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ARCC

ARCC team members promoted to Vice President and Director

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in ARCC Spotlight, Business, Community, Featured, News, Workforce.

Amanda Blanton
Carol Ann Conover

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is excited to announce the promotion of two team members. Former Marketing Director Amanda Blanton will now serve as Vice President, Marketing & Communications, and former Events Manager Carol Ann Conover will now serve as Director of Events & Community Engagement.

“These two ladies have really grown in their positions, and as the ARCC is ready to take it to the next level I am confident that Amanda and Carol Ann will continue to lead and excel in their roles,” said ARCC President & CEO Tricia Rogers.

Ms. Blanton joined the ARCC team in August of 2016, after serving as a marketing & call center representative for a credit union in Saratoga Springs. She has been responsible for all marketing and communications for the Chamber, hosts the Chamber’s weekly radio show, regularly writes for business related publications, and has successfully increased the ARCC’s social media presence. She also serves as the staff liaison to the Adirondack Nonprofit Business Council.

“Every step in my career path has certainly led me to where I am today. The past 7+ years at the ARCC have been a rewarding and educational experience. I feel much pride and joy in the work that I do for this organization and greater community. I am truly excited to grow in my new role,” said Ms. Blanton.

Ms. Conover joined the team in January of 2021, bringing with her a diverse professional background spanning multiple business sectors. She has been active in the Adirondack region and Glens Falls community since moving here permanently in 2013. Carol Ann also serves as the staff liaison for the ARCC’s Women’s Business Council, Veterans Business Network, and Leadership Adirondack.

“Growing with the ARCC and our amazing community these last 3 years has been nothing short of inspiring. The way our members come together to support our mission and celebrate each other is truly a gift. I’m excited to continue the momentum and excitement this team has created in my new role as Director of Events & Community Engagement – I am grateful to my teammates for this opportunity and to our members for their constant support and encouragement. Thank you for putting your trust in me and in the ARCC. Together, there is no limit to what we will achieve!” said Ms. Conover.

About the ARCC

Founded in 1914, the Adirondack Regional Chamber of Commerce (ARCC) is a membership 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. Our mission is to support our business community through advocacy, education, connection, and collaboration.

Kate and Fisk

The Hyde Collection Promotes Two Dynamic Leaders

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, News, Workforce.

Gina Fisk
Kate Wilkins

GLENS FALLS, NY – The Hyde Collection is thrilled to announce the well-deserved promotions of Kate Wilkins to Chief Advancement Officer and Ginevra (Gina) Fisk to Creative Director, effective January 1,  2024. These new roles showcase the museum’s commitment to strategic growth and innovative  engagement, led by two talented individuals who embody a passion for art, expertise within their  individual professions, and a deep connection to The Hyde’s mission. 

Kate Wilkins, a rising star in the museum development world, steps into the crucial role of Chief  Advancement Officer. Her unwavering dedication and strategic vision have already proven instrumental  in driving fundraising success. Since joining The Hyde in 2021, she spearheaded a refocused global  fundraising approach, which was key in securing historic funding for the museum. 

“We are fortunate to have Kate leading our campaign and development efforts,” says John Lefner,  President and CEO. “Her creativity, knowledge, and passion for The Hyde are truly inspiring, and we  have no doubt she will propel our philanthropic growth to new heights.” 

Wilkins’ impressive background speaks volumes about her qualifications. Holding a Bachelor of Fine Arts  from Alfred University and a Master’s in Museum Studies focusing on Advancement Communications  from Harvard, she further strengthened her expertise with a Graduate Certificate in Non-Profit  Management from the same prestigious institution. Her local roots and extensive experience in cultural  institutions like Proctors Collaborative and Opera Saratoga add invaluable context and understanding to  her role. 

“The Hyde Collection is a truly special place, to me personally, and in our cultural landscape,” Wilkins  expresses. “The opportunity to dedicate my professional passion to securing philanthropic support for this  remarkable institution is incredibly meaningful. I am proud to continue our work fostering artistic  exploration, preserving The Hyde’s collection, and advancing education in my new role. 

On the creative front, Gina Fisk ascends to the position of Creative Director, bringing a wealth of talent  and strategic vision to The Hyde’s marketing and design initiatives. With a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Visual  Media and International Business from the Rochester Institute of Technology, she joined The Hyde in 2014. She has been the driving force behind the museum’s visual identity for nearly ten years, from  managing social media and crafting promotional materials to designing exhibition graphics and leading  advertising campaigns. Her intimate connection to The Hyde dates back to her childhood art classes in  South Glens Falls, further fueling her dedication to showcasing the museum’s treasures to the world.  

