Jake Van Ness, Author at Saratoga Business Journal

Jake Van Ness

2079 Articles

A Canadian Manufacturing Firm Has Chosen Saratoga As The Site For Its First U.S. Plant

May 13, 2024May 17, 2024

Making its first foray into the United States, Soleno, a manufacturer of recycled high-density polyethylene pipes, has located a plant in Saratoga Springs.
Courtesy of Soleno

By Christine Graf

Soleno, a Canadian company that specializes in manufacturing recycled high-density polyethylene pipes, has chosen Saratoga Springs as the location for it’s first U.S. plant. Construction is underway on the $22 million facility, located at 66 Duplainville Road in the W.J. Grande Industrial Park. Munter Enterprises Inc is the General Contractor.

Soleno manufactures storm water management products for the infrastructure, residential, natural resource, and agricultural development sectors. Products include pipes, drains, culverts, catch basins, treatment systems, fittings, and drainage accessories

According to J. Gregory Connors, CEO of Saratoga Economic Development Corporation (SEDC), his agency was “very much involved” in working to bring Soleno to Saratoga County.

“We prepared an application on Soleno’s behalf for consideration by the county IDA based on a $22 million capital investment in the City of Saratoga Springs. There has been a promise to create 22 full-time jobs in its first year of operation. There will be an additional 35 jobs in the second year, and there will also be 20 +/- construction jobs to build the site.”

Modular Building Techniques Make Homes More Affordable In Face Of Housing Shortages

May 13, 2024

Cecil Provost, owner of Saratoga Modular Homes, displays the large variety of materials available to clients opting for this type of construction. Saratoga Business Journal

By Christine Graf

In the Capital Region real estate market and beyond, a shortage of inventory has made it difficult for buyers to find reasonably priced homes. The Center for American Progress, an independent policy institute, believes modular homes may be the answer to the American housing crisis. According to a report issued by the institute in February 2024, “Modular building, if brought to scale, has the potential to reduce construction costs and make building new homes more affordable, especially in areas experiencing severe affordable housing shortages.”

Modular homes are often confused with mobile homes, but the two are distinctly different. While modular home components are fabricated in factories, the homes themselves are assembled on-site and attached to permanent foundations.

When it comes to the construction process, there is virtually no difference between a modular home and a site-built home. Both are built with the same materials and are subject to the same regulations.

Saratoga Modular Homes is a leader in the local modular home market, offering opportunities for customers in the Capital Region, Adirondacks, and the Mohawk Valley to build energy efficient custom modular homes with upgraded finishes. Owner Cecil Provost is on the board of directors for the National Modular Home Builder’s Association, and he also owns Saratoga Construction, Saratoga Log Homes, and ProRealty New York Inc,

“We’re slammed with business. I’ve never seen it so busy,” he said. “What has happened is that everyone refinanced their homes three or four years ago at 2.5 or 3 percent, so there’s no resale inventory on the market. So, demand for new construction is very strong.”

Harbor Freight Tools Expanding Its Nationwide Reach With The Opening Of A Saratoga Store

May 13, 2024

Saratoga Springs now boasts a Harbor Freight outlet.
Saratoga Business Joiurnal

Harbor Freight Tools has announced that it will be opening a new store in Saratoga Springs. The new store will be located at 3064 Route 50 and is expected to open this spring. An official opening date will be announced closer to opening.

Construction has already begun at the location, using local workers and companies from the surrounding Saratoga Springs area.

“We’ve been looking to open a location in Saratoga Springs for a number of years so that we can provide the tools and equipment at tremendous values to the community,” said Trey Feiler, senior vice president, Real Estate and Construction for Harbor Freight Tools. “In addition to finding a great location, we were attracted by the availability of great Associates in the Saratoga Springs area, and we look forward to having them join the Harbor Freight team.”

The store is expected to bring between 25 and 30 new jobs to the community, including Sales and Logistic Supervisors, Senior Associates, Sales Associates, and seasonal opportunities as well. Harbor Freight Tools offers a competitive starting rate along with a best-in-class retail benefits package that includes robust health coverage, and Thanksgiving and Christmas off. Harbor Freight has over 28,000 Associates and more than 1,500 locations nationwide.

Interested applicants can apply online at www.harborfreightjobs.com/retail and search “Saratoga Springs, NY”.

Harbor Freight Tools, a family-owned company, started in Southern California in 1977. The first store opened in 1980, and the company has grown to over 1,500 stores nationwide. With two-three new locations opening every week, Harbor Freight is one of America’s fastest growing retailers.

Architecture Firm Launches A Professional Development Program For Emerging Talent

May 13, 2024

AJA Architecture and Planning has announced the launch of its innovative Professional Development Program, aimed at nurturing emerging talents in the architecture and design industry while actively engaging with the local community. Rooted in a passion for mentorship and guided by a commitment to excellence, this program represents a significant milestone in the firm’s ongoing dedication to fostering the growth and success of future designers.

