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.

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.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — Bonacio has announced a rebranding and restructuring of the company, with all of its associated businesses now under the Bonacio name.

The news was announced in an email from the company on Sept. 13. It states that Bonacio’s leadership, CEO Sonny Bonacio and President Julie Bonacio, will remain in their respective roles overseeing the entirety of the company.

“To continue the growth of the companies, we needed more structure and focus. It became clear rebranding was the way to do that,” said CEO Sonny Bonacio in a provided statement. “Now Construction, Development, and Management are unified under one brand – Bonacio. This is what I see taking us into the future, for generations to come.”

As part of the rebranding and restructuring, Spring City Development Group will be known as Bonacio Development, while West Side Management, LLC, will be known as Bonacio Management. Bonacio Metal Shop has also been rebranded to Bonacio Steel, according to the announcement.

In addition, the company has introduced a new logo to be used across all of Bonacio’s associated enterprises.

TROY — Local law firm E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP is celebrating the milestone of 125 years in business by giving back, partnering with Albany Law School to sponsor a prize for the school’s Senior Prize Trials.

The Karen C. McGovern Senior Prize Trials are an annual legal competition for third-year students providing a simulated courtroom experience. According to a press release, E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP will award $2,000 to the winners of the Senior Prize Trials annually for the next five years, starting in 2024.

Teams of two compete by litigating fictional cases before a judge and a jury in an experiential learning opportunity that prepares prospective lawyers for the courtroom environment. 

The semester-long competition will kick off Monday, Sept. 18 and conclude with an event in November to announce the winning team. This is the first year that students will receive a monetary prize for their efforts, the release states.

“One of the commitments I am most proud of throughout 125 years of business is our steadfast commitment to supporting the community,” said E. Stewart Jones, Jr., partner and third-generation lawyer at E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy LLP, in the release. “Our firm is proud to support the next generation of lawyers as they get their first taste of the courtroom experience. We hope that this is the first of many courtroom victories for Albany Law School’s 2024 class.”

“Albany Law School is grateful for the continued support from E. Stewart Jones Hacker Murphy, an historic and acclaimed local law firm that employs several alumni of Albany Law School. The sponsorship of a monetary prize for our annual senior prize trials will add a well-deserved reward for the competitors, who voluntarily participate in this immersive educational experience outside of their courseload,” said Jenean Taranto, associate dean for student affairs at Albany Law School, in the release.

For many employees fall season is open enrollment season.  Open enrollment season is a crucial time for employees, as it offers the opportunity to review and select benefits that will impact their health, finances, and overall well-being for the coming year. Making informed decisions during this period can lead to significant benefits down the road. To help you navigate open enrollment effectively, here are the top five considerations every employee should keep in mind:

1. Health Plan Options: One of the most critical decisions during open enrollment is selecting the right health insurance plan. Take the time to carefully evaluate the options available to you. Consider factors like premiums, deductibles, co-pays, and coverage. Assess your own healthcare needs and those of your family members. If you have ongoing medical conditions or anticipate significant healthcare expenses, a plan with lower out-of-pocket costs might be a better choice. Alternatively, if you’re generally healthy and want to save on premiums, a high-deductible plan with a health savings account (HSA) might be a viable option.

2. Additional Benefits: Beyond health insurance, open enrollment often includes other benefits such as dental and vision insurance, life insurance, disability coverage, and retirement plans. Evaluate your current coverage in these areas and assess whether any changes are necessary. For example, if you wear glasses or contacts, upgrading your vision insurance could be beneficial. Similarly, reviewing and potentially increasing your life insurance coverage may be crucial if your family’s financial situation has changed.

3. Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs): FSAs and HSAs are tax-advantaged accounts that can help you save money on healthcare expenses. FSAs allow you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical expenses, while HSAs are paired with high-deductible health plans and offer both tax savings and investment opportunities. During open enrollment, consider whether an FSA or HSA is right for you based on your anticipated healthcare expenses. Keep in mind that HSA funds can roll over from year to year, making them an attractive option for building long-term savings.

4. Wellness Programs and Incentives: Many employers offer wellness programs and incentives to encourage healthy lifestyles among employees. These programs may include gym memberships, smoking cessation programs, weight management initiatives, or wellness challenges. Take advantage of these opportunities to improve your health while potentially reducing your healthcare costs. In some cases, participating in wellness programs can lead to lower premiums or other financial incentives.

