Jake Van Ness, Author at Saratoga Business Journal

Jake Van Ness

2079 Articles

Showcase Of Homes To Have 12 Area Builders

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee will include a lineup of 14 homes from area builders for the annual new home tour event.

Celebrating 25 years, the annual tradition will be presented over three fall weekends: Sept. 18-19, Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 2-3.

Officials said in honor of the silver milestone anniversary, tickets will be $25. They go on sale in early August.

“We are looking forward with hope, optimism and great anticipation to once again present the Saratoga Showcase of Homes this autumn as we move out from this pandemic,” said Saratoga Builders Association’s Executive Director Barry Potoker. “Our goal is to present a live tour for the enjoyment of our community while providing the needed help for our two charities who benefit from its proceeds. In planning ahead, our pledge to everyone involved with this event is to take all the necessary steps to follow state, NAHB and CDC health and safety guidelines.”

There are 12 builders committed to this year’s event. They are BDC Group, Beechwood Homes, Bella Home Builders, Belmonte Builders, Bonacio Construction, Caruso Homes, Kodiak Construction, McPadden Builders, R & M Builders, Trojanski Builders and Witt Construction.

Corporate sponsorships are now available to support the event. For a detailed sponsorship opportunities packet, contact Potoker at 518-366-0946 or via email bpotoker@saratogabuilders.org or visit www.saratogashowcaseofhomes.com/sponsors to download a packet.

AIM Services Launches Annual Campaign To Raise Program Funding And Awareness

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Chris Lyons, executive director of AIM Services which launched its fundraiser.

AIM Services Inc. has launched an I Am AIM 2021 annual campaign to raise funds and awareness for its programs.

The agency is one of the area’s largest providers of services to people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The campaign theme will highlight its commitment to empowering values of individuality, inclusion, independence, and integrity among their staff, their community, and in the lives of the people they support.

Services are provided in Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties.

Officials said that over the course of 2021, I Am AIM will create opportunities for fundraising and engagement, including a new “I Am AIM” sweatshirt campaign, annual events such as Croquet on the Green and Vin Le Soir, various fundraising appeals, and other community collaborations to raise awareness and highlight the spirit behind the campaign.

“In my short time here at AIM, I am already so moved by how we truly embody our core values of inclusion, independence, individuality, and integrity,” said chief development and communications officer Bo Goliber. “This is part of what makes our approach to supporting individuals so innovative. It’s exciting to think about raising awareness and educating the community about that important aspect of our work and include them in our continued success.”

Skevington Starts Another Business, This One Running Front Office Services For Clients

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Craig Skevington, right, oversees a staff of about 30 at ptSource, a company that is now handling front-office services for the orthopedic medical practice OrthoNY.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Jill Nagy

A local company ptSource (pronounced “patient source”) has taken over the front office operations for OrthoNY, an orthopedic medical practice with several offices in the Capital District.

The company schedules appointments, answers telephone calls, provides information, and performs similar tasks on an around-the-clock basis.

“We provide a much better patient experience than any practice can do themselves” at a reduced cost, said company president Craig Skevington.

His company has been in business for about 20 years providing services to some 60 clients, mostly providing after-hours telephone coverage. OrthoNY is the first client to sign up for 24-hour service.

“The Monday morning and late afternoon stress” are gone, he said.

“Everything is working great so far,” said OrthoNY CEO Michelle Brinkman. “The partnership has helped us achieve our goal of easier patient access.”

Saratoga Hospital Is Named One Of Six ‘World’s Best’ By Newsweek Magazine

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Saratoga Hospital has been named one of ‘The World’s Best Hospitals 2021’ by Newsweek magazine, the only community hospital in the state to make the list.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

Saratoga Hospital has been named one of “The World’s Best Hospitals 2021” by Newsweek—a distinction earned by just six hospitals in the state.

Other “World’s Best” facilities in New York are The Mount Sinai Hospital, New York-Presbyterian, and NYU Langone Hospitals, all in New York City; North Shore University Hospital on Long Island and Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester.

