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Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce: Bright Prospects for 2024

As 2023 comes to a close, many businesses reflect on the year’s accomplishments and begin to make plans for the next year. Budgets are being drafted, finalized, then visited again. Nonprofits and service organizations are making their final appeals. And businesses are wondering how they can do better next year.

But upon reflection of 2023, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is proud of our greater business community, and optimistic for 2024.

Within the ARCC membership, we have seen a lot of positive shifting in the business community. Businesses south of Saratoga Springs are choosing to build their business and connections in the North Country. Small businesses are expanding and opening additional locations. Entrepreneurs are popping up and taking a chance on their dreams. Conversations on workforce development, alternative hiring options, childcare, public transportation, and more are being had regularly with solutions on the horizon. These are all signs of a healthy business community, working collaboratively towards a better future.

2023 ARCC HIGHLIGHTS

The ARCC organizes many opportunities to connect, share resources, and collaborate for our member businesses. These include monthly networking mixers, focused meetings for our councils & committees, educational workshops, and celebrations of community. We welcomed over 3,000 attendees to

our events in 2023. We hosted over 32 ribbon cuttings in 2023, exceeding the number of celebrations we hosted in 2022. We also welcomed more new members in 2023 compared to 2022 and are enjoying an 89% retention rate.

The ARCC Business Expo, which was held in early November at The Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, was an incredible community-focused event that brought the community and businesses together for an evening of discovery, connections, and networking. We were fortunate to have 88 exhibitors, compared to 74 in 2022, ranging from all types of industries and business sizes. Even more exciting, 36 of the exhibitors were new to the event this year.

From nonprofits & human service organizations to health & wellness and professional services, the event was buzzing with activity. This year’s business showcase had something for everyone. Many businesses featured demos of their products, such as Mahoney Alarms, who had a great setup of their camera and security systems. Adirondack Winery, Lake George Wine Outlet, and Springbrook Hollow Distillery were all giving out samples of their beverages. And Park Street Hospitality delighted guests with some yummy Autumn-themed treats.

For the golf enthusiasts, PSG Golf set up a putting green, and The Luxury Box had a golf simulator. And for those who like their toys to drive, float, or ride, the Expo had a vehicle from Romeo Toyota of Glens Falls, and a boat & snowmobile from Pilot Knob Marina & Powersports.

Prior to the Business Expo, was our annual Business Awards, held in early October. This event is a true celebration of businesses and nonprofits in our region. The room was packed with over 200 attendees cheering on the nominees and celebrating the winners. This year, 38 businesses and nonprofits were nominated in 7 categories, making this award ceremony one of the biggest in recent years.

LOOKING FORWARD

The ARCC will continue to host our flagship events, council/committee meetings, and plenty of opportunities to network & connect, but we are looking forward to providing educational opportunities that are unique to our area.

In January, we will welcome a panel of speakers to discuss alternative hiring opportunities for businesses. Some may have heard of “second chance” or “fair chance” options for hiring, but don’t know the details. The ARCC, along with partner organizations, is assembling a panel that will educate our business community on alternative hiring opportunities they may not be aware of.

This is scheduled for Thursday, January 25, 2024 at a location to be determined. Stay tuned to the ARCC website for announcements: www.adirondackchamber.org.

The ARCC is looking forward to continuing to bring resources, educational events, and opportunities to connect our business community in 2024 and for many years to come.

ARCC Announces Robert Nemer as Recipient of the Walter Juckett Community Service Award

ARCC ANNOUNCES ROBERT NEMER
as recipient of the
35th Annual Walter Juckett Community Service Award

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is pleased to announce that the 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award will be presented to Robert Nemer co-owner of the Nemer Motor Group, and regular contributor to many local community organizations.

Mr. Nemer will be presented with the award at the ARCC Annual Dinner on the evening of March 8, 2024 at The Sagamore Resort.

“All you need is a couple of minutes with Robert Nemer to learn that he is passionate about helping others. His work spans through decades of helping our youth get the supplies and resources they need to succeed in school, all the way to helping fund the much-needed equipment that our hospitals need to serve their patients,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “When called upon, he answers the call. His contributions to our region will be felt for years to come.”

Nemer moved to Upstate New York in 1970, after teaching elementary school in Philadelphia, to help run his father’s Volkswagen dealership in Albany. Along with his brother Peter, they established and grew the Nemer Motor group which now includes four dealership locations.

