Saratoga.com logo
Saratoga.com logo
  • Places to Stay
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Events
  • Businesses
  • Travel Guides
Saratoga Business Journal
  • Home
  • New Businesses
  • Business News
  • Business Reports
  • Business Briefs
  • Business Registrations
  • Personnel Briefs
  • Contact Us

Personnel Briefs: March 2016

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

p brief - helen wilson.jpg
Roohan Realty announced that Helen P. Wilson has joined the company as a real estate sales professional.

She has an associate’s degree with honors from Nassau Community College and graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

Wilson served in the U.S. Marine Corps in various capacities, most notably as the enlisted Marine Corps liaison to the U.S. House of Representatives. She achieved meritorious promotions to sergeant, receiving an honorable discharge with a Navy Achievement Medal upon leaving the Marine Corps.

She attended Pace University Law School and obtained a juris doctor degree and a position on the Law Review. She began a career with the Suffolk County District Attorney’s office, prosecuting various criminal offenses through trial.

She broadened her legal career as in house counsel to Liberty Mutual and State Farm Insurance Companies. She then became a claims professional in various departments at State Farm. She recently retired after 22 years at State Farm in June 2015.

* * *

p brief - vanessa cianfarani.jpg
The Saratoga Convention & Tourism Bureau hired Vanessa Cianfarani as association sales manager.

The hiring brings the number of sales professionals to four and the total staff to 11 full-time and two part-time employees.

A Saratoga native, Cianfarani has worked in the hospitality industry over seven years. After attending Schenectady County Community College, where she completed internships at the Kentucky Derby and Belmont Stakes, she began her hospitality sales and event management career with Total Events Inc.

Cianfarani has planned and executed hundreds of weddings, social events and trade shows in the Capital Region. She volunteers her time at the Stowe Weekend of Hope for cancer survivors and their families.

* * *

p brief - michael murray.jpg
Whiteman Osterman & Hanna LLP has hired Michael P. Murray as director of marketing.

Murray previously served as marketing manager for the Albany accounting firm SaxBST LLP. He brings over 20 years of marketing and business development experience, with a focus on the professional services arena.

He will manage Whiteman Osterman & Hanna’s marketing activities and work with the marketing team on specific firm and practice area initiatives.

Murray has a master’s degree in business administration from the College of Saint Rose, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in communications from Seton Hall University.

* * *

p brief - andrei krasnokutski.jpg
Andrei Krasnokutski was promoted to vice president/commercial relationship manager at Ballston Spa National Bank.

He is responsible for developing and managing commercial banking relationships.

Krasnokutski joined BSNB in 2012 as a senior credit analyst and was promoted to assistant vice president and commercial relationship manager in 2014. He has more than 10 years of experience in the banking industry, including the areas of commercial real estate, commercial and industrial lending and corporate debt restructuring. Krasnokutski earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from St. Bonaventure University and his master’s in business administration with a concentration in finance from Cleveland State University.

Krasnokutski, of Malta, is part of the bank’s Volunteers in Action program where he helps organize an annual Electronics Recycling and Document Shred Day at BSNB. In 2015, BSNB staff members donated more than 9,000 volunteer hours through the Volunteers in Action program.

* * *
Read More

New Restaurant, Seven, In Park Manor Hotel, Has Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner In Bistro Setting

Posted onApril 7, 2016November 8, 2017

Seven Vc.jpg

Seven is a bistro now located inside the Park Manor Hotel in Clifton Park.Courtesy Park Manor Hotel

By Jill Nagy

A new restaurant called Seven opened in January at the Park Manor Hotel, formerly the Comfort Suites, near Northway Exit 10 in Clifton Park.

The hotel address is 7 Northside Drive, hence the name. Described as an American bistro, Seven serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a space with a bistro-influenced decor. It replaces what had been a small breakfast area, now expanded and re-decorated.

It is open to the public, not just hotel patrons.

Frank Ciacco, manager of the restaurant, said everything is made from scratch from fresh ingredients. Everything is made in-house, including marinades, roasts and smoked meats, he added.

The menu is “ever-changing, ever-evolving,” he said, noting it has been revamped six times since January as chef Tyler Mullins tries out new recipes and seeks feedback from the clientele.

Ciacco described Mullins style as “classical,” paying a great attention to details and creating “great plates.”

Read More

'Leap Of Kindness Day' Created By Chamber Has Influence That Extends Around The Globe

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 29, 2017

Leap of faith Hc.jpg

Cindy Hollowood, general manager of the Holiday Inn Saratoga, in the forefront, poses with her staff on Leap of Faith Day. The hotel offered a free entree and beverage for military veterans that day.

