Category Archives: Business News

By Carol Ann Conover

When lightning struck a power line on July 9, 2023, Jay Haney watched helplessly as flames consumed the building that had housed his family’s automotive business since 1960. But even as the fire raged, Haney was already planning his next move.

“The building’s on fire and I’m like, what am I gonna do? I gotta do something.Where am I gonna work?,” Haney recalled. Within 24 hours, he was moving cars and calling friends to line up temporary workspace. “We had no tools like everything was gone, but we were still cranking away.”

The second-generation owner of Haney’s Automotive faced more than just the loss of a building—he was navigating the end of a 65-year presence in Mechanicville. Founded by his father Jack in 1960, the shop had built its reputation on trust and generational relationships.

“Before we moved, 90% of my customers started out with their grandparents,” Haney said. “It was generational.”

Jack Haney, a Navy veteran and jet airplane mechanic who had opportunities with major airlines, chose instead to build his own business in our small upstate New York community. He passed away in 2005, but his legacy of service continues through his youngest son.

By Rod Bacon

A local business that started out serving delectable sweet treats has expanded its offerings to include breakfast and lunch items.

Owner Darren De Vietro, the son of a chef who grew up creating Italian baked goods with his mother and grandmother, was director of restaurant operations at the Adelphi Hotel in Saratoga Springs from 2018 until last April. In 2021 he launched Saratoga Dessert Bar, which he operated part time out of a commissary kitchen at 41 Washington Street. 

“We were doing online only and I wanted to move to a retail store for more opportunity, so I completely shut down that kitchen and moved,” he said.

He left his position at the Adelphi to open his storefront in the Wilton Mall, originally continuing to offer a large variety of cookies, cheesecakes, brownies, and other dessert selections. Last month he added breakfast sandwiches, New York-style bagels, and cinnamon rolls, which are served all day. Lunch items include tomato soup, grilled cheese sandwiches, BLTs, and turkey clubs. There is also coffee, espresso, and iced drinks. This prompted a name change to Saratoga Dessert & Food Bar.

By Paul Post

Bonacio Development is nearing completion of two high-end, Saratoga Springs condominium projects with some units priced at more than $2.2 million.

The Waldorf, at 122 Regent Street, is an historic Tudor-style carriage house dating to the early 20th century, which the firm has converted to five units.

“The location is ideal, steps away from the starting gate at the track and steps away from walking through Congress Park to Broadway in downtown,” company President Julie Bonacio said. “It’s pretty special in that aspect.”

High-end finishes are found throughout including herringbone hardwood floors, fireplaces, coffered ceilings, quartz countertops and gourmet appliances. Each of the building’s five units have private outdoor spaces and garages, and two have rooftop terraces.

A furnished model was opened for prospective buyers in late November and all units will be finished by January 1.

“For people coming out of a big house, downsizing, but still wanting a little yard this is the perfect mix,” Bonacio said. “With condos, it’s easy living. Just shut the door and go travel if you want to.”

The Allman Betts Band will headline Saratoga New Year’s Eve 2026, with performances scheduled across multiple downtown venues and a free fireworks display planned in Saratoga Springs, event organizers announced.

The Allman Betts Band — led by Devon Allman and Duane Betts — will perform at the Saratoga Springs City Center. The group blends blues, Americana and Southern rock influences, drawing from a deep musical lineage while forging a contemporary sound. The band has released multiple critically acclaimed studio albums and is known for its extensive touring schedule, including the annual Allman Betts Family Revival.

Nicotine Dolls, a New York City-based pop-rock band, will headline Universal Preservation Hall. Formed in 2019, the group released its debut album, “An Attempt at Romantic,” in 2025. Its breakout single, “What Makes You Sad,” has earned nearly 20 million Spotify streams, with another album planned for 2026.

Story Updated Dec 19, 2025

By Ann Donnelly

The Alpine Sport Shop, a Saratoga fixture since 1941, is more than a retail store; it’s a community hub built on a legacy of family, service, and local involvement. Today, the shop is owned and operated by Jack and Cathy Hay, who met on the Saratoga High School ski team in 1968.

The store’s rich history began with founder Ed Taylor, who opened Alpine in 1941. Cathy’s parents, Dorothy and Thurlow Woodcock, purchased the business in 1966. At that time, it was located on Spring Street near the old Skidmore College campus. Back then, the shop was quite different, catering to the then all-girls school. According to Cathy, the students of Skidmore “were big customers then, and Alpine sold clothing like skirts, blazers, a variety of nice apparel. The ski shop was downstairs.”

In 1968, when the Skidmore campus moved, the Woodcocks moved the business to the current Clinton Street location. Cathy notes that her father “designed and built the building to be a ski shop,” creating a structure that evokes a European chalet.

Jack began working at the shop part-time in 1970. Although Cathy initially worked at a savings and loan, citing that she didn’t want to work for her parents, she and Jack took over the reins following her father’s sudden death in 1988. Reflecting on stepping up to manage the business, Jack admitted he felt unprepared, saying, “I had gotten more and more responsibility from Cath’s dad, doing the advertising, and then doing signage. So, you know, I wasn’t really ready, but you know, things happen.”

