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Author: Amanda Blanton

Annual ARCC Business Expo: An Incredible Showing of Business and Community

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in Featured, GFT Business Report.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) annual Business Expo is a much-anticipated event every autumn, and this year’s showcase truly delivered on excitement and networking opportunities. With a sell-out of 89 exhibitors, the event took over the Queensbury Hotel’s first floor in Glens Falls, creating a vibrant display of regional businesses and products. From food samples to product demonstrations, the range of activities and experiences on offer gave attendees plenty to see, taste, and try. 

“We couldn’t have been happier with the turnout of this event,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “The energy in each room was high, and everywhere you looked businesses were connecting. It was such an incredible thing to witness.”

The ARCC Business Expo has looked different over the years, being held at different locations, featuring varying business industries showcasing, and welcoming assorted attendees. 

This year, however, felt different – special in a way that attendees and organizers alike could sense. The expo was filled with eye-catching exhibits that reflected the character and innovation of the Adirondack region. Outside, a massive lime-green lift provided by Advance Rental and Supply, soared above the hotel parking lot proudly flying an American flag and catching the attention of everyone passing by. Mahoney Alarms impressed onlookers with a hands-on security camera demonstration, showcasing the precision and clarity of their equipment. Adirondack Heat Pumps invited attendees to relax in a heated trailer, demonstrating the effectiveness of their heating systems while providing a cozy, comfortable space to take a break.

Inside, there were tables laden with complimentary samples. SPoT Coffee, Argyle Cheese Farmer, and Alltown Fresh delighted attendees with offerings of fresh-brewed coffee, creamy cheeses, and hearty snacks, allowing them to taste local flavors. Simple Strength and Conditioning added an active touch, inviting attendees to watch fitness demos or participate in exercises designed to inspire healthier living. In one corner of the exhibit hall, PSG Golf set up a putting green, offering attendees a fun challenge – sinking a putt for a chance to win a complimentary membership. There were games, contests, and giveaways at every turn, making the expo feel less like a formal business event and more like a lively festival.

In addition to the for-profit businesses, a diverse range of nonprofits also set up tables, providing a welcoming presence and useful resources for anyone who stopped by. Organizations such as the Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offered essential guidance on topics ranging from business funding to management tools, meeting the needs of current and aspiring entrepreneurs alike.

From the moment they stepped inside, attendees were enveloped in a buzz of chatter that seemed to follow them through each room. New connections formed with every handshake, and throughout the evening, people could be heard exclaiming, “I never knew about this business!” or “I didn’t know you did that!”

That is the ultimate goal of this event – to help the community discover businesses in their own backyard. The 2024 ARCC Business Expo not only showcased a vast array of businesses but brought the Adirondack community together in a spirit of collaboration and shared success. By the end of the evening, it was clear that this annual event was far more than a business showcase – it was a celebration of the businesses that make this region a unique and thriving place to live and work.

ARCC Business Awards, a celebration of community

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in Featured, GFT Business Report.

By: Amanda Blanton, ARCC Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Photos Provided

Pictured above: The Sagamore Resort, receiver of the ARCC Community Champion Award.

It was a jam-packed room at The Queensbury Hotel as almost 250 guests gathered to celebrate 44 nominees in 7 categories and learn of the winners at the annual ARCC Business Awards in early October. Held annually, the ARCC Business Awards are a culmination of months of hard work, completed by a group of volunteers and the ARCC staff. The result is a beautiful breakfast ceremony, celebrating the many accomplishments of our business community.

The nomination period began in early May of this year, resulting in 44 businesses & nonprofits receiving nominations.

“This was definitely a record year for nominations,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “It just warms my heart to see this type of response from our community.”

Throughout the entire summer the Business Awards Nomination Committee, a group of volunteers, met with and interviewed each nominee. After all interviews were completed, they met to discuss highlights from each interview and then score the nominees. 

“We are so grateful for this committee and the time and care they put into the process,” said Rogers. “Plus, it is so incredible to take a deeper dive into what these businesses and nonprofits accomplish day-to-day.”

One of the benefits to attending the breakfast ceremony is getting to hear a brief synopsis focused on what each business and nonprofit nominee does. This snapshot often features little known facts, or interesting accomplishments of the nominated businesses. The winners are then announced for each respective category. The ARCC, along with almost 250 attendees, were thrilled to celebrate the winners of the 2024 Business Awards:

Large Nonprofit of the Year: Behavioral Health Services North (BHSN), celebrating 150 years of service, focuses on bringing treatment, rehabilitation and support to families experiencing mental health challenges in the North Country.

