Saratoga Business Journal

Saratoga Race Track To Open July 15; Officials Await Word From State On Fan Attendance

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

The New York Racing Association will open the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course on July 15. The meet will feature 76 stakes races, worth $21.5 million in total purses.

The New York Racing Association (NYRA) will open the 40-day summer meet at historic Saratoga Race Course on July 15.

NYRA said the meet will feature 76 stakes races, worth $21.5 million in total purses. The summer meet will conclude on Monday, Sept. 6.

In February, Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo announced that live sports and entertainment venues with a minimum reserved seating capacity of 10,000 will be permitted to re-open to a limited number of spectators beginning on Feb. 23, with approval from the state Department of Health.

All attendees must present a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 72 hours of the event and adhere to health and safety requirements, including mandatory facial coverings and social distancing.

NYRA will continue to closely monitor state-issued regulations to determine how they impact Saratoga Race Course, officials said. Additional details on fan attendance and tickets for the 2021 summer meet will be provided as it becomes available.

The 2021 summer meet, which will offer at least one stakes race every live racing day, will be highlighted by the 152nd renewal of the Grade 1, $1.25 million Travers on Aug. 28 and the Grade 1, $1 million Whitney on Aug. 7, as the anchors of two of the most prestigious racing days in North America.

Annual Saratoga Showcase Of Homes Being Planned For Three Weekends This Fall

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

The 2021 Saratoga Showcase of Homes Committee is planning this year’s edition of the area’s premiere new home tour.

Now in its 25th year and celebrating its silver anniversary, this annual community tradition has contributed over $1.3 million dollars to local charities.

The Saratoga Showcase of Homes will be over three weekends this fall—Sept.18-19, Sept. 25-26 and Oct. 2-3.

It will feature award-winning builders showcasing new construction. Other special events surrounding the milestone event anniversary will be announced at a later date.

Organizers said the Showcase of Homes Committee has an extensive marketing and promotional campaign in development that includes official media sponsors in newspapers, magazines, television, online, social media and more.

Saratoga Harness Track Is In Its 80th Season; No Fans Allowed Due To COVID Restrictions

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Saratoga Harness runs racing on every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, but thus far this year no fans are allowed because of COVID restrictions.
Courtesy Saratoga Casino Hotel

Saratoga Harness kicked off its 80th season of live harness racing on March 1.

Races will run three days a week, every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, with a first post at noon through the first four months of the season.

Track officials said the 2021 season will feature a full slate of New York Sire Stakes action, along with new betting options.

In addition to the Pick 5 with a guaranteed pool, Saratoga will be introducing two new bets geared toward building jackpot-type payoffs, the Jackpot Super High Five and the Pick Six Jackpot.

Due to state COVID-19 guidelines, no spectators are allowed at the track. However, fans can wager remotely on the races through Saratoga Casino Hotel’s online wagering platform, saratogabets.com, or on any other state-approved online wagering platform.

The Barber Lounge In Wilton Provides A Relaxed Atmosphere And Social Distancing

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Matt Shufelt, left, owner of The Barber Lounge in Wilton, looks on as Tristan Saunders works with a customer at the business at 628 Maple Ave. in Wilton.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Jill Nagy

The first time Matt Shufelt picked up a pair of hair clippers was in 2005 in a college hockey team locker room, cutting his teammates’ hair.

“I realized I really enjoyed it,” he said.

Today, he is the owner of The Barber Lounge at 628 Maple Ave. in Wilton.

Shufelt and the two other barbers at the Barber Lounge, Tristan Saunders and Madison Butler, have worked in Saratoga area barber shops for several years. Shufelt managed Vinny’s on Railroad Place in Saratoga Springs for four years.

“We had great followings,” Shufelt said, and, consequently, “we’re doing well.”

The Barber Lounge is designed as a place to hang out, watch TV, have a drink (complimentary), or just sit in front of one of the two fireplaces. There are four separate waiting areas, a bow to COVID restrictions. According to Shufelt, that is likely to be a permanent arrangement. With 2,000 square feet of space, the shop has plenty of room for people to socially distance.

Business Report: The Safe Re-Opening Of Saratoga County

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Skip Carlson, Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce board chairman.
Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

By Skip Carlson

In 1918, the world was fighting the Great Influenza, a pandemic that killed an estimated 50 to 100 million people. As I prepared to become the chair of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce in 2021, I wish that I could have spoken to those business leaders who formed the chamber back then. I would have appreciated any advice they could have offered about dealing with a pandemic.

But like most of us, there was no one with firsthand knowledge of that pandemic to help guide us through this one. We had to figure it out ourselves; for our families, our businesses, and the community we all love. We were all in some way flying a plane while building it.

Under the leadership of Kevin Hedley, our 2020 chair, I think this past year was perhaps our Chamber’s finest moment.

The Chamber provided relentless communication about the resources and data that really mattered. The Chamber promoted the Stronger Together campaign and lived this mantra as it forged a collaboration with Discover Saratoga, the City Center, the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership and the Saratoga Springs DBA.

The Chamber was a beacon of hope working to Save Our Locals and to answer thousands of questions that arose as our economy was shut down and later reopened.

