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The Wealth-Building Opportunity of Small Business Ownership in New York’s Capital Region

Written by Matthew D. Wagoner on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

On behalf of The Wagoner Firm, I welcome all of you to the first installment of our four-part series exploring the landscape of small-to-mid-sized business purchase and sale transactions. We’ll take a deep dive into the complete journey—including the tremendous opportunity to create wealth for potential buyers, the benefits of business ownership, the process of acquiring a small business, the steps to get the most value for your business, the multiple ways to finance the acquisition, and finally, ways to ensure a successful transition.

Today, we begin by shining a light on the wealth-building opportunities offered by small business ownership, both for buyers and sellers.

THE BENEFITS OF BUYING A SMALL BUSINESS MAYBE BETTER THAN YOU THOUGHT

Most people face a crossroads at a certain point in their career. On one hand, they could stay in a job that they may or may not like but provides financial stability… On the other hand, they could venture into entrepreneurship, with no guaranteed income but boundless potential. For those venturing out on their own, there are generally two options: (1) start a new business, or (2) buy an existing one.

This series focuses on purchasing an existing business, which offers immediate income, support, and a customer base; additionally, not having to start from scratch may also lower the financial risk while still providing meaningful income. Buying an existing business can be easier to finance than most people recognize – there are plenty of banks and Small Business Administration financing options for existing businesses with cash flow and profits (which we will delve into later in the series). With those financing options demystified, it will become clear that buying a business is the optimal choice for most would-be entrepreneurs.

And there’s more good news: our region is full of hidden treasures in the form of exceptional businesses with owners looking to sell. Many have been in business for decades and are just looking to find the right buyer. These owners should take steps to prepare their business for the market, and the best practice is to plan several years out. This allows the owner to maximize value come sale time. After all, it is often their life’s work and can provide them with not just a comfortable lifestyle in retirement, but also a legitimate legacy.

A smart buyer would do well to match their interests and skills with those needed to successfully operate one of these businesses. Notably, we have seen plenty of adept buyers get into blue collar businesses like HVAC, plumbing, paving, and pool installation and service. Most had very little experience in these particular fields, but they did have sharp business minds, the ability to bring value to the target companies and – most significantly – experienced and committed employees that made their transitions successful.

These businesses immediately produced the cash flow which allowed the buyers to pay down financing while also providing strong earnings. With lower debt and increased revenues, they can see the value of their investment rising steadily. The results will provide the buyers with the opportunity to cash out in the future and create generational wealth.

THE POWER OF OWNING A SMALL BUSINESS

Owning a small business comes with multiple benefits… You get to call the shots, of course, but there’s more to it than that. A target business should already have good revenue and profit. This cashflow not only offers financial security from day one, but also provides the backbone for financing the acquisition through traditional bank financing, a Small Business Administration loan, seller financing, or a combination. Significantly, the revenue generated by these cash flowing small-to-mid-sized businesses can take startups years to achieve.

In the Capital Region, with a diverse range of businesses and strong local economy, newly minted small-business owners have a real opportunity to grow… In fact, many of the businesses for sale or coming up for sale operate in outdated ways – relying heavily on paper calendars and fax machines, avoiding any modern technology that could streamline their operations. Most readers would be surprised by how many business owners that began only 20 to 30 years ago have outdated ways of operating! Longtime owners may not want to change… For them, their businesses run the way they want.

New buyers are less resistant to these changes, and can often bring immediate value to these businesses. The addition of customer relationship management tools (CRMs), electronic billing platforms, and automations by a new owner can immediately reduce operational costs and make the business more efficient – and therefore, profitable. They are able to bring immediate value by modernizing operations, offering synergistic products or services, and expanding and developing operations. These changes often increase the satisfaction of their employees, who can focus on the things that matter most to the business rather than tasks rendered obsolete by widely used technology… The result? Faster growth in business equity and increased profits, leading to wealth accumulation.

