Photo provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — A career fair will be held Friday, Oct. 20 by the Naval Support Facility and the Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, along with Albany Stratton VA Medical Center and the Fleet and Family Support Center.
The career fair will run from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Field House of the Naval Support Facility at 19 JF King Dr. in Saratoga Springs. All active-duty service members, military spouses, veterans, and children and spouses of veterans are invited to attend. The event is free to attend.
All job seekers who are looking for career opportunities, need assistance with resume writing, or help with interview skills are encouraged to attend. Job seekers are encouraged to bring copies of their resume for prospective employers, the release states.
Participating employers include the 109th Airlift Wing, Ballston Spa National Bank, DA Collins Companies, Espey Manufacturing, GLOBAL-FOUNDRIES, Military One Source, New York State Troopers, Owens Corning, Saratoga Bridges, Watervliet Arsenal, and more.
For further information, please contact The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 518-584-3255 or visit www.saratoga.org.
ALBANY — Berkshire Bank has announced the hiring of Milly Deane as SVP, commercial relationship manager, CRE (Commercial Real Estate) serving the Capital Region of New York state.
At Berkshire, Milly will be responsible for originating new commercial real estate loans and lines, managing a sizable portfolio, and representing Berkshire in the community, the release states.
WILTON — The Town of Wilton is offering a free fall leaf pickup program for town residents. One pick up only. Visit townofwilton.com for more information, or call Nancy at 518-587-1939, ext. 239.
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has announced the County has named Discover Saratoga as the county’s official tourism promotion agency.
A resolution passed by the Saratoga County Board of Supervisors at its Sept. meeting allows Discover Saratoga to register as the county’s Tourism Promotion Agency and apply for a 2024 ‘I Love New York’ grant, states a press release from the County.
“Saratoga County is recognized as a leading tourism destination, and we believe this new partnership will increase our visitors who want to experience the many different attractions that draw people from around the world,” said Board of Supervisors chairman Theodore Kusnierz, Jr., in the release. “We are excited to work with Discover Saratoga to promote our growing vacation, leisure, and convention activities across the County, which are an important segment of our economy.”
Discover Saratoga (Saratoga Convention and Tourism Bureau) will assist in the promotion of the county initiative, ‘Saratoga: America’s Turning Point,’ which is said to highlight the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Saratoga and the Revolutionary War, the release states.
Discover Saratoga will assume TPA duties for the County beginning Jan. 1 of next year. This year, the county had allocated $300,000 for TPA services to the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the release states.
“The hospitality sector is a vital engine for expanding economic opportunity across Saratoga County, and that’s why the Chamber originally suggested that leisure and group tourism promotion be consolidated into Discover Saratoga,” said Chamber president Todd Shimkus in the release. “Having Discover Saratoga dedicate all their efforts to this mission is the most effective and efficient way to do this and is a win for everyone. This change means that the Chamber will be able to focus our time, talent, and treasure in other vital areas.”
“We’re absolutely delighted and honored to be designated as the official Tourism Promotion Agency (TPA) for Saratoga County,” said Discover Saratoga president Darryl Leggieri in the release. “We are excited to embark on this journey to showcase the unparalleled beauty, culture, and experiences that our county has to offer. Together with our valued tourism partners, we’re ready to not only celebrate, but also elevate Saratoga County’s status as a year-round tourist destination. Our shared mission is to create unforgettable experiences and forge lasting memories for both our visitors and locals alike, with the goal of fostering a profound connection with our respected County.”
BALLSTON SPA — The Saratoga County Career Center in conjunction with the Greater Capital Region Career Centers will hold the following free virtual career workshops during October:
Oct. 10 at 10:30 a.m.: Interview Preparation. Learn how to articulate your strengths, what questions to expect, how to address difficult topics, and ace the interviewing process.
Oct. 11 at 10 a.m.: Goal Setting. This workshop explores how goal setting works, why goals are important, and provides helpful resources to get you started to reach your dreams.