Nemer is a founding member of the Adirondack Civic Center Coalition, Inc. that was responsible for the acquisition of the Glens Falls Civic Center/Cool Insuring Arena from the City of Glens Falls. He also started the Kids with Packs Program, in partnership with The Post Star and the Tri-County United Way, to provide school supplies to children in need in 14 schools in Warren, Washington, Saratoga, and other counties. Nemer also serves as a board member for Hudson Headwaters Health Network, and the SUNY Adirondack Foundation.

Mr. Nemer is a major and regular contributor and sponsor for many community organizations and their events. Through the Nemer Motor Group, he has made considerable contributions to Glens Falls Hospital, Saratoga Hospital, St. Peter’s Hospital, and Hudson Headwaters Health Network. Nemer and his wife Franny (Francine) have also personally donated time and funding to these health centers. The two have also contributed to the youth education efforts of The Hyde Collection.

Nemer is a very active member of the Lake George Association (LGA) and a founding member of LG30, a select group of donors committed to the LGA mission of protecting and safeguarding Lake George. He also serves on the LGA’s Council of Business Advisors and invests in the LGA’s Science-to- SolutionsTM programs.

“It is with great pleasure that we honor Mr. Nemer with the J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award this year, celebrating his outstanding contributions to making our community a better place,” said ARCC Board Chair Marc Yrsha, EVP, Chief Banking Officer, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company. “Mr. Nemer is an exceptional community leader who has been working for decades to ignite positive change and inspire compassion in us all.”

The J. Walter Juckett Award, named in honor of the longtime chairman of the Sandy Hill Corporation, was created 35 years ago to recognize and honor a deserving member of the community who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others. To see a list of past honorees, please visit the Chamber’s website: www.adirondackchamber.org/j.-walter-juckett-community-service-award.

ABOUT J. WALTER JUCKETT

J. Walter Juckett had a remarkable business career and was a major community leader in his adopted home, the Village of Hudson Falls, and the entire region. His leadership and commitment spanned a wide range of civic, charitable, religious, political, business and educational activities. 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. He was a tireless supporter of the arts, having served as a director of the Lake George Opera and a major force in The Hyde Collection Capital Campaign.

ABOUT THE ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a 100% membership funded organization representing businesses in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to serve our members and business community through our advocacy efforts, education opportunities and the power of connection and collaboration.

ARCC: Annual Business Expo

ARCC Business Expo 2023

Picture this scenario as a small business owner:

You’re in a large room, filled with hundreds of members of your own local business community, and many of them are looking for the exact services you provide. Does that sound too good to be true? Fortunately, it’s 100% real and it’s coming to Glens Falls in November.

For those who haven’t heard yet, we’re talking about the ARCC’s annual Business Expo on Wednesday, November 8th.

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) helps entrepreneurs, small business owners and community members work together to improve life in the Adirondack region. The ARCC has been working on behalf of local businesses for over 100 years, and the Business Expo is just one of the many tools in their toolbox. The Expo solves a problem that many small business owners and entrepreneurs face: finding a connection to the community. That is where

the ARCC truly excels, in facilitating those critical relationships between business owners that in turn help to drive the local economy.

The ARCC Business Expo is a perfect opportunity to explore what the regional business community has to offer. Ambassadors from the ARCC will be on hand with a kind smile and easy introduction as you work your way around the event. Their ease and friendliness helps to set the tone for the day, and it again illustrates one of their core objectives of building meaningful connections.

The Business Expo allows the ARCC community to showcase their products and services and give potential customers first-hand experiences as well. Whether participants rent a booth or simply “work the room” as an attendee, the comfortable atmosphere allows customers to seek information and ask more detailed questions. It’s also an opportunity to put a face behind a business, which is an advantage for both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) operations. From previous Expos, attendees have consistently reported finding significant value from the event.

This will be the second Expo under the leadership of Tricia Rogers, President and CEO of the ARCC, who took over the role in August of 2022. She and her dedicated team are expecting an even larger turnout than last year. Currently, the ARCC is experiencing a boom in membership with over 700 members and counting. They will be setting up between 80-90 booths which is an increase from just over 70 booths last year. “The ARCC Business Expo is a favorite event of our members and business community,” Rogers said. “We really look forward to this event. It’s a great opportunity to showcase our businesses.”

Rogers always takes the time to thank and show her appreciation for the ARCC staff and volunteers. She began with the ARCC as a volunteer ambassador herself, and in 2016 took on the role of Membership Manager. In early 2022, she was promoted to Vice President, Membership & Community Engagement. Later that year, she was named to her current title of President and CEO. “I feel so lucky to lead the organization in a community that I am passionate about,” said Rogers. “I love this community and really want to make a difference. It helps that I work with a great team.”