HOW SELLERS STAND TO GAIN

For business owners thinking of selling, the process holds equal potential… Time and time again, we have seen business owners close shop rather than sell, simply because they did not realize how valuable their business was, or how to start the process of selling it. Some believed finding a buyer would be hopeless or too complicated, and simply walked away from their life’s work… Yet, the sale of a small business is the ultimate reward for years of hard work and sacrifice. It provides the best opportunity to monetize the equity that business owners built over time, and can create wealth for their future – whether that’s a comfortable retirement, or money to invest in different ventures such as real estate.

In the Capital Region, there’s a steady demand for businesses across industries such as white and blue-collar services, manufacturing, technology, healthcare, and education. Owners can expect a good price for their business – albeit a price that aligns with documented, historic performance – and owners can take several steps to create the most value for their business when they exit… This includes cleaning up their books, documenting systems and processes, and shoring up key employees and customers. It also includes engaging with professionals who specialize in the sale process, to ensure they obtain the best outcome possible from business brokers to accountants to, of course, business attorneys.

Buyers and sellers should consult with experienced experts. The pathways to buying and selling businesses are not readily understood by professionals that do not do this type of work. Those that do can provide value and ensure you get a great deal when you close on the purchase or sale of your business.

So, whether you’re unhappy in your current job, wary of starting a new venture, or considering selling your business, the small business market in the Capital Region could be your ticket to wealth-building! The Team at The Wagoner Firm would be happy to answer any questions that you may have about buying or selling a business.

You can call or email us anytime at 518-400-0955 or info@thewagonerfirm.com.

In the meantime, stay tuned for our next article, where we’ll discuss how to evaluate potential business opportunities and prepare your business for sale.

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. PRIOR RESULTS DO NOT GUARANTEE FUTURE OUTCOME

Short-Term Rentals: Nuisance or New-Age?

Written by Dan Wade, Esq. on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

In our modern world, where the rules of economics are changing, and phrases like “side hustle” and “multiple streams of income” have crept into our lexicon, it’s no surprise that people have become creative in finding ways to acquire and accumulate currency. In some instances, one needs to look no further than their own surroundings and living space, from selling household items on eBay or feet pictures on OnlyFans, to giving strangers rides in their car with Uber or Lyft. We’ve become increasingly more comfortable with opening up our world to others… For a fee.

As this trend has continued to evolve, the home itself has become a commodity beyond the mere sale or long-term lease. Taking a page from hotels, resorts, and time shares, property owners have started converting their time away from home, unused in-law suites, and second homes into cash through short-term rentals with companies and apps like AirBnb and VRBO.

As the popularity of short-term rentals continues to grow, local towns and municipalities are struggling to balance the loss of revenue from hotel occupancy taxes with the rights of property owners to use their property as they see fit, but also balancing the rights of neighbors to peaceful enjoyment of their own property. Many towns and counties have moved to affect occupancy taxes on owners of short-term rentals to help offset revenue lost from hotels.

Warren County, for example, collects a 4% occupancy tax and requires short-term rental owners to register their property with the County. Property owners have pushed back, stating they already pay enough in taxes and should be able to use their property however they want. The County states that his money is used to help promote tourism in the area. The Town of Queensbury has passed laws limiting the total number of days a property can be rented as a short-term rental to 120 days in a calendar year and requiring properties to be rented for a minimum of 5 days at a time during the summer tourism months. The Town of Fort Ann recently passed a law requiring property owners of short-term rentals to obtain a license from the town, requiring owners to establish written rules and regulations that the renter must sign, establishing quiet hours, limiting vehicles to 1.5 per bedroom (rounding to the nearest whole number), and limiting occupancy to 2 people per bedroom, plus 2.

With the trend for shorter vacations within millennial and younger generations on the rise, property owners are left scratching their heads failing to see how these laws promote tourism, while the Towns appear to be taking aim at limiting bachelor parties and other outlandish short-term parties in neighborhoods, which some view as a relatively small problem for such an overreaching set of regulations.