Small Nonprofit of the Year: Alliance180, whose founder just received a Congressional Gold Medal for his service in Vietnam, is an organization helping Veterans, first responders, and frontline healthcare workers heal from trauma through a truly unique equine experience.

Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year: Hunt Companies, Inc., a second-generation family-run general contracting business that persevered through trials and setbacks, and continued investing in their employees resulting in a strong, successful small business.

Hunt Companies – receivers of the Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year Award.

Large Business of the Year: Arnoff Moving & Storage, celebrating 100 years as a multi-generational run and operated business, began with one moving truck and has since expanded to nearly 200 trucks and vans, and more than 650,000 square feet of versatile storage space.

Professional Business of the Year: Irongate Family Practice, a private, physician-owned, full-service family practice that was established in 1966 in Glens Falls. Their team of physicians and support staff exemplify the highest standards of professionalism, compassion and dedication to their patients and community.

Rookie Business of the Year: Kopf Property Management began with a pickup truck and a bag of tools and has impressively grown in three years into a property management company with an office location, 5 employees, and a portfolio of 157+ units in four counties.

Community Champion: The Sagamore Resort, giving back to their community in ways that may not be obvious, from providing free use of their rec center to students and donating to Bolton Central School functions, to making considerable donations to the Bolton Landing Heat your Neighbor program assisting with heating costs for their neighbors.

The community really showed up for the 2024 ARCC Business Awards, as you could feel a sense of gratitude and unity in the Adirondack Ballroom of The Queensbury Hotel that morning. A big thank you to the community for coming out to show their support for these businesses. And we look forward to next year’s celebration!

Back to Business with the ARCC

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in Featured, GFT Business Report.

Pictured above: The ribbon cutting for Uncle Mario’s Garage, hosted by the ARCC

Summer is a wonderful season where kids enjoy a break from school, families take vacations, adventurers check things off their bucket-list, and some businesses enjoy their busiest time of the year. It is certainly an exciting time, but as we close the chapter of Summer and welcome in the Fall, we are excited for the opportunities that the changing of seasons will bring.

Here at the ARCC we don’t like to assume anything, but we do notice patterns, and the autumn months seem to invite their fair share of ribbon cuttings, fundraisers, workshops, and showcases. The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce has been hard at work planning a wide array of events that will inspire, educate, and motivate attendees to finish out 2024 strong.

Annual ARCC Business Awards

For over 30 years, the ARCC has been recognizing the incredible businesses that serve our region at our annual business awards celebration. The categories may have changed over the years, and businesses come and go, but one thing remains the same – this event brings the community together for a morning of celebration and gratitude. 

This year, we are enthusiastically recognizing 44 nominees in 7 categories! This is certainly a record number of nominees in recent memory. The categories cover large and small businesses & nonprofit organizations, professional businesses, rookie businesses, and a community champion business. What makes this event extra special is during the event remarks attendees get the opportunity to learn a little bit about each nominee before the winners are announced. Please join us for this celebratory event on October 3rd, from 7:30 – 10:00 a.m. at The Queensbury Hotel in downtown Glens Falls.

Get ready to learn at these workshops & panel discussions

Learning is a lifelong process, and as the world changes around us we are always looking for opportunities to continue providing educational events for our business community. The ARCC is collaborating with members to provide some incredible workshops and panel discussions to satisfy any learner’s appetite.

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has partnered with the ARCC for a workshop exploring how a sense of belonging in companies and communities affects talent recruitment, workforce retention, and community investment. We feel this event is really for everyone and are looking forward to the ripple effect of its impact in our business community. Attendees will learn practical insights and best practices from expert presenters and panelists at this half-day workshop about building belonging in your company and community. The workshop will also feature a Keynote Discussion on: “Reimagining Talent in Modern Workplaces” with Netta Jenkins, CEO of Aerodei, author, and leading authority on global inclusivity. Committed panelists and presenters include representatives from: GlobalFoundries, Saratoga Hospital, Warren County EDC, SUNY Adirondack, Saratoga EDC, North Country Janitorial, Six Flags Great Escape, Arrow Financial, Elite 9 Talent Solutions, Adirondack Studios, and more to be announced. This dynamic event will be held on October 9th from 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. at the SUNY Adirondack Saratoga Campus in Saratoga Springs. Pre-registration is required, and space is limited, so don’t sleep on this one!

