U.S. Marine Corps retired Major Robert “Bob” Zink forges a legacy caring for Marines and their families.

In 1971, Zink enlisted in the Marine Corps and his service to America continues to this very day.

He was inspired to join the U.S. Marine Corps after seeing his brother, Bill, return from Vietnam a hero. 

“That first day was terrible,” remembers Zink. When he finally arrived to boot camp in Parris Island, SC (after traveling from his hometown of Pittsburgh, PA) drill sergeants shouted orders and stripped him of the few belongings he had, only to equip him with war essentials (the “Sea Bag Drag”) before sending him to his barracks. 

“Like most recruits when they join, I thought, ‘What did I do?’” he said. 

Keeping the Troops Happy

Stationed as a cook at Henderson Hall in the Marine Corps Headquarters in Arlington, VA, Zink also served in the Marine Corps Commandant’s Mess in the Navy Annex “up the hill” from the Pentagon. He remembers General Cushman having a specific affinity for creamy peanut butter, insisting on having a fresh jar of it on his desk every morning. 

At the end of his first enlistment period, then Sergeant Zink, reenlisted and became an avionics technician for the A4 Skyhawk jet aircraft while stationed at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. In 1978, he married Glens Falls native, Laura Winans, and today they have two daughters and five grandchildren.

After being promoted through the ranks, Major Zink became Head of the Marine Corps Food Service, responsible for making sure both field armies and garrison troops were well-fed at home and overseas. 

Coming Home

On November 1, 1998, (exactly 27 years from the day he enlisted) Major Zink retired with the Meritorious Medal, Marine Corps Commendation Medal, and the Marine Corps Overseas Service accommodation for his time in Okinawa, Japan, and South Korea. 

For the next 18 years, Zink was a defense contractor headquartered in Arlington, VA, where he helped negotiate G-13 family housing contracts. He returned to Glens Falls for special occasions and family get-togethers every year until finally moving to the area seven years ago.

“I always promised my wife I’d bring her home,” said Zink. “I love Glens Falls, I always have. When I moved up here, it was the first town I’d been to where I didn’t have to find my way around because I was familiar with it already.”

Serving America

In 2019, Major Zink joined the Marine Corps League Memorial Detachment No. 2 in Hudson Falls. Now in his second year as Detachment Commandant, he is also a current member of the Glens Falls VFW, and is the Glens Falls American Legion Post 233 Commander.

“Regardless of your service affiliation, if you’re a member of these organizations, you’re still serving America,” he said. 

The Marine Corps League, the only congressionally chartered USMC related veteran organization, honors and assists veterans and their families in a variety of ways. 

After receiving their charter in 1946, Memorial Detachment No. 2 was instrumental in organizing the Memorial Day Parade in Glens Falls and providing Thanksgiving food baskets to needy families. Soon after, they began collecting, repairing, and distributing used toy donations to children for the holidays. 

In the late 80’s, the detachment joined the National Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program; a large-scale effort that resulted in local collections being distributed outside of the area. In 2016, the local program, now known as the Tri-County Marines – Toys for Girls and Boys, formed and today serves 200 to 300 families (400 to 600 children) annually in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga County (north of Exit 15). 

Exceeding Expectations

From now until the week before Christmas, the Tri-County Marines Toys for Girls and Boys is collecting monetary contributions and donations of unwrapped toys for children ages 2 -12. 

By supplying a toy collection box to any business or organization that wishes to support their program, Tri-County Marines Toys for Girls and Boys provides families with giant sacks full of toys in time for the holidays (rather than limiting gifts to one per child). The Marine Corps League, a 501c4 nonprofit, uses monetary donations to buy gifts, especially those older children will love, but often aren’t donated including: basketballs, remote control drones and vehicles. 

“We appreciate the response that we’ve had from the local community, for the toys and the monetary donations you provide,” said Zink. “It’s just fabulous that the local community has supported us for so many years so that we can go above and beyond distributing toys to local families.”