On the other side of the street are the neighbors – people who have lived in these neighborhoods for years and prior to the proliferation of short-term rentals, who view short-term rentals as a nuisance with rude and noisy renters who disturb the peace and don’t respect the beauty of the neighborhood. While everyone should have the right to peacefully enjoy their property within reason, will limiting the number of cars that can be parked in this age of Uber and Lyft, or forcing weekend tourists to book a 5-night stay (even if they only intend to stay for 2 or 3) really have the intended effect of cutting down of noise and disruption in a peaceful neighborhood? Is this even a realistic concern, or are we curtailing the rights of property owners by making laws and regulations for a few bad apples?

The effects of these laws will need to be monitored and adjusted as necessary to see what, if any, chilling effects they have on tourism in the area, while maintaining the peace and tranquility of suburbia.

Daniel B. Wade has been practicing since 2004 in the areas of real estate, title, and LLC formations. To learn more, visit www.ialawny.com

Know Your Workplace Rights: Mental Health Awareness

Written by Giovanna D’Orazio on . Posted in Business, Columns, Featured, GFT Business Report.

Individuals with mental health conditions are protected in the workplace in several different ways, but we see employers having difficulty in this context. Whether it’s because of stigmas associated with mental health conditions, or a lack of awareness as to how to handle situations where an employee needs support during a difficult time, this is one of the most common areas where we see things falling apart at work.

Many if not most mental health conditions are “disabilities” within the meaning of the anti-discrimination laws, including the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the New York State Human Rights Law (NYHRL). This means that qualified employees are entitled to reasonable accommodations and to be free from discrimination, harassment and retaliation for making a complaint of violations of the law. Under the NYHRL, victims of domestic violence are also entitled to time off to receive counseling. Mental health conditions can also fall under the definition of a “serious health condition” within the meaning of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). The FMLA is the federal law that gives eligible employees of larger private employers and public employers up to twelve weeks of job protected leave.

WHAT IF YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Sometimes employees need time off to treat a mental health condition. Other times, employees need an accommodation because, for example, a medication may incapacitate them at certain times of the day. In either of these situations, the law typically puts the initial burden on the employee to give the employer enough information to put it on notice that leave or an accommodation is needed. If you are eligible for FMLA leave, the employer will typically provide you with a medical certification for your doctor to complete. If you are more in the reasonable accommodation context (and sometimes a scenario falls under more than one statute), your employer is required to engage in an interactive process with you to figure out a suitable accommodation. You may not always be entitled to exactly what you’re asking for, but the law wants the employer and employee to work together to find a solution.

WHEN DO THINGS GO SOUTH?

Sometimes, the nature of the mental health condition carries stigmas that result in discrimination in the workplace. Maybe you don’t need an accommodation or leave at all, but your employer becomes aware that you went to rehab or that you are a veteran with PTSD. Sometimes we see employers start to treat employees differently – they suddenly consider them to be a danger, or they start micromanaging them.

Other times employers simply don’t realize the disability laws are implicated, and they don’t treat a mental health condition the same way they might treat a physical condition that requires an accommodation. Sometimes, at the end of FMLA leave, an employer might perceive their legal obligations to be met, and they fire an employee who needs a little more time off. At that point, the disability laws may have protected an additional period of leave, and sometimes employers get themselves in trouble in that context.

It can be very difficult to raise a mental health struggle to your boss. And, unfortunately, sometimes this disclosure does result in a breakdown of the employment relationship. But employees do have rights and it is important for employers to be aware of these rights, to avoid applying stigmas, and to treat with sensitivity a situation that is often temporary – at least in its impact on the workplace – and can be handled with compassion and moved past.