For our marketing professionals, and those looking to learn more, we have partnered with Trampoline Design, an award winning NYS WBE full-service marketing & design agency with 20+ years’ experience, to offer a panel discussion on “Rebrand vs Refresh”. How do you know when it is time to rebrand versus refresh a campaign? Perhaps this is a question on many people’s minds, and the team at Trampoline is ready to answer this question and more. Attendees will leave this session with a self-survey list gauging their brand, tactics for not becoming complacent, tips for finding the right partner, and how to prepare for a rebrand or a campaign overhaul. Panelists include: Trampoline Design Partner/Creative Direction Derek Slayton, Partner/Business Management Paula Slayton, Business Development Amanda Magee, and Brand Strategy Sean Magee. We are excited about this one, and hope you are too! This workshop will be held on October 10th from 8:30 – 10:00 a.m. at the StoredTech Collaboration Center in Queensbury.

Perhaps you are looking for more information on how to grow your business in 2025 and beyond. We may have the event for you. The ARCC has partnered with TD Bank to host a two-part panel discussion on access to capital strategies for growth. This discussion features financial leaders and strategists that will focus on resources available to help grow your business. Panelists for the Access to Capital session include: Joseph Bailey, VP Small Business Relationship Manager with TD Bank, Nicole Deyo, Vice President of Pursuit, and Jamie Cecilia, Loan Officer with AEDC. Panelists for the Strategies for Growth session include: Jeffrey Boyce, Upstate Branch Manager of the SBA, Greg Chanese, Certified Business Advisor with NY Small Business Development Center, and Brian Rollo, Owner of Brian Rollo Consulting Group. Sound interesting? Please join us on October 23rd from 8:00 – 10:30 a.m. at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls.

Annual ARCC Business Expo

The ARCC Business Expo is an excellent way to learn about the businesses in our region, meet new people, and reconnect with old friends. We literally take over the first floor of The Queensbury Hotel with 85+ exhibitors that feature product demonstrations, food & beverage samples, resources and so much more. This is definitely an event you do not want to miss! Bring plenty of business cards and prepare to network the night away. This event is free to attend, with fees to exhibit, and will take place on November 6th from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at The Queensbury Hotel.

Mixers & Ribbon Cuttings

The networking opportunities continue as the ARCC hosts mixers and ribbon cutting celebrations throughout the end of the year. Our mixers draw anywhere between 75-200 people and are hosted at different locations allowing our members an opportunity to check out new venue spaces, sample delicious food & drink, and make those lasting connections that ensure our business community grows and thrives. Plus, they are kind of fun! And if you’ve never been to an ARCC ribbon cutting, you are missing out. These celebrations end up turning into mini-mixers as we celebrate our members while mingling with new and old friends. You just never know who you are going to meet at an ARCC ribbon cutting.
If you take anything away from this piece, it will hopefully be that the ARCC is here to support your business with exciting offerings to propel you through the end of 2024 and beyond. Get back to business with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce. All our upcoming events can be found at www.adirondackchamber.org/events.

Veterans Business Network of the ARCC hosting 4th Annual Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in ARCC Spotlight, Business, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report, News.

Resource booths setup around Glens Falls City Park, offering information to Veterans, friends & family. Photos courtesy of the ARCC.

The Veterans Business Network of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is once again planning a walk for Veteran suicide awareness and prevention.

The 4th annual walk will take place, rain or shine, on Thursday, September 12th starting at 3:30 p.m. in Glens Falls City Park. After brief remarks, a 22-minute walk will commence to recognize the approximately 22 Veterans that are lost to suicide every day.

“As we prepare for this walk, just remember that what we perceive in others is just the surface. Unless they share their feelings, we don’t really know their true emotional wellbeing,” said Veterans Business Network Chair Sean Dion, also President at Mr. Electric of Queensbury.  

“Within the ranks of our Veterans and First Responders, we owe it to them to be their sixth sense, to be there before a crisis; and get them to proper care. 

Please come and support not only Veteran suicide awareness, but the vast resource network that took time from their day to do the same. We have grown each year due to your continued support of our mission!”

The Veterans Business Network (VBN), of the ARCC, was established in 2021 to create a safe space for Veteran business owners, and Veterans in the workforce, to connect, collaborate, and share resources. Regular meetings were held, and annual food & necessities drives to benefit organizations helping Veterans were planned, but the annual walk had its own story. 

In 2021, the VBN partnered with the VFW Post 2475 to organize what was then known as the “Stop 22 Walk.” Stop 22 was an initiative, started in 2018, between the Department of NY Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and one of the nation’s leading health and well-being companies HUMANA, to increase awareness of Veterans committing suicide; 22 Veterans are lost each day.