“Gina has been a steady hand and guiding force for our marketing efforts,” remarks John Lefner. “Her  artistic sensitivity, combined with her marketing and project management expertise, make her the perfect  candidate to elevate The Hyde’s online presence, develop fresh strategies for our advancements, and forge  valuable collaborations within our community.”

Fisk’s enthusiasm for her new role shines through: “I’m incredibly excited to contribute to The Hyde’s  future in this expanded capacity. Creating innovative online experiences, collaborating with talented  minds across the museum, and building meaningful partnerships within our community are very  important to me. I can’t wait to see what we can achieve together.” 

“The Hyde Collection’s leadership team now shines even brighter with the promotion of these two  dynamic individuals. Kate Wilkins and Gina Fisk stand poised to guide The Hyde on an exciting journey  of growth, engagement, and continued artistic excellence,” stated Lefner.  

The Hyde Collection is open Thursday through Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm.  

About The Hyde Collection 

The Hyde is one of the Northeast’s exceptional small art museums with distinguished European and  American art collections. The core collection, acquired by Museum founders Charlotte and Louis Hyde,  includes works by such artists as Sandro Botticelli, Tintoretto, El Greco, Rembrandt, Peter Paul Rubens,  Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres, Edgar Degas, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Georges Seurat, and Pablo Picasso  and American artists Thomas Eakins, Childe Hassam, Winslow Homer, James McNeill Whistler, and  Anna Hyatt Huntington. The Museum’s Modern and Contemporary art collection features works by artists  including Josef Albers, Dorothy Dehner, Sam Gilliam, Adolph Gottlieb, Grace Hartigan, Ellsworth Kelly,  Sol LeWitt, Robert Motherwell, Ben Nicholson, Robert Rauschenberg, and Bridget Riley. Today, The Hyde offers significant national and international exhibitions and a packed schedule of events that help  visitors experience art in new ways. Visit www.hydecollection.org.

Throughout the years, the Museum has expanded considerably from the historic Hyde home. It includes a modern museum complex with an auditorium, classroom, five galleries, and a state-of-the-art storage  facility.  

R&D to Benefit Lake George and Create Industry

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

Protecting the water quality of Lake George has always been an environmental issue… However, it is also an economic issue. Jim Siplon, chief executive of the Warren County Economic Development Corporation, envisions the clear water of Lake George attracting more than tourists – it can attract industry to the area. 

Siplon spent 20 years of his career focusing on water as the chief operating officer of Just Water in Glens Falls. With his experience backing his vision, he believes that the Lake George Region can be a center for freshwater research and technology.

The Jefferson Project at Lake George is a collaboration between Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, IBM research, and the Lake George Association. The goal of the technological study of water is to understand the impact of human activity on fresh water, and how to mitigate those effects. 

This project is focused on building a computing platform that captures and analyzes data from a network of sensors, which track water quality and movement. These sensors are used to create data about the lake’s overall water quality and food web… This technology will help to manage and protect Lake George, but also will create a guide for preserving other important lakes.

There are a variety of variables that are measured by the sensors, including weather, water run off, water circulation, and water quality. The incoming data is wirelessly communicated to multiple computers at IBM and Rensselaer to predict weather events, water runoff from surrounding mountains, and road salt that enters the water circulation. 

To preserve Lake George, it is important to acknowledge that the lake is changing… There has been an increase in Chloride input, algae has increased, and invasive species have taken hold. By utilizing science and technology, there can be both ecological and economic benefits to Lake George and the Lake George region.

For more information, please visit dfwi.rpi.edu

South Street DRI Ceremonial Groundbreaking

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Downtown, Featured, Workforce.

On the drizzly Friday afternoon of October 20th at 3:00 PM, the city of Glens Falls held a groundbreaking ceremony for the Glens Falls Event & Market Center on South Street. This $5-million development is the signature project of the Downtown Revitalization Initiative (DRI), and the groundbreaking was a celebration marking the economic comeback of the city, as well as a recognition of the DRI project’s role in the city’s ongoing growth.

Mayor Collins spoke at the event: “Today, developers, business owners and entrepreneurs are moving into the downtown area, restoring buildings, setting up businesses, directly and indirectly supported by the shot in the arm the DRI has provided,” He said.

The area of South Street where the Event & Market Center will be built has already attracted investment along the corridor – two businesses, the Golden Monkey Lounge and Taco Kings Jalisco, are now open across the street from where the Event & Market Center will be located.

The groundbreaking was attended by State Senator Dan Stec, who remarked: “It’s a lot easier to advocate for a community when a community delivers, and does a great job with previous grants. So, Mayor to you and your team, you make it very easy for us to go to and talk to our former colleague, current Secretary of State, Robert Rodriquez and say ‘Hey, the money and investment that the state makes in Glens Falls is a good risk and great return on investment, and just look at what they have done in the past.’ I’m thrilled that you mentioned all of the work that you have done here.”