To apply for the Tri-County Marine Toys for Girls and Boys program, a parent or guardian must visit Marine Corps League Detachment No. 2, at 3033 State Route 4, in Hudson Falls between November 18^th– 22^nd, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Proof of residency, school district, age and gender of children is required. Children must be between the ages 2  to 12 years old. Applicants then will need to return December 16^th – 20^th, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to pick up their toys.

Mail donations to Marine Corps League Memorial Det. 2, PO Box 322, Glens Falls NY 12801. Follow them on Facebook @mclmemorialdetachment2

In today’s fast-paced business environment, small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face unique challenges. They often require the expertise of seasoned financial professionals but may not have the resources to bring on a full-time financial advisor. Enter the fractional financial advisor, a growing trend that offers a strategic solution to this dilemma. 

What is a Fractional Financial Advisor? 

A fractional financial advisor is an experienced financial professional who provides specialized guidance to businesses on a part-time or project basis. Unlike traditional consultants, who often offer broad advice and step back, fractional advisors roll up their sleeves and integrate themselves into the business for a set period, typically ranging from a single financial quarter to over a year. This hands-on approach ensures that the advice given is not only practical but also implemented effectively. 

How Does It Work? 

Fractional advisors are brought into the business to tackle specific financial challenges or to provide ongoing strategic advice. This can include everything from investment planning, tax strategy, and portfolio management to more tailored services like retirement planning for the business owner and financial wellness programs for employees. The advisor becomes an 

integral part of the team, attending meetings, analyzing financial data, and collaborating closely with the business owner and key stakeholders. 

Because fractional advisors work on a part-time basis, businesses gain access to top-tier financial expertise without the overhead of a full-time salary. This flexibility allows SMEs to scale their financial advisory needs according to the business cycle, receiving the precise level of support required at any given time. 

Benefits to Business Owners and Employees 

For business owners, engaging a fractional financial advisor means receiving high-level strategic guidance tailored to their specific needs. Whether it’s optimizing cash flow, navigating complex tax regulations, or planning for future growth, the advisor’s insights can significantly impact the company’s financial health. 

But the benefits extend beyond the owner. Fractional financial advisors can also design and implement financial wellness programs for employees, providing them with the tools and

knowledge to manage their finances more effectively. This not only boosts employee morale and retention but also aligns their financial well-being with the overall health of the business. 

Is a Fractional Financial Advisor Right for Your Business? 

In an ever-evolving business landscape, the role of fractional financial advisors is becoming increasingly vital. By offering flexible, expert guidance, they provide SMEs with the strategic insights needed to thrive—without the commitment of a full-time hire. Consider exploring this innovative approach to financial management and take the first step toward securing a more prosperous future for your business and your employees. 

If you’re a small or medium-sized business owner looking to enhance your financial strategy, a fractional financial advisor could be the key to unlocking your company’s potential. The first step is to assess your business’s current financial needs and challenges. 

At Thoroughbred Advisors, we specialize in providing tailored financial advice that aligns with your business goals. Contact us today to schedule a meeting, where we can discuss your specific needs and determine how our fractional advisory services can best support your business’s growth and success. 

About Thoroughbred Advisors: 

Thoroughbred Advisors: Your Premier Financial Partner in the Capital Region. With 7 flagship offices, a team of 129+ dedicated advisors, and a network of over 240 brokers, we are committed to delivering personalized financial solutions that go beyond the offerings of big-box institutions. Our mission is to be the top choice for clients and advisors seeking a trusted, relationship-driven financial firm. 

www.thoroughbredadvisors.com 

421 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham NY 12110 

Registered Representatives and Investment Adviser Representatives offer securities and investment advisory services solely by Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, 421 Troy Schenectady Rd, Latham NY 12110, 518-608-4608. Equity Services, Inc. is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company (NLIC), Montpelier, Vermont. National Life Group is a trade name of NLIC and its affiliates. Thoroughbred Advisors is independent of Equity Services, Inc. In CO, MO, NH and WI, Equity Services, Inc. operates as Vermont Equity Services, Inc.