Community building is often on the mind of Marketing Director Amanda Blanton, who reiterated the importance of networking at an ARCC “Chamber 101” meeting in early September. “You will always find a person who is not familiar with your business, even if you have been in business for 50 years,” explained Blanton. Business Expos are traditionally great opportunities to network with other professionals in the same or related fields, gain exposure to new ideas, and potentially learn new skills.

For Membership Manager Ava Kanninen, this is her first Expo with the ARCC. She can already attest to the excitement. “Regular attendees have told me that they love how open and welcoming the expo is. Some of that is because we don’t use the tall pipe-and-drape booths, so we have a warm and neighborly atmosphere. I also think that the level of engagement that our partners bring to all of our events is a special thing to be a part of, and I know the members are excited because the event keeps growing every year,” she said via email.

The chamber’s recommendation for attending expos, tradeshows and conventions is to make a full circuit first, then come back and see whom you’d like to connect with. And, of course, bring plenty of business cards.

The ARCC Business Expo will be held at The Queensbury Hotel (88 Ridge St, Glens Falls), on Wednesday, November 8th, 2023, from 4pm-7pm. For attendees, the event is free of charge. There is, however, a fee for exhibitors; ARCC members who would like to exhibit must register on-line.

There are early bird deals available as well as a variety of table options to fit every business’ needs. If you can’t make the Expo or would like a more informal setting for networking, there will be a post-Expo networking opportunity at Fenimore’s Pub.

For more information, please visit the ARCC website at AdirondackChamber.org

ARCC Veterans Business Network – 2023 Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention

On Wednesday, September 13th, 2023, at City Park, community members gathered to participate in the 2023 Walk for Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention. The morning had been soaked with rain, but as the day progressed, blue sky prevailed. Participants gathered near the gazebo in City Park, which was lined with veteran resource booths. 

HicksStrong Inc. had a booth where Michael Hick explained why he was there, “We started HicksStrong after we lost our son… He was active duty Navy when he died by suicide on February 11th, 2019. After that, we realized how difficult it was for active duty military to get help… It’s just tragic, and we needed to turn our pain into a purpose. We connect active duty, and veterans, and military families with therapists via telehealth, and we cover up to eight sessions. After that, they can shift to self-pay at a discounted rate,” he said. 

The event was MC’d by ARCC President Tricia Rogers, who welcomed everyone to the third annual walk: “The members of this group have worked tirelessly to not only build this event, I know that many of you were here last year, look at the size of this event from last year, the vendors our resource booths have doubled. Their hard work is evident,” she said.

Tricia introduced Sean Dion, the chair of the veterans business network and one of the founding members. He thanked the crowd for taking time out of their busy day and highlighting the growth of the event to featuring 20 booths, and also thanked the sponsors. 

The rendering of the National Anthem was a show stopper by Charles Martin of USI Insurance. His deep voice resonated through the park with a reverence that was felt throughout the crowd. 

This event was attended by local leaders Senator Dan Stec, Senator Jake Ashby and Assemblyman Matt Simpson. Senator Dan Stec said: “A lot of veterans through their service suffer a lot of mental health challenges and certainly depression challenges… We have a preventable but very real crisis when it comes to veterans committing suicide.”

Jake Ashby also spoke to the crowd: “Just a tremendous effort here… You see people continuing to live in isolation, and what a demonstration here in opposition to that… Your presence in someone’s life face to face is so meaningful and so impactful when they need you… It goes a long way. Just being present when someone is struggling, being there for them and trying to help them, you won’t forget that and they won’t forget that either,” he said. 

The Keynote Address prior to the walk was given by Gold Star Mother, Cindy Roberts: “Our daughter, Sgt. Kristie Roberts, is one of the ’22-a-Day’ as the military calls them, who died by suicide… A life after the loss of a child, how can we get through each day? Every day is a struggle, everyday is a challenge, but I embrace all of you… Because of you, we have the strength to go on, to share these walks and try to educate folk to continue this… Helping each other, let’s try to erase that stigma of asking for help as a sign of weakness. With every step you take today and everyday, know that if you are not ok, that’s ok. It’s ok to ask those uncomfortable questions, and please educate yourself on where to turn for help. You matter. You all matter. And you are not alone.”

SHRED EVENT AT AVIATION MALL

Aviation Mall is partnering with the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce and ConfiData to offer the community and its residents an opportunity to drop off documents to be shredded for free! This event will take place on Saturday, September 16th, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM in the front east parking lot of Aviation Mall.