Long Fundraising Campaign At Skidmore, Ending Dec. 31, Raised Record $229.4 Million

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Creating Our Future: The Campaign for Skidmore has raised a record-setting $229.4 million from 27,193 donors to support innovative opportunities and liberal arts experience for students, while continuing to build resources for the future, school officials said.

The seven-year campaign, launched in October 2013 and concluded on Dec. 31, 2020, was marked by major milestones for Skidmore and meaningful acts of generosity from alumni, parents, friends, retirees, students, faculty and staff.

“Strengthening a creative, collaborative and community-centered future for Skidmore has always been at the core of Creating Our Future,” said President Marc Conner. “Our commitment to this vision for the future remains steadfast.”

Officials said gifts raised through the campaign are strengthening every aspect of the Skidmore experience. Donations are helping to fund construction of the new Center for Integrated Sciences (CIS); support critical priorities through the Skidmore Fund; bolster scholarships and financial aid; enhance athletics, health and wellness initiatives; fund innovative exhibitions and programming at the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery; and increase career development opportunities.

The first phase of Skidmore’s Center for Integrated Sciences, the largest academic initiative in the college’s history, opened in fall 2020 with the completion of the 58,000-square-foot North Wing, home of the departments of computer science and mathematics and statistics.

‘Down To Earth Aerial’ Specializes In Making Virtual Tours Using Drone Video Production

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

This photo of Universal Preservation Hall in Saratoga Springs was taken by Down to Earth Aerial, a company specializing in drone photography and video production.
Courtesy Down to Earth Aerial

By Christine Graf

After the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily halted the cruise industry, Capital Region native Chris Spangler found himself in need of a new job. Spangler had been employed as a tour guide in an Alaskan town that was a stopover point for cruise ships.

“Thanks to the pandemic, the cruise ship business obviously tanked which removed my Alaskan job,” said Spangler.

As a result, he decided to open his own business, Down to Earth Aerial. The Saratoga-based company specializes in drone photography and video production.

“I really enjoy aerial photography and flying drones, so I tapped into some of the contacts I have in this area in the construction industry and the real estate industry and worked to build a photography business specializing in aerial photography as well as virtual tours,” said Spangler.

He said it can be especially helpful in the effort to market commercial real estate to investors who are not familiar with the area. It is also useful in marketing residential real estate because it offers a different perspective on the property.

Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry Develops Program To Help People Without Insurance

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry has put together a program to help people maintain their dental health, even if they have lost their insurance.
©2021 SaratogaPhotographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Saratoga Springs Family Dentistry practice aims to put people at ease in regard to their dental health, even if they have lost their insurance.

Office Manager Bonnie Symon said all seven locations are taking part in a program that offers affordable dental care to those who may have lost their dental insurance or who never had it at all.

“We have had a great response to this, with a lot of people signing up. It’s a wonderful option for people and helps to give them some assurance that they can get the care they need without worrying about how to pay for it,” said Symon.

Symon said with COVID-19 pandemic, many patients found themselves losing their insurance and with that came the worry of how to find quality dental care that they can afford. She said they have reached out to local employers who have been vulnerable to the shaky economy, especially small businesses.

The plan offers member-only free exams, x-rays, and cleanings, plus 15 percent off all other dental services. There are three plan options for routine cleanings and exams, diagnostic X-Rays, and discounts on treatment.

SUNY Empire State Has Scholarships For Student Frontline Healthcare Workers

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

SUNY Empire State College is celebrating 50 years of academic achievements and excellence throughout 2021.

Founded in 1971, SUNY Empire State began as a bold re-imagining of higher education, one focused on increasing accessibility and opportunities for students.

Officials said that for the past five decades, SUNY Empire has transformed the face of student-centered, accessible, equitable education, ushering in a world of possibilities for busy adult learners. The college began utilizing mail-in correspondence and satellite feeds in the 1970s and was one of the first to move to internet-based and blended coursework in the mid-1990s.

Since then, SUNY Empire has been at the forefront of distance and online education and continues to explore new pathways for students of all ages to pursue their educational and career aspirations.

SUNY Empire’s mission aligns with that of the State University of New York’s, which aims to provide students with accessibility to the highest quality academic, professional, and vocational programs, officials said.

National Park Service Names Morlock New Superintendent At Park In Stillwater

March 16, 2021March 16, 2021

Leslie Morlock will be superintendent of the Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.
Courtesy National Park Service

Leslie Morlock will be the new superintendent of Saratoga National Historical Park in Stillwater.

Morlock begins her job on March 28.

“The victory at Saratoga changed the entire course of the American Revolution,” National Park Service Regional Director Gay Vietzke said. “The park has an important role to play as we get closer to America’s 250th birthday in 2026. Leslie’s background in planning, visitor use management and partnerships provides a crucial skill set needed to lead the park as we approach this milestone.”

“I am honored and excited for the opportunity to serve as superintendent at this pivotal site in the history of the United States,” Morlock said. “Saratoga National Historical Park is a unique place to learn about a key turning point in American history, explore nature and honor those who walked the hallowed grounds before us. I look forward to working with the dedicated park team, the Erie Canal National Heritage Corridor, other partners, and the community to preserve this important site for future generations.”