Most people tend to view an organization or business as a whole, when in reality each team member has their own unique experiences and skills that they bring to the table. Habitat for Humanity of Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington Counties (HFH-NSWWC) is no exception. Overall, the organization’s goal is to make housing more affordable, with the vision that everyone has a decent place to live. However, this would not be possible without the team of individuals who are passionate about making this goal a reality. Fawn Montanye, recently hired as Director of Development, plays a key role in the success of the organization and helping more people working toward home ownership unlock the door to their new home. 

In her previous positions, Fawn has worked with several nonprofit organizations, building an impressive resume and gaining many valuable skills. Before joining the HFH-NSWWC in May she worked for the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Capital Area as a Government Grants Administrator. As a nonprofit leader, Fawn focuses on building pathways for sustainable, community-based solutions that create lasting change. Her experience and expertise with nonprofits is crucial to the success of the HFH-NSWWC.

Fawn is driven by the opportunity to help families reach the goal of homeownership and have a stable, welcoming place they can return to every day. She is committed to affordable housing advocacy, understanding that the high prices of the housing market make it difficult for a first time home buyer. Many people can feel discouraged as they try to break out of generational poverty or give their family a better life than the one they had. Fawn focuses on encouraging folks through these times and supports them as they work towards achieving stability. As a single mom, Fawn knows the challenges some of these families face and the obstacles they must overcome, but by highlighting their strengths, offering help through local support resources and building genuine relationships, she helps them realize their goals are attainable.

 Not only does affordable housing help the individual families, but it makes a significant impact on the community as a whole. Fawn focuses on a community-driven leadership approach building authentic local partnerships. By working closely with businesses, faith communities, and individuals she connects community resources with HFH-NSWWC’s vision for accessible affordable housing. As she continues her work, she hopes to expand the number of people that the HFH-NSWWC can help. The long-term vision is to increase habitat’s impact by an order of magnitude in providing affordable housing throughout Northern Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties. We want to be helping more families find a place to call home. To learn more about the HFH-NSWWC and find out how you can get involved visit the website at the following link: https://glensfallshabitat.org/. 

People with disabilities are essential members of our communities, bringing valuable perspectives and strengths. Every individual deserves the respect and support needed to fully engage in all aspects of life. This belief fuels the work of Southern Adirondack Independent Living (SAIL), a nonprofit committed to supporting individuals across 17 counties. SAIL’s dedicated team works to ensure that a disability doesn’t prevent anyone from leading a fulfilling life. Among them is Cam Cardinale, Director of Community Relations, whose dedication is aimed at expanding SAIL’s reach.

A Path to Purpose: Cam’s Journey to SAIL

Cam Cardinale’s career began in the marketing world, where he worked at agencies serving clients nationwide. During that time, he encountered SAIL as a client and felt an immediate connection to its mission.

“SAIL was actually a former client of mine and I have always loved their mission. I loved everything that SAIL stands for and is about, the work we do in the community is just so important,” Cam shared.

Inspired by SAIL’s work, Cam joined the team a year and a half ago, being appointed to the role of Director of Community Relations. Since then, he has immersed himself in community outreach and finds fulfillment in seeing SAIL grow.

“My role focuses on engaging with communities across the 17 counties that SAIL serves, and it’s an incredible honor to do this work. It’s deeply fulfilling to help change lives and empower people with disabilities to thrive. Working for this organization is truly life-changing,” Cam said.

Creative Marketing on a Nonprofit Budget

As a nonprofit, SAIL operates with a limited marketing budget, so the team gets creative in reaching people.

“Like most nonprofits, we operate with a modest marketing budget,” Cam explained. “We get creative with our initiatives to meet people where they are, whether that’s in the city of Glens Falls or rural Clinton County.”

A key focus of SAIL is to help individuals prepare to age in place with dignity by ensuring they have access to the necessary support and services. 

SAIL also offers a free equipment loan program that serves people throughout the community, from birth to end of life, allowing them to remain active and connected. This loan program includes durable medical equipment, and assistive technology to help individuals return to or remain at work and school, and early intervention equipment to support youth within the community. 