Disclaimer: Every situation is unique, including whether a condition falls within the applicable laws or whether an accommodation is feasible. This article should not be relied on as legal advice or in taking action at work. If you need support, consult your handbook on appropriate procedures and consider speaking to HR or an attorney about your options. This column is meant for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice or the basis for an attorney-client relationship, which may only be achieved following consultation and execution of a formal engagement agreement.

To learn more about the ways in which D’Orazio Peterson can help you, visit our website: doraziopeterson.com.

A New Team to Brave the Tech World

Written by Jordan Dunn on . Posted in Business, Columns, Community, Featured, GFT Business Report.

This past month, two local leading tech companies joined forces with the intent to unite their efforts for years to come!

ADNET Technologies (ADNET), a managed IT services, cloud, and cybersecurity provider recently announced that it has acquired Tech II Business Services (Tech II), a Saratoga Springs-based managed IT firm. Through this merger, ADNET will retain all Tech II employees, and Daniel Bardin (previous CEO of Tech-II) will join the ranks of ADNET’s general managers. ADNET has offices in Rocky Hill, Connecticut and Albany, New York.

This merger comes partially due to the recent investment by ADNET into New Charter Technologies. New Charter Technologies is a national MSP platform that links together over 20 managed IT service providers “that operate independently and serve markets across North America.”

A Partnership of Strategy

In a recent press release, the companies stated that “this strategic partnership brings together two exceptional teams of IT professionals to create a premier regional technology services company that combines national capabilities with a human- centered approach.”

This past week, we sat down and spoke with ADNET’s Cofounders, Christopher Luise, and Daniel Bardin, about the recent merger. Both leaders seemed enthusiastic about the possibilities that this merger stands to bring.

“As service providers, if you are going to bring solutions to a large range of industries, you need depth and balance,” said Luise when asked what elements helped to prompt this merger. With the speed at which technology changes, and the unique and complex challenges companies now face, these strategic partnerships and acquisitions seem like a no-brainer. “To be alone and meet the current demands of today, is truly impossible,” continued Luise.

And with several decades in the industry, Luise has seen this transformation firsthand. “I grew up in the tech space,” said Luise. “I had my first computer at 13 and was that kid in high school trying to sell floppy discs to my classmates. It’s amazing how far the industry and the technology itself has come since then.”

Similarly, Bardin also brings several decades of experience with him, though his start was not necessarily in tech. “I started in construction actually, working for the company my dad had. I focused a lot on the electrical side of things and that led me to study electronics in college,” said Bardin. “After graduating college, I had my first job at an Apple store and I’ve been in the industry ever since.”

Bardin went on to describe his view on the tech world and stated how “this industry is a challenging one. We’ve (Tech II) done well in the mid-market, but combining forces with ADNET means we can increase the breadth and depth of our talent pool. More people means more skill sets. More skill sets on hand mean that bigger and more complex problems can be solved by just one team.”

“With a shared passion for tech, and a penchant for prioritizing people…

“The synergy was just there.” – Daniel Bardin

Pictured here and opposite: Christopher Luise, left, and Daniel Bardin, right.

Pictured here and opposite: Christopher Luise, left, and Daniel Bardin, right.

When Efforts Collide

With each company bringing over 30 years of experience to the table, the combined talent pool is sure to benefit the Capital Region in the years to come.

From a long-term perspective, “This acquisition deepens ADNET’s investment into the Capital Region, a market we see as full of opportunity and talent,” Luise said. “We’re confident that doubling down on our investment here will continue to drive our growth locally and across the northeast.”

Equally, “Tech II’s clients will continue to be served by the same outstanding IT professionals while securing access to ADNET’s extensive network of resources and partners,” stated Bardin.

“We are excited about what we are growing here,” said Luise. “If our vision and focus are something you could see aligning with your future technology needs as a company or organization, please reach out.”

Bardin echoed this statement with “ If you are a business that has ever struggled with technology, please give us a call. We’re here for you!”

