dream of ours to combine locally grown wine with our history of horses to make a special place and event venue that warms the heart and calms the soul,” said Mike Spiak, who co-owns the business with his wife, Kelly. They have been working on the idea since 2009. Spiak, who was a member of the Air National Guard branch of the U.S. Air Force for 26 years, spent many years as a flight engineer on C130s, flying in the Polar regions for scientific research. He said many stops in New Zealand inspired his love and
Mike Spiak co-owns Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery in Greenfield Center. Courtesy Fossil Stone Vineyards & Winery
interest for vineyards, wine, and the grape to glass process, eventually opening his mind to having his own vineyards. Kelly Spiak also spent more than 20 years in the Air National Guard and also is a full-time dental hygienist. The couple has two teenage daughters. In 2014, the team received its license and produced its first commercial vintage. Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch said the town “is pleased to add the kind of a business that captures the heart and soul of what Greenfield is about. The rural Continued On Page 2
J. Gregory Connors, a former senior government relations executive for GlobalFoundries U.S., is the new president and CEO of the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Connors was senior leader of government relations at GlobalFoundries in Malta for about a decade. Longtime SEDC president Dennis Brobston retired at the end of 2022 and vice president Tori Riley headed the group in the interim. Now Connors steps into the role. “Greg is a lifelong Saratoga County citizen, and he has the experience, professional credentials and network that makes him the right leader,” SEDC board chairman John Munter said in a statement. Connors was involved in the family real estate business, Connors-Howard Realty, in Mechanicville for a time, followed by a career in public service. He was Stillwater town supervisor during the time the Luther Forest Technology Park was under development. “He understands our county and he knows economic development. He’s going to take SEDC to the next level,” Munter said. The SEDC, founded in 1978, helped attract AMD/GlobalFoundries to Saratoga County, which is one of the largest recent investments upstate. GlobalFoundries now employs about 2,500 people. SEDC is led by a board of private-sector
J. Gregory Connors, president and CEO of the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. Courtesy SEDC
representatives and is principally funded by the private sector, with Saratoga County contributing $200,000. “I look forward to expanding SEDC’s inf luence, level of interest and collaboration with our business partners, community stakeholders and elected officials as we work together to promote Saratoga County, create opportunity, retain jobs and grow our local and regional economy,” Connors said. He started the SEDC job on Sept. 5.