Additionally, SAIL has a number of programs that help individuals secure health insurance, including Medicare and Medicaid. Plus, a number of programs whose focus is helping individuals remain in the community with a variety of services including in-home health care. 

“Oftentimes people look at our organization and think we are a residential program or a nursing home but in all reality, our mission is to keep people in the community living in their homes thriving in the community with the support they need to do so,” Cam shared.

A Team that Understands

At SAIL, more than 51% of board and staff members are people with disabilities, ensuring that consumers receive empathetic and informed service.

“When you come in to receive a service you’re most likely sitting across from someone who also has a disability and understands these processes to the fullest extent,” Cam said. “Our agency is for people with disabilities by people with disabilities.”

Since joining SAIL, Cam has seen the organization grow and expand its impact in the community.

“This last year SAIL served 7,000 individuals, a 2,000 increase over last year, and we completed over 15,000 services. That ratio just goes to show how many people are being impacted by so many different programs that SAIL offers,” he said.

While proud of this growth, Cam and the SAIL team aim to reach even more people, ensuring no one misses out on the support available to them. 

“Oftentimes, we hear that we are the best-kept secret. We don’t want to be the best-kept secret, we want to be one of the loudest organization out there shouting our services from the rooftops making sure people know these services exist,” Cam shared.

A Personal Commitment to Community

Born and raised in the North Country, Cam takes pride in serving the community he loves.

“We have such a strong community of nonprofits that really work together to help people with whatever they need in the community. We also have such a strong business community that are always willing to back our mission,” he said.

When he’s not at work, Cam is active in the community, serving as President of Lower Adirondack Pride and as a board member of the Glens Falls Collaborative along with being an active member of several organizations throughout our community. 

To learn more about SAIL, visit sailhelps.org.

By: Neal Stimler, President of Stimler Advantage with Michael Ramos and Eric Walker, AMTAE Solutions

Are you and your organization stymied in a seemingly constant permacrisis of uncertain and shifting conditions? Could you benefit from experienced and diverse perspectives outside business as usual within your organization? Would extra expertise be a means to an end to help you and your organization over the line to reach the next level of optimal performance?  Whether the answer is an absolute yes or you are not yet sure, IT (information technology) and management consulting services, like A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage, can empower your organization to be dynamic, resilient, and sustainable. 

Who Are A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage?

A.M.T.A.E Solutions is a certified Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Minority Business Enterprise (SBE) that provides high-quality consulting services and solutions to the Federal Government, State Agencies, and Commercial Customers. A.M.T.A.E. is A-Means-To-An-End.

Stimler Advantage provides IT and management consulting services through content, software, and strategic solutions, supported by our certifications and commitment to continuous improvement. The firm serves clients across various industries, including: business, culture, education, government, and technology.

A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage are both firms that are dedicated to serving their clients. They embrace a collegial, collaborative, and cooperative approach, ensuring that they work closely with their clients to understand their needs and provide the best possible solutions through their professional services. 

What Expertise Do They Have?

External IT and management consultants, such as A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage, can bring breadth and depth of diverse and unique expertise to help you and your organization. Consultants who have worked across domains can offer insightful, relevant, and tested recommendations from adjacent and direct competitors and peers in your industry. 

External consultants can serve as project managers and visionary leaders motivated to help you achieve your desired change management and transformation goals. These consultants can distinguish between mission-critical, operationally enhancing changes, and those made simply for the sake of change. Incentivized external IT and management consultants can provide your organization with clarity of purpose and precise execution to achieve your goals.

What Benefit Do They Bring?

As external IT and management consultants, A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage are entrepreneurial and trained independent experts ready to hit the ground running with a “Let’s Go!” mindset. They serve as valued peers and thought partners to help you address issues comprehensively and thoroughly to improve conditions on the ground. 

External consultants can prepare you for the next wave of near-term and long-term challenges. A fresh set of seasoned eyes focused on helping you solve your problems as efficiently and precisely as possible can be the difference maker you need to augment your team, build capacity, and reach new platforms of possibility. 

What Are Their Roles and Responsibilities?

