We are a generation nourished by brave and innovative work. Will the next generation be so lucky?

Thirty years ago, the Adirondack Theatre Festival (ATF) took the risk… They focused on creating new work. After being fed a steady diet of professional productions with top-level talent, the local audience began growing accustomed to the brilliance of this cultural delicacy over the next quarter century.

Then, the pandemic hit, and again, the risks loomed large, threatening to devour non-profit theater groups by forcing them to close their doors while competition from other forms of entertainment intensified.

Fortunately, this is not another pandemic heartache story. Rather than submitting to being swallowed up whole by mainstream commercialism, local theater is again punching above its weight class, beating the odds, and shouting ACTION! They are reintroducing the striking presence of inventive, fresh new plays and musicals to the next generation.

“The only way to succeed, in any endeavor worth trying, is to be willing to experiment, to try new things, to express ourselves, and to think big,” said Producing Artistic Director Miriam Weisfeld.

Birthing a Legend

The Adirondack Theatre Festival was founded by Producing Director David Turner and Artistic Director Martha Banta (a husband and wife team), along with Lake George RV Park owner David King. The year was 1994, and they would find success very shortly after teaming up.

After reading an article in the Glens Falls Chronicle puzzling over how to bring the city back to life, they peeked into the windows of the then-abandoned Woolworth’s Five-and-Dime store on Glen Street, wondering if the building could work as a performance space.

In 2004, that space would become the Charles R. Wood Theater, where the ATF now performs. Its opening changed the face of the city, and breathed fresh air into the region by attracting a diverse selection of people (who might not otherwise visit) to fill their beautiful 294-seat auditorium, eat in the city’s restaurants, visit their shops, and occupy their rooms.

“It has been hugely successful at bringing so much life, vitality, and energy downtown. It’s really moving to hear them talk about how the city sprang up as the theater came to life. It’s become legend now,” explained Weisfeld.

Raising Our Expectations

Folks have embraced the Adirondack Theatre Festival’s intense, vibrant experiences, calling it the ‘best kept entertainment secret in Upstate New York’,” said Weisfeld. By nurturing new work, including 30+ world premieres, educational workshops, and discussions, ATF became a trusted research and development laboratory, expanding the imagination’s boundaries and creating new sensibilities for an audience hungry to go on the ride with them.

“Theater magically incorporates every other art form; literature, art, dance, video. We already know young people embrace so many of those forms in different ways and have an appetite for participating in, and co-creating, that content,” stated Weisfeld, continuing, “There’s a striking appetite for musical theater in this region. We’re seeing such enthusiasm for live performance.”

Attracting students interested in connecting to audiences through storytelling, including from local colleges such as Skidmore, Middlebury, and Union, many of ATF’s works have gone on to enter the larger theatrical canon – Plays including Fully Committed, Murder for Two, Mystic Pizza, Pump Up the Volume, and The Life and Slimes of Marc Summers, among others, have reached larger off-Broadway, Broadway, national, and international audiences.

“Creating new work is what moves our entire art form forward, and it’s happening in the unlikeliest of places, in a smaller town in an area with a somewhat rural population,” said Weisfeld.

Increasing the Value of Creativity

During the pandemic, theaters across the US saw attendance decline by 40%. At ATF, the live subscription series went dormant for two seasons. Since Weisfeld came on in 2021, they’ve restored the subscription series alongside single ticket sales.

“We weren’t sure how people were going to respond, so it’s been astonishing to see admission recover by 38%,” she said. “Plus, it’s a fantastic value. People can reserve their favorite seats ahead of the regular season and save 12-13% on the price.”

They have also launched their most aggressive fundraising campaign in ATF history. This year, in addition to their anniversary celebrations and annual benefits, they are hosting the “Stories Start Here” Campaign, the first multi-year fundraiser since former Producing Artistic Director Mark Fleischer’s tenure in the mid-2000’s. By tapping into a dedicated coalition of visionary supporters, ATF has already raised $367,000 of the $500,000 goal they hope to reach by the end of 2026.

“The economic reality of coming out of the pandemic is that there’s more economic pressure than ever before to meet rising costs,” said Weisfeld.