Saratoga Hospital is the only Capital Region facility and the only community hospital in the state to make the list. With 171 beds, the hospital also is the smallest of the New York facilities counted among the list.

“We are in great company, and it’s all because of our amazing team,” said Angelo Calbone, Saratoga Hospital president and CEO. “Regardless of their role or department, our team members put patient care and satisfaction above all else. That’s what it means to be part of Saratoga Hospital, and the results are obvious—in the excellent care we provide, our investments in technology, and our emphasis on kindness and customer service with our patients, visitors and each other.”

The Newsweek ranking lists the best hospitals in 25 countries based on three data sources: recommendations from medical experts, results from patient surveys and medical key performance indicators for hospitals.

According to Newsweek, those that merit the World’s Best designation “stand out for their consistent excellence, including distinguished physicians, top-notch nursing care and state-of-the-art technology.”

MVP Health Care Partners With Health Plans Inc. To Offer Plans To Businesses

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

MVP Health Care announced a new partnership with Health Plans, Inc. (HPI) to offer level-funded plans to businesses in New York. Beginning this summer, employers with more than 100 subscribers, will have access to MVP Health Care’s level-funded plan, which will offer employers an alternative to traditional fully insured or self-funded plan options.

Administered by MVP Select Care, Inc., this new option provides the best of both worlds by offering the peace of mind of a fully insured plan with the flexibility and cost savings potential of a self-funded plan.

“Health insurance is often the second largest operating cost for businesses after employee wages,” said MVP Health Care’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Christopher Del Vecchio. “This new solution will provide businesses and employees with alternative, affordable health care options, which have become more important than ever during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

MVP Health Care’s level-funded plan offers businesses greater cost control and potential savings. Companies pay one fixed monthly premium for all costs and at year-end, if claims are less than what was originally projected, the employer will receive 100% of the surplus. If claims are more than projected, the employer does not have to pay anything additional to cover the additional costs.

“We’re excited to partner with MVP Health Care to expand access to a level-funded plan for New York business owners,” said Health Plans Inc.’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Deborah Hodges. “Partnering with MVP Health Care came naturally, as we are both continuously working to find innovative approaches to improve the health and well-being of our communities and members.”

Psychiatrist Offers Motivational Coaching And Other Services For Entrepreneurs

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Dr. Manuel Astruc has found his niche in providing motivational coaching to entrepreneurs. He has an office on Maple Avenue in Saratoga Springs.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

After working for 20 years as a psychiatrist, Dr. Manuel Astruc has found his niche in providing motivational coaching to entrepreneurs.

The Saratoga Springs-based physician said he remembers the day he made the decision to change course, pivoting into a new way of promoting mental health awareness. He, himself, was suffering from a sense of burnout.

“I remember looking at my twin sister’s picture and thinking it was time to make the commitment to myself to enjoy things more, to enjoy life more,” said Dr. Astruc.

Astruc’s sister had recently died and he was reflecting on the way she lived her life during her final years. He said she lived a life filled with happiness and grace, something he wanted to emulate. It was then he decided the stress from his career was taking away from his quality of life.

Astruc explored different paths before landing on the one that felt right. He created Your Next Act, in which he teaches resilience and leadership. He said the goal is to improve mental fitness and well-being so that entrepreneurs can start enjoying their dream.

“I wanted to find a way to take my expertise and have a bigger, more meaningful impact on the world, and this feels like a good way for me to do that,” said Astruc.

Business Report: Addition By Subtraction

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

Michael Cruz is president of Lighthouse Advisors LLC in Queensbury.

By Michael Cruz

Most businesspeople believe that success is bred by doing more. And more and more. And many times, that makes things worse.

Success comes from being the best at what we do. Doing tasks we are good at brings energy to all of the people in your company. Success breeds success. Repeating success is easier than struggling to do things we may not be as good at. So, what am I talking about here? I am suggesting that you may become even more successful by figuring out what not to do.