Importantly, A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage, as external information technology and management consultants, play complementary roles as collaborative independent advisors with board members, executive leadership, and management. The separation from the organization that external consultants have in their roles is a crucial distinction to empower these independent experts with the authority to do their jobs with the pace, power, and precision needed in service of the organization. 

When hiring consultants, you want a broad yet relevant range of experiences to inform your strategic approaches. Seek consultants whose approach and mindset are inspired by their efforts to proactively expand their knowledge, skills, and techniques with a multifaceted toolkit that can be prudently applied in addressing your needs. Working with consultants who collaborate or team with multiple subject matter experts (SMEs) can help provide the coverage needed when problem-solving.

Why and When Do I Need Them?

External IT and management consultants, like A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage, provide a range of tactical and strategic services to help your organization.  Plan to consult them on a project or retainer basis before a problem to ensure that you and your organization are focused, prepared, and taking progressive action.  

Investing in external IT and management consulting services before a tactical or strategic initiative begins can help you and your organization avoid costly delays, losses, misdirection, roadblocks, and stasis.  Build the best team you can, with the vital support of external consultants, to accomplish your organization’s mission goals. 

What Can I Do To Act?

Be proactive in your preparation, thinking, and action to engage IT and management consultants. The need or situation may arise faster than you expect it to. You can meet and learn more about external IT and management consultants, like A.M.T.A.E Solutions and Stimler Advantage, through industry publications, in-person and online events, social media channels, and their websites. 

If you have a consulting need, issue requests for information or proposals on your website and distribute those on social media and third-party channels to communicate your needs and interests for external support.  

To learn more about how to engage IT and management consulting services, contact A.M.T.A.E Solutions at AMTAEsolutions.com and Stimler Advantage at StimlerAdvantage.com.

With today’s advanced innovation and tax credits, safe, stylish, custom window treatments have never looked so good.

Both practical and decorative window treatments have evolved over time. From utilitarian to extravagant, the vast array of fabrics, designs, and styles available today provide unprecedented window treatment options. 

By combining expert knowledge with an informed eye for innovation, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga creates custom window coverings that reflect the client’s unique vision while enhancing the space. 

Smart Solutions

Gotcha Covered of Saratoga is a local family business opened in December 2023 by Tim and Michelle Schultz, owners of Designs on Glen, providing full interior design services. The only local franchise of its sort in the region, this location is connected to a national franchise with more than 200 locations across the country. Gotcha Covered of Saratoga works with more than a dozen vendors including market leaders Hunter Douglas, Graber, Alta, Horizons, Sunpro and others to deliver both quality products and competitive pricing. 

“It’s the best of both worlds,” said co-owner Tim Schultz. “We benefit from their established relationships nationally and are plugged into their network, which gives us a head start, but have the freedom of owning our own business and working with a client’s overall vision to figure out the best solution for them.”

Michelle, who has 20+ years of design experience, provides personalized advice, ensuring you are getting the most cost-effective, durable, well-fitting, and easiest to maintain window solutions on the market. 

No Strings Attached

Meeting the needs of your household starts with listening. Today’s window treatments can do more than you might realize. Whether you want to filter the sun’s rays, darken the room, or need an outdoor awning for protection, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga can help identify the right solution for you during your free design consultation. 

“What a client settles on is often not what they anticipated – it’s often more aesthetically pleasing and less expensive,” said Tim.

Designed with safety in mind, as of June 1, 2024, all window coverings sold in the United States must be cordless, protecting children from the potentially hazardous free-hanging or exposed operating cords that are responsible for numerous accidents every year. This new safety standard from the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Window Covering Manufacturers Association is just one of the many interesting advancements happening in the world of window treatments.

Setting the Scene

As technology progresses, window treatments are following suit. While certain styles provide enhanced sound absorption, others, including Hunter Douglas and Alta Honeycomb Shades, are superior insulators. These shades are so well designed, they can lower your monthly utility bills. Besides looking good, they can also help you earn incredible savings in the form of a federal tax credit for up to 30% of the purchase price (a maximum annual amount of $1,200). 

