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SARATOGA BUSINESS JOURNAL
VOL. 30 NO. 08
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OCTOBER 2025
Tech, Manufacturing, And Small Business Growth New York’s ‘Two-Apple Season’ Delivers Drive Saratoga And Warren County Development Exceptional Flavor And Strong Yields BY PAUL POST Technology, spurred by GlobalFoundries’ massive complex at Luther Forest Technology Campus, is at the forefront of Saratoga County’s economic development. “But there’s also the supply chain that supports advanced manufacturing,” said Greg Connors, Saratoga Economic Development Corporation president. “And life sciences, healthcare facilities, light manufacturing, distribution and logistics are all very much in high demand here. There is a level of uncertainty with respect to making one’s next investment, not just here, but throughout the nation. The economy isn’t as robust as we’d like and there’s investor uncertainty in the marketplace.” “But I’m a glass half full individual, I’m very optimistic about the economic future here in Saratoga County,” he said. “We’re ready to help anybody who’s ready to make an investment.” More than a dozen prime, shovel-ready development sites are available in the county, a combination of industrial property, raw land and existing buildings. “It depends on the particular investor and their timeline,” Connors said. “If they’re interested in a greenfield site, there’s an aggressive regulatory review process in every municipality that adds time to a project. If more interested in getting started as soon as possible, they’d probably be directed to an existing building. There are many listed for sale throughout the county and region.” A Center for Economic Growth map (viewer.mapme.com/Albany) shows all types of development sites in the Capital Region. Through August 31, SEDC had enabled more than $275 million in new investment in Saratoga County this year alone. “That investment contemplates the creation of approximately 500 full-time job opportunities, approximately 225 retained jobs and the creation of hundreds of temporary construction jobs,” Connors said. “That’s not just opti-
Munter Enterprises owns WJ Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs has parcels up to 15 acres. Courtesy Munter Enterprises
mism, but evidence of a great time to invest in Saratoga County.” Greenfield-based Munter Enterprises owns several parcels in WJ Grande Industrial Park in Saratoga Springs, ranging in size with the largest about 15 acres. All parcels have access to major utilities such as water, sewer, gas and electric. “We try to attract companies that require a large utility load due to the existing utility structure capacity, so that typically leans towards manufacturing,” said Mike Munter, the firm’s vice president. “We have steady interest and some inquiries that are presently in the process of analysis. We are well into the process of obtaining planning board approvals for a 120,000-square-foot spec industrial building on a 12-acre site on Skyward Drive in the park.” Continued On Page 8
Rows of ripening apples at a New York orchard reflect what growers call a “two-apple season,” marked by exceptional color, flavor, and strong yields across the state. BY PAUL POST Industry leaders call it a two apple season. “The color and flavor this year are phenomenal, where if you have one apple it’s so good you immediately reach for another one,” said Cynthia Haskins, New York Apple Association president. “If you haven’t tried a new crop apple yet, go out and buy some. They really are good.” New York is the nation’s second-leading apple producer, surpassed only by Washington state; a $2.1 billion industry that supports nearly 12,000 jobs, a Cornell study says. The impact is especially important to rural small towns and hamlets where farms are located, as there are 150 you-pick destinations that draw huge crowds on autumn weekends. Visitors quite often patronize other small business, too, such as retail shops and convenience stores during fun
Courtesy NY Apple Association
family outings. A recent Warrensburg Apple Festival gave a variety of local vendors a chance to market their products in this Adirondack town. In Argyle, Washington County, McWhorter’s Orchard owner Mel McWhorter said, “We’re very, very busy. We’ve got a lot of activity. Traffic through the building here is very good. Ninety percent of our business is from Warren and Washington counties, but I always look at the address when people pay with checks. We get customers from Crown Point to the Schoharie Valley and some from Poultney, Vt.” Bowman Orchards in Rexford, southern Saratoga County, is a full-fledged agritourism destination featuring a “Stalked: Haunted Corn Maze” and extensive children’s play area with Continued On Page 11
Empire State University Expands Military “Find Me in Saratoga” Leaves Kids (And Grant Program to Include Veteran Spouses Grown-ups) “Quacking Up” With Laughter Empire State University announced a significant expansion of its military grant program, extending comprehensive educational benefits to veterans’ spouses for the first time. Beginning fall 2025, undergraduate military spouses of active-duty personnel, National Guard and Reserve members, and veterans are eligible for a military grant that aligns tuition with the in-state rate of $295 per credit hour and provides the same covered fees previously available only to service members. The expansion represents an evolution of SUNY Empire’s military support initiatives. Originally limited to spouses of active-duty, Guard, and Reserve personnel, the 2020 program now expands to include veteran spouses and adds coverage for the Credit for Prior Learning (CPL) fee—providing more complete financial support for military families pursuing higher education. “This expansion for veteran spouses reflects SUNY Empire’s commitment to serving military families—removing financial barriers and empowering active duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran members, along with their spouses, to achieve their educational goals,” says Desiree Drindak, SUNY Empire’s Veteran and Military Resource Center director. The grant program requires verification of military affiliation. SUNY Empire has long provided comprehensive support to military-affiliated students and serves more such students than any other campus in the 64-institution SUNY system. Nearly 20% of all SUNY degrees granted to military-affiliated students come from SUNY Empire.