The Fires and the Falls: The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Great Men

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Food, GFT Business Report.

Sherman! Crandall! Hyde! Pruyn! Lapham! Ordway! And the list goes on… The history of Glens Falls is abound with the names of the great families who helped build the city with their energy, ambition, entrepreneurship, and charitable work. This tradition survives to this day as Glens Falls attracts new generations of entrepreneurs to work and build their lives in this area. The city’s history is rich with powerful families who built their businesses and raised their families and sacrificed for this town. Their work is found in the fabric of the city. It has inspired street names and shaped the city’s culture and history. Often referred to as the “Gateway to the Adirondacks”, Glens Falls’ location has attracted entrepreneurs, inspired industry, and created great wealth and influence.

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!

The location of Glens Falls has its part to play in why the entrepreneurs came to stay. A seemingly unlimited supply of timber in the Adirondack forest was just waiting to be harvested and shipped to market down the mighty Hudson River. These men transformed natural resources into a thriving economy of marketable goods and services.

One of these men – William McEchron (8/3/1831 – 9/2/1906) – came to Glens Falls in 1863… Previously, he had worked as a tow boy on the Champlain Canal, and he had been a lumberjack in the Adirondack Forest. In Glens Falls, he partnered with an established businessman James Morgan, and operated limestone quarries in South Glens Falls. For a short time, the company was called Morgan & McEchron… However, after Morgan’s untimely death, William McEchron became the head of what became known as Morgan Lumber Company. William McEchron spent the remainder of his life living in Glens Falls, surrounded by his family and dedicating himself to supporting his family and public service. Throughout his life, he lived in different areas of the village – when McEchron was getting established in Glens Falls, he lived in a brick house on Elm Street, and he later moved his family to the area of Ridge Street and Maple Street.

THE FIRES AND THE FATES

McEchron’s dedication to philanthropy was partially based on his experiences in Glens Falls – one of his greatest accomplishments was creating a reliable water supply for the village.

While the McEchrons lived on Elm Street, the new Glens Falls Hotel was built next door… The McEchron children would play on the grounds of the hotel, which were filled with large gardens and trees.

Wait Carpenter, who owned the hotel, was ambitious and wanted to improve the kitchen… He bought large coal stoves that would get very hot. In late May of 1864, Williams’ wife Sarah was sitting near the window of their house while the children played in the yard, when she saw billows of smoke pouring from the kitchen windows of the hotel… Fire trucks quickly arrived, carrying volunteers from the fire department. The flames were stoked along by a spring breeze, and spread quickly in every direction… The buildings on both sides of Glen Street were quickly engulfed in flames, and were soon beyond any help the fire department could provide.

Despite help from neighboring villages, the situation was soon hopeless due to the lack of water supply. This fire became a disaster that would wipe out the center of the village.

McEchron became village president in 1872, and although he only held the position for one year, he managed to establish an adequate and modern water supply for the village… Fire, which destroyed much of Glens Falls on three occasions during McEchron’s lifetime, had impacted McEchron both personally and professionally – a decade after he came to Glens Falls, his business partner James Morgan died; burned to death in his own stables… The mysterious circumstances surrounding the death of James Morgan have never been clear. On the night of his death, Morgan had been alerted to a disturbance in his stables, and went out with a lantern to investigate the problem… The stables burned to the ground, and Morgan’s remains were found the next day.

William McEchron’s legacy of entrepreneurship lives on in the city… Wayne Wright, the City historian, is impressed with how much McEchron did for Glens Falls: “McEchron gave his money without a lot of people knowing about it… He wanted to be in the background. The Glens Falls Home, he paid for that. The YMCA, he contributed more money between himself and his family than anybody else. Christ Church was built because of him… He started from humble beginnings, and ended up a very wealthy man. The same happened with Sherman and Crandall, and the list goes on… McEchron was exceptionally wealthy and exceptionally generous,” he said.