The Show Must Go On

The Adirondack Theatre Festival’s dedication to paying a living wage while meeting union obligations to the talented actors, directors, designers, and those behind the scenes is evident in this season’s line-up, starting with a one man show from Joe Kinosian and Kellen Blair, the creators behind the wildly popular Murder for Two (2010).

Todd vs the Titanic, running from June 27th- July 3rd, a musical comedy about one man’s struggle to play all the roles by himself after an apocalypse, will undoubtedly ring true to an observant audience.

In a new one-woman play written and performed by star Jessica Frances Dukes, Worth: An Intimate Exhibition, explores the relationship between the performer and the spectator during its July 12th-14th showing at LARAC’s Lapham Gallery.

Bringing on the heat July 19th- 21st, The King’s Wife is a lush pop musical about the searing bond between King Henry VII’s wives, Anne Boleyn and Catherine of Aragon.

By reimagining the space from August 1st-7th, audiences can enjoy a fresh take on the deliciously suspenseful Alfred Hitchcock film noir that gives the steamy Dial “M” for Murder its unpredictable twist.

For tickets and more information, go to www.atfestival.org

On January 2nd, 2024, the Glens Falls Today Business Report published an article I wrote entitled “Is the NAR lawsuit verdict good for the housing market?” Since that time, much has transpired which requires us to revisit this topic.

As predicted, numerous copycat lawsuits were filed in various states against the National Association of Realtors (NAR), mimicking the successful lawsuit in Missouri that claimed the NAR and other national real estate brokerages conspired to create a system that artificially inflated real estate agent commissions. The defense of these numerous lawsuits from all angles was driving NAR to the brink of bankruptcy.

On March 15, 2024, a proposed settlement agreement was announced by NAR to settle all litigation brought by home sellers related to real estate agent commissions. The settlement, which is still pending court approval, would require NAR to pay $418 million over four years, as well as a requirement that NAR not publish offers of real estate agent commission compensation of the multiple listing service (MLS), where almost every home is listed for sale.

In addition, any MLS participants/subscribers working with prospective buyers would be required to enter into written agreements regarding scope of service and compensation/commission expected. Under the terms of the settlement, NAR members would begin implementing these practice changes in July of this year.

NAR continues to deny any wrongdoing. The proposed settlement agreement not only makes that clear, but also seeks to release liability for most of its members and real estate brokerage partners. According to NAR, the “MLS cooperative compensation model rule,” introduced in the 90s, was in response to consumer protection advocate groups’ calls for greater buyer representation.

On April 5, 2024, a federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., sided with the Department of Justice (DOJ) in a separate antitrust investigation, allowing the DOJ to reopen a previously settled investigation that focused on real estate agent commissions and how they received compensation.

With the added wrinkle of a further probe by the DOJ, it may be some time before the proposed settlement agreement above is approved by the court. No doubt, the DOJ will seek to have some say in any final version of settlement reached with the NAR.

Some believe that the proposed settlement does not go far enough to uncouple the current commission compensation structure between a seller’s agent and a buyer’s agent. For example, under the terms of the proposed settlement, a seller’s agent would no longer be able to list any offers of commission compensation to buyers’ agents on the MLS, but there is nothing preventing the agents from communicating outside of the MLS regarding commission compensation.

If the DOJ’s agenda is to truly separate which parties negotiate and pay for their respective agent’s commissions, then more changes in practice may need to be installed into the proposed settlement agreement in order to muster court approval.

However, one of the largest issues with completely uncoupling the commission compensation structure is that it puts a disproportionate amount of strain on a prospective buyer’s ability to come up with the closing costs, in addition to a reasonable down payment needed to purchase a home. The argument is that the seller is in a greater position to absorb the commission since they have control over the asset being sold, and their closing costs are not coming out of their pocket directly the way they would be for the buyer.

Some good news in this area came from Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac on April 15, 2024, where they issued a notice stating that buyer agent compensation will not be treated toward any seller concession limits required by a buyer’s lender. This helps buyers in that any seller concession agreed to can be used toward other closing costs of the buyer, even if the seller agrees to pay buyer’s agent’s commission as part of the sale, without chewing up the entire concession limit with commission compensation.