Motorization and automation let you shade your home on your schedule. Providing convenience and energy efficiency, custom motorized shades can be fitted in a variety of applications. Motorization is particularly beneficial for hard-to-reach windows or for those who simply enjoy the ease of automation. Motorization is also available in exterior applications such as motorized screen shades (that allow you to extend your living space while protecting you from the bugs) to retractable motorized awnings with LED lights for protection on hot sunny days.  

Controlled with your phone, remote, or smart device, you can set shades to open in the morning and lower at night to create the perfect scene.

Pulling Back the Curtain

Whether you have one window or two dozen, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga has got you covered. Measuring each window with a laser to achieve a precise fit, they factor in material performance (environmentally friendly woven natural fibers, for example, will stretch over time) to provide you with that lasting ‘Wow!’ factor. 

Because their products are all manufactured in North America, they are ready to be installed by Gotcha Covered of Saratoga’s professional and detail-orientated team in just two to three weeks in homes and businesses throughout the region, from Lake George to Albany. 

Whether creating uniquely well-equipped storefronts with motorized carbon fiber screens that are both lightweight and strong, or outfitting hotels, schools, offices, and homes with other innovative custom solutions, Gotcha Covered of Saratoga pulls back the curtain on smart solutions. 

To learn more, go to https://www.gotchacovered.com/saratoga.

Writing is a skillset that some people love, while others dread the task. However every business, no matter what industry they are in, needs to have someone who can clearly communicate their ideas and thoughts to their target audience. Therefore, the good news is if you are one of the people who loves writing and can do it well, there will always be employment opportunities. That being said, even great writers can struggle when it comes to writing for another business. It is its own skillset to be able to adapt your writing style to meet your employers needs. For example, a lifestyle magazine and a business magazine have different target audiences so how you write a story for either one will be different. Below is a list of things that will help you improve your reporting skills and make you more adaptable and marketable to a variety of different industries.

Research is Your Best Friend

Many people associate reporting with interviews and writing. However, any reporter knows the most important work starts before the interview even takes place. In order to know what questions to ask, you must have a general understanding of the topic/person you are writing about. Luckily modern technology makes this a much easier process, but it should not be rushed. Spend the time finding out as much information as you can. The goal is not to become an expert in a topic, but be informed enough to ask the right questions. While you’re researching, consider what the publications market audience is, and why they would be curious about that topic. What questions emerge in your head? What are you still confused about? These are all great prompts that will help you know what to ask in the actual interview.

Be an Active Listener

When it comes to the actual interview, the less you talk the better. The goal is to hear what the interviewee has to say and let them share their story. Some people can be nervous when first being interviewed, so your questions help give them a starting point to further explain. Make sure to listen closely and ask follow-up questions as they arise. Even if you think something is common sense, it is always better to clarify than make an assumption. You’ll be happy you asked that question when going to write the story and have all the answers you need.

What is the Purpose of the Story?

The question above might seem obvious to you when you first begin to write. It is easy to overlook because you probably have the topic when you were assigned the story. However, as transparent as it might be, while you’re writing it is easy to get off-track or completely miss the purpose entirely. Oftentimes when a writer gets “stuck” while writing it is because they’re overthinking the story. Is it supposed to be informative about a business? What is the target demographic? Going back to the original purpose can help give you direction about what details you need to include and what can get cut.

Informational Does Not Mean Boring

One of the biggest misconceptions is that as a contributing writer, unless you’re writing an Op-Ed, you shouldn’t showcase your voice at all. Of course it’s not an opinion piece and you should stay clear of inserting yourself into the story, but you don’t have to be dull with your writing. The best way to interest others and showcase your writing abilities is to think about what stood out to you during your research. Did someone say something in the interview that was memorable? Was there something you learned that you did not expect? If this is the case, then you’re probably not alone. The thing that fascinated you will probably also be of interest to the people reading the story. 

Overall, writing involves a lot more practice than people assume. Everything mentioned above is a skillset that takes effort and time to improve. The more interviews you do, and articles you write the easier it becomes and you’ll find your own style along the way.

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.