Arrow Financial Corporation (NasdaqGS® – AROW) is pleased to announce the appointment of Darrin Jahnel to the Arrow Financial Corporation Board of Directors, effective November 25, 2025.

Jahnel, a dynamic CEO, entrepreneur and AI expert, brings more than 25 years of experience building and scaling high-growth technology companies. He is the founder and CEO of Jahnel Group, a 150-person software consulting firm headquartered in Schenectady, New York. Under his leadership, the company has been named to the Inc. 5000 list for seven consecutive years and has earned multiple best workplace awards for its thriving culture.

A graduate of the University at Albany and New York University’s Stern School of Business, Jahnel is also a paid speaker, a recognized expert on AI in business and scaling high-performance teams, and a member of Mensa. Beyond Jahnel Group, he founded InfoLink, an R&D tax credit firm, and acquired LTI, a 40-person software company. He has delivered more than 100 talks on AI, leadership, entrepreneurship and culture and facilitated peer groups of emerging entrepreneurs.

“We are pleased to welcome Darrin to the Arrow Financial Corporation Board of Directors,” said David S. DeMarco, President and CEO of Arrow Financial Corporation. “His track record of innovation, his technical depth and his experience building high-performance organizations will bring valuable insight to our board. We look forward to the expertise he will contribute as Arrow continues to grow and strengthen its position in the communities we serve.”

Saratoga Hospital announced the addition of the da Vinci 5, the most advanced robotic surgical system available, marking a major milestone in the hospital’s commitment to providing leading-edge, patient-centered care.

Saratoga Hospital is among the first hospitals in the region to bring this next-generation technology into clinical use.

The da Vinci 5 represents a significant leap forward in surgical innovation. Its enhanced ergonomics, improved visualization, and dramatically faster energy generator are designed to improve surgical precision, reduce operation time, and support smoother instrument exchanges. This enhances the patient experience, particularly for complex cases.

“Introducing the da Vinci 5 elevates our surgical capabilities and reinforces our dedication to delivering the highest quality care close to home,” said Jill VanKuren, President, and CEO of Saratoga Hospital. “This technology supports our surgeons with new levels of precision and control, and it opens the door to safer, more efficient procedures for patients across our community.”

“We are always looking for ways to advance the care we provide, especially for patients with complex needs,” said Dr. Seth Capello, Director of Robotic Surgery at Saratoga Hospital.

By Carol Ann Conover

Katie Margison officially launched Athena Nutrition earlier this year, but the foundations of her coaching practice were laid several years ago through her own personal transformation and extensive professional development.

In December 2023, a former member of Lake George Community Fitness approached Margison about nutrition coaching. At the time, she declined, still navigating her own wellness journey. But by mid-2024, after beginning her sobriety and focusing on her health, she reconsidered.

“I very naively thought I will lose a lot of weight because I’m not drinking anymore,” Margison said. “But the opposite happened, and I sought a dopamine response from food wherever I could.”

That realization ultimately shaped her philosophy: sustainable, evidence-based coaching focused on behavior change, not quick fixes.

Margison named her company after her dog, Athena, but the symbolism runs deeper. In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of wisdom and practicality — qualities Margison brings to her craft as both a coach and an educator.

Over the past several years, Margison invested heavily in her training. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management; a Master’s Degree in Healthcare Administration; and an extensive list of coaching and fitness credentials, including Precision Nutrition L1, WAG Certified Nutrition & Sports Performance Coach, CF-L2 Trainer, USAW-L1 Coach and Referee, and multiple CrossFit specialty certificates in Gymnastics, Kettlebell, Anatomy, Lesson Planning, Spot the Flaw, and Scaling. She is also a Chronic Disease Self-Management Peer Educator through Stanford University.

By Carol Ann Conover

Paint ’n Drip, the veteran-owned, alcohol-free paint studio known for its hands-on art experiences, has moved from downtown Saratoga’s Henry Street to a larger space inside the Wilton Mall. The new location — the former Hot Topic storefront near Spencer’s and the food court — opened quietly as the studio continues phased expansion of its concept.

Owner Ryan Smithson said the move allows the business to grow in a space that naturally draws walk-in family traffic. “It’s the perfect spot for families walking by,” Smithson said. “We’re excited to grow into the space compared to where we’ve been on Henry Street, and my team has some big ideas on how to fill it with even more robust and artful offerings.”

The relocation comes during a transition period for the Wilton Mall. Faraz Khan, who took over ownership in March under Khan Development, has said he plans to reshape the mall’s tenant mix. Khan said Paint ’n Drip fits his vision of adding community-based experiences alongside national retailers. “Ryan is great, and his Paint ’n Drip with its no-alcohol theme is a great fit for the mall,” Khan said. “Our vision is to bring in distinctive stores and diversify offerings. Paint ’n Drip brings something creative and fresh that we know families and visitors are looking for.”