Unfortunately, not every lender or type of loan will allow for seller concessions to be part of the transaction. In addition, most lenders require the buyer to pay for mortgage insurance (PMI or MIP) in instances where the buyer does not yet have at least 20% equity in the home. This could cost the buyer roughly $75 to $125 more each month, in addition to their mortgage payment. So, if the NAR settlement requires buyers to pay for their own agents as part of their closing costs, will they have enough left as a downpayment to avoid mortgage insurance? Or, will we only see their monthly mortgage payment increase with the addition of PMI?

The thought is to try to curb the rising costs of home purchases. However, it’s not that hard when you look at the bigger picture and break it down. The inventory of homes for sale is at an all-time low. At the same time, demand for homes to purchase remains high. Simple economics of supply and demand would tell us that with low supply and high demand, the costs will continue to rise. And again, not discounting the importance of keeping antitrust actions in check, but is going after the NAR and real estate agent commissions going to solve the problem we currently have? Or, do we need to look at the supply side of things and see what can be done to spur sellers to sell and/or encourage new homes to be built?

Surely, there will be more to come over the next few months as the DOJ continues to probe the NAR while the housing market continues to crawl at a snail’s pace. If owning a new home is to remain part of the American Dream, then we need to ensure that it does not become unattainable or unaffordable and turn into a nightmare.

In the bustling world of marketing & advertising, where competition is fierce and attention spans are fleeting, finding your voice is not just an option, it’s a necessity. Your brand’s voice is the unique melody that sets it apart from the cacophony of messages bombarding consumers daily. Let’s explore the importance of discovering and honing that distinctive voice to create a harmonious connection with your audience.

1: Authenticity Resonates

Authenticity has become a rare and valuable commodity. Your brand’s voice is not just about the words you use, but also the sincerity behind them. Consumers today are savvy; they can discern between a genuine brand and one that’s merely putting on a facade. When your marketing and advertising reflect an authentic voice, it builds trust and credibility, fostering a deeper connection with your audience.

2: Stand Out In The Crowd

Imagine a crowded marketplace where every brand is vying for attention. To cut through the noise, you need a distinct voice that captures the essence of your brand. Whether it’s through humor, sincerity, or a touch of sophistication, a unique voice helps your brand stand out in the minds of consumers. It becomes a recognizable element that sets you apart, making it more likely for your audience to remember and choose your brand over others.

3: Build an Emotional Connection

Humans are emotional beings, and emotions often drive purchasing decisions. Your brand’s voice can tap into these emotions, creating a connection that goes beyond mere transactions. By aligning your voice with the values and aspirations of your target audience, you create a bond that extends beyond product features. This emotional connection not only fosters customer loyalty but also transforms consumers into brand advocates who willingly share their positive experiences.

4: Consistency Breeds Familiarity

Consistency is key when it comes to brand communication. Your voice should be consistent across all channels, from social media and advertising to customer service interactions. This uniformity helps in building familiarity and trust. When consumers encounter a consistent voice, they are more likely to remember your brand and associate it with positive experiences, reinforcing your identity in their minds.

5: Adaptability in a Dynamic Market

The business landscape is dynamic, and consumer preferences are ever-evolving. Your brand’s voice should be flexible enough to adapt to changing trends while maintaining its core identity. Being adaptable allows your brand to stay relevant and resonate with different demographics, ensuring that you don’t get left behind in an ever-shifting market.

In Conclusion:

In the symphony of marketing and advertising, your brand’s voice is the melody that lingers in the minds of consumers. It’s the key to creating a lasting impression, fostering authenticity, and building a connection that goes beyond transactions. So, embrace the journey of finding and refining your voice – it’s not just a marketing strategy, it’s the heart and soul of your brand.

Artificial Intelligence, or “AI,” is rapidly entering the business space.

It’s an exciting time, and many organizations are enthusiastic about getting started with these productivity enhancing tools. The IT industry has been using it for a while, and it can be a huge part of your business’s digital transformation journey. But it’s important that you use the tools safely, in a way that benefits your business and your team.

Here are ADNET’s top tips for getting started, and how you can securely enhance your business productivity using AI.