MORGAN & CO.

Today, the generosity of William McEchron is carried on through his contributions to the town and the home that he built for his family… The family home that he built was inspired by the useful modern conveniences in the house he had previously built for his daughter and her husband. The house stayed in the McEchron family until 1921. At that point, the surviving daughters of William and Sarah McEchron transferred the deed to the City of Glens Falls… That home is currently the restaurant Morgan & Co; a sly nod to the interwoven fates of the McEchron and Morgan families. Morgan & Co carries on the entrepreneurial spirit with their creative menu and superb service: “We call it ‘comfort food’ with a Mediterranean-Bohemian flair,” the owners explained through their website.

At Morgan & Co, you have the opportunity to see the inside of the McEchron family home, dine in the rooms where they lived, and feel the history around you… This restaurant was opened by Glens Falls native Rebecca Newell-Butters, and her husband Steve Butters. The house and gardens are now used for the restaurant and special events, and the wrap-around porch and gardens provide unparalleled ambiance for the spectacular chef-prepared cuisine.

For more information about Morgan & Co. and the McEchron House, please visit MorganRestaurant.com

Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance Unveils Abercrombie Flotilla Diorama

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Entertainment, Featured.

On Tuesday, July 11th, 2023, The Lake George Battlefield Park Visitor Center at 75 Fort George Road unveiled a new diorama, depicting General Abercrombie’s historic 1758 flotilla of 15,000 troops leaving from the head of Lake George towards their defeat by the French at Ticonderoga.

The Lake George Battlefield Park Alliance (LGBA) was established in 2001 as a volunteer-driven organization focused on the Lake George Region’s critical role in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. The Alliance manages the Battlefield Park’s Visitor Center, and sponsors events throughout the year that educate the public: “My vision of Lake George is a mini Gettysburg…We are in a very special time of the history (pun intended) of our community,” said John DiNuzzo, President of the LGBA.

Last September, a call from “The Adirondack Experience – The Museum on Blue Mountain Lake” initiated the diorama being exhibited. The diorama depicts an event that happened along the shore of the south basin of Lake George, right outside the visitor center windows: “The largest flotilla in North American history left from these shores in this town in 1758… Unfortunately for Abercrombie, the 4,000 or so French successfully resisted that attack. It wasn’t until the following year that the British were able to take Ticonderoga, and take Crown Point,” DiNuzzo said. 

Marisa Muratori was on hand from the Lake George Town Board: “It’s a battle that has been spoken of for generations… I’ve known about it since I was a kid. They say that there were so many Bateaux on the lake at the south basin that were going to Ticonderoga, that you couldn’t see the water… It must have been an extraordinary moment, and I think this is beautifully depicted,” she said.

For more information, please visit Lakegeorgebattlefield.org

Glens Falls Named ‘Safest City in U.S.’ For a Second Year By Rocket Mortgage

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Community, Featured, Home & Garden.

“Hometown USA” was just named the “Safest City in the U.S.” by Rocket Mortgage for the second year in a row! Rocket Mortgage ranked the fifteen safest cities in the United States, and Glens Falls came out on top for the second year running. To determine their findings, Rocket Mortgage used violent crime, property crime, and population data from the FBI’s 2019 crime report… The median home values were taken from https://www.neighborhoodscout.com, which features real estate analytics, and the median household income was gathered from the U.S. Census Bureau statistics. 

Violent crime rate is composed of four offenses – murder and non-negligent manslaughter, rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. These are crimes that involve force or the threat of force… With a population of 124,339, the Glens Falls violent crime rate is listed as one.

Property crime rate includes burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson. The object of this type of crime is the taking of money and property without threat of force against victims… The property crime rate for Glens Falls was listed as seven.

The median household income was listed as $50,071… This number is reached by dividing income distribution into two equal parts – one half falls below the income level, and the other half is above. The median home price for Glens Falls was listed as $211,692… Roughly half of the homes in Glens Falls have sold for more than that price, and roughly half of the homes have sold for less than that price. 