Oct. 19 at 11 a.m.: Job Applications. Statistics show approximately 50% of mid-sized companies and almost all large corporations use an applicant tracking system to screen candidates for job opportunities. Learn how to prepare your online application to get the most visibility from hiring managers.
Oct. 24 at 11 a.m.: Overcoming Barriers. Join an informal discussion about how to overcome potential stumbling blocks to finding a job. Whether you’re facing transportation needs, childcare needs, prior justice system involvement, inexperience, health concerns or more, this workshop will provide you with resources and strategies to help you meet your goals.
Oct. 26 at 1:30 p.m.: Social Media. Your social media presence can make or break your ability to find a job. Learn how to use social media to your advantage in searching for a job and marketing yourself to land the job or career you’ve always wanted.
Registration is required for all workshops. Visit thejoblink.org/calendar/ to register or call the Saratoga County Career Center at 518-884-4170 for more information.
78 Thompson St., currently occupied by Community Emergency Corps, could become the next home of the Ballston Spa Police Department (Photo by Dylan McGlynn).
BALLSTON SPA — A building on Thompson St. in Ballston Spa could potentially serve as the next home of the Ballston Spa Police Department.
Mayor Frank Rossi said the Village has entered a letter of intent to purchase the property at 78 Thompson St., with the goal of it becoming the new home for the Village’s police force.
The news was first reported by The Daily Gazette. The Thompson St. building is currently occupied by Community Emergency Corps, which plans to move to a new facility that is under construction off Geyser Road in Milton.
The Police Department shares its current space at 30 Bath St. with the Village Court. Rossi said the Village had initially looked into moving both the Police Department and the court into the building on Thompson St., but realized it would be a suitable fit for the police department alone.
“When you walk in there with that kind of mentality, it’s amazing how well-suited the building is for the police themselves,” said Rossi.
30 Bath St. is roughly 4,200 square feet, he said, while the building at 78 Thompson is roughly 5,700 square feet. Rossi said on Tuesday the Village has put down a deposit and is waiting for a formal contract to be generated.
Rossi said the hope is for the BSPD to move into the space on Thompson St. by “mid-year” or potentially as soon as late spring of 2024. Several rooms in the building would be repurposed, with Rossi estimating the cost of renovations to range from the mid to high five figures.
Rossi added it will also be beneficial for the Police Department to have not only their own space, but also “their own identity, to a certain degree.”
“One of the things that Chief Dave Bush has been impressing upon me is the need to get an official sign that says, ‘The Ballston Spa Police Department,’ on the front,” said Rossi. “Because we don’t even have that, really, when you look at 30 Bath St. It’s kind of a lack of identity for our own police department.”
In regards to the Village Court, Rossi said that while he cannot speak for the Village Board of Trustees, his idea is to renovate the first floor of 30 Bath St. to a court and multi-purpose meeting room, noting that the Board of Trustees and other boards in the village typically meet at the Ballston Spa Public Library.
“Some just don’t have space, because it’s being utilized, so they have to go to other locations, which isn’t very good for open meeting purposes,” Rossi said. “So the idea would be to do … a multi-purpose courtroom, essentially. And kind of rethink that building, that first floor especially.”
Rossi also noted that relocating the Police Department to 78 Thompson St. would also make available some additional parking spots in the Village’s downtown area that are currently used to park police vehicles.
“So in terms of just morale and pride for our police, it would be a big step forward,” Rossi said. “And also, then for our court to have the ability to maybe apply for some grant money to give some better facilities for them as well, at least for the time being. That would be a big win for us as well.”
Saratoga Hospital President & CEO Jill Johnson VanKuren.
SARATOGA SPRINGS —Saratoga Hospital President and CEO Jill Johnson VanKuren has worked in the role for just over a year, and on Tuesday, she reflected on her first 365 days in the Spa City among other topics as part of the ‘Serving Saratoga’ series hosted at Caffè Lena.