Assembly member Carrie Woerner also spoke at the event: “Congratulations Mayor Collins and the City of Glens Falls on this great occasion. I know that you have worked for many years to make this happen ,and it’s great to be here on the cusp of this brand new development,” she said. Assemblywoman Woerner went on to highlight Governor Hochul’s leadership in securing the DRI funds, and Empire State Development for their leadership. 

The event space is expected to be the new home of the Glens Falls Farmers Market, and host community events… However, The Glens Falls Farmers Market voiced concerns over the Event & Market Center via a press release the same day as the ground breaking event: “Despite the city portraying the new venue as progress, the Farmers Market board and its members view many aspects of this project as setbacks. The proposed space is notably smaller, reducing the market’s current size and offering little to no room for future growth. Other issues include logistical hurdles with loading and unloading, traffic & parking, (and) absence of heating within the facility while being advertised as year-round,” The Glens Falls Farmers Market press release stated. 

The Farmers Market board will be convening a meeting with its members to decide the market’s future, and the possibility of relocating the market to a new venue either in Glens Falls or elsewhere.

WWAARC Job Fair

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

The WWAARC will be holding a job fair on November 16th, 2023 at 436 Quaker Road in Queensbury. This job fair will be from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Warren, Washington, & Albany Counties (WWAARC), A Chapter of The ARC New York, is a nonprofit organization serving nearly 1,000 people living with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

The WWAARC operates 35 residences, 30 Supported Living Program (SLP) apartments, four-day programs, and a Community Employment program. For more than 65 years, WWAARC has represented a longstanding tradition of providing outstanding advocacy, family support, and the very best quality services to many people throughout Warren, Washington, and Albany Counties.

The mission of the WWAARC is to help people with developmental disabilities live a good life. WWAARC assists families and helps them solve problems associated with the lifelong care of their family member. WWARC was founded by parents, educators and supporters who recognized the need for service and support for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The WWAARC network of providers offers services and programs though 700 chapters across the United States.

For more information, please visit wwaarc.org

All-Electric, Battery-Powered Aircraft Lands at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

BETA A250 Hover Test

Beta Technologies, out of Burlington, Vermont, has completed a successful landing of an all-electric, battery-powered aircraft at Floyd Bennett Memorial Airport, as part of a longer trip down the east coast. The flight lasted 49 minutes and the airplane flew a total of 84 miles according to Beta Technologies public affairs team member Will Guisbond.

This is a step towards solving the problem of the aviation industry creating 3 to 9% of all emissions, and becoming more sustainable. Beta’s systems include an all-electric aircraft, charging infrastructure, and training programs for pilots and support staff. 

Beta Technologies was incorporated in 2017 by Kyle Clark – an experienced pilot, engineer and entrepreneur. Clark became the company’s first test pilot, learning to fly in helicopters and earning his FAA qualifications for a powered lift rating. In the past three years, Beta’s aircraft has flown over 26,000 miles, completing over three years of piloted flights towards achieving FAA certification. 

Beta’s first customer was United Therapeutics led by CEO Martine Rothblatt, who awarded Beta a $48-million dollar contract. United Therapeutics was looking for efficient transportation methods for organs intended for human transplant. UPS was another early customer; they ordered 10 aircraft in 2021, and reserved the right to order another 140.

Beta’s electric motors are quieter and have a smaller carbon footprint, with zero operational emissions compared to an equivalent gasoline engine. This type of aircraft also requires less maintenance, and the motors are run from lithium-ion batteries. Beta Technologies is expected to have the capability to produce up to 300 aircraft per year by 2027. 

Beta Technologies built their factory on a 40-acre site in South Burlington, Vermont. The production facility was designed to be sustainable, which is an important aspect of Beta’s mission to decarbonize the aviation sector. It is equipped with 260 geothermal wells to provide energy and temperature control, and there are also nearly three acres of roof-mounted solar panels. 

The 188,500-square-foot electric aircraft factory is expected to create hundreds of jobs as Beta ramps up production. These aircrafts will be used across the cargo, medical, defense and passenger industries.

This multi-leg flight will have traveled from Burlington, Vermont, to Duke Field Air Force Base in Florida to deliver the aircraft to a Beta Technologies customer. For more information, please visit https:www.beta.team

Road Salt “Summit” Seeks to Protect Environment and Roads

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Community, Featured, Workforce.

The Lake George Association held the 8th Annual Adirondack Champlain Regional Salt Summit at The Fort William Henry Hotel and Conference Center in Lake George to bringing together stakeholders from around the Adirondacks – many of them from Warren County – to discuss the ongoing effort to keep roads clear while using less road salt.