AJA has recognized the emerging professional’s desire to understand their career path. In 2018, the American Institute of Architects honored the firm with the Fostering Emerging Professionals Award. So much has changed since then. AJA has ramped up its entire approach to professional development to extend beyond its staff to the entire community.

“This recognition from the industry’s premier organization validates our mission and inspires us to continue nurturing the next generation of design leaders,” said Andrew Allison, a principal in the firm.

“Our program was built on the paradigm of ‘learn it, improve it, teach it,’ a philosophy instilled in me by my mentors,” he added. “We have always been committed to developing the skills of our team members, and started to think, why stop there? We decided to extend our program to local high school and college level students interested in the field of architecture, engineering, design, and construction management.”

The program encompasses various initiatives tailored to different stages of professional development:

High School Engagement: Through shadowing AJA helps expose high school students to the world of architecture and engineering, providing valuable insights into potential career paths and college options. This year, AJA has partnered with Hudson Valley Community College as a part of the Smart Scholars Early College High School Program.

“In this area, we’re fortunate to have high schools that have invested in robust programs such as the Smart Scholars ECHS program. To further engage our youth, we’re dedicated to providing them exposure to career opportunities,” Allison noted.

College Internships: AJA’s internship program offers college students hands-on experience aligned with their academic curriculum, integrating theoretical knowledge with practical applications within the firm. Students in design, architecture, engineering, and construction management from schools including Ithaca College, Penn State: College of Engineering, The University of Oregon: College of Design, Columbia University, Alfred State: College of Technology, and Hudson Valley Community College have interned, and some turned into full-time employees.

The Academy For Lifelong Learning Provides Educational Opportunities For Adult Students

May 13, 2024

Storyteller Kevin Keraga regales a class of adult learners with a gripping tale at the Academy for Lifelong Learning in Saratoga Spring.
Jeff Shinaman Photo

By Christine Graf

Founded in 1992, the Academy for Lifelong Learning (ALL) is an independent, self-funded non-profit that offers a wide variety of learning opportunities to people of all ages. One of more than 400 Lifelong Learning Institutes in North America, ALL is affiliated with Road Scholar Institute Network.

A membership-based organization, ALL charges an annual membership fee of $75. Members pay an additional $50 to take one of the many six-week courses that are offered during the fall, winter, and spring semesters. Membership is open to people of all ages, but because the classes take place during business hours on weekdays, the majority are retired.

“We provide educational and social activities for mature learners, and most of our members are retired seniors,” said ALL Executive Director Jeff Shinaman.

Although many of ALL’s 350 active members live in Saratoga County, the academy has members from throughout the Capital Region. Courses take place at numerous locations including SUNY Adirondack, the Saratoga Senior Center, senior residential communities, and local churches and libraries.

Saratoga-Based Business For Good Awards A Marketing Grant To Teach Brother Teach

May 13, 2024

The first annual Teach Brother Teach induction ceremony and workshop was held at Albany’s Hilton Garden Inn on Saturday, April 20. S. Neal Currie Jr, founder of Teach Brother Teach, presided over the event, which welcomed seven new fellows into the program.

Teach Brother Teach was created by Currie, a long-time Albany educator and executive director of the Fundisha Center, to address the scarcity and lack of support for Black male teachers in the Greater Capital Region of New York.

“Having at least one Black teacher in elementary school cuts the high school dropout rates of low-income Black boys by 39 percent,” said Currie. “Our goal with Teach Brother Teach is two-fold: encourage and support Black men considering education as a profession, and create a more equitable education system where Black boys feel a greater sense of connection and inclusion at school.”

In addition to the induction of new fellows to Teach Brother Teach, the event featured guest speakers that included: Daryl Williams, CEO of Teach Like A Champion; Dana Brown, senior director of enrichment and opportunity programs at SUNY Empire State University; Dr. Darryl White, principal of KIPP Tech Valley Middle School; and Dr. Kewsi Burgess, Albany City School District. The new fellows were led in a workshop presented by Andrea Ellis from E2Serve Education Consulting.

Teach Brother Teach has a mission to build a cadre of outstanding Black male educators that will serve as a professional support group to those who are committed to improving their communities by making a direct and positive impact on the lives of students in the city of Albany and beyond.

Dedicated Home Health Care Aides Serve Growing Elderly Population In Tri-Counties

May 13, 2024

By Susan Elise Campbell

According to Syracuse University’s Lerner Center report, nearly one in six New Yorkers is 65 years or older, and no other population group in the state is growing faster. This means there is a growing dependency on the rest of the community for their care as they continue to age.