Look at your products and services. List them out on a sheet of paper. Which ones are profitable? What percentage of the revenue for that sale do you keep? Which ones are always a struggle to break even with? And, it’s a sure thing that some have no profit at all—or are performed at a loss. We begin to add services or products for lots of reasons. Many of them are to add to the top line. It will increase our revenue.

However, remember that you did not get into business to sell things. You got into your business to make money. So, using critical thinking, you want to figure out where you make the most money.

This focus on profitability will help you get rid of activities that do not make you money. That frees up time to focus on the things that make you money.

There are good reasons to add to your product or service offerings. Helping to offer a more complete solution to your customers is a good one. That adds in client retention. And it should make you more money because you have expertise and a relationship that make your offering less price sensitive.

Moving into areas without that expertise has the opposite effect. When people push you into areas that you should not go, learn to say “no.”

Chamber Scholarship Slated For U.S. Veteran

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

The Veterans Business Council (VBC) of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce announced in April the 2021 Veterans Business Council Scholarship Program.

Under the Program, one $5,000 scholarship will be awarded to a veteran or service member that lives in, attends college in, or works in Saratoga County.

The mission of the Veterans Business Council of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce is to facilitate opportunities for our military veterans residing in Saratoga County. Efforts will be to connect them with the business community to enhance their knowledge of employment opportunities, job or entrepreneurial training, and new business development.

The council will also seek additional opportunities in support of our local veterans.

Veterans interested in this opportunity should reach out to Denise Romeo at the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce at 518-584-3255 or dromeo@saratoga.org. More information, to include online application, is also available at www.veteransbusinesscouncil.com.

The Veterans Business Council operates under the Saratoga County Foundation of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, and is made up of a select group of veterans who are business leaders in the region. The council works to facilitate opportunities for military veterans residing in Saratoga County, including offering scholarship opportunities and connecting them with the business community to enhance their knowledge of employment opportunities, job or entrepreneurial training, and new business development.

Leadership Program Is Established For Women

May 17, 2021May 17, 2021

The Saratoga County Board of Supervisors has launched the Saratoga County Women in Government Leadership Program, an initiative designed to educate high school girls about the functions and responsibilities of local government and inspire them to take on leadership roles at the local level.

The program was launched by the three women on the board of supervisors, Jean Raymond, of the town of Edinburgh, Tara N. Gaston of Saratoga Springs and Sandra Winney of the town of Providence.

“We need more women present in all levels of government, and there’s no better place to begin one’s public service journey than at the county level,” said state Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul. “As a former county clerk, I know firsthand how invaluable experience in local government can be and I’m proud to support this new program to educate and inspire our next generation of female local leaders.”

The program, developed in coordination with Soroptimist International of Saratoga County, will engage participants on topics including setting goals, overcoming obstacles, and building confidence. Saratoga County government women in leadership roles will apply these lessons to their experiences in local government.

“Representation and engagement lead to better communities,” said Gaston. “These experiences and relationships gained will benefit Saratoga County.”

CDPHP Teams Up With aptihealth To Make Mental Health Services More Accessible

May 17, 2021May 18, 2021

Two of the Capital Region’s business leaders are teaming up to make mental health care services more accessible to local patients.

Dr. John D. Bennett, president and CEO of CDPHP, and technology investor Dan Pickett are partnering to provide CDPHP members with access to aptihealth, an online/smartphone enabled tool that connects patients to comprehensive mental health support, all from the comfort of their home, CDPHP announced.

The group said in a new release that it is vital for the health care delivery system in the Capital Region and beyond to integrate the care patients receive, whether those services are delivered in a medical setting, a therapist’s office, or at home. The CDPHP and aptihealth vision encourages care when the patient needs it and where they want it, and makes it easy, affordable, and accessible.

The partnership also comes at a critical time as more people are burdened with mental health and substance use disorders as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. A recent report from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) found that 41 percent of patients are struggling with mental health issues stemming from the pandemic.

CDPHP has also seen a significant increase (nearly 40 percent) in utilization of mental health care services since the crisis began, which has led to a shortage of providers in the community.