5. Read the Fine Print: Before finalizing your benefit selections, carefully read all plan documents, including the Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) and the Summary Plan Description (SPD). Pay close attention to any changes in coverage, costs, or provider networks. Ensure you understand the terms and conditions of your benefits, including when coverage begins, how to file claims, and what services are covered. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your HR department or benefits provider if you have questions or need clarification.

In conclusion, open enrollment is an opportunity for employees to make important decisions about their healthcare and financial well-being. By considering these top five factors – health plan options, additional benefits, FSAs and HSAs, wellness programs, and reading the fine print – you can make informed choices that align with your individual needs and goals. Take the time to review your options, seek guidance if necessary, and make selections that will support your overall well-being in the year ahead.

James T. Cox, CFP®, ChFC®, BFA™, is the Senior Vice President of Advanced Planning at Continuum Wealth Advisors in Saratoga Springs. Continuum Wealth Advisors, LLC is a Registered Investment Advisor registered through the Securities and Exchange Commission.

For more information, visit contwealth.com.

SARATOGA SPRINGS — A temporary special use permit application for Saratoga Cannabis Co., what could be Saratoga Springs’ first licensed recreational cannabis dispensary, was approved by the City of Saratoga Springs Planning Board at their meeting on Thursday, Sep. 7.

The temporary permit comes with several conditions from the Planning Board, including a queuing and striping plan for pedestrian safety. The temporary permit will be issued for a period of 12 months, the Planning Board said, at which point the company’s ownership group, consisting of Jody Cracco, Brittany Cracco, and Marcy Leventhal, will have to re-apply for a permanent special use permit.

Plans for the dispensary, which will be located in the West Hill Plaza on West Ave, were initially filed under the name Reverie Dispensary, but the group recently changed the name to Saratoga Cannabis Co., said Brittany Cracco. The Cracco family also owns and operates Dairy Haus and Doggy Playcare, both located in Wilton.

Plans presented to the board at the Sep. 7 meeting detailed several sales methods in addition to standard physical sales, including a digital queuing system that will use an app allowing customers to wait in their vehicles and receive a notification when their order can be picked up, according to the filed plans.

The dispensary plans to operate from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays, and 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, the Craccos said.

Jody Cracco said the 12-month temporary permit will allow the group to observe what business looks like at the dispensary during all four seasons.

“I’m glad they gave us the 12 months too, because we want to know what every season looks like,” said Jody Cracco. “That is the reason why we have the team that we have. We have the experience on our team. They’ve been here before, in many states, many times.”

The Cracco’s partner, Marcy Leventhal, has been in the cannabis industry for over 20 years, and has worked in the field across 22 different states, she told Saratoga Today in July.

Brittany Cracco said the group is “grateful” to receive the approval from the City.

“The town wants what’s best, and they want to be safe and cover all their bases, and that’s what we want to do too,” Brittany Cracco said. “This is a new use coming. It’s a new thing altogether that, like they said in there, nobody really knows what it looks like, and compliance is really big with us. … So the fact that they were really open-minded in allowing this, we’re grateful.”

But while they have received Planning Board approval, the group said they are still unsure when they will be able to open due to uncertainties surrounding a lawsuit filed against the State. According to a CBS News report, the State is currently blocked from processing licenses as a result of the suit, but can issue exemptions to applicants that meet the qualifications.

Each license will be re-examined on a “case-by-case basis,” said Jody Cracco. 

“Basically as to how far along in the process that you are,” Brittany Cracco added. “So they will give us the go-ahead to keep going.”

The ownership group stated their goal is to be prepared to open “as soon as possible.”

“We aren’t going to linger, let’s just put it that way,” Jody Cracco said. “A number of things will take place while we are waiting, and that is getting everything in place so that when we get the go-ahead, everything then starts moving as quickly as possible.”

GREENFIELD CENTER — Fossil Stone Vineyard and Winery celebrated its opening Friday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring local officials including Greenfield Town Supervisor Kevin Veitch and members of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce.

Located at 331 Grange Rd, the property totals 140 acres and features a 720-square foot barn, seven acres of vineyards, and a previously-established horse farm known as Fossil Stone Farm, according to a press release. Fossil Stone is owned by Greenfield resident Mike Spiak and his wife, Kelly.

While speaking to those in attendance, Spiak noted the opening was meaningful, and thanked the crowd, saying it took “a long, long time to get here.”

