The American Hotel & Lodging Association released data today showing that 70 percent of hotel employees have been laid off or furloughed as eight in 10 hotel rooms across the nation remain empty.
As the crisis, the impact to the travel industry is nine times worse than the 9/11 tragedy, with forecasted occupancy rates for 2020 hitting record lows worse than rates in 1933 during the Great Depression, the AHLA said.
“With the impact to the travel industry nine times worse than September 11, the human toll of this public health crisis has been absolutely devastating for the hotel industry. For the hotel industry our priority is rehiring and retaining our hardworking employees who power our vibrant industry,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “Hotels were one of the first industries affected by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover.
“The CARES Act was an important first step with a lot of supportive measures for the hotel industry, but we need Congress to make important changes to the program to reflect the current economic reality and help the employees in the industries that have been impacted the most.”

By Andrea Harwood Palmer

In response to the mandated shutting down of all non-essential businesses, six Saratoga organizations have collaborated to form a task force.

The group is comprised of the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce, the Saratoga Economic Development Corp. (SEDC), the Saratoga County Prosperity Partnership, Discover Saratoga, Saratoga Springs City Center and the Saratoga Springs Downtown Business Association.

“The first thing we did on March 13, as it was becoming crystal clear that the world was about to change, was start a collaborative conversation. All of us have formed a partnership to get Saratoga County through this,” said Todd Shimkus, Chamber president.

By Andrea Harwood Palmer

Quick Response Restoration in Round Lake is offering a free disinfecting service for all first responder vehicles used during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vince Laurenzo, Jr., CEO, said “given the nature of our business, we work with first responders quite a bit already … All first responders that want to bring their vehicle to our headquarters in Round Lake from 2-5 p.m. every day, we’re going to have our guys out there kind of like a carwash, but a disinfection carwash. We have them line up in a row, drive through, get out and we’ll spray down the cab and whatever else needs to be disinfected for the day,” said Laurenzo.

“We have a large property and the infrastructure for proper distancing to easily and efficiently do this,” said Laurenzo.

By Susan E. Campbell

Coming out of winter, construction companies were getting ready for building and renovation activity that accelerates with warmer weather. But the coronavirus pandemic has changed things.

The state has ordered non-essential projects be put on hold until further notice.

“The construction industry was in very good shape, both residential and commercial,” said Barry Potoker, executive director of Saratoga Builders Association, a nonprofit trade group. “Prior to the virus, demand was for a lot more building.”

“The rules of engagement are somewhat unclear, as you would expect,” Potoker said. “This is a devastating change for residential construction. If projects are unsafe, the sites are to be made safe and then shut down.”

“Saratoga Builders Association has 160 members who are not just builders, but mortgage companies, lumberyards, HVAC companies, and others affected by new rules,” he said.

The Saratoga Springs City Center Authority and its design build partner, Bette and Cring, will continue work on the Flat Rock Parking Center.

The decision was made after the Authority received Bette and Cring’s site-specific COVID-19 procedures, according to Ryan McMahon, the executive Director. “We are confident that Bette and Cring is able to meet these procedures and they are prepared to continue work in accordance with such policies. “

The Authority’s action is in keeping with guidelines issued by Empire State Development (ESD) and is deemed  an essential infrastructure project.

By Rachel Phillips

With the emergence and spread of COVID-19, proper cleaning and disinfecting are more important than ever. As an essential service, there are several Capital Region commercial cleaning services still operating on the front lines during the pandemic.

When the first cases of COVID-19 broke out in the U.S., Matthew Montesi, president and owner of North Country Janitorial Inc. in Glens Falls, said he saw an uptick in business.

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Concord Pools of Latham and Saratoga Springs has a new owner.

Mike Giovanone, the former president and chief executive, recently sold the business to his  vice president of pool sales, Jon Foshee.

Foshee worked 12 years working as a sales director and executive for Latham Pool Products. In February of 2019, he was asked if he would be interested in buying and running Concord Pools, with the intention of also managing the business.

“It seemed like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, a tremendous offer. Everything seemed to line up and we worked together to make it as seamless as possible,” said Foshee.

by Susan E. Campbell

Saratoga restaurants are handling the challenges of the coronavirus crisis with a sense of family, social responsibility, and grace.

When the governor’s mandate to close sit-down services for all restaurants and bars went into effect on March 16, establishments across the state were forced to deal with the hardship. Many have had to shut down completely and await the fate of their business as the pandemic continues.

The option for restaurants is making take-out available for curbside pickup, or delivering. Some restaurants who were previously not involved in either practice are implementing them to stay afloat.

New York state’s restaurant industry is among the most impacted, losing $1.9 billion and more than 250,000 jobs, according to a recent report by the National Restaurant Association. A nationwide survey of more than 4,500 restaurant operators, conducted from March through 26, found that an estimated $25 billion in sales and more than 3 million jobs were lost in the industry in the first 22 days of March 2020.