Participants can bring up to five boxes to shred (box size cannot exceed 24” x 12” x 10 ¼”), and items will be shredded on the spot in the mobile shred trucks. ConfiData can shred and recycle just about anything – junk mail, tax returns, checks, files, manila folders, or any documents containing personal information.

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food donation with your shred drop-off.  All food item donations will benefit the Open Door Mission, which exists to serve people at their point of need, cultivating personal growth and community sustainability – individuals who are homeless and low income.

The event is open to the public, and will occur rain or shine.

ARCC Announces Nominees for 2023 Business Awards

Pictured from left to right: ARCC President Tricia Rogers, BBBS CEO/Executive Director Bill Moon, and BBBS team members: Marie Busse, Megan Farrell, and Alex McCane. Photo by Amanda Blanton.

GLENS FALLS, NY The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is thrilled to announce the nominees for their 2023 Business Awards. The ARCC has been recognizing member businesses for their economic achievements, and quality of life contributions to our region, for over 30 years.

The nominees will be recognized, and winners announced, at an awards breakfast, on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at the Queensbury Hotel in Glens Falls, NY. Stay tuned to the ARCC website, at www.adirondackchamber.org, for more updates on this event.

“I am always amazed at the response we receive when asking for nominations for our annual business awards,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers. “It is such an honor to recognize these businesses for all that they do to contribute to our communities in their own unique ways.”

These businesses were nominated by their peers and will be interviewed and scored by a committee of volunteer ARCC members.

The nominees, in their respective categories, are:

Large Business of the Year Nominees: North Country Janitorial, Telescope Casual Furniture, Adirondack Studios, and Arnoff Moving & Storage.

Professional Business of the Year Nominees: Bartlett, Pontiff, Stewart & Rhodes, P.C., Well Child, and Rucinski Hall Architects.

Steven M. Sutton Small Business of the Year Nominees: Finders Keepers Consignments, Barkeater Chocolates, The VMJR Companies, J. Reid Menswear, Windy Hill CBD & Wellness Co., Hilltop Construction Co., Northern Living, Adirondack Winery, LayerEight, and FastSigns of Saratoga Springs.

Rookie Business of the Year: Queensbury Wine & Spirits, PSG Golf, White Glove Janitorial Service, and Sustainable PR.

Large Nonprofit Organization Nominees: ASCEND Mental Wellness, Crandall Public Library, High Peaks Hospice, and L.E.A.P.

Small Nonprofit Organization Nominees: Alliance180, The Dake Foundation, The Conkling Center, Comfort Food Community, the World Awareness Children’s Museum, LARAC, and Adirondack EAP.

Community Champion Nominees: Kiwanis Club of Glens Falls, Advokate LLC, Glens Falls National Bank and Trust Company, Common Roots Foundation, The Car Shoppe, and Glens Falls City Schools.

About the ARCC Business Awards

The ARCC Business Awards is an annual celebration and recognition of member businesses for their achievements in business and quality of life contributions to our region. Each year the ARCC assembles a committee of Chamber Members to evaluate, interview, and score nominees. The nominees are honored, and winners announced, at a ceremony.

About the ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a 100% membership funded organization representing in excess of 23,000 people predominantly in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to serve our members and business community through our advocacy efforts, education opportunities and the power of connection and collaboration.

ARCC Ribbon Cutting for Go Play With Your Food

On Tuesday July 18th, 2023, Tricia Rogers and the ARCC crew worked their magic and hosted a ribbon cutting for Go Play With Your Food… Located at 126 Glen Street, Go Play With Your Food is owned by Kristen & Mark Shaw, and partners, and is open seven days a week for food and board-gaming fun!  This eatery gives patrons the opportunity to rent a table, and play with any of over 600 board games- all while offering a full menu of beer, wine and hard seltzers. 

In an industrial chic setting, an exposed brick wall frames the bar, comfortably spaced wood topped tables dapple the dining area – each with plenty of space to lay out a board game – and then there is the view… A view of a wall of games!

Go Play With Your Food creates an opportunity to play a variety of over 600 games, and enjoy menu offerings and beverages. With a variety of levels, there is something for everyone-games for beginners, family- friendly games, moderate to advanced level games and games that can have up to 20 players. This puzzling eatery features a menu with a variety of appetizers, flatbread pizzas, salads, and desserts. 

Go Play with Your Food has offers a variety of meads, six beers on tap, 24 canned beers, seven canned ciders, as well as a nice mix of hard seltzers, teas, and wine by the glass… So, if CandyLand has you craving something sweet, an eight-hour Risk conquest has left you absolutely famished, or a Jenga tower gets you oddly in the mood for a club sandwich, there is an opportunity to regroup, grab another game, and fall into a world of enchantment and adventure that’s been with us since childhood… Enjoy time with family and friends in this unique board-gaming eatery!