“Making wine or making alcohol in New York is not an easy business,” said Spiak. “There’s a lot of permits to go through. But (Supervisor Veitch) really helped us out a lot towards the end.”

“We’re really proud to have you here, also,” Veitch told the Fossil Stone team. “Welcome very much, and thank you for being here. We really appreciate it.”

In addition to the indoor barn space, Fossil Stone also features a spacious outdoor setting. They offer wines such as Rose, La Crescent, Marquette, Oak-aged Marquette, and Amber, according to the press release.

The winery plans to hold limited public hours and private events throughout the fall before opening to the public with regular hours in Spring 2024, the release states. Fossil Stone will host a public Harvest Party on Sept. 23, beginning at 10 a.m. and including live music, food, a cash bar, and grape harvesting.

“Our goal was to make some place that would fit nice in Greenfield,” Spiak said to those in attendance. “A nice place to come and relax, and have a little wine, maybe reflect.”

SARATOGA SPRINGS — The Revolution, an indoor cycling studio with locations in Clifton Park and Loudonville, is expanding north, with a location in Saratoga Springs set to open later this month.

Owner Nancy Katinas said The Revolution’s expansion to Saratoga is due to the community, saying there is a demand in the area and noting that several of their instructors live in the Saratoga area.

The Revolution will be located at 30 Gick Rd, which includes other fitness facilities such as Metabolic Fitness. Katinas said the location was “perfect” for the studio’s space.

“It was the community. The demand from the community, the interest from the community,” said Katinas of the decision. “A lot of things shook out. … We had an opportunity, and we’re going to take that risk.”

The Revolution’s Saratoga location will host an open house on Sept. 16, and plans to officially open Sept. 22. Katinas emphasized the studio has built a strong community, saying, “It’s just a place where everybody belongs.”

“Whatever brings you through the door, you’re on your own personal journey in a group of like-minded individuals. And we all root for each other,” Katinas said. “People become a community. It’s a sense of belonging for everybody.”

The Revolution is the largest indoor cycling venue in the Capital Region, Katinas said. With group workouts, colored lighting, and a wide variety of music, the studio offers a space where “everybody can participate.”

“I truly am passionate about the fact that everybody can participate in a class,” said Katinas. “You are in charge at the pace at which you pedal, and you are in charge of the resistance that you put on your bike.”

The Revolution uses lighting and music to power workouts, with Katinas saying, “The energy is contagious.”

“The lights go down, we’re lit like a dance club,” Katinas said. “We put (on) all kinds of music. Everything from classic rock, to country, EDM, to remixes. No class is ever the same, simply because of the change of the music.”

The Revolution offers a variety of classes with different musical themes. Katinas named examples such as all-decade rides, featuring music from a decade such as the 1990s, or ‘battle rides’ featuring two artists, such as ‘Lady Gaga vs. Dua Lipa.’

“The music drives your workout, and the energy that you get in a group is just contagious. It spreads,” said Katinas. “It’s power in numbers.”

The Revolution has over 19 instructors, Katinas said, with each providing their own perspectives to workouts and musical tastes.

“All of our instructors have a unique flair,” Katinas said. “There really is a lot of variety. … The members who embrace all the instructors get the best of everything, because they get a different workout, a different type of challenge, every class.”

Members can also purchase a heart rate monitor to measure calories, heart rate, and more in real time during the workouts. Participants are sent their results after each workout, as well as a monthly readout.

Upon opening, The Revolution’s Saratoga location will offer four classes per day from Mondays through Thursdays, three classes on Fridays, and two classes each on Saturdays and Sundays, according to their website.

However, Katinas emphasized that the schedule can change to meet the needs of local members. The studio will also look into additional weekend classes in the future, she said.

“Our schedule is not locked in stone forever. We are going to try to accommodate the schedule to fit the community,” said Katinas. “If that means adding a 7 a.m. class during the week, we’ll do that.”

The classes, which last 45 minutes each, can be booked at myrevnow.com. The Revolution offers several signup options, including a package of three classes for new participants, as well as drop-in rates, a package of 10 classes, and an unlimited membership. A student discount is also offered, with Katinas saying The Revolution is, “very student-friendly.”

With the studio’s planned opening approaching, Katinas said it is exciting to expand into Saratoga, again emphasizing The Revolution has built a strong community around its workouts.

“Ultimately, we’ve built such a great community of people,” said Katinas. “No one wants to do it by themselves. The more, the merrier.”