Courtesy Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce

The Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce asked members ‘What would you do with one extra day?’ in reference to the leap year day of Feb. 29.

According to Todd Shimkus, Chamber president, the question was asked of a special task force formed by the Chamber. last fall During the discussion, Bo Goliber of Fingerpaint Marketing offered an idea: Leap of Kindness Day.

The group decided to invite people to use the extra day to do something kind for someone else.

“Little did anyone on the task force know at the time. But this idea spread like wildfire after being announced at the Chamber’s annual dinner on Jan. 28,” said Shimkus. “Since that time, dozens of organizations across Saratoga County and hundreds of volunteers decided to thank or help thousands of their neighbors on this day.”

He said beyond Saratoga County, local chambers of commerce in 30 states as far away as Alaska decided to encourage members and communities to participate in the Leap of Kindness Day celebration. Viewing social media posts, the Saratoga County Chamber of Commerce has seen people doing something kind for someone else using the hashtag #leapofkindnessday as far away as Bangalore, India.

Read More

SUNY Adirondack Has $2M To Help Students Complete Degrees, Make Higher Ed Attainable

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 8, 2017

SUNY Adirondack has been awarded nearly $2 million to expand completion initiatives and to establish an Educational Opportunity Program to aid more students in completing their desired degrees and graduating on time, in addition to making higher education obtainable for more students.

Earlier this month, the State University of New York announced a $4.6 million award from the Investment and Performance Fund benefitting North Country campuses. SUNY Adirondack is set to receive $1.8 million of that funding to be used towards three projects–the creation of a Student Success Advisement Center, the expansion of the Adirondack Completes initiative and the development of a web-based student tool called Adirondack Experience.

College officials said Adirondack Completes is an expansion of existing completion efforts providing additional academic support in math and other subjects, advisement and leveraging the degree works program to increase the number of graduates. The Adirondack Experience will be developed as a tool to help students plan and monitor their entire college experience, from application to graduation.

“The Investment and Performance funds will help SUNY Adirondack scale up its efforts to support student success and move us closer to our goal of increasing the number of graduates by fifty percent by 2020,” said SUNY Adirondack President Kristine D. Duffy. “We are excited about sharing our best practices with our North Country colleagues and will continue to work in collaboration to support the vitality of this great region of New York.”

Read More

Harvest Moon Market Opens In Clifton Park, Offers Fresh Fish Received Daily From Boston

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 29, 2017

Harvest Moon-Hc-L.jpg

Jim Laiacona recently opened Harvest Moon Market in Clifton Park.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Liz Witbeck

People looking for places to buy fresh fish may be excited to know about the opening of Harvest Moon Market in Clifton Park.

Harvest Moon Market opened at 1512 Route 9 in the Save More Beverages Plaza.

Owner Jim Laiacona has been involved in the fresh produce industry his entire life. He previously worked with his father at Michael Laiacona Produce, and was also the owner of Harvest Cut Produce. He sold the business two years ago, which now operates as Capital City Produce.

Laiacona said he decided to partner with friends and family to create a fish market. Doug Freeman is the fish specialist at the store. Laiacona’s wife, Jeanne, and their son, Jesse, help with the cooking of many products at the store.

Harvest Moon Market receives deliveries five days a week from Boston, the owner said. All of the fish is thoroughly inspected for quality and arrives fresh each day.

Some of the fish at the market includes cod, haddock, monk fish, Chilean sea bass, scallops, shrimp, lobsters, and more.

“If it swims, we own it,” said Laiacona. “Our salmon we’re featuring right now is a Norwegian salmon. It’s delicious.”

For those who have never been to a specialty fish market for their purchases, Laiacona said customers will see a significant increase in the quality of the product at a store like Harvest Moon Market.

Read More

Palio Plans To Close Saratoga Springs Office In June; To Consolidate In NYC And Los Angeles

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 8, 2017

By R.J. DeLuke

Palio Communications, the area’s largest communications and advertising firm, is closing its office on Broadway in Saratoga Springs and moving its headquarters to New York City.

Lori Goodale, corporate relations director for the company, said Palio will consolidate operations at its New York City headquarters and Los Angeles office.

The Saratoga Springs office will close in June, she said. Some staff will continue to work at Palio, relocating to New York City. Other staff will transition to other agencies inside inVentiv Health.

The company employed 108 people in Saratoga Springs at the end of 2014 when it reportedly finished the year with $31.7 million in revenue.

“The move to consolidate our Saratoga Springs office with our existing New York and Los Angeles hub locations is the latest chapter in Palio’s journey and supports the agency’s growth strategy,” said Goodale.