Warren County and the towns along Lake George in the county have been leaders in the use of saltwater brine instead of road salt – an emerging technology as experts have looked to lessen the damage that road salt does to the environment.

Warren County Department of Public Works Superintendent Kevin Hajos, center, was among the event’s panelists. Hajos was a member of the Adirondack Road Salt Reduction Task Force, which studied ways to reduce road salt use and issued a report earlier this fall.

The day-long event was held to bring experts together with highway personnel to refine ways to cut road salt use in the Adirondacks. Warren County DPW has been one of the leading agencies in use of salt brine; purchasing equipment to make and distribute brine that is also used by town highway crews in the county.

For more Information, please visit Lake George Association

Come Test Drive a Bus! Queensbury UFSD Transportation Department Holds Job Fair

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Education, Featured, Workforce.

There will be a bus driver job fair on Friday, October 6th, 2023 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Queensbury Transportation department located at 421 Aviation Road in Queensbury! This job fair is for both permanent and substitute bus driver positions. There is no experience needed and paid training is available, so just bring your driver’s license and give it a try!

Bus drivers provide valuable services to the school community by safely transporting students to and from school, sporting events, and events in the community, ensuring that they are on time and ready to learn.

There are challenges to being a bus driver as the job requires patience, dedication, and a commitment to safety… Bus drivers have the ability to build positive relationships with students and make a difference in their lives. Taking on this valuable role can provide a sense of satisfaction knowing that you are fulfilling an important role for the community.

If you are interested in this event but are not available on Friday October 6th, please call (518) 824-5660 to schedule an appointment that works for you.

For more information, please visit queensburyschool.org

WorkSmart Celebrates Five Years in Business

Written by Staff Report on . Posted in Business, Community, Downtown, Featured, Workforce.

WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space has reached a milestone of five years in operation supporting the Glens Falls business community! WorkSmart provides entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners with a collaborative workspace designed to help them focus on their goals and turn their ideas into reality.

To celebrate this milestone, WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space is hosting a Fall Open House on September 30th from 9:00 AM to noon, at 237 Glen Street in Glens Falls. Visitors will have the opportunity to tour private offices, collaborative workspaces, and professional meeting spaces.

“The Glens Falls region is rich with talent, but much of it goes untapped. WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space stimulates entrepreneurial activity, drives economic growth, and reduces the risk of losing that talent,” said Christy Alexander, WorkSmart’s founder. “WorkSmart is a place for that talent to assemble and collaborate to recognize greater potential.”

WorkSmart Coworking & Meeting Space is growing a diverse community of professionals and creatives in a productive workspace that fosters strong professional and social connections. WorkSmart is a place where local businesses can tap into a pool of talented professionals, exchange ideas, and innovate!

WorkSmart member and founder of The Grove Venture Lab, David Dammerman, stated, “This was the ideal place to launch our nonprofit and immediately start helping entrepreneurs succeed. We are fortunate to join with WorkSmart as part of the infrastructure that invigorates the local entrepreneurial ecosystem and drives employment in the region.”

“Glens Falls has been developing and executing on its vision for revitalization, and I’m proud to be an important element of the initiative by providing a place where ideas can flourish and business owners can thrive. We look forward to contributing to the ongoing success of the Glens Falls region,” said Christy Alexander.

For more information, please visit worksmartgf.com

Five Towers Media Adds Local Talent: Katherine Kressner

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Workforce.

Five Towers Media “Where Quality Meets Creativity”,  the parent company to Glens Falls Today, has added Katherine Kressner to the team as Junior Creative Director! This will add depth to a growing and impressive creative team at Five Towers Media, which includes Kelsey Sherman as Creative Director, and Rosetta Anninio as Junior Creative Director. 

Katherine hails from Gansevoort, NY, and graduated from SUNY Cortland in 2023, with a Bachelor’s of Art in Graphic Design & Digital Media. Katherine is ready to use her great creative passion to help lead clients to success, and is expected to have an immediate impact as she begins this new chapter at Five Towers Media. 

Katherine embraces teamwork, and is looking forward to working in an open and supportive work environment. Her goal is to encourage and support her colleagues, and to help provide the best product for the Five Towers Media clients. 

In her free time, Katherine is an Indoor Cycling Instructor at the Saratoga YMCA. Katherine thrives when leading a class and finds that bringing high energy to a room is extremely rewarding. Katherine, through her work at the YMCA, enjoys helping to build a community of cycling enthusiast and gives her an opportunity to share her passion for cycling.

Katherine’s love of cycling and being a part of a creative team are two of the things that inspire her day in and day out. Katherine will use her positive energy and creative drive to help both Five Towers Media and your company succeed!

If you are looking for someone like Katherine to help get your company off the ground and thriving, go to https://fivetowers.us.