The series is a collaboration between Caffè Lena and the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and was hosted by Caffè Lena executive director Sarah Craig. The event also touched on topics such as current issues in healthcare, and the mindset of managing and collaborating with a team.
During the conversation, VanKuren said her first year in the role has been “wonderful,” saying her past roles helped prepare her for a position as CEO. She also discussed Saratoga Hospital’s affiliation with Albany Med, which she said allows the hospital more opportunities to offer and expand services in the community.
“We’re strategic partners, but we maintain our independence,” VanKuren said of the partnership. “So it keeps our focus on community needs, but we have the partnership with Albany Med to add activity to this community. We are able to bring more specialists, where, as an independent, we wouldn’t be able to hire some of those providers. We are purchasing and installing an electronic medical record together, which is an extremely difficult and expensive endeavor that we wouldn’t have been able to do on our own.”
She said this model provides strong benefits for the hospital, noting that partnering with other area hospitals allows their focus to remain local.
VanKuren also made note of some of the struggles currently facing the healthcare industry, saying that Saratoga Hospital is dealing with many of the same issues faced by hospitals across the country.
“We are suffering from a negative bottom line, just like every other healthcare institution in the nation right now. So there is that fear, ‘Can we continue to do what we’re doing as we are losing money?’” VanKuren said at the event. “That is difficult. I think we do have a way forward. It’s going to be, probably another year until I think we can get back above that line to profitability, but it will take some sacrifice, some change.”
She said the hospital is looking to focus on what services the local area may need moving forward.
“It’s challenging to think of our facility not being, at least, breaking even or profitable, because that’s not something that’s really happened before,” VanKuren told Saratoga Today. “… So, looking at a way forward, a lot of the things we talk about are, ‘What does this community need into the future?’”
She mentioned services for those who wish to age in place, as well as optimizing the hospital’s staffing and supply chain. VanKuren noted they had been working to expand outpatient and ambulatory services in recent years, but the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a sudden shift back to more inpatient demand.
“So we had to go from really focusing on ambulatory development to going back to being a jam-packed inpatient hospital again,” VanKuren told Saratoga Today. “But now the pendulum’s coming the other way, so we need to shift our focus to that ambulatory network, and continue that service.”
She also noted during the event that she has felt embraced in the community since arriving, saying Saratoga Springs is “unique.” VanKuren said that it is meaningful to hear from people who have utilized the hospital’s services.
“Your best day and your worst day can be the same day in a hospital, so it always gives me such a sense of pride listening to the stories,” VanKuren said during the event. “And it’s always about how we made you feel. Not just about the healthcare we provided, but the staff and their connection with you and your family. That is the most important thing, and I think that is what makes Saratoga Hospital unique and special.”
Exhibitors and attendees at a previous Business-to-Business Expo. Photo provided by Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.
SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Saratoga County Business-to-Business Expo is moving to a new setting this year, to be hosted at the Gideon Putnam in the Saratoga Spa State Park on Thursday, Oct. 12.
Hosted by the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the expo will run from 3:30 to 6 p.m., and is expected to attract exhibitors from a wide range of fields and industries. Chamber president Todd Shimkus said it is one of the largest business-to-business networking events in the region annually.
“This is one of our signature events,” Shimkus said. “This is one of those events that a lot of people look forward to.”
Shimkus noted that exhibitors range from fields such as healthcare, food service, retail, professional services, and much more, saying, “It’s really all over the map.”
Around 100 exhibitors are expected at this year’s event. Shimkus also noted they expect roughly “a few hundred” attendees who will visit the Expo for its plentiful networking opportunities.
“Whether you’re an exhibitor, or an attendee, everybody is there to network, so it’s not like you have to sell,” said Shimkus. “People want to learn about the different businesses that are there. They’re looking to find people that they can purchase other goods and services from locally. They’re looking for partnership opportunities. They’re looking for collaborative promotions that might be done in the future. This is really about building a community of businesses for the benefit of everyone.”