Read More

Laura Farrar-Pileckas' Love Of Fashion Led To Creation Of Her 'Violet's Of Saratoga' Shop

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 29, 2017

Laura Farrar-Hc-L.jpg

Laura Farrar-Pileckas is the owner of Violet’s of Saratoga at 494 Broadway.

©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jill Nagy

Violet’s of Saratoga, a women’s clothing and accessories store at 494 Broadway, Saratoga Springs, reopened in February after a major makeover. Owner Laura Farrar-Pileckas plans a party on March 10 to show off the new look and celebrate the reopening.

In the meantime, the shop is fully stocked and open for business.

Violet’s has “a fresh new feel,” more modern and plush, with new furnishings and light fixtures, as well as a few new brands of merchandise, according to Pilleckas. “I’m excited about the season coming up,” she said, and she hopes that customers will share her enthusiasm.

Pileckas opened Violet’s nine years ago as a women’s clothing store. A few years later, she opened Stella’s, a women’s shoe store. The two were later combined into the store at its present site in the Collamer Building, near the Saratoga Springs City Hall.

Pileckas said that she “always loved fashion” and also enjoyed business, including working in retail. She has a bachelors degree in finance and worked for five years in that field in Boston.

Then, she “decided to become an entrepreneur. … I couldn’t see myself sitting at a desk for the rest of my life.”

Read More

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant Finds New Home In Carousel Village Off Route 50, Ballston Spa

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 8, 2017

 

Leons-Hc.jpg
After some 14 years of operating in Saratoga Springs, not far from Saratoga Race Course, Leon’s Mexican Restaurant has moved to the Carousel Village off Route 50 in Ballston Spa.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Liz Witbeck

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant recently moved to a new location, opening at 2100 Doubleday Ave. (Route 50) in Ballston Spa in January.

The restaurant was previously located on Crescent Avenue in Saratoga Springs.

Leon’s Mexican Restaurant is located in Carousel Village, the previous location of the Three Olives restaurant.

The business has been operating for the past 14 years. Roberta Acosta is owner of the establishment. Her entire family helps with the business.

“We sold the property and we were looking for a more modern building,” said Acosta. “We wanted something with more traffic. As a mom, I was excited because this has parking. It’s in a plaza. We looked at things in downtown Saratoga, but we didn’t like anything because there was no parking. This came up and it was the perfect fit. I was really happy.”

Renovations done prior to opening included adding new equipment to the kitchen, painting, new signs and decorating the interior. Leon’s Mexican Restaurant has shipped in many interior decorations from Mexico, including their lights and their glassware.

Read More

Saratoga Native Justin Wilock Opens Second Men's Formal Wear Shop Off Weibel Avenue

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 29, 2017
MrFormalWear-Hc.jpg
Justin Wilock, owner of Mr. Formal Wear, says he dreamed of owning a business in Saratoga Springs. His shop on Weibel Avenue opened recently and he also owns one in Clifton Park.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Jennifer Farnsworth

Justin Wilock dreamed of owning a business in his hometown of Saratoga Springs. A 2007 graduate of Spa Catholic High School, he made that dream a reality with the opening of Mr. Formal Wear, off of Weibel Avenue at Hempstead Place.

The tuxedo shop is Wilock’s second Saratoga County location.

Mr. Formal Wear, also located on Route 9 in Clifton Park, is a full service formal men’s wear operation.

“I have always wanted to open up a store in Saratoga. I know how popular Saratoga is and now more than ever a destination place for weddings with all the wedding venues around this beautiful city,” said Wilock.

Wilock said his business differs from most traditional men’s formal wear because of a commitment to keeping up with the latest fashion trends and its ability to add a modern “twist” on the tuxedos. They also sell suits, ties and, dress shirts.

Read More

Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant Opens For Breakfast, Lunch And Dinner In Ballston Spa

Posted onMarch 4, 2016November 8, 2017
B_SpaDiner-Hc-L.jpg
Theodore Sourlis, right, owner of Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant, a new eatery on Route 50 in Ballston Spa, stands outside the diner with Peter Panos, diner manager.©2016 Saratoga Photographer.com

By Maureen Werther

The building that housed the well-known Ecobelli’s Restaurant on Route 50 in Ballston Spa–vacant for some time–has opened again under new ownership as the Ballston Spa Diner-Restaurant.

Owner Theodore Sourlis said he hopes to fill a void in the Ballston Spa area by offering a diverse menu that includes breakfast and featuring locally produced organic eggs, paninis, wraps, burgers, and dinner entrees ranging from steaks, chops, and seafood to authentic Greek and Italian specialties.