For more information, please visit goplaywithyourfood.com

Veterans Business Network of ARCC to host Veteran Suicide Prevention Walk

Photo courtesy of Amanda Blanton.

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Veterans Business Network (VBN) of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is once again hosting their annual Veteran Suicide Awareness & Prevention Walk in downtown Glens Falls, NY. The event will be held, rain or shine, on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 13th beginning in downtown Glens Falls City Park.

“As Chair of the ARCC’s VBN I have a small ask from our already supportive community. We Veterans have a saying – All gave some; Some gave ALL,” said Sean Dion, ARCC Veterans Business Network Chair. “This should not hold true once home from the battlefield. Many Veterans are either too proud, or do not know who to trust with their depression or PTSD. They are supposed to be free from danger once home! My small ask is to join the ARCC Veterans Business Network in City Park, Glens Falls, NY on 9/13/23 at 1600 and participate in our Suicide Awareness & Prevention walk. On average 22 Soldiers take their lives daily, and in my humble opinion, one is too many. Please come and support them!”

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.

In its third year, the walk has grown in attendance and offerings. Last year saw the addition of informational tables featuring resources and services for Veterans. This year, the plan is to offer the same, and even increase the number of tables.

“The leaders of the ARCC’s VBN have worked tirelessly to reach Veterans in our community to provide valuable connections to resources, business opportunities and each other. This will be the third year the VBN has hosted a walk to raise awareness of the epidemic of Veteran suicide. I am proud to help organize this vital initiative to support our veterans in need and raise funds to invest in prevention. I invite our community to walk with us and share this opportunity to raise awareness with your Veteran friends and colleagues. Even one lost life is too many,” said Carol Ann Conover, ARCC Liaison to the Veterans Business Network.

After brief greeting remarks, participants will walk a circuit around Downtown Glens Falls for 22 minutes in remembrance of those lost and to raise awareness of the need for prevention.

About the Veterans Business Network

The purpose of the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Veterans Business Network is to promote and to serve the affinity group of Veteran and military service personnel, veteran and military member sole proprietorships, and veteran and military service professional members of the ARCC and to encourage increased business and collaboration among its ranks.

The bottom line, no matter what you currently do for work, if you are a Veteran and an ARCC member or a Veteran who is employed by an ARCC member, we would love for you to join the ARCC Veterans Business Network.

About the ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a 100% membership funded organization representing in excess of 23,000 people predominantly in New York State’s Washington, Warren, Essex and Northern Saratoga Counties. The ARCC is a 501c6 not-for-profit corporation, governed by volunteer Board of Directors, and does not receive any funding from local, county or state governments. Our mission is to serve our members and business community through our advocacy efforts, education opportunities and the power of connection and collaboration.

Photo courtesy of Amanda Blanton.

NBT Bank Promotes Mark P. Sidoti

NBT Bank announced Mark P. Sidoti has been promoted to Branch Manager of their Glens Falls office. This branch is located at 86 Glen Street in Glens Falls.

As Branch Manager, Sidoti will be responsible for business development, managing customer relationships, and serving as a financial partner for the Glens Falls region. Sidoti has more than 30 years of business development and sales experience in the banking, telecommunications, payroll, outsourcing, and employee benefits industries, and as an active member of the community, he serves as both the treasurer of the Glens Falls Civic Center Foundation board, and as an ambassador for the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce.

NBT Bank is an independent community bank based in Norwich, New York, whose history stretches back to 1856. NBT has more than 135 banking locations in New York, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Maine.

Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Seeks Nominations for 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award

The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is currently seeking nominations for their 35th Annual J. Walter Juckett Community Service Award. This award is the four-county region’s most prestigious community service award, given to recognize and honor an extraordinary individual who has selflessly gone above and beyond by contributing time and energy to help others.

Past winners have included Dr. John Rugge, Mark Behan, Elizabeth Miller, and Ed Moore. A complete list can be found at: https://www.adirondackchamber.org/j.-walter-juckett-community-service-award

“It is such an honor to recognize a community member every year with the J. Walter Juckett Award. With
every nomination, and every honoree, we are reminded of how truly amazing our communities are,” said
ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

The 35th Annual J. Walter Jucket Award will be presented at the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner in March of 2024 at The Sagamore Resort.
 
To nominate a deserving volunteer, please fill out the nomination form – found on the ARCC’s website at
www.adirondackchamber.org – and return to the ARCC by the deadline of June 7th, 2023. Nominations will be kept on file for three years.