A post-expo mixer will also be held from 6 to 7:30 p.m., according to a press release from the Chamber.
The Business-to-Business Expo is free for all to attend with a business card, with the release encouraging attendees to register in advance. Shimkus also noted the new location at the Gideon Putnam allows for tabletop displays, which he said can be easier and less expensive for businesses to set up.
“It’s an opportunity for us to lower the cost for people to participate, and to try a great, historic venue, and hopefully get a few more small businesses than we’ve had in the past,” said Shimkus.
“There’s no items there for consumers to come and buy,” he added. “This is really about businesses trying to partner with, and learn about, other businesses in the community.”
More information on the 2023 Saratoga County Business-to-Business Expo is available at saratoga.org.
ALBANY — Berkshire Bank has announced the hiring of Rob Nichols as SVP, Business Banking Team Leader.
Nichols joins Berkshire with over 33 years in commercial banking, a press release states. At Berkshire, Nichols will lead the sales team for business banking within Central and Eastern New York, Berkshire County (MA), and Southern Vermont. Nichols’ background covers a range of corporate and commercial banking leadership and management positions, including overseeing Business Banking departments at Citizens and First Niagara banks, the release states. Most recently, he served as the chief credit officer for a community bank.
Nichols resides in the Albany, New York region. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee and treasurer for the Capital District YMCA. He also serves as a member of the board for the Albany Black Chamber of Commerce, and teaches Entrepreneurship Finance at Siena College, according to the release.
A rendering of the completed White Pines Business Suites and Mini-Warehouses. Image provided by Forest Ridge, LLC.
STILLWATER — The first steps of the planned Luther Forest Business Park are underway, with the White Pines Business Suites and Mini-Warehouses currently under construction.
The 30 suites are part of the larger-planned business park, said Jeffrey Chouinard, a partner in the project. The 1,500-square foot units are self-contained, with each including an overhead door for deliveries, a bathroom, internet connection, and more available amenities.
Chouinard said the units can be altered to fit the needs of businesses, mentioning possibilities such as adding a mezzanine level in one unit, dividing a unit into offices, or even combining two units into a larger one.
“It really gives people the opportunity, that are growing their business, to be able to take that next step,” said Chouinard.
Chouinard said he initially saw the idea in Florida several years ago, and noted there is a need for it in the area. He said there has been “significant interest” in the units, saying they are flexible for many business types and sizes.
“We have a handful that are already spoken for, which is great,” he said.
Chouinard said the units start at a base price of about $12 per square foot. Construction of the first building, containing 14 suites, began in the spring, and Chouinard said they hope to finish the first units in roughly six to eight weeks. A second building containing 16 units will also be constructed.
He pointed out the geographic location for the suites, saying they are under a quarter-mile from one of GlobalFoundries’ employee entrances.
“I would also think that it’s going to draw some attention from people that are going to be involved with the expansion there,” Chouinard said.
The units and the planned Business Park are surrounded by trees, with Chouinard saying they “tried to keep the legacy of Luther Forest as the forest.”
“We wanted to keep that forest kind of mentality,” Chouinard said.
The project is owned by Forest Ridge LLC, Chouinard said. The White Pines units are just one part of a much larger plan for the eventual Luther Forest Business Park, with Chouinard saying roughly 750,000 square feet of land has been approved in total. He said that one of White Pines’ neighboring properties is currently under contract, and they are in discussions for others.
Chouinard said they are aiming to complete the second building, with 16 units, “by next year at this time.” Altogether, the units are 45,000 square feet, he said.
“With the level of interest we have, once people start signing on the dotted line … we’ll probably just go right ahead and start the other building,” said Chouinard. “That way, next year by this time, this will all be landscaped, greened, done. Buildings up, and hopefully all rented.”