Sourlis has been in the restaurant business for 31 years, owning and operating the Dix Hills Diner in Long Island for 17 years before relocating to Amsterdam five years ago to take over the Olympic Diner, where he is still a 50 percent owner.

Sourlis said he happened to be driving through the area last year and noticed the vacant building. Interested in finding out more about the property, he contacted a real estate agent and, three months later, closed on the transaction.

Read More

Posts pagination

Previous 1 … 353 354 355 356 357 358 359 … 497 Next
Subscribe to Our Newsletter View the Latest Virtual Edition

Categories

  • 50-Plus
  • Banking
  • Banking / Asset Managment
  • Building Trades
  • Business Briefs
  • Business News
  • Business Registrations
  • Business Reports
  • Commercial / Residential Real Estate
  • Community Services
  • Construction
  • Construction Planning
  • Corporate Tax / Business Planning
  • Cyber / Tech
  • Dining Guide
  • Economic Development
  • Economic Outlook 2016
  • Economic Outlook 2017
  • Economic Outlook 2018
  • Economic Outlook 2019
  • Economic Outlook 2020
  • Economic Outlook 2022
  • Economic Outlook 2023
  • Economic Outlook 2024
  • Economic Outlook 2025
  • Economic Outlook 2026
  • Education/ Training/ Personal Development
  • Entrepreneurial Women
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Environment / Development
  • Financial Planning / Investments
  • Fitness / Nutrition
  • Health / Community Services
  • Health & Fitness
  • Health & Wellness
  • Healthcare
  • Holiday Guide
  • Holiday Shopping
  • Home / Energy
  • Home / Insurance
  • Home & Real Esate
  • Insurance / Employee Benefits
  • Insurance / Medical Services
  • Leadership Development
  • Legal / Accounting
  • Meet The Chef
  • New Businesses
  • Non-Profit
  • Office / Computer / New Media
  • Office / HR / Employment
  • Office/ Technology/ E-Commerce
  • Outlook 2021
  • Personnel Briefs
  • Retirement Planning
  • Senior Living / Retirement
  • Summer Construction
  • Uncategorized
  • Wellness
  • Women In Business
  • Workplace / Security / Legal
  • Year-End Tax Planning

Archives

  • May 2026
  • April 2026
  • March 2026
  • February 2026
  • January 2026
  • December 2025
  • November 2025
  • October 2025
  • September 2025
  • August 2025
  • July 2025
  • June 2025
  • May 2025
  • April 2025
  • March 2025
  • February 2025
  • January 2025
  • December 2024
  • November 2024
  • October 2024
  • September 2024
  • August 2024
  • July 2024
  • June 2024
  • May 2024
  • April 2024
  • March 2024
  • February 2024
  • January 2024
  • December 2023
  • November 2023
  • October 2023
  • September 2023
  • August 2023
  • July 2023
  • June 2023
  • May 2023
  • April 2023
  • March 2023
  • February 2023
  • January 2023
  • December 2022
  • November 2022
  • October 2022
  • September 2022
  • August 2022
  • July 2022
  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • December 2020
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • May 2020
  • April 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • September 2019
  • August 2019
  • July 2019
  • June 2019
  • May 2019
  • April 2019
  • March 2019
  • February 2019
  • January 2019
  • December 2018
  • November 2018
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • June 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • February 2018
  • January 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • August 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • March 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • September 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • May 2014
  • April 2014
  • March 2014
  • February 2014
  • January 2014
  • December 2013
  • November 2013
  • October 2013
  • September 2013
  • August 2013
  • July 2013
  • June 2013
  • May 2013
  • April 2013
  • March 2013
  • February 2013
  • January 2013
  • December 2012
Connect With Us

Follow, like and subscribe to Saratoga.com on social media

Account Sign In Submit An Event
Saratoga.com logo
  • Home
  • Places To Stay
  • Things To Do
  • Food & Drink
  • Events
  • Real Estate
  • Businesses
  • Guides
  • Contact Us
  • Blogs
  • Sweepstakes
  • Advertising
Visit Saratoga.com For Everything Saratoga
Full-Service Internet Marketing: Search Engine Optimization, Website Design and Development by Mannix Marketing, Inc.
Mannix Marketing, Inc. is headquartered near Saratoga Springs in Glens Falls, New York
Saratoga.com All Rights Reserved © 2026
Disclaimer & Privacy Policy / Terms of Use / Copyright Policies
[uc-privacysettings]

We strive to insure accuracy on Saratoga.com however accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Information is subject to change.
Please alert us if there is any inaccurate information here.

Having trouble using this site? Accessibility is our goal, please contact us with site improvements.