“As a veteran, I know firsthand that one life lost to suicide is too many. Events like the ARCC Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk are crucial in raising awareness and fostering open conversations about mental health. Together, we can identify those in need and ensure they receive the care necessary to heal and thrive before it’s too late,” said Christopher Thomas, MPA, RBLP-T & founder of Elite 9 Talent Solutions.

In addition to raising awareness, the event will raise money for Kee to Independent Growth, LLC (KIGI) to help support their Veteran programs. Last year’s beneficiary organization was Alliance180.

“The team at Alliance180 is honored to once again participate in this important event. Our mission at A180 is to prevent suicide and reduce the effects of trauma for Veterans, first responders, and front-line healthcare workers. We thank the ARCC Veterans Business Network for bringing attention to this issue through this annual walk,” said Bob Nevins, Founder. 

As the event grew, the addition of resource booths really began adding value. This year, multiple agencies will be on site to share resource materials and information specifically for Veterans. 

Some of these agencies include: ASCEND Mental Wellness, Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), NY State Department of Veterans Services, Alliance180, the SUNY Adirondack Joseph P. Dwyer Peer-to-Peer Program, and many more.

“Communities are at their best when those capable of helping show up. This suicide and prevention walk highlights our cause for Veterans, but it’s also for every member of this community impacted by the tragedy of suicide; from our first responders to our family, friends, and neighbors. Join us and walk side-by-side as we strive to strengthen communication and coordination on suicide awareness and prevention,” said Amie & Juan Gonzales, President & Chief Financial Officer of Hunt Companies, Inc., and members of the ARCC Veterans Business Network.

This event is open to the public and generally draws about 150 people, including elected officials and community leaders. Please consider coming out to show your support on Thursday, September 12th, starting at 3:30 p.m. in Glens Falls City Park. Donations are appreciated and will go to benefit the Veterans programs provided by Kee to Independent Growth, LLC (KIGI).

ARCC Receives 45 Nominees for Annual Business Awards

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in ARCC Spotlight, Business, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report, News.

Nominees to be recognized, and winners announced at a breakfast ceremony on October 3rd

Pictured left:  Michele Morehouse (Communications Coordinator), Nicole Casey (Director of HR), ARCC President Tricia Rogers, and Andrea Deepe (CEO) of ASCEND Mental Wellness – winners of the 2023 Large Nonprofit of the Year award Pictured right: Cullen Fuller, ARCC President Tricia Rogers, and Ethan Hall of Rucinski Hall Architecture – winners of the 2023 Professional Business of the Year award. All Photos courtesy of the ARCC.

It was in 1991 when the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) first introduced its annual business awards. 

That first year saw one business being honored as the “Small Business of the Year”, and the business was Leland Paper Company, Inc. The following year saw the awards grow to two categories, adding on a “Rookie Business” category. 

Then in 2005, the “Steven M. Sutton Small Business Award” was created to honor Mr. Sutton, who co-founded Sutton’s Marketplace, which stood at 1066 US Route 9 in Queensbury and has since been home to many businesses. To those who knew him, he was a man of vision, an entrepreneur, and everything that embodied a small business owner and valued community member. 

To this day, the ARCC still holds onto his legacy, keeping the “Steven M. Sutton Small Business Award” as a part of this annual event. 

Throughout the years and decades, the event grew to add on more categories, and celebrate the amazing businesses that make up the Adirondack region of upstate New York. Aside from taking a break from the event in 2020, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the awards ceremony has been growing year after year. Which brings us to present day, and the ARCC receiving a record 45 nominations in 7 categories. 

For a three-week period in the month of May, the ARCC asked for nominations and the community delivered.

“The ARCC Business Awards is one of my favorite events of the year. Watching businesses come together and celebrate each other’s success is something truly incredible,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. 

“This year we have a record number of nominees with 45 businesses, within 7 categories, which is a great testament to how special our business community is.”

The ARCC is thrilled to announce the nominees, in their respective categories:

Large Business of the Year Nominees: Arnoff Moving & Storage, GTM Payroll & HR, Upstate Transit of Saratoga, The VMJR Companies, Six Flags Great Escape, and Warren County Sheriff’s Office.

Professional Business of the Year Nominees: Irongate Family Practice, Capital CFO+, Fenimore Asset Management, Southern Adirondack REALTORS®, CEFO Advisors, Etched in Valor, and Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C

Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year Nominees: Erbessd Instruments, Queensbury Billiards & Café, Career Jam, Elite 9 Talent Solutions, LayerEight, OrbitalFire Cybersecurity, Hogwash Cleaning Solutions, Hunt Companies, Inc., White Glove Janitorial Services.