Have the right policies and protections in place.

An acceptable use policy that informs your team of what’s acceptable with AI is an essential piece of your AI strategy. This has to be defined at an organizational level, so that each team member is aware of how they can use the technology appropriately.

Ask yourself, what can you use it for – and what shouldn’t you use it for? While some of this boils down to common sense, policies like this can ensure people are using AI responsibly, ethically, and securely. At the end of the day, you want people to consider exactly what they’re using AI for. Taking a thoughtful approach will help keep your organization more secure, and set clear expectations for your team.

We’re using AI at ADNET, and we know a lot of other people and organizations are too. A few ways we use it are for summarizing technical issues, helping refine documents, generating design ideas, and turning notes from meetings into actionable items. This is just the tip of the iceberg, but our team is aware of how we can use AI, and how we can’t.

Here are some sample AI acceptable usage guidelines based on best-practices:

• Never use AI tools (such as Microsoft Copilot) with any administrator type accounts.

• Never use client data or identifiable, sensitive, or proprietary data in AI platforms that have not been properly secured. For instance, a tool like Microsoft Copilot can be configured securely to work with your Microsoft 365 license.

• Implement measures to protect sensitive/protected data and ensure compliance with relevant data protection regulations.

• Do not use AI to infringe on the rights of others, including privacy and intellectual property rights.

The goal here is to not pass any of your sensitive data into AI models. AI should help you enhance your own work, while respecting the work of others. You should aim to help your team use the tools ethically and responsibly, in a way that makes sense for your organization.

Keep in mind, you’ll need to regularly monitor and evaluate AI systems for effectiveness and adherence to guidelines with processes in place for continuous improvement.

Having the correct technical protections in place before rolling out any AI tools within an organization is critical. This helps safeguard against potential risks and ensures the effective and secure deployment of AI systems. These protections serve as the defense mechanism against threats like data breaches, algorithmic biases, system failures, and malicious attacks. Organizations can mitigate these risks and enhance the reliability, privacy, and integrity of their AI applications by implementing technical measures such as encryption, access controls, data anonymization, and thorough testing procedures.

Establishing a strong foundation of technical protections instills trust among stakeholders, promotes compliance with regulatory requirements, and ultimately enables the organization to leverage AI technology to its fullest potential, while minimizing potential harm or disruptions.

Get your team on board and standardize.

We’re certainly encouraging people to use AI in the IT industry. Recently, several of our team members have attended conferences dedicated to AI for business.

Our experts have been on panels and participated in speaking engagements to help organizations leverage AI. It’s exciting that we can harness these tools to improve our professional efficiency and even our personal lives. We encourage our teams to learn more about AI, and to try using it within our organization. We just want to make sure that everyone’s doing it in a secure, controlled way.

Give your team access to your preferred AI model – ours is Microsoft Copilot, since it securely integrates into the Microsoft 365 tools – and the tools they need to be successful. Help them understand how you expect them to use AI. Share the policies, secure your systems, and encourage people to get creative with the technology. You can accomplish some incredible things with AI.

Understand the limitations of the tools.

Some of the tools have safeguards built in, some do not. AI right now is a bit like the Wild West – there’s a whole lot of opportunity and competition, but not much regulation and governance.

AI tools are made to amplify talent and help increase productivity – not to replace your team and their talents. Creations made by AI need to be reviewed, edited, and understood by humans. It’s a balance, and often it’s a starting point or can help you polish something. AI can create amazing things – if you’re willing to go back and add that personal touch – but it’s not going to take the place of a skilled professional with decades of real-life experience.

Have realistic expectations about how you can reasonably use these tools. Understand how they can integrate into your existing workforce and how they can add value, but don’t expect AI to do everything.

It’s important to remember that AI is very powerful. If security settings aren’t configured correctly for your organization, or policies aren’t in place to clarify what AI can be used for, it’s easy for sensitive data to become available. Working with a trusted, experienced IT partner can help ensure your environment is configured properly to keep security at the forefront while leveraging AI for your business.

Need help getting started securely with AI? Visit thinkADNET.com and reach out to us – we’re happy to help.