Beyond financial coverage, SUNY Empire has built support systems designed for military families. The university’s online format accommodates challenges such as irregular schedules, deployment separations, and frequent moves. According to the U.S. Department of Labor, military spouses face a 21% unemployment rate—six times the civilian rate—and often struggle to maintain career continuity due to relocations and lack of childcare. SUNY Empire’s online programs allow spouses to continue their education regardless of where assignments take their families. With the Fall 2025 expansion, SUNY Empire’s military grant program—funded with institutional support—now offers: • In-state tuition rate of $295 per credit hour for undergraduate military spouses • Tuition for active-duty, Guard, Reserve, and veteran students aligned with the Department of Defense Tuition Assistance limit of $250 per credit hour • Covered fees including the Credit for Prior Learning fee • Eligibility extended to active-duty personnel, National Guard members, Reserve personnel, veterans, and all their spouses The program reinforces SUNY Empire’s broader commitment to accessible, flexible, high-quality education. “The expansion represents enhanced benefits and recognition of military spouses as essential partners in military service,” said Drindak. “They deserve educational opportunities that support their aspirations.”
Saratoga resident and author, Patrice Mastrianni, has released “Find Me in Saratoga, Inspired by the Early History, Mystery, and Folklore of Saratoga Springs, NY.” The book was written for children ages ten and up but also receives rave reviews from adults. “Find Me in Saratoga” explains how Native residents shared their sacred mineral springs with European settlers in the 1700’s. This prompted early explorers and many of America’s founding fathers to visit the area. The old-style illustrations by artist David F. Globerson, paint a picture of how spring water and grand hotels attracted thousands of visitors to what would become the world’s most popular health resort. The author employs two endearing residents of beautiful Congress Park to share the story of Saratoga Springs. A mallard duck named Henry provides historical “facts” while a sassy squirrel named Miles, adds colorful tales of folklore, untimely deaths, and ghosts! Just as early resort visitors sipped and bathed in the mineral waters of Saratoga, readers can soak up the past while looking for historical sites using the “Find Me in Saratoga” map located at the back of the book. Waddling from springs to statues to graveyards makes this book a real learning adventure. “I was unable to find a book about Saratoga’s fascinating history for my grandsons, so I decided to write one myself.” Says Ms. Mastrianni. “I have taught Art to children for years and know that a good story will hold a child’s attention.” Using compassion and humor, she describes the
Cover of “Find Me in Saratoga,” a humorous and historical children’s book by Patrice Mastrianni. Courtesy Patrice Mastrianni
struggles and bravery of Saratoga’s early settlers. “I hope this book helps residents and visitors of all ages appreciate what went into creating Saratoga Springs.” With the support of a Community Arts Grant through Saratoga Arts, Discover Saratoga and Saratoga Springs Publishing, the author and illustrator have created an entertaining and informative book. visit www.FindMeInSaratoga.com.