Bill Miller, second-generation owner of Performance Industrial, is closing in on an impressive lifetime fundraising milestone of raising $150,000 for the American Cancer Society. He’s set the standard for his company and his community by increasing awareness and donating his time, energy, and efforts to the American Cancer Society, as well as many other worthy charities… Bill and his wife Karen see the importance of being positive role models, building a culture, and community that gives back.  

As a company, Performance Industrial has a culture that strives to break boundaries and continue to grow and succeed. This culture is seen in the work that they do for their customers, as well as the work that they do for the community – throughout the year, Performance Industrial raises money for cancer research with their “Drive Out Cancer Capital Region Traveling Golf League” and “Men Wear Pink Initiative”. The success of these events has created an opportunity for the Millers and Performance Industrial to set and break fundraising goals!

Elizabeth Hunter – who runs the American Cancer Society fundraising for the Capital District – has had the pleasure of working closely with Bill Miller: “I have been very fortunate to meet and work with Bill… The key to his success in fundraising, and increasing awareness, is that he is always thinking about it in his day to day life. He is always asking the question, ‘How can I use my network to help?’” she said. 

Sean Willcoxon – Operations Manager for Performance Industrial – is inspired by the energy and drive that he sees in both Bill and Karen Miller every day… He sees that drive in himself and fellow employees as well, and credits the culture that the Millers have created at Performance Industrial: “Bill and Karen have a heart for giving back… It’s part of the culture of the company and part of our everyday business,” he said.

The work that the Millers have been doing is not only important for supporting Cancer awareness and research – it’s also creating a community. During his time at Performance Industrial, Sean has seen and become part of the community that the Millers have helped to create: “When you go to the events, you look up on stage, you don’t see big companies that are giving back to the community, you see the local companies giving back… That money comes from the Capital Region, stays in the Capital Region, supports the Capital Region, and supports the people that are in need here in the Capital Region. It’s special. It’s huge. We do this as part of our everyday business,” he said.   

October is a month that the entire team at Performance Industrial looks forward to participating in the “Men Wear Pink Campaign”. Everyone in the company can participate and help raise funds for the American Cancer Society. This initiative – which is in its third year – will result in the Performance Industrial crew raising over $150,000.  

The Performance Industrial fundraising events briefly overlap… As the “Men Wear Pink” Campaign runs through the month of October, The “Drive Out Cancer Capital Region Traveling Golf League” will hold its final day on October 4th. This event is 18 holes held at Saratoga National at 1:00 PM, with a party to follow.  

Performance Industrial strives to be an industry leader in giving back to the community… It’s part of their company culture, and is inspired by the leadership of the owners. This culture began with founder Mark Miller in 1986, and for 37 years, the company has been forming honorable relationships and giving back to the community. Bill and Karen are carrying on that tradition with a zealous drive to help their company, employees, and the community.

For more information or to support the American Cancer Society please visit Performanceindustrial.com

As part of an ongoing Multi-Use Trail Study being overseen by Warren County Planning and Community Development, a survey has been created to seek input from those who ride, walk or run Warren County Bikeway as well as the Feeder Canal Trail, which begins in Queensbury and ends in Fort Edward.

The survey is part of an effort to receive input from trail users, and will also include a subsequent public meeting .

An informational website has also been established, which will be used to update residents and trail users about the study. In the coming months, Informational signs will be posted along the trails, and volunteers will be on hand at key locations to discuss the project and direct users to the survey and  information about the study. The survey can be accessed online here.

Ethan Gaddy, Warren County Planner, said: “Our multi-use trails provide people of all ages and abilities with a safe place to recreate, exercise, and socialize. However, there are some missing connections between the Warren County Bikeway, downtown Glens Falls, the Feeder Canal Trail and Hudson Falls that could be made. Input from residents will help the county prioritize certain types of improvements, whether it be road crossings, signage, or neighborhood connections.”

The engineering firm that is overseeing the study is in the process of inventorying and evaluating existing trail conditions, crossings, and more.

Project goals include:

• Identifying connections between the Feeder Canal Trail, the Warren County Bikeway, and the nearby downtown areas
• Evaluating options to improve on-road segments
• Identifying and prioritize future improvements to the existing trail network to meet modern standards, including ADA compliance
• Evaluating and develop improvements to road crossings
• Developing a wayfinding system to allow users to navigate to and from the trail systems to the downtown areas and places of interest
• Determining trailside and trailhead amenities that are needed
• Developing a funding and implementation strategy to complete the project recommendations

Ethan Gaddy added: “The initial physical inventory findings, combined with feedback from the public, will be used to develop concepts for improvements to the trails and downtown connections. Our goal is to bring these trails and connections up to modern standards found on trail systems like the Erie Canal Trail or Empire State Trail, to improve them for residents and visitors alike… Being able to walk or bike from your neighborhood to the Queen of American Lakes or one of our revitalizing downtowns is a remarkable quality of life feature.”

The study is a regional effort being led by Warren County Planning and Community Development along with Washington County, New York State, the City of Glens Falls, towns of Queensbury and Lake George, Village of Hudson Falls, Feeder Canal Alliance, Adirondack Cycling Advocates, Lake Champlain Lake George Regional Planning Board, Northern Border Regional Commission and Adirondack/Glens Falls Transportation Council.

A link to the informational website can be found here. Those seeking more information on the project can email gaddye@warrencountyny.gov.

The City continues to experience discoloration in the water supply as the City has begun its twice-yearly hydrant flushing program, and the system has experienced spikes in water demand from a large – as yet unidentified – user.

“We’re seeing more suspended sediment than we usually do during the fall hydrant flushing,” said Mayor Bill Collins, “as a result of all of the rain that we had this spring and summer.”

“And the spikes in water demand are contributing to the issue. We are continuing to investigate the source of the spikes,” said Mayor Bill Collins. “City staff are working to discover the origin and source, and we apologize for the inconvenience this continues to cause to City residents.”

The water coming from the City’s water treatment plant is regularly tested and is clean and safe, but if sediment is present in your water, please open your spigots and let them run until the water is clear (up to about 15 minutes). If you continue to have discoloration, please report it to the City Sewer and Water Department 24-hour line at (518) 761-3857.

The spikes and flushing combine to re-suspended sediment that has settled into the miles of water pipes in the City, into the daily water flow and carry that suspended sediment into homes and commercial properties across the City.

“We are handling as many calls as we can, and we appreciate your patience over this concern,” said Bill Norton, Superintendent of the City Water & Sewer Department.

“We’d like our commercial and industrial customers to review their water usage, as we review the demand spikes, and contact the City to discuss a plan going forward for ensuring this does not continue to happen,” said Mayor Collins.

The hydrant flushing started Monday, September 25th, and will continue for 10 to 15 days.