Midland, Michigan was listed as the second-safest city in America, with a population of 82,943. Midland – according to this ranking – has a violent crime rate of three, property crime rate of seven, median household income of $62,625, and median home price of $207,130.

Glens Falls was joined by Kingston, New York – the only other New York city to be included on the list, coming in at #9. Located in Ulster County, Kingston is listed as having a population of 177,151, a violent crime rate of two, a property crime rate of 1,090.6, a median income of $51,299, and a median home price of $292,631. 

What Can The Southern Adirondack REALTORS® Inc. Do For You?

Written by Kate Haggerty on . Posted in Business, Community, Featured, Home & Garden, Property.

Buying and selling homes are major milestones in people’s lives… These are times of upheaval and change, which a range of emotion which can include stress. There are times in these major transactions when each party needs a mediator to help find the correct answer and move the transaction forward. There are times when the public needs to know their rights to use and transfer property… The Southern Adirondack REALTORS® Inc. (SAR) is an organization that provides support and services to REALTORS® in Warren, Washington, and Saratoga Counties. Located at 298 Bay Road in Queensbury, this organization promotes those rights, and supports the concept of conducting business in a competent and ethical manner. They strive to improve the quality of life for area residents by providing a variety of services; including providing a voice for REALTORS®, upholding professional standards, and acting as a third party to help mediate disputes with REALTOR® members. 

Sarah Wisdorf is currently the interim Association Executive/CEO. Sarah has both senior management experience and leadership skills – she holds both a bachelor and master’s degree in business administration, and has decades of experience in the real estate industry. In her role as interim CEO, Sarah oversees the daily operations of SAR, and is responsible for the growth and development of the real estate industry in the Southern Adirondack region: “In my role I help to maintain relationships. As an organization, we strongly support property rights, and work to reduce barriers to home ownership,” Sarah said.  

One of the key aspects of SAR is the high ethical standards that the organization sets for the members… This code of ethics separates SAR from other real estate licenses. It is a commitment to honor, integrity, and professionalism… This code of ethics is prescribed by The National Association of REALTOR®, which is the umbrella for SAR. 

SAR has a responsibility to help members and clients in a disputed situation, and will provide an ombudsman and professional standards hearings if there is ever a dispute or a question of unethical practices that needs an unbiased third party… These services are optional, but often result in a more timely outcome and avoid litigation. Offering this free service helps to avoid expensive and time-consuming litigation.

Sarah is aware of the impact of societal changes on the real estate market… Americans move an average of 11.7 times over the course of a lifetime. These moves occur for a variety of reasons, including changing jobs, upsizing or downsizing, or just trying out a new neighborhood. Unfortunately, low inventory is increasing prices and sending ripples through the real estate market… Prospective buyers are holding off on purchasing their first homes, and retirees who in the past have downsized are staying in their homes longer because of the elevated costs of real estate. SAR studies and monitors these factors to help support their members, clients and community: “SAR is committed to being a partner in helping to solve the challenges in the housing market. Advocating for increased inventory at all price-points, working to find ways to lessen the barriers to entering the housing market, and looking at new, creative, and sustainable building options.” Sarah said.

For more information, please visit Southernadkrealtors.org

Veterans Business Network of ARCC to host Veteran Suicide Prevention Walk

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

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.

Warren County Route 19/ Olmstedville Road Paving Today!

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

Motorists should be advised that paving will begin the week of Monday, July 10th, 2023 on Warren County Route 19, also known as Olmstedville Road, near the hamlet of Pottersville in the Town of Chester.

This resurfacing is part of the ongoing rehabilitation project between Hidden Lake Road and the Essex County line that began in April, and is expected to be complete this fall. Drivers should expect additional delays, and should reduce speed in work zones.

Thank you for your cooperation!