Rookie Business of the Year Nominees: Elevation Medical Aesthetics, Kopf Property Management, and Madrina Molly LLC.

Large Nonprofit Organization Nominees: High Peaks Hospice, Moreau Emergency Squad Inc., Family YMCA of Glens Falls Area, and BHSN.

Small Nonprofit Organization Nominees: Alliance180, Tri-County United Way, Wiawaka Center for Women, The Hyde Collection, Lake George Land Conservancy, the Council for Prevention, North Shore Animal League Adirondack Region Cat Adoption Center, Dake Foundation for Children, Zonta Club of Glens Falls, Glens Falls Area Youth Center, Common Roots Foundation, Soroptimist of the Adirondacks, Adirondack Employee Assistance Program (EAP), and the World Awareness Children’s Museum.

Community Champion Nominees: Hannaford Supermarket and The Sagamore Resort.

The nominees will be recognized, and winners announced, at an awards breakfast, on Thursday, October 3, 2024 at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, NY. Registration is open for the event. Learn more by visiting www.adirondackchamber.org/events/details/annual-arcc-business-awards-2024-4497

ARCC Seeking Nominations for 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award

Written by Amanda Blanton on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

Pictured: ARCC President Tricia Rogers and 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett honoree Robert Nemer. Photo courtesy of Andy Camp.

It was about 36 years ago, when board members of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) got together and decided to create an award that would honor a community member for their philanthropic work and positive impact in our region. 

They named the award the “J. Walter Juckett Award” after a businessman whose leadership and commitment transgressed a wide range of civic, charitable, religious, political, business and educational activities. 

But who was J. Walter Juckett?
Before making his impact in our region, J. Walter Juckett attended and graduated summa cum laude with a degree in electrical engineering from Norwich University, a private military college in Northfield, Vermont.
He also met his wife Elizabeth there. After his mother, mother-in-law, and wife all succumbed to cancer, Juckett was inspired to find ways to prevent, detect and treat cancer. 

With some strategic partnerships, the Lake Champlain Cancer Research Organization (LCCRO) was formed in 1979, and after Juckett’s death in 1988, the LCCRO morphed into the J. Walter Juckett Cancer Research Foundation. To this day the Foundation provides funding for continued cancer research projects at the University of Vermont Cancer Center.

After receiving his engineering degree, Juckett began his career at the Hurlbut Paper Company in Massachusetts where his father, Frank A. Juckett, served as President.  But during the depths of the Great Depression, the Juckett father-son team were enticed to move to Hudson Falls, NY to take over management of the Sandy Hill Iron and Brass Works – a manufacturer that specialized in equipment for the paper industry. The Jucketts positively shaped the future of Sandy Hill and the pulp and paper industry.

Aside from his successful business career, Juckett was recognized as a major community leader in his adopted home, the Village of Hudson Falls, and the entire region. He was recognized with honors for his work and contributions to the Boy Scouts of America, New York Business Development Corporation, Salvation Army, Norwich University, Presbyterian Church, Hudson Falls Central School and many other organizations. Juckett also served as President of Richmor Aviation, Director of the Glens Falls Insurance Co., Director of Kamyr Inc., Director of Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Chairman of the Lake Champlain Cancer Research Organization, and Chairman of the Adirondack Samaritan Counseling Center. He was a tireless worker for the arts, having served as a director of the Lake George Opera, and a major force in The Hyde Collection Capital Campaign. The list goes on and on…

Juckett left behind a legacy of hard work, community service and inspiration. Scholarships, awards, and foundations carry his name, which made naming an annual community service award after him most appropriate. And here we are, 36 years later, seeking the next J. Walter Juckett Award honoree.

If reading some of J. Walter Juckett’s story has inspired you to do some good work in your community – great! If his story is reminiscent of someone you know, the ARCC wants to hear about it. 

Through July 8th, the ARCC will be accepting nominations for our 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award. We are looking to recognize and honor an extraordinary individual who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others. 

Past honorees include Charles R. Wood, Paul E. Pontiff, Esq., Bob Joy, Elizabeth Miller, Mark Behan, Dr. John Rugge, and most recently Robert Nemer. These individuals founded, owned, and operated successful businesses & organizations and gave back to their communities by serving on boards, committees, task forces and more. We are fortunate to live and work in a region where individuals such as them live and work alongside us.

Please visit the ARCC website for more information, and to submit your nominations, before July 8, 2024: adirondackchamber.org/j.-walter-juckett-community-service-award

The 36th Annual J. Walter Juckett Award will be presented at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner on March 7, 2025 at The Sagamore Resort in Bolton Landing.