One industry strongly advocating for aging seniors is in-home health and personal care. The leadership of Home Instead out of Gansevoort and Greater Adirondack Home Aides in Queensbury share a compassion for and commitment to the elderly and disabled in the three counties they serve: Washington, Warren and Saratoga.

As business entities, these agencies couldn’t be more different. Home Instead is part of a privately held corporation with franchises in multiple countries and brand recognition. President and minority owner of the Gansevoort office, Maureen Hopkins, opened the agency in 2000.

Greater Adirondack Home Aides is a non-profit organization dating back to 1965. Charles Nelson is the executive director responsible to a board of directors who has “a little less freedom” than corporate executives do and with shallower pockets, he said.

Since a surge in health care costs follows an aging population, “New York would prefer that people age at home because it doesn’t have to open more skilled nursing facilities,” said Nelson.

These professionals have similar challenges. One is they are constantly looking to hire caregivers. Another is that sometimes they face obstacles by regulatory bodies in the state.

There are two basic kinds of home care, although functions overlap. Personal care, involving non-medical home care, includes safety supervision for people with dementia or mobility issues, meal preparation, assistance paying bills, companionship, and other everyday tasks that help them maintain their independence.

Business Report: State Budget Changes Will Affect Employers

May 13, 2024

Allen Shoikhetbrod, Esq., managing partner, Tully Rickney PLLC, Albany.
Courtesy of Tully Rickney

By Allen Shoikhetbrod, Esq.

On April 20, the 2024-2025 New York state budget was approved, ushering in many significant changes employers should take note of. While some of the initial proposals did not make the final draft, there are three significant changes coming to New York that employers need to review.

Paid Prenatal Leave:

Taking effect on January 1, 2025, New York state private sector employers will be required to provide employees with 20 hours of paid prenatal leave each year, amending New York Labor Law § 196-b. Cut in half from the originally proposed 40 hours, this leave can be taken for health care services received by an employee during their pregnancy or related to such pregnancy, including physical examinations, medical procedures, monitoring and testing, and discussions with a health care provided related to the pregnancy.

One aspect to note is that this leave is separate from the existing hours of paid sick leave mandated by state law and can be used in hourly increments. Additionally, employees must be paid their regular rates of pay when using this leave.

Paid Breaks for Breast Milk Expression:

In a similar vein to prenatal leave, Governor Hochul also proposed adding paid break time to express breast milk throughout the day. Currently, New York laws allow employees to take reasonable unpaid breaks for this purpose at least once every three hours, or as the employee may reasonably desire. But as of June 19, 2024, employers are required to provide paid 30-minute breaks for this reason, amending New York Labor Law § 206-c.

WellNow Urgent Care Opens A Facility In Queensbury Offering Quality Medical Services

May 13, 2024

With locations nationwide, WellNow Urgent Care has opened a facility in Queensbury to serve the local population.
Courtesy of WellNow Urgent Care

By Susan Elise Campbell

WellNow Urgent Care is one of the fastest-growing providers of urgent medical care, telehealth and occupational medicine services in the United States. With a new location that opened April 10 at 920 Lake George Road in Queensbury, medical care and diagnostic services are now available seven days a week to patients in the North Country, said Beth Pagan, WellNow’s director of market operations for eastern New York.

“WellNow provides a wide array of diagnostics, including X-rays, EKGs, complete metabolic panels, and much more,” said Pagan.

There are nearly 80 WellNow locations in the state and 200 in the country offering urgent, not emergency, care.

“Our centers offer more services than the average primary care physician so that patients can be treated right away without having to go to a traditional emergency room, where they might face long wait times and an expensive bill,” she said.

The Advances In Golf Simulator Technology Are Allowing Players Of All Abilities To Improve

April 17, 2024

The Bunker on Broadway in downtown Saratoga Springs is the latest indoor golf facility to feature a state-of-the-art golf simulator. There is also a “19th Hole” bar for after game libations.
Saratoga Business Journal

By Susan Elise Campbell

The indoor golf experience that gained momentum during the pandemic continues to delight residents from all around the region. Whether it’s a family out for a few hours of fun, a couple on a date, or serious golfers working to improve their handicap, audiences are being attracted to golf simulators in greater numbers as the underlying technology evolves.

Troy Miller has opened five new facilities called The Bunker since Covid temporarily closed the doors of many recreation facilities. The latest is at 307 Broadway in Saratoga Springs.

“I read an article recently that golf, for the first time, has more non-green golf interest than the traditional golf course,” said Miller. “People come to have fun and they also come to train and improve their game.”

Popularity has much to do with strides in graphics and high definition monitors that make the experience more realistic. But as the individual swings and makes contact with the ball, the simulator technology is collecting